Rwanda cannot invade Congo and lecture us on hate speech.” At the UN, the DRC exposes Kigali’s FDLR narrative and resource exploitation claims by Zénon Ngay Mukongo Key Excerpts from DRC UN Ambassador Statement Zénon Ngay Mukongo When Rwanda’s representatives invoke the 1994 genocide and claim that its perpetrators are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one might think they are referring to Congolese people. They are not. They are referring to Rwandans, the FDLR they speak about. These are Rwandans who fled Rwanda and entered the Congolese territory. Rwanda itself is a country where two groups have long been in conflict, whereas the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to over 450 ethnic groups living together in harmony. The genocidal ideology that Rwanda attempts to project onto Congolese territory is incompatible with the Congolese reality. That is why we say this narrative they are promoting may serve Rwanda, but it does not reflect the situation in the DRC. At one point, a senior Rwandan ambassador posted in Kinshasa even stated publicly that the FDLR no longer posed a threat to Rwanda. This is documented and available. The narrative is cyclical: today it is the FDLR, tomorrow it is hate speech, and the next day another justification emerges. Speaking of hate speech, how can a country that is heavily armed and enters your territory, massacres your women, your families, your children, expect to be welcomed with kind words? Where has that ever been seen? Rwanda now gives the impression that hate speech is more serious than massacres. How many Congolese have been killed since the occupation of Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira? And this is being equated to hate speech? In reality, hate speech is a consequence of the violence inflicted, not its cause. They also speak of protecting “Rwandophones” in Congo, referring to the Banyamulenge. But the Banyamulenge are Congolese, not Rwandan. Simply because some Congolese resemble Rwandans does not give Rwanda the right to enter Congolese territory to “protect” them. What audacity. In what country does a foreign power enter and claim the right to protect citizens of another nation? The truth that is being ignored is the exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources. And we will not remain silent about it. Rwanda today occupies the mines of Rubaya. Rwanda has become a major exporter of coltan, a resource that does not exist in its own subsoil. Continue Reading Full Article WAR IN EASTERN DRC DRC Fires Back at Rwanda at UN Security Council Over FDLR Narrative By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 16, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Key Excerpts from DRC UN Ambassador Statement Zénon Ngay Mukongo When Rwanda’s representatives invoke the 1994 genocide and claim that its perpetrators are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one might think they are referring to Congolese people. They are not. They are referring to Rwandans, the FDLR they speak about. These are Rwandans who fled Rwanda and entered the Congolese territory. Rwanda itself is a country where two groups have long been in conflict, whereas the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to over 450 ethnic groups living together in harmony. The genocidal ideology that Rwanda attempts to project onto Congolese territory is incompatible with the Congolese reality. That is why we say this narrative they are promoting may serve Rwanda, but it does not reflect the situation in the DRC. ADVERTISEMENT At one point, a senior Rwandan ambassador posted in Kinshasa even stated publicly that the FDLR no longer posed a threat to Rwanda. This is documented and available. The narrative is cyclical: today it is the FDLR, tomorrow it is hate speech, and the next day another justification emerges. Speaking of hate speech, how can a country that is heavily armed and enters your territory, massacres your women, your families, your children, expect to be welcomed with kind words? Where has that ever been seen? Rwanda now gives the impression that hate speech is more serious than massacres. How many Congolese have been killed since the occupation of Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira? And this is being equated to hate speech? ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . 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 . In reality, hate speech is a consequence of the violence inflicted, not its cause. They also speak of protecting “Rwandophones” in Congo, referring to the Banyamulenge. But the Banyamulenge are Congolese, not Rwandan. Simply because some Congolese resemble Rwandans does not give Rwanda the right to enter Congolese territory to “protect” them. What audacity. In what country does a foreign power enter and claim the right to protect citizens of another nation? The truth that is being ignored is the exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources. And we will not remain silent about it. Rwanda today occupies the mines of Rubaya. Rwanda has become a major exporter of coltan, a resource that does not exist in its own subsoil. ADVERTISEMENT And yet, they speak to you about hate speech. That is the essence of our position. You (Rwandans) do not have the right to come and “protect” Congolese populations on Congolese territory. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Healthcare System Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination Patients face interrupted services as the labour dispute continues in Maniema. . Francophone DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba proposes nine reforms for the Francophonie, challenging Rwanda's Louise . 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 . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo Zénon Ngay Mukongo Zénon Ngay Mukongo

A New Trade Era For the first time, Uganda has set a new precedent in international trade by surpassing Europe, the world's largest market, in bilateral trade figures. This landmark achievement highlights Uganda's strategic expansion and diversification of its trade partners beyond traditional markets, emphasizing the country's growing influence and capability in the global trade arena. Strengthening Regional Ties Key to this achievement is Uganda's focus on strengthening bilateral relations within the African continent, exemplified by recent agreements with Tanzania to enhance trade facilitation and infrastructure development. Such initiatives, including significant reductions in road tolls for cargo trucks and the establishment of cooperative projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), have been instrumental in boosting intra-African trade volumes, showcasing a successful model of regional integration and cooperation. Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects Uganda's trade strategy also aligns with broader regional trade agreements within the East African Community (EAC) and engagements with the European Union (EU) to foster economic partnerships and sustainable development. These strategic alignments not only bolster Uganda's trade portfolio but also open up avenues for future trade expansion and diversification, setting a positive trajectory for the nation's economic growth and regional influence. This remarkable milestone for Uganda not only underscores the potential and dynamism of African markets but also signifies a shift towards more balanced and diversified global trade relationships, promising a future of increased prosperity and interconnectivity for the region. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Feb 23, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: President Museveni Kaguta of Uganda and Europe met, marking a pivotal moment in trade relations A New Trade Era For the first time, Uganda has set a new precedent in international trade by surpassing Europe, the world's largest market, in bilateral trade figures. This landmark achievement highlights Uganda's strategic expansion and diversification of its trade partners beyond traditional markets, emphasizing the country's growing influence and capability in the global trade arena. ADVERTISEMENT Strengthening Regional Ties Key to this achievement is Uganda's focus on strengthening bilateral relations within the African continent, exemplified by recent agreements with Tanzania to enhance trade facilitation and infrastructure development. Such initiatives, including significant reductions in road tolls for cargo trucks and the establishment of cooperative projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), have been instrumental in boosting intra-African trade volumes, showcasing a successful model of regional integration and cooperation. Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects Uganda's trade strategy also aligns with broader regional trade agreements within the East African Community (EAC) and engagements with the European Union (EU) to foster economic partnerships and sustainable development. These strategic alignments not only bolster Uganda's trade portfolio but also open up avenues for future trade expansion and diversification, setting a positive trajectory for the nation's economic growth and regional influence. This remarkable milestone for Uganda not only underscores the potential and dynamism of African markets but also signifies a shift towards more balanced and diversified global trade relationships, promising a future of increased prosperity and interconnectivity for the region. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Gauteng police investigate murder and attempted murder after an R21 shooting. The victim’s reported identity is attributed; the motive remains unknown. EKURHULENI, South Africa — Gauteng police are investigating murder and attempted murder after a driver was killed and a passenger wounded in a shooting on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport on Monday evening, 5 October. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the attack happened after a vehicle broke down and the driver called a friend for help. The motive remained unknown, and no arrests had been announced in the police account carried by news outlets on Tuesday morning. TimesLIVE reported that the deceased was Preggy Padayachee, an associate and uncle-in-law of former senior police officer Feroz Khan. The police account quoted in the report did not name the deceased. That identification remains attributed to the outlet. Shots fired after a call for roadside assistance According to the preliminary police account reported by Jacaranda FM , the driver was travelling in a Fiat when the vehicle experienced a breakdown. A friend arrived with two other people. Shots were fired while the group was attending to the vehicle. The driver tried to escape the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a concrete jersey barrier. Police said he sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. One passenger suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital. Another occupant escaped unharmed. The initial account did not give a further medical update on the wounded passenger. The sequence describes the police’s preliminary reconstruction. It does not establish who opened fire or why the group was attacked. Police have not established a motive Continue Reading Full Article CRIME PREVENTION R21 Shooting: Police Probe Driver’s Death and Wounding of a Passenger By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 6, 2026 Oct 6, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: EKURHULENI, South Africa — Gauteng police are investigating murder and attempted murder after a driver was killed and a passenger wounded in a shooting on the R21 towards OR Tambo International Airport on Monday evening, 5 October. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the attack happened after a vehicle broke down and the driver called a friend for help. The motive remained unknown, and no arrests had been announced in the police account carried by news outlets on Tuesday morning. TimesLIVE reported that the deceased was Preggy Padayachee, an associate and uncle-in-law of former senior police officer Feroz Khan. The police account quoted in the report did not name the deceased. That identification remains attributed to the outlet. Shots fired after a call for roadside assistance According to the preliminary police account reported by Jacaranda FM , the driver was travelling in a Fiat when the vehicle experienced a breakdown. ADVERTISEMENT A friend arrived with two other people. Shots were fired while the group was attending to the vehicle. The driver tried to escape the gunfire but lost control of the vehicle, which collided with a concrete jersey barrier. Police said he sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. One passenger suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital. Another occupant escaped unharmed. The initial account did not give a further medical update on the wounded passenger. The sequence describes the police’s preliminary reconstruction. It does not establish who opened fire or why the group was attacked. Police have not established a motive “The motive for the shooting is currently unknown,” Nevhuhulwi said, according to Jacaranda FM. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained . Sports Trends Khanyisa Mayo Return Update: What Da Cruz Has Said . Kempton Express also carried the police account, reporting that investigators were working to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible. Descriptions of the attack as a targeted killing have appeared in early coverage. The quoted police statement, however, does not establish that conclusion. It also does not identify a suspect or explain whether the attack was connected to any other investigation. The murder and attempted-murder investigation is the confirmed procedural development. The identity of the attackers and any explanation for their actions remain matters for investigators. Reported connection to Feroz Khan TimesLIVE’s identification of Padayachee brings the incident into the public discussion surrounding Khan, who was expected to testify behind closed doors at the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, 6 October. ADVERTISEMENT The timing of the shooting does not itself establish a connection to that testimony. No such connection was confirmed in the police account reviewed for this report. Khan’s employment history is a separate matter. The South African government news service reported on 3 September that SAPS had confirmed his dismissal under its disciplinary regulations after he failed to appear before the designated senior officer handling an expedited disciplinary process. XTRAfrica previously reported on Khan’s dismissal from SAPS . That employment decision does not determine responsibility for the R21 shooting or prove any criminal allegation involving Khan. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Elections Monitoring South Africa Declares Election Results: What Comes Next? The IEC’s declaration moves attention to council leadership, coalition talks and unresolved contests. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election Results: How to Read the Count A practical guide to partial tallies, projections, ward winners and municipal council seats. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Elections 2026: Voting Hours, IDs and Ballots South Africans vote on 4 November. Check polling times, voter details, IDs and ballot rules. . Justice & Crime Julius Mkhwanazi, Kagiso Lerutla: Court Case Explained The Ekurhuleni fraud and corruption case returned to the news on 3 November 2026. . Tags Southern Africa News Southern Africa News Breaking News Breaking News South Africa South Africa

Etinosa Idemudia says she’s devastated as her film ‘Secret Keeper’ is removed from YouTube unfairly. She promises to fight for its return. Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has expressed her disappointment after her movie, Secret Keeper , was removed from YouTube due to copyright claims. In an Instagram post, Etinosa shared that she invested years of planning, months of production, and countless sleepless nights into the project. She questioned the legitimacy of the claim and identified the complainant as “Diamond Films,” whose motives she said remain unclear. The actress assured fans that she is actively working to have the movie reinstated. She thanked supporters for bringing the issue to her attention and for continuing to support her work during this challenging period. Etinosa emphasized her commitment to her craft, promising that the film would return. Continue Reading Full Article NOLLYWOOD UPDATES Etinosa Idemudia Responds to ‘Secret Keeper’ YouTube Removal By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 8, 2025 May 15, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has expressed her disappointment after her movie, Secret Keeper , was removed from YouTube due to copyright claims. In an Instagram post, Etinosa shared that she invested years of planning, months of production, and countless sleepless nights into the project. She questioned the legitimacy of the claim and identified the complainant as “Diamond Films,” whose motives she said remain unclear. ADVERTISEMENT The actress assured fans that she is actively working to have the movie reinstated. She thanked supporters for bringing the issue to her attention and for continuing to support her work during this challenging period. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education 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 . Etinosa emphasized her commitment to her craft, promising that the film would return. ADVERTISEMENT 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 Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

