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Brand SA’s Africa Day initiative focuses on harnessing African unity in response to Covid-19

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Brand SA will be celebrating Africa Day 2020, which falls on 25 May, with a unique initiative designed to encourage and promote African unity. The initiative, called Play Your Part – “Africa Unite”, will be spearheaded by the launch of a new ensemble song, written and produced to celebrate the diversity of Africanism in all of its many facets, especially in language and the arts.

The song, which is also titled Play Your Part – “Africa Unite”, aims to highlight and foster African unity, and features a number of languages spoken on the continent, including Swahili, Lingala, Zulu, isiXhosa, seTswana, English, Afrikaans, Shona and French. This multi-lingual approach is inspired by the bold, vibrant, and resilient African spirit, which has once again come to the fore during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“No one could have foreseen the magnitude of the health, social and economic challenge we would have to face in 2020,” says Acting CEO of Brand SA, Thulisile Manzini. “In February, when South Africa was elected Chair of the African Union for the year, there was hardly a hint of the storm that was to come. In fact, we anticipated a very positive year in which we could devote the considerable energies of the AU and its members to the task of advancing the continent’s 2063 development strategy.

“Covid-19 has put that on the back burner, but it’s highlighted the way in which Africans pull together in the face of adversity and support one another through the most difficult of times.”

The Play Your Part – “Africa Unite” song, which is inspired by this unique African world view, features leading South African artists including DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Ricky Rick, Rouge Rapper, Youngsta CPT, Dee Koala and Shasha from Zimbabwe, as well as Tresor, who hails from the DRC. The lyrics are a clarion call to Africa’s large youth population to stand firm in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and to #PlayYourPart in halting its advance.

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It begins by calling on young people to heed the call to stay home and adopt recommended measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including regular hand washing, the wearing of face masks in public places, and social distancing. But also embedded within this is a message that reflects the triumphant African spirit: “It’s me and you together; we shall overcome.”

“We want Africa’s people – and its young people in particular – to feel supported and uplifted by the spirit of ubuntu (African unity) in this song,” says Manzini. “And, as importantly, we want them to know that our culture of watching out for one another is really paying off.”

Apart from the Oceanic region, which includes Australia, New Zealand and four Polynesian islands, Africa currently has the lowest Covid-19 infection rate in the world, with just fewer than 100,000 infections. This compares to over 1,8 million in Europe, over 1,7 million in North America, just below 865 000 in Asia, and just above 500 000 in South America (Source: Worldometers, 21 May, 16:50).

“Africa may be facing many challenges,” says Manzini, “but its young, energetic population has the power to harness its cultural heritage and create exactly what we’re aiming for: the Africa we want. In a similar way, we at Brand South Africa are harnessing the continent’s creative talent to demonstrate once again the subtle – and practical – power of unity.”

The Play Your Part – “Africa Unite” song which features the tagline ‘unity in action’ will be available for streaming and downloads on all major platforms from Monday and we urge everyone to download the track and to watch the video. The fund’s mandate is to support the national healthcare response to Covid-19, contribute to humanitarian relief efforts, and mobilise South Africans to work together to prevent the spread of the virus. It also aims to support the country’s people in dealing with the socio-economic impact the pandemic has had. Brand SA also urges more South Africans to contribute towards the South African Solidarity Response Fund https://www.solidarityfund.co.za/about.html

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“This is very much in line with South Africa’s theme for this year as the Chair of the African Union,” says Manzini, “which is Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development. Through song, we are aiming to highlight Africa’s cultural tradition of unity and the immense power it has to overcome adversity as well as to foster a process of re-building after a crisis.”

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Met Gala 2024: See fashion highlights and best looks

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The Met Gala’s red carpet never fails to deliver unforgettable moments in celebrity fashion, and this year’s event in New York City, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” was no exception. (more…)

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Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars

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Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.

Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.

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Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.

According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.

Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.

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Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis

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Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.

The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.

Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour

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Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.

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Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana

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Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.

Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.

Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers.  “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.

Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.

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The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.

This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.

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Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search

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How to Become a Nurse

Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?

Highlight Work Experience

Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.

Consider a Speciality

Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.

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Additional Training and Certifications

PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.

Loan Repayment Options

Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.

Why Medicine?

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Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.

Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.

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Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

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Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.

“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”

The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.

On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.

On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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