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MADIBA CLOCKS 93 By Ukachukwu Okorie
As the human race swoons at the audacity of science and technology, it also frowns at times to its noisy altercations. One day in December last year, a twit from the global networking site Twitter caused panic on earth. It ran a message claiming that Nelson Mandela had passed on. That lie never came to pass but the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg took him in as a patient four weeks later. International gossipers buzzed at the news but nevertheless he walked out of the patients’ ward and lived to celebrate his 93rd birthday against all the odds. Despite the fact that the ‘Troublemaker’ (as his birth name Rolihlahla translates) unites agents of integration and political morality, his frail state is revealing factions among family, friends and associates and organizations in a great battle that is to emerge as his legacy. An authoritative source reaching the AfricaWorld has informed that battle has already
commenced on rights to certain activities and memorabilia (including his birthdays) relating to him after he walks to the great beyond.
places to seek thoughts on the birthday of the world’s foremost elder statesman. Madiba, a name, which is bequeathed to Nelson Mandela as an honour due to his
6th April 2000 Visit of Nelson Mandela to give a lecture at LSE on ‘Africa and Its Position in the World.’ Held at the Peacock Theatre.
As the media giants gaggle to be the first in breaking the news of Madiba’s demise, AfricaWorld went to the streets and unheralded
HORROR IN MALAWI
from the vaccination. AfricaWorld learnt that the district health officer for Nsanje, on hearing that families which escaped vaccination were back, got police escorts to inject the children. Furthermore, the government is now convicting parents who prevent their wards from these compulsory vaccinations. Chitsonga Appolo, a member of the Seven Day Apostolic faith that believes in the efficacy of prayers for healing was sent to 2 years in prison with hard labour. Continued on Page 3
Children Vaccinated at Gun Point
By Lilongwe reporter
New debate and question arose on the meaning of personal freedom as enshrined in the UN Charters on Freedom as 131 children were forcibly injected against the will of their parents. It was learnt that some families fled to neighboring Mozambique on learning that a measles vaccination is mandatory. As well as contravening their spiritual belief, some children who are malnourished could be at risk
lineage and greatness, mean a lot to ordinary Africans in particular and the world in general. Originally, Madiba was the name of a Thembu
chief who ruled in the Transkei in the 18th century. Madiba who clocked 93 on the 18 July, and born at Mvezo, a small village on the banks of Mbashe River in the district of Umtata was born rather to rule as he attests in his book (the illustrious Long Walk to Freedom). On Nelson Mandela’s birthday which is on the 18 July, the encomiums started from South Africans with millions of s c h o o l c h i l d re n sanging choreographed songs for Madiba in appreciation of his activities as an activist. A special version of ‘Happy Birthday’ was sung before the day’s lessons as the Nelson Mandela Foundation directed. In an official statement, the top organization was quoted that ‘by organizing the campaign, we hope to mobilize all of society to promote education, unity and social cohesion in honour of Madiba’. Continued on Page 3
Content Swaziland gears-up for democracy..............2 Using Facebook to Market Your Business...5 Starvation in the land of riches.....................6 Cartoons by Milada Bacik..............................8 Nigerians are almost going naked...............8 The pride of Africa...........................................9 Ideas to Change Africa....................................11
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August 2011
NEWs
South African ‘corpse’ wakes up By Max Uspensky
Imagine lying sick at home, passing out from your illness and then waking up in a cold, steely place shouting and screaming for help. Exactly that happened recently, when a fifty year old man awoke in his frigorific setting in the small town of Libode in the rural Eastern Cape. Health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo made the following comment to the Sapa news agency, “His family thought he died. The family called a private undertaker who took what they thought was a dead body to the morgue, but the man woke
up inside the morgue on Sunday at 5.00 p.m. and screamed demanding to be taken out of the cold place.” Two attendants at the facility who heard the wails for help, mistook them for ghosts and spirits and fled the place as it literally came alive. The incident relays how important it is to correctly certify someone as deceased through a doctor or police official. Thank god he hadn’t been buried.
SWAZILAND GEARS-UP FOR DEMOCRACY By Manqoba Nxumalo
King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch turned down an invitation to attend the planned civic society convention slated for Zulwini. The convention will be the single biggest event in Swaziland where banned political parties and civic society groups will fashion out a road map to civil rule and democracy in Swaziland. Khangezile Dlamini, secretary of the Council of churches, which facilitated the convention said they received correspondence from the king’s office that the king would not make it. She said they had invited the king to officially open the event but were informed that the king would not make it after all. Dlamini said they had received confirmation from a majority of the invited organisations and said they believed that this convention would be the beginning of a process towards political negotiations in the country. Dlamini said Swaziland needed a transition to democracy and therefore they were taking the initiative to give government a blue print of how the country could make the transition
to multi party democracy. “We see this as an opportunity for civic groups to meet and draw out a road map on how the country could begin the process of political negotiations. We had invited the king as the head of state to officially open the event but we received
By Monrovia reporter
World Football legend, George Opong Weah has declared war on Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In a news commentary monitored by AfricaWorld about the upcoming elections in Liberia, he promised to wage a strong campaign to bring down the incumbents desire to return to power. “I will be in the vanguard of the campaign that will lead us to victory,” the former world player of the year said in Monrovia. George Weah, a former Presidential aspirant who lost to President Sirleaf in the 2005 general election, lost his party’s primaries in May to Winston Tubman who is an economist. Although the loss to Tubman left him with “a heavy heart” as he said, George Weah has decided to back Winston who is the nephew of the former president William Tubman. Officially, he is the vice-presidential
communication that he won’t attend. But that does not mean we won’t continue,” Dlamini said
News in Brief Columnist in South Africa attacks City Press Editor. Obama praises democratic African Nations. Ethiopian origin Crown new Israel Idol. AU force presses offensive to ease Somali Food Aid. Opposition mounts against Nigeria’s president. Zambia elections set for September 20. Investing in Nigeria: Energy deal. Cape Town by night
George Weah plans to shoot down President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf running-mate. “The economist Tubman is the standard bearer of the Congress for Democratic Change and I am the vice standard bearer, he is my boss,” said the former AC Milan star. In 2010, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) merged with some mainstream political platforms to strengthen its desire to challenge Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, who is gunning a second term in office. Tubman is seen as her main rival while Charles Brumskine, who is leader of the Liberty Party, will be having another shot at the presidency. Notwithstanding her popularity abroad, Sirleaf has been criticized at home for her decision to run, after initially promising she would serve only one term. She has said she wants to continue her work in rebuilding the West African country that was almost destroyed by the 19892003 civil war.
during an interview today. Swaziland federation of Labour Secretary Vincent Ncongwane said as labour they will attend the convention so that they show their own commitment to dialogue. He said they will ensure that their participation also highlights some of the concerns of labour about the processes of dialogue under the conditions. “Yes we are attending. We don’t want the regime to use our refusal to attend the convention as an excuse to seek the much needed bail out arguing that we don’t want to talk,” Ncongwane said.
Malema ‘not scared of jail’ 2 Palestinians killed in Jerusalem. Museveni and Kagame to kiss make up? Voter Registration update to engage Angolans in democracy. Swazi Workers Seek the Country’s Support on Democracy. Cameroon: US-based Cameroonians to assist hospitals in South West.
Senegal: State Broadcaster’s Journalists’ rebel’. World Cup 2014-Super Eagles get soft draw against Malawi. Liberia: Country ready for US- India Food Initiative.Nigeria
August 2011
NEWs the United States hailed him AfricaWorld that the as “a beacon for adherents embassy identified with the Prior to his birthday, of justice and reconciliation, NGO, TRUST by donating all the Pan African magazine, democracy and the global their used clothes for charity. NewAfrican, in their 100 community. In a message to Although Madiba is most influencial portrayed as a canonized Africans had poured saint outside the libation calling him continent of Africa, it ‘Africa’s most revered cannot be so as there are and respected those who had pelted statesman and a Global stones at him before as household name’. They now. Madiba himself further said, ‘at 93, he confessed that he is not continues to be an a saint as people try to portray him, saying, ‘I am inspiration with his not unblemished unless courage, acumen, humility, selflessness you want to say a saint is and leadership causing a sinner who keeps on trying’. Across South him to stand out’. Africa, there are those Global leaders were not left out of who have issues about this retinue of verbal the unfinished business obeisance as President of black empowerment Jacob Zuma worked “I sat for this portrait, wearing an in the rainbow country, extra hours receiving authentic beaded necklace of the but fail to address them. messages o f Themu clan, while on the run, when I On social networking was known as the Black Pimpernel.” sites like Facebook, congratulations from From “Long walk to freedom” international friends ordinary South Africans of the rainbow country and AfricaWorld, the charge d’ dedicated spaces and pages leaders of other nations. In affairs of the South African castigating his performances his own personal message Embassy in Dublin echoed as a post-apartheid President to Madiba, President Zuma the positive note for best who refused to be their said, “He showed us that wishes to Madiba by advising Joshua whom they expected despite the divisive racial people to tow his virtue in to lead them to the Promised oppression and hardships humility. Speaking on behalf Land. A group named that this nation had gone of the South African ‘Against a Nelson Mandela through, it is not only Ambassador to Ireland who Day’ was established on possible, but necessary to was not available, Facebook calling on the immortalisation of Late Robert Mangoliso Sobukwe instead of Mandela because the latter was a sell out. As at press time, this group had 25 people and it looks like many could join while others shy away from public notice because of global opinion. Whatever happens, a good number of South Africans especially those on the lower rung of the economic ladder have issues with Madiba over his philosophy of integration as Graca Machel (64) and Nelson Mandela at 92 opposed to Robert Mugabe’s embrace one another and Antonnette Radaman land seizure style. reconcile the South African further enjoined all, not to According to the people. We have achieved a fail Madiba by pursuing his Nelson Mandela Centre of lot, but we must still work legacy of hope and Memory, he spent his 93rd further to eradicate poverty integration. In accordance birthday privately with his and especially improve the with the clarion call to family at his home in Qunu lives of children, because dedicate 67 minutes to in the Eastern Cape. Madiba loves them so much”. volunteer work, the informed President Barak Obama of d i p l o m a t Continued from Page 1
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the continent. Enough is enough. You wanted to take Chitsonga, a senior government by force, which member of his church is against the laws of the refused vaccination for his land. This time I will follow 3 kids and the orphans he you into your homes. I will cares for in his home. smoke you out,” he fumed. AfricaWorld reliably learnt It all started to build up with that the health organization issues about corruption in mandated by the Malawian government circles, government is shortage of fuel “Even God knows linked to the Bill and foreign Gates charity that I have been currency. There organization. It the most patient w e r e also president on the is also important problems with for the public to continent. Enough P r e s i d e n t remember that M u t h a r i k a’s is enough.” in Kano State of Amendment to Nigeria, children lost their section 46 of the penal code lives while others got that dealt a very severe blow paralyzed due drug tests. to media freedom. News Vaccination is a matter of monitored by AfricaWorld choice and not at gun- confirms that the South point. African government has Fresh troubles brew warned against violence and for the embattled President attacks which may spiral Bingu wa Mutharika over out of hand as the Malawi the brutal killing of eighteen authorities has banned four demonstrators across the radio stations and come country. The peaceful march against all that stand against which turned violent was the intentions of President organized by civil society Mutharika to impose his groups in three major cities, brother on the ruling party Lilongwe, Blanthyre and for the 2014 poll. Topmost Mzuzu. On July 20, some of include Vice President Joyce the dead victims were Banda who may be nursing buried amidst protests and the ambition to run. rebuke from the quarrelling This among others parties. Last week the attracted opprobrium from president issued a statement Malawi’s centre for human threatening to smoke out rights and rehabilitation the ring leaders in the (CHRR) and other opposition unrest currently ravaging forces. the country, “Even God knows that I have been the most patient president on Continued from Page 1
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August 2011
Editorial When the eyes shed tears, the nose, lip and others are affected. When animals feel itchy, they seek help from trees or rough structures for a scratch. What about humans? We go to our fellow beings for help.As a matter of fact, there is food crises in the horn of Africa and the United Nations have asked for help from all especially in Somalia. AfricaWorld is joining the Association of African Students in Ireland to call for your WIDOW’S DONATION. There are important charity organizations around the world which already have been involved in the country: support them. You can save a life in the Horn of Africa. In this edition, Madiba comes to focus with his birthday. A man of honour, peace and love, we celebrate him and what he stands for. In Malawi, all is not the same for a president who is emerging as anti freedom of the press and human rights. Like we do, our August edition is fantastic and filled with the kind of news and stories you would appreciate. From our tiny news in brief, reports from African countries, IT column and cartoons by Milada, we try to serve with the best your eyes and brain can get. As you pick a copy, be assured that an exciting collection of news, opinion and strategic stories are with you. Our team has come out with the best and it’s marvelous in the eyes. Come right inside and enjyo. UKA
Editor Ukachukwu Okorie Managing Editor Jekaterina Saveljeva
Secretary Bridget Benya
NEWs
THE TROUBLE WITH THE HORN OF AFRICA By Staff Reporter
The current Food Aid delivery is being hampered by security concerns in Somalia. AfricaWorld sources gathered that fighting renewed on 28 July in Mogadishu as African Union troops battled militants to secure route and protection of supplies. The office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has lamented the devastation ahead in the wake of massive food shortages caused by drought. According to OCHA, “the current food security emergency across the region is expected to persist at least for the coming three to four months.” AfricaWorld learnt from UN sources that inside the Horn of Africa an estimated 12.39 million people need a marshal plan style of food relief to fight off starvation in the region while
2.2 million are out of reach in southern Somalia. The situation has warranted continues in-flow of refugees into Dadaab (350,000) in Northeastern Kenya, and 130,000 in Dolo Ado, Ethiopia. To confirm the worsening security issue, AfricaWorld learnt that the Somalia MP was assassinated last Sunday evening in the capital by unidentified gun men. The lawmaker who was named Kalif Jire Warfa, from southern regions was shot by two men armed with pistols near Marwas mosque at the heart of Hamarweine district. “The assassinators escaped soon after they shot him” AfricaWorld understood from monitored RBC Radio website. In an interviewwithAbdul Azeez, a Somali IT instructor, he
lamented on the sufferings of the people who have spent two decades without leadership. In our chat, he pointed out that the issue of security is a colossal issue as far as the horn of Africa is concern, “Somali has existed for 21 years without government and the people suffer immeasurably. For example, suffering disasters without a government is the worst,” he said. Abdul, who has been in Ireland for about 10 years, trains students, especially Somalis in different fields like English and basic computer skills; he also prepares them for effective hunting of jobs and integration. Like other Somali professionals abroad, he thinks of home and has a family, but education is his key strategy in the post-conflict era.
