Month: April 2024

The Federal Government’s Citizens Delivery Tracker (CDT) app has been described as a significant mechanism toward achieving transparency and accountability in governance.

Obialunanma Nnaobi-Ayodele, Co-Chair (Non-State Actors) Open Government Partnership, Nigeria, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the launch of the tracking app.

She said that the app was one way of resolving the trust deficit in government programmes and policies aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, adding that citizens need to engage with it.

‘It is my hope that Nigerians for whom it was created, will utilise this app to its fullest potential, and contribute to improving public service delivery across all sectors.

‘Today’s launch is the first step. A lot of work still needs to be done, especially at a time when public trust in government is at an all time low. It is important that Nigerians see that this tool not only exists to tick the box, but that their engagements will result in positive out
comes.

‘On our part as civil society, we will provide all the support needed to raise public awareness for the Citizens Delivery Tracker and also educate Nigerians on how to engage with it,’ she said.

She said that the tracker would serve as a tool for monitoring the performance of its actor and ministers that have signed a performance bond for their assigned task.

Nnaobi-Ayodele added that the app details would lead to beneficial engagements between government and the citizen through the provision of feedback and prompt responses from relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government.

‘I think that because it’s new, we should give a bit of time to see how we actually have to start using it from today. That is when we would start to figure out what are the things that we need to add,’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CDT is part of President Bola Tinubu’s determination to involve Nigerians in governance and hold his government accountable.

The tracker to be accessed
at app.cdcu.gov.ng is a significant milestone in the President’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.

It will allow Nigerians to have access to the deliverables of all Ministers thereby acknowledging the citizens as integral stakeholders in monitoring and evaluating the government’s performance.

The key features of the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker App include a comprehensive Project Monitoring and direct Presidential Oversight.

Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Coordination Delivery Unit, said the app would open government to feedback necessary for improving the living standards of Nigerians.

She called for more collaborations with the media to deepen the dialogue and engagement between citizens and government as a way of ensuring transparency and accountability.

Usman said that in arriving at the deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs), the CDCU, supported by development partners and consultants, held numerous bilateral
meetings with ministers, permanent secretaries, and their respective technical teams over a period of six weeks.

According to the special adviser, the Citizens’ Delivery Tracker is an application which affords citizens the opportunity to view the priority programmes and projects of the federal government on their devices.

‘The CDCU has also developed a Delivery Reporting Framework and Template, to accurately assess and report the performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

‘We are adopting international best practices and utilising globally recognised performance indicators and benchmarks to assess the performance of MDAs in the implementation of government priority programmes, projects, and policies,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has prayed the Court of Appeal in Abuja to dismiss an appeal filed by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) challenging a lower court’s judgement that nullified some sections of Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

Ekpenyong, a constitutional lawyer and human rights crusader, from the law firm of Fred-Young and Evans LP, told an Appeal Court in his brief of argument dated March 27 but filed March 28.

It would be recalled that Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, had, on April 18, 2023, nullified some sections of CAMA, 2020 which were considered to infringe on the fundamental human rights of persons in Nigeria, following a suit filed by Ekpenyong.

The lawyer had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1076/2020, sued the National Assembly, CAC and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

In the originating summons dated and filed on Aug. 31, 2020, the lawyer prayed the court to determ
ine whether the provisions of Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and 851 of CAMA infringed on his freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion; freedom of association and peaceful assembly and right to access to court.

Ekpenyong asked the court to determine whether these rights had been infringed on as guaranteed under Section 38, Section 40 as well as Section 4 (8), Section 6 (6) (b), Section 36 (1) and Section 251 (1) (e) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Delivering the Judgement, Justice Omotosho agreed with Ekpenyong that the powers granted to CAC to regulate and administer incorporated trustees in Nigeria under Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847 and 848 of CAMA 2020 infringed on his right to freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion.

The judge, who held that the lawyer had locus standi to institute the suit, struck down Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and Section 851 of CAMA 2020, declaring same to be null and void, having been inconsistent with the provisi
ons of the constitution.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the CAC, in its notice of appeal dated May 25, 2023 and filed June 9, 2023 by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, sued Ekpenyong and AGF as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.

The commission gave five grounds why the appeal should be allowed and the judgment delivered by the trial court be set aside.

In one of the grounds, it argued that Justice Omotosho erred in law when he entertained Ekpenyong’s claim under the fundamental rights action even when it was apparent from the claim filed that he lacked the locus standi to have instituted the action.

In the brief of argument with appeal number: CA/ABJ/CV/373/2023 dated and filed Dec. 12, 2023, the CAC wants the appellate court to determine ‘whether from the totality of evidence, the trial court was correct in holding that Ekpenyong was able to prove that Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, and 848 of CAMA infringed on his fundamental rights,’ among others.

