Day: October 30, 2022

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Sec. Hillary Clinton, Canada’s Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland, Oprah Winfrey, Malala, Christine Lagarde, Michelle Obama & Global Women Leaders from Over 14 Countries Sign an Open Letter Calling for UN Action Against Iran

The Open Letter, Published in Sunday’s New York Times, Calls for the Immediate Expulsion of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the UN Commission on the Status of Women

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 30, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world’s preeminent women leaders in business, politics, advocacy and the arts published an open letter in Sunday’s New York Times calling for the immediate removal of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

Signatories of the letter include Sec. Hillary Clinton, Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, Media Leader & Philanthropist Oprah Winfrey, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Education Activist Malala Yousafzai, Economic & Political Leader Christine Lagarde, former First Lady of the United States & Advocate of Girls Education Michelle Obama, former Executive Director of UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former head of UN Climate Change Convention Christiana Figueres DBE, former First Lady of the United States & Education Advocate Laura Bush, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & Human Rights Activist Nadia Murad and women in leadership positions from 14 countries (and counting).

This global effort—a partnership between Vital Voices, For Freedoms and a coalition of Iranian women leaders—comes amid more than 40 days of worldwide protests launched and led by Iranian women and girls after the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Jina Amini. The protestors are demanding justice after Amini died on September 16, 2022 while in police custody. Amini was arrested by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s “morality police” for allegedly not complying with mandatory hijab laws.

Reports of extreme punishments and harsh crackdowns against protestors by Iranian authorities have flooded international headlines and social media feeds in the weeks since Amini’s death, gaining worldwide attention and scrutiny.

The group of women leaders who signed on to the letter came together in solidarity with Iranian women and girls with a clear call to action: the immediate removal of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women.

Within the first few days of going live, the letter received more than 21,000 signatures and growing. Additionally, more than 130,000 petitioners have also signed a letter asking for the same outcome on Change.org.

The open letter states: “We condemn the brutal violence of security forces against peaceful protesters … Earlier this year, to the dismay of women’s rights advocates around the world, Iran began a four–year term on the UN’s 45–member Commission on the Status of Women. This preeminent global body is exclusively dedicated to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s long–standing, systematic oppression of women should have disqualified them from election to the CSW.”

The letter also laments the Islamic Republic of Iran’s record on women’s rights, citing gender inequality and legalized discrimination against women regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody cases and attire. These restrictions include the mandate that requires women to wear head coverings at the onset of puberty.

The signatories of the letter warn that the violence and loss of life will continue without global intervention at the highest levels, and that the Commission on the Status of Women will lose credibility each day the Islamic Republic of Iran remains a member.

“This is a critical moment for leaders in the international community to vocally and unequivocally demonstrate their support for women’s rights by standing in solidarity with Iranian women and girls,” states the letter.

Members of the public are invited to read the full letter here. To join the movement, sign on here.

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Now celebrating 25 years, Vital Voices Global Partnership has directly invested in more than 20,000 women leaders across 184 countries and territories since its inception in 1997. Driven by the universal truth that women are the key to progress in their communities and nations cannot move forward without women in leadership positions, Vital Voices has provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates, prime ministers, award-winning innovators, pioneering human rights defenders, and breakthrough social entrepreneurs, including Amanda Gorman and Malala Yousafzai. In an effort to advance and expand this work, in 2022 Vital Voices opened the doors to the world’s first global embassy for women, the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership. It is a first-of-its-kind space that allows for convening, innovation, planning, and action—all in the pursuit of serving women leaders who are taking on the world’s greatest challenges.
www.vitalvoices.org

About For Freedoms
For Freedoms is an artist collective that centers art and creativity as a catalyst for transformative connection and collective liberation.

By wielding the power of art, we aim to deepen and expand our capacity to interrogate what is and imagine what could be.

Together, we seek infinite expansion.
www.forfreedoms.com

Attachments

Vital Voices Global Partnership
[email protected]

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The SAPS moral regeneration church service against Gender Based Violence and Femicide

NORTHERN CAPE – The SAPS in conjunction with external stakeholders hosted the Provincial Church Service against Gender Based Violence and Femicide on Sunday, 30 October 2022 at 15:00 at the Mayibuye Multi-Purpose Centre in Galeshewe.

