MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Resource

Resource

Consumer Commission and PSETA partnership set to enhance skills development

Location: News

Consumer Commission and PSETA partnership set to enhance skills development

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority (PSETA) have entered into a strategic partnership to collaborate on skills development and research on emerging issues.

This was done through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). 

“As part of the MoU, PSETA can place its graduates at the NCC, significantly contributing to the NCC's work. In turn, through its internship programme, which these graduates will join, the NCC will help ensure that the programme aligns with the skills demanded by the workplace. This will ensure that the graduates are well-trained and ready for the industry by the end of their training,” a joint statement by the NCC and PSETA said on Saturday.

PSETA’s focus is primarily on transversal skills within the Public Service sector. These skills, dubbed the ‘business of government’, include administration, management, planning, legislation and policy development.
They form the focus to drive the growth of skills and competencies in areas that will make the delivery of the business of government.

The PSETA is a statutory body entrusted with driving skills development across the public sector. As an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the primary role of the NCC is to protect the interests of consumers and ensure accessible, transparent and efficient redress for consumers. 

“As mandated by the Skills Development Act and aligned with the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) 2030, PSETA plays a critical role in shaping a professional, ethical, and capable public service workforce.

“As a trusted Authority, PSETA is committed to driving impactful, inclusive, and sustainable skills development that strengthens institutional capacity and supports service delivery excellence across the public sector,” the statement said.

The MoU, among other things, aims to achieve the following:

•    Identify priority research areas, including research to support the Public Service, in line with both parties’ research agendas and the PSETA’s Sector Skills Plan (SSP) priorities;
•    Facilitate cooperation and support on the development of capacity and capabilities for members and officials of the Public Service and unemployed learners, aligned to the PSETA SSP priorities, the National Development Plan, the National Skills Development Plan priorities and the Public Service;
•    Human Resource Development Strategy;
•    Facilitation and regular sharing of information on matters mutually relevant to the Parties;
•    Encourage the maximised usage of shared resources; and
•    Setting out the parameters for cooperation and support under the objectives of the MoU.

-SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 04/13/2025 - 09:01

24 views

Read moreConsumer Commission and PSETA partnership set to enhance skills development

Communities along Vaal River floodlines urged to evacuate

Location: News

Communities along Vaal River floodlines urged to evacuate

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has urged residents residing along the floodlines of the Vaal River to evacuate the area and those who have already relocated not to return to their homes.

Majodina, accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, conducted a site visit to the Vaal Dam on Wednesday to assess the condition of water resource infrastructure following significant inflows into the dam due to persistent rainfall across the Vaal River Catchment.

The Minister was joined by Rand Water Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo and Chief Executive Officer Sipho Mosai, and the provincial heads of Gauteng, Free State, and North West, Justice Maluleke, Tseliso Ntili, and Luxolo Mditshane, respectively.

Majodina warned that low-lying areas downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, remain vulnerable due to the release of water through open sluice gates, which are being used to manage water levels.

“During heavy rains and high inflows into dams, the department implement flood management protocols through controlled water releases to ensure the safety of water resource infrastructure (dams and barrages); protection of downstream communities as such, minimise loss of human lives and livelihoods, destruction of property and disruption of services; and to ensure that the dams are full at the end of the flood season,” Majodina said.

Since 3 March 2025, the Department of Water and Sanitation has been gradually releasing water from both dams through sluice gates and valves to maintain structural integrity and reduce flood risk.

Currently, five sluice gates at both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams have been opened to manage the increased inflows.

Speaking from the Vaal Dam wall, Majodina assured the public that bulk water supply remains stable, and that the department is working closely with the municipalities to manage water reticulation to ensure that the citizens of South Africa have access to potable water from their taps.

The Minister warned residents who encroach upon flood lines to move to a safe area and to remove valuable equipment, including movable infrastructure, and livestock.

She appealed to religious groups and the general public to avoid large bodies of water, as strong currents pose significant danger.

“We want to make a plea and strong caution to people on the flood line; it may not be raining in your area, but because of the tributaries that flow into the dam, high volumes of water could reach your locality and wash away your homes. We also call on churches to be aware of the dangers of strong tides due to the open gates.

“Water currents are not always visible on the surface and can be difficult to detect, making them hazardous. As we approach Easter, let us be cautious regarding water activities that may endanger lives,” the Minister advised.

Mahlobo said living near large bodies of water was visually appealing; however, there was a boundary that should not be crossed for safety reasons.

"A flood line has a red line that should not be crossed, and when water volumes increase, there is a risk to residents and their properties. We cannot be held responsible for decisions made by individuals who cross that red line," Mahlobo said.

Vaal and Bloemhof Dams status

The department reported that the five sluice gates remain opened with an outflow of 793 cubic metres per second (mᵌ/s) at the Vaal Dam and water levels are currently at 114.61% as at this morning.

“At Bloemhof Dam, levels have gone down from last night’s (Tuesday) 116% to 111% this morning (Wednesday) and water levels continue to decline. As such, the Department has reduced outflows from 3000 mᵌ/s by this afternoon to 2500 mᵌ/s”.

The Department of Water and Sanitation continues to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates. Residents are urged to follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management teams. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 04/10/2025 - 09:56
 44 views

Read moreCommunities along Vaal River floodlines urged to evacuate

President calls for holistic overhaul of policing

Location: News

President calls for holistic overhaul of policing

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a bold, coordinated, and community-driven approach to crime-fighting, describing policing in South Africa as being at a crossroads that demands urgent reform and collaboration from across all sectors of society.

The President was delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Policing Summit held in Ekurhuleni on Tuesday. 

President Ramaphosa applauded the Ministry of Police for convening what he termed a “critical” gathering, which brings together government, civil society, business, interfaith groups, labour, and communities to reshape the country’s safety and security strategy.

“Safeguarding our nation’s safety and security requires that we are proactive, innovative and solution-oriented in our approach… Just as crime is an all-of-society problem, overcoming crime must be an all-of-society effort.

“In doing so, we must marshall our full support behind the hardworking men and women of the South African Police Service," the President said. 

The President said crime has a direct impact on the economy, as it discourages investment, disrupts business activity and leads to increased security costs for companies. 

He noted that social ills such as poverty and inequality, unemployment, lack of opportunity, patriarchy and misogyny, and broken family structures are just some of the issues that contribute to crime and criminality. 

“Addressing crime without understanding its root causes is like a doctor treating a patient for a fever without diagnosing the underlying illness. 
 
“It is therefore encouraging that this summit has as one of its key objectives adopting a more holistic approach to law-enforcement, encompassing not just the police but the entire policing system,” the President said. 

The President emphasised that policing must be grounded in the Batho Pele principles of service delivery, which include respect, empathy, accessibility, and accountability. 

He said that the policing terrain of today is complex and multi-faceted and the police strive to fulfil their mandate in the context of emerging threats. 
 
These threats, he said, include transnational organised crime, illegal mining, extortion syndicates, the theft of economic infrastructure, money laundering and terror financing. 
 
“And yet, even in this extremely challenging environment, the South African Police Service continues to register successes in fighting crime in its various operations,” the president said.

Restoring public trust 

The President warned that restoring public trust in the police is critical to winning the fight against crime.

“We need to improve the relationships between the police and the communities they serve. We need to work to improve the morale of SAPS members, many of whom are battling heavy workloads, insufficient resources and outdated systems. 
 
“Even as the SAPS budget has increased over the past ten years, the reality is that the number of police personnel has been declining while the country’s population has been growing,” the President said. 
 
President Ramaphosa stressed that policing cannot succeed without the active involvement of communities. 

He called for a stronger role for Community Policing Forums (CPFs), citizen empowerment, and partnerships with the private sector, which has already played a crucial role in equipping victim support centres and bolstering frontline capacity.

“We know that communities are the most potent resource for fighting crime. Crimes happen in communities and criminals are often known to communities. 
 
“From this summit we need a clear plan on how to better involve communities in crime prevention and detection, and on harnessing the potential of CPFs in line with relevant legislation and regulations,” he said. 
 
The role of technology and data

The President welcomed and backed the focus of the summit on exploring the role of technology in modern policing, investigation and intelligence.

“We need to harness modern technologies to support crime-fighting. Technology is particularly crucial when analysing crime trends and patterns. It is also valuable in empowering citizens,” President Ramaphosa said.

