politics
politics
SA’s Pivotal Role in Conflict Resolution
President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, says South Africa is playing a pivotal role in the attainment and maintenance of peace across the world.
Speaking at South Africa’s annual Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings, Pohamba asserts that, “We recognise the leading role that this great country continues to play in the Southern Africa Development Community region, continental and the international community.”
He further added that the country is making an immense contribution to international peace and security, suitable economic development and the creation of fair global trade.
To read the article titled, “SA role in international affairs lauded,” click here.Source:The CitizenSwazi Police Abduct Pro-Democracy Leaders
Swaziland police officers have illegally abducted prodemocracy leaders over the weekend, drove them 30 kilometres away, and dumped them to prevent them from taking part in a meeting calling for freedom in the kingdom.
The police officers staged roadblocks on all major roads leading to Swaziland's main commercial city, Manzini, where protests were to be held.
The intended protests were part of the annual 12 April commemorations in that country, following King Sobhuza II Royal proclamation dissolving parliament, banning political parties and placing all power in the kingdom in the hands of the monarchy on 12 April 1973.
To read the article titled, “Police abduct democracy leaders,” click here.Source:All AfricaWeaker APRM Bad for Governance
The African Peer Review Mechanism (ARPM) - set up by former President Thabo Mbeki to tackle the continent's problems - is a shambles.
According to a report by former mechanism chairman Akere Muna, the institution lacks backing by African leaders and is being ‘driven into the ground’ by its chief executive officer and its secretariat that can barely function.
The mechanism has in the past served as a reliable indicator of emerging troubles on the continent.
In South Africa, an ARPM report alerted the government to tensions between locals and foreigners that culminated in 2008's wave of xenophobic violence.
To read the article titled, ‘Mbeki brainchild 'now a shambles'’, click here.Source:Times LiveUganda’s Anti-Gay Law Challenged
Gay rights activists in Uganda filed a legal petition against the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act, which calls for tougher penalties against gay persons.
The new law strengthens existing punishments for anyone caught having gay sex, imposing jail terms of up to life for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ - including sex with a minor or while HIV-positive.
The legislation criminalises lesbianism for the first time and makes it a crime to help individuals engage in homosexual acts.
In the same vein, gay rights activist and lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo, says the new law contravenes Uganda's constitution.
To read the article titled, “Activists determined to overturn Uganda anti-gay law,” click here.Source:SABC NewsCall for Transparency Over Party Funding
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) says that a toxic blend of secret money and political influence is creating a ceremonial undermining of South Africa’s democracy.
ISS senior researcher, Judith February, argues that there is no way of know when the corporate and private world are investing in political parties for favours because the country does not regulate private funding of political parties.
She is of the view that, “We have no way of knowing when private or corporate interests try to buy political favours in South Africa,” further stating the need for a legislation to enable transparency and prevent the potentially corrupting influence of secret money on politics and government.”
To read the article titled, ‘Dodgy donations’ undermine SA’s democracy,” click here.Source:The CitizenZambia Speaks Out on NGO Act
The Zambian Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health says it is still awaiting correspondence from the Ministry of Justice on the implementation of the Non-Governmental Organisation Act of 2009.
The ministry’s deputy Minister, Jean Kapata, says the response from the Ministry of Justice would determine the fate of all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have rejected to register under the Act.
Kapata says the registration has since closed, adding that the NGOs that are not yet registered will have themselves to blame if deregistered.
To read the article titled, “Response from Ministry of Justice would determine fate of all NGOs that have refused to register-Kapata,” click here.Source:Lusaka TimesEqual Rights Key to Thriving Societies
North West Premier, Thandi Modise, says equal rights and opportunities for women are crucial to building healthy economies and societies.
Modise’s comments come as the country joined the world in celebrating International Women's Day on Saturday, 8 March 2014.
In a press statement, Modise explains that, "Women's full and equal participation in the political and economic arena is crucial to democracy and justice, because equal rights and opportunity underpin healthy economies and societies.”
To read the article titled, “Equal rights key to thriving societies - Premier Modise,” click here.Source:All AfricaLeaders Fail to Prioritise Water and Sanitation
Millions of people in Southern Africa still lack access to latrines and clean drinking water, according to WaterAid.
In its latest report titled ‘In From Promise to Reality’, the organisation states that the majority of southern Africans are living in an "unrelenting struggle against sanitation and water poverty."
The report that accuses governments in the region of failing to prioritise their plight, adding that Southern African leaders have fallen behind on their promises to boost public spending on basic services, with the poorest and most vulnerable people hardest hit.
To read the article titled, “Southern African leaders fail to prioritise water and sanitation,” click here.Source:The GuardianSouth Africa Calls for Peace in Ukraine
Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO) says that South Africa has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
DIRCO spokesperson, Nelson Kgwete, states that, "The South African government would like to express its deep concern about the unfolding political situation in Ukraine."
South Africa's foreign policy favoured and promoted peaceful resolution of conflicts and South Africa therefore urged all parties in the stand-off to settle the crisis through dialogue.
To read the article titled, “SA calls for peace in Ukraine,” click here.Source:News 24Nigeria’s Homophobic Laws Criticised
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) urges South Africa to add its voice to calls for Nigeria to review its homophobic legislation.
SAHRC spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, states that, "Since 18 January [2014], dozens of people have already been arrested in Nigeria in terms of the new law."
Mangena further adds that, the South African government should seek to exert influence over other African countries to follow good human rights practices.
To read the article titled, “South Africa should speak up against homophobic laws: SAHRC,” click here .Source:Times Live
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