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HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe marks its 44th Independence Day on April 18, 2024, with a mix of celebration and introspection. The national holiday, traditionally a time of festivity and national pride, this year carries an air of reflection due to ongoing socio-economic and political challenges. Since achieving independence from British rule in 1980, Zimbabwe has navigated a tumultuous journey. The era of Robert Mugabe, characterized by decades of authoritative rule, has given way to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, which continues to battle public disenchantment amid persistent issues of governance. Current Challenges Facing Zimbabwe The optimism of independence has been tempered by years of economic instability, marked by severe inflation, high unemployment rates, and shortages of essential commodities. Political unrest, allegations of corruption, and human rights issues further complicate the national landscape, eroding public trust in governmental institutions. Independence Day Celebrations in Murambinda This year's Independence Day events are set to take place at Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Manicaland. The location choice reflects the government's aim to decentralize major national events, promoting inclusivity across various provinces. Looking Forward: The Path Ahead for Zimbabwe Despite the hurdles, the spirit of resilience remains a core part of the Zimbabwean identity. As the country commemorates this significant day, there is a collective call for renewal and genuine reform that could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future. The government faces a critical task in restoring confidence through effective leadership and policies that address the fundamental needs of its population. As Zimbabwe looks to its 45th year of independence, the focus is on forging a path that rectifies past missteps and rekindles the promise of its early years of freedom . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 18, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe marks its 44th Independence Day on April 18, 2024, with a mix of celebration and introspection. The national holiday, traditionally a time of festivity and national pride, this year carries an air of reflection due to ongoing socio-economic and political challenges. Since achieving independence from British rule in 1980, Zimbabwe has navigated a tumultuous journey. The era of Robert Mugabe, characterized by decades of authoritative rule, has given way to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure, which continues to battle public disenchantment amid persistent issues of governance. ADVERTISEMENT Current Challenges Facing Zimbabwe The optimism of independence has been tempered by years of economic instability, marked by severe inflation, high unemployment rates, and shortages of essential commodities. Political unrest, allegations of corruption, and human rights issues further complicate the national landscape, eroding public trust in governmental institutions. Independence Day Celebrations in Murambinda This year's Independence Day events are set to take place at Murambinda Growth Point in Buhera, Manicaland. The location choice reflects the government's aim to decentralize major national events, promoting inclusivity across various provinces. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Looking Forward: The Path Ahead for Zimbabwe Despite the hurdles, the spirit of resilience remains a core part of the Zimbabwean identity. As the country commemorates this significant day, there is a collective call for renewal and genuine reform that could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future. The government faces a critical task in restoring confidence through effective leadership and policies that address the fundamental needs of its population. As Zimbabwe looks to its 45th year of independence, the focus is on forging a path that rectifies past missteps and rekindles the promise of its early years of freedom . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

DR Congo calls on its diaspora to invest in local businesses, share professional skills and create jobs following the DiaspoBoost 2026 forum in Kinshasa Congolese people living abroad are being encouraged to turn their financial resources, professional expertise and international networks into productive investments that create companies, strengthen local entrepreneurs and generate durable employment in the DRC. KINSHASA — October 26, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo is calling on its global diaspora to become an active investment partner in the country's economic transformation by bringing capital, technical knowledge, innovation and business connections back into the national economy. The appeal was delivered at the conclusion of DiaspoBoost 2026, a Kinshasa colloquium devoted to the contribution of Congolese communities abroad to national development. Fiston Lukwebo Musengo, the Kinshasa provincial minister responsible for Commerce, Industry, Entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises, said the diaspora possesses strategic resources that can support investment, strengthen local businesses and create sustainable jobs. According to the Congolese Press Agency , the meeting brought together members of the diaspora, Congolese entrepreneurs, investors and public institutions to explore practical forms of economic cooperation. From Global Experience to Investment at Home Congolese communities abroad have built careers, businesses and professional networks across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and other regions. DiaspoBoost 2026 focused on how that experience can be connected more directly to opportunities inside the DRC. The government's message was that, the diaspora's contribution can go beyond financial transfers to families. Congolese people abroad can invest in productive enterprises, introduce new technologies, mentor entrepreneurs, support professional training and help local companies reach international markets. Minister Lukwebo identified agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, technology and entrepreneurship among the sectors capable of benefiting from diaspora capital and expertise. The minister's address reported by 7sur7.cd described the diaspora as a strategic force for the economic development of the DRC, with the professional skills, innovation capacity, financial resources and international relationships needed to support national transformation. Continue Reading Full Article BUSINESS & INVESTMENT DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Oct 26, 2026 Oct 26, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Congolese people living abroad are being encouraged to turn their financial resources, professional expertise and international networks into productive investments that create companies, strengthen local entrepreneurs and generate durable employment in the DRC. KINSHASA — October 26, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo is calling on its global diaspora to become an active investment partner in the country's economic transformation by bringing capital, technical knowledge, innovation and business connections back into the national economy. The appeal was delivered at the conclusion of DiaspoBoost 2026, a Kinshasa colloquium devoted to the contribution of Congolese communities abroad to national development. Fiston Lukwebo Musengo, the Kinshasa provincial minister responsible for Commerce, Industry, Entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises, said the diaspora possesses strategic resources that can support investment, strengthen local businesses and create sustainable jobs. According to the Congolese Press Agency , the meeting brought together members of the diaspora, Congolese entrepreneurs, investors and public institutions to explore practical forms of economic cooperation. From Global Experience to Investment at Home Congolese communities abroad have built careers, businesses and professional networks across Africa, Europe, North America, the Middle East and other regions. DiaspoBoost 2026 focused on how that experience can be connected more directly to opportunities inside the DRC. The government's message was that, the diaspora's contribution can go beyond financial transfers to families. Congolese people abroad can invest in productive enterprises, introduce new technologies, mentor entrepreneurs, support professional training and help local companies reach international markets. Minister Lukwebo identified agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, technology and entrepreneurship among the sectors capable of benefiting from diaspora capital and expertise. ADVERTISEMENT The minister's address reported by 7sur7.cd described the diaspora as a strategic force for the economic development of the DRC, with the professional skills, innovation capacity, financial resources and international relationships needed to support national transformation. Building Businesses and Creating Durable Jobs The colloquium placed productive investment and job creation at the centre of diaspora engagement. This approach encourages Congolese abroad to participate in businesses that produce goods and services, expand local supply chains and employ Congolese workers. It also creates opportunities for joint ventures between diaspora investors and entrepreneurs who already understand the domestic market. For small and medium-sized enterprises, these partnerships can bring more than finance. Diaspora professionals can provide technical support, management experience, access to technology, international standards and connections to customers or investors outside the country. By combining local knowledge with global experience, Congolese entrepreneurs can build stronger companies and compete in larger markets. The discussions also highlighted the importance of formalising economic activity, strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and expanding opportunities for young people and women. Public-Private Partnerships Open a Path to Larger Projects Minister Lukwebo presented public-private partnerships as an important mechanism for connecting government priorities with private capital and professional expertise. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education Popular Today Scholarships Russia Confirms 100 Scholarships for Congolese Students . Patriotism Tshisekedi Urges Congolese in Russia to Be DRC Ambassadors . Healthcare System Kasa-Vubu Youth Centre Inaugurated in Kinshasa . Business & Investment DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home . Biography Miguel Masaisai Biography: The Cyclist Who Rode for Peace . Through structured partnerships, public institutions, diaspora investors and local businesses can work together on projects serving the public interest. The sectors highlighted during the meeting included education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, culture, innovation and technology. The event coverage published by La Cloche du Congo said participants worked across nine thematic groups examining innovation and technology, education and vocational training, health and social welfare, skills transfer, agriculture, governance, diplomacy, infrastructure and taxation. This wide sectoral focus gives members of the diaspora several entry points. A doctor can support a health project, an engineer can contribute to infrastructure, a technology professional can help a local company modernise, and an entrepreneur can invest in production, services or agriculture. Connecting the Diaspora With Congolese Entrepreneurs DiaspoBoost 2026 also emphasised the need to create lasting bridges between Congolese abroad and business owners at home. Local entrepreneurs bring market knowledge, community relationships and experience operating in the DRC. Diaspora partners can add capital, international expertise and access to wider networks. When these strengths are combined, investment projects can be better prepared, financed and managed. The initiative aligns with the national vision of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and the development priorities supported in Kinshasa by Governor Daniel Bumba Lubaki. Minister Lukwebo said the ambition is to make the diaspora an active partner in the transformation of both the country and the capital. The government's role is to help connect investors, entrepreneurs and institutions around projects capable of producing long-term economic value. The private sector contributes investment, business execution and innovation, while the diaspora can provide a bridge to global markets and specialised expertise. Recommendations to Become a Practical Roadmap The discussions produced recommendations from nine working groups. DiaspoBoost founder Stéphanie Kimbulu announced that the conclusions will be compiled into a reference document for institutions, partners and decision-makers. ADVERTISEMENT She also committed to maintaining the connections established during the colloquium and supporting the conversion of proposals into practical projects. The next phase will centre on project development, partnerships and investment mobilisation based on the ideas presented in Kinshasa. Diaspora members were encouraged to participate in company creation, technology transfer, youth training and support for Congolese SMEs. Local entrepreneurs were also invited to strengthen professionalism, transparency, innovation and openness to partnerships. One Congolese Economy, at Home and Abroad The central message of DiaspoBoost 2026 is that distance does not separate Congolese people from the country's economic future. The diaspora represents capital, knowledge, experience and global connections that can help accelerate development inside the DRC. At the same time, the country offers opportunities for Congolese abroad to invest in sectors that meet real needs and build a lasting economic legacy. Transforming diaspora potential into businesses, infrastructure, technologies and employment can create benefits on both sides. Entrepreneurs in the DRC gain new partners, diaspora investors reconnect with national opportunities, and communities benefit from jobs, services and stronger local industries. The Kinshasa appeal therefore carries a practical national message: Congolese skills and resources, wherever they are found in the world, can be mobilised to build Congo's future at home. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Scholarships Russia Confirms 100 Scholarships for Congolese Students Russia confirms 100 government scholarship places for Congolese students, reaffirming education . Patriotism Tshisekedi Urges Congolese in Russia to Be DRC Ambassadors Meeting the Congolese diaspora in Moscow, Tshisekedi calls for patriotism, academic excellence . Healthcare System Kasa-Vubu Youth Centre Inaugurated in Kinshasa A new youth space combines health information and participation, with access details still unclear. . Business & Investment DRC Urges Diaspora to Invest Skills and Capital at Home DiaspoBoost 2026 urges Congolese abroad to invest capital, share expertise and support local businesses . Tags DRC Youths DRC Youths DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo

South Africa has waived medical reports for visa and permanent residence applications from 8 July 2026, including applications already pending. South Africa has removed one of the longstanding documents required in many immigration applications. Under Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026 , applicants for South African visas and permanent-residence permits no longer have to submit the immigration medical report previously required under the Immigration Regulations. The directive was signed by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber on 8 July 2026 and published in Government Gazette No. 55016 on 17 July 2026 . The most important detail is the effective date: The waiver took effect on 8 July 2026, the date the minister signed the directive - not the later gazette publication date. It applies not only to future applications but also to applications that were already pending adjudication when the directive came into force. For thousands of foreign workers, students, spouses, retirees and permanent-residence applicants, this removes a document that previously required a medical practitioner to complete the prescribed immigration medical certificate. But applicants should be careful not to misunderstand the change. The directive removes the medical report requirement. It does not automatically abolish every other health, police, insurance, vaccination or category-specific document that may apply to a visa application. Quick Answer Continue Reading Full Article IMMIGRATION AND VISAS South Africa Removes Medical Reports From Visa Applications By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 7, 2026 Aug 7, 2026 29 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: South Africa has removed one of the longstanding documents required in many immigration applications. Under Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026 , applicants for South African visas and permanent-residence permits no longer have to submit the immigration medical report previously required under the Immigration Regulations. The directive was signed by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber on 8 July 2026 and published in Government Gazette No. 55016 on 17 July 2026 . The most important detail is the effective date: The waiver took effect on 8 July 2026, the date the minister signed the directive - not the later gazette publication date. It applies not only to future applications but also to applications that were already pending adjudication when the directive came into force. For thousands of foreign workers, students, spouses, retirees and permanent-residence applicants, this removes a document that previously required a medical practitioner to complete the prescribed immigration medical certificate. But applicants should be careful not to misunderstand the change. The directive removes the medical report requirement. It does not automatically abolish every other health, police, insurance, vaccination or category-specific document that may apply to a visa application. Quick Answer South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has issued a blanket waiver of the requirement to submit a medical report with: Visa applications for temporary sojourn in South Africa; and Permanent-residence permit applications. The waiver is contained in Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026 . It: Took effect on 8 July 2026 Applies to future applications Applies to applications currently pending adjudication Removes the immigration medical-report requirement Does not require applicants to submit an individual waiver request for that medical