MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The South African ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, is no longer welcome in the US, several news publications reported on Saturday. The Guardian states: “South Africa’s ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country,” [US Secretary of State Marco] Rubio posted on X on Friday. Rubio accused ambassador …
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with the African First Ladies, announced the winners of Merck Foundation's Song Awards 2023 under two themes - “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension.”
The awards were announced by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' campaign, together with African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' campaign.
Senator Dr. Kelej said, “I feel so elated to announce the winners of Merck Foundation's “More Than a Mother” and “Diabetes and Hypertension” Song Awards in partnership with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. I congratulate and applaud our 13 talented winners.
Songs are a powerful medium for addressing and influencing social and health issues across Africa. This year's entries were exceptional, with lyrics that effectively conveyed impactful messages, sparking meaningful thought and dialogue within communities.”
The theme of “More Than a Mother” Song Awards was to raise awareness on any of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and/or Women Empowerment at all levels and the theme of “Diabetes and Hypertension” Song Awards was to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension in the African countries.
Senator Rasha added, “I have always believed that music and art have the power to evoke emotions, which in turn inspire engagement and action. This belief led us to introduce our Song Awards in 2019. To date, we have celebrated close to 50 winners.
Moreover, we have produced over 30 songs and music videos to address many critical and sensitive issues across Africa.”
Click here to listen to Merck Foundation Songs: https://apo-opa.co/4iKrDsx
Here is the list of Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother' Song Awards 2023 winners:
English Language
Theme: Women Empowerment
Theme: Women Empowerment and GBV
Theme: GBV
French Language
Theme: Child Marriage
Theme: FGM
Theme: FGM
Theme: FGM
Theme: GBV and FGM
Theme: Women Empowerment
Theme: GBV and FGM
Here is the list of winners of Merck Foundation ‘Diabetes & Hypertension' Song Awards 2023:
FIRST POSITION:
Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (English)
Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (French)
Theme: Diabetes & Hypertension (English)
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further added, “I would also like to announce the Call for Applications for the 2025 Edition of the two Merck Foundation Song Awards ‘More Than a Mother' and ‘Diabetes & Hypertension', in partnership with First Ladies of Africa and Asia.
“I invite entries from all Singers, Musicians and young talents, to contribute towards making a difference in society with their inspiring songs with strong and relevant messages about critical and sensitive issues we face in our continent. Be the voice of the voiceless, break the silence and let's all join hands to create a cultural shift”, Senator Kelej added.
Details of Merck Foundation SONG Awards 2025:
1. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “More Than a Mother”
Theme for the awards: Address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV and /or Women Empowerment.
Who can apply: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a song with the aim to address one or more of the above-mentioned social issues.
Categories: ENGLISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, AND LOCAL LANGUAGE
Submission deadline: 30th September 2025.
2. Merck Foundation SONG Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”
Theme for the awards: Promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Who can apply: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a song with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.
Categories: ENGLISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, AND LOCAL LANGUAGE
Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: apo-opa.co/43QeNES
X: apo-opa.co/43LhE1Y
YouTube: apo-opa.co/43IxXfW
Instagram: apo-opa.co/4iJ4Ope
Threads: apo-opa.co/3FCNOma
Flickr: apo-opa.co/4iNzxkZ
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download the Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4hv7F44
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (apo-opa.co/43QeNES), X (apo-opa.co/43LhE1Y), Instagram (apo-opa.co/4iJ4Ope), YouTube (apo-opa.co/43IxXfW), Threads (apo-opa.co/3FCNOma) and Flickr (apo-opa.co/4iNzxkZ).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Donald Trump’s bizarre Afrikaner refugee offer, the EFF’s imploding leadership, the MK party already looting from their own coffers and corruption in every sector, South Africa is in a state! And we’re breaking it all down!
Join host KG Mokgadi for a special episode shot in front of a LIVE studio audience. KG is joined by co-host Onke Ngcuka, Daily Maverick’s Suné Payne and Letlhogonolo Letshele from Open Secrets. Together they unpack the corruption in the private sector, government, and even rural municipalities. And, of course, a familiar face returns, played by the hilarious Keeno-Lee Hector.
Expect sharp analysis, candid conversation, and a good dose of humor as we examine the real state of the nation!
🎯 Subscribe now for more laughs and insights! http://www.bit.ly/getaweh
00:00 Introduction
01:14 Opening Monologue
08:38 Donald Trump’s attacks on South Africa
13:39 Elon Musk & State Capture
16:26 SKETCH: Looting Masterclass
18:49 State Capture recap & the way forward
25:35 Is the GNU tackling corruption?
29:40 SKETCH: Private Sector Corruption
33:37 SKETCH: Whistleblowers
37:46: SKETCH: Kakkest Dorpie Van Die Jaar
42:33 Audience Questions
45:21 Comedic PSA: Afrikaners Beware – America’s Not What You Think!
📌Follow us on:
/ politicallyaweh
https://www.instagram/politicallyaweh
https://www.x.com/politicallyaweh
/ politicallyaweh
💻Visit our website - http://www.politicallyaweh.co.za
Politically Aweh is a current affairs news show with a uniquely South African flavour. We're independent, bold, and funded by people who care what happens in and around our country.
We're also a registered nonprofit media company, and we rely on donations to keep making our fresh, fun, and fearlessly truthful content. You can support us here, once off, or monthly, using Snapscan: https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/8H-YVcrN or contact us if you need another payment method.
