The urgent interdict awarded to the Macassar Village Occupation on Friday evening against the ongoing state criminality by the City of Cape Town will be served to the Cape Town City Manager, Achmat Ebrahim, by the Sheriff of the Court first thing on Monday morning.
The interdict prevents the City from demolishing any shacks in the Macassar Village Occupation without an order of the court. It also compels them to return the building material that they have stolen.
In 2006 the Tshwane Municipality demolished shacks in Moreleta Park in Pretoria in violation of a court interdict preventing any demolition with out an order of the court. The court responded by ordering (1) the arrest of the Minister of Safety and Security and (2) that the police must themselves rebuild the shacks that they had demolished. Perhaps the time has come to approach the courts to seek the arrest of Achmat Ebrahim and Dan Plato as well as the police officers who follow their orders rather than the law? It is certainly clear that someone should be arrested for the crimes committed on Saturday, and every day since 19 May. It is certainly clear that the police have an obligation to return what they have stolen and to rebuild what they have broken.
Source: Abahlali baseMjondolo
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Israel's Knesset considers 'loyalty' law
The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, has initially voted in favor of two bills, the "Loyalty Oath Law" and the "Nakba Law", both of which have sparked major controversy and are aimed at Palestinians living in Israel who are critical of Israeli policies in the occupied territories.
The first law, the 'Loyalty Oath Law', makes any "call to negate Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, where the content of such publication would have a reasonable possibility of causing an act of hatred, disdain or disloyalty" a criminal offense punishable with imprisonment of up to one year. Naomi Chazan, president of the liberal New Israel Fund called the bill an "attempt to trample on the feelings of pain of Israeli Arabs".
The second law, the 'Nakba Law', makes marking the Nakba illegal. The Nakba is commemorated in the Arab world as marking the day when Palestinians were dispossessed of their lands by the creation of the Israeli state.
Another law proposed this week, by the Yisrael Beiteinu party, requires a citation of a loyalty oath to Israel in order to gain a compulsory identification card.
During the debate on the initial Loyalty Oath Law in the Knesset its proponents faced serious attacks from the opposition. Ronnie Bar-On of Kadima asserted existing law sufficed, and disdained the new legislation, saying, "You want to punish people for talking? Soon, will you want to punish for thoughts?"
The bills have all passed initial readings, but have to be further voted upon and passed to a committee review before taking effect as legislation.
Source: Wikinews
The first law, the 'Loyalty Oath Law', makes any "call to negate Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state, where the content of such publication would have a reasonable possibility of causing an act of hatred, disdain or disloyalty" a criminal offense punishable with imprisonment of up to one year. Naomi Chazan, president of the liberal New Israel Fund called the bill an "attempt to trample on the feelings of pain of Israeli Arabs".
The second law, the 'Nakba Law', makes marking the Nakba illegal. The Nakba is commemorated in the Arab world as marking the day when Palestinians were dispossessed of their lands by the creation of the Israeli state.
Another law proposed this week, by the Yisrael Beiteinu party, requires a citation of a loyalty oath to Israel in order to gain a compulsory identification card.
During the debate on the initial Loyalty Oath Law in the Knesset its proponents faced serious attacks from the opposition. Ronnie Bar-On of Kadima asserted existing law sufficed, and disdained the new legislation, saying, "You want to punish people for talking? Soon, will you want to punish for thoughts?"
The bills have all passed initial readings, but have to be further voted upon and passed to a committee review before taking effect as legislation.
Source: Wikinews
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
N. Korea: No longer bound by 1953 truce
North Korea threatened military action Wednesday after South Korea joined a U.S.-led effort to limit the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, the official Korean Central News Agency said.
South Korea said Monday that it was joining the 6-year-old Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) because of "the grave threat WMD and missile proliferation is posing to global peace," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young.
The effort is aimed at halting shipments of weapons technology, a rare source of hard currency for North Korea, but Moon said the south would continue to uphold a shipping agreement with the North. "Our revolutionary armed forces ... will regard" South Korea's participation "in the PSI as a declaration of war ..." the North's official news agency said.
Pyongyang also announced it was no longer bound by the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War. "The Korean Peninsula is bound to immediately return to a state of war from a legal point of view, and so our revolutionary armed forces will go over to corresponding military actions," North Korea said through its news agency.
Since its April rocket launch, Pyongyang has considered almost any opposition a "declaration of war," including U.N. Security Council sanctions and participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative.
Source: CNN
South Korea said Monday that it was joining the 6-year-old Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) because of "the grave threat WMD and missile proliferation is posing to global peace," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young.
The effort is aimed at halting shipments of weapons technology, a rare source of hard currency for North Korea, but Moon said the south would continue to uphold a shipping agreement with the North. "Our revolutionary armed forces ... will regard" South Korea's participation "in the PSI as a declaration of war ..." the North's official news agency said.
Pyongyang also announced it was no longer bound by the 1953 armistice that ended the Korean War. "The Korean Peninsula is bound to immediately return to a state of war from a legal point of view, and so our revolutionary armed forces will go over to corresponding military actions," North Korea said through its news agency.
Since its April rocket launch, Pyongyang has considered almost any opposition a "declaration of war," including U.N. Security Council sanctions and participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative.
Source: CNN
Huge blast rocks Pakistani city
Rescuers are searching the rubble of a police building in the Pakistani city of Lahore after a bomb attack killed at least 23 people and injured 200. Gunmen reportedly opened fire on guards before detonating a car bomb which flattened the emergency response building at police HQ. Nearby offices of the ISI intelligence service were also damaged.
The interior ministry chief linked the attack to Taliban insurgents whom troops are battling in the Swat valley.
Source: BBC
The interior ministry chief linked the attack to Taliban insurgents whom troops are battling in the Swat valley.
Source: BBC
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Xeno refugees 'cheated UN'
Some xenophobia refugees in Cape Town cheated the United Nations (UN) of relief funds last year, according to an affidavit filed in the Cape High Court. The affidavit by city Housing Director Hans Smit, forms the basis of an application for the eviction of just under 400 people from the Bluewaters safety site on the Cape Flats. They are the last refugees remaining on city-owned property.
Smit said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees had given financial assistance to people displaced by last year's wave of xenophobic violence, for relocation or reintegration in the communities they left. This had been R1 500 for single people, and R3 000 for families of more than one person, paid in installments. The payments were made to displaced foreign nationals (DFNs) only when they left the city-run safety camps.
"Shortly after the implementation of the scheme it was discovered that it was being abused by some DFNs who, by altering their names, fraudulently procured the payment of allowances to them repeatedly," Smit said. "In addition, it was discovered that some DFNs were returning to live in the camps even after they had collected their relocation allowances."
When this emerged, administration of the payments was taken away from the staff of the Cape Town Refugee Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation, and transferred to the city's camp managers. The eviction application lists 236 refugees at Bluewaters by name, and asks for an order against them as well as anyone else living there. City spokesperson Pieter Cronje said the names listed on the order were those of the adults. Children brought the number at the site to 397.
Smit said in his affidavit that the city gave them notice in October last year - it wanted them off the property, meant to be a holiday camp for members of the public. Over 20 000 displaced people had already been reintegrated into the communities they had been living in, but the Bluewaters group had "steadfastly refused to move."
He said that by refusing to reintegrate or relocate, they were trying to gain an unfair advantage over people on the city's housing waiting list, which had a backlog of 400 000. Giving them houses would set a bad precedent, he said. From the beginning of June to September last year, the city had spent more than R120 million on catering for the displaced foreigners, Smit said.
When the case was called in the High Court this morning, advocate for the city Ncumisa Mayosi told Acting Judge Patrick Maqubela that the matter had originally been unopposed. However, the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) had now informed the city it was representing some of the refugees. She asked for, and was granted, a postponement to June 9 to allow the LRC to compile a list of its clients. She said the city intended to press ahead with an unopposed application in respect of those refugees not on the LRC list. Maqubela ordered the refugees pay the "wasted costs" of today’s proceedings.
Smit said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees had given financial assistance to people displaced by last year's wave of xenophobic violence, for relocation or reintegration in the communities they left. This had been R1 500 for single people, and R3 000 for families of more than one person, paid in installments. The payments were made to displaced foreign nationals (DFNs) only when they left the city-run safety camps.
"Shortly after the implementation of the scheme it was discovered that it was being abused by some DFNs who, by altering their names, fraudulently procured the payment of allowances to them repeatedly," Smit said. "In addition, it was discovered that some DFNs were returning to live in the camps even after they had collected their relocation allowances."
When this emerged, administration of the payments was taken away from the staff of the Cape Town Refugee Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation, and transferred to the city's camp managers. The eviction application lists 236 refugees at Bluewaters by name, and asks for an order against them as well as anyone else living there. City spokesperson Pieter Cronje said the names listed on the order were those of the adults. Children brought the number at the site to 397.
Smit said in his affidavit that the city gave them notice in October last year - it wanted them off the property, meant to be a holiday camp for members of the public. Over 20 000 displaced people had already been reintegrated into the communities they had been living in, but the Bluewaters group had "steadfastly refused to move."
He said that by refusing to reintegrate or relocate, they were trying to gain an unfair advantage over people on the city's housing waiting list, which had a backlog of 400 000. Giving them houses would set a bad precedent, he said. From the beginning of June to September last year, the city had spent more than R120 million on catering for the displaced foreigners, Smit said.
When the case was called in the High Court this morning, advocate for the city Ncumisa Mayosi told Acting Judge Patrick Maqubela that the matter had originally been unopposed. However, the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) had now informed the city it was representing some of the refugees. She asked for, and was granted, a postponement to June 9 to allow the LRC to compile a list of its clients. She said the city intended to press ahead with an unopposed application in respect of those refugees not on the LRC list. Maqubela ordered the refugees pay the "wasted costs" of today’s proceedings.
Stress test of the multilateral trading system to come
Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his report to the General Council on 26 May 2009 as chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee, said that “it is crucial that we keep our monitoring system on the alert and that we advance towards the conclusion of the Doha Round.” “A more solid house will resist the strong political winds which we unfortunately have to forecast,” he added.
Source: WTO
Source: WTO
Monday, May 25, 2009
Punjab riots after Vienna killing
Riots have broken out across the Indian state of Punjab after a a preacher from an Indian sect was killed by a rival Sikh group in Austria. Within hours of the incident in Vienna, thousands of Sikhs took to the streets, clashing with police and setting fire to buildings, vehicles and a train.
At least one man was killed when the security forces opened fire on crowds near the city of Jalandhar, police say. The army has marched through the city, where a curfew is in force. However thousands of protesters carrying swords, steel rods and sticks defied the curfew on Monday.
Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed for calm. "I am deeply distressed by the outbreak of violence in Punjab following certain incidents in Vienna, Austria," Mr Singh said in a statement "Whatever the provocation, it is important to maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the people."
Source: BBC
At least one man was killed when the security forces opened fire on crowds near the city of Jalandhar, police say. The army has marched through the city, where a curfew is in force. However thousands of protesters carrying swords, steel rods and sticks defied the curfew on Monday.
Chief Minister of Punjab Prakash Singh Badal has called an all-party meeting on Tuesday and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed for calm. "I am deeply distressed by the outbreak of violence in Punjab following certain incidents in Vienna, Austria," Mr Singh said in a statement "Whatever the provocation, it is important to maintain peace and harmony among different sections of the people."
Source: BBC
Rebels destroy Nigeria pipelines
Nigeria’s main rebel group said it destroyed several major oil pipelines in southern Nigeria early on Monday in response to a military offensive.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had put "out of operation" a major Chevron oil storage facility by destroying the pipelines and flow stations that feed it. "Fighters from MEND destroyed major trunk lines," the group said in a statement emailed to media. A spokesman for US oil giant Chevron said the company was "assessing the situation."
MEND has staged several attacks on international oil facilities in southern Nigeria as part of its campaign to get what it calls a fairer distribution of the region’s oil wealth to local people.
Source: The Times
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had put "out of operation" a major Chevron oil storage facility by destroying the pipelines and flow stations that feed it. "Fighters from MEND destroyed major trunk lines," the group said in a statement emailed to media. A spokesman for US oil giant Chevron said the company was "assessing the situation."
MEND has staged several attacks on international oil facilities in southern Nigeria as part of its campaign to get what it calls a fairer distribution of the region’s oil wealth to local people.
Source: The Times
Chinese resolutely oppose DPRK's nuclear test
China was resolutely opposed to the nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Foreign Ministry said here in a statement Monday.
According to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the DPRK announced it successfully conducted an underground nuclear test on Monday. "The DPRK ignored universal opposition of the international community and once more conducted the nuclear test. The Chinese government is resolutely opposed to it," the statement said. It has been the firm and consistent stance of the Chinese government to achieve non-nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and oppose proliferation of nuclear weapons in an effort to maintain peace and stability in northeast Asia, the statement stressed.
The statement voiced a strong demand that the DPRK live up to its commitment to non-nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, stop any activity that might worsen the situation and return to the track of the six-party talks.
According to a statement released by the KCNA, the DPRK government said the test was "part of [its] measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way, as requested by its scientists and technicians."
Source: China View
According to a report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the DPRK announced it successfully conducted an underground nuclear test on Monday. "The DPRK ignored universal opposition of the international community and once more conducted the nuclear test. The Chinese government is resolutely opposed to it," the statement said. It has been the firm and consistent stance of the Chinese government to achieve non-nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and oppose proliferation of nuclear weapons in an effort to maintain peace and stability in northeast Asia, the statement stressed.
The statement voiced a strong demand that the DPRK live up to its commitment to non-nuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, stop any activity that might worsen the situation and return to the track of the six-party talks.
According to a statement released by the KCNA, the DPRK government said the test was "part of [its] measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way, as requested by its scientists and technicians."
Source: China View
Presidency announces Zuma advisers
Former safety and security minister and former defence minister Charles Nqakula will be Zuma's political adviser, while former trade and industry minister Mandisi Mpahlwa will serve as economic adviser.
Zuma's international relations adviser will be ANC national executive committee (NEC) member and former ambassador to Brazil, Lindiwe Zulu, while advocate Bonisiwe Makhene has been appointed legal adviser.
Makhene is currently deputy chief state law adviser in the Justice and Constitutional Development Department and will be seconded to the Presidency to perform the legal advisory role.
ANC NEC member and MP Ayanda Dlodlo has been appointed Zuma's parliamentary counsellor.
"The advisers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Presidency and will add much value to the President's determination to bring about faster change and improved service delivery," the Presidency said in a statement.
