Police have rescued two victims, believed to be victims of alleged kidnapping.
The victims were reportedly released by their kidnappers due to the pressure exerted upon the suspects by the police. This was as a result of an intelligence-driven operation consisting of the Cash-In-Transit Interim Team of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence (CI), Provincial Tracing Team and Hostage Negotiators. The victims were held hostage and released after eight days.
It alleged that a 39-year-old victim was accosted by unidentified suspects whilst she was driving a Toyota Fortuner, travelling to Umngazi Resort, Port St John’s, on 20 September 2024.
In another incident, a 34-year-old victim was also accosted by unidentified suspects on 17 September 2024 between Barkley East and Elliot.
The investigations by the joint team ensued, where the police were working around the clock.
As a result, the victims were allegedly dropped off by a white Toyota single cab bakkie nearby Sulenkama Police Station. Both victims were released unharmed but were traumatised and were taken to a health care facility for medical assistance. The investigations are still underway.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, applauded the joint team for making sure that the victims were released unharmed and reunited with their families. – SAnews.gov.za
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured its first conviction, sentence and confiscation order related to the Steinhoff case.
This after the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria sentenced former Steinhoff physician, Dr Gerhardus Burger, to some five years imprisonment – wholly suspended for five years, if he is not found guilty of contravention of section 78(2) of the Financial Markets Act within that period.
According to the NPA spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, Burger also has to “testify in the criminal proceedings against his accomplices”.
“The court also issued a confiscation order for €90,000 which is about R1.8 million seized by Swiss authorities after the collapse of Steinhoff. This is after Dr Burger pleaded guilty to three counts of insider trading and was convicted as such when he appeared in court.
“The Steinhoff case, one of the biggest cases of corporate fraud in the history of South Africa, has been one of the most complex commercial crime cases that the [Hawks] and the NPA have had to deal with.
“At a point when a significant breakthrough was made to enrol the case earlier this year, the main accused, ex-CEO of Steinhoff, Markus Jooste, took his life on the eve of his arrest, thus escaping the hands of justice when it mattered the most,” she said.
The spokesperson explained that just before the Steinhoff collapse, the late CEO sent Dr Burger who accompanied Steinhoff directors on overseas trips to look after their health, a text advising him to sell his Steinhoff shares.
“Burger thereafter sold all the Steinhoff shares held under the Dieter Burger and Lane Burger Trusts where his children are beneficiaries. He also sold 39,722 Steinhoff shares held at Stefana Overseas Ltd, where Dr Burger was also the beneficiary, on the Swiss stock exchange.
“Shortly after the sale of the shares, Steinhoff shares plummeted and became almost worthless. At that point the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) instituted investigations where Dr Burger was convicted and found guilty of insider trading for the same transactions and paid a penalty of R3 million to FSCA. FSCA then referred the matter to the NPA for criminal prosecution.
“The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the conviction and sentence. It is important for the public to understand that criminal prosecutions require patience, preparation, and a certain measure of certainty,” Mahanjana said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health
Lei Haichao, minister of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), met with Rwandan Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana on Sept 3 in Beijing. The pair discussed further strengthening bilateral health cooperation.
During his meeting with Nsanzimana, Lei introduced the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well as the goals and key tasks in health reform.
He said that China is ready to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and deepen exchanges between the health departments of China and Rwanda under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries.
China is willing to intensify the work of the medical teams assisting Rwanda and further strengthen cooperation in areas such as hospital management and operations, high-end medical equipment development, big data and artificial intelligence related to healthcare, and personnel training, so as to make a greater contribution to the building of a China-Africa health community, he noted.
Nsanzimana thanked the Chinese side for presenting the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and expressed particular appreciation for China’s long-term selfless assistance to Rwanda’s healthcare development.
He said Rwanda is willing to work on strengthening bilateral health exchanges and cooperation and looks forward to China’s further assistance in promoting the development of Rwanda’s healthcare system.
Officials of related NHC departments were present at the meeting.
The second edition of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) seminar on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was conducted at Naval War College, Goa on 25 Sep 24. The seminar reviewed the IUU fishing activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), its implications in the economic, environmental and security domain, and the legal voids in tackling these activities that could be pursued by the IORA member states.
Delegates from 17 IORA countries including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Somalia, South Africa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Tanzania participated in the issue based discussions to counter the ever growing menace of IUU Fishing in IOR.
Faafetai Chaplain Lt Col (Todd) Brown for the thoughtful word of encouragement.
Your Highnesses, Head of State and Masiofo
Your Excellency, Council of Deputies and your good lady
Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Honorable Cabinet Members
Honorable Chief Justice and the Judiciary
Honorable Speaker of Parliament
Honorable Members of Parliament
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Talofa lava and good evening,
It is truly a pleasure to stand before you this evening in the stunning backdrop of Samoa. The natural beauty of these islands, with their crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes, is a constant reminder of the vibrant culture and spirit that fills this land. I am honored to be here among you and to feel the warmth of your hospitality.
Each day since my arrival I am continuously encouraged by the joy, hope, and talent in Samoa.
If I’m being completely honest, I wish could sing, dance, and play sports half as well as everyone here! That said, these are very important skills I hope to improve upon during my time in Samoa. In terms of my background, I originally hail from a small town outside of Buffalo, New York and have served three overseas assignments, as well as three assignments in Washington, where I most recently served in the Secretary of State’s Operations Center. This is my first assignment in the Pacific and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Tonight, I would like to take a moment to introduce you to our newly expanded leadership team. First, join me in a round of applause to welcome our most recently arrived officer, our emcee Laila Gillam. Laila joined us last week as our first-ever Public Affairs Officer. Laila has more than 19 years’ experience as a diplomat and most recently served as Public Affairs Officer in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. She is originally from Colorado.
Many of you already know him, but for those who do not, I’d also like to introduce you to our Political/Economic Affairs Chief Donald Alderman. Donald arrived in Samoa three months ago.
He is also a highly experienced diplomat working on Asia and Pacific issues and has served in Germany, China, Nigeria and South Africa. Donald is originally from Alaska.
As our office continues to expand, so too will our programs and collaborations here in Samoa.
Together, we can explore new opportunities and creative solutions that directly benefit the community, ensuring that our engagement is meaningful and impactful.