WE ARE AGAINST IRELAND’S DEPORTATION POLICY
Rosanna Flynn
On the 14 July, the Irish immigration deportation flight billed for some African nations were turned back in Algeria. Speaking to AfricaWorld, the coordinator of Residents Against Racism, Rosanna Flynn condemned the continued deportation ofAfricans as the policy is unproductive and dehumanizing. Narrating to us how they have been involved in the struggle for eleven years, “It was just a one-off involving a Congolese man who was accused unjustly and the movement Graphic Design Marco Rodrigues Irene Piqueras
took off as an organization championing workers issues and immigrants right.’’ The life of Rosanna, who is originally British, is all about helping the downtrodden in the society especially the Asylum seekers who are placed on the lowest rung of the societal ladder. On investigation, we discovered that elements in the Irish establishment see issues with her. She made use of this interview to call on the Irish Government to stop the deportations and
Distributor Abdul Yusuf
allow immigrants to work as it was before the Celtic tiger boom which died with the recession. She told AfricaWorld that this struggle is their passion as they are all volunteers. The coordinator advised the relevant ministry to treat Asylum seekers with dignity and respect. Although promising that some of the returnees will be safe from the legal point of view, all should call this hotline in the face of distress – 0876662060 0879243609.
Published by Uyokanjo Media Services Ltd. 46 Parnel Square West Tel: +353 (01) 901 0894 3rd Floor E-mail: africaworldnews@gmail.com Dublin 1, Dublin City Skype: africaworld1 Republic of Ireland
August 2011
Feature / IT
Miss Putti’s travel By Camila Putti
I had a good dream, II was in a city made of colours, with narrow and busy streets, with people of all nationalities, with cold beer and “jamón”, with sunny 30°C that until 7 pm. When I woke up, however, I realized that this enchanted place with smiling and friendly people exists and it’s called Madrid, the capital of Spain. Its streets are always crowded with tourists, madrileños, Latin Americans in search of a better life in Europe and many Irish people in search of a real summer, with temperatures exceeding 20°C. And sun in Madrid is not lacking. In the month I was in the country, the least hot day I had seen was 32°C. No rain, not even one day. And much heat, of course, much ice cream, beer and sun cream. Madrid is the capital as well as the largest city in Spain located in the center of the country and by geographical location is the financial center of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Lisbon. The cost of living is much cheaper than in Ireland, starting with the drinks. You can buy bottles of wine for 1 euro. And the diversity and quality of vegetables and fruits are also much better. As for the transport network, it is quite extensive. There are subways to all parts of the city, fast and cheap, costing only 1 euro a ticket (two if it is toward the airport).
The nightlife is very different from Dublin. In Madrid, and Spain in general, the clubs only open at 3am and empty at 6am. Some clubs open from 6 am to receive hungry people for more music and fun. Before three, however, people attend the endless and varied bars of the city and take the traditional cañas and tapas. Siesta is something taken very seriously. At 2pm many traders close their shops for the sacred rest after lunch. The time varies from two to three hours, depending on the store. For me, this break is completely understandable, because at this time of the day the sun is so strong that the best people to do is stay at home relaxing. The “jamón” and paella - Spanish food attraction is a must, juicy and sharply flavorful. In Madrid there is a network of shops selling sandwiches with “jamón” at a very cheap price. As for the paella it is common to see restaurants everywhere offering good deals. It is advisable to pay a little extra to eat a paella made with fresh from the sea ingredients. The best I have eaten was in Barcelona, in a restaurant in the Plaza Catalunya. Barcelona is another lovely city which has its charm thanks to the works of a gifted architect - Antoni Gaudí. His buildings are amazing and leave everyone
impressed. Park Güell is one of his inventions that pleased me most, with several architectural elements made from colorful and creative mosaics. During my stay in Spain I also reached the small town of Alcala de Henares, where Miguel de Cervantes’ (a famous Spanish writer) house is. I also visited two cities considered as part of the World Heritage by UNESCO, Segovia and Toledo. The first is famous for its aqueduct built during the first and second centuries, the reign of the Roman emperor Vespasian and Trajan. The second is known for its steel production, especially swords and armor. I also had the good fortune to be in Valencia, located on the Mediterranean coast, east of the country. What impressed me most there was the complex architectural, cultural and entertainment district called City of Arts and Sciences, with modern and beautiful buildings. But it was really Madrid that won my heart. The La Latina neighborhood, the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Dos de Mayo, Royal Palace, the Retiro Park, the museums with works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró and the whole atmosphere of warmth and joy made me fell at home, even though my house is more than 8,000 km away.
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Using Facebook to Market Your Business By Anthony Ekpechue Anthony is a Sr. System Analyst & SharePoint Expert for Microsoft Ireland. He has been in IT for over 10years & providing services to some of the Biggest companies in Ireland africitworld@yahoo.co.uk
R
ecently a friend bought a high powered state-ofthe-art mobile phone and wanted to know how he can plug-in social networking apps to his phone; well there are several Open Source applications or social networking sites available on the internet, one of which I find most useful and a must-have for our gadget loving readers is Foursquare. Foursquare is a location-based mobile platform that makes cities easier to use and more interesting to explore. By “checking in” via a Smartphone app or SMS, users share their location with friends with collecting points and virtual badges. Foursquare guides realworld experiences by allowing users to bookmark information about venues that they want to visit and surfacing relevant suggestions about nearby venues. Merchants and brands leverage the foursquare platform by utilizing a wide set of tools to obtain, engage, and retain customers and audiences, there are over 10 million users now connected to Foursquare. In our last two series we looked at creating a business page using Facebook and also outlined the requirements to complete our vendorshop application store Install your Store Application. Install your Store application and attach it to your ‘Page’, See Part1 for how to create a Business Page on Facebook Step1. Choose a page to add your VendorShop store to. You can add it to any store you are the administrator for. Don’t forget to click ‘verify’ on the ‘coming soon page Step2. Next configure your store settings. Set your store to ‘Offline’
Part 3 until you are ready to open your doors. Then add your store description, terms and other detail. Add PayPal payment details and a store logo too. See Part2 for payment gateway and requirements. Step3. Now add shipping details. You have a choice of shipping details including free, flat rate shipping, by product shipping and by weight shipping. Step4. Next add your product details. Start by adding categories such as product types or ‘departments. Then add any attributes required for your products such as size or colour. Now you are ready to add your products (ensure image file sizes have no unusual characters, file names are short and the file size is under 500kbs). Step5. Tell people about your new shop. It’s not enough to simply open your shop and wait for customers; you need to let people know it’s there. If you have attempted our solution or facing difficulties with the walkthrough, we will be happy to hear from you and also p rov i d e further documentation and assistance or perhaps you would like a custom solution for your business or project. Contact email: africitworld@yahoo.co.uk. In our next edition we will take you through creating a landing page suitable for your very business needs. So keep reading until Next Month. Please note that all information on this page is an independent view or culled from online sources in some cases and does not represent that of any third party or employer. You can post your questions and feedback to africitworld@yahoo.co.uk
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August 2011
Starvation in the land of riches
By Luke Kasuwanga Coordinator Anti-Racist Network, Ireland acrosstheborderz@gmail.com
Some things are never meant to make sense. The news cycle at the moment on Africa is like something has just happened without a warning. Once again we are faced with the familiar image of Africa that we have now grew up and made to be. Starving children, diseases, drought, reports on corruption and civil wars...a hopeless continent as one magazine put it. They keep giving readers and viewers an image of a land in despair and chronic humanitarian disaster.
Notwithstanding, the current situation is an emergency situation and indeed it is upon everyone to help and save lives. In the case we are currently facing in Eastern Africa I don’t agree with Dambisa Moyo, author of much publicised book, Dead Aid: Why Aid is Not Working and How There is Another Way for Africa. I would argue for aid and it’s urgently needed to save the people lives. However, I still feel that something is not being told on what is contributing to starvation despite the drought. A cursory look is needed at the role of international corporations and rich states in their past land grab in sub-Sahara. This is part of the problem. Surely, as we help and donate what ever we
have now in Europe, it is important to understand the role that the international agric-businesses, corporations, investment banks, hedge funds and commodity traders. The role of the big fund companies which include hunting and mining corporations who are grabbing land in countries including Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Zambia, Congo, Mozambique and Madagascar cannot be overlooked. In Madagascar these land grabs lead to the removal of President Marc Ravalomanana who was toppled in March 2009 and replaced by a former disc jockey DJ Andry Rajoelina. Before the former President left, he reportedly leased 3.2 million acres which is close to half of the country’s arable land to a South Korean
NEWs and development (R&D) and techno-transfer, better jobs, schools, clinics and infrastructure. Something leading to a win-win situation; but the nature of capital investment has never been that straight forward. Deals like these are just like any other business: not people oriented but business and profit. That’s why people starve to death with no food but millions of dollars spend on game reserves for tourism and growing highly paid things like flowers on the best arable land. In 2008 we witnessed the King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia being handed the first harvest of rice grown from Ethiopia, with Saudi investors. Millions of dollars in farming wheat, barley and rice is being spent in Ethiopia for Saudi markets. But this year from the same region people are dying from hunger.
corporation, Daewoo for 99 years so that Daewoo would pay Madagascar $6 billion to grow corn and oil palm. To the Koreans food and biofuels were needed for d e ve l o p m e nt while Madagascar was going to get the money and “desperately needed jobs”. Anyway people refused and revolted. Similarly in Mozambique last year in August there was food riots but the country is also leasing arable land to rich countries. Ac c o rd i n g to economists and financial experts, these land deals should relatively change Africa for better and move people from the shadow of starvation. They argue that it should work for Africa having land, labour, the international conglomerates and sovereign investors bringing research
Continued on Page 7
August 2011
NEWs / religion
Sand storm in Somalia
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) is spending almost the same amount as the investors ($116m) providing 230,000 tonnes of food aid between 2007 and 2011 to the 4.6m Ethiopians it thinks are threatened by hunger and malnutrition. Sometimes, some things are never meant to be understood- The World Food Programme (WFP) spends $116m in providing 230,000
tonnes of food aid between 2007 and this year 2011 to 4.6m Ethiopians. Almost the same amount the investors were spending in Ethiopia to Saudi markets. Surely there is a need of pro action and support of the global justice movements. Knowing the source of what we consume could help to minimising corporate negligence which often cause mass famine. We should not only rely with the mainstream news but should
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get involved with local groups in our areas which have international networks to help us preserve our future and be informed on global issues which might not find space in our media. International solidarity is extremely important in this period and the coming years as the global warming is a clear and present threat to our future food and water security.
WHO SAYS PRAISE AND WORSHIP IS NOT FUN? South African prayer group By Lihle R.
It’s no secret that South Africans like to express themselves especially on the party scene. But on the 23 of July 2011, a turning point was reached by the Southern Africans in Ireland. They got together to praise and worship GOD in their native air. Tagged “dance for the Lord”, they let out their supplication to another level using the most popular dance moves out there in the house of God. AfricaWorld was in attendance to witness such a spiritual rejuvenation. The event which was organised by a newly formed South African prayer group held at the Methodist Church hall in City Centre. The theme of the day’s message was “all that are heavily burden come and lay down your burdens”. The crowd was treated to beautiful music. The service which was in native language brought passion and hymns that took one down memory lane. On a chart with some of the worshippers, the spoke passionately about the program and how it brought nostalgic feelings, “it reminds me of the days during my teenage hood
when life hadn’t become so hectic and stressful, truly connecting with GOD unlike this day. Most people can’t afford to remember their creator especially in the diaspora where most people concern themselves with making money and having fun,” she said. South Africans have the gift of song and rhythm and for the first time in this country those talents were put to use in spreading the gospel. The performance ranged from the richness of altos, blended melodies to the classical opera “talk about diversity”, it was all for the glory of the Lord. Mr. Siyabulela Deppa had the responsibility of formally inducting the group to disperse to the wider public a new message. He said that “this group is on a reach-out program for all Africans and non-Africans especially Southern Africans using their local languages to reconnect with their maker.” Mr. Deppa said that, like other Africans, they wanted something that can bring them together. The prayer meeting leader informed AfricaWorld that the group has been in
existence for a while, meeting every Sunday afternoon at members places depending on the roster. They equally pray for one another and offer individual assistance depending on request. What led to the founding of this wonderful prayer meeting? They want to show a different side of their nation. They also saw the opportunity to celebrate GOD’s grace through music, dance and food while getting to know one another. AfricaWorld learnt that it is not another church. According to Mrs. Loraine Mtshali, “this is not a church but a platform where as South Africans we felt the need to come together and express our gratitude to God with no restrictions, we don’t ask for tithes or pay anyone as a pastor hence we call ourselves a prayer group”. Others told AfricaWorld that they are men and woman and young people who have passion in
the gospel and lending a helping hand to reunite South Africans. Mrs Mzumara, a nurse by profession, gave a very heartfelt speech directed at motivating the crowd. During her speech, said, “we have been through a lot, did a lot, attended all the best parties and events out there simply because we wanted to belong somewhere to fill the void inside us. It is a struggle being away from home and striving to make a better life for one and her family. One needs a pillar and a strong support system”. “Who will do these better other than God?”, she asked rhetorically. “Human beings usually have the misconception that it is only when they are in a difficult state that they can call on GOD, why wait till then when he is with you through the ever changing events of your life. Praise when you are on the mountain, when you are in the valley, praise in the desert. We need to
come together to encourage and build one another in unity”, Mrs Mzumara said. For the group’s first event, the planning was well executed from the décor to the food and the music. The division of labour and unity they preach was evident. Inside sources reliably informed AfricaWorld that every penny used for the success of the event came from the members own pockets. In conclusion, Mr Mlungisi Mtshali shared a scripture reading on Jesus Christ being the living waters which should be what most people ought to search. He also spoke about our differences not making any impact on GOD as in his eyes we are all equal and have fallen short of his glory but by grace we are favoured. As the night drew to a close, one can only be inspired by the message, love and music.. The group welcomes people from all walks of life.
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August 2011
cartoon / news
Cartoons by Milada Bacik
NIGERIANS ARE ALMOST GOING NAKED By Chidi Ebere By CHIDI EBERE
N
igeria is currently groaning under the pangs of indecent dressing as most of the major cities in the West African country have been hit by this miserable bug.
All through the length and breadth of the country, what behold every onlooker is ugly scenes of indecent dressing. Though, it cuts across all fronts, it is worse among the ladies.
In some instances, women [girls and ladies] go for the low waist trousers which are mainly in jeans. Since it has been established as an article of clothing that cannot give adequate coverage to the sensitive portion of the buttocks, it now becomes curious why most women prefer it to the other type of trousers. Is it a subtle way of telling the opposite sex that one is up for grabs? Another name for low waist is low rise jeans. Low rise jeans has been defined as a set jeans worn by both men and women, as the jeans intended to sit low on, or below, the hips. They are also called low cut jeans, hipsters, hip-huggers and low-riders. Low-rise jeans have existed since the 1960s, but regained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. In another
definition, indecent dressing was given as the deliberate exposure in public or in view of the general public by a person of a portion or portions of their body, in circumstances where the exposure is contrary to local moral or other standards of appropriate behavior. The parts of the body the exposure of which can be regarded as indecent include the genital areas and female breasts, but some jurisdictions do not regard the exposure of breasts to be indecent and some countries have set aside beaches as clothes-optional where nudity alone is not an offense. Besides exposing sensitive parts of the buttocks, the women have formed it as a habit to bare the cleavages, most times harassing the men with their boobs. Commenting on this deplorable way of dressing,
the Parish Priest of St Alphonsius Catholic Church, Reverend Fr Bassey Udoh, noted that the entire episode contradicted decency and morality. He said, ‘Nigeria is gradually becoming worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. Our girls and women are going naked. Whether in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt or Aba, anywhere, the story is the same. It is sad and bad because it is getting out of hand’. On the other hand, the boys and men have followed suit as they are now in mad rush of outwitting one another in sagging way of putting on the trousers. Even some men whose pants are as dirty as garbage also engage in sagging, thereby insulting other people’s sensibilities. Really, Nigeria is under the siege of indecent dressing.
August 2011
NEWs
THE PRIDE OF AFRICA
events in august Aug 1 Benin Independence Day (1960) Aug 3 Niger Independence Day (1960) Aug 5 Burkina Faso Independence Day (1960) Aug 7 Ivory Coast Independence Day (1960) Aug 9 Rwanda - Presidental Elections Aug 11 Chad Independence Day (1960) Aug 13 Central African Republic Independence Day (1960) Aug 15 Congo Brazzaville Independence Day (1960) Aug 17 Gabon Independence Day (1960) Sep 6 Swaziland Independence Day (1968) Sep 10 Guinea-Bissau Independence Day (1974) Sep 22 Mali Independence Day (1960) Sep 27-28 4th West & Central Africa Mining Summit 2011
Yolanda Nokuthokoza Nyathi, a Northern Ndebele and Zulu offspring. She is from Bulawayo (City of Kings), second capital of Zimbabwe. Yoyo is a beautician by profession and the founder of Fusion Kidios, a Youth Group involving African –Irish kids. Her name, Nokuthokoza in Zulu, means Mother of joy and happiness.
Sep 30 Botswana Independence Day (1966)
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August 2011
column
Getting tomorrow’s history right today By Bisi Adigun
Bisi Adigun is a playwright and theatre director. He is the founder and Artistic Director of Arambe Productions. See: www.arambeproductions.com
How did I end up on this page? Let me explain. A couple of weeks ago, my mobile phone rang. It was the editor of this newspaper on the line. I knew the name and I had seen his picture somewhere, but I was not sure if he was the same person. The voice on the phone sounded like a giant’s. Anyway, he told me he would like to talk to me about his new newspaper. We agreed to meet. A few hours later, he appeared at the Arts block in Trinity College and finally I could confirm that the man with whom I had the phone conversation was the man whose picture I had seen. With the same deep voice, he launched into the story of his life as a writer and as a student activist whilst in college in Nigeria. He explained to me why he decided to set up the newspaper and asked if I would contribute a regular column to the publication. ‘Time is tight and I’ve a lot going on in my life,’ was my response. He insisted that he would like me to write an article or two. I was determined to stand my ground until he gave me the flier on which he has information on the why, what, who, where and when of his publication. A proverb that he has quoted on the flier caught my attention. It goes: “Unless the hunted gives their account, the story of the hunt will always favour the hunter”. That was what really made me change my mind. It is a fact that the story of Africans in Ireland has so far been told mostly by non-Africans and I therefore believe that all the avenues that are available to us to tell our stories ourselves
must be utilized fully. So here goes the first part of a story I would like to tell: I recall an interesting statement made by lady on the television just before Queen Elizabeth II visited Ireland last May. Asked if it was time to forget the past and give warm welcome to the British monarch, the woman’s response, to paraphrase her, was: “Of course, the Queen’s visit is good for our country and it is high time we forgot the past and moved on.” Then she concluded, rather philosophically: “There is no future in the past”. I agree that it was a good thing for the Queen to visit, but I beg to disagree with the idea that there is no future in the past. In my view, the only way one can predict the future, and indeed make sense of the present, is through the past. To understand people’s culture, study their history. And that is why it is extremely important to tell today’s story accurately to avoid a distorted history tomorrow. I have lived in Ireland for 15 years and my experience of this society is that if an important person does something bad, one is expected to turn a blind eye otherwise one may become the bad one. But if you are the kind of person who refuses to turn a blind eye ‘the powers that be’ will gang up against you. And if you persist, in your goodness of heart, to challenge that which you believe is bad, you will be penalized and ostracized and in time you will be made to feel that you are the bad person. ‘That which is bitter to endure will be sweet to remember,’ according to a Yoruba proverb. If you are a
genuinely good person, no matter how bad the society makes you feel and no matter how long you are made to feel that you do not belong because you are upholding what you believe is right, stay focused and you shall prevail. Paradoxically, it is the society that, in the end, usually benefits immensely from the goodness that follows such a selfless and courageous act, which is initially considered to be a bad move. In other words, if you are prepared to stand your ground and do what is right, no matter how long, tiring or lonely it seems, the future will vindicate you as a good one. To shed more light on what I mean, I want to briefly make a reference to Whistleblower, unarguably one of the most compelling drama series that I have seen on RTE television. As the title suggests, Whistleblower is a dramatisation of a true story of someone who noticed something that she considered bad and reported it to the appropriate authority. It was in a hospital in the late 1990s in Drogheda. Dr Neary was a well respected gynecologist in the hospital and was an influential member of the society. However he had a dark side. He was routinely
