Day: July 17, 2024

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has encouraged South Africans to watch the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) to hear how their vote will work for them in the coming five years of the seventh administration.

Didiza was speaking to SAnews on the side lines of the pre-OPA walkabout at the Parliamentary Precinct at the Cape Town City Hall – the site where President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his much anticipated address on Thursday.

The address is scheduled for 7pm.

‘It is important to listen in so that we can hear how our vote is going to be used to fulfil the needs and aspirations that we have for the country. The people are waiting to hear from government and how it will serve them,’ she said.

OPA, the Speaker told SAnews will also set out how the parties that make up the Government of National Unity (GNU) are going to join forces to serve.

‘After the vote, there was a Government of National Unity formed and people would want to know how that is going to work.

‘That’s what we will hear tomorro
w. It is no longer a government led by one party but by a number of parties, so people will get to know how they are going to come together and what it is they say they will do for us going forward. The OPA gives us a picture of what it is we can expect from government over the next five years,’ she said.

Didiza said OPA will give South Africans a platform they can look back on in five years time in terms of what their government has done for them.

The Speaker explained the difference between the State of the Nation Address and the Opening of Parliament.

‘When a term of office starts following elections, the President requests that he come and address the Members of Parliament to tell them what the administration will be doing in the next five years.

‘And then during [SONA], he comes to lay out the plans that the administration has for the coming year. He also reflects on what it is he has achieved over the previous year. Then after that, the Minister of Finance will explain how those plans will be financ
ed…

‘So at the start of an administration, the President paints a picture for the next five years,’ she said.

Earlier in the day during a media briefing, Didiza explained that, as is tradition, the South African National Defence Force will participate with a display of military pageantry.

This includes a performance by the military band, precision drills and a display showcasing the skills and traditions of the armed forces of the Republic.

‘The official proceedings begin when the President of the Republic arrives. At the moment, the military choir will perform the national anthem, timed to coincide with the display of the 21-gun salute and an aircraft flyover and salute, highlighting the patriotic spirit of the event,’ Didiza said.

The Opening of Parliament Address is expected to commence at 7pm on Thursday, 18 July, the same day the country and the world commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day

Source: South African Government News Agency

Supporters have gathered to cheer on Fola David, a Nigerian doctor and visual artist, as he embarks to break the Guinness World Records (GWR) for the Largest Drawing by an Individual.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the record-breaking attempt is currently underway at Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

It is scheduled to last for six days, from July 16 to July 21.

With a canvas measuring 850 square meters, David’s artwork, titled ‘Unity in Diversity’, aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and bring the country’s diverse tribes together through art.

David will be using reusable art materials for this attempt.

He aims to surpass the current GWR holder, Ravi Soni from India, who achieved a drawing of 629.98 square meters.

Fans, family, and friends on Wednesday gathered to show their support for David as he works tirelessly to bring this monumental artwork to life.

The event has drawn a large crowd and also generating significant interest in the art world.

The Special Adviser to the G
overnor of Lagos State on Tourism, Mr Idris Aregbe, was at the venue to show support to David on his world record-breaking attempt.

A supporter, Ayomide Alabi said, ‘I’m really rooting for Fola David. I met him at a TedX event in Bells University in May 2018 and he was so gracious.

‘He inspired me to continue drawing at the time too.

‘Remember when he drew a portrait upside down? It was the coolest thing ever,’ he said.

Also, Sophia Davies said, ‘What an incredible start to the Unity in Diversity Project, Day one was a triumph, and we’re just getting started.

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‘Come through at the Onikan Stadium today to support Dr Fola David as he continues his record-breaking journey.’

NAN reports that David’s works have been featured in various exhibitions and galleries, and he has received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the art world.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Every year on 18 July, South Africans from all walks of life join together to celebrate and honour a man who changed the world for the better. This commemoration pays tribute to the life and works of the late former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was the first black president of our democratic government and a global icon.

During this time, people around the world are encouraged to advance Madiba’s legacy and uphold his ideals of a non-racial, non-sexist and equal society.

Mandela Day was introduced in 2009 following a unanimous decision by the General Assembly of the United Nations. It was aimed at encouraging a young generation of leaders to take responsibility in addressing challenges faced by people around the world.

In South Africa we get a chance to celebrate Madiba for the whole month of July.

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day will be celebrated under the theme: ‘It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity’. This occasion also presents us with an opportunity to work
together to build the country we envisioned at the start of our democracy. This includes taking care of the most vulnerable in our society.

In honour of Madiba, government is calling on everyone in the country to use this Mandela Day to improve the lives of those in need. Let us go to our communities to help address some of the problems that our people face as Madiba did many years ago. These actions can range from doing work in your community or providing other necessities to those who are in need.

You can start a community food garden or donate food to a soup kitchen in your community. This is in line with the spirit of Ubuntu that says a person is a person through other people. Our actions can go a long way towards taking the legacy of our icon forward and for the next generation to learn from us. Our history shows that if we work together we can overcome all the challenges we face.

Several events will be held throughout the month to inspire positive change within our communities. This includes the 2024
Mandela Day Walk and Run event which will be held on 20 July 2024 at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. Those who want to participate can choose from the 5km, 10km, and 21km distances.

This year’s Mandela Day takes on an added significance as it coincides with the Opening of Parliament Address for the 7th Administration. The opening provides President Cyril Ramaphosa an opportunity to outline the key priorities and policies of the administration which is made up of several political parties that formed a Government of National Unity (GNU). The GNU is bound by a commitment to respect the constitution and to promote accountable, transparent and good governance.

Government invites all South Africans to be part of the Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at 7pm.

South Africans can tune into their favourite television or radio station to be part of this national milestone. Proceedings will also be covered via government and parliamentary social media accounts. South Africans should also familiar
ise themselves with the contents of the address so everyone can contribute to our growth and development.

Throughout this year, we are also commemorating 30 years of democracy and freedom, and occasions such as a Mandela Day are a reminder of just how far we have come. As government we have various plans to celebrate and mark this national milestone throughout the year.

We have already launched the Democracy Bus Project to draw South Africans from across the country into our nation’s celebration. The bus will journey to different parts of our amazing country – from our nation’s towering cities to deep rural communities – to share our unique story of South Africa rising from a turbulent past to the vibrant hopeful nation.

The Democracy Bus and the story it tells is a reminder of the road we have travelled since 1994, along with the many sacrifices made by generations before who defiantly fought for a better life for all. Their actions, along with icons such as Madiba and many others have given us an opportu
nity to live in a society where all are valued, and can work to make South Africa a better country to live in.

*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Didi Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from Aug. 14.

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, said Walson-Jack was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and had served in several ministries.

‘The new appointee will take over from the incumbent, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, who is due to retire on Aug. 13.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing Head of Service for her stewardship.

He tasked the incoming Head of Service to discharge her duties with innovative flair, integrity, and stringent adherence to the extant rules and regulations of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza says the Opening of Parliament is a significant event for the country’s democratic process, convened by the President in accordance with section 84 of the Constitution.

‘It stands as one of the few occasions that brings the three arms of the State — the executive, legislature and judiciary — under one roof, reaffirming the commitment of all branches of State to democratic principles, accountability and cooperation in the pursuit of national progress and prosperity,’ Didiza said.

Addressing media on the state of readiness to host the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Wednesday, Didiza said following the adoption of the new joint rules of Parliament in November 2023, they now make a clear distinction between the Opening of Parliament Address and the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The theme for the 2024 Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) is: “My Parliament, My Voice, My Future”.

‘The Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) serves as a pivotal platfo
rm for the President to articulate the administration’s comprehensive plans and long-term vision for the upcoming five-year term,’ Didiza said.

Didiza explained that this landmark event not only outlines government’s strategic objectives and policy priorities but also officially inaugurates the new parliamentary term.

‘[OPA] symbolises the continuity of democratic governance and sets the stage for legislative and executive collaboration in addressing national challenges and pursuing the country’s development goals.

‘The State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered annually by the President in February, serves as a platform to review government’s past year performance and outline its agenda for the coming year.

‘The Joint Rules also aim to maintain order and decorum in the Chamber, while promoting civility among Members.

‘Key provisions of the new rules prohibit members from interrupting the President during the Opening of Parliament Address and further stipulate that this joint sitting must focus solely
on the specific business for which it is convened,’ Didiza said.

Didiza said the measures are designed to preserve the dignity of Parliament and underscore the importance of these addresses in shaping the nation’s legislative and developmental agenda.

This year’s OPA holds particular significance, as it coincides with the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

She explained that this provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made since the inception of democratic governance and to determine the path that will be travelled in the next five years in the advancement of democracy.

‘The OPA also takes place on Nelson Mandela Day, on 18 July 2024, a day of great importance which resonates with Parliament’s commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, equality, and service to humanity.

‘This OPA is truly historic as it is taking place under unique, complex, and testing political conditions in our nation, following the outcome of the 2024 Provincial and Nati
onal Elections.

‘These elections have resulted in the formation of a collaborative and unity government to lead our nation for the next five years,’ she said.

Didiza said it’s important to note that the hosting of the OPA represents the culmination of a multifaceted project to establish the seventh term of Parliament.

‘In the weeks since the elections, we have successfully arranged and onboarded all 454 Members of Parliament across both Houses, successfully convened the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, concluded the elections of Presiding Officers of Parliament, established committees and elected chairpersons, appointed office-bearers to serve in various structures and immediately proceeded to debate departmental budget votes,’ Didiza said.

Didiza also explained that this year’s theme resonates with the momentous 30-year milestone of the country’s democracy under which the 7th Parliament is established, reaffirming renewed commitment to a people-centred Parlia
ment and tireless dedication to transforming democratic achievements into tangible improvements in the lives of all South Africans.

‘It emphasises the personal stake each citizen has in our democratic institutions and the collective future we are building together,’ she said.

About the Opening of Parliament Address

The Opening of Parliament Address takes place once every five years, after the Provincial and National Elections, to outline the new administration’s plans while also marking the official opening of the new five-year term of Parliament.

The OPA will take place at the Cape Town City Hall on 18 July 2024 at 19:00.

As of July 14, Cape Town City Hall has been officially designated as the parliamentary precinct in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.

Among the esteemed guests invited to attend are:

Former Presidents: Mr. Thabo Mbeki, Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe, and Mr. Jacob Zuma

Former Speaker and Deputy President: Ms. B
aleka Mbete

Former Deputy Presidents: Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Mr. David Mabuza

Former National Assembly Speakers and National Council of Provinces Chairpersons

Chief Justice Zondo, Deputy Chief Justice Maya, and 15 Judges

Executive Mayor of Cape Town: Alderman Geordin Hill-Lewis

9 Eminent Persons representing each of the provinces.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A global humanitarian organisation, Mercy Corps, has empowered young boys and girls with opportunities to connect with potential employers, enhance their professional skills, and explore diverse career paths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mercy Corps achieved this through its Girls Improving Resilience Through Livelihood and – Health (GIRL- H) programme implemented in Lagos and Kano states from January to December.

GIRL-H programme is dedicated to empowering adolescents and young people through comprehensive support, education, and skills development.

Mr Ndubisi Anyanwu, Country Director, Mercy Corps, said this at the GIRL-H Job Fair, Exhibition and Skills Workshops on Wednesday in Lagos.

Anyanwu said that the GIRL-H programme was implemented in five local government areas in Lagos state, namely Alimosho, Epe, Kosofe, Ojo, and Somolu.

‘We reached 2,500 adolescent girls and boys within the ages of 10 to 24.

‘We work to improve their well-being through increased access to skills and knowle
dge, health resources, formal education, and economic opportunities,’ he said.

He noted that the programme’s objectives were centred around three thematic pillars, namely financial inclusion, social behavioral change and communication, and public-private partnerships.

According to him, public-private partnerships are critical to successful and sustainable programme outcomes.

‘One of the outcomes I’m hoping for is that many of you who are the market operators can absorb the talent that we have in this room.

‘If there’s one thing about Nigeria that we don’t lack, it’s talent. The youths are the face of the future, and the future is now,’ he said.

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He noted that the participants were trained on various skills, including fashion designing, baking, hair dressing, crafts, among others.

Anyanwu said that Mercy Corps operated in about 40 countries, began operation in Nigeria in 2012, and Nigeria being its biggest portfolio.

He noted that its
intervention centres on food and water security, peace, economic opportunities, with particular attention to issues around gender, and improving livelihoods for women and adolescents.

Similarly, Mrs Rosetta Etta, Programme Manager, GIRL-H, said it was a multi-country programme implemented in Nigeria, Haiti, Kenya, and Uganda.

‘We are thrilled with the success of today’s Job Fair and the opportunities it created for our participants.

‘This event is a testament to our commitment to empowering young individuals, promoting gender inclusivity, and fostering a supportive environment for all.’

Etta said that the event resulted in many participants landing interviews and job offers, propelling them toward successful careers and a supportive community for young professionals.

Commenting, Mrs Rashidat Umar, Deputy-Director, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, commended Mercy Corps for empowering the youth with skills that would enhance their employability, self-independence and financial freedom.

Source: N
ews Agency of Nigeria