Month: September 2023

Women’s Month is not only a platform to commemorate the heroic contributions of women in South Africa’s liberation struggle but also serves as a mechanism to assess progress made to date.

“Our government focuses its attention on the rights of women and to assess how far we have come as a nation on the journey towards women empowerment and gender equality,” said Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nomasonto Motaung.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the Marketing, Advertising and Communications (MAC) Charter B-BBEE Council Women’s Day event held in Sandton on Friday.

She said that government continues to pursue programmes, policies and activities that seek to create a better Africa and a better world.

“Government believes that democracy has registered significant progress in restoring the dignity of women through various measures introduced by government, and this has contributed towards the empowerment of women, including availing more opportunities and access to services for women.”

Government is painfully aware that the struggle for women emancipation is far from over.

“Women still bear a disproportionate burden of the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Poverty and unemployment in South Africa continue to paint and portray a black female face,” she said.

“We are proud to be a country that is renowned as a multi-ethnic society. At the same time, we must all work together to end inequalities, poverty and social fragmentation.”

In 2022, working with the private sector, government appointed and launched the Marketing, Advertising and Communication Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter Council.

“We have 14 women in the council and many of whom, are chairpersons and deputies of committees.

“… there is an opportunity to learn from experienced members to impart knowledge and experiences, since the advertising sector is largely youthful.

“The assumption is that these young people, who are mainly women, derive invaluable experience from knowledge that will come from the sector.

“We are here to grow South Africa together and particularly, to grow our media, advertising and communication sector because this is a stream that shapes and is shaped by our national identity, cultures and ambitions.”

Economic growth

The Deputy Minister said South Africa through the MAC Charter Council must focus all its attention on economic growth and the key problems affecting the South African economy.

“One area of interest to us as government and to South Africans at large is that of advertising. It is an open secret that advertising is an integral part of everyday life and continues to be an important influence on people’s behaviour and attitudes, and on-demand creation in the consumer economy.”

Social cohesion

Meanwhile, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said social cohesion, nation building and promoting national identity are all high on the list of South Africa’s priorities.

“The pillars to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality are based on our quest to achieve a socially cohesive nation,” she told those attending the event.

She added that job creation, reducing unemployment and inequalities are key economic and social challenges facing South Africa.

“This is clearly articulated by the National Development Plan (NDP) vision of a more unified South Africa in which the life experiences of South Africans will progressively undermine and cut across the divisions of race, gender, disability, space and class.

Madoda Dhlamini, Municipal Development Director at JCDecaux, said challenges facing society cannot be addressed in silos.

“[The] empowerment of women must be accelerated, the time is now, tomorrow is too late,” he said.

The event was attended by representatives from various advertising and communications companies, including final year Journalism students from the Tshwane University of Technology.

The MAC Charter Council, is tasked with monitoring transformation of the sector by facilitating the implementation of the B-BBEE sector code.

In addition, the Council, which has representatives from government, women, youth and organised labour, measure transformation progress made by the MAC sector.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Address by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Nomasonto Motaung (MP) on the occasion of the Marketing, Advertising and Communication (MAC) Charter B-BBEE Council Women’s Day event at the Inanda Polo Club, Sandton, Johannesburg

Programme Director, Councillor Tebogo Ditshego,

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications, Mr Boyce Maneli, MP,

Commission for Gender Equity Commissioner, Manyamana,

GCIS Acting Director-General, Ms Nomonde Mnukwa,

Mr Angelo Tandy, Chairperson, and Members of MAC B-BBEE Charter Council,

Brand South Africa Acting CEO, Ms Sithembile Ntombela

Distinguished Guests,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Programme Director,

On 9 August, 67 years ago, thousands of militant and fearless women marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the draconian and oppressive pass laws imposed by the apartheid regime. One of those heroines is Charlotte Maxeke.

Mama Maxeke personifies the war against oppression and patriarchy. She remains an inspiration to those who are leading the war against racial oppression, patriarchy and socio-economic exclusion.