He further advocated for applying a socio-economic lens to crime data to better tailor responses for example, by examining links between substance abuse and robbery, or alcohol abuse and gender-based violence.

“Data plays a pivotal role in policing and law-enforcement. And we need to apply a socio-economic lens when analysing such data. The data may tell us, for example, about a community with a high prevalence of housebreaking and robbery, in which substance abuse is also rife. 
 
“Understanding the connections revealed by this data should inform the approach to policing in that community. There is ample data on the linkages between alcohol abuse and the prevalence of gender-based violence,” the President said.

He added that a holistic policing approach would, for example, need to involve working with local authorities to enforce municipal by-laws for establishments selling alcohol. 

As part of facilitating access to SAPS services, the President said it is encouraging that discussions are planned for how to leverage innovative digital platforms such as mobile apps, online reporting systems and virtual communication channels to improve the public’s interaction with the police. 
 
“To turn the tide against crime, we need better collaboration among the different agencies in the law-enforcement space,” he said.

The President further highlighted that there is a proliferation of organised crime in South Africa, including the manufacture of illicit drugs, kidnapping for ransom and money laundering. 

He said this is taking place alongside a growth in illegal mining, extortion in the construction sector, and the theft of public infrastructure.
 
Addressing corruption

The President urged police to stay away from corrupt activities, stressing that corruption has infiltrated every part of society, including the SAPS. 

He said while prosecuting corrupt officers is important, it is equally crucial to instil a culture of honesty and integrity within the police service. 

The President emphasised the need to strengthen the fundamentals of policing through ethics, accountability, and professionalism. 

He expressed hope that the summit would focus on promoting ethical conduct, restoring public trust in law enforcement, and upholding the rule of law. 

Key initiatives include protecting whistleblowers, implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, and improving recruitment and training to attract the right calibre of candidates to the SAPS. 

“If the SAPS is to fulfil its crucial mandate, we have to emerge from these few days with a clear plan on how to address the systemic deficiencies that are negatively impacting policing. 
 
“As a country we owe the SAPS our full support. As government we remain committed to turning the tide against crime and to making our communities safer. 
 
“It is our hope that the recommendations emerging from this summit translate into deeper collaboration, more effective methods and a promising future for policing in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 04/08/2025 - 13:57
 366 views

Read morePresident calls for holistic overhaul of policing

SA advocates for linguistic equity in AI at G20

Location: News

SA advocates for linguistic equity in AI at G20

South Africa has called on the Group of Twenty (G20) members to support initiatives that develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) in low-resource languages and share data and tools to make this possible.

Addressing the Meeting of the G20 Digital Economy Working Group Task Force on AI, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said there were over 7 000 languages spoken in the world, yet most AI models and digital content is trained on a tiny fraction of these – predominantly English and a handful of others.

“We know that AI is only as good as the data and algorithms it is built on and currently, both of these have serious gaps. One glaring gap is the linguistic and cultural diversity deficit in AI systems.

“This linguistic inequity is not just a cultural loss; it’s a practical barrier that threatens to exclude billions from the AI-driven digital economy,” the Minister said on Monday in Gqeberha.

He emphasised that AI must not only be looked at from a technology perspective, but from the standpoint of social impact. 

“We must investigate how AI can help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. How can it improve healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance? Beyond language, ethical AI governance requires addressing issues of bias, transparency, and accountability. 

“We have seen instances of AI algorithms that exhibit racial or gender bias in hiring, lending, or policing. These are systemic harms we have to root out. During our Task Force discussions, we must consider how G20 nations can share best practices on AI governance, including regulatory approaches and standards to ensure AI safety and trustworthiness,” Malatsi said.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency has set inclusion and equity at the heart of the digital agenda.

The G20 Presidency will focus on four key pillars that include bridging the digital divide with meaningful connectivity; building inclusive digital public infrastructure; nurturing innovation ecosystems for local development and championing ethical AI that respects diverse languages, cultures, and values.

“We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world. We need to unite our efforts, North and South, public and private, to invest in connectivity for all. This means mobilising financing for digital infrastructure, sharing innovations to lower costs, and collaborating on policies to make internet access affordable for the poorest,” the Minister said.

The International Telecommunication Union indicates that roughly 2.9 billion people still don’t have internet access at all.

“While most of these individuals live within range of mobile broadband networks, they remain offline due to multiple factors ranging from high data costs, lack of affordable smart devices and limited digital skills. Infrastructure alone is no longer enough; the real barriers are economic, educational, and linguistic. 

“And they demand our immediate collective attention. The socio-economic benefits of closing the digital divide are enormous. We cannot allow a new form of digital inequality to take hold in our world,” he said.

According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), bringing the currently offline population onto the internet could add $3.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with 90% of the benefits flowing to developing countries. 

“We propose that G20 members share strategies on supporting start-ups and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – from startup financing initiatives to innovation hubs and tech parks, from simplifying regulatory burdens to providing mentorship networks. 

“Let us commit to growing the digital innovation ecosystem in all our countries. As we discuss policy frameworks, we must also consider the idea of an innovation fund or facility to support digital entrepreneurship in underserved regions, an idea that has been floated with the notion of a possible global fund for AI and digital innovation. 

“If we want a truly global digital economy, we must ensure that innovation knows no borders – that brilliant ideas from Africa, Asia, or Latin America can find the resources and support to grow,” Malatsi said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 14:42
 37 views

Read moreSA advocates for linguistic equity in AI at G20

Africa’s Strategic Diplomacy Fuels Mining Sector Growth

Location: News

Energy Capital & Power
Download logo

African nations are leveraging strategic partnerships to attract investment and strengthen their mining sectors. As competition between Western and Eastern powers intensifies over critical minerals, Africa has emerged as a key player in global supply chains, balancing geopolitical interests while maximizing economic benefits. With global markets racing to secure resources for the energy transition and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the upcoming African Mining Week will facilitate collaboration between African governments and international stakeholders.

U.S.–DRC Partnership to Unlock Mineral Wealth

In March 2025, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed (https://apo-opa.co/43JPLr8) its interest in engaging with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to unlock its estimated $1.2 trillion in untapped mineral resources. Cooperation between the two countries could yield a transformative impact on the sector, with U.S. financing and technical expertise unlocking the potential of the world's largest cobalt producer and Africa's largest copper producer. The U.S. has already played an active role in the financing and development of the Lobito Corridor, facilitating mineral transport and trade between the DRC, Angola, Zambia and international markets.

EU Expands Mining, Green Energy Investments

This month, the European Union (EU) pledged €4.7 billion (https://apo-opa.co/42q3265) to South Africa to support raw material value addition, the energy transition, local vaccine manufacturing and green hydrogen production. South Africa, home to the world's largest deposits of platinum group metals (PGMs), will leverage this funding to enhance PGM production to meet growing demand for electrolysers used in green hydrogen applications. This follows South Africa's $1 billion green hydrogen partnership with Denmark and the Netherlands established in 2023. Neighboring Namibia has also attracted European investment, with the EU committing €25 million to Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers in September 2024 to propel the country's green hydrogen sector. Meanwhile, Uganda is taking steps to develop its mining sector with the support of the EU and Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, having launched the Sustainable Development of the Mining Sector project earlier this month. 

China Strengthens its Position in African Mining

China remains one of the largest investors in African mining, with both state-owned and private firms driving sector growth. In September 2024, China pledged $50 billion over three years for infrastructure and mineral development across the continent. Key projects in the DRC include CMOC's $2.5 billion expansion of the Tenke Fungurume Mine and Sinohydro and China Railway's $7 billion infrastructure-for-minerals deal in copper and cobalt mining. China has also invested heavily in Zimbabwe's lithium sector and pledged $1 billion to upgrade the Tazara Railway, improving East Africa's mineral exports.

Growing Global Interest in Africa's Mining Sector

Beyond the U.S., EU and China, countries like Canada, Australia and the UAE are ramping up mining investments in Africa. Canadian firms are expanding their footprint in West Africa's gold sector, Australian companies are backing lithium and rare earth projects in southern Africa and the UAE is securing stakes in critical mineral supply chains through strategic joint ventures. African Mining Week, taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town, will provide a platform for African nations to engage global investors, strengthen cooperation and accelerate resource development.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Read moreAfrica’s Strategic Diplomacy Fuels Mining Sector Growth

Ministers Nzimande and Nkabane talk science 

Location: News

Ministers Nzimande and Nkabane talk science 

In a move to strengthen collaboration between science and education sectors, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande and Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane have held a high-level meeting to align their departments' efforts in research, technology, and skills development. 

