Speak Out Event: Refugee Communities in Action

The Refugee Speak Out event was one of the activities during the month of mobilisation and action 2007. The event was hosted by South African NGO Coalition (SANGOCO), Methodist Church, Refugee Ministries Centre (RMC), Coordinating Body of Refugee Communities (CBRC) and partners. The ceremony started two hours late for divers reasons include: working day, venue access procedure, and logistic problems.

By hosting the “Refugee Speak Out” we hoped to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and non nationals living in Johannesburg, Gauteng and our country. Over 12 refugees’ communities have provided human testimony of their lives here in South Africa, and we were hoping to get the Minister of Home Affairs and the UNHCR representatives but they could not make it because of their commitments. But civil society respondents were available to speak to their plight, and hopefully commit towards finding just and durable short, medium to long term solutions to the crisis of refugees and non nationals.

The presence of the Zimbabwean community was perceptible (about 40%). In their testimonies, they were calling upon South African government and the UNHCR to find solutions on their situation because they believed that they are more marginalised than other refugee communities.

The event was part of the events organised worldwide under the banner of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) during the month of October culminating on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - 17 October - of which SANGOCO and the Methodist Church are leading members. Hassen Lorgat, Acting Executive Director of Sangoco, concluded the ceremony by inviting 200 participants to bear in mind that there is a lot to do for the refugee communities’ challenges. Because, he believed these are also our own challenges and we have the obligation to find adequate solutions. Hassen then added that South African xenophobia is becoming dangerous and there is a need for new policies with regard to migrant and refugee. Finally, he invited all the guests to have lunch provided by refugee communities (Zimbabwean, Congolese, Ivorian, Rwandese, Somali, Sudanese, etc)

New Ways of Financing Development in Africa

Globalisation is today a reality that any country cannot avoid. As such, there is a need to fight and be on track. Coming from a workshop on ‘Innovative Sources for Financing Development’ hosted by South African NGOs Coalition in partnership with World Economic, Ecology and Development (WEED), I would like to reflect on what we need for bring changes in our so called ‘developing countries’.

In fact, the reality is that many of the Third World’s countries are desperately working for to develop themselves. Confronted by the lack of finances, they are unable to go ahead besides their efforts. Therefore the need of having bilateral and/or multilateral co-operations is necessary to this end. But, what is happening in reality is that these multilateral relationship and co-operation seem to be beneficial to the ‘developed countries’. Is there time for us to look for new alternatives that directly suit and respond our needs and interests?

Many African people believe that the black trade and colonization are the core sources of Africa’s underdevelopment. What is relatively true or false, according to one or another? But in my sense, it is important to share responsibility instead of blame western powers. In fact I believe that we have played big role to the underdevelopment of our continent. Therefore, there is no need, in my sense, to look that did this or that, but let focus on what to do in order to go ahead. Additionally, let look where we failed and find new strategies and mechanisms that will help us grow in term of development. What should we concretely need to do?

Traditionally speaking, most of countries are still financially depending on the Bretton Wood institutions in their national adjustment development programmes. This is what a traditional way through which our states are trying to be financially sustained in order to ‘fulfill’ government programmes. But the reality is showing that despite World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s debts and assistance many of our African countries are still not on the track of meeting the MDGs by 2015. Thus, what hope for the people of Africa? Why do not they create new development strategy?

Actually, there is a crucial need of new vision and innovative inspiration for development in our continent. It is more than necessary that our political leaders and our governments orient their programme of action towards peoples and for peoples. Time for demagogical speeches is over. Let now work for a better life of our peoples. Time for keeping begging must be over, because ‘by always begging we will remain eternal beggars and be considered like small kids’! Instead of being so, let rethink about our situation and then change our current development strategies for bright future of our societies. Do not await the solution to our development issues from our western partners and international institutions, let us look around us and create and/or initiate developmental projects that will enable and empower our peoples and societies.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL INTEGRITY SYSTEMS

Corruption is one of the greatest challenges in and for our society and state in nowadays. We strongly believe that corruption does not have only serious negative consequences for the Country, government and people but is also the key and fundamental factor of state collapse. Fortunately this challenge can be cured and confronted. Combating corruption is however a societal and political discourse. Thus there is on the one hand the necessary to have vigilance and preventive measures and on the other hand the high sense of integrity to the managing and supervising agents in their responsibility to fight corruption.

Worldwide concern for combating corruption by improving the levels of governance and accountability has never been higher whether in public or in the private sector. This shows the clear link between corruption, good governance, transparence and the rule of law.

However, each country has its mechanisms to prevent corruption thereby restoring the integrity of public sector. There is generally a system of code of ethical behaviour. In case of South Africa, fighting corruption and achieving good governance are still challenges since 1994. Many anti- corruption initiatives have been put in place until the adoption of the Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy (PSAS).

In fact, corruption concern in South Africa is crucial and needs particular attention for to materialize and fulfill the commitment of transformation and development of the country. South Africa has this strong political commitment to fight corruption, both in our political leadership and through collective civil mobilisation, range of legislation, an independent institutions such as Auditor-General, Public Protector and the Public Service Commission, a well-functioning criminal justice system, codes for conduct of Public Officials and codes that deal with breaches of conduct, the new Prevention of Corruption Act rectifies the shortcomings of the Corruption Act of 1992 (the Act is clear and explicit in its definitions and provides tools for investigation and prosecution as well as more severe penalties. It also provides for extra-territorial jurisdiction over offences, which is essential for compliance with international best practice and the practical issues of enterprises, which do business outside South Africa), corruption is still a challenge in the Democratic South Africa. And then why despite all above mentioned mechanisms?

The need to foster and sustain high levels of ethics in the public service has come into the spotlight with a global shift of focus. It is important to note that Integrity testing can have a role to play, and the assets and liabilities of officers at particular risk may need to be monitored. Though, to have integrity systems in place supported by good legislation and policy, effective implementation and enforcement of such legislation is a critical step in efforts to prevent and fight corruption. Furthermore, there is a huge need to enhance control of political parties private and public funds by regulating them and then ensuring accountability and transparency.

Therefore, depolitised and independent media, justice system together with vibrant and strong civil society have to play a great role by monitoring and fighting against corruption. But they need laws that guarantee their work and safety. Lastly, decent salaries for public sector official and officer, forces of order (Police Officer) and security, judiciary and civil service, is another crucial response to the fight against corruption. It is now time for us to be winners.

Eradication of Poverty's International Day: What is its impact?

Living in a very challenging world, where each and every day, peoples are standing up against corruption and social injustice for being core sources of States collapse, social inequality and poverty.

In 2000, world’s leaders agreed to end up with poverty; this ‘god’ news was seen as a possible new world. Unfortunately, the Millennium Development Goals continue to be unrealistic, as consequences of continual states mismanagement, civil war, human trafficking activities, terrorism, refugees, hunger (food shortages), poverty and etc (not only in Africa but also in other third world countries).

Therefore, we think it is more than important to stand up and act in order to bring positive changes to all above mentioned crises. Last October 17th, we were planning many actions with the purpose of pushing states decisions-makers and executives to work for a better world for all. Because we believe that tomorrow will be bright for our nations and peoples if ever there is a sense of humanity and responsibility for and in all. Thus, let be always hand in hand for fighting injustice, inequality and poverty in order to build our societies where freedom, peace, justice, food security, harmony, opportunities and so on will be guaranteed to all our brothers and sisters.

Let's Fight Poverty this October 17th.

Each single year, we celebrate International Day Against Poverty. This event or day is October 17th. Living in a very challenging world, where each and every day, peoples are standing up against corruption and injustice for being core sources of States collapse, social inequality and poverty.
When in 2000, world’s leaders agreed to end up with poverty; this ‘god’ news was seen as a possible new born world. Unfortunately, the Millennium Development Goals continue to be unrealistic, as consequences of continual states mismanagement, civil war, human trafficking activities, terrorism, refugees, hunger (food shortages), poverty and etc (not only in Africa but also in other third world countries).
Therefore, we think it is more than important to stand up and act in order to bring positive changes to all above mentioned crises. For the coming October 17th, we are planning many actions with the purpose of pushing states decisions-makers and executives to work for a better world for all.
All these considered, we believe that tomorrow will be bright for our nations and peoples. But, let be always hand in hand for fighting injustice, inequality and poverty in order to build our societies where freedom, peace, justice, food security, harmony, opportunities and so on will be guaranteed to all our brothers and sisters.

What will be your contribution to that event? Are you ready to be part of the event? Are willing to join us and together fight poverty? Stand up and Act now, do not delay.

Sadness on our roads!

It is painful to powerlessly see a human being struggling for his life early in the morning after being hit by a private car at Fourways Crossing. According to eyewitnesses, the victim (+/-29 years old man) was on his wait to work, when suddenly was drown on the road couple of minutes after getting out of his taxi when he wanted to cross William Nicol Avenue. When I have arrived to the place of the accident, the man was completely unconscious and his face and head full of blood. No one could recognise him, unless his relatives and friends and colleagues. He was forcing to stand and/or talk to us, but in vain. No one could assist him at that time. We were confused and just powerlessly looking at the victim.
Certainly, the person who hit him was calling the ambulance and possibly metro police and police for help. But it was delaying and this man needed an urgent health care in order to save his life. I have started asking myself: why not to take this man to nearest hospital instead of waiting the ambulance? Is police investigation important than human being life? Why should not we assist him when it was not late? It was really confusing and sad. Until I left, neither ambulance nor metro police nor police came. Fifteen minutes late, I have heard ambulance alarms!
When I have shared this accident to one of my South African friends, she told me: “this is their country’s road regulation. No one, except paramedical officers and police, is allowed to assist car accident people”. This answer surprised and confused me! Are laws and regulations worth then life? Is there a need for this regulation reform? Please help and protect our people.

Joyful ‘Retrouvailles’: One Year Later

As it is always joyful to meet again with his/her Lovers one. This was what I have experienced last Wednesday when I met my 2006 World of Work’s colleagues at the 2007 WOW training launch. Certainly, it was really interesting and joyful to hear from my dear friends after one year of separation. The interventions of Celeste, Cyrille and Zanele have edified the audience and give not only this year WOW trainees but also me.
Many students ignore the reality of transition between studies and work environment. They need a practical training to prepare and/or initiate them to new realities. Celeste, Cyrille and Zanale’s experience of world of work transition were helped us a lot. I was proud of my colleagues when they presented their work experience to audience. They have honestly accepted that the transition was not easy as they were many challenges each and every day. By now they are continuously overcoming all these challenges. For them, the WOW training is very important as it gives edge to the participants. They also insisted on the positive impact of Blogging.
However, in the one hand, their intervention brought hope and self confidence, in the other hand, it sounded like a challenging self assessment. I was continuously questioning myself until I come up with a ‘reasonable’ and responsible solution to what I am facing. I have realised that if my colleagues are where they are today is the fruit of hard work. Thus, I have decided to also work hard in order to transform my weaknesses to my strengths. It sounds a good resolution, but also discipline, commitment and support of all of you. I will be grateful to your positive contribution to my resolution for success. Let us encourage one another with the aim of facing and winning our world’s challenges.
To you, my dear colleagues, Congratulations! I wish you all the best and ask each one of you to stick where you are and perform more at your work place. And to you, 2007 WOW trainees, you are the privileged people. Concentrate to your programme and maximize your employability chance.