As the governing party, we view Women’s Month as a platform to commemorate the heroic contributions of women in the liberation Struggle. Our government focuses its attention on the rights of women and to assess how far we have come as a nation on the journey towards women empowerment and gender equality.

Programme Director,

Government continues to pursue programmes, policies and activities that seek to create a better Africa and a better world.

In particular, the GCIS has a twin mandate: to coordinate, guide and lead the government-wide communication and; to provide information to citizens to enable them to improve their lives. The provision of government policies, activities and programme is delivered to society, among other things, through advertisements.

Advertising is the integral part of everyday’s life. Therefore, without advertising, modern society cannot survive, as advertisers, through artistic expression, contribute to bringing about economic development by increasing demand and encouraging economic activities, which fuel the desire to shop and, in turn, shopping stimulates the economy of all countries.

In our pursuit of these national dialogues and global exchanges, we draw on lessons and international experiences. We are proud be a country that is renowned as a multi-ethnic society. At the same time, we must all work together to end inequalities, poverty and social fragmentation.

Programme Director,

In 2022, working with the private sector, we appointed and launched the Marketing, Advertising and Communication Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter Council. We have 14 women in the council and many of whom, are chairpersons and deputies of committees.

Furthermore, we duly directed that there be a mixture of experience and inexperience where young people are afforded an opportunity to learn from experienced members to impart knowledge and experiences, since the advertising sector is largely youthful.

The assumption is that these young people, who are mainly women, derive invaluable experience from knowledge that will come from the sector. In addition, through the GCIS relationship with the academia, I have the pleasure to announce my guests: 15 young women students from the Tshwane University of Technology who are in their final year of Journalism and Media Studies who are with us as part of celebrating women in the MAC sector.

Programme Director,

Today, we are here to grow South Africa together – and particularly, to grow our media, advertising and communication sector because this is a stream that shapes and is shaped by our national identity, cultures and ambitions.

This is a sector that connects South Africans as compatriots and connects us to the rest of our continent and the global community.

It is a sector that draws on the creative spirit of our nation, both to celebrate and magnify the best of who and what we are.

But this is also a sector that can – and needs to – help us overcome the many persistent challenges that confront our society and economy.

As the MAC Sector Council, we have the duty to accelerate our advance towards the eradication of gender discrimination and to promote the rights of women and girls in all aspects of life, including the equal share of the economy.

As we celebrate the MAC Charter Council Women’s Day event, let us rededicate ourselves as a sector, to the task of promoting and protecting the rights of women and to assess the distance that we still need to travel on the journey towards women empowerment and gender equality; women’s rights and to unapologetically tackle gender-based violence and femicide.

I have noted and congratulated the MAC Charter Council for its commitment to ensure that responsible marketing initiatives are also aimed at pushing back the frontiers of gender-based violence and femicide as per its revised Sector Code, which was done recently, following public consultations with the majority of stakeholders in all provinces.

We believe that democracy has registered significant progress in restoring the dignity of women through various measures introduced by government, and this has contributed towards the empowerment of women, including availing more opportunities and access to services for women.

Notwithstanding the above, we remain painfully aware that the struggle for women emancipation is far from over. Women still bear a disproportionate burden of the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Poverty and unemployment in South Africa continue to paint and portray a black female face.

In establishing this council, we were inspired yet again by the depth of passion, talent and commitment to our nation that allowed us to identify a collective of South Africans who can square up to this strategic mission:

Monitoring compliance with the MAC Charter Sector Code;

Providing guidance on matters relating to BEE in the MAC sector;

Developing a baseline indicator for all different elements of the B-BBEE; and

Engaging and advising the sector Minister, the GCIS and other relevant regulatory entities regarding the MAC Sector Code.

Programme Director,

Our expectations of this sector are therefore, onerous.

But the history we are making today is centred on growing this sector in the same way we have grown other sectors of our economy through inclusion, empowerment and unleashing the energies and talents of South Africans.