report Has been communicated to Home Affairs officials, Visa Facilitation Centres and consular services Has also been published by VFS Global for South African visa and permit applicants If an old checklist still asks for the DHA-811 or BI-811 medical report, applicants should check the latest Home Affairs, VFS or South African mission guidance before paying for a medical examination. What Exactly Did Home Affairs Change? Directive No. 10 of 2026 uses the Minister of Home Affairs' waiver powers under section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002 . The directive waives the requirements contained in: Regulation 9(1)(c) for visa applicants; and Regulation 23(1)(f) for permanent-residence applicants, insofar as those provisions concern submission of a medical report . That wording matters. The directive is not a temporary concession allowing someone to stay in South Africa while an application is delayed. It is a document-requirement waiver . In practical terms, the medical report is no longer supposed to be treated as a mandatory supporting document for applications covered by the directive. When Did the Medical Report Waiver Take Effect? The directive was: Signed: 8 July 2026 Published in the Government Gazette: 17 July 2026 The directive expressly says that it comes into operation on the date of signature . That means the operative date is 8 July 2026 . This distinction is important for people who submitted applications between 8 July and 17 July. The waiver was already in force during that period even though the gazette publication followed later. Does the Waiver Apply to Applications Already Submitted? Yes. The directive explicitly says it applies to: All future visa applications All future permanent-residence applications Applications currently pending adjudication This is one of the most significant parts of the change. If an applicant already submitted a visa or permanent-residence application and the case is still waiting for a decision, Directive No. 10 applies to that pending application. Applicants should not assume that they need to obtain and add a medical report simply because the application was lodged before the directive was published. If Home Affairs or a processing centre requests additional documents in a particular case, however, the applicant should read that request carefully and verify whether it concerns the now-waived immigration medical report or a different document required for another reason. Which Applications Are Covered? The wording of the directive is broad. It refers to applicants for a visa to temporarily sojourn in the Republic and applicants for a permanent residence permit . That means the waiver is relevant across South Africa's temporary-residence visa and permanent-residence systems wherever the underlying Immigration Regulations required the medical report. Depending on individual eligibility and application location, this can include applicants pursuing categories such as: Study visas General Work Visas Critical Skills Work Visas Intra-company Transfer Visas Business visas Relative's visas Retired Person Visas Exchange visas Certain visitor visas for longer stays or authorised activities Accompanying-family or dependant applications where the regulation previously required the medical report Permanent-residence applications The waiver does not mean that every listed category has identical application requirements. Each visa type still has its own supporting documents, eligibility conditions and application procedures. What Was the South African Immigration Medical Report? Before the waiver, many applicants were required to submit a prescribed medical report, commonly associated with the DHA-811 or BI-811 medical certificate . The form was completed by a medical practitioner and dealt with the applicant's general medical condition and certain recurring health conditions. For applicants in countries where medical appointments, certification or access to the prescribed form were difficult, the requirement could add cost and time to the immigration process. ADVERTISEMENT Directive No. 10 removes the requirement to submit this immigration medical report for covered visa and permanent-residence applications. Do You Need to Submit Something Else Instead? The directive does not create a replacement medical document. It waives the requirement to submit the medical report. In other words, applicants should not assume they must replace the old medical certificate with: A doctor's letter A general health certificate A hospital report A private medical examination A self-declaration of health unless another specific rule or visa category independently requires such a document. The safest approach is to follow the latest official checklist for the exact visa category while applying Directive No. 10 to the old medical-report item. Is the Radiological Report Also Required? Applicants should distinguish the medical report from the old radiological report . They are not the same document. The 2026 medical-report waiver does not itself remove the radiological report because that requirement had already been dealt with earlier. In May 2024 , South Africa's Second Amendment of the Immigration Regulations deleted the definition of a "radiological report" from the Immigration Regulations as part of broader visa-reform measures. Home Affairs also publicly described the 2024 reforms as removing the requirement to submit a radiology report. So the correct timeline is: 2024: The radiological-report requirement was removed through immigration-regulation reform. 8 July 2026: Directive No. 10 waived the remaining immigration medical-report requirement. Applicants may still find old medical or radiological forms hosted on government or VFS webpages. The existence of an old downloadable form does not by itself prove that the form is still required. Always compare old forms with the latest directive and current application checklist. Has the Police Clearance Requirement Been Removed? No. Directive No. 10 concerns the medical report . It does not say that police-clearance certificates are abolished. Police-clearance rules have been amended separately over time, including changes to the period of residence that may trigger a police-clearance requirement. Applicants should follow the current police-clearance requirements for their specific immigration category and application location. Do not omit a police certificate simply because the medical report has been waived. What About Yellow-Fever Certificates? A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is a separate travel-health and entry issue. Directive No. 10 does not say that South Africa's yellow-fever rules are cancelled. Travellers whose journey originates in or passes through a country that triggers South Africa's yellow-fever requirements should continue checking current Port Health and immigration guidance. A medical report for a visa application and a yellow-fever vaccination certificate serve different legal and public-health purposes. The waiver of one does not automatically waive the other. What About Medical Insurance or Medical Cover? Medical insurance or medical cover is also a separate issue. For example, certain immigration categories- particularly study-related applications - may have their own medical-cover requirements. Directive No. 10 removes the prescribed medical report , not every requirement containing the word "medical." Applicants should distinguish among: Medical report Medical insurance Medical aid or medical cover Treatment documentation Vaccination certificates Public-health entry requirements These documents serve different purposes. What About a Medical Treatment Visa? A medical treatment visa is an immigration category for a person travelling to South Africa for treatment. It should not be confused with the medical report that has now been waived. A person applying for a medical treatment visa may still need documents proving matters such as: The planned medical treatment The medical institution or practitioner Treatment dates Estimated costs Financial arrangements Accommodation or care arrangements Directive No. 10 does not abolish the medical treatment visa or erase the category-specific evidence needed to prove the purpose of that application. VFS Global Has Published the Waiver The directive itself says its contents must be brought to the attention of officials in the permitting environment and must also be published on the VFS website. VFS Global subsequently published an update dated 22 July 2026 stating that applicants are no longer required to obtain medical reports for visa and permit application purposes under the waiver. That makes the change more than a document sitting in the Government Gazette. It has been operationally communicated to the company processing many South African visa and permit applications. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . Francophone River Offin Girls’ Rights Decision: What Must Change? . Education 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 . Applicants using VFS should nevertheless check the live checklist for their exact visa category before their appointment. Why Some Embassy or Consulate Checklists May Still Show the Old Rule South Africa's diplomatic network contains many visa pages, PDF checklists and downloadable forms. Not every webpage is updated at the same time. That creates a predictable problem after a rule change: The law or directive changes first, while an older embassy webpage or PDF may continue to display the previous checklist. This is already visible. For example, the South African High Commission in Canberra now expressly states that, under Directive No. 10 of 2026, submission of a medical report for a visa or permanent-residence permit is no longer required. At the same time, some other official South African mission webpages still display older visa instructions referring to a BI-811 medical report. This does not mean Directive No. 10 applies in one country but not another. It means applicants should verify whether the particular checklist they are reading has been updated after 8 July 2026 . What Should You Do If an Old Checklist Still Asks for a Medical Report? Do not immediately assume the directive is wrong. Instead: 1. Check the Date of the Checklist Look for: Publication date Last updated date PDF creation date References to older immigration rules A checklist created before 8 July 2026 may simply be outdated. 2. Check VFS Global If your application is being processed through VFS, check the current VFS South Africa immigration website and the 22 July 2026 medical-report notice. 3. Check the South African Mission If applying through an embassy, high commission or consulate, check the mission's latest visa page. Some missions have already added the new waiver. 4. Keep a Copy of Directive No. 10 Applicants may find it useful to have the official one-page directive available during an appointment, especially while older checklists are being updated. 5. Ask for Written Clarification If the mission or processing centre still insists that the waived medical report is mandatory, request clarification referencing: Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026 — Blanket Waiver: Requirement to Submit a Medical Report for Visa and Permanent Residence Applications. Whenever possible, obtain the answer in writing. Do You Need to Apply for an Individual Medical-Report Waiver? No separate individual waiver should be needed for the medical-report requirement covered by Directive No. 10. The minister has issued a blanket waiver . That is different from an applicant separately requesting discretionary relief from an immigration requirement. The directive applies at the system level to the medical-report requirement it identifies. Does the Waiver Reduce Visa Fees? The directive does not state that application fees have been reduced. Removing a supporting document can reduce the applicant's private costs—for example, the cost of a medical consultation or completing a prescribed form—but visa and VFS charges remain separate. Applicants should use the latest official fee schedule for their visa category. Do not rely on old blogs or visa-agent websites for current fees. Does the Waiver Make Visa Approval Easier? It simplifies the document list, but it does not guarantee approval. Applicants must still satisfy the legal requirements of the visa or permanent-residence category they are applying under. Home Affairs can still assess matters such as: Eligibility Purpose of stay Employment or job-offer requirements Qualifications Financial means Family relationship Police clearance where required Immigration history Passport validity Supporting letters Category-specific documentation The removal of one document should not be confused with automatic eligibility. Does the Waiver Apply to Permanent Residence? Yes. The directive expressly refers to applicants for a permanent residence permit . It waives the medical-report requirement contained in the relevant permanent-residence regulation and applies to: Future applications; and Permanent-residence applications already pending adjudication. Permanent residence remains a separate immigration process with its own substantive eligibility rules and supporting documents. The waiver removes only the medical-report requirement identified in the directive. What Should Applicants With Pending Cases Do? If your application is already pending: Do not obtain a medical report solely because an old checklist originally required one. Keep a copy of Directive No. 10 for your records. Monitor your VFS, Home Affairs or mission communication. Respond to any formal request for additional information within the stated deadline. If a request appears to demand the now-waived medical report, ask the processing authority to confirm whether the request was issued under an outdated checklist or whether it concerns a different document. Do not ignore a formal Home Affairs communication without checking what it actually asks for. ADVERTISEMENT Before-and-After Checklist Document or Requirement Before Directive No. 10 Position After 8 July 2026 Immigration medical report / DHA-811 Commonly required in covered applications Waived under Directive No. 10 Radiological report Historically required Removed separately through 2024 immigration reforms Police clearance Required where applicable Not abolished by Directive No. 10 Yellow-fever certificate Required for applicable travel histories Not abolished by Directive No. 10 Medical insurance / cover Category-specific Check the visa category; not automatically waived Passport Required Still required Financial evidence Category-specific Still required where applicable Employment documents Work-visa specific Still required where applicable Qualification/SAQA evidence Category-specific Still required where applicable Relationship documents Family categories Still required where applicable Common Mistakes to Avoid Mistake 1: Paying for a Medical Report Because an Old PDF Still Lists It Check when the PDF was issued. A pre-July 2026 checklist may no longer reflect the current rule. Mistake 2: Assuming Every Health-Related Document Is Gone The directive only addresses the immigration medical report. Other health, insurance or vaccination requirements may exist independently. Mistake 3: Confusing a Medical Report With a Medical Treatment Visa The document and visa category are different. Mistake 4: Assuming Police Clearance Is Also Waived It is not waived by Directive No. 10. Mistake 5: Ignoring Category-Specific Documents A work visa still needs work-related evidence. A study visa still needs study-related evidence. Permanent residence still has its own eligibility documents. Mistake 6: Trusting an Immigration Agent Over the Gazette Where there is a conflict, start with the official directive, current Home Affairs/VFS guidance and the relevant South African mission. Frequently Asked Questions Did South Africa remove the medical report from visa applications? Yes. Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026 grants a blanket waiver of the medical-report requirement for covered visa applications. Does the waiver also apply to permanent residence? Yes. Permanent-residence applications are expressly included. When did the waiver start? The directive took effect on 8 July 2026 , the date it was signed. Why does the Government Gazette show 17 July? That is the gazette publication date. The directive itself says it comes into operation on the date of signature, which is 8 July 2026. Does it apply to applications already pending? Yes. The directive expressly applies to applications currently pending adjudication. Do I still need the DHA-811 or BI-811 medical certificate? For the immigration medical-report requirement covered by Directive No. 10, the medical report has been waived. Check the latest official checklist for your specific application in case a differently named health document is required for another reason. Do I need a doctor's letter instead? The directive does not state that another general doctor's letter replaces the waived medical report. Has the chest X-ray or radiological report also been removed? The radiological-report requirement had already been removed separately through the 2024 amendments to the Immigration Regulations. Directive No. 10 deals specifically with the medical report. Do I still need police clearance? Where police clearance is required for your application, yes. Directive No. 10 does not abolish police-clearance requirements. Do I still need yellow-fever vaccination proof? If yellow-fever rules apply to your travel itinerary, the medical-report waiver does not cancel them. Do international students still need medical cover? Applicants should check the current study-visa requirements. The waiver of the immigration medical report does not automatically remove separate medical-cover or insurance requirements. Does this apply at VFS Global? VFS Global published an official update on 22 July 2026 stating that medical reports are no longer required for visa and permit application purposes under the waiver. What if VFS asks me for a medical report anyway? Show the current VFS notice and Directive No. 10 and ask staff to verify the current checklist. If necessary, request clarification from a supervisor rather than relying only on an older printed list. What if a South African embassy still lists BI-811? Check