Mpahlwa, Nqakula and Zulu would resign from Parliament to take up their respective positions.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Zuma's international relations adviser will be ANC national executive committee (NEC) member and former ambassador to Brazil, Lindiwe Zulu, while advocate Bonisiwe Makhene has been appointed legal adviser.
Makhene is currently deputy chief state law adviser in the Justice and Constitutional Development Department and will be seconded to the Presidency to perform the legal advisory role.
ANC NEC member and MP Ayanda Dlodlo has been appointed Zuma's parliamentary counsellor.
"The advisers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Presidency and will add much value to the President's determination to bring about faster change and improved service delivery," the Presidency said in a statement.
Mpahlwa, Nqakula and Zulu would resign from Parliament to take up their respective positions.
Source: Mail & Guardian
YCL: No conflict in Nzimande's dual roles
There is no conflict in Blade Nzimande being both South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary and higher education minister, the Young Communist League (YCL) said on Monday.
"There wouldn't be any problem with the general secretary of the SACP becoming the minister of higher education," YCL chairperson Buti Manamela said in Johannesburg.
Recently there had been controversy over Nzimande's role as both SACP leader, whose youth league was demanding the removal of Barney Pityana as the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and his position as minister of higher education. He had thus far declined to intervene directly in the Unisa matter.
Manamela said the controversy had been "overplayed" in the media.
"Even if the minister of higher education can't join us in that call, at least the general secretary of the SACP can join us." -- Sapa
Source: Mail & Guardian
"There wouldn't be any problem with the general secretary of the SACP becoming the minister of higher education," YCL chairperson Buti Manamela said in Johannesburg.
Recently there had been controversy over Nzimande's role as both SACP leader, whose youth league was demanding the removal of Barney Pityana as the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and his position as minister of higher education. He had thus far declined to intervene directly in the Unisa matter.
Manamela said the controversy had been "overplayed" in the media.
"Even if the minister of higher education can't join us in that call, at least the general secretary of the SACP can join us." -- Sapa
Source: Mail & Guardian
YCL: No conflict in Nzimande's dual roles
There is no conflict in Blade Nzimande being both South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary and higher education minister, the Young Communist League (YCL) said on Monday.
"There wouldn't be any problem with the general secretary of the SACP becoming the minister of higher education," YCL chairperson Buti Manamela said in Johannesburg.
Recently there had been controversy over Nzimande's role as both SACP leader, whose youth league was demanding the removal of Barney Pityana as the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and his position as minister of higher education. He had thus far declined to intervene directly in the Unisa matter.
Manamela said the controversy had been "overplayed" in the media.
"Even if the minister of higher education can't join us in that call, at least the general secretary of the SACP can join us." -- Sapa
Source: Mail & Guardian
"There wouldn't be any problem with the general secretary of the SACP becoming the minister of higher education," YCL chairperson Buti Manamela said in Johannesburg.
Recently there had been controversy over Nzimande's role as both SACP leader, whose youth league was demanding the removal of Barney Pityana as the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa), and his position as minister of higher education. He had thus far declined to intervene directly in the Unisa matter.
Manamela said the controversy had been "overplayed" in the media.
"Even if the minister of higher education can't join us in that call, at least the general secretary of the SACP can join us." -- Sapa
Source: Mail & Guardian
Africa Day: The European Commission reaffirms its commitment to strengthen the EU-Africa Partnership in order to address common challenges
Olli Rehn, the acting European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, says "The peoples of Africa and of Europe share the same hopes, the same values and the same interests. Together we can meet the challenges facing us today, such as the economic crisis, poverty, climate change or illegal immigration. Working together, the continents of Africa and Europe can bring development and progress to their peoples. We have developed a strategy, now we need to create platforms for dialogue and for taking action".
Africa Day is an opportunity to remind Europeans and Africans that - because of the economic and financial crisis - 2009 is a difficult year in the history of the world, but is also an opportunity for the citizens of the two continents to work together. Within this framework, the EU-Africa Partnership and, in particular, the First Strategic Action Plan for 2008 – 2010 are key instruments, as they provide common strategies in eight areas, including peace and security, immigration, climate change and trade.
The citizens of Europe and Africa will also be able to share their hopes and opinions when the European Development Days are held for the fourth time in Stockholm from 22 to 24 October 2009.
For further information:
Africa Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. By founding the OAU, the leaders of the independent African countries at that time made history by providing a significant joint impetus for the entire African continent to achieve independence. Although there have been several changes to the name and structure of the organisation – today it is called the African Union – African unity is always celebrated on May 25 as World Africa Day.
For more information on the EU-Africa Partnership, see:
http://africa-eu-partnership.org
For more information on the 2009 European Development Days, see:
http://www.eudevdays.eu
Source: Europa
Africa Day is an opportunity to remind Europeans and Africans that - because of the economic and financial crisis - 2009 is a difficult year in the history of the world, but is also an opportunity for the citizens of the two continents to work together. Within this framework, the EU-Africa Partnership and, in particular, the First Strategic Action Plan for 2008 – 2010 are key instruments, as they provide common strategies in eight areas, including peace and security, immigration, climate change and trade.
The citizens of Europe and Africa will also be able to share their hopes and opinions when the European Development Days are held for the fourth time in Stockholm from 22 to 24 October 2009.
For further information:
Africa Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. By founding the OAU, the leaders of the independent African countries at that time made history by providing a significant joint impetus for the entire African continent to achieve independence. Although there have been several changes to the name and structure of the organisation – today it is called the African Union – African unity is always celebrated on May 25 as World Africa Day.
For more information on the EU-Africa Partnership, see:
http://africa-eu-partnership.org
For more information on the 2009 European Development Days, see:
http://www.eudevdays.eu
Source: Europa
Sunday, May 24, 2009
SA state hospitals in crisis
South Africa's state hospitals are in crisis, and will be at risk of collapse if hundreds of unpaid and demoralised doctors flee their shocking working conditions and pay, the Sunday Times reported.
While doctors and health experts blame the shambles on health mismanagement, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said: "I would not use the word crisis, I would say very serious challenges."
Source: Mail & Guardian
While doctors and health experts blame the shambles on health mismanagement, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said: "I would not use the word crisis, I would say very serious challenges."
Source: Mail & Guardian
Saturday, May 23, 2009
South Africa: Labour Influence Enhanced in Country's New Government
The African National Congress retained power in South Africa’s April 22 general election with a slightly reduced, but still overwhelming, majority in the parliament which, as expected, elected ANC leader Jacob Zuma president of the country.
While Zuma’s appointments did not bear out earlier concerns of a leftward lurch, they do represent a decided change in emphasis. His electoral campaign assures a greater emphasis on poverty alleviation, service delivery and crime prevention and a less internationalist approach to foreign economic and foreign policy. The degree to which South Africa will, or will be able, to turn inward will be watched closely.
Zuma’s key appointment was that of former finance minister Trevor Manuel as head of a new National Planning Commission to coordinate policy-making and develop a National Plan. Manuel’s appointment serves the dual purpose of retaining the well-regarded former minister in the cabinet and aspiring to a well-coordinated policy apparatus. Skeptics have questioned whether creating a super-cabinet committee in fact will make for smoother policy-making or lead to bureaucratic infighting.
Manuel’s replacement at Finance, Pravin Gordham, who originally came out of the South African communist party, has led the South African tax collecting agency where he earned a formidable reputation with business as a no-nonsense manager. The Financial Times quoted him as saying the new arrangement would create “more cohesion and greater balance.”
Source: All Africa
While Zuma’s appointments did not bear out earlier concerns of a leftward lurch, they do represent a decided change in emphasis. His electoral campaign assures a greater emphasis on poverty alleviation, service delivery and crime prevention and a less internationalist approach to foreign economic and foreign policy. The degree to which South Africa will, or will be able, to turn inward will be watched closely.
Zuma’s key appointment was that of former finance minister Trevor Manuel as head of a new National Planning Commission to coordinate policy-making and develop a National Plan. Manuel’s appointment serves the dual purpose of retaining the well-regarded former minister in the cabinet and aspiring to a well-coordinated policy apparatus. Skeptics have questioned whether creating a super-cabinet committee in fact will make for smoother policy-making or lead to bureaucratic infighting.
Manuel’s replacement at Finance, Pravin Gordham, who originally came out of the South African communist party, has led the South African tax collecting agency where he earned a formidable reputation with business as a no-nonsense manager. The Financial Times quoted him as saying the new arrangement would create “more cohesion and greater balance.”
Source: All Africa
Tsvangirai: Foreign journalists free to report in Zim
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said on Thursday that foreign journalists are free to report in the troubled southern African nation where many have previously been banned and others arrested and harassed.
The veteran opposition leader who formed a coalition with longtime President Robert Mugabe in February said continuing violations of the power-sharing deal threaten the unity government, but insisted that progress has been made.
Tsvangirai deplored recent arrests of independent journalists and lawyers and called for a "new culture of respect".
He said a new state media commission would be formed to "facilitate the opening up of media space".
Stringent licensing of local and foreign journalists that effectively banned most foreign news organisations from entering the country had ceased to apply under the coalition agreement, he said.
Journalists and media organisations no longer are legally obliged to apply for accreditation until a new media commission is in place, Tsvangirai said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
The veteran opposition leader who formed a coalition with longtime President Robert Mugabe in February said continuing violations of the power-sharing deal threaten the unity government, but insisted that progress has been made.
Tsvangirai deplored recent arrests of independent journalists and lawyers and called for a "new culture of respect".
He said a new state media commission would be formed to "facilitate the opening up of media space".
Stringent licensing of local and foreign journalists that effectively banned most foreign news organisations from entering the country had ceased to apply under the coalition agreement, he said.
Journalists and media organisations no longer are legally obliged to apply for accreditation until a new media commission is in place, Tsvangirai said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Zuma takes no-nonsense approach to crime
Improved policing will play a critical role in President Jacob Zuma's administration's strategy to fight crime, he said on Friday.
Speaking at the University of Zululand during a graduation ceremony, Zuma said his government had taken a no-nonsense approach to fighting crime.
"We are sending a clear message ... to criminals that improved policing will be a critical part of our fight against crime. That is why we changed the name from the Department of Safety and Security to the Police Department," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Speaking at the University of Zululand during a graduation ceremony, Zuma said his government had taken a no-nonsense approach to fighting crime.
"We are sending a clear message ... to criminals that improved policing will be a critical part of our fight against crime. That is why we changed the name from the Department of Safety and Security to the Police Department," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
South Africa: New Crime Unit
The government on Thursday appointed a little-known police official to lead a new law enforcement unit in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world and has been rocked by corruption scandals. The official, Anwa Dramat, currently deputy police chief in the Western Cape Province, will become head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations when it begins on July 1. The country’s governing African National Congress party disbanded an elite investigating team known as the Scorpions in October after its graft investigation into the A.N.C. leader Jacob Zuma, now South Africa’s president. Critics have accused Mr. Zuma’s party of pushing through legislation to disband the unit out of vengeance.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Friday, May 22, 2009
'Very brave for a young man'
On a Sunday evening in February I was phoned by a woman with a raspy voice who told me she knew where I lived. The woman, later identified as communication strategist Benedicta Dube, also knew where and what I had studied, where I was born, what my ID number was and she read to me the names of some of my friends and their professions.
During our conversation of almost 18 minutes Dube also threw in lines such as: “You are very brave for a young man” and said she would “kill” me if I told anyone about our conversation. Her call came after I exposed in the Mail & Guardian over a period of three weeks the corrupt relationship between facilities management company Bosasa and the Department of Correctional Services. Dube posed as sympathetic -- she warned me Bosasa had commissioned a private investigator to do a report on me and offered to meet me to discuss the “bigger” issues behind the story.
I was sceptical -- she spent most of our conversation talking about my personal details “because I want to be sure I’m talking to the right person”. My suspicions were confirmed by an inside source, who told me Dube had been briefed on me by Bosasa executives since at least August 2008 (I’ve been investigating the company since early 2006). A strategy to discredit the M&G and me was discussed.
My attempts to secure a meeting with her have proved futile. I am convinced her motives were never to caution, but rather to intimidate The M&G’s lawyer wrote to Bosasa and Igagu Media (where Dube is “group executive: media and publishing”) on May 6, demanding an immediate return of all my personal information in their possession. Bosasa’s lawyer denied the company had acted in an “unlawful manner as alleged or at all” and said Dube's information “falls within the public domain”. Igagu Media did not respond. Dube claims she doesn't recall our conversation and that she doesn't work for Igagu anymore. She accused the M&G of “blackmail journalism”.
Adriaan Basson
Source: Mail & Guardian
During our conversation of almost 18 minutes Dube also threw in lines such as: “You are very brave for a young man” and said she would “kill” me if I told anyone about our conversation. Her call came after I exposed in the Mail & Guardian over a period of three weeks the corrupt relationship between facilities management company Bosasa and the Department of Correctional Services. Dube posed as sympathetic -- she warned me Bosasa had commissioned a private investigator to do a report on me and offered to meet me to discuss the “bigger” issues behind the story.
I was sceptical -- she spent most of our conversation talking about my personal details “because I want to be sure I’m talking to the right person”. My suspicions were confirmed by an inside source, who told me Dube had been briefed on me by Bosasa executives since at least August 2008 (I’ve been investigating the company since early 2006). A strategy to discredit the M&G and me was discussed.
My attempts to secure a meeting with her have proved futile. I am convinced her motives were never to caution, but rather to intimidate The M&G’s lawyer wrote to Bosasa and Igagu Media (where Dube is “group executive: media and publishing”) on May 6, demanding an immediate return of all my personal information in their possession. Bosasa’s lawyer denied the company had acted in an “unlawful manner as alleged or at all” and said Dube's information “falls within the public domain”. Igagu Media did not respond. Dube claims she doesn't recall our conversation and that she doesn't work for Igagu anymore. She accused the M&G of “blackmail journalism”.
Adriaan Basson
Source: Mail & Guardian
Billy Masetlha: Vindicated and loyal as ever
When Billy Masetlha presented then president Thabo Mbeki with intelligence about an anti-Zuma plot -- allegedly involving key Mbeki allies -- his life swiftly came apart. Within 24 hours he was suspended. Within months he was sacked and facing a crippling series of court cases, including two criminal charges relating to his conduct as NIA boss.
He saw off the charges and won compensation in the Constitutional Court for his dismissal. The revelation of the “Zuma tapes” appears to have completed his vindication.
You must be pleased about the information that has come out?
I am elated by the fact that it has come to pass that the actual plots [against Zuma] were there. There never was a conspiracy by a Billy Masetlha-held intelligence agency to protect Zuma. Instead there was a plot to destroy Zuma and as a result render the ANC ineffective and destroy its legacy.
