On 14 June, Tanzania celebrated the inauguration of its first Emergency Operation and Communication Center (EOCC) Situation Room, which is also the first national situation room to be set up under the African Union’s Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Programme.

The event marked a milestone in the country’s journey towards building disaster resilience and was welcomed by supporters of the EOCC Situation Room, including the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), which over two years provided technical support for its establishment, in partnership with the CIMA Foundation and with generous funding from the Government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Working under the authority of the Prime Minister’s Office, the EOCC Situation Room will work to combine real-time data on current and emerging risks with data on past disasters to issue timely forecasts and bulletins. These products, through the coordination and support of the Prime Minister’s office, will aim to trigger protective actions that can save lives, protect livelihoods and safeguard economic sectors.

“The Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs and Coordination) is delighted to inaugurate the Emergency Operations Coordination Center (EOCC) Situation Room under the Disaster Management Department. This marks a significant milestone for Government’s commitment to safeguarding the Tanzania community from disaster.

“This Situation Room will facilitate multi-hazard monitoring for early warning and early action to prevent and mitigate the impact on lives, infrastructure and the environment. In times of disaster, it will serve as the nerve center for multi-sectoral coordinated efforts for effective response to protect and provide humanitarian support and recovery measures in building back better.

“This state-of-the-art facility has been made possible through the generous support of the government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, within the framework of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction program for continental coordination, early warning, and action system in Africa with technical support from CIMA Research Foundation.

“The Office appreciates all their commitment to working with the government to strengthen hazard prevention and mitigation and preparedness for effective response and recovery for resilience in our nation. With the EOCC Situation Room, we are better equipped to monitor hazards, assess risks, disseminate timely warnings, and ensure effective response measures for the safety and well-being of all those we serve. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient future for our communities,” said the Honourable, Ms. Jenista Mhagama, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs and Coordination) of Tanzania. 

“Italy can boast extensive and well-developed expertise in the field of DRR, having built a comprehensive, integrated, multi-level, and inclusive system domestically. I am thinking of our Civil Protection or of excellences like the CIMA Research Foundation, which have put their know-how at the service of partner countries within the framework of projects funded by Italian Cooperation,” declared Mr. Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, adding:

“This project, among others, confirms how African stakeholders are leading partners and that Italian and international experts work side by side to deliver tools and services to institutions and communities.”

Also present at the inauguration were representatives of UNDRR and the CIMA Research Foundation.

“I congratulate the Government of Tanzania on this accomplishment, which is a step towards strengthening disaster resilience in Tanzania, and a solid contribution to establishing an Africa-wide network of multi-hazard early warning systems. We cannot rest until every country in Africa is protected by a multi-hazard early warning system, as called for by the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative,” said Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Head of UNDRR.

“A study conducted by CIMA Research Foundation in collaboration with PMO and UNDRR, estimated that affected population by floods and droughts are projected to rise of about four times by the end of the century, for the combined effects of climate change and demographic growth. The agricultural sector is by far the most affected sector, threatening food security in the country. The situation room significantly increases the capacities of Tanzania to protect the population and their livelihood. It is a hub where well trained staffs, using innovative technological tools for data exchange, combine risk information and scientifically based forecasts to produce impact early warnings, eventually informing early and anticipatory actions,” said Mr. Luca Ferraris, President of the CIMA Research Foundation, whose researchers have been conducting workshops for the EOCC staff and will continue to support them.

At the inauguration, UNDRR reconfirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania fully operationalize the new EOCC Situation Room, in coordination with the UN system and other partners.

As part of this commitment, earlier this week, UNDRR’s Regional Office for Africa facilitated a workshop to train national officials on the use of an open-source system for real-time monitoring and forecasting of natural hazards. This tool will be utilized in the situation room to enable the issuing of advisories and bulletins to trigger early actions.

Countries with advanced multi-hazard early warning systems have disaster mortality rates that are six times lower than countries with no or weak systems, according to research by UNDRR. Moreover, an early warning of just 24 hours has the potential to reduce ensuing damages by 30%. Despite these benefits, only 45% of countries in Africa report the existence of such systems, according to UNDRR’s 2023 report on the Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems.

To address this gap, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All initiative, which supports the acceleration of regional efforts such as the African Union’s flagship AMHEWAS Programme. The Tanzanian EOCC Situation Room will be integrated into the AMHEWAS network, and support strengthening cross-border cooperation to address common hazards.

The AMHEWAS network, created through the support of the Italian Cooperation, is composed of four centres at continental and regional levels: the others are based at the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa; the African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD) in Niamey; and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (IGAD-ICPAC) in Nairobi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Zain Davids and Shilton van Wyk return to the Springbok Sevens squad that will contest the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco from 21-23 June.