Building on the incredible work of my predecessors, my primary aim is to further enhance the relationships we have cultivated, create new relations and to continue expanding upon the core principles that have guided us over the years.
The last several years the U.S. administration has worked to broaden and deepen its engagement with Pacific Island countries as a priority of U.S. foreign policy. As a Pacific nation, the United States has a clear and abiding interest in partnering with Samoa to advance a shared agenda: addressing the climate crisis, maintaining peaceful waterways and upholding freedom of navigation, promoting development and economic growth, and deepening people-to-people ties.
Regionally, in the past three and a half years, the United States has hosted two historic Pacific Islands Forum Summits at the White House; opened three new embassies in Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu; released the first ever U.S.-Pacific Partnership Strategy; and announced plans, working with Congress, to provide over $8 billion in new funding for the Pacific Islands.
The United States recognized Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign and independent states and established diplomatic relationships with them; expanded USAID offices in Papua New Guinea and Fiji; returned the Peace Corps to Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu; and increased the availability of U.S. consular services to enable easier travel. We have surged Coast Guard resources to help safeguard maritime territories against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; launched National Guard State Partnership Programs with Samoa and Papua New Guinea; and tended to tens of thousands of medical patients during missions by the hospital ship USNS Mercy.
We are committed to increasing our assistance in key areas such as health through initiatives like Soifua Manuia returning next month, and I am particularly excited about enhancing our exchange programs like our International Visitor Leadership Program. We hope to increase collaborations through our State Partnership Program, as evident in the Prisons and Corrections subject matter exchange that was held this week by the amazing team from the Nevada National Guard. Can my colleagues from the National Guard raise your hands – welcome and thank you!
One newest initiative just announced at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga is a funding opportunity called the Pacific Ambassadors’ Self-Help Small Grants fund, which will provide grants to local organizations to fund programs that address the impacts of climate change on the environment.
These are a few of the initiatives that not only strengthen our ties but also enrich the lives of those we serve.
Your commitment and dedication will undoubtedly pave the way for further successes as we all work together towards our shared goals. This new chapter comes with exciting opportunities, and I look forward to collaborating with each of you.
Thank you all for being here tonight. I look forward to working closely with each of you as we embark on this journey together. Let us celebrate the beauty of Samoa and the potential of our partnership as we move forward.
Fa’afetai lava! Thank you.
Now join me in raising your glasses to toast the continued friendship and partnership between the United States and Samoa.
Huawei Advocates for Strong Collaboration Between Governments, Private Sector and Academia to Drive Innovation Leveraging Konza and Local Universities.
Huawei has called for deeper collaboration between governments, the private sector and academia as a key strategy to drive innovation, foster economic growth, and create sustainable development solutions.
Speaking at a Round Table on Partnerships for Development Through Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, on the sideline of the 41st IASP World Conference between September 24-27 2024 in Nairobi, Adam Lane, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Huawei Kenya emphasized the importance of partnerships in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address pressing local, regional and global challenges.
“In the last 5 years we have worked closely with Konza in providing infrastructure and training for Jitume Labs as well as funding research into how to enhance their effectiveness; we also plan to support events to bring more partners on board to Jitume. We are collaborating with Machakos University to set-up an IoT Lab and contributing content for the Bachelors in IoT and Cloud Computing as well as supporting innovation competitions and hackathons with universities and TVETs across the country. Through these partnerships we can unlock the full potential of digital transformation” Mr. Lane said.
Collective expertise
Mr. Lane said leveraging the collective expertise of governments, businesses, and academic and research institutions will create innovative ecosystems that support digital transformation and foster environments where innovation thrives.
He noted that through collaboration, governments, academic institutions and businesses can jointly solve complex challenges and harness new opportunities in areas like smart cities, connectivity, and digital inclusion.
“Huawei has partnered with Konza Technopolis and Machakos University amongst others because we believe that the collective expertise of governments, businesses, and academic institutions can create a powerful engine for sustainable innovation,” Lane said.
He said that while Huawei embraces partnerships that bring greater impacts, the Company also recommends focusing on one’s strengths and niche areas; highlighting an ongoing program using AI for special needs as one example.
“At Huawei, we believe that technology can be a force for good. We are committed to collaborating with governments, academia and industry leaders to develop innovative solutions that address the unique needs of communities around us as we strive to create a brighter future for all,” Mr. Lane noted.
Mbae Mohamed, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, responsible for the Arab World, Diaspora, the Francophonie and African Integration of Comoros, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
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https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k19cdb8741
Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).
World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/
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مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1c6qjmwvz
The United States, through USAID, is providing $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support refugees in Libya affected by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Since the start of the crisis, nearly 2.2 million people have been forced to flee Sudan in search of safety elsewhere in the region, including Libya.
This assistance for two USAID partners, UNICEF and the UN World Food Program (WFP), will help meet the urgent needs of Sudanese families who have been forced to flee their homes to Libya. The support for UNICEF will help provide thousands of children under five years of age with vital nutrition support, including malnutrition screening and treatment for severe and moderate acute malnutrition. The support to WFP will provide critical food assistance to Sudanese families to help meet their most immediate needs.
The United States continues to stand with the people affected by this crisis and commends Libya for continuing to host refugees from Sudan. We urge other donors to join us in stepping up to support people affected by this crisis, both within Sudan and throughout the region.
