PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON VIRTUAL ASSETS TO HARMONISE DIGITAL ECONOMY REGULATION

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

PRESIDENT TINUBU SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ON VIRTUAL ASSETS TO HARMONISE DIGITAL ECONOMY REGULATION

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​ABUJA, NIGERIA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Presidential Executive Order on Virtual Assets Coordination, 2026, establishing a new regulatory architecture to harmonize the oversight of digital and virtual assets across Nigeria.  

​The Executive Order, which takes effect immediately, was signed pursuant to Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It responds to a fragmented regulatory environment where virtual assets increasingly blur traditional boundaries between currencies, commodities, and securities.  

​Addressing Institutional Silos and Security Risks

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The Presidency noted that relevant agencies operating in isolation have created overlaps and enforcement gaps. Unregistered and fraudulent operators have exploited these loopholes to prey on unsuspecting citizens, exposing the nation to significant risks, including:  

​Money laundering and terrorism financing.  

​Cybersecurity breaches and data privacy threats.  

​Consumer fraud and substantial revenue losses for the state.  

​The Executive Order closes these regulatory gaps through enhanced supervisory coordination without introducing new layers of bureaucracy or overriding the statutory mandates of existing institutions.  

​Establishment of the Virtual Asset Council & Office

​To lead policy direction and alignment, the Order establishes two core administrative structures:

​Virtual Asset Council: Chaired by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serving as vice-chairs. 

The council also includes the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).  

​Virtual Asset Office: Operating as the Council’s operational body with its secretariat domiciled at the CBN. It will manage day-to-day information sharing, process applications, and handle reporting via an integrated supervisory technology platform.  

​Existing statutory mandates remain intact: virtual assets classified as securities will continue under SEC oversight, while payments, settlement, custody, and non-security virtual assets fall under the CBN. Jurisdictional disputes will be resolved directly by the Council.  

​Regulatory Sandbox, Tax Policy, and White Paper

​The government is introducing three supporting initiatives to bolster responsible innovation:

​CBN Regulatory Sandbox: Eligible operators will test virtual asset products and blockchain-based solutions under close supervision to evaluate impacts on monetary sovereignty, financial stability, and consumer protection before entering the wider market.  

​NRS Virtual Asset Tax Policy: A dedicated tax policy will operationalize existing tax laws for digital assets, strengthening voluntary compliance and ensuring the growing sector contributes fairly to national revenue.  

​Virtual Assets White Paper: A comprehensive roadmap setting out long-term national policy directions and implementation priorities for stakeholders.  

​The Virtual Asset Council has been directed to deliver a Harmonised Implementation Framework within 30 days to ensure the rapid, structured rollout of the Executive Order across all participating agencies.  

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PREMIER LESUFI CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING TRAGIC LOSS OF TWO SANDF SOLDIERS DURING OPERATION PROSPER

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

PREMIER LESUFI CONDOLENCES FOLLOWING TRAGIC LOSS OF TWO SANDF SOLDIERS DURING OPERATION PROSPER

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​JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has extended his deepest condolences to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the families of two soldiers who lost their lives during an anti-illegal mining operation in the West Rand.

​The two soldiers, aged 32 and 33, tragically fell down an abandoned vertical mine shaft at the CRD Mine in Florida, west of Johannesburg, on Friday morning while pursuing suspected illegal miners (zama zamas). Emergency response units, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, retrieved their bodies later that afternoon.  

​Premier Lesufi’s Tribute

​Premier Lesufi praised the selflessness and bravery of security forces working under dangerous conditions to protect South African communities:

​“Our law enforcement officers serve the people of South Africa with unwavering courage, discipline, and selflessness, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. Their sacrifice in the pursuit of law and order will never be forgotten. We honour their service, salute their bravery, and remain forever grateful for their commitment to our country.” — Premier Panyaza Lesufi

​Intensified Crackdown Under Operation Prosper

​The tragedy occurred amid an intensified provincial effort to dismantle illegal mining and organized crime syndicates. Authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Operation Prosper pairs the SANDF with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to support law enforcement in hotspots across Gauteng.  

​During the specific operation in Florida, police arrested 20 suspects—19 of whom are undocumented foreign nationals—and confiscated illegal mining equipment alongside gold-bearing material. Over the broader first quarter of the year, joint SAPS and SANDF operations across Gauteng have yielded nearly 800 arrests and led to the seizure of close to 1,000 kilograms of gold-bearing material.  

​A Vow to Restore Law and Order

​Reaffirming the Gauteng Provincial Government’s full support for the security forces, Premier Lesufi emphasized that the tragedy will not stall law enforcement efforts.

​“We owe it to the memory of these brave soldiers to remain steadfast in our resolve. Their deaths must not be in vain. Their sacrifice strengthens our determination to rid our province of illegal mining and organised crime. 

We will not relent in our efforts to restore law and order, protect the people of Gauteng, and ensure that those responsible for these criminal activities are brought to justice.” — Premier Panyaza Lesufi

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HIGH-PROFILE CONTRACT KILLING TRIAL BEGINS AS ALLEGED MASTERMIND 'CAT' MATLALA AND CO-ACCUSED APPEAR IN COURT

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

HIGH-PROFILE CONTRACT KILLING TRIAL BEGINS AS ALLEGED MASTERMIND 'CAT' MATLALA AND CO-ACCUSED APPEAR IN COURT

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​PRETORIA, GAUTENG – Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended members of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) and Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) as three high-profile attempted murder cases officially reach the trial stage.

