AfricaWorld Newspaper 1 - 15 May 2013

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may 1-15 2013

Vol 001 Nº34

FrEE

SOUTH AFRICA UNLOCK ITS MARKET TO IRELAND.

Deals on Mining, Trade and Tourism sealed.

Thanks the Irish for helping to dismantle aprtheid

By By Lylian Fotabong

continued on page 3

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AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

editor’s column

The return of the native

Editorial

AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION AND THE DEPORTATION OF AFRICANS

Do you still remember last year’s celebration of Africa Day in Ireland? How many people trooped out, cultural dances performed and most wished the fun can continue? Do you still remember that there were deportations of Africans?

Anti Racist Ireland, a group committed to equality and social justice, aptly describes the 2012 scenario, “Yesterday another mass deportation to Nigeria took place after many Direct Provision centres were raided by the GNIB early in the morning. We have been informed that people including women and children were taken in Carrick-on-Suir, Cork and Portlaoise. Out of desperation, a woman called Adekemi tried to harm herself with a knife while she was being taken from her room. After having dragged her outside almost naked from the waist up, the police pepper sprayed her, beat her severely, and handcuffed her in front of early age children who were visibly distraught. As she had recently undergone a serious stomach surgery, the scar opened and started bleeding while she was being beaten. Adekemi was then hospitalised, but after a short time she was brought back to the hostel, and together with her three children she was taken to the airport by the GNIB for deportation.”

This is unacceptable because it is. You are organising an Africa Day celebration on one hand and deporting Africans at the same time. How fair is this policy?

Africans must ask themselves why celebrating on one corner while others are being deported on the other side. As you plan to go and celebrate this May 25, 2013, there may be deportations. Does these deportations matter to you?

Come in Uka

LUCKY DUBE

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Lucky Dube was born in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, formerly the Eastern Transvaal, on 3 August 1964. The name Lucky was given to him by his mother Sarah because she considered his birth fortunate after a number of failed pregnancies. With his two siblings, Thandi and Patrick, Lucky Dube was raised by his grandmother, who he described as ‘his greatest love’.

At the age of 18 Dube joined his cousin’s band, The Love Brothers, playing Zulu pop music known as mbaqanga.

The band signed with Teal Record Company, under Richard Siluma. Though Dube was still at school, the band recorded an album in Johannesburg during his school holidays under the name Lucky Dube and the Supersoul.

Drawing inspiration from Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, Lucky composed lyrics with socio-political messages relevant to a S o u t h Af r i c a n a u d i e n ce i n a n

institutionally racist society. His first album (Rastas Never Die) was banned by the apartheid government.

Notwithstanding the frustrations of a racist apartheid clampdowns, Lucky was not discouraged in spreading the message of freedom and continued to perform the reggae tracks live. He wrote and produced a second reggae album.

Think About The Children (1985) which achieved platinum sales status and established him as a popular reggae star in South Africa, helping to attracting global attention.

His 1986 album (Serious Reggae Business) earned him the Best Selling African Recording Artist award at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo. In 1989, Lucky won four OKTV Awards for Prisoner, took another for Captured Live the following year and yet another two gongs for House Of Exile the year after.

His 1993 album ‘Victims’, sold over one

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Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

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million copies worldwide. In 1995 he struck a worldwide recording deal with Motown. His album Trinity was the first release on Tabu Records after Motown incorporated the label. Another album (Respect) was released in European through a deal with Warner Music.

Lucky Dube performed on the global arena for over two decades inspiring struggles for freedom in South Africa and beyond. On 21 October 2008, Rykodisc released a compilation album entitled Retrospective, which featured many of his influential songs as well as previously unreleased tracks in the USA. South Africa. On 18 October 2007, Lucky Dube was killed in the Johannesburg suburb of Rosettenville.

As South Africa celebrate a National Freedom Day, the contributions of one of Africa’s greatest cannot be forgotten.

and seeks to synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve

issues of Education, Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnerships.

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may 1-15 2013

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NEWs (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

South Africa is an attractive investment destination with a well-developed financial system and good regulatory framework, but lack ing in infrastructural d e ve l o p m e nt – t h e k e y to economic growth and job creation.

For more than 20 years, South Africa has battled the problem of underinvestment, which has had an adverse effect on its infrastructures, and is now in dire need of foreign investments.

This is according to the South African Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr A Jeremiah Ndou, on the prospect of trade relations between Ireland and the rainbow nation.

“Attracting investments and working through the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) that African Governments initiated would deal with the issues of poor infrastructure, high unemployment and poverty”, Mr Ndoh said during South African

Week in Limerick last week.

T h e S o u t h A f r i c a We e k Celebration was launched in Dublin by the South African Embassy in Ireland to profile the economic, political and cultural diversities of South Africa in Ireland.

Forty Government and business officials from Limpopo, Nor th West, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng provinces came to Ireland to mark the event, which coincided with Freedom Day in South Africa – an occasion that celebrates the freedom of South Africans from the apartheid system.

The delegation which include regional premiers, ministers and captains of industr y visited Dublin, the Shannon Development Unit and the Kemmy Business School (KBS) in the University of Limerick.

Head of Department of Accounting and Finance of Kemmy Business School, Dr Sheila Killian said “Limerick is a natural place to host the trade fair, but

particularly for KBS because the events tied in with the Kemmy Business Strategy Plan, which brings together Irish and overseas business communities.”

Dr Killian said: “Our school is named after Jim Kemmy, who was a prominent local politician and scholar, and back in the day, he was a big opponent of apartheid, so it is really appropriate that an event like this should be held in this building; it is something that would have made him very proud.”

The South African delegation used the event to market their rich diversities and to attract Irish investors, but also provided an opportunity for Irish businesses to expand their markets within South Africa without fear of corruption or crime.

“I don’t think Irish people can be particularly critical of crime or corruption overseas,” Dr Killian said, adding that: “I think the number of tribunals we have had have shown that we are no strangers to corruption. It is

The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance Choir singing the Irish and South African anthems, in University of Limerick.

South Africa Ambassador and dignitaries at University of Limerick

something that businesses need to be aware of when they go to any countr y ; they need to be careful that they are not contributing to the corruption and or perpetuating it. It is something for people to be alert of, but it is not something that should put them off.”

“South Africa and Africa have got ever ything that Ireland would almost need”, President Delegue General of Znix International Consulting Corporation, Fidelis Igbokwe, who was one of the South African business members said.

Continuing, Igbokwe said, “ We have potential expor t products and services which need to be marketed here in Ireland; there is cheap labour, natural resources, government policies and intellectual capital that need to be harnessed by big conglomerates, and Ireland should take advantage of these availabilities because Africa is the place to be.”

Since 1994 when the first democratic elections were held in S o u t h Af r i c a , i t h a s g a i n e d international position, and recently became a member of BRICS, an emerging economic body comprising, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is one of South Africa’s most strategic par tners, with Russia and South Africa producing about 80 percent of the world’s reserve of platinum.

South Africa is the 28th largest world economy with tourism contributing about nine percent of its GDP which is more than mining. It has abundant natural reserves, aquaculture, agriculture, diamond, platinum, gold, green energy, flourishing automobile and tertiar y industries, several seaports and airports, medicinal and aromatic plants, land, world class entertainment resorts, and is gateway to Sub Saharan Africa.

In 2010, South Africa hosted the Soccer World Cup, which was highly regarded as one of the most successful world cups in history, and recorded over 309,554 foreign tourists for the primary purpose of the games.

“Africa was once referred to as the Dark Continent but this impression is changing; it was written off by economists as a hopeless continent but now a hopeful continent; it is now the n e x t b i g t h i n g, a n d o f fe r s possibilit y, innovation, sustainability and diversity”, critics confessed during one of the South African Week business round parleys.

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AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

X-RAY with Fr. Vin

BOSTON BOMBING AND TSARNAEV’S CAPTURE: Security lessons for Nigeria

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu

America was shocked on Monday, 15th, April, when bomb blasts occurred during a marathon race in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, killing three people with about 176 persons injured. The blasts took place in swift seconds and left no trace of the perpetrators behind.

American Police swung into action, moved from general to particular, eliminated the odds and narrowed the pursuit down to two Russian immigrant suspects, Tamerlan, 26, and his younger brother Tsarnaev Dzhokar, 19. The crowd that assembled for the marathon was viewed collectively by camera, their movements analyzed, their dressing scrutinized and their positions as at the time of the explosion investigated. From ordinary to extraordinary, from nothing to something, from marathon to explosion, the possible causes, manner and timing of the Boston bombing became materials for the FBI to operate. The FBI insisted the two blasts at the

marathon were caused by bombs in pressure cookers and carried in backpacks that were left near the finish line as thousands of spectators gathered. As if that was not enough, all the security paraphernalia of the United States scooped Watertown, a city in Boston, Massachusetts, looking for only two suspects. Information from Reuters said that the hunt for Tsarnaev emptied Boston’s streets as the city went into lockdown for most of Friday. Public

transportation was suspended and airspace restricted. Famous universities, including Harvard and MIT, closed after police told residents to remain at home. The hunt focused on Watertown, where police officers went door-to-door and searched houses. Two Black Hawk helicopters circled the area.