The economic transformation in South Africa occurs at a time when globalisation is at an advanced stage, coupled with the devastating impact of COVID-19; technological convergence, which has resulted in advertising revenues moving to international Over-the Top Service providers, commonly known as FAANGS – that is, Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google.

This represents an enormous challenge for the South African Government, and we will look to the MAC Charter Council to provide leadership and advice on how best government can match other countries’ successes in redressing the economic imbalances in a digital and multiplatform environment.

Therefore, South Africa, through the MAC Charter Council must focus all its attention on economic growth and the key problems affecting the South African economy.

Programme Director,

One area of interest to us as government and to South Africans at large is that of advertising. It is an open secret that advertising is an integral part of everyday life and continues to be an important influence on people’s behaviour and attitudes, and on-demand creation in the consumer economy.

The backdrop to these tasks comprises our priorities of defeating COVID-19; achieving economic recovery; implementing reforms in our economy that will enable inclusive and sustainable growth; fighting corruption; building an ethical and capable state, and combating gender-based violence and femicide.

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Sports Development Sen. John Owan-Enoh has assured of equal attention to para-sports to encourage athletes with physical and intellectual challenges.

Owan-Enoh, who made this known when he inspected facilities at the National Stadium Surulere, commended the athletes’ selfless contributions by winning laurels for Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the minister was at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in Nigeria.

He also visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, main bowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall and other facilities.

He inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, Power House, as well as the courts for different sports.

The minister also demanded to see the Para-athletes gym and held a meeting with representatives of the Para-athletes.

A representative of the Para-athletes, who told the minister their plight, also alleged that para-sports that won international medals for the country had been neglected and uncared for.

“We need an estate for the physically challenged; we will like the minister to use his good office to achieve this for us.

“We also need more gym equipment because the ones here are not good again,” she said.

The representative of Para-athletes said they were still waiting for the ministry to release funds for athletes that would be in Ghana for the African Para-athletes Olympics Qualifiers.

“We are yet to have funds released for the trip to Ghana; our athletes are still in Nigeria. The ministry said they didn’t have funds for our trip to Ghana.

“Those participating in the Ghana qualifiers are: Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair basketball, para-table tennis and others,” she said

Responding, Owan-Enoh said he would look into the matter to provide the interventions required.

“Since coming into this facility, I have witnessed a lot of excitements and enthusiasm from the para-sports who have been following my convoy and I am aware of their plight.

“If there are some groups of athletes that have won laurels for Nigeria, anytime they compete, it has to be you people.

“It just appeared that para-sports which is a generic name that you come under has given us more laurels and we will try to make sure that this ministry under my watch will help you.

“We will not treat para-sport differently from others, we will give you that recognition that you deserve, just keep doing your best. I have found out that you have achieved all these because of your commitments,” he said.

Owan-Enoh added that rather than take the commitment of the para-athletes for granted, the ministry would continue to encourage them.

The minister also lauded the organisers of Louis Edem International Basketball Championships after watching part of the ongoing game ongoing at the time of his visit.

He restated that the ministry of sports development would partner with individuals and corporate organisations to promote sports.

“I commend the organisers of this Louis Edem International Basketball Championships for a good job of promoting sports.

“I am here in this facility tour of the National Stadium and I did not plan for this opportunity and to witness a live game of basketball, this is a good one and I am delighted about it.

“It is exciting to watch the game live. I was told that this tournament takes place twice every year and this is the second one.

“This is one of the best private initiatives, an individual’s effort with passion. We appreciate such commitment,” he said.

He further stressed that individuals and corporate bodies with passion for sports would be encouraged to be part of efforts to grow sports in his tenure.

“Fortunately, we have a president who has shown much passion and interest to grow sports to the extent of creating a separate ministry for sports.

“I see no reason that we are not having a running league in basketball in Nigeria. I understand the problem with basketball; how it has been riddled with problems and not just that of federation,” he said.

