DRC’s Ebola Outbreak Has the Potential to Become a Global Pandemic. How to Make Sure It Doesn’t
Drawing lessons from Sierra Leone and having watched the mid-2026 outbreak in the DRC, I conclude that it risks become a global epidemic.
Vaccines
DRC’s Ebola Epidemic Could Be the Worst in History: 4 Things That Could Help End It
The next phase of the response must not be about deploying more people into communities simply to deliver interventions.
Vaccine Hesitancy Can’t Be Boiled down to a Single Factor: What We Learnt in South Africa and Brazil
Different social realities lead to different forms of vaccine hesitancy.
South African Scientists Make Breakthrough in Decoding Cancer’s Most Effective Survival Strategy
The goal is to develop treatments that can strip away the sugar shield cancer uses to hide from the immune system.
Unregulated and Unregistered Livestock Undermine FMD Control in Gauteng
(Debate in the Gauteng Legislature on foot-and-mouth disease) The continued spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Gauteng and the fact that much of the livestock in the province are unregulated and unregistered pose a serious risk to the province’s agricultural sector. Although the Department of Agriculture emphasises the roll-out of vaccines and other control measures, […]
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The Bias in Medical Research: Africa Carries a Huge Disease Burden but Is Missing From Clinical Trials
While Africa accounts for roughly 25% of the global disease burden, its people are largely invisible in randomised controlled trials.
Dengue Fever Is a Growing Problem: Why It’s So Hard to Beat With Vaccines
In recent decades, cases have risen sharply in Africa as urbanisation, travel and climate change have expanded mosquito habitats.
African Countries Are Signing Bilateral Health Deals With the US: Virologist Identifies the ‘Red Flags’
African countries must not sign away their health data or release their pathogens in exchange for donor funding.
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Poll Reveals Complete Loss of Confidence
A recent poll conducted by the agricultural organisation Saai among farmers on the foot-and-mouth disease crisis unequivocally shows that farmers have completely lost confidence in the Department of Agriculture’s bureaucratic as well as political leadership. This should spark renewal within the department. The poll, with more than 2 000 individual participants, shows that 95% or […]
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Much Like Zuma’s 2014 SONA, President Ramaphosa Tries to Tell a “Good Story”, While Country Collapses
President Cyril Ramaphosa borrowed a page from former President Jacob Zuma’s 2014 State of the Nation Address (SONA) tonight by boasting about the country’s “good story”. President Ramaphosa delivered his speech in his capacity as President of South Africa, but he remains President of the ANC. And wherever his party governs – in councils, provinces […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Practical and Urgent Proposals for the Western Cape
The current foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which has now spread to the Western Cape, requires a sober, coordinated and practical response that balances animal health, farming sustainability and national food security. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) in the Western Cape notes with approval the R100 million allocated by the provincial government for procuring vaccines. While […]
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The Cost of Racial Targets Becomes Clear When a Mere 13 000 Vaccines for 15 Million Cattle Gets Government Jumping for Joy
(Dr Wynand Boshoff, Freedom Front Plus MP and chief spokesperson on agriculture, provides an overview of factors that contributed to the development of the current foot-and-mouth disease crisis) If anything underscores the inadequacy of government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, it is last week’s proud announcement that the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) was able […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease: While Minister Bickers About State Control, Rural Economies Grind to a Halt
While the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, is defending government’s exclusive right to procure and administer foot-and-mouth disease vaccines in court, the economic crisis affecting rural communities keeps expanding. Most rural towns are primarily sustained by agriculture. Rural economies consist mainly of input suppliers, businesses that receive and process agricultural products, financial and personal […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Immediate Action Needed in the Free State
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) provincial leader, Jan van Niekerk, and the Harrismith district farmers’ association met with the Free State MEC for Agriculture, Ms Elzabé Rockman, as well as key role players in the agricultural sector, including Dr Jurgens Barnard, Acting Director of State Veterinary Services, on Wednesday. The constructive discussion centred on […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease: State of Disaster Request Begins
After the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) on Monday called for a state of disaster to be declared in response to the widespread outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, today announced that he will table this request with the next Cabinet meeting. It would unlock additional resources to combat the […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Government’s Years of Dereliction of Duty
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) insists that a state of disaster be declared to contain the crisis of foot-and-mouth disease in the beef industry. This drastic step is warranted, because ministerial task teams’ recommendations have not been implemented since 2016. Foot-and-mouth disease is like any other contagious disease: if it is detected early and […]
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Foot-And-Mouth Disease Out of Control
While the economy is slowing down and South Africans look forward to spending the festive season with family, livestock farmers face a bleak festive season as foot-and-mouth disease causes massive financial losses. The Department of Agriculture is dragging its feet with enforcing legislation while more and more farmers are struggling to keep their heads above […]
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We Want to Help Get Agricultural Plan Back on Track for All South Africans’
It is crucial and in the best interest of everyone in South Africa that the agricultural sector functions optimally, therefore, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is willing to facilitate discussions to resolve the long-standing disputes surrounding the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP). An analysis of the points of contention and discussions with all […]
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Medical Refrigeration Vehicle Found Transporting Cement
Lesotho health ministry has suspended the driver
Here’s How The Global Health System Can Build Back Better After US Aid Cuts
To achieve global health for the future, the leadership must come not only from the US.