On 23-27 September this year, the head of Polish diplomacy Radosław Sikorski was in New York in connection with the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (AGNU). On the sidelines of the debate, the Minister held numerous bilateral meetings, including with his counterparts from Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Chad, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Morocco, Mauritania, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates. The talks were an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations and the most important international challenges. Minister Sikorski also participated in a number of multilateral meetings, including the meeting of the heads of EU diplomacy (FAC), the meeting of the foreign ministers of the G20 countries with other UN members and the meeting of the foreign ministers of the transatlantic countries. The latter was held at the invitation of the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. During the meetings, the head of Polish diplomacy emphasized the need for further support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. He emphasized that the Ukrainian Peace Plan is the only realistic proposal for concluding peace, and that freezing the war is not a solution. He appealed to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively, including granting it consent to attacks on military targets on Russian territory. El minister Sikorski emphasized the colonial nature of the Russian invasion, assessing that in a world in which we accept the primacy of force in international relations, no one will be able to feel safe. He also presented the goals and challenges facing Poland in connection with our country’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which falls in the first half of next year. In the face of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the head of the Polish MFA emphasized the need to comply with humanitarian law and Poland’s commitment to a two-state solution. One of the most important events with the participation of Minister Sikorski was the meeting of the UN Security Council on September 24 this year, devoted to the situation in Ukraine. The head of Polish diplomacy focused on pointing out the Kremlin’s false propaganda regarding Ucraniano. He pointed to the Russian procedure of kidnapping children from Ucrania, comparing it to German actions during World War II against Polish children and children from the USSR. He also recalled the fact of Soviet cooperation with Nazi Germany in 1939. In addition, the program of Minister Sikorski’s stay in New York included a meeting with representatives of the American Jewish Committee, a discussion with members of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva – in connection with the planned opening of this UN agency’s representative office in Warsaw and its involvement in supporting the process of rebuilding Ukraine.
Photo: Barbara Milkowska/Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is today undertaking a working visit to Ireland to reinforce South Africa’s historic and warm bilateral relations with the nation.
The Deputy President is expected to meet his Irish counterpart, Prime Minister Simon Harris, to reaffirm the strong political and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
According to the Presidency, South Africa and Ireland established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago and relations between both nations encompass a broad spectrum of cooperation, such as trade and investment, education, science and innovation and gender equality.
“Ireland’s developmental programmes have greatly assisted many initiatives in South Africa since 1994, and the partnership continues to this day,” the statement read.
During the visit, the Deputy President will participate in the South Africa-Ireland Trade and Investment Round Table with Irish companies that are already invested in or intend to invest in South Africa.
He is also expected to deliver remarks at the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering connections between the South African and Irish tech ecosystems.
The Deputy President will be accompanied to Ireland by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield.
Once he wraps up his Ireland visit, the country’s second-in-command will then proceed to the United Kingdom from Saturday, 29 September to Friday, 4 October 2024.
“The visit will focus on showcasing South Africa as an investment destination of choice and strive to identify and create new trade opportunities for South African businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.”
The island nation is also one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners in the northern hemisphere, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others.
The Deputy President is expected to engage selected investors and trade partners invited in cooperation with economic partners in the United Kingdom and deliver a lecture at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University in London, focusing on South Africa’s forthcoming Presidency of the G20.
“The Deputy President will also pay a courtesy call on the Duke of Edinburgh, and meet the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner.”
He will be accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams and some of the Deputy Ministers from various departments. – SAnews.gov.za
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has described antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a ticking time bomb that could return the world to an era where common infections are untreatable, and routine surgeries become life-threatening.
“I stand before you with a sense of urgency and hope that as we join hands to tackle the problem of AMR, we have a full appreciation of the significant threat it poses to global health, food security and development,” he said on Thursday.
The Minister was speaking at the United Nations on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa at the high-level meeting on AMR.
Motsoaledi believes that ARM is currently a pressing challenge, and he told world leaders that South Africa was one of the high-burden countries of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), where this makes up 2% of the TB burden.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), he stated, has identified DR-TB as one of the top AMR threats.
“However, in responding to this threat, we continue to lag behind, especially on TB research, and global collaboration. This situation has the potential to reverse many decades of medical advancements,” he stressed.
According to the WHO, AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, leading to infections becoming difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Motsoaledi said the risks of these illnesses have profound economic implications, affecting healthcare costs, productivity, and overall economic growth.
“Addressing AMR is not just a health imperative but also an economic necessity that requires coordinated global action.”
He is of the view that specific actions need to be taken to preserve efforts and to ensure collective action, which must turn the tide against AMR.
“We must embrace the power of education about the prudent use of antibiotics so that we can curb the misuse and overuse that drive resistance in humans, plants and animals.”
In addition, he spoke against the practice of polypharmacy, especially as it relates to unnecessary utilisation of antibiotics.
“We also need an integrated national patient information system, so that the patients cannot be hopping between health facilities, thus collecting multiple prescriptions for the same condition.”
The Minister also called for investment in research and innovation, which he said requires some urgent intervention, through academic and research institutions.
He took the time to call for a strengthened healthcare system – equipping hospitals and clinics with the necessary tools and training will ensure that infections are identified and treated promptly and accurately.
Also, the Minister stressed the importance of champion policy and advocacy and effective policies that promote antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention can safeguard our communities.
“Lastly, we need to jointly tackle the challenges of human behaviour through the social and behaviour community communication, so that we can educate our people about the dangers of AMR.”
Motsoaledi said AMR has greater potential to also impact patient satisfaction, prolonged patient recovery and poor treatment success rate.
“Together, we can turn this crisis into an opportunity – a chance to unite, innovate, and lead the world in the fight against antimicrobial resistance,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
This September, as we commemorate Deaf Awareness Month, it is a good moment to look back on the progress made in recognising South African Sign Language (SASL) and to raise awareness of the experiences of Deaf people, whose voices emphasise the continued need for inclusion and activism.
The South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) estimates that there are over four million Deaf and hard of hearing people in South Africa. Fundamental human rights include the right to language, and for Deaf people, SASL is essential to their full participation in society. They risk being shut out of opportunities for work, education, and other necessities without it. Acknowledging SASL as an official language is about more than just respecting language rights; it’s about giving the Deaf community equity, inclusion, dignity, and self-determination.
In 2023, South Africa achieved a breakthrough in the advancement of Deaf rights when a Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed, recognising South African Sign Language (SASL) as the nation’s 12th official language. The purpose of this legislation is to provide complete linguistic inclusion and access to services, education, and employment in order to advance the rights and dignity of South Africans who are deaf. Section 9 of the Constitution guarantees the rights of those who are deaf and hard of hearing. The amendment primarily aims to enhance inclusivity, cultural acceptability of SASL, and the deaf culture.
The Department of Social Development’s (DSD), policy framework Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities (PSDSPD) emphasises the mainstreaming of people with disabilities throughout all sectors of society, illustrating the government’s dedication to promoting full inclusion and equal access to opportunities for the Deaf community. These actions demonstrate how South Africa is making significant progress toward fostering Deaf rights and fostering inclusivity.
