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The approval comes after the FIA accepted final design proposals that will elevate the circuit from Grade 2 to Grade 1, the standard required to host Formula One.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by Toby Venter, owner of the Kyalami circuit, who hailed the development as a “defining moment for South African motorsport”.

'Today, we turn the page to a bold new chapter for Kyalami. We are ready for the return of Formula 1 to African soil,' Venter said during a press conference.

'When we acquired Kyalami in 2014, we made a commitment to restore it as a world-class venue and a beacon for motorsport across the continent. The FIA’s acceptance of our Grade 1 design is a major step forward in that journey.'

The circuit has been given a three-year window to complete the necessary upgrades, though work will only proceed if Kyalami is officially selected to host a Formula One race.

Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design — the firm overseeing the upgrades — described the changes as a 'light-touch upgrade in engineering terms,' saying they would bring the already excellent circuit in line with modern F1 requirements.

Kyalami, located just north of Johannesburg, hosted 21 South African Grands Prix before falling off the calendar in 1993. With Africa currently the only continent absent from Formula One’s 24-race global calendar, there has been growing pressure to reintroduce a race on the continent.

Kyalami is competing with two other proposed circuits, including one planned for construction in Rwanda and another that South Africa intends to build in Cape Town.

The international governing body for motorsport, FIA, has approved plans to upgrade South Africa’s historic Kyalami circuit, moving the country one step closer to hosting a Formula One Grand Prix for the first time in over three decades.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The announcement was made by Godfrey Kabera, the Minister of State for National Treasury in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for State Finance, during a presentation to the parliamentary Committee on State Budget and patrimony.

He revealed that the total national budget for 2025/2026 will be Frw 7,032.5 billion, marking a 21% increase compared to the revised budget of Frw 5.816.4 billion for 2024/25.

Kabera emphasized that the boost in agricultural funding was a direct result of feedback from members of parliament during their review of the budget proposal in May 2025.

The additional funding will focus on increasing agricultural and livestock productivity.

Key initiatives will include the timely distribution of fertilizers and certified seeds, as well as supporting the seed multiplication for essential crops such as maize, wheat, soybeans, potatoes, rice, cassava, and beans.

Special attention will also be given to the cultivation of drought-resistant crops and the expansion of irrigation systems.

Furthermore, there will be a focus on improving post-harvest infrastructure, including storage facilities and silos, to help preserve the harvested produce.

Livestock production will also be prioritized, with investments in livestock health, including purchasing breeding cattle, providing vaccines, and renovating milk collection centers.

Kabera further explained that the budget will support efforts to rejuvenate aging coffee trees and expand tea cultivation.

Rwanda will also focus on boosting exports of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, and flowers to increase yields in these sectors.

Additionally, the government will expand crop and livestock insurance and increase access to financial services for farmers through loans.

The budget for agricultural inputs, including fertilizers and seeds, has been increased to Frw 55 billion, with Frw 39 billion allocated specifically for fertilizers, Frw 9 billion for seeds, and additional funds allocated for veterinary medicines and vaccines.

A significant increase has also been made in the budget for social support for vulnerable groups, which will rise from Frw 92.8 billion to Frw 105 billion.

The government will also allocate funds for the renovation of memorial sites, such as Mwulire, Mutete, and Mukarange memorials.

MP Odette Uwamariya, the chairperson of the parliamentary Committee on State Budget and patrimony, commended the government for valuing the input of parliamentarians and stressed the importance of continuing efforts to promote economic growth and development across the country.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) has announced an increase in the budget allocation for agriculture and livestock for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

IGIHE

While the packaging has been updated to reflect a more modern, premium, and refreshing feel, one thing remains unchanged: the beer inside. Amstel continues to deliver the same smooth, high-quality taste, brewed with 100% Pure Malt.

'The new look is a celebration of Amstel’s commitment to quality and authenticity,' said Martine Gatabazi, Marketing Director at Bralirwa. 'We wanted to give consumers a more refined and modern visual experience, while reassuring them that the taste they trust remains exactly the same.'

The refreshed design features cleaner lines enhanced red and white colors, and an updated label that proudly communicates Amstel’s 100% Pure Malt quality credentials. The transition to the new packaging will roll out nationwide beginning June 18th.

In the spirit of Amstel, the new look invites consumers to share more meaningful moments with friends, whether over a casual catch-up or a lively gathering. Amstel continues to be the beer that brings people together.

As always, Amstel reminds consumers to enjoy responsibly and celebrate friendship with moderation and style.

IGIHE

Antonio was received as an envoy of Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the acting chair of the AU.

“This is about exploring, in a spirit of constructive dialogue, ways to collectively support the fight against terrorism and promote development in the Sahel,” he was quoted by a post on the Malian presidency’s social media as saying.