📩Contact info@politicallyaweh.co.za today.
Let’s Get AWEH!
Occasionally, we cover stories likely to have consequences beyond South Africa. This is one of those occasions. With trust in pharmaceutical companies arguably at its lowest point - often fuelled by wild conspiracies - its vital people are properly informed before being prescribed any drugs. That principle lies at the heart of this investigation. Sphenoid wing meningiomas are invasive tumours that often grow undetected for years, causing life-altering symptoms such as dizziness, seizures, intense headaches and a loss of bodily functions. Here, they’re most commonly diagnosed in women. Alarmingly, new research has revealed a possible association between these invasive tumours and a well-known contraceptive often prescribed in South Africa and widely distributed in the developing world by philanthropic organisations.
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #health #medical #womenshealth #birthcontrol
This month saw the exciting launch of BizTrendsTV. A first-of-its-kind venture and global benchmark for the continent, presenting Bizcommunity's (www.Bizcommunity.com) annual award-winning trends in exciting new formats, in collaboration with Rapt Creative and The Real-Networks consortium.
BizTrendsTV will leverage multimedia platforms, including YouTube as well as podcasts and social media platforms to provide business professionals with accessible, engaging, and authoritative trend resources from Africa's top thought leaders with a uniquely Afrocentric vantage.
A leading voice in Bizcommunity's trend offering for many years, fast-talking, fast-thinking Bronwyn Williams, futurist, economist and business trends analyst, has been appointed to host the show which kicked off on 25 February 25, 2025.
The first episode on the topic of Afro-optimism is now available on Bizcommunity and The Real-Network YouTube channels. Listen to hear how guest Li Ndube, identifies the trend towards an African growth mindset in contrast to a growing Western degrowth mindset in conversation and a greater sense of optimism that our continent faces versus a pervading Western ‘future-pessimism'. Li predicts that technology will level playing fields, enabling everyone with a great idea to participate in new AI economies.
The monthly series will deliver predicted trending topics from AI, influencer farming, billionaire bunkers, distraction democracy, Gen Bees, hyper-capitalism, trade wars, exclusionary geopolitical policies, to hot wars and more.
Terry Levin, Bizcommunity's Marketing Director explains “With new world orders changing at speed, BizTrends #CuratingtheFuture will play a vital role in simplifying and demystifying trends for business audiences from learner to leader. BizTrendsTV is a natural evolution and we are honoured to be associating with an A-list of business media partners in this venture.”
Garreth van Vuuren, Rapt Creative's CEO and headline sponsor, highlights the strategic importance of BizTrendsTV: “At Rapt Creative, we believe in the power of insight-driven content to shape the future of industries. BizTrendsTV is a perfect platform to foster conversations that will drive innovation and business transformation and we are proud to be the headline sponsor of this pioneering initiative.”
Danette Breitenbach, Bizcommunity's Managing Editor, says: “BizTrendsTV is a major step forward in how we engage with our audience. By expanding into video and digital platforms, Bizcommunity ensures essential insights are accessible and engaging for business professionals who need to stay ahead of the curve.”
Launching 25|02|2025 BizTrendsTV will be available on Bizcommunity's official website (www.Bizcommunity.com) and social media networks and via The Real Network digital platforms (apo-opa.co/3DnBdmq) and channels
BizTrendsTV is a collaboration between Bizcommunity, Rapt Creative and The Real-Networks consortium, and the first-of-its-kind trend show focusing on global topics impacting future socio-economic trends from a uniquely Afrocentric perspective.
Hosted by a leading voice in the African business trend ecosphere - fast-talking, fast-thinking Bronwyn Williams - futurist, economist, future finance specialist and business trends analyst - in conversion on trending topics such as AI, influencer farming, billionaire bunkers, distraction democracy, Gen Bees, hyper-capitalism, trade wars, exclusionary geopolitical policies, hot wars and more with leading PanAfrican futurists.
A new episode is available on the last Tuesday of every month at 8 am on Bizcommunity's official website and via The Real Network digital platforms.
For sponsorship enquiries or to be featured on the show contact BizTrends@bizcommunity.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity.
Media enquiries:
marketingnews@bizcommunity.com
Issued by @ bizcommunity
About Bizcommunity:
Bizcommunity is South Africa's leading B2B news platform, providing industry insights, business trends, and market intelligence to professionals across multiple sectors.
About Rapt Creative:
Rapt Creative is a strategic creative agency specialising in brand storytelling, digital innovation and content production.
About The Real-Networks Consortium:
The Real-Networks consortium is a collaborative hub of media and production experts dedicated to shaping the future of business content.
About Bronwyn Williams:
Bronwyn Williams is a futurist, economist, business trends analyst, future finance expert, keynote speaker and media commentator.
It’s one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet and, for decades, has been dominated by men. But as rugby’s popularity spreads, it’s taking root among a new player base. In fact, women’s rugby is now growing faster than the men’s game. But it’s not just among the players that the face of the sport is changing: more and more women are becoming referees. And one of the most famous is our very own Aimee Barrett-Theron. A former player herself, we recently caught up with her to discuss the pleasure – and pain – of being a top-level official. Watch the full story now on DStv Stream.
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #rugby #sports
Finance Minister to deliver Budget Speech 2025
Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, is expected to deliver the 2025 Budget Speech in Parliament today.
The Budget Speech seeks to strike a balance between fostering economic growth and providing support for the most vulnerable in society, even with constrained resources.