Another significant achievement is the selection of partially deaf Miss South Africa 2024, Natasha Joubert. Her success emphasises how more and more Deaf people are appearing in prominent roles, which highlights the significance of ongoing advocacy for complete inclusion and the implementation of laws that promote equitable opportunities for all.
Nenio Mbazima, a Deaf entrepreneur, founded Strong Wind to address the economic disadvantage of the Deaf community. He noticed that Deaf people often teach hearing people sign language, leading to economic exclusion for the Deaf individuals who have helped spread the language. This insight inspired him to launch a business that offers interpreting services and supports Deaf people in starting their own enterprises. Mbazima further explained, “I urge Deaf people to launch and register their own businesses as sign language service providers whenever I get the chance.”
Even though Deaf rights have improved, more work remains to be done. True equality necessitates ongoing efforts to advance inclusivity, accessibility, assist Deaf-owned businesses, and increase public awareness of the significance of Deaf inclusion across all domains. As we commemorate Deaf Awareness Month, we are reminded of the need to keep up the fight for complete inclusion, financial empowerment, and acknowledgement of Deaf-owned companies. We cannot guarantee that the advancements made today will lead to lasting improvements for the Deaf community tomorrow unless we make consistent efforts.
*Morapedi Sibeko is the Events Manager at the Department of Social Development
Over the twelve months period to September 2024, the nominal Pula exchange rate depreciated by 4.8 percent against the South African rand and appreciated by 1.3 percent against the IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDR). With respect to the SDR constituent currencies, the Pula appreciated by 4.4 percent against the US dollar, 0.7 percent against the Japanese yen and 0.2 against the Chinese renminbi, while it depreciated by 4.5 percent against the British pound and 1 percent against the euro.
The Pula depreciated by 1.3 percent against the South African rand and appreciated by 0.9 percent against the SDR over the one-month period to September 2024. It appreciated by 1.5 percent against the US dollar, 0.6 percent each against the Japanese yen and the euro and 0.2 percent against the Chinese renminbi, while it depreciated against the British pound by 0.1 percent.
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – “A national day for survival” was announced on October 1 by several groups of Nigerian civil society. The date has a high symbolic value because it coincides with the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence. The initiative was presented to the press on September 26 at the International Press Centre, Ogba, in Lagos by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), one of the organizations of Nigerian society that oppose the economic policy launched by President Bola Tinubu, already the subject of ten days of protests in August, organized on social media with the hashtag
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Certain realities can only be seen with eyes cleansed by tears.” These words spoken by Pope Francis during the meeting with young Filipinos in Manila well represent the key to understanding the documentary film “Resurrection” which on Saturday 28 September 2024, at 11 am, will be screened in the Aula Pio XI of the Pontifical Lateran University to close the Korean Culture Week, an event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Holy See to celebrate the day of the “Foundation of Korea” which is celebrated every year on 3 October. The feature film collects what is the spiritual legacy of Fr. John Lee Tae-seok, a Korean Salesian missionary who carried out his pastoral and professional activity (he was already qualified as a doctor when he became a Salesian, ed.) for almost a decade, from 2001 to 2009, in the community of Tonj, in today’s South Sudan. In Africa he devoted himself to such intense pastoral activity that he profoundly influenced the lives of the people he helped. Those people at the time were children or young people. Today they are adults and some, following his example, have wanted to follow in his footsteps, retracing his steps not only in their profession, but also in their training, some even studying medicine at his own university. And they are precisely them, students of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Busan, in South Korea, the protagonists of this film by director Goo Soo Hwan, the same director of the famous film also dedicated to Don Lee and entitled “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”, which was an extraordinary success in his homeland (it was also screened in the Vatican in December 2011). “Resurrection” can be defined as the sequel to “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”: the new cinematic work by Goo Soo Hwan, in fact, starts from the death of Don Lee, which occurred in 2010. Those who tell the story of those moments are his students, young people who fell into despair at the news of his passing. A desperation that did not last long: they soon realized that their task was to continue, albeit in different ways, his mission. Here lies the key to understanding the entire film: in South Sudanese culture, crying in public is a cause for embarrassment, but the students cannot hold back their tears when they think of their teacher. And by sharing the love he had given them, the tears soon give way to joy and today the gratitude towards Don Lee shines through in the gestures of his students. “Certain realities can only be seen with eyes cleansed of tears”. The director is keen to point out that the film is not just a story of the path that the missionary’s students have undertaken to become doctors: “They have become people who give: what matters here is how they are living their lives. And they are living exactly the life of their ‘father’. They have shown me what happiness is and what authority really is”. “I wanted to know if the students’ tears had changed them. Well, their lives have changed a lot!”, adds the director, known for his critical and harsh interventions, who has over 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist. (FB) (Agenzia Fides 27/9/2024)
The poster of the movie “Resurrection”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KCEX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has made significant strides in the digital asset trading space by unveiling a suite of new features, including its Reward Center and a Futures Trading Competition. With a commitment to enhancing user engagement and providing a robust platform for traders, KCEX aims to establish itself as a prominent player in the global crypto trading market.
Enhanced Trading Experience with KCEX: KCEX has quickly risen as a reliable platform for both novice and experienced crypto traders. The platform provides a secure and user-friendly environment, with over 500 cryptocurrencies available for trading, alongside futures and spot trading options. Notably, the exchange integrates advanced charting tools, competitive trading fees, and robust security features, making it a comprehensive destination for traders worldwide.
KCEX’s transparent fee structure is a standout feature, offering some of the lowest transaction fees in the market. Traders benefit from a 0% fee on spot trades and a dynamic fee structure of 0% maker, 0.02% taker for futures trading, ensuring affordability across diverse trading strategies. Additionally, KCEX offers exceptional liquidity, which is critical for executing trades swiftly and efficiently, minimizing slippage even in volatile markets.
Futures Trading Competition: One of the most exciting developments from KCEX is the launch of its Daily Futures PNL Trading Competition, aimed at encouraging active trading and rewarding top-performing users. The competition is structured to reward participants based on their daily profit from futures trading activities, offering an opportunity for both professional traders and enthusiasts to showcase their skills.
