SANDF SOLDIERS GUNNED DOWN DRC @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the nine South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who tragically lost their lives during peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

These brave men and women, deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO), paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. We honour their courage and sacrifice. 

The EFF is deeply disturbed by the lack of urgency and respect shown by the SANDF in informing the public and the families of the fallen soldiers. It is unacceptable that South Africans were forced to rely on foreign sources for news of this devastating loss, as SANDF delayed in releasing critical information. 

This demonstrates a glaring failure in leadership and crisis communication. President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, and Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga must account for this failure. 

It is unconscionable that the President remained silent, prioritising his engagement at the World Economic Forum while our nation grieved. Similarly, the Minister of Defence’s misleading public statements and delayed response reflect gross incompetence. Both must take responsibility for these failures, and we demand the Minister’s immediate resignation. 

The EFF reiterates its long-standing warnings that SANDF troops deployed in the DRC are under-resourced and ill-prepared to face the dangers posed by the well-equipped M23 rebels. In fact, it is reported that our soldiers had no supplies or ammunition as of Friday, a glaring case of neglect on the part of our government. 

These deployments appear to serve the interests of multinational corporations exploiting the DRC’s mineral wealth, rather than prioritising peace or South Africa’s sovereignty. On the 15th of February 2024, the Commander-in-Chief of the EFF Julius Malema warned about the dangers of the SANDF deployment to the DRC, as our army is ill-equipped, neglected and the deployments pose a risk of life of our soldiers. 

Therefore, the news of the death of nine SANDF soldiers in the DRC is painful and could have been avoided. The EFF calls on the deployment of South African soldiers to the DRC to be withdrawn with immediate effect! 

We further call for an emergency joint sitting of Parliament to hold President Ramaphosa accountable and to urgently present the withdrawal plan for our soldiers to return home safely. Lasting peace in the region can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of the conflict and resultant exploitation of the DRC. 

To the families of the fallen, we stand with you in this time of immense sorrow. May the memories of these heroes inspire a commitment to justice and peace across our continent. 

ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

 

ANC FIRST LEKGOTLA 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

Today, the Three-Day National Lekgotla of the African National Congress got under way. It began with  President Cyril Ramaphosa’s presentation of a political overview outlining the strategic context and  priorities to guide the discussions and deliberations of this important gathering, along with messages of support from our Alliance Partners.  

The Lekgotla, which brings together the ANC leadership, alliance partners, and other stakeholders, is an opportunity to evaluate progress, address challenges, and chart a way forward in advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the aspirations of the Freedom Charter.  Setting the Context for the Lekgotla  President Ramaphosa’s political overview emphasized the broad national and global factors shaping this year’s Lekgotla, including the theme for 2025: “The Year of Renewal to Make the ANC a More Effective Instrument of the People to Achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter: The People Shall Govern! The People Shall Share in the Country’s Wealth!”  As the ANC celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, the President reminded the gathering that the society envisioned in the Charter remains unrealized due to persistent challenges such as racism, patriarchy, inequality, and economic exclusion. 

These realities underline the need for the ANC to remain resolute in its mission to achieve the vision of the Freedom Charter and lead the transformation agenda.  National and Global Challenges  The President highlighted key challenges shaping the domestic and global context. Domestically, the  persistence of the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality remains a critical issue. There is a pressing need to address ongoing service delivery issues, crime, gender-based violence, and the high cost of living. 

Strengthening the ANC’s role in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is crucial to ensuring the implementation of ANC resolutions and policies.  Globally, rising instability and attacks on multilateralism continue to affect South Africa and the developing world. Increasing conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, along with global economic challenges, exacerbate poverty and unemployment in South Africa, requiring a strategic response.  

Priorities for the Lekgotla Deliberations The President emphasized three urgent and interrelated priorities to guide the Lekgotla discussions. First, the renewal and rebuilding of the ANC must focus on strengthening its structures, especially branches, to serve as vibrant centers of community life. 

The renewal agenda must prioritize restoring public trust and ensuring the ANC remains a decisive and ethical leader. Second, economic growth and job creation must be at the forefront of the ANC’s agenda. Opportunities in manufacturing, the green economy, and digital technologies should be leveraged to stimulate inclusive economic growth and job creation. 

Addressing youth unemployment through targeted education reforms, skills development, and entrepreneurship programmes is critical. Third, improving service delivery and accountability is essential. Efforts must focus on addressing water insecurity and eradicating water mafias that sabotage infrastructure. 

The formalization of informal settlements must be accelerated, and access to basic services for indigent households must be expanded. Developing a comprehensive indigent register will provide critical support to vulnerable households facing rising costs. On eskom's 300 days without loadshedding The African National Congress applauds Eskom’s achievement of over 300 consecutive days without loadshedding, a significant milestone that underscores the progress made under the ANC-led government’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. 

This accomplishment is a direct result of the comprehensive measures outlined in the ANC Manifesto, including the maintenance and refurbishment of Eskom’s infrastructure, additional energy procurement, and the transition to renewable energy sources. Stable energy supply is key to unlocking economic growth, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for all South Africans. It ensures the uninterrupted operation of schools, hospitals, and businesses while advancing the ANC’s vision of social transformation. 

We commend the dedication of Eskom’s workforce and all stakeholders involved and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring energy security for the benefit of the nation. Accelerating Land Reform and the Expropriation Act The President reaffirmed the importance of accelerating land reform as a key pillar of transformation. The recent enactment of the Expropriation Act provides a legal framework to address historical injustices and promote equitable access to land. 

