MONUSCO says it can begin ceasefire support in Uvira and expand across eastern DRC, following Washington–Doha commitments. The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) says it is ready to move “without delay” to operationally support ceasefire efforts in the country’s conflict-affected east starting in Uvira and then progressively extending to other impacted areas. The commitment was reiterated after a February 9, 2026 meeting in Kinshasa between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Speaking after the talks at the Prime Minister’s office, Lacroix said discussions focused on implementing commitments emerging from the Washington and Doha processes, which aim to support progress and stabilization in eastern DRC. He stated that MONUSCO is prepared to support the Congolese government in translating those commitments into concrete steps on the ground beginning with ceasefire support in Uvira. Lacroix’s remarks outlined a phased approach: MONUSCO’s initial support would focus on Uvira, before scaling to other affected localities as conditions allow. He indicated that planning work is already underway to make the mission’s support “effective as soon as possible,” and framed the effort as part of MONUSCO’s mandate from the UN Security Council. The UN has recently described the Doha track as helping make the “ceasefire architecture” more concrete, including preparations linked to monitoring arrangements in Uvira while stressing that any role would be limited to what is defined in the ceasefire process. While the meeting did not announce new military deployments or an expanded mission mandate, the language used by UN officials points to practical, on-the-ground assistance tied to the ceasefire framework supporting implementation steps agreed through ongoing political processes. In a separate MONUSCO press release dated February 3, 2026, the mission welcomed progress announced in Doha and referenced agreed terms intended to operationalize a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, signaling the UN mission’s readiness to support those arrangements within its mandate. Lacroix also emphasized that restoring state presence across eastern DRC is central to a durable stabilization effort. He described the return of state authority as “absolutely fundamental,” and referenced Uvira in the context of shifting control dynamics and ongoing government efforts to re-establish administration and security structures. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN EASTERN DRC MONUSCO to operationalize ceasefire support in Uvira, then expand By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 10, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) says it is ready to move “without delay” to operationally support ceasefire efforts in the country’s conflict-affected east starting in Uvira and then progressively extending to other impacted areas. The commitment was reiterated after a February 9, 2026 meeting in Kinshasa between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Speaking after the talks at the Prime Minister’s office, Lacroix said discussions focused on implementing commitments emerging from the Washington and Doha processes, which aim to support progress and stabilization in eastern DRC. He stated that MONUSCO is prepared to support the Congolese government in translating those commitments into concrete steps on the ground beginning with ceasefire support in Uvira. Lacroix’s remarks outlined a phased approach: MONUSCO’s initial support would focus on Uvira, before scaling to other affected localities as conditions allow. He indicated that planning work is already underway to make the mission’s support “effective as soon as possible,” and framed the effort as part of MONUSCO’s mandate from the UN Security Council. ADVERTISEMENT The UN has recently described the Doha track as helping make the “ceasefire architecture” more concrete, including preparations linked to monitoring arrangements in Uvira while stressing that any role would be limited to what is defined in the ceasefire process. While the meeting did not announce new military deployments or an expanded mission mandate, the language used by UN officials points to practical, on-the-ground assistance tied to the ceasefire framework supporting implementation steps agreed through ongoing political processes. ADVERTISEMENT In a separate MONUSCO press release dated February 3, 2026, the mission welcomed progress announced in Doha and referenced agreed terms intended to operationalize a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism, signaling the UN mission’s readiness to support those arrangements within its mandate. Lacroix also emphasized that restoring state presence across eastern DRC is central to a durable stabilization effort. He described the return of state authority as “absolutely fundamental,” and referenced Uvira in the context of shifting control dynamics and ongoing government efforts to re-establish administration and security structures. That focus aligns with broader priorities repeatedly cited in the Washington–Doha recommendations referenced in the meeting: adherence to the ceasefire, withdrawal of armed actors from occupied areas, protection of civilians, strengthened regional cooperation, and a gradual restoration of state authority in insecure territories. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . ADVERTISEMENT In the near term, the key signals to monitor will be: Operational steps in Uvira tied to ceasefire support and monitoring arrangements Coordination mechanisms between the Congolese government, MONUSCO, and other stakeholders involved in the ceasefire architecture Sequencing for any expansion beyond Uvira, as security conditions and implementation benchmarks evolve For now, the UN’s message is that planning is advanced and that the mission intends to begin support quickly starting with Uvira while maintaining a phased approach linked to the commitments already on the table. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 Four firms will rebuild runways and terminals from Kalemie to Muanda under a Treasury-funded plan . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo African Union African Union DRC Peace Efforts DRC Peace Efforts

Who is Yusuf Omari? Read about the Absa Bank Kenya CEO's career, education, KPMG background and appointment as managing director Yusuf Omari is a Kenyan accountant and banking executive who was appointed managing director and chief executive officer of Absa Bank Kenya in September 2026. The appointment followed internal and regulatory approvals and ended the interim period that began when he took charge on 1 July 2026. Who is Yusuf Omari? Yusuf Omari is the managing director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya. He joined the institution in 2004 after working at KPMG and later led internal audit, compliance and finance. He holds economics and MBA degrees and is both a certified public accountant and a certified internal auditor. Yusuf Omari's appointment as Absa Kenya CEO Absa Bank Kenya confirmed Omari as its substantive managing director and CEO after he had led the bank on an interim basis for just over two months. Business Today reported that the appointment took effect immediately following the required approvals. The bank's chairman, Mohammed Nyaoga, described the decision as a vote of confidence in Omari's institutional experience and leadership record. Omari said his priorities would include closer customer relationships, sustainable growth, competitiveness and investment in the bank's people and capabilities. The transition brought continuity rather than an outside change of direction. Omari had already spent more than two decades inside the institution and had served in senior control, governance and finance positions before taking the top job. Kenya Times' appointment report also confirmed that he had been interim CEO since 1 July 2026. From KPMG auditor to Absa executive Omari began his professional career at KPMG, where he worked from 1998 to 2004. He then joined the bank that was known at the time as Barclays Bank of Kenya and is now Absa Bank Kenya. The bank's official leadership profile says he first headed internal audit for the East and West Africa cluster between 2004 and 2008. He then served as head of compliance before becoming chief financial officer in 2009. Those roles placed him at the centre of financial reporting, risk controls, regulation and corporate governance during a period that included the institution's transition from the Barclays brand to Absa. His long tenure also gave him experience across treasury, strategy, sustainability and business transformation. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Who Is Yusuf Omari, Absa Bank Kenya's New CEO? By Truce Elikia Art & Culture Journalist Truce Elikia Home Comment Sep 11, 2026 Sep 11, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Yusuf Omari is a Kenyan accountant and banking executive who was appointed managing director and chief executive officer of Absa Bank Kenya in September 2026. The appointment followed internal and regulatory approvals and ended the interim period that began when he took charge on 1 July 2026. Who is Yusuf Omari? Yusuf Omari is the managing director and CEO of Absa Bank Kenya. He joined the institution in 2004 after working at KPMG and later led internal audit, compliance and finance. He holds economics and MBA degrees and is both a certified public accountant and a certified internal auditor. Yusuf Omari's appointment as Absa Kenya CEO Absa Bank Kenya confirmed Omari as its substantive managing director and CEO after he had led the bank on an interim basis for just over two months. Business Today reported that the appointment took effect immediately following the required approvals. The bank's chairman, Mohammed Nyaoga, described the decision as a vote of confidence in Omari's institutional experience and leadership record. Omari said his priorities would include closer customer relationships, sustainable growth, competitiveness and investment in the bank's people and capabilities. The transition brought continuity rather than an outside change of direction. Omari had already spent more than two decades inside the institution and had served in senior control, governance and finance positions before taking the top job. Kenya Times' appointment report also confirmed that he had been interim CEO since 1 July 2026. From KPMG auditor to Absa executive Omari began his professional career at KPMG, where he worked from 1998 to 2004. He then joined the bank that was known at the time as Barclays Bank of Kenya and is now Absa Bank Kenya. The bank's official leadership profile says he first headed internal audit for the East and West Africa cluster between 2004 and 2008. He then served as head of compliance before becoming chief financial officer in 2009. Those roles placed him at the centre of financial reporting, risk controls, regulation and corporate governance during a period that included the institution's transition from the Barclays brand to Absa. His long tenure also gave him experience across treasury, strategy, sustainability and business transformation. ADVERTISEMENT An appointment profile by TechMoran described him as a leader with more than two decades of experience at the bank. The UN Global Compact's 2026 speaker biography places his wider professional experience at more than 27 years and highlights his work in sustainable finance, governance and operational efficiency. Yusuf Omari's education and qualifications Omari holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Strathmore Business School. He also completed an Advanced Management Program delivered through Strathmore and IESE Business School. Professionally, he is a certified public accountant and certified internal auditor. Absa's profile identifies him as a fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors. He has also served on the boards of ICPAK and University of Nairobi Enterprise Services. Together, those appointments connect his commercial career with professional-accountancy standards and university enterprise governance. What his appointment means for Absa Bank Kenya Omari takes charge of a regulated listed bank serving retail, business, corporate, investment and wealth-management customers. His appointment gives Absa an executive who already understands the bank's