Month: July 2023

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Mandela Month

In 1990, the winds of change were slowly sweeping our nation, and on 11 February 1990 South Africa was abuzz with the news of the release of former President Nelson Mandela.

Having spent most of his adult life behind bars, Nelson Mandela was more myth than a man. He along with others such as OR Tambo were giant figures in our national psyche, but few people had ever seen or interacted with them.

On 11 February 1990 all this changed; with the eyes of the entire world upon us, South Africans waited with baited breath to meet the man behind the legend.

When Nelson Mandela finally emerged from the gates of the then Victor-Verster Prison in Cape Town he greeted the expectant crowd with a salute. The first steps he took as a free man energised the crowd, and the ripples of excitement echoed throughout our nation. With those first few steps, he broke the shackles of hundreds of years of oppression and set our nation on the path to freedom and democracy.

The release of Nelson Mandela signalled a turning point in our country; it set us on a new path and banished the evil apartheid system to the pages of history.

Those of us who lived through this jubilant and hopeful time in our nation would be forgiven for thinking at the time that freedom and democracy would cure all society’s ills. This was of course never going to be the case, and as we have since learned, democracy is a process, not a destination.

Many of the deep-rooted problems that we inherited such as poverty, inequality and unemployment continue to plague us today, and the many sins of the past still shape our shared future. Building a country from the ground up was never going to be easy, pre 1994 South Africa was the pariah of the world and technically bankrupt.

Nelson Mandela and our other leaders in 1994 recognised that to build anew we had to turn our diverse population into a strength. They recognised that we were better together, that we needed each other, and that working together we could begin to envision a new future together.

This process has continued unabated since 1994 and although we have undeniably made massive strides, much still needs to be done. We are therefore lucky to be able to call on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela to assist us as we strive to move South Africa forward. Throughout his life, he continually emphasised the need for national unity, social cohesion and nation building. This vision allowed us to emerge from the mire of apartheid into a free and democratic nation in 1994.

We should also never forget that our Constitution lays the foundation for an open society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.

Shaping a common and prosperous future therefore lies in our hands. Nelson Mandela famously said on the occasion of his 90th birthday at a concert in Hyde Park, London; “It’s in your hands now”.

This sentiment of all of us taking the lead in shaping the future we want to see is echoed in the annual commemoration of Mandela Month, where we are all called upon to work together for a better and equitable society for all.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Madiba’s passing in December 2013. To commemorate this, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has themed the 10-Year Remembrance call to action “The Legacy Lives on Through You”.

Some might well ask but how can I make a difference, or what can I do to build on a legacy of a person who was clearly extraordinary?

It is true that Madiba did great things and his legacy continues to inspire today. However, throughout his life he simply worked for the benefit of others and to better our nation.

We have that power as individuals and our actions can make massive changes. By living responsibly and indeed taking responsibility for our actions, we can make a difference. One area where we can all contribute is to help in keeping the lights on. Do the right thing and report metals theft and illegal connections, switch off the lights during peak consumption periods, refuse to buy stolen goods. These seemingly small and insignificant actions can make a massive difference, especially when multiplied across communities and our nation.

The same principle of communities and individuals looking out for each other apply in all aspects of life. Let us therefore build on Madiba’s legacy by staying true to our founding ideals of justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa. We have always been stronger when we are united and together we can begin to build a society where all people are given the chance to live their dreams.

By working together, we can find solutions to our growing social and economic challenges. South Africa belongs to all who live in it, and we have no choice but to move forward together to ensure a sustainable and vibrant future for all.

Source: Government of South Africa

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Godongwana welcomes Post Office business rescue decision

Communications and Digital Technologies Acting Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has welcomed a high court decision to place the South African Post Office (SAPO) under supervision and in business rescue.

The Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, in its ruling on Monday, said the business rescue proceedings are to commence with immediate effect.

Godongwana further noted the appointment of Anooshkumar Rooplal and Juanito Martin Damons as joint interim business rescue practitioners in respect of the business rescue proceedings subject to approval by the Registrar of Financial Services and ratification by the majority of SAPO’s creditors.

According to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, the decision of the court in support of the application brought by Minister Mondli Gungubele confirms that indeed SAPO is a strategic government asset that provides vital services throughout the country. This is especially in remote areas where SAPO is often the main link between residents and the outside world.

