Sale of Tata Steel's stake in Jamshedpur FC for nominal amount reveals club's financial problems

SADC Secretary Elias Magosi spoke at the 46th SADC summit in Durban, strongly urging regional countries to abandon the export of critically important minerals in an unprocessed state. He emphasized the need to accelerate processes of processing, production, and industrialization.

Magosi addressed South African states with a demand to stop exporting raw materials, arguing that the region must transition to job creation and resource enrichment through processing and industrial development. Speaking at the summit of heads of state and government in Durban on Monday, Magosi noted that despite abundant reserves of critical minerals, the region needs to move beyond current commitments and begin adding more value to them.

He stated: 'The issue is when we stop exporting them in raw form and start adding value to them, creating sustainable jobs and prosperity. Once again, we do not need permission from anyone to start this process. Let's start now!'

Magosi believes that SADC is in a favorable position to leverage the global shift towards clean energy, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The region possesses platinum metals, lithium, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earth elements, and copper, which he says are vital for future industries.

'Our goal should be to move beyond raw material exports and position SADC as a globally competitive hub for processing, added value, production, innovation, and industrialization,' he said.

He stressed that industrialization remains a key element for economic diversification, job creation, poverty reduction, and improving the quality of life. Magosi added that the success of industrialization is impossible without modern and reliable infrastructure, including sustainable energy systems, functioning transport networks, ports, logistics platforms, and accessible digital connectivity.

Magosi also touched upon regional security. He reported that the SADC Summit Trio on Political, Defence and Security Cooperation reviewed the political and defence situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Mozambique. The Secretary expressed concern about the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

At the same time, he welcomed the progress made through diplomatic engagement and Africa-led peace initiatives, affirming SADC's commitment to supporting peace restoration efforts, protecting civilians, and creating conditions for sustainable development. Magosi also expressed solidarity with the DRC regarding the Ebola outbreak, noting that this situation highlights the importance of closer regional cooperation in health protection, surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated response measures.

Furthermore, Magosi noted the positive dialogue taking place in Madagascar thanks to the efforts of the SADC Secretariat, the Mediation Group, and the Council of Elders.

He concluded that the changing global landscape, characterized by economic uncertainty, climate challenges, technological transformation, and shifting geopolitical realities, increases the need for deeper regional integration. Magosi stated that it is now recognized that reliance on external partners is impossible, and there is a greater need to depend on and trust each other.

The Secretary called on regional countries to engage in joint trade, investment, and construction, emphasizing that no country can realize its full potential in isolation.

Agriculture remains the cornerstone of many SADC economies and a source of livelihood for millions of people. Magosi reported that member states continue to invest in irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, improved seed systems, and agro-processing, which has contributed to increasing food security and reducing food insecurity in the region by 16%. He called for further investment across the entire agricultural value chain—from production and processing to storage, transportation, and market access—which, in his opinion, will enhance food security, create jobs, and stimulate inclusive growth.

Magosi also identified youth as a central element of the region's future, calling for investments in quality education, development of technical and vocational skills, digital literacy, innovation, entrepreneurship, science, and technology. He stressed that supporting youth-led enterprises, expanding access to finance and technology, and creating pathways to decent employment will be crucial for the region's long-term success.

In conclusion, Magosi congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa on assuming office as SADC Chairperson on Monday. On behalf of the SADC Secretariat, he extended wishes to His Excellency President Matamele Cyril Ramaphosa, who assumes the post of SADC Chairperson, and pledged full support and unwavering commitment to effectively carry out his mandate. He expressed confidence that under Ramaphosa's leadership, the regional body will continue to advance its vision of a peaceful, sustainable, industrialized, prosperous, and integrated Southern Africa. The 46th SADC Summit is held under the theme: 'Sustainable, Fair and Inclusive Industrialization through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural Transformation and Critical Minerals in Pursuit of a Just Peace.'

Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), which received the Innovation Award from Autocar in 2026, has entered into a strategic partnership with JTA, an investor based in Qatar. The goal of this collaboration is to establish the country's first specialized electric vehicle manufacturing plant.

Initially, the production line will focus on producing a passenger car and a medium-sized cargo van using the eCV1 model, previously developed by the British brand. The factory is scheduled to begin operations in early 2028, with an initial annual capacity estimated at 5,000 units, a volume expected to increase significantly as the project scales up.

The development of engineering solutions and design will be carried out by WEVC itself. The company intends to expand its presence in the UK by opening new facilities in the Midlands, in addition to its existing bases in Cornwall and Warwickshire. Although assembly will take place entirely in Qatar, the vehicles will utilize the PACES modular platform. This aluminum architecture, based on the 'skate' system, employs patented extrusions and connecting elements, which simplifies the assembly process and substantially reduces capital costs and the need for complex equipment.

Neil Yates, founder and CEO of WEVC, emphasized that operations in Qatar not only provide the company with production capabilities but also serve as a model for future 'satellite' operations that the company plans to open in markets such as the US and Asia. According to the executive, the objective is to act as a global partner for local operations. For an automaker, this decentralized production format is an effective way to mitigate geopolitical obstacles, such as the imposition of tariff barriers, while maintaining the economic viability of the project through reduced fixed investments.

You might be having difficulty choosing a pump for your home: should you purchase a surface (shallow well) or submersible pump? Sellers sometimes give recommendations without knowing the water depth. The goal of this material is to dispel your doubts and help you choose the right pump based on your needs. However, the correct choice depends on the water level and the height to which the water needs to be raised.

There is a significant difference between these two types of pumps. A surface pump is installed above ground, whereas a submersible pump is lowered into the water, well, or borehole. A surface pump lifts water through a pipe, so its efficiency is limited by a certain water intake depth. It is usually used for sources with a shallow water depth. In turn, a submersible pump is located directly in the water and pushes it upwards, making it more suitable for deep wells.

If the water source in your home is not very deep, a surface pump can be a good option. For example, if you need to drain water from a tank installed in the house, this may be the right choice. If the water level in the well or other source is approximately within 15–20 feet from the ground, a surface pump can handle the task. It is suitable for filling a domestic tank or for general household needs.

Because it is located above ground, a surface pump is easier to inspect and maintain; it does not need to be retrieved if it breaks down. Generally, its initial cost is lower, and it may be sufficient for shallow sources. Nevertheless, as the water depth increases, the usefulness of a surface pump decreases, so its selection is not recommended for deep wells.

If the water is in a deep well, a submersible pump is considered a more suitable solution. This pump is installed underwater. Instead of pulling water up, it pushes it upwards, allowing it to be more efficient when extracting water from deep sources. Such a pump is necessary if the water needs to be lifted to a significant height. Generally, the initial price of a submersible pump is higher than that of a surface pump.