Day: June 13, 2024

A cross section of Nigerians on Wednesday in Abuja expressed divergent opinions on the gains that had accrued to Nigerians in the 25 years of democracy.

Some Nigerians, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that democratic government had yielded much result for the country, while others thought otherwise.

Mr Benjamin Otu, a resident of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, said democracy had impacted positively on Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

According to him, democracy is gradually taking its roots in every facet of national life.

‘Some of the rights and privileges enjoyed today resulted from a thriving democracy.

‘Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way since 1999; all hands must be on deck to reposition it.’

A civil servant, Mr Rotimi Adeyemi, said that there was no alternative to a democratic government.

‘Under democracy, we have freedom of expression and association, which was non-existent during the military regime.

‘For the past 25 years, the people of
Nigeria have imbibed and internalised the principles and culture of democracy.

‘Most of the bills coming from the National Assembly and the change of government periodically, without any interruption, have shown that democracy has come to stay,’ he said.

According to him, some of the problems faced by Nigerians can be traced to the military.

‘Now, people associate freely and walk freely, as power flows from the people. It is the people that decide who rules them,’ he said.

Mr James Edoh, a businessman, said that democracy had given Nigerians the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable.

‘In contrast, the military rule we had was characterised by tyranny and oppression. It is often said that the worst democratic government is better than the best military government.

‘It is better that we stay with the democratic government and improve on it than the military regime.

‘A lot has been enjoyed by Nigerians in this democratic regime compared to the military regime. Like peace, job creation,
among others,’ he said.

Also, Mr Caleb Ezea, a trader, said that democracy allows for participatory governance.

‘Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It gives voice to the common man.

‘The voice of everyone is heard unlike military rule where tyranny reigns supreme,’ he said.

Mr Ezekiel Ogbu, a civil servant, on his part, called for more transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s democracy.

Ogbu, who said that the country’s democracy was too expensive, urged the country to try another system of government.

Similarly, Mr Solomon Oladapo, a resident of Suleja, called for more progress at the level of development in the country.

He advised the government to close loopholes exploited to loot the nation’s wealth.

Miss Irene Nsiodo, a resident of Garki, said that democracy had brought stability in the political system.

‘I believe that democracy has given hope for a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.

‘Freedom of expression has been given a chance to thrive, le
ading to the exposure of corrupt practices in various sectors of the economy,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced a second death linked to Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.

The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the government provided an update on its efforts to control the spread of the infectious disease.

According to the department, the deceased was a 38-year-old male patient, who was admitted at a local hospital in uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal.

The patient tested positive for Mpox on Wednesday after presenting with extensive lesions, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, oral ulcers, muscle pain, and a sore throat.

‘The patient has unfortunately demised in KwaZulu-Natal the same day his test results came back positive,’ the statement read on Thursday.

The deceased is said to have been living with HIV and listed his residential address as Brakpan in Gauteng.

This brings the total number of positive cases in the country from five to six, and two deaths within five weeks.

‘The department is working closely with both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Departments of Hea
lth to investigate the case. Further updates and reports will be provided once the investigation has been concluded.’

Data shows that the sequencing results for the first three cases, sequence typed as clade ll b, the same as the sub-lineage responsible for the multi-country outbreak, which began in 2022 and has since spread to over 100 countries.

Phaahla emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, timely presentation at a health facility for early diagnosis, effective treatment in the case of suspected symptoms, and close physical contact with a known case.

‘Mpox is a preventable and treatable disease if diagnosed early. People are urged to avoid physical contact with someone who has Mpox, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.’

The department is also warning patients to avoid contact with immunocompromised people, children or pregnant women, who may be at higher risk of severe symptoms if exposed.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the Minister said there was currently no registered treatm
ent for Mpox in South Africa.

However, he said the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends using Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, for treating severe cases, such as in individuals with a CD4 count of less than 350.

He announced that the department has obtained TPOXX via Section 21 South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) approval on a compassionate use basis for known patients with severe disease.

The Minister said they are still looking at obtaining vaccines and considering various options, including who will be the priority target in terms of immunisation.

Government is also looking at immunising sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), healthcare workers, and laboratory workers.

The department, working together with partner organisations, has intensified both targeted and public awareness to empower citizens with crucial information related to Mpox.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of managing stigma for key populations at risk, while there have been no recommen
dations for any travel restrictions.

‘I think one can safely say that, especially for adults, anybody who develops those kinds of eruptions on their skin, even if you may think it might be chickenpox, even young people, should seek medical attention,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (NHTKL) has congratulated South Africans on the successful, free and fair elections.

This after millions of South African citizens participated in the peaceful process of democratic civic expression, making their voices heard through the ballot in the General Election held last month.

NHTKL chairperson, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo, said in keeping with the principles of a seasoned democratic nation, the 2024 National and Provincial Elections reflect a maturing multiparty democracy in practice.

Seatlholo said given that no party has achieved an outright majority, this mandates all elected political parties to work together, as per the wishes of the people.

He said the NHTKL was encouraged by the maturity of the country’s party politics, as demonstrated during the campaigning phase.

‘To this end, we call on all parties to honour their individual and collective responsibilities of ensuring the establishment of the 7th democratic Parliament and Provincia
l Legislatures, based on a solemn commitment to advance the gains and interests of all South African people.

‘On behalf of the traditional communities in particular, we, as the institution representative of their will and aspirations, advocate for the formation of a government that recognises traditional leadership as a vital pillar in our constitutional democracy and a custodian of diverse cultures as well as traditions,’ Seatlholo said.

Seatlholo said the institution of traditional leadership, working together with government and the private sector, has recorded notable progress in the development of traditional communities.

The chairperson said the formation of a new government is also an opportunity to consolidate the gains and accelerate inclusive rural development, as espoused by the Traditional and Khoi San Leadership Act, the 2019 InvestRural strategy, the Developmental Monarchy approach, as well as Agrarian Revolution.

He emphasised that traditional leadership cannot remain outside of building th
e country through the formation of the 7th Administration.

Seatlholo said the NHTKL was eager to work with a government that is sensitive to the land question, respects and honours the history and role of traditional leadership, noting that the liberation struggle was rooted in the struggle for land, which was inherited from traditional leaders; respects the institution of traditional leadership, its place, and its relevance within the democratic dispensation, and appreciates the role of traditional leadership as custodians of culture and custom in shaping identity in a plural society, and the significance of customary law.

‘The National House would like to highlight its eagerness to work with a government that recognises the role that the institution of traditional leadership plays in supporting the ideals of cooperative governance, which is the foundation of effective, interrelated spheres of government, and promotes social cohesion, nation building, the fight against GBVF [Gender-Based violence and Femic
ide], poverty, crime, and other social ills.

‘Traditional leadership makes a humble submission that the new government must give rise to the implementation of the different programmes of the institution that seek to bring the marginalised poor people in rural areas to the mainstream in order to benefit from government interventions,’ Seatlholo said.

The institution noted the voices of civil society and other stakeholders expressing their respective positions and making inputs into the process of forming the new government, which is currently unfolding.

It further expressed confidence in the leadership engaged in the negotiations geared towards the country’s future, and encouraged inclusivity, with the hope that “each will not be ruled by narrow interests or be bullied by forces outside of what is best for our country and its people”.

‘While no single direction will please everyone, the outcome has to inspire confidence and be in the interest of the majority of South Africa’s people,’ Seatlholo said.

The
NHTKL is a body composed of traditional leaders, who are delegates from the Provincial Houses. The traditional leadership represents over 20 million South Africans who reside in communities under the leadership of the institution.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will this week host the first of two workshops to inform potential and existing MDDA grant funding applicants about the compliance requirements for the 2024/25 grant funding cycle.

The agency recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects are encouraged to apply.

‘The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,’ it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

The virtual workshop will be held fr
om 10am to 1pm on Friday, 14 June 2024, on Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5a52a3d-5128-4b2f-87f5-84c3c346c317@be508088-e9e6-4190-b402-329c20fd7bce.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says a new dispensation is needed in the water and sanitation sector to certify proper water management and propel the country to greater heights that will realise water security for future generations.

Mchunu was speaking at the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Conference, currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban.

The three-day WISA Conference has brought together over 1 500 academics, professionals, industry experts and law makers in the water and sanitation fields to discuss key issues and challenges in the water sector.

The 2024 conference, held in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water, aims to discuss and come up with sustainable solutions to the challenges within the water sector.

Mchunu said the current state of water and sanitation services has challenged government and its partners to turn things around, and set high standards for the water and sanitation sector.

‘To a certain extent, water res
ource management has not received the attention it deserves, and the reality is visible with the deterioration of the water quality of our rivers.

‘This is mainly due to pollution emanating from mining activities, industry, agriculture and to a greater extent, from dysfunctional municipal wastewater systems,’ Mchunu said.

In an attempt to address this problem, Mchunu said the department has established a national anti-pollution structure that will work with the department to curb pollution of the country’s rivers and dams.

The Minister emphasised that water resource management is more than just a technical challenge, but a societal imperative.

‘Water resources are the lifeblood of our nation, underpinning our health, our economy, and our environment,’ Mchunu said.

Catchment Management Agencies

During the conference, Mchunu launched four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).

They are the Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agencies.

They will be w
orking alongside the already existing Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu CMAs.

The establishment of the CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.

The agencies will be responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management, and control of all the water resources in a water management area (WMA) at the catchment level.

They also ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning, and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.

These responsibilities require that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area work with CMAs as partners.

In acknowledging the effects of climate
change, Mchunu said the department is an important contributor to building a climate-resilient future through continuous strategising and effective provision of water and sanitation services.

‘CMAs, at local level, will bring together stakeholders to build capacity around creating a climate resilient environment. We are confident that the rationalisation will still achieve the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principle of decentralisation of water resource management to local level and contribute to the transformation of the water sector,’ Mchunu said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The employment of Junior Border Guards at the country’s ports of entry is already yielding results and bolstering national security, while providing employment opportunities for young people.

This is according to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato.

Speaking ahead of Youth Day this weekend, the Commissioner highlighted what he described as the ‘outstanding benefits of youth employment of Junior Border Guards, who continue to thrive with massive interceptions at ports of entry’.

During a border law enforcement operation on 11 June 2024, Junior Border Guards at the Lebombo Port of Entry intercepted significant units of counterfeit alcohol hidden in a minibus taxi, under bags of coal and packs of lettuce.

On 12 June 2024, they intercepted counterfeit clothing and shoes hidden in a trailer of another minibus taxi and in a bakkie full of vegetables.

‘These vehicles were travelling from Mozambique trying to smuggle the goods illegally when they were stopped for a rou
tine search. The matters were handed over to customs for processing,’ said Masiapato.

He highlighted the positive impact the Junior Border Guards have brought in the border law enforcement environment.

He further emphasised the value of investing in youth and the significant returns the investment brings to society.

‘As we celebrate Youth Month, the Junior Border Guards continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing the effectiveness of our border security measures. These young recruits, equipped with rigorous training and a commitment to safeguarding our nation, have been instrumental in making massive interceptions that have disrupted illegal activities and protected our borders.

‘Young people have been awarded the opportunity to contribute to our nation’s safety and they are thriving at the job,’ Masiapato said.

The Border Management Authority remains committed to protecting the 71 ports of entry while facilitating the legitimate movement of goods and people.

The work of the BMA covers areas of immigra
tion, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.

The Commissioner said the authority looked forward to the continued success and the ongoing contributions of these dedicated young individuals.

Source: South African Government News Agency