performing unnecessary hysterectomy on women after childbirth. That is, he was routinely removing the wombs, and in some cases, ovaries of her patients, when these surgeries were absolutely uncalled for. Everybody who was working in the hospital with Dr Neary knew there was something unusual about the frequency of his surgeries, but no one had the courage to make a complaint. He was a sacred cow. Consequently, hundreds of women were forever deprived of having any more children after giving birth to their first. If not for the nurse, an English lady apparently, it is likely that Dr Neary would still be on the medical register performing his ‘surgery’ at the Drogheda hospital. The dramatization of the story in Whistleblower is in two parts and it lasts about two hours but one can only imagine what that nurse’s experience was like in real life as she fought hard to blow the whistle on a person of Dr Neary’s caliber. At a point, she said everyone was treating her like a criminal. In the end she did what needed to be done, but she had to pay the ultimate prize. She had to leave the hospital and no one would employ her. What I found most disturbing about the case of Dr Neary, as shown in Whistleblower, was the
reaction of the locals to the news that the medical council had conducted an inquiry and found him guilty of professional misconduct. The sequence, as powerfully dramatized, is worth describing in some detail. Fade to interior of a traditional Irish pub. Dr Neary’s character, played brilliantly by actor Stanley Townsend enters. Pin drop silence. Dr Neary slowly takes a few steps towards the bar. He stops. A woman stands up and slowly begins to clap. Another man joins; then another; and another. Within minutes, all the locals in the pub are on their feet. It is a standing ovation for Dr Neary. A standing ovation for a man who has just been struck off the medical register after he was found guilty of taking out wo m e n’s wombs unnecessarily! It is odd, but it is also Irish. Cut to Exterior. We see the nurse standing with her suitcase………Oops!!! I have run out of space. To be continued…... So, see you on this same page in the next edition of this newspaper. Slain Bisi Adigun is a playwright and theatre director. For his wo r k visit: w w w. arambeproductions.com Bisi Adigun © 2011
August 2011
column
The return of the native
Ideas to Change Africa Where there is a will, there is a way
AFRICANS SHOULD DONATE A EURO OR POUND FOR SOMALIA FAMINE. By David Nyaluke
I intended to continue our column with more ideas and arguments on kickstarting a ‘NEW ERA FOR AFRICA’ but decided mid-way through that I will be getting it wrong if I do not stop and dedicate this edition for SOMALIA and HORN OF AFRICA current famine crisis. For the sake of brotherhood and humanity, I am putting through an important plea: WHY EVERY AFRICAN SHOULD DONATE A EURO OR POUND FOR SOMALIA FAMINE. As Africans will always say, the eagle has perched for a catch. What do we mean? Africans have a duty to help our brothers and sisters in Somalia and the Horn of Africa especially in their current challenge for survival. And i thought in fairness that David Kortukhohun, the Secretary General of African Students Association of Ireland (ASAI) has said it all in an appeal he has sent to each African living in Ireland through our email list and ASAI blog (ASAireland.blogspot.com). Thus it reads: Dear brothers and sisters (Africans Living in Ireland); as we are putting pen to paper for this appeal, the drought facing more than 10 million people in the Horn of Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia) has turned into famine in some areas as declared by the United Nation recently on 20th of July, 2011. This mean there is very little
or no food to live on in these areas and already a number of children are dying from starvation and malnutrition. We are making a special appeal to each African living in Ireland for whatever donation and contribution you can give now to save the life of our own brothers and sisters who are in this helpless situation which is not their making. It is in times and crises like these that we need to stand in solidarity with our fellow Africans wherever they are as we are one of their most dependable hopes of seeing another day. This is the list of organizations that are right now working to help people in the Horn Africa. Please contact any one of them to send your donation – www. concern.net, w w w. Chrisitianaid.ie, www.goal.ie, www.trocare.org, www. worldvision.ie Thanks very much in advance for your support, David Kortukohun. All I can say following the African Students Association’s clarion call is: Dear fellow African, it is your personal moral responsibility in this crisis facing our brothers and sisters to assist with a euro or pound, at least. Deep into your humble pocket take that euro or pound to the box of Horn of Africa Famine Appeal at the nearby church, mosque or fundraisers in Main Street or to aid and relief organizations. I assure you, it feels good to unite with family members of African community who need our help. Thank you.
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AFRICANS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR TRADITIONAL ATTIRE By Ukachukwu Okorie
Too often, many people have wondered why many Africans keep loosing touch with their traditional mode of dressing and fashion. When Catherine told me to write something about this issue, I felt it was an ample opportunity to make a clarion call to my people. Why do most Africans outside the continent love to ditch their traditional wear for some piece of suit and tie? Although, few love to express themselves when it comes to African traditional fashion, however, the greater number dress the Western way without any thought of going native. What about youngsters who have fallen for the American and Western kind of clothing? The gradual loss of this fashion identity can be traced to the European dominance in its trade relations with Africa as far as the 16th century. From the early contact with some African kings and middle men, the natives started trying new things especially clothes made of cotton and materials alien to them. The rise of trade started seeing more European wares especially clothes and its accessories. Even during the inhuman slave trade, European clothing style was part of the goods that changed hands in the barter business. Colonialism became the final phase in the social indoctrination of Africans as it had the relevant authority over the colonies and protectorate. From most African elites who
returned from abroad to champion the independence struggle to new white collar -job workers, the apparel of their colonial masters were en vogue. Although there were many reasons to dress in the Western way, the fact is that many were induced and coerced through the machineries of colonialism. The post-colonial era saw new developments towards changing the western dress code mentality by nationalist who emerged as leaders of new African States. Leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Kenneth Kaunda, Nnamdi Azikiwe showed the light to the new generation that is fast loosing their traditional sense of dressing. In charge now, some African governments began encouraging government workers to wear native attires through dedicating special days. Countries like Nigeria went as far as dedicating a particular in a week for it and awarding prizes to most traditionally dress worker. The Private Sector in many African countries followed the steps of their governments in encouraging their workers to dress in natives. However, these new incentives, there is still a high rate of sense of loss for the love of traditional attire. Coming to today’s African teenagers who dress like Americans, the cause cannot be far from the media and cultural influence. Most parents are found wanting here let alone imbibing a sense of culture into their
young ones. Being a continent of nations, there is diversity in African fashion. Each country brings the different interethnic collection to the fashion world so it is time people wear some kind of native. Africa does not need to imitate when renown names in design copies native styles from the continent. The Kente cloth is another beautiful thing to come from Ghana. Kente is an Asante’s ceremonial cloth that is hand-woven on a loom. Four inch strips are sewn together into larger pieces of cloth. The kente has gradually become a household name in African traditional fashion. The Kente cloth has come to symbolize many qualities associated with fashion and history. So also is the Nigerian Agbada which is being copied by many fashion experts around the world. This is another area Nigerian leaders have represented Africa greatly as successive Presidents never their traditional attire. The Madiba shirts popularize by Mandela is another design which has been generally accepted by many people as it looks very casual on the body. There are other African attires that have formed the pride of their people which are quite popular. They include the ‘chitenje’ in Zambia, the Masaai ‘shuka’, ‘Kpelle’ attire in Liberia and ‘Dumuriya’ in Southern Sudan. Among the comity of African nations, there are varieties of choice.