whether the page has been updated since 8 July 2026. Contact the mission and reference Directive No. 10 before paying for a medical examination solely because of the old webpage. Does the waiver guarantee my visa will be approved? No. It removes one supporting-document requirement. All other eligibility conditions continue to apply. Is the waiver temporary? Directive No. 10 does not state an expiry date on its face. Applicants should nevertheless check for later directives, amendments or revised regulations before applying. Official Sources Government Gazette — Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202607/55016gon7714.pdf Department of Home Affairs copy of Gazette No. 55016: https://www.dha.gov.za/images/gazettes/2026/55016-17-7-26.pdf VFS Global notice — Medical Reports, 22 July 2026: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha/news/medical-reports VFS Global — South Africa Department of Home Affairs visa and permit portal: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha South African High Commission in Canberra — updated visa guidance referencing Directive No. 10: https://dirco.gov.za/canberra/visas-to-south-africa/ Government Gazette — Second Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, 20 May 2024: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202405/50675rg11704gon4847.pdf XTRAfrica Verification Note This explainer was verified on 7 August 2026 against the official one-page Ministerial Immigration Directive No. 10 of 2026, the Department of Home Affairs copy, current VFS Global guidance and current South African diplomatic-mission webpages. The official directive confirms that: Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber signed the waiver on 8 July 2026 . It was gazetted on 17 July 2026 . It waives the medical-report requirement for visa applicants and permanent-residence applicants. It took effect on the date of signature. It applies to all future applications and applications already pending adjudication. Officials in the permitting environment, VFS Global and consular services were instructed to be informed of the directive. VFS Global published a notice on 22 July 2026 confirming that medical reports are no longer required for visa and permit application purposes under the waiver. XTRAfrica also found that some official South African mission pages still contain older medical-report language, while other missions have already updated their guidance to reflect Directive No. 10. Because of that transition, applicants should verify the latest checklist for their application location before an appointment. This article should be reviewed whenever: Home Affairs issues another immigration directive Immigration Regulations are amended VFS changes its visa-category checklists South African embassies or consulates update their document lists New permanent-residence application procedures are published 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. . 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Fally Ipupa returns with “Sans Toi,” a romantic Congolese rumba-style song about love, absence and emotion. Fally Ipupa – Sans Toi Download Kenya Afropop 2026 Fally Ipupa returns with “Sans Toi,” a romantic Congolese rumba-style song about love, absence and emotion. Download MP3 VIEW LYRICS Sans Toi Fally Ipupa 00:00 / 05:42 Share this song Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Copy link Artist Fally Ipupa Release Date July 4, 2026 Genre Congolese rumba Quality Downloads You May Also Like DR.Congo Afropop Fally Ipupa AWA Salima Chica . Aspirine Mangaya : Koffi Olomide . Aime Moi Fally Ipupa . BAKISA Brk Beatz . Amour cruel Fally Ipupa . BALOTELLI Sins . Amourium Koffi Olomide . BETISE Innoss'B . Official Music Video More Songs By Fally Ipupa View All Songs Bonheur parfait Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa Complices Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa Sans Limite Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa Fourah Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa Song Details Artist: Fally Ipupa Title: Sans Toi Featured: None Genre: Congolese rumba Release Date: Jul 4, 2026 Format: About the Song Fans are searching for Fally Ipupa Sans Toi download because Fally remains one of the biggest Congolese artists of his generation. Music In Africa describes him as a Kinshasa-born singer-songwriter and dancer who rose through Koffi… About Fally Ipupa Fally Ipupa Congolese singer Fally Ipupa is a Congolese singer, songwriter, dancer, and producer from Kinshasa. He first gained fame with Quartier Latin International before building a major solo career in modern Congolese music. Genre Congolese Rumba Years of Active 1999 - Present Monthly Listeners 2.4M on Spotify Awards BET Awards Nominee View Artist Profile VIEW ALL SONGS Trending Downloads Thank You Bensoul . Chukwu Okike Phyno . Ewe Xduppy . Thy Grace, Pt. 2 Kofi Kinaata . Caro StarBoy . Essence Wizkid . Latest Entertainment News Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Nigeria Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Kenya Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Eritrea Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Nigerian Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . Nigeria Jub Jub Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance . South Africa Afropop DR.Congo Fally Ipupa

The U.S. has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict DRC travelers amid Ebola concerns, but Brussels is sticking with WHO advice. The United States has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Washington pushes for tighter Ebola-related border measures in Europe, according to 7sur7 . Belgian media outlets De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the request was sent last week by U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White. The appeal reportedly forms part of a wider U.S. effort to encourage European countries to adopt restrictions similar to measures already introduced in North America. The push comes as the World Health Organization continues to support Ebola response operations in the DRC and Uganda, where the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed in May 2026. WHO has emphasized surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and cross-border coordination. The U.S. State Department has already introduced enhanced screening rules for U.S. citizens and nationals who were recently present in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. The CDC also says the current risk to the American public remains low, with no U.S. cases confirmed from this outbreak. Belgium, however, reportedly does not plan to change its current policy and is continuing to follow WHO recommendations. The reported disagreement highlights a widening debate over how far governments should go in using border controls during international disease outbreaks. The issue is also gaining urgency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, with U.S. officials concerned about transit routes through Europe for travelers moving between Africa and the United States. Continue Reading Full Article HEALTH NEWS US Urges Belgium to Restrict DRC Travelers Over Ebola By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Jun 11, 2026 Jun 11, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The United States has reportedly asked Belgium to restrict entry for travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Washington pushes for tighter Ebola-related border measures in Europe, according to 7sur7 . Belgian media outlets De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the request was sent last week by U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Bill White. The appeal reportedly forms part of a wider U.S. effort to encourage European countries to adopt restrictions similar to measures already introduced in North America. The push comes as the World Health Organization continues to support Ebola response operations in the DRC and Uganda, where the Bundibugyo strain was confirmed in May 2026. WHO has emphasized surveillance, contact tracing, clinical preparedness and cross-border coordination. ADVERTISEMENT The U.S. State Department has already introduced enhanced screening rules for U.S. citizens and nationals who were recently present in the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan. The CDC also says the current risk to the American public remains low, with no U.S. cases confirmed from this outbreak. Belgium, however, reportedly does not plan to change its current policy and is continuing to follow WHO recommendations. The reported disagreement highlights a widening debate over how far governments should go in using border controls during international disease outbreaks. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Kindu Nurses’ Strike Disrupts Care and Childhood Vaccination . Healthcare System EAC Preparedness Plan: What Must Be Ready Before Floods . Regional Blocs (AU, SADC, EAC, ECOWAS) DR Congo's Juliana Lumumba Seeks to Reshape the Francophonie . 