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Violent Protests In South Africa Amid Growing Frustration At Electricity Crisis

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Growing frustration at the worsening energy situation in South Africa is seeing residents call for a national shutdown.

On Monday, residents of Boksburg took to the streets to protest against long hours of power cuts.

TimesLive, local news site, reports that roads in Boksburg have been blockaded with burning tyres and rocks.

The protest was at the corner of Rondebult road and the R554 between Dawn Park and Klippoortjie in the city.

“The road has been barricaded by protesters due to a service delivery protest that started earlier this morning. We have SAPS and EMPD monitoring the scene,” TimesLive quoted Deliwe Ndlovu, police spokesperson, to have said.

“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid further delays.”

This is not the first time Boksburg is witnessing violent protests as protests over poor services occur regularly in South Africa.

In 2018, residents blocked off a major route with stones and burning tyres over “illegal” use of electricity from neighboring areas.

Soweto has also recorded violent protests over electricity. In 2021, several roads were cordoned off with rocks and stones by residents over a lack of electricity supply.

In August 2022, at least four people died during protests over the cost of electricity in Johannesburg.

Experts have warned that the frequency and intensity of load shedding are expected to escalate this year.

The announcement of a massive hike in electricity costs has spurred a call for a national shutdown on February 9, which is trending on social media platforms such as Twitter.

It isn’t immediately clear who is responsible for the protest action.

Politicians from opposing parties are also using the national shutdown hashtag to express their positions on the electricity crisis.

“The success of the #NationalShutdown would be dependent on it being depoliticised,” Gayton McKenzie, leader of Patriotic Alliance, a political party, tweeted.

“You are first a citizen before you are a member of a political party and loadshedding affects all citizens even those amongst us who are off grid. Let’s protest together as South Africans.”

BIG STORY

Wema Bank Launches #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge To Celebrate Exceptional Educators In Nigeria

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As the world celebrates the invaluable contributions of teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Wema Bank proudly joins this global recognition by launching the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge to honor and reward exceptional educators in Nigeria. This initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to the theme, “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.”

Abimbola Agbejule, Head of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility, shares her thoughts on this initiative: “At Wema Bank, our dedication to education extends far beyond providing financial services. It’s about celebrating the educators who light the path of knowledge for our future leaders.” She added, “Through the #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge, we aim to honor these remarkable teachers while reinforcing our commitment to corporate sustainability. We believe that investing in education is essential for fostering a sustainable future for our communities.”

Wema Bank has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering educational engagement, making a positive impact on society, and promoting personal development through education. This year, the bank is determined to make World Teachers’ Day unforgettable by celebrating the educators who have made a lasting impact on their students’ lives.

The #MyTeacherMyHero Challenge encourages students, alumni, and parents to nominate the teachers who have left an indelible mark on their lives. These teachers deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their outstanding contributions to education and personal development.

Participation is Simple:

1. Follow @WemaBank on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

2. Upload a 1-minute video sharing the story of your most cherished teacher. Explain why they are special and how they have positively impacted your life.

3. Tag @WemaBank and use the hashtag #MyTeacherMyHeroByWema.

The call for entries opened on Monday, 7th October, and closes on Friday, 18th October 2024. The Top 3 teacher nominations will be announced and unveiled on October 25th, 2024, creating excitement and marking a significant moment in the teaching profession.

This initiative reflects Wema Bank’s dedication to education, personal growth, and the individuals who inspire and mold our nation’s future. We invite everyone to participate.

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BREAKING: PDP Suspends Spokesman, Legal Adviser

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The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN.

Since 2023, the PDP has been dealing with internal conflicts, with Ologunagba and Ajibade recently becoming prominent figures, urging the National Chairman, Umar Damagum, to follow the party’s constitution in daily operations.

According to a statement from the PDP National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, released early Friday, the party has set up a committee led by Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja to investigate the concerns raised against the officers, in line with the party’s Constitution.

The statement reads: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arising from its 593rd Meeting today, Thursday, October 10, 2024, has directed the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Hon Debo Ologunagba and National Legal Adviser (NLA), Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, to step aside.

“As a result, the NWC constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party.”

“Following the NWC’s Decision, it directed their respective deputies (DNPS and DNLA) to assume office in acting capacity with effect from Friday, October 11, 2024, pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee. The officers are: Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga, Acting National Publicity Secretary and Okechukwu Osuoha, Acting National Legal Adviser.

“The NWC enjoins all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members, and supporters of our great Party to remain focused and committed as it pilots the day-to-day affairs of the PDP for its greater good.”

 

More to come…

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Bishops Abioye, Aremu Leave Winners Chapel

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Two Vice Presidents of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Olatunji Abioye and Bishop Thomas Aremu, are preparing to leave the church.

According to Church Times, the two bishops will be departing the church, which is led by the Founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, in October.

They will be leaving within three days of each other.

Bishop Aremu, who currently leads LFC, Basorun, Ibadan, in Oyo State, is set to depart on “October 15, 2024,” while Bishop Abioye, who has been associated with Bishop Oyedepo since 1979, will make his exit on “October 18, 2024.”

Aremu’s valedictory service will be held at the church in Ibadan, and Abioye’s at LFC, Durumi, Abuja.

This is considered a landmark event as it will be the first time pastors who have “served meritoriously” in Winners Chapel will be formally celebrated upon retirement.

As stated by Church Times, both bishops will be departing Winners Chapel according to the guidelines of the “Mandate,” which serves as the constitution or operational manual of the Liberation Commission.

The updated Mandate has adjusted the retirement age from “60” to “58.”

Only the Founder, Bishop Oyedepo, is entitled to serve for a lifetime, while future leaders of the Commission will serve for one term or a maximum of two terms of seven years each, pending approval from the “Board of Trustees.”

Church Times mentions that this change signals a new era for the church, which has been in existence for under five decades.

Bishop Abioye, who first met Oyedepo in 1979 and has been his close associate ever since, was assigned to lead one of the five original branches of the church in 1987.

In 1993, at the age of 32, he was consecrated in Garden of Faith, Barnawa, Kaduna, making him the youngest Bishop of a fully established church in history.

Bishop Aremu, who transitioned to full-time ministry after a career as an accountant in various secular organizations, is the last remaining member of the seven bishops consecrated in November 1999 at Garden of Faith, Kaduna.

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