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No. 13 November 2012 I Tel. +44(0)2071930899 I +44(0)7846062331 I +44(0)208 1665700 I Email: afronews@myownmedia.co.uk
UN Photo/Greg Kinch
Mandela’s greatest present to South Africa was leaving office
Interview with Martin Plaut, author of “The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future”
Black personalities in showbiz honoured at BEFFTA Awards
THE GUIDE
Go for HIV test, Africans urged as THT launches National HIV Testing Week
Leaving Children Home Alone & Children And The Internet
page 7
page 12
Lee Jasper is Respect’s candidate for Croydon North by-election
pages 10-11
We believe in compassionate and tolerant America, says Obama
page 3
Education Committee: Treat asylum seeking children as children first SEND MONEY TO AFRICA
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
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WHERE ACTION IS
What Would Beyoncé Do?!
Luisa Omielan’s astounding show at Comedy Cafe Theatre Fresh from a fantastic Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Luisa Omielan brings her “What Would Beyoncé Do?!” show to the Comedy Cafe Theatre for a limited run. Luisa, who is a comedian and improviser, is a diva in training. She’s got the sass; she’s got the earrings, now she’s ready for the lifestyle! In 2010-2011, Luisa took Improvisation, Clowning and Sketch courses at the world famous
Ayanna on stage at Kings Place Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem – and one of only a handful of people to win with an original composition. Her solo performances are intimate journeys that express her experience as a 21st century woman, drawing upon the stories of Sojourner Truth, hope and human relationships as inspiration.
Vocalist, cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson will perform at the Kings Place, London on 24th November 2012. Ayanna is a young musician who is leading the way in Black folk music. She is the first non-American to win the legendary
comedy institutions Second City and I.O. in Chicago (alumni include John Candy, Mike Myers, Tina Fey). This year she has just returned from gigging all over LA, including the legendary Hollywood Improv Comedy Club. In the UK, she plays clubs all over the country, including weekends at The Stand. Luisa runs a comedy club for kids and Improv courses for adults and is a regular host of London’s raucous party event ‘Musical Bingo’. “What Would Beyoncé Do?!” is a show especially for the gays and the girls, with a waiting list of audience members. Luisa has hired a Mustang to gig around LA, speed-dated in a wedding dress and fallen in love with every Mr Unavailable she came across. And like Beyoncé, her mum still styles her clothes. But approaching 30 and finding herself breaking up pooh in the toilet because her little brother blocked it, she’s starting to wonder: “Does this ever happen to
Flavia Coelho and Andreya Triana to perform at Southbank Centre Andreya, who opens the show, came to prominence as a guest singer with trip-hop superstar Bonobo. Expect a mix of soul, folk and poetry where lilting melodies combine with cinematic jazzy break beats. This event is also supported by Bureau Export, Institut Français and SACEM.
FLAVIA COELHO AND ANDREYA TRIANA
AYANNA WITTERJOHNSON 24th November 2012 20:00 Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9AG Tickets: £12.50 + Booking fee Box Office: 020 7520 1490.
Beyoncé?!” If she couldn’t dance or sing, but was still a diva, when life gave her lemons.... What Would Beyoncé Do?! Luisa says: “Single Ladies! You know when you fall Crazy In Love, but it all goes wrong and you’re like Me, Myself and I, but then you Get Me Bodied, you’re like he’s the Best Thing I Never Had! I must have bumped my head, because Who Runs The World? Well, if like me, you’re an Independent Woman still living at your mumma’s house, come check up on What Would Beyoncé Do? Forgot your Bills Bills Bills, this show’s free. Come say Hellp and let’s get this party Jumpin’ Jumpin’!” Luisa is performing every Tuesday until 27th November 2012 at The Comedy Cafe Theatre, 68 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY. Doors 19:30. Show 20:00. The show is FREE and sure to sell out, so get your tickets early by tweeting @luisaomielan with #whatwouldbeyoncedo. Tickets can only be booked via Twitter or iloveluisa.com.
Flavia Coelho and Andreya Triana will perform at the Southbank Centre on 15th November 2012. Flavia is a young Brazilian singer, who’s made a huge impact across Europe with her new album “Bossa Muffin”. As the title suggests, she draws on the traditions of the samba and the bossa nova and the melodies of the forro from north-eastern Brazil, but she and her red-hot band work in ragga and hip-hop to create a stylish yet mischievous mix that takes the new Brazil to the world.
15th November 2012 19:45 Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX Tickets: £20 £10 Booking Fee: £1.75 (Members £0.00) Concessions: 50% off (limited availability) Ticket Office: 0844 875 0073
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COMMUNITY
Lee Jasper is Respect’s candidate for Croydon North by-election Lee Jasper, the former policy adviser to the London Mayor is Respect’s candidate for the Croydon North byelection.
Mr. Lee Jasper says he will speak out for the poor, the elderly, the vulnerable, and challenge the shared consensus on cuts and the austerity agenda
“If I could have composed the perfect candidate to fight this seat then it would be Lee Jasper,” said George Galloway, the Respect MP. “Lee has a stellar track record in activism and community involvement. As well as being a crucial member of Ken Livingstone’s team in governing London - as Director for Policing and Equalities, his record of public service is unequalled.” Mr. Jasper said he was delighted to be the Respect’s candidate. “Following George’s amazing victory in Bradford West I welcome the opportunity to offer the people of Croydon North a viable alternative to the tried and failed politics of the mainstream political parties. The responsibility for the economic crisis lies with banks and not the people of Croydon North and yet they are seeing their services cut and
the welfare reforms are causing real hardship and acute distress.” Mr. Jasper said the focus of his campaign will be to speak out for the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable. He’ll highlight and challenge the shared consensus on cuts and the austerity agenda supported by Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour. “There has to be a strong argument in defence of the unemployed and the working poor and in favour of creating jobs and opportunities. We need fresh and dynamic approach to reducing crime, supporting the victims of the riots in their quest for compensation and tackling the strained relations between young people and the police,” Mr. Jasper said. He said he will join the few politicians articulating that there is an alternative to cuts. “I will be arguing against the austerity programme and for investment in public services and jobs. I am looking forward to taking these arguments to the voters of Croydon North.” The Croydon North by-election is likely to take place on 29th November 2012.
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COMMUNITY
Tackle over-representation of African children in child protection system, AFRUCA tells government The government should put in place a National Action Plan to tackle the over-representation of African children in the child protection and looked after systems, Africans Unite Against Child Abuse (AFRUCA) has said. AFRUCA made the call on 23rd October 2012 at a Seminar on Child Protection and African Parents in the UK at the House of Commons. At the seminar AFRUCA highlighted some troubling statistics about the number of African children experiencing abuse and being removed from families mainly as a result of cultural practices and beliefs which put children at risk of harm. “All over the country, we are seeing children being removed from families as a result of harmful practices. At least 10,000 African children are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation,” said Debbie Ariyo, AFRUCA Founder and Director. “In many local authorities, African children are overrepresented in the child protection system as a result of physical abuse and neglect.” Ms. Ariyo said there was an
increase in cases of children abused as a result of witchcraft branding and spirit possession. “West African children are most likely to be trafficked into the UK for sexual exploitation than children from other parts of the world. Despite ongoing efforts, these problems are not abating. It is about time we put in place a cohesive and coherent strategy to help address these issues to safeguard children from abuse and harm,” Ms. Ariyo said. At the event AFRUCA highlighted the terrible consequences of child abuse on victims and on society at large. “This is not an African community problem,” said Ms. Ariyo. “The wider economic and social costs of child abuse in relation to children of African origin are phenomenal.” AFRUCA said there was a link between looked after children and crime and criminality. “People are failing to make the link between child abuse and the growth in gangs, gun and knife crimes. There is a direct link because most children in care do end up in the criminal justice system. If you look at many cases of gun and knife crime, these involve many children and young people of African origin – both as victims and as perpetrators,” Ms. Ariyo said.
Debbie Ariyo, AFRUCA Founder and Director with former Children’s Minister Meg Hillier MP (sitting) and Shadow Children’s Minister Lisa Nandy MP giving her speech The Ministry of Justice in its various reports acknowledges the over-representation of black young people in the criminal justice system. AFRUCA believes it is essential to address the root cause of the problem which can be linked to child protection issues. “We are asking the government to prioritise this issue by setting up a National Working
Group to help address the overrepresentation of African children in the child protection system and develop a National Action Plan to tackle it. This would be a strong model for local authorities across the country to follow.” Ms. Ariyo said. AFRUCA’s “Manual on Child Protection for African Parents in the UK” to help pro-
mote positive parenting among parents was launched at the event. Key personalities included Meg Hillier MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nigeria who hosted the event and Lisa Nandy, MP, the Shadow Minister for Children who gave the keynote speech as well as other MPs and key members of the London African community.
Dismissed black soldier says he was treated unfairly Sean Davis, a black soldier who was dismissed from the British Army says he was unfairly treated in comparison with his Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Debbie Slay, who was transferred to another unit rather than face dismissal. Mr. Davis served in the Jamaica Defence Forces with exemplary conduct, from July 1994 until January 2001. In 2004 he came to live in Britain, where he obtained British citizenship. He enlisted in the British Army and on completion of his basic training he was posted as a military clerk to 4 Medical Regiment in Aldershot. In November 2009 when he was participating in a training course in Winchester, Warrant Officer Woods shouted and swore at him over a glass mug which Private Davis claimed had
been left there by another soldier. An argument ensued resulting in Private Davis being placed on a charge. Over the next few months he faced a series of charges in regard to small matters involving several Non Commissioned and Commissioned Officers. The charges were in regard to minor offences dealt with under an Army General and Administrative Instructions (AGAI) system of punishment. Private Davis said he carried out the extra duties awarded as punishment, but declined to sign the documentation in respect of the AGAI, despite his willingness to fulfil the duty awarded as punishment, which eventually led to his dismissal. On 14th June 2010 Captain Hempsey, the Adjutant, prepared the paperwork seeking his dismissal from the army. He was suspended from work and de-kitted. As there was concern on how Private
Davis’ discharge had been processed, Lt Colonel Slay and 4 Medical Regiment were approached by higher command on whether the discharge process had been properly followed. Not long after Private Davis was discharged by Lt Colonel Slay from the army. Private Davis took his case, under the Race Relations Act 1976, to the Employment Tribunal. He was represented by a solicitor, Julius Nkafu, who in cross examination of Captain Dempsey and others, was told that whether it was a chargeable offense not to sign the AGAI document was a ‘grey area’. Yet that was the prime reason which led to Private Davis’ dismissal. David Sparks, a former soldier and Principal Race Equality Officer with a local authority, also assisted with the preparation of the case. The greatest irony in this case is that his Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel
Debbie Slay, who dismissed him, had an affair with Colonel Phil Harrison. The affair was reported to higher command by his fiancé. This was considered to be a very serious disciplinary matter which led to her being removed as the Commanding Officer of 4 Medical Regiment and being transferred to a unit in London. This episode was reported in the national press including The Sun of 4th November 2010. Mr. Davis said: “It amazed me that Lt Colonel Slay, whose disgraceful conduct is a poor example to those under her command, should merely be sent to another unit, whereas I have lost my army career for refusing to sign the documentation for AGAIs in regard to minor matters, which Senior Non Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers said was a ‘grey matter’ at the Tribunal hearing. Even the Respondent’s legal team were surprised at the decision of the Tribunal not to uphold my case.”
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COMMUNITY
Successful black personalities in showbiz honoured at BEFFTA Awards ceremony More than 3,000 people turned up at the BEFFTA Awards UK to celebrate successful black and ethnic personalities in showbiz.
BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award-winner Sir Trevor McDonald OBE and BEFFTA founder Pauline Long
BEFFTA Best Male Act winner Valentine on the Red Carpet with his Dancers
BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) Awards is Europe’s biggest award ceremony celebrating achievements of black and ethnic personalities in showbiz globally. The 4th annual BEFFTA Awards UK ceremony was held in London 27th October. Some of the stars who attended the red carpet event included Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Lemar, Catwalk Professor, footballer Fabrice Muamba, singer and xfactor star Starboy
Nathan and more. Sir McDonald OBE received a standing ovation from the audience as he received the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award. Winners of BEFFTA Awards UK 2012 include film director Obi Emelonye, musician Lady Leshurr and Fernand Frimpong Jnr. Speaking after the event, BEFFTA founder Pauline Long said: “I’m extremely happy to see BEFFTA fulfilling its purpose and the purpose being honouring and celebrating a truly talented and hard-working community. People came together to network and appreciate each other’s accomplishments. I’m so grateful to everyone who attended; at BEFFTA Awards everyone is special. “We honoured a legend, Sir Trevor McDonald with a standing ovation. We honoured unsung talent and as always we appreciate everyone that contributes to entertainment, film, fashion, television and arts awards. We look forward to yet another special BEFFTA 2013 which will be our grand 5th Anniversary.” Visit www.beffta.com/ for the full list of winners of BEFFTA Awards UK 2012.
Erica Matthews won BEFFTA Best Wardrobe Stylist
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COMMUNITY
Go for HIV test, Africans urged as THT launches National HIV Testing Week HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will this month launch England’s first ever National HIV Testing Week. The week, which will run from 23rd to 30th November, is being co-ordinated through HIV Prevention England (HPE), a partnership of community organisations funded by the Department of Health to carry out national HIV prevention work in England among communities at an increased risk of infection. It forms the centrepiece of HPE’s autumn campaign “Think HIV”, which aims to encourage Africans in England to test for the virus. The initiative follows the release of new guidance from the Department of Health stating that, as of October this year, anyone with HIV in the UK can
access treatment for free on the NHS, regardless of their immigration status. To take part in the campaign, Africans can visit www.thinkHIV.org.uk and complete a short survey to receive personalised advice about testing for HIV. Africans are one of the groups most at risk of HIV in England. However, one in four Africans with HIV currently remains undiagnosed. Someone who is diagnosed late, after a point at which they should have already started treatment, is nine times more likely to die within a year of receiving their diagnosis than someone who tests in good time. Yet among Africans diagnosed with HIV in the UK in 2010, 66 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women were diagnosed late, when they should already have started treatment. Takudzwa Mukiwa, Health Promotion Specialist for African communities at Terrence
Higgins Trust, said: “National HIV Testing Week is a great chance to remind Africans in England that while HIV is no longer a death sentence, an early diagnosis can dramatically improve someone’s chances. In the past, knowing they would be ineligible for treatment on the NHS may have put some Africans off going for an HIV test, but the release of new guidelines opening up free NHS treatment for everyone living with HIV in England means there really is no better time to test.” Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We believe it is within our grasp to halt the spread of HIV, and Africans are a key group with the power to help drive that effort. That’s why we need the whole community to get behind this new initiative and turn a spotlight on HIV testing, not just during test-
ing week but all year round.” Terrence Higgins Trust will be providing free and confidential rapid HIV testing in London throughout the National HIV Testing Week. Testing will be done using a finger-prick blood test, which returns a result within a minute. Those who attend the clinic will be given information and support before and after the test, and anyone who has a ‘reactive’ test will be referred to a specialist clinic. Terrence Higgins Trust staff will also provide free condoms, and information and advice on safer sex. People who want to enquire about Terrence Higgins Trust’s testing services in London during testing week can call 020
7812 1726. For other questions about HIV testing, people can call Terrence Higgins Trust’s helpline THT Direct on 0808 802 1221 or visit www.tht.org. uk.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
We believe in compassionate and tolerant America, says Obama US President Barack Obama has thanked Americans for electing for him for a second term and promised that the “best is yet to come” for the country. Addressing supporters in Chicago after decisively winning a second term, President Obama said that despite Americans’ differences, most of them share certain hopes for America’s future. “I know that every American wants her future to be just as bright. That’s who we are. That’s the country I’m so proud to lead as your president,” Mr. Obama said. “And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future. I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope.” President Obama’s thoughts also went to immigrants. “We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America open to the dreams of an immigrant’s daughter
who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag,” he said. He praised America’s diversity describing it as “the most diverse nation on Earth” with people who share a common destiny. President Obama added: “I believe we can keep the promise of our founding, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter
Ministers: International cooperation necessary to tackle human trafficking UK has called on international partners to redouble efforts against human trafficking. Speaking at a recent joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Home Office event on human trafficking, Immigration Minister Mark Harper outlined work the government is undertaking to tackle this crime. This includes work with embassies and high commissions of key source countries; collaboration between the Metropolitan Police, the Romanian National Police and the Romanian Embassy to share intelligence; work by Border Force officials to identify victims; and victim care under a contract run by the Salvation Army. “Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that requires a strong and robust approach, both from within the UK and internationally,” Mr. Harper said. “The government will continue to identify what further we can do to stop people from becoming victims in the first place and, if they do, how
we can best support them to recover and recuperate from their terrible ordeal.” He said the UK aimed at building on its collective efforts with international partners “to continue to support victims and to identify and punish perpetrators.” Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire called for greater international cooperation to tackle human trafficking. He said: “Governments have a moral duty to take action, and take action together. We cannot effectively tackle the problem in isolation. It is a transnational crime, and it requires a transnational response. We are working internationally on prevention through education and alleviating poverty, strengthening our borders and greater protection for victims.” The top five countries for trafficking, based on potential victims referred through the UK’s victim care system, are Nigeria, Vietnam, Romania, China and Slovakia. The top ten countries accounted for more than 64% of all referrals in 2011.
“We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America open to the dreams of an immigrant’s daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag” US President Barack Obama whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight. You can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.” By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
One in four British babies are children of immigrants - ONS
Twenty four percent of children born in the UK in 2011 are children of immigrants, an increase of two percentage points since 2007, a new report published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. This increase is caused by a 24 per cent rise in the number of women of childbearing age who were born outside the UK, and a fall of five per cent in the number of UK born women of childbearing age since 2007. Of the 808,000 births in the UK in 2011, 612,000 were to UK born women and 196,000 to non-UK born women. Fertility rates for non-UK born women are higher than for UK born women. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) for non-UK born women in 2011 was 2.28
children per woman, compared UK show that women born in with the rate for UK born women Pakistan have the highest fertiliof 1.89 children per woman. ty rates of these five individual However, the differences are maternal countries of birth, with narrowing over time, due to an around 180 births per thousand increase in the TFR of UK born women in 2011, compared with women and a decrease in the around 60 births per thousand for TFR of non-UK born women. UK born women. The report analyses ONS The impact of non-UK born births and population data from women on fertility is largest in the period 2007-2011. It investi- London. This is due to a high gates changes in births over time proportion of the childbearing and variation between areas of population in London being nonthe UK, as well as the differenc- UK born, and lower fertility of es between the fertility patterns UK born women in London than of UK born and non-UK born the UK average. women. The report also reveals that Poland is the most common non-UK maternal country of birth for 2011 UK births, with around 23, 000 births in 2011. It is the most comlatest immigration mon in each of the four and other news affecting UK countries and the Black Community on: London, reflecting the wide geographical distribution of women born in Poland. The report looks at the top five non-UK maternal countries of birth (Poland, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria). GFRs for the
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
The Refugee Children’s Consortium (RCC) has welcomed Education Select Committee’s report recommending that Department for Education should be given overall responsibility for the welfare of all children, including human trafficking victims and those seeking protection in the UK. The RCC is a group of NGOs working collaboratively to ensure that the rights and needs of refugee children are promoted, respected and met in accordance with the relevant domestic, regional and international standards. The Education Committee said that the child protection system in the UK is not meeting the needs of older children and must be reviewed urgently. It called for changes to ensure that all children are treated as children and that their interests are put first. Launching the report Education Committee Chair, Graham Stuart MP, said: “Care for older children is not good enough. They are let down too often,
frequently ignored or not listened to and can be pushed out of care too young and insufficiently prepared and supported. This has to change. “We also have particular concerns over the plight of trafficked and asylumseeking children. In all cases, these children must be treated as children first, and not just as either criminals or immigration cases. To ensure this happens, we want the Department for Education to take responsibility for the welfare of all children. We also want the Government to review the impact of immigration policy upon child protection.” Citing the report, Mr. Stuart said “it would be outrageous if destitution were to be used as a weapon against children because of their immigration status.” The RCC said the Committee’s report “sends a powerful signal that all children matter equally. The current two-tier system prevents some of the most vulnerable children from receiving the critical protection and support they need. We want to see an end to the practice of treating children as immigrants first and children second.”
Nominations open for 2013 Migrant and Refugee Woman of the Year Awards Nominations are now open for the 2013 Migrant and Refugee Woman of the Year Awards.
The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate women who having migrated or fled persecution themselves, find time to provide essential support and inspiring leadership at grassroots level to others attempting to start a new life in the UK. In 2012, the inaugural awards were held on International Women’s Day at the Royal Festival Hall. Three exceptional women were recognised – Nazek Ramadan, Luljeta Nuzi and Clara Osagiede. There are two categories for the 2013 Awards: Migrant and Refugee Woman of the Year and Young Migrant and Refugee Woman of the Year, for those who will be aged 30 or under on 8th March 2013. Any woman who self-defines as a migrant or refugee is eligible to be nominated for the awards. She needs to be nominated by someone who knows her work well and two further people must agree to be referees. She must consent to be nominated and have been actively involved in
community work in the UK during the last 12 months. Community can mean many things – for example, it may be defined geographically, on the grounds of country of origin, or it may be a community of interest. Women nominated do not have to lead nor work within a legally constituted organisation. The nominee’s work does not need to have been with or for women, or on gender issues, but it must have supported migrants and or refugees to settle in the UK. Nominees can be paid workers or volunteers. The winners will be presented with their award at a high profile ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in March 2013. Their community or organisation will receive a donation to spend on community work as they see fit and they will also be offered professional development and mentoring support. For further information about the Migrant and Refugee Woman of the Year Awards and to download a nomination form please visit www.awards.migrantforum.org.uk or contact Beth Crosland - awards@mrcf.org.uk Nominations close at 5pm on 7th December 2012.
©Stockbrokerxtra
Education Committee: Treat asylum seeking children as children first
The RCC also welcomed the Committee’s call for a review into how immigration policy affects the protection of children and their rights. “Despite the government’s assurance,
the evidence clearly shows it has a long way to go to before children’s best interests are truly at the heart of all decisions made about them,” the RCC said.
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COVER
New book examines Mandela’s legacy and South Africa’s future “The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future” by Martin Plaut shows how despite divisions and inequalities in South Africa, Mandela united the nation, defusing tensions and avoiding a potential civil war. The author asks several questions including: Was Mandela unique? Can the heirs to his leadership build on his legacy - or will the country edge back towards chaos? In “The Mandela Legacy”, Mr. Plaut examines the wisdom and vision of the leadership of South Africa today - and what the future holds for the country. Can such a wealthy and developed nation continue to be undermined by corruption and inequality? Can a fractious African National Congress (ANC) hold itself and society together? Will Mandela’s ulti-
mate legacy be a triumph - or a tragedy? Mr. Plaut is currently Africa Editor for the BBC World Service News. Drawing on years of reporting, Mr. Plaut shines a light upon a fascinating country at a crucial period of its history in an essay which encompasses economics, politics and investigative journalism. Mr. Plaut has reported from most of East Africa, as well as some parts of West Africa, and specialises in the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa. For two years he was an Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, leading their A f r i c a research pro- Author: Martin Plaut gramme and Publisher: Endeavour continues to September 2012 be an active Priced £1.99 in eBook member.
UN Photo
A new book examines how Nelson Mandela united South Africans after the isolation of the apartheid era, helping the country to flourish politically and economically.
Mr. Nelso
“The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future” Press format
Interview with Martin Plaut, author of “The Mandela Legacy”
Mandela’s greatest present to South Africa was leaving office Martin Plaut, the Africa Editor for the BBC World Service News has published a new book titled “The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future”. In this exclusive interview with The AfroNews, he shares his views about the former South African President Nelson Mandela and the current state of South Africa. Why did you decide to write this book at this particular moment? Mr Mandela is not getting any
younger and rumours of his ill-health abound. Of course I am not predicting his demise, but one has to prepare for his death – as one would for any major leader. Like everyone else I have enormous respect and affection for Mr. Mandela. At the same time he would be the first to admit that he was not a saint and made mistakes, but he is still the most important figure to come out of South Africa in the second half of the 20th century. The various scandals in South Africa have tarnished the country’s image and led some to ask just what it was that made it so special in the 1990’s. For these reasons it is important to look back and assess the Mandela legacy. The
answer I came up with (and everyone will have their own take on the issue) is the South African Constitution, which embeds fundamental freedoms in it. But a Constitution is really only as strong as the society that supports it – as we can see from Africa’s post-colonial situation. This is why I attempted to assess how it has fared since Mr. Mandela left the presidency. From your experience in South Africa, where would you say the country is heading to? South Africa is not in a good position at present. Like political parties across the world, the ANC has found political
office corrosive. The huge respect it had earned for helping end apartheid is gradually wearing thin. Just like Kanu in Kenya or Unip in Zambia the idea of a ‘national movement’ that represents the whole nation cannot be sustained indefinitely. There is too much cronyism and corruption in the South African government to sustain it, while in-fighting has left the ANC tired and bereft of new ideas. It needs to lose office so that it can renew itself in opposition – like any other democratic party in the world. Can the main opposition party – the Democratic Alliance sweep it from office? Probably not at the next election, but perhaps at the one after that.
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COVER
“The most important qualities he (Mandela) has that other African leaders lack are discipline and modesty. Mr Mandela always said he was a servant of the ANC and would be led by its decisions. And he meant it – even when he did not agree with his party. This embedded him in the movement and he did not attempt to tower over it” Mr. Martin Plaut, Author of “The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future”
on Mandela, the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela may be out of power but his presence is still influencing South Africa’s political decisions. Any idea of what South Africa could have become without Mandela? I don’t agree that Mr. Mandela still influences South Africa’s political decisions. He has – rightly – asked to leave the political scene to spend time with his family and his grandchildren in particular. As a result he plays no observable role in the decisions the country
takes. That does not mean that he does not add legitimacy to the ANC through his presence or that his perceived influence cannot be called on to support particular positions. But his era is over and he has passed the mantle of government on to others. What are Mandela’s main leadership qualities which many South African and other African leaders lack? The most important qualities he has that other African
leaders lack are discipline and modesty. Mr. Mandela always said he was a servant of the ANC and would be led by its decisions. And he meant it – even when he did not agree with his party. This embedded him in the movement and he did not attempt to tower over it. As a result there was a healthy relationship between the president and his party, something other African leaders could learn from. But perhaps his greatest present to South Africa was leaving office. In so doing he proved that his country
could get on without him and unlike so many other African presidents did not think he was indispensable. After Mandela, which South African president will ever be able to argue that he has to hang on to office election after election, for the good of his country? Any other comment? South Africa is remarkably resilient but it is trading on its heritage. The economy is not generating the jobs its people so badly need. Poverty is still
endemic and the future is therefore cloudy. There is no consensus on how to bring about reform, even if all sides accept there are failures. Racial identity is still firmly entrenched, even if racism is outlawed. You cannot legislate for people to like each other, or see each other as legitimate citizens with a common destiny. Sometimes – in sport – the country really unites, but there is too little of this in its daily life. By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
Small grants programme launched to empower migrants Metropolitan Migration Foundation has launched a small grants programme to empower migrants, and the communities in which they live, to create opportunities for positive change.
Small grants of up to £5,000 will be available for projects that support migrants in the areas of highest need, including housing, advocacy, ESOL provision, employment and tackling the issue of human trafficking. “We want to fund activities that help migrants engage in civil society, to access UK services and jobs, and to take an active role in improving conditions for themselves, their communities and their neighbourhoods,” said Paul Birtill, Director of the Metropolitan Migration Foundation. “Our vision is a society that celebrates the constructive contribution that
migrants make to local and national development.” Mr. Birtill said they were delighted to launch the small grants programme because they “know it will help communities to make this vision a reality.” The Foundation will prioritise applications from the areas in which Metropolitan works: London, East of England, East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Applications outside these areas will also be considered where they offer something unique. Grants will be awarded on a bimonthly basis and first round applications close on 30th November 2012. For more information about the small grants programme, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.metropolitan.org.uk/small-grants-programme/
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SPECIAL UK LEGAL GUIDE
THE GUIDE
MANUAL ON CHILD PROTECTION FOR AFRICAN PARENTS IN THE UK
Leaving Children Home Alone
The absence of extended family members in the UK and the usual support they give in raising children back home leaves many African parents isolated and in a dilemma regarding how to cope with childcare. Many parents have therefore been in trouble with the law as a result of leaving their children home alone, only for those children to end up being harmed as a result.
Leaving children alone comes under the child abuse category of “Neglect”. Our research shows that children of African origin are becoming over represented in the child protection system especially under the categories of “Physical Abuse” and “Neglect”. Even though there is no minimum age at which children can be left alone, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk of harm. Under The Children and Young Persons Act 1933, parents in England and Wales can be prosecuted for wilful neglect if they leave a child unsupervised “in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health”. The law does not give details of what amounts to wilful neglect, unnecessary suffering or injury to he-
alth - but punishment can range from a fine to 10 years imprisonment. There are many important things to decide before leaving a child alone. For example, a child of 12 years could be more matured than a child of 14 years and could be well capable of self-care. Children with disability should not be left alone prior to the age of 16 because they might be incapable of looking after themselves. Most children left alone must know how to get help, must not be left alone for a long period – for example no longer than 30 minutes and must know what to do in case of an emergency. Children should also not be left alone with a child-minder or baby-sitter younger than 16 years. The practice of using children as domestic servants is therefore not only wrong and illegal in itself; it can also put your own child at risk of harm. Other Key Points To Consider Before Leaving Children Alone • Is the child old or matured enough? • How long will the child be left alone? For example, is it okay to leave a 15 year old alone for a week or a 6 year old overnight? • Where will the child be left? • How often will the child be left? • Will the child be with other children?
• Is it okay to allow children to play outdoors for a long period? • Is it acceptable to allow children to go out without knowing where they are going or who they are with?
• Instruct them about what to do in an emergency. For example, they must know how to contact the emergency services • Prepare meals for your children before going out so they would not have to use the cooker with the potential of causing a fire or getting burnt • Put obvious dangers out of the reach of children for example, sharp objects like knives, also plastic bags, medicine and matches • Make sure that your child is happy with the arrangements and confident about being left • Have a discussion about it afterwards to ensure everything went well
If you have to leave your children alone • Make sure your child knows the exact details of where you are going and when you are going to return • Call home on a very regular basis to check on the children. Talk to each child separately to make sure they are all fine. • If you are not expecting anyone to visit the home when you are not around, make sure you tell your children • Leave a contact phone number and make sure you answer if it does ring • Your children must • It is an offence to leave children alone if know what to do to keep doing so puts them at risk of harm safe in the house. They • Some older children are more matured and must know the potential can be left alone. Others might not be dangers, what to do and • Children with a disability should not be left what not to do alone as they might require continuous care • They must not an- and support swer the door to anyone. • Make sure your child is happy and confiThey must only answer dent with being left alone the door to someone they • If you have to leave your child alone, know you have specifically asked to check on them please consider all our suggestions above because you are not there before doing so
Key Points to Remember
Children And The Internet The law does not give an age at which children are allowed to go on the internet. However, children can be exposed to a lot of dangerous material on the internet and it is important for them to be protected from such dangers. If they are old enough, parents must sit down and talk to their children about the “Dos” and Don’ts” of being on a social networking site, so they can protect themselves from abuse and harm.
chance to find out what interests them, and prepare you for potential dangers they may face. By showing interest, they would be more likely to talk to you about any problems they have online. • Set boundaries. Do not allow your child lengthy unsupervised time alone on the internet. Set controls on chat rooms and social sites so that they can be protected from “grooming”. • Computers and Internet devices should be kept where you can monitor Some useful tips on Protecting them. It is important to always be viChildren Online gilant of your child’s activities online • Talk to your child about their acti- and giving them access in their bedrovities online: This will also give you a oms or play areas can be dangerous. • Keep up to date with technology. As your child grows, he/she learns new skills even quicker than you do! Therefore, it is • The law does not say how old a child important that you retain should be before they can join a social net- control of the technology working site. It is up to you to ensure your available at home. child is protected. • Use parental controls. • If they are old enough, you must talk to Parental controls are a goyour child about the “Dos” and Donts” of od way of limiting your child’s activities online. It being on the internet is not just about blocking • Always set parental controls for internet usage. Learn how to do this to protect your or locking access to certain sites but they help to set child online boundaries• Not everyone online is who they said they appropriate giving your child some are. Protect your child from online groom- freedom to explore, whiing by instructing them never to give out le filtering out unwanted, their personal details on the internet or to dangerous material. Learn anyone they meet online how to set your internet
Key Points to Remember
parental controls. • Ensure your child is aware that not everyone is who they say they are. You must train your child not to engage in conversations with strangers. However, if the situation arises, it is paramount that they are aware that not everyone online is who they say they are. It is also important they understand never to give out their personal information such as name, addresses, telephone numbers or schools they attend. • Know what to do if something goes wrong. Just as in the offline world, you want to help your child when they need it. Therefore, it is important to know when and how to report any problem. If you believe your child is at risk, you must inform the Police. Bullying UK said they have had experiences of young people using the internet who have been persuaded into dangerous situations by adults. This is an offence called “grooming”. Internet safety tips for your child • Never give out your real name • Never tell anyone where you go to school • Only meet someone from a chatroom in a public place with one of your parents or another adult. If they are genuinely who they say they are they will be happy to do this • Never give out your address or telephone number • Never agree to meet anyone from
a chatroom on your own • Tell an adult if someone makes inappropriate suggestions to you or makes you feel uncomfortable online Danger signs • If the person tries to insist on having your address or phone number • If the person emails you pictures which make you feel uncomfortable and which you would not want to show to anyone else • If the person wants to keep their chats with you secret • If the person tells you that you will get into trouble if you tell an adult what has been going on • If the person wants you to email them pictures of yourself or use a webcam in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable • If the person shares information with you and tells you not to tell anyone else about it • If the person wants to meet you and tells you not to let anyone know (From www.bullying.co.uk) You can read more about protecting children online at www.bullying.co.uk or at www.nspcc.co.uk An extract from “Manual On Child Protection For African Parents in the UK” by Africans Unite against Child Abuse (AFRUCA). To be continued in next edition.
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5 WAYS TO SEND & RECEIVE MONEY
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More than one type of consumer, more than one way to send. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identiďŹ cation requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Western Union Payment Services Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Š2012 Western Union Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.
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CARIBBEAN NEWS
More migrating from EU to Latin America & Caribbean There has been a marked increase in migration from the European Union (EU) to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and a marked decrease in the number of LAC migrants entering the EU, a new report shows. The EU-funded IOM study “Migratory routes and dynamics among Latin America and Caribbean countries (LAC) and between LAC and the European Union,” attributes the shift to the economic crisis affecting the EU, and in particular Spain, the main destination country for LAC nationals. According to the report, in 2008 and 2009, more than 107,000 Europeans, including dual nationals, left their home countries to live in a LAC country. Most went to Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela and Mexico. The main source countries were Spain (47,701), Germany (20,926), Netherlands (17,168) and Italy (15,701.) According to the report, the largest
group were young, single Spanish and Portuguese men with higher levels of education in social sciences or civil engineering, who emigrated to LAC countries hoping to advance their careers. While the study confirms that migratory flows from LAC countries to the EU have gradually increased since 2000, they decreased from a peak of some 400,000 in 2006 to 229,000 in 2009. But it notes that almost 4.29 million
New ideas and ways needed to address climate change - Clarke J a m a i c a ’ s Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Hon. Roger Clarke, has said that substantial new resources, new ideas and new ways of doing business are needed to address the challenges of climate change.
Mr. Clarke made the call while addressing delegates at a two-day Caribbean AgroMeteorological Initiative (CAMI) Conference in Kingston on November 5. He defined climate-smart agriculture as “agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, resilience, reduces or removes greenhouse gases, while enhancing the achievement of national food security and development goals.” Mr. Clarke said Jamaica has “created a country concept document for the Climate Change Adaptation Fund, to achieve the goal of climatesmart agriculture by enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector by improving water and land management in select communities.” He outlined several initiatives that the Ministry will be pursuing under the project, one of which is to establish a micro-dam in northern Manchester. The Minister also stated that the project will establish 50 rainwater harvesting and 60
small scale gravity irrigation systems in selected communities in the parishes of Trelawny, St. Mary, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Thomas and Clarendon. Other initiatives include the establishment and rehabilitation of the soil conservation and land husbandry infrastructures in northern Clarendon; building the capacity of vulnerable farming communities for better land and water management by establishing climate-smart farmer field school lots in selected communities; training extension staff and farmers in climate-smart agricultural techniques and proper soil and water conservation methods; and conducting workshops and field days for farmer training in water and land management. The CAMI project began in 2009 and had as its main goal, to increase and sustain agricultural productivity at the farm level in Caribbean countries through improved dissemination and application of weather and climate information. It is supported by 10 Caribbean States and received a grant of Euro 1.11 million from the European Union through the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) Science and Technology programme. By Andrea Braham, JIS News
people from LAC countries still reside in the EU, notably in Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy and France, and almost 1.25 million EU citizens are currently living in LAC countries. The study also highlights the importance of intra-regional migration. It notes that over four million migrants residing in LAC come from another country in the region. Most come from Colombia,
Nicaragua, Paraguay, Haiti, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. The main countries of destination for intra-regional migrants are Argentina, Venezuela, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Touching on the link between migration and development, the study notes that women in particular have been pioneers in migration from LAC to the EU, and the remittances they send back to their families in their home countries have been essential to development in the region. Remittances from the EU to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) reached USD 7.25 billion in 2010. Those from CELAC to the EU were USD 4.66 billion. Remittance flows inside the CELAC region reached USD 4.57 billion in 2010, with Colombia, Nicaragua and Paraguay benefiting most from remittances sent by their nationals working in Venezuela, Costa Rica and Argentina.
Crime has hindered Jamaica’s economic progress - Bunting Jamaica’s Minister of National Security, Hon. Peter Bunting, has said that while the country’s crime rate is trending down, the high crime over the last 40 years has cost the country dearly, in terms of economic development. “Conservatively, if we had not had the crime rate that we have had over (the) last four decades, we would have three times the size economy we are at now, and perhaps, as much as 10 times the size economy that we are at now. That would put us on par with a first world country,” Mr. Bunting said. He was addressing Jamaicans in the UK at a community meeting held recently at the Jamaican High Commission in London. “Because we have had an above average violent crime rate for at least four decades, the estimates that some of our professors have done is that, cumulatively, it has cost us 60 to 90 per cent of where we would, otherwise, have been in terms of our GDP and the size of our economy,” he stated. This, the National Security Minister said, is in addition to the pain, grief and suffering of the victims and their families.
Stating that there has been a 30 per cent reduction in the country’s murder rate over the past two to three years, Mr. Bunting informed that the “big audacious goal” is to bring the murder rate down from the current 42 per 100,000 to 12 per 100,000 by the year 2016. This, he said, would represent an almost 75 per cent reduction and would bring Jamaica on par with what obtains in a first world country. Minister Bunting noted, however, that in order to achieve the target, the country must address some challenges. These, he said, include reducing Jamaica’s attractiveness as a transhipment point for drugs into North America and Europe. In addition, he said, there needs to be greater respect for law and order in the society. “We have to challenge those dysfunctional elements of our culture that have developed over time and have made Jamaica a good place for criminals to do business,” he stated. Minister Bunting cited the impact of the lotto scam, which he said is glamourised by some sections of the popular culture but seriously exploits vulnerable victims, poses a risk to the country’s call centre and tourist indus-
tries and is responsible for some 50 per cent of the murders committed in Montego Bay. The National Security Minister said a number of new initiatives have been introduced to counter the scam, including a new Major Organised Crime and Anti-corruption Unit (MOCA), which is being set up with support from the UK and the United States. In addition, legislative measures are being undertaken to target the crime kingpins, take the profit out of crime, make it easier to obtain DNA evidence, and to facilitate the use of videolink during court proceedings. He said emphasis is also being placed on social interventions, which involves going into the most volatile communities and targeting at risk-youths, who are being recruited by criminal gangs, diverting them back into the education system and job training. Minister Bunting said while the goal is to reduce the overall crime rate, efforts are also being made to address the use of force by the police. He said there have already been positive developments in this area. By Vivienne Siva, JIS News
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AFRICAN NEWS
World Bank: Africa can feed itself and avoid food crises The continent would also generate an extra US$20 billion in yearly earnings if African leaders can agree to dismantle trade barriers that blunt more regional dynamism, the report “Africa Can Help Feed Africa: Removing barriers to regional trade in food staples” argues. With as many as 19 million people living with the threat of hunger and malnutrition in West Africa’s Sahel region, the World Bank report urges African lead-
“Africa has the ability to grow and deliver good quality food to put on the dinner tables of the continent’s families. However, this potential is not being realized because farmers face more trade barriers in getting their food to market than anywhere else in the world. Too often borders get in the way of getting food to homes and communities which are struggling with too little to eat” Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa
ers to improve trade so that food can move more freely between countries and from fertile areas to those where communities are suffering food shortages. The World Bank expects demand for food in Africa to double by the year 2020 as people increasingly leave the countryside and move to the continent’s cities. The report shows that rapid urbanization will challenge the ability of farmers to ship their cereals and other foods to consumers when the nearest trade market is just across a national border. Countries south of the Sahara, for example, could significantly boost their food trade over the next several years to manage the deadly impact of worsening drought, rising food prices, rapid population growth, and volatile weather patterns. With many African farmers effectively cut off from the high-yield seeds, and the affordable fertilizers and pesticides needed to expand their crop production, the continent has turned to foreign imports to meet its growing needs in staple foods. “Africa has the ability to grow and deliver good quality food to put on the dinner tables of the continent’s families,” says Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa. “However, this potential is not being realized because farmers face more trade barriers in getting their food to market than anywhere else in
©World Bank
Africa’s farmers can potentially grow enough food to feed the continent and avert future food crises if countries remove cross-border restrictions on the food trade within the region, says new World Bank report.
Kenyan women take a break after harvesting the world. Too often borders get in the way of getting food to homes and communities which are struggling with too little to eat.” The new report suggests that if the continent’s leaders can embrace more dynamic inter-regional trade, Africa’s farmers, the majority of whom are women, could potentially meet the continent’s rising demand and benefit from a major growth opportunity. It would also create more jobs in services such as distribution, while reducing poverty and cutting back on expensive food imports. Africa’s production of staple foods is worth at least US$50 billion a year. Moreover, the new report notes that only five percent of all cereals imported
by African countries come from other African countries while huge tracts of fertile land, around 400 million hectares, remain uncultivated and yields remain a fraction of those obtained by farmers elsewhere in the world. “The key challenge for the continent is how to create a competitive environment in which governments embrace credible and stable policies that encourage private investors and businesses to boost food production across the region, so that farmers get the capital, the seeds, and the machinery they need to become more efficient, and families get enough good food at the right price,” says Paul Brenton, World Bank’s Lead Economist for Africa and principal author of the report.
Oxfam calls for an end to risky malaria scheme Oxfam has warned that a scheme designed as a “silver bullet” to fight malaria could actually be endangering lives because medicines are being distributed by unqualified shopkeepers and hawkers rather than trained health workers. In a new report, “Salt, Sugar and Malaria Pills”, the international agency says the Affordable Medicine Facility for malaria (AMFm) has shown no concrete evidence that it has been effective at saving the lives of the most vulnerable, or in delaying drug resistance. Despite backing by the Global Fund, Oxfam believes the AMFm, which is currently being piloted in seven countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania (and Zanzibar), and Cambodia), is skewing investment away from more
effective solutions. Dr. Mohga Kamal Yanni, Oxfam’s senior health policy advisor, says: “It is dangerous to put the lives of sick children in the hands of a shopkeeper with no medical training and to pursue a scheme that doesn’t help those people who need it the most.” The AMFm was created to tackle malaria by subsidizing the cost of Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT), currently the most effective antimalarial treatment, and promoting their sale through the private sector. Oxfam says using untrained and unsupervised drug sellers poses a very high risk of misdiagnosis, given that malaria incidence is decreasing and therefore fevers are likely to be due to other causes. Some studies show that 60 per cent of fevers are not malarial.
“A shopkeeper selling salt, pepper and malaria medicines cannot diagnose or treat a child with pneumonia,” says Dr. Kamal Yanni. A recent evaluation described the AMFm as a ‘game changer’ that had increased availability and market share and decreased price, but gave no evidence of how many confirmed cases of malaria had been treated. Oxfam says the evaluation failed to concretely measure whether medicines were reaching the most vulnerable populations, like children living in poor and remote areas. It also ignored evidence from countries like Ethiopia where malaria deaths have halved in the last three years thanks to investment in community health workers. According to Oxfam, the AMFm has
also caused excessive orders of ACT based on commercial interest rather than clinical needs. In Zanzibar, for example, the private sector ordered 150,000 treatments, in a country where less than 2,500 cases of malaria were reported in a year. Oxfam is calling for the AMFm to be brought to an end at the Board meeting of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on 14th & 15th November 2012. “There is no cheap option or short cut to combat malaria,” says Dr. Kamal Yanni. “The AMFm is a dangerous distraction from genuine solutions like investing in community health workers, who have slashed the number of malarial deaths in countries such as Zambia and Ethiopia. The Global Fund board must act on the evidence and put a stop to the AMFm now.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
Reggae sing-jay Kashu aspires to become music legend Neo-roots Reggae sing-jay Kashu is one of the new famous musicians to emerge out of the Jamaican Reggae industry.
What is your greatest music desire? My greatest desire in music is to cement a place among the music icons and be considered a music legend by the end of my career.
This artiste’s dream is to create a sense of satisfaction in persons listening to his music. Formerly known as ‘Cashew Man,’ Kashu hails from the parish of Clarendon, home of other well known and respected Jamaican Reggae stalwarts such as Everton Blender, Freddie McGregor and Cocoa Tea, in a district known as Toll Gate. His career propelled in 2001, after winning an island-wide talent search competition called “Reggae Trail.” His music has since impacted the lives of music lovers across regions where Reggae music is popular and has earned him performances not only across Jamaica but internationally. Multi-talented and noticeably fashion conscious, this Rastafarian artiste spends much of his time engaged in other artistic, sporting and constructive activities. Kashu is an ardent lover of football or soccer, a certified Construction Engineer and has made a cameo appearance in the movie “Out the Gate” featuring popular local actors Paul Campbell and Oliver Samuels. Smitten by his pleasant personality and impressed with his versatility, New Image Promotion (N.I.P.) asked Kashu about himself and his music. Check out how he responded below. We have heard a lot about you but really want to ask simply questions like, what is your favourite dish? Steamed fish and steamed bammy. What is your most comfortable dress code as a Rasta man?
©Silver Merick Studio
I am very dynamic in the way I dress, so I just go with how I feel on any given day.
You have performed across Jamaica as well as Long Beach California and Massachusetts in United States, Sundance Festival in The Netherlands and a performance in France, which of these performances is most memorable and why? My most memorable performance was in The Netherlands at the Sundance Festival. Why? The crowd’s reaction and how they received me was a pleasant surprise. What has been your most memorable ‘fan moment’? After my performance in France, some fans approached me with several lyrics from my songs and repeated one of my slogans (Hakuna Matata), that was cool. Thanks Kashu, good luck with your career and we will continue to enjoy listening to tracks such as “Double Love”, “Da Case Deh” and “The System” and encourage others to do so. Thank you too. In what regions are you aware, your music most penetrates?
What are your most treasured memories in music?
Europe, North America, Africa, Canada the Caribbean and beyond.
The very first time I travelled abroad to perform.
KASHU’S LINKS
What are your best fatherhood moments?
Which international Reggae artiste who is not Jamaican do you enjoy listening to most?
http://www.twitter.com/kashuja http://www.facebook.com/kashuja https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ kashu/id534646736
Getting my kids together and spending quality time with them.
Gentleman.
By New Image Promotion
Obi Emelonye to shoot an Igbo film Ta l e n t e d film producer Obi Emelonye is preparing to shoot an Igbo movie. Obi, who is known for producing top-of-therange films, disclosed this to
Nollywoodgossip. “I have been postponing it for a while now, but it keeps keeping me awake at night. My people need me. So here you have it,” the producer of “Last Flight to Abuja” told Delia Innoma. Explaining why he chose an Igbo flick this time the man who gave the world “The Mirror Boy” said: “It’s just something different. I have been wanting to do this movie for a long time now, even
before “The Mirror Boy”. I guess the time is right. It will not be an expensive project but it will be of quality.” Obi also revealed that the new film will be shot in London. Auditions will take place this month in Woolwich, so if you live in the UK and you can speak Igbo, start getting ready for the auditions. By Delia Innoma, Nollywoodgossip
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ENTERTAINMENT
Zouk star Suzanna Lubrano nominated for Kora Award Cape Verdean Zouk artist Suzanna Lubrano has been nominated once again for the prestigious Kora All Africa Music Award - the African equivalent of the Grammy. Nine years ago, Suzanna won the Kora Award for “Best African Female Artist” of the year. This year, she is nominated for “Best Artist of West Africa”. Five other nominees including Senegalese Vivian N’Dour, will fight it out with Suzanna for the “Best Artist of West Africa” title. There are 24 regional categories within the award ceremony. Nominees in other categories include Khaled, Magic System, D’Banj, Aster Aweke and Zahara. The Diaspora categories house names such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Tanya St. Val, who have all been nominated. Kora Awards, founded in 1994 by businessman Ernest Adjovi from Benin, is considered the most prestigious panAfrican music award, partly because they take maximum account of the great cultural diversity on the African continent. In earlier awards ceremonies, Nelson Mandela, Michael Jackson and Miriam
Makeba have made an appearance. This year the awards ceremony will be held on 29th December in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, and will include an appearance by Chris Brown. With a music career of some 17 years, Suzanna Lubrano is very popular in Portuguese-speaking Africa and the global LambadaZouk and Kizomba dance scene. Her latest release, “Tardi Di Mas”, is also a hit in several Francophone countries and territories in Africa and the Caribbean. Apart from Kora Award 2003, Suzanna has won numerous other music awards, including the Museke Online African Music Award 2010 for “Best African Artist in Diaspora” and the Cabo Verde Music Award 2011 for “Best Zouk” of the year. Several of her albums, have also reached gold and platinum status in Lusophone Africa.
Suzanna Lubrano, songstress with a honey-like voice receives second Kora Award nomination
Ngoma Africa Band growing stronger and stronger Ngoma Africa Band, a German based Tanzanian band is now one of the oldest and most successful African bands in Germany. Many African bands in Europe hardly survive for more than a year. Yet Ngoma Africa Band, founded by Ebrahim Makunja aka Ras Makunja in 1993, is still growing stronger. The band plays “Bongo Dance”,
which is a unique combination of traditional and modern Tanzanian rhythms with Congolese Soukous and Rumba. All theirs songs are in Kiswahili. Ngoma Africa Band has released several successful hits including “Mama Kimwaga” (Sugar Mummy), “AntiCorruption Squad” and “Apache wacha Pombe” (Stop over drinking). In 2010 Ngoma Africa Band released a single in praise of Tanzania’s President
Jakaya Kikwete. The song titled “Jakaya Kikwete 2010” praises Mr. Kikwete’s good leadership skills and commitment to fight corruption. On 12th August 2012, Ngoma Africa Band received the International Diaspora Award (IDA) at the International African Festival Tubingen 2012, Germany, for their hard work in promoting East African music throughout Europe. Ms. Susan Muyang Tatah, CEO of the International African Festival Tubingen 2012 said Ngoma Africa Band was also chosen for the Award because of their creative performance on stage. It’s difficult to resist dancing at their concerts, she said. This year the band released a new CD titled “Bongo Tambarare” featuring “Supu ya Mawe” and “Uhuru wa Habari”. The new release is already dominating air waves in Tanzania. “Supu ya Mawe” advices the listeners to work hard and be patient while pursuing their objectives in life. It also appeals for generosity towards the needy. “Uhuru wa Habari” praises African journalists who are bold enough to speak out the truth in environments where freedom of speech is quite limited. Ngoma Africa Band is famous for staging thrilling shows in festivals in different parts of Europe. The band’s joyful
female dancers, wearing traditional costumes and dancing vigorously to their tunes, always leave fans asking for more. Ngoma Africa Band is composed of talented young musicians including soloist Christian Bakotessa aka Chris-B, Said Vuai, Matondo Benda, Jonathan Sousa, A-Jay, Richard Makutima, Bedi Bella and Jessy Ouyah. For further information about Ngoma Africa Band and to listen to their music, please visit www.ngoma-africa.com. By Stephen Ogongo Ongong’a
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COMMENTARY
The Paralympics and Race If the Paralympics have changed the way people view disability, did the Games change the way we see race? asks Frances Mensah Williams Like millions of others, I spent a good part of the summer glued to the exciting Olympic and Paralympic Games. Packed with drama and human interest stories, only the stone-hearted could fail to be moved by the heroic efforts made by athletes who have sacrificed so much to take part and to win. In sharp contrast to our highly paid footballers, who seem to have come off very badly in PR terms when compared with these considerably less wealthy competitors, we witnessed individuals who have spent years undergoing relentless training regimes, conquering pain, injuries and disabilities, and all for only a few minutes in a pool or a few seconds on the track. But, increasingly, what struck me so many times as I watched the Games was race. I’m not talking about the kind of race run by the legend Usain Bolt, but about the sheer number of black and mixed race athletes that shaped the British team. I couldn’t help wondering whether the crowds cheering them round the track would be just as cheery to them on the street.
a major factor in changing perceptions on disability. Because knowing their stories showed that they are just like us - just considerably fitter. By enabling us to really see people beyond their external differences, the perception of ‘otherness’ that breeds discrimination was itself disabled. Today, the gorgeous Oscar Pistorius is an international icon and we have become familiar with the enchanting Ellie Simmonds, admired the speed of Jonnie Peacock and marvelled at the magnificence of David Weir.
Removing the Race Factor This still leaves me wondering about
“The Paralympics, at its peak, was watched by 12 million people. If everyone who watched and was inspired by the athletes of colour changed how they view other people of colour, what a difference that would also make” Ms. Frances Mensah Williams, Editor of ReConnect Africa.com
Changing Perceptions According to Lord Coe, the London 2012 Chairman, the Paralympics have had a transformational effect on people’s attitudes to disability. “I don’t think anyone will ever see sport in the same way again – or disability,” he said. “I genuinely think we’ve had a seismic effect on shifting attitudes.” His view was confirmed by an Ipsos MORI poll after the Games in which more than 80% of those questioned said they now viewed disabled people in a positive light. Perception is a funny thing and, to my mind, familiarity can often breed comfort rather than contempt. Learning about the people behind the disabilities and knowing their stories was, I believe,
explosive result of marginalisation and frustration are forgotten at our peril. The riots in 2011 were, for the most part, not about race; but for certain sections of the community, the growing inequality of our society can often have a racial bias. It’s not just about politics and politicians; employers also have a part to play. New academic research has shown that the ethnic pay gap in Britain has widened over the past two decades in favour of white workers. According to researchers Malcolm Brynin and Ayse Güveli from the University of Essex, this is likely to be the result of occupational differences rather than direct pay discrimination. Barriers to entry into higher level jobs could include discrimination in the selection process or the prevalence of
race. If the Paralympics have changed the way people view disability, did the Games change the way we see race? Only a year ago, London was under the global spotlight for very different reasons. The riots that took place across parts of the country highlighted our divisions rather than our unity and brought to the fore questions about poverty, inequality and race relations. The questions appear to have been buried under the far more positive stories of the London 2012 Games but the factors that led to the
traditional job choices within some communities, Brynin says, explaining that “the problem for ethnic minority workers is that they can find it harder to get into higher paid occupations.” Proactive steps can be taken to address the reality of unconscious bias within the recruitment process, Brynin suggests. Having more ethnic minority role models in certain occupations and encouraging universities to highlight different career options are measures that could help redress the imbalance.
The Games - a Game Changer? It seems then that the more people associate success with racial minorities, the more that these unconscious biases can be shifted. Not so long ago, my friends and I would laugh ruefully at how the fickle British press would embrace a successful Black person as ‘one of us’ and quickly tag a troublesome one as ‘Jamaican-born’ or ‘originally from Nigeria’ or whichever country was involved. Today, Somali-born Mo Farah is accepted as being as British as he feels he is and anyone who says different risks the wrath of this same media. October is celebrated as Black History Month in the UK and it has been an opportune time to reflect on how attitudes and perceptions towards racial minorities can continue to be improved. Without losing the positivity engendered by the Olympics, we need to stay mindful of the challenges we still face in bridging the inequality gap and addressing the issue of race. Remarking on the change in attitude that the Paralympics have brought, Richard Hawkes of the disability charity Scope said: “If everyone did one thing differently coming out of the Games, what a difference that would make.” The Paralympics, at its peak, was watched by 12 million people. If everyone who watched and was inspired by the athletes of colour changed how they view other people of colour, what a difference that would also make. As we celebrate the Black heroes of history and of today, let’s hope that the goodwill that these Games and its inspiring athletes have generated lives on, and that the Olympic legacy includes a new way of looking at Britons with a different colour skin. Frances Mensah Williams is the Editor of ReConnect Africa.com and author of ‘Everyday Heroes – Learning from the Careers of Successful Black Professionals’. Available online from www.everyday-heroes.co.uk and on order through booksellers.
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LIFESTYLE & RELIGION
Archbishop Sentamu launches Living Wage Rate for UK The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu together with Julia Unwin CBE Chief Executive of Joseph Rowntree Foundation/Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust have launched the UK Living Wage. The UK Living Wage is calculated by the Centre of Research in Social Policy and is based on work on Minimum Income Standards, carried out over four years by the JRF. On 5th November 2012, JRF announced the rate for the UK outside of London as £7.45. On the same day, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, announced the new rate for London as £8.55. The Living Wage rate is designed so that recipients have a basic quality of life for themselves and their families. The Archbishop said: “I recently sponsored a Fairness Commission in York and one of the Commission’s key recommendations was to call for a Living Wage to be introduced across the city. Introducing a Living Wage recognises that people should be paid a fair wage for
a fair day’s work. We need to value each and every person, rather than cutting adrift those unfortunate enough to find themselves at the bottom. “Paying a decent wage for our workers is a sign that as a nation – publicly, privately, corporately and individually – we recognise the unique contribution of others to the common good.” Archbishop Sentamu noted that one out of five workers in the UK are not paid a Living Wage. “That is an absolute scandal – given the wealth of our nation,” he said. He warned that the UK will not be made stronger by impoverishing others. “Whether that is by offering unpaid internships and work experience to young people – or by freezing Minimum Wage levels for the poorest – the end result is that our society, our communities and our nation become sicker and less cohesive as a result,” Archbishop Sentamu said. He described the youth unemployment and pay inequality as the “new social evils that we need to stand together to tackle.” “The fact that poverty pay is allowed
to exist in the 21st century is a national disgrace. These two insidious giants must be slain,” Archbishop Sentamu added. The Archbishop of York said one can judge how healthy a society is by observing how it treats the most vulnerable people. “Research has conclusively shown that a more equal society is a happier society. If we want to see our coun-
More women dying from lung cancer in UK than ever before Liz Darlison, Macmillan Consultant Nurse Specialist, University Hospitals of Leicester, said: “While the statistics paint a frightening picture, there’s a great deal that can be done to help ensure women are diagnosed earlier, treated earlier and live longer. By raising awareness of the tell-tale signs - for example, a persistent cough that lasts longer than three weeks there’s the potential to save thousands of lives every year.” Lung cancer currently accounts for around one fifth (21 per cent) of all cancer deaths in women, and kills more women each year than breast cancer, uterine cancer or ovarian cancer. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, Lung Cancer Awareness Month provides a vital platform from which to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and the need to diagnose it early. “Once considered a man’s disease, we need to get the message out that anyone can get lung cancer,” commented
Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. “Although it remains a devastating disease for many, if caught early, it can be treated more effectively.” The success of initiatives such as the pink campaigns for breast cancer, a disease for which deaths among women are
women in the UK, it fails to get the attention it deserves. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2011, over 2,000 articles were reported in the UK media - three times greater than the number published on lung cancer during its awareness month. In the last 12 months, breast cancer was discussed or commented on 180 times by Parliament, compared to just 59 times for lung cancer - three times more mentions. “Although most women know that a lump in their breast could be a sign of cancer, awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer remains comparatively low,” said Dr. Mick Peake, Consultant Respiratory Physician at the Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, and National Clinical Lead for Lung Cancer. “No doubt linked to this is the fact that patients in the UK are diagnosed at a later stage in their disease and, as a result, has significantly worse lung cancer survival rates compared to other major European countries. More needs to be done to raise awareness of the increasing incidence of lung cancer in women and to encourage early diagnosis - catch it early and it can be cured!”
©roycastle.org
The number of women dying from breast cancer in the UK is in decline while that of women dying from lung cancer is on the increase.
expected to fall almost 30% over the next 20 years, highlights how ‘awareness months’ can really help to turn-the-tide. But even though lung cancer has overtaken breast cancer to become the most common cause of cancer death among
try prosper and flourish we must reduce its income inequality. It is our duty and our responsibility,” Archbishop Sentamu said. JRF and JRHT is committed to paying a living wage to staff working in its care homes. It is the first care provider to make this pledge. Nearly 100 companies are accredited payers of the Living Wage to their employees and contract staff.
Research: Limiting salt intake good for heath New research has confirmed health benefits of limiting daily salt intake. The review of recent laboratory, observational, and clinical studies reaffirms the link between a low salt consumption and a reduced risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, including stroke. The research was published in the journal “Circulation”. BHF’s Senior Dietitian, Victoria Taylor, said: “This is a good reminder that holding back on the salt can help to keep our hearts healthy. “Fortunately, here in the UK we are starting to see changes to our salt intake and this is linked to the efforts of manufacturers and retailers to reduce salt levels in food.” Ms. Taylor however warned that it was too early to rest on our laurels. “While intakes have come down, they still exceed the six gram recommended daily maximum. With 75 per cent of the salt we eat already in the foods we buy it’s important to continue to work with manufacturers to reduce salt intakes further,” Ms. Taylor said. “UK governments are now backing single, front of pack food labels. These labels, with traffic light colours, will allow shoppers to tell at a glance if a product is high in salt.”
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