Additionally, the Minister will present the Appropriation Bill and submit the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill, both of which Parliament will review and process in the coming months.
“Minister Godongwana will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament is expected to process in the following months. During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister indicates the allocation of financial resources to the national government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address.
“Mr Godongwana will outline all the financial, economic and social commitments the government will prioritise in its planned expenditure. He will provide a detailed plan for 2025 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments,” Parliament said in a statement.
The speech was initially scheduled for 19 February but was postponed to allow Cabinet to further deliberate on the best possible ways to fund the budget.
In a weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the concerns raised following the postponement,
“The last-minute postponement was unfortunate. It gave rise to concern and uncertainty among South Africans, investors and the financial markets, who look to the budget for important signals about the state and direction of our economy.
“Decisions on how to spend public funds have implications for every South African. It is therefore essential that the concerns raised by different parties around the budget are properly addressed, in the interests of accountability, transparency and consensus-building,” the President said.
Members of the public are encouraged to follow the proceedings on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408), through a live stream on Parliament’s website, Parliament’s YouTube channel, and X page on following links:
A day after the Minister delivers the speech, the Deputy Director-General of the National Treasury Budget Office, Edgar Sishi, with National Treasury officials, are expected to visit Athlone High School in Cape Town to engage learners on the 2025 National Budget.
“The aim of this outreach programme is to raise awareness and educate the learners about national budget information. It will also outline the budget process and encourage engagement.
“Public participation in the budget process is essential for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. In February each year, the Minister of Finance tables the National Budget, which outlines budget allocations for national and provincial departments.
“By engaging the public, particularly the youth, this initiative promotes inclusive development, fosters trust in resource allocation and ensures the budget information is accessible to broader members of society,” National Treasury said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/12/2025 - 07:00
87 views
Two bouts of power cuts in the last six weeks were a painful reminder of the precarious state of Eskom and precarious state of our energy supply. And it’s led to renewed interest from people wanting to install solar systems at their homes and businesses. But before those who’ve already forked out the substantial amount of money needed for solar say, “I told you so”, they might want to read the fine print in a plan unveiled by Eskom.
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #loadshedding #solarenergy #solar
In Mpumalanga, farmers and transporters are battling what they claim are criminal syndicates hijacking truckloads of grain. It’s an elaborate scam that hinges on a flaw in the way the grain is bought and sold. We travelled to Delmas - arguably the grain hijacking capital - and caught one suspected ringleader red-handed..
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #farming #agriculture #crime
Cultural Creators from three of South Africa's neighbouring countries feature in KFC Streetwise's (https://Global.KFC.com/) new Original Feeds Original campaign, which celebrates the inspiration that feeds creativity.
Windhoek fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz, Harare visual director Rowan Sakarombe and the Botswana Metalheads feature in the campaign's epic TV commercial (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe), which stars Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. The commercial's soundtrack (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad) is a new song, the Originals Anthem, written and recorded by the rappers.
“Just as KFC's Streetwise brand takes its inspiration from the iconic taste of KFC's Original Recipe – while adding bucketloads of value for a new generation – the film depicts Khuli, Blxckie and 25K inspiring each other and those who will follow them,” says KFC Africa Chief Marketing Officer Grant Macpherson. “The Cultural Creators are part of the same powerful narrative.”
Scholtz, who made the suits Blxckie and 25K wear in the photoshoot scene in the TV commercial, is inspired by collaborations. “If you see someone who can do something well, why not work with them?” he says.
Sakarombe appears in the film shooting the Originals Anthem music video in the street with Khuli Chana, Blxckie and 25K. He says he's inspired by the “raw experiences of life around me” and the vibrant energy, constant motion and diverse cultures of cities.
The Originals Anthem inspires the Botswana Metalheads – whose music often contains local influences and whose style reflects cowboy culture - to infuse their originality and give it a heavy metal angle.
The campaign, which launches on 04 March 2025 across SADC regions, also features a packaging collaboration between KFC Streetwise and Cultural Creator Sindiso Nyoni, a Bulawayo-born illustrator who has built a stellar career after being inspired by an “original” – his high school art teacher, a retired graphic designer.
Making a mark
Macpherson says it's a time when young people are hungry to share their unique signature with the world. “Who better to feed their hunger than the originals who came before them?” he says.
“We want the Originals Anthem and all the activity around it to inspire all the young Africans trying to make their mark through their creativity and individuality.”
Khuli Chana says that as one of the legends of South African hip-hop, he's passionate about inspiring new artists. “The reason I started Maftown Heights in 2009 was to help rappers from Mahikeng find their footing in Joburg with a sound and language that wasn't mainstream at the time,” he says. “It led to great things and it's still giving new artists a platform. I love inspiring musicians to find their original sound.”
Blxckie says his career and development has been built on collaborations, and every one of them keeps him original. “Musicians lift each other up,” he says. “They support each other and make each other better at what they do.”
25K was introduced to rap by artists such as DJ Mojava, Ghetto Squad, and old school hip-hop groups Dead Prez and Outcast, and became an original by rapping in S'Pitori, a mixed language spoken in Pretoria.
“I want to be remembered for that and I want to inspire kids,” he says. “When I'm no longer here, I want to feel like I left something that will make it easier for another kid to come out of Pretoria.”
Other Cultural Creators who appear in the Original Feeds Original TV commercial include Kind Kid toymaker Sanele Qwabe, “Nail Pimp” Nailed Ntswembu, the Island Gals skateboarders and custom car pimper Ofentse Mphatsoe.