I went not to the ANC but to the president and said: “This is happening, you must stop this thing.” If that report to him is ever declassified it will show that I identified the plot, the people behind it, their modus operandi and their plan, which sadly circulated around Zuma. I did that to protect the state, the ruling party and the stability of this country.
Why haven’t you made that information public? Would you have leaked the McCarthy intercepts?
I have taken an oath of office. I took that information to the president and no one else. I will keep my oath of honour until my grave. We asked the courts to get the president to disclose the report, as part of my defence, but he refused.
As to the intercepts, if there is evidence about which you cannot stay silent, that threatens our democracy, then there are other avenues. The speaker of the National Assembly has certain constitutional powers, the chief justice as well.
At the same time, in the past seven years we have experienced certain legal decisions -- to quash certain cases, to charge certain people. One perhaps cannot blame anyone for deciding: “I don’t have much confidence in the courts, let’s pass this on to a lawyer.”
You believe the legal process was used against you?
It was my duty to let the president know. I served him with loyalty and integrity, yet they had nothing but insults for me. I decided I wasn’t going to lie down and take it, but if it were not for the generosity of my lawyers -- and donations to my legal costs -- I would have been dismissed in disgrace.
Doesn’t this whole experience show the security services are open to abuse -- that the NIA, for instance, has too wide a mandate?
I don’t believe the NIA has too broad a mandate. The state has a right and a duty to protect its sovereignty and security against internal and external threats. All states do this. Some in South Africa seem to think we don’t face any threats and that we shouldn’t do certain intelligence gathering.
But if the Chinese are putting $165-million into the Industrial Development Corporation, who will look to see if there are hidden strings attached? Intelligence. If Telkom and Vodacom are national assets and they are being disposed of to foreign interests, who must look at the threats, advantages and disadvantages of hiving off such assets? I think there are sufficient checks and balances within the legislation governing the NIA, but the issue is to implement and enforce that accountability. For me that’s the fundamental challenge we face -- enforcement capacity. That goes for the police, for service delivery, for corruption.
You need to make sure people stick to the rules, and some of that enforcement is going to “encroach” on our other rights. Take the [Jackie] Selebi case -- how is it possible for the police to be still resisting cooperation with the prosecuting authorities?
But isn’t there a need to improve oversight -- to protect the intelligence agencies themselves from abuse?
FW de Klerk once said to me there should be room for opposition parties to be involved in the process of setting the annual national intelligence estimates that set out our threat assessments and priorities. I agree with him. People need to be aware of the threats and that knowledge must inform the conduct of all our elected representatives.
And we must ask: shouldn’t we have these estimates made public -- in edited form -- so that people know there are sleepers for al-Qaeda in our country, there are undeclared foreign intelligence agents -- so we create a sense of national interest, of national belonging?
What about your role?
What the ANC has gone through is unprecedented. It happened because we took our eye from the main thing, which is making the ANC a strong institution for creating a better life for our people. It must not be allowed to fall from our hands as a people until there is a genuine alternative that can deliver on those needs. We found the ANC strong, we must leave it strong -- and strong in the morals, values, traditions and ideals on which the ANC was founded. I want to spend what remains of my life doing that.
Source: Mail & Guardian
He saw off the charges and won compensation in the Constitutional Court for his dismissal. The revelation of the “Zuma tapes” appears to have completed his vindication.
You must be pleased about the information that has come out?
I am elated by the fact that it has come to pass that the actual plots [against Zuma] were there. There never was a conspiracy by a Billy Masetlha-held intelligence agency to protect Zuma. Instead there was a plot to destroy Zuma and as a result render the ANC ineffective and destroy its legacy.
I went not to the ANC but to the president and said: “This is happening, you must stop this thing.” If that report to him is ever declassified it will show that I identified the plot, the people behind it, their modus operandi and their plan, which sadly circulated around Zuma. I did that to protect the state, the ruling party and the stability of this country.
Why haven’t you made that information public? Would you have leaked the McCarthy intercepts?
I have taken an oath of office. I took that information to the president and no one else. I will keep my oath of honour until my grave. We asked the courts to get the president to disclose the report, as part of my defence, but he refused.
As to the intercepts, if there is evidence about which you cannot stay silent, that threatens our democracy, then there are other avenues. The speaker of the National Assembly has certain constitutional powers, the chief justice as well.
At the same time, in the past seven years we have experienced certain legal decisions -- to quash certain cases, to charge certain people. One perhaps cannot blame anyone for deciding: “I don’t have much confidence in the courts, let’s pass this on to a lawyer.”
You believe the legal process was used against you?
It was my duty to let the president know. I served him with loyalty and integrity, yet they had nothing but insults for me. I decided I wasn’t going to lie down and take it, but if it were not for the generosity of my lawyers -- and donations to my legal costs -- I would have been dismissed in disgrace.
Doesn’t this whole experience show the security services are open to abuse -- that the NIA, for instance, has too wide a mandate?
I don’t believe the NIA has too broad a mandate. The state has a right and a duty to protect its sovereignty and security against internal and external threats. All states do this. Some in South Africa seem to think we don’t face any threats and that we shouldn’t do certain intelligence gathering.
But if the Chinese are putting $165-million into the Industrial Development Corporation, who will look to see if there are hidden strings attached? Intelligence. If Telkom and Vodacom are national assets and they are being disposed of to foreign interests, who must look at the threats, advantages and disadvantages of hiving off such assets? I think there are sufficient checks and balances within the legislation governing the NIA, but the issue is to implement and enforce that accountability. For me that’s the fundamental challenge we face -- enforcement capacity. That goes for the police, for service delivery, for corruption.
You need to make sure people stick to the rules, and some of that enforcement is going to “encroach” on our other rights. Take the [Jackie] Selebi case -- how is it possible for the police to be still resisting cooperation with the prosecuting authorities?
But isn’t there a need to improve oversight -- to protect the intelligence agencies themselves from abuse?
FW de Klerk once said to me there should be room for opposition parties to be involved in the process of setting the annual national intelligence estimates that set out our threat assessments and priorities. I agree with him. People need to be aware of the threats and that knowledge must inform the conduct of all our elected representatives.
And we must ask: shouldn’t we have these estimates made public -- in edited form -- so that people know there are sleepers for al-Qaeda in our country, there are undeclared foreign intelligence agents -- so we create a sense of national interest, of national belonging?
What about your role?
What the ANC has gone through is unprecedented. It happened because we took our eye from the main thing, which is making the ANC a strong institution for creating a better life for our people. It must not be allowed to fall from our hands as a people until there is a genuine alternative that can deliver on those needs. We found the ANC strong, we must leave it strong -- and strong in the morals, values, traditions and ideals on which the ANC was founded. I want to spend what remains of my life doing that.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Obama Lauds Rights but Advances Disturbing Proposal for Guantanamo Detainees
US President Barack Obama delivered an eloquent defense of the national security reasons for respecting human rights in fighting terrorism, but his proposal to continue detaining terrorism suspects without trial ran counter to the principles he endorsed, Human Rights Watch said today. Obama also undercut his principles by insisting that military commissions could be a fair and credible means of administering justice.
Obama reiterated his decision to close the prison at Guantanamo, rightly emphasizing that US national security is strengthened when US actions are consistent with the country's most fundamental values. Facing growing congressional pressure to back down from the closure plan, Obama stood firm in his promise to "clean up the mess at Guantanamo" by finding alternative solutions for the detainees held there. However, his proposal to create a legal framework for prolonged detention without trial undermines the rule of law.
Obama also further discussed his decision to block the release of photos depicting the abuse of detainees in US custody in Iraq and Afghanistan, a decision that Human Rights Watch opposed. Obama claimed that the perpetrators of the abuses in those photos had "been investigated and held accountable," but those investigations focused solely on low-level personnel and ignored the senior officials who formulated abusive policies. While his concern about protecting US military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan is legitimate, Obama should be aware that the real danger comes not from the further proof that abuse happened but from the widespread sense that the officials responsible for planning and authorizing abuses have not been held accountable.
Another important element of Obama's speech was his promise to launch a review of US classification policies and use of the "state secrets" privilege.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Obama reiterated his decision to close the prison at Guantanamo, rightly emphasizing that US national security is strengthened when US actions are consistent with the country's most fundamental values. Facing growing congressional pressure to back down from the closure plan, Obama stood firm in his promise to "clean up the mess at Guantanamo" by finding alternative solutions for the detainees held there. However, his proposal to create a legal framework for prolonged detention without trial undermines the rule of law.
Obama also further discussed his decision to block the release of photos depicting the abuse of detainees in US custody in Iraq and Afghanistan, a decision that Human Rights Watch opposed. Obama claimed that the perpetrators of the abuses in those photos had "been investigated and held accountable," but those investigations focused solely on low-level personnel and ignored the senior officials who formulated abusive policies. While his concern about protecting US military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan is legitimate, Obama should be aware that the real danger comes not from the further proof that abuse happened but from the widespread sense that the officials responsible for planning and authorizing abuses have not been held accountable.
Another important element of Obama's speech was his promise to launch a review of US classification policies and use of the "state secrets" privilege.
Source: Mail & Guardian
South Africa: New Crime Unit
The government on Thursday appointed a little-known police official to lead a new law enforcement unit in South Africa, which has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world and has been rocked by corruption scandals. The official, Anwa Dramat, currently deputy police chief in the Western Cape Province, will become head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations when it begins on July 1. The country’s governing African National Congress party disbanded an elite investigating team known as the Scorpions in October after its graft investigation into the A.N.C. leader Jacob Zuma, now South Africa’s president. Critics have accused Mr. Zuma’s party of pushing through legislation to disband the unit out of vengeance.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Fight against drugs and crime in south-east Europe gets boost with UN pact
Tackling the challenges posed by illicit drugs and organized crime in south-east Europe is one of the major priorities of a new agreement boosting cooperation between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
South-East Europe has become a low-crime region after the conflict and violence of the 1990s, according to a UNODC report published this month, entitled “Crime and Its Impact on the Balkans.” However, it adds that the region remains vulnerable due to enduring links between business, politics and organized crime.
The memorandum of understanding signed today in Vienna between the two bodies lays out the basis for technical assistance, as well as facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices in order to build security and the rule of law in the region.
Franz Baumann, UNODC’s Acting Deputy Executive Director, said the pact will pave the way for closer integration of south-east Europe with the rest of the continent.
Among other things, the memorandum aims to strengthen national criminal justice systems and the protection of human rights, while promoting the independence and integrity of institutions by tackling corruption.
It will also include efforts to address money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as asset recovery, in addition to support for the prevention and treatment of drug-related problems, including the spread of HIV/AIDS.
A number of joint activities are planned between UNODC and the RCC – a body launched in February to succeed the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe – including in the areas of training, research and awareness raising.
Source: UN News Centre
South-East Europe has become a low-crime region after the conflict and violence of the 1990s, according to a UNODC report published this month, entitled “Crime and Its Impact on the Balkans.” However, it adds that the region remains vulnerable due to enduring links between business, politics and organized crime.
The memorandum of understanding signed today in Vienna between the two bodies lays out the basis for technical assistance, as well as facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices in order to build security and the rule of law in the region.
Franz Baumann, UNODC’s Acting Deputy Executive Director, said the pact will pave the way for closer integration of south-east Europe with the rest of the continent.
Among other things, the memorandum aims to strengthen national criminal justice systems and the protection of human rights, while promoting the independence and integrity of institutions by tackling corruption.
It will also include efforts to address money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as asset recovery, in addition to support for the prevention and treatment of drug-related problems, including the spread of HIV/AIDS.
A number of joint activities are planned between UNODC and the RCC – a body launched in February to succeed the Stability Pact for South-eastern Europe – including in the areas of training, research and awareness raising.
Source: UN News Centre
Oil Industry Braces for Trial on Rights Abuses
Fourteen years after the execution of the Nigerian author and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa by Nigeria’s former military regime, Royal Dutch Shell will appear before a federal court in New York to answer charges of crimes against humanity in connection with his death.
The trial, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, will examine allegations that Shell sought the aid of the former Nigerian regime in silencing Mr. Saro-Wiwa, a vociferous critic, in addition to paying soldiers who carried out human rights abuses in the oil-rich but impoverished Niger Delta where it operated.
The case could have global repercussions for the oil industry, said Arvind Ganesan, the head of the business and human rights practice at Human Rights Watch.
“The lesson here is that these cases aren’t going away,” Mr. Ganesan said. “If a jury found Shell guilty, this would change the behavior of the industry pretty quickly.”
The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, a New York law firm specializing in human rights, on behalf of Mr. Saro-Wiwa’s son and other plaintiffs who fled Nigeria’s military regime and did not trust they could sue Shell in Nigerian courts even after civilian rule returned in 1999.
“We are not saying that Shell just did business in a bad place,” said Jennie Greene, a lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights. “Shell was an actor here. Shell wasn’t just standing by.”
Source: New York Times
The trial, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, will examine allegations that Shell sought the aid of the former Nigerian regime in silencing Mr. Saro-Wiwa, a vociferous critic, in addition to paying soldiers who carried out human rights abuses in the oil-rich but impoverished Niger Delta where it operated.
The case could have global repercussions for the oil industry, said Arvind Ganesan, the head of the business and human rights practice at Human Rights Watch.
“The lesson here is that these cases aren’t going away,” Mr. Ganesan said. “If a jury found Shell guilty, this would change the behavior of the industry pretty quickly.”
The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, a New York law firm specializing in human rights, on behalf of Mr. Saro-Wiwa’s son and other plaintiffs who fled Nigeria’s military regime and did not trust they could sue Shell in Nigerian courts even after civilian rule returned in 1999.
“We are not saying that Shell just did business in a bad place,” said Jennie Greene, a lawyer with the Center for Constitutional Rights. “Shell was an actor here. Shell wasn’t just standing by.”
Source: New York Times
A Suspect in Somali Piracy Denies United States Charges
A lawyer for the Somali teenager charged with piracy said on Thursday that his client has been held in virtual isolation since being brought to New York last month — put in solitary confinement, barred from calling his lawyers, and limited to a single one-minute phone conversation with his mother.
Mr. Muse is the only survivor from the group of four men who authorities say boarded an American-flagged cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, off Somalia on April 8. The ship’s captain, who had offered himself as a hostage, was later rescued in a daring Navy Seal operation, in which three of his captors were killed.
In court, Mr. Weinstein said Mr. Muse needs surgery on his left hand, where the authorities say he was stabbed during a struggle with the crew.
“He’s confused. He’s terrified,” another lawyer, Deirdre von Dornum, said. “As you can imagine, he’s a boy who fishes, and now he’s ended up in solitary confinement here.” She added, “He’s having a very difficult time.”
Source: New York Times
Mr. Muse is the only survivor from the group of four men who authorities say boarded an American-flagged cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama, off Somalia on April 8. The ship’s captain, who had offered himself as a hostage, was later rescued in a daring Navy Seal operation, in which three of his captors were killed.
In court, Mr. Weinstein said Mr. Muse needs surgery on his left hand, where the authorities say he was stabbed during a struggle with the crew.
“He’s confused. He’s terrified,” another lawyer, Deirdre von Dornum, said. “As you can imagine, he’s a boy who fishes, and now he’s ended up in solitary confinement here.” She added, “He’s having a very difficult time.”
Source: New York Times
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Guantanamo detainee move blocked
The US Senate has overwhelmingly rejected plans to transfer detainees out of Guantanamo Bay, and refused funding to close down the prison camp.
Senators voted by 90-6 to block the transfer of 240 inmates, also stalling a request for $80m (£51m).
Correspondents say it is a rebuke to President Barack Obama's plans to close down the camp by January 2010.
Source: BBC
Senators voted by 90-6 to block the transfer of 240 inmates, also stalling a request for $80m (£51m).
Correspondents say it is a rebuke to President Barack Obama's plans to close down the camp by January 2010.
Source: BBC
Ministers want to revisit ethics code
Cabinet ministers want clearer guidelines on handling gifts following the outcry over contractors giving Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele a top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz, the government said on Wednesday.
Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said ministers raised the issue at the first meeting of President Jacob Zuma's new Cabinet and commended Ndebele for returning the car, but mooted revisiting the executive code of ethics. "Cabinet raised the issue ... Maybe we need to look at the ethics handbook to make sure there is proper guidance," he said.
"Ministers will always be given gifts, and as the new Cabinet we should discuss how these things are handled."
Source: Mail & Guardian
Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said ministers raised the issue at the first meeting of President Jacob Zuma's new Cabinet and commended Ndebele for returning the car, but mooted revisiting the executive code of ethics. "Cabinet raised the issue ... Maybe we need to look at the ethics handbook to make sure there is proper guidance," he said.
"Ministers will always be given gifts, and as the new Cabinet we should discuss how these things are handled."
Source: Mail & Guardian
Ban Ki Moon briefed by UN on Gaza conflict
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was briefed today by the head of the independent team of investigators tasked by the United Nations Human Rights Council with examining alleged rights abuses and violations of international law during the recent Gaza conflict.
Mr. Ban’s meeting with Justice Richard Goldstone of South Africa took place in Geneva, where the Human Rights Council is based and where the Secretary-General today wrapped up a five-day trip that also took him to Bahrain.
During the meeting, which was also attended by members of Justice Goldstone’s team and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Mr. Ban reiterated his support to the work of the mission.
The Secretary-General said he hoped the mission’s work would proceed smoothly with cooperation by the concerned parties and send a positive message to the international community about accountability, according to his spokesperson.
Speaking to reporters today, Justice Goldstone said he was “disappointed” that he had not received any positive response from the Israeli Government.
Source: UN News Centre
Mr. Ban’s meeting with Justice Richard Goldstone of South Africa took place in Geneva, where the Human Rights Council is based and where the Secretary-General today wrapped up a five-day trip that also took him to Bahrain.
During the meeting, which was also attended by members of Justice Goldstone’s team and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Mr. Ban reiterated his support to the work of the mission.
The Secretary-General said he hoped the mission’s work would proceed smoothly with cooperation by the concerned parties and send a positive message to the international community about accountability, according to his spokesperson.
Speaking to reporters today, Justice Goldstone said he was “disappointed” that he had not received any positive response from the Israeli Government.
Source: UN News Centre
New Energy To Tackle Climate Change in South Africa?
The announcement by the new South African government to decouple the Ministries of Minerals and Energy represents a symbolic shift away from a troubled legacy.
Civil society has long called for splitting the incongruous pair into departments with their own clear and distinct mandates. However, jubilation must be tempered as we consider the ideological and practical implications of the decision for the Zuma-led government, which is emphasising the strengthening of institutions and has, through the ANC’s Polokwane declaration, put climate change as a key item in its agenda.
A challenging time lies ahead for the Ministry of Energy in creating a new department in a rapidly deteriorating physical environment. Tough choices must be made as the ramifications also go well beyond the Department to fundamentally reorganising power relations in our country as well as confronting the premise and trajectory of our current development model. But the rewards for creating benchmarks for sustainable, socially just future would be well worth the struggle.
Source: ISS
Civil society has long called for splitting the incongruous pair into departments with their own clear and distinct mandates. However, jubilation must be tempered as we consider the ideological and practical implications of the decision for the Zuma-led government, which is emphasising the strengthening of institutions and has, through the ANC’s Polokwane declaration, put climate change as a key item in its agenda.
A challenging time lies ahead for the Ministry of Energy in creating a new department in a rapidly deteriorating physical environment. Tough choices must be made as the ramifications also go well beyond the Department to fundamentally reorganising power relations in our country as well as confronting the premise and trajectory of our current development model. But the rewards for creating benchmarks for sustainable, socially just future would be well worth the struggle.
Source: ISS
Israeli military bombs Gaza smuggling tunnels
Israeli warplanes carried out a bombing raid in Gaza overnight, targeting smuggling tunnels leading from the Palestinian enclave to Egypt, and weapons-making facilities, the military said.
No fatalities have been reported, but Palestinian medics said a local woman was injured in one of the tunnel bombings. Israel says the tunnels are used to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip.
The Haaretz daily cited an Israel Defense Forces spokesman as saying four border tunnels were hit, along with two arms-producing facilities.
The attack came in response to rocket and mortar fire from Gaza militants. Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Palestinian enclave, said one of its security positions had also been targeted.
On Tuesday, Palestinian militants fired a Qassam rocket into southern Israel, wounding a teenager in Sderot and damaging a building.
Source: RIA Novosti
No fatalities have been reported, but Palestinian medics said a local woman was injured in one of the tunnel bombings. Israel says the tunnels are used to smuggle weapons into the Gaza Strip.
The Haaretz daily cited an Israel Defense Forces spokesman as saying four border tunnels were hit, along with two arms-producing facilities.
The attack came in response to rocket and mortar fire from Gaza militants. Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Palestinian enclave, said one of its security positions had also been targeted.
On Tuesday, Palestinian militants fired a Qassam rocket into southern Israel, wounding a teenager in Sderot and damaging a building.
Source: RIA Novosti
China Working on Further National Plan to Address Climate Change: Official
A senior Chinese official told Xinhua Tuesday that the country is working on a national plan to further cope with the issue of climate change.
"We are working on a further national plan based on a longer term in a bid to strengthen the enforcement of international treaties about the issue," Xie said.
The plan is aimed to better tackle the climate change and boost economic growth in the meantime, Xie added.
The Chinese chief climate negotiator did not elaborate the plan, only saying that the country eyes on accumulating useful experiences to establish a low-carbon economy through some pilot projects.
In 2007, a national leading group on climate change, headed by Premier Wen Jiabao, was set up to oversee the issues related to climate change.
In the same year, the Chinese government issued the National Climate Change Program, the first of its kind issued by a developing country, which worked out the strategies and measures to tackle climate change.
China's "green" determination has been boosted by the country's achievements in its environmental initiatives. Figures show China's energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped 4.59 percent in 2008, and 10.08 percent from 2006 to 2008.
Source: China Radio International
"We are working on a further national plan based on a longer term in a bid to strengthen the enforcement of international treaties about the issue," Xie said.
The plan is aimed to better tackle the climate change and boost economic growth in the meantime, Xie added.
The Chinese chief climate negotiator did not elaborate the plan, only saying that the country eyes on accumulating useful experiences to establish a low-carbon economy through some pilot projects.
In 2007, a national leading group on climate change, headed by Premier Wen Jiabao, was set up to oversee the issues related to climate change.
In the same year, the Chinese government issued the National Climate Change Program, the first of its kind issued by a developing country, which worked out the strategies and measures to tackle climate change.
China's "green" determination has been boosted by the country's achievements in its environmental initiatives. Figures show China's energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped 4.59 percent in 2008, and 10.08 percent from 2006 to 2008.
Source: China Radio International
Chinese, EU Officials See Prague Summit Milestone
The 11th summit of the European Union and China to be held in Prague will be "a milestone" in the development of relations between the two, top Chinese and EU diplomats said in Brussels on Tuesday.
The summit will be "a milestone in our common journey" for a "new global order, ways to tackle the global recession, promote peace and save the planet," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, told a seminar on EU-China relations.
"Never has the world confronted such a complex and inter-linked set of security, economic and environmental challenges as we witness today. We live in an age where global threats require global solutions," she said. "China is one of our most important partners to meet the challenges of today and of tomorrow," she said.
"The Chinese development model, which has achieved more in 30 years than has been achieved in two centuries, is a globalization success story not a globalization scare story." Also speaking at the seminar, which was organized by the European think-tank Friends of Europe, Chinese Ambassador to the EU Song Zhe said the EU-China summit in Prague will be an event important for both sides.
"Under the storm of the financial crisis, we all understand better that our cooperation means a lot to us and to the world," he said.
Source: China Radio International
The summit will be "a milestone in our common journey" for a "new global order, ways to tackle the global recession, promote peace and save the planet," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, told a seminar on EU-China relations.
"Never has the world confronted such a complex and inter-linked set of security, economic and environmental challenges as we witness today. We live in an age where global threats require global solutions," she said. "China is one of our most important partners to meet the challenges of today and of tomorrow," she said.
"The Chinese development model, which has achieved more in 30 years than has been achieved in two centuries, is a globalization success story not a globalization scare story." Also speaking at the seminar, which was organized by the European think-tank Friends of Europe, Chinese Ambassador to the EU Song Zhe said the EU-China summit in Prague will be an event important for both sides.
"Under the storm of the financial crisis, we all understand better that our cooperation means a lot to us and to the world," he said.
Source: China Radio International
New minister outlines energy priorities
Newly appointed Energy Minister Dipuo Peters on Wednesday outlined her short- to medium-term priorities for the sector.
Her address to a power conference in Cape Town was meant to be her debut speech as minister, but it was eventually delivered on her behalf after a lengthy delay, as she was attending the new Cabinet's first meeting at Tuynhuys.
The government would continue to strive for universal access to energy, with special emphasis on the rural poor, she said. "This will not only cover the electricity supply infrastructure and hardware, but also the operational cost associated with the poor households. "Regarding the latter, we will work closely with National Treasury and municipalities to make it happen within our available resources," Peters said.
The global economic slowdown should be viewed as a short-term scenario and the energy sector needed to plan carefully to allow it to respond quickly to the needs of a growing economy, she said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Her address to a power conference in Cape Town was meant to be her debut speech as minister, but it was eventually delivered on her behalf after a lengthy delay, as she was attending the new Cabinet's first meeting at Tuynhuys.
The government would continue to strive for universal access to energy, with special emphasis on the rural poor, she said. "This will not only cover the electricity supply infrastructure and hardware, but also the operational cost associated with the poor households. "Regarding the latter, we will work closely with National Treasury and municipalities to make it happen within our available resources," Peters said.
The global economic slowdown should be viewed as a short-term scenario and the energy sector needed to plan carefully to allow it to respond quickly to the needs of a growing economy, she said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Buthelezi's traditional leader post up for grabs
The top post in the KwaZulu-Natal house of traditional leaders currently occupied by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi will be up for grabs this week.
Traditional leaders from KwaZulu-Natal's 11 districts will converge on Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre on Friday to elect a provincial chairperson of the house.
Buthelezi, who is also Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, has been chairperson of the house since 2006 when the groundbreaking KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act was implemented.
Before the act was promulgated, Buthelezi was the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation for years and his position was never up for re-election.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Traditional leaders from KwaZulu-Natal's 11 districts will converge on Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre on Friday to elect a provincial chairperson of the house.
Buthelezi, who is also Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, has been chairperson of the house since 2006 when the groundbreaking KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act was implemented.
Before the act was promulgated, Buthelezi was the traditional prime minister of the Zulu nation for years and his position was never up for re-election.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Renewables Surge Despite Economic Crisis
The 2008 figures are in from the new REN 21 Renewables Global Status Report: Renewable power capacity (excluding large hydropower) increased a hefty 16 percent last year, which is remarkable given that world oil use actually declined. Growth in some renewable sectors was even more impressive. Biodiesel production increased 34 percent, and solar power took the prize with a 73 percent jump.
Source: Worldwatch Institute
Source: Worldwatch Institute
Thousands of Somalis flee fighting in Mogadishu
More than 43 000 civilians have fled fierce fighting between insurgents and government forces in the Somali capital Mogadishu over the past 12 days, the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said on Wednesday.
Civilians have been caught in the crossfire as the warring parties battle with mortars and automatic weapons in the north of the city. About 200 have died and more than 500 have been injured since the latest battles began.
The streets of north Mogadishu are empty, witnesses say, save for Islamist insurgents taking up positions to attack embattled pro-government militias.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Civilians have been caught in the crossfire as the warring parties battle with mortars and automatic weapons in the north of the city. About 200 have died and more than 500 have been injured since the latest battles began.
The streets of north Mogadishu are empty, witnesses say, save for Islamist insurgents taking up positions to attack embattled pro-government militias.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Sharp fall in exports from China
China's exports in April were down 22.6% from a year ago, the sixth successive month of decline.
April's fall in exports was also bigger than the 17.1% annual decline recorded in March.But other data released on Tuesday suggest that Chinese government efforts to stimulate the economy are pushing up investment levels in the country.
Analysts remain optimistic that China will be the first to make its way out of recession.For those Chinese factory owners who send most of their products abroad, there is little relief in these latest trade figures.Some had hoped the worst was over for exporters, but the 22.6% fall was greater than many analysts had expected.
On the other hand, investment in industrial plants and property in cities was 30% higher in the first four months of the year than it had been in the same period of 2008.
Source: BBC
April's fall in exports was also bigger than the 17.1% annual decline recorded in March.But other data released on Tuesday suggest that Chinese government efforts to stimulate the economy are pushing up investment levels in the country.
Analysts remain optimistic that China will be the first to make its way out of recession.For those Chinese factory owners who send most of their products abroad, there is little relief in these latest trade figures.Some had hoped the worst was over for exporters, but the 22.6% fall was greater than many analysts had expected.
