On Africa Day, we celebrate this dynamic and diverse continent and the contributions of Africans to our world. The continent’s young and growing population, its rich natural resources, its breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity give it outsize potential. 

Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, along with Africa’s growing voice, including leadership in renewable energy, can help realize that potential. 

But a bright future for Africa’s 1.2 billion people means addressing the challenges blocking Africa’s progress — from the effects of climate change, to deadly conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government, to hunger, poverty, inequality and crushing debt burdens.

We need to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals. This will require, among other actions, that we reform the international financial architecture so developing countries can access the resources they will need to invest in the future of their people — including strengthening education systems, this year’s African Union theme. 

We must work side by side with Africa to build green economies anchored in renewable energy, and ensure that the continent’s critical mineral resources benefit Africans first and foremost. 

We must strengthen our collaboration to safeguard human rights, counter terrorism and violent extremism, and — finally — silence the guns across Africa. The UN Security Council’s recent resolution to support African-led peace operations is an important step.  

Throughout, Africa must have a seat at every multilateral forum — including the UN Security Council, the international financial system, and other global norm-setting structures. September’s Summit of the Future in New York will be a moment to create momentum and progress.  

On Africa Day, let’s renew our pledge to stand with all Africans in their quest to lead their continent — and our world — into a peaceful and prosperous future for all. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations In Egypt.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today signed funding agreements with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) valued at USD 19.4 million to jointly address global health challenges including in emergency responses. The support will reinforce WHO operations and programmes in three countries namely Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The agreements were signed by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO and H.E Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of KSrelief, at the opening of the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

This support from KSrelief reaffirms its joint commitment to ensure health services are available to vulnerable communities around the world suffering from conflict, disease outbreaks and weakened health services. In Sudan, the generous contribution of USD 5 million will ensure the provision of life-saving dialysis treatment for individuals living with kidney failure in 77 renal dialysis centers across the country. The project includes the procurement of 100 dialysis machines and supports Dialysis centers that provide essential services to kidney patients.

“WHO and KSrelief have a long-standing strategic partnership. This continued support reflects our mutual goal of addressing global health challenges ” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.

As Syria is still suffering in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes, approximately USD 4.75 million has been dedicated to supporting recovery efforts there.  The massive earthquakes, which struck south-eastern Türkiye near the border with Syria, caused significant destruction in both countries, claimed thousands of lives and damaged or destroyed essential infrastructure, including health facilities. We are committed to supporting the recovery efforts and ensuring that health services are available for affected Syrians. This support will directly benefit an estimated 350,000 persons with provision of essential medications and supplies, while an estimated 4.1 million people will benefit from restored diagnostic capacity and/or ambulance referrals.

Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), stated: “These cooperation agreements affirm the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to saving lives and safeguarding futures. KSrelief is pleased to work with the WHO to jointly address global health challenges and serve vulnerable communities around the world.”

In Yemen, an allocation of around USD 9.5 million has been made to support WHO’s efforts in responding to disease outbreaks, including measles and cholera. The funding also aims to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH) in healthcare facilities by ensuring a sustainable water supply for the most vulnerable populations. Through these initiatives, WHO will provide life-saving medical and healthcare services to 12.6 million Yemenis through a sustained and integrated health response.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a valuable partner to WHO. This contribution from KSrelief is instrumental in supporting our efforts to serve the most vulnerable communities as we continue to address the dire consequences of multiple emergencies in our region,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “We are very grateful for this much-needed support, which will improve access to urgently needed health services and result in better health outcomes.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a long-term strategic WHO partner, is working jointly with WHO to address global health challenges around the world. Over the past three consecutive biennia , the Kingdom has been among WHO’s top 20 contributors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The 33rd Independence Day anniversary was enthusiastically celebrated in the Anseba, Northern, and Southern Red Sea Regions under the theme “Peace Anchored on Resilience.”

Mr. Siraj Haji, Chairman of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in Anseba Region, noted that a strong effort was exerted in cooperation with the public, members of the Defense Forces, and others to colorfully celebrate the Independence Day anniversary. He commended all those who contributed to the vibrant event.

Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the region, highlighted the heavy sacrifices made to realize national independence and safeguard national sovereignty. He also provided a briefing on the development programs set out in the region. The event saw the participation of senior government and PFDJ officials, Army Commanders, religious leaders, village elders, and a large number of Keren residents. The program featured cultural and artistic performances as well as calisthenics by students.

Similarly, the 33rd Independence Day anniversary was enthusiastically celebrated in the port city of Massawa at the regional level. The event included military parades by the Defense Forces, Air Force, and Navy, along with cultural and artistic programs involving a number of veteran and young artists.

Ms. Zeineb Omar, chairperson of the Holidays Coordinating Committee in the region, extended congratulations to the Eritrean people both inside the country and abroad, as well as to the Eritrean Defense Forces. She noted that the celebratory events in the region began on 15 May across the sub-zones and commended all those who participated in organizing and taking part in the colorful festivities.