The commission, therefore, submitted that the tria
l judge was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction, heard and determined the case of the 1st respondent and then granted all the reliefs in the originating summons.

‘We urge your Lordships to uphold this appeal,’ it said.

But Ekpenyong, in his brief of argument, gave four issues for determination.

These include ‘whether the wide powers granted to the appellant (CAC), an agency of the executive arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria under Sections 839, 842-848 of CAMA to remove the leadership of religious associations and other incorporated trustees under any guise and replace them with whoever it pleases as interim managers as well as manage the affairs and accounts of such associations is draconian, unconstitutional and an infringement of the 1st respondent’s fundamental human rights?

‘Whether the combined provisions of Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and 851 of CAMA which grants the appellant too much powers over religious associations and other Incorporated Trustees and empowers the appel
lant to act based on its own whims to interfere in the management of religious associations and other incorporated trustees is reasonably justified in Nigeria’s constitutional democracy?

‘Whether in light of the provision of Section 4 (8), Section 6 (6) (b), Section 36 (1) and Section 251 (1) (e) of the Nigerian Constitution, the provisions of Section 851 of the CAMA, 2020 which gives the appellant powers to oust and usurp the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, is unconstitutional?

‘Whether religious associations and other incorporated trustees as a vehicle which the 1st respondent and other Nigerians exercise their fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution must be overly burden with too many restrictions and laws to fetter their liberty?’

Ekpenyong, in his argument, submitted that the freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion as well as the freedom of association and peaceful assembly constituted one of the pillars of a democratic society.

He contended that Sections 38 and 4
0 of the constitution provided freedom for him to exercise his thoughts, conscience and religion either alone by himself or in association with those who share his faith and beliefs.

‘The 1st respondent belongs and is a member of the Catholic faith and exercises his constitutional right to associate and practice his religion and faith by participating in the traditions, practices, doctrines and teachings under the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja registered with the appellant as an association with Reg. Number 6797 since 26th May, 1992,’ he said.

He said his religious association is led by distinguished Catholics who are also the trustees of the association.

The lawyer, therefore, said that the excessive powers granted to CAC, an agency of government, by the offending provisions of CAMA, 2020 to suspend trustees of his religious association and other incorporated trustees and appoint interim managers of its own choice who may not profess the same beliefs with him or belong to his association and powers to eve
n manage the accounts of the association, is provocative, draconian and barbaric.

According to him, it is also an affront on Nigeria’s Constitution which granted the freedoms to the 1st respondent and other persons in Nigeria in the first place.

He argued that the limitation of the freedom of thoughts, conscience and religion and peaceful assembly and association under Section 45 of the constitution is to prevent anarchy by ensuring that persons in Nigeria practice their religion and beliefs without infringing on others’ freedoms.

‘Since the offending provisions of CAMA, 2020 infringed on the 1st respondent’s constitutional and fundamental human rights which is capable of retrogressing Nigeria back to the dark days of the draconian military regime, the trial court was right in law to strike down the offending provisions of CAMA, 2020 in order to safeguard the constitutional freedom of the 1st respondent and other persons in Nigeria,’ he argued.

The AGF, who is the 2nd respondent, is yet to file his brief
of argument.

No date has been fixed for hearing.

It would be recalled that on March 21, 2023, Justice Inyang Ekwo of a FHC, Abuja had equally restrained the CAC from suspending or appointing trustees of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the churches.

Justice Ekwo, in that judgment in a suit filed by the Registered Trustees of CAN, held that the provisions of Sections 17 (1), 839 (1) and (7) (a), 842 (1) and (2), 851 and 854 of CAMA, 2020 and Regulations 28, 29 and 30 of the Companies Regulations (CR), 2021 were not applicable to CAN, the churches and other religious body.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

In 2003, the World Values Survey reported that Nigeria was home to world’s happiest people.

The study, which was carried out over a period of three years showed that Nigeria beat no fewer than 65 countries to claim the top spot.

More than two decades after, the 2024 World’s Happiness Report released on March 20 to mark the International Day of Happiness ranked Nigeria 102 happiest country of 143 countries surveyed globally.

The report released in partnership with Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and the WHR’s Editorial Board scored Nigeria 4.881 points in its latest 2024 survey.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s happiness scores has remained below 5 points since 2020, fluctuating between 4.552 to 5.268 points.

The report factored self-reported life satisfaction evaluations alongside a 6-point metrics like GDP per capita, social support networks, health expectancy, freedom, generosity, and levels of corruption to determ
ine national happiness rankings.