Passing the torch
The commercial begins with Khuli starting to write the Originals Anthem and ends with him as the OG, welcoming Blxckie and 25K on stage and handing the mic to them.
“It's the story of my life and it's the story of KFC Streetwise,” says Khuli. “Passing the mic is like passing the torch, and that's how Original Feeds Original.”
Director Sam Coleman says the 90-second video portrays the endless cycle of inspiration, in which each creator is galvanised by the ones before and motivates those who follow. “It's an explosive mix of visual eye candy, entertainment, musical reward, style, and unique brand integration that instantly hijacks your attention and eyeballs,” he says. “Everything about it is engaging, surprising and fresh.”
And there's an extra twist to the campaign, says Macpherson. “Every time someone streams the Originals Anthem, the money it earns will go to KFC Add Hope. It will be used to feed malnourished children throughout South Africa.
“Among the kids who benefit from Add Hope are the next generation of Khulis, Blxckies and 25Ks and the Cultural Creators of the future. So, anyone who listens to the anthem will be helping them on their way.”
The Originals Anthem is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify (https://apo-opa.co/4irtnad), YouTube Music (https://apo-opa.co/4if2LsS) and Apple Music (https://apo-opa.co/43srwgO).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
30” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/4h9AfYu)
90” TVC available here (https://apo-opa.co/43najWe)
KFC socials:
KFC Eswatini
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ilOwlT
Instagram: @ kfc_eswatini - https://apo-opa.co/43mH322
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time. KFC Streetwise is a registered trademark.
Progress in closing the gender gap in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa has almost halted, leaving millions of women at a disadvantage to men. But female role models across the continent are refusing to admit defeat, dedicating themselves to accelerating progress towards gender equality.
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March and honour its theme of “Accelerate Action”, KFC Africa has collected the stories of dozens of women who are taking bold steps to advance equality on the continent by educating, empowering and supporting women to achieve more, together, faster.
KFC Africa's list contains the names of 54 women – one for each year the company has been in Africa – and follows its successful International Women's Day campaign in 2024 which introduced an inaugural list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID) of 53 “female firsts”. Each of those women had overcome educational, social and financial obstacles to achieve something no woman in their country had done before.
The 2025 list (https://apo-opa.co/4h5xiID), drawn from each of the 22 Sub-Saharan Africa countries where KFC has restaurants, also has its share of female firsts – people such as Dior Fall Sow, Senegal's first female prosecutor; Nelly Mutti, the Zambian parliament's first female speaker; and Adelaide Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, the first woman to lead Lesotho's central bank.
The list is dominated, however, by younger women who are breaking the mould – particularly in the technology sector – and showing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of age or gender.
They include the likes of Christine Ogo, a Cote d'Ivoire physicist who has encouraged thousands of schoolgirls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics; Rachel Sibande, who set up Malawi's first technology incubator for emerging entrepreneurs and has gone on to teach coding to 92,000 women and children; and Regina Honu, whose Tech Needs Girls movement in Ghana has trained more than 20,000 women and girls to code.
Gender gap
“It's a powerful list that gives us hope after the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report (https://apo-opa.co/4i2QKXB) in 2024 showed that progress seems to have ground to a halt,” says Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa.
The report showed that 68.4% of Sub-Saharan Africa's gender gap had been closed, only marginally higher than 68.2% in 2023 (https://apo-opa.co/3QEYGm5). South Africa, while being Africa's highest scorer and ranking 18th out of 146 nations, went backwards, from 78.7% in 2023 to 78.5% a year later.
“The report says that at the current rate of progress, it will be 2158 until the world reaches full gender parity,” says Qengqe. “That's why we need to accelerate action, particularly in Africa, and why the efforts of the women on the KFC list are worthy of recognition and support.”
In her seven years at KFC – she was as director of Africa franchise development, director of transformation and diversity and chief people officer before taking over as general manager in April 2023 – Qengqe has prioritised female empowerment.
Her initiatives include spearheading KFC Add Hope, a women-led programme that serves free meals to tens of thousands of children at more than 3,000 feeding centres across South Africa.
In 2021, she launched the Women on the Move leadership development programme, which prepares 22 women at KFC for future leadership positions every year, cultivating a pipeline of talent. Within two years, the number of female leaders in the business grew by 14%.
Transforming franchising
Last November she turned her attention to the wider quick service restaurant sector, launching Women in Franchising Africa (Wifa), the first network for current and aspiring female franchisees and franchisors across the continent.
“To say I am passionate about the inclusion of women in growing our economies is an understatement. It is in fact one of my life's purposes,” she says. “My partners in Wifa intend to transform the participation of women in the franchising sector across African economies.
“We want to educate women on how to run successful franchise businesses, provide networking opportunities for like-minded women, transform the sector by making funding accessible to women, and create mentorship opportunities for all the women in the network.”
KFC Africa Chief People Officer Nolo Thobejane says “Accelerate Action” is a call to look at what has a positive impact on women's advancement and replicate it.
“This is a journey we need to embark on together as we learn from each other. I cannot stress enough the importance of forming alliances and partnerships to amplify impact. By working together, organisations and individuals can share resources, knowledge, and support to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.”
“At KFC, we have implemented some programmes which have yielded great results – such as the Women on the Move Leadership programme to ensure the pipeline of leaders, developing them with quality education and training through initiatives like our Streetwise Academy and then providing career support into positions of leadership.”
“Other successful initiatives organisations can implement include designing and building infrastructure that meets the needs of women and girls, involving them in sustainable agriculture, and elevating their participation and achievement in sport, as we do with KFC Mini Cricket.”
“There's a lot we can do as individuals, too – we can call out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias and celebrate women's success. Everyone everywhere can Accelerate Action.”
Qengqe says the new list of 54 names brings to 107 the number of inspirational African women KFC has honoured and recognised in the past two years. “We know this is the tip of a wonderful iceberg, and we welcome nominations of other women who are Accelerating Action in Africa.”
Explore the list of 54 women Accelerating Action across Africa: https://apo-opa.co/4heEjqM
To nominate a woman Accelerating Action: Email: za-kfcafricamedia@yum.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KFC Africa.
For media inquiries and to arrange interviews with Akhona Qengqe and Nolo Thobejane:
Elmarie Swart
Phone number:
WhatsApp: +44 7464739649
South Africa: +27 79 831 2429
Email: elmarie@kamuses.co.za
KFC Socials:
Instagram – @kfcsouthafrica - https://apo-opa.co/3FdDUap
Facebook – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4hYOsJl
TikTok – @kfcsa - https://apo-opa.co/4h83tHx
X – @KFCSA - https://apo-opa.co/4h9pMMX
YouTube – @KFCSouthAfrica - youtube.com/@KFCSouthAfrica
About KFC Africa:
KFC has been in South Africa for over 53 years and has more than 1,300 stores across the country. The first KFC restaurant in South Africa opened in 1971 in Orange Grove, Johannesburg. KFC is the leading quick-service restaurant brand in South Africa with just under a third of market share, according to Brand Image Tracker. KFC serves more than 20 million customers a month and we work hard to ensure that no matter which of our restaurants they walk into, they will get that distinctive KFC flavour and have a great experience. KFC's Original Recipe® Chicken was first made by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1940 when he perfected his secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices at his restaurant in Kentucky. Today, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant, still preparing our chicken with the Colonel's secret recipe to his exact standards. Every KFC restaurant follows the same global processes and procedures to ensure that our customers get great-tasting food, every time.
Montana weather event confirmed as a landspout
Analysis of the recent destructive weather event in Montana, north of Pretoria, has been confirmed as a landspout and not a tornado.
This as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) conducted a thorough analysis of the destructive weather event that took place on Tuesday, 18 February.
“Following the analysis, which included visits to the site of the event and a close study of high-resolution satellite images of the event, among other things, the SAWS has concluded that the event was, in fact, a landspout as opposed to a tornado,” the weather service said on Friday.
In its statement it explained that a landspout develops over land and is generally smaller and weaker. A tornado, on the other hand, is a violent rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm and measures less than a few hundred meters in diameter although some are larger than 1 km.
“Tornadoes and landspouts are two small-sized events that the SAWS is working tirelessly to nowcast for the benefit of the public. Unlike with other weather conditions, signs of the potential development of a tornado are very evasive, particularly for landspouts,” it explained.
However, there has been an instance where the SAWS issued a tornado warning before its formation (on Saturday, 30 December 2017) albeit four minutes before it struck.
“Both tornadoes and landspouts have a similar appearance, but their development mechanisms and strengths differ. It is for this reason that the SAWS conducted a thorough analysis across Montana after which it was concluded that the event was a landspout.”
The landspout developed shortly before 5pm local time and affected a short stretch to the busy Sefako Makgato Drive.
From there, it uprooted trees and remained on the one side of the main road. Eyewitnesses estimated that this landspout took less than five minutes before lifting and disappearing.
The trace of its weakened phase was noted towards Zambezi where only tree branches were broken off with a zigzagging motion to the right side and back to the left of the main road.
Here, carport awnings and more roof sheeting were broken, twisted and lofted into the air.
“It is miraculous that, to date, no reports of deaths or injuries have been received.
“The landspout was rated as an EF0 according to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale for tornado intensity, which is in use internationally. An EF0 event is generally associated with light or minor damage and corresponds to estimated wind speeds of the order of 90 to 130 kmh,” SAWS said.
At the time of the incident, the SAWS had an Orange Level 5 Impact-Based weather warning in place over Gauteng and adjacent provinces for disruptive rainfall and/or localised flooding.
Action to be taken when either a landspout or tornado strike:
• Where possible, quickly get out of the zone to which two thunderclouds are moving. Within such zones, it is almost certain that the wind will be strong and potentially damaging with injurious debris. Community members at the sudden start of a tornado or landspout may be caught by surprise, but each next minute should be used effectively.
• Do not use a tree as shelter when it is positioned in the path of a tornado or landspout.
• Loud sounds associated with tornadic impacts should quickly be used to scan the direction of clouds some distance away from the tornado / landspout. Thereafter, move out of the path of this event before moving opposite the main direction of clouds. Then find refuge.
• When indoors in a formal house, remain in a small room such the bathroom.
• To minimise impact for the shack dwellers, use the inside of small-sized furniture such as a sided wardrobe.
The SAWS said such action validates the saying “save one life, safe the world”.
Situational awareness creates a smooth and continuous defence against potential weather hazards, and it forms part and parcel of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative.
The EW4All was introduced by the United Nations to ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through lifesaving Early Warning Systems by the end of 2027.
“The public can be rest assured that SAWS, as mandated by the SAWS Act (Act 8 of 2001), will continue to monitor and assess developing weather systems and endeavour to issue weather-related Impact Based Early Warnings in a timely manner,” it said.
Such early warnings are routinely disseminated via mainstream news platforms such as radio, television, printed media as well as the SAWS website www.weathersa.co.za .
Additionally, pertinent information regarding on-the-ground impacts and significant expected weather events are posted on major social media platforms such as X (previously Twitter) @SAWeatherServic, Facebook (South African Weather Service) as well as YouTube. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 11:11
241 views
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) today announced the 12 teams and game schedule (https://apo-opa.co/43iFBgS) for the opening leg of the league's milestone fifth season, which will tip off with the Kalahari Conference group phase from Saturday, April 5 – Sunday April 13 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
The 2025 BAL season, which will feature three regular-season group phases and culminate with the playoffs and finals at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa in June, will feature a record six first-time BAL participants, including the first BAL teams from Cape Verde (Kriol Star Basketball) and Kenya (Nairobi City Thunder), as well as defending champion Petro de Luanda (Angola) and 2022 champion US Monastir (Tunisia). Petro de Luanda and US Monastir are the only teams to have qualified for all five BAL seasons. Below is the complete list of participating teams by conference.
1. Kalahari Conference
2. Sahara Conference
3. Nile Conference
Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice. During group phase play, the home team in each country will play on every gameday.
In the season opener, Stade Malien (Mali) will face Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) at 4:00 p.m. GMT+1. In the second game, home team Fath Union Sport (FUS; Morocco) will take on Al Ittihad (Egypt) at 7:00 p.m. GMT+1. Single-game tickets for the games in Rabat are available online at Guichet.ma (https://apo-opa.co/4bkwuyc) and the following physical locations: Megarama Cinema in Casablanca (https://apo-opa.co/3DeI6Gv), Megarama Cinema in Fes (https://apo-opa.co/4h0Ix54) and the National Theatre in Rabat (https://apo-opa.co/3Xpawoa). Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at the arena.
Tickets for the games in Dakar, Senegal are also on sale now at www.BAL.NBA.com and BAL-TeewTickets.com.
Eight teams from across the three conferences will travel to Pretoria for four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination playoffs and finals from Friday, June 6 – Saturday, June 14.
Additional information about the 2025 BAL season will be announced in the coming weeks.
*First-time BAL participant
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
BAL Season 5 Hype Video: https://apo-opa.co/3XnHJjD
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 615 42 87
EEselem@theBAL.com
Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4ijfSsO
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3DoEnGe
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/41i0eY6
X: https://apo-opa.co/4kgmZnR
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3QzPMGq
Register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.
About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fifth season in April 2025. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.
PIETERMARITZBURG: After four rounds of the Division 2 One Day Cup, it’s the ACDC Express Tuskers who have set the early...
For our economy to flourish, it’s vital that Transnet – the parastatal responsible for our rail network and ports – functions properly. But, despite endless promises of a turnaround, it’s an organisation on the skids. Poor management, equipment failures and other issues are causing massive delays at most of our ports, which now ranks among the worst in the world. The impact on our economy has been devastating. So, we headed to Cape Town determined to get some answers.
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #shipping #transport #economy #budget
Government welcomes provisional outcomes of the media market inquiry
Government says it acknowledges and welcomes the provisional outcomes of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), led by the Competition Commission of South Africa.
This week, the preliminary report from the commission regarding the MDPMI) garnered attention for its strong recommendation that Google should pay as much as R500 million yearly to compensate South Africa’s news industry.
The commission believes that South Africa should impose a digital tariff of 5% to 10% on major tech companies such as Google, Meta and Microsoft if they fail to fairly compensate media organisations for the content they distribute on their platforms.
The MDPMI began on 17 October 2023 and aims to investigate the characteristics of digital platforms that distribute news media content.
The focus is on identifying features that may hinder, distort, or restrict competition, or that undermine the objectives of the Competition Act.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has since described the inquiry as a crucial step in ensuring a fair and competitive digital media environment that supports the sustainability of local journalism and promotes media diversity.
“The South African media landscape is evolving rapidly, with digital platforms playing an increasingly dominant role in content distribution and advertising revenue,” a statement from the GCIS on Wednesday read.
Adjunct Faculty Member and Head of the GIBS Media Leadership Think Tank, Michael Markovitz, stated that the report aims to address the root causes of anti-competitive behaviour among big tech companies, and seeks to fundamentally reshape the digital market to foster fairer competitive dynamics.
The inquiry assessed the impact of global digital giants on local media businesses, ensuring that South African publishers, broadcasters and digital content creators can compete on a level playing field.
Government - through the GCIS, in partnership with members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation Steering Committee - said it remains committed to supporting an independent, pluralistic and sustainable media sector, recognising its fundamental role in strengthening democracy and ensuring access to diverse sources of information.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, said the GCIS will work with all stakeholders, including media houses, digital platforms, advertisers, and the public on the implementation of the final outcomes of the MDPMI.
“We will also contribute to the solutions proposed for addressing the challenges facing the media sector while unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth,” Morolong said.
The GCIS said the inquiry’s provisional outcome supports efforts for media transformation and sustainability, promoting economic participation and safeguarding public interest journalism, which is vital for a fair and diverse media landscape in South Africa.
White paper
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, has welcomed the recommendations of the provisional report.
