The AfroNews No. 13. November 2012

No. 13 November 2012 I Tel. +44(0)2071930899 I +44(0)7846062331 I +44(0)208 1665700 I Email: [email protected]

Education Committee: Treat asylum seeking children as children first

page 9

THE GUIDE

Leaving Children Home

Alone & Children And The Internet

page 12

Mandela’s greatest present to South Africa

was leaving office

Go for HIV test, Africans urged as THT

launches National HIV Testing Week

page 7

Lee Jasper is Respect’s candidate for Croydon North

by-election

We believe in compassionate and tolerant America,

says Obamapage 8page 3

FREE PRESS

Black personalities in showbiz honoured at BEFFTA Awards page 6

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Interview with Martin Plaut, author of “The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past,

Present & Future”pages 10-11

2 No. 13 November 2012 I www.theafronews.co.uk Tel. 02071930899 Email: [email protected]

THE AFRONEWS | My Own Media Ltd. The Old Fire Station, 140 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4SD, United Kingdom | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Stephen Ogongo Ongong'a Tel. +44(0)2071930899 | Email: [email protected] | ADVERTISING: +44(0)7846062331 | +44(0)208 1665700| Email: [email protected] DISTRIBUTION: Email: [email protected] | PRINTING PRESS: Trinity Mirror plc, London. | Advertiser and advertising agency assume liability for all content (including text representation, illustrations, and photographs) of advertisements printed or posted, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against the publisher | Supplement of Africa News, Registered at the Tribunal of Rome. Registration No. 22/2003 - 21-01-2003

What Would Beyoncé Do?!Luisa Omielan’s astounding show at Comedy Cafe Theatre

Fresh from a fantastic E d i n b u r g h 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 life-style!

In 2010-2011, Luisa took I m p r o v i s a t i o n , Clowning and Sketch courses at the world famous

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 leg-endary 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 her-self breaking up pooh in the toilet because her little brother blocked it, she’s starting to wonder: “Does this ever happen to

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 #whatwouldbeyon-cedo.

Tickets can only be booked via Twitter or iloveluisa.com.

WHERE ACTION IS

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.

Andreya, who opens the show, came to promi-nence 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 to perform at Southbank Centre

15th November 201219:45Southbank CentreBelvedere RoadLondonSE1 8XXTickets: £20 £10Booking Fee: £1.75 (Members £0.00)Concessions: 50% off (limited avail-ability)Ticket Office: 0844 875 0073

FLAVIA COELHO AND ANDREYA TRIANA

Vocalist, cellist and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson will perform at the Kings Place, London on 24th November 2012.

Ayanna is a young musi-cian who is leading the way in Black folk music.

She is the first non-Ameri-can to win the legendary

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 cen-tury woman, drawing upon the stories of Sojourner Truth, hope and human relationships as inspiration.

Ayanna on stage at Kings Place

24th November 201220:00Kings Place90 York WayLondonN1 9AGTickets: £12.50 + Booking feeBox Office: 020 7520 1490.

AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON

3No. 13 November 2012 I www.theafronews.co.ukTel. 02071930899 Email: [email protected]

COMMUNITY

Lee Jasper is Respect’s candidate for Croydon North by-election

Lee Jasper, the former pol-icy adviser to the London Mayor is Respect’s candidate for the Croydon North by-election.

“If I could have composed the per-fect 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 polit-ical 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 cam-paign will be to speak out for the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable. He’ll highlight and challenge the shared con-sensus 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 tack-ling the strained relations between young people and the police,” Mr. Jasper said.

He said he will join the few politi-cians articulating that there is an alterna-tive to cuts. “I will be arguing against the austerity programme and for invest-ment in public services and jobs. I am looking forward to taking these argu-ments to the voters of Croydon North.”

The Croydon North by-election is likely to take place on 29th November 2012.

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

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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-represen-tation 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 sta-tistics 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 overrepre-sented 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 high-lighted the terrible consequenc-es of child abuse on victims and on society at large. “This is not an African community prob-lem,” said Ms. Ariyo. “The wider economic and social costs of child abuse in relation to chil-dren of African origin are phe-nomenal.”

AFRUCA said there was a link between looked after chil-dren 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 perpe-trators,” Ms. Ariyo said.

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 govern-ment to prioritise this issue by setting up a National Working

Group to help address the over-representation of African chil-dren in the child protection sys-tem 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 includ-ed 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 unfairlySean Davis, a black soldier

who was dismissed from the British Army says he was unfair-ly treated in comparison with his Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel Debbie Slay, who was trans-ferred 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 par-ticipating 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 mat-ters 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) sys-tem 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 willing-ness to fulfil the duty awarded as punish-ment, which eventually led to his dis-missal.

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 dis-charged by Lt Colonel Slay from the army.

Private Davis took his case, under the Race Relations Act 1976, to the Employment Tribunal. He was represent-ed 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 assist-ed 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 epi-sode 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 com-mand, 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.”

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

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More than 3,000 people turned up at the BEFFTA Awards UK to celebrate successful black and ethnic per-sonalities in show-biz.

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 stand-

ing 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 fulfill-ing its purpose and the purpose being honouring and celebrating a truly tal-ented and hard-working community. People came together to network and appreciate each other’s accomplish-ments. 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, televi-sion 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.

COMMUNITY

Successful black personalities in showbiz honoured at BEFFTA Awards ceremony

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 Erica Matthews won BEFFTA Best Wardrobe Stylist


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 com-munities 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 stat-ing that, as of October this year, anyone with HIV in the UK can

access treatment for free on the NHS, regardless of their immi-gration status.

To take part in the campaign, Africans can visit www.thinkH-IV.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 diag-nosed with HIV in the UK in 2010, 66 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women were diag-nosed 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 com-munity 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 infor-mation and support before and after the test, and any-one who has a ‘reactive’ test will be referred to a specialist clinic.

Terrence Higgins Trust staff will also pro-vide free condoms, and information and advice on safer sex.

People who want to enquire about Terrence Higgins Trust’s testing services in London dur-ing 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.


CURRENT AFFAIRS

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 num-ber of UK born women of child-bearing 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 with the rate for UK born women of 1.89 children per woman. However, the differences are narrowing over time, due to an increase in the TFR of UK born women and a decrease in the TFR of non-UK born women.

The report analyses ONS births and population data from the period 2007-2011. It investi-gates changes in births over time and variation between areas of the UK, as well as the differenc-es between the fertility patterns of UK born and non-UK born 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 com-mon in each of the four UK countries and London, reflecting the wide geographical distri-bution 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

UK show that women born in Pakistan have the highest fertili-ty rates of these five individual maternal countries of birth, with around 180 births per thousand women in 2011, compared with around 60 births per thousand for UK born women.

The impact of non-UK born women on fertility is largest in London. This is due to a high proportion of the childbearing population in London being non-UK born, and lower fertility of UK born women in London than the UK average.

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 hard-ship 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 pledg-es to our flag,” he said.

He praised America’s diver-sity describing it as “the most diverse nation on Earth” with peo-ple who share a common destiny.

P r e s i d e n t 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

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

UK has called on international partners to redouble efforts against human traffick-ing.

Speaking at a recent joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Home Office event on human trafficking, Immigration Minister Mark Harper outlined work the gov-ernment is undertaking to tack-le this crime.

This includes work with embassies and high commis-sions 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 iden-tify 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 fur-ther 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 part-ners “to continue to support victims and to identify and punish perpetrators.”

F o r e i g n a n d Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire called for greater international coopera-tion to tackle human traffick-ing. He said: “Governments have a moral duty to take action, and take action togeth-er. We cannot effectively tack-le the problem in isolation. It is a transnational crime, and it requires a transnational response. We are working internationally on prevention through education and alleviat-ing 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.

Ministers: International cooperation necessary to tackle human trafficking

“We believe in a gener-ous America, in a com-

passionate 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

http://www.theafronews.co.uk

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CURRENT AFFAIRS

Education Committee: Treat asylum seeking children as children first

The Refugee Children’s Consortium (RCC) has wel-comed Education Select Committee’s report recom-mending that Department for Education should be given over-all 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 work-ing collaboratively to ensure that the rights and needs of refugee children are promoted, respected and met in accor-dance with the relevant domestic, region-al 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 asylum-seeking children. In all cases, these chil-dren must be treated as children first, and not just as either criminals or immigra-tion 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 sys-tem prevents some of the most vulnera-ble children from receiving the critical protection and support they need. We want to see an end to the practice of treat-ing children as immigrants first and chil-dren second.”

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 inter-ests are truly at the heart of all decisions made about them,” the RCC said.

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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 hav-ing 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 dur-ing 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 inter-est. 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 present-ed 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 down-load a nomination form please visit www.awards.migrantfo-rum.org.uk or contact Beth Crosland - [email protected]

Nominations close at 5pm on 7th December 2012.

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COVER

New book examines Mandela’s legacy and South Africa’s future

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 enor-mous 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 coun-try 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 grad-ually 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 indefi-nitely.

There is too much cronyism and cor-ruption 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.

A new book examines how Nelson Mandela united South Africans after the isolation of the apartheid era, helping the country to flourish politically and economi-cally.

“The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past, Present & Future” by Martin Plaut shows how despite divi-sions 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 tri-umph - or a tragedy?

Mr. Plaut is current-ly 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 his-tory in an essay which encompasses econom-ics, politics and investi-gative journalism.

Mr. Plaut has report-ed 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, lead-ing their A f r i c a research pro-gramme and continues to be an active member.

Interview with Martin Plaut, author of “The Mandela Legacy”

Mandela’s greatest present to South Africa was leaving office

Mr. Nelso

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Author: Martin PlautPublisher: Endeavour PressSeptember 2012Priced £1.99 in eBook format

“The Mandela Legacy: The State of South Africa, Past,

Present & Future”


COVER

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 quali-ties 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 presi-dent 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 elec-tion 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 there-fore cloudy. There is no con-sensus on how to bring about reform, even if all sides accept there are failures. Racial iden-tity 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.


on Mandela, the former President of South Africa

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 condi-tions for themselves, their communi-ties 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 com-munities 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 bi-monthly basis and first round applica-tions close on 30th November 2012.

For more information about the small grants programme, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.metro-politan.org.uk/small-grants-pro-gramme/

Small grants programme launched to empower migrants

“The most important qualities he (Mandela) has that other African leaders lack are disci-

pline 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”


The absence of extended fa-mily 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, on-ly 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 re-presented in the child protection sys-tem especially under the categories of “Physical Abuse” and “Neglect”.

Even though there is no minimum age at which children can be left alo-ne, it is an offence to leave a child alo-ne 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 deta-ils 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 lo-oking 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 minu-tes 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 eno-ugh?

• 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 chil-

dren?

• 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?

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 pho-ne number and make sure you answer if it does ring

• Your children must know what to do to keep safe in the house. They must know the potential dangers, what to do and what not to do

• They must not an-swer the door to anyone. They must only answer the door to someone they know you have specifical-ly asked to check on them because you are not there

• 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 ha-ve 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 hap-py with the arrangements and confi-dent about being left

• Have a discussion about it after-wards to ensure everything went well

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MANUAL ON CHILD PROTECTION FOR AFRICAN PARENTS IN THE UKLeaving Children Home Alone

• It is an offence to leave children alone if doing so puts them at risk of harm• Some older children are more matured and can be left alone. Others might not be• Children with a disability should not be left alone as they might require continuous care and support• Make sure your child is happy and confi-dent with being left alone• If you have to leave your child alone, please consider all our suggestions above before doing so

Key Points to Remember

THE GUIDE

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 dan-gers. If they are old enough, parents must sit down and talk to their chil-dren about the “Dos” and Don’ts” of being on a social networking site, so they can protect themselves from abu-se and harm.

Some useful tips on Protecting Children Online

• Talk to your child about their acti-vities online: This will also give you a

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 ro-oms and social sites so that they can be protected from “grooming”.

• Computers and Internet devices should be kept where you can monitor them. It is important to always be vi-gilant of your child’s activities online and giving them access in their bedro-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 important that you retain control of the technology available at home.

• Use parental controls. Parental controls are a go-od way of limiting your child’s activities online. It is not just about blocking or locking access to certa-in sites but they help to set appropriate boundaries- giving your child some freedom to explore, whi-le filtering out unwanted, dangerous material. Learn how to set your internet

parental controls.• Ensure your child is aware that

not everyone is who they say they are. You must train your child not to en-gage 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 under-stand never to give out their personal information such as name, addresses, telephone numbers or schools they at-tend.

• Know what to do if something go-es 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 pro-blem. 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 cha-

troom 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 te-lephone 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 ha-

ving 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 we-bcam in a way which makes you feel uncomfortable

• If the person shares information with you and tells you not to tell any-one 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.

Children And The Internet

• The law does not say how old a child should be before they can join a social net-working site. It is up to you to ensure your child is protected.• If they are old enough, you must talk to your child about the “Dos” and Donts” of being on the internet• Always set parental controls for internet usage. Learn how to do this to protect your child online• Not everyone online is who they said they are. Protect your child from online groom-ing by instructing them never to give out their personal details on the internet or to anyone they meet online

Key Points to Remember

Which way?

Play it your way

WESTERN UNION

5 WAYSTO SEND & RECEIVE MONEY

Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification 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. ©2012 Western Union Holdings Inc. All rights reserved.

More than one type of consumer,more than one way to send.


CARIBBEAN NEWS

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 meet-ing 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 esti-mates that some of our profes-sors have done is that, cumula-tively, it has cost us 60 to 90 per cent of where we would, other-wise, have been in terms of our GDP and the size of our econo-my,” 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 cur-rent 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 coun-try’s call centre and tourist indus-

tries and is responsible for some 50 per cent of the murders com-mitted 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 sup-port from the UK and the United States.

In addition, legislative mea-sures 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 video-link during court proceedings.

He said emphasis is also being placed on social interven-tions, 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 develop-ments in this area.

By Vivienne Siva,JIS 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 engi-neering, who emigrated to LAC coun-tries hoping to advance their careers.

While the study confirms that migra-tory 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

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 citi-zens are currently living in LAC coun-tries.

The study also highlights the impor-tance 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 migra-tion and development, the study notes that women in particular have been pio-neers 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.

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 Agro-Meteorological Initiative (CAMI) Conference in Kingston on November 5.

He defined climate-smart agriculture as “agriculture that sustainably increases produc-tivity, resilience, reduces or removes greenhouse gases, while enhancing the achieve-ment 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 climate-smart agriculture by enhancing the resilience of the agricul-tural sector by improving water and land management in select communities.”

He outlined several initia-tives 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 communi-ties in the parishes of Trelawny, St. Mary, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Thomas and Clarendon.

Other initiatives include the establishment and rehabili-tation of the soil conservation and land husbandry infrastruc-tures in northern Clarendon; building the capacity of vul-nerable farming communities for better land and water man-agement by establishing cli-mate-smart farmer field school lots in selected communities; training extension staff and farmers in climate-smart agri-cultural 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 agricul-tural productivity at the farm level in Caribbean countries through improved dissemina-tion 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 pro-gramme.

By Andrea Braham,JIS News

New ideas and ways needed to address climate change - Clarke


AFRICAN NEWS

World Bank: Africa can feed itself and avoid food crises

Africa’s farmers can poten-tially 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.

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 region-al trade in food staples” argues.

With as many as 19 million people living with the threat of hunger and mal-nutrition in West Africa’s Sahel region, the World Bank report urges African lead-

ers to improve trade so that food can move more freely between countries and from fertile areas to those where communities are suffering food short-ages.

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 cere-als and other foods to consumers when the nearest trade market is just across a national bor-der.

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 popula-tion growth, and volatile weather patterns.

With many African farmers effective-ly 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

the world. Too often borders get in the way of getting food to homes and com-munities 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 ris-ing 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 pro-duction 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 else-where 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 farm-ers 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.

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Kenyan women take a break after harvesting

“Africa has the ability to grow and deliver good qual-ity food to put on the dinner

tables of the continent’s families. However, this

potential is not being real-ized because farmers face more trade barriers in get-ting 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

Oxfam calls for an end to risky malaria schemeOxfam has warned that a

scheme designed as a “silver bullet” to fight malaria could actually be endangering lives because medicines are being dis-tributed by unqualified shop-keepers 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 sav-ing the lives of the most vulnerable, or in delaying drug resistance.

Despite backing by the Global Fund, Oxfam believes the AMFm, which is cur-rently 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 chil-dren 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 anti-malarial treatment, and promoting their sale through the private sector.

Oxfam says using untrained and unsu-pervised 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 evi-dence 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 popu-lations, like children living in poor and remote areas.

It also ignored evidence from coun-tries like Ethiopia where malaria deaths have halved in the last three years thanks to investment in community health work-ers.

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 treat-ments, 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 dis-traction 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.”


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.

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 artis-tic, 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?

I am very dynamic in the way I dress, so I just go with how I feel on any given day.

In what regions are you aware, your music most penetrates?

Europe, North America, Africa, Canada the Caribbean and beyond.

What are your best fatherhood moments?

Getting my kids together and spend-ing quality time with them.

What are your most treasured mem-ories in music?

The very first time I travelled abroad to perform.

Which international Reggae artiste who is not Jamaican do you enjoy listening to most?

Gentleman.

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.

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 perfor-mances 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 memo-rable ‘fan moment’?

After my performance in France, some fans approached me with sev-eral lyrics from my songs and repeat-ed 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.

By New Image Promotion

http://www.twitter.com/kashujahttp://www.facebook.com/kashujahttps://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/kashu/id534646736

KASHU’S LINKS

Obi Emelonye to shoot an Igbo film

T a l e n t e d film producer Obi Emelonye is preparing to shoot an Igbo movie.

Obi, who is known for produc-ing top-of-the-range films, dis-closed 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 some-thing 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 pan-African music award, partly because they take maximum account of the great cul-tural 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 Lambada-Zouk 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.

Ngoma Africa Band growing stronger and strongerNgoma 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 tradi-tional and modern Tanzanian rhythms with Congolese Soukous and Rumba. All theirs songs are in Kiswahili.

Ngoma Africa Band has released sev-eral successful hits including “Mama Kimwaga” (Sugar Mummy), “Anti-Corruption 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 diffi-cult 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 pursu-ing 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 free-dom of speech is quite limited.

Ngoma Africa Band is famous for staging thrilling shows in festivals in dif-ferent parts of Europe. The band’s joyful

female dancers, wearing traditional cos-tumes and dancing vigorously to their tunes, always leave fans asking for more.

Ngoma Africa Band is composed of talented young musicians including solo-ist 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.


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Suzanna Lubrano, songstress with a honey-like voice receives second Kora Award nomination


COMMENTARY

The Paralympics and RaceIf the Paralympics have changed the way people view disability, did the Games

change the way we see race? asks Frances Mensah WilliamsLike 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 relent-less 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.

Changing Perceptions

According to Lord Coe, the London 2012 Chairman, the Paralympics have had a transfor-mational effect on people’s atti-tudes 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,

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 dis-crimination was itself disabled. Today, the gorgeous Oscar Pistorius is an inter-national icon and we have become famil-iar 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

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 divi-sions rather than our unity and brought to the fore questions about poverty, inequal-ity 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

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 politi-cians; 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

traditional job choices within some com-munities, 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 dif-ferent 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 atti-tudes 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 every-one 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 inspir-ing 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.

“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


LIFESTYLE & RELIGION

More women dying from lung cancer in UK than ever before

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.

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, treat-ed earlier and live longer. By rais-ing awareness of the tell-tale signs - for example, a persistent cough that lasts longer than three weeks - there’s the potential to save thou-sands 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 any-one can get lung cancer,” commented

Paula Chadwick, Chief Executive at the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. “Although it remains a devastating dis-ease for many, if caught early, it can be treated more effectively.”

The success of initiatives such as the pink campaigns for breast cancer, a dis-ease for which deaths among women are

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 over-taken breast cancer to become the most common cause of cancer death among

women in the UK, it fails to get the atten-tion 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, com-pared to just 59 times for lung cancer - three times more men-tions.

“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 sig-nificantly worse lung cancer sur-

vival 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!”

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 work-ers 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 unemploy-ment 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 observ-ing how it treats the most vulnerable people. “Research has conclusively shown that a more equal society is a hap-pier society. If we want to see our coun-

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 pay-ing 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.

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New research has con-firmed health benefits of limit-ing daily salt intake.

The review of recent laboratory, observational, and clinical studies reaf-firms the link between a low salt con-sumption and a reduced risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular dis-ease, 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.”

Research: Limiting salt intake good for heath

Promotion period is valid only for transactions sent from November 5 till December 31, 2012. To participate, send one money transfer with Western Union to Africa worth the principal

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Documents

The AfroNews No. 13. November 2012