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August 2011
DIMKKPA
By Mazi Azukaoma
Human trafficking flourishes because of the governments’ draconian immigration policy. Governments control of visa and work permits often make it out of the reach of ordinary people. A lot of migrants travel to their destinations with legal papers, only to discover that they have been trafficked upon their entrance. Most migrants who dream of a good life end up in tears; the traffickers lure women to work as prostitutes to recoup their money and others are made to work for longer hours without pay. They are abused, humiliated, used and finally dumped. However, states claim they are security risk and breach immigration laws; hence they should not be accorded state protection and should be deported back. My argument is that states have a moral obligation to protect the victims of human trafficking. I believe harsh immigration laws and the criminalisation of
COlumn
HUMAN FACE
victims of trafficking by states cannot sustain a longterm security objective, because the traditional statebased security paradigm is failing in its primary objective – to protect people; but rather, moving towards compassionate human security on a comprehensive level will guarantee security. The states view irregular migration as the dodgiest part of migratory flows due to its uncontrolled character. The trend of irregular migration has many different forms (illegal entry, illegal work, entry on false or forged documents and overstaying). It is estimated that the extent of the illegal migration flow in the old EU countries is about 3 million people. Even though we may consider various motivations for human migration, it is largely motivated by the human nature of survival. There is no doubt in my mind that states have the constitutional right to control their borders but the states have a duty to protect vulnerable migrants. The states’ policy on irregular migration is motivated by the view that states are in danger of being weighed down by large numbers of irregular migrants who
present a threat to the state and the general public. Hence, states see human trafficking as a crime against the state, rather than as a crime against the human rights of individuals. The criminalisation of human trafficking by the states through often strict immigration policies led to a greater opportunity for traffickers to devise their own way to prevaricate the law through illegal channels. Human trafficking flourished because of governments’ draconian immigration policy. Tough measures introduced by states are therefore unlikely to solve the occurrence of trafficking. Again, the effects of the criminalisation of trafficking through border control and rigid migration policies is that such rules will most likely swell the numbers being trafficked and create more alternatives to traffickers and smugglers regarding migration . The global economy, injustice, unfair trade, and inequality between South and North influence migration, as desperate migrants seek jobs for a better life, but end up in the hands of traffickers. These men and women are exploited, forced to work
against their will, and many are exposed to human deprivation, servitude and made to work for hours in awful conditions. But the question is: if goods and services can move freely, why not human beings? This question became necessary because of the often laudable successes of globalisation and what Ronaldo Munck called “central inconsistency in neoliberal globalisation.” The states’ behaviour to restrict the free movement of people by adopting stringent immigration laws and border guards, scanners, tall fences etc., as a source of security can only be counterproductive; rather than providing security to the citizens, it somewhat acerbates fear and hatred towards migrants. According to the EU’s Directive “migrants are considered victims of trafficking if they have been exploited for their labour in conditions that can be equated with slavery, servitude, prostitution, or sexual exploitation (i.e. pornography) through one of the following ways: coercion, force, threat, and abduction, deceit or fraud and abuse by an authority. The question is how do you determine who
meets the criterion considering administrative bureaucracy? The police investigation takes too long to come up with an answer. What happens to the victims? They have to wait ‘for only God knows’ when the investigation will be concluded or be rehabilitated by the states. Consider the continued pains, psychological trauma, frustration and mental stress asylum seekers go through. Many asylum seekers scattered in their shelters (e.g Ireland) wait up to six or seven years without a positive answer from the relevant government department. Some of them are victims of rape, torture, and are trafficked women and children who have run away from brutality and near-death. Some of them in various hostels in Ireland are paid 19 euro per week. If the government is sensitive to the welfare of these people, what will 19 euro buy? Do they not constitute a security risk to the state? Allowing children and women unattended for seven years constitutes the states’ indirect abuse and punishment.
August 2011
KIDS CORNER
13
FOLKTALE The Armed Robber and the Gate of Heaven
By Ukachukwu Okorie
Once upon a time a great famine struck the Animal Kingdom after a draught caused serious damages to land and food crops. This saw a shortage of food supplies and bullying among animals, while carnivorous animals that were starving started to kill and eat smaller animals. After a while, the harassments and killings stopped and animals started to change their ways in order to guarantee a place in heaven. Suddenly, a new wave of lifestyle erupted where animals began to bow to the ways of Christianity and virtue, and there was an even bigger frenzy to go to heaven. They attended church services in big numbers and vowed to keep the Ten Commandments as instructed by the God of Jacob. They also began to shun social ills, like what happens in most conservative societies, even though they were undergoing acute hardship and famine. They replaced social ills with hard work and brotherly love for one another and saw this new way of life as the gateway to heaven where everything was said to be in abundance for those who avoided evil. Meanwhile, those who indulged in sin, no matter how trivial it was, were said to be going to hell. The Hyena was the most popular animal in the Animal Kingdom but did not regularly participate in community work and did not believe that going to church would get any animal into heaven. He told other animals that in order for them to go to heaven they had to have certain qualities, which included strict discipline and abstinence from greed and hypocrisy. It should be noted, however, that the Hyena was a notorious robber and waited on bush paths to waylay animals. He committed the crimes outside his local area where none of the other animals that knew him could recognise him. As
such, he kept a clean profile in his kingdom and even enrolled to assist the security team, but as the adage goes, “there is no secret beneath the sky”. Some of his relatives and friends knew of his criminal record but were tight lipped about it. One day the Hyena and his gang of thieves received a tip-off about some wealthy traders who were going on a business trip in a nearby kingdom. The gang was informed that the wealthy wholesalers were carrying large sums of money with them and were travelling without members of their security team. Meanwhile, the traders were unaware that their movements had been divulged by one of them and so set out without any bodyguards. The Lion and Tiger were members of their security team but refused to accompany them because they were demanding better wages. As the traders were aware that they had no one to protect them, they took a different route with hopes that it was safer and more secure from robbers. This was, however, not the case as a short time into the detour they were ambushed by raiders. The raiders wore balaclavas over their faces and took away their bags of cowry and important, expensive belongings and abandoned them in the forest with nothing. This left the traders in shock and fear and marked the end of their business trip. Among the traders were Mr Dog, Duck and Chameleon. When they were ambushed, Mr Chameleon reacted very quickly and dashed into the bush with his money before the robbers had the chance to attack him. Unfortunately, Mr Dog and Duck were not so lucky and collapsed to the ground and died of heart attacks once the raiders left. In his hiding place, Mr Chameleon was able to recognise the distinct voice of the Hyena instructing
Cemetry on the Streets
Power
Hallucination fills my eyes Salty but liquid flows Strolling down the cheeks I see your shadows And the whistling of birds Sounding like the choir gong And that of the town crier Calling for a gathering In the wake of a disaster Let the breath of life re-ignite Let the drummers beat fast Lest Glasnevin comes to town
Is it the love of many? Or married by a few? Divorced by the over jealous Engulfs when lines flame Taste like wine Intoxicate like vodka Spurs like the dry gin Renders alcoholics stupid Men and women cluster But a few have the swagger And the people did a clapper For the reign that got the power
The Beloved Carcass
Struts of my Geneva
Nature gone so awry In the eyes of the maker In the minds of the conqueror And the heart of the conquered Thirsting to live like a human Yet your life is a human Shared in Palace away from home By humans lusting for earth The international cake of a few For their sake and inhumanity A love that transcends this day For the growth of some humans And lip-service progress of other humans The smell of human carcass And indignity of man
Hidden in the sides The power of the Pantaloon Pride of the lion Key to the temple of the lioness The eagle in the bird’s nest Authority of the actors Making scenes act in chapters Spur libations from the elders And realizing the world of dreamers The hunter’s courage in the jungle Preying for the meat in the hunting Sets sight like the god in the bush Deals with what matters gather
the traders to empty their bags. Back in the Animal Kingdom, the world came to an end and a scramble began among animals who wanted to go to heaven. Some of them were happy and comfortable that they would be going to heaven because by their estimation, they had done everything right and deserved a place there. The animals were selected into three groups: the first group composed of those that were legible to enter heaven while the second group was going to purgatory and the last was going to hell. On the Holy Gate of Heaven, where flats were being shared by those who made it, the Hyena stood as the controller and was ushering the selected few to go in. Some of the animals, who recognised Mr Hyena from his fraudulent lifestyle, were shocked to see him controlling the gate of heaven and murmured amongst themselves
that the gate they were standing on was the wrong one. “No way, this must be the wrong direction because I know that gateman. He is a thief,” Mr Chameleon fumed. “That bastard is a criminal; definitely this place is hell or purgatory,” another retorted. “My children,” St Peter said as he came out of the golden door. “I tell you today that if you want to go inside the bus, you should never look at what is written on the body of the bus. Mr Hyena was a notorious robber but he regretted his actions and repented yesterday with his whole heart, soul and body. The Kingdom of God is like the parable of the lost sheep in which the shepherd lost one of his hundred sheep but went in search of it; the last shall always be the first.” After looking at themselves with utmost scrutiny, they moved in.
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August 2011
President Barak Obama & his family watch the US female team loose to Japan in the world cup final
Anti-racism, equality and social critic, Patrick Maphoso addressing during his elections in the Dublin council elections
Somali Proprietor of Ruqiya Institute with his students in class.
photo of the month
Demonstrations against IMF in Dublin by Stephen Boyle
AfricaWorld Jekaterina Saveljeva and Lihle Royal enlightening the public on the initiatives of the Newspaper on Tunji Idowu’s African scene on Dublin 103.2FM.
Volunteers on the Somali food crises – Iffat Zehra Naqvi, Munnizzah Atta, Asif Hossain
August 2011
sportS
Wisdom bits
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CongratulationS!
Whatever tastes so sweet kills too Meaning – Addiction is harmful
AfricaWorld Newspaper heretily congratulate Rev. Kenneth Ositadimma Amakeze on his priestly ordination coming on 20 August 2011-10am @ St. Patrick Cathedral Awka, Nigeria.
The Seed of an iroko always has a way of growing into a tall tree Meaning – offspring must bear resemblance to parents Have no fear of perfection; you will never reach it Meaning – No one is free of all kinds of ill on earth The owner of the barn has the yam as well as the knife Meaning – Hard work pays. He who the gods want to kill, they first make mad Meaning - Pride comes before failure The rain that soaked the eagle just washed it up Meaning – Tribulations help build qualities
Gothia 2011: Dundalk’s Seatown fly the Irish tricolour Dundalk team had 20 players of which 8 were immigrants and the team has many more that did not go and it is the only team that has more immigrants than other teams in Ireland. It is a very expensive trip ,the players from Dundalk earned their cost through bag-packing over the last 6months Gothia World Cup football tournament which is now called World Youth Cup started in 1975 and is held annually in Sweden. Every year 1600 teams from many countries participate. This year there were 1570 teams Seatown Team,representing Ireland at the opening ceremony of 2011 World Youth Cup,Sweden. from 74 countries in the Mc Guinness and physio in Sweden from 17th to world. African countries S e a t o w n Tommy Traynor. They 24th of July. They walked that were there are Kenya, FC team led were chosen to represent out the 52,000 seater Ullevi by its coach Ireland in the 2011 Gothia Stadium and showed Mr Brian football tournament held Ireland to the world.
By Bridget Benya
Name of the star
Country
Year in Gothia Cup
Present club
Emmanuel Adebayor
Togo
1999
Ze Roberto
Brasil
1993&94
Bayen Munchen
Julio Baptisa
Brasil
1993
Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso
Spain
1995
Real Madrid
Arsenal
Adebayor performing for Togo
Ze Roberto and Damian Dof
Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Morocco and Sudan. Here is a list of some of the football stars that had participated in Gothia tournament and there is many more:
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August 2011
TheGhana London Battle and Nigeria clash
Goran Stevanovic, Ghana’s Ghana’s top goalkeeper.AfricaWorld of Dutch side FC Utrecht has been Coach has listed a battle-ready squad reliably learnt from a monitored handed another opportunity by against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. newswire that the 23yr old had his Coach Stevanovic to command a The 18-man soccer assasins include citizenship status confirmed by FIFA permanent shirt in the squad. two fresh faces and a returnee. eight weeks ago. The Gomoa Fetteh Feyenoord trainee AfricaWorldsport can say Ghanaian youth midfielder, was first invited by the Serbian authoritatively that Nigerians are Rabiu Mohammed, has earned his coach early this year during an in trouble over exhibition game against Togo the high spirit in Antwerp, Belgium. in the Ghana FC Dnipro’s new signing, football circle. Derek Boateng, has also been left out of the squad to allow According to him to settle down at his new club. GFA insider, the two fresh faces Ghana will clash with the are jetting in Super Eagles of Nigeria at the from England Ghana national football team Vicarage Road Stadium in a Nigerian national football where they ply warm-up game to the 2012 debut senior team call-up. Africa Cup of Nations qualifier their trade. Although GHANAsoccernet. The Evian Thonon-Gaillard player is against Swaziland on home soil in com informed that AC Milan’s expected to replace injured Chelsea’s September. The game is more than playmaker, Kevin-Prince Boateng is soccer maestro, Michael Essien. a warm-up as each team chases the out of favour because of issues but Rabiu will is most likely to command sub-regional bragging right in Norway-born goaltender, Kwarasey, the midfield for Ghana in their football. Ghana was at the last world will be earning his debut while Nations cup cracker against cup while Nigeria failed but fortune seem to have changed for the Super beginning a homeland carrier in Swaziland in Swaziland. under-studying Richard Kingson, Left-back Nana Akwasi Asare Eagles since Coach Sampson Siasia
sportS
took charge, and wining a couple of games including a humiliation of Argentina recently. Ghana squad include: Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Unattached), Adam Larsen Kwarasey (Stromgodest,Norway) Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (FC Dnipro), John Paintsil (Leicester City), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Nana Akwasi Asare (FC Utrecht), John Mensah (Olympique Lyon), Isaac Vorsah (TSG Hoffenheim), Jonathan Mensah (Evian ThononGaillard) Midfielders: Rabiu Mohammed (Evian ThononGaillard), Anthony Annan (Schalke 04), Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille), Kwadwo Asamoah, Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu (Udinese), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan) Strikers: Dominic Adiyiah (Karsiyaka), Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland), Prince Tagoe (TSG Hoffenheim).