The competition has garnered attention for its attractive daily prize pool of $20K, with rewards distributed to top traders based on their performance in futures trading. This event fosters a competitive yet supportive environment, where traders can engage with the platform, test their strategies, and potentially walk away with significant rewards.
Reward Center – Incentives for Traders: To further incentivize its user base, KCEX has introduced the Reward Center, a centralized hub where traders can access exclusive bonuses and rewards. The Reward Center is designed to offer a variety of incentives for simple tasks, tailored to boost user engagement and satisfaction.
Security and Compliance: KCEX has placed a strong emphasis on security and regulatory compliance, which are critical factors for users in today’s volatile cryptocurrency market. The platform utilizes advanced security protocols such as two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-signature wallets, and cold storage solutions to safeguard user assets. Moreover, KCEX adheres to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring a safe and compliant trading environment for its global user base.
Global Reach and Community Engagement: With a growing user base across Asia, Europe, and North America, KCEX has positioned itself as a global platform. Its multilingual support and localized services cater to a diverse range of users, enhancing accessibility. Additionally, KCEX engages actively with its community through social media, offering regular updates, educational content, and market insights, which help traders make informed decisions.
The exchange’s customer support services have also been highly rated for their responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring that users receive timely assistance with any technical or trading-related issues.
Future Plans and Roadmap: Looking ahead, KCEX aims to continue expanding its product offerings and global footprint. The platform is exploring the integration of new blockchain technologies and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) features to enhance the trading experience further.
Conclusion: KCEX’s new features, including the Daily Futures PNL Trading Competition and Reward Center, underscore the platform’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding trading experience for users. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, KCEX is well-positioned to remain a key player, offering innovative solutions, robust security, and a user-centric approach to trading.
Disclaimer: This content is provided by “KCEX”. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced a partnership with Cats (CATS), a trending meme coin from the TON ecosystem. Bitget users will now be able to claim the CATS token airdrop on Telegram with zero gas fees. These tokens will be automatically credited to users’ Bitget accounts before CATS spot trading begins in early October. Additionally, CATS will be featured on Bitget Launchpool, a free-to-farm platform, starting October 30, 2024, with a total distribution of 19.5 billion CATS tokens.
These initiatives aim to enhance user engagement with the Cats platform while providing substantial rewards for early adopters and supporters.
Earlier in September, Bitget listed CATS in its Pre-market, serving as a vital resource for traders and investors eager to engage with promising tokens ahead of their broader market release. By facilitating early trading opportunities for tokens like CATS, Bitget enhances trading options for its users, offering a unique chance to capitalize on market trends before they enter the mainstream. As of September 27, CATS is trading at 0.00043 USDT in the Bitget Pre-market, with total volume surpassing 1.5 million USDT.
CATS is a meme coin that embodies the playful spirit and culture of the Telegram community. Similar to its counterpart, Dogs ($DOGS), loyal Telegram users can claim CATS airdrops based on factors such as account age, premium status, and activity levels. To date, the project has attracted over 40 million holders through its viral Telegram mini-app, establishing itself as one of the most popular meme coins on the TON blockchain.
The listing of CATS on Bitget Launchpool marks a significant milestone in expanding its reach and influence within the blockchain gaming industry. This listing underscores CATS’s potential as a trending TON-based project and reaffirms Bitget’s commitment to supporting innovative TON-based initiatives that drive the future of decentralized ecosystems.
As the staking period commences, users are encouraged to participate actively and seize the rewards offered through this unique opportunity. With CATS’s growing popularity and its innovative approach to gaming, the listing on Bitget Launchpool is expected to attract considerable attention from both gaming and blockchain communities.
For more information on CATS, visit the community or check out the Launchpool.
About Bitget
Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading, AI bot and other trading solutions. Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including being the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Professional Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM, as well as a global partner of Olympic Athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).
Risk Warning:Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
LUANDA, Angola, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —
In recent talks between Angola’s President João Manuel Lourenço and African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) head Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the two leaders discussed a wide range of measures introduced by the Angolan government to rapidly transform the economy.
The reforms include diversifying away from oil, promoting private sector, tackling the country’s debt burden, reduce poverty, achieving food and energy security, and creating youth employment. The leaders met on Friday 20 September, in the Angolan capital Luanda.
Terming the reforms as bold, Adesina told President Lourenço, “What you have done to reduce public debt is impressive. You moved from 119% of GDP in 2020, to an expected 58% of GDP this year below, despite significant external shocks.”
He also pointed to the positive outlook of the country’s economic performance saying, “even though your GDP growth is estimated at 2.7% this year, it is projected to rise to 4.3% in 2025 because of the structural reforms and diversification agenda you are implementing.”
Stressing the importance of maintaining the momentum for reform, Adesina announced that the African Development Bank will support Angola’s request for a two-year budget support operation of about $160 million for 2024, with a second tranche scheduled for 2025.
President Lourenço said in addition to promoting a private sector driven economy and diversifying away from the oil sector, his government is working to create decent jobs for youth. He has made human capital and skills development one of the three pillars of his government’s National Development Plan 2023-2027.
Angola has one of the world’s fastest growing populations, with half of its 35 million people being youth. 40% of its youth are unemployed. About 550,000 new workers join the labor force every year, requiring a concerted effort to created decent jobs at comparable pace.
President Lourenço welcomed the Bank’s offer to work with his government to design and co-finance a comprehensive initiative to avail capital to young entrepreneurs as the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks which the Bank has successfully helped to establish in countries such as Liberia and Ethiopia.
The Bank recently approved $124 million for a youth project in Angola, locally known as CRESCER, which brings together the financial sector and the entrepreneurial associations to find tailored solutions for young entrepreneurs.
On agriculture, the Angolan leader and the Bank Group president agreed that with 35 million hectares of fertile land and water supply, the country should transform its sector to achieve food security and create jobs for youth and women.
“Angola has no business spending $2 billion per annum importing food. It should and can be totally self-sufficient and even become a net exporter,” said Adesina.
The African Development Bank has a portfolio of $212 million currently invested in the sector and is finalising a further investment of around to step up agricultural production in the easter region of Angola. $100 million. The Bank pledged to help Angola scale up fertiliser use and domestic production, and work with the country towards the establishment of Special Agriculture Processing Zones operating in 11 other African countries.
In addition to agriculture, “Angola is sitting on a gold mine of clean hydro energy,” said Adesina, “you have 1.5GW of unused clean hydro energy and by 2027 you will have 3.5GW. With investment from the private sector, the country can provide power solution to Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.”
Angola is working to attract significant private sector investment and will present projects worth nearly $2 billion at this year’s Africa Investment Forum, to be held in Morocco’s city of Rabat from 4 to 6 December.
Adesina thanked Angola for its support for the Bank, including the General Capital Increase and the Bank’s campaign for rechanneling of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights through multilateral development banks. Angola is also one of the few regional contributors to the Bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, having provided about 6.5 million Euros to each of the Fund’s last three replenishments.
During his visit, the Bank Group president also met with Angola’s Finance Minister Vera Daves De Sousa and the Minister for Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme. He later toured the Bank’s $90 million funded Luanda Science and Technology Park.
Adesina was accompanied by the Director General for Southern Africa Region Leila Mokaddem, the Country Manager for Angola and Sao Tomé Principe Pietro Toigo, the Executive Director for Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe João Luis Ngimbi and Modibo Toure, Bank Group President’s Special Envoy for Shareholder Relations in Africa.
The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 9 October 2024. The summarised results of the auction held on 27 September 2024, are attached below:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Government reappoints Professor Sir Steve Smith as its International Education Champion, supporting the promotion of UK education excellence around the world.
Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work
His work will promote UK excellence in education around the world
Officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy
Sir Steve Smith has been reappointed as the UK Government’s International Education Champion.
Reappointed by Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas, and the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith, Sir Steve’s tenure as International Education Champion (IEC) has been extended for one year from 1 October..
Under a commitment made in the UK Government’s International Education Strategy, published in 2019, Sir Steve was originally appointed as IEC in June 2020 for a four-year term.
In his role as IEC, Sir Steve will continue to support the government’s international education work, including engaging with governments around the world and promoting UK excellence and partnerships in all education sub-sectors.
More widely, with the change in government, officials will conduct a review of the International Education Strategy, which will ensure that it continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and Ministers.
Sir Steve was previously Vice-Chancellor of University of Exeter for 18 years and brings vast experience to the IEC role, where he has played a pivotal role in developing deep relationships, including at Ministerial level internationally.
In his role as IEC, he has already supported significant progress across priority countries including:
Leading over 500 meetings with stakeholders and 22 visits overseas , which has helped open the door for education exports, now amounting to more than £28bn.
Taking forward the relationship with education ministers in particular with Saudi Arabia, to develop the pipeline of opportunities for UK education suppliers relating to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; and Nigeria, where the UK has co-written the country’s guidelines for Transnational Education, opening up opportunities for UK universities to provide their offer in Nigeria.
Leading a delegation of 31 UK higher education institutions to India, where a range of partnership opportunities have been progressed.
On his re-appointment, Prof. Sir Steve Smith said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s International Education Champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector.
“It’s a critical time for the education sector and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”
Exports Minister Gareth Thomas said:
“The UK is an international powerhouse when it comes to our education services, and I’m very pleased that Sir Steve will be continuing in his role to champion the country around the world.
“I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services around the world, and promoting our high standards, that’s why Sir Steve’s work is so important.”
Baroness Smith, Minister for Skills, said:
“Sir Steve has a wealth of experience in showcasing our brilliant education sector, and I am thrilled that he will continue in this role for a further year.
“The UK is rightly regarded as an education powerhouse and Sir Steve’s vital work will continue to strengthen that reputation around the world, driving economic growth and boosting our global prestige.”
MOGADISHU – Millions of Somalis are at risk of falling deeper into hunger as below-average rainfall between October and December 2024 linked to the La Nina weather phenomenon threatens to reverse recent gains in food security. United Nations agencies are warning that without urgent funding for humanitarian action, the country – which in late 2022 was pushed to the brink of famine – could once again be plunged into a hunger crisis caused by severe drought.
The warning from theFood and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) follows the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis which reveals that 3.6 million people (19 per cent of the population) are currently experiencing crisis-levels of hunger in Somalia (IPC3+).
This is expected to rise to 4.4 million between October and December this year when below averageDeyrrains are anticipated. Additionally, 1.6 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition until July 2025, including 403,000 likely to suffer from severe malnutrition.
“We are at a pivotal moment and must sound the alarm. Without swift action, Somalia risks slipping back into the hunger crisis that nearly led to famine in recent years,” said Elkhidir Daloum, WFP’s Country Director in Somalia. “Despite some progress in food security, many families are still at risk of hunger as food prices surge and crop yields dwindle. Our focus must be on providing immediate assistance while fostering long-term resilience. At WFP, we are ramping up efforts to protect communities before disaster strikes. By combining proactive strategies with early recovery initiatives, climate-smart solutions, and social protection measures, we can break the cycle of vulnerability.”
The IPC findings reflect global weather forecasts which indicate an 80 per cent probability of La Niña conditions, which could lead to drought in Somalia. The forecasts indicate the likelihood of a below-normalDeyrrainy season and above-normal temperatures which could cause severe soil moisture loss, poor crop and fodder productivity, and worsen food insecurity in vulnerable communities.
FAO Somalia Country Representative, Etienne Peterschmitt, stressed the urgency of early action given the La Niña forecast and the potential for drought. “La Niña’s impact on Somalia’s agrifood systems could be devastating, with degraded soil and water resources, disrupted planting seasons, and reduced crop yields. The loss of livestock will further threaten rural livelihoods, pushing millions deeper into hunger and poverty. Anticipatory action is essential to mitigate these impacts and prevent a worsening food security crisis.”
“High levels of acute malnutrition among children are widespread and persistent. We are likely to see water sources depleting and malnutrition among children rising,” said UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “While the number of acutely malnourished children has reduced and more people had access to safe water, these gains are fragile, and risk being eroded. We need to sustain provision of life-saving assistance while simultaneously scaling up investments in resilience so that communities can respond and recover positively to recurrent shocks.”