Why has Nigeria’s performance continued to decline over the years? Experts offer insights.

Dr Christopher Piwuna, Consultant Psychiatrist, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) believes the ability of government to improve the welfare of Nigerians will greatly boost their happiness level.

‘In 2003 Nigeria was number one worldwide on happiness assessment, but now we are 102, this is not too good for the nation.

‘We have really gone backward though life expectancy has improved within the country.

‘The rate of poverty in the land has impacted negatively on the happiness ranking of the country,’ he said.

Similarly, Safiya Ojo, General Medical Practitioner, Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, said being happy could help ones general well-being and lifespan.

Aisha Bubah, Counseling Psychologist, Network for Psychosocial Support, Africa (NPS-Africa), said there was the need for Nigerians to take care of their mental health to avoid depression.

‘If one is in a happy state, it mean
s less troubles, less stress and better well-being. Conversely if one is unhappy there will be depression, suicide, anxiety, and stress disorder.

‘Depression is a significant problem that has affected some youths which has made them to be drug addicts.

‘We need to create time for relaxation and look beyond the economic situation of the country; we need to focus on the positives in every bad situation,’ Bubah said.

Interestingly while Nigeria is on the slide on the World’s Happiness report, Finland was in March, 2024 crowned the world’s happiest country for a seventh consecutive year.

According to the Finnish Happiness Institute (FHI) study, when asking people living in Finland what makes them happy, Finns always mention proximity to nature and the opportunities it offers for recreation and relaxation.

‘In Finland, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a park or forest. Clean water, unpolluted air and unspoiled nature greatly contribute to wellbeing and happiness – and nurture creativity’ it said
in a report.

Johanna Jäkälä, Executive Director, Finland Promotion Services, Business Finland, says the anti-stress lifestyle, outstanding government and modern facilities help boost the happy lifestyle of the Finnish people.

‘The anti-stress lifestyle also influences the Finnish work culture. Finland is a country of low hierarchies, and work-life balance is highly valued.

‘When people come here, they also get access to a kind of lifestyle which is pretty unique.

‘We like to think that happiness is good for business and happy employees are productive employees,’ he said.

‘In Helsinki it is completely normal to leave the baby outside, obviously with a baby monitor and if possible by the window, so you can see the stroller while shopping or having coffee,’ Jennifer De Paola, a social psychologist and expert on Finnish happiness said.

Elisabet Lahti, PhD, author, researcher and founder of Sisu Lab. stressed the importance of adequate security and working in an egalitarian society for citizens to feel rela
xed and happy.

‘In a well-functioning, fair and equal society, people can worry less and concentrate on living their lives.

‘Poor life decisions or bad luck don’t necessarily have to mean falling too far behind. To feel safe is one of our primal needs and if we’re not safe, we’re not able to relax into co-creation and innovation,’ she said.

Experts say that the Nigerian government can do a lot more to make Nigerians feel happier and more productive.

They say this can be achieved through heavy investment in infrastructure/social amenities and the implementation of sound economic policies.

Mr Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria (AAN), a social justice NGO, said President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, if implemented properly could give hope to the poor and boost Nigerians’ productivity.

‘The 8-Point Agenda encompass critical areas such as food security, ending poverty, economic growth, job creation, access to capital, improved security, a fair playing field, rule of law, and the fight again
st corruption.

‘They reflect the aspirations of the citizens for a more inclusive and prosperous society.’ he said.

Experts opine that there is a nexus between the Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope’ 8-point agenda and the World Happiness index 6-point parameters which are all geared towards a better economy and society.

They point to the path to the renewal of Nigerians’ fast-eroding happiness.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Treasury last month released R372 million from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant (MDRG) as an intervention for municipalities affected by floods in recent times.

This is after Treasury approved an allocation of R1.844 billion for the 2023/24 financial year to address the effects of disasters across multiple provinces.

South Africa has been hit by more heavy rain, leading to various floods in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape since April 2022. This week rain caused havoc in the Western Cape with many schools across the province closed on Monday.

According to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, these funds are earmarked to facilitate urgent repairs, reconstruction, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

‘The focus is to ensure access to clean, reliable water and essential government facilities for affected communities,’ she explained.

The Minister was addressing the media in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday, where she
released details of the funds disbursed to municipalities and provinces for disaster interventions.

Nkadimeng announced that 199 projects across various municipalities in seven provinces have already been approved, with a total allocation of R372 001 000.

These include 65 projects in KwaZulu-Natal, 36 in the Eastern Cape, 30 in the Western Cape, 29 in Free State, 19 in Mpumalanga, 18 in Limpopo, and two in the North West.

Nkadimeng assured South Africans that the allocation of disaster grants comes with stringent reporting and compliance measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of funds.

‘Organs of state are mandated to submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the NDMC [National Disaster Management Centre], covering both financial and non-financial aspects of their disaster management initiatives.’

In addition, to oversee the implementation of projects and ensure adherence to quality standards, the NDMC, Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMC), Municipal Infrast
ructure Support Agency (MISA), and relevant sector departments conduct regular site visits to municipalities.

‘Through these concerted efforts, we strive to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and that affected communities receive the necessary support to recover and thrive.’

Warning systems

Meanwhile, she said government is continuously improving early warning systems in collaboration with the South African Weather Service and other stakeholders.

‘Furthermore, we are dedicated to having greater transparency, accountability, and engagement with our communities.’

The Minister said through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, her department is determined to build a more resilient and responsive disaster management framework that prioritises the needs and concerns of communities and empowers them to weather the storms that may lie ahead.

‘I also want to take this opportunity to urge our people to heed the weather-related early warnings provided by disaster personnel and take the nece
ssary preventative action even if it means just staying indoors or away from raging rivers.

‘Early warnings are a vital component of disaster preparedness and can save lives by providing crucial information and allowing individuals to take proactive measures to mitigate risks and minimise harm.’

Impact

According to the Minister, the impact of disaster in South Africa is far-reaching.

‘It is important that we acknowledge the gravity of the situation we have faced since 2018 as a result of national disasters such as drought and COVID-19.’

She also described the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods as one of the most significant natural disasters in the history of the country.

‘These disasters have not only left a trail of destruction in their wake but have also broken family structures, disrupted communities, endangered livelihoods and put a lot of strain on our existing infrastructure.’

Meanwhile, she said the aftermath serves as a reminder of the challenges in the collective pursuit of improving disaster prepared
ness, response, recovery and moving towards a more resilient state.

‘Working through the NDMC, we have managed to allocate funds through the grants to disaster-stricken areas, thereby playing a crucial role in facilitating the recovery and rebuilding process. These funds are not merely financial assistance, but rather they represent hope, resilience, and the promise of a better tomorrow.’

While government strives to accelerate response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters, she acknowledged the frustrations that communities often endure.

‘We understand the immense challenges and hardships that accompany such trying times, and we empathise with the uncertainties and anxieties that our fellow South Africans may experience.

‘We wish to reassure all South Africans that we are committed to enhancing our systems and processes for disaster response. We recognise the critical importance of continuously improving our capabilities and mechanisms to better serve and support our communities during times
of crisis.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

South Africa’s democracy has restored the dignity of millions of South Africans and changed the lives of its citizens for the better, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.

Addressing the launch of national Freedom Month in celebrating 30 Years of Democracy, the Minister urged South Africans to acknowledge the remarkable progress made since the dawn of democracy in 1994 as the country commemorates this significant milestone.

‘Our journey has been marked by monumental achievements; from the dismantling of apartheid to the establishment of a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of equality, justice and human rights.

‘We have witnessed the triumph of hope over despair, and the resilience of the South African spirit in the face of adversity.

‘From inheriting a divided country, with gross inequalities in every aspect of life, we have done much to bridge this divide. We are also aware that there is much more still to be done, as the injustices and imbalances caused by apartheid could
not all be resolved within 30 years,’ Kodwa said on Tuesday at the Freedom Park and Museum Amphitheatre in Pretoria.

He highlighted the progress that has been made in the democratic South Africa as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he delivered the State of the Nation Address in February.

‘Our economy is today three times larger than it was 30 years ago. The number of employed South Africans increased from eight million in 1994 to over 16.7 million today. According to Census 2022, 88.5 percent of people in the country now live in formal housing, compared to 65 percent in 1996.

‘South Africa’s social protection policies and programmes have been implemented to reduce poverty and vulnerability. South Africa has the most extensive HIV treatment programme in the world, which continues to save millions of lives.

‘In sport, our transformation programmes are being implemented, as you see in our champion teams, such as the Springboks, whose players are truly representative of the nation they represent,’ the
Minister said.

As the country celebrates its successes, the Minister emphasised that the challenges that lie ahead should be confronted.

‘Despite the progress we have made, we cannot ignore the persistent inequalities that continue to plague our society. Economic disparities, social injustices, and systemic barriers still hinder the realisation of our collective aspirations.

‘We cannot claim true freedom and democracy until every South African, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status, enjoys equal opportunities and access to basic services.

‘As custodians of this democracy, it is our duty to address these inequalities and to build a more inclusive society where every individual can thrive and fulfil their potential,’ he said.