SWAT teams moved through in formation. After the capture of Ts a r n a e v, B o s t o n P o l i c e Commissioner Ed Davis went further to say, “We used a robot to pull the tarp off the boat. We were also watching him with a thermal imaging camera in our helicopter…”

This is great!

I could not but marvel as well as shudder at the level of intelligence exerted in the capture of the Boston bomb suspects. The level of commitment of the American Police to the course of saving the lives of the citizens is beyond commendable imagination. One would appreciate the entire

scenario from the picture of the crowd that gathered for the marathon, the anonymous market like environment that hosted the runners, security personnel, fans, and disguised hoodlums. An event that happened on Monday in beclouded fashion took only four days for the security to dig reasonably into the cause and come out with the result without doubts as to the efficiency of the investigation. Security is one, equipment two but intelligence towered above all. The first thing anyone reading this piece from my Nigerian background would be doing now would be to preempt a defense for the Nigerian Police which I’m surely going to talk about.

But it is important to use some instances like the one under x ray to lambaste and bemoan the level of our backwardness in talking about security of life and property of the citizens of Nigeria. I don’t want to succumb to the temptation of diverting the attention here. But suffice it to state the regrettable fact that even the once notorious Afghanistan is now challenging Nigeria to go and deal with her security problems (Cf. Interaction between Nigeria’s ambassador to Afghanistan and President Ahmed Kazai on CNN, Friday, April 19). The message is that Nigeria has degenerated so much before the international society today.

Back to the capture of Tsarnaev and what actually counts in establishing good security network in a nation, I feel the Nigerian government needs to learn a lot from the way and manner of conducting investigations from the American government. The first step to establishing good security in Nigeria would be to eliminate the “connection syndrome”. A nation where everyone is connected to one influential person or another who would readily intervene to defend the individual even in criminal matters is a sick nation. This is the problem with Nigeria; where high

column ranking individuals have vested interests in virtually everything.

This is worse in the area of security.

The so called kidnappers and terrorists are all connected to the major stake holders in the Nigerian business. The security personnel would continue to be incapacitated in as much as those high ranking persons exist and play their hideous roles. Sometimes, the Nigeria police find themselves in dilemma carrying out investigations into certain cases with vested interests.

They receive calls from high quarters and threats that put their jobs at risk.

Again, when Mr. President Goodluck Jonathan makes his usual claims of, “We are on top of the situation”, he should now see what it means to be on top of a security situation. At the time Preident Barack Obama rose to speak at the interfaith service dedicated to those gravely wounded or killed in the Boston Marathon explosion on Wednesday, April 17, he didn’t claim that American government was on top of the situation. He was sober, humble and diplomatic as he lamented, “We still do not know who did this or why, we still don’t have all the facts. We will get to the bottom of this. We will find who did this, and we will find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice” Anyone listening to him will discover the wisdom in this statement; assertive though open.

President Obama does not claim to stay on top of security situations in the United States, he prefers to get to the bottom of them and that is why his government employs all security outfits to dig and dig until they get to the bottom just as in past security challenges that have confronted America. President Goodluck Jonathan should now realize that each time his government had been on top of security situations, they floated and ended up only commiserating with victims. He should realize that the more he was on top of such situations, the worse they had become. He should learn to get to the bottom of the security problems of Nigeria and come down from the top.

To get to the bottom of security issues in Nigeria would warrant sniffing beyond the observable, going beyond the available materials, narrowing things down to the lowest common factor. It would warrant analyses of situations, events and materials by experts. Getting to the bottom would warrant training and retraining of Nigeria security personnel possibly by foreign experts. It would entail serious partnership with America’s FBI. Nigerians all know the extent of damage done to human and material resources as a result of poor and incapacitated security

force in Nigeria. The population of the police force is not the issue but the ability to dig deep to unravel crimes and expose culprits.

Imagine what has happened so far.

Is it the bombing of the Police Headquarters, Abuja on June 16, 2011, the attack on United Nations Office, Abuja on August 26, 2011, the bombing of the national stadium on October 1, 2011, the bombing of St. Theresa’s Church, Madallah on December 25, 2011, the recent bombing of Sabon Gari Motor Park, Kano on March 18, 2013, the general Boko Haram menace and the amnesty brouhaha? Is it the rampant kidnapping that characterizes the South East of the nation? Even in the case of an apparent Indian hemp dump or notorious hideouts in remote villages, all Nigerians have almost concluded that making certain cases known to the security would rather mean jeopardizing the life of the one that takes the matter to the police as sometimes the manner of handling the case had ended up frustrating the person and possibly exposing the individual to danger. Place the Nigerian situation side by side with the Boston marathon incident and you would feel the gap between what Nigeria has in the name of security, the dangers inherent in our situation and the quest to protect lives of citizens in civilized countries. The Boston incident happened on Monday, April 15, and

by Friday, April 19, the prime suspects were already down. Just four days of intense security activities, four days of tension, four days of intelligent probe and combing without any molestation of innocent occupants of Watertown by the police. How many years have we lived in Nigeria today in fear, with assassination, kidnapping, bombing and sheer destruction of life and property. The questions that arise from the above situation are many. Is the Nigeria Police properly equipped to take the risks of securing life and property? Are they properly remunerated? Do they possess the appropriate vehicles, riffles? Can they possess helicopters to do the real combing involved in digging up crimes? Can cameras be set up in public places of gathering to monitor movements and actions of those who gather for public functions in Nigeria? Are the police adequately trained to predict and unravel crimes of complicated nature? Do they possess the intellectual powers to do so? Are the Police in Nigeria committed to taking the risks involved in the course of securing life and property?

Are they mentally equipped to use available materials to analyze criminal situations beyond the mere observable facts? Only when these questions are properly addressed can Nigeria boast of the safety of life and property of her citizens.

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column

dd’s cubicle

COULD A PROSPEROUS CHINA LIVE IN PEACE WITH HER NEIGHBOURS?

By Dunstan Ukaga

Moving through the great wall of China built around 2000 years ago, one would not just wonder how the ancient Chinese crafted their technology but also marvel at the greatness of China.

From time immemorial, China has been entrusted with greatness.

No wonder the new miracles of China. For the past decade, China has been among a few countries that has translated wealth to her citizens. China is a country where the poor and the rich feed well irrespective of the gap.

China is a beautiful.

These days however, the growth of China has thrown her neighbours to fears and security concerns. M ost Chinese neighbours fear a growing China has a sinister mindset to lord it over the whole of Asia and the world.

Recent developments have shown China as acting according to this line of thought or over protective of what she has or insensitive to the common good of the Asia Pacific nations.

In May 2012, China told its citizens they were not safe in the Philippines and its state media warned of war, as a month-long row over rival claims in the South China Sea threatened to spill out of control.

Chinese travel agencies announced they had suspended tours to the Philippines, under government orders, and the embassy in Manila advised its nationals already in the country to stay indoors ahead of planned protests.

“Avoid going out at all if possible, and if not, to avoid going out alone. If you come across any demonstrations, leave the area, do not stay to watch,” the

embassy’s advisory said.The safety alerts came as governmentcontrolled media in China warned the country was prepared to go to war to end the standoff over S carborough Shoal. The Scarborough is a small islands in the South China Sea that both nations claim as their own.

“No matter how willing we are to discuss the issue, the current Philippine leadership is intent on pressing us into a corner where there is no other option left but the use of arms,” the China Daily said in an editorial.

“Manila is living in a fantasy world if it mistakes our forbearance for timidity.”Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China was committed to a peaceful resolution. But the editorial echoed other warnings in recent weeks in the state-run media that China was prepared to use its massive military advantage to crush the Philippines’ challenge for the shoal.

A couple of days ago, China accused the Philippines on of trying to legalize its occupation of islands in the disputed South China Sea, repeating that Beijing would never agree to international arbitration. Frustrated with the slow pace of regional diplomacy, the Philippines in January angered China by asking a U.N. tribunal to order a halt to Beijing’s activities that it said violated Philippine sovereignty over the islands, surrounded by potentially energyrich waters.

Claims by an increasingly powerful China over most of the South China Sea have set it directly against her neighbours like Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also claim parts of the waters and China has a separate dispute with Japan in the East China Sea. Even with Thailand, Singapore, which are traditionally USA allies, China seems not to be at peace with them.

Unfortunately, efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to craft a code of conduct to manage South China Sea tensions all but collapsed last year at a summit chaired by Cambodia, a close economic ally of China, when the group failed to

issue a closing statement for the first time.

The volatile relationship between China and Taiwan is an issue that threatens global balance. China claims she can never allow Taiwan to go independent. This has been precisely quoted by David Lampton thus: “In effect, the prevention of Taiwan going independent is absolutely critical to the legitimacy of the Chinese communist regime.