The talks focused on enhancing coordination in infrastructure, human resource development, and shared projects within universities and TVET colleges, ensuring that science and innovation play a central role in shaping South Africa’s future.

“The meeting with Minister Nkabane focused on several critical issues in the science, technology, and innovation, and post-school education and training landscape.

“There was a strong emphasis on the need for the DSTI [Department of Science, Technology and Innovation] and DHET [Department of Higher Education & Training] to ensure greater coordination in such areas as research and infrastructure, technology, and human resources development and the common projects undertaken by both departments within universities and TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges,” the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement.

Wednesday’s meeting was part of Minister Nzimande’s ongoing programme to engage with departments focused on science.

The department’s main objective for this engagement was to ensure that the mandate of the DSTI is fulfilled. 
This will be achieved by securing support from key State departments for the critical focus areas outlined in the DSTI’s Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2022-2032).

Nzimande’s programme to engage science-intensive State departments is also informed by the DSTI’s recently adopted mantra, which is: “Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society.”

Through this mantra, the DSTI seeks to significantly raise the profile and impact of science, technology, and innovation within government and across key sectors of society.

The Ministers also stressed the importance of facilitating access for both departments to strategic national and international platforms and networks, strategic partnerships, and opportunities. 

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and the exchange of critical information between the two departments.

“The Ministers further agreed to set up an inter-departmental committee that will coordinate key joint projects and the overall cooperation between the two departments.

“The Ministers further agreed to a follow-up meeting, which will be held soon to assess progress on some of the commitments made in the meeting. The meeting was very cordial and productive,” the Ministry said on Thursday.  – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 10:47
 19 views

Read moreMinisters Nzimande and Nkabane talk science 

Ramokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme

Location: News

Ramokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme

Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that government will pursue private investment for the construction of transmission lines through the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP).

The Minister made the announcement of the new programme during a media briefing, held in Pretoria, on Tuesday.

During the briefing, Ramokgopa touted the pilot programme for the ITP which will pave the way to the construction of 1 164 kilometres (km) of new transmission lines, designed to support renewable energy projects.

“Our renewable energy assets are not fully exploited as a result of the constraints on the transmission side. The Eskom balance sheet and the sovereign balance sheet is not sufficient to carry the kind of investments that are required in this space.

“In terms of the transmission development plan…we will need modernise and expand transmission by about 14 000km and for us to be able to do this, we need about R440 billion. The State is not in a position to provide that kind of support. So, today we are introducing the independent transmission programme,” Ramokgopa said.

He said a ministerial determination has been issued to create a “dispensation that allows for private sector participation”.

“Our view is that there’s a need for us to be able to ensure that we are able to accelerate and support transmission infrastructure development. The transmission development plan does say that we need this 14 000km of new lines to be able to unlock the capacity, especially in the cape provinces.

“That is where we have the most efficient and reliable energy assets in the form of solar and wind, but we have exhausted all of the transmission that allows us to evacuate the electrons so that the economy can benefit from those assets,” the Minister said.

Ramokgopa added that the procurement of transmission will be done in the most cost-effective way, while regulations will be issued this Thursday.

“The Ministry is the one mandated to procure and then the NTCSA [National Transmission Company of South Africa] is the party that buys that. We are going to ensure that we procure the most cost-effective and tendering procedures that are fair, competitive and equitable.

“The requirement for the ITP pilot has to be consistent with transmission development plan and it must also support the IRP [Integrated Resource Plan]. It must [also] be commercially viable,” Ramokgopa said.

It is envisioned that with the new transmission lines, at least 3000 megawatts (MW) of energy will be added to the grid.

“The new generation capacity that we are going to unlock as a result of this intervention is 3 222 MW. It is about 63% of the total capacity of Medupi and Kusile [power stations]. We are moving in the right direction.

“For the South African economy to grow, we need to unshackle the issues of the structural constraints, which is electricity and the inefficiencies in the logistics side. The second is greater investment by the private sector. Electricity gives us a pristine opportunity to transform the economy [and] grow the economy,” he said.

A Request for Qualification will be issued in July while a Request for Proposals will be issued in November. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:35
 188 views

Read moreRamokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme

A Rare Opportunity for Real African Energy Independence

Location: Business
African Energy Chamber

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org)

Donald Trump's return to the White House in 2025 represents a pivotal moment for Africa's fossil fuel industry. His administration's swift reapproval of a USD4.7 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (Exim) for TotalEnergies' liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique — initially greenlit in 2020 during his first term but sent into deep-freeze for the full duration of the Biden years — sets the tone for what could be a transformative era for Africa's energy sector. 

Despite Mozambique's stabilization of security issues and concerns that the transfer of power in America would delay receipt of the loan even further, the Biden Administration refused to release the funds ahead of Trump's inauguration, a decision reflective of the administration's reluctance to support new fossil fuel initiatives throughout Biden's time in office. In contrast, Trump's decisive action within weeks of taking office signals a renewed, positive working relationship between the United States and Africa — one that prioritizes energy development over ideological objections and the Green Agenda's influence. 

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) contends that Africa should seize this potentially brief moment in history and embrace the Trump administration as a partner rather than an opponent. For too long, global pressures have insisted that African nations move toward green energy projects only and leave their fossil fuel resources behind.  

While renewable energy has its place, and will be important to Africa's future, fossil fuels still clearly constitute the backbone of any realistic efforts for African industrialization and economic growth — goals we simply cannot afford to sideline.  

Alignment with Trump's energy-first ethos would mean that Africa could unlock significant funding for wide-ranging fossil fuel projects, and not just the offshore oil and gas ventures that dominate the headlines. The continent should capitalize on all opportunities in onshore projects, wildcat wells (exploratory drilling in unproven areas), and the proliferation of numerous small operators. These avenues lead the way to diversity in Africa's energy portfolio, job creation, and massively strengthened energy security. 

The reapproval of funding for Mozambique LNG is a case in point. The project's revival under Trump demonstrates how quickly thick bureaucratic congestion can dissolve when political will aligns with economic practicality. This USD4.7 billion infusion will boost Mozambique's economy while sending a message to other African nations: Under Trump, at long last, America is open for business.  

In contrast to the previous administration, which openly regarded fossil fuel development with skepticism and disdain, Trump's “drill baby drill” mantra — while rooted in an “America First” agenda — pairs seamlessly with the ambitions of the African oil and gas industry. Africa should adopt a similar mindset and position itself as an attractive destination for American investment dollars. 

Coal's Comeback 

Another of Trump's domestic priorities, no doubt a response to China's unabashed expansion of coal production within its borders, is to revive clean coal production in the U.S. This initiative offers a compelling blueprint for Africa. While coal remains a contentious, harshly criticized resource globally, its advantages are undeniable: It's cheaper to produce, often doesn't require big bank financing, and is abundant across the continent. For African nations grappling with energy poverty, coal can serve as a means to an end, delivering affordable power to millions in the interim while the infrastructure for other energy sources matures. Simply put, Africa deserves to be the last global holdout on coal production and should leverage its coal reserves to meet domestic needs and export demands. Trump's willingness to disregard the international campaign against coal should embolden African leaders to reopen their abandoned coal mines and rest assured that this time around, they'll be able to operate freely, without fear of U.S. opposition. 

Fossil Fuels Unleashed 

Looking beyond coal, over the next four years, Africa has the rare chance to pursue an aggressive fossil fuel agenda. The continent should unite under an “Africa First” banner and adopt its own “drill baby drill” mentality in support of every promising oil exploration and production project, every possible natural gas project, and a multinational effort to slash through regulatory red tape.  

In Nigeria, for instance, the wheels of progress moved agonizingly slowly when it came to passing the Petroleum Industry Act, first proposed in 2008 and not signed into law until 2021. Even after the law was passed, Nigeria has been slow to fully implement it. This kind of inertia deters investment and slows development. A Trump-inspired push to clean up such bureaucratic roadblocks could unleash a wave of prosperous development. Similarly, addressing security issues — like those that drove U.S. firms out of Libya — will be critical to restoring confidence and attracting capital from abroad. 