It added that it further uses its countrywide footprint to render such services as the distribution of social grants at its branches, distribution of medication to those in need and various national and international postal services etc.

The decision will give SAPO the much needed time and space to restructure its affairs under supervision and implement the turnaround plan to fundamentally change its business model into a solvent and viable business with broad revenue streams that leads on modern services.

“The challenge is on SAPO, the department and all stakeholders to live up to the commitments made in the application,” said the acting Minister Godongwana.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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NNPCL intercepts vessel with 800,000 litres stolen crude oil

A vessel conveying 800,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil has been intercepted by a private security contractor engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The vessel and its crew members were apprehended on July 7, by operatives of Messrs. Tantita Security Services at an offshore location heading to Cameroon.

Mr Garba Muhammad, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL., said this in a statement on Monday Abuja..

He said the Vessel, MT TURA II, IMO number: 6620462, was owned by a Nigerian company, HOLAB MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED with Registration Number RC813311.

Muhammad said that preliminary investigations revealed that the crude oil cargo on-board was illegally sourced from a well jacket offshore in Ondo State, Nigeria.

“There was no valid documentation for the Vessel or the Crude Oil Cargo on-board at the time of the arrest.

“Further investigation into the activities of the vessel at the NNPC Ltd. Command and Control Centre also revealed that the Vessel has been operating in stealth mode for the last 12 years.

“The last reported location of the Vessel was Tin Can Port in July 2011,’’ he said.

He further said that the details of the arrest and the outcomes of the investigations were escalated to the appropriate government authorities.

This, he said, was to destroy the Vessel to serve as a strong warning and deterrent to all those participating in such illegal activities.

According to him, destroying vessels involved in transporting stolen crude oil is of paramount importance as a strong deterrent.

“The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only inflicts significant economic losses on Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil industry, but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.

“NNPC Ltd. assures Nigerians that we will sustain the momentum in the war against crude oil theft until it is brought to a halt,’’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Commission laments slow implementation of Fiscal Responsibility Act in states

Mr Victor Muruako, Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) says that many states are yet to implement the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Muruako said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that some states had passed the law, but were yet to set up fiscal responsibility agency.

“Some did not exactly passed the law, they just tried to have it, and even some that passed it just have it on record and are yet to implement the law.

“As we speak about 26 states have adopted the law and are at various stages of implementation.

“For some states, their Governors have not signed the law, some that have signed it into law are yet to set up the agencies, so as we speak it’s s a work in progress,” he said.

He said he domestication of the Fiscal Responsibility Act was necessary to promote prudence in management of resources in states.

“When the need arouse for the Federal Government to bail out states, there was an agreement of two conditions that must be met.

“Part of which is the need for the sub-nationals to engage in reforms; one of the reforms is to pass the fiscal responsibility law, Audit law and Procurement law at their level,” he said.

Muruako commended the Nigerian Governors Forum for creating an enabling platform for peer review at sub-nationals.

He said that the Commission was engaging the Forum to ensure that all states adopt and implement the Fiscal Act.

“The forum has been a veritable forum to assist and they have done a lot to ensure that states engage in reforms,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Group pledges educational scholarships, grants to Nigerian students

A Group, Bluestream Educational Ltd says it is set to offer 100 per cent educational scholarships and grants to Nigerian students to further their education home and abroad.

AbdulKareem Ogirima, the Group’s Managing Director spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of an educational fair on Monday in Abuja.

The fair was organised by the group in collaboration with some top universities in Turkey, U.S. U.K and Canada.

Ogirima said that the gesture was part of the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), adding that Nigerian students were one of the brightest in the world and deserve quality education.

He explained that in addition to the scholarships, Bluestream Educational Ltd was giving grants to students free of charge as long as they are brilliant or show evidence that they deserve such and it is within their budget.

“Our resolve, as part of our CSR is to continue to assist students with the needed information on gaining admission, scholarships and sponsorships.

“We are indeed proud of the performances of Nigerian students and this is what spurs us to do even more.

“We are committed to solving the challenges faced by our students who are seeking admission into various universities around the world.

“So far, we have helped over 1,000 students to gain admission, and also assisted a number of them to get scholarships, this we do with our partners in U.S., Canada, UK, Turkey and other countries.

“This year’s edition will see us give 100 per cent educational scholarships to students who perform excellently well in our in-house examinations.

“We are in partnership with some Turkish universities including; Sabanci University, Isik University, Istinye University, Istanbul Ozyegin University, Bahcesehir University, to mention a few,” he said.

