THIS WEEK

 

19: US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS) Mallory Stewart is travelling to Nigeria in a continuation and expansion of the bureau’s previous diplomatic outreach efforts in Nigeria from December 2023. A media note from the US State Department on Sudan said during her visit, Assistant Secretary Stewart will engage in high-level discussions with Nigerian and Ecowas officials to ‘address emerging security threats’ (Lagos).

 

19: UN World Humanitarian Day

 

20-22: 2nd Namibia Oil and Gas Conference under the theme; The Next Steps towards a Prosperous Oil and Gas Industry – another unparalleled opportunity for local and global investors to connect, develop and sign deals and partnerships. The programme will focus on key issues such as sustainable development, investment opportunities, and technological advancements in the industry alongside an international exhibition. With an agenda that includes expert panels, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities, the conference promises to be an essential platform for shaping the strategic direction of Namibia’s landscape (Windhoek).

 

21: UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism

 

21: A special ceremonial sitting of the SA Constitutional Court will take place to honour Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who retires next week after serving 27 years on the Bench.  The executive, Parliament, judiciary and members of the wider legal profession will participate in this event, and the evening before, there will be a farewell dinner to honour Zondo (Johannesburg).

 

OTHER:

 

* Independent SA carrier Airlink has apologised to the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana for prematurely announcing flights between Cape Town and Gaborone. The apology comes after the aviation authority noted with concern the advertisement for Airlink-scheduled flights between the two destinations, and the sale of the flight tickets. Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana spokesperson, Modipe Chris Nkwe, said the airline was not permitted to fly the route. 

 

*  The WHO has declared an international health emergency – the agency's highest alert – after more than 18 000 suspected or confirmed cases of mpox were reported in Africa since the beginning of the year.

 

* Namibia has opened a three-month voter registration period, ahead of 27 November elections. The registration period for the presidential and National Assembly elections is due to run until 1 August.  For the first time since independence, the ruling party, the Swapo will have a female presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

  

* South African artist Zanele Muholi, whose work prominently features the lives of black South Africans in the LGBTQ+ community, has returned to the Tate Modern after being cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic. The revived exhibition features over 300 photographs representing their career to date, from their first images to their more recent works. The exhibition is on until January 2025 (London).