The Act enables the expropriation of land in the public interest, including for land reform and socio-economic development. Government must prioritize the implementation of the Act to unlock opportunities in agriculture, human settlements, and industrial development. 

 The President noted that land reform is essential not only for justice and redress but also for economic growth and national food security

Global Leadership and Solidarity The President reiterated the ANC’s commitment to building a better Africa and a better world, guided by principles of anti-colonialism, Pan-Africanism, and human rights. South Africa will utilize its G20 Presidency to advance the interests of Africa and the Global South, focusing on green industrialization and the strategic use of critical minerals. 

The ANC will continue to support the struggles for selfdetermination in Palestine and Western Sahara. Looking Ahead The President reminded delegates of the importance of the upcoming National General Council (NGC), scheduled for the second half of the year, as a platform to assess the effectiveness of ANC policies and programmes. This will coincide with celebrations of the 70th Anniversary of the Freedom Charter, a moment to recommit to the principles enshrined in this historic document. 

The Lekgotla will deliberate on these priorities and tasks in the coming days, guided by the ANC’s Elections Manifesto, National Conference resolutions, and the January 8th Statement. Conclusion The ANC remains committed to uniting the country, addressing the challenges facing the people, and advancing the aspirations of the Freedom Charter. 

The outcomes of this Lekgotla will chart a path toward renewal, service delivery, and economic transformation, ensuring the ANC remains a trusted and effective instrument of the people.  

RUSSIA DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS @KASIBCNEWS

RUSSIA DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS @KASIBCNEWS 

The officials exchanged views on the current situation and prospects for developing international economic relations as well as on the growing role of SCO member-states therein

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk held a working meeting in Moscow with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Nurlan Yermekbayev.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the current situation and prospects for developing international economic relations, in which the SCO member states play a growing role.

Alexey Overchuk advised the SCO Secretary-General on the work during the Russian chairmanship of the SCO Heads of Government Council in 2024–2025, stressing the Russian side's focus on giving a new impetus to cooperation within the organisation on the economic track.

They noted the importance of combining national economic development strategies and multilateral integration projects, developing multimodal transport corridors linking the countries of Northern and Southern Eurasia, ensuring energy security in the SCO region, developing cooperation in the industrial and innovation spheres, as well as further developing humanitarian ties.

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The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out the need for deeper economic cooperation between the SCO countries subject to the strategic goals provided in the Declaration of on further development of economic processes within the EAEU until 2030 and for the period until 2045 ”The Eurasian Economic Path,“ as well the CIS development strategy until 2030.

Alexey Overchuk and Nurlan Yermekbayev agreed on keeping regular contacts to ensure coordinated work of the SCO Secretariat and to provide substantive content for the forthcoming SCO Heads of Government Council meeting scheduled to be held in the autumn of 2025

EGYPT WIFI CALLING ROLLOUT @KASIBCNEWS

Egypt has officially rolled out a new service that allows mobile phone calls to be made via fixed internet networks (WIFI-calling), with the goal of enhancing call quality and improving overall telecommunications services.

In a conference held on Monday, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat explained that the service addresses network coverage challenges in areas with high population density, narrow streets, and tall buildings, where providing sufficient mobile network coverage is often difficult.

 

“WIFI-calling makes it easier for users to send and receive calls with good quality,” Talaat stated during the announcement.

 

The new service, called WIFI calling, addresses the long-standing issue of mobile network coverage, especially in areas where users struggle to get a stable signal, such as those living in lower floors of buildings or in densely populated urban areas.

 

The service was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with Egypt's four major mobile operators and the telecommunications regulator, explained a MCIT statement.

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WIFI-calling relies on the user's fixed internet connection through WIFI to carry mobile calls, instead of relying on traditional mobile network towers. This allows users to make regular mobile calls using their home internet connection, which is especially beneficial in areas with poor mobile network coverage.

 

Talaat also mentioned that by mid-year, the government plans to complete the installation of mobile network coverage across all highways and villages included in the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas.

RUSSIA MANUFACTERING INVESTMENT IN ZIMBABWE @KASIBCNEWS

RUSSIA MANUFACTERING INVESTMENT IN ZIMBABWE @KASIBCNEWS

Deputy Minister Garipov was in the company of representatives of several companies in the agricultural sector involved in dairy, genetics, breeding among others. After the meeting, VP Chiwenga and his delegation toured some of the companies. “For the meeting with the Vice President we invited a number of companies to demonstrate their capacities,” said Deputy Minister Garipov. 

“The specific dimensions where we feel this cooperation could be fruitful is areas such as refining equipment production and selling equipment as well as organising localisation of equipment manufacturing as well as help in the knowledge transfer.” Speaking afterwards, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe was open for business and is ready to open new avenues of cooperation with Russia. “There is huge potential for investment in agriculture and many other sectors,” said VP Chiwenga. “We are already cooperating with the Russians in many areas so what we want is to improve this cooperation and improve trade for the benefit of our people. 

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They will be coming home and specific areas will be discussed where this cooperation can be enhanced. “In Zimbabwe, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and the success of its value chains contributes significantly to the growth of our industries. I have taken this opportunity to visit agricultural institutions and companies in Kazan, to appreciate the investment models as well as the support being rendered to small scale farming.”