The discussions with Goita focused on ways and means to strengthen the bonds between Africans, reinforcing African solidarity and shared destiny, said Antonio, reaffirming the AU chair’s commitment to “the stability and security of Mali and the entire Sahel region.”

Before arriving in Bamako, the AU envoy had visited Burkina Faso on Monday.

Xinhua

Representing the Government of Mozambique, the Palma District Administrator, João Buchili expressed heartfelt appreciation for the continued support and cooperation from the Rwandan Security Force, stating that it is a demonstration of true partnership.

“Rwanda Security Force is not only helping us keep our communities safe, but they are also working with us in restoring livelihoods and hope,' said João Buchili.

On behalf of the Commander of the Rwanda Security Force, ACP Francis Muheto, the Police Component Sector North Commander emphasized the RSF’s commitment, that it is not only ensuring peace and security in the Cabo Delgado, but also contributing to the community’s resilience and socio-economic stability.

“This boat is a symbol of our shared commitment to rebuilding lives, by supporting local livelihoods like fishing, we aim to reinforce peace through development and it is a gesture of solidarity and support towards human security and local economic recovery.” said ACP Muheto.

The members of Mashalla Cooperative also expressed gratitude and commended Rwanda Security Force for restoring security in the region, from which they resumed economic activities.

The donated fishing boat is expected to boost the cooperative’s capacity, enhance productivity, and improve income for local families who rely on artisanal fishing as a primary source of livelihood.

This initiative is part of broader civil-military and community policing cooperation efforts undertaken by the Rwanda Security Force in Cabo Delgado, where they continue to play a key role in stabilizing and supporting recovery efforts after years of conflict and displacement caused by Islamic State-linked insurgents.

The donated fishing boat is expected to boost the cooperative’s capacity, enhance productivity, and improve income for local families who rely on artisanal fishing as a primary source of livelihood.

This initiative is part of broader civil-military and community policing cooperation efforts undertaken by the Rwanda Security Force in Cabo Delgado.

The members of Mashalla Cooperative also expressed gratitude and commended Rwanda Security Force for restoring security in the region, from which they resumed economic activities.

The event was attended by local authorities, community members and RSF representatives.

IGIHE

The negotiations culminated in both delegations initialling a landmark peace agreement, laying the groundwork for a formal signing ceremony scheduled for June 27, to be witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

'Proud to lead three days of peace talks, which resulted in the initialling of the peace agreement by delegations from the DRC and Rwanda,' Boulos wrote on X.

'Together, we’re working toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.'

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who also participated in the negotiations, praised the outcome, noting that the agreement builds on the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25 under the auspices of Secretary Rubio.

'This week’s talks built on momentum following the April 25 signing… We look forward to the Ministerial signing of the peace agreement in Washington on June 27 and subsequent timely implementation,' Hooker stated.

The comprehensive accord includes key provisions aimed at fostering lasting stability and cooperation between the two nations.

These include commitments to respect territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and measures for the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.

Additionally, the agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, incorporating the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) outlined on October 31, 2024.

Beyond security, the Peace Agreement prioritises humanitarian and economic objectives. It facilitates the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensures humanitarian access, and lays the foundation for a regional economic integration framework to promote shared prosperity.

The negotiations benefited from close coordination between the United States and Qatar, with Qatari representatives participating to align their complementary peace initiatives.

Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude for the pivotal roles played by the U.S. and Qatar in advancing dialogue and fostering a peaceful resolution.

The peace process had faced delays earlier this month. Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified via social media on June 14 that the original June 15 date for signing had been delayed due to the complexities of ongoing negotiations. He emphasised the need for a 'comprehensive, realistic and win-win' agreement.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a detailed briefing to the UN Human Rights Council on June 16, Türk revealed that Congolese soldiers, alongside members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia, have engaged in killings, rapes, and looting during military operations, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces.

The abuses have occurred amid the Congolese army’s offensives against M23 rebels and other armed groups.

'Congolese soldiers and members of the DRC-backed Wazalendo militia killed, raped, and looted,' said Türk, citing preliminary findings from an ongoing fact-finding mission.

He expressed concern over a 'complete disregard' for the protection of civilians during and after combat, particularly during the battle for Goma in late January, where command structures reportedly collapsed as army units retreated.

Türk’s statements follow months of warnings from human rights groups about atrocities committed by Congolese forces and their militia allies. On May 23, Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented widespread abuses by Wazalendo fighters in South Kivu, including attacks on Banyamulenge villages near Bibokoboko in early March.

Witnesses said the fighters targeted civilians based on ethnicity, declaring Banyamulenge to be 'Rwandan' and vowing to 'clean them out.'

'They killed seven people and destroyed homes, health centres, and schools,' a local community leader told HRW.

The UN’s findings put further scrutiny on President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, which has formed alliances with numerous militias, including the FDLR, accused of involvement in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to bolster its military campaign in the east.

Analysts and activists have raised alarm over the government’s apparent weaponisation of anti-Tutsi sentiment to justify violence against Congolese Tutsi communities under the pretext of fighting M23.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Kinshasa has publicly celebrated the UN’s decision in February to establish an independent investigative mechanism into atrocities in the east. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya praised the resolution on X, but critics say the administration has tried to downplay or deny war crimes committed by its own forces.

Civil society groups and international observers are now questioning whether President Tshisekedi will be held accountable for what they describe as a campaign of ethnic persecution and possible crimes against humanity.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has sharply condemned widespread human rights violations by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s military and its allied militias, calling the situation in eastern DRC 'appalling in magnitude and scope.'

IGIHE

The landmark agreement, formalized during a three-day official visit by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, to the Kingdom of Morocco, establishes a robust framework for enhanced military ties and lays the foundation for a broader strategic partnership.

Minister Marizamunda, accompanied by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Umutoni, Chief J7 Col David Mutayomba, and Lt Col Angeline Kamanzi, Director of Analysis in Defence Intelligence, began the visit with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

This solemn tribute honored the historical legacy of Morocco’s father of independence, setting a tone of mutual respect and shared values.

According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the first day’s agenda featured a high-level bilateral meeting at the Headquarters of the Administration of National Defence in Morocco.

Minister Marizamunda and his delegation engaged in productive discussions with their Moroccan counterparts, led by Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defence.

The talks focused on strengthening defense cooperation, exploring avenues for joint training, intelligence sharing, and other strategic initiatives.

The culmination of the day was the formal signing of the Military Cooperation Agreement.

Rwanda and Morocco share a longstanding partnership, reinforced through multiple agreements over the years.

In 2016, King Mohammed VI visited Rwanda, during which the two nations signed 19 cooperation agreements in areas such as banking, diplomatic relations, and investment facilitation.

One of the agreements allowed diplomatic passport holders to travel between the two countries without restrictions.

In 2019, Rwanda and Morocco signed 12 additional agreements in Rabat, further solidifying their collaboration. Morocco remains a key partner in education, offering numerous scholarships to African students, including Rwandans.

In 2020, Rwanda’s then-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and his Moroccan counterpart signed two agreements, one enhancing government collaboration and another focused on sports development in Africa.

Rwanda and Morocco took a significant step toward deepening their bilateral ties with the signing of a Military Cooperation Agreement on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

The landmark agreement, formalized during a three-day official visit by Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, to the Kingdom of Morocco, establishes a robust framework for enhanced military ties and lays the foundation for a broader strategic partnership.

Minister Marizamunda was accompanied by Rwanda’s Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla Umutoni, Chief J7 Col David Mutayomba, and Lt Col Angeline Kamanzi, Director of Analysis in Defence Intelligence.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The ceremony, witnessed by the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, sets the stage for the formal Ministerial signing scheduled for June 27, 2025, to be overseen by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the agreement, built upon the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, is the culmination of three days of constructive dialogue addressing critical political, security, and economic issues.

The comprehensive accord includes key provisions aimed at fostering lasting stability and cooperation between the two nations.

These include commitments to respect territorial integrity, a prohibition on hostilities, and measures for the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups.

Additionally, the agreement establishes a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism, incorporating the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) outlined on October 31, 2024.

Beyond security, the Peace Agreement prioritizes humanitarian and economic objectives. It facilitates the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensures humanitarian access, and lays the foundation for a regional economic integration framework to promote shared prosperity.

The negotiations benefited from close coordination between the United States and Qatar, with Qatari representatives participating to align their complementary peace initiatives. Both the DRC and Rwanda expressed gratitude for the pivotal roles played by the U.S. and Qatar in advancing dialogue and fostering a peaceful resolution.

Looking ahead, the agreement sets the stage for a Summit of Heads of State in Washington, D.C., where leaders will make further commitments to peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the Great Lakes region.

Massad Boulos, the United States Senior Advisor for Africa expressed his pride in the achievement on X.

“Proud to lead three days of peace talks, which resulted in the initialing of the peace agreement by delegations from the DRC and Rwanda. Next week, we look forward to hosting the Foreign Ministers to sign the agreement on June 27 witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Together, we’re working toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” he stated.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, signed the agreement outlining the key points that will be finalized by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs next week.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the agreement, built upon the Declaration of Principles signed on April 25, 2025, is the culmination of three days of constructive dialogue addressing critical political, security, and economic issues.

The ceremony, witnessed by the U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, sets the stage for the formal Ministerial signing scheduled for June 27, 2025, to be overseen by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Théophile Niyitegeka