South Africa will play Mexico, Tonga and Chile in pool play in the tournament where the winner will fill the last spot at the Rugby Sevens tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Davids and Van Wyk both missed the squad’s previous trip to Europe, the HSBC SVNS Grand Finale in Madrid as they were rested with the Monaco trip in mind, and according to interim Head Coach, Philip Snyman, it was a worthwhile exercise.

“Both Zain and Shilton played in all the tournaments for us and we felt it would be better for them to miss the Madrid one and to freshen up for Monaco, as they will be needed in what is a very important tournament for us,” Snyman explained.

The squad for Monaco will only consist of 12 players and not the 13 that usually travel to the SVNS events on tour, and according to Snyman, this impacted on team selection.

“We needed a little bit of versatility in the squad, as you have one player less and for us, Siviwe Soyizwapi, will fill that role and will play on the wing and in the forwards. We are also lucky to have Selvyn Davids and Rosko Specman who can play in several positions.”

Snyman said they travel to Monaco on Sunday with a clear mind on the task ahead.

“The goal is straight forward, and that is to win in Monaco and gain entry to the Paris Olympics. The whole squad is in agreement that we were our own worst enemies during the SVNS series and only we can fix that.”

Their preparations went well and they will have confidence in getting the job done.

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves and no one is thinking Paris yet. We need to lay a foundation against Mexico and follow it up on Day Two and get the best possible draw for the playoffs on Day Three,” said Snyman.

The Pools in Monaco:

A: South Africa, Chile, Tonga, Mexico

B: Great Britain, Canada, Uganda, China

C: Spain, Hong Kong China, Papua New Guinea, Brazil

Blitzboks schedule:

Friday, 21 June

17h32: Mexico

Saturday 22 June

14h32: Tonga

19h32: Chile

The Springbok Sevens squad for Monaco:

1) Christie Grobbelaar

2) Ryan Oosthuizen

3) Impi Visser

4) Zain Davids

5) Quewin Nortje

6) Tiaan Pretorius

7) Shaun Williams

8) Selvyn Davids (captain)

9) Tristan Leyds

10) Rosko Specman

11) Siviwe Soyizwapi

12) Shilton van Wyk

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

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The Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit – Africa’s leading investment platform for the critical minerals sector – will return for its second edition on November 6 – 7 in Cape Town. CMA 2024 brings together African and global policymakers, project leaders and key stakeholders along the critical minerals value chain to unlock and promote investment opportunities across Africa’s mining space.  

The African continent is home to 30% of global critical mineral reserves, including lithium, cobalt, platinum group metals (PGMs) and copper that are essential for energy transition and fourth industrial revolution technologies. To capitalize on growing demand for transition metals and minerals, Africa’s leading mining markets are seeking to catalyze investment across the critical minerals supply chain, with a view to maximizing production, diversifying exports and advancing manufacturing and end use applications of critical minerals across the continent.

In its inaugural edition, CMA hosted 250+ delegates, 40+ speakers, as well as ministers, mining companies and organizations from 16 countries for a full day of discussions, networking and deal signings. Organized alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy conference, CMA 2024 is set to be bigger and better, expanding to a two-day agenda with 50+ speakers, a dedicated project and mineral showcase, four distinct forums and a series of technical presentations and panel discussions. CMA 2024 is organized by Energy Capital&Power (ECP), in official partnership with the Critical Minerals International Alliance, African Energy Chamber, Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moore Global, Rystad Energy and the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique.

Early speaker confirmations include Hon. Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mines of South Sudan; Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno, Minister of Mining of Malawi; Antony Phillipson, British High Commissioner to South Africa; Olimpia Pilch, Founder&COO of Critical Minerals International Alliance; Tim George, CEO of Pensana; Errol Smart, CEO of Orion Minerals; Vinay Somera, CEO of Isondo Precious Metals; Thomas Gono, President of the Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe; Geert Klok, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of Mines of Mozambique; and Sokwani William Chilembo, CEO of the Zambia Chamber of Mines; among other distinguished speakers.

Engaging government officials from across the continent and globally, a high-level Ministerial Forum will examine the policy frameworks, infrastructure requirements and international cooperation requisite for empowering Africa’s critical minerals industry. A dedicated Investment Forum will showcase strategic opportunities for both producers and buyers across the spectrum of critical mineral and rare earth projects, while a Leaders Forum will explore the key trends and policy initiatives unlocking a new era of success for African mineral producers. Showcasing South Sudan’s frontier mining potential, CMA 2024 will feature the first-ever South Sudan Mining Forum, set to attract investment in the exploration and exploitation of the country’s prospective gold, zinc, manganese, nickel and cobalt deposits.

