The Congress of South African Trade Unions said it was appalled by King Mswati III’s continued onslaught against leaders and members of the country’s trade union federation, TUCOSWA. It also spoke against the intensified state of terror and repression of fundamental rights to organise and free expression in Swaziland. Members were attacked and persecuted by Swazi state-security forces before and during May Day celebrations.
EU-Africa cooperation
The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development said the April meeting between Commissioners of the EU and the African Union had confirmed their desire to place agriculture at the top of the two bodies’ political agendas. Agriculture must remain a priority as food safety was everyone’s business, he said. “I welcome the decision of the African Union to make 2014 the year of agriculture and food security. Agriculture is not a sector of the past, but an area of progress, provided it is given the means to modernize, to integrate into an agri-food sector, to carry out research and innovation and to turn to quality and added value.”
Vibrant media
The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Michael Nevin, recently called on that country to fight for a flourishing media, as without a vibrant media, there would not be a vibrant country. The British envoy said a flourishing media was integral to democracy, development and justice.
Cleric criticised
Zambia’s National Restoration Party President, Elias Chipimo, recently urged outspoken cleric Father Frank Bwalya, to concentrate on his 40-day retreat and have sufficient time to listen to his God before engaging in public debate. Bwalya recently said members of Chipimo’s party were “cowards” who were afraid of him, after he announced his ambition to form a political party. He also criticised Zambia’s current politicians for lacking direction and relevance.
Air Base outrage
Five senior government officials and military personnel were recently suspended in South Africa, after an unauthorised private chartered jet landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base. Justice Minister Jeff Radebe made the announcement at a recent media briefing, adding that a preliminary probe had been conducted and a full investigation was underway.
The Gupta family chartered jet had since been moved from the Waterkloof Air Force Base after widespread outrage about private use of a national key point.
Post published in: Africa News