systems, strategy and risk culture. That familiarity can shorten the handover period, but the CEO role is broader than the finance portfolio he previously led. He is now accountable for the bank's overall performance, customer strategy, workforce, transformation agenda and relationship with shareholders and regulators. ADVERTISEMENT His public remarks point to sustainable growth rather than a sudden strategic break. The appointment will be judged by results including customer experience, digital service reliability, responsible lending, business growth and the bank's contribution to Kenya's economy. For wider context on Kenya's investment environment, see XTRAfrica's report on the country's new investor-incentive and corporate-reform laws . Yusuf Omari's personal and family life Omari's verified professional profiles focus on his education and banking career. They do not provide reliable public confirmation of his age, marital status, spouse or children. XTRAfrica therefore does not repeat unsourced personal claims. Yusuf Omari career timeline Year Event Significance 1998 Began working at KPMG Started his professional career in audit 2004 Joined Barclays Bank of Kenya, now Absa Bank Kenya Began a career of more than two decades at the institution 2004–2008 Led internal audit for an East and West Africa cluster Built regional assurance and governance experience 2008–2009 Served as head of compliance Took responsibility for regulatory controls 2009 Became chief financial officer Entered the bank's senior executive leadership 1 July 2026 Became interim managing director and CEO Took operational leadership of the bank September 2026 Confirmed as substantive managing director and CEO Received the permanent appointment after approvals Yusuf Omari FAQs What is Yusuf Omari's current job? He is the managing director and chief executive officer of Absa Bank Kenya. When did Yusuf Omari become Absa Kenya CEO? He became interim CEO on 1 July 2026 and was confirmed as the substantive CEO in September 2026. Where did Yusuf Omari work before Absa? He worked at KPMG from 1998 until joining the bank in 2004. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Crime Prevention Kenya Court Orders Agencies to Produce Missing Lawyer Abshir Abdi . Biography Mitchelle Chemtai Biography: Kenya's Youth Olympic Rugby Gold Hero . Biography Who Is Phoebe Okowa? Kenya's ICJ Judge, Age, Career and Education . Energy and Power Kenya, China Sign Deal for 80 Off-Grid Solar Systems . ADVERTISEMENT What did Yusuf Omari do before becoming CEO? He held senior roles in internal audit, compliance and finance, including a long period as chief financial officer. Where did Yusuf Omari study? He earned an economics degree from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from Strathmore Business School. He also completed an advanced management programme involving Strathmore and IESE. Is Yusuf Omari an accountant? Yes. He is a certified public accountant and a certified internal auditor, and Absa identifies him as a fellow of ICPAK. How old is Yusuf Omari? His exact age was not confirmed by the authoritative professional sources reviewed for this profile. Is Yusuf Omari married and does he have children? Reliable public sources reviewed by XTRAfrica did not confirm his marital status, spouse or children. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . 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roducer Washington plans to release unreleased Goodlyfe songs after copyright reforms, aiming to ensure fair earnings for artists. Veteran East African music producer Washington has announced plans to release previously unreleased songs recorded with Uganda’s Goodlyfe Crew, pending the implementation of stronger copyright protections. According to the report, Washington said the decision is tied to ongoing efforts to improve how artists and producers earn revenue from their work, particularly older recordings that were not properly monetized. The producer explained that the move aims to ensure musicians and producers receive fair financial returns from their past contributions, especially as the industry shifts toward stricter intellectual property enforcement. Goodlyfe Crew , made up of the late Moses Radio and Douglas Mayanja (Weasel), remains one of Uganda’s most influential music groups. Following Radio’s death in 2018, there were long-standing debates about unreleased songs reportedly held by Washington. Addressing the issue, Washington stated that he is ready to engage with Goodlyfe’s management to review the unreleased material and determine a transparent path for its release. He also highlighted the group’s enduring popularity, noting that many of their songs continue to attract listeners online across the region. He stressed that the time has come for stakeholders to properly benefit from the value created by such works. Washington further reflected on past industry practices, acknowledging that many artists and producers operated informally without clear agreements, which limited their ability to earn royalties. He emphasized that the industry is now moving toward a more professional structure, with formal contracts and clearly defined revenue-sharing systems. The planned release of the unreleased tracks is expected to follow the enforcement o f new copyright regulations designed to guarantee consistent income for artists through royalties. Source: InyaRwanda.com Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Producer Washington Plans Release of Unreleased Goodlyfe Songs By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 18, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Veteran East African music producer Washington has announced plans to release previously unreleased songs recorded with Uganda’s Goodlyfe Crew, pending the implementation of stronger copyright protections. According to the report, Washington said the decision is tied to ongoing efforts to improve how artists and producers earn revenue from their work, particularly older recordings that were not properly monetized. The producer explained that the move aims to ensure musicians and producers receive fair financial returns from their past contributions, especially as the industry shifts toward stricter intellectual property enforcement. ADVERTISEMENT Goodlyfe Crew , made up of the late Moses Radio and Douglas Mayanja (Weasel), remains one of Uganda’s most influential music groups. Following Radio’s death in 2018, there were long-standing debates about unreleased songs reportedly held by Washington. Addressing the issue, Washington stated that he is ready to engage with Goodlyfe’s management to review the unreleased material and determine a transparent path for its release. ADVERTISEMENT He also highlighted the group’s enduring popularity, noting that many of their songs continue to attract listeners online across the region. He stressed that the time has come for stakeholders to properly benefit from the value created by such works. Washington further reflected on past industry practices, acknowledging that many artists and producers operated informally without clear agreements, which limited their ability to earn royalties. He emphasized that the industry is now moving toward a more professional structure, with formal contracts and clearly defined revenue-sharing systems. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT The planned release of the unreleased tracks is expected to follow the enforcement o f new copyright regulations designed to guarantee consistent income for artists through royalties. Source: InyaRwanda.com ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment

Meet Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin, Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant, the 2026 People’s Choice winner and a disability-inclusion advocate. Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin made history for Eritrea at the Miss World 2026 final in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The neuroscientist, Montessori educator and disability-inclusion advocate became Eritrea’s first contestant in the competition, won the global People’s Choice vote, reached the Top 6 and was named Miss World Africa. Who is Snit Habteab? Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin is an Eritrean neuroscientist, Montessori educator and disability-rights advocate based in the United States. She became Eritrea’s first Miss World representative in 2026, won the global People’s Choice vote and finished among the competition’s six finalists in Vietnam. Why Snit Habteab Made History at Miss World 2026 The official Miss World final report lists Eritrea among the Top 12 after Habteab secured one of the two highest totals in the live People’s Choice vote. She then advanced to the Top 6 as the overall People’s Choice winner. Miss World separately named her Miss World Africa after the final. That matters because Eritrea had never previously fielded a contestant in the competition. Habteab’s debut therefore produced three distinct milestones: first representative, global public-vote winner and continental titleholder. The remaining three finalists outside the podium were not individually ranked. Habteab should be described as a Top 6 finalist not as the fourth-, fifth- or sixth-place finisher. Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic won the crown, Elisabeth Reynés of Spain was first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was second runner-up. From Asmara to Neuroscience and Education The official contestant profile identifies Habteab as a Montessori educator, parent mentor and creator of learning resources. It says she has a background in neuroscience and manages nonprofit programs while working toward more inclusive learning opportunities for children of different abilities. Habteab was born and raised in Asmara. In a 2026 interview published by Eritrea’s Ministry of Information , she said she moved to the United States in 2019 and later earned a neuroscience degree from George Mason University in Virginia. She also discussed using Montessori methods and brain science to help families support children with learning disabilities. Her public profile bridges two worlds that are not often connected in pageant coverage: academic training in neuroscience and practical early-childhood education. That combination also shapes the advocacy project she brought to Miss World. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Sep 6, 2026 Sep 6, 2026 6 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin made history for Eritrea at the Miss World 2026 final in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The neuroscientist, Montessori educator and disability-inclusion advocate became Eritrea’s first contestant in the competition, won the global People’s Choice vote, reached the Top 6 and was named Miss World Africa. Who is Snit Habteab? Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin is an Eritrean neuroscientist, Montessori educator and disability-rights advocate based in the United States. She became Eritrea’s first Miss World representative in 2026, won the global People’s Choice vote and finished among the competition’s six finalists in Vietnam. Why Snit Habteab Made History at Miss World 2026 The official Miss World final report lists Eritrea among the Top 12 after Habteab secured one of the two highest totals in the live People’s Choice vote. She then advanced to the Top 6 as the overall People’s Choice winner. Miss World separately named her Miss World Africa after the final. That matters because Eritrea had never previously fielded a contestant in the competition. Habteab’s debut therefore produced three distinct milestones: first representative, global public-vote winner and continental titleholder. The remaining three finalists outside the podium were not individually ranked. Habteab should be described as a Top 6 finalist not as the fourth-, fifth- or sixth-place finisher. Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic won the crown, Elisabeth Reynés of Spain was first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was second runner-up. From Asmara to Neuroscience and Education The official contestant profile identifies Habteab as a Montessori educator, parent mentor and creator of learning resources. It says she has a background in neuroscience and manages nonprofit programs while working toward more inclusive learning opportunities for children of different abilities. Habteab was born and raised in Asmara. In a 2026 interview published by Eritrea’s Ministry of Information , she said she moved to the United States in 2019 and later earned a neuroscience degree from George Mason University in Virginia. She also discussed using Montessori methods and brain science to help families support children with learning disabilities. ADVERTISEMENT Her public profile bridges two worlds that are not often connected in pageant coverage: academic training in neuroscience and practical early-childhood education. That combination also shapes the advocacy project she brought to Miss World. Designing for Diversity Habteab founded Designing for Diversity, an initiative focused on inclusive education. An official Miss World profile of her Eritrean debut says her advocacy was inspired by her younger sister, who has Down syndrome, and by the barriers children with special needs can face in mainstream education. The project provides parents with educational support, individualized Montessori materials and guidance from developmental professionals. Miss World’s Beauty With a Purpose feature also says Habteab has led seminars in the Eritrean community and supports the National Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability of Eritrea. The cause was not a last-minute pageant theme. Habteab’s education, work and family experience all fed into the same goal: showing that children with disabilities belong in classrooms and communities designed to help them participate fully. How the People’s Choice Route Worked Miss World’s published voting format explains that the People’s Choice competition had three stages. Continental winners first entered the Top 40. The two highest worldwide totals then secured places in the Top 12, and a final round sent the overall winner directly into the Top 6. Habteab followed that route from Africa’s winner to global winner. Reports that cite almost 14 million refer to voting points, not a verified count of unique voters. The voting system allowed supporters to generate points in different ways, so the number should not be presented as the size of an audience or a headcount of supporters. ADVERTISEMENT In the final question-and-answer round, Habteab addressed the harmful use of social media and said she wanted to use science to demonstrate the potential of children with disabilities. Her answer is documented in a Top 6 transcript published by PhilSTAR Life . Habteab has spoken publicly about her mother and younger sister in relation to her advocacy. Those disclosures do not establish her marital or parental status, and unsupported relationship claims should not be inferred from social posts or unrelated people with similar names. Snit Habteab Timeline Year Event Significance 2019 Moved from Eritrea to the United States Began the American chapter of her education and professional development Before 2026 Earned a neuroscience degree and worked in Montessori education Connected scientific training with early-childhood learning 2026 Became Eritrea’s first Miss World representative Opened a new international pageant chapter for Eritrea 5 September 2026 Won People’s Choice and reached the Miss World Top 6 Secured Eritrea’s best result in its debut year 5 September 2026 Named Miss World Africa Received the competition’s continental title for Africa Frequently Asked Questions What is Snit Habteab’s full name? Her full name is Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin. Eritrea’s Ministry of Information has also rendered her first name as Sinit. Where is Snit Habteab from? She was born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea, and moved to the United States in 2019. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Business Trends Killarney Mall Transfer Completed in R397.5 Million Deal . ADVERTISEMENT What did Snit Habteab study? She earned a degree in neuroscience from George Mason University in Virginia. What does Snit Habteab do? She is a Montessori educator, parent mentor, disability-inclusion advocate and founder of Designing for Diversity. Did Snit Habteab win Miss World 2026? No. Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic won Miss World 2026. Habteab won the global People’s Choice vote, reached the Top 6 and received the Miss World Africa title. What is Designing for Diversity? It is Habteab’s initiative promoting inclusive education, parent support and learning resources for children with disabilities. Is Snit Habteab married? Not publicly confirmed as of September 2026. How did Snit Habteab reach the Top 6? She advanced through the People’s Choice route, first winning the African stage and later finishing with the highest total in the final public-vote round. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained New permits reportedly frozen, European shipments exempt; West African markets face uncertainty. . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News Entertainment Entertainment Eritrea Eritrea Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin Snit Habteab Tewoldemedhin

Reports describe compensation preparations and a move from Kamilombe to ZEA 371. Here is what the arrangements establish and what remains unresolved. KOLWEZI — 26 October 2026 — Relocation and compensation preparations for artisanal miners at Kamilombe are advancing after a commitment agreement reportedly signed on 23 October, according to Radio Okapi. The arrangements concern a move to ZEA 371, an artisanal mining zone outside Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Lualaba province. The immediate distinction is between compensation for mining-pit investments, payment for ore already extracted and the ability to earn a living at the replacement site. Progress on one does not settle the others. What do the Kamilombe arrangements establish? Reporting describes a commitment agreement and preparations for compensation alongside relocation to ZEA 371. These steps do not establish that every miner qualifies, that compensation has been paid or that the replacement site provides equivalent earnings. Eligibility, valuation and implementation remain central to the transition. Compensation and ore purchases are different transactions Radio Okapi’s 26 October account says SAEMAPE, the public service supporting artisanal and small-scale mining, has posted lists of pit owners intended to receive compensation and is distributing tokens for the process. That description matters for eligibility. A pit owner’s investment claim is different from the position of someone working in a pit, washing minerals or transporting ore. The reference to owners should not be read as a promise of identical payments to everyone whose livelihood depends on Kamilombe. The same report describes cooperative representatives asking miners to collect ore left on site for transport, sampling and sale at a trading centre. Payment for that material would purchase a mineral product; it would not, by itself, compensate for a lost pit or interrupted income. Neither a token nor a place on a list demonstrates that a payment has cleared. A completed arrangement needs an identifiable recipient, an agreed valuation and evidence of settlement. The provincial government presents the move as mining reorganisation Continue Reading Full Article MINING AND MINERALS Kamilombe Relocation: Compensation and ZEA 371 Explained By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 26, 2026 Oct 26, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: KOLWEZI — 26 October 2026 — Relocation and compensation preparations for artisanal miners at Kamilombe are advancing after a commitment agreement reportedly signed on 23 October, according to Radio Okapi. The arrangements concern a move to ZEA 371, an artisanal mining zone outside Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Lualaba province. The immediate distinction is between compensation for mining-pit investments, payment for ore already extracted and the ability to earn a living at the replacement site. Progress on one does not settle the others. What do the Kamilombe arrangements establish? Reporting describes a commitment agreement and preparations for compensation alongside relocation to ZEA 371. These steps do not establish that every miner qualifies, that compensation has been paid or that the replacement site provides equivalent earnings. Eligibility, valuation and implementation remain central to the transition. Compensation and ore purchases are different transactions Radio Okapi’s 26 October account says SAEMAPE, the public service supporting artisanal and small-scale mining, has posted lists of pit owners intended to receive compensation and is distributing tokens for the process. That description matters for eligibility. A pit owner’s investment claim is different from the position of someone working in a pit, washing minerals or transporting ore. The reference to owners should not be read as a promise of identical payments to everyone whose livelihood depends on Kamilombe. ADVERTISEMENT The same report describes cooperative representatives asking miners to collect ore left on site for transport, sampling and sale at a trading centre. Payment for that material would purchase a mineral product; it would not, by itself, compensate for a lost pit or interrupted income. Neither a token nor a place on a list demonstrates that a payment has cleared. A completed arrangement needs an identifiable recipient, an agreed valuation and evidence of settlement. The provincial government presents the move as mining reorganisation The transfer proposal predates the latest agreement. In its 13 October dispatch , the Congolese Press Agency, ACP, reproduced a provincial government statement calling for calm over the move from Kamilombe to ZEA 371. The statement, signed by provincial executive secretary Jules Kabwit, described the operation as part of organising artisanal mining through the availability of viable mining zones. It urged residents to rely on official communications. The government’s stated objective is therefore an organised transfer. Whether that produces a workable livelihood depends on conditions at the receiving site and the treatment of affected operators, rather than the announcement alone. ADVERTISEMENT SAEMAPE had previously presented Kamilombe as a formalisation case. Its July account of a site visit described a cooperative explaining its operating methods to a visiting delegation. That earlier institutional recognition provides context; it is not a current compensation entitlement or proof that relocation terms have been fulfilled. Miners’ concerns extend beyond the payment amount In La Guardia’s 14 October reporting , cooperative representatives questioned the distance to the replacement zone and its mineral potential. They placed the site roughly 60 kilometres from Kolwezi. That distance raises practical questions about transport, equipment and access to buyers. Mineral potential is equally consequential: designation as an artisanal zone does not, on its own, demonstrate how much economically workable material miners can recover. Mining & Business reported on 22 October that the rights organisation Action Sans Frontière had called for consultation, reasonable relocation time and fair compensation. Its concerns included valuation of pit investments and the effects on workers and small businesses connected to mining. Those concerns were reported before the 23 October meeting. They should not be presented as proof that the later agreement failed, but they identify the issues its implementation must address. Nor does an agreement among representatives establish the individual consent of every affected person. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work . Business Trends Killarney Mall Transfer Completed in R397.5 Million Deal . ADVERTISEMENT What a workable settlement needs to clarify The decisive questions concern the terms and their delivery: Arrangement Information affected people need Pit-investment compensation Eligible claimant categories, valuation method, approved amount, payer and payment date Ore removal and sale Transport responsibility, weighing and sampling records, price calculation and settlement receipt Access to ZEA 371 Allocation rules, start date, site preparation and arrangements for equipment and transport Disputed or missing claims A named office, correction process, appeal route and response timetable As of 26 October, the published reporting does not set out a complete compensation budget, final eligibility schedule or documented payment total. It also does not establish a finished transfer of all affected miners. No universal compensation amount can safely be read into the reported preparations. For households dependent on mining, the test is whether an agreed transition preserves a realistic route to income. A payment can cover one defined loss while leaving transport costs, access to working ground or unpaid ore unresolved. The next concrete milestones are disclosure of the agreed terms, transparent valuation, evidence of payments and demonstrable access to productive ground. Those would show whether the administrative arrangements are becoming a functioning settlement. Related XTRAfrica coverage examines proposed Congolese mining ownership reforms and enforcement of local subcontracting rules . These are separate policy questions, not sources of an automatic Kamilombe compensation right. Follow further updates through DR Congo News . ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Political Appointments Muhoozi Clarifies Uganda CDF Exit Plan: Has He Resigned? Muhoozi says he may hand over Uganda's military command but has not announced a resignation date. . Agriculture Morocco Tomato Export Restrictions: Africa and Europe Explained New permits reportedly frozen, European shipments exempt; West African markets face uncertainty. . Investment Kenya Plans $500M Startup Fund: How It Could Work Kenya's NIFC wants to raise $500m for startups, with half targeted at technology and AI businesses. . Tags Breaking News Breaking News DRC Mining DRC Mining DR.Congo DR.Congo

Read Aaron Mokoena’s biography: age, Boipatong roots, Blackburn and Portsmouth career, 107 South Africa caps, daughter Chayuta and youth development work. Aaron Mokoena is a former South African footballer best known for captaining Bafana Bafana at the 2010 World Cup and making 107 appearances for his country. Known as Mbazo, or “The Axe,” he built a career that took him from Boipatong to European clubs including Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth. In October 2026, reports of a car crash in Vanderbijlpark brought him back into the headlines. His longer story stretches from a difficult childhood to international leadership and work with South Africa’s young players. Who is Aaron Mokoena? Aaron Mokoena is a former South African defender and Bafana Bafana captain who represented his country 107 times. Nicknamed Mbazo, he played for clubs including Ajax, Genk, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, captained South Africa at the 2010 World Cup and later worked in youth development. Age, Boipatong Roots and an Early Love of Football Mokoena was born on 25 November 1980 . He is 45 years old as of 8 October 2026 , turning 46 in November. His date of birth appears in both institutional and professional football records. Boipatong is central to his account of becoming a player. In a Reuters interview published by FourFourTwo in May 2010 , he recalled a childhood in which football offered possibility amid severe hardship. He grew up playing with a tennis ball and survived the 1992 Boipatong massacre as an 11-year-old. “I had a tough upbringing and grew up quickly,” he told the interviewer. His move overseas subsequently brought exposure to different cultures and a broader education through football. A June 2026 interview with Sedibeng Ster added another personal measure of ambition. Mokoena remembered wanting to play alongside Lucas Radebe and buy a house for his mother. He described growing up in a four-room hostel with a mother who raised the family as a single parent. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Aaron Mokoena Biography: Age, Clubs and Bafana Bafana Captaincy By Otieno kevin News Editor Otieno kevin Home Comment Oct 8, 2026 Oct 8, 2026 9 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Aaron Mokoena is a former South African footballer best known for captaining Bafana Bafana at the 2010 World Cup and making 107 appearances for his country. Known as Mbazo, or “The Axe,” he built a career that took him from Boipatong to European clubs including Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth. In October 2026, reports of a car crash in Vanderbijlpark brought him back into the headlines. His longer story stretches from a difficult childhood to international leadership and work with South Africa’s young players. Who is Aaron Mokoena? Aaron Mokoena is a former South African defender and Bafana Bafana captain who represented his country 107 times. Nicknamed Mbazo, he played for clubs including Ajax, Genk, Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, captained South Africa at the 2010 World Cup and later worked in youth development. Age, Boipatong Roots and an Early Love of Football Mokoena was born on 25 November 1980 . He is 45 years old as of 8 October 2026 , turning 46 in November. His date of birth appears in both institutional and professional football records. Boipatong is central to his account of becoming a player. In a Reuters interview published by FourFourTwo in May 2010 , he recalled a childhood in which football offered possibility amid severe hardship. He grew up playing with a tennis ball and survived the 1992 Boipatong massacre as an 11-year-old. “I had a tough upbringing and grew up quickly,” he told the interviewer. His move overseas subsequently brought exposure to different cultures and a broader education through football. A June 2026 interview with Sedibeng Ster added another personal measure of ambition. Mokoena remembered wanting to play alongside Lucas Radebe and buy a house for his mother. He described growing up in a four-room hostel with a mother who raised the family as a single parent. Those recollections give his later captaincy a human scale: professional success meant both representing South Africa and changing what was possible for his family. From Jomo Cosmos to European Club Football Mokoena’s route abroad began through Jomo Cosmos before taking him to Ajax in Amsterdam. His career then moved through Belgium and England, connecting the development of a South African player with several different football environments. ADVERTISEMENT The Sky Sports career record lists his move from Ajax to Genk in July 2003, from Genk to Blackburn Rovers in January 2005, and from Blackburn to Portsmouth in July 2009. It identifies him as a defender. Blackburn and Portsmouth became the English chapters most closely associated with his name. The nickname “The Axe” reflected his reputation for forceful tackling, while his international captaincy placed a different responsibility on him: organising and representing teammates, not simply winning individual challenges. His club career also exposed him to instability. Portsmouth’s financial problems shaped the period around his eventual departure, making his time there more complicated than a straightforward sequence of fixtures and appearances. Portsmouth, the FA Cup and a Return Home In May 2010, he was preparing for Portsmouth’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley as well as South Africa’s home World Cup. The contemporary interview described both teams as underdogs. His Portsmouth chapter ended in July 2012. Sky Sports reported the agreement to cancel his contract as the financially troubled club reduced its wage bill. The report said he had agreed a settlement concerning outstanding money and was preparing to join Bidvest Wits in South Africa. The return marked a change in the geography of his career. After years abroad, his professional work was moving back toward the country where his football ambitions had begun. Bafana Bafana Captaincy and the 2010 World Cup Mokoena represented South Africa at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups. The second tournament carried a particular distinction: it was the first World Cup staged on African soil, and he captained the host nation. His importance was recognised by the South African Hall of Fame , which inducted him on 14 November 2025 . Its profile highlights his 2010 captaincy and his European club career. The captaincy placed him at the centre of a national occasion whose meaning extended beyond results. He was an experienced player returning from European football to lead South Africa in front of its own supporters, with an entire continent watching the tournament arrive in Africa. His 107 international appearances remain a defining career record. They also explain why his name continues to recur in conversations about Bafana Bafana leadership: his reputation rests on sustained national service as well as one memorable summer. ADVERTISEMENT Giving Back Through Football Development Mokoena’s community work was documented before his playing career ended. The Sedibeng District Municipality’s account of his foundation launch describes a coaching clinic at Boipatong stadium followed by a launch in Vanderbijlpark. Children from local schools took part, with football development in the region as the foundation’s stated aim. That initiative returned professional experience to the place where he had grown up. It brought coaching into a familiar community rather than treating overseas achievement as the end of his relationship with Boipatong. His later work also reached national development structures. In an August 2024 SABC Sport interview , he was identified as a SAFA national scout working around the under-15 schools championships. He had also assisted Duncan Crowie at the 2023 under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria. He stressed the importance of establishing basics before players reached under-17 level. His examples included goalkeepers comfortable with the ball and full-backs able to contribute in attack and recover defensively. It was a practical account of development from a former defender, focused on skills that young players could carry into stronger competition. Family: His Daughter Chayuta One publicly confirmed family connection is his daughter, singer Chayuta. In a July 2023 interview with The Saturday Star , the Ghanaian singer identified Mokoena as her father. Bona also profiled Chayuta’s connection to her father , discussing her efforts to build a musical career of her own. The connection belongs in his biography because she has spoken about it publicly while pursuing an independent public career. What Was Reported About the October 2026 Crash? Reporting published by Sedibeng Ster on 7 October described a crash in Vanderbijlpark. Mokoena spoke to the publication about the incident, which he said happened on Sunday. In its 8 October follow-up , he said he suffered minor injuries after losing control of his vehicle near Trevaga Court in Hertz Boulevard. The publication quoted Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu saying the incident was not recorded in the station’s system. That reported police response establishes the station’s stated reporting position. It does not establish a cause of the crash or amount to a finding about responsibility. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . 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ADVERTISEMENT Aaron Mokoena’s Career Timeline Year Event Significance 1980 Born on 25 November His documented birth date 2002 Represented South Africa at the World Cup An early World Cup chapter 2003 Moved from Ajax to Genk Continued his European career in Belgium 2005 Joined Blackburn Rovers Began his Blackburn chapter 2009 Joined Portsmouth Started another English club spell 2010 Captained South Africa at its home World Cup Led the hosts at Africa’s first World Cup 2012 Left Portsmouth for a return to South Africa Joined Bidvest Wits according to the career record 2023–2024 Worked in junior national-team coaching and scouting Contributed experience to player development 2025 Inducted into the South African Hall of Fame Institutional recognition of his career Aaron Mokoena FAQs How old is Aaron Mokoena? He is 45 as of 8 October 2026. He was born on 25 November 1980. Why is Aaron Mokoena called Mbazo? Mbazo is his football nickname, commonly rendered as “The Axe.” It became associated with his tough tackling. Where did Aaron Mokoena grow up? He grew up in Boipatong, South Africa, and has repeatedly discussed how that community shaped his life. Which clubs did Aaron Mokoena play for? His career included Jomo Cosmos, Ajax, Genk, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and Bidvest Wits. How many South Africa caps does he have? His documented total is 107 senior international appearances for Bafana Bafana. Was Aaron Mokoena the 2010 World Cup captain? Yes. He captained South Africa when the country hosted the 2010 World Cup. Is singer Chayuta Aaron Mokoena’s daughter? Yes. Chayuta publicly identified him as her father in a 2023 interview. What has Aaron Mokoena done after playing? His documented work includes youth coaching and scouting. Recent reporting also places him with SAFA development structures. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances Gauteng's DA lead and other council results show why the municipal count remains unsettled. . Business Trends Killarney Mall Transfer Completed in R397.5 Million Deal Octodec confirms the sale, while AJP’s plans include support for two black women entrepreneurs. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election 2026: ANC Leads, MK Wins KZN Councils Early results show MK Party victories in KwaZulu-Natal and a Service Delivery Party breakthrough. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count A practical guide to partial tallies, projections, ward winners and municipal council seats. . Tags South Africa South Africa Aaron Mokoena Aaron Mokoena

Renowned Nigerian musician Davido has extended his artistic footprint by introducing a novel 'Faculty of Music and Arts' at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kampala, Uganda. This development has ignited a wave of excitement among his extensive fanbase, as evidenced by the widespread sharing of the news across social media platforms. In a ceremonious event hosted by the university, Davido was celebrated with a unique accolade bearing his name. This tribute was further amplified by the unveiling of a newly erected hall on the campus, aptly named 'Davido Hall', in recognition of his contributions to music and arts. The inauguration of the ' Faculty of Music and Arts' was marked by Davido cutting a ribbon affixed to a signboard that heralded the commencement of the course. This significant gesture underscored the official launch and Davido's pivotal role in enriching the academic landscape at IUEA. The reaction on social media following this announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and supporters expressing their admiration and support for Davido's latest achievement. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 30, 2024 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A campus facility has been christened 'Davido Hall' in honor of the renowned artist. @IUEA Renowned Nigerian musician Davido has extended his artistic footprint by introducing a novel 'Faculty of Music and Arts' at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) in Kampala, Uganda. This development has ignited a wave of excitement among his extensive fanbase, as evidenced by the widespread sharing of the news across social media platforms. In a ceremonious event hosted by the university, Davido was celebrated with a unique accolade bearing his name. This tribute was further amplified by the unveiling of a newly erected hall on the campus, aptly named 'Davido Hall', in recognition of his contributions to music and arts. ADVERTISEMENT The inauguration of the ' Faculty of Music and Arts' was marked by Davido cutting a ribbon affixed to a signboard that heralded the commencement of the course. This significant gesture underscored the official launch and Davido's pivotal role in enriching the academic landscape at IUEA. The reaction on social media following this announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and supporters expressing their admiration and support for Davido's latest achievement. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Bernice Offei’s funeral programme lists November services at Legon Interdenominational Church, including remembrance, filing past and thanksgiving. ACCRA, 21 October 2026 — The funeral programme for Ghanaian gospel singer Bernice Ofeibea Offei sets out services at Legon Interdenominational Church in Accra, with the burial service scheduled for Saturday, 14 November. The family notice published by MyJoyOnline also lists a remembrance night and a thanksgiving service, while specifying that interment will be private. The arrangements give listeners and members of Ghana’s gospel community a schedule for paying their respects. They concern remembrance and funeral services, rather than a new performance programme by the singer. When is Bernice Offei’s funeral? The burial service is scheduled for 14 November 2026 at Legon Interdenominational Church, from 9am to 11am, following filing past from 7am. The programme also lists remembrance on 11 November and thanksgiving on 15 November. Interment will be private, with final funeral rites at the church. The programme at a glance The published funeral notice gives the following arrangements. All times below are Ghana local time, GMT. The notice also states that there will be no sitting after the memorial service. People planning to attend should distinguish the church activities from the private interment and follow the family’s arrangements for each part of the programme. What the announcement means for mourners MyJoyOnline’s accompanying report identifies Legon Interdenominational Church in Legon, Accra, as the venue for the funeral activities. The remembrance night precedes the Saturday services, while thanksgiving takes place the following day. Filing past and the burial service are separate entries in the programme. Anyone wishing to pay respects during filing past should plan around that earlier period, rather than assume it continues throughout the service. The remembrance night also has an earlier seating time than its advertised start. The published arrangements should guide travel plans, but attendees should check for any later family or church update before setting out. Private interment should not be treated as an invitation to follow the family to the burial location. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Bernice Offei Funeral Programme: November Dates and Legon Services By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 21, 2026 Oct 21, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: ACCRA, 21 October 2026 — The funeral programme for Ghanaian gospel singer Bernice Ofeibea Offei sets out services at Legon Interdenominational Church in Accra, with the burial service scheduled for Saturday, 14 November. The family notice published by MyJoyOnline also lists a remembrance night and a thanksgiving service, while specifying that interment will be private. The arrangements give listeners and members of Ghana’s gospel community a schedule for paying their respects. They concern remembrance and funeral services, rather than a new performance programme by the singer. When is Bernice Offei’s funeral? The burial service is scheduled for 14 November 2026 at Legon Interdenominational Church, from 9am to 11am, following filing past from 7am. The programme also lists remembrance on 11 November and thanksgiving on 15 November. Interment will be private, with final funeral rites at the church. The programme at a glance The published funeral notice gives the following arrangements. All times below are Ghana local time, GMT. The notice also states that there will be no sitting after the memorial service. People planning to attend should distinguish the church activities from the private interment and follow the family’s arrangements for each part of the programme. ADVERTISEMENT What the announcement means for mourners MyJoyOnline’s accompanying report identifies Legon Interdenominational Church in Legon, Accra, as the venue for the funeral activities. The remembrance night precedes the Saturday services, while thanksgiving takes place the following day. Filing past and the burial service are separate entries in the programme. Anyone wishing to pay respects during filing past should plan around that earlier period, rather than assume it continues throughout the service. The remembrance night also has an earlier seating time than its advertised start. The published arrangements should guide travel plans, but attendees should check for any later family or church update before setting out. Private interment should not be treated as an invitation to follow the family to the burial location. ADVERTISEMENT Remembering the voice behind “Hold On” Offei died on 12 September 2026, aged 63. The Ghana News Agency’s report described a career spanning more than three decades, with six albums and more than 40 songs. Her work included “Hold On” and “Life Is Short,” songs associated with encouragement, faith and reflection. GNA also identified “Kaa She Gbeyei,” “It’s By Grace,” “Nyame Kokroko” and “N’adom Ara Kwa” among her popular recordings. The funeral programme therefore brings together more than a single moment of public mourning. For listeners, it offers an occasion to remember music heard over many years in different settings and stages of life. A Graphic Showbiz editorial published after her death highlighted the encouragement in “Hold On” and the reflection on life’s brevity in “Life Is Short.” It also pointed to “Little Boy,” “Grateful” and “We Are Victors” as part of a catalogue built around faith, gratitude and perseverance. Her songwriting and vocal work received industry recognition in 2009, when she won Songwriter of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards. Those awards are part of the career being remembered alongside the songs themselves. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals . Business & Investment Ghana textile policy: from investment targets to factory work . ADVERTISEMENT Keep the September reports in chronological order Readers may still encounter XTRAfrica’s earlier report that Offei had been found safe after a missing-person alert . That article concerned the conclusion of a search at the beginning of September. It predates her death later that month and the October publication of funeral arrangements. The two reports describe different developments at different times. The earlier recovery notice should not be circulated as though it were an update on the funeral programme. For mourners, the next practical step is to select the service they intend to attend, note the correct start or seating time and respect the distinction between church services and private interment. Any subsequent change should come from the family or the church handling the arrangements. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs Certificate recognition could widen opportunities, but hiring and Canadian approvals remain separate. . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs President defends road-safety cameras as drivers question fines, signage and road conditions. . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? Operators threatened to park vehicles over TraffiTech-GH; a nationwide stoppage is unconfirmed. . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals How to check a traffic notice, review the evidence and respond within the stated deadline. . Tags Ghana News Ghana News Breaking News Breaking News Ghana Ghana Bernice Offei Bernice Offei

