Connect with us

People & Lifestyle

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

Published

on

Screen Shot 2018 12 07 at 08.28.52
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

 

Advertisement
  • 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.

Advertisement
Advertisement

People & Lifestyle

MTN Climax Eidul Fitr with Cultral Day Celebration

Published

on

Salihu Abu of MTN Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management presenting the items to Alhaj Latif PRO of the National Chief Imam

MTN Ghana concluded this year’s Eidul Fitr celebrations with cultural events in Accra Newtown and Kumasi. The cultural events brought together various ethnic groups in the communities to showcase their rich culture in vibrant durbars.

Leaders of the ethnic groups led their delegations with traditional performances. The event featured live performances from dance groups and artists during the durbars. The cultural day platforms were used to share goodwill messages and to address community issues. In Kumasi, chiefs paraded from the central Mosque through Manhyia, Allabar, and ended at Kumasi Zongo. Health screening exercises were also included in the activities. Residents were screened for Hepatitis B, Blood Pressure, HIV, Malaria, and had their sugar levels checked.

In addition to these activities, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, in solidarity, celebrated with Muslim employees at MTN House. MTN Regional leadership also held similar engagements with Muslim employees in all 16 regions.

Before the cultural day, MTN Ghana presented food items and cash to the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Usmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, and Regional Chief Imams in Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions. This year, a total of GHS100,000 was committed to the purchase of items for the celebration of Eidul Fitr in the three regions. The items presented included rice, cartons of vegetable oil, packs of mineral water, soft drinks, rams, and cash.

In Accra, Salihu Abu, Senior Manager for Customer Relations and Credit Management, led the delegation to the National Chief Imam and expressed his appreciation on behalf of MTN for the support, patronage, and loyalty of MTN’s customers across the country. He expressed gratitude for their continued support of MTN’s activities and the warm reception the company has received over the years.

Advertisement

The National Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, received the items and thanked MTN for its continuous support. He also prayed for the company’s success, saying, “We are grateful for this gesture that you have done. May Allah increase your business and activities.”

The donations in the Ashanti, Western, and Northern regions were led by Mr. Simon Amoh, Senior Manager Regional Sales, Prince Owusu Nyarko, Senior Manager Southwest, and Kwame Aseye Akude, Manager Retail Experience Northern Business District.

MTN has been supporting the Muslim Community for 16 years during Eid-ul Fitr celebrations through donations and the organization of events in Nima, Accra New Town, Kumasi, Kasoa, and Tamale. The company also supports the National Hajj Board annually in the organization of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Gavi and UNICEF welcome approval of new oral cholera vaccine

Published

on

malaria vaccine scaled

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF welcome the news that a new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S, has now received WHO prequalification and can be made available to countries around the world. The prequalification of this new product will help EuBiologics, the manufacturer, produce more volumes of vaccine, faster, and at a lower cost – a key step to expanding supply amidst the ongoing acute global upsurge of cholera outbreaks.

Today’s approval will help increase the overall supply of OCV available in 2024, with approximately 50 million doses now forecasted to be available to the global stockpile this year, compared to 38 million in 2023. Euvichol-S is an important product innovation: a simplified formulation of Euvichol-Plus that reduces the number of vaccine components – delivering a vaccine that studies have shown remains equally effective against key cholera serogroups while lowering production cost and complexity – thus allowing for larger volumes to be produced faster.

Cholera has been surging globally since 2021, with high case fatality rates despite availability of simple, effective and affordable treatment. The large number of outbreaks has led to unprecedented demand for vaccines from impacted countries. While global OCV supply has increased eighteen-fold between 2013 and 2023, the large and sustained spike in demand has put a strain on the global stockpile of OCV. Partners and countries are working urgently on cholera response, prevention and control measures in the face of this crisis, and have called on countries, manufacturers and others to support. Most recently, Gavi, UNICEF and partners announced the largest ever global deployment of cholera diagnostics to support surveillance and response.

“Prequalification of Euvichol-S represents a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world,” said Dr Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi. “Every vaccine dose delivered through Gavi programmes today represents years of planning and investment to shape the market so supply matches countries’ needs. The approval of this new product could not have come at a more important time given the acute upsurge of cholera outbreaks we are seeing worldwide. We commend EuBiologics for their role in ensuring countries around the world have access to cholera vaccine as part of their response toolkit.”

EuBiologics is currently the only supplier of OCV to the global stockpile, although other manufacturers are expected to have products available in the coming years. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance works to shape the OCV market, and funds the global stockpile of OCV doses, along with transport and vaccination activities in lower-income countries. UNICEF leads on procurement and delivery of doses to countries. Use of the stockpile for emergency response is overseen by the International Coordinating Group for Vaccine Provision (ICG), led by WHO.

Advertisement

“Despite cholera being preventable and easily treatable, children continue to suffer from this potentially fatal disease. UNICEF has already secured access to all the available doses of the just-approved vaccine and will deliver these to the countries at the highest possible speed,” said Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF Supply Division. “The approval means that UNICEF can increase the procurement and delivery of cholera vaccines by more than 25%, pushing back harder on deadly cholera outbreaks.”

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Isap Music Drops ‘Naomi’ As First Single of The Year

Published

on

isap press pic 1

Ghanaian Hip-Life/Hip-Hop artiste, Isap Music has today officially released his premiere single of the year, “Naomi” on all digital streaming platforms.

The new single is an Afrobeats record that boarders on the thin line between love and obsession.

Isap Music opens with a reassurance for that special someone as he plans to put a ring on her finger soon. His sweet-singing voice together with the charming lyrics not only wins the heart of “Naomi,” but the listener as well.

On the DCM Records produced track, Isap Music brings a different energy to his first single of 2024, building a strong anticipation for subsequent releases as the year progresses.

However, until then, “Naomi” is simply one of the best Ghanaian Afrobeats songs released so far this year.

Advertisement

Isap Music’s spectacular performance on the two minutes 27 seconds track has everything; vocals, lyrics, storytelling and ad-libs, all on point.

It’s hard to believe such a good song was produced from another person’s experience but that is exactly how the song came to life.

In an online interview with Amplify Ghana, Isap Music disclosed that “Naomi” was inspired by a friend.

“The love song was actually inspired by a friend who was so much into his girl that he couldn’t stay a day without hearing her voice,” he said.

The latest single comes after his collaboration with 2022 VGMA Best Rap Performance award winner Lyrical Joe, Suuparstar TZ and Siicie on “Yesu Frɛwo” released last year.

Advertisement

Isap Music is one of the exciting new voices in the music scene. This new release, “Naomi” continues his streak of superb releases. Gaining recognition as one of the few street preachers, Isap Music’s versatility as an artist is of no doubt. He continues to share different messages and produce bangers in many genres.

“Naomi” by Isap Music is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

Listen to “Naomi”

Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

Published

on

Immediate Nexus

Within the ever-changing financial environment, it’s an issue of immense importance that an investor remains at the forefront. Immediate Nexus is a beacon that avails the indispensable resources and insight to navigate an investor through manning the complexities in investment come 2024 and thereafter. Let’s delve into why immediate-nexus-ai.com is your ultimate gateway to free investment education in 2024.

Understanding Immediate Nexus: Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024

It is nothing less than a whole ecosystem to be built with the idea of allowing investors at different levels of experience to obtain the knowledge and tools needed to gain a foothold in this business. Whether you are a seasoned investor or one learning the ropes of how to dabble in the finance world, the Immediate Nexus has got your back.

The Evolution of Investment Education

Traditional teachings of investment have a very short shelf life due to the fast pace with which technology and the trend of the global markets move. Immediate Nexus fills that need by providing modern investors with current, readily accessible, practical information.

Advertisement

Free Resources for All

But what really strikes the most is the kind of free education toward all people without having any expense of seminars or the elite high-cost memberships. Truly, Immediate Nexus advocates that financial literacy should be made available to all, no matter where you come from or belong in terms of background or current financial status.

Expert Insights and Analysis

Investment can be cumbersome to wade through, especially for beginners. Immediate Nexus makes it easier with an expert insight and analysis curated from none but the best sources. Be it market trends or effective investment strategies, everything is there to make your decision wise.

Harnessing the Power of Community

Advertisement

It doesn’t need to be a lonely journey. Immediate Nexus is a dynamic, live community where investors network, share ideas, and draw wisdom from one another. That interactive approach makes it conducive to learning at the same time, availing valuable networking opportunities.

Why Choose Immediate Nexus?

While Immediate Nexus may be a new kind of educational platform, in many ways, it is poised to soon become the go-to solution for those seeking to grow and succeed in the world of investing. Here are ten great reasons why you need to make it your go-to resource this year.

