insert_link Interview Transcripts Interview: Digital Expert Warns of Growing Dangers on WhatsApp for Children Rising Risks on WhatsApp for Kids Digital safety expert Nrupesh Soni has sounded the alarm on increasing dangers facing children on WhatsApp, especially through the platform’s new unregulated channels. These channels, which lack moderation or rating systems, are flooding with adult content, gambling links, and child exploitation material. Shockingly, kids as young as 10 years old are being exposed to these risks. How Kids Are Being Targeted Soni explained that […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Western community leaders, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) confer on security situation and political roadmap Fifteen representatives of communities from across the Western region met with the Special Representative of the Secretary General to further discuss the security situation and share their opinions on the way forward to develop a political roadmap on Monday. Participants, which included municipal leaders and notables, stressed that the transitional period needs to come to an end, and that any political process must move forward in an environment free from […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Ethiopia Takes Bold Strides on Health Taxes to Drive Universal Health Coverage In a landmark show of political will and multisectoral collaboration, the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR), the Ministry of Health, and partners are spearheading one of Africa’s most promising health financing reforms. By embracing health taxes as a strategic tool, Ethiopia has started strengthening its national health system, curbing the rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and advancing its journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This momentous collaboration was showcased […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Home Affairs Committee Acknowledges Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) Introspection on 2024 National and Provincial Elections The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes. The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair. “The […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International South Africa: Select Committee on Mineral Resources Calls for Local Renewable Products The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has urged the Department of Electricity and Energy to localise the production of renewable products instead of relying on overseas countries. The committee received a briefing yesterday from the Department of Electricity and Energy about the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP). The department’s presentation outlined the objectives of the Master Plan which highlighted its role as […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Access to healthcare is being compromised by violence in Cabo Delgado An estimated 400,000 people in Cabo Delgado province have been displaced over the eight years of conflict in northern Mozambique. Attacks are limiting people's access to healthcare, as health centres are under staffed, and humanitarian organisations are having to suspend activities due to insecurity. Health workers and facilities must be protected from violence, and the communities where displaced people are arriving to need a coordinated humanitarian response. An alarming […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International South Africa: Committee on Health Receives Inputs on Tobacco Bill from Lesedi Black Business Forum and World Vapers Alliance The Portfolio Committee on Health has received briefings from the Lesedi Black Business Forum (LBBF) and the World Vapers Alliance (WVA) on the Tobacco and Electronic Delivery System Control Bill. The LBBF supported the objectives of the Bill but called for a balance between public health and economic considerations. It said it has interacted with the Department of Health, via an online workshop organised by the department in 2020 but […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International President Ramaphosa appoints chairs, deputy chairs and secretary of Eminent Persons Group Following the inaugural meeting of the National Dialogue Eminent Persons Group at the Union Buildings on Friday, 11 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa has designated the following persons to lead and coordinate the group: Co-Chairs: Prof Tinyiko Maluleke Mr Roelf Meyer Deputy Chairs: Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko Mr Siyabulela Xuza Secretary: Ms Nompendulo Mkhatshwa President Ramaphosa said: “I am grateful to each of them for agreeing to take on this responsibility […] today17 July, 2025
insert_link APO International Water Reservoirs in Central Region in Good Condition Eng. Abraham Daniel, head of Agricultural Infrastructure in the Central Region, reported that the dams and micro-dams in the region are in good condition. Indicating that there are 87 dams and 45 micro-dams in the region, Eng. Abraham said that they have collected a total of over 70 million cubic meters of water. He further noted that 12 of the dams, with a combined capacity of over 50 million cubic […] today17 July, 2025