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South Africa Mourns Ambassador Nkosinathi Mthethwa’s Death

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

South Africa Mourns​ the Unexpected Death of Ambassador to France,‍ Nkosinathi Mthethwa

PRETORIA – The South⁢ African government ‌has expressed deep sorrow following the untimely passing of ‌His excellency Ambassador Nkosinathi Emmanuel mthethwa, South​ Africa’s Ambassador to the French Republic.The ⁤circumstances surrounding‌ his death are currently ‌under‍ investigation by ⁤French authorities.

Ambassador​ Mthethwa, appointed to the diplomatic post⁣ in december 2023, had a distinguished career of public service spanning ​decades. ⁣Prior to his ambassadorship,‍ he served ⁢in key‌ ministerial ​roles, including as Minister of Police and Minister of⁢ Sports, Arts and Culture. He ‍was also a member of‌ the Board of ​directors for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee.

Throughout his career, Mthethwa remained‌ deeply⁢ involved with the African National Congress (ANC), contributing through its highest decision-making structures.Minister Lamola stated, “I have no doubt‌ that his passing is⁣ not only a national loss but is​ also felt within the international diplomatic‍ community.”

The Department of International Relations‌ and cooperation‌ extends its heartfelt condolences to Ambassador mthethwa’s family, friends,‌ and colleagues.He is survived by his wife⁢ and children. The government‍ has honored ⁤his legacy ⁤of⁣ unwavering patriotism and dedication to the nation.

Enquiries: Chrispin Phiri,Ministry ⁤Spokesperson

Issued by:⁢ Department ‍of International Relations and Cooperation

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World

Seychelles Presidential Election: Runoff Announced

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Seychelles to Hold Rerun Presidential Election as Initial Vote Yields No Clear Winner

VICTORIA,‍ Seychelles – Seychelles will hold a rerun presidential election⁣ after incumbent Wavel Ramkalawan of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party failed to secure an outright majority⁢ in Saturday’s vote, ‍according to the Seychelles Electoral Commission. The election took place across the 115-island ⁢archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with early voting‍ begining Thursday.

The close result reflects⁢ growing opposition to Ramkalawan’s government, ​wich campaigned on economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. While Seychelles boasts the highest GDP per capita in Africa, ⁤according to ‌the World Bank, voters have expressed concerns over issues including a growing drug crisis, foreign investment, and the impacts of climate change.

Seychelles,⁣ with‌ a population of approximately 120,000, has experienced increasing‍ challenges with heroin ⁣addiction. A 2017 U.N. report identified the country as a major drug‍ transit route, and the ‌2023 Global Organized Crime Index indicated one of the world’s⁢ highest rates of heroin⁢ addiction, with estimates suggesting up to 6,000 users.

The election also followed controversy surrounding a recent government decision to lease part of​ assomption Island, the country’s largest, to a qatari⁢ company for a⁤ luxury hotel development,⁤ including ⁢reconstruction of an airstrip. critics argued the ⁢deal prioritized foreign interests over Seychelles’ sovereignty.

The nation is particularly vulnerable to climate change, including rising sea levels,⁢ spanning approximately 390,000⁣ square kilometers (around 150,000 square miles) in the Indian Ocean.The‌ date for the rerun election⁤ has not yet been announced.

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World

Title: British Adventurer Completes Epic 5,639km Cycle Across Africa

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

British Adventurer James Baxter Concludes⁤ Epic⁢ 5,639km Cycle across africa

Bagamoyo, Tanzania – British ‌adventurer ⁤James Baxter completed a ⁤remarkable 5,639-kilometer ‍(3,503-mile) solo cycling journey across ​Africa on ⁢September 6th, ​reaching the Indian Ocean‍ in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, after 119 days in the saddle. Baxter’s⁤ transcontinental trek began on May 23rd in⁢ Johannesburg, South Africa, and traversed challenging terrain⁣ and diverse landscapes, culminating in a symbolic dip of his bicycle wheels into ​the ocean.

