THIS WEEK

9: UN International Anti-Corruption Day

10: Official results of Ghana’s presidential election expected to be announced (Accra)

10: UN Human Rights Day

2: President Cyril Ramaphosa will host His Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves. They will address a Plenary Session of a Business Forum under the theme ‘Working Together to Forge a New Era of Cooperation and Partnerships to Increase Mutually Beneficial Trade and Investment’ (Pretoria).

OTHER:

* Somali pirates have hijacked a Chinese fishing boat and taken its 18 crew members hostage, demanding a ransom for their release. The pirates, who had initially been hired to provide protection for the vessel, reportedly turned on the crew. The EU’s anti-piracy force, Atalanta, raised alarm over the incident on Thursday.

* Libya’s Development Authority of the South of Libya signed a co-operation agreement yesterday with the Arab Institute of Business Leaders.‎ The signing was conducted by Deputy Prime Minister Ramadan Abujanah as part of the 38th edition of the Business Days of the Arab Institute of Business Leaders in Tunisia last week.

* South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts & Culture invites applications for bursaries from tertiary students from institutions accredited and registered with the Department of Higher Education & Training who wish to pursue studies in heritage related programmes. Closing date for applications: 31 January 2025.

* A women’s development and empowerment organisation is calling on African women, including Namibians, to submit their artwork for the African Women in Art Awards. The visual art competition that celebrates the immense creativity of women artists from Sub-Saharan Africa. This project is part of the Kalingalinga Girls Non-Governmental Organisation. In the latest call for submissions on 1 November, Dubeykovska said the awards would offer African women international exposure, as their work would be showcased in galleries across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Shortlisted candidates will be announced on 1 December, and winners will be revealed on 1 February 2025.