insert_link South Africa Cape Town Mayor Condemns 540-Million-Rand Funding Cut in National Budget Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis strongly condemns a 540-million-rand cut in national funding to the city over the next two years. The reduction is part of nationwide cuts announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the national budget speech on Wednesday. Hill-Lewis expresses concern that Cape Town will receive 52-million-rand less than forecasted in last year's national budget for infrastructure grants related to housing, basic services, and informal settlement upgrading. todayFebruary 23, 2024 7
insert_link World Protesting Indian farmers observe ‘black day’ Farmer unions in India say they're marking Friday as a 'black day' to protest the death of a farmer in this week's protests. Thousands of protesting farmers have for nearly two weeks been attempting to march towards New Delhi. But they've been held off by security officials 200 kilometers away from the capital with tear gas shells, rubber bullets and water cannons. Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee for crops […] todayFebruary 23, 2024 7
insert_link Namibia Minister Uutoni and Construction Company Seek Court Intervention Against Planned Occupation of Houses Urban and Rural Development minister, Erastus Uutoni, and construction company Calgrokuumba Planning and Design take Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters activist Michael Amushelelo to court to prevent the planned occupation of houses in Windhoek's Otjomuise residential area on February 29. The urgent interdict aims to stop unauthorized persons, including Amushelelo, from gaining access to the houses or erecting structures on the property. Calgrokuumba CEO Andries Olivier highlights that the property comprises […] todayFebruary 23, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa South African Trade Unions Strongly Oppose Potential Job Losses at Anglo American Platinum The South African Federations of Trade Unions expresses strong opposition to the anticipated job losses at Anglo American Platinum (Amplats). Amplats has initiated a section 189A process that may lead to the retrenchment of 3,700 employees, aiming to reduce costs by five billion rand. Saftu’s spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, decries Amplats' plans to retrench workers, asserting that it is driven by a desire to maximize profits, which is deemed unacceptable. todayFebruary 23, 2024 8
insert_link World Philippines denies China’s Claim it Chased Away One of its Vessels From Scarborough Shoals The Philippines has denied a claim by China that it drove away one of its vessels that it says "illegally intruded" waters around the Scarborough Shoal. A coast guard spokesman for the Philippines described the statement as inaccurate, adding that the vessel continues to patrol the waters. Patrick Fok reports. todayFebruary 23, 2024 31
insert_link Namibia Erongo Governor Pays Tribute to Late President Geingob at Regional Memorial Service During a regional memorial service held in Swakopmund on Thursday, Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope expressed heartfelt sentiments about the late President Hage Geingob. Describing Geingob as a father, comrade, friend, and confidant, Governor Itope highlighted the significant guidance, advice, and support he received from Geingob, who appointed him as governor in 2020. Itope recalled facing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and a devastating shack fire in Twaloloka informal settlement, […] todayFebruary 23, 2024 18
insert_link World S Korea health system strained as doctor walkout continues South Korea’s health system is under mounting pressure as an ongoing walkout by trainee doctors puts a strain on resources. The protest is over pay and working conditions as the country looks to lower the entry requirements to medical schools. Chris Gilbert reports. todayFebruary 23, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Public Servants Association Criticizes Turmoil at State Information Technology Agency The Public Servants Association of South Africa condemns the recent upheaval at the State Information Technology Agency. Expressing concerns about governance issues impacting the agency's stability, the PSA highlights the High Court in Pretoria's ruling that the removal of the previous board was unlawful. Claude Naiker of the association raises alarms about unprocedural appointments following sudden resignations and suspensions of key personnel. Naiker urges Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli […] todayFebruary 23, 2024 11
insert_link World MSF tells UN Security Council “Attacks on healthcare is an attack against humanity,”… The Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières, Christopher Lockyear has told the UN Security Council that the medical situation in Gaza "appalled" by the United States' repeated use of its veto power. This week an MSF facility in Khan Younis was bombed, six people were wounded and two relatives of staff were killed. Lockyear said that the constant attacks on healthcare facilities is an "attack against humanity," ENG LOCKYEAR ON […] todayFebruary 23, 2024 10