Another regional focus will be on Southern Africa, where the mining sector is a key GDP and employment driver and the region holds half of the world’s vanadium, platinum and diamonds, as well as substantial gold and cobalt reserves. Zambia represents one of the leading copper producers globally and recently introduced the Mineral Regulations Commission Bill to streamline mining licensing and fiscal terms, as it targets one million tons of copper output by 2026. Meanwhile, South Africa is advancing its PGMs industry – of which it holds over 90% of global reserves – to meet growing demand for energy transition technologies, including green hydrogen and fuel cell applications.

In the logistics sector, African producers are looking to bolster mining sector infrastructure to advance mapping and exploration activities, while ensuring the establishment of value-added industries. A session on the transnational Lobito Corridor will explore opportunities for Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in facilitating mineral trade from the Copperbelt region to international markets. Having secured substantial financial commitments from global partners – including USAID, Africa Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, European Commission and US, UK and German governments – the project also serves as a successful model for attracting foreign investment and galvanizing broad international support.

“Building on the success of our inaugural event, CMA 2024 takes on an expanded agenda, uniting Africa’s leading mining companies, project developers and industry stakeholders. This year’s summit will be instrumental in unlocking investment opportunities across Africa’s critical minerals space and ensuring the sector is leveraged for long-term and inclusive growth, while supporting the global energy transition,” said James Chester, ECP Senior Director.

CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year’s edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent’s raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com or visit, https://CriticalMineralsAfrica.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

The Junior Springbok squad for the forthcoming World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Cape Town was announced on Friday, with Zachary Porthen – one of five players who will feature in the tournament for a second time – named as the captain of the team.

Apart from Porthen – who will pack down at prop – the other players who played in the tournament on home soil last year are JF van Heerden (lock), Asad Moos (scrumhalf), Jurenzo Julius (centre) and Litelihle Bester (wing).

Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko acknowledged the difficulty in finalizing the 30-man squad due to the high level of commitment and desire shown by the entire training group.

“We had to make some tough decisions to choose what we as coaches believe would be the best selection for the competition,” Nhleko explained.

“I commend all the guys who have been part of the journey thus far and the sacrifices made, but from hereon, the focus will be towards building cohesion within the squad.

“We are excited for the challenge that lies ahead, the players are keen to create their own story and we can only take confidence from the work that the group has put in.”

The training squad reconvened this week to begin their preparations since their return from Brisbane last month, where they participated in the inaugural U20 Rugby Championship arranged by SANZAAR.

Nhleko said: “That tournament gave us an opportunity to play in three very tough, competitive matches, presented us with key learnings and areas to work on, but we also grew as a group. We are keen to keep driving good behaviours and build on the positive aspects of our performances.”

The Junior Boks are grouped in Pool C with Fiji, Argentina, and England. France will defend the title they won in Cape Town last year, and the SA U20s will look to improve on their bronze medal from 2023.

The tournament kicks off on 29 June in Cape Town at DHL Stadium and Athlone Stadium, with subsequent pool match days scheduled for 4 and 9 July. The playoffs, including the semi-finals for the top four sides, will be staged on 14 July, with the final and ranking matches on 19 July.

The Junior Boks will start their campaign on Saturday, 29 June against Fiji in the DHL Stadium, followed by pool games against Argentina on 4 July (Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch) and England on 9 July (Athlone Stadium).

Tickets for the world event are priced at R35 for children 18 years old and younger, and R75 for adults and are available from Ticketmaster (https://apo-opa.co/4c0BQy3), with admission including three encounters at every venue.

Junior Springbok squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship:

Props: Casper Badenhorst (Vodacom Bulls), Liyema Ntshanga, (Toyota Cheetahs), Reno Hirst (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Zachary Porthen (captain, DHL Western Province), Ruan Swart (Vodacom Bulls).

Hookers: Ethan Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luca Bakkes (DHL Western Province), Juan Smal (Vodacom Bulls).

Locks: Adam de Waal (DHL Western Province), JF van Heerden (Vodacom Bulls), Thomas Dyer (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Loose forwards: Batho Hlekani (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Divan Fuller (DHL Western Province), Keanu Coetsee (Vodacom Bulls), Sibabalwe Mahashe (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Thabang Mphafi (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Tiaan Jacobs (Biarritz).

Scrumhalves: Asad Moos (DHL Western Province), Ezekiel Ngobeni (DHL Western Province).

Flyhalves: Liam Koen (Vodacom Bulls), Tylor Sefoor (Toyota Cheetahs).

Centres: Bruce Sherwood (DHL Western Province), Joshua Boulle (DHL Western Province), Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Philip-Albert van Niekerk (Vodacom Bulls).

Outside backs: JC Mars (DHL Western Province), Joel Leotlela (DHL Western Province&SA Sevens), Litelihle Bester (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Likhona Finca (Fidelity ADT Golden Lions), Michail Damon (Vodacom Bulls).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.