While the offshore sector will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of Africa's fossil fuel strategy, the continent's onshore potential is equally vast. Wildcat wells offer high-risk/ high-reward prospects that could uncover new reserves. Meanwhile, instead of relying solely on multinational oil and gas giants, empowerment of more independent companies and indigenous small operators could diversify the industry, build up local entrepreneurship, and ensure the economic benefits are more widespread. It is highly unlikely that the Trump administration, with its emphasis on deregulation and energy independence for its own shores, would obstruct such efforts on ours. Conversely, it may actively encourage them through financing and technical support, as seen with the Exim loan. 

Balancing Development and Climate Realities 

Though critics will argue that this push for fossil fuel proliferation contradicts global climate goals, at the AEC, we insist that the calculations for Africa are simply different.  

Africa accounts for a fraction of global emissions but bears a disproportionate burden when it comes to energy poverty. Fossil fuels offer a realistic and relatively quick path to electrification and industrialization, the proven prerequisites for lifting millions out of poverty. Trump's indifference to international climate orthodoxy, while controversial, gives Africa the much-needed breathing room to prioritize development over decarbonization. This is in no way an outright rejection of renewables but a recognition that fossil fuels can and will facilitate a just transition to green technologies once their capabilities catch up to Africa's current needs. 

Seizing the Moment 

The next four years under Trump could redefine Africa's energy landscape. With U.S. interference a thing of the past, Africa can pursue a multi-pronged energy strategy. With a ramp-up in natural gas to meet global demand, a coal revival to power its own grids, and on and offshore opportunities tapped into, Africa could finally secure its full resource base.  

However, this approach will require bold leadership. Governments will have to eliminate obstructive policies and address security challenges head-on to secure foreign investments. The payoff could be immense: energy abundance, economic growth, and a partnership with the U.S. that is stronger than ever before. 

For example, Nigeria's oil and gas sector has been hampered by regulatory uncertainty and security threats in the Niger Delta. A Nigerian “drill baby drill” mindset could accelerate regulatory, social, and economic reforms needed to address the Niger Delta's deep-rooted instability. This kind of mindset could restart stalled projects and attract American firms eager to invest in a Trump-approved climate. Likewise, in Libya, a resolution to security concerns could lure back U.S. companies that fled during years of instability, reviving a once-thriving oil industry. Across the continent, small operators could flourish under a lighter regulatory touch, drilling wildcat wells and tapping into overlooked reserves. 

South Africa, with its vast coal deposits, could take the lead on clean coal technologies to balance affordability and environmental concerns. Smaller nations with untapped coal reserves could follow Trump's lead in defying global pressures against production. The result would be a continent less dependent on foreign aid and more capable of powering its own future. 

Trump's presidency offers Africa a chance to unapologetically double down on its fossil fuel potential. The USD4.7 billion Mozambique loan is just the beginning — a proof of concept for what collaboration with the U.S. can achieve. By embracing this partnership, Africa can shed the shackles of the Biden era and chart a course toward energy sovereignty.  

The tools are all there: offshore rigs, onshore fields, wildcat wells, established mines, and a willing ally in Washington. The question that remains is whether Africa's leaders have the courage to stand up to the anti-carbon lobby. 

Trump's second term could be remembered as the moment Africa's fossil fuel industry came into its own — as a partner to the U.S. in a shared vision of energy abundance. With four years of clear skies ahead, there is no question that Africa should build, mine, and yes, drill, baby, drill like never before.  

If we don't act now, it might be a very long wait for an opportunity like this one to present itself again. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreA Rare Opportunity for Real African Energy Independence

Stakeholders commit to improved water services for all 

Location: News

Stakeholders commit to improved water services for all 

Stakeholders in the water sector have committed to collaborative efforts to implement tangible plans and reforms outlined at the recent Water and Sanitation Indaba aimed at improving water security and services for all citizens.

This pledge was made on the final day of the two-day Water and Sanitation Indaba, held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, from 27-28 March 2025.

At the Indaba, stakeholders including government representatives, agreed to work together and hold each other accountable for their actions and commitments. Stakeholders also agreed to increase investment in water research and development as well as technological transfer.

They also agreed to recognise the existing body of knowledge including indigenous systems as well as promote the inclusion of women, youth, and people with disabilities in the water and sanitation sector.

Several key resolutions were also made during the event, including a commitment by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to finalise the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency by mid-2026, and the creation of Catchment Management Agencies, set to be completed by July 2025.

The Water Service Authorities (WSAs) pledged to adopt a utility model for water and sanitation to ensure operational efficiency while maintaining municipal ownership, to be implemented within three years.

A utility can be a ring-fenced internal department, municipal entity, water board, special purpose vehicle, or concession, amongst other options.

Additionally, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), in collaboration with the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and DWS, committed to implement a coordinated Municipal Systems Act Section 78 consultative process, according to the timeframes in the plan. This process will facilitate the appointment of capable Water Service Providers (WSPs). This should lead to the appointment of capable Water Service Providers (WSPs).

In line with good governance and legal compliance, it was resolved that all WSAs must separate their WSA and WSP functions, accounting for them independently within one year. Resolutions on this matter should be presented to Council within three months.

The metropolitan municipalities were also tasked to implement the Reform of Metropolitan Trading Services Programme. This includes establishing or appointing ring-fenced, professionally managed utilities, either internal or external, for water and sanitation services within two years, with support from National Treasury and relevant departments.

Stakeholders also agreed that COGTA should review the current local government structure including the appropriateness of the two-tier system, followed by the review of the allocation of WSA status to municipalities.

Furthermore, the DWS committed to finalise the amendments to the Water Services Act for tabling to Parliament by May 2025.

“Following this, [the] DWS [is] to put in place an operating licensing system for Water Services Providers by June 2026. DWS to provide guidance to WSAs on the different options for external WSPs, on request from April 2025, and to issue guidelines on the roles and functions of WSAs versus WSPs by April 2025.

“[The] DWS and AWSISA [Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa] to develop a plan for building Water Boards’ capacity and readiness to provide a retail WSP function to WSAs if requested, informed by a capacity assessment of the Water Boards, by end July 2025,” the declaration read.

Non-revenue water programmes 

Meanwhile, all WSAs and WSPs that have not yet established non-revenue water programmes, will be required to have these in place by May 2025.

These programmes should cover:

•    Budgets for maintenance and for reducing leaks in water distribution systems;
•    Ensuring that all reported leaks are fixed quickly;
•    Closing illegal water connections; 
•    Replacing old leaking pipes, including asbestos pipes (which are a danger to health);
•    Improving management of water systems (through pressure management for example); and
•    Strengthening metering, billing, and revenue collection, including ensuring that billing systems are accurate.

All WSAs that have not yet ring-fenced revenues from the sale of water for the water function, will be required to bring resolutions to their Councils within six months.  The DWS will facilitate provincial workshops with all WSAs in each province to develop a common understanding of "ring-fencing."

“All WSAs to review their indigent registers and ensure the provision of free basic water to the indigent within two years. All other water users to be billed and revenue to be collected from all other users. DWS and the Water Partnerships Office to develop Green and Blue Bond financing mechanisms with the private sector, for implementation by Catchment Management Agencies and WSAs, starting immediately.”

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said a well-functioning water and sanitation sector is not only a constitutional right and a pillar of development, but also a crucial factor in driving economic growth and job creation.

READ | Water and sanitation sector is a key cog in economic growth 

President Ramaphosa underscored the importance of efficient water management in boosting investor confidence and ensuring sustainable development. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Mon, 03/31/2025 - 14:41
 313 views

Read moreStakeholders commit to improved water services for all 

Committee on Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Wraps Its KZN Oversight Visit

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
Download logo

The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has today wrapped its week-long oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province where it assessed critical government programmes that included gender equality, youth development, gender-based violence (GBV), and the inclusion of children with disabilities in the education system.

The committee chose KZN province for the March oversight due to the challenges that the province experiences. The challenges that include high rate of teen pregnancies and the highest reported incidents of rape in the country. GBV remains a top priority for the committee.

The committee evaluated the implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme, which the province has touted as a best practice model. The committee raised concerns over inequality regarding the allocation of resource. Some girls received more sanitary products and others less, a very unfair situation.

During its visit at the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the committee emphasised the need for improved visibility of the Commission and its accessibility to the people it was established for. The committee noted that the location of CGE offices in the Durban CBD makes it inaccessible to those who stay in deep rural areas. The committee has urged the CGE to consider relocating its offices and utilising government mobile units for accessibility to its clients.

At the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the committee recommended that the agency improves its outreach by using municipal offices and mobile vehicles to connect with the youth, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, it urged the NYDA to address diversity concerns among its coordinators.

The committee also visited Umlazi Police Station where it engaged with Rapid Response Teams (RRT) on infrastructure problems, high incidences of GBV, and the impact of liquor outlets in the area. Members of the committee expressed concerns over the backlog at forensic labs and called for improved staffing ratios.

The committee visited the Arthur Blaxall School where it noted the lack of maintenance and the crumbling infrastructure. The committee expressed a concern over the socio-economic challenges faced by learners, health problems, and the lack of parental involvement. At the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, which the committee also visited, it noted a lot of problems that included non-accreditation of courses offered. It also called on the management of the institution to forge partnerships with accredited organisations.

In a meeting with the Office of the Premier and the Standing Committee on Quality of Life, the committee received a briefing on the Premier's Women's Empowerment and Youth Empowerment Fund on new initiatives aimed at combating GBV. The committee appreciated the Premier's Office for its commitment to protect vulnerable people and it acknowledged the collaborative efforts that are applied to address the problems experienced by the people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCommittee on Women, Youth and Persons With Disabilities Wraps Its KZN Oversight Visit

Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions 

Location: News

Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions 

The international community has been called upon to scale up cervical cancer interventions and progress against the only noncommunicable disease that can be eliminated. 

This call was made by the Government of South Africa, Unitaid and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group meeting, which took place on Thursday in Zimbali, outside Durban.  

According to the Department of Health, cervical cancer is preventable and potentially curable, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. It is the second most common form of cancer among women in South Africa. 

Statistics by the WHO show that the disease claimed the lives of almost 350 000 women globally in 2022.

“New vaccines, tests, and treatment technologies have transformed cervical cancer prevention in recent years, yet the disease continues to disproportionately impact women mostly in low- and middle-income countries where access to primary health care and preventive services are limited. Cervical cancer elimination would address a major gap in Women’s health,” the department said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 health meeting, Unitaid’s Deputy Executive Director Tenu Avafia said Unitaid has invested US $81 million or R1.4 billion to bring down prices, increase volumes and address operational questions involved in cervical cancer screening and treatment to enable countries to scale up proven interventions with minimal risk.

“However, funding shortfalls still pose enormous challenges to building national cervical cancer elimination programs in low- and middle-income countries,” Avafia said.

Unitaid makes health products accessible, available and affordable for people who need them most.

Department of Health’s Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi said improving women’s health was not just a health issue but “an economic imperative”.

“It drives social stability, boosts productivity, and breaks the cycle of poverty. Global efforts to combat cervical cancer serve as a concrete illustration of how cooperation can advance women’s health and realize a shared goal to bring about the first-ever elimination of a cancer,” he said.

In 2020, the WHO launched the global strategy for cervical cancer elimination, the first-ever roadmap for the elimination of a cancer. Since then, countries have made enormous strides in rolling out new tools and services. 

Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) provides protection against infection that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. 

And a package of screening and treatment tools – including HPV tests with the option for self-sampling and devices for quickly and easily removing pre-cancerous cells – make it possible to make lifesaving services available to women at lower levels of the health care system.

The health working group session called for a coordinated approach drawing on domestic resource mobilization, blended financing, and partnerships with multilateral development banks to scale these solutions, ensure long-term sustainability and reduce dependency on external aid.

Government asserted South Africa’s commitment to scaling up cervical cancer prevention programs nationwide with support from Unitaid, the WHO and other partners.

“The South African G20 health agenda promotes solidarity, equality and sustainability. It complements the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the development agenda of Africa as the world’s fastest-growing continent, and the Lusaka Agenda. It also focuses on rebuilding momentum to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the department said.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.

READ | Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps

The Minister used the platform to highlight South Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which aims to provide financial protection and efficient resource utilisation.

The three-day meeting which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Friday, 28 March 2025. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:13
 28 views

Read moreCall to scale up cervical cancer interventions 

President commends progress made in provision of water and sanitation

Location: News

President commends progress made in provision of water and sanitation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the Department of Water and Sanitation for its ongoing efforts to improve water and sanitation access in the country.

Delivering the keynote address at the Water and Sanitation Indaba currently underway at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, the President highlighted that through the department’s efforts, progress has been made towards meeting the minimum standards for the provision of water and sanitation services, and in addressing connection backlogs.

“As a country we can be proud of the progress we have made in fulfilling this basic right of our people since the advent of democracy. The National Water Act of 1998 was the key legislative enabler to facilitate access to adequate water and sanitation for our people.

“The results of Census 2022 point to our ongoing progress since the National Water Act was signed into law. In 2022 access to clean water stood at 88.5 %, and access to improved sanitation stood at 80.7 %,” the President said on Thursday. 

The President highlighted an increase in water infrastructure build, and this includes the National Infrastructure Fund which has to date, secured R23 billion for seven large water infrastructure projects, Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) which is currently underway, as well as work on the uMkhomazi Dam.

Preparations are also underway for the construction of the Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River.

The President noted a number of other water infrastructure projects earmarked for blended financing through the Infrastructure Fund, including the Polihali Dam that will feed 490 million cubic meters of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System.

Held under the theme: “Water Security and Provision”, the Indaba set for Thursday and Friday, underscores government’s ongoing commitment to tackling South Africa’s water security challenges and ensuring reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services for all citizens.

With its focus on water security and provision, the two-day gathering takes place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, a significant period that underpins the importance of water as a fundamental human right and a critical resource for socio-economic development.

The timing of the gathering also underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges to uphold the dignity and well-being of all South Africans.

Clean water and sanitation for all

While progress has been made, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the country still has a long way to go towards achieving clean water and sanitation for all, as encapsulated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

“Last year’s Water Summit identified ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure, vandalism of water infrastructure, illegal connections, and organised crime in the water sector as some of the challenges facing service delivery in this sector.

“At a local government level, financial mismanagement, insufficient revenue collection systems and high levels of physical water losses are compounding existing service delivery problems. These challenges have been consistently reflected in reports of the Municipal Strategic Self-Assessment, Stats SA, the Auditor-General and others,” the President explained.

With this dire state of affairs, he added that the country has seen declining private sector investment in water infrastructure, “a situation that is only now improving”.

By equal measure, he said the municipalities have not reinvested the revenue they earn from the provision of services to the upkeep of key water infrastructure.

“A number of water boards have been or are the subject of probes by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for corruption and fraud. These are problems impacting a country with a growing population, which is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:21
 254 views

Read morePresident commends progress made in provision of water and sanitation

Call for national turnaround plan on water security

Location: News

Call for national turnaround plan on water security

The need for an urgent and high-level national turnaround plan on water security that is aligned to the Government of National Unity’s Medium-Term Development Plan 2025 to 2029, has been underscored by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The President made the call during the Water and Sanitation Indaba, currently underway at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng.

“What is needed is an urgent and high-level national turnaround plan on water security that is firstly aligned to the Government of National Unity’s Medium-Term Development Plan 2025 to 2029, and secondly, that harnesses the momentum of the reforms in the sector," said the President.

Delivering his keynote address at the opening of the two-day Indaba on Thursday, President Ramaphosa noted that Operation Vulindela has prioritised reforms in the water sector to improve water quality, to catalyse investment in the construction and maintenance of water infrastructure and strengthen regulation in the sector.

“Under the sixth administration we reinstated the drop water quality monitoring system as an important incentive. These reports are particularly important in area where water resources are key to the tourism, agriculture, and other sectors,” President Ramaphosa said.

As part of the structural reform process in the water sector, the President said government has been able to significantly reduce the turnaround time for the issuing of water use licenses, with 75% of applications being currently processed within 90 days.

“An additional 110 technical and scientific staff have been hired to support further process improvements. Last year we published the Raw Water Pricing Strategy as part of promoting efficient water management, and following a process initiated in 2022 under Operation Vulindlela.

“This will be key to promoting transparency around how raw water is priced in the country and will contribute towards instilling business and investor confidence. Creating an enabling legal and regulatory framework for water stewardship is a priority,” he said.

Interventions

The President added that through the Water Services Amendment Bill the country will introduce a licensing system for water service providers and remove licenses where providers do not meet the standards for quality drinking water.

He added that by next year government hopes to finalise the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, “one of the most significant reforms coming to the sector to date.”

“This new agency will bring strategic alignment, consistency and accountability to the various institutional arrangements for water stewardship that have to date proven to be less than ideal,” he said.

The President also highlighted a number of strategic interventions implemented to enhance the delivery of water services in municipalities and support them to address their water and sanitation challenges.

Among the interventions include sustained progress in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group in KwaZulu-Natal.

He said the ongoing oversight work of the Presidential Water Task Team will augment these efforts.

Collaboration

President Ramaphosa also emphasised that resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges necessitates deepened collaboration between all stakeholders in the water resources management ecosystem.

He underscored a need for greater cooperation between national and provincial government, including the water resource management entities, and the private sector to support the turnaround in water stewardship.

“Much of this focus must be on supporting service delivery at local government level, where it matters most. Structural reforms in the water sector, as vital as they are, cannot be effectively implemented without local government being strengthened.

“Municipalities are not effectively leveraging the likes of the Urban Settlements Development Grant, Municipal Infrastructure Grant, and other ring-fenced financial resources to improve the provision of these services in their localities. For its part, local government leadership needs to prioritise turnaround strategies for their respective Water Services Authorities.

“This Indaba must not become an exercise of problem-diagnosing: the challenges are well-known. What is needed is course correction - and comprehensive plan that will expand access to water and sanitation services, improve the quality of water and sanitation infrastructure, and bring stability and good governance to all the entities involved in South Africa’s water stewardship,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:46
 117 views

Read moreCall for national turnaround plan on water security

Water and Sanitation Indaba to tackle SA’s water security challenges

Location: News

Water and Sanitation Indaba to tackle SA’s water security challenges

The development of a high-level national turnaround plan for water security will take centre stage at the National Water and Sanitation Indaba. 

The South African government will convene the indaba at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, to address the provision of water security in the country.

Set for Thursday and Friday, the indaba underscores government’s ongoing commitment to tackling South Africa’s water security challenges, and ensuring reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services for all citizens.

With its focus on water security and provision, the two-day gathering takes place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, a significant period that underpins the importance of water as a fundamental human right and a critical resource for socio-economic development.

The timing of the gathering also underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges so as to uphold the dignity and well-being of all South Africans.

The two-day event will build on the outcomes of the Water Summit that was held in January 2024, which engaged all Water Services Authorities (WSAs), following the release of the Blue, No Drop Reports, as well as the Green Drop Progress Report in December 2023.

The summit identified critical challenges facing the sector, including aging, poor operation and maintenance infrastructure, organised criminality, water tankering and extortion mafia, vandalism of essential public infrastructure and corruption.

The summit also identified challenges including the growth of informal settlements, financial mismanagement, revenue shortfalls, mounting sector debt, illegal water connections, overconsumption and high levels of physical water losses as among the root causes of water supply challenges in most communities across the country.

The high-level event will bring together key stakeholders, including the Presidential Water Task Team that was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the water boards, WSAs, the business sector, as well as thought leaders in the water sector.

Given South Africa’s classification as a water-scarce country, with rainfall levels significantly below the global average and further exacerbated by climate change, the Department of Water and Sanitation said the indaba will prioritise the development of a high-level national turnaround plan on water security.

“This strategy will align with the objectives of the 7th administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2025-2029) and Operation Vulindlela 2.0 (second round of economic reforms under Operation Vulindlela) to ensure a water-secure and resilient future. The Water and Sanitation Indaba seeks to devise immediate solutions that will ensure reliable and sustainable water supply to communities,” the department said in a statement.

The event will also assess progress made on implementing the 2024 Water Summit’s resolutions and mobilise various sectors and expertise to agree on a comprehensive national water and sanitation plan.

The department said this plan will focus on expanding access to water and sanitation services, enhancing water infrastructure, and implementing effective measures to improve water security and service reliability.

According to the department, the indaba represents a pivotal moment in government’s efforts to secure South Africa’s long-term water future.

“Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address that water has been elevated as a top priority of government, the outcomes of the indaba will reaffirm government’s unwavering commitment to overcoming sectoral challenges and fostering collaboration across all levels of society. 

“[This is] to build a sustainable water and sanitation sector, and further reinforce government’s dedication to ensuring that every South Africa has access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services,” it said.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 15:42

559 views

Read moreWater and Sanitation Indaba to tackle SA’s water security challenges

Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps

Location: News

Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.

The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second meeting of the G20 Health Working Group today in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister used the platform to highlight South Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which aims to provide financial protection and efficient resource utilisation.

“In South Africa, we are actively pursuing transformation to achieve universal health coverage through our NHI system.

“The NHI is designed to provide financial protection for all, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not dependent on one’s ability to pay [for] it, and it will also assist in the efficient utilisation of our resources by pulling funds and strategically purchasing services.”

Motsoaledi cited data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which indicate that the number of people shielded from catastrophic health spending had been steadily increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then, about 100 million people have fallen back into financial hardship due to health-related expenses.

Motsoaledi believes that the NHI is a concrete demonstration of government’s commitment to leaving no one behind, and fostering and strengthening the resilience of the health system.

The Minister quoted the late Harvard Department of Anthropology’s Professor Paul Farmer on the value of all lives and urged G20 members to increase public financing of health systems as a fundamental investment.

“I want to quote the idea that 'some lives matter less' is the root of all that is wrong with the world.

“We implore all G20 members to champion increased public financing of health systems.

“This is not merely a budgetary issue; it’s a fundamental investment in our collective future.”

Motsoaledi urged attendees to prioritise public health over competing interests, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to meet the health needs of the nation’s populations.

“Furthermore, we must all align our efforts beyond financing. We must address the persistent health inequities that plague our world.”

Non-communicable diseases

Motsoaledi highlighted the importance of addressing health inequities, particularly in low and middle-income countries, and the need for multilateral approaches to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

He said the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is seen as a crucial opportunity to galvanise global action against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

“We must alleviate the financial burden, restrict unhealthy food marketing, finance emergency health services, and accelerate cervical cancer elimination, the only cancer which is preventable.”

The theme of the three-day meeting is: “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.

Along with this meeting, a co-sponsored event focused on eliminating cervical cancer, is also taking place.

“We must move beyond dialogue and commit to concrete steps. South Africa is committed to collaborating with all the G20 members to achieve our shared goals. 

“Let us work together to ensure that health remains a priority, not a commodity, especially during these unstable economic times,” Motsoaledi added.

South Africa, which assumed the G20 Presidency in December, is currently hosting various working groups and ministerial meetings throughout the country. 

These meetings are focused on key topics such as health, employment, trade, tourism, and the digital economy -- all in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November this year.

The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes two regional bodies – the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:43
 166 views

Read moreMotsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps

Hydroponic farming system overall winner of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Awards

Location: News

Hydroponic farming system overall winner of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Awards

A groundbreaking hydroponic farming system has won first prize at the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme – South Africa (GCIP-SA) Awards. 

This innovative system allows farmers to grow crops using up to 90% less water and requires only 10% of the land compared to traditional farming methods.

AB Farms, founded by Mogale Maleka, beat seven other competitors for the coveted sustainable development prize.  

Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) entity, the Technology Agency (TIA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility, the recently held awards acknowledged the outstanding achievements of entrepreneurs and innovators, who are driving sustainable solutions for a greener future.

According to the department, the GCIP is instrumental in South Africa’s response to the challenge of climate change by nurturing and accelerating cleantech startups and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). 

The programme aligns with the Paris Agreement objectives and also supports South Africa in achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution targets to reduce carbon emissions from 350 to 420 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.

Maleka’s farm was recognised for its commitment to clean energy solutions.  

“His innovation also reduces electricity consumption by 50% and fertiliser use by 40%, making it a game-changer for resource-scarce regions. Designed for resilience, the system ensures consistent irrigation, even during power or water disruptions,” the statement read. 

Congratulating the finalists and winners, DSTI Minister Professor Blade Nzimande stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions in South Africa, where environmental challenges such as water scarcity, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are deepening socio-economic disparities.

“Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production have led to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste,” Nzimande said. 