​On Monday, 20 July 2026, alleged criminal kingpin Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala and four co-accused—including his wife Tsakane Matlala—appeared before the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg. They face 25 counts, including 11 counts of attempted murder linked to a series of targeted contract hits between 2022 and 2024.

​The Three Target Shooting Incidents

​The state alleges that Matlala orchestrated three separate drive-by shootings and attempted hits:

1. ​Tebogo Thobejane & Three Others: A botched assassination attempt on media personality and socialite Tebogo Thobejane, Matlala's former girlfriend.

1. ​Joe Sibanyoni & Five Others: The targeted attack on taxi boss and businessman Joe "Ferrari" Sibanyoni.

1. ​DJ Vettys & Two Others: An ambush on popular musician and producer DJ Vettys (Seun Mokubung).

​Meticulous Investigation and Evidence

​Investigations into the three distinct shootings began in December 2024. Through intelligence-driven operations, detectives successfully linked the same group of suspects across all three incidents.

​Key elements supporting the state's case include:

• ​Recovered Firearms: Two illegal firearms recovered during arrests have been ballistically linked to the shootings of Joe Sibanyoni and DJ Vettys.

• ​Forensic & Ballistic Links: Extensive physical evidence mapping out the roles of both the alleged mastermind and the hitmen.

​SAPS Leadership Commends Task Teams

​Lieutenant General Dimpane highlighted that the commencement of the trial follows months of relentless, unyielding investigative work:

​"The commencement of this trial is the result of months of meticulous investigations, intelligence-driven operations and evidence gathering by members who refused to give up until those responsible were brought before the courts... Our investigators have collected overwhelming evidence that exposes the role played by each accused." — Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane, Acting National Police Commissioner

​Issuing a stern warning to syndicates executing hit jobs, Dimpane emphasized that SAPS will utilize every intelligence and investigative capability to dismantle organized crime rings, remove hitmen from streets, and deliver justice to victims and their families.

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ANC COMMEMORATES THE 108TH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON MANDELA’S BIRTH

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

ANC COMMEMORATES THE 108TH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON MANDELA’S BIRTH

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – The African National Congress (ANC) has joined South Africans and the global community in commemorating the 108th anniversary of the birth of former President and Isithwalandwe/Seaparankwe, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

​Reflecting on his legacy of sacrifice, humility, and public service, the party urged citizens to move beyond symbolic gestures during Mandela Day and take active steps to tackle poverty and inequality.

​Combating Poverty and Inequality

​Aligning with this year's Nelson Mandela International Day theme—"It's Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequality"—the ANC highlighted that political freedom alone is incomplete without economic dignity and social justice.

​The party called on citizens to view the annual 67 Minutes of Service initiative as a continuous, lifelong commitment to uplifting local communities rather than a once-off event.

​Focus on Local Government and Upcoming Elections

​Connecting Madiba's legacy to current governance imperatives, the ANC emphasized that practical community action remains the truest tribute to its late leader.

​The party called on South Africans to register to vote for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections, framing the vote as a commitment to:

​Fixing and revitalizing local government structures.

​Improving municipal service delivery across all communities.

​Addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment at the grassroots level.

​Renewing the vision of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.

​The statement concluded with warm birthday wishes to "Ntate Madiba," reiterating the call to place selfless public service above personal self-interest.

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ANC AND BNF REAFFIRM HISTORIC FRATERNAL RELATIONS AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY AT JWANENG CONFERENCE ​

KASiBC AFRiCA©®™ BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR 

ANC AND BNF REAFFIRM HISTORIC FRATERNAL RELATIONS AND REGIONAL SOLIDARITY AT JWANENG CONFERENCE

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JWANENG, BOTSWANA – The African National Congress (ANC) and the Botswana National Front (BNF) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their historic fraternal relations and commitment to regional integration during bilateral talks held on the margins of the BNF National Conference in Jwaneng.

​The ANC delegation—led by National Executive Committee (NEC) members Cde Thandi Moraka and Cde Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams—met with senior leadership of the BNF, including Cde Moeti Mohwasa, Cde Bakang Lesole, Cde Lasten Modo, and Cde Mompati Seleka.

​Key Areas of Agreement & Engagement

​The bilateral discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing bonds between the two liberation and progressive movements, while addressing contemporary socio-economic challenges across Southern Africa:

​Historic Solidarity: Both parties reflected on their shared history of struggle, democratic participation, and the need to preserve historic ties while adapting to modern political and economic realities.

​Political Dialogue & Exchange: Delegates exchanged insights regarding internal party renewal, movement-building, governance, and democratic processes in both South Africa and Botswana.

​Targeted Cooperation: The ANC and BNF identified joint priority areas, including youth and women empowerment, economic transformation, and enhancing the role of progressive political movements in regional policy.

​Regional Integration: Both formations emphasized driving regional peace, stability, and development through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the broader objectives of the African Union (AU).

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Addressing Socio-Economic Crises: The parties pledged collective action to combat poverty, inequality, and unemployment affecting communities across the continent.

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Strengthening Channels of Partnership

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Moving forward, the ANC and BNF agreed to establish regularized channels of political dialogue and structured cooperation. Both organizations expressed confidence that a closer, modern partnership will safeguard democratic gains and build stronger movements equipped to deliver inclusive growth and social justice across Southern Africa.

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