The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • South Africa’s MTN records higher first quarter revenue

    MTN Group reported a 7.1 per cent rise in first-quarter group revenue helped by a strong performance in data services, the mobile phone operator said on Wednesday.

    MTN said in Johannesburg that data revenue, which contributed 20 per cent of total revenue, was up 29.4 per cent for the three months ended March 31.

    As result, shares in MTN were up 1.36 per cent to 128.52 rand at early trading.

    “In our key markets of South Africa, Nigeria and Iran, significant network investments made over the past few years are underpinning the improving revenue trends,” Group Chief Executive Rob Shuter said.

    “The network investment planned for 2017 is expected to support further market share gains across our markets.”

    Year-to-date capital expenditure stands at 4.6 billion rand, MTN said.

    Ratings agency Fitch downgraded MTN to junk status in April and gave it a negative outlook, citing weakness in the economic and operating environments of its main subsidiaries in South Africa and Nigeria.

    Founded with the help of Pretoria at the end of white rule in 1994, MTN is seen as one of post-apartheid South Africa’s biggest commercial successes.

    But clashes with regulators in recent years have raised questions about its governance and have hobbled its growth.

    The firm, which does the bulk of its business in emerging markets, said Nigeria’s subscriber base declined by 2.3 per cent in the quarter due to new regulations, while total revenue increased by 11.6 per cent.

     

  • Zuma says ‘not worried’ about protests, calls to step down

    Zuma says ‘not worried’ about protests, calls to step down

    Embattled President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday said he had no idea why hundreds of thousands of South Africans had been calling for his resignation in recent weeks.

    “I am not worried about the political situation in South Africa. I haven’t heard that people are unhappy,” Zuma said in Durban.

    Zuma made the comments shortly before the opening of the World Economic Forum on Africa, which is taking place in the coastal city from May 3-5.

    South Africans have been demonstrating against Zuma in cities across the country since late March, calling on him to resign over corruption scandals and his decision to sack finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

    The dismissal of Gordhan caused the rand to plunge and prompted two ratings agencies to downgrade South Africa.

    Zuma said he didn’t know why people were protesting. “I don’t know what makes people so excited,” the president said.

    “Demonstrations are always there,” Zuma said, adding that he regarded the protests as a sign of democracy “maturing” in South Africa.

    On Monday, Zuma had to leave a May Day rally after he was booed off the stage by members of the country’s main trade union confederation in the central city of Bloemfontein.

    His speech had to be cancelled.

  • Renowned S/African author Karel Schoeman commits suicide

    Renowned S/African author Karel Schoeman commits suicide

    Renowned South African author Karel Schoeman has committed suicide, his lawyer Carl van Rensburg confirmed Wednesday.

    Media reports said Schoeman died in a retirement home in the city of Bloemfontein at the age of 77.

    Schoeman was one of South Africa’s most prolific and prize-winning authors and he was even tipped for the Nobel Prize.

    His relatively unknown status has been attributed to his writing primarily in Afrikaans, South Africa’s Dutch-related language.

    Van Rensburg denied reports that he had stopped taking food and water.

    “He found another way to end his life.

    “I presume some sort of medication must have been involved,” he said.

    Van Rensburg said Schoeman had left a letter behind.

    The daily Times Live quoted the letter as saying he did not want to be old and become a burden to anyone.

    NAN reports that Schoeman was a South African novelist, historian, translator and man of letters.

    He was the author of 19 novels and numerous works of history.

    Schoeman wrote primarily in Afrikaans, although several of his non-fiction books were originally written in English.

    His novels are increasingly being translated into other languages, notably, English, French and Dutch.

    Schoeman won the most prestigious Afrikaans literary award, the Hertzog Prize, three times: in 1971 (for By Fakkellig, ’n Lug vol helder wolke and Spiraal), 1986 (’n Ander land) and in 1995 (Hierdie lewe).

    The Recht Malan Prize for “excellence in the field of non-fiction books” was awarded to him four times.

    On the retirement of President Nelson Mandela in 1999, Schoeman was one of only two writers to be awarded the State President Award: Order for Excellent Service.

    In more recent years, his fiction garnered much praise in France, winning inter alia the prestigious Prix du Meilleur Livre Étranger in 2009.

    His 1972 novel, Na die Geliefde Land (literally: To the Beloved Country), was made into an award-winning feature film, Promised Land in 2002, with a screenplay by Jason Xenopoulos.

    Schoeman has produced and published several screenplays, including an adaptation of his first novel, Veldslag, some of which were broadcast on South African national television during the 1980s.

  • Google calls for policies to enhance internet access in Nigeria

    Google calls for policies to enhance internet access in Nigeria

    Google, an online search tool company, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to formulate policies to deepen internet access by Nigerians.

    Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, the Communication and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa of the company, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Kola-Ogunlade said that the government always played a role in web content development and ensured that citizens had access to internet.

    “For people to find content on the web they need to be online in the first place; we need adequate policies enabling the web search.

    “Sometime ago, the Federal Government launched the broadband plan to enable many Nigerians connect online.

    “Policies like that will really help.

    “Out of about 68 million Nigerians internet users now, how many of them go online to read stories?

    “The web helps us not only to consume information but also to export our own cultural stories,” he told NAN.

    The officer commended Nollywood, the country’s movie industry, for playing a good role in exporting the stories of Nigeria.

    According to him, many “You Tube” content creators produce their contents based on Nigeria’s cultural heritage and they have been able to attract target audience from all over the world.

    He identified education as a great tool the government could employ to empower people in the area of acquiring digital skills and access to internet.

    “Educating people on digital skills can improve the number of online entrepreneurs in the country.

    “Education is also very important because it can avail people the access to the web.

    “When we (Google) make our intention known to train a million people on digital skills in Africa last year, the Nigeria government was very supportive of it.

    “Many young people have been able to attend the training; the government, through the office of the Vice President, organised some of the training.

    “I won’t be surprised to see Nigeria’s online entrepreneurs from this initiative in the next few years if this training on digital skills is consistent.”

    The communication officer said that acquiring digital skills could only be driven successfully by the government.

    NAN recalls that Google, in April 2016 at a news conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, announced its commitment to train one million young Africans in digital skills in the next one year.

    The training was to enable the young people, seeking to develop a digital career, become empowered in the area.

     

  • South African in court for plot to kill 19 politicians, businessmen

    A South African man on Friday appeared in court for allegedly planning to assassinate 19 government officials and high-ranking businessmen.

    The 33-year-old, who was arrested on Wednesday, was standing trial in the magistrate’s court in the commercial capital Johannesburg for plotting to kill people who he had identified as beneficiaries of “state capture.”

    Fear of “state capture” has been widespread in South Africa since former public protector Thuli Madonsela released a report in November 2016 that accuses President Jacob Zuma and his close allies, including the Gupta business family, of influence peddling, nepotism and improper procurement practices.

    “Broadcaster ANN7” reported that the names of the president and former boss of state-owned electricity provider Eskom, Brian Molefe, were on the list.

    But the South African directorate for priority crime investigation, also known as Hawks, did not confirm this information.

    The accused was arrested “while he was busy explaining to the donors how the assassination of state capture beneficiaries was going to be carried out by the undercover coup plot snipers,” Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi told national broadcaster eNCA.

    Hawks had been intercepting communication about the planned assassinations since October, according to Mulaudzi.

    The accused had approached several companies and individuals for donations totalling 100,000 dollars to fund the killings, the spokesman said, adding that more arrests were imminent.

  • South Africa meets Nigeria at Alabanza Peace Concert

    South Africa meets Nigeria at Alabanza Peace Concert

    It was all a celebration of peace at the fifth edition of the Alabanza Concert, a gospel musical concert which held in South Africa on Sunday, March 26.

    The event which was organised by Tehila Records was tagged “South Africa Meets Nigeria” and provided an avenue to foster peace and friendship between Nigeria and South Africa, by giving nationals of both countries an opportunity to appreciate each other’s music and tradition under the same roof.

    Beginning with the comperes, Freke Umoh (Nigeria) Loyiso Bala, and Thami Ngubeni (South Africa), the event’s aim of fostering unity in diversity was exemplified by the variety of gospel artistes from both Nigeria and South Africa who performed at the show.

    Nigerian artistes who ministered at the event include Enkay, Chiika 100percent, Sammie Okposo, Chioma Jesus, Onos, Bukola Bekes. Other Nigerian artistes who performed at the event were Freke Umoh, Tim Godfrey, James Okon, Tim Tehila, Annie Ibrahim and Emeka DMD.

    South Africa also had a very strong musical contingent at the event with Ntokozo Mbatha, Nqubeko Mbatha, Loyiso Bala, Khaya Mthethwa all performing. Other performers at the event were Mabongi, Uche (Double double), Mpume, and Mahalia Buchanan.

    “I believe that if both Nigerians and South Africans can understand their differences and truly appreciate each other, they would be able to co-exist peacefully,” said the convener of Alabanza Concert and CEO Tehila Records, Timothy Ogboruche.

    The Alabanza Concert, an annual event since 2013, had a unique feeling as it was first time the event took place outside the shores of Nigeria.

  •  South African Tourism hosts RMD, Seyi Shay, others

     South African Tourism hosts RMD, Seyi Shay, others

    South African Tourism West Africa recently organized an eight-day tour to South Africa for top celebrities to explore the beautiful sceneries and culture of the country. The fun-filled, eight-day experience focused on the Western Cape Province.

    From helicopter rides to elephant rides, the trip was indeed activity filled and memorable. The guests that were taken on the trip, this time around, included Richard Mofe Damijo, John Dumelo, Francis Doku, Seyi Shay, Arese Ugwu, Bolanle Olukanni and Idia Aisien.

    The journey began with the South African Airways flight which the Nigerian and Ghanaian group boarded from Lagos and Accra respectively. The flight which lasted only 6 hours was smooth and comfortable so that by the time the guests landed in from O.R. Tambo International airport, they were ready to board their connecting 1hr45mins flight to Georgesituated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

    Upon arrival, their adventure began. They headed to the Bergsig Game farm where the guests boarded helicopters and went on private helicopter rides where they got to see a panoramic view of the beautiful city. From an altitude of over 8000ft over sea level, the guests were able to view the greenery, mountains and animals.

    Next up, the guests got to visit the Nyaru game lodge situated in the heart of garden route a mere, 30 minute drive from the George airport. The Nyaru game lodge provides a traditional restaurant that comes complete with a fireplace. The crew got the opportunity of enjoying the authentic African bush breakfast on the outdoor deck against nature’s very own picturesque backdrop.

    The next day, the group went on a visit to a small town called Knysna located along South Africa’s famed garden route.  The town is most famous for its oyster festival, warm people and the most magnificent views from Leisure Isle to the Knysna Heads. The guests’ first activity on arrival involved a power boat ride through the Knysna heads and down the Knsyna estuary! The Knysna waters are cool and clean making it a safe spot for speed boating.

    On their last day in the beautiful city of George, the guests visited the Elephant Sanctuary located at Crags, Plettenberg Bay!  The guests enjoyed a very intimate experience with the elephants as they got to ride the elephants taking in the view once again at an extended height. This time around, at the height of over 3,3m which is the height of an African elephant. Some of the guests also went on walks with the elephants leading them by their trunks.

    On their last night in George, the guests got treated to dinner on a boat cruise where they set sail on the calm Knysna Lagoon. Champagne, cocktails mixed with seafood and yummy cuisine was the order of the day as they looked forward to what would be a new adventure in the city of Capetown the next day.

    The anticipation for what was to come was built on the 50mins flight to Capetown from George and the guests looked on in anticipation to what Cape Town had to offer. The first activity the guests embarked upon was to explore Robben Island! Guests got the opportunity to intimately experience a segment in the life of one of Africa’s biggest legends and Nobel Peace prize Laureate, Nelson Mandela. They got the privilege of being inside what was his prison cell for 18 of his 21year sentence. They got to see the tally marks he made inside the cell as that was his way of keeping record of his time in prison. He counted the days stroke by stroke for all his 18 years of imprisonment in the cell.

    Outside the cell, they were introduced to the limestone quarry where Mandela and the other cell mates had to break cement manually with sledge hammers every day for the duration of his imprisonment. It was a bitter sweet moment as the guests gained increased respect and admiration for the African Icon.

    Vroom vroom! It was adventure time once more for the crew. In grand style, they rode on Harley Davidson bikes from Signal Hillto the wine lands located in Groot constantia Landgoed estate. Here, they were introduced to the process of Wine making.Founded in 1685, It Groot Constantia is one of South Africa’s oldest wine farms and a part of Cape Town’s big 7 top attractions! Here, the guests enjoyed the offerings of history, culture and of course, the unique blend of centuries old, ultra-premium cool climate wines.

    No visit to Capetown is complete without a visit to the iconic landmark which also serves as one of the World’s seven wonders. If you guessed Table Mountain, you certainly guessed right. Sitting at a height of over 3,653ft, the guests were treated to cable rides to the top of mountain as they watched on in amazement at the breath taking view of the entire city of Capetown! From the infinitely laid green landscape to the vineyards and surrounding mountains and hill tops the guests were held spell-bound.

    The 2-day Cape Town Jazz Festival was in session while the guests were in the mother city of Cape Town so they got the privilege of attending the festival. This festival plays host to thousands of Jazz lovers across the globe every year with world class acts performing on stage. The smooth rhythm and blues from renowned acts such as Nomfundo Xaluva, Mango groove, Digable planets, Andra day, Camillo Lombard and a host of many more ended their last night in the Western Cape Province.

    It was a bitter-sweet exit as the guests ended their tour knowing that this was only the beginning of more adventures to come. From family visits to bringing friends and spouses, they all vowed to return with their loved ones as there are so many more activities available in the beautiful country. The accessibility and affordability that South Africa presents also helped seal the deal!

     

     

  • China gives conditions for Nigeria to receive more assistance

    China gives conditions for Nigeria to receive more assistance

    Prof. Zhang Yong-Peng, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), in Beijing, China on Tuesday said that for more Chinese development assistance to be extended to Nigeria, both countries should become active partners.

    Yong-Peng told a Delegation of visiting Nigerian Journalists in Beijing, while making clarification on “The Belt and Silk Road: Creating New Development in Africa,’’ that it was imperative for Nigeria to become more active with China.

    “China knows Nigeria as a major power in Africa and would continue to create more opportunities to access her development assistance and funds. Let me say that Nigeria can benefit a lot more from the Chinese government.

    “The Chinese Government’s Belt and Road Initiative currently covers 100 countries, including Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.

    “Nigeria should give us good development plans, because China is ready to provide more support to Nigeria. Therefore, Nigeria needs to be more active with the Chinese government.

    “China is today rising as a political power and needs to extend her political and economic power. And China also needs protection where her political and economic interest is,’’ he said.

    The Professor of International Politics at the Institute of West, Asian and African Studies at CASS said that many other African countries had been benefiting from the agreements reached on the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

    Yong-Peng said that the Silk Road Economic Belt was proposed in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, along the ancient trade routes.

    According to him, more than 100 countries, including European countries, have already signed the Silk Road Economic Belt with the Chinese government, with many roads already built by Chinese companies in the European countries.

    He said that the initiative was meant to promote peaceful co-existence, mutual respect for other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression and mutual non-interference in others’ internal affairs between countries.

     

  • Cross River, South Africa to establish hotel college in Calabar

    Cross River State and North West Province of South Africa last week consolidated their twin cities’ partnership between Mafikeng and Calabar, on three areas of cooperation.
    Addressing a delegation from Mafikeng, North West Province of South Africa, who was in the state for a three-day working visit, Governor Ben Ayade listed the areas of cooperation as agriculture, tourism and the establishment of an international hotel college.
    The governor said the cooperation would include the development of tourism with the setting up of a hotel institute in Calabar, the state capital.
    Ayade spoke at a technical presentation by the team at the conference room in his office.
    The governor said Cross River would implement the other recommendations on mass production of grains, especially yellow maize, livestock farming, with emphasis on poultry.
    On the establishment of the hotel college, he said an action committee would be set up to ensure the institute could become operational in five months – before the carnival.
    The governor hailed the South African team, led by the former High Commissioner in South Africa, Usha Ajulu-Okeke.
    The governor said their recommendation had opened his eyes to the huge potential in various sectors to be harnessed profitably, besides the industrialisation that had been the focal point of his administration.
    He said: “I am taken aback by so much that the South African team could unfold in just a period of about two days. But I think we will be doing a disservice to this state if we do not also compel them to go to the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
    “You will need to be at the ranch. I am quite excited that all the thoughts and concepts you shared, your fears and concerns about Nigeria have melted away just by your first visit to Nigeria and Calabar. I am sure also that the more you stay, the more you will fall in love with Cross River State.”

  • Cross River to partner South Africa on hotel institute

    Cross River to partner South Africa on hotel institute

    The Cross River Government says it is working with the North West Province of South Africa to establish an International Hotel Institute in Calabar.

    Gov. Ben Ayade said this on Tuesday while addressing a delegation from Mafikeng, North West Province of South Africa in Calabar.

    The governor said that the establishment of the institute would facilitate the development of the state’s tourism potentials.

    Ayade added that an action committee would be set up immediately to ensure that the institute became operational in five months before the Calabar Carnival.

    The governor commended the delegation, led by former Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Uche Ajulu-Okeke, for the partnership.

    “I am just taken aback by so much that the South African team could unfold in a short period of just about two days.

    “But I think we will be doing a disservice to this state if we do not also compel them to go to Obudu Cattle Ranch. You need to be at the Ranch.

    “I am quite excited at all your thoughts and concepts you shared; your fears and concerns about Nigeria have melted away just by your first visit to Nigeria and Calabar.

    “I am sure also that the more you stay, the more you fall in love with Cross River State,’’ he said.

    He thanked the team for carrying out an in-depth study and analysis of the areas visited and coming out with an elaborate and unambiguous technical report and recommendations.

    The leader of South African Technical Team, Uche Ajulu-Okeke, explained that the twin-city agreement was signed during Ayade’s visit to South Africa in February.

    During the tour, the team visited the Marina resort, agriculture sites and farms.

    The delegation was in the state for a three-day working visit as part of economic cooperation on areas of agriculture, tourism and establishment of an International Hotel Institute.