This achievement underscores the enduring human spirit of exploration and resilience,offering a compelling narrative of perseverance against logistical and ‌physical obstacles. Baxter’s journey provides a unique ground-level perspective on the African continent, highlighting both its beauty and the challenges faced by its people. His successful​ completion inspires adventurers and demonstrates the‍ possibility of ‌traversing Africa by bicycle, a ⁤feat requiring significant‌ planning, physical endurance, and adaptability.

Baxter initially navigated through Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, reaching Tanzania by August 29th, where he found respite with Franciscan sisters ⁤at a⁤ Spiritual ‌Center in Mbingu. He then faced the demanding T1 highway, Tanzania’s main inland ⁣route from Dar es Salaam, sharing ​the road with​ heavy truck ⁣traffic. He sought relief on parallel dirt tracks and passed beneath the‌ cloud-draped Uluguru Mountains, observing the fertile slopes that support ‍local⁤ markets.

Prior to reaching the coast, Baxter had reached Ifakara, in central Tanzania, on August 31st, before turning east towards the Indian ocean. Throughout his journey, Baxter documented his experiences, offering​ insights into the cultures and communities he encountered. He carried a live sheep on his back at ​one point, as captured in a photograph taken by himself.

Bagamoyo, a historic coastal town once central to the East ⁢African slave trade, ⁢marked‍ the poignant end of⁣ Baxter’s odyssey. By rolling his bicycle ‌into the surf, he symbolically concluded his 119-day adventure, a testament to his determination and​ the allure of long-distance cycling​ exploration.

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Business

Casablanca Finance City Drives African Carbon Market Development

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Madagascar & Morocco Forge Partnerships to⁢ Accelerate African Carbon Markets

Madagascar and Morocco⁢ are taking meaningful steps to bolster the advancement of carbon markets across Africa, driven by new collaborations ⁣focused on project acceleration, capacity building, and adherence to international standards.

Madagascar’s Ministry of the Surroundings and Sustainable Development recently signed a Memorandum of‌ Understanding (MOU) with Climate Finance ⁢Convergence (CFC) to expedite the development of⁤ carbon projects within the country, recognized ​as a major global “carbon well.” The partnership will specifically focus‌ on accelerating the ⁣issuance of Letters of Accreditation⁢ (LOA) to facilitate⁣ carbon credit marketing, and establishing a comprehensive capacity building‍ program to train professionals across the entire carbon value chain. Minister Max​ Andonirina Fontaine emphasized the MOU aligns with Madagascar’s vision for​ full participation ‍in carbon markets through South-South cooperation, leveraging natural solutions and ‍strengthening African partnerships.

This initiative is part of a broader ⁤movement⁣ spearheaded by the African Task Force on carbon markets, announced by Minister Benali at the African Ministerial conference on the⁣ Environment (AMCEN) 2025‍ in​ Nairobi. the partnerships highlight Madagascar’s commitment to climate‌ action and CFCA’s role in connecting African nations with international expertise and financing.

Meanwhile, Casablanca Finance​ City Authority (CFCA) is solidifying ⁣its ‍position as a leading green ‌financial center in Africa through a new partnership with the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA). This collaboration aims to establish a​ competitive carbon market aligned with global standards, building on CFCA’s existing work to create a ⁣voluntary carbon market infrastructure. ​ Backed by the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), CFCA is bringing together project developers, financial institutions, certifiers, and companies.

The partnership addresses the significant $2.8 trillion climate funding gap in Africa by focusing on a continent-specific governance framework, disseminating ICROA best practices, and building capacity among regulators,‌ financial institutions, ⁤and businesses. Joint research⁢ and advocacy will also be​ undertaken to harmonize African market rules.

“This partnership is an additional step‌ in our long-term commitment to sustainable finance,” stated Said‍ Ibrahimi, CEO of CFCA. ​ “by‍ combining our African anchoring with‌ the international expertise of ICROA,​ we go from structuring to execution by creating the favorable conditions to integrate the entire value chain, direct capital towards sustainable​ projects and strengthen the confidence of investors.”