Three decades ago, South Africa embarked on a journey that fundamentally transformed the fabric of society, a journey that was paved with sacrifices, struggles, and unwavering determination.

On 27 April 1994, a large majority of South Africans stood in long queues to v
ote in democratic elections for the first time.

“Our road to democracy required untold sacrifice, and many paid the ultimate price for us to be free. The sacrifices made to bring that day to fruition live within our hearts and minds, therefore we will always be indebted to those who went before us.

“The freedoms we enjoy were built on the backs of heroes at home and abroad. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants, their legacy is our freedom, and we must honour it by continuing to build a just and equal society,” the Minister said.

He said the gains of democracy stand in opposition to fascism, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), lawlessness, crime, inequality, corruption and other social ills.

Celebrating the constitution as the supreme law

This year, South Africa also commemorates the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution as the supreme law of the country.

‘Our rights are protected under our constitutional democracy, which promotes inclusivity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexi
sm, national unity, social cohesion, justice and diversity.

‘In celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy, we must also reflect on the values that have guided us thus far; reconciliation, unity, and nation-building. It is only through a commitment to these principles that we can overcome the divisions of the past and forge a common future based on mutual respect and understanding.

‘As we navigate the challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future, let us draw strength from the lessons of our past and the resilience of our people,’ the Minister said.

Kodwa called on the nation to once again remind the world about the importance of democracy and freedom.

‘Let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of freedom and democracy that have defined our nation for the past three decades. Let us strive to build a South Africa that is truly united in its diversity, where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the advancement of our society. And let us never forget the sacrifices of those who came b
efore us, who fought and died so that we may live in freedom and dignity,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Several international nations have joined a chorus of voices in commemorating and congratulating South Africa as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom this year.

The launch of Freedom Month was held at Freedom Park on Tuesday morning in Pretoria with much fanfare, including the unveiling of the 30 Years of Freedom logo.

Delivering her message of support during the programme, High Commissioner of Zambia to South Africa, Mazuba Bernadine Monze, encouraged South Africans to remember and speak of the historical ties that the two countries share.

During the fight for liberation, Zambia was a sanctuary for safety for anti-apartheid freedom fighters, including Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki.

‘This celebration is truly Zambia’s celebration. I bring a message that is succinct and clear to the peoples of South Africa [that] across the Limpopo lies a land that has and will continue to stand firm in solidarity and brotherhood, and that land is called Zambia. To those of you who know the story, sha
re it. Tell it to the generations and even those that are yet to come about our deep historical ties that bind us together as countries.

‘The role of Zambia in South Africa’s liberation struggle… during the dark period of apartheid in South Africa, emerged as a beacon of hope and a steadfast supporter of the liberation struggle. Please allow me to congratulate [South Africa] on this auspicious occasion and wish… the people of this great nation a happy 30th anniversary of your freedom,’ Monze said.

Ambassador Enrique Orta González of Cuba praised South Africa as a ‘symbol of solidarity and the struggle justice’ for the downtrodden peoples of the world.

The nation of Cuba contributed to the fight against apartheid by offering training, medical care and study for struggle heroes in the 1960s.

‘Today, on the eve of the 30 years of democracy in this beautiful country, we can affirm that South Africa has become a symbol of solidarity and struggle for justice. We are glad to see today an apartheid free, independ
ent, sovereign South Africa in solidarity with the people fighting for the just causes of the world – supporting Palestine, Western Sahara, Venezuela and Cuba.

‘Three decades after the defeat of apartheid, South Africa has risen as an example of the global South on how a society can leave hate and discrimination behind in order to be a better country, in order to become a true symbol of reconciliation, and give voice to those who stay in silence for many years.

‘Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the South African government and people on the 30th anniversary of democracy. On behalf of the government and people of Cuba, our sincerest wish is for prosperity, well being and happiness for our dear sister, the Republic of South Africa,’ González said.

The High Commissioner of Lesotho, Ntsime Jafeta, noted that South Africa ‘defied all odds’ by achieving democracy in the face of the brutal apartheid regime.

‘On behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho… I wish to extend our sincere greetings
and best wishes as you celebrate Freedom Month. We note with great joy and satisfaction the fact that this year’s commemoration coincides with the Lesotho bicentennial celebration to mark 200 years since the formation of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824.

‘Despite your vulnerability and pressure from the apartheid regime, you defied all odds. You stood firmly on the side of freedom, peace and democracy. Let us… celebrate the gains brought by the struggles of our forebears, and ensure that sweat and blood nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of peace, democracy and justice to make the world a better place,’ Jafeta said.

Source: South African Government News Agency