FAO, OCHA, UNICEF and WFP are deeply concerned about the grim food security outlook for the next three months and beyond. Amid funding gaps, unfavorable rainfall forecasts, ongoing security challenges, and rising food prices, the agencies are urgently calling for additional funding to expand humanitarian and resilience programmes to mitigate the impacts of the expected drought in Somalia. As of 24 September, the 2024 Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan was only 37 per cent funded.
Lilongwe – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a US$ 5.2 million contribution from the Government of Norway to support 544,000 Malawians adversely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought.
Norway’s timely contribution will support WFP’s El Niño Response Plan which, in coordination with the Government of Malawi, aims to assist 2.1 million food-insecure people in Malawi. WFP will procure and distribute 3,200 metric tons of maize and ninety-eight metric tons of fortified corn soya blend for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition. In addition, 256,000 learners in some two hundred schools will receive a hot and nutritious meal.
Senior officials from Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), and WFP joined the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, to celebrate this timely collaboration, which is set to bolster Malawi’s efforts in addressing one of its most pressing challenges—widespread hunger.
“The Government of Malawi sincerely appreciates Norway’s generous contribution which comes at a crucial time, as we strive to meet the needs of 5.7 million individuals facing food insecurity” said Reverend Moses Chimphepo, Director of Disaster Response and Recovery, Department of Disaster Management Affairs in Malawi. “Norway’s support will help us address the resource gap to assist food-insecure people as much as we can until the end of the lean season in March.”
While WFP typically prioritises cash-based food assistance, current maize shortages and rising food prices in Malawi have made direct food distributions essential. This approach focuses on alleviating food insecurity, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding women, young children through nutrition treatments, and learners benefiting from emergency school meals.
“Norway’s commitment is a significant step toward addressing the urgent food security challenges exacerbated by the dry spell,” said Paul Turnbull, WFP Country Director and Representative in Malawi. “By supporting general food distributions, treatment of malnutrition and emergency school meals, we are alleviating hunger and malnutrition, helping the most vulnerable populations.”
Ambassador Ingrid Marie Mikelsen, reaffirmed Norway’s dedication to assisting Malawi: “Norway is committed to improving food security and nutrition in Malawi. This is particularly important in these challenging times. We are working hand-in-hand with the Government of Malawi and WFP to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive nutritious food now but at the same, we need to think ahead to the next time extreme weather hits. That is why we also support initiatives aimed at increasing local food production in Malawi and making people more resilient to climate change.”
This partnership underscores the vital role that international collaboration plays in addressing food crises brought on by climate extremes. Through this contribution, Norway, WFP, and the Government of Malawi are providing essential relief during a critical time.
About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —
Next Engineers, a global college-and career-readiness programme working to increase the diversity of young people in engineering, celebrated the graduation of its first-ever Engineering Academy learners in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday, September 27. The graduation ceremony marked the programme’s contribution towards bridging the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills gap in the country through exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways.
The 37 learners from 15 high schools across Johannesburg who completed the programme, many of whom plan to study towards an engineering-related qualification at university or technical higher learning institutions, were joined by their families at University of Witwatersrand, Sturrock Park Sports Hall, to celebrate their achievements. Launched in 2022, PROTEC, University of Witwatersrand, and Kutitiva Foundation are the educational partners for the local Next Engineers programme, and local GE Vernova engineers and employees actively engage with Academy participants through hands-on, skill-based volunteering.
“We are proud to see our first cohort of learners graduating and wish them all a successful learning trajectory in the next stage of their education journey,” said Matsi Eseu, South Africa HR Director for GE Vernova. “At GE Vernova, we believe education is a significant driver of economic inclusion and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact the Next Engineers programme is having, not just in empowering tomorrow’s engineers who will solve society’s most pressing challenges but also in increasing the diversity of young people, particularly females, in the engineering sector. We extend our gratitude to all those involved in the Engineering Academy.”
Learners who complete the Engineering Academy program and enroll in a qualified engineering or engineering-related degree programme receive financial aid to support them as they continue on their paths to becoming engineers.
Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every graduate in this programme. Their commitment and hard work inspire us all, and I have every confidence they will continue to make a positive impact in the field of engineering and beyond. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to GE Vernova in Johannesburg for their unwavering support and partnership throughout this journey. Together, we have laid the groundwork for a brighter future in engineering, and I am excited to see the continued success of Next Engineers in empowering young minds.”
The Next Engineers: Engineering Academy is a transformative learning experience designed for learners aged 15 to 18. Through a rigorous curriculum, immersive design challenges, and career coaching, participants learn to think and act like engineers.
Key programme highlights:
Dedication: The Engineering Academy spans three years, with learners dedicating 220 hours outside of regular school hours to participate.
Design challenges: In small teams, learners tackle increasingly complex design challenges, mastering the engineering design process.
Foundational skills: Beyond technical knowledge, learners develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, persistence, time management, and presentation abilities.
Education and career exploration: Workshops and activities prepare learners for their next steps, including university campus tours and interactions with company volunteers.
Scholarships: Learners who complete the program and enroll in post-secondary engineering degree programs receive partial scholarships. Next Engineers anticipates granting at least $2 million in scholarships to the inaugural classes of Engineering Academy learners worldwide.
Johannesburg, South Africa, was among the first four locations to launch Next Engineers, with a $2.5 million (R44.6 million) investment from the GE Foundation in 2021. To date, Next Engineers, which also includes programming for learners in grades 8-12, has reached more than 3,500 learners across Johannesburg.
STEM training and education, such as Next Engineers, is helping to solve global challenges while also lifting up communities through economic opportunities. Next Engineers is not the only way GE Vernova in South Africa has committed to supporting the next generation of STEM talent. GE Vernova’s South Africa External Bursary Programme has offered comprehensive bursaries to the tune of $5.4 million (R95.6 million) to support over 648 beneficiaries pursuing a Bachelor of Science, Commerce or Arts qualification from 2020 to date. The bursaries are aimed at alleviating the financial strain of tertiary students and covers the tuition, accommodation, textbook costs, and a monthly stipend over the period of study.
For more information about Next Engineers and the Engineering Academy, visit http://apo-opa.co/3BmFfKp.
The decision by the Pollsmoor Correctional Supervision and Parole Board to place convicted murderer Najwa Petersen on parole has been referred to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board (CSPRB) for review.