First Malaria Treatment for Babies Is a Major Step to Ending the Disease in Africa
A recently approved drug for malaria treatment offers hope to millions of children who suffer from the disease in Africa.
Operation Dudula Blocks Babies From Getting Vaccines
Vigilante group is controlling clinic queues in Johannesburg
Foot-And-Mouth Disease Detected at Large Feedlot – Disease Control at a Crossroads
One of South Africa’s largest feedlot groups, Karan Beef, informed its suppliers yesterday that it is imposing a temporary moratorium on purchases after foot-and-mouth disease was detected at one of its feedlots. This development is a crisis for the entire red meat industry in South Africa and impacts the whole southern part of Africa. Large […]
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Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue Between the French Republic and the Republic of South Africa
- The 9th Session of the Ministerial Forum for Political Dialogue between the Republic of France and the Republic of South Africa was held in la Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025.
- The French and South African delegations were led respectively by Their Excellencies Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and Mr Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa.
- The talks reflected the warm and cordial relations of cooperation between the two countries. Views were exchanged on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
On bilateral matters:
- The Ministers expressed their satisfaction with the improved level of cooperation in the fields of basic and higher education, science and culture, environment, electricity and energy, trade and investment, transport and development and cyber criminality. The two parties highlighted the need for both countries to develop plans of action for the effective implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
- The two parties welcomed the ongoing negotiations and significant progress made in finalising bilateral agreements pertaining to cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, transport, protection of Crozet and Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Areas, maritime search and rescue as well as the creation of a Joint Ministerial Commission on international relations.
- The South African side expressed its continued gratitude to the French Republic for the numerous scholarship opportunities afforded to young South Africans to pursue educational opportunities in France. Both countries would continue to explore opportunities for further education and training, as well as the exchange of students and academics.
- To facilitate joint business trainings in South Africa and France, at the benefit of both countries, Their Excellencies Ministers Barrot and Lamola discussed a technical agreement in the field of Cooperation on Labour and Employment for Graduates and Young Professionals. The Ministers welcomed the development and look forward to the opportunities that will be created by the signature of the agreement.
- The South African side highlighted the important role played by France in terms of solidarity partnerships, particularly through the Just Energy Transition partnership (JET-P) and the Team Europe Initiative Manufacturing African Vaccines+ (MAV+). Both countries underlined the need for the JET-P to be continued and to contribute to South Africa's transition towards a decarbonized energy mix, in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
On regional and international matters:
- The Ministers exchanged views on regional African issues of common interest, particularly the situation in Mozambique, the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Sudan. On Eastern-DRC, they agreed to pursue convergence of the various diplomatic efforts, towards a lasting and sustainable solution to the conflict.
- The two parties exchanged views on the current geopolitical environment and agreed on the need to uphold multilateralism, and a rules-based multilateral system based on international law, in line with the objectives and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT congratulated South Africa for its G20 Presidency and reiterated France's support to its priorities, summarized in the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, noting that these priorities converge with the objectives of the French initiative of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet.
- Both parties addressed global issues, including climate change and biodiversity protection. French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT underlined France's invitation to the President of the Republic of South Africa, HE Mr Matalema Cyril RAMAPHOSA, to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Nice, from 9 to 13 June 2025.
- Regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both Ministers highlighted the need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine and stressed the importance of supporting an inclusive and peaceful approach to the resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both Ministers advocated for a negotiated settlement, in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter, which include respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
- The crisis situation in the Palestinian territories and the Middle East was discussed. The French side was briefed on the status of the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). French Minister Jean-Noël BARROT invited South Africa to participate to the international conference on the Two-State solution, in June 2025 in New York, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
- The Ministers welcomed the upcoming visit by the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Honourable Mr. Paul MASHATILE, to France from 21 May to 24 May 2025 a landmark opportunity to accelerate bilateral economic collaboration. Accompanied by a high-level delegation of key Ministers, this visit will spearhead the South Africa-France Investment Conference, a dynamic platform for fostering strategic partnerships and exploring innovative avenues for economic collaboration, organised by the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in France with robust participation from leading South African and French business entities. The Ministers are confident that this pivotal engagement will unlock new opportunities, deepen investment flows, and amplify trade synergies between the two nations.
- His Excellency Ronald O. LAMOLA expressed his heartfelt appreciation and deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr Jean-Noël BARROT, to the Government of the French Republic and people of France, for the warm and fraternal welcome, as well as the kindness and attention extended to him and his delegation during their stay in France. He further looked forward to welcoming the Minister to South Africa for the G20 Summit.
Done in La Celle Saint-Cloud, France, on 16 May 2025
| For the French Republic | For the Republic of South Africa |
| H.E. Jean-Noël BARROT
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs |
H.E. Ronald Ozzy LAMOLA
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.