According to the Minister, this crisis has resulted in severe environmental problems, including extreme weather events like droughts, floods, heatwaves and storms, which cause widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.  

“South Africa, like many other parts of the world, is grappling with these challenges, making the need for climate-resilient infrastructure even more urgent,” Nzimande said. 

The 2025 GCIP-SA Awards also recognised other outstanding innovators in sustainable solutions.
Runner-up, Econova Solutions, led by Sanele Mabizela, was honoured for its impactful work in clean energy and environmental sustainability.  

Econova converts organic waste into biogas and organic fertilisers.  

Meanwhile, the second runner-up spot went to the Graduated Man of Steel, represented by Lunga Calvin Mahlangu, for an innovation that produces affordable electric micro-mobility solutions for urban and industrial transport.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the TIA, Ismail Abdoola, commended the entrepreneurs for driving clean technology innovations and reaffirmed the TIA’s commitment to strengthening the programme’s impact.

“We recognise the remarkable achievements of the GCIP-SA and the entrepreneurs shaping the future of our country’s cleantech ecosystem.  This... is not just about celebrating accomplishments but about reaffirming our shared vision for innovation, sustainability and progress,” said Abdoola at the awards ceremony.

He also acknowledged the long-standing partnership between TIA and UNIDO, which has been instrumental in driving the success of GCIP-SA, and supporting local entrepreneurs in refining their solutions and positioning them for market success.

“The GCIP is more than a programme, it is a movement, a movement that brings together innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven action in support of a sustainable future. As we look ahead, let us be inspired by the work done so far and remain committed to building a greener and more resilient South Africa,” Abdoola added. 

The winner and runners-up will represent South Africa, in the global installment of the Cleantech Awards in Turkey in September 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 10:13
 408 views

Read moreHydroponic farming system overall winner of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Awards

Visit of Ms. SUZUKI Takako, Ambassador on Special Mission, to the Republic of Namibia

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Download logo

From 20 to 22 March, Ms. SUZUKI Takako, Member of the House of Representatives, visited the Republic of Namibia as Ambassador on Special Mission. During her visit, Ambassador SUZUKI attended the Inauguration Ceremony of Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, as well as paid a courtesy call on the President. The overview of the visit is as follows.

1. On March 21, Ambassador SUZUKI attended the Inauguration Ceremony of President Nandhi-Ndaitwa and the 35th Independence Anniversary as well as a luncheon hosted by President Nandhi-Ndaitwa.

After the luncheon, Ambassador SUZUKI paid a courtesy call on President Nandhi-Ndaitwa. On this occasion, she handed the letter from the Prime Minister ISHIBA and conveyed a congratulatory message from Prime Minister ISHIBA. In addition, while referring to the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of agriculture, education and human resource development, on which Namibia places importance, she expressed her expectations for the participation of the President in TICAD 9 this August.

President Nandhi-Ndaitwa expressed her gratitude for the dispatch of Ambassador on Special Mission as well as the support provided by Japan to date and asked Ambassador SUZUKI to convey her best regards to Prime Minister ISHIBA and the Japanese people.

2. Prior to the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, on March 20, Ambassador SUZUKI attended a dinner hosted by H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Former President of the Republic of Namibia (*).

At the dinner, Ambassador SUZUKI expressed her gratitude to the former president for all of his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Former President Mbumba expressed his hope for further strengthening cooperation with Japan.

*Dr. Mbumba was the President incumbent at the time of the dinner on March 20.

3. During her visit, Ambassador SUZUKI also visited the BeFree Youth Campus, where the mobile medical clinic provided by Japan and the “Shoe Laundry Initiative Tidy Tekkies”, a base for youth startups, are located. She also held discussions with JICA staff and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) working in Namibia.

Ambassador SUZUKI also actively encouraged the participants from various African countries attending the presidential inauguration ceremony (including the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the former President of South Africa) to strengthen their relations with Japan and to attend TICAD 9.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Read moreVisit of Ms. SUZUKI Takako, Ambassador on Special Mission, to the Republic of Namibia

African Development Bank Group to Expand Investment in Lesotho to $331 Million

Location: Business
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) plans to invest $331 million in key strategic sectors in Lesotho as part of its proposed Country Strategy Paper for 2025-2030 to boost economic growth and industrial competitiveness. 

During an official visit to Lesotho -- the first by an African Development Bank President -- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina met with His Majesty King Letsie III to discuss strengthening development partnerships and expanding the Bank's investments in the country. 

His Majesty expressed delight at the Bank President's visit, viewing the mission as a reflection of the Bank and Adesina's appreciation for Lesotho's progress in improving people's lives. 

“With haste, we will ensure that the policies and incentives to accommodate the needs of and attract the private sector are in place, especially in healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing,” the King remarked. 

King Letsie said he was confident that Adesina, whom he described as a 'man of action,' would help catalyze progress on the Bank's strategic projects in Lesotho. 

Adesina thanked King Letsie for his strong leadership role as the African Union Nutrition Champion since 2014, his advocacy for improved nutrition and food security on the continent -- especially for women, adolescents, and children -- and his passion for youth development. 

The African Development Bank president commended His Majesty for his leadership on the  King Letsie III Just Energy Transition Fund, which aims to generate approximately 200 megawatts of power through private sector investments. 

He also briefed King Letsie about the Bank's new 2025-2030 Country strategy paper and planned investments of $331 million to support quality infrastructure, capacity building, energy, integration and interconnectivity, debt management and standards, and strengthening the office of the Prime Minister.  

Referencing dwindling donor commitments globally, Dr. Adesina said, "Africa must prepare to engage more proactively with the private sector. Every challenge is an investor's dream. Ultimately, capital, like water, will always find a receptive place to go." 

According to Adesina, the Bank has implemented 87 projects totaling $429 million since Lesotho joined the Bank in 1973.  

"We have eight ongoing projects worth $60 million, and we look forward to significantly expanding our commitments," Adesina said. 

The Bank's investment strategy for Lesotho will focus on several priority areas: 

  • Energy infrastructure, including electricity transmission lines connecting Lesotho to South Africa 
  • Agricultural development to enhance food security and rural livelihoods 
  • Climate resilience initiatives to address environmental challenges 
  • Digital transformation, including broadband expansion for digital financial inclusion and government service digitalization 
  • Water resource management, building on the success of the Lesotho Lowland Rural Water Supply Project 
  • Public financial management and debt management support 
  • Trade competitiveness enhancements through improved grades and standards for exports 

The African Development Bank-led Lesotho Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project has delivered remarkable results: 190 kilometers of pipeline to distribution networks, water storage tanks with a total capacity of 3.48 million liters, and 166 public water points serving approximately 28,266 people across eight zones in Maseru and Berea districts. 

Responding to King Letsie's request, Dr. Adesina said the Bank will prioritize investments in primary healthcare centers across Lesotho.  

“We will work on an integrated project that includes components of energy, a potential multi-partner $2.3 billion water transfer project from Lesotho through South Africa to Botswana, agro-value chains, and trade facilitation in Lesotho,” Adesina said after the meeting with King Letsie III. 

The Bank is expected to support Lesotho in mobilizing approximately $260 million for the integrated water transfer project, which will supply 308 million cubic meters of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use through a 700 km pipe system. The project has the potential to generate up to 22 MW of hydropower. 

Speaking earlier, Minister of Finance and Development Planning Retselisitsoe Matlanyane indicated that as Lesotho's energy supply will exceed domestic demand by the end of 2026, the country intends to build a substation to export excess power production to South Africa. She reiterated Lesotho's commitment to private sector-friendly policies and engagement. 

The minister highlighted the importance of primary healthcare and nutrition investments to help combat extreme stunting in several parts of the country.  

King Letsie is the African Union-appointed African Leaders for Nutrition champion.  The initiative, spearheaded by the African Development Bank and championed by African leaders, works to galvanize political will and significant investments to end malnutrition on the continent. 

Dr. Adesina also met with Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane; and the ministers of Foreign Affairs; Agriculture, Food Security & Nutrition; Natural Resources; Health; Communication, Science & Technology; and Education & Training. 