The referral was made by Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald in terms of section 75(8) of the Correctional Services Act.
Peterson is serving a 28-year prison sentence for orchestrating the murder of her husband, popular artist, Taliep Petersen.
“The CSPRB is tasked with reviewing the original decision made by the Pollsmoor Correctional Supervision and Parole Board and must confirm or replace it with its own decision.
“This referral suspends the decision to place her on parole, effective from the 27th of November 2024, pending the outcome of the CSPRB,” the department said.
Furthermore, the department explained that the referral follows representations made by Taliep Petersen’s family.
“The discrepancies in Marius van der Westhuizen’s case have led to a lack of public trust. As a result, I am exercising my discretion under the provisions of the Act to ensure that Parole Boards consider all reports comprehensively to prevent future occurrences of such issues,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Government has welcomed the marginal employment growth and expansion of South Africa’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of this year.
“The growth bears testament to the government’s commitment made during the State of the Nation Address in February to ensure positive economic growth that will encourage business development and provide more employment opportunities,” Acting Director-General of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa ,said on Friday.
According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) this week, the total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by 42 000 in the second quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10.7 million.
While the survey shows that 144 000 jobs were lost between June 2023 and June 2024, the total number of employees grew by 42 000 (0.4%), with employment rising from 10.67 million in March 2024 to 10.72 million by June 2024.
“The positive developments mean that government’s structural reforms are unlocking the bottlenecks and removing red tape to drive inclusive growth and job creation. South Africa’s business-friendly approach paves a positive sentiment, signalling that South Africa is becoming more and more of an investment destination,” Mnukwa said.
The GCIS said this growth shows commitment by government to work with social partners to stabilise the economy.
“The prudent economic path pursued to turn around our economy is starting to show improvement,” GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Certain realities of life can only be seen with eyes washed by tears”. These words of Pope Francis during the meeting with young people in Manila are the key to understanding the documentary entitled “Risurrection” which will be screened on Saturday 28 September 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Pius XI Hall of the Pontifical Lateran University at the end of the Week of Korean Culture, a series of events organized by the Embassy of Korea to the Holy See to celebrate the “Day of the Foundation of Korea” which falls every year on October 3.The documentary shows the spiritual legacy of Father John Lee Tae-seok, a Korean Salesian who worked as a missionary and doctor in the community of Tonj in what is now South Sudan for almost a decade, from 2001 to 2009 (he was already a doctor when he became a Salesian, ed.). In Africa, he had a profound impact on the lives of the people he accompanied. At the time, these people were children or teenagers. Today they are adults, and some have followed his example and wanted to follow in his footsteps, not only in their profession as doctors, but also in their medical training, some even studying medicine at his university in Korea.And it is precisely these students from the Faculty of Medicine at Busan University in South Korea who are the protagonists of the film by Korean director Goo Soo Hwan, who also directed the famous film “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”, also dedicated to Father Lee and which was an extraordinary success in his own country (it was also shown at the Vatican in December 2011).”Risurrection” can be described as a sequel to “Don’t cry for me, Sudan”. Goo Soo Hwan’s new work begins after the death of Father Lee in 2010. These sad moments are narrated by his students, young people who were plunged into despair by the news of his death. A despair that did not last long, however: they soon realized that their task was to continue his mission, albeit in different ways.This is the key to the whole film: in South Sudanese culture, it is embarrassing to cry in public, but the students cannot hold back their tears when they think of their teacher. And it is precisely by sharing with him the love he gave them that tears soon give way to joy, and today gratitude towards Father Lee shines through in the gestures of his students. “Certain realities of life can only be seen with eyes washed clean by tears.”The director is keen to stress that the film does not only show the path of the missionary’s students to the profession of doctor: “They have become people who give: it is about how they live their lives. And they live exactly the life of their ‘spiritual father’. They showed me what happiness is and what authority really means.” “I wanted to know if the tears had changed the students. Well, their lives have changed a lot,” adds the director, who also has more than 30 years of experience as an investigative journalist. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2024)
Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – Various civil society groups in Nigeria have declared a “National Day for Survival” for October 1. The date has a high symbolic value as it coincides with the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.The initiative was presented to the press on September 26 at the “International Press Center” in Ogba, in Lagos, by Hassan Taiwo Soweto, coordinator of the “Education Rights Campaign (ERC)”, one of the organizations opposing the economic policies initiated by President Bola Tinubu, which were already the subject of a ten-day protest in August organized through social media under the hashtag #EndBadGovernance (see Fides, 1/8/2024).The organizers of the day of action are calling on the government to “say no to the neoliberal policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), restore fuel prices and electricity tariffs to pre-29 May 2023 levels, operate state-owned refineries to ensure affordable petroleum products, reduce food prices and support farmers to ensure sustainable food production.”The organizers are also calling for the unconditional release of protesters and journalists arrested during the August protests, tackling insecurity, including by providing adequate support to soldiers and police officers, introducing a minimum wage and cutting the high salaries of senior officials.“We call on the Nigerian people, progressive organizations, groups, unions, student associations and youth movements to take to the streets on October 1 and protest and demonstrate peacefully,” said Hassan Taiwo Soweto. The October 1st action is an urgent warning and a call to the Tinubu government to “meet our demands immediately. If our demands are not met, further protests will follow on National Survival Day.” He added: “We need a different way of governing our country, one that ensures that national wealth benefits the needs of all and not the greed of a few.”The demands of the organizers of the “National Survival Day” are also to be seen in the context of widespread corruption in the country, which is one of the richest countries in Africa thanks to oil production. A wealth that seeps into countless channels, which in turn has fueled the country’s foreign debt. In the face of the demands of international creditors, President Tinubu has initiated an economic policy focused on higher taxes and cutting state subsidies, which has severely worsened the living conditions of the majority of Nigerians.In his speech to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, President Bola Tinubu called on world leaders to consider “comprehensive debt relief” for Nigeria and other developing countries to enable them to progress economically.”We must ensure that any reform of the international financial system includes comprehensive debt relief to enable sustainable development financing. Countries in the global South cannot make meaningful economic progress without special concessions and a review of their current debt burden,” warned Tinubu. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2024)
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