The service commenced with spiritual leaders from the Christian, Muslim and Rasta communities rendering the opening prayers.

The welcoming was delivered by the Acting District Commander of the Frances Baard District, Brig Charlotte Makgari and the purpose of the day was done by the Provincial Commander of Employee Health and Wellness, Col (Rev) Sello Colane.

A message of support was delivered by the Provincial Chairperson of Spiritual Crime Prevention, Rev Morake, the PRO of the Provincial Community Police Forum, Mr Gomba who commented that the community and the police will together squeeze the space where criminals operate.

The SAPS members were encouraged with a sermon by Pastor Marion Ndjavire from the book of John 4 vs4 B while the SAPS band rendered powerful praise and worship songs.

Chaplain Moseki brought intercessory prayers addressing the moral transformation and upliftment, GBVF, ethical awareness, safety and substance abuse.

The Provincial Commissioner for the Northern Cape,  Lt Gen Koliswa Otola gave a strong word against the scourge of gender based violence and femicide and thanked all spiritual leaders and community for taking a collective stance with the police in this criminal acts.

Gen Otola thanked all SAPS members for their unabated efforts in crime fighting and promised to have all boots on the ground during this festive season and beyond.

MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Me Nomandla Bloem responded in her keynote address that members must remember to pray for our province but also not forget to pick up the baton in this fight against GBVF and pledge our support to victims, survivors and support every programme that combats this pandemic.

Capt Phoko was the programme director and the day was concluded with a vote of thanks from the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Corporate Services, Maj Gen Henriette De Waal.

Source: South African Police Service

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Suspects facing charges in court

WESTERN CAPE – Members of the Anti-Gang Unit deployed in Hanover Park to restore order in the area due to the ongoing gang violence arrested a 23-year-old male in Etosha Court in the early hours of Saturday morning when he was found in possession of a 38 special revolver. The members were busy with crime prevention operations when they stopped and searched the suspect and found the firearm in his possession.

The suspect will appear in the Athlone Magistrates court on Monday to face the charges against him.

In an unrelated matter members of the Breederiver K9 Unit arrested two adult females for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in De Doorns on Saturday afternoon. The members received a complaint of a truck driver that was pointed with a firearm and responded to it. The vehicle was stopped and searched and a 9mm pistol with ammunition was found hidden between the seats.

Once charged the suspects will appear in the Worcester Magistrates court.

Meanwhile Western Cape detectives arrested 442 wanted suspects during tracing operation on charges related to murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary and sexual offences.

The police management in the Western Cape thanked the members for their vigilance and hard work especially with the festive season that is dawning upon us.

Source: South African Police Service

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13 African countries report 6,883 monkeypox cases in 2022: Africa CDC

ADDIS ABABA— Some 13 African countries have reported 6,883 monkeypox cases since the start of 2022, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

According to data released by the Africa CDC, 173 deaths and a case-fatality ratio of 2.5 percent have also been registered during the same period.

The continental health agency noted that out of the 6,883 cases, 5,992 are suspected cases while 891 are confirmed cases.

The monkeypox cases were reported from eight endemic and five non-endemic countries.

The eight endemic countries are Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria; the five non-endemic countries are Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa and Sudan, according to the Africa CDC.

Following the announcement by the World Health Organization that declared monkeypox a global public health emergency of international concern in July this year, the Africa CDC has been calling on African countries to strengthen laboratory diagnostic capacities and genomic sequencing capacity for monkeypox.

The continental health body also called on African states to develop and distribute both general and tailored risk communication messages for communities and vulnerable population groups.

Monkeypox, first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958, is assumed to transmit from wild animals such as rodents to people, or from human to human. It is a rare viral disease usually transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets and other contaminated materials. The infection usually results in fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Source: Nam News Network

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Suspects heading to court on possession charges

WESTERN CAPE – Efforts to rid communities of drugs yielded positive results between Crime Intelligence and Worcester Anti-Gang Unit when they arrested an adult female for the possession of drugs in Stockenstroom Street, Worcester on Friday 28 October 2022. The members received information of drugs at the premises and searched it. During the search the members found 16 000 mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R 720 000-00 on the premises.

In an unrelated matter members of the Provincial Extortion Task Team arrested a 38-year-old female for the possession of ammunition and an explosive device on Friday evening in Rolihlahla Street, Nyanga. The members received information about a firearm at the premises and followed up the information.

Once charged the suspects will make their respective courts appearances in the Athlone and Worcester Magistrates courts on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service

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Mega party as South Africa crowns new Zulu king

DURBAN— South Africa’s new Zulu King was formally declared the head of the country’s most influential traditional monarchy at a colourful ceremony presided over by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday.

 Ramaphosa handed over the giant framed certificate to formally recognise the 48-year-old new ruler Misuzulu Zulu before tens of thousands of people in colourful regalia gathered at a huge soccer stadium in the coastal city of Durban.

 Misuzulu Zulu ascended the throne once held by his late father, Goodwill Zwelithini, who died in March 2021 — after more than 50 years on the throne.

 The crowning which followed a traditional coronation ceremony in August, is the first South Africa has witnessed in more than half a century.

 Although the title of king does not bestow executive power, the monarchs wield great moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, who make up nearly a fifth of South Africa’s population of 60 million people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed government to work with King Misuzulu KaZwelithini to change the lives of the people, and transform rural areas into places of development and prosperity.

“Our traditional leaders are the custodians of the cultures, customs and traditions that make us who we are,” Ramaphosa said.

“I do so to fulfil my duty under our Constitution, which affirms the role of our kings and queens. Today, we are here to witness a new epoch in the history of AmaZulu.

“We pray that His Majesty’s reign will be a long and glorious one. May your hand be guided by the Almighty. May your rule be one of justice, compassion, peace and unity.

“May your rule be one of justice, compassion, peace and unity. Your Majesty, Hlanga Lomhlabathi, your people look to you to lead them to a bright, glorious new future. It is a heavy responsibility, but also an illustrious one,” Ramaphosa said.

“Millions of our people are unemployed and live in poverty. Substance abuse, crime and the abuse of women, children and the elderly are devastating our communities. Many of our rural areas suffer from poor services and lack of jobs. Land reform remains a huge problem.

“As government at local, provincial and national level, we continue to make several interventions to address all these challenges and will want to rely on you, Your Majesty, to work with us to address the problems that our people are facing on a daily basis.”

Ramaphosa said King Misuzulu is a leader who enjoys the respect and confidence of the people. “A leader that governs with compassion and kindness, especially to the most vulnerable, is loved.”

Addressing the ceremony, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said today marks a time, as the province, they finally leave behind the pain they felt as a nation when they lost in quick succession their beloved King Zwelithini and the Regent Queen Mantfombi.

“You are the hope and father of the Zulu nation, irrespective of political affiliations or religious dominations. We are particularly grateful that Your Majesty is following firmly on the late father’s footsteps in preaching unity among the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

“The provincial government will continue to honour the throne by providing all the necessary support to the Royal Family and the institution of traditional leadership,” she said.

The certificate handover ceremony of the ninth AmaZulu King takes place after King Misuzulu ascended to the throne following the passing of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu in March last year and the subsequent passing away of the Regent Queen Mantfombi Dlamini in 2021.

Misuzulu was recognised as the King-elect of the Zulu nation by President Cyril Ramaphosa after consultation with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the then Premier of KwaZulu-Natal.

Today’s ceremony was attended by Cabinet Ministers, politicians and dignitaries from other countries.

 Among the delegates were King Mswati III of Africa’s last absolute monarchy, Eswatini, who is also an uncle to the new Zulu king. Two of South Africa’s ex-presidents, Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki, were also present.

 Zulu kings are descendants of King Shaka, the 19th-century leader still revered for having united a large swathe of the country as the Zulu nation, which fought bloody battles against the British colonisers.

 King Zwelithini, who died after more than 50 years in charge, left six wives and at least 28 children.

 Misuzulu is the first son of Zwelithini’s third wife, who he designated as regent in his will. The queen however died suddenly a month after Zwelithini, leaving a will naming Misuzulu as the next king.

Source: Nam News Network