The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • S.African court orders Zuma to pay costs for challenging watchdog

    S.African court orders Zuma to pay costs for challenging watchdog

    South Africa’s High Court ordered President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday to pay legal costs for trying to avoid a demand from the anti-corruption watchdog for an official inquiry into alleged influence-peddling in his government.

    “He is ordered to personally pay the costs,” High Court Judge President Dunstan Mlambo said.

    The court is due to rule later on whether Zuma is legally compelled by the Public Protector to set up the inquiry.

    NAN reports the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Monday extended the deadline for President Jacob Zuma to submit arguments on why he should not be prosecuted for corruption.

    “They must submit their representation on Jan. 31, 2018,” said NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku.

    The 783 charges against Zuma relate to a 30 billion rand (2.20 billion dollars) government arms deal arranged in the late 1990s.

    They were filed but then dropped by the NPA shortly before he ran for the presidency.

    NAN reports that a South Africa’s High Court reinstated the charges in 2016 and the Supreme Court upheld that decision in October, rejecting an appeal by Zuma and describing the NPA’s decision to set aside the charges as “irrational”.

    The NPA said then that Zuma had until Nov. 30 to make submissions before it decided whether to pursue the charges.

    Spokesmen for the NPA and Zuma were not available for comment.

    In October, the Supreme Court ruling lifted the rand currency against the dollar as investors bet that Zuma’s removal may be inching closer.

    The president is unpopular with many investors after sacking respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan in March, a move that hit South African financial assets and helped tip the country’s credit ratings into “junk” territory.

    Infighting within the ruling ANC ahead of next month’s conference to elect a successor to Zuma as party chief has also sapped confidence among the investors upon whom South Africa relies to finance its hefty budget and current account deficits.

    One of South Africa’s leading universities, the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said on Thursday that it had appointed Gordhan as a visiting professor.

    He will join other ANC heavyweights, who have ended up at the Wits after being sidelined by Zuma, among them another respected and ousted finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, and former Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni.

    Widely seen as a competent and honest technocrat, Gordhan has become an unlikely poster boy for public anger at the president, whose administration has been marred by missteps and allegations of corruption.

    Zuma denies any wrongdoing. (Reuters/NAN)

  • I believed woman who accused Zuma of rape – Deputy president

    I believed woman who accused Zuma of rape – Deputy president

    South Africa Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, said he believed the woman who filed rape charges against President Jacob Zuma in 2006.

    Zuma was tried and acquitted of raping Fezekile Kuzwayo, also know as Khwezi, 11 years ago, when she was a guest in his home.

    In spite the acquittal the trial damaged Zuma’s reputation, not least because Khwezi – who died in 2016, was HIV-positive and Zuma told the court that he had taken the precaution of “showering” after unprotected sex.

    Ramaphosa, who is vying with Zuma for leadership of the ANC and, therefore, the country, made the remarks during a radio interview on Thursday night.

    When pressed on the rape allegations, Ramaphosa at first demurred before saying: “Yes, I would believe her.”

    “I know how difficult and painful it is for a woman to garner up the courage to stand up and say, ‘Yes, I was raped.

    “It must be one of the most difficult decisions that she has to make,” he said.

    Ramaphosa has been Zuma’s deputy since 2014.

    Read also: Probe Okorocha over ‘statues of Zuma – Johnson Sirleaf

    On Friday, the presidency released a terse statement in response to Ramaphosa’s remarks.

    “The rape allegations against President Zuma were properly considered by a Judge of the High Court.

    Having evaluated the totality of the evidence, the court acquitted Zuma of the rape charges.

    NAN

  • ‘Let us work toward the success of the convention’ -Akpokabayen

    ‘Let us work toward the success of the convention’ -Akpokabayen

    The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) South African chapter, Hon. Ekos Akpokabayen has appealed to the party members worldwide to work towards achieving the most desired and expected success in the upcoming National convention.

    Speaking at a pre-convention parley in Johannesburg, Ekos said it was good that the party has been able to overcome several months of uncertainties.

    “I am optimistic that the party will come out better and stronger than ever after the December 9th National convention,” Akpokabayen said.

    “In the next few days from today, the biggest political party in Africa, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will be having their first consensus and unanimously agreed national convention to elect the key officers who will take the party to its expected destination which has remained the utmost wish of every freedom and progress loving Nigerian today.”

    The convention, he said “will be a very hard choice between a step in the forward direction and one that will take us backwards and that is why we must all strive to do all that it takes not to get it wrong but to make the right choices.”

    Akpokabayen noted that it is clearly visible even to the blind that our country as it is today under the present administration (the APC) is standing on a very faulty foundation, adding that Nigeria has already been taken to the slaughter and has been well placed on the butchery awaiting the final raise of the cutter, and it is seriously crying for the rescue,

    He urged members of the PDP to remember that the majority of the masses are looking up to them to rescue this land and take it forward to her days of plenteous harvest.

     

  • Mission plans census of Nigerians in South Africa

    Mission plans census of Nigerians in South Africa

    Nigeria High Commission in South Africa says the mission will carry out a comprehensive census of Nigerians living in that country for improved service delivery.

    The High Commissioner, Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, said in Pretoria, South Africa on Tuesday that the exercise would cover the nine provinces of that country.

    “ The mission plans to have a comprehensive data of Nigerians in South Africa. We want to know their locations in each province.

    “ My intention is to have a comprehensive census of knowing the citizens of Nigeria residing in South Africa.

    “ I have made it very clear that it doesn’t matter if they have the correct papers or travel documents,” he said.

    Ibeto said that the mission’s aim was to have a data that would make it easy to know the number of Nigerians and their locations in each province.

    Read also: South Africa urged to end hostility towards Nigerians

    The envoy said that the exercise would assist the mission to know how to track the citizens and provide services to them.

    “ If we achieve that, we can provide services, we can track them, we can easily take care of their welfare. So, without this comprehensive data, there is no way we can take care of our nationals.

    “And I told them that with what I have in mind, in terms of having an interactive website, where the citizens can interact with the mission,” he said.

    Ibeto said that  Nigerians could use the website to access consular services from their locations.

    “ This will lessen expenses of traveling to Johannesburg or Pretoria for such services,” the Nigerian envoy said.

    NAN

  • South Africa urged to end hostility towards Nigerians

    South Africa urged to end hostility towards Nigerians

    His Royal Highness, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to South African Government to take measures to end hostility toward Nigerians in that country.

    The Oba of Benin made the call at a reception and Cultural display held in his honour by Edo indigenes residing in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said that Nigeria contributed a lot for South Africa to be freed from Apartheid, as well as helped Angola.
    According to him, we are sad that Nigerians are constantly being bombarded with hostility and aggression.

    “We appeal to South African Government to do its best to stamp out hostility toward Nigerians as the country played a great role in the fight against apartheid, so that Nigerians can live in peace in their country.

    “This will enable Nigerians to reap what they sowed in other African countries.’’
    The Oba also emphasised the need to uphold the Edo culture and value system.
    “I want you to please uphold your culture very high, hold our value system seriously and do not let anybody destroy it because that is the identity we have.
    “Anywhere you go, their culture is very important to them, so let us not import other people’s culture from foreign land to supersede our own. That is why I try to encourage the use of indigenous language in the home.
    “That is why I also want to encourage the re-introduction of Edo language in schools and it is worrisome that history is not taught in our schools.’’

    He urged Edo indigenes in Abuja to do their best to uphold the unity of the country.
    “I want to plead with all indigenes of Edo in Abuja to do their best to keep operate within the law, abide by the rules and regulation of the country and try not to find a way to use shortcut to breach established regulations in whatever you are doing.

    “We will be praying that you succeed in whatever legitimate activities you lay your hands on.’’

    The Edo monarch also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving him at the Vila and also for the support he accorded him during and after his coronation.

    The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki said that the position of the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II was sacrosanct.
    According to him, the Oba’s responsibility is not only to preserve the tradition and culture of the people of great Benin Kingdom, but to also ensure that peace, harmony, and justice prevail among his subjects.
    The governor, who was represented by Mr Festus Osaigbovo, the Director-General, Edo Liaison Office, Abuja, said that the Oba upon ascending the throne, ensured that there was peace and justice in the land.

    “Permit me to mention that in the past one year of my administration, the state has been relatively peaceful.

    “A lot has been achieved owing much to the tremendous support and cordial relationship with the Oba’s palace.’’
    Alslo speaking, the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole expressed delight that the Oba had built on the enviable foundation laid by his forefathers.
    “Those of us who have watched your actions, your pronouncement, your styles and your carriage are proud to have you as our paramount traditional ruler.

    “By your title, you are the Oba of Benin but in truth you are the Royal Father of Edo.
    “We are proud of our father, we are respected because of our intelligence, creativity and because of our resourcefulness, Edo man will never take second.
    “This is why our Oba is number one.’’
    Mr Dickson Omoregie, the Chairman of Edo community in Abuja, solicited the permission of the Oba of Benin to erect a Bini House for the display of artefacts of the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

    According to him, this will accommodate the Benin Cultural artefacts for local and international viewership, to be unveiled by the President and witnessed by other Heads of State. (NAN)

  • Oba of Benin appeals to South Africa to end hostility toward Nigerians

    Oba of Benin appeals to South Africa to end hostility toward Nigerians

    His Royal Highness, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II, has appealed to South African Government to take measures to end hostility toward Nigerians in that country.

    The Oba of Benin made the call at a reception and Cultural display held in his honour by Edo indigenes residing in Abuja on Saturday.

    He said that Nigeria contributed a lot for South Africa to be freed from Apartheid, as well as helped Angola.

    According to him, we are sad that Nigerians are constantly being bombarded with hostility and aggression.

    “We appeal to South African Government to do its best to stamp out hostility toward Nigerians as the country played a great role in the fight against apartheid, so that Nigerians can live in peace in their country.

    “This will enable Nigerians to reap what they sowed in other African countries.’’

    The Oba also emphasised the need to uphold the Edo culture and value system.

    “I want you to please uphold your culture very high, hold our value system seriously and do not let anybody destroy it because that is the identity we have.

    “Anywhere you go, their culture is very important to them, so let us not import other people’s culture from foreign land to supersede our own. That is why I try to encourage the use of indigenous language in the home.

    “That is why I also want to encourage the re-introduction of Edo language in schools and it is worrisome that history is not taught in our schools.’’

    He urged Edo indigenes in Abuja to do their best to uphold the unity of the country.

    “I want to plead with all indigenes of Edo in Abuja to do their best to keep operate within the law, abide by the rules and regulation of the country and try not to find a way to use shortcut to breach established regulations in whatever you are doing.

    “We will be praying that you succeed in whatever legitimate activities you lay your hands on.’’

    The Edo monarch also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving him at the Vila and also for the support he accorded him during and after his coronation.

    The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki said that the position of the Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II was sacrosanct.
    According to him, the Oba’s responsibility is not only to preserve the tradition and culture of the people of great Benin Kingdom, but to also ensure that peace, harmony, and justice prevail among his subjects.

    The governor, who was represented by Mr Festus Osaigbovo, the Director-General, Edo Liaison Office, Abuja, said that the Oba upon ascending the throne, ensured that there was peace and justice in the land.

    “Permit me to mention that in the past one year of my administration, the state has been relatively peaceful.

    “A lot has been achieved owing much to the tremendous support and cordial relationship with the Oba’s palace.’’

    Alslo speaking, the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole expressed delight that the Oba had built on the enviable foundation laid by his forefathers.

    “Those of us who have watched your actions, your pronouncement, your styles and your carriage are proud to have you as our paramount traditional ruler.

    “By your title, you are the Oba of Benin but in truth you are the Royal Father of Edo.

    “We are proud of our father, we are respected because of our intelligence, creativity and because of our resourcefulness, Edo man will never take second.

    “This is why our Oba is number one.’’

    Mr Dickson Omoregie, the Chairman of Edo community in Abuja, solicited the permission of the Oba of Benin to erect a Bini House for the display of artefacts of the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom.

    According to him, this will accommodate the Benin Cultural artefacts for local and international viewership, to be unveiled by the President and witnessed by other Heads of State.

    NAN

  • Tobacco: Stakeholders suggest products’ tax hike to reduce use

    Tobacco: Stakeholders suggest products’ tax hike to reduce use

    Stakeholders have suggested an increase in taxes of tobacco products in the country to reduce its use and generate revenue for the country.

    They made their views known in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State after two days of Technical Working Group workshop on “Tobacco Taxation.”

    The workshop was organised by Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa.

    Mr Austin Erameh, the Programme Officer of CISLAC, told NAN that one of the surest means of addressing tobacco use and control was the use of tax and price system, which he said would also generate revenue for the Nigerian government.

    He said “once you increase tax on tobacco products, prices will definitely go up and when prices go up, the use of tobacco product drops because there will be little money to buy.

    “With that, an individual will have disposable income to take care of their pressing needs.”

    He added that the workshop, with participants from Federal Ministries of Health, Finance, Budget and Planning and relevant stakeholders, reviewed the way forward for Nigeria and concluded that the country needed to review its tax system to reflect a more progressive system.

    He urged civil society organisations across the country to step up interface with
    government on tobacco control agenda to achieve the goal of drastic use of tobacco by Nigerians.

    Dr Toma Malau, a participant from Federal Ministry of Health, expressed optimism that if tax on tobacco was raised, its use would reduce and Nigerians would live a healthy live.

    He, therefore, urged relevant authorities to review taxes on tobacco products.

    He noted that “the outcome of this workshop is incredible. The expectation is that within the next couple of months, hopefully by the grace of God, tobacco taxes should be reviewed to reduce its patronage and encourage healthy living.”

    Mr Basheer Abdulkadir, another participant from Federal Ministry of Finance, said with positive experiences from other countries, increase in taxation on tobacco would double government revenue, hence the advocacy for increase.

    He said “experiences from countries like Turkey, South Africa, South Korea, Egypt show that increase in taxation on tobacco products can double government revenue.

    “We learnt that South Africa’s revenue increased nine fold between 2005 and 2009 following increase in tobacco products’ taxes.”

  • Pistorius bags extra 15 years jail term

    Pistorius bags extra 15 years jail term

     

    South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal on Friday more than doubled the sentence imposed by a lower court on Oscar Pistorius, a double-amputee Olympic sprinter convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in his home in February 2013.
    The case, evoking questions about racial fears and violence against women, transfixed South Africa’s tangled, post-apartheid society — and a broader international audience — with its imagery of the disastrous conclusion to a onetime golden couple. Ms. Steenkamp, 29, was a model and law graduate, and Mr. Pistorius, now 31, had been an emblem of triumph over adversity after the amputation in his infancy of both legs below the knee.
    After his initial trial in 2014, Mr. Pistorius, sometimes nicknamed Blade Runner for the curved prosthetics on which he runs, was sentenced for manslaughter, but that was later changed on appeal to murder. He was jailed for six years in July 2016.
    Prosecutors said the six-year term was “shockingly lenient,” however, and they appealed. The Supreme Court of Appeal increased the sentence on Friday to 15 years but deducted the time he has already served either in prison or under house arrest, meaning that he faces an outstanding sentence of 13 years and five months.

    South African law sets 15 years as the recommended minimum for murder, but it can be lower if there are mitigating circumstances.

  • South African court to decide on harsher sentence for Oscar Pistorius

    South African court to decide on harsher sentence for Oscar Pistorius

    South Africa’s Appeal Court on Friday, scheduled to rule if paralympian Oscar Pistorius – sentenced to six years in jail for murder – should receive a harsher prison term.

    The state prosecution had appealed the sentence earlier this month, saying that Pistorius’ punishment for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp was too lenient.

    The minimum sentence for murder in South Africa is 15 years.

    In 2015, in a case that gripped South Africa and the world, the 30-year-old sprinter was found guilty of the Valentine’s Day murder of his model girlfriend.

    The prosecution argued that Pistorius’ disability should not have been a mitigating factor.

    Read:  Court discharges, acquits nurse of murder

    The South African double-amputee sprinter, known as the “Blade Runner,” maintains he believed Steenkamp was an intruder when he shot her through the bathroom door. It is the second time the prosecution is appealing.

    Pistorius was originally found guilty of culpable homicide, but this was changed to murder on appeal.

    Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated because of a congenital defect, soared to international fame after becoming the first amputee to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games, London.

    Read Also: South Africa now Afreximbank’s shareholder

  • Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria others partner on home decor exhibition

    The Republic of Turkey has said it is happy to participate in the maiden edition of the International Home Décor and Giftware exhibition holding in Nigeria.

    Deniz Eralp, the International Sales and Marketing Manager for Turkey stated  at the opening of the exhibition at the Landmark exhibition centre in Lagos.

    “The ties between Turkey and Nigeria trace back in history and have always maintained good relationships. Both are members of an organisation of Islamic Co-operation and the Developing Eight nations and further maintain close co-operation  economically,” said Eralp.

    The president of the Retail Council of Nigeria (RCN), Ashiwaju Onafowokan, who was represented by the secretary of the organisation, Alhaji Kunle Hamzat, said the retail industry is fast growing and expected to be the biggest employer of labour and the major contributor to the country’s GDP.

    “2017 is no doubt going to be a great opportunity for our members to network with other international participants with a view to establishing business relationship which will eventually grow their business and I turn, the Nigerian Economy,” he said through written speech.

    Further in his submission, Hamzat pointed out that the event would create opportunities for the retail industry as well as create job opportunities for the youths.

    “What you see here today is the meeting of local and international minds. We have foreign investors coming to show interest in Nigeria and we have local buyers who want to tap from the investment to make Nigeria greater.”

    He said the event taking place at this time when the economy is not buoyant means ‘’we are not just limiting ourselves but are thinking outside the box to make things happen. When there is such collaboration, kind of synergised efforts then you see that the economy will bounce back’’.

    The three days’ event is organised by Clarion Events West Africa in partnership with the RCN, Defining the Nigerian Interior or Design Market (DENIM),  Transwalk Interiors,  others.

    Commercial Director Clarion Events West Africa Russell Hughes, in his opening remarks, said the event aims to open up channels of trade between Nigerian retail buyers and the interior designers with local and international suppliers and manufactures.

    “Featured in the exhibition is a vast array of made in Nigeria items as well as as some of the most sought after and newly discovered international brands,”said Hughes.

    President of DENIM, Binta Suleiman said home décor and giftware Nigeria creates  opportunity for dialogue and exchange of opinion and ideas in addition to increased knowledge and demonstration of company presence to the industry. He also stated that it will create an avenue to showcase what the Nigerian interior design market has to offer to the rest of the world.

    “To me, what is more exciting is the business opportunities because it provides us clients with higher poaching power as well as exchange in services, the opportunities are vast. This also gives me hope to see all this amazing brands giants.

    “Nigeria presents a wealth of business opportunities for South African companies. We have over 19 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs that are into  Home Décor and Giftware. These companies offer a wide variety of products in this sector and are already exporting to Europe and the USA,” said Annalize Van Zyl, for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) South Africa.

    The CEO Adam and Eve, Mrs Modupe Ogunleesein, in her keynote address entitled: Nigeria’s Retail Businesses, Removing the Barriers, said people are afraid to spend money on home décor which is one of the challenges facing the sector. Adding that multiple taxation by government agencies is crippling the sector and urged government to make access to funding which would go a long way in boosting the sector.