People & Lifestyle

Global Citizen publishes report on pledges one year after ‘Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100’

Published

4 years ago

December 2, 2019

One year on from Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, the first annual accountability report was released. The report, which tracks the performance of each commitment and announcement that was made as part of the Mandela 100 campaign, can be downloaded here.

Mandela 100, which took place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 2 December 2018, brought together Global Citizen’s largest contingency of heads of state, dignitaries, celebrities, musicians, artists, influencers and over 70,000 Global Citizens to celebrate the centenary of Nelson Mandela. Mandela 100 was Global Citizen’s biggest and most profoundly impactful campaign in the world to date, and drove more than 5.2 million actions in Southern Africa alone.

Mandela 100 galvanised 16 governments, 8 international institutions and foundations and 12 corporates to commit over $7.2 billion (over R104 billion). Over $3.7 billion (R54 billion) is aimed at positively impacting the lives of 6.24 million South Africans, while the remainder will benefit Africans in countries including Namibia, South Sudan and Nigeria, as well as people in the Middle East and Asia.

One year on from Mandela 100, Global Citizen has found that over $2.55 billion (ZAR 36.71 billion) has been disbursed or allocated in South Africa and around the world. This represents a 35.27% progress towards the complete delivery of commitments made at Mandela 100. This progress is consistent with the targets and timelines that each commitment set at the outset, and over 80% of commitments are on track to deliver on schedule.

Key Commitment Facts & Figures

In response to 86,000 actions taken by Global Citizens, the South African Government committed 157 million Rand (USD $11.1 million) to a sanitary dignity program which is now providing sanitary pads and menstrual education to girls in grades 4 through 12 including in areas in Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
In response to 51,000 actions taken by Global Citizens, the South African Government also committed 2.8 Billion Rand to eradicate unsafe pit-latrines. So far 700M Rand has been allocated, of which over 600 schools have been targeted, including the Govani Primary School in Limpopo which now has new toilets.
In response to over 19,000 actions taken by South African Global Citizens, Nedbank has supported more than 16,000 children and 1,300 pregnant women to access healthcare, including vaccines, through community workers trained by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
The Motsepe Foundation committed $100 million to advance the provision of quality education and reduced inequalities among youth. Allocated for this current financial year is a sum of $20 million towards education with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and entrepreneurship.
Norway committed $2.07 million to UNFPA Supplies. This commitment is complete as Norway has disbursed the top up to UNFPA Supplies. It is estimated this additional funding has affected 235,000 people with family planning access and services.
Denmark committed an additional $7.6 million to UNFPA Supplies. The pledge has been disbursed in full and the Danish government estimates that this will have saved the lives of an estimated 21,000 women by preventing 8.7 million unintended pregnancies and 2.7 million unsafe abortions.
Procter & Gamble committed $30 million in corporate spend with South African women-owned businesses over three years, in partnership with WEConnect International. The company will be able to analyse and speak on the progress by mid-2020.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria committed $369 million to South African initiatives in the next three years. $39.5 million has been disbursed to HIV and tuberculosis programmes and impact data from the first six months of implementation will be available at the end of 2019.
PEPFAR committed $1.2 billion to HIV/AIDS in South Africa to support the government’s initiative to reach 2 million more South Africans with treatment over two years. The pledge was upped to $1.4 billion and PEPFAR continues to aggressively fund HIV prevention activities in South Africa.
Cisco made a five year commitment to train 10 million people to work and thrive in the digital economy through its Networking Academy, including in South Africa. Over the past year, over 2.15 million people have received this training.
The City of Johannesburg committed to increase its spend on primary healthcare by R50 million ($3.4 million). We expect to renew discussions on impact delivery in early 2020 once the mayor and leadership transition is complete.
The South African Government pledged to prioritise menstrual health and has allocated 157M Rand ($11.1M USD) to provide sanitary pads and menstrual education to girls in non-fee-paying schools from Grades 4 to 12 in provinces including Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
BeyGOOD and Tyler Perry committed $1 million to provide 50 young Africans from marginalized communities a paid year-long fellowship to cultivate and advance their digital and social entrepreneurial skills. Ten fellows have been onboarded this year.
Vodacom committed R500 million ($34.8 million) on tackling gender-based violence, teacher and learner digital literacy, and early childhood centres. Twelve “educational ecosystems” have been established in previously underprivileged communities and six early childhood development centres have been upgraded with sanitation, digital and safety infrastructure.

Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen said, “Mandela 100 was a milestone moment for the Global Citizen movement, and we are excited by the momentum it has maintained a year later. We look back with pride at how our leaders responded to the actions of Global Citizens to make life changing commitments, and will continue to engage Global Citizens across South Africa, and the continent, to hold our leaders to account to ensure every commitment is delivered.”

Kweku Mandela, House of Mandela and co-Founder of Africa Rising International Film Festival stated, “As my grandfather famously said, “The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.”

Dr Patrice Motsepe, Founder and Chairman of the Motsepe Foundation said, “We are pleased with the success and progress on the commitments made at the Mandela 100 Global Citizen Festival, relating to education and the inclusive land, agriculture, farming and agribusiness projects. Numerous meetings were held in each of the 9 provinces in South Africa involving traditional leaders, kings, black and white farmers, government, farm workers, and other stakeholders to establish sustainable partnerships in agriculture, farming and agribusiness. The Motsepe Foundation has allocated $20M for education for 2019/20, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship, led by our CEO, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. $50M has also been allocated for the inclusive land, agriculture, farming and agribusiness projects. We are confident that the partnership of the Motsepe Foundation, Global Citizen, government, traditional leaders, rural and urban communities and other stakeholders will improve the living conditions of tens of thousands of people in South Africa and on the African Continent.”

Ivy McGregor, Director of Social Responsibility, BeyGOOD said, “Last year BeyGOOD forged a partnership with Global Citizen and our partner Tyler Perry to establish a fellowship program to serve young people throughout Africa, to empower educate and equip this generation of young people with an opportunity for a year-long paid fellowship to cultivate and advance their social enterprise skills. In believing, Africa’s time is NOW, we are committed to our visits to see the progress being made and are delighted our inaugural group of fellows will graduate in March. We will welcome our next 2020 fellows in April.“

Currently, there are 435,000 Global Citizens across the African continent, who have taken 6.65 million actions since Global Citizen launched in South Africa. Powered by Global Citizen’s office in Johannesburg, Global Citizens in South Africa, and across the region, continue to take action to hold commitment makers to account and earn rewards to festivals, concerts, and unique VIP experiences year round.

For more information about Global Citizen, and to join the movement, please visit www.globalcitizen.org and follow @GlblCtznAfrica on Twitter, and @GlblCtzn on Facebook and Instagram using #GlobalCitizen.

People & Lifestyle

‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

Published

9 hours ago

April 27, 2024

VJ Scaro

In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

People & Lifestyle

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

20 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: Celebrating 25 Years of Local and Global Impact.
Showing on @GTV_Ghana and streaming on all our social media platforms on Sunday, April 28, at 8:30PM.#Asanteman #OurCultureOurHeritage pic.twitter.com/g3u0Ql5q6i
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) April 26, 2024

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

People & Lifestyle

Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

Published

20 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
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Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

People & Lifestyle

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

Published

20 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

People & Lifestyle

Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

Published

20 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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People & Lifestyle

Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

Published

22 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented.

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.