Owan-Enoh also restated that the ministry would ensure that the running and progress of sports remained orderly, peaceful and conflict-free in Nigeria. (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said all diplomatic options would be exhausted with the military junta in Niger Republic before any military intervention.

A statement on Thursday in Abuja by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu also reiterated the non-acceptance of forceful removal of a democratic government.

Tinubu stated this when he received the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the State House.

“I must thank you for your several visits to Niger Republic, Your Eminence, but you will still have to go back. My fear has been confirmed in Gabon that copy cats will start doing the same thing until it is stopped.

‘’We are neighbours with Niger Republic, and what has joined Nigerians together with their great people cannot be broken. Nobody is interested in a war. We have seen the devastation in Ukraine and Sudan. But, if we don’t wield the big stick, we will all suffer the consequences together,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that Nigeria, under Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, instituted a nine-month transition programme in 1998 that led the country into a new era of democratic governance.

The President said that such action can be replicated in Niger Republic if the military authorities are sincere.

“Your Eminence, please don’t get tired, you will still go back there. The soldiers’ action is unacceptable. The earlier they make positive adjustments, the quicker we will dial back the sanctions to alleviate the sufferings we are seeing in Niger,” the President said.

On the hardship faced by many Nigerians post-fuel subsidy removal, the President assured that all ongoing reforms would reposition the economy and benefit the majority of the population in terms of opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare and education.

“Nigeria is headed for a promise. Our diversity will turn into prosperity, not adversity. We will build a country that our children will be proud of,” the President assured.

He told the delegation that the federal government was collaborating with state governments for provision of land for pan-national animal husbandry and agro-allied production as well as processing facilities for mass export, job creation and revenue generation.

“If Nigeria is still looking for vaccines for basic health issues; if infant and maternal mortality is rampant, then we should examine ourselves. I will commit to consulting with other leaders, like the NSCIA, and we will meet the needs of our people,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima also said that the President had budgeted N50 billion to support the ongoing rebuilding of lives and property in the North West and North East.

He said that this gesture was with a new focus on dialogue to address security challenges and complement the kinetic efforts.

The Sultan of Sokoto pledged “one hundred per cent loyalty” to the President, affirming that a leader can only reach a position by the will of God, and not man.

The Sultan assured the President that the NSCIA would be available for advice and support toward realising his dream for the country, adding that “God will hold all leaders to account, in justice and fairness.”

He suggested that the distribution of palliatives across the country should be monitored and augmented, where it fails to reach some of the people who remain in dire need.

“I honestly believe we will come out of the challenges stronger,” the Sultan said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, says the 2023 Ofala festival slated to hold between Oct. 14 and 15 will showcase the cultural heritage of Onitsha people.

Achebe, who said this on Thursday at a news conference on the level of preparedness for the Ofala at his palace in Onitsha, said arrangements were in top gear to celebrate the festival.

The Igwe, who was represented by the Chairman of sub-committee of the Ofala Steering Committee, Mr Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, said that the Ofala was an annual festival of the people of Onitsha where they displayed their rich cultural heritage.

According to him, the celebration of the Ofala festival is billed for Oct. 14 and 15, and will be held in his Palace, situated along Awka road, Onitsha.

“The Ofala is the monarch’s annual emergence from seclusion, during which period, the monarch may have successfully negotiated the fortunes of the kingdom.

“It is also a reenactment of the joy which the monarch shares with his subjects at the discovery that yam is non-toxic and a valuable source of food,” said the monarch.

“First day is the Ofala proper, “Iru Ofala”, which is Saturday, while the second day, “Azu Ofala”, that is Sunday. The theme of this year’s Ofala is, ‘Better , Stronger and Together,” he said.

The traditional ruler said that the activities lined up for the celebration included road show and a paper presentation at Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Awka.

According to him, the lecture will be delivered by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felis Ajakaye, to sensitise people on the Ofala festival, among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria