The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • 3 killed in xenophobic violence in South Africa

    At least three people said to be foreign nationals have been killed in a wave of xenophobic violence in the South African city of Durban, local media reported on Friday.

    Residents looted shops owned by foreigners on Thursday, with one Somali shopkeeper now fighting for his life.

    Hundreds of people from Malawi, Burundi, Zimbabwe and Congo have reportedly fled their homes in the past two weeks.

    A police spokeswoman was quoted as saying that several arrests have been made.

    The rioting followed comments by Goodwill Zwelithini, king of the Zulu ethnic group and figurehead of the eastern province of KwaZulu-Natal, who criticised the presence of immigrants in South Africa.

    Zwelithini later said his comments had been misinterpreted and that he had only criticised high crime levels, according to a local broadcaster.

    More than 60 people died in xenophobic attacks that swept the country in 2008.

    Economically disadvantaged South Africans see foreigners as competing with them for businesses and jobs.

  • South Africa’s rand extends losses against dollar

    South Africa’s rand extended losses against the dollar after a statement by United States Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen  signalled that the bank was on course to raise interest rates later this year, stoking greenback buying.

    The rand had softened 0.28 percent to a week-low of 12.0690 per dollar, remaining above the crucial technical level that is likely to see the unit weaken further towards 2002 lows of 12.6500.

    The rand flirted with three-week highs in the previous week before capitulating to a firming dollar, as inflation pressures increased with local petrol prices set to rise 14 percent.

    A wage dispute between South African public sector unions, demanding a 10 percent wage hike, against an offer of 5.8 percent, is also likely to pressure the unit.

    “The fact that the government hasn’t made any tangible progress on this matter remains a concerning overarching factor for the rand,” said economists at ETM Analytics in market note.

    Government bonds were also weaker, with the benchmark issue due in 2026, adding five basis points to a week-high of 7.88 per cent.

  • Eagles: Stakeholders want fans to be patient with team

    Eagles: Stakeholders want fans to be patient with team

    Following Super Eagles’ 1-1 away draw with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a friendly game, some stakeholders have called for patience with the Nigerian team.

    The stakeholders who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the match said that the present crop of Eagles ‘were works in progress’.

    Ramson Madu, an Assistant coach of Heartland Football Club of Owerri said the team would improve with time.

    “Although their first friendly game against the Cranes of Uganda at home was disappointing, I believe they will perform well in future,” he said.

    Isa Akor, a player with the ‘Naze Millionaires’, as Heartland were widely known, said the players would need more matches to be able to understand one another on the pitch.

    “With more matches they will do well; what is needed in the team now is for players to sharpen their reflexes,” he said.

    He called on the handlers to look inwards into the various leagues to pick outstanding players.

    Obinna Anyamele, a Marketing Manager of Guinness Nigeria plc., the sponsors of the Eagles, said there was still room for improvements.

    “The guys are doing well but have not sufficiently imbibed the killer instinct as well as the right technical input envisaged in a big team in the making,’’ he said.

    He then appealed to fans in the country to stand firm with the team in order for them to play their hearts out.

    “If they know that Nigerian’s are massively behind them, they will play with the interest of the nation at heart,” Anyamele noted.

  • 23 Super Eagles head to South Africa

    23 Super Eagles head to South Africa

    A 23-man Super Eagles’ squad is set to depart for South Africa for the friendly match on Sunday.

    The match is set to be played in Nelspruit at the Mbombela Stadium, and is set to kick off at 14h30 Nigerian Time.

    Nigeria lost 0-1 to Uganda at home on Wednesday, while South Africa beat Swaziland 3-1 away.

    The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana have previously met 11 times, with seven wins for the Eagles, just one for Bafana, and three draws (two of which were in 2014).

    The following players will make the trip:

    Theophilus Afelokhai, Daniel Akpeyi, Akas Chima, Omeruo Kenneth, Ogbonnaya Nelson,Musa Ahmed, Ukoh Steven, Ighalo Jude, Akpan Hope, Leon Balogun, Onazi Ogenyi, Ujah Anthony, Oboabona Godfrey, Egwuekwe Azubuike, Latifu Akeem, Aluko Sone, Aaron Samuel ,Nathaniel Joseph, Ogu John, Simon Moses, Dimgba Sopuruchi, Sokari Kingsley, Michael Babatunde

    The following players will not be going:

    Chidiebere Eze, Mfon Udoh, Moses Ebong, Onyekachi Okoye.

    Vincent Enyeama has already returned to France.

  • Ujah: I’ll prove myself against South Africa

    Ujah: I’ll prove myself against South Africa

    After being a bit-part player for the Super Eagles over the last two years, Nigeria striker Anthony Ujah has said he hopes to prove his worth in Nigeria’s colours, ahead of the friendly against South Africa on Sunday.

    The 24-year-old has been recalled to the Nigeria team and started in the shock 0-1 loss to Uganda on Wednesday in a friendly, and he says he is looking to get that first goal to boost his confidence.

    “I want to show what I can do for my country and I probably need that first goal to boost my confidence,” he said.

    The Cologne of Germany striker also speaks on why he has failed to replicate his club form for Nigeria, but admits he is trying to find his rhythm playing for the Super Eagles.

    “When I get that one goal, I want to get more,” he said. “Club football is different from national team football but I am putting in my best and still trying to find my rhythm.

    “I hope to get that success and even though it’s been long since I last played for this team, I never gave up and I kept working hard, because I know what it means to play for my country. But I just need that first goal because it will give me a lot of confidence.”

  • Akpan: Eagles will improve against South Africa

    Akpan: Eagles will improve against South Africa

    Reading midfielder  Hope Akpan has vowed that the Super Eagles will up their performance on Sunday when they face South Africa, following the loss to Uganda two days ago.

    The Anglo – Nigerian has lavished praise on Vincent Enyeama, saying the Lille goalkeeper is one of his role models.

    “Not the result we wanted yesterday (Wednesday), but there were positives from the performance of players still gelling together. We will improve for SA.

    “Congratulations to our captain Vincent Enyeama on 100 caps for the Super Eagles. The guy is simply an inspiration, ” said Hope Akpan on Twitter.

    23 – year – old Akpan has sported the Super Eagles jersey on three occasions since he debuted.

  • How Keshi’s squad list for Uganda, South Africa was thrown out

    How Keshi’s squad list for Uganda, South Africa was thrown out

    GOAL can reveal that Nigeria’s squad list for the international friendlies against Uganda and South Africa was initially drafted by coach Stephen Keshi before being thrown out.

    The out-of-contract Keshi was initially contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee to draft the list of players that will take on the Cranes in Uyo on Wednesday, and Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit on Sunday, which he did only for it to be turned down on ‘order from above’.

    It was claimed that since Keshi had not yet signed a new contract with the NFF, it was important not to make the federation look like it was too dependent on his services.

    In truth, it is Keshi who has been drawing up the list of invited players despite his contract having run out at the end of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, he was contracted by sports minister Tammy Danagogo to handle the team on a per-game basis as they failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea.

    Eventually, the list that was made public was drafted by the Felix Anyansi-Agwu-led NFF Technical Committee.

    It was the reason why prominent players that have always made Keshi’s list like Emmanuel Emenike, Ambrose Efe, Chigozie Agbim and Austin Ejide among many others did not make the list.

    Stand-in coach Daniel Amokachi was also invited to coach the team for the two friendly matches since he has enjoyed a good relationship with the majority of the board members of the NFF, most especially the ones from the northern enclave of the country.

    He has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the establishment due to his ‘exemplary behaviour’ and for not being antagonistic in the ongoing Keshi contract saga.

    While the coaching contract saga is expected to end in a few days, the issue will be ironed out finally on Wednesday at the board meeting of the NFF.

  • Food Concepts partners Pioneer Foods in South Africa

    Food Concepts Plc; a market leader in the West African food industry with a basket of top brands, including Chicken Republic, Butterfield Bakery and Free Range Farms, has announced its partnership in its Baked Good Division, with Pioneer Foods, a leading South African FMCG company.

    Speaking on the deal, Phil Roux, CEO Pioneer Foods, said: “Butterfield provides an ideal opportunity to leverage our expertise to grow the bread category. Pioneer aims to be a leading FMCG company in Africa and Nigeria is a key market for any food company in search of growth.”

    Chairman, Food Concepts Plc,  Mr Deji Akinyanju: said the partnership will benefit from the combination of the respective strengths which will be used to tap into the vast opportunities in the Nigerian FMCG sector to deliver extraordinary value to customers

    Food Concepts was founded by Akinyanju, an entrepreneur, in 2001. The company, whose shareholders include International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank member, and Development Partners International (DPI), a UK based private equity firm focused on African investments, continues to evolve in a remarkable story of a revolution in the Nigerian food sector.

    The company recently demerged its Baked Goods Division into Food Concepts Pioneer Limited (FCPL). Pioneer Foods acquired 50.01 per cent of FCPL while Food Concepts Plc retains 49.9 per cent.

    FCPL will house Butterfield Bakeries, a baked goods business specialising in bread and sausage roll production. This will allow Pioneer Foods to leverage existing infrastructure and brand recognition — both crucial elements of consumer packaged-goods companies. Pioneer Foods will implement several operational changes to the Butterfield bakery to increase its efficiency and consistency.

    Pionner Foods PTY Ltd is a leading South African FMCG company with a market cap of $3b, it has globally trusted brands like Ceres Juice, ProNutro, Weet-Bix breakfast cereal etc. Pioneer already has a significant export footprint in a number of African countries, and the conclusion of this partnership with Food Concepts Plc creates an in-market presence for Pioneer Foods in Nigeria.

  • Nigeria 0-1 South Africa: Amajimbos humble Eaglets

    Nigeria 0-1 South Africa: Amajimbos humble Eaglets

    • Zoom into AYC final

    Amajimbos secured a spot in the U-17 African Youth Championship final after beating Nigeria 1-0 in their semi-final tie on Wednesday afternoon.

    The Golden Eaglets were presented with the first opportunity in the 11th minute, as Osimhen was through on goal but delayed his shot, which was eventually cleared away.

    Mondli Mpoto came to Amajimbos’ rescue five minutes later, the shot-stopper did well to deny Osimhen, while at the other end Nelson Maluleke had his effort blocked.

    It was Molefi Ntseki’s side who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute courtesy of a well-placed finish from Khanyisa Mayo.

    The Nigerians continued to push for the equaliser but Mpoto was on hand to deny Kelechi  Nwakali and Osimhen in just before the halftime break.

    Nelson Maluleke could have doubled Amajimbos’ advantage in the 54th minute but the midfielder failed to trouble Akpan Udoh between the sticks.

    The Golden Eaglets threw everything at Amajimbos in the closing stages and nearly found themselves level in the 84th but the woodwork denied Abbas.

    Ntseki’s men survived a late onslaught from the Nigerians and secured their spot in the final of the Championships.

    Amajimbos will face the winner of the Mali v Guinea clash today.

    Here is how they lined up:

    Nigeria XI: A.Udoh, A. Saddam, A.Usman, M.Paul A. Bamidele, K. Nwakali, U. Anietie, S.Abdullahi, S.Chukwuze,O.Orji, V.Osimhen

    South Africa XI: Mpoto; Ngcobo; Frosler; Mohamme; Cupido; Mukumela; Dlala; Maluleke; Mbatha; Mkatshana; Mayo.

  • S/Africa’s second stock exchange plans for Oct. debut

    S/Africa’s second stock exchange plans for Oct. debut

    Trading on South Africa’s second equity bourse may begin by the fourth quarter if Bravura Equity Services (Pty) Ltd. gets approvals to operate the Johannesburg Stock Exchange rival.

    “We hope that we will be able to become operational two months after the license has been approved,” Stephan van der Walt, spokesman for Bravura, said by phone from Johannesburg last week. Trading may start by October, he said.

    Rules in July that changed how over-the-counter trading can be done in South Africa opened the door to a group of companies led by Bravura to set up a second exchange. The four Africa Exchange, or 4AX, will give a platform for companies trading OTC shares and issues that are part of the country’s black economic empowerment programme.

    “There are at least 20 companies being affected, which are currently trading OTC that we know of,” van der Walt said. “There are at least eight companies that have indicated strong interest to look further at this.”

    The 20 companies have a combined market capitalisation of 20 billion rand ($1.7 billion), he said. Details will be released when Bravura’s application is submitted to the market regulator, Financial Services Board, van der Walt said.

    Supermarket chains vie to unlock Kenya retail market

    When Kaleli Muli needed to buy rings for his wedding, he popped into his local superstore in a suburb of Kenya’s capital to avoid the hassle of a trip downtown to find a jeweller.

    He left 20 minutes later clutching a plastic bag with two gold bands worth 45,000 shillings ($492), happy with his purchase, but also the time saved. Before the advent of hypermarkets, the rings might also have cost hours of shopping.

    “It is more convenient and there is a wider variety of products that I can choose from,” said the agri-business consultant, who also does his weekly grocery shopping and bought his flat screen TV at Nakumatt, Kenya’s largest retail chain.

    Nakumatt and other local retailers have long served Kenya’s market, but now international store chains and private equity investors are also coveting the strong growth prospects in east Africa’s leading economy.

    Kenya, with a GDP of $53.4 billion, is a gateway to regional trade, but it holds other attractions for retail investors.

    Analysts say the penetration of formal retail is 25-30 percent, double that of Africa’s biggest economy Nigeria. In addition, the average value of a shopper’s basket has risen 67 percent in five years to $20, making Kenya the continent’s fastest-growing retail market, say industry executives.

    Nairobi’s shopping malls hit the headlines in September 2013 when Islamic militants attacked the upmarket Westgate shopping centre and killed at least 67 people. It remains closed and security at other malls has been tightened, though shoppers are undeterred.

    New market entrants face numerous challenges in addition to local competition. They must race to complete buildings on time, overcome legal hurdles and establish reliable supply chains.