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Who is Sam Matekane? Explore Lesotho’s prime minister’s background, business career, election breakthrough and incoming SADC Organ role. Sam Matekane is Lesotho’s businessman-turned-prime minister, whose rapid entry into electoral politics brought him to office in October 2022. On 21 October 2026, the Southern African Development Community elected him incoming chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, adding a regional security responsibility to his national leadership role. His election concerns the Organ’s leadership arrangement, rather than SADC’s overall chairpersonship. It follows a career built first in private enterprise and then through the Revolution for Prosperity party, which became the largest party in Lesotho’s parliament at its first general election. Who is Sam Matekane? Sam Matekane is Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, a businessman and politician serving as Lesotho’s prime minister since October 2022. He founded Revolution for Prosperity and previously built the Matekane Group of Companies. In October 2026, SADC elected him incoming chair of its politics, defence and security Organ. What SADC elected him to do The SADC summit announcement identifies Matekane as the incoming chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The decision was taken at a virtual extraordinary summit on 21 October, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Matekane completes the Organ Troika alongside its current chairperson, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and outgoing chairperson, Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika. “Incoming” is the important designation: the announcement does not describe Matekane as replacing the current Organ chair immediately. The Organ sits within SADC’s regional peace and security framework. The organisation’s peace, security and governance overview connects that work to political stability, law enforcement cooperation, human security and responses to transnational crime. The same summit approved Treasure Thembisile Maphanga as deputy executive secretary for regional integration. Her Secretariat appointment is separate from Matekane’s elected political role. One concerns programme oversight; the other places a national leader within the Organ’s political leadership structure. From Mantšonyane to private enterprise Matekane was born on 15 March 1958 in Mantšonyane, in Lesotho’s Thaba-Tseka district. He is 68 as of 22 October 2026. The Lesotho Ministry of Defence’s profile identifies him as a Mosotho businessman and politician and supplies that birth date. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Who Is Sam Matekane? Lesotho’s PM and His New SADC Role By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 22, 2026 Oct 22, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Sam Matekane is Lesotho’s businessman-turned-prime minister, whose rapid entry into electoral politics brought him to office in October 2022. On 21 October 2026, the Southern African Development Community elected him incoming chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, adding a regional security responsibility to his national leadership role. His election concerns the Organ’s leadership arrangement, rather than SADC’s overall chairpersonship. It follows a career built first in private enterprise and then through the Revolution for Prosperity party, which became the largest party in Lesotho’s parliament at its first general election. Who is Sam Matekane? Sam Matekane is Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, a businessman and politician serving as Lesotho’s prime minister since October 2022. He founded Revolution for Prosperity and previously built the Matekane Group of Companies. In October 2026, SADC elected him incoming chair of its politics, defence and security Organ. What SADC elected him to do The SADC summit announcement identifies Matekane as the incoming chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. The decision was taken at a virtual extraordinary summit on 21 October, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Matekane completes the Organ Troika alongside its current chairperson, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and outgoing chairperson, Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika. “Incoming” is the important designation: the announcement does not describe Matekane as replacing the current Organ chair immediately. The Organ sits within SADC’s regional peace and security framework. The organisation’s peace, security and governance overview connects that work to political stability, law enforcement cooperation, human security and responses to transnational crime. The same summit approved Treasure Thembisile Maphanga as deputy executive secretary for regional integration. Her Secretariat appointment is separate from Matekane’s elected political role. One concerns programme oversight; the other places a national leader within the Organ’s political leadership structure. ADVERTISEMENT From Mantšonyane to private enterprise Matekane was born on 15 March 1958 in Mantšonyane, in Lesotho’s Thaba-Tseka district. He is 68 as of 22 October 2026. The Lesotho Ministry of Defence’s profile identifies him as a Mosotho businessman and politician and supplies that birth date. His route to prominence was business rather than a long sequence of elected offices. According to his RFP party biography , he established Matekane Transport and Plant Hire in 1986, the enterprise from which the Matekane Group of Companies developed. Its activities expanded into sectors including construction-related services, mining, aviation and property development. The party also records the launch of the Sam Matekane Foundation in 2020 and its community and pandemic-related assistance. These activities formed part of his public identity before he sought national office. They help explain the business-and-philanthropy background from which he entered politics, while remaining distinct from an assessment of his government’s performance. How a new party reached government Matekane founded Revolution for Prosperity in March 2022. The party contested the general election on 7 October that year, only months after its formation. The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s election record records RFP winning 56 of the National Assembly’s 120 seats. That made it the largest party, but left it short of an outright majority. It reached a coalition agreement with the Alliance of Democrats and the Movement for Economic Change. ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now Popular Today Biography Who Is Sam Matekane? Lesotho’s PM and His New SADC Role . The result was a substantial breakthrough for a new political organisation. It also meant Matekane’s path to power depended onparliamentary cooperation. Winning the largest number of seats and being able to form a government were connected but separate steps. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ inauguration account confirms that he was sworn in as Lesotho’s tenth prime minister at Setsoto Stadium on 28 October 2022, succeeding Moeketsi Majoro. The responsibilities behind the business reputation At his inauguration, Matekane discussed attracting investment, the country’s dependence on Southern African Customs Union revenue and the need to combat corruption. Those were statements of government priorities, rather than evidence that the problems had been resolved. His commercial success also brought questions about the relationship between private enterprise and public office. A contemporary Mail & Guardian and Newsday Lesotho profile examined his construction, mining and aviation interests. It reported his response that he had no government contracts and rejected the suggestion of a conflict of interest. The distinction remains useful when reading his biography: business experience explains his background, while his political record must be judged through public decisions and their results. His new SADC designation adds another institutional responsibility rather than replacing that national accountability. Key dates in Matekane’s public career Family information Sam Matekane FAQs What is Sam Matekane’s full name? SADC identifies him as Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. He is widely known as Sam Matekane. ADVERTISEMENT How old is Sam Matekane? Born on 15 March 1958, he is 68 as of 22 October 2026. Which country does he lead? He is prime minister of Lesotho. He entered office in October 2022. What political party did he establish? He founded Revolution for Prosperity, commonly abbreviated RFP, in March 2022. What was his career before politics? He built a business career associated with the Matekane Group of Companies, spanning transport-related activities and sectors including mining, aviation and property. Has he become SADC’s overall chairperson? No. The 21 October announcement elects him incoming chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, a distinct position within SADC. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Who Is Sam Matekane? Lesotho’s PM and His New SADC Role His business background, 2022 election breakthrough and incoming SADC security role explained. . Tags Lesotho Lesotho

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