He said the group also offers personalised services based on the student’s budget or academic performance (secondary school transcripts).

He added that their services also include; assisting students improve their scores in IELTS, SAT, JAMB and WAEC as well as giving out educational grants and job opportunities abroad.

Ogirima commended the student loan policy of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He said that if well-articulated, the policy would go a long way in improving access to education by Nigerians just as it is done in the U.K. and U.S.

“For us in Nigeria, we are just starting but at least, we know now that the government is talking about student loan which is the way to go.

“The idea will further assist indigent students gain quality education, which is in line with the Federal Government’s policies on inclusive, affordable and accessible education.

“Student loan is not out of place given our current realities and challenges in higher education (HE/FE) pursuit. But it has to be well articulated and domesticated with government’s sincerity of purpose.

“It is a huge investment that should be given all the attention and seriousness it deserves,” he said.

NAN reports that BlueStream Group Ltd is a multinational company that focuses its services on Education, Health, Travel and Hospitality.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Chamber of Mines lauds Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman

The ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines (ECEFCOM) on Monday congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his election as the chairman of the economic community.

The Chairman, Executive Council of the ECOWAS ECEFCOM, Alhaji Sani Shehu, said this in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Shehu said that the ECEFCOM strongly believed that Tinubu’s well deserved election of the ECOWAS came at a time when countries in the West African sub-region needed his experience.

He said that the President’s experience and support would help to address myriads of political and economic challenges bedeviling the sub-region.

“We heartily rejoice with the president of Nigeria over his election as Chairman of ECOWAS.

“Its a feat that is not surprising that Tinubu has distinguished himself as a leader capable of transforming the economic fortunes of Nigeria and of the member countries of ECOWAS.

“The ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines (ECEFCOM) therefore, welcomes Mr President’s leadership of ECOWAS with great enthusiasm.

“Our expectations are positive and high, considering his track record in leadership and industry.

“We look forward to working with the president in his capacity as chairman of ECOWAS and president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are confident that the cooperation we seek will be instrumental in turning around the economic fortunes of the West African sub-region and the African continent by extension,” he said.

Shehu said that Tinubu had a great zeal and preparedness to take West Africa to the next economic level.

He called on the president to use his good office to bring innovative development in the ECOWAS.

“On our part at the ECOWAS Federation of Chamber of Mines, we have resolved to support and work with the ECOWAS under the chairmanship of the president.

“Our commitment is to ensure that we assist him to rectify a number of challenges that are common in the mining sector of the sub-region.

“The challenges include foreign dominance of the mining/extractive sector, especially the very disturbing illegal mining operations of some Chinese nationals in the West African sub-region.”

Shehu said that some Chinese nationals contributed to the development of West African mining sector, while some involved in illegal mining activities.

“While we appreciate the contribution of the Chinese, we also appeal to the president to intervene and address the problem in line with the provision of the charter establishing the organisation.

“In fairness to the Chinese, some of their nationals deserve commendation for their efforts that have helped to advance the economic development of the region.

“Except that some Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining operations which has become very destructive of the economy of the member nations of ECOWAS.

“The illegal mining activities of the Chinese have been particularly worrisome and responsible for apprehension in some parts of Africa.

“Some local mining communities in the sub-region have been at war with Chinese whom they say are destroying the environment through illegal mining operations,” he said.

Shehu also called on the president to address the challenges of cross border conflicts arising in the sub-region as a result of mineral theft.

He said that solid minerals did not recognise border and could be moved illegally from one country to another.

He said that the border communities sometimes tended to have some misunderstanding due to the movement of solid mineral across the nations in the sub region.

“We appeal to the newly elected chairman of ECOWAS to initiate a value addition strategy on mineral from countries in the sub region.

“Strategy that will put an end to the exportation of raw, unprocessed mineral ores from ECOWAS member states.

“We appeal to the president as well, to establish a win-win diplomatic relationship with industrial nations such as China, Europe, U.S.

“This will encourage countries in the West African sub region to establish a value addition and beneficiation centres and mineral processing centres in West African countries that can process mineral to end users in the sub region.

“When this is done, the region will have additional income and create massive employment. It will also facilitate technology transfer to the sub-region.”

Shehu urged the president to adopt a uniform policy that would boost the standard of living in the West African sub-region.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria