African Voice Newspaper issue 584

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 12 June - Thursday, 18 june 2015 ISSUE 583

SINCE 2001

B R I TA I N ’ S N O . 1 A F R I C A N N E W S PA P E R New Film for dentists highlights patients with dementia

£1.00

The forced marriage law, one year on

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 10 Like us on Facebook facebook.com/africanvoicenews Follow us on Twitter @africanvoice2

SKILLED MIGRANTS

HIT TIER 2 CAP

By Alan Oakley

This month saw the cap on skilled migrant workers allowed to enter the UK under Tier 2 of the Points-Based System reached for the first time since its introduction in 2011.

This month there were 1,658 Certificates of Sponsorship available (an allocation of 1,650, plus eight rolled over from May). Under the cap system, if more applications are received than certificates available, those with more points will be given the certificates.

Points are awarded for a number of factors, such as the role being on the Shortage Occupation List, but the most common source of points is the applicant’s salary. Points are awarded within certain bands, for example, a salary of £32,000- £45,999 is worth 15 points, while one between £46,000- £74,999 is worth 20 points.

Until this month, provided an applicant had 32 points (the minimum number needed to apply under Tier 2) then a certificate was granted. However, as the number of applications for certificates exceeded the June cap, the minimum number of points required increased to 50, meaning applicants needed an annual salary of at least £46,000 to be granted a certificate - otherwise it was refused.

This has affected businesses of all sizes throughout the UK. The majority of applicants due to begin graduate programmes in July or August, with starting salaries under £46,000, have been refused. The organisations affected now need to de-

cide whether to reapply in July and start an overseas graduate late, or withdraw the job offer. Some large employers are already considering moving their graduate programmes overseas, meaning fewer opportunities for British graduates. Smaller

companies may find their ability to operate is directly affected by not being able to recruit non-EU employees.

Continued on page 6

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Have You Got News For Us Newsdesk: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

‘I’m too fat for jail,’ claims hit and run killer

A woman, who killed a jogger after speeding through a red light last year, as pleaded with her judge to spare her from jail, as she is too overweight.

49 year-old Linda Ann Jenns, who weighs 30 stone, was found guilty of death by dangerous driving, however her Barrister has said that the morbidly obese women would not survive prison. As a result her sentencing has been delayed as the judge reviews her medical records.

‘As it is she is grossly overweight, morbidly obese and since the incident has put on even more weight,’ he said.

‘She is a person for whom a prison sentence would be extraordinarily difficult and I don’t think I exaggerate when I say she might not get through it.’

Although her medical records are currently being assessed the judge has warned Jenns that it is unlikely for her to be spared jail.

Witnesses to the incident, which took place in January last year, say they saw 45 year-old Paul Stinton flying through the air, after being hit by Jenn’s Ford Kuga. He was taken to hospital with head, chest, neck and abdominal injuries, and subsequently died 3 weeks later

Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Mike Abiola Editorial Board Adviser Dr Ola Ogunyemi Managing Editor Alan Oakley News Editor Peter Olorunnisomo Sports Editor Abiodun Teriba Arts Editor Golda John Columnists Milton Tella Yemi Dipeolu Photo Journalist Isaac Adegbite Graphic Designer Edward Mirza Accountant Fanla Agboola London Office: Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP

Tel: 020 3737 3077

Email: africanvoicenews@gmail.com

African Voice is published by African Voice UK.

2

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

News

Friend of Stephen Lawrence honoured with OBE A friend of Stephen Lawrence, who witnessed his murder, has receive an OBE as part of the Queen’s birthday honours.

Duwayne Brooks, who was formally a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Lewisham, has been dedicated to seeing justice served in the case of Stephen Lawrence and has worked on community schemes that help to prevent gang violence.

In 1993, he witnessed the murder of his friend Stephen Lawrence by a group of racist attackers, and since then he has actively spoken out against the attackers and against the police who for a long time failed to see justice served and who were recently accused of tapping Brooks’ phone.

In 2003, Brooks published a book, Steve and Me, in which he talks about the harrowing experience of witnessed the murder of his friend and the effect it had on his life This week he was honoured by the queen, for his services to the public.

He said: “I am both delighted and humbled to be given this award by Her Majesty for my public and political services.

“I have tried to return the support I received from local people by serving as a councillor in a deprived ward in Lewisham

Duwayne

and undertaking other public work. This includes leading for the Liberal Democrats on the Safer and Stronger Communities Board at the Local Government Association.

“I want to do more to represent all Lon-

doners of whatever background, and not just black and ethnic minorities. This honour has given my aim a massive boost.”

Other honours include comedian Lenny Henry and House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey.

Ramadan message from the Prime Minister [OFFICIAL] Prime Minister David Cameron said: “I’d like to send my very best wishes to everyone observing the holy month of Ramadan.

“It’s a hugely important time as Muslims in Britain and across the world mark the foundation of their faith.

“As friends and families come together, in contemplation and in fasting, we are reminded of those Muslim values – those British values – of community, family and charity.

“You can see them in centuries past when Muslim soldiers served bravely alongside their comrades - from the trenches of the First World War to the skies of the Second World War. “You can see them today with British Muslims giving more to charity than any other faith group in Britain - fulfilling their sacred duty of Zakat by making a real difference to lives blighted by conflict and disaster.

“British Muslims are at the top of every field from our biggest businesses to our precious health service to our Houses of Parliament - and yes – to the Cabinet I lead.

“I’ve talked a lot about One Nation – about Britain being a country where everyone can get on, whatever their background and wherever they’re from. British Muslims embody that spirit.

“They prove that this can be a country where success is determined not by your

The Prime Minister David Cameron

colour, community or creed but a place where you can go as far as your talents will take you.

“So as families, friends and communities come together at Iftar each evening, I hope all of them and everyone else across Britain will reflect on the universal values that Ramadan represents, and the contribution that British Muslims make to our country.

Also, Liberal Democrat Party President Sal Brinton said: “On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, I am delighted to send this message to Muslims in the UK and across the world who are observing the holy month of Ramadan.

“Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and sharing; of fasting and prayer. It is a time for renewing faith and strengthening the bonds between family and friends.

“At this important time in the Islamic calendar, we are reminded particularly of the value of service of British Muslims, so I want to thank you all for the valuable contribution you make, across British society and beyond, both at Ramadan and throughout the whole year.

“So I would like to wish everyone harmony, happiness and unity during this special time.

“May your Ramadan bring peace and blessings. “Ramadan Mubarak.”

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

3

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

Stolen van forces AQA to rewrite exam papers Examiners have been forced to rewrite several exam papers for GCSE and A-Level students after the parcel force van containing the papers was stolen.

preparation as normal, and when they turn up on the day of the exam, they won’t notice anything different.”

This is not the first time exam papers have gone missing, and over the past de-

cade or so, there have been instances in which Parcel force vans containing exam papers have been stolen or hijacked.

In 2004 for example, a Parcelforce van was taken at knifepoint in Mitcham, and

The van, containing papers for various subjects from examination board AQA, was stolen earlier this month and AQA had to quickly contact senior examiners to rewrite the stolen exams in order to reduce the possibility of fraud.

Despite the nefarious nature of the crime, AQA have said that they are fairly certain that the van was not stolen in order to gain early access to the upcoming examinations.

“There’s nothing to indicate that [the van] was targeted for the papers or that any of them have come to light. However, we don’t leave anything to chance, so as soon as we knew about it, we contacted our senior examiners and asked them to write some brand-new papers,” an AQA spokesman said.

“These are now going out to schools.

There’s nothing for students to worry about – they should carry on with their exam

later that day, exam papers were found littered around Croydon town centre. In 2005 AQA had to reqrite half a million papers after another van was stolen, and yet another, similar incident occurred in 2008.

Engineering Forum of Nigerians UK to hold its 12th Annual Event in London The engineering forum of Nigeria, will be holding its twelfth conference later this month, and will focus on the role of engineering in emerging economies of which Nigeria is one.

The organisation, headed by Dr Sunday Popo-ola, was started of 10 years ago in 2003, and aims to use the knowledge of the western world to help developments in Nigeria. The group of egngineers all of Nigerian origin, meet every year to discuss issues facing Nigeria’s infrastructure, and figure out ways to help the nation develop more.

Many of the members, all of whom engineers in various capacity, have returned to Nigeria on various occasions using their expertise to offer new solutions to old problems.

In an interview ahead of last year’s conference, Dr Popo-ola, highlighted Nigeria’s need to focus on other industries, other than oil, in order for it to continue to grow as a nation and catch up with other economies, such as Angola, South Africa and Malaysia. This year’s conference will focus on this issue and will explore non-oil 4

sectors such as Agriculture, Infrastructure, Alternative energy, Power generation, Affordable health care, Aviation, Manufacturing Preservation, Processing, Packaging and Exporting of Nigerian goods.

Key speakers include Gabirel Amuchi, the head of FERMA (Federal Road Maintanance agency).

The event will take place on Saturday 27th June 2015, in the transport for London building. See below for more information.

EFN Spring Event 2015 Venue: Transport for London, Palestra Building Date: Saturday 27th June 2015 Time: 9am until 6pm For more information on this event or to register please email springevent@efn. org.uk or visit www.efn.org.uk.

Popoola

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

5

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

New Film for dentists highlights patients with dementia A thought-provoking new film aimed at dental professionals to raise awareness of the issues faced by patients with dementia when attending a dental appointment has been launched today by Health Education England (HEE).

Sir Keith Pearson, HEE Chair will launch the film during a visit to the dental team at Health Education Thames Valley who worked with Wessex Dental team on producing the film.

Sir Keith Pearson said: “The film gives us a real insight into just how confusing attending a dentist appointment can be for someone with dementia. Figures show that 800,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia and many of these people will have experienced visiting their local dental practice.

“It will provide dental teams with valuable information on how difficult things can be for sufferers and provide some ideas on how to make arrangements to make the process smoother and easier for their patients.” Paul Holmes, Director South, Health Education England said: “Twenty two million adults in England saw an NHS dentist in the 24 months to

June 2014, according to the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC).

A significant number of these people are likely to have difficulty with short term memory loss and may be in the early stages of dementia. Awareness of these potential issues by health care staff can significantly improve patient experiences.

“I hope this film provokes debate and gets dental teams to look at what they might do differently to help improve people’s experiences and would like to congratulate the Thames Valley and Wessex Dental teams for their hard work.”

The film looks at the process of attending a dental appointment through the eyes of a dementia sufferer, highlighting just how daunting the whole process can be. It will be a useful learning tool for dental teams working in general practice and will challenge them to think about how they deal with people who suffer from this condition. It highlights the crucial role played by staff, especially receptionists and dental nurses in supporting vulnerable patients.

It has been inspired by an award winning series of films called “Barbara’s Story” that was developed to highlight issues around caring for people with dementia in an acute hospital.

Sir Keith Pearson, head of Health Education England

A copy of the film will be available on https://youtu.be/hwIAJAPCDn0 The film was made on location at surgery of Satnam Moonga. Satnam is the

Thames Valley Local Dental Professional Network Chair and who generously allowed use of his surgery in Princes Risborough.

Skilled migrants hit Tier 2 cap Continued from front page

Points being granted mostly on salary has a disproportionate effect. Professions such as nursing and engineering will be less able to recruit non-EU workers than, for example, banking where salaries are higher, and businesses based in London will be able to recruit more easily than other regions, where salaries are lower.

The good news is there is a higher number of allocations for July (2,049) as once the monthly cap is reached, all applicants with less than the minimum number of points are refused certificates, even if that means the allocation for that month has not fully been used. As all applicants with salaries under £46,000 were refused in June, approximately 300 unused certificates will roll over to July.

The annual cap is 20,700.

The bad news is that the cap is likely to be reached again in July, because although it is not clear how many applicants were refused in June, we can assume that in addition to the growing number of applications received each month, these refused applicants will reapply. If the number of applicants is significantly higher in July, then a minimum salary of £75,000 is foreseeable, making the Tier 2 route available only to the highly paid, excluding most young people and potentially entire sectors.

This problem is unlikely to resolve 6

itself. The Government has announced that it plans to reduce the number of skilled workers coming to the UK. However the numbers needed continue to grow, fuelled by a strong economy and low unemployment. It seems there is no government appetite for an increase in the cap. Even in the short-term this could potentially be damaging to British business, and risks companies simply moving overseas or being unable to operate.

The crisis might be resolved without having to increase the cap, for example, by taking graduates or intra-company transfers out of the numbers. But in the short-term, the government needs to address the inequality of the system and its disproportionate effect on sectors and applications outside London urgently.

It could, for example, narrow the salary bands, to weight sectors or regions, or significantly increase the Shortage Occupation List.

Businesses are hopeful that June is a blip and that numbers will resolve themselves over the summer. However, if the cap is now reached on a monthly basis, this could quickly become a serious issue for employers and the UK economy as a whole.

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

7

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

South Africa: Eskom and domestic coal supply

By Barry Baxter

If the issues over empowerment and the general condition of the mining sector were not enough, the government has also revealed that a decision has been made to declare coal, among some other minerals, a strategic resource. This means production will be monitored and prices and marketing controlled.

Some see this as no more than a move to be able to divert export coal to state-owned generating utility Eskom, which is running out of both coal and money.

Others hint at a creeping form of government control.

Ramatlhodi told Parliament he intended for a state-owned African Exploration, Mining and Financial Corp. (AEMFC) to play a much bigger role in the South African economy. “It will have the same authority as any of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises,” he said. The corporation’s General Manager, Sicelo Sikakane said he was looking to expand its coal portfolio.

Some analysts anticipate that this company could be somehow slotted into the strategic mineral issues as sole trader

8

in them or in a similar capacity. Others worry over a resurgence of calls for nationalisation of the mining industry. An opposition group calling for nationalisation formed itself into a political party to fight last year’s general election and took 10% of the vote. It is now repeating its calls that government take over the industry.

The party is led by Julius Malema, who says that South Africans are increasingly disillusioned by the failure of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to deliver basic services and the growing corruption by government officials.

The problem of power South Africa’s domestic coal trade, 90% and more of which is with Eskom, is, say reports, in tatters. Analysts say that Goldman Sachs is informally advising the South African Treasury on the sale of state assets to raise money to fund projects for Eskom, the state power utility, and clear its debt – which is largely due to the government.

The Treasury tacitly confirmed this, saying that “given Eskom’s constrained balance sheet and government’s constrained financial position, consideration is being given to ring-fencing and selling stakes in Eskom’s non-core businesses or power stations, as well as in Eskom’s business

as a whole.” An initial target is to fill a cash flow shortfall of R225 billion (US$19 billion) to enable Eskom to build new and update existing generation capacity, as it starts to hit home that a national energy baseload cannot be built on renewable energy sources and that a headlong dive into nuclear generation might not be the solution everyone is hoping for.

Two coal-fired power plants under construction, Medupi and Kusile, which will deliver a total 10 000 MW, are 4 yr behind schedule. The official 2015 economic growth forecast of 2% assumes Medupi in at least initial production of 800 MW. Coal supplies for either plant have not yet been secured, as Eskom has decided that it will buy the majority of the coal it needs from companies that have at least a 51% black shareholding level – 25 points above the BBBEE requirement.

Eskom needs not only to worry about its bank and credit ratings. There will be renewables. In the country’s Integrated Resource Plan 2010, the government proudly announced the end of coal-fired power and the development of a baseload based on renewables by around 2025.

Half a decade on, it has already been announced alongside renewables, there will be nuclear. That could compound Eskom’s worries. It has been announced that the utility will not be in charge of the nuclear-energy programme.

Bidding to open an independent power producer (IPP) programme to develop a designated baseload for coal-generated power was expected to begin in November 2014. The government said that the programme, which had, until then, focused on renewable energy, would be extended to include 2500 MW of coal projects and 800 MW of coal generation (the difference between these two types of project was not explained). There are no reports of progress.

However, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, the Minister of Energy, has announced a target of 9600 MW nuclear generation over the next 10 yr. She intends to focus on and accelerate all matters that would lead to the commencement of the nuclear-build programme. Already 25 would-be South African nuclear engineers are being trained in China, which along with Russia, France, the US and South Korea is one of the countries that has been negotiating nuclear co-operation with South Africa.

On the edge Eskom is, in many respects, a barometer of the South African coal industry’s fortunes. Historically, power plants were built at the mines, which were developed at the behest of, and funded wholly or partly by, the power utility. It then bought the coal produced on a cost-plus basis. These mines kept the industry in business. As export trade started and grew, it gave them substantial profits on top.

This still applies in many cases – maybe not via mine-mouth situations but with the

mines tied into Eskom cost-plus contracts.

It has been and remains key to the success of many small miners and new (black) entrants to the industry.

The power utility is now being described as on the edge of a disaster. Its fall could shake many existing miners, juniors and majors – and dash the hopes of many of those hopeful of entering the industry.

Many of its coal supply contracts are due to expire, while one new power plant has lagged behind in its demand for coal.

Construction of a proposed new coal mine to feed another planned power plant has not yet started.

It is also some concern that coal grades, previously consumed only by Eskom, are now being exported in large volumes for use in Indian power plants and also for blending. This is more than likely happening because the export trade commands higher prices than Eskom will pay. At the recent Investing in Africa Mining Indaba, Eskom estimated it needed ‘only’ 2.35 billion t of coal for the long term. It then added that 22 million tpy of coal would be sourced from new agreements. The good news was that the majority of the uncontracted coal had, at least, been identified. Yet, a senior coal mining executive estimates that Eskom needs to contract at least 40 million tpy of coal for the next 10 yr.

Eskom’s new insistence that it will favour suppliers that have a 51% black shareolding is compounding its difficulties.

Mines of a size to supply the amount of coal it needs will be huge operations requiring capital investment well beyond junior miners and new (black) entrants to the industry. Even large companies will find it hard to find that amount of financial support given the present parlous state of the industry.

Losing friends and influence Anglo American is one – and it already supplies Eskom with large amounts of coal but wants out. It understands Eskom well: for many years it built its coal business on selling to the power utility, while other companies were concentrating on building their exports.

In response to Eskom’s decision, the mining major said: “from our point of view the domestic supplies (to Eskom) have been good business, but no longer are major in our portfolio. Anglo American may sell its South African domestic coal business.”

The portfolio is estimated at US$1.5 billion, 30% of the coal produced is sold to Eskom. In the wings as a potential buyer, but clearly ready to take centre stage, is the totally black-owned Pembani Group, which already has investments in BHP Energy Coal South Africa, Exxaro Resources (number two to Anglo American in the South African mining industry) – and is owned by Anglo American Non-Executive Director Phuthujma Nhleko. It also has an association with the Shanduka Group, created by Cyril Ramaphosa, now Deputy President of South Africa.

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

News

Culture

Michelle Bello to direct And the Spirit Slowly dies

Award winning British-Nigerian director Michelle Bello (Flower Girl) is set to go back behind the camera to direct her next film project, a 40 minute Family Drama with strong thriller elements titled ‘And the Spirit Slowly Dies’ written and produced by UK based Writer/Producer Dapo Oshiyemi.

The film tells the story of the only daughter of one of the richest and most powerful men in the country. Both father and daughter love and admire each other dearly but when their dreams clash, they embark upon a monumental psychological, emotional and physical battle as they become the biggest obstacle to each other’s happiness.

The film is scheduled to shoot in the latter part of 2015 with a line-up of top

talent from Nigeria, South Africa, USA and the UK in front of and behind the camera.

Michelle said of the news “I’m really excited, I never thought my next project would be a short film but when Dapo sent me the script, I was hooked! It is a fantastic script with great characters and I can’t wait to start working with the world class team we’re putting together. I’m thrilled about what we are about to do with this film and for the world to see it.”

Associate Producer Dipo Abdul said-

Over the years I have been working quietly

behind the scenes with Dapo on many film

projects we have in development and I’m delighted that this will be the first of many great films we have in the pipeline to get to a global audience”.

Talking Drum Entertainment will

handle distribution strategy and sales.

Michelle Bello

Dipo Abdul

South African sisters battle to preserve endangered African language An elderly South African woman and her two sisters are fighting to keep the language of their ancestors alive. The three sisters and two others are thought to be the last speakers of the N|uu language, which was once spoken across Southern Africa and is the native tongue of South Africa’s Khomani community.

The language has been certified as critically endangered by UNESCO, and 95 year old Hanna Koper and her two sisters have been working with linguists to help preserve the language. N|uu was passed down to the Koper sisters orally, and it is a language that has never been written down.

During South Africa’s white minority rule, N|uu and other South African languages were looked down upon, and quickly fell into disuse, in favour of other languages such as Afrikaans. Mass genocide also contributed to the disappearance of the language.

“We were told not to make noise and the baas [a Dutch word for supervisor] would shout at us if we spoke the language because they believed we were gossiping,” Hanna told South Africa’s Sunday Times.

“This is my language. This is my bread.

This is my milk. I didn’t learn it, but I ate it and this is how it is my language.”

The language itself if one of the world’s most diverse in terms of sounds, and has over 45 click phenomes, 30 non-click consonants and 37 vowels.

While chances of the language ever having a fluent speaker again are slim, Matthias Brenzinger, the director of the Centre of African Language Diversity in Cape Town, who also teaches N|uu, remains hopeful.

“With these languages, you never know.

Hawaiian was extinct basically, and then there was a movement 35 years ago and you have 2,000 mother tongue speakers of Hawaiian.

“This is why it’s very important now for us to record as much as possible with the speakers so we have material, spoken language on video tape and so on,” he told The Guardian.

“Language is the most important cultural asset, so if you lose your language, you lose your culture. In Canada, there is a clear link between those indigenous people who lose their language and suicide rates.

In this globalised world, local identity is essential,” he added.

Hanna’s 8 year-old sister Katrina Esau, has been awarded by South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma, for her work on

95 year old Hanna Koper

preserving the language.

She said “Other people have their own languages. Why must my language be allowed to die? It must go on. As long as there are people, the language must go on.”

UNESCO have identified 2,473 languages that are in danger of becoming obsolete, including languages from 44 African countries.

9

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

News

The forced marriage law, one year on The Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation has marked the first anniversary of the criminalisation of forced marriage by vowing there will be no respite in the drive to end the crime.

A year ago today (16 June), forcing someone to marry against their will became a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.

The law, designed to help people in England and Wales but also UK nationals overseas, was part of a move to protect against the devastating effects of forced marriage which can involve physical, psychological, emotional, financial and sexual abuse including being held unlawfully captive, assaulted and raped.

This month saw the first conviction under the new legislation and the government has announced their intention to continue to work alongside police and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

Minister for Preventing Abuse and Exploitation Karen Bradley said: “We made forced marriage a crime to better protect victims and send a clear message that this brutal practice is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the UK. We also hope that criminalisation will act as a deterrent.

“However, we know legislation alone is not enough and we remain focused on prevention, support, and protection for victims and those at risk of becoming victims.

“The UK is a world-leader in the fight to stamp this out, with our Forced Marriage Unit leading efforts to combat the practice both at home and abroad.” In 2014, the cross-government Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provided advice or support in 1,267 cases.

More than one in ten (11%) cases involved victims aged under the age of 16 and nearly a fifth (17%) of cases where age was known involved victims aged between 18 and 21.

However, the full scale of the abuse is not known as many more cases may be going unreported. Research carried out by the then Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2009 estimated that a national prevalence of reported cases of forced marriage in England was between 5,000 and 8,000.

The criminal offence works alongside Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs), which provide a specific civil remedy to prevent forced marriage and 10

assist victims where a marriage has already taken place.

FMPOs can be made by a civil court against any individuals suspected of trying to force a victim into marriage. In 2014 the breach of an FMPO is a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

Facts about forced marriage THE OFFENCE • Forced marriage was made a criminal offence on 16 June 2014. It can involve physical, psychological, emotional, financial and sexual abuse including being held unlawfully captive, assaulted and raped.

• The legislation was introduced by the government to help people in England and Wales. It also made forcing a UK national into marriage outside the UK an offence under domestic law – meaning any suspect is triable in courts in England and Wales.

Forced marriage became a criminal offence in Scotland on 30 September 2014.

• The maximum penalty for committing a Forced Marriage offence is seven years imprisonment.

• The offence works alongside Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs), which can be made by a civil court against any individuals suspected of trying to force a victim into marriage.

• Breaching a FMPO was also made a criminal offence in June 2014 with a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

FORCED MARRIAGE UNIT • The government’s Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) (a joint Home Office and Foreign &Commonwealth; Office unit) tackles cases of forced marriage by providing direct assistance to victims and undertaking outreach activity to practitioners and communities to ensure that people working with victims are fully informed of how to handle such cases.

• The FMU operates both inside the UK, where support is provided to any individual, and overseas, where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals.

• In 2014, the FMU gave advice or support related to a possible forced marriage in 1,267 cases.

• The FMU has handled cases involving a total of over 88 different countries including Pakistan (38.3%), India (7.8%), Bangladesh (7.1%), Afghanistan (3%),

Karen Bradley

Somalia (1.6%), Turkey (1.1%), Iraq (0.7%), Sri Lanka (1.1%) and Iran (1.0%).

The origin was unknown in 3.5% of cases.

• Around 23% of cases handled by the FMU were domestic and had no overseas element. 135 cases involved victims with disabilities and eight involved victims who identified themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

• Within the UK the regional distribution was: London 23%, West Midlands 11.9%, South East 10.8%, Yorkshire and Humberside 8.9%, North West 8.1%, East 4.7%, East Midlands 4.4%, Scotland 2.3%, South West 1.7%, Wales 1.4%, Northern East 1.3% and Northern Ireland 0.7%. The region was unknown in 20% of cases.

STATISTICS • Research carried out by the then

Department for Children, Schools and Families in 2009, estimated that a national prevalence of reported cases of forced marriage in England was between 5,000 and 8,000.

• Where the age was known, 11% of cases involved victims below 16 years, 11% involved victims aged 16-17, 17% involved victims aged 18-21, 14% involved victims aged 22-25, 8% involved victims aged 26-30, 5% involved victims aged 31-40, and 2% involved victims aged 41 or over. 32% involved an adult whose age was not known.

• 79% of cases involved female victims and 21% involved male victims.

For more information on this event or to register please email springevent@efn. org.uk or visit www.efn.org.uk.

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

11

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

News

Tory peer calls for reduction in immigration to tackle housing shortage

By George West and Samwar Ali British peer Lord Andrew Green - head of anti-immigration think tank MigrationWatch UK - has called for ministers to limit immigration to the UK, in order to reduce pressure on the housing market. Lord Green was made a life peer by the last Government most likely in a cynical attempt to gain votes from anti-immigration voters in the recent General Election.

According to an analysis released by the think tank on April 29th, in the last 5 years immigrants were the head of 78% of new households. According to Green this means that: “a major reduction in immigration is essential to reduce the acute pressure on housing which we are now facing.”

However, the data used in the study does not necessarily support Lord Green’s conclusions. The study used figures released by the ONS’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which samples up to – but often significantly less than - 60,000 households per quarter.

One data set used in the study included less than 0.2% of UK households. This statistic was then used to make predictions about the country as a whole. Obviously reaching a conclusion on what is happening to the whole of the UK on what is happening to 0.2% of UK households may be highly misleading.

According to experts, even if we ignored

such a glaring problem with the data, it is wrong to conclude that immigration is the cause of rising rents and house prices.

Nick Dunning, commercial director of property firm Countrywide told the Guardian last year that rent increases were being driven by supply not keeping pace with demand; which has increased due to the economic recovery: “Competition among tenants for properties has intensified, which has resulted in rental growth running at twice the level of 2012. The largest increases in demand have been in those towns and cities where the most new jobs have been created as the recovery spreads outwards from London.”

A May 14th report by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) echoes Dunning’s concerns, saying that a ‘decline in supply’ is causing house prices to rise.

“It is absolutely critical that the new government focuses on measures to boost the flow of new build...we need a coherent and coordinated house building strategy across all tenures.” said Jeremy Blackburn, RICS head of policy.

This is not the first time there have been concerns about the accuracy of a Migration Watch report. Immigrants are again being used as a scapegoat. The National Housing Federation has said that fewer houses are being built than at any point since the Second World War. Of course Migration Watch does not mention this in their report as one of the main reasons as to why there is a shortage of housing. The Migration Watch report is clearly a biased and misleading report.

This sort of anti-immigration propaganda

Lord Green

creates an atmosphere where unacceptable behaviour by the Home Office and a quango (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation) sponsored by the Home Office is more likely. People should be able to provide information to a quango without worrying that their immigration status may

be affected. Instead what is happening is that highly misleading information is being provided by the quango to the Home Office. This misleading information is then used by the Home Office when considering a visa application.

BRENT RESIDENTS GATHER TO CELEBRATE SICKLE CELL SERVICES The Sickle Cell Society, the voice of the UK sickle cell community, is hosting a celebration of World Sickle Cell Day on June 19th. The theme will be celebrating NHS services. The event will be held at The Conference Hall, Brent Civic Centre, on June 19th from 4pm-7pm.

The Sickle Cell Society and Brent Clinical Commissioning Group are launching a new service for people living with sickle cell in the borough of Brent. There are almost 500 people living with sickle cell in Brent, and it is one of the most common reasons for emergency hospitalisations.

Treatment of sickle cell tends to focus on dealing with problems as they arise: the innovative Brent service aims to prevent hospitalisation in a radical change to the standard model of care. The new service 12

will be launched at the World Sickle Cell Day event.

The Sickle Cell Society is working with North West London Collaborative Leadership in Applied Healthcare Research (CLAHRC) and the Picker Institute to measure patient experience in sickle cell services. The tool is the first general measure of patient-reported experience for sickle cell and will shape future services.

Representatives from CLAHRC will present the survey at the World Sickle Cell Day event.

15,000 people in the UK live with sickle cell disorder, which causes health problems including painful “crises”, bone death, stroke, organ damage and early death. The disease primarily affects people of African or Caribbean descent. World Sickle Cell Day wasestablished by a United Nations resolution in December 2008 calling for member states to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19th of each year at the na-

tional and international level.

The Sickle Cell Society says: “We are proud to unveil our new service for Brent residents to mark World Sickle Cell Day. We are based in Brent, and are familiar with the challenges that face those in the

borough, and are delighted to be delivering a service so direly needed. Practical support and advice is one of the most important parts of care, and we are excited to serve Brent’s sickle cell community in this capacity.”

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Sweden

Italy-France impasse heightens migrant crisis

Italy and France engaged in a war of words on Monday as a standoff over 250 Africans stuck at their common border exposed divisions over Europe’s migrant crisis.

Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano described images of migrants perched on rocks at the border town of Ventimiglia after being refused entry to France as a “punch in the face for Europe.” His French counterpart Bernard Cazeneuve hit back by insisting that France was fully within its rights to send illegal immigrants or asylum seekers back to Italy.

The clash sets the scene for some tough exchanges when the two men and other European Union ministers meet this week in Luxembourg for talks on the crisis.

Around 250 migrants -- most of them English-speaking Africans according to AFP reporters in Ventimiglia -- have been camped there for four days, protesting that they should be allowed to enter France on their way to their desired destinations in northern Europe.

“We will stay here tomorrow, the day after and even several months if it is necessary,” said one of the Africans, 20-yearold Brahim from Darfur in Sudan. “All we are asking is to be allowed to pass through France to get to other countries.”

Alfano said the border scenes were proof that the migrants had no desire to stay in Italy. “They want to go to other parts of

Europe and they consider our country as a transit country.”

Cazeneuve dismissed that argument as irrelevant, citing the Dublin accords under which new arrivals in the European Union are supposed to be processed by the country in which they first land.

“The Dublin rules must be respected,” the French minister said. “When migrants arrive in France that have been through Italy and registered there, European law applies and that means they must be returned to Italy,” he told BFMTV. Cazeneuve confirmed that French authorities had been turning back a growing number of migrants this year in a bid to prevent people with no claim to asylum entering the country, saying it was necessary to ensure legitimate refugees could be ac-

commodated. But he denied that Paris had effectively closed its border in breach of the spirit of the Schengen accords which provide for passport-free travel around much of continental Europe.

Italy says the Dublin rules on processing migrants are no longer appropriate given the scale of the problem. More than 220,000 people have landed at its southern ports since the start of 2014 and there is mounting anger over what Rome sees as its EU partners closing their eyes to the consequences of the migratory flows.

The spike in the numbers of people being sent back to Italy in the last two weeks has increased the pressure on the country’s reception facilities and led to a very visible build-up of migrants sleeping rough in and around major train stations: a development

that has been pounced on by far-right politicians.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi threatened on Sunday to implement a “Plan B” to deal with the migrant crisis that would “hurt” Europe. Renzi did not specify what options he was considering but Italian media on Monday reported that Rome could start issuing newly arrived migrants with temporary visas giving them the right to travel throughout the Schengen zone.

Such a move would be politically explosive as it would seriously undermine both the Dublin and Schengen accords.

Alfano has said he will be asking his EU counterparts on Tuesday to agree a fairer distribution of migrants throughout the bloc and discuss the possibility of creating processing camps in Libya, from where most of the migrants arriving in Italy by sea set off.

Several countries have come out against any share-out of migrants and operations in Libya would be fraught with practical difficulties given the conflict and chaos engulfing the north African country.

Italy also wants the EU to forge repatriation agreements with African countries and finance flights home for the estimated two-thirds of migrants who have no claim to asylum under international law.

Sweden

Russia

Russian threat to bolster Western Front Second baby for Swedish princess A senior Russian defence ministry official warned on Monday that Moscow would boost its forces on its Western flank should the United States store heavy arms in the Baltic States and Eastern Europe.

A US official said over the weekend that Washington planned to store heavy military equipment in the Baltics and Eastern Europe to reassure allies unnerved by Russia’s role in Ukraine and to deter aggression.

The Russian official, General Yuri Yakubov, was quoted as saying any such move would be “the most aggressive step by the Pentagon and NATO” since the Cold War. “Russia would be left with no other option but to boost its troops and forces on the western flank,” Yakubov was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

He said Russia would first add new tank, artillery and air units on its western border.

It would also accelerate the deployment of new Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad

enclave and shore up its troops in Belarus, he said.

Poland and Lithuania have confirmed

they are in talks with Washington on stationing heavy arms in warehouses in the

region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment.

“There were no statements from the

United States to that end so I have no comment for now,” he told a conference

call with journalists. “We will comment if there is a statement.”

He said Russian officials were not in

touch with their US counterparts at the

weekend to learn more about the plans that come as ties between Moscow and the West have hit new lows over the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia has long protested against what

it describes as Western attempts to encroach on its territory, including by bring-

ing former Soviet republics and countries once in its orbit in Soviet times into the NATO military alliance.

Princess Madeleine of Sweden gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Monday (June 15), just two days after she attended her brother, Prince Carl Philip’s wedding to Princess Sofia.

The baby, whose name has not yet been publicly released, weighed in at 6.7 lbs.

According to hospital staff, both Madeleine, 33, and the baby were doing fine.

The princess was admitted to Danderyd Princess Madeleine and British-American Hospital just north of Stockholm with her businessman Chris O’Neill wed in 2013 husband Christopher O’Neill, 40, early Princess Estelle, 3, added she would be reMonday morning and the baby was born at turning to Sweden soon.

1:45 pm local time.

The royal family did not want to disA few hours after the birth, the Swedish royal family’s Head of Press Margareta close the name of the new baby just yet, Thorgren addressed the media at the hos- but several royal-watchers guessed Paul pital with the obstetrician and the midwife would be at least be one of the names. who had helped deliver the baby.

“Paul is my guess. It is the name of “It was a completely normal and uncomplicated delivery,” the midwife, Anna Chris O’Neill’s father and also his own Astahl, said. She also added that O’Neill middle name,” Svenska Damtidning’s roycut the umbilical cord. The couple already al reporter Margareta Gotthardsson told have a 16-month-old daughter.

Asked about the new parents reacted, PEOPLE magazine.

Gotthardsson also remarked on the imSophia Brismar, the obstetrician said.

“Their reaction was tears of joy.” pressive timing of the birth.

Madeleine’s older sister, Crown Prin“It is incredible that Princess Madeleine cess Victoria, who was visiting Riga in was able to attend [Carl Philip’s] wedding Latvia, told Swedish newspaper Expresand then gave birth so soon after,” she sen, “It is fantastically delightful. We are so relieved.” Victoria, who is mother to said.

13

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

CRIME

Five teens arrested in connection with children’s park murder

Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with the murder of another teenager, 18 year old Stefan Appleton, who was killed in broad daylight last Wednesday.

The murder, which took place in broad daylight as the victim strolled through Nightingale Park in Islington at around 6 pm. Two suspects, tore through the park on a moped and proceed to stab Appleton several times with a large knife, as horrified witnesses looked on. Police were called but the victims managed to escape on their mopeds. Appleton was taken to hospital, where he died less than two hours after being attacked. A postmortem examination revealed that the cause of death was shock, haemorrhage and a stab wound to the chest.

“It was awful. His sister was there.

She was just all over the place sobbing,” a witness told The Mirror.” I think there

were a couple of stab wounds in Stefan’s

back and he was stabbed four or five times altogether. I heard it was a machete, but someone else said it was a samurai sword.

It was definitely a big knife of some kind.”

Following a public appeal to witnesses,

police were able to locate the moped used

in the crime, and subsequently arrested a

16 year-old boy on suspicion of murder. A few days later, after a raid on a property in

Holloway,

four

more

teenagers

were arrested. One of were arrested on suspicion of murder while the other three

were arrested for burglary and perverting the course of justice.

The two accused of murder appeared

at Highbury Court Youth Court on Wednesday, while the other three suspects were bailed.

Stefan

the public, several individuals contacted the police identifying the man in the video as Batton. A scarf found at the scene was analysed for DNA found that Batton was the owner. A search of his home also uncovered the cardigan that Batton had been wearing in the video. He was arrested a few weeks later on suspicion of burglary.

Despite the large amount of evidence against him, Batton continued to deny committing the crime. However the court found him guilty and he was sentenced to prison.

Detective Constable Marie Hamilton, from Southwark police, said: “The images from the Fox family camera were brilliant and together with the forensics we have been able to ensure that Batton has been brought to justice.”

Uzomah

Criminal caught on wildlife Pupil who stabbed teacher over camera jailed for burglary mobile phone appears in court

Batton

A man from Lewisham has been jailed for burglary after being caught on a camera meant to film wildlife.

43 year-old Nigel Batton was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for one count of burglary and one count of attempted burglary following sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court.

In January last year Batton climbed over the fence of a home in South London, where he stole items from the home.

A camera installed to film urban wildlife in the area, and that streamed live to Simon King’s wildlife website, caught an unsuspecting Batton, making his way through the property’s garden.

After releasing the CCTV images to 14

A 14 year-old boy who stabbed his teacher during class has appeared in court this week on suspicion of attempted murder.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked 50 year-old supply teacher Vincent Uzomah with a large knife. Witnesses at Bradford Academy have said that the married father of two had been attacked after he attempted to confiscate the pupil’s phone. He then fled from the school and was arrested later that day.

Uzomah, who was stabbed in the stomach remains in a stable condition in hospital. He had only been working in the school for a few weeks before the attack

occurred, as his horrified students looked on.

The teacher was kind of hunched over, bleeding and slumped on the floor,” one pupil told The Mirror. “Our classroom door was open. I looked up and saw a boy run down the corridor, then the teacher holding his stomach.”

The suspect appeared at Bradford Youth Remand Court, earlier this week, and pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder. He was also charged with possession of cannabis.

“This is a one-off incident, totally out of the blue. The site is secure. This is the first report of a weapon in school,” Executive Principal Nick Weller said.

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Sounds of Diaspora People of America

Mariah nanny settles for undisclosed sum Mariah Carey and ex Nick Cannon have reportedly settled a lawsuit filed by a former nanny who claimed they treated her like a slave and forced her to work more than 100 hours a week without proper compensation.

According to the NY Post, Simmonette DaCosta sued the former power couple earlier this year, claiming they forced her to rotate between working shifts of seven, 12-hour days and five 24-hour days. She also claimed they paid $3000 to $3600 twice monthly from October 2013 through late January 2014 before she was fired for being “too affectionate” with the couple’s twins, Monroe and Morocco.

“She was let go for doing too good of a job,” her lawyer Eli Freedberg said when she sued the couple. “She was advised not to be too affectionate with the children because they felt the children would get too attached to Ms. DaCosta.”

DaCosta, who claimed she was owed at least $100,000 in overtime, sought an undisclosed amount of money. The amount

Fiddy threatens lawsuit over nude scene leak

Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson and Alani ‘La La’Anthony

of the settlement between Carey, Cannon and DaCosta was kept under seal.

This is not the first time Carey has been sued by a former employee. In late 2014, her former assistant, Ylser Oliver, filed an unfair-wages suit claiming she never received overtime from the singer despite pulling in 16-hour days with tasks ranging from tidying up Carey’s Tribeca living room to packing her suitcases and tending to her “personal needs.”

50 Cent has warned gossip website MediaTakeOut that they might have a lawsuit coming their way real soon.

The gossip site had posted a yet-to-air sex scene from the TV show Power, on which 50 is the producer. The sex scene features La La Anthony, and 50 Cent wasn’t all too pleased with the leak.

“Shout out to MediaTakeOut for showing La La some love and showing her scene early,” he said in an Instagram video.

“For doing that, I’m not gonna take it personal, so don’t take it personal with me when they sue you to you (sic) blue in the face.”

The rapper then captioned the video, “I don’t have anything to do with mediatakeout. I think they forgot the show belongs to a big network and there (sic) legal team has nothing to do but go after things like this.”

It looks like 50’s message definitely hit hard; the article has since been taken down.

First Daughters out shopping in Milan America’s First Daughters (what else should you call the First Lady’s children) have been taking advantage of their mother’s Italian leg of her whistle-stop European tour to hit the shops and art galleries of fashion capital Milan.

Malia and Sasha Obama made an early morning visit to the prestigious Fondazione Prada art gallery on Wednesday, dressed in short sleeves in the city’s searing summer temperatures.

The exhibit visit followed a day shopping and sightseeing with mum Michelle, the First Lady, on Wednesday. Sasha, 14, and Malia, 16, were seen walking together in the Corso Como shopping street in the city centre on Wednesday afternoon, just hours after landing in Italy.

The two sisters, appeared to have inherited their mom’s love of fashion, and were dressed in on-trend ensembles in the Italian fashion capital. Malia wore a matching black-and-white checked shorts and top combo with strappy brown sandals while younger sister Sasha wore an off-shoulder white top with frilled hem and ripped white jeans.

The President’s daughters indulged in some retail therapy on Corso Como - a trendy, pedestrianized street in the heart of the city where there are a number of boutiques. Earlier on Wednesday, the First Lady, Sasha, Malia and Mrs Obama’s mom Marian Robinson met with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife and daughter.

The group paid a short visit to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see

Malia (centre) and Sacha (right) out and about in Milan. Be assured, their security entourage was not

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

Michelle Obama was also seen cooking up a storm at a healthy cooking expo in Milan with American chefs Mario Batali and John Besh and a group of 7th and 8th graders from the American School in Milan.

‘Are you guys ready to cook with us?’ the First Lady said. ‘I’m not really an executive chef. I just hang out with them.’

Italy was the second leg of the First Lady’s European trip that puts an international spin on her core White House initiatives - including eating wisely.

15

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Gospel

WHAT IS INSIDE WILL COME OUT!

By Michael Adekoya

“My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.” Job 27:6.

Dear Reader, I heard the story of a Pastor who boarded a bus one Monday morning, paid his fare, and took his seat. A few minutes later, he realized that the driver had given him too much change.

Some people might have put it in their pocket and said, “Lord, thank you for your provision.”

But this Pastor knew that would be wrong. At the next stop, he walked to the front of the bus with the extra change and said to the driver, “Excuse me Sir, you gave me too much change, and I wanted to return it to you, because obviously you made a mistake.” The driver said, “Pastor, I didn’t make a mistake. I was at your church last night and heard you preach on honesty. I wanted to see if you practiced what you preached. And fortunately, you did.”

My friend, what a demonstration of true Christianity! This is a challenge to you and me. People are watching us as Christians.

They are scrutinizing our every move, every word, every action and reaction. We should know that they are not hoping we will be godly witnesses. They are hoping we will slip up so they will have something on which to conveniently hang their doubts and unbelief. They are everywhere – in your family, work-place, club, street, community, even in your church and among your so-called friends. They are looking so closely to find any act of unfaithfulness, dishonesty, deceit, arrogance, corruption, immorality, bitterness, anger, idolatry, pride, hatred, discrimination, injustice, envy or any form of unrighteousness so that they can nail you as they did to Jesus.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians Church and said, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ…” 2 Cor.

3:2-3. My friend, listen! Some people may never open the Bible and read John 3:16 in their lifetime. They may never come to church or look to see what the Scriptures say to them. But they are watching you and me. They will take note of the way we live, the way we treat your family, the way we address people, how we behave and react, the way we forgive and the way we function as a follower of Jesus Christ. And they will make their evaluation about God accordingly.

My friend, we should live in a way that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip. We should not have anything in our lives to be ashamed of. That is the idea of integrity: Nothing absolutely nothing - is more than important to your future than your personal integrity.

You may ask, “What is integrity? Webster dictionary defines integrity in two words, “Honesty and Truth!” Integrity is the quality of being honest and morally upright.

Integrity is simply doing the right, true and honest thing irrespective of the cost, the price and circumstances, even if no one is watching.

My friend, hear me! A person can hide his or her lack of integrity, hypocrisy or unrighteous living only for so long but eventually, like a faulty foundation in a storm or crisis, the cracks will one day be widened, the roof will fall down and everything he or she have worked to build out of falsehood, lies, deceit and dishonesty will be lost. Listen! This personal integrity is

­­

Are you looking for a church?

Not settled in any particular congregation?

Perhaps now is the time to pray about it If you are not yet saved try one of the following: Jubilee International Churchmeets at 2,30pm on Sundays at Kings Avenue School, Park Hill. London SW4. Part of Jubilee International Churches Worldwide. For information, you may call (020)8697 3354 New Wine Christian Church- 11am holds meeting at Ringcross Tennants Club, Lough Road, Holloway, N7. a member of the Icthus Fellowship

16

Worldwide. For more information call 020 7609 959 or 07957 757 663.

Praise Tabernacle- 10:30am holds meetings at 620 Western Avenue (A40), Park Royal Business Centre, opposite Warner Bros. Cinema Complex, W3. part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. For information you may call 020 8993 3010 New Life Christian Centre 10.30am & 6.00pm. meetings at Cairo New Road, Croydon. The church has

something we should be developing on a daily basis With every thought we think and every action we take, we are either building up character or tearing it down.

Today, we live in a materialistic culture where position, possession, prestige, prosperity, and popularity are valued more than genuine integrity. In fact personal character hardly seems to matter very much these days at least in the realms of mass media, entertainment, politics, and pop culture.

Lots of people, our leaders inclusive, are surrounded by lot of people to whom they are not accountable. But, my friend, you may win the battle of accountability to mankind but if you lose the battle of accountability to God in your heart, you will never win it on the outside. The real battle is fought in the conscience and in the heart.

Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. My friend, words are powerful. Words can easily determine the destiny of your life, relationship, home, business or any enterprise you are involved in. Through you word you can become a pillar or a caterpillar. Words are like eggs. Once broken, it cannot be gathered together. Words are like seeds! Once it is sown, it will germinate and bring forth fruits of progress, stagnation or destruction. Words spoken out of hatred, fear, mis-

a Bible school, primary, is involved in extensive mission work in Eastern Europe, Italy and India. For information you may call 020 8680 7671 Ruach Ministries - holds meeting at 9am, 11am and 6pm. For information you may call 020 8678 6888 International Central Gospel Church - Battersea Chapel, holds meetings on Sundays from 2.00pm. . For information you may call 020 8684 4934 Jesus Arena International- Sunday service at 11.00am at Broadwater Farm Centre, Adams Road N17 The Bible Life Church UK- They meet on Sunday mornings at 2.30pm at St Giles Centre, Camberwell

trust, jealousy or envy will produce what you may not like in the future.

My friend, as you celebrate Jesus in your home, church or work-place today – Sunday, what kind of word have you sown?

What kind of character do you have? Who are you in private? For all practical purposes, that is the real you. It is time to balance your passion with integrity. As a leader in your home, in the church, in your ministry, work-place or school, you need to yearn that Christ would be fully formed in your life, in your family and in the lives of the people. There needs to be a love, faith, honesty, truth, patience, tenderness, trust, compassion, endurance, courage and deep affection in you. Whatever is inside of you will come out! Job said, “My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me as long as I live.”

Job 27:6. Is this your New Year Resolution in 2010? Ask God to help you in keeping to it!

Thus saith the Lord, “For Zion ’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem ’s sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem In the hand of your God.” Isa 62:1-3. As a couple and a parent, what should come out from the mother’s side is submission, care, help, tenderness, and compassion; and from the father’s side is love, courage, moral character, example, exhortation, discipline and instruction. Mothers have the intimate influence; father set the course for direction, spiritual strength, and motivation. That’s a magnificent balance in every family of God. My friend, righteous living is like a shining light in darkness. Let your righteousness shines in this dark world.

Righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach! Remain blessed!

Church Street, London SE5 Christ Apostolic church (Full Gospel & Pentecostal) Surrey Docks District 163 Ilderton Rd South Bermondsey London SE16 2UT. Tel. 020 7252 2086.

Time of worship: Sunday English service 9- 11.30am. Yoruba service 11.30 -2.30pm. Prophetic counselling: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 12noon- 5pm, Saturday only 5- 7pm.

Holy Cross Church InternationalSunday 10.am- 1 pm at Crown House 71-73 Nathan Way London SE28 0BQ Tel: 07904 234 126, 07809 381 886 Times of service:Bible study: Thursdays 8pm. Night Vigil: Friday Forth-

nightly 12am Sunday Service: Sundays 10am - 1pm Winners’ Chapel London- part of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, at 1 Churchill Close, Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1QE meets Sunday 7.30am, 9.15am and 11am and Wednesdays at 7pm.

For details call: 01322 292097 Christ Apostolic Church, Surrey Docks District, Solution Centre, 47-47 High Street, Swancombe, Kent, DA10 0DA Tel: 07956 38 38 70 Time of worship: Wednesday Bible study: 7:30pm to 9:00pm Friday, Night Vigil: 9pm to 11pm Sunday Worship: 12:30pm to 3:00pm

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Africa Newsround

Egypt

Zimbabwe

Morsi death sentence upheld Stripped pageant winner

may sue organisers

Mohamed Morsi is already serving 20 years in connection with the murder of protesters

An Egyptian court has upheld the death sentence handed to former Islamist president, Mohamed Morsi, on charges of killing and kidnapping police officers in a 2011 mass jailbreak.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide, Mohamed Badie, and former head of parliament Mohamed Katatny are among 27 defendants who were sentenced to death on similar charges on Tuesday (June 16). Earlier in the day, the same court sentenced Morsi, Badie and 15 others to life in prison for another case, in which defendants are convicted of espionage.

The verdict comes after Morsi, Badie and more than 100 other Brotherhood leaders were sentenced to death last month, after they were found guilty of spying and plotting a prison break amid nationwide protests against ousted president Hosni Mubarak in January 2011.

The Cairo Criminal Court then referred the case to the country’s grand mufti for a non-binding review, an action that is compulsory before upholding death sentences

in Egypt.

The charges included conspiring with foreign groups that include Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Tuesday’s verdicts upheld the death sentences of Brotherhood leaders Khairat Shater, Mohamed Beltagui and Mohamed Abdel Aati. The death sentences, previously criticized by a number of human rights organizations, were read during a televised session, in which Morsi, Badie and other defendants stood behind a glass cage in the courtroom staged for the case at a police academy in New Cairo. Thirteen other defendants were given death sentences in absentia.

Morsi, who in 2012 became Egypt’s first freely elected president, is already serving a 20-year sentence following his conviction on charges linking him to killing demonstrators during a protest that took place during his tenure. All sentences can be appealed by defendants’ lawyers, prosecutor or both.

“I’ve never posed for any nude or indecent picture in my life,” says Emily Kachote.

Judge for yourselves (hint: rectangular bikinis are not a new fashion trend)

The newly dethroned former Miss Zimbabwe hinted on Monday that she may take legal action to protest against the revoking of her title.

Emily Kachote, 25, was told last week she could no longer represent Zimbabwe after nude pictures of her emerged. The rules of the pageant insist that all models taking part must never have posed naked.

“I’ve never posed for any nude or indecent picture in my life,” she wrote on Facebook on Monday in a stance that appears to hinge on whether she actually “posed” for the contentious photos - leaked by a former partner, or whether the pictures were taken without her consent.

Kachote maintains she did not consent to the pictures being taken and therefore did not “pose” for nude photos.

“What happened, I’m not proud of it, but I’m not ashamed of it either,” she was quoted as saying.

A day after she was told she was being stripped of her title, Kachote said she was “waiting for [my] attorney” and would

hold a press conference soon. Unconfirmed reports say she has refused to hand back her tiara and insists she is still Miss Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans critical of Kachote include pageant organisers Miss Zimbabwe Trust, which allegedly accused her of being “reckless, a drunk and a liar”, according to state media. Others have defended her, however.

Writer Tino Hondo tweeted: “Am angry at the firing of Miss Zimbabwe not only coz she dark like me but this rule that Miss Zims hev to be ‘moral’ has to go.” She added: “Moral women do drink beer and have sex.”

Kachote is not the first Miss Zimbabwe to lose her title over nude pictures. Last year’s winner Thabiso Phiri lost her crown over similar allegations. The Miss Zimbabwe Trust insists she resigned voluntarily.

First Princess Annie Grace Mutambu will now represent Zimbabwe at Miss World 2015, which is scheduled to take place in Sanya, China on December 19.

Uganda

Mbabazi back to challenge Museveni in next year’s poll Ousted former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has declared his intention to run for Uganda’s presidency in the East African nation’s next General Election, scheduled for early 2016.

Issuing a statement on Monday, Mbazazi said Ugandans want “not simply a change in leadership but a change of systems, a change in order”.

He is seen as a strong contender against President Yoweri Museveni, who will have been in power for 30 years when the election comes around. Uganda is set to elect its president, parliament and local administrations in a comprehensive ballot expected to come in March.

Mbazazi’s announcement prompted police and other security agencies to deploy heavily at his home. Museveni is known to

keep his political rivals under tight security watch.

The two figures, both founders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) headed by Museveni, had been political allies for decades before Mbazazi was fired as prime minister in September 2014 in a single-man cabinet reshuffle by Museveni.

Mbazazi says he seeks to restore the ruling NRM and “return to its roots” as a “genuine, accountable and democratic movement”.

In his remarks regarding his election platform, Mbabazi said on Monday there was a need to focus on “critical ideas”.

They included reviving Uganda’s democracy and institutions, transforming the economy and attracting heavy local and foreign investment, promoting equitable development “where all communities and

Mbabazi was sacked as Prime Minister last September

all regions of the country equally benefit from decisions made by the government”, he said.

He added that there was a need to pro-

vide jobs that are fit for the 21st century and ensure a greater level of accountability on the part of leaders and making a stronger effort at fighting corruption at all levels.

17

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Arts

Theatre, Shows and Musicals

By Edward Mirza

HANG

Hang - A shattering new play about one woman’s unspeakable decision

nies sees Shakespeare’s tragedy reimagined in a contemporary context, as a brew of June 11th – July 18th “F**k your sympathy and keep it with treachery and ambition sets an Asian family on a road to destruction. The production your sorrys.” sees the engineers of Macbeth’s downfall A crime has been committed. depicted as three Hijras. A strand of Indian The victim has a choice to make. society little-known in the west, Hijras are The criminal is waiting.

A shattering new play about an unspeak- a centuries-old “third gender” community (including transsexuals, transgender people, able decision.

Debbie Tucker Green returns to the eunuchs and cross-dressers).

Tara Arts Artistic Director Jatinder Royal Court to direct her new play hang.

The cast includes Marianne Jean-Baptiste Verma, who will direct Macbeth said “Spirwho makes her Royal Court debut and its in Indian traditions combine vivacity with viciousness. By casting the Witches Claire Rushbrook.

Hang is designed by Jon Bausor, with in Macbeth as provocative Bollywood lighting design by Tim Mitchell, music queens, I aim to explore the dangerously composition by Luke Sutherland, sound vain ambition driving Macbeth.”

For information on Black Theatre Live: design by Christopher Shutt and movewww.blacktheatrelive.co.uk | For informament by Polly Bennett.

Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal tion on Tara Arts: www.tara-arts.com Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS .

Everyman starring Chiwetel Ejiofor April 22nd - July 16th

Everyman, a new adaptation by Carol Ann Duffy Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) is Everyman in Carol Ann Duffy’s new adaptation.

When Death comes, who will stand by your side?

Everyman is successful, popular and riding high when Death comes calling. He is forced to abandon the hedonistic life he has built and embark on a last, frantic search to recruit a friend, anyone, to speak in his defence. But Death is close behind, and time is running out.

Everyman explodes onto the stage in a startling production with words by Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, and movement

by Javier De Frutos.

National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX, 020 7452 3000

Macbeth, Tara Arts in association with Queen’s Hall Arts & Black Theatre Live Now- October 31st

Macbeth is the first production from Black Theatre Live, a pioneering consortium of 8 regional theatres committed to increasing the amount of Black and Ethnic Minority theatre on the touring circuit. Spun together with a blend of Indian music and movement, this brand new production from one of the UK’s leading cross-cultural theatre compa18

The Lottie Betts-Priddy Education Trust Family Fun Day Saturday July 18, 2015

The Lottie Betts-Priddy Education Trust, a UK registered charity, is holding its Family Fun Day on Saturday 18th July 2015 in Camberwell, south London.

Described as a fun-filled day of African drumming, storytelling, musical performances, delicious West African cuisine, face-painting and henna tattooing; with a sack race, three-legged race and much, much more thrown in to entertain the whole family, the fun and frivolity starts from 11am at the University Academy of Engineering South Bank, Trafalgar Street, London SE17 2TP (close to East Street Market and Burgess Park – nearest tube: Elephant & Castle).

The Trust is passionate about giving poor and disadvantaged children in Sierra Leone the opportunity of education to help secure them a better future. The essence of the day is to raise vital funds to underpin the Trust’s voluntarily work to improve children’s educational experience by renovating dilapidated classrooms, ensuring schools have working toilet facilities and providing much needed resources such as text books, pens and other teaching materials.

Grab the chance to enjoy a family day out, exhaust the kids and join the wider community in helping this worthy cause.

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Nollywood

Photos from Diana Childs THE PERFECT MAN London premiere

The London premiere of Diana Child’s THE PERFECT MAN held last Friday at Odeon Cinema, Greenwich. In attendance were movie producer Diana Childs, lead male actors Ikenna Obi & Ashley Holland, Ken Smart and the entire cast and crew. The event which was hosted by Dj Abass also had in attendance top movie director Obi Emelonye, Nolly heart throb Joseph Benjamin, media personality Baroness Jay and Larry Denor.

The event was organized by London based media marketing outfit DJAMEDIA. The Perfect Man’ is a romantic comedy about a 30 year old lady in search of a husband in London. She is torn between her head and her heart, influenced by friends and family, she makes a decision she soon regrets!Is it too late for Jane to find her perfect man and who does she choose?

Photo credits: Fem Star Photography Youtube trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRN2lT7rCfA

19

Events calendar What’s On & When WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

Reaching UK’s fastest growing Entertainment ethnic markets

Tel: 020 3737 3077 20

www.africanvoiceonline.co.uk

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

AfricanVoice

SUBSCRIBE

TODAY

£100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR £100 FOR 1 YEAR lncluding Paper & Postage

A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OUT EVERY FRIDAY! Name: Full Address: Post Code:

Tel No: I wish to subscribe to AfricanVoice

1 Year:

£100

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £

made payable to: AfricanVoice.

Please invoice me/my company Pls make a cheque of £100 payable to African Voice.

Mail to Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7JN 21

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

‘Speaking to Monk convinced me’ – Ayew Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew says a meeting with Swansea manager Garry Monk convinced him to join the club, according to the South Wales Evening Post.

The 25-year-old was wanted by the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Roma when his contract with Olympique Marseille expired, but instead he opted for a four-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

“The most important person was the coach, Garry Monk,” said Ayew.

“When I spoke to him, and also to the chairman, they gave me the feeling that I needed that I was ready to join.

“I felt the confidence from everybody and now it is up to me to do the job.

“Swansea have a great style of play.

They are a team that goes forward and scores goals. They are also good tactically.

“There is a great team spirit in the squad, so for me, this was a great place to come and try my first season in the Premier League.”

Meanwhile, Ghana took a giant step towards qualifying to 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a well-merited 7-1 win over Mauritius on Sunday in Accra.

A brace each from Jordan Ayew and Asamoah Gyan with Jeffery Schlupp and David Accam getting their debut Ghana goal and an opener from Christian Atsu handed the Black Stars the thumping win at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars showed clear intent from the start with Asamoah Gyan being released into a one-on-one situation with his marker within the opening two minutes.

But the Al Ain ace clearly lacked his speed of old to shake off Ravina Bruno.

The hosts however worked out another glorious chance two minutes later but Jef-

fery Schlupp’s header into a gaping post was not well directed.

Then it was the turn of Jordan Ayew to make his presence felt as he beat his marker with cheeky ease to send in a driven cross but no one was available to make the final connection.

Ghana was clearly on top, pinning the visitors in their own half but the finishing was lacking and the crowd was increasingly getting edgy.

The Black Stars’ profligacy was nearly punished in the 8th minute when Bru Kevin’s free kick from 30-yards out almost dipped in-behind Razak Braimah whose outstretched right hand tipped it over for a corner.

That half-chance for Mauritius proved to be the needed wake up call for the Black Stars who finally broke the deadlock on the 10th minute mark by Christian Atsu.

The newly signed AFC Bournemouth man finished off a nice buildup deep in the Ghanaian half with a headed goal off the inviting cross of Harrison Afful.

Gyan should have doubled the lead five minutes later but his decision to shoot at the near-post as against squaring for the on-rushing Jordan Ayew proved to be the wrong one as goalkeeper Jean Louis parried away.

But Ayew returned two minute later to put things right by scoring Ghana’s second, finishing off an impressive burst from left-back Baba Abdul Rahman.

The clearly dominant Black Stars at this point could have even scored a third two minutes later but Christian Atsu’s outstretched limbs attempting to connect to a driven cross failed to materialize.

Asamoah Gyan then became the culprit of his own impressive finishes as he missed a staggering clear header to spare the shell-shocked Mauritians.

Ghana Black Stars in Action

The Black Stars captain however atoned for his earlier mistake by tapping in with only goalkeeper Jean Louis to beat after some great work on the flanks by Jordan Ayew.

Coach Akbar Patel couldn’t take any more of the gaping humiliation and effected his first substitution after 27 minutes – bringing on Justin Jonathan for Perticots Joseph in a bid to give his sleeping attack the needed bite.

Ghana however scored the next goal through Asamoah Gyan, heading in off a free kick to give the hosts a commanding 4-0 lead after just 30 minutes.

The thumping scoreline even saw coach Avram Grant inexplicably move to the dressing room only to return at the hint of a Ghana concession.

Sophie Andy capitalized on a defensive mishap to tap in off a free kick to pull one back for Mauritius.

But Jordan Ayew returned again to score off a rebound in the penalty box to extend Ghana’s lead to five 10 minutes before recess.

Ghana appeared sluggish off the blocks at the start of the second half with the soggy pitch making passes and ball control difficult.

Cameroon’s women footballers in spirit of Italia 90

Continued from back page

standing left leg slid from beneath her; a fact that may have helped propel her shot beyond Swiss ‘keeper Gaelle Thalmann’s despairing dive.

With the same points but a worse goal difference than the Swiss, Cameroon needed a win more than the Europeans, for whom a draw might have been enough having spanked Ecuador 10-1 four days earlier. And the Lionesses sense of urgency was as clear to see as it was unsettling for Switzerland. Surely it would only be a matter of time before one of Gabrielle Onguene’s forays to the by-line bore fruit.

The seemingly inevitable happened in the 62nd minute when Onguene again

22

beat Switzerland’s beleaguered left back on her outside to cut back a short cross to the near post where Madeleine Ngono Mani launched her crimson braided head forward to meet the ball perfectly and divert it past the outstretched right hand of Thalmann. Unable to react quickly enough at such close range, the Swiss goalkeeper was left grasping at thin air.

Substitute Ngono Mani - who has served the national team with distinction for well over a decade – was in many ways the perfect candidate to be front and centre for the Indomitable Lionesses special moment.

And the pacy forward was all smiles when she spoke post-match, still basking

in the afterglow of her team’s achievement. She was even more amused at the idea of her goal being compared as the female equivalent of Francois OmamBiyik’s famous towering header to see off Diego Maradona’s Argentina 25 years ago at Italia ‘90. “I can’t compare myself to him,” Ngono Mani said barely containing an infectious laugh. “I try my best to practise my heading but I can’t compare to him. It is like we are taking after them [Cameroon’s Italia ‘90 team], and taking an example from them,” continued the 31year-old.

The result, Ngono Mani believes, is a win for the whole African continent. “We actually represent all of Africa and we

proud to be representing it in the World Cup.”

She says the Indomitable Lionesses

have long attempted to emulate the success of Nigeria - Africa’s perennial cham-

pions and, in 1999, the only African team ever to reach the knockout stages before now.

Somewhat ironically, Cameroon have

made a statement on the world stage on

the very day that Nigeria were eliminated despite a valiant come-from-behind draw

in their opening game against fancied Sweden.

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 June 2015

“Tremendously kinky” escort claims she’s Yaya’s weakness Malawian hooker Sandra Ntonya has hit the headlines for claiming that Premier League football star Yaya Touré bombarded her with steamy text messages begging her for sex and he has been cheating on his wife having sex session with the Malawian for £140-per-hour.

According to her claims in The Sun on Sunday, the Ivory Coast international is said to have been sending a number of pleading messages to the 34-year-old Malawian woman before she agreed to a number of sessions with him, though she now says she got a bit sick of it.

“He kept phoning me -- around ten times in one week -- and pleaded with me not to refuse him and said he would treat me with respect,” she said.

“He was quite nervous but once he got going he was fine.

“He kept saying he wanted to change my life for the better but I did not ask how -- guys are always saying that to me.”

Sandra added that the 32-year-old football star regularly asked her to send “naughty” pictures of her bum over the phone, saying: “I was always having to

send naughty pictures to Yaya’s phone -especially ones of my bum. But I got a bit sick of sending them to be honest.”

But devout Muslim Touré, who has two kids with wife Gineba, has totally denied her claims. A spokesperson for Touré insisted the claims are untrue and that a pal had used his phone.

The Manchester City midfielder is said to have started pestering the Malawian ‘kinky’ hooker in November 2013 after spotting saucy images of her on an adult website. Sandra’s profile on UK escort website Adult Zone says she is “tremendously kinky unlike most Africans”. It adds: “I excel in giving pleasure to those who demand the very best in quality entertainment and unforgettable erotic encounters.”

Earlier this year, Touré, a UN Goodwill ambassador, told how it was “embarrassing” when women threw themselves at him. He said: “I hide. Sometimes I wonder what’s going through girls’ heads. It’s embarrassing.

“I escape from them. I’m married. My wife is enough for me.”

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Manqoba Ngwenya could be on his way back to South Africa

Reports suggest that former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Manqoba Ngwenya could be on his way back to South Africa.

The burly forward initially joined Botswana outfit Notwane before making the move to Township Rollers.

‘Shakes’ ended the 2014/2015 season as Rollers’ top scorer, having penned a six-month deal at the club.

Club spokesperson Phemepheretlhe Pheto confirmed that the 34-year-old will not be returning to Gaborone.

Ngwenya has himself suggested that he is eager on seeing out his professional career in his country of birth.

Manyisa available for Mauritius

Yaya Touré claims messages from his phone to Sandra Ntonya (pictured) were sent by a friend

Ivory Coast star goes out with a bang Ange N’guessan scored what could be the goal of the tournament so far when she struck Cote d’Ivoire’s consolation goal in their 3-1 defeat against fancied Norway in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Ivorians were already 3-0 down and heading out of the tournament following a 3-2 defeat to Thailand and an ignominious 10-0 thrashing at the hands of favourites Germany when N’guessan threw caution to the wind to advance solo on the Norway goal. From fully 30 yards out, the 24-yearold unleashed a fierce right footed shot that left Norway’s goalkeeper flapping her hands at thin air.

N’guessan’s teammates celebrated with her as if they had taken the title, even if, realistically, the disappointing defeat to Thailand four days earlier had sealed their fate before kick-off.

Women’s football in Africa will clearly have to embark on the same journey the men’s game began decades ago when they were notable for their defensive naivety.

Nigeria, who progressed to the Women’s World Cup finals as African champions, have shown great potential in attack

Manqoba Ngwenya on his way back to SA?

A word from the Bafana Bafana camp is that midfielder Oupa Manyisa is fit and could be available for selection when they take on Mauritius this weekend in an African Nations Championship qualifier.

The Orlando Pirates man was taken off against Gambia during their 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban last Saturday, However, after undergoing medical assessment, ‘Ace’ could be available for the Chan match on Saturday.

Pienaar advises Serero to remain at Ajax

Former Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar believes it will be in Thulani Serero’s best interest to remain at Ajax Amsterdam for another season.

Screen grab showing Ange N’guessan about to hit her 71st minute wonder strike against Norway on Monday

in Canada, but they need to in order to compensate for the fact they are inevitably behind to poor goals.

With speed and physicality in abun-

dance, women’s football in Africa needs to import some more tactical nous to produce World Cup winners, but it is surely just a matter of time.

Serero just finished his fourth season at the Dutch club and has been linked with a move to Italian giants AC Milan.

Having made his name at Ajax, before moving on to Borussia Dortmund and later Everton, Pienaar, who spent five seasons at Ajax, has revealed that it might be best if Serero plays one more season in the Eredivisie before going elsewhere.

“To be honest, I would want him to stay another year at Ajax,” Pienaar is quoted as saying by the Citizen.

“This season he played a lot of games and it was good for his development. So it would be good for him to stay one more year and then move on to a bigger club.

Sometimes players move too soon, get a setback, and then don’t come out of it.”

23

Friday, 19 June - Thursday, 25 june 2015 ISSUE 584

WWW.AFRICANVOICEONLINE.CO.UK

Speaking to monk convinced me : - Ayew

SEE PAGE 22

Spirit of Italia 90

By Alan Oakley

Cameroon’s women footballers have become only the second African side to progress beyond the group stages at a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament after a dominant second half performance that saw them overturn a 1-0 deficit to deservedly beat Switzerland’s women 2-1.

The second half restart galvanised Gabrielle Onguene to put in a player-ofthe-match performance in scoring the equaliser and creating the winning goal.

Her speed and creativity down the right flank left her Swiss marker floundering on several occasions and it was only bad luck

and poor finishing from her strike partners that conspired against her helping to the final score more comfortable.

The unimaginatively dubbed Indomitable Lionesses (since the men’s senior team are the Indomitable Lions) fell behind after 23 minutes to a well-crafted goal from Swiss midfielder Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, whose first-time strike wrong-footed the Cameroon defence and the goalkeeper, who may have seen it late.

Cameroon’s midfield toiled hard, but showed little sign for the remainder of the first half of what they would serve up after the break.

Onguene, Jeannette Yango and Gaelle Enganamouit made their intentions

immediately clear by pressing the Swiss defenders, who seemed to be paralysed by their opponents’ sudden rampingup of ambition. Onguene in particular repeatedly went past her marker, occasionally showboating to the delight of Cameroonians and neutrals in the crowd, while the reticent Swiss seemed unable to cope with Enganamouit’s size and aggression.

Having herself become very familiar with the right side of the goal line, Onguene’s goal would come from a low pass from the left shortly after the break that somehow evaded the attention of a packed penalty area to arrive at the feet of Enganamouit, whose spectacular air-shot inspired the BBC’s colour commentator

to call it, “either a terrible miss-kick or the best dummy in the world.”

Enganamouit’s swing and miss indeed did attract the attention of all the Swiss defenders, which allowed Onguene to ghost into the box unattended to lash the ball into the net so eagerly that her

Continued on page 22

African Voice Newspaper is published by African Voice Communications. Unit 7 Holles House Overton Road London SW9 7AP. Tel: 020 3737 3077 Registered at the British Library as a newspaper. ISSN 1475-2166.Email: africanvoicenews@googlemail.com