Andrea Abrahams, Managing Director​ of ‌Icroa & Ieta VCM, added, “Africa has ​a unique potential in terms of carbon credits, but ​market credibility requires integrity and harmonization of supervision frames. With CFCA, we found a reliable ⁣partner to build the foundations of a robust African market ‌and aligned⁢ on international standards together.”

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Business

Malawi Student’s American Dream Dashed by $15,000 Visa Bond

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Lilongwe, ‍Malawi – A new $15,000 visa bond‍ requirement imposed by the United States is effectively barring⁢ many Malawians⁣ from pursuing educational and economic opportunities in the ‌US, sparking widespread frustration ⁤and accusations⁣ of discrimination. the⁤ policy, enacted earlier this year, requires most Malawian applicants for B-1/B-2 temporary visitor visas to post ‍the bond, intended to ensure ​they‍ return home‍ after their visit. Critics ⁤call it a “de facto⁣ ban” disproportionately impacting citizens of one of the ⁣world’s poorest nations.

Abraham Samson,a Malawian student who applied ‍for US‌ scholarships ​prior to the bond’s announcement,expressed despair. “This move ‍has shattered the plans most Malawians had to travel,” he said. “With our economy, not everyone can manage this. For those​ of ⁢us chasing further studies, these dreams are now a mirage.” samson has ceased⁢ checking his email⁢ for scholarship notifications, believing the financial burden of studying in the US is ⁣now insurmountable.

The bond adds to existing hurdles for‍ Malawian applicants, who already face scrutiny⁤ under Section 214(b) of US immigration law, which presumes intent to immigrate unless applicants demonstrate strong ties to their home country. the ⁢new requirement demands proof of both return intent and access to considerable wealth.

The impact extends beyond students.‌ A Lilongwe-based businessman, who requested anonymity,‍ stated the‍ bond has disrupted his ability to⁣ source electronics directly from US suppliers, forcing him ⁣to rely on more expensive middlemen. “Every delay eats away at my margins,” he said. “My six employees rely on me.If I can’t travel, I may have to send them home.”

Civil society groups are mobilizing against the policy, documenting affected individuals’ stories​ and lobbying both Malawian ‌and international officials. “We refuse to let this issue quietly extinguish the hopes of Malawian youth,” said a representative from one​ such group. ‍

The story echoes in villages like Chunda’s,where a scholarship to the University ⁢of dayton remains unused. “I thought life‍ was‌ about ​to change for⁣ the first time,” he lamented. “for my entire family, not just myself. I now have to⁣ look elsewhere to ‍realise⁢ my dream.”

The​ policy is a collaboration with Egab.

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World

North American Banks Lead in Enterprise Risk Management

by Priya Shah – Business Editor
written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

North American ⁤Banks Lead in Formal Enterprise ​Risk Definition

NEW YORK ‍-⁣ A⁤ new survey reveals North ​American banks are considerably more likely to formally define⁢ enterprise risk‌ management‍ (ERM)‍ practices than their European counterparts. According to Risk.net’s Enterprise Risk Benchmarking survey, two-thirds​ of North ⁢American banks have established a formal definition of ERM, compared to just 30% of⁢ banks in Europe.

Banks in other regions -​ Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the⁣ Middle East – report formal ERM definitions at a rate​ of 50%. ‍The ⁢findings highlight a growing emphasis on structured ‍risk management⁣ approaches within the ⁢North American banking sector.

The ‌ Risk.net survey gathered responses ⁤from a diverse ⁢range‌ of financial institutions,⁤ offering a snapshot of current⁢ ERM adoption ‍globally.formalizing ERM definitions is⁤ considered a crucial step towards ⁤proactive ​risk identification, assessment, and mitigation, ultimately bolstering financial‌ stability and regulatory compliance.

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