On the other hand, investment in industrial plants and property in cities was 30% higher in the first four months of the year than it had been in the same period of 2008.
Source: BBC
Germany agrees 'bad bank' scheme
The German cabinet has agreed a "bad bank" scheme, to enable the country's lenders to remove remaining toxic assets from their balance sheets.
Under the plan, the banks will be able to swap their toxic debt for government-backed bonds, in return for paying an annual fee.
The government hopes the move will encourage banks to start lending again, both to each other and consumers.
Source: BBC
Under the plan, the banks will be able to swap their toxic debt for government-backed bonds, in return for paying an annual fee.
The government hopes the move will encourage banks to start lending again, both to each other and consumers.
Source: BBC
Japan's economy in record plunge
Japan's economy during the first three months of 2009 shrank at its quickest pace since records began, as exports slumped, officials figures have shown.
Output in the world's second largest economy contracted by 4% during the period, or by 15.2% on an annual basis.
Source: BBC
Output in the world's second largest economy contracted by 4% during the period, or by 15.2% on an annual basis.
Source: BBC
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Creative New Venture to Help Communities Revitalize Neighborhoods Hit Hard by Foreclosures
The National Community Stabilization Trust, a collaborative venture of nonprofit housing organizations supported by the Ford Foundation, today announced the launch of a national effort to help revitalize communities hard hit by the foreclosure crisis. Over 80 cities – including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago – are already working with the Stabilization Trust.
The Stabilization Trust will act as a transfer agent between financial institutions who hold or manage foreclosed homes and community housing providers who want to get these properties renovated and back into productive use as new, for-sale homes or affordable rental housing.
In practice, communities seeking to acquire multiple properties in a targeted area have had to negotiate separately with a dozen or more separate financial institutions. Now communities have another option – dealing with the Stabilization Trust to get access to these properties from multiple financial institutions in a more predictable and cost effective manner.
Source: Ford Foundation
The Stabilization Trust will act as a transfer agent between financial institutions who hold or manage foreclosed homes and community housing providers who want to get these properties renovated and back into productive use as new, for-sale homes or affordable rental housing.
In practice, communities seeking to acquire multiple properties in a targeted area have had to negotiate separately with a dozen or more separate financial institutions. Now communities have another option – dealing with the Stabilization Trust to get access to these properties from multiple financial institutions in a more predictable and cost effective manner.
Source: Ford Foundation
Italy: Police Arrest 68 in Organized Crime Crackdown
The police arrested 68 people believed to be members of the Naples Mafia on Tuesday in one of the largest crackdowns on organized crime in recent years. Judges had issued 109 arrest warrants for murder, drug trafficking, money laundering and other charges, the police said.
The warrants were directed mainly at the Amato-Pagano family, part of a breakaway clan fighting a family led by Paolo Di Lauro. The police have blamed the war between the factions for dozens of deaths in recent years. The head of the Amato-Pagano family, Raffaelle Amato, 44, was arrested in Marbella, Spain, on Sunday.
Source: New York Times
The warrants were directed mainly at the Amato-Pagano family, part of a breakaway clan fighting a family led by Paolo Di Lauro. The police have blamed the war between the factions for dozens of deaths in recent years. The head of the Amato-Pagano family, Raffaelle Amato, 44, was arrested in Marbella, Spain, on Sunday.
Source: New York Times
Georgia says Russian pressure led to changes in UN Caucasus report
Georgia's foreign minister claimed on Tuesday that the UN Secretary General's draft report on the situation in the Caucasus region had been amended due to pressure from Russia.
The Geneva talks, which started on Monday, are backed by the UN, the EU and the OSCE and involve Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Russia recognized the former Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states on August 26 last year. The move came two weeks after the end of a five-day war with Georgia which began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia to try to regain control of the region.
Friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance treaties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia were signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last November.
Under the pacts, Russia has among other things pledged to help the republics protect their borders, and the signatories have granted each other the right to set up military bases in their respective territories.
Source: Rianovosti
The Geneva talks, which started on Monday, are backed by the UN, the EU and the OSCE and involve Georgia, Russia, South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Russia recognized the former Georgian provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states on August 26 last year. The move came two weeks after the end of a five-day war with Georgia which began when Georgian forces attacked South Ossetia to try to regain control of the region.
Friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance treaties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia were signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last November.
Under the pacts, Russia has among other things pledged to help the republics protect their borders, and the signatories have granted each other the right to set up military bases in their respective territories.
Source: Rianovosti
Chinese culture to shine in Africa
Chinese culture will be transplanted to South Africa thanks to a $250 million theme-park-with-a-difference being built by local company Huaqiang Holdings.
Fantawild Adventure, the 770,000 sq m high-tech facility destined for Johannesburg was among major successes announced during the four-day China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair that closed yesterday with a record-high accumulative contract volume of 87.7 billion yuan.
"The park will be the first major technology-driven cultural theme park in Southern Africa," said Cassim Nakkooda, director of trade and investment promotion for the city of Johannesburg.
"It will not only give citizens of South Africa a chance to better understand Chinese culture, but also serve the interests of other African countries."
Source: China View
Fantawild Adventure, the 770,000 sq m high-tech facility destined for Johannesburg was among major successes announced during the four-day China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair that closed yesterday with a record-high accumulative contract volume of 87.7 billion yuan.
"The park will be the first major technology-driven cultural theme park in Southern Africa," said Cassim Nakkooda, director of trade and investment promotion for the city of Johannesburg.
"It will not only give citizens of South Africa a chance to better understand Chinese culture, but also serve the interests of other African countries."
Source: China View
Banks 'throttling the economy'
Large commercial banks are throttling the economy while the housing market threatens to collapse and millions of consumers are in debt, debt counsellors Consumer Assist said on Tuesday.
"Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni is among those starting to accuse banks of starting to throttle the economy as they hold on to credit and aggressively pursue the indebted," Consumer Assist said.
Source: Fin24.com
"Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni is among those starting to accuse banks of starting to throttle the economy as they hold on to credit and aggressively pursue the indebted," Consumer Assist said.
Source: Fin24.com
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Russian, Italian leaders discuss G8 in Moscow
“I believe it is a very important matter that we plan to discuss today. There are very important opportunities to find answers to the current economic crisis and introduce a new global management method allowing us to supervise the financial and economic world and avoid any chance of a new crisis,” the Italian premier said.
Source: University of Toronto G8 Research Group
Source: University of Toronto G8 Research Group
Thursday, May 14, 2009
DA's shadow Cabinet
The DA's shadow Parliament, is as follows;
Athol Trollip, as shadow minister for the presidency.
Dion George will shadow the minister of finance,
Dianne Kohler-Barnard the minister of police,
Juanita Terblanche the minister of home affairs,
Dene Smuts the minister for justice and constitutional development,
Kenneth Mubu the minister of international relations and co-operation,
Ryan Coetzee will be the shadow minister of economic development,
Juanita Kloppers-Lourens for basic education,
James Selfe for correctional services, and
Mike Waters for health.
The party's focus is on justice, basic education and health.
Source: News 24.com
Athol Trollip, as shadow minister for the presidency.
Dion George will shadow the minister of finance,
Dianne Kohler-Barnard the minister of police,
Juanita Terblanche the minister of home affairs,
Dene Smuts the minister for justice and constitutional development,
Kenneth Mubu the minister of international relations and co-operation,
Ryan Coetzee will be the shadow minister of economic development,
Juanita Kloppers-Lourens for basic education,
James Selfe for correctional services, and
Mike Waters for health.
The party's focus is on justice, basic education and health.
Source: News 24.com
Zim secret police arrests top human rights lawyer
Zimbabwe's secret police on Thursday arrested top human rights lawyer Alec Muchadehama on as yet unspecified allegations, colleagues said.
Muchadehama was apprehended by three officers of the notorious "law and order" section of the police at the Harare magistrates' court while processing release orders for three high-profile political prisoners granted bail on Wednesday.
The arrest is the latest in a series of arrests of court officials, lawyers, journalists and members of Parliament of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), now in coalition with Mugabe's former ruling Zanu-PF party.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Muchadehama was apprehended by three officers of the notorious "law and order" section of the police at the Harare magistrates' court while processing release orders for three high-profile political prisoners granted bail on Wednesday.
The arrest is the latest in a series of arrests of court officials, lawyers, journalists and members of Parliament of the former opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), now in coalition with Mugabe's former ruling Zanu-PF party.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Cape Town takes down tents as storm clouds gather
With the weather bureau predicting the Cape’s first massive winter storm this weekend, the City of Cape Town has decided to start dismantling the last remaining tents still housing about 400 displaced foreign nationals in the Blue Waters refugee-camp outside Muizenberg.
More than a year after hundreds of thousands foreign nationals were displaced in the Cape, about 400 mainly Somali and Congolese nationals -- including about 150 children -- are still in tents and have refused to integrate back into Cape townships. They want to return to their countries of origin because they fear for their lives in South Africa.
These people have been living in tents for more than a year. Last week the city of Cape Town served orders on the camp saying that they will evict people still living in Blue Waters.
Source: Mail & Guardian
More than a year after hundreds of thousands foreign nationals were displaced in the Cape, about 400 mainly Somali and Congolese nationals -- including about 150 children -- are still in tents and have refused to integrate back into Cape townships. They want to return to their countries of origin because they fear for their lives in South Africa.
These people have been living in tents for more than a year. Last week the city of Cape Town served orders on the camp saying that they will evict people still living in Blue Waters.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Govt says Dalai Lama welcome to visit SA
The Dalai Lama is welcome to visit South Africa, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoane-Mashabane said on Thursday.
She added that South Africa's foreign policy was "underpinned by human rights, but that does not mean it can be misinterpreted in the interests of certain quarters".
Nkoane-Mashabane said South Africa hoped to strengthen ties with China and foresaw no change in policy towards the country.
"We've got very sound relations with China and that needs to be strengthened and we will do so," she said.
The name change of her department, from foreign affairs to international relations and cooperation, was a bid by government to ensure a holistic approach to foreign relations which reflected a developmental agenda.
"The name change moves from the premise that foreign policy is based upon and an advancement of domestic priorities at international level," she said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
She added that South Africa's foreign policy was "underpinned by human rights, but that does not mean it can be misinterpreted in the interests of certain quarters".
Nkoane-Mashabane said South Africa hoped to strengthen ties with China and foresaw no change in policy towards the country.
"We've got very sound relations with China and that needs to be strengthened and we will do so," she said.
The name change of her department, from foreign affairs to international relations and cooperation, was a bid by government to ensure a holistic approach to foreign relations which reflected a developmental agenda.
"The name change moves from the premise that foreign policy is based upon and an advancement of domestic priorities at international level," she said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
New York City demands rent from the homeless
The New York City administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently began charging rent to some of the 9,000 homeless families who are presently living in publicly run city shelters. About 2,000 families, including single mothers who have minimum wage or other low-paying jobs, are expected to be affected. They are being told that they must pay hundreds of dollars a month to stay in the shelters. The city claims that their homeless shelter “rent” will not exceed 50 percent of their income.
According to a report issued by the Coalition for the Homeless a few weeks ago, the number of new families entering the system in 2008 is greater than in any year since the 1980s. The 9,400 families currently in shelters represent more than 28,000 people, including 16,000 children.
The coalition further reports, “Over the past decade, the number of homeless families sleeping in New York City shelters and welfare hotels has nearly doubled. The average stay for homeless families in the municipal shelter system is currently 10 months.”
In addition to rising joblessness, housing cost, among the steepest in the US, is a major contributor to homelessness. Affordable apartments are fast disappearing. According to the report, between 2005 and 2008, the city lost nearly 55,000 apartments with rents below $800/month and 80,000 more renting for less than $1,000.
The billionaire mayor, so willing to comply with this state-mandated attack on the poorest sections of the working class, showed no similar willingness to comply when the legislature recently considered raising taxes on the wealthiest sections of the population to help close the record budget deficit. “We love the rich people,” said Bloomberg, explaining that his fellow billionaires and multi-millionaires would pick up and leave the city if they were asked to pay anything more in taxes.
All of these regressive measures are designed to place the weight of the crisis created by Wall Street’s financial speculation and criminality squarely on the backs of working people. With the move to collect rent from the homeless, this general policy has reached an unprecedented level of callousness and brutality.
Source: World Socialist Web Site
According to a report issued by the Coalition for the Homeless a few weeks ago, the number of new families entering the system in 2008 is greater than in any year since the 1980s. The 9,400 families currently in shelters represent more than 28,000 people, including 16,000 children.
The coalition further reports, “Over the past decade, the number of homeless families sleeping in New York City shelters and welfare hotels has nearly doubled. The average stay for homeless families in the municipal shelter system is currently 10 months.”
In addition to rising joblessness, housing cost, among the steepest in the US, is a major contributor to homelessness. Affordable apartments are fast disappearing. According to the report, between 2005 and 2008, the city lost nearly 55,000 apartments with rents below $800/month and 80,000 more renting for less than $1,000.
The billionaire mayor, so willing to comply with this state-mandated attack on the poorest sections of the working class, showed no similar willingness to comply when the legislature recently considered raising taxes on the wealthiest sections of the population to help close the record budget deficit. “We love the rich people,” said Bloomberg, explaining that his fellow billionaires and multi-millionaires would pick up and leave the city if they were asked to pay anything more in taxes.
All of these regressive measures are designed to place the weight of the crisis created by Wall Street’s financial speculation and criminality squarely on the backs of working people. With the move to collect rent from the homeless, this general policy has reached an unprecedented level of callousness and brutality.
Source: World Socialist Web Site
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mantashe says Blade Nzimande needed for 'revolution'
Communist Blade Nzimande was made Minister of Higher Education because he was a revolutionary, metalworkers heard in Boksburg on Tuesday.
"We need a person who understands the concept of the skills revolution: that the skills revolution is critical for the success of this country," African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe told a mini national congress of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa.
"Therefore, you need a revolutionary to do that revolution," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
"We need a person who understands the concept of the skills revolution: that the skills revolution is critical for the success of this country," African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe told a mini national congress of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa.
"Therefore, you need a revolutionary to do that revolution," he said.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Cautious optimism over Nyanda
Analysts have expressed a mixture of mild scepticism and positive sentiments to the appointment of Siphiwe Nyanda and Dina Pule as communications and deputy communications ministers, respectively. Neither has been associated with the ICT industry in the past, but both are recognised for having had a fair amount of administrative and organisational experience. Furthermore, analysts say, the industry has embarked on a sea change that includes the de facto liberalisation, and it is now a very different place from five years ago.
Analysts also point out that, while Nyanda has had extensive organisational experience due to his military background, which may be of use in revamping the Department of Communications (DOC), neither he nor his deputy have any ICT skills base.
Will Hahn, analyst at international research firm Gartner, says: “I think what folks fear now in SA with a former military guy in charge is no longer that things won't get done, but that the wrong decisions will be made.” He says there is a battery of important questions before the South African regulatory authorities (DOC, ICASA, the Department of Public Enterprises and others) that are crying out for clarification, and it could be that an emphasis on authority and clear lines of responsibility would be welcome. “I cannot say definitely that it portends a sea-change, because I cannot gauge how much attention Mr Zuma pays to comms, how close he is with Mr Nyanda and whether the DOC is considered a reward or a second-rank appointment in this environment. Surely, no one could be unaware that this post would be highly visible and scrutinised, so I tend to take the more optimistic view,” Hahn says.
Hahn is looking for a statement of intent on important issues within three months, if the new minister is serious about taking action.
Lindsey Mac Donald, analyst with international consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, says the appointments may represent a turnaround in government policy from the past, and having a minimal interference in the industry as such. From an operational point of view, the appointment of a DOC director-general would be the most important next step for the new minister, she says.
Andre Wills, MD of Africa Analysis, says: “We need to have government's strategy on the use of ICT explained and this has never been done before. The development of this policy will depend a lot on the ideologies of those who determine it.” He says the relationship between the minister and the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of SA, will also be important, especially in securing the necessary resources such as funding for the organisation.
Richard Hurst, International Data Corporation analyst, says he has a sense that the local market will receive the appointments very positively. “However, I do think there is a lot to be done and that expectations will be running very high. I think the most important thing is for industry to give both of them a chance,” says Papi Molotsane, Uninet executive chairman and former Telkom CEO. “They represent no baggage and so have a clean sheet. They are not associated with any particular grouping within the industry either.”
Molotsane says the new minister would be wise to meet as broad a cross-section of the industry as possible, and to break away from the tendency of his predecessor to mainly deal with the large firms.
Source: IT Web
Analysts also point out that, while Nyanda has had extensive organisational experience due to his military background, which may be of use in revamping the Department of Communications (DOC), neither he nor his deputy have any ICT skills base.
Will Hahn, analyst at international research firm Gartner, says: “I think what folks fear now in SA with a former military guy in charge is no longer that things won't get done, but that the wrong decisions will be made.” He says there is a battery of important questions before the South African regulatory authorities (DOC, ICASA, the Department of Public Enterprises and others) that are crying out for clarification, and it could be that an emphasis on authority and clear lines of responsibility would be welcome. “I cannot say definitely that it portends a sea-change, because I cannot gauge how much attention Mr Zuma pays to comms, how close he is with Mr Nyanda and whether the DOC is considered a reward or a second-rank appointment in this environment. Surely, no one could be unaware that this post would be highly visible and scrutinised, so I tend to take the more optimistic view,” Hahn says.
Hahn is looking for a statement of intent on important issues within three months, if the new minister is serious about taking action.
Lindsey Mac Donald, analyst with international consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, says the appointments may represent a turnaround in government policy from the past, and having a minimal interference in the industry as such. From an operational point of view, the appointment of a DOC director-general would be the most important next step for the new minister, she says.
Andre Wills, MD of Africa Analysis, says: “We need to have government's strategy on the use of ICT explained and this has never been done before. The development of this policy will depend a lot on the ideologies of those who determine it.” He says the relationship between the minister and the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of SA, will also be important, especially in securing the necessary resources such as funding for the organisation.
Richard Hurst, International Data Corporation analyst, says he has a sense that the local market will receive the appointments very positively. “However, I do think there is a lot to be done and that expectations will be running very high. I think the most important thing is for industry to give both of them a chance,” says Papi Molotsane, Uninet executive chairman and former Telkom CEO. “They represent no baggage and so have a clean sheet. They are not associated with any particular grouping within the industry either.”
Molotsane says the new minister would be wise to meet as broad a cross-section of the industry as possible, and to break away from the tendency of his predecessor to mainly deal with the large firms.
Source: IT Web
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mkhize reveals KZN Cabinet
KwaZulu-Natal's new premier Zweli Mkhize on Monday announced his new Cabinet.
Lydia Johnson would be MEC for agriculture and environmental affairs.
Wesizwe Thusi would remain MEC for arts, culture, and tourism but would have the added task of sport and recreation. Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development MEC and would also serve as the acting premier. Senzo Mchunu would take over as education MEC, Ina Cronje, is the new finance MEC. Newcomer Sbongiseni Maxwell Dhlomo would take over as health MEC. Peggy Nkonyeni, is the speaker of the KZN legislature.
Maggie Govender would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing. Willies Mchunu, the province's former speaker, would take over as the new MEC for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe would remain social development MEC
Source: News 24
Lydia Johnson would be MEC for agriculture and environmental affairs.
Wesizwe Thusi would remain MEC for arts, culture, and tourism but would have the added task of sport and recreation. Mike Mabuyakhulu was announced economic development MEC and would also serve as the acting premier. Senzo Mchunu would take over as education MEC, Ina Cronje, is the new finance MEC. Newcomer Sbongiseni Maxwell Dhlomo would take over as health MEC. Peggy Nkonyeni, is the speaker of the KZN legislature.
Maggie Govender would head the human settlement department, formerly known as housing. Willies Mchunu, the province's former speaker, would take over as the new MEC for local government and traditional affairs, while Meshack Hadebe would remain social development MEC
Source: News 24
South Africa grants temporary residence permits to refugees
"After they whipped and then beat me with an iron bar, I knew I could not continue and had to leave to survive, so I came to South Africa," a woman called Grace told Gerry Simpson, a Human Rights Watch researcher investigating the plight of Zimbabweans in South Africa.
Grace is among the estimated 1.5 million Zimbabweans who fled across the border in recent years as Zimbabwe descended into economic disaster and brutal political violence. Zimbabwe has suffered inflation rates of more than 100,000 percent, an 80 percent unemployment rate, and a cholera epidemic, as well as killings, arrests, and the torture of hundreds of opposition supporters around the 2008 presidential election.
The South African government opened a new refugee reception office on the border with Zimbabwe in response to Human Rights Watch's call to end unlawful detention and deportation of asylum seekers as they tried to reach refugee reception offices hundreds of miles from the border. The refugee reception office enables Zimbabweans to apply for asylum as soon as they enter South Africa. The huge number of claims registered there since the center opened in July 2008 significantly contributed to the enormous strain on South Africa's asylum system, which in turn encouraged the government to respond to Human Rights Watch's call for comprehensive measures protecting all Zimbabweans in South Africa.
On April 3, 2009, the government of South Africa announced it would hand out "special dispensation permits" to allow Zimbabweans to remain in South Africa legally for six to twelve months. Now, up to 1.5 million people will be free of the fear of violence, arrest, and deportation back to the country they struggled to escape. Grace, and hundreds of thousands like her, will have the right to work, to send their children to school, and to access basic health care.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Grace is among the estimated 1.5 million Zimbabweans who fled across the border in recent years as Zimbabwe descended into economic disaster and brutal political violence. Zimbabwe has suffered inflation rates of more than 100,000 percent, an 80 percent unemployment rate, and a cholera epidemic, as well as killings, arrests, and the torture of hundreds of opposition supporters around the 2008 presidential election.
The South African government opened a new refugee reception office on the border with Zimbabwe in response to Human Rights Watch's call to end unlawful detention and deportation of asylum seekers as they tried to reach refugee reception offices hundreds of miles from the border. The refugee reception office enables Zimbabweans to apply for asylum as soon as they enter South Africa. The huge number of claims registered there since the center opened in July 2008 significantly contributed to the enormous strain on South Africa's asylum system, which in turn encouraged the government to respond to Human Rights Watch's call for comprehensive measures protecting all Zimbabweans in South Africa.
On April 3, 2009, the government of South Africa announced it would hand out "special dispensation permits" to allow Zimbabweans to remain in South Africa legally for six to twelve months. Now, up to 1.5 million people will be free of the fear of violence, arrest, and deportation back to the country they struggled to escape. Grace, and hundreds of thousands like her, will have the right to work, to send their children to school, and to access basic health care.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Motlanthe sworn in as deputy president
Deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe was sworn in by President Jacob Zuma at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Monday.
He was congratulated by outgoing finance minister Trevor Manuel, who has been appointed as a Minister in the Presidency in Zuma's administration.
Manuel will head up government's new planning commission.
The swearing-in of the ministers was affirmed by Constitutional Court judges, Chief Justice Pius Langa, Justice Dikgang Moseneke and Justice Kate O'Regan.
After former health minister Barbara Hogan had been sworn in as Minister of Public Enterprise, she was hugged by Zuma and Motlanthe.Former education minister Naledi Pandor has been appointed the country's new Science and Technology Minister, taking over from Azanian People's Organisation leader Mosibudi Mangena.
"I am very honoured as usual to be deployed and appointed to a government position by our president. It's a great privilege, I am still getting used to it," Pandor, one of the early arrivals, told the South African Press Association.
Source: Mail & Guardian
He was congratulated by outgoing finance minister Trevor Manuel, who has been appointed as a Minister in the Presidency in Zuma's administration.
Manuel will head up government's new planning commission.
The swearing-in of the ministers was affirmed by Constitutional Court judges, Chief Justice Pius Langa, Justice Dikgang Moseneke and Justice Kate O'Regan.
After former health minister Barbara Hogan had been sworn in as Minister of Public Enterprise, she was hugged by Zuma and Motlanthe.Former education minister Naledi Pandor has been appointed the country's new Science and Technology Minister, taking over from Azanian People's Organisation leader Mosibudi Mangena.
"I am very honoured as usual to be deployed and appointed to a government position by our president. It's a great privilege, I am still getting used to it," Pandor, one of the early arrivals, told the South African Press Association.
Source: Mail & Guardian
New Cabinet seen as coup for the left
Cosatu and South African Communist Party leaders featured prominently in Jacob Zuma's new Cabinet announced in Pretoria on Sunday.
Among the key ministries allocated to the left is Economic Development, which will be headed by Cosatu’s clothing and textile [Sactwu] general secretary Ebrahim Patel. The Department of Trade and Industry will be led by SACP executive member Rob Davies while the Department of Higher Education and Training will be led by SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande.
The new Department of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities will be led by Cosatu’s health union (Nehawu) president Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya.
SACP deputy general secretary was appointed deputy minister of the Department of Transport, while Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim and Yunus Carrim -- both SACP leaders -- were also appointed deputy ministers of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, formerly known as
the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, respectively.
SACP spokesperson Malesela Maleka said the party was proud that Zuma saw the capability in SACP leaders to lead key government ministries.
Source: Mail & Guardian
Among the key ministries allocated to the left is Economic Development, which will be headed by Cosatu’s clothing and textile [Sactwu] general secretary Ebrahim Patel. The Department of Trade and Industry will be led by SACP executive member Rob Davies while the Department of Higher Education and Training will be led by SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande.
The new Department of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities will be led by Cosatu’s health union (Nehawu) president Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya.
SACP deputy general secretary was appointed deputy minister of the Department of Transport, while Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim and Yunus Carrim -- both SACP leaders -- were also appointed deputy ministers of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, formerly known as
the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, respectively.
SACP spokesperson Malesela Maleka said the party was proud that Zuma saw the capability in SACP leaders to lead key government ministries.
Source: Mail & Guardian
New health minister: Motsoaledi
The new Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, has a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Natal. He is a former acting premier in the Limpopo province and was previously also an education MEC in the same province. His deputy Molefi Sefularo was health MEC in the North West province and appointed Deputy Health Minister by Motlanthe last year.
Source: Health 24.com
Source: Health 24.com
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Zuma Inaugurated in South Africa
PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) — Jacob Zuma was sworn in as the president of South Africa on Saturday after a remarkable political comeback, and he quickly highlighted the challenges faced by the continent’s largest economy.
Promising to help South Africans realize their dreams, Mr. Zuma, 67, took a sober view of the country’s economy, which may already be in its first recession in 17 years.
“We must acknowledge that we find ourselves in difficult economic times. Jobs are being lost in every economy across the world,” Mr. Zuma said in his inauguration speech. “We will not be spared the negative impact and are beginning to feel the pinch.”
Source: New York Times
Promising to help South Africans realize their dreams, Mr. Zuma, 67, took a sober view of the country’s economy, which may already be in its first recession in 17 years.
“We must acknowledge that we find ourselves in difficult economic times. Jobs are being lost in every economy across the world,” Mr. Zuma said in his inauguration speech. “We will not be spared the negative impact and are beginning to feel the pinch.”
Source: New York Times
SA could see another spate of xenophobic attacks
South Africa could soon find itself plunged into renewed xenophobic violence if the incoming government fails to improve on the delivery of basic services to the country's poor. This is the chilling finding of a study by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in the aftermath of the month-long attacks on foreign nationals in May last year, tens of thousands were displaced and many others lost their lives.
Du Noon north of Cape Town, was the Western Cape's epicentre of last year’s xenophobic attacks - families were split up, driven out and some maimed or killed. While many say things have improved, foreign nationals living and working in areas which were attacked still live in fear. A Cameroon national who's identity is withheld for safety reasons says, "At times they shoot people without even asking - they stab without even approaching you or asking you what did you do or what happened to you. Just across the street two Ethiopians were gunned down a fortnight ago."
The study has also confirmed the cause of the attack. The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation's, Valdi Van Reenen-Le Roux says, "The under lying cause of this is a competition for livelihoods and basic services from government such as housing." Through the province's Social Transformation Programme, the Institute is making some progress.
"If one has to look at Khayelitsha for example, where foreign nationals set up 'community networking forums'...foreign nationals and South African community based businesses could partner each other in sharing skills, advising, mentoring each other and coaching," said Le-Roux. But this won't be enough. She adds that when the government gets serious about housing and employment then the competition for basic needs will lessen. “This enhances chances of integration, that communities can welcome each other."
The Western Cape still has 400 foreign nationals taking refuge at the Bluewaters place of safety from last year. The City of Cape Town says it’s given them notice to find alternative accommodation or face eviction.
Source: SABC
Du Noon north of Cape Town, was the Western Cape's epicentre of last year’s xenophobic attacks - families were split up, driven out and some maimed or killed. While many say things have improved, foreign nationals living and working in areas which were attacked still live in fear. A Cameroon national who's identity is withheld for safety reasons says, "At times they shoot people without even asking - they stab without even approaching you or asking you what did you do or what happened to you. Just across the street two Ethiopians were gunned down a fortnight ago."