Chinese leaders believe that, if they were to let Taiwan go independent and not respond, they would probably be overthrown by their own nationalistic people’’ Any possible clash or war between Taiwan and China would surely lead to serious world economic impact. In this line David Lampton offers: “They have a list of things that would provoke, but basically, certainly a ... declaration of independence would be one of those things. I would think it would probably mean war. It would certainly mean some form of military conflict or economic embargo or an attempt by the PRC to destabilize Taiwan’s economy.

But let’s put it this way: It would mean a substantial escalation of conflict ... the inevitable result of that...”

The relationship between China and India has been that of suspicion. China would never allow India to leap to world power.

In India, there is already a widespread wariness in the media and in the public domain of China’s designs for the region. Is there a similar nationalist feeling in China, which in many ways is far more developed and capable than India?

In the article “The Coming China-India Conflict: Is War Inevitable?”, Ishaan Tharoor states: “Yes, you can clearly see that Beijing officials are increasingly worried about India’s ambitions.

If you look at the writings of Chinese experts, they refer to Indian military posturing in the Indian Ocean and also to military partnerships India is developing

with several countries in Southeast Asia and East Africa. In the public realm, Chinese Netizens’ views of India are very negative. You get the sense the Chinese never seemed to expect India to climb up to the ranks of the great powers. Now, as India attempts to make that leap, the Chinese are very worried of its impact on China’s primacy in Asia’’ How China comes into conflict with India?

Hypothetically, how could some sort of military clash come about?

According to Ishaan Tharoor, it wouldn’t first be open war.

China and India are building up their interests in conflict-prone and unstable states on their borders like Nepal and Burma — important sources of natural resources. If something goes wrong in these countries — if the politics implode — you could see the emergence of proxy wars in Asia. Distrust between India and China will grow and so too security concerns in a number of arenas.

It’s an important scenario that strategic planners in both Beijing and Delhi are looking at.

As opined by Minxin Pei from “China and Russia: Best Frenemies Forever” “Sino-Russo relations are rife with historical distrust and latent geopolitical rivalry. China may be rising, and Russia may be declining, but Russia continues to see itself as a superpower with a say in Asia and a stake in protecting its zone of influence, particularly in Central Asia. At the same time, China views its role as Asia’s dominant power and relegates Russia to a secondary role in Asia. Indeed, the United States and Japan figure far more prominently in China’s strategic calculus regarding Pacific-Asia.

That is why Russia often has to reassert itself to demonstrate its clout and relevance. In regional security, Russia has been a staunch suppor ter of Vietnam, a troublesome neighbor for China.

Moscow has sold Hanoi six advanced Kilo-class submarines and 12 Su-30MK fighter jets, which could threaten China’s vital shipping lanes in the South China Sea. In Central Asia, Russian resistance has hampered China’s

ability to expand its profile (at least on one occasion, Russia scuttled a huge energy deal sought by China in the region).

Even Russia and China’s ostensibly mutually beneficial energy trade has been full of ups and downs. Many deals have been announced, but only a few have come to fruition. As a supplier, Russia wants to get as high a price as possible and as many buyers as it can. As a customer, China is eager to drive down prices and make itself Russia’s sole purchaser in Asia. It took 10 years of painful negotiations before Russia began to ship oil to China via a pipeline that Moscow initially refused to build (mainly because Russia wanted to extend the pipeline to the Pacific so it could supply Japan and Korea). For the privilege of getting Russian oil, China had to make a $20 billion loan in return for guaranteed supply for 20 years.

The mammoth gas deal initialed in Moscow during Xi’s visit may not materialize because neither side has agreed on a price.”

An article written by By Timothy Mo extensively concludes our thought so far: “Korea is the focus, but this is China versus Japan” “The “crisis” on the 38th parallel has little to do with the two Koreas: it’s about oil and gas for China, the prelude to an energy grab that will safeguard the expansion of the Chinese economy for decades to come. Six months ago Taiwanese and Japanese coastguard cutters were drenching each other in spray from water cannon, in footage now forgotten. The present pantomime, with hisses greeting North Korea as the villain, is not a replacement of the fountain show but its encore.

The Senkaku islands, if you’re Japanese or Diaoyu if you’re Chinese – halfway between the two countries, and the fossil resources that underlie them, are the issue of contention, not the integrity of the Korean border. In the twilight of oil, long-term energy security is at the top of all great powers’ agendas, but it has a highly personal dimension for those in power in China today. Two hundred dollars for a barrel of oil and 15% unemployment will lose a presidential election in America.

In China, it could lose you your life, or at least, for sure, all its luxurious trappings. Continued growth and rising standards of living – with the oil to guarantee it – are vital to protect the family positions of the unpopular hereditary elite who run the country today.”

In the light of these, could a rising China stay out of war with her neighbours?

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AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

PeoPle

pRIDe OF AFRICA

a n o i r t i a r i C b m a k a Ny

Catriona is a Model and fashion sales consultant. The African beauty was 1st Runner up in the last Miss Africa competition.

Catriona, a fashion critic loves modelling, athletics and working out in the gym. She is a fashion stylist, make up artist, personal stylist and fabric selector.

may 1-15 2013

AFRICAWORLD

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neWs

Direct provision protest

by Caelainn Hogan

The national day of action to “End Direct Provision” organised by the Irish Refugee Council on April 23rd saw demonstrations take place across the country to raise awareness of the system of institutionalised living. Up to 300 protesters walked in solidarity from Leinster House to the steps of the Department of Justice, bearing placards stating “no place to call home”, “right to work” and “7 years in limbo”.

Amongst the crowd were mothers with children in prams, families who had travelled from around the country. A group of schoolchildren, re p re s e nt i n g t h e yo u n g generations forced to grow up in institutionalised living, gathered around Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinnes as she spoke of “the

abuses and harms inflicted on vulnerable people in Ireland’s past in unregulated, poorly monitored institutions where profit was valued over humanity” and how Direct Provision was continuing that legacy.

Despite the issue of Direct Provision recently gaining coverage in the media following the release of the Magdalene Laundries report, it remains a reality the majority of Irish people know nothing about.

There are currently 5,000 people accommodated in Direct Provision centres, living on a subsistence welfare payment of €19.10 per week, €9.60 for children, with no right to work. The average stay in these centres, designed as temporary facilities, is 45 months,

with many staying up to 10 years.

Transferred multiple times, living in cramped and often unsanitary conditions, they are denied even simple freedoms like cooking one’s own food or travelling away from the centre for more than 3 nights.

At a public meeting the week before of Anti Deportation Ireland (ADI), a grassroots organisation, members debated that though the campaign was titled ‘End Direct Provision’, it included aims of reviewing and reforming the system. ADI rejects any form of enforced institutionalised living for asylum seekers and advocates a return to the system before 2000 when asylum seekers had the same right to employment, welfare and accommodation as anyone else.

Joe Moore, a member of ADI, highlighted that less than 24 hours after the national day of action the government carried out two mass deportations to Pakistan and Nigeria. This year the government has carried out 6 mass deportations.

“The NGO alliance is totally silent on the matter of deportation”, says Joe Moore, a member of ADI. “Until the state’s policy of deportation is challenged, direct provision will

remain in place. By being isolated from local communities, it means that there is less likely to be local campaigns against deportations.”

Nonetheless, members of ADI carried banners side by side with fellow asylum seekers at the protest in Dublin. Beatrice, a young Kenyan woman living in Direct Provision in Mosney, suggested the system of Direct Provision was worse than a prison sentence as you never know when it will end. She praised NGOs for their support and spoke proudly of ADI, which she called “our own organisation”.

“We have an obligation to scrutinise these campaigns and not just follow with childlike faith that t h e y represent the views of all of the p e o p l e ”, emphasised a statement by ADI. “Public figures, politicians and leading

organizations don’t deserve a free pass; the struggle needs our critical voice.”

The hundreds that attended the national day of action were proof of the solidarity amongst the asylum seeker community and their supporters to challenge the inhumane conditions and unacceptable delays the system is subjecting them to.

It should encourage further dialogue, action and engagement at a grassroots level to put pressure on the government not only to end direct provision but to address the issues of deportation and application delays which perpetuate this system.

TECH_PILOt >>>>>>>> with Uchenna Onyenagubo

Don’t throw your wet phones away…

The mobile devices we handle are very delicate considering the makeup components.

It’s almost impossible to avoid accidents with these mobile phones.

Many hazards are recorded daily and frequently too. I will focus on water accident in this edition.

Dropped your phone in water? Don’t panic! There are steps you can take to bring your precious mobile device back to use.

We have experienced many types of water accidents like, toilet drop, rain drench, etc. This can be very frustrating experience but if you wet your phone for example, all is not lost. The immediate responds you administer will have a quick recovery effect. Act QUICK! A wet phone is not necessarily a loss or write-off and the device can often be repaired, especially if you act quickly. Now pay attention to some recovery steps to follow if you found yourself in this mishap: 1.

TAKE BATTERY OUT IMMEDIATELY Once you drop the phone in water, make a swift move to pick it up and remove the battery. Definitely, water

and electricity are enemies as you would imagine. So this action is simply a separation move which disconnects any wrong reaction with the electrical functions of the phone. This singular act can stop any current running through the internals of your phone and save it from a permanent damage. What happens if I have an iPhone? I know the technical structure of the apple products do not support easy battery removals. In this regard, the alternative is to shut the phone down as fast as you can. By the way, this action terminates any current flow in the p h o n e .

(Unfortunately, the apple built in security devices that displays the damage if WET thereby affecting a claim as many insurers won’t cover such damage) 2.

WET IT AGAIN This step might appear strange, how could I get it wet again? Now, depending on what you have dunked it in. Before this move, allow the phone to dry out partially.

Considering drops in the likes of

saltwater and coke which can cause chemical reactions that might damage the phone. It is required to take a care step to wash with distilled water and dry out again the second time. Make sure you wash only the area affected by the accident, if not completely submersed during the accident.

3.

REMOVE EXCESS WATER

Removing excess water is as essential as the process of drying hands after toilet use. “Wash the hands, remove excess water and place hands under the dryer”. The same required for the wet phone, make sure you have most of the water free from the device. In order to achieve a thorough removal of excess water; dismantle the phone

as far as you can then give a good shake off. Please do not leave the SIM & any memory card cards in the device.

4.

THE DRYING PROCESS This process is vital and key to achieve a good result. If your phone is not properly dried out, it’s more harmful to switch them on. Drying will demand a lot of patience.

Drying the phone also need a careful approach. In most cases, you are advised to introduce some form of desiccant or drying material with a sealable plastic bag.

The most convenient choice if no desiccant like silica gel is UNCOOKED RICE, surprised?

Just leave the device and its disconnected components submerged in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight or longer. If you are bothered about the rice dusts getting into your device, then get the silica gel but if you consider a quick blow out after drying, that will do. DO NOT use driers or microwaves, to avoid melting adhesives or wrap components.

If you have tried the drying process

and still experience a failure then, the following steps can apply depending on how you purchased your device.

5.

CONTACT YOUR INSURER In case all the drying tricks kick against you, prepare to send the phone out to the insurer if you got one during purchase. Bear in mind that not all insurer cover water damages but most will so, it’s time to visit the policy terms and conditions to verify.

Sometimes, if you are lucky, the insurer will suggest an investigation on repairs thereby sending the phone off to manufacturer who determines the cause of damage and offer services. If any part is to be replaced, you will be informed and also notified any financial involvement.

8

AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

news

“Eastern Cape is an investor’s pride” Noludwe Ncokazi Noludwe Ncokazi is the leader of the Eastern Cape delegation. She is the General Manager for Innovation and Products Development in Eastern Cape Development Corporation. Her office looks out for new ventures, research and development of new products that are required by growing markets which include Europe and some of the BRICS countries and Africa. According to the ECDC, “The Eastern Cape – a compelling place to live, work and invest… In the past five years the Eastern Cape has experienced local and international investment, actual and planned, of over R34 billion (US$ 4,5 billion). This includes a R1,3 billion investment in the

Steinhoff/PG Bison board factory, investments worth R3 billion in the East London Industrial Development Zone and investments worth R30 billion in the Coega Industrial Development Zone.”

What do you think about your visit to Ireland?

It has been very successful and useful. We had engagements with business people, and presentations from various provinces in South Africa, presenting opportunities in our country. It was business to business collaboration. The successful but busy week climax with ‘Freedom Day’ celebration on the 27th where we showcased

products from Eastern Cape, including fashion.

After this visit, are you hopeful that bilateral relations between your country and Ireland will improve?

There should be improvement because South Africa has presented a number of opportunities that are available for Irish business people as well as we seeing ones in Ireland.

Will this new economic relationship lead to more revenue for development in your country?

Definitely there should be. As a province, we already have some limited exports to Ireland. We targeted specific sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry because the Eastern Cape is very rich in medicinal and aromatic plants. We already have agro products we are exporting to Ireland and do hope for more.

What are the achievements of your office so far?

Yes! A lot of new products which were shown here have been marketed in the world’s biggest markets like the US and China. A lot of South African products are really finding space in the big markets around the globe.

How did you see Ireland?

They are very welcoming. The business people took a lot of interest in South Africa and what we want to offer as well as looking at partnerships which is a good thing for our local companies back home.

We learnt on their advancements in innovation and development of

high city and the need to create enabling environment and infrastructure for growth. Our visit to Shannon Development was vital as we intend to apply some principles in our regions.

“Northern Cape is very rich in mining resources”Grizelda Cjiekella

Grizelda Cjiekella is the Acting Premier of the Northern Cape and leader of its delegation to Ireland. A member of the provincial executive committee, chairperson of the ANC provincial women league and sits on the national committee of the ruling party’s women caucus.

Why are you in Ireland?

We are aware of the role the Irish have played in the campaign against apartheid. We are equally collaborating on strategic projects.

For Northern Cape, a region of power and energy resources, agriculture and other rich mining minerals, we have come to Ireland to see the best practices and liaise economically especially on investments.

Did you feel at home in Ireland?

As a South African, we always enter a country with positive expectations.

I am impressed by the warm reception accorded us and the frankness of the Irish. Their hospitality reminds me of my country because we are a very friendly people. I am equally pleased with the role of our embassy because

we have a follow-up program.

Did you have a good parley with investors and Irish Business Community?

Yes we did. I made a presentation at the IDA and we met the Lord Mayors of Dublin and Limerick. There were very positive response and I am excited at the confidence they have in doing business in South Africa, and in exchanging investment program with us. I am glad that we were able to look into investment opportunities and areas that can create jobs for our people.

What is your province known for in South Africa?

Northern Cape is very small in population but the largest in size.

We are known for farming and mining because there are lots of natural resources. However, energy is our key sector and that is the reason solar development is taking off there. The Big Hole (The Big Hole is situated in Kimberley. A diamond seeker’s destiny), Water Falls and Beautiful Flowers are all in our region and they are big attractions for investors and tourists.

may 1-15 2013

photo news

SOUTH AFRICA WEEK IN PICTURES

AFRICAWORLD

PICTURES

9

10 AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

beauty & fashion

beauty & fashion

Afro Coulture

IntRO

R

By Tina N Williams

eaders this week We are going to continue with the F word Fashion . We sing it, Speak it , shout it but what do you know about it.

As a women i think it is highly important that we know our roles in society . We play an important part to everything. Women are natures by that i mean career hence it is our duty to fulfill that purpose . If we pride ourselves in everything we do and do it to our best our lives will be balanced. We should be mentally strong and never allow a man to take your mind allow only the heart because you need your peace of mind in order to sustain your self. Be INDEPENENT MY SISTERS..... Do not depend on a man to get what you want . Get out there and get your education, business and set yourself high standard do not settle for less, You must be strong....

You must be Fearless You must encouraged You must be humble You must be Fashionable Most importantly be persistent and never ever give up on your dreams and visions .

Once you find yourself you can then help others.

But jealousy and envy and gossip destroys us as women , its not man who bring us down its women vs women. The amount of time you spend gossiping please put your energy to good use . Use it to nature your gifts and discover your talents and creativity.

E.g My sister i have JIST for you now please what time can i call you. WAHALA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is JIST going to put money in your pocket, feed your kids, pay your bills i beg WAHALA.......

ITS TIME TO WAKE UP WOMEN!!!

Remember a man will only respect you if you respect yourself Until next time yours Truly Helena Kampbell

The Summer season is here people... So time to change those wardrobes around and get those bright colors out.... put all those dark colors in your attics.

Do you know that Fashion does not mean clothing only it includes accessories, hair styles and beauty. As women we need to pride ourselves in the way we look and feel. We should always look our best at all times so beauty should be part of our daily routine. If you still haven’t figured out your style you can always stick to clothes that suit your body shape. There are plenty of stylist around to help out.

As black women we tend to forget about ourselves a lot of times as we still live by rules and traditions that we hide our beauty behind all of this. First appearance count because that how people will perceive you.It is important to invest in ourselves by that i mean spend a little to improve . You do not need a lot of money to do that. Be creative and recycle your fashion , keep all your old clothes and use them to make new ones all the time.

Ways to create a new out fit tIp 3Recycling your clothes is important by that i mean improvise . E.g Its getting to summer time. So take OF allfollowing your old jeans and use them to make a pair of shorts. They can be long or beach shorts. Use the steps tHe Find a pair of unwanted jeans from your wardrobe WeeK 1.2. You need a scissors, needle, colored threads ,of you choice, unwanted top non denim

3. Spread your jeans on a flat surface and cut them to the length you want, to ensure that everything is straight fold them over and cut 4. Then take your needle and thread it. Take two colors an put a single of each color which make it into a double strong thread 5. Fold each side over going inside and ake sure its all even and do a simple stitching 6. Take your old flowery top and cut a little bit off to the and make sure its the width of a ribbon .

7. Add it to the waist line of the jeans and do the same to the hemline or leave it with the brights threads.

8. Remove your back pocket and replace it with the flowery fabric or leave it there and just add fabric 9. Get a plain white top and add the left over fabric to compliment your new shorts Next time i will talking to you about creating party dress from your old evening garments.

Remember before you step outside to look in the mirror, We are all beautiful in our own way but God also invented those beauty products that he made them available so we can beautify ourselves. So don do not be afraid to use some.

It makes a huge difference to your appearance and looks.

tIps OF stYLe

If you are short, it means you have a short neck so stay away from polo necks as they make you neck extremely bulky and wear petite jeans.

Do not wear clothes that are too small for you because its summer please always buys your size do not just say because i am black i can get away with it. You might not be ashamed but you are bringing us all down remember that.

If you are wearing a wig even lace ones please ensure that they are well fixed on and use hair pins they are available in Penne ys for 1:50 only.

Most importantly if you do not have any knowledge on all these things please contact our stylist or get any help.

Until next time.....

may 1-15 2013

column/love

AFRICAWORLD 11

it & adorable mum

dimkpa

This Land Must Sacrifice

By Mazi Uche Azukaoma Osakwe

Inequality in Nigeria is growing daily, gaps between the rich and poor is so wide. The masses are suffering from the pangs of poverty, and there seems no reprieve in sight. The working class in Nigeria has been dissipated by many years of military rule. The only class that exit in Nigeria today is the rich and the poor. Therefore, there is a strong case for revolution in the country. The political revolution in Nigeria is inevitable going by institutional decay in various levels in Nigeria. Nigerians are despondent and despair that politicians are only interested in their pocket rather than bringing development to ordinary masses.

Vladimir IIyich Lenin aptly asserts that despair is a typical of those who do not understand the causes of evil, see no way out, and are incapable of struggle. The inept leadership that is bereft of ideas couple with socio-political dysfunction in Nigeria with unambiguous reference to leadership and corruption have been the bane of underdevelopment and underperforming of the so-called giant of Africa.

In magisterial representative by Aristotle, he links poverty to crimes.

He argues that poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.

Nigeria is listed as unsafe place to live, where life is short and nasty.

The rate of kidnapping, human trafficking, drugs, violent armed robbery, advance fees fraud, and prostitution highest in sub-Saharan Africa and is all links to unemployment. Many graduates cannot find a gainful employment; many go to bed with empty stomach. In a country where there is no welfare system to ameliorate or cushion the economic hardship.

People die in numbers as result of high cost of Medicare, ordinary people cannot afford the cost of treatment or drugs, as a result they engage in patronising the quacks and fetish doctors, the result is untimely death. Yet our politicians pretend that there is no cause for concern. Let me tell you that Nigeria is sitting in a key of gun power.

I know some people will argue that revolution will not happen soon in Nigeria as Nigerian State is structured in ethno-religious divide and as a result it will be difficult to unite together to pursue a united revolutionary front in Nigeria as happened in countries like Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia otherwise called “Arab Spring.” I disagree! It is an elite gang-up to continue to feed us with these divides as a means to continue to pauperise the poor masses.

The land must sacrifice if we still dream of good governance, true democracy, development and zero corruption in the country. These things don’t come cheap; we have to rise to the challenge; in other to redeem Nigeria from these vultures.

There is a need to put the country

right and let the people take over the running of the government. It’s only the peoples’ government that can engineer right course for the country.

The postcolonial leader as it is presently constituted is in the hands of mercenaries; they are not patriots and can never be. The present crops of leadership have no interest of Nigerians and Africa at heart, it is a script crafted for them by their foreign collaborators, because they know that a healthy Nigeria is a plus to Black continent.

To avoid that happening they work assiduously to support puppet leadership who are answerable to Washington, Paris, London, and now Beijing.

I have argued in different occasion that the Beijing expansion in Africa is not healthy for the continent. But the way our leader embracing Beijing is so alarming that everything in the continent is smoothly moving in the directions of Beijing. The problem of handing our natural resources to Beijing is very dangerous as China is not democratic state. Beijing still conducts their businesses in secret.

There is absent of human rights, transparency and rule of law. I’m worried about Beijing continues influence in Africa nay Nigeria. I discovered that most substandard goods and services in Nigeria come from China. Nigeria and most African states are now a dumping ground for Chinese manufactured goods, neglecting our infant industries that are at the mercy of Chinese goods.

Since the advent of democracy in 1999, the People Democratic Party’s led government has been in power but has nothing to show

AGONY CORNER “I Caught My Father In Bed With My Wife”

By Abdul Yusuf

I caught my father in bed with my less than a year old wife.

Ironically this happened a day after she told me that she was carrying my baby. The strange thing

is that my father and wife are behaving as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. My father simply got up from my matrimonial bed and ordered me to follow him.

In my living room, he gave me a cheque of N25m to buy myself a car of my choice while my wife went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

The whole thing appeared to be like a movie as I looked from my father to my wife. A presence more powerful than me held me down, preventing me from going after either my father or wife.

I eventually summoned the courage to move and found myself going towards my mother’s apartment. When I got there and narrated the whole incident to her, she begged me not to fight or say anything about it to anybody. My elder brother who came into my

mother’s apartment while I was narrating the incident, laughed and patted me on my shoulders without saying anything.

My immediate elder sister, who has refused to come back to Nigeria from London since she left eight years ago, wasn’t surprised by my story. She only told me to take things easy and not try to make trouble with my wife if I valued my life. I am the last born of three children and the favorite of my father in particular.

That night, my mother came into our apartment to take my wife with her. I didn’t sleep throughout the night wondering what strange things were going on in my family.

The next day as early as 6a.m., my father came over to my apartment to more or less warn me about trying to make trouble. He told me what I witnessed was beyond me and that

rather what Nigerians are witnessing is pandemonium, revival of extreme nationalism and religious extremism. The PDP can best be described as a badly decorated Christmas tree-nobody will want to get too close to it. But in absent of credible opposition, the party has been behaving as if Nigerians do not matter, what concerns them is how to share the national cake, it is merry goes round.

I understood that the struggle for power is to win power and use it to better the life of the people, but that is not the case in Nigeria, the struggle here is to stuff their pockets with the people’s money through bribery and corruption.

That is why politicians in Nigeria can do anything to win at all cost.

For Nigerians what we need from them is good life. Development is straightforward, it is not “hocus pocus” it’s about good hospitals, running water, sanitation, food security, education, electricity and employment. How come our leaders have no human face, the ruled are suffering daily, they go to bed without food for days, sleep with one eye open, yet the politicians pretend that all is well?

It is puzzling that Northern politicians are calling for amnesty for murderous Boko Haram, what happen to innocent Igbo men and women slaughtered by this nefarious group in the name of Islamising Nigeria? Given amnesty to Boko Haram is admission by President Goodluck Jonathan that barbarism pays in Nigeria. I know it’s not the case of rehabilitating these bad guys but an attempt by few cabers to create another bureau to siphon money perhaps

another conduit pipe of chop-andchop and patron-clientele rent to compensate disgruntled politicians in the north.

Nigeria has to do away with these recycle men, look at the line up in PDP: Tony Anenih, BOT chairman, PDP national chairman, Bamanga Tukur etc, in ACN: Bola Tinubu, Mohammadu Buhari etc.

These guys are responsible for the present predicaments and the decay in the polity. The simple truth is these guys have nothing to contribute and have no idea on how to move the country forward.

Honestly these guys have nothing to lose, as they have pass their prime, their generation has failed so it our generation who have something at stake. The country present comatose is as a result of tribalism, religious bigotry and ethnic chauvinism created in the first place by these guys. For Patrick Henry, he asks a pertinent question “is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chain and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others many take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” I submit that Nigerians will prefer freedom rather than death, but we have waited patiently for bread only to continue to receive stones. Consequently it’s down to us to say enough is enough. How long shall we continue to accept this pedestrian leadership? The future of Nigeria is in our hand, running away or being apolitical will not solve the problems rather we have to confront the problems with both hands no matter how hot the boiling water is. The country has to sacrifice, for true democracy to take place.

it would continue to be the pattern until he got tired. After he left, I ran to my friend’s place who in turn took me to Epe to consult with a spiritualist. Without much ado, the spiritualist, told me that I will learn to live with the situation else I would become insane if I try to challenge my father.

He said, not even my mother can challenge my father. He said, my father has gone too far to change and that things have been damaged beyond repairs in the things he has done to us; that it would take the grace of God for my siblings and I to overcome the spiritual problems my father in his quest for power, money and fame has done. He too advised me to continue to tolerate the situation by accepting to live with my wife who he said, was brought into my life by my father for his purpose.

Two days after our visit, the friend that took me is critically ill in the hospital. doctors are yet to say what precisely is wrong with him. I don’t need anybody to tell me where the attack is coming from. This has made me very determined to fight my

father to a standstill. I want to confront and expose him for all his friends and associates to know who he really is. I am yet to return home after that day. At night I keep seeing my father in my dream telling me to come home for my own good. My mother and elder brother have been relentless on the phone urging me to come back home.

We all live within the massive family compound which is actually a mini estate as all our domestic employees with their family live within the compound. My father doesn’t allow anyone working for him in the house to live outside the premises. He insists on it and has a school bus that takes all the children of his staff to and from school, my mother runs.

Please help me as I am so confused. I feel sorry for everybody in that house. How do I challenge my father and still be alive to tell my story. I feel so helpless and lost. Do save me by sending your advise through the editor at (africaworldnewsagonycorner@ gmail.com).

12 AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

adorable mum

family CORNER

You Are An Adorable Mum!

Teaching Your Adorable Ones About Strangers!

Leader of Adorable Mum ADM Gbeminiyi ‘Gee Bee’ Shogunle

Kids see strangers every day and every where.

Most of these strangers are nice, normal people, but a few may not be and there is no straight way of telling the difference.

However, as parents, some of the things we can do to protect our children from dangerous strangers is to ensure that we provide adequate supervision and care for them at all times. Simple vigilance as

a parent will make the most difference in ensuring young children’s safety. Knowing where they are at all times, making sure they are with trusted adults and children, making sure to collect them at agreed times, having rules about being in the house at a certain time and so on, are all parenting habits that will keep young children safe. Nevertheless, we must also teach them about strangers and suspicious behaviour and warn them of the possible risks and dangers of strangers.

On the other hand, while teaching kids about strangers is crucial, it is important not to scare them when you warn them of the dangers. This is an important issue as “scare tactics” are not as effective as positive safety messages and can make sensitive children who are prone to being nervous scared of doing everyday things.

While you do want to let children know of dangers, you need to counterbalance this with a more positive message of keeping safe. For example, rather than telling children that there are “bad people” out there who can harm you, it is better to emphasise a safety message such as they should never go anywhere or take anything from a stranger, or to remind them that “mummy and daddy will only send someone they know to collect you” or that they should never go anywhere different without asking mummy or daddy first.

You will need to continuously remind children about the need for safety when approached by strangers and

it is very important to make these discussions positive and age appropriate. You must also, try as much as you can to put more emphasise on positive and safety message while acknowledging that there are times when children may feel unsafe, threatened or frightened.

The Irish Stay Safe programme advises that parents teach their kids the following That a stranger is anyone they don’t know That most strangers are nice people Never to go anywhere with a stranger or take anything from a stranger. and they also suggest that as a parent/guardian, you should Discuss with your child the meaning of the word ‘stranger’. It’s important to stress that most strangers are nice people and that we sometimes rely on strangers in times of trouble but that, at the same time, there are rules children should always use with strangers.

Ask your child what he or she would do in different situations with strangers, such as if a stranger asks your child for directions or offers your child a lift. Stress that it’s not rude to refuse to talk to strangers if your child feels unsafe. Discuss with your child the general rules: Say ‘No’ - Get away and Tell.

(Ref: John Sharry, Solution Talk and Stay Safe, Ireland)

musings of the reed

ADE OKE with Lihle

Founder of African Film Festival in Carlow Ade Oke works as Acute Information Manager with the Health Service Executive (HSE) with remit for measuring the performance of 13 Acute Hospitals in the South and South East of Ireland. Ade has worked in the Health Service for 12 years and had worked in the Human Resources Department of the Former South Western Area Health Board in Naas.

Before coming to Ireland, Ade worked as a Journalist both in Nigeria and Lesotho.

In his spare time, he presents a radio show on KCLR 96FM-The Kilkenny Carlow Local Radio (www.kclr96fm.com). He has been doing the show since May 2004 when the radio station first went on air. In 2005, Ade was awarded the MAMA Award (Broadcasting category) for promoting cross-cultural understanding in Ireland through his radio show.

1. Whats the last thing you think about before going to bed?

I try not to think about anything, but i do check my Facebook account and listen to news.

2. Most memorable moments..

I have had a couple of those but the highlight would be when i started my radio show in 2004 on Rainbow KCR 96FM it’s a cultural programme and it’s still running in Carlow.

3. Whats your favorite quote?

It’s not really one of those famous quotes but i think it summaries life perfectly, IF OVER THE YEARS AND PASSING THROUGH THE REALITIES OF LIFE DREAMS DIE, I KEEP INTACT MY MEMORIES THE SALT OF REMEMBRANCE ( Mariama Ba, Senegalise Novelits*So Long A Letter* ) 4. The most important things in your life?

My kids, my dreams and my friends.

5. What brought about the African film festival idea?

I had been a journalist before traveled all around Africa, when i came to Ireland i was looking for a forum to promote African Art which had always been my passion and that’s how the festival was born.

6. When I say Africa what comes to your mind?

Lots of wasted opportunities, i believe most Africans should be back in Africa utilizing the opportunities that the continent has.

7. Fatherhood / Manhood the meaning of it to you?

Greatest opportunity to shape lives. My greatest fear is not to disappoint my kids as I want to inspire them. On Manhood, sometimes man is demonized, man do go through abuse, even emotional but no one talks about that. I believe a man should never raise his hand on a woman but women too need to watch it.......

may 1-15 2013

AFRICAWORLD 13

family corner

P

s m e o orie hukwu Ok

By Ukac

BOutIQueMAnAIC? it does not matter where you bought your shoes Not even the price tag of your suit, watch and tie i once bought a white shirt from fairly used stand at a belittling cost one can never guess or imagine i washed, starched till the lines come outstanding With the jagged charcoal iron that seemed to shout “i have really seen better days, but i can still manage” that day, the spotlight of eyes shone on my swagger Some say i am so rich, whilst others say i can reach it But now you know it is not always about boutiques it is been unique, contented and properly packaged!

BeCAuse I DIeD GOOD WIsHes Good wishes to you my dearest beloved one as i sing sweet song to you from in my heart as the sun rises and falls from the azure sky as the morning unfolds the buds in blossom as the little birds chirrup beneath their mama as the butterflies wobble and dangle on wings as honey-bees buzz and muse in their hives as the tiny fireflies blaze in little spiny twinkle as the crickets orchestrate in lyrical cadence as the pines whistle and whiz from tree tops as the wind sweeps and mixes nature’s voices Good wishes to you as i merge my heart with and with showering and sprinkling of the rain this is the vase of the flower of songs i make may you thus accept it as a token of gratitude as the muse blazes and buzzes in your mind

absurdly on the picture, a girl was in love admiring the set out teeth in pitiable rave as if she was cursing the death that stole me So she went pale like a lad stung by a bee

When i took that picture the camera man in their nature Said things to tease like say,“che-a-se” Perhaps i did to please him to add to his professional hymn and just because i died yesterday that was the obituary in display i thank God that i died indeed, i thank God that i did i stood behind them as they chanted their anthem though spirits don’t feel, but i cried Some were even so happy i died Even that one i thought was a brother He feigned sorrows, but within never

“i am a dead man, please leave me,”i said or didn’t you remember that made you sad Whilst i absorbedly struggled my struggles Now you bleat like a goat over my corpse you killed me, you murderous liar! lynched my being with your tongue of fire But the whirlwind of fairness is come forth then would you know i am full of breath i am filled with breath, yes, here i breathe! a phoenix deified with immortality’s wreath However, one only dies, if he chooses to die For upon my being is life’s inundation like dye

Wisdom Bits

Connect with

Any lizard that climb a big tree is no longer young.

Meaning - There are stages in life.

Greatness is not an all comers affair.

Meaning - It takes hard work to be at the top

on

The hatred of the rich is lack of benevolence.

Meaning - A cheerful giver is popular.

The death of the oldest in the village is a subtraction of wisdom.

Meaning - Maturity brings wisdom.

Some humans behave like the Honey Badger.

Meaning - Some people are fearless.

FOLKtALe TALES FROM OWERE

CRY FOR A pAIR OF sHOes

AfricaWorld

Success has brothers and sisters.

Meaning - A Champion is loved by many.

ReCIpe COLuMn BLACK steW AnD RICe

by Nkiru Edokobi

Ingredient

By Ukachukwu Okorie

there was once a single mother who was very poor and could not afford a pair of shoe for her daughter. the little girl complained to her mother about going barefoot while many other children had spare shoes and sandals. despite her numerous complains, her mother was unable to provide her a pair of shoe or sandals and she resorted to threats. She told her mother that she would go on a hunger strike if she did not get a pair of shoe. one day her mother took her to the local market square where she sold herbs and roots that provided them their daily bread.

When they arrived at the market square and settled in their selling point, the little girl spotted a young boy, about her age, hopping between crutches that were bigger than him. instantly, she felt cold shivers run through her spine, and compassion filled her heart for the boy: “oh! How can i be worked up about a pair of shoe from my poor mum when someone else does not even have two legs? God, i should be thanking you for the gift of kindness and love towards me and giving me two legs. From now onwards, i shall cease to disturb my mother over the lack of a pair of shoe”. the little girl went to school and told her friends about her experience.

meat (assorted types) Palm oil Green-peppers one big onion Some chile pepper 2 cubes of maggi or knor iru(locust bean)

COOKING Boil all the meat and set aside. then wash and blend your greenpepper, onion and chile pepper together. Get another pot and pour in some oil, then fry the oil on a low heat until it turns a bit black. Set the pot aside and allow the oil to cool a bit before pouring in your blended peppe. let it heat for a good while until the oil drain the pepper. add meat and the stock, including maggi and the iru. after adding salt for taste, allow to boil for 20 mins and serve with rice or with ofada rice.

14 AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

news

news

AkiDwA Milestone on FGM work in Ireland Did you know that there are over 3780 migrant women living in Ireland who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation? AkiDwA has been working on this issue for over a decade decade. The organisation approaches this sensitive subject from a human right and gender perspective. In the last twelve years the organisation has used a holistic approach to address the problem but also to ensure women and girls who have been subjected to FGM have received culturally appropriate support. On 28th March 2012 after eleven years of working on FGM, the FGM Bill was passed by the by the Oireachtas. The FGM Bill was then signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins on 4th April 2012.

Moreover, the new legislation have extra-territorial effect. This represents a vital protection for women and girls living in Ireland, but who could be transported out of the country for FGM. This is indeed a historic achievement for AkiDwA and for all the other organisations and individuals that have supported this tremendous achievement.

2000-2004: AkiDwA Joined Comlamh an organisation that was set up in 1975 by Irish returned development workers, set up an action group on FGM, the aim was to raise awareness on the harmful consequences of the practice; with hope the practice will never take hold in Ireland, as it has in some other European countries.

2001: AkiDwA set FGM as one of its key objective area of work. Liz McManus TD introduced a bill to prohibit FGM in the Dáil 2004: AkiDwA CEO Salome Mbugua Speak on FGM during Amnesty international Campaign Launch- Stop Violence against women 2005-2007: AkiDwA joined the steering committee on FGM convened by Irish Family Planning Association 2005: AkiDwA held 3 focus group discussions in Athlone with women from practising community to gauge their understanding and prevalence of FGM in Ireland. AkiDwA delivered awareness raising in three counties Kerry, Dublin and Westmeath 2006: AkiDwA participated and organised focus group discussion for HSE on development of the intercultural health strategy, FGM is featured in the strategy. AkiDwA held a seminar at Dublin central mission on understanding gender based violence from an African perspective where two women spoke of their personal experiences on FGM

2008: AkiDwA held a strategic meeting with Senator Bacik to discuss FGM and legislation 2008: AkiDwA received funding from the minister of Integration and implemented FGM project, following was achieved• FGM Health forum was established,6 meetings organised and facilitated • D elivered information sessions on FGM to three main maternity hospitals in Dublin • Produced the information resources on FGM for health professionals in Ireland.

• D elivered workshops on FGM to universities in Dublin and continues to do so • Worked with HSE on the Patient Information Leaflet on FGM • Held workshop and seminars to raise awareness.

• Produced first ever research on data information on FGM In Ireland (Estimates 2585 in 2009 up dated in 2010, 3170) 2008: AkiDwA and IFPA worked on Development of the National Action Plan to address FGM in Ireland, Plan was launched by the lord mayor of Dublin.

2009 & 2010: AkiDwA received funding from HSE Social Inclusion unitto progress Health Strategy Actions of the National Action Plan 2009: AkiDwA was invited by Joint O i re a c ht a s Committee on Health and Children to give presentation on FGM 2010: Minister for health Mary Harney introduces FGM bill 2012: Bill discussed and passed at Senead and agreed by committee Other developments include • AkiDwA set up and convened National Steering committee with 15

member organisation, committee have been in existence since 2008.

• Established two forums with women from FGM practising in Galway and Cork • Worked with HSE on the development of the new maternity booking form that includes information on FGM, this will assist

with data collection on FGM prevalence in Ireland.

• Awareness raising and training delivered to over 3000 health care professionals • AkiDwA submitted information and made contact with TD, Senators and MEP’s

• Awareness raised at national level through media, seminars, workshops, conferences and publications • AkiDwA is the Irish partner on European END FGM Campaign led

by AI • AkiDwA continue to raise awareness on FGM, the organisation work jointly and in partnership with others around the world to eradicate FGM • In 2008 AkiDwA produced the first initial statistics of the prevalence of FGM in Ireland this was done by Using Irish 2006 census data from the Central Statistics Office and synthesising it with global FGM prevalence data, a figure of 2,585 women living in Ireland who have undergone FGM was derived, this figure was updated in 2010 and in 2013 after the 2011 census, there are currently 3780 women in Ireland who have undergone through FGM. The current data has shown that despite a decline in inward migration to Ireland the figure of the prevalence of FGM in Ireland continue to increase.

• An Bord Altranais Practice Standards for Midwives, which is sent to all registered midwives in Ireland, came into force in July 2010 and now includes a section on FGM, with a reference to AkiDwA website for further information • AkiDwA lobbied to have Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) included in the new Irish national standardized maternity hospital chart under Risk Factors. FGM is now listed in the National M a t e r n i t y Healthcare. This new form will be used for all women booking for maternity care and includes for the first time at a national level FGM as a risk factor for obstetric care.

• To date AkiDwA have delivered awareness raising and training to over 3000 health care professionals, that include medical student and AkiDwA has and continue to raise awareness on FGM at local regional and national level through media, seminars, workshops, conferences and publications

• Since 2009 AkiDwA has been the Irish partner on European END FGM Campaign led by Amnesty International • In 2010 AkiDwA established two community forums for dialogue on FGM in Cork and Galway and in February 2013 the organisation established the Community Health Ambassadors- this is a dedicated volunteers who are raising awareness on health related issues that pertain to migrant women. AkiDwA had offered training to six women from migrant community that are currently doing outreach work mainly raising awareness on FGM around the country.

• In 2012 AkiDwA published an information leaflet for the publicFemale Genital Mutilation and the law in Ireland.

Legislation on FGM in Ireland After years of campaigning and lobbying, FGM has been explicitly banned by the Irish Law through the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation Act 2012) that was signed on 2 April 2012 by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, and became effective on 20 September 2012. It is now a criminal offence for someone resident in Ireland to perform FGM. The maximum penalty under all sections of this new law is a fine or imprisonment for up to 14 years or both. It is also a criminal offence for someone resident in Ireland to take a girl to another country to undergo FGM What is FGM? FGM may include the full or partial removal of the clitoris, labia minora and labia majora.

It may also include a narrowing of the vaginal opening and other nonmedical procedures.

Where is FGM practiced? FGM is most common in the Western, Eastern and North-Eastern regions of Africa.

It is also present in some countries in Asia and the Middle East and among certain immigrant communities in North America and Europe.

At what age is FGM normally inflicted? Between the ages of four and ten.

Why is it practiced? FGM is practiced for a number of cultural and social factors. There is no evidence in any of the holy texts to suggest that FGM is a requirement of a particular religion. The practice of FGM predates most world religions.

How many women and girls have been subjected to FGM worldwide?

According to WHO there are over 140 million women and girls who have been subjected to FGM worldwide, with an estimated 8,000 new cases every day.

For further information on akidwa work visit our website www.akidwa.ie

may 1-15 2013

AFRICAWORLD 15

news

Traction Alopecia - Hair Loss Caused

by Prolonged use of Hair Extensions.

By Abdul Yusuf

Traction Alopecia is a form of alopecia, or gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair. This commonly results from the sufferer frequently wearing his/her hair in a particularly tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids. It is also seen occasionally in long-haired people who use barrettes to keep hair out of their faces.

Traction alopecia is a substantial risk in hair weaves, which can be worn either to conceal hair loss, or purely for cosmetic purposes. The former involves creating a braid around the head below the existing hairline, to which an extendedwear hairpiece, or wig, is attached.

Since the hair of the braid is still growing, it requires frequent maintenance, which involves the hairpiece being removed, the natural hair braided again, and the piece snugly reattached. The tight braiding and snug hairpiece cause tension on the hair that is already at risk for falling out. Traction Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in African women or African-American

women.

Although the aforementioned style is one of the culprits, hairstyles such as dreadlocks and single (extension) braids can also have the same effect. Men and women who have suffered from traction alopecia have found that the hair loss occurs most at the hair line - primarily around the temples and the sides of their heads.

Many ladies and gents have sparked concern time and time with their thinning hair. I believe they are suffering from traction alopecia hair loss caused by the use of extensions. Traction alopecia occurs when the extensions pull on the natural hair causing it to break, and usually affects the hairline just above the forehead or the sides, where the hair is weaker.

It can take between three months to a year for hair to grow back in moderate cases. But if the pulling continues the hair will never grow back and the only option is a hair transplant.

The interesting thing to note is that traction alopecia doesn’t progress like other hair diseases. At the initial stages it is reversible but

prolonged tension may destroy the hair follicles and will not re-grow under any circumstances.

Sometimes the hair loss can usually be reversed by removing the offending traction (hair extensions, braids) or changing hair styling habits (using fabric hair ties instead of elastic, not wearing the hair pulled back so tightly). Other times, the hair follicle can be so badly injured it needs treatment to restimulate hair growth. Hair extensions, when done properly, can give amazing results, but when done with no care for natural hair in some cases it can leave the follicles and your own hair damaged beyond re p a i r. H e av y extensions can literally pull the follicles out over time; some glue extensions, tight weaves and elastic bands can create and enhance patches of baldness on the scalp.

Putting glue in your hair is similar to putting gum in it. It’s going to be hard to get out and even with the best removers some hairs will get pulled out leaving you with broken hair, damage and in some cases balding.

The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for “looser, more gentle hair style.

Women, African-American women, who suspect they may be vulnerable

to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods and by all means, take the time to see a dermatologist. Professional hair stylists specializing in braids, cornrows, weaving and chemical processing should warn their clients about traction alopecia.

Unfortunately, no medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.

“Tourism is vital in trade with the Irish” John Block is the MEC for finance, economic development and tourism and the ANC’s Northern Cape chairperson.

Can you access your visit to Ireland?

It is a great visit with much success to desire and I thought the bond between South Africa and Ireland will be strengthened after this visit.

The Irish is interested in exporting to our country as well as importing.

We think this is the time for South Africa to expand it’s trade with Ireland.

How are you expecting a rise in foreign exchange earnings in tourism?

The most important fact is that we are going to be targeting the Irish market as we have not. There’s much history, culture, language and dance that is great attraction and we do hope to market it to the Irish nation...

And what are the tourist attractions in your region?

We are the province of astronomy, solar energy, mining and extreme beauty. Although the Irish have similar characteristics, they need to see Northern Cape because all they

are looking for is there.

What are the achievement of your government since you took office?

There has been a great increase in tourism since we came to office. In 2012, South Africa witnessed saw more than 10 million visitors. Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has expanded trade links to Europe and Africa particularly the earlier.

Being a member of BRICS, access to more markets have been accorded it and we are building on that.

What do you think about Irish people?

They are very tolerant, outgoing people and fun, they love their drink and welcome people. There are lots of similarities between South Africa and Ireland in this aspect and tourism will be vital in harnessing it.

So there are high hopes that there will be improvements after this bilateral agreements?

Yes! Not just South Africa but the rest of the continent as Nigeria and Senegal are projected for a 5% growth this year. And Ireland wants to look towards this burgeoning economies in the African continent.

John Block

16 AFRICAWORLD may 1-15 2013

news

news

DAVID JENKINS The White Zulu Boy Can you tell our readers your brief background?

I am a 21 year old Maskandi musician based in Durban, South Africa. My love for Maskandi music developed through my interest in the Zulu culture at a young age.

Although I have been performing and promoting my brand of music for the past five years, I now perform with a full band, specializing in a cross-over of traditional Zulu Maskandi music and more western contemporary music.

What are your full names?

David Jenkins (Vocals, Guitar and Concertina) Maqhinga Radebe (Vocals, Guitar) Sandile Dlamini (Vocals, Bass Guitar) Lungisani Msomo (Vocals, Keyboard) Sigcino Khumalo (Drums) What is the name of your band?

We are known as the ‘Qadasi’ band, after the name the Zulu people call me (“Qadasi” meaning ‘white person’ in isiZulu).

When was it established and what is the current progress of the band?

I have been performing and promoting my brand of music for the

past five years, and have been playing with my present band members since early 2012.

I released my debut album in 2010, and have recently completed a new album and will be releasing it within the next couple of months, which I am very excited about.

Do you sing only in Zulu?

I also bring English into our repertoire; in fact, some of our songs have predominately English lyrics.

Are you the lead vocalist or frontman of the band?

I am the lead vocalist and front-man of the band.

What kind of music do you play?

We play a cross-over of traditional Zulu Maskandi and more western contemporary music. However, no matter how much we fuse different genres, we always try to keep the Maskandi / African sound alive.

What are your band’s achievements so far?

In 2011 I performed in the USA for a month in New York City, Virginia and New Jersey.

During this time I was nominated for a SATMA (South African Traditional Music) Award for best upcoming artist for my debut album,‘Child of Africa’.

Since early 2012, we as a band have been performing at festivals and events throughout KwaZulu Natal which included performances for State President Jacob Zuma and other state officials.

Our latest achievement is our recent tour to Ireland where we performed in Limerick and Dublin.

How did your band fare in Ireland?

We are very happy with the responses we have received regarding our performances in Ireland. It was a great experience for us all, and as a group it was our first tour abroad so will therefore always mean a great deal to us.

Do you like Ireland?

We love Ireland!

We found the Irish to be very friendly and appreciative of what we were doing. We also loved the fact that live music could be heard throughout the busy streets where buskers could be seen and heard all around, whether it be soloists or full bands.

What are the plans of your band?

Apart from the upcoming release of the new album, we are now trying to promote our music throughout Southern Africa.

Where is your band’s base and how can our readers follow what you guys are doing?

We are based in Durban.

Readers can follow our progress on the following pages: davidjenkins.co.za facebook.com/davidjenkinsmusic twitter.com/QadasiMaskandi

South African Landowners Facing Escalating Genocide

The Marxist African National Congress, openly advocated the influx of African immigrants since 1994, creating huge challenges to development economics in the resultant slums that shot up throughout the country.

One of these problems is that fixed property, land and farms have been in the legal possession of whites since they formed the South African state in 1854 at the Sandriver Convention.

And it is these legal owners of land, property, and farms that are subjected daily to a perpetual escalating modern genocide. And it is not just landowners that are

targets of terrorists. Any person occupying the property in the targetted area are summarily killed. Media back-up is provided by describing the genocide as ‘theft’, ‘robberies’, and ‘robberiesgone-wrong’, in a clear and evident cover-up and complicity in the genocide, by the powers-that-be.

The three-pronged assault includes the media battle where any such genocide is denied by the government, as well as the liberal mass media dominating the country.

The second assault comes from armed militia and terxror-groups operating with number of eight and more heavily-armed and military-trained terrorists that kills white property owners at

random at night. The brutal torture lasting for hours, ending in the normally execution-style killings has been going on and gaining momentum since 2003 when the first incidents happened in the Cradle-of-Mankind area in the vicinity of Muldersdrif, on the West Rand of Johannesburg.

The third leg of the escalating genocide originates from the Marxist-controlled municipalities, which are using exorbitant increases in property taxes and municipal fees, to drive the legal land owners of their homesteads and land. Illegal immigrants then occupy these vacated properties, whilst the original homeowners are further criminalized by the Marxists with legal proceedings

60 seconds WITH THE DUCHESS Nena Duchez Huntaz

Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson aka “PHYNO” is from Anambra state in the eastern part of Nigeria. PHYNO is a well known producer/ artiste and has been in the music industry for more than nine years producing and working with top A list Nigerian artistes like Timaya, illbliss, M.I, Mr Raw, Bracket, Flavour, Waje just to mention but a few. With singles like “Runtown”, “Wat R U W18 4” (i.e What are you waiting for),”MULTIPLY REMIX” (which featured Timaya, Mr Raw, Flavour and M.I), “Ghost Mode” ( featuring Olamide) and most recently “ Man Of The Year”, it would not come as a surprise that he is getting a lot of attention.

His debut album is set to drop soon. Connect with Phyno via twitter @ phynofino D. How did you come about the name ‘ Phyno’?

P. It was a high school nickname derived from the word phenomenal.

D. How did you get into music?

P. I started out as a producer and would sometimes feature on other people’s tracks. After a while I started doing my own stuff.

D. Have you always wanted to do music?

P. Lol. No. When I was little I wanted to be a pilot or a doctor but as I got older, I started getting interested in music.

D. Who would be your ultimate collaboration?

P. Jay Z and Swizz Beatz D. What are you working on at the moment?

P. I’m currently working on my album.

being initiated to recover unpaid debt.

And the legal and historical homeowners face increasing difficulty in paying these taxes since they are prevented by law like Affirmative Action, from participating in the formal economy, leaving them destitute, unemployed and under siege from both terrorists and marxistmunicipalities.

And since the beginning of 2013, the number of terrorist attacks increased threefold against the property owners and farm owners.

Since the President of the country, Jacob Zuma, openly incited violence against the landowners, otherwise known as “Boers” , the genocide escalated. A translation of the president’s singing was done by a retired professor of languages.

At the ANC’s Centenary celebrations, President Zuma sang the song ‘Shooting the Boers with cannons”. And many of his

followers followed suit, and regarded this as an instruction.

The evidence of this escalation of genocide is clearly documented on various websites.

In just one of many such executions, small children are shot and killed in execution-style with a single-shot to the back of the head.

In one of these areas where landowners are victims of organized terror-attacks, namely Muldersdrif, the fleeiing inhabitants renamed it informally as “Murdersdrift”.

Despite the governments efforts to keep the full horror of this genocide secret, several webpages have been able to provide a clear picture of events even with police records being ‘secret’ on this matter.

Expensive milk cows are mutilated in fashions similar to the Mau Mau atrocities in the 1950’s in Kenya.