The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • Zuma asked to resign as South African President

    Zuma asked to resign as South African President

    The ANC has decided to sack Jacob Zuma as President of South Africa, a senior official said on Tuesday, after a marathon meeting to determine the fate of a leader whose scandal-plagued years in power darkened and divided Nelson Mandela’s ‘Rainbow Nation’.

    The decision by the ruling party’s national executive came in the early hours of the morning, after 13 hours of tense deliberations and one face-to-face meeting between Zuma and his presumed successor, deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

    Zuma has been living on borrowed time since Ramaphosa, a union leader once tipped as Mandela’s pick to take over the reins, was elected as head of the 106-year-old ANC in December, narrowly defeating Zuma’s ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

    In spite of the damning decision to order Zuma’s “recall” – ANC-speak for ‘remove from office’ – domestic media have speculated that the 75-year-old might yet defy the party’s wishes, forcing it into the indignity of having to unseat him in parliament.

    Read Also: Zuma: ANC leaders to meet on Wednesday

    Shortly before midnight, the SABC state broadcaster said Zuma had been told in person by Ramaphosa that he had 48 hours to resign.

    A senior party source later told Reuters Zuma had made clear that he was going nowhere.

    “Ramaphosa went to speak with him,” the source said, adding that when Ramaphosa returned to the ANC meeting in a Pretoria hotel, the discussions were tense and difficult”.

    “We decided to recall Zuma. He hasn’t been told yet,” the source said.

    The ANC said it would hold a media briefing at 1000 GMT to reveal the results of the meeting.

    Zuma’s spokesman did not answer his mobile phone.

    On Friday his wife Tobeka Madiba-Zuma posted comments on Instagram suggesting Zuma, who has challenged and defied attempts by the ANC and courts to rein him in, was prepared to fight and believed he was the victim of a Western conspiracy.

    “He will finish what he started because he does not take orders beyond the Atlantic Ocean,” she said.

    South Africa’s economy, the most sophisticated on the continent, has stagnated under Zuma’s nine-year tenure, with banks and mining firms reluctant to invest because of policy uncertainty and rampant corruption.

  • Zuma cabinet meeting not ‘special’, spokesman says

    Zuma cabinet meeting not ‘special’, spokesman says

    The Presidency said South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma was chairing routine cabinet committee meetings in Cape Town on Tuesday and not holding a “special cabinet meeting” as reported in local media.

    Bongani Ngqulunga, Zuma’s spokesman,  said a full cabinet meeting was scheduled for Wednesday.

    He dismissed speculation in domestic media the embattled president had called a meeting to discuss his future with his cabinet colleagues.

    The African National Congress ( ANC ) met on Monday to discuss Zuma’s future amid growing.

    Read also: Zuma: ANC leaders to meet on Wednesday

    pressure on the 75-year-old leader to step down as head of state over corruption allegations and a weakened economy.

    Zuma, in power since 2009, has been deserted by prominent allies since being replaced in December as ANC leader by Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s deputy president, who is now lobbying behind the scenes for him to step down as president too.

    Overnight talks with top ANC officials failed to persuade him to quit, and a group of Zuma loyalists said they would march on Monday on the party’s headquarters in downtown Johannesburg, Luthuli House, in support of the president.

    ANC officials said the party had summoned its National Working Committee (NWC) to meet at 1200 GMT at Luthuli House.

    The NWC handles the day-to-day running of the ANC, which has run South Africa since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

    It would need to call a meeting of the National Executive Committee to force Zuma to quit.

    Asked about the ongoing talks surrounding Zuma, ANC spokeswoman Khusela Diko said: “There is no crisis within the ANC, we are used to robust discussions.”

    The ANC’s top six most powerful officials met Zuma late on Sunday at his official residence in Pretoria but there was no announcement of the outcome.

    After the pro-Zuma group Black First Land First announced its march on Monday, a pro-Ramaphosa faction of the ANC said it would “defend” Luthuli House, raising the prospect of clashes between different camps within the party.

    The ANC said it respected the right of citizens to protest in a disciplined and peaceful manner.

    Opposition parties and some in the ANC want Zuma to go before his state of the nation address to parliament, scheduled for Thursday.

    Zuma has not said in public whether he will step down voluntarily. But he faces a new confidence-vote in parliament against his leadership on Feb. 22 filed by the opposition far-left Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF).

    The EFF has asked the speaker of parliament, Baleka Mbete, to allow a secret ballot for the no-confidence vote, a decision which would increase the chances of Zuma losing the vote.