  • Holistic Content: From the guidelines of a beginner investor to the strategies which are to be followed at an advanced level, Immediate Nexus encompasses and provides information relevant to every single stage an investor might be in.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The platform friendliness comes with ease of navigating through the site, intuitive design, and a friendly interface.
  • Timely Updates:** Actual happenings in the capital and financial markets, economic development, and investment opportunities.
  • Interactive Learning: Engjson Quizzes, Interactive Tutorials, and Live Webinars assist learners in polishing skills and strengthening their learning.
  • Community of Trust: Be a part of an elite community of like-minded investors, share knowledge and support each other in growth.

Conclusion

Your Gateway to Free Investment Education in 2024 is not a platform—it’s a revolution, an immediate nexus revolutionizing ways people think about investment education. Equip your financial future with all the expert insights and resources that you would have needed, including a lively community. Join the movement today and take your first steps toward financial freedom.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage: A Path to Financial Freedom

Published

on

Bitcoin Cash Casinos

The financial opportunities, though, in mastering the trading Bitcoin are huge in this dynamic world of cryptocurrency. BitLQ Matrix strategy stands like a beacon of assurance and profitability among the myriad strategies available. This paper, therefore, seeks to detail the encapsulated greater benefits within the bitlq.app Matrix and illustrate how one could optimize his trading to achieve financial freedom.

Understanding Bitcoin Trading

Bitcoins are the first and leading cryptocurrency ever to evolve, and it altered the thinking of how the world used to look at finances. Bitcoin trading is a process through which one can speculate on the price movements of them and, in turn, takes home profits by analyzing the markets and makes a deciding move. Trading in bitcoins is very demanding in nature since it is very unpredictable. Good knowledge and strategic acumen are expected to surge through the market fluctuations victoriously.

Embracing the BitLQ Matrix Advantage

Mastering Bitcoin Trading: The BitLQ Matrix Advantage

Advertisement

The BitLQ Matrix is not some trading strategy but a whole, complete framework aiming to trade optimal results while controlling risks most efficiently. This revolutionarily uses LQ to guide traders through informed considerations in making decisions for the best possible profits with the least possible vulnerability to market volatility.

Liquidity: The Backbone of Trading Success

Liquidity is the base that underlies any trading pursuit to support transactional ease and participation in the market. Priority to the BitLQ Matrix trade is given, executed seamlessly without slippage, or at least at the most minimal level, for the efficient trade execution at the best entry and exit levels.

Quantity: Balancing Risk and Reward

In this respect, good risk management becomes highly imperative while trading in Bitcoins, and with the BitLQ Matrix, there is a good balance since traders can put in the emphasis on the importance of trade quantity. By doing so, the traders will accurately calibrate the position sizes to market conditions and the risk-taker’s risk-bearing ability to ensure they make a better risk-reward ratio and protect the capital from likely losses.

Advertisement

Quality: Elevating Trading Standards

Quality, in this case, regards the level of trades executed within BitLQ Matrix. This gives traders the opportunity to spike up their trading standards further, promoting the desired consistency and profitability from their undertakings.

Unveiling the Benefits

The BitLQ Matrix offers a plethora of benefits to traders seeking to master Bitcoin trading:

  • Increased Precision: With these details of liquidity, quantity, and quality at disposal, traders can be able to execute their trades with pinpoint accuracy, zero error tolerance, and hence reap all the profitability possible in their trades.
  • Risk Mitigation: The strategy of risk management integrated into BitLQ Matrix enables traders to be in a position where they could avert their possible losses and preserve capital in times of market downturn.
  • Consistent Profjson: The BitLQ Matrix principles will assure that you profit on a consistent basis, fostering sustainability for long-time success in trade.

Conclusion

This exciting journey into Bitcoin trading within the BitLQ Matrix soon turns into an adventure of financial independence and prosperity in one of the most lively and fast-changing cryptocurrency markets. You apply liquidity, quantity, and quality principles toward revealing limitless opportunities for profit multiplication and growth sustainability. Seize the advantage today and embark on your path to financial freedom with the BitLQ Matrix.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

People & Lifestyle

Nana Quasi-Wusu Celebrates 10 Years In Broadcasting

Published

on

IMG 20240419 WA0002 1

Renowned multiple Award winning Ghanaian media personality and a Humanitarian, Nana Quasi-Wusu, popularly known as PM, commemorates a decade in media as a broadcast journalist filled with exceptional stories and excellence. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending