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	<title>Africa Archives - Alt News Network</title>
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	<title>Africa Archives - Alt News Network</title>
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		<title>Chaos Unfolds in Maputo: Female Protester Killed by Armored Vehicle Sparks Outrage</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/chaos-unfolds-in-maputo-female-protester-killed-by-armored-vehicle-sparks-outrage/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Frederic Egersdorfer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 09:41:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Economic Crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frederic Egersdorfer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Justice For Protesters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maputo Protests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mozambique News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Police Brutality]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=5946</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Maputo, the bustling capital of Mozambique, is gripped by escalating tensions after a young woman...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/chaos-unfolds-in-maputo-female-protester-killed-by-armored-vehicle-sparks-outrage/">Chaos Unfolds in Maputo: Female Protester Killed by Armored Vehicle Sparks Outrage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Maputo, the bustling capital of Mozambique, is gripped by escalating tensions after a young woman was fatally struck by an armoured vehicle during protests that have paralyzed the city. This tragic incident has ignited widespread anger, drawing attention to the increasingly strained relationship between authorities and citizens.</p>
<p>The protests, which began as a response to economic hardships and rising living costs, quickly spiralled into chaos on Wednesday. Demonstrators flooded central Maputo, blocking roads and setting up barricades in a show of frustration against the government’s perceived inaction. Amid this unrest, a shocking event unfolded: an armoured police vehicle struck a young female protester, leaving her fatally injured on the spot.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Military vehicle in Maputo running over a peaceful protestor.</p>
<p>This is shocking.<a href="https://t.co/9qHFKifXbK">pic.twitter.com/9qHFKifXbK</a></p>
<p>— Sir Cabonena Alfred (@Lebona_cabonena) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lebona_cabonena/status/1862021729846952143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle did not stop after the collision, exacerbating the crowd&#8217;s outrage. In the aftermath, clashes between protesters and security forces intensified, with police resorting to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Reports from CNN Portugal confirm that two additional lives were lost during these confrontations, allegedly due to police gunfire, further fueling the public’s fury.</p>
<p>International observers and human rights groups have condemned the incident, calling for an independent investigation into the deaths and the use of force by Mozambican police. The Observador noted that the tragedy highlights deeper systemic issues within Mozambique, including limited accountability for security forces and growing public dissent over socio-economic challenges.</p>
<p>The government has responded with statements urging calm, but citizens have voiced scepticism, demanding tangible solutions to their grievances. Social media has been flooded with calls for justice for the victims, with hashtags like #JusticeForMaputo trending regionally.</p>
<p>This week’s events in Maputo paint a grim picture of a nation grappling with economic and social turmoil. The death of the young protester has become a rallying cry for a movement demanding accountability and change. As tensions simmer, Mozambique faces a critical crossroads: will it address the systemic issues fueling unrest or risk further alienating its citizens?</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/chaos-unfolds-in-maputo-female-protester-killed-by-armored-vehicle-sparks-outrage/">Chaos Unfolds in Maputo: Female Protester Killed by Armored Vehicle Sparks Outrage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Nigerians Turn to Compressed Natural Gas as Petrol Prices Soar: A Clean Energy Shift</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/nigerians-turn-to-compressed-natural-gas-as-petrol-prices-soar-a-clean-energy-shift/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:02:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carbon Emissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clean Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CNG Conversion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compressed Natural Gas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigeria Fuel Prices]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=5940</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>With rising petrol prices pushing Nigerians to seek alternatives, many are now turning to Compressed...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/nigerians-turn-to-compressed-natural-gas-as-petrol-prices-soar-a-clean-energy-shift/">Nigerians Turn to Compressed Natural Gas as Petrol Prices Soar: A Clean Energy Shift</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With rising petrol prices pushing Nigerians to seek alternatives, many are now turning to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a more affordable and environmentally friendly option. Unlike petrol, which is derived from crude oil, CNG is made by compressing natural gas, primarily methane, into a liquid form. It is safer, cleaner, and less expensive, making it an increasingly popular choice for Nigerian drivers facing skyrocketing fuel costs. Since the fuel subsidy rollback last year, CNG has gained traction as a viable alternative for both private and commercial vehicles.</p>
<p>The dramatic increase in petrol prices in Nigeria has prompted many car owners to seek alternatives, and for some, that means converting their vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Since the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023, petrol prices have surged fivefold, causing considerable strain on households and businesses alike. For many, CNG offers a more affordable solution and helps mitigate the financial pressure caused by rising fuel costs.</p>
<p>At an NIPCO Plc station on the outskirts of Abuja, the demand for CNG vehicle retrofitting has skyrocketed. The station has even set up a dedicated workshop where mechanics retrofit cars to run on CNG, installing cylinders and fuel injection systems. <em>“We are booked until the end of January at least,”</em> said Chris Uche, the technician leading the conversion efforts.<em> “There are so many cars waiting to be converted.”</em></p>
<p>The shift to CNG represents Nigeria’s broader push to reduce its dependence on crude oil and harness its largely untapped natural gas reserves. The country boasts 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, much of which is either flared or re-injected into wells, representing an underutilized resource.</p>
<p>To encourage this transition, the Nigerian government has introduced various incentives. Gas companies are receiving incentives, taxes and tariffs have been waived for CNG equipment, and discounts are available for taxis and commercial drivers. Additionally, a 10 billion naira ($6 million) credit facility has been established to help private car owners afford the conversion.</p>
<p>Toyin Subair, vice-chairman of a presidential committee on CNG, explained that the initiative aims to <em>&#8220;enhance Nigeria’s energy security, lower transportation costs, and reduce carbon emissions.&#8221;</em> The committee’s goal is to convert 1 million vehicles to CNG by 2027, with an interim target of converting 100,000 commercial vehicles by the end of 2024.</p>
<p>This goal, while modest in comparison to Egypt’s 500,000 CNG vehicles, represents a significant step towards cleaner energy for Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer. The conversion process itself involves installing a high-pressure gas tank, pressure regulator, and injectors into vehicles. When CNG is injected into the engine, it is ignited by the car’s spark plugs, much like petrol in a conventional engine.</p>
<p><img data-dominant-color="68636a" data-has-transparency="false" style="--dominant-color: #68636a;" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5943 not-transparent" src="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/420315486-555x370-1.webp" alt="" width="820" height="547" srcset="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/420315486-555x370-1.webp 555w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/420315486-555x370-1-300x200.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /></p>
<p>Commercial vehicle drivers, particularly those operating rideshare platforms like Uber and Bolt, have been quick to adopt CNG. These vehicles, often older models like Toyota Corollas, Honda Civics, and Peugeot 206s, are now being retrofitted to run on CNG, which is priced at 230 naira per litre—roughly one-fifth of the cost of petrol. Some drivers have reported a more than 400% increase in monthly profits due to the switch.</p>
<p>One such driver, Clement Sunday, who operates a 2002 Peugeot 206 on both petrol and CNG, shared his experience. <em>&#8220;The only disadvantage it has cost me is the space in the boot. Passengers with luggage have proved to be an issue,&#8221;</em> said Sunday. While the CNG tank reduces the boot space by a third, the car can travel 150 kilometres on a single 3,500 naira fill. He spent 800,000 naira on the conversion, but with government subsidies, the cost was reduced by a third. He claims to have already recouped his investment.</p>
<p>Though CNG has been in use for years in the trucking industry, it is now gaining momentum in personal vehicles. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, for example, uses CNG for his fleet of tankers, which travel the 700-kilometre route between Abuja and Lagos.</p>
<p>In addition to helping reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum, CNG has the potential to reduce the country’s foreign exchange strain, as oil imports are paid for in dollars. However, the growth of CNG infrastructure remains a work in progress. While gas is produced in southern Nigeria by major oil companies like Shell and TotalEnergies, the distribution to filling stations nationwide remains limited, especially outside major urban centres like Abuja and Lagos. <em>&#8220;We have to drive for two or three hours to find a station,&#8221;</em> said Sunday, noting that longer queues are now becoming common.</p>
<p>Despite the government’s efforts, many gas distribution firms are hesitant to enter the market. The retail cost of CNG for cars remains unprofitable due to price regulation. Sumeet Singh, CEO of Powergas Africa, explained, &#8220;It is like replacing one subsidy with another, but we see the market settling at 50%–60% of the price of petrol and diesel.&#8221; Currently, most CNG distributors are focusing on industrial uses, where prices are unregulated.</p>
<p>To further support the CNG transition, the Nigerian government has allocated $450 million for investment in CNG infrastructure. More than 90 conversion centres are operating across the country, with an additional 88 smaller stations under development. Mobile refuelling units are also being introduced, capable of refuelling up to 40 vehicles per hour.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, safety concerns remain a significant hurdle. CNG, unlike petrol, is sensitive to temperature changes and can be dangerous if not handled properly. A recent explosion in Benin, which injured three people, further exacerbated safety fears. The government has responded by denying claims that the explosion was caused by a CNG vehicle, stating that the car involved had been illegally modified.</p>
<p>As Nigeria continues its push toward cleaner energy and more affordable transportation, the shift to Compressed Natural Gas offers a promising solution to rising fuel prices. While challenges remain in terms of infrastructure, safety, and distribution, the government’s incentives and ambitious goals provide a hopeful outlook for the future of CNG in Nigeria. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to reduce their carbon footprints and promote energy independence.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/nigerians-turn-to-compressed-natural-gas-as-petrol-prices-soar-a-clean-energy-shift/">Nigerians Turn to Compressed Natural Gas as Petrol Prices Soar: A Clean Energy Shift</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Unpacking the Global Agribusiness Agenda: Threats to African Farmers&#8217; Sovereignty</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/unpacking-the-global-agribusiness-agenda-threats-to-african-farmers-sovereignty/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jul 2024 07:34:10 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Farming]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African Farmers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agricultural Policies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Global Agribusiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seed Laws]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=4829</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In 2012, Kenya introduced a contentious law prohibiting farmers from saving, sharing, or selling unregistered...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/unpacking-the-global-agribusiness-agenda-threats-to-african-farmers-sovereignty/">Unpacking the Global Agribusiness Agenda: Threats to African Farmers&#8217; Sovereignty</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">In 2012, Kenya introduced a contentious law prohibiting farmers from saving, sharing, or selling unregistered seeds, imposing severe penalties including imprisonment and excessive fines. This legal framework has sparked outrage among smallholder farmers, who argue it undermines their traditional farming practices and autonomy in seed selection.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Claire Nasike Akello, an outspoken advocate for agroecology and environmental sustainability, <a href="https://conservationatheart.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/whose-interest-does-the-kenyan-seeds-law-protect/">contends that such legislation criminalises indigenous farming methods</a>. By mandating reliance on multinational corporations for seeds, the law disrupts centuries-old practices that have sustained local communities and preserved agricultural biodiversity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The controversy extends beyond Kenya&#8217;s borders, echoing across Africa through initiatives like the <a href="http://www.agra.org/">Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa</a> (AGRA). Funded by influential entities such as the Gates and Rockefeller Foundations, AGRA has actively shaped agricultural policies in African nations, promoting commercial seed systems and prioritising profit-driven interests over local food security.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since the 1990s, international bodies, including USAID, the G8, and philanthropic organisations, have influenced African seed laws, favouring corporate agendas under the guise of regulatory standardisation. These laws enforce strict certification requirements that exclude indigenous seeds, <a href="http://www.globalissues.org/article/191/food-patents-stealing-indigenous-knowledge">thereby consolidating control over seed production and distribution</a> in the hands of a few multinational corporations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Critics argue that this regulatory overhaul undermines agricultural diversity and local resilience, exacerbating food insecurity rather than alleviating it. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">These policies perpetuate dependency on industrial agriculture inputs, including <a href="https://www.globalissues.org/article/191/food-patents-stealing-indigenous-knowledge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genetically modified seeds and chemical fertilisers,</a> <a href="https://www.globalissues.org/article/191/food-patents-stealing-indigenous-knowledge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by marginalising traditional farming knowledge and practices</a></span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The implications are profound for Africa&#8217;s rural communities, where agriculture forms the backbone of livelihoods and cultural identity. The shift towards corporate-controlled seed systems threatens to erode local knowledge systems and disrupt sustainable farming practices that have sustained communities for generations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Moreover, the involvement of figures like Bill Gates and institutional investors such as BlackRock underscores broader concerns about neocolonialism and economic exploitation. These entities, through their influence on agricultural policies and initiatives, shape the trajectory of African agriculture in ways that<a href="https://www.iatp.org/agra-still-failing-africas-farmers"> prioritise profit over local empowerment</a> and environmental sustainability.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In response, voices from within Africa and beyond are calling for a reevaluation of agricultural policies that prioritise the needs and aspirations of smallholder farmers. Advocates for food sovereignty argue for greater investment in agroecological practices and support for farmers&#8217; seed systems, which promote biodiversity, resilience, and community self-sufficiency.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The battle over seeds symbolises a larger struggle for sovereignty and sustainability in global agriculture. As African nations navigate the complexities of economic development and food security, the debate over seed laws and agricultural policies serves as a critical juncture for redefining the relationship between global economic forces and local communities.</p>
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<p><strong>For further insights and perspectives on this issue, explore the following resources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://conservationatheart.wordpress.com/2022/08/02/whose-interest-does-the-kenyan-seeds-law-protect/" target="_new" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claire Nasike Akello&#8217;s Analysis on Conservation at Heart</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.agra.org/" target="_new" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.iatp.org/agra-still-failing-africas-farmers" target="_new" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy on AGRA&#8217;s Impact</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ids.ac.uk/opinions/how-the-world-bank-is-restricting-farmers-rights-to-own-save-and-sell-seeds/" target="_new" rel="noreferrer noopener">How the World Bank restricts farmers&#8217; rights</a></li>
<li><a href="https://cafod.org.uk/about-us/policy-and-research/food-systems-and-agriculture/how-the-world-bank-harms-poor-farmers" target="_new" rel="noreferrer noopener">CAFOD&#8217;s report on World Bank policies</a></li>
</ul>
<p>By critically examining these issues, we can foster a deeper understanding of the challenges facing African agriculture and advocate for policies that uphold farmers&#8217; rights, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development for future generations.</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Source: Off-Guardian: <a href="https://off-guardian.org/2024/07/11/war-on-farmers-world-bank-sowing-seed-colonialism-in-africa/">War on Farmers: World Bank Sowing Seed-Colonialism in Africa</a></em></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/unpacking-the-global-agribusiness-agenda-threats-to-african-farmers-sovereignty/">Unpacking the Global Agribusiness Agenda: Threats to African Farmers&#8217; Sovereignty</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>African Men Push Back Against Western Narratives on Abortion and LGBTQ Lifestyles: Defending Family Values</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-men-push-back-against-western-narratives-on-abortion-and-lgbtq-lifestyles-defending-family-values/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Frederic Egersdorfer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:30:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[African men resistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cultural imperialism critique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frederic Egersdorfer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro-life advocacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Traditional family values Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Western narratives abortion]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=4691</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Human Life International is helping African men persevere in their culture’s traditional understanding of fathers...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-men-push-back-against-western-narratives-on-abortion-and-lgbtq-lifestyles-defending-family-values/">African Men Push Back Against Western Narratives on Abortion and LGBTQ Lifestyles: Defending Family Values</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Human Life International is helping African men persevere in their culture’s traditional understanding of fathers and reject negative Western influences that promote contraception, abortion, and LGBT ideology.</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>June 17, 2024 — Johannesburg, South Africa</strong> – In a powerful demonstration of cultural resistance, African men are challenging Western ideologies surrounding abortion and LGBTQ lifestyles, asserting that these narratives are undermining traditional family structures. This movement is gaining momentum as African leaders and communities reject what they see as foreign impositions that threaten their societal values.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Key Highlights:</h4>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li><strong>Rejecting Western Ideologies</strong>: African men, particularly those involved in pro-family and pro-life movements, are speaking out against Western perspectives on abortion and LGBTQ lifestyles. They argue that these views are destructive to the fabric of African society and family life.</li>
<li><strong>Defending Traditional Values</strong>: The core of this resistance is a dedication to preserving traditional African values, which emphasise strong family units and clear gender roles. African men believe that Western narratives on reproductive rights and LGBTQ lifestyles are in direct conflict with these cultural norms.</li>
<li><strong>Criticism of Cultural Imperialism</strong>: African leaders argue that Western interventions in reproductive health and family policies constitute cultural imperialism, imposing values that are not accepted by the majority of African communities. They call for a rejection of these external influences to maintain the integrity of their societal structures.</li>
<li><strong>Voices of Advocacy</strong>:
<ul>
<li><strong>Dr. Obadiah&#8217;s Statement</strong>: Dr. Obadiah, a prominent pro-life advocate in Africa, has been vocal about the detrimental impact of Western ideologies on African families. He states, &#8220;These Western lies about fatherhood, abortion, and LGBTQ lifestyles are tearing apart the very fabric of our society. We must reject these harmful narratives to preserve our values and protect our children.&#8221;</li>
<li><strong>Community Leaders&#8217; Perspectives</strong>: Other community leaders echo Dr. Obadiah&#8217;s sentiments, emphasising the need to defend African cultural norms against external pressures. &#8220;The promotion of abortion and non-traditional lifestyles is a direct attack on our way of life,&#8221; says John Mwangi, a community organiser from Kenya.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support from Human Life International</strong>: Human Life International (HLI), a global pro-life organization, has expressed strong support for the stance taken by African men. HLI&#8217;s recent press release highlights the widespread disapproval of Western narratives on abortion and LGBTQ lifestyles among African men, advocating for policies that uphold life and family integrity.</li>
</ol>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Controversies and Public Reactions</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The backlash against Western influence is highly controversial. Proponents of reproductive and LGBTQ rights argue that access to abortion and acceptance of diverse lifestyles are essential for individual freedom and health. However, opponents, including many African men, contend that these measures undermine traditional family values and promote lifestyles that conflict with cultural and religious beliefs.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Implications for the Future</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The ongoing debate has significant implications for both international relations and domestic policies in African nations. The resistance to Western ideologies could lead to a reevaluation of foreign aid and health programmes, urging a shift towards culturally respectful approaches that align with local values.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Conclusion</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This controversy underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural differences in global health and family planning initiatives. As African men continue to push back against Western narratives on abortion and LGBTQ lifestyles, the world watches to see how these tensions will shape the future of policies and societal norms in Africa.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-men-push-back-against-western-narratives-on-abortion-and-lgbtq-lifestyles-defending-family-values/">African Men Push Back Against Western Narratives on Abortion and LGBTQ Lifestyles: Defending Family Values</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>African Metaverse Sells Out Land In Flash Sale</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-metaverse-sells-out-land-in-flash-sale/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2022 09:40:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Digital Land]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metaverse]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=2394</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>149 Plots of virtual land scooped up in a few minutes Johannesburg 3 May 2022:...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-metaverse-sells-out-land-in-flash-sale/">African Metaverse Sells Out Land In Flash Sale</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong><em>149 Plots of virtual land scooped up in a few minutes</em></strong></h2>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2397" src="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Map1.jpg" alt="" width="1138" height="436" srcset="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Map1.jpg 1138w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Map1-300x115.jpg 300w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Map1-1024x392.jpg 1024w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Map1-768x294.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1138px) 100vw, 1138px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Johannesburg 3 May 2022:</strong> <strong><em>Africarare</em></strong>, Africa’s first metaverse is fast building momentum as plans unfold for the space to showcase African creativity and connect Africa to the global digital economy. Last weekend, 149 plots of, <em>Ubuntuland,</em> virtual land sold out in less than 8 minutes when released for sale.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A flash sale took place on <em>Opensea</em> with a limited volume of single land plots available for US$149 each, in order to satisfy the growing interest in the platform and to enable virtual landowners to start developing their real estate. New single plot landowners join <strong><em>MTN</em></strong>, Africa’s largest multinational mobile telecommunications company and <strong><em>M&amp;C Saatchi Abel</em></strong> who entered the metaverse as the first South African agency to do so. More branded villages are to be announced soon.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There will only ever be 204 642 plots of land available, made up of different village sizes in various community hubs. The land is positioned and priced according to a tiered value system, based on village size and area.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These single plots are 16 square meters in land area, can be built on 1 floor and can be used to build a small shop or kiosk or a variety of stores to showcase your goods and or services.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Landholders will be able to customize their 3-D land spaces, such as hosting shops, producing resources, renting virtual services and developing games or other applications. Designated spaces will serve the community for work, play and wellness purposes, including a state of the art meeting rooms, online therapy rooms (with optional anonymity), concert stages, film festival spaces, meditation lounges and other dynamic interactive environments. And, there’s more to come, such as staking, DAO (decentralized autonomous organization) and blockchain play-to-earn gaming.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two art galleries already feature in <strong><em>Africarare</em></strong>, dedicated to showcasing Africa’s prolific creativity. The <strong><em>Mila </em></strong>gallery (Swahili for ‘tradition’), already open, will host curated collections by some of Africa’s foremost artists, while the <strong><em>Inuka </em></strong>gallery (Swahili for ‘rise’) will feature works by emerging African artists from later in 2022. Both galleries will stage various exhibitions on an ongoing basis with art pieces being sold as NFT’s (non-fungible tokens).</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2396" src="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Genesis-Land-Sale.jpg" alt="" width="1020" height="1020" srcset="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Genesis-Land-Sale.jpg 1020w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Genesis-Land-Sale-300x300.jpg 300w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Genesis-Land-Sale-150x150.jpg 150w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Africarare-Genesis-Land-Sale-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1020px) 100vw, 1020px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“We are thrilled that the available land was swept up so quickly, showing there is massive demand for African virtual land”.</em> said Mic Mann, co-founder and CEO of <strong><em>Africarare</em></strong>.<em> “<strong>Africarare</strong> will connect Africa to this booming arena of the global economy, stimulate growth and create multiple new jobs such as digital designers, creators and architects”</em> he added.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“Virtual land is a real investment opportunity and early adopters are making forward-thinking decisions,”</em> said Shayne Mann, Co-founder of <strong><em>Africarare</em></strong>. <em>“The possibilities for personalisation and commercialisation are endless,”</em> he added.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Be sure to join the Africarare Discord and social media channels to be informed on the next public land sale and new announcements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With <strong><em>Ubuntuland </em></strong>poised to become the biggest talking point in the digital African space, it’s time to own your piece of Virtual Africa!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/african-metaverse-sells-out-land-in-flash-sale/">African Metaverse Sells Out Land In Flash Sale</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Espn&#8217;s Built To Play Launches First Project In Africa</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/sport/espns-built-to-play-launches-first-project-in-africa/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:57:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESPN Television]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ESPN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nigeria]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=2205</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Football field opened in Makoko, Nigeria Programme adds coaching and training support for a sustainable venue for...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/sport/espns-built-to-play-launches-first-project-in-africa/">Espn&#8217;s Built To Play Launches First Project In Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Football field opened in Makoko, Nigeria </em></strong><strong><em>Programme adds coaching and training support </em></strong><strong><em>for a sustainable venue for community</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Johannesburg, 15 March 2022: </strong><strong><em>ESPN</em></strong> has opened a brand new football pitch in the community of Makoko, in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its <strong><em>Built To Play</em></strong> initiative. In collaboration with <strong><em>Kick4Life</em></strong>, <strong><em>Slum2School </em></strong>and<strong><em> Love.futbol</em></strong>, the first-in-Africa facility will serve the 3 000 learners of the school, upon whose premises it is built, as well as the 85 840 people who live in this community.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Launched in 2016, <strong><em>Built To Play</em></strong> is an international corporate citizenship project that set out to create safe spaces in communities in key markets where <strong><em>ESPN</em></strong> has a presence. The initiative provides not only sports courts for play, but holistic support that empowers the local community and provides jobs skills and life-skills training to enable young people to have a more positive future. Nine play spaces in eight markets across the globe have been built prior to this one, including in Puerto Rico, Mexico City, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2208" src="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Makoko-youth-playing.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="608" srcset="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Makoko-youth-playing.jpg 1080w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Makoko-youth-playing-300x169.jpg 300w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Makoko-youth-playing-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Makoko-youth-playing-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With no other football field in the area, the recently opened field that is easily accessible is already being used daily by children from the surrounding schools and the Makoko community. The gates to the centrally located 30 x 98 metre field are left open so that anyone can utilize the space to hone their football skills, play a friendly game or simply enjoy themselves kicking a ball.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To ensure that the field not only serves as a space for healthy enjoyment and collaboration but also one where health and well-being development can take place, <strong><em>Kick4Life</em></strong> together with <strong><em>Slum2School</em></strong> are training 14 local coaches to deliver a co-created sport curriculum to young people in the local community (7 young men and 7 young women). This football-focussed training will be delivered to 420 children and young people in the local community, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, tuition that addresses key challenges facing young people in the area related to health, gender equality and life-skills development, will be provided.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1iTAggCsm34" width="850" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"><span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start">﻿</span></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“<strong>ESPN</strong> is known for bringing the very best sporting leagues and the fans who follow them together, and the creation of this long-term, sustainable programme in the Makoko community truly encapsulates this ethos,”</em> says Kyle De Klerk, Director: Sports, The Walt Disney Company Africa. <em>“We anticipate a wonderful, collaborative future, not only with our partners <strong>Love.futbol</strong>, <strong>Kick4Life</strong> and <strong>Slum2School</strong>, but also with the community who have so enthusiastically embraced the initiative. We hope that this facility becomes a true focal and gathering point for the sports fans and the community in the years to come, as a place to share their love of sport,”</em> he added.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For updates from the world of American and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit <a href="https://www.espn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">espn.com</a>.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/sport/espns-built-to-play-launches-first-project-in-africa/">Espn&#8217;s Built To Play Launches First Project In Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Zwarttalent Urges Governments Across Africa to Tackle Poverty With Tech Education</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/science-and-technology/science-innovation/zwarttalent-urges-governments-across-africa-to-tackle-poverty-with-tech-education/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2021 16:24:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science & Innovation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Government]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poverty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=1872</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Lagos, Nigeria, 9th November 2021: Zwart Talent Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that bridges the growing...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/science-and-technology/science-innovation/zwarttalent-urges-governments-across-africa-to-tackle-poverty-with-tech-education/">Zwarttalent Urges Governments Across Africa to Tackle Poverty With Tech Education</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lagos, Nigeria, 9th November 2021:</strong> <a href="https://zwarttalent.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zwart Talent Foundation</a>, a nonprofit organisation that bridges the growing tech talent gap, has called on governments across Africa to tackle poverty on the continent with tech education.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Foundation which was recently launched made this call through its Chairman, Nelson Tosin Ajulo at a recent roundtable with IT experts, policymakers and tech enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Ajulo said in his address: <em>“Poverty is a problem across the world. It is not peculiar to only Africa. Regardless, the developed world has made us believe that Africa is the poverty capital of the world. This is not true. Despite this, we have to find quick and practical solutions to combat endemic poverty on the continent.”</em></p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><em>“We strongly believe that the right type of education can lift millions of underserved Africans out of Poverty. Today, the right kind of education is IT or tech education. This is because of the worldwide shift to the digital economy. The kinds of jobs out there have changed.”</em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><em>“Global companies are looking for software experts, coders, UX UI designers, and system analysts, among others. If we deploy efforts into training youths in tech education, they are guaranteed to get both local and international jobs to earn more and eventually take their families and communities out of poverty.”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The World Bank reports in its recently published <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/poverty-and-shared-prosperity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Poverty and Shared Prosperity report 2020</a> that the concentration of high poverty rates in Sub-Saharan Africa recalls the image of a poverty belt extending from Senegal to Ethiopia and from Mali to Madagascar. Half of the countries in SSA have poverty rates higher than 35%.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">The Bank adds that these numbers become even more alarming when compared with the levels of extreme poverty in other regions. Of the top 20 economies with poverty rates estimates, 18 are in SSA.</p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">On what Zwarttalent is doing to tackle poverty, the Chairman says that it is training the vulnerable and young African population in IT skills to enable them to boost their economic status.</p>
<blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><em>“At Zwart Talent Foundation, our social innovation is that we train underserved youths in IT skills for free and within two years, they become junior developers and start earning”.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><em>“Our solution is quick, effective and not time-consuming compared to the typical education we are all familiar with”. </em></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><em>“With this, we can get thousands out of poverty. But we can’t do this alone. We need every support we can get because with African population growing at a geometric rate,  it will get to a point where the typical education cannot suffice and there would be serious competition for the limited resources.”</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About Zwart Talent Foundation </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">Zwart Talent Foundation was Founded in May 2021 and consists of Zwart Academy (ZA), Zwart Recruit (ZR) and Zwart Entrepreneurial Hub (ZEH). The Foundation was founded to empower youths to seize global opportunities while boosting the local economy and educate over 2000 students in five years. The academy also aims to provide world-class education and training to students in small interactive groups. From highly experienced on-field Senior IT engineers to state-of-the-art classrooms, the Academy is all set to empower youths to compete in the global IT market.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/science-and-technology/science-innovation/zwarttalent-urges-governments-across-africa-to-tackle-poverty-with-tech-education/">Zwarttalent Urges Governments Across Africa to Tackle Poverty With Tech Education</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Coalition calls for responsive menstrual health actions in Africa</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/health-fitness/coalition-calls-for-responsive-menstrual-health-actions-in-africa/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 05:42:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health & Fitness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Menstrual]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=1539</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Symposium to take stock of progress on menstrual health and sexual and reproductive health and rights...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/health-fitness/coalition-calls-for-responsive-menstrual-health-actions-in-africa/">Coalition calls for responsive menstrual health actions in Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Symposium to take stock of progress on menstrual health and sexual </em></strong><strong><em>and reproductive health and rights in the region</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 19 May 2021</strong> <strong>— </strong>The African Coalition Symposium on Menstrual Health, organized by the African Coalition on Menstrual Health Management (ACMHM) in collaboration with UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, will be held from 25 to 27 May. This follows the inaugural Menstrual Health Management Symposium where participants from Africa and globally gathered to discuss menstrual health issues on the continent, in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2018.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The 2018 symposium was co-hosted by the Department of Women in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and the UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Office. The event led to the establishment of the ACMHM and contributed to strengthened commitment to better respond to the menstrual health needs of people who menstruate throughout their reproductive life cycle, by supporting the evidence-based and showcasing a range of innovative and sustainable models.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The African Coalition Menstrual Health Symposium will track progress on menstrual health on the continent since the Call to Action was made at the 2018 symposium. The event brings together leading academic institutions, the private sector, donors, governments, regional economic communities, celebrities, the entertainment industry, social entrepreneurs, young people and the media. The high-level panel discussions will feature leaders and champions, academics, community-led developers, innovators, young leaders and representatives of the private sector. This will be enhanced by a series of country-led satellite sessions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The symposium will be accessible to interested members of the public, via live streaming at; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UNFPA.ESARO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">facebook.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>ACMHM<br />
</strong>The <a href="https://acmhm.org/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">African Coalition on Menstrual Health Management</a> strengthens coordination among key stakeholders to build on and support the evidence to better transition research into action. It is a collaborative partnership of practitioners working on menstrual health, public health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. It consists of nearly 600 experts working in or interested in menstrual health issues, policymakers, young people, social entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and individuals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>UNFPA<br />
</strong><a href="https://esaro.unfpa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNFPA</a>, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, delivers a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person&#8217;s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/health-fitness/coalition-calls-for-responsive-menstrual-health-actions-in-africa/">Coalition calls for responsive menstrual health actions in Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>62-Year-Old Man Dies Hours After Taking COVID-19 Vaccine</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/62-year-old-man-dies-hours-after-taking-covid-19-vaccine/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2021 03:35:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vaccine]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=1534</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A 62-year-old man died while admitted to a hospital in Windhoek after receiving his first...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/62-year-old-man-dies-hours-after-taking-covid-19-vaccine/">62-Year-Old Man Dies Hours After Taking COVID-19 Vaccine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A 62-year-old man died while admitted to a hospital in Windhoek after receiving his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on 17 May 2021.</p>
<p>The Executive Director of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Ben Nangombe, stated that established protocols and procedures were followed before the administration of the vaccine.</p>
<p><em>“The patient was duly screened for eligibility. In addition after the administration of the vaccine, the patient was also observed for the required time period,”</em> Nangombe said.</p>
<p><em>“He was transported to the hospital for medical attention. Our clinical observations showed that his blood pressure was highly elevated and his pulse and oxygen saturation had dropped below normal levels. The treating medical team immediately administered the appropriate treatment, including intubation and resuscitation. The patient’s vital signs started to improve but deteriorated again shortly thereafter. The patient was declared dead at 13:33,”</em> he said.</p>
<p>Nangombe noted that the investigation into the actual cause of death has been launched.</p>
<p>He stressed that the unfortunate death is an isolated incident and should not deter the public from participating in the vaccination campaign.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Report your Adverse side-effects to <a href="https://savaers.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">savaers.co.za/</a></strong></span></p>
<p>In order to protect your rights, please read The Constitution and pay careful attention to The Bill of Rights.</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://allmylinks.com/justsayno" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>*Vaccines pose potential risks It is advisable to wait for the trials to end in 2023</strong></em></a></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/news/africa/62-year-old-man-dies-hours-after-taking-covid-19-vaccine/">62-Year-Old Man Dies Hours After Taking COVID-19 Vaccine</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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		<title>Canon: ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Explores the Sounds of the Future</title>
		<link>https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/canon-african-frontiers-of-innovation-series-explores-the-sounds-of-the-future/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff Writer]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:13:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arts & Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://altnewsnetwork.co.za/?p=1193</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Canon Central and North Africa ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Explores the Sounds of the...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/canon-african-frontiers-of-innovation-series-explores-the-sounds-of-the-future/">Canon: ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Explores the Sounds of the Future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Canon Central and North Africa ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Explores the Sounds of the Future</strong></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>The LIVE Facebook and LinkedIn streaming allowed audiences a glimpse into the experiences of artists, producers and the African music industry at large</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 2, 2021/</strong> &#8212; <em>The world over experienced an abrupt end to live performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The spirit of African musicians were not deterred, instead, they innovated to keep music lovers entertained to the beat of their music. Expert panellists at the second session of Canon’s (<a href="http://www.Canon-CNA.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.Canon-CNA.com</a>) ground-breaking thought leadership series delved into the highs and lows of Africa’s musical innovations and what it spells for the future.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Headlined Sound of the Future: Making Music in Africa Today and moderated by award-winning Kenyan journalist Victoria Rubadiri, this second session featured Egyptian singer/ songwriter Malak El Husseiny and Natasha Stambuli, General Manager of Boomplay Tanzania.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The LIVE Facebook and LinkedIn streaming allowed audiences a glimpse into the experiences of artists, producers and the African music industry at large. The panel shared the effects of lockdown and increased digitalisation both on a personal and industry level, highlighting surprising breakthroughs and advancing actionable solutions to ongoing challenges – the most obvious of these being a loss of revenue in live music performances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The industry has overcome deep-rooted challenges in terms of piracy, copyrights and monetising their output. Despite continuous setbacks, Africa’s musical artists have triumphed in securing global audiences, as the sound of their music is distinctive and undeniably compelling.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These critical issues, and more, were all explored at length in the monthly Canon Central and North Africa ‘African Frontiers of Innovation Series’. This interactive series delves into topical issues and advances innovative strategies and solutions for a world on the road to post-pandemic recovery.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Beyond the boundaries</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“It&#8217;s amazing what can come out of survival mode – you find so many creative ways to create and promote your music,”</em> expressed Malak El Husseiny, whose album release was halted last March due to the pandemic, yet is hopeful to imminently set this back in motion.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The challenges, adds the artist, have been endless: “But with that came a lot of opportunities as well; the geographical boundaries have completely disappeared and we found ourselves collaborating with others across the globe, which I would have never thought possible before Covid-19. In my case, for example: instead of just shooting a video as per normal, I now collaborate with 3D visual artists and bring these songs to life. We found a lot of opportunity in the challenges,” she revealed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">El Husseiny was also fortunate enough to generate brand endorsements and pointed out the various other initiatives by African artists to supplement their income streams, apart from releasing new music. These included developing brand merchandise and offering their songwriting and voiceover services on freelance job portals. Many artists also used their recording and rehearsal facilities as production studios, as well as leveraging streaming services and social media to release their work or even record live online performances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The positive effects of these efforts will remain long after the pandemic is gone, and further aid African musicians in their efforts to gain a foothold on the global stage notes Natasha Stambuli. <em>“Artists have now experienced the best of both worlds, offline and online, and they can utilize all their learnings to improve and improvise even further – and we music lovers can appreciate them even more because we now understand more of their struggles,”</em> she says.</p>
<p><strong>Challenges of the digital drawcard</strong></p>
<p>Technology has long been leading the evolution in the music industry, facilitating and accelerating the development of streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer. African streaming operators such as Boomplay – which boasts 62 million subscribers across 10 key African market – are also on the increase.  Social media, too, has helped advance African musicians: in 2020, five of the top 10 artists in terms of Twitter growth were Nigerian musicians with millions of Boomplay streams.</p>
<p><em>“Nigerian artists have pushed the envelope in streaming because they understand how the streaming business works and how to get the most use out of an app – and this raises the issue of education in the music business,” noted Stambuli. “Artists also need help in terms of regulations to help protect copyright on their work and ensure they get royalties.”</em></p>
<p>This, adds Stambuli, is a learning curve all stakeholders are now grappling with, as lockdown has proven a ‘wake up call’ to artists, governments and the general public to understand that artists, as content creators, need strong foundational support. El Husseiny highlighted another institutional shortage: that of managers who understand the business. <em>“I’ve been looking for a manager for a year now, but we don&#8217;t have enough managers that understand the music industry or the value of what we&#8217;re bringing to the table, and what they can do to get more out of deals, for example.”</em></p>
<p>The panellists concurred that further education into the policies and processes that constitute the music industry – along with protective regulations &#8211; will offset the mismatch between the value streaming platforms derive from the content available to them and the revenue that gets back to the creators &#8211; the music sector’s biggest current challenge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Back to the future: unlocking Africa’s musical potential</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to a <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-04/universal-music-plans-africa-expansion-to-tap-streaming-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bloomberg report</a> (<a href="https://bloom.bg/3r7RqAP" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bloom.bg/3r7RqAP</a>), Africa and the Middle East recorded a 16% uptick in recorded music revenues and crossed the $100 million thresholds in 2019 – indicating that Africa is, as <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8549406/african-music-festivals-afrochella-power-players" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Billboard</a> (<a href="https://bit.ly/2MC8MXk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bit.ly/2MC8MXk</a>) claims, the next frontier in music.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“The African Frontiers of Innovation series are always insightful and thought-provoking. Such platforms stimulate dialogue and break barriers and boundaries to create global collaboration and learnings. This second session recognised the significant advances and impact African musicians are making, despite the various challenges they face,”</em> noted Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director &#8211; Canon Middle East and Canon Central and North Africa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>“African musicians are upping the ante by not only positioning themselves as original artists but also creating a space of mutual learning and exchange of concepts with their global counterparts. Where else can one find such a diverse range of genres and sounds, all weaved into a continent of untapped potential,”</em> adds Youssef.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Don’t miss the third episode in the series, on Wednesday, March 17, when an equally distinguished and diverse panel takes a deep dive into innovations, developments and challenges within the Printing industry on the continent.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za/highlights/lifestyle/canon-african-frontiers-of-innovation-series-explores-the-sounds-of-the-future/">Canon: ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Explores the Sounds of the Future</a> appeared first on <a href="https://altnewsnetwork.co.za">Alt News Network</a>.</p>
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