The Bank's delegation to Lesotho included its Executive Director for Lesotho, Dr. Nomfundo X. Ngwenya; Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, Moono Mupotola; and Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr. Victor Oladokun. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media Contact:  
Emeka Anuforo
Principal Regional Communication Officer 
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Media files
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Download logo
Read moreAfrican Development Bank Group to Expand Investment in Lesotho to $331 Million

AEW 2025 to Host NOC-IOC Forum in Cape Town

Location: Business

African Energy Chamber
Download logo

This year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will debut the first-ever National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum, a dynamic platform that brings key public and private sector stakeholders into direct conversation to drive investment, secure new deals, foster local capacity building and advance exploration.

A key focus of the forum will be enhancing collaboration in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbon resources across the continent, with an emphasis on data sharing and joint decision-making to unlock untapped potential. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to drill its first exploration well on Block 3B/4B, leveraging 14,000 km of 2D seismic and 10,800 km² of 3D seismic, with a large set of exploration prospects already identified. In Angola, Sonangol is ramping up offshore exploration on Block 6/24, focusing on geological and geophysical studies and seismic data reprocessing to assess the block's resource potential, which includes a possible commercial oil discovery. Meanwhile, in Equatorial Guinea, GEPetrol has partnered with Panoro Energy on Block EG-23, conducting subsurface studies to evaluate the block's potential, with the possibility of drilling an exploration well.

In parallel, new market activity is reshaping Africa's exploration landscape, as both NOCs and IOCs pursue strategic acquisitions, partnerships and project expansions. Chevron has strengthened its presence in Equatorial Guinea by securing PSCs for two highly prospective offshore blocks. In October 2024, Brazilian NOC Petrobras acquired a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa as part of its strategy to boost reserves and expand its footprint in Africa's emerging oil and gas markets. Last month, Chinese state-backed company Sinopec signed an $850 million contract with Algerian NOC Sonatrach for exploration and development, securing a PSC covering the Hassi Berkane North license. Sonatrach is also in discussions with Eni, TotalEnergies, Chevron and ExxonMobil for exploration and development activities in the region. The NOC-IOC Forum will provide a key platform to examine these developments, fostering discussions on how public and private sector cooperation can accelerate exploration, attract capital and unlock new resource opportunities.

The NOC-IOC Forum will also focus on forging new partnerships to drive capacity-building programs and facilitate knowledge-sharing, empowering local talent in the oil and gas sector. The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) has been active in establishing partnerships to support the country's goal of producing first oil by year-end. This includes a collaboration with QatarEnergy focused on providing training and development opportunities for NAMCOR employees in industry-specific skills. In October 2024, NAMCOR also signed an agreement with global technology company SLB to improve operational performance in decarbonization, green hydrogen and sustainable energy, with an emphasis on local capacity development. Meanwhile, Mozambique's Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos is investing in specialized offshore drilling services, reinforcing the state's involvement in the country's oil and gas projects through an agreement with Italian multinational oilfield services company Saipem.

Additionally, the NOC-IOC Forum will facilitate the exchange of insights on regional and global energy regulations, helping participants navigate the evolving energy landscape. In the Republic of Congo, Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is working closely with private sector companies and IOCs to gather input for its upcoming Gas Master Plan, as well as developing a new gas code aimed at modernizing the regulatory framework to attract foreign investment. This push for regulatory improvements has driven increased IOC activity in the country, with Eni advancing the second phase of its $5 billion Congo LNG project and TotalEnergies committing $600 million to expand its E&P operations, specifically in the deep offshore Moho Nord Field.

The NOC-IOC Forum offers a strategic platform for both African NOCs and IOCs to present their exploration strategies, access available acreage and showcase ongoing energy developments. By facilitating direct engagement across sectors, the forum will drive insightful exchanges on sharing data and insights to improve decision-making, optimizing operational efficiencies and unlocking new investment opportunities. These discussions will ensure that partnerships are mutually beneficial, aligning national development goals with commercial objectives while fostering a more integrated and strategic approach to Africa's energy future.

“The launch of the first-ever NOC-IOC Forum at AEW 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Africa's energy sector. By positioning key national and international stakeholders in direct dialogue, the forum aims to drive investment, foster collaboration and empower local talent. This is an exciting opportunity for both NOCs and IOCs to present their strategies, forge new partnerships and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa's hydrocarbon sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Read moreAEW 2025 to Host NOC-IOC Forum in Cape Town

Johannesburg Shows How People and Planet Gain From Greener Cities

Location: News

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Download logo

The sun has set in Johannesburg, South Africa and Nntuthuzelo Ndwandwa, 39, is returning home from her job as a customer care consultant. When once she would have glanced nervously into the shadows, now she walks through a complex illuminated by solar-powered lights and enters her home, where a solar-powered heater doles out warm water for washing up. 

“We are safe during load shedding because the external lights are on solar,” says Ndwandwa. “I'm also guaranteed hot water in the morning. It has made my life so much easier.” 

This may sound like a humdrum, everyday moment, but for Ndwandwa and the other hundreds of residents of the Tshedzani Phase 3 social housing project, these basics are a revelation. They were provided through a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that installed solar-powered equipment in public housing units across South Africa's biggest city. The effort, implemented by the City of Johannesburg, was designed to improve the quality of life of urban dwellers and fight climate change.  

Residents of the social housing project say they now feel more secure, are saving money and have more job opportunities.  

“Before the project, we had load shedding, and outside, it was dark […] we would not go outside as we were scared,” says resident Catherine Gugulethe Mbuyisa, 55. “Cars would be hijacked, washing would be stolen. But since the installation of solar power, we haven't experienced any of those problems and I've saved a lot in terms of electricity.” 

Cities at the centre of climate action  

Johannesburg is one of a growing number of global cities racing to lower their greenhouse gas emissions through better urban planning, which experts say can be a quick and easy way to reach climate targets. But such work also has a host of other benefits – from providing access to energy to protecting residents from the health hazards of open dumping. 

“Action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions doesn't just make a difference at a global level – it invariably makes a positive difference to people's lives,” says Martin Krause, Director of the UN Environment Programme's Climate Change Division. “This is particularly obvious in cities, where the concentration of people means rapid gains for people and planet are possible.” 

Today, some 56 per cent per cent of the world's population live in cities. Almost 1.2 billion of these people already face a bevy of climate-related risks, including rising seas and heatwaves. At the same time, urban areas consume around 75 per cent of the world's energy and produce around 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, reports the International Energy Agency. Urbanization is occurring rapidly, increasing the impact of cities on the environment and economy.  

But cities are also hotbeds of climate solutions. And experts say how they are designed, built and managed will significantly impact global emissions, resource consumption and resilience to climate change. That is why successful projects, such as the one in Johannesburg, are considered so important. 

“By adopting integrated approaches to support green, affordable housing, waste management and clean energy access for communities thriving amidst verdant natural spaces, cities like Johannesburg are leading the way to a sustainable urban future that benefits people, natural ecosystems and the global environment,” says Fred Boltz, Manager of GEF's Programming Division. 

Multiple benefits 

Kicked off in 2020, the GEF project focused on five key areas, including retrofitting social housing, increasing food resilience through sustainable urban farming, boosting biodegradable waste management and increasing evidence-based planning. 

As part of this work, 172 units in Roodepoort Tshedzani 3 social housing have been fitted with solar water heaters, solar panels and lithium-ion batteries, energy-saving lighting and water-saving components.  

To boost organic peri-urban farming in other areas, seeds, fertilizer and tools have been provided to farmers, alongside boreholes at four sites. Some 8,000 square metres of land is now under organic production and waiting for certification. Residents were also trained in many aspects of sustainability, including recycling, and a biodigester plant is under construction to turn waste into energy.  

These additional benefits have brought opportunities to many residents, such as Voneen Trompeter, an unemployed single mother looking for ways to support her two children. 

“This project has made me feel more worthy of being in a community, and I have learned a lot about business and recycling,” she says. “My hope for the future is to get a permanent position within the recycling programme, as it will be beneficial to me and my family.” 

While the project is set to end later in 2025, its legacy will continue—not just in the infrastructure set up for residents. Standards and guidelines are being prepared to make it easier for such initiatives to take root in other parts of Johannesburg. 

“We are excited to see the results of the GEF project coming together,” says Liana Strydom, Assistant Director, Regional Planning, City Transformation and Spatial Planning Directorate in the City of Johannesburg. “It creates momentum to mainstream our initiatives and creates hope for broader impact across many different aspects of the city's resilience and our citizens' ability to navigate climate shifts.”  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Read moreJohannesburg Shows How People and Planet Gain From Greener Cities