    Unlike in August when Zuma survived a no-confidence vote, a significant portion of the ANC now wants him gone.

    If he lost the vote, his entire cabinet would have to step down.

    Zuma will meet Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini at 1200 GMT on Monday at the king’s residence in Ulundi in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, said Prince Thulani Zulu, a spokesman for the Zulu royal household.

    The spokesman declined to speculate on whether the king, a key ally of Zuma, who is also a Zulu, would add his voice to those urging the president to step down.

    Zuma’s spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga said the meeting with Zwelithini was “a longstanding courtesy meeting between the President and His Majesty which was initially meant to take place in January but was postponed due to diary challenges on both sides”.

    Zwelithini is the influential traditional head of South Africa’s biggest ethnic group, with around 10 million first-language Zulu speakers out of a total population of around 55 million, but he holds no role in government.

    “Zuma would listen to the Zulu king. Zuma is a traditionalist and has a power base in KwaZulu-Natal province,” said political analyst Ralph Mathekga.

    “The king is a bargainer, he could help Cyril (Ramaphosa) heal KwaZulu-Natal after Zuma goes.”

    NAN

  • Google pulls out 1.7 billion bad ads from sites

    Google pulls out 1.7 billion bad ads from sites

    Google pulled out 1.7 billion bad ads from sites with machine learning technology in 2016, an official, Ms Jenn Kaiser, has said.

    Kaiser, the Head of Ads PR, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Google and YouTube, gave the figure on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    She spoke on “Good Advertising, Our Products and Policies’’ at a Google Online Advertising Conference for Media Personnel.

    Read also: Google reaffirms commitment to Safer Internet for all

    According to the official, some of the bad ads are misleading and redirect someone to other sites.

    Kaiser assured the global business community that policy enforcement by Google would ensure that bad ads would not infiltrate sites easily.

    She said that Google would provide tools that would ensure good decision making for advertisers and publishers involved in online ads.

    “Google policies are evolving; this is to ensure that bad ads do not infiltrate sites easily.

    “This has to do with regulation changes from various countries, legal and user safety market trends and technology.

    “The changes are made through investigations, user feedbacks and market trends that have to do with emerging businesses,” she said.

    Kaiser said that the policy would be valuable and transparent for it to make the required impact.

    The official warned that one could be blocked from the Google ecosystem if seen as a constant defaulter, although access could be returned later.

    According to the official, by February 15, Google Chrome would have a feature that ensures good ads on sites in the North America and Europe.

    NAN

  • Zuma ‘rejects ANC request’ to stand down

    Zuma ‘rejects ANC request’ to stand down

    South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma has defied his party and refused to step down, according to media reports.

    He and senior members of the African National Congress (ANC) held talks on Sunday but no details of their meeting have been released.

    Facing corruption allegations, Mr Zuma was replaced as ANC leader in December.

    Read Also: Zuma  again denounces ‘monopoly’ white economic power

    Party leaders, who may be trying to oust the South African Head of State before his State of the Nation address later this week, will hold an emergency meeting on Monday.

    Julius Malema, an opposition leader and former ANC member, said on Twitter that Mr Zuma had been asked to stand down but had refused.

    He was regarded to have spent time in prison for his part in the fight against apartheid, most of the way through his second – and last – term as president.

    Under his rule, the civil service has expanded, HIV/AIDS rates have decreased, and his plans for development have won support across the political spectrum. But the Zuma presidency has been overshadowed by allegations of corruption and his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, was elected the leader of the ANC party in South Africa in December on an anti-corruption platform.

    BBC

     

  • American Singer Rihanna performs African dance routine at the Grammys

    American Singer Rihanna performs African dance routine at the Grammys

    Rihanna, in a sparkly fuchsia gown, complete with a fringed hemline and a hibiscus draped behind her ear on Sunday, performed the South African `gwara gwara’ dance in a song she featured with DJ Khaled.

    She incorporated a popular South African dance in her performance of a song titled,‘wild thoughts’.

    Several international news media had mistaken the dance for an almost similar popular American dance called ‘the stanky legs’.

    However, some Africans on twitter have come out to correct the error by spelling out the name of the dance.

    READ ALSO: Grammys: White roses are the motif, women’s equality the message

    Popular British-Nigerian actress and singer, Cynthia Erivo took to her twitter handle @CynthiaEriVo to join in the correction, saying:

    “This is not the Skanky leg; this is the #GwaraGwara it originates in South Africa.”

    Also, the dance group AVO Boyz took to their instagram handle @official_avoboyz to corroborate the correction.

    They posted a photo of Rihanna doing the dance and captioned it: “Hit the GWARA GWARA @badgirlriri, @ghana_boii, @coco_duduyemii, @djkhaled, @brysontiller.”

    The Barbados singer was taught the dance routine by the dance group Africa’s Very Own (AVO) Boyz, who also joined her on stage for the performance.

    A key member of the dance group, Stephen Ojo thanked the pop star for learning the dance on his Instagram page @papi_ojo.

    He shared a picture of the ceremony and wrote: “God is amazing @badgirlriri, @djkhaled, @brysontiller.

    “Riri, thank you for giving Afrobeats/African dance a chance and letting us teach you. God bless you. You, Bryson and Khaled are all some humble people. God is good.”

    Video excerpts from the dance routine on the awards show surfaced online and have since gone viral.

    Rihanna won her ninth Grammy Award for her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on the song ‘Loyalty’.

    NAN

  • Monarch marks 10th anniversary on throne

    The Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal has pledged his commitment to grassroots development. He stated this while addressing reporters in his palace in Ede, Osun State on preparations for his 10th anniversary on the throne of his ancestors.

    The monarch said he would support any project that would make life meaningful for his subjects.

    Oba Lawal noted that a leadership position could only be meaningful if there is transparency, accountability and concern for people’s welfare.

    According to him, the major challenge the people, especially the less-privileged are experiencing, is poverty.

    Oba Lawal promised to support programmes that will alleviate the suffering of his subjects.

    The Timi also vowed to ensure continued phenomenal growth and advancement in Ede Town and Osun State during his reign.

    Also, the Chairman of the 10th Anniversary Committee, Prof. ‘Siyan Oyeweso said: “The Kabiyesi has been able to maintain peace and security in Ede since he assumed the throne of his forefathers 10 years ago.

    “We owe the relative peace and security being enjoyed in the ancient town of Ede to his peace and security initiatives through traditional means and the co-operation of his subjects.”

    According to him, the monarch was also concerned about the welfare of his people in the Diaspora through constant engagement with those in Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United States of America (USA) and others.

    “There are rapid socio-economic developments during Oba Lawal’s reign. In his time, the Ilori College of Education, Adeleke University and Redeemer’s University all in Ede, were established as part of education developments.

    “This gives a global relevance to the community and has placed it on a global map of education development. The students’ population and workers who patronise infrastructure facilities in the town also boost its economy relatively.

    “Also, the Spring Time Development Foundation, Ede, a non-governmental association, which gives scholarships to make education available to the less-privileged individuals, was founded during the monarch’s reign.

     

  • Two killed as South Africans attack Nigerians, burn houses

    Two killed as South Africans attack Nigerians, burn houses

    Two nigerians including 27- year -old  Ebuka Okori, have been killed in South Africa the Nigerian community in South Africa said.

    Okori hailed from Umunze in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State, Chairman, Nigerian Union chapter in Kwazulu Natal Province of South Africa, Bartholomew Eziagulu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by  telephone yesterday.

    The indentity of the second victim was unknown at press time, but the President of the Nigerian Union of South Africa, Mr. Adetola Olubajo said he was killed in Rustenburg.

    A mob also destroyed four shops and several houses belonging to Nigerians at Krugersdorp, near Johannesburg.

    Eziagulu said that an eyewitness informed the union that two police officers in mufti forcefully gained access to Okori’s house at Campbell Street in Durban at 2.am on Friday.

    According to him, the officers demanded money from Okori.

    He said: “When he refused, he was handcuffed, taken outside and shot dead. The officers took away his cell phone, e-passport and other valuable documents.

    “The relative of the victim was tortured and robbed of his belongings while a third victim, a South African,  was also robbed.”

    Eziagulu said that the Okori`s  brother escaped from the house and called for help.

    “The Metro Police around the vicinity swiftly intervened and picked the vehicle number of the assailants,” he said.

    Eziagulu said that police detectives and another special police team which investigates complaints against their colleagues are assisting to arrest the culprits.

    “So far I must appreciate the effort of the SAPS detectives, Metro Police and the IPID team, there were fantastic at service, so much cooperation, never seen before.

    “The station of the culprits has been directed for immediate arrest, while one of them already requested for sick leave ,the other still at large”, he said.

    President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Adetola Olubajo, said that the national secretariat had been informed about the incident.

    He said that the union was monitoring the situation and had informed the Nigerian Mission and the South African police.

    Eziagulu in a statement also drew attention to the case of another Nigerian Ebuka Eziomwu , charged with  robbery.

    The ward Chairman of the Nigerian Union at Krugersdrop, Mr.Cyril James, said the mob attacks started on Thursday following an allegation that a Nigerian abducted a South African girl and raped her.

    He said: “The South Africans attacked our homes and shops, destroyed all we have. Many Nigerians suffered severe injuries during the attack. We have left our homes for safety because they (South Africans) are regrouping to attack us again.”

    James urged the Nigerian mission to urgently intervene before the mob kills more  Nigerians. According to him, the safety of Nigerians in Krugersdorp is no more guaranteed because there is no help.

    Olubajo said that the situation in the area was bad.

    “I can confirm that Nigerians in the area have been attacked. I am amazed and emotionally down as calls from panicked Nigerians flooded my phone from various Provinces.

    “The South African government needs to be engaged at the highest level to avoid further loss of lives and property of our citizens,” he said.

    Olubajo said that two Nigerians had been killed in South Africa in Rustenburg and Durban since the attacks began.

    “Two Nigerians have been killed, many displaced and injured in fresh Xenophobic attacks and extra-judicial killing,” he said.

    Two weeks ago, more than five Nigerian owned shops and houses were burnt at Rustenburg, North West Province by Taxi Drivers.

    The drivers alleged that Nigerians sold drugs to a gang that attacked their members and that a Nigerian abducted and raped a 16-year old South African girl.

    The union denied the allegations.

    “After our investigation, no Nigerian has been arrested for the rape or drug offence. The allegations are false and spurious, ” the union said.

     

  • Pregnant woman bites rapist’s genitals – Police

    Pregnant woman bites rapist’s genitals – Police

    South African Police said they are on the lookout for a man with severely injured genitalia who allegedly raped a pregnant woman, who bit him in self-defence.

    Local police spokesman Leonard Hlathi told newsmen on Wednesday that the woman, who was in the third month of her pregnancy, was raped at knife point.

    “She was rape in front of her young child after she hitched a lift with two men in eastern Mpumalanga province.

    “One of the men forcefully raped her at knife point in front of her child,’’ a police statement read.

    The crime occurred on Monday.

    “The woman managed to bite the private part of the man, who ran away after the ordeal,’’ it added.

    Police, however, appealed to all health institutions to contact the authorities if they find a man with “an injured private part.”

    The police also put out a tweet on their official account calling for information on the case.

    Also Read: Police killed 13 during 2017 protest

    Hlathi told newsmen that in spite of his bad injuries, the man had managed to flee.

    “It is not the first time that men bitten on the genitals have managed to escape,’’ he said.

    He said that the woman is being treated by a psychologist, and noted that in South Africa “sexual offence cases are high.”

    South Africa recorded a total of 39,828 rapes in 2016 to 2017, an average of around 109 per day.

    However, the figures may be even higher, with think tank Africa Check warning that rape may be under-reported.

    (dpa/NAN)

  • Photojournalist kidnapped in Syria still alive

    Photojournalist kidnapped in Syria still alive

    A South African charity says it has received proof that photojournalist Shiraaz Mahomed, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2017, is alive.

    The disaster relief NGO Gift of the Givers said on its Facebook page on Tuesday that it had been contacted by an anonymous source in Syria who said he had access to Mahomed.

    Mahomed’s family sent the source a list of questions for the South African freelance photojournalist to answer in order to prove his identity.

    “Last night was the turning point as Shiraaz’s family confirmed that all ten questions were correctly answered and it could ONLY be from Shiraaz.

    “The family were ecstatic,” Gift of the Givers said in its Facebook statement.

    Read Also: Russia accuses U.S. of training ex IS fighters to destabilise Syria.

    Mohamed was seized by gunmen in Darkouch in war-torn Syria in January 2017, while he was travelling with Gift of the Givers to document the charity’s work.

    “Now comes the daunting challenge – why was Shiraaz captured and what do they want?” the organization said.

    It is unclear who, or which group, took Mahomed, and no ransom has been demanded for his return.

    NAN

  • S/Africa to take tough decisions to grow economy

    S/Africa to take tough decisions to grow economy

    South Africa’s government will take “necessary tough decisions” to stabilise public debt and grow the economy, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Saturday.

    “We will take the necessary tough decisions to continue fiscal consolidation.

    “We will effect monetary stabilisation as we move towards the 2018 budget in February,” Gigaba told a breakfast briefing.

    The briefing came before the start of the ruling African National Congress conference to pick a new party leader.