insert_link South Africa South Africa’s The National Student Financial Aid Scheme administrator has called for enhanced stakeholder engagement South Africa's National Student Financial Aid Scheme administrator Freeman Nomvalo has called for enhanced stakeholder engagement and system modernisation to improve operations. In a media briefing, Nomvalo says improved communication and collaboration with universities, students, and other partners are essential to resolve administrative challenges and streamline the financial aid process. He added the scheme is setting up registers for irregular expenditure: todayAugust 7, 2024 14
insert_link Africa Nigeria Detains Tailors for Making Russian Flags Amid Protests Nigeria has detained several tailors and their sponsors for making Russian flags used in anti-government protests. The Department of State Services is investigating the matter, labeling the display of foreign flags during protests as a "treasonable offence." Reports Reuters. Protests against economic reforms have been ongoing since August 1, particularly in northern states. The Russian embassy denies involvement, and analysts suggest the use of Russian flags reflects discontent with government […] todayAugust 7, 2024 6
insert_link Africa U.N Asserts thousands continue to die from hunger in Sudan The United Nations says the international community has failed the people of Sudan. On Tuesday, the UN Security Council convened an urgent session following reports that some 500 thousand people are on the brink of famine near El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Speaking during the meeting, Edem Wosornu, the Director of Operations at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told council members that this is an […] todayAugust 7, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa ANC national executive committee has unveiled plans for two new one-stop border posts The ANC national executive committee has unveiled plans for two new one-stop border posts to facilitate trade and enhance border security. These measures aim to support the African Continental Free Trade Area by easing the movement of goods and intercepting illegal imports. During a media briefing on the last day of the lekgotla in Boksburg, the NEC member Njabulo Nzuza reported progress on implementing eight key policy recommendations to improve […] todayAugust 7, 2024 19
insert_link Health / Medical W.H.O Alert Says COVID-19 making worrying comeback Covid-19 infections are on the rise worldwide and the World Health Organisation says it is unlikely to decline anytime soon. The UN health agency has sounded the alarm bells following several reported cases at the Olympics. More than 40 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics have tested positive for Covid-19. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. todayAugust 7, 2024 33
insert_link Business / Economics 7 August 2024 Morning Biz News: Nedbank’s Avo SuperShop Growth, South Africa’s Refinery Deal, Nigeria’s Oil Production Surge, and Currency Updates Nedbank’s Avo SuperShop Sees Rapid Growth Since its launch in the latter half of 2023, Nedbank’s Avo SuperShop has made significant strides, registering over 1,800 users and featuring more than 3,000 products from 19 merchants. According to Nedbank Group’s unaudited interim results for the six months ending June 30, 2024, both user registration and merchant participation are expected to grow further. The Avo SuperShop offers a digital marketplace for […] todayAugust 7, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics Global Air Passenger Demand Up 9.1% in June In June, global passenger demand increased by 9.1% year-on-year, with capacity rising 8.5% and a load factor of 85.0%. International travel surged by 12.3%, while domestic demand grew by 4.3%. IATA's Public and Media Relations Advisor, Linden Birns. todayAugust 7, 2024 22
insert_link Namibia Mining Expo and Conference Commences In The Capital The 11th Mining Expo and Conference begins at the Windhoek Showgrounds, with expectations to surpass last year's event. This year’s theme, "Green Shoots for Namibia’s Mining Industry," focuses on growth opportunities from advancements in uranium, new gold mining projects, and investments in oil and gas, aiming to drive economic expansion. Zebra Kasete, Vice President of the Chamber Mines and Managing Director at DUndeee Precious Metals in Tsumeb. todayAugust 7, 2024 32
insert_link South Africa National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa Credits Eskom Workers for 70% Energy Availability Factor The National Union of Mineworkers of South Africa says Eskom workers are the main contributors to the power utility's energy availability factor of 70-percent, not management. NUMSA’s, Thapelo Malekutu says the union also acknowledges the intervention and commitment made by minister of Electricity Kgosientso Ramokgopa. Malekutu says the working class needs such leaders in these difficult times: todayAugust 7, 2024 21