The study has also confirmed the cause of the attack. The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation's, Valdi Van Reenen-Le Roux says, "The under lying cause of this is a competition for livelihoods and basic services from government such as housing." Through the province's Social Transformation Programme, the Institute is making some progress.
"If one has to look at Khayelitsha for example, where foreign nationals set up 'community networking forums'...foreign nationals and South African community based businesses could partner each other in sharing skills, advising, mentoring each other and coaching," said Le-Roux. But this won't be enough. She adds that when the government gets serious about housing and employment then the competition for basic needs will lessen. “This enhances chances of integration, that communities can welcome each other."
The Western Cape still has 400 foreign nationals taking refuge at the Bluewaters place of safety from last year. The City of Cape Town says it’s given them notice to find alternative accommodation or face eviction.
Source: SABC
Zuma announces new cabinet
The new president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, made his eagerly awaited cabinet announcements on Sunday in Pretoria. The announcement, which was set for 14:00 was delayed for more than half an hour, apparently due to a last minute meeting. On making his announcements, Zuma said the new administration would be tasked with bringing out results, to properly implement policies and has been reorganised to work more effectively.
President Zuma announced several changes to current government departments, the creation of new structures within the presidency. A national planning commission (NPC) will be set up, which will be based in the presidency, the NPC will be responsible for strategic planning to which all spheres of government will adhere. There will also be a monitoring and evaluation and administration department in the presidency. The department of mineral and energy will be split into two departments, as will be the department of education. The department of housing will be called department of human settlement. The following appointments were announced:
Minister of defence: Lindiwe Sisulu
Minister of finance: Pravin Gordhan
Deputy president: Kgalema Motlanthe
Minister of higher education and training - Blade Nzimande
Minister of home affairs - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Minister of human settlement - Tokyo Sexwale
More details to follow.
Source: News24
President Zuma announced several changes to current government departments, the creation of new structures within the presidency. A national planning commission (NPC) will be set up, which will be based in the presidency, the NPC will be responsible for strategic planning to which all spheres of government will adhere. There will also be a monitoring and evaluation and administration department in the presidency. The department of mineral and energy will be split into two departments, as will be the department of education. The department of housing will be called department of human settlement. The following appointments were announced:
Minister of defence: Lindiwe Sisulu
Minister of finance: Pravin Gordhan
Deputy president: Kgalema Motlanthe
Minister of higher education and training - Blade Nzimande
Minister of home affairs - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Minister of human settlement - Tokyo Sexwale
More details to follow.
Source: News24
Friday, May 8, 2009
Zuma Should Grasp Opportunity to Break With the Recent Past
South Africa's new government should make human rights a central pillar of its foreign policy agenda, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to President-elect Jacob Zuma.Human Rights Watch expressed concern that in recent years - including during its two-year stint as a member of the United Nations Security Council - South Africa has chosen to side with some of the worst human rights abusers, including Iran, Burma, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. While it justifiably criticized the human rights practices of the United States and Israel and sought reform of international institutions, Pretoria failed to take the moral high ground and build a broad north-south alliance around strengthening international law and human rights. As a result, it squandered its international reputation, which it had so effectively built up in the 1990s, as a champion of human rights and the rule of law. "South Africans and their supporters all over the world who had such high hopes for this country's leadership on human rights felt betrayed by the previous government," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "This is a chance for Zuma to take the high road and restore credibility and balance to South Africa's foreign policy."
Human Rights Watch called attention to situations in three nations where South African leadership could lead to significant improvements and progress in human rights: Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe.
In Sudan, a number of interlinking issues continue to undermine human rights. The major elements are: the armed conflict, lack of security, and obstruction of humanitarian aid in Darfur; African Union and Arab League moves to help President Omar al-Bashir evade justice; and the threat of renewed north-south conflict between Khartoum and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). Those responsible for the worst crimes in Darfur know they will not face justice and the Sudanese government has used the International Criminal Court's (ICC) arrest warrant for al-Bashir as a pretext to expel international humanitarian organizations, unnecessarily endangering further the lives of millions of civilians in Darfur.Human Rights Watch called on the new South African government to: support the ICC's work in Sudan and the principles of international justice, and press other African countries to do the same; and press Sudan to reverse its decision to expel humanitarian agencies, and reinstate the full scope of humanitarian assistance in Darfur.
In its letter to President-elect Zuma, Human Rights Watch also detailed how the new government could help end the rampant abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and help set the country firmly on a democratic footing. To its great credit, South Africa has contributed a substantial number of peacekeeping troops to the United Nations force in Congo. The UN force is involved in joint military operations with Congolese government forces against brutal Hutu militias like the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR).But UN peacekeepers have so far been unsuccessful in restraining government soldiers from also committing abuses against civilians. To make matters worse, the deputy commander of the Congolese military force is reported to be Bosco Ntaganda, a former rebel commander who has been charged with war crimes by the ICC. Human Rights Watch said that South African forces should not be standing by while abuses are taking place or working with people like Ntaganda.
Human Rights Watch called on the new government to help the Congolese government establish a vetting mechanism to remove from the army and police individuals accused of serious human rights violations, and to ensure that they are brought to justice rather than promoted; and press the Congolese authorities to punish abusive soldiers and their commanders and to bring abuses to a halt.
In Zimbabwe, despite the formation of a new power-sharing government, the crisis persists and human rights abuses continue. Police continue to intimidate and arrest activists, and supporters of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), the longtime governing party, continue their violent invasions of commercial farms. Police and prosecuting authorities who have remained under the control of ZANU-PF in the power-sharing government have continued politically motivated prosecutions of political opponents and have failed to investigate ongoing allegations of torture. Key state and judicial institutions remain partisan and unreformed. The government is yet to initiate comprehensive legislative reforms and repeal repressive laws like the Public Order and Security Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, as well as a litany of laws that restrict media operations.Human Rights Watch called on the new South African government to: monitor closely the progress of all parties to Zimbabwe's power-sharing agreement in carrying out all commitments they made as part of the Global Political Agreement, including respecting individual rights, passing human rights-centered legislative reforms, drafting a new constitution, and holding fresh elections that meet international standards of freedom and fairness; and press Zimbabwe's inclusive government to commit to, and institute, genuine political change. "The new government of President Zuma should establish early on that it is committed to playing a positive role in ending repression and abuses not only on the continent but in other parts of the world," Gagnon said. "Zimbabwe is an obvious place to start."
Source: Human Rights Watch
Thursday, May 7, 2009
US report slams home affairs
Poor administration and corruption at South Africa's department of home affairs has resulted in thousands of fraudulent passports, identity documents and work permits being issued, according to a recently-released United States government report.
Together with border security problems, this has negatively affected South Africa's ability and efforts to counter terrorism, says the US state department's "Country Reports on Terrorism 2008".
The highly-critical report has prompted local lawyer Gary Eisenberg, who chairs the Immigration and Nationality Committee of the International Bar Association, to call for a shake up at home affairs and the appointment of a competent minister to manage the department.
In a statement on Thursday, he said it was a warning to the incoming government it needed to seriously address home affairs' failings.
"The report also closely follows this year's embarrassment of the UK declaring that SA passport holders needed visas prior to entering its countries. This followed years of warnings and ultimately affected hundreds of thousands of South Africans," Eisenberg said.
The report, published on the US state department's website at the end of last month, comes just under 400 days before South Africa is set to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
"Border security challenges, socio-cultural attitudes, and document fraud negatively affected the [SA] government's ability and efforts to pursue and intervene in counter-terrorism initiatives.
"South African identity and travel documents generally included good security measures, but because of poor administration, lack of institutional capacity, and corruption within the department of home affairs, which is responsible for immigration services, thousands of bona fide South African identity cards, passports, and work/residence permits were fraudulently issued," the report states.
"According to home affairs director general Mavuso Msimang, 70% of senior home affairs officials failed their tests last year, but his department was unsure as to how to tackle the issue."
Eisenberg called on government to consider Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi to head the department.
"[He] has a proven 10-year track record and understands how the system should work effectively to protect and regulate the interests of the inhabitants of South Africa, in respect of their individual status, identity and specific rights and powers," he said.
Source: News 24.com
Together with border security problems, this has negatively affected South Africa's ability and efforts to counter terrorism, says the US state department's "Country Reports on Terrorism 2008".
The highly-critical report has prompted local lawyer Gary Eisenberg, who chairs the Immigration and Nationality Committee of the International Bar Association, to call for a shake up at home affairs and the appointment of a competent minister to manage the department.
In a statement on Thursday, he said it was a warning to the incoming government it needed to seriously address home affairs' failings.
"The report also closely follows this year's embarrassment of the UK declaring that SA passport holders needed visas prior to entering its countries. This followed years of warnings and ultimately affected hundreds of thousands of South Africans," Eisenberg said.
The report, published on the US state department's website at the end of last month, comes just under 400 days before South Africa is set to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
"Border security challenges, socio-cultural attitudes, and document fraud negatively affected the [SA] government's ability and efforts to pursue and intervene in counter-terrorism initiatives.
"South African identity and travel documents generally included good security measures, but because of poor administration, lack of institutional capacity, and corruption within the department of home affairs, which is responsible for immigration services, thousands of bona fide South African identity cards, passports, and work/residence permits were fraudulently issued," the report states.
"According to home affairs director general Mavuso Msimang, 70% of senior home affairs officials failed their tests last year, but his department was unsure as to how to tackle the issue."
Eisenberg called on government to consider Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi to head the department.
"[He] has a proven 10-year track record and understands how the system should work effectively to protect and regulate the interests of the inhabitants of South Africa, in respect of their individual status, identity and specific rights and powers," he said.
Source: News 24.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Zimbabwe: Drop Politically Motivated Charges Against Activists
The authorities in Zimbabwe should immediately free and drop criminal charges against 15 human rights activists and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party members who were ordered back into custody on May 5, Human Rights Watch said today.
Human Rights Watch said that the cases were politically motivated. All had been abducted in late 2008 by officials loyal to the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), a party to Zimbabwe's power-sharing administration with the MDC. On May 5, a magistrate in Harare formally charged the 15 with various acts of banditry and trying to recruit people for training in banditry, sabotage and insurgency, and revoked their bail. Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned that the "evidence" filed to support these charges was extracted under torture.
"Those who brought these outrageous charges should quickly drop them," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "This continued persecution makes it pretty clear that ZANU-PF is trying to undermine the new power-sharing administration and is an example of Zimbabwe's overall lack of progress in respecting the rule of law and basic rights."
Zimbabwe's prosecuting authorities and key police and prison units remain under ZANU-PF control. Following their abduction in 2008, the 15 were held in secret detention for periods ranging from two to eight weeks before being handed over to the police. None of them was brought to court within 48 hours of arrest, as required by Zimbabwe law. The 15 were only granted restricted bail in February and March 2009 pending indictment and trial.
Human Rights Watch believes that these prosecutions are a politically motivated attempt by ZANU-PF to pressure the MDC into making concessions that will further weaken its power within the government. Human Rights Watch has already urged the Zimbabwe authorities to disclose immediately the whereabouts of seven "disappeared" activists who were abducted by suspected state agents in late 2008 and who are still missing (see below).
Lawyers representing the activists who were charged on May 5 have also recorded testimony from each of them alleging that they were tortured while in police custody. The state authorities have not investigated the allegations, let alone arrested or prosecuted the perpetrators, even though they were named in the testimony. Torture is a crime both in Zimbabwe and international law, and evidence obtained through the use of torture is not admissible in a Zimbabwean court.
"The new government in Harare will only attract much-needed international financial support when the authorities demonstrate an unambiguous commitment to the rule of law and a willingness to prosecute those who abuse the law for political ends," said Gagnon. "Releasing the 15 activists and dropping all charges against them would be a start. Instead, ZANU-PF continues to use them as pawns in its political games."
The 15 activists are: Jestina Mukoko, Chris Dhlamini, Anderson Shadreck Manyere, Ghandi Mudzingwa, Concillia Chinanzvavana, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana, Violet Mupfuranhehwe, Collen Mutemagawu, Mapfumo Garutsa, Chinoto Mukwezaremba Zulu, Zacharia Nkomo, Audrey Zimbudzana, Regis Mujeyi, Broderick Takawira, and Fidelis Chiramba.
The 15 were part of a group of 43 activists arbitrarily arrested by state security forces from October to December 2008. Police initially denied holding them, but on December 22 lawyers were tipped off that 32 of them were being held in various police stations in the capital, Harare.
Seven are still missing and unaccounted for: Gwenzi Kahiya, Ephraim Mabeka, Lovemore Machokoto, Charles Muza, Edmore Vangirayi, Graham Matehwa, and Peter Munyanyi.
Others among the 43 have been freed at various points in 2009, including a 2-year-old child. Several still have charges pending and some also allege that they were tortured in custody.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch said that the cases were politically motivated. All had been abducted in late 2008 by officials loyal to the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), a party to Zimbabwe's power-sharing administration with the MDC. On May 5, a magistrate in Harare formally charged the 15 with various acts of banditry and trying to recruit people for training in banditry, sabotage and insurgency, and revoked their bail. Human Rights Watch is deeply concerned that the "evidence" filed to support these charges was extracted under torture.
"Those who brought these outrageous charges should quickly drop them," said Georgette Gagnon, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "This continued persecution makes it pretty clear that ZANU-PF is trying to undermine the new power-sharing administration and is an example of Zimbabwe's overall lack of progress in respecting the rule of law and basic rights."
Zimbabwe's prosecuting authorities and key police and prison units remain under ZANU-PF control. Following their abduction in 2008, the 15 were held in secret detention for periods ranging from two to eight weeks before being handed over to the police. None of them was brought to court within 48 hours of arrest, as required by Zimbabwe law. The 15 were only granted restricted bail in February and March 2009 pending indictment and trial.
Human Rights Watch believes that these prosecutions are a politically motivated attempt by ZANU-PF to pressure the MDC into making concessions that will further weaken its power within the government. Human Rights Watch has already urged the Zimbabwe authorities to disclose immediately the whereabouts of seven "disappeared" activists who were abducted by suspected state agents in late 2008 and who are still missing (see below).
Lawyers representing the activists who were charged on May 5 have also recorded testimony from each of them alleging that they were tortured while in police custody. The state authorities have not investigated the allegations, let alone arrested or prosecuted the perpetrators, even though they were named in the testimony. Torture is a crime both in Zimbabwe and international law, and evidence obtained through the use of torture is not admissible in a Zimbabwean court.
"The new government in Harare will only attract much-needed international financial support when the authorities demonstrate an unambiguous commitment to the rule of law and a willingness to prosecute those who abuse the law for political ends," said Gagnon. "Releasing the 15 activists and dropping all charges against them would be a start. Instead, ZANU-PF continues to use them as pawns in its political games."
The 15 activists are: Jestina Mukoko, Chris Dhlamini, Anderson Shadreck Manyere, Ghandi Mudzingwa, Concillia Chinanzvavana, Emmanuel Chinanzvavana, Violet Mupfuranhehwe, Collen Mutemagawu, Mapfumo Garutsa, Chinoto Mukwezaremba Zulu, Zacharia Nkomo, Audrey Zimbudzana, Regis Mujeyi, Broderick Takawira, and Fidelis Chiramba.
The 15 were part of a group of 43 activists arbitrarily arrested by state security forces from October to December 2008. Police initially denied holding them, but on December 22 lawyers were tipped off that 32 of them were being held in various police stations in the capital, Harare.
Seven are still missing and unaccounted for: Gwenzi Kahiya, Ephraim Mabeka, Lovemore Machokoto, Charles Muza, Edmore Vangirayi, Graham Matehwa, and Peter Munyanyi.
Others among the 43 have been freed at various points in 2009, including a 2-year-old child. Several still have charges pending and some also allege that they were tortured in custody.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Mashatile supports his replacement
Despite the smiles and assurances that all was well between them, the tension between outgoing Gauteng Premier Paul Mashatile and his successor, Nomvula Mokonyane, was tangible on Tuesday. The top five leaders in the province held a press conference at the Gauteng Legislature on Tuesday to welcome the expected appointment of Mokonyane and dismiss rumours circulating of a fallout between herself and the former premier.
Mashatile and Mokonyane sat next to each other. Their eyes never met once. I'm very happy that comrade Nomvula has been appointed to succeed me. Her arms were crossed and her face stern, while Mashatile's legendary calm demeanour was marred by worry lines.
But he did manage to smile when journalists asked sensitive questions. Mashatile's smile appeared when journalists asked if there were now two centres of power in the province, and how he felt about Mokonyane being preferred as premier. "I'm very happy that comrade Nomvula has been appointed to succeed me as premier," said Mashatile. He said he and Mokonyane have worked together for more than 40 years and were firm friends. "In the many portfolios that I have served she has taken over from me, so we seem to be starting a trend here," said Mashatile. "Just this weekend we were talking and laughing about all the years we have worked together. So there is no problem in Gauteng and there is no problem between me and Nomvula."
In an interview with The Star, Mashatile said later that he was not surprised by the decision because ANC president Jacob Zuma had met and spoken to him before Mokonyane's appointment was announced. Before that point he did, however, believe he would keep his position as premier. "According to the Polokwane resolution, nominations must be submitted in order of priority," Mashatile noted. "There was unanimity in the province on that. I was the number one choice on the provincial executive committee. Nomvula herself supported that I be premier. But the NEC (national executive committee) said that if we go that route, there will be no women premiers. "I was consulted on the decision by the president, so I was not shocked. I knew it was going to happen. "Some members in the province were shocked, though, because they took it as a given that their preferred choice would be taken. "But we have discussed it, and all the organisations, including the Youth League, have accepted the NEC's decision. "The appointment of Nomvula is, after all, not the rejection of Paul Mashatile."
It was widely speculated in the media at the weekend that the NEC had decided to appoint Mokonyane in order to break the power of the so-called Alex Mafia, but Mashatile said yesterday this group was an urban legend and did not actually exist. "This view that I have created a powerful bloc or clique, that just isn't true. It is true that many of my friends have done well in business, and some are in government, like Mike Maile. "But really, they moved on in their lives and don't even stay in Alex anymore. It is a misconception that these guys are doing well because they know a powerful politician."
Asked what his future now held, Mashatile was quick to dismiss the idea that he would leave politics and go into business, saying he would be sworn in as a member of the Gauteng Legislature this week. "If head office approached me for a national position, I would accept that offer," he added. "I do still have to complete my role as chairperson in the province until next year, so I will still play a role in this province."
Mokonyane said she would be bringing in new blood "for innovation and fresh ideas" as members of her executive council.
Source: IoL
Mashatile and Mokonyane sat next to each other. Their eyes never met once. I'm very happy that comrade Nomvula has been appointed to succeed me. Her arms were crossed and her face stern, while Mashatile's legendary calm demeanour was marred by worry lines.
But he did manage to smile when journalists asked sensitive questions. Mashatile's smile appeared when journalists asked if there were now two centres of power in the province, and how he felt about Mokonyane being preferred as premier. "I'm very happy that comrade Nomvula has been appointed to succeed me as premier," said Mashatile. He said he and Mokonyane have worked together for more than 40 years and were firm friends. "In the many portfolios that I have served she has taken over from me, so we seem to be starting a trend here," said Mashatile. "Just this weekend we were talking and laughing about all the years we have worked together. So there is no problem in Gauteng and there is no problem between me and Nomvula."
In an interview with The Star, Mashatile said later that he was not surprised by the decision because ANC president Jacob Zuma had met and spoken to him before Mokonyane's appointment was announced. Before that point he did, however, believe he would keep his position as premier. "According to the Polokwane resolution, nominations must be submitted in order of priority," Mashatile noted. "There was unanimity in the province on that. I was the number one choice on the provincial executive committee. Nomvula herself supported that I be premier. But the NEC (national executive committee) said that if we go that route, there will be no women premiers. "I was consulted on the decision by the president, so I was not shocked. I knew it was going to happen. "Some members in the province were shocked, though, because they took it as a given that their preferred choice would be taken. "But we have discussed it, and all the organisations, including the Youth League, have accepted the NEC's decision. "The appointment of Nomvula is, after all, not the rejection of Paul Mashatile."
It was widely speculated in the media at the weekend that the NEC had decided to appoint Mokonyane in order to break the power of the so-called Alex Mafia, but Mashatile said yesterday this group was an urban legend and did not actually exist. "This view that I have created a powerful bloc or clique, that just isn't true. It is true that many of my friends have done well in business, and some are in government, like Mike Maile. "But really, they moved on in their lives and don't even stay in Alex anymore. It is a misconception that these guys are doing well because they know a powerful politician."
Asked what his future now held, Mashatile was quick to dismiss the idea that he would leave politics and go into business, saying he would be sworn in as a member of the Gauteng Legislature this week. "If head office approached me for a national position, I would accept that offer," he added. "I do still have to complete my role as chairperson in the province until next year, so I will still play a role in this province."
Mokonyane said she would be bringing in new blood "for innovation and fresh ideas" as members of her executive council.
Source: IoL
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Nepal’s Premier Resigns After Power Struggle Over Army Chief
Plunging Nepal into a fresh political crisis after a decade of war, the prime minister resigned Monday in a power struggle over his dismissal of the army chief.
In a televised address to the nation, the prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who goes by the name Prachanda, said he was stepping down, one day after Nepal’s president overruled his decision to fire the army chief, Rookmangud Katawal. “I announce, through this address, my resignation from the cabinet I have chaired so as to put an end to this difficult situation and create a positive environment for salvaging democracy, nationalism and the peace process that are currently at risk,” Prachanda, a former Maoist guerrilla fighter, said in his 13-minute address. Clusters of people gathered in front of television shops in the capital, Katmandu, to watch the prime minister give his address as a continuing power crisis left many parts of the city without electricity.
Prachanda’s party entered into competitive politics after signing a peace deal in 2006, ending a decade-long Maoist rebellion. He became prime minister in August after four months of political wrangling; in May, the nation’s elected Constituent Assembly declared the nation a federal republic, ending 239 years of Hindu monarchy. But despite the Maoists’ rise to power, over 19,000 of their former fighters remain restricted to United Nations-monitored barracks under a peace accord.
Prachanda, whose name means “the fierce one” in Nepali, wanted the guerrillas freed and integrated into Nepal’s security forces, as prescribed under a United Nations-brokered peace agreement. But the army chief resisted those efforts and sparred repeatedly with the government. The disagreement over the army chief fractured the nation’s governing coalition on Sunday, and analysts said it raised serious doubts about the government’s ability to keep the ex-combatants in their cantonments.
The Communist Party of Nepal, a unified Marxist-Leninist party that holds the third highest number of seats in the 601-member Constituent Assembly, pulled out of the government on Sunday, accusing the Maoists of acting unilaterally. The danger now, albeit remote, is that the Maoists may pull out of the government altogether, threatening to reimmerse the country in conflict. Earlier Monday, Maoist cadres held demonstrations in the capital to protest the president’s decision to reinstate the army chief. Activists with the main opposition Nepali Congress Party countered with rallies in support of the action, which was termed “unconstitutional” by the Prachanda government.
Anger against the government has been running high in Nepal, where much of the public blames the Maoists for power failures that can last more than 16 hours a day, fuel shortages and rising prices for food. But the Maoists are still revolutionary heroes to many, especially among rural villagers who voted them into power last year in Nepal’s first elections.
Source: New York Times
In a televised address to the nation, the prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who goes by the name Prachanda, said he was stepping down, one day after Nepal’s president overruled his decision to fire the army chief, Rookmangud Katawal. “I announce, through this address, my resignation from the cabinet I have chaired so as to put an end to this difficult situation and create a positive environment for salvaging democracy, nationalism and the peace process that are currently at risk,” Prachanda, a former Maoist guerrilla fighter, said in his 13-minute address. Clusters of people gathered in front of television shops in the capital, Katmandu, to watch the prime minister give his address as a continuing power crisis left many parts of the city without electricity.
Prachanda’s party entered into competitive politics after signing a peace deal in 2006, ending a decade-long Maoist rebellion. He became prime minister in August after four months of political wrangling; in May, the nation’s elected Constituent Assembly declared the nation a federal republic, ending 239 years of Hindu monarchy. But despite the Maoists’ rise to power, over 19,000 of their former fighters remain restricted to United Nations-monitored barracks under a peace accord.
Prachanda, whose name means “the fierce one” in Nepali, wanted the guerrillas freed and integrated into Nepal’s security forces, as prescribed under a United Nations-brokered peace agreement. But the army chief resisted those efforts and sparred repeatedly with the government. The disagreement over the army chief fractured the nation’s governing coalition on Sunday, and analysts said it raised serious doubts about the government’s ability to keep the ex-combatants in their cantonments.
The Communist Party of Nepal, a unified Marxist-Leninist party that holds the third highest number of seats in the 601-member Constituent Assembly, pulled out of the government on Sunday, accusing the Maoists of acting unilaterally. The danger now, albeit remote, is that the Maoists may pull out of the government altogether, threatening to reimmerse the country in conflict. Earlier Monday, Maoist cadres held demonstrations in the capital to protest the president’s decision to reinstate the army chief. Activists with the main opposition Nepali Congress Party countered with rallies in support of the action, which was termed “unconstitutional” by the Prachanda government.
Anger against the government has been running high in Nepal, where much of the public blames the Maoists for power failures that can last more than 16 hours a day, fuel shortages and rising prices for food. But the Maoists are still revolutionary heroes to many, especially among rural villagers who voted them into power last year in Nepal’s first elections.
Source: New York Times
Friday, May 1, 2009
South Africa: Stop Deporting Zimbabweans
The South African government should immediately halt detaining and deporting Zimbabweans from South Africa in violation of the government's recently announced moratorium, Human Rights Watch said today. Police in the town of Musina, close to the Zimbabwean border, continue to detain Zimbabweans at a military base and then deport them.
On April 16, 2009, South African police drove a group of Zimbabweans detained at a police-operated military base in Musina to the Zimbabwean side of the border, even though South African border officials - complying with the government's moratorium - refused to grant them exit documents. The deported Zimbabweans were then refused entry into their country on the grounds that they could not prove their nationality and were then driven back to the military base in Musina and detained once again.
"The police are acting as if they are a law unto themselves," said Gerry Simpson, refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. "If they are ignoring a clear government order to stop detaining and deporting Zimbabweans and give them temporary status, then South Africa has a major problem with the rule of law."
Thousands of Zimbabweans are being detained by the police in the military base at Musina in appalling conditions and without recourse to proper immigration screening procedures. The South African group Lawyers for Human Rights petitioned the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to close the center and was granted an order by the High Court for the immediate release of all Zimbabweans held there for longer than 48 hours. The court is considering whether to close it down entirely.
On April 3, the Department of Home Affairs announced it would introduce "special dispensation permits" to legalize the stay of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans in South Africa and give them work rights and access to basic health care and education. The department also announced an immediate moratorium on the deportation of Zimbabweans from South Africa.
A June 2008 Human Rights Watch report, "Neighbors in Need: Zimbabweans Seeking Refuge in South Africa," called on South Africa to halt all deportations of Zimbabweans and to grant them temporary status and the right to work.
"Having taken this bold step to provide over a million desperate Zimbabweans with the protection they need and deserve, the government needs to make sure its decision is enforced," said Simpson. "It needs to tell the police to free the Zimbabweans and end the deportations now."
Source: Human Rights Watch
On April 16, 2009, South African police drove a group of Zimbabweans detained at a police-operated military base in Musina to the Zimbabwean side of the border, even though South African border officials - complying with the government's moratorium - refused to grant them exit documents. The deported Zimbabweans were then refused entry into their country on the grounds that they could not prove their nationality and were then driven back to the military base in Musina and detained once again.
"The police are acting as if they are a law unto themselves," said Gerry Simpson, refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. "If they are ignoring a clear government order to stop detaining and deporting Zimbabweans and give them temporary status, then South Africa has a major problem with the rule of law."
Thousands of Zimbabweans are being detained by the police in the military base at Musina in appalling conditions and without recourse to proper immigration screening procedures. The South African group Lawyers for Human Rights petitioned the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria to close the center and was granted an order by the High Court for the immediate release of all Zimbabweans held there for longer than 48 hours. The court is considering whether to close it down entirely.
On April 3, the Department of Home Affairs announced it would introduce "special dispensation permits" to legalize the stay of hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans in South Africa and give them work rights and access to basic health care and education. The department also announced an immediate moratorium on the deportation of Zimbabweans from South Africa.
A June 2008 Human Rights Watch report, "Neighbors in Need: Zimbabweans Seeking Refuge in South Africa," called on South Africa to halt all deportations of Zimbabweans and to grant them temporary status and the right to work.
"Having taken this bold step to provide over a million desperate Zimbabweans with the protection they need and deserve, the government needs to make sure its decision is enforced," said Simpson. "It needs to tell the police to free the Zimbabweans and end the deportations now."
Source: Human Rights Watch
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