Diko believes that the recommendations strengthen the committee’s call for an urgent publication of a White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety by the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
“For a very long time, over-the-top (OTT) digital platforms exploited the regulatory gap in the sector to the detriment of the public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, which operates under stringent regulations. We further welcome the recommendation that media houses be remunerated for the content they produce that gets to be exploited by OTT and digital platforms,” Diko explained.
She further said that the recommendations on Google and YouTube, amongst others, will hopefully serve as a deterrent to everyone that the lack of direct regulation in the sector is not "licencee for unscrupulous business practices". – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:45
81 views
From teachers to tennis, water polo and gymnastics coaches, we’ve investigated many alleged sexual predators over the years. It’s a traumatic reality that many have preyed on schoolgoers. So, you’d think that government would be doing all it can to ensure people already found guilty of these horrendous crimes, didn’t find their way back into our schools. Shockingly, through a collaboration with investigative organisation Viewfinder, we discover that’s far from the case.
For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #education #school #crime
The Greater Kyalami Conservancy (GEKCO) is dedicated to protecting unique wetlands that border Johannesburg. So, when property developers announced plans to build new commercial and housing estates on its doorstep, pushback was inevitable. That pushback came from GEKCO itself, as they fought against the company behind the plans, Century Property Developments. It resulted in an eye-watering multi-million rand damages claim against GEKCO and its chair in 2021. Some legal experts described it as an attempt to intimidate - a growing trend among big corporates the world over. But, as ever, the little guys refuse to buckle.
For more content, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More M-Net Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #conservation #legal #law #development
Cape Town man’s bequest to Boerelegioen declared invalid
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Cancer Day 2025' together with Africa's First Ladies and Ministries of Health. Through their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation is is building quality and equitable cancer care capacity in Africa.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation, highlighted, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day not just as a single day, but as a our continued commitment to transform and advance cancer care in Africa.
Together with my dear sisters, the Africa's First Ladies, we are have enhanced the cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 194 scholarships to young African doctors from 32 countries, significantly increasing the number of oncologists in Africa. We are making history together by providing these important scholarships for the first oncologists and /or the first cancer care teams in many countries across Africa.”
Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2100 scholarships to doctors from over 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
The Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program provides One, two- and three-years fellowship, Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of oncology for doctors from Africa. The clinical training has been conducted in India, Egypt and Kenya. Additionaly, Merck Foundation also provides scholarships for 2 years online PG Diploma in Cancer and Clinical Oncology, 01 year online PG Diploma in Medical Oncology and 1 year online PG Diploma in Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University.
Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of clinical training in Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopaedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Surgical Oncology - Genital Urinary System, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing.
Merck Foundation through its Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program has provided 194 scholarships of Oncology to doctors from 32 countries including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“In several of these countries, there wasn't even a single oncologist. We are proud to be making history in Africa by training the first oncologists and establishing the first cancer care teams in nations such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, and Niger. Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of cancer care across the continent and leading Africa toward a healthier future,” explained Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Africa records around 1.1 million new cases of cancer, resulting in up to 700,000 deaths, every year, as per WHO data. The mortality rate of cancer patients is very high in Africa, as compared to the rest of the world.
“One of the key reasons is also the late diagnosis of the disease. Therefore, these scholarships are very important” added Senator Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Dr. Chifundo Kajombo, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, “I am privileged to be awarded a scholarship by Merck Foundation to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Tata Memorial Hospital, India. I managed to advance from basic surgical oncology principles to the advanced level. This has helped me improve my understanding of cancer and operative principles. Since returning back home, I have managed to change the structure of how our breast clinic runs and modified it to incorporate a number of new things that we probably could not have possibly included. I am so proud to share that I have just been awarded the Best Surgeon for 2023 in Malawi. I would not have achieved this feat without Merck Foundation's scholarship. I am very thankful.”
Watch testimonials videos of Merck Foundation Oncology Fellowship Alumni: https://apo-opa.co/4bab06Y
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Link of the extra posters: https://apo-opa.co/3X6RmD6
Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4k65XbW
X: https://apo-opa.co/43mGeGv
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3EVeWMS
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/413ECyl
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/4gLTA1P
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4gSxZVs
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download the Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/413wo9z
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4k65XbW), X (https://apo-opa.co/43mGeGv), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/413ECyl), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3EVeWMS), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4gLTA1P) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4gSxZVs).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
According to a recent Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) survey*, 91% of parents surveyed in South Africa and 89% of parents surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region use gadgets to entertain and occupy their children while traveling or to gain some free time for themselves. Moreover, half (50%) of children in South Africa and over half (52%) of children in the META region receive their first personal device – a smartphone or tablet – quite early, at the age of 3-7 years. However, 26% and 22% of respondents respectively have not discussed Internet safety rules with their children. This means that some of the children, who are often left one-on-one with their devices, are not always aware of how to behave safely online.
The children themselves admit that gadgets play a significant role in their lives. According to their own admission, 72% in South Africa and 78% in the META region cannot live without their gadgets. Smartphones, tablets and game consoles are at the top of the list of the most desirable devices for children. This emphasises the critical need for children to understand that they can be exposed to threats online, what this means and how to safely navigate this through appropriate device rules and guidelines.
“Most parents give their children gadgets in order to entertain them, spare some time for themselves or calm down their kids. However, children shouldn't use digital devices uncontrolled. Rather parents should monitor their child's digital life better. This can be done by limiting screen time and holding conversations, however, a security solution is also needed”, comments Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa at Kaspersky.
“Applying parental control is not showing distrust to your child; it's a sensible precaution with which you can, among other things, protect the device and the data on it. It allows parents to control which sites their children visit and which games they play, as well as disallowing file downloads, blocking access to content on unwanted topics and preventing the disclosure of confidential information. This way, Kaspersky's technologies help protect finances and confidential data from cybercriminals, and protect children from the risks that may lurk in the online environment”, he adds.
Kaspersky suggests protecting children with the following proactive measures:
*The survey was conducted by Toluna research agency at the request of Kaspersky in 2023. The study sample included 10000 online interviews (5000 parent-child pairs, with children aged 3 to 17 years) in 5 countries: Türkiye, South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://apo-opa.co/3EIX1Jr)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
Follow us:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3EEx6T2
X: https://apo-opa.co/4gH6e28
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4i6LPVw
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4k6i1tS
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4b7uf1a
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
It’s a well-known care facility in Gauteng, with a reputation as a sanctuary for the elderly, the homeless and those living with mental and physical disabilities. It’s received generous donations and media coverage, but Uncle Ben’s Den has recently faced shocking allegations of verbal abuse, unhygienic living conditions and the malnutrition of some of its residents. While investigating the claims, we were invited to see the facility first-hand. So, unannounced, we took up the offer. For the full story, get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More @mnet101 Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news
NBA Africa and Safaricom (NSE: SCOM- https://apo-opa.co/4gKHaas), the region's leading technology company, on Saturday launched the M-PESA Jr. NBA program that will provide basketball development and financial literacy programming to more than 10,000 boys and girls in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, marking the league's most expansive youth development program in East Africa to date.
The first year of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, which tipped off with a clinic for more than 100 local coaches at SABIS International School in Nairobi, will consist of four regional tournaments for youth ages 13-16 in Nairobi (Feb. 22-23), Mombasa (March 8-9), Eldoret (March 15-16) and Kisumu (March 22-23).
In each city, 20 boys' and 20 girls' teams will participate in skills development sessions and competitive games. The top 80 players will then be grouped into four boys' teams and four girls' teams that will play games in a round-robin format. The top 16 boys and girls from each city will be selected to attend an elite top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa in April.
In addition to the basketball development programming, M-PESA, Safaricom's innovative mobile payment platform, will host financial literacy workshops for the participating youth, empowering them to develop healthy financial habits.
“Tipping off our multiyear collaboration with Safaricom is an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to make basketball more accessible to Kenyan boys and girls,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “We look forward to positively impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life-skills programming.”
“Our collaboration with NBA Africa could not have come at a more opportune moment, as Safaricom's M-PESA will celebrate its 18th anniversary this March, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa. “Through M-PESA Go, this collaboration transcends beyond basketball. It is driven by a shared vision to create a lasting impact, not only in sports but also in the broader context of youth empowerment. We are committed to nurturing potential, building character, and equipping the next generation with the tools necessary for success. We firmly believe that the association between M-PESA Go and the Jr. NBA program can pave the way for growth and financial health, enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fifth season in April 2025. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWny) and @ theBAL (https://apo-opa.co/3ELjWE4) on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Safaricom:
Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities, and people to information. We keep over 45.9 million customers connected and play a critical role in the society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly while our total economic value was estimated at KES 393 billion ($3.1 billion) for the 12 months through March 2022.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and with annual revenues of close to KES 335.4 billion as of March 2024, Safaricom provides connectivity through wide range of technology, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G in aggregate covering over 99% of Kenya's population.
Safaricom is an equal opportunity employer, actively recruiting staff from different backgrounds reflecting the communities that we serve. We are committed to equal gender representation at all levels. Our target is to achieve 50:50 senior management gender parity by 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we continue to work towards improving energy and resource efficiency in our network and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and our fuel consumption. We remain committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟴 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟲.
Escorted by the legendary Rooivalk combat helicopter, Carte Blanche travels to a recently-captured military camp deep in the tropical forests north of Beni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. John Webb gains exclusive access to the SANDF’s forward-operating bases in the infamous Triangle of Death in North Kivu Province as we visit our soldiers on the frontline in the battle against ADF rebels. We find soldiers who have distinguished themselves both in the field of battle as well as in crucial combat support roles, and SANDF pilots operating as part of the UN's aviation unit who have fast developed a reputation for skill and courage. Carte Blanche also meets the SANDF's General Derrick Mgwebi who was appointed to head the overall UN peacekeeping operation in the DRC - still the largest peacekeeping mission in the world.
For more content get DStv Stream Premium: https://bit.ly/DStv-Stream
---
Stream the show live on the DStv Stream app: https://bit.ly/3l92LhH
Visit the Carte Blanche official site: https://mnet.dstv.com/show/carte-blanche
Find us on Catch Up: https://bit.ly/32VvbU5
Watch more series and movies on Showmax, start your 14-day free trial here: https://bit.ly/36PFSr0
Get DStv: https://bit.ly/3edx58V
Like Carte Blanche on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carteblanchetv/
Follow Carte Blanche on Twitter: https://twitter.com/carteblanchetv/
Be a fan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchetv/
More @mnet101 Magic: https://www.dstv.com/m-net/en-za/home
#carteblanche #southafrica #news #drc #congo #sandf #military #conflict #war #africa
![[FROM THE ARCHIVES] The SANDF in the DRC | Carte Blanche | M-Net](https://myza.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/from-the-archives-the-sandf-in-the-drc-carte-blanche-m-net-400x266.jpg)