Month: June 2024

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the sentencing of a Pakistani national, Arfan Ahmed, who was convicted of corruption and bribing Home Affairs officials at the Krugersdorp Home Affairs office for R45 000.

According to the department, Ahmed was apprehended in a sting operation involving the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks, and the Police Crime Intelligence at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp in March 2022.

‘In the aftermath of his arrest, his home was searched, where multiple passports which were not supposed to be there were found. For this offence, he is serving eight years. As the kingpin of the passport photo swap, the Krugersdorp Regional Court recently sentenced him to another 10 years imprisonment.

‘He is, therefore, serving 18 years for his involvement in the overall passport syndicate activities,’ the statement read.

The department stated that the passport syndicate aims to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently obtaining South Africa
n passports for Pakistani nationals, who did not have a legal right to possess these documents.

Ahmed is said to have been working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga provinces.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs said they have already fired the 12 officials who enabled his scheme after the conclusion of their disciplinary processes.

Motsoaledi said he welcomed the development and was impressed that the courts are sending a strong message that crime does not pay.

‘We’ve been waiting patiently for the sentencing of this kingpin for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate. This is an illustration that in our unflinching commitment to uproot fraud, corruption and all sorts of crimes bedevilling our country, we make sure that kingpins and their ‘lieutenants’ face the full might of the law.

‘Passport fraud is not a victimless crime. Every single South African is a victim because we are now forced to apply
for visas when we visit countries such as the United Kingdom. This was not the case before syndicates like these denigrated our passports. We will, therefore, have no mercy to anybody whatsoever, Home Affairs official or outsider, who gets involved in these dastardly acts. We are doing so to protect the interests of all South Africans,’ the Minister said.

He has since urged all citizens to immediately report such acts of crime to the nearest police station or report them to Home Affairs officials and to refrain from such criminal acts of selling identity.

People who want to report Home Affairs-related crimes can call the national anti-corruption hotline on the toll-free number 0800 701 701 or send an email to [email protected].

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), in collaboration with Near Foundation, has distributed meat to 150 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja, to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

Acting Director-General of FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, explained during the distribution exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the support was part of measures to leave no one behind.

Wenegieme said that the distribution of the meat would give the IDPs a sense of belonging, saying, ‘It is not everybody that can afford a ram or even a chicken.’

The acting D-G urged other organisations to emulate the good will of Near Foundation to give vulnerable people hope in life.

‘Beyond reaching out to vulnerable people, FEMD in partnership with other organisations will equally build the capacity of IDPs in different skills for self-reliance.

‘We pray that Near Foundation and other NGOs we are collaborating with will design different programmes for the poor and vulnerable in the FCT.

‘Helping the less privilege
d people in our midst will give them hope,’ she said.

Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Federal Capital Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman (6th from left); acting Director-General, FEMD, Mrs Florence Wenegieme (7th); and Project Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos (8th), and other officials at the distribution of meat to Internally Displaced Persons to celebrate Eid-el Kabir in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Programme Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos, said that the partnership with FEMD was to strengthen humanitarian support for distressed people.

Bulakos said that the strategic partnership with FEMD helped the foundation in identifying the vulnerable people in FCT, particularly IDPs.

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He explained that humanitarian aid was one of the intervention areas of the foundation, to reach out to poor and vulnerable people in communities, particularly with the current economic hardship in
the country.

On the meat package, the programme manager said that each IDP would receive four kilogrammes of meat to celebrate Eid-el Kabir.

He said that so far, the foundation has slaughtered over 1,200 cows and distributed meat packages to more than 50,000 vulnerable residents of FCT.

‘This part of the tradition of Near Foundation. It is an annual event and still ongoing, as evident with distribution of meat packages to more than 150 IDPs in Abuja,’ he said.

Project Manager of Near Foundation, Mr Abdulmalik Bulakos, supervising the preparation of meat for distribution to Internally Displaced Persons to celebrate Eid-el Kabir in Abuja on Tuesday.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Abdulrahman, Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, FEMD, described the gesture and life changing.

‘This is five years now that they have been consistently doing this. Every salah, the foundation touches the lives of vulnerable people,’ Abdulrahman said.

One of the IDPs in Kabusa, Mr Yahaya Hassan, said he could not afford meat for th
e Eid-el Kabir celebration and thanked FEMD and Near Foundation for supporting him with meat to celebrate salah.

Similarly, Mrs Halita Joseph, an IDP in Yimutu IDP Camp, equally thanked the foundation and FEMD for remembering IDPs every year during salah.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu says it is imperative for Nigerians to have a change of value system for the nation to make progress.

The President said this in Lagos when he received a delegation from the National Assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir on Monday evening.

The delegation, led by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, included the Deputy Senate President, Sen.

Jibrin Barau and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, among others.

‘Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face. As I said in my speech, no matter how difficult it is and how challenging it can be, I will not turn my back on Nigeria,’ Tinubu said.

He challenged citizens to have a change of mindset about Nigeria if the nation is to overcome its current challenges.

‘The need (for some citizens) to change the rent-seeking mindset and become more productive to the economy is a challenge. The need to stop smuggling and all economic sabotage.

‘Why
should we have people removing rail tracks and all that, stealing electric cables and sabotaging the economy?

‘We must embrace the campaign to change our value system. We must tell our people that the challenge we face is for all of us to change our mindset about our country,’ Tinubu said.

The President commended the leadership of the National Assembly for the support extended to his administration, which had resulted in some of the important developments recorded by his administration.

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‘It is great pride for me to have the best of partners in the National Assembly. We have to drill down and be all-inclusive in our bid to satisfy our people.

‘It is daunting, but we cannot run away from the fact that this country must survive the hardship,’ he stated.

The President acknowledged the challenges and the task ahead, assuring the nation of his unwavering determination to turn things around.

‘Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We ar
e not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges. We must find a way to eliminate banditry and terrorism so that farmers can bring out food from the farmland.

‘If you do not have good roads to bring the food to the population, even if you grow the food and you are losing 60-70 per cent to damages, you will pay the price,’ said Tinubu.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Akpabio said he came with the leadership of the National Assembly to pay homage and felicitate with the President on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir.

Akpabio added that the visit was to thank the President for the purposeful leadership in the first year of his administration.

On what Nigerians should expect from the legislature in the days ahead, Akpabio said: ‘Looking forward, the National Assembly will tinker with some existing legislations to further improve on the nation’s ease of doing business.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Medical experts have encouraged the public, especially women and girls to engage in regular screening for early detection and successful treatment of cervical cancer.

They made the call during a zoom meeting organised by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria and partners, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The zoom meeting is with the theme ‘Understanding Cervical Cancer and Its Intersection with HIV.’

The partners include: John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) and GirlsAct.

Dr George Ikaraoha, JHPIEGO Advisor on Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) and Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme (CECAP), explained that cervical Cancer was a malignant tumour of the lowermost part of the uterus.

He added that cervical cancer could be prevented and treated if detected early.

Ikaraoha identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection, early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, sm
oking and immune system deficiency as factors that contributed to cervical cancer.

Ikaraoha, also identified long-term use of oral contraceptives, having many children, poverty, poor access to healthcare services, as well as information amid cultural beliefs as other factors.

He, therefore, encouraged regular screening as crucial for detection and treatment of precancerous conditions before they developed into cervical cancer.

‘By understanding the risk factors and adhering to recommended screening schedules, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and improve their chances of successful treatment, if cancer does occur,’ he said.

Ms Omoseke Bamijoko, an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Nurse with AHF, also stressed the need for early diagnosis, which she explained would enable experts to detect and treat cancer successfully.

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She said: ‘Women living with HIV are more prone to cervical cancer and
as such should go for screening every three years while others can be screened every five years.

‘Also, the public should desist from stigmatising people to enable them access health care.’

She urged girls and women to seek health professionals, when they observe unusual bleeding, increase in foul-smelling vaginal discharge, persistent pain in the back and leg or pelvic.

Others, she said are weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite, vaginal discomfort, swelling in the legs among others.

Dr Lois Maji, a Programme Officer with IHVN, advised young girls to take advantage of the Federal Government’s free programme on HPV screening and vaccine to protect themselves against cervical cancer.

She emphasised that early detection would not only reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Nigeria but would also prevent genital warts and other genital growths in women and girls.

Mrs Menakaya Atenchong, senior nursing officer with AHF, called for more investment and affordable healthcare services, public education, eng
agement of community leaders and utilising culturally sensitive approaches to enhance cervical cancer screening and treatment services.

Mr Steve Aborisade, AHF Nigeria Advocacy and Marketing Manager, said that cervical cancer and HIV were significant public health issues that disproportionately affect women, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Aborisade said the meeting was organised to acquaint participants with information on the relationship between HIV and cervical cancer.

‘This will also enable us to discuss preventive measures, and to share the latest research and strategies for effective management and support,’he said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 160 participants from across the country joined the meeting.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Members of the public wishing to attend the Presidential inauguration at the Union Buildings tomorrow will be able to park their cars at the Tshwane Showgrounds and ride a free bus to the Union Buildings.

This as there will be no private vehicle access to the Union Buildings or the area surrounding the venue except for residents with permits.

The park and ride shuttles will commence operations from 3am until 6:30am.

The Tshwane Showgrounds, also known as Tshwabac, is located at 205 Soutter Street, Pretoria West.

The public walking in will have access to the Union Buildings South Lawns through a security checkpoint.

Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as the President of South Africa at the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh democratic administration on Friday.

The inauguration will be held at the amphitheatre at the Union Buildings and its South Lawns.

It is expected to be attended by the President-elect, Members of Parliament, dignitaries, foreign Heads of State, other guests and members
of the public. The Heads of State or Governments and the delegates are expected to arrive at a different point of entry to that of the public.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the inauguration, as they pledge their allegiance to both the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief.

The ceremonial elements will include, amongst others, a 21-gun salute, a salute flight by the South African Air Force, inspection of a SANDF battalion, a battalion march past, and massed fly past.

The President-elect will be sworn in by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and then he will take an oath or affirmation as outlined in Schedule 2 of the Constitution. The newly sworn-in President will also deliver his inaugural address.

Attendees will also enjoy an array of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that reflect the achievements of the past three decades.

Residents in streets affected by the closures around the Union Buildings and Rietondale are urged to collect
permits from Pieter Delport Centre at 770 Government Avenue, Eastcliff in Pretoria.

The residents will have to present proof of residence when collecting the permits.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) said several roads will be closed near the Union Buildings. Road closures will be implemented from 3am on Wednesday, until 6am on Thursday, 20 June 2024, as follows:

Gordon Road and Stanza Bopape Street

Jan Shoba and Stanza Bopape Street

Grosvenor and Stanza Bopape Street

Hilda and Stanza Bopape Street

Festival and Stanza Bopape Street

Athlone and Stanza Bopape Street

Hill and Stanza Bopape Street

Orient and Stanza Bopape Street

Balmoral Avenue and Stanza Bopape Street

Lisdogan Avenue and Stanza Bopape Street

Farenden and Stanza Bopape Street

East Avenue and Stanza Bopape Street

Beckett and Stanza Bopape Street

Pine and Stanza Bopape Street

Blackwood and Stanza Bopape Street

Johan and Stanza Bopape Street

Wessels and Stanza Bopape Street

Madiba and Stanza Bopape Str
eet

Leyds/Zeederberg and Stanza Bopape Street

Hamilton and Stanza Bopape Street

Steve Biko and Stanza Bopape Street

Dumbarton Road and Stanza Bopape Street

Dumbarton Road and Harcourt Street

Dumbarton Road and Nassau Street

Madiba Street and Government Avenue

Edmond Street and Government Avenue

Balmoral and Government Avenue

Tom Jenkins Drive and Soutpansberg Road

Tom Jenkins Drive and Russell Street

Tom Jenkins Drive next to Government House

East and Government Avenue

Beckett Street and Government Avenue

Pine Street and Government Avenue

Blackwood Street and Government Avenue

North Street

Soutpansberg Road

Van Der Merwe Street

Nuffield Street

The Tshwane Metro Police Department, together with other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed to monitor the street closures.

Source: South African Government News Agency