Ms. Asmeret Abraha, Governor of the region, mentioned that three generations of Eritreans have made significant sacrifices for independence and national sovereignty, as well as in repelling external hostilities. She also urged stronger participation in preserving the peace achieved and in implementing national development programs.

The 33rd Independence Day anniversary was also vibrantly celebrated in the port city of Assab at the regional level on 23 May.

The event was attended by Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai, Governor of the Region, Brig. Gen. Abraham Andom, Commander of the Eastern Command, and other senior officials, along with Sultan Abdulkadir of Rehaita and numerous nationals. Ambassador Mohammed-Seid Mantai explained the profound significance of the Independence Day celebrations and called for redoubled efforts to secure peace and successfully implement national development programs.

The occasion featured military parades, a speed boats show, and cultural and artistic programs that depicted the day.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Suzuki Griquas finished off a perfect campaign by winning the SA Cup – their first major trophy in a decade – when they defeated arch-rivals the Airlink Pumas by 46-24 in a thrilling final at Suzuki Stadium in Kimberley on Saturday afternoon.

Pieter Bergh’s side led from the onset, racing into a 29-0 lead in the first 25 minutes and never lost the lead to clinch a memorable final played in front of a big crowd at their home ground in the Diamond City.

The Peacock Blues – playing in white on Saturday – delivered a masterclass in the first half to effectively take the game away from the gritty team from Mpumalanga.

Suzuki Griquas led 29-14 at half-time as the Airlink Pumas started with their fightback, and the home side had to withstand an intensive period of pressure from the visitors as Jimmy Stonehouse’s team served notice of their intension to stay in the game.

However, the hosts’ defence held firm to repel several forward onslaughts from the Airlink Pumas and they thwarted two dangerous scoring opportunities by managing to hold up the visiting ball carrier and prevent them from scoring.

Once Suzuki Griquas managed to soak up that pressure, they somehow found another gear to score two quick-fire tries in the last six minutes to seal the deal. The home team’s experienced flyhalf George Whitehead was again their standout player by scoring a try, four conversions and two penalty goals for a personal contribution of 19 points.

The men from the Northern Cape made a positive start by scoring a converted try through left wing Sako Makata in the sixth minute, which was converted by Whitehead.

Whitehead then hit the target again barely one minute later when he slotted penalty goal following a high tackle, which saw right wing Stefan Coetzee sent to the sin bin. This was followed by a penalty try when the Airlink Pumas pulled down a driving maul with the tryline beckoning.

With two opponents in the sin bin, Suzuki Griquas tried to run the Airlink Pumas off their feet and it was not surprise when lively fullback Cameron Hufke was sent over in the corner following a two-man overlap, to make it 22-0.

Suzuki Griquas continued to tighten the screws and six minutes later Whitehead exploited space behind the Airlink Pumas’ defensive line when he collected his own grubber kick to run in under the sticks, with the conversion stretching the hosts’ lead to 29-0 inside 25 minutes.

But the Airlink Pumas staged their fightback which saw them awarded a penalty try and yellow card for the hosts’ outside back Stephan Smit.

That, and a great counter-attacking try by replacement flyhalf Gene Willemse, narrowed the deficit to 15 points at halftime.

Discipline continued to plague both sides, and just before Willemse’s try, Makata became the fourth player see yellow in the first half when he was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.

After the break the two teams improved their discipline which resulted in an arm wrestle for possession, territory and points.

Suzuki Griquas forced another scrum penalty early in the second stanza and allowed Whitehead to easily slot his second penalty goal of the afternoon to increase the lead to 32-14.

However, the Airlink Pumas refused to go away and their forwards started to get more into the game which also saw them enjoying more possession. It was therefore no surprise when replacement hooker Darnell Osuagwu continued with his try-scoring streak by dotting down for the visitors after a sustained period of pressure.

The momentum was now with the team from Mpumalanga and shortly thereafter it was Airlink Pumas wing Lundi Msenge, who finished off a move to cut the lead to 32-24 with 10 minutes of play left on the clock.

But two quick tries, by replacements Gustav du Rand (hooker) and Bobby Alexander (scrumhalf), sealed the fate of the visitors and led to wild celebrations by the home team and their supporters.

Scorers:

Suzuki Griquas 46 (29) – Tries: Sako Makata, Cameron Hufke, George Whitehead, Gustav du Rand, Bobby Alexander, Penalty try. Conversions: Whitehead (4). Penalty goals: Whitehead (2).

Airlink Pumas 24 (14) – Tries: Gene Willemse, Darnell Osaugwu, Lundi Msenge, Penalty try. Conversion: Willemse.

Please note, all match details are subject to change and will be kept updated on www.Springboks.Rugby.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

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