Miguel Kashal Katemb and ARSP tighten subcontracting rules, boosting SMEs and advancing Tshisekedi’s vision for a sovereign Congolese economy. Kinshasa, October 2025 – At a decisive moment for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Miguel Kashal Katemb, Director General of the Autorité de Régulation de la Sous-traitance dans le Secteur Privé (ARSP), delivered a powerful address on the future of subcontracting in the DRC. His message went beyond statistics: it was a political statement about sovereignty, equity, and national dignity. From Neglect to Priority For years, subcontracting in Congo’s private sector was treated as a secondary issue, riddled with loopholes, opaque contracts, and foreign domination. Congolese SMEs were marginalized, often reduced to “front men” for powerful multinationals in mining and other strategic sectors. But as Katemb reminded, under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi, subcontracting has been elevated to a strategic lever for economic transformation. “What was once considered accessory is today the backbone of a policy designed to create a true Congolese middle class,” Katemb declared. Results and Challenges After 32 months at the helm of ARSP, Katemb presented results: Over 15,000 subcontractors are registered and eligible under the law (compared to 3,000 in early 2023). Contracts worth more than $2.4 billion were allocated to Congolese SMEs in 2024, mostly in the mining sector. Stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuses like fake tenders, illegal expatriate dominance, and fronting practices. He also announced that a new wave of compliance audits will soon be launched across sectors, with sanctions planned for companies that continue to resist the law. Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS & INVESTMENT Congo’s ARSP Enforces Subcontracting Law to Empower SMEs By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Oct 3, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Kinshasa, October 2025 – At a decisive moment for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Miguel Kashal Katemb, Director General of the Autorité de Régulation de la Sous-traitance dans le Secteur Privé (ARSP), delivered a powerful address on the future of subcontracting in the DRC. His message went beyond statistics: it was a political statement about sovereignty, equity, and national dignity. From Neglect to Priority For years, subcontracting in Congo’s private sector was treated as a secondary issue, riddled with loopholes, opaque contracts, and foreign domination. Congolese SMEs were marginalized, often reduced to “front men” for powerful multinationals in mining and other strategic sectors. But as Katemb reminded, under the leadership of President Félix Tshisekedi, subcontracting has been elevated to a strategic lever for economic transformation. “What was once considered accessory is today the backbone of a policy designed to create a true Congolese middle class,” Katemb declared. ADVERTISEMENT Results and Challenges After 32 months at the helm of ARSP, Katemb presented results: Over 15,000 subcontractors are registered and eligible under the law (compared to 3,000 in early 2023). Contracts worth more than $2.4 billion were allocated to Congolese SMEs in 2024, mostly in the mining sector. Stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuses like fake tenders, illegal expatriate dominance, and fronting practices. He also announced that a new wave of compliance audits will soon be launched across sectors, with sanctions planned for companies that continue to resist the law. A Patriotic Duty in Times of War The speech carried a patriotic undertone. Katemb expressed solidarity with Congolese in the east, victims of Rwanda-backed M23/AFC aggression, and linked economic control to national sovereignty . “The wealth of our soil must first benefit Congolese,” he stressed, reminding that while Rwanda fuels war to plunder Congo’s resources, Kinshasa is working to ensure transparency and fairness in its own markets. ADVERTISEMENT Backing From Government Leadership Katemb’s intervention also paid homage to Tshisekedi’s vision and to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa’s government . He underscored their commitment to local content policies that ensure Congolese entrepreneurs have priority in subcontracting markets. The reforms, supported by the World Bank and international experts, include revising the subcontracting law and introducing a local content law to further anchor Congolese ownership of the economy. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . ADVERTISEMENT Looking Ahead With over $8 billion in subcontracting opportunities projected in the coming years, ARSP’s reforms could change the face of Congo’s private sector. But success depends on strict enforcement, political will, and the resilience of Congolese entrepreneurs. As Katemb concluded: “Respecting the law is no longer an option. It is a duty to the Republic and to future generations.” ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid DR Congo opens a UK investment forum in London with nearly 90 British investors, seeking partnerships . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission A new bilateral commission will coordinate trade, technology, technical cooperation... . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan The October 30 decision recognizes reforms to combat money laundering and strengthen.... . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo Invest In Congo Invest In Congo

Claude Ibalanky’s appearance on AFC/M23’s delegate list adds political weight to renewed peace talks in Switzerland. Claude Ibalanky’s inclusion on AFC/M23’s delegation list for the latest round of peace talks in Switzerland gives the revived Doha process added political significance. The former ambassador-at-large to President Félix Tshisekedi is listed among the experts in the rebel alliance’s team as negotiations with the Congolese government resume outside Qatar after the talks were relocated. The development matters because Ibalanky is not entering the story as an unknown figure. In late January, he was already seen in Goma alongside Corneille Nangaa, where he said he had not yet joined AFC/M23 and described himself instead as someone who could serve as an external consultant in search of peace. That earlier appearance had already raised questions about how far he had moved from the presidential camp. His current place on the delegation list suggests a more formal political role in a mediation track that both rebel and diplomatic sources say is resuming in Switzerland this week. According to reporting on the restart of the talks, AFC/M23 submitted a 12-member list to Qatari mediation, including negotiators and technical experts, with Ibalanky named among those expected to take part. The significance also lies in his background. As reported when he surfaced in Goma in January , Ibalanky previously served as coordinator of the mechanism monitoring the Addis Ababa peace framework before being appointed ambassador-at-large in May 2023. He later launched the REPOP political coalition in support of Tshisekedi’s second term, making his appearance on the AFC/M23 side especially notable in the context of eastern DRC diplomacy . More broadly, the shift of the talks themselves is important. Additional reporting on the Switzerland round indicates the venue change was tied to wider regional tensions, while the process continues under Qatari mediation. That means Ibalanky’s presence comes at a moment when the negotiations are being recast not only as a security dialogue, but also as a politically sensitive test of who now speaks for competing Congolese interests in the search for a settlement. Continue Reading Full Article INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WHY Claude Ibalanky’s role in AFC/M23 Switzerland talks matters By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 14, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Claude Ibalanky’s inclusion on AFC/M23’s delegation list for the latest round of peace talks in Switzerland gives the revived Doha process added political significance. The former ambassador-at-large to President Félix Tshisekedi is listed among the experts in the rebel alliance’s team as negotiations with the Congolese government resume outside Qatar after the talks were relocated. The development matters because Ibalanky is not entering the story as an unknown figure. In late January, he was already seen in Goma alongside Corneille Nangaa, where he said he had not yet joined AFC/M23 and described himself instead as someone who could serve as an external consultant in search of peace. That earlier appearance had already raised questions about how far he had moved from the presidential camp. ADVERTISEMENT His current place on the delegation list suggests a more formal political role in a mediation track that both rebel and diplomatic sources say is resuming in Switzerland this week. According to reporting on the restart of the talks, AFC/M23 submitted a 12-member list to Qatari mediation, including negotiators and technical experts, with Ibalanky named among those expected to take part. The significance also lies in his background. As reported when he surfaced in Goma in January , Ibalanky previously served as coordinator of the mechanism monitoring the Addis Ababa peace framework before being appointed ambassador-at-large in May 2023. He later launched the REPOP political coalition in support of Tshisekedi’s second term, making his appearance on the AFC/M23 side especially notable in the context of eastern DRC diplomacy . ADVERTISEMENT More broadly, the shift of the talks themselves is important. Additional reporting on the Switzerland round indicates the venue change was tied to wider regional tensions, while the process continues under Qatari mediation. That means Ibalanky’s presence comes at a moment when the negotiations are being recast not only as a security dialogue, but also as a politically sensitive test of who now speaks for competing Congolese interests in the search for a settlement. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa DR.Congo DR.Congo African Union African Union M23 Conflict Updates M23 Conflict Updates Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi Kagame Crimes Kagame Crimes Thérèse Kayikwamba Thérèse Kayikwamba

Since 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online declaration. See who must file it and when. Travelling to or from South Africa now comes with an important new customs step. Since 1 July 2026 , travellers entering or leaving South Africa through airports, land borders, seaports and rail ports of entry are required to submit a traveller declaration online before travelling. The declaration is completed through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) , operated by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The rule applies broadly. It covers South African citizens, permanent and temporary residents, foreign tourists, business travellers, students, workers, families and most other people crossing the country's borders. But the declaration is not a new visa. It is a Customs declaration , designed to help travellers disclose goods, cash, currency, bearer negotiable instruments and other items that may require Customs attention. There is also an important practical safeguard: SARS says a traveller should not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they did not complete the declaration before reaching the port. Customs officials and, where available, self-service terminals can assist people who were reasonably unable to submit the declaration in advance. Still, SARS strongly recommends completing it before travel to reduce delays. Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL AND IMMIGRATION South Africa’s New Online Traveller Declaration: Who Must Submit It By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 7, 2026 Aug 7, 2026 32 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Travelling to or from South Africa now comes with an important new customs step. Since 1 July 2026 , travellers entering or leaving South Africa through airports, land borders, seaports and rail ports of entry are required to submit a traveller declaration online before travelling. The declaration is completed through the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS) , operated by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The rule applies broadly. It covers South African citizens, permanent and temporary residents, foreign tourists, business travellers, students, workers, families and most other people crossing the country's borders. But the declaration is not a new visa. It is a Customs declaration , designed to help travellers disclose goods, cash, currency, bearer negotiable instruments and other items that may require Customs attention. There is also an important practical safeguard: SARS says a traveller should not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they did not complete the declaration before reaching the port. Customs officials and, where available, self-service terminals can assist people who were reasonably unable to submit the declaration in advance. Still, SARS strongly recommends completing it before travel to reduce delays. Quick Answer From 1 July 2026 , most people entering or leaving South Africa must submit an online traveller declaration. The declaration should generally be completed no more than 24 hours before departure from the country from which you are travelling . If your trip to South Africa has connecting flights, SARS says the declaration should be submitted no more than 24 hours before the departure of the last leg travelling directly to South Africa . Each traveller must be covered by a declaration, including children and infants . A parent or guardian can complete the declaration for a child. Travellers who remain entirely inside a designated international transit area during an air or sea connection are generally excluded. The declaration can be completed through: The SARS online Traveller Management System The SATMS mobile application The SARS MobiApp Scan-to-Declare QR codes Self-service facilities at certain ports where available After submission, SARS sends an electronic confirmation with instructions for Customs processing. What Changed on 1 July 2026? South Africa had already been testing and expanding its digital traveller declaration system before July 2026. The major change is that from 1 July 2026 , online traveller declarations became required for travellers entering or leaving the country, subject to limited exceptions. SARS says the system now forms part of a wider government approach to improve cross-border data integration, risk management and Customs processing. The digital declaration replaces much of the older reliance on manual Customs declaration procedures. Instead of waiting until reaching the airport or border to provide Customs information, travellers can submit the required details in advance. Who Must Submit the South Africa Online Traveller Declaration? In general, the requirement applies to anyone entering or leaving South Africa through an official port of entry. This includes: South African citizens Permanent residents Temporary residents Foreign tourists Business travellers International students Foreign workers Families Cross-border traders Returning South African residents People travelling by road Air passengers Sea passengers Rail passengers The declaration applies whether you are entering South Africa or leaving it . That departure requirement is particularly important because some travellers may assume Customs declarations are only required on arrival. Do Children and Infants Need Their Own Declaration? Yes. SARS states that each traveller must be covered by a declaration, including children and infants . A parent or legal guardian may complete and submit the declaration on behalf of a child. This means a family of four should not assume that one declaration covers the entire family. Each traveller needs a declaration connected to their own travel details. SARS also allows a caretaker or another assisting person to complete a declaration for someone who cannot reasonably complete it themselves because of age, illness, disability or another qualifying circumstance. The person submitting the declaration on another traveller's behalf is responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. Who Is Exempt? The most important exemption applies to certain transit passengers. SARS says air or sea travellers who are only transiting through South Africa and who do not leave the designated transit area do not have to submit a traveller declaration. For example, a passenger who lands at a South African airport, remains airside in the official international transit area and continues to another international destination may fall within this exemption. However, do not automatically assume you are exempt simply because your ticket says "transit." If you must: Clear immigration Collect checked luggage Leave the transit area Re-check bags Stay overnight outside the airport Enter South Africa before continuing your journey then you may no longer be treated as remaining exclusively inside the designated transit area. Check with your airline and SARS if your connection is unclear. ADVERTISEMENT When Must You Complete the Declaration? SARS says the online declaration must be submitted no more than 24 hours before departure from the country from which you are travelling . That wording matters. Direct Flight to South Africa If you are flying directly from Lagos to Johannesburg, you should submit the declaration within the 24 hours before your departure from Lagos. Connecting Flight If you are travelling Kinshasa → Addis Ababa → Johannesburg, the relevant timing is generally the final leg directly to South Africa. SARS says the declaration should be submitted no more than 24 hours before the departure of the last leg travelling directly to South Africa. Leaving South Africa Travellers departing South Africa must also complete the required declaration within the applicable pre-departure period. The safest practice is to complete the declaration after your travel arrangements are final but within the SARS 24-hour window. What Information Do You Need? SARS says travellers generally need information covering identity, travel, contact details and Customs matters. Prepare the following before starting: Passport or Travel Document You may need: Passport or travel-document number Issuing country Full name Date of birth Travel-document type Enter the information exactly as it appears on the passport or official travel document. Travel Details The declaration may request: Port of entry or exit Date of travel Country of departure Destination country Transit countries Flight, vessel, train or vehicle information where applicable Contact Details Prepare: Mobile number Country dialling code Email address An accurate email address is important because the system sends the declaration confirmation electronically. South African Address Travellers entering South Africa may need to provide the address where they will stay. This can include: Hotel Apartment Private residence Student accommodation Business accommodation Travel Companions The system may request information about people travelling with you, including: Name Passport number Passport issuing country Remember that providing companion details does not replace the requirement for each traveller, including children, to be covered by a declaration. Purpose of Travel The Customs form can include categories such as: Holiday Business Study Employment Transit Resident Diplomat Crew Other Choose the category that accurately reflects your journey. What Goods Must Be Declared? The online declaration is primarily a Customs compliance tool. SARS says ordinary personal effects for your own use generally do not need to be declared merely because you are carrying them. However, you may need to declare goods or items requiring Customs attention, including: Goods above the duty-free allowance Prohibited or restricted goods Commercial goods Goods intended for trade or sale Trade samples Temporary imports or exports Goods being taken abroad for repair or modification Goods returning after temporary export Foreign-registered vehicles in circumstances where declaration is required Currency above applicable thresholds Bearer negotiable instruments Items requiring permits or special Customs processing If you are unsure whether an item must be declared, ask a SARS Customs official rather than guessing. What Is the Current Duty-Free Goods Allowance? According to SARS's current 2026 traveller-declaration FAQs: Goods up to R5,000 per person may be imported without duty or VAT under the stated traveller allowance. Additional goods up to R20,000 may be admitted but can be subject to duty and VAT. Where the total value exceeds R25,000 , normal Customs duties and VAT can apply. SARS also states that the allowance is generally available only once per person during a 30-day period and does not apply to people returning after an absence of less than 48 hours. Duty-free allowances are applied per traveller. They cannot be combined between travellers. Because Customs thresholds can change, always check the current SARS traveller guidance immediately before publication or travel. How Much Cash or Currency Can You Carry? SARS's current traveller FAQs state that travellers may carry up to R100,000 in local or foreign currency, or bearer negotiable instruments, without prior approval. Amounts above the applicable legal threshold must be declared. The online system can request: Currency type Amount Rand equivalent Source of funds Whether the money is carried for you, another person or an organisation Other exchange-control or financial rules may also apply, so travellers moving large amounts of money should check the current SARS and South African Reserve Bank requirements. Step-by-Step: How to Complete the South Africa Traveller Declaration Step 1: Go to the Official SARS Traveller Declaration Page Use the SARS Traveller Management System directly through the official SARS website or the official SARS electronic-services portal. Avoid websites claiming to be "South Africa entry form" or "traveller declaration agents" if they are not clearly connected to SARS. Step 2: Choose the Correct Declaration Type The live SARS system allows travellers to indicate whether they have: Goods and/or currency to declare , or No goods and/or currency to declare Answer truthfully. A "nothing to declare" selection does not remove your legal responsibility if you are actually carrying goods or currency requiring declaration. Step 3: Enter Your Travel Direction Confirm whether you are: Entering South Africa, or Leaving South Africa Step 4: Enter Your Personal Details Provide your passport or travel-document information and contact details accurately. ADVERTISEMENT Step 5: Enter Your Journey Details Provide the requested: Departure information Arrival information Port Travel date Flight, vehicle, vessel or train information where relevant Transit information Step 6: Add Accommodation and Companion Information Enter your South African address and travel companion information if requested. Step 7: Declare Goods and Currency Answer the Customs questions carefully. Where the system asks for additional detail, you may need to specify: Item description Quantity Model Value Serial number Currency type Amount Purpose of import or export Step 8: Review Everything Check: Passport number Full name Travel date Port of entry Currency amount Goods details Email address SARS requires a proper and truthful declaration. Step 9: Submit Submit the declaration electronically. Step 10: Save the Confirmation SARS sends a confirmation containing Customs instructions. Save it to your phone or print a copy. Do not rely only on being able to retrieve your email at the airport or land border, where mobile connectivity may be unreliable. What Happens After Submission? Your declaration confirmation will contain instructions telling you what to do at the relevant port. When Entering South Africa Travellers will generally: Complete immigration processing. Follow the Customs instructions provided in the declaration confirmation. Proceed to the appropriate Customs area or exit channel. When Leaving South Africa Departing travellers should follow the Customs instructions in their confirmation. Travellers may also need to visit Customs before departure to: Register goods for later re-importation Close temporary-importation procedures Complete VAT-refund verification Resolve declared commercial or restricted goods Do not ignore instructions simply because your declaration was completed online. The online system does not eliminate Customs inspection powers. What If Your Travel Details Change? If information changes before you complete Customs processing, SARS says you must update the declaration so that the information remains correct. Examples include: New flight Different border post Changed travel date Different accommodation Additional declarable goods Changed currency amount Do not knowingly travel using a declaration that contains information you know is no longer accurate. What If You Forget to Complete the Declaration? This is one of the most important points. SARS states that travellers will not be denied entry into or departure from South Africa solely because they did not complete the declaration before arriving at the port . If you could not submit the form because of: System failure Lack of internet access Another reasonable obstacle SARS Customs staff can assist at the port. Self-service terminals may also be available. In limited circumstances, a paper declaration can still be used. However, this should not be treated as permission to ignore the online requirement. Completing it in advance is the safer option and can reduce processing delays. When Can a Paper Declaration Still Be Used? SARS says paper declarations are limited to situations such as: SARS system failure No internet connectivity at the relevant location A traveller being otherwise reasonably unable to submit electronically In those cases, Customs may allow the prescribed paper form to be completed in the Customs processing area. The online system is now the primary route. What Happens If You Make a False Declaration? A false Customs declaration can have serious consequences. SARS warns that failure to properly declare goods, currency or other relevant items can result in: Border delays Additional inspections Detention of goods Forfeiture or seizure of goods Financial penalties Other enforcement action under Customs legislation A traveller should never hide goods simply because they are worried about paying duty. When in doubt, declare the item and ask Customs for guidance. Business Travellers and Cross-Border Traders Business travellers must also complete the declaration. The system may ask whether you are travelling in a business capacity. Commercial goods require extra care. SARS defines commercial goods broadly as items being transported for: Trade Sale Business use Another commercial purpose Even if you describe yourself as an informal trader, goods can still be considered commercial based on their nature, volume or quantity. Cross-border traders should therefore not assume ordinary tourist allowances apply to merchandise carried for resale. Travelling With a Foreign-Registered Vehicle Foreign-registered vehicles can trigger additional Customs requirements. Since 1 June 2026 , SARS has required foreign-registered vehicles used by travellers to be declared through the Traveller Management System in applicable circumstances. Travellers driving into South Africa should prepare vehicle-registration and ownership information and check the dedicated SARS foreign-vehicle guidance before reaching the border. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Business and Immigration South Africa Opens Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II for Companies . Immigration and Visas South Africa Removes Medical Reports From Visa Applications . Travel and Immigration South Africa’s New Online Traveller Declaration: Who Must Submit It . Travel and Immigration South Africa ETA 2026: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply . ADVERTISEMENT A vehicle declaration is a separate practical issue from the traveller's general passport and journey details. Can You Still Claim a Tourist VAT Refund? Yes. SARS says the online traveller declaration system does not prevent eligible visitors from claiming a VAT refund. Travellers seeking a refund should declare the relevant goods through the system and present themselves to Customs for the required verification. After Customs verification, the traveller may proceed to the VAT Refund Administrator where available. Do not pack refund goods in checked luggage before completing any required inspection if the refund process requires Customs to see the items. What About Train Travel? Rail passengers are also included. SARS says travellers entering or leaving South Africa by train should submit the declaration electronically before reaching the relevant first or last railway station in South Africa, depending on the direction of travel. Where electronic submission is not possible for a recognised reason, the prescribed alternative process may be used. Scam Warning: Use Only Official SARS Channels Travellers should be cautious of websites, messages or social-media posts offering to "complete the South Africa entry declaration" for a fee. The SARS declaration is a government Customs process. Warning signs include websites that: Pretend the declaration is a visa Claim payment guarantees entry Ask for banking PINs or one-time passwords Demand payment through WhatsApp Request eFiling passwords Use domains that resemble SARS without actually being sars.gov.za Threaten immediate deportation if you do not pay an agent SARS says it will not request passwords, banking PINs, OTPs or eFiling login credentials through email, SMS, social media or telephone. Use official SARS channels. Frequently Asked Questions Is the South Africa traveller declaration mandatory? Yes. SARS states that from 1 July 2026 travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports must submit a traveller declaration online, unless a limited exception applies. Is the traveller declaration a visa? No. It is a Customs declaration. Your visa, ETA, passport or visa-exemption requirements are separate immigration matters. Do tourists have to complete it? Yes. Foreign tourists are included. Do South African citizens have to complete it? Yes. The requirement applies to South African citizens as well as residents and foreign travellers. Do permanent residents have to complete it? Yes. Residents entering or leaving South Africa are included. Do children need a form? Yes. Each child and infant must be covered by a declaration. A parent or legal guardian can submit it for them. When should I complete it? Generally, no more than 24 hours before departure from the country you are travelling from. If you have connecting flights to South Africa, SARS says to use the final leg travelling directly to South Africa for the 24-hour timing rule. Do connecting passengers need to complete it? Air and sea passengers who remain entirely within the designated international transit area are excluded. If you enter South Africa or leave the transit area, normal requirements may apply. Can I complete it at the airport? SARS expects travellers to submit online before travelling. However, Customs staff and self-service facilities may assist travellers who could not submit in advance for a reasonable reason. Will I be refused entry if I forgot? SARS specifically says travellers will not be denied entry or departure solely because the declaration was not completed before arriving at the port. You may still be required to complete it or receive assistance before Customs processing. Is there a fee to submit the declaration? The declaration itself is a Customs reporting process. Duties, VAT or other charges may arise if you are carrying goods that exceed allowances or otherwise attract Customs charges. What if I have nothing to declare? The SARS system includes a declaration option for travellers with no goods or currency to declare. You must still complete the required traveller process accurately. Can one declaration cover my whole family? No. Each traveller must be covered separately, including children and infants. What happens after I submit it? You receive an electronic confirmation with instructions. Save the confirmation on your phone or print it and follow the Customs directions at the port. What if I am carrying more than R100,000? SARS's current traveller guidance states that currency or bearer negotiable instruments above the applicable threshold must be declared and may require additional approval or documentation. Can I combine my duty-free allowance with my spouse? No. SARS says traveller allowances apply per person and cannot be transferred or combined. Official South Africa Traveller Declaration Links SARS Traveller Declaration information: https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/ Official online Traveller Management System: https://tools.sars.gov.za/sarsonlinequery/traveller SARS FAQs for declarations required from 1 July 2026: https://www.sars.gov.za/travellerdeclaration/faqs-for-the-required-online-traveller-declarations-from-1-july-2026/ SARS traveller customs guidance: https://www.sars.gov.za/customs-and-excise/travellers/ SARS guide to the traveller declaration: https://www.sars.gov.za/guide-to-traveller-declaration/ XTRAfrica Verification Note This guide was verified on 7 August 2026 against current information published by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) . SARS confirms that from 1 July 2026 , travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea and rail are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travel. The current SARS guidance also confirms: The declaration generally applies to citizens, residents and foreign travellers. Each child and infant must be covered by a declaration. The form should be submitted no more than 24 hours before the relevant departure. Air and sea passengers remaining completely inside a designated transit area are exempt. Travellers who were reasonably unable to submit electronically can receive assistance at ports. Failure to make a truthful Customs declaration can lead to delays, penalties, detention or forfeiture of goods and other enforcement action. SARS currently lists a R100,000 currency threshold and specific traveller goods allowances, but these figures should be reviewed whenever SARS updates its customs rules. This article should be reviewed whenever SARS changes: Duty-free allowances Currency thresholds Online declaration procedures Paper-declaration exceptions Customs legislation Supported declaration channels Port procedures ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Business and Immigration South Africa Opens Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II for Companies Qualifying employers have until 4 September 2026 to apply for faster skilled-visa processing. . Immigration and Visas South Africa Removes Medical Reports From Visa Applications New 2026 waiver also covers permanent residence and pending applications. . Travel and Immigration South Africa’s New Online Traveller Declaration: Who Must Submit It Who must file it, when to submit, and what travellers need to declare. . Travel and Immigration South Africa ETA 2026: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply South Africa will officially launch its Electronic Travel Authorisation on 12 August 2026... . 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Mali’s junta faces new pressure after JNIM called for uprising and Sharia rule Mali’s military-led government is facing renewed pressure after a Reuters report said Al Qaeda-linked JNIM called on Malians to rise up and support Sharia law following coordinated attacks across the country. The next step now centers on the junta’s military response. Assimi Goïta has vowed that operations will continue until armed groups are “neutralized,” after attacks hit Bamako, Kati, Kidal and other areas. It was reported that the assaults involved JNIM and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front, marking one of Mali’s largest coordinated attacks in years. The crisis also carries wider Sahel implications. Mali has relied heavily on Russian security support since pushing out French and UN-backed forces, while insecurity has continued to spread across the region. For Bamako, the immediate test is whether the junta can secure key roads, contain armed-group pressure and prevent further territorial losses after the latest escalation. Source: Reuters JUSTICE & CRIME Mali Junta Plans Response After Al Qaeda-linked JNIM Uprising Call By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 3, 2026 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Mali’s military-led government is facing renewed pressure after a Reuters report said Al Qaeda-linked JNIM called on Malians to rise up and support Sharia law following coordinated attacks across the country. The next step now centers on the junta’s military response. Assimi Goïta has vowed that operations will continue until armed groups are “neutralized,” after attacks hit Bamako, Kati, Kidal and other areas. ADVERTISEMENT It was reported that the assaults involved JNIM and Tuareg separatists from the Azawad Liberation Front, marking one of Mali’s largest coordinated attacks in years. The crisis also carries wider Sahel implications. Mali has relied heavily on Russian security support since pushing out French and UN-backed forces, while insecurity has continued to spread across the region. ADVERTISEMENT For Bamako, the immediate test is whether the junta can secure key roads, contain armed-group pressure and prevent further territorial losses after the latest escalation. Source: Reuters Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa Mali Mali Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News Terrorism in Africa Terrorism in Africa African Union African Union