South Africa: Economic Growth Key to Reducing Unemployment- Deputy President

     Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has declared that South Africa needs to improve its rate of economical growth to reduce unemployment. He stated that in order to promote faster growth, South Africa needs to create jobs and expand the capacity of the economy by investing in logistics, telecommunications, power generation and distribution and social infrastructure. It was also mentioned that the cost of doing business needs to be reduced, making it easier for people to start new businesses. Ramasphosa believes the nuts and bolts of nation building includes removing obstacles to small business development and help emerge new business owners to finance, support and markets for the products.

     Another approach to decrease unemployment is to promote education. However, Africa is performing below students in other countries that have similar development levels. Due to lacking education, it provides a struggle to have a growing and thriving economy. One problem of the education system includes the fact that there are different learning types. Examples include suburbs, townships, villages and farms. The different types of environments can affecting the learning experience.

     Although we have high unemployment rates in the U.S., we have access to great education. We are at a developmental level far higher than Africa, which helps with finding jobs and education opportunities. I feel that unemployment rates will always be an issue due to lack of education, laziness, or lack of jobs. However, it is important to address the situation and try to promote decreasing unemployment rates. I believe that the Deputy President had some good ideas to improve and work on decreasing unemployment rates and promoting education. If Africa comes together as a nation and truly work to improve themselves, they will succeed economically.

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Trial Shows Need to Combat Female Genital Mutilation

     Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practicing act in Africa today. The Humans Rights Watch group stated that Egyptian authorities need to make a clear action to end FGM following the first death of a thirteen year old girl. The girl died in 2013 due to an allergic reaction to penicillin, used in the genital mutilation procedure and shock or circulatory failure. The case was then taken to trial to raise awareness of the harms of FGM and to highlight the need for implementing the law in a more serious matter.
     Although FGM is banned in Egypt, it is still practiced "due to lack of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions," stated Rothna Begum, a researcher for women's rights in the Middle East and North Africa. FGM includes removing part or all of the external female genitalia. This procedure has no medical purpose or health benefits and interferes with natural function of the body. The procedure can lead to long-term consequences, including severe pain, shock, infection, complications during childbirth and long-term gynecological problems.
     This incident has raised awareness to promote effective implementation of the law by ensuring adequate investigation and prosecution to those who practice the FGM procedure. It has also raised awareness on the mental and physical harm. FGM was first banned in 2008 after an eleven year old girl died after a procedure. A health survey in 2008 found that 91% of girls and women (age 15-49) had undergone FGM. The survey also found that the women believed it was a religious requirement.
     As a young woman myself, I can not imagine going through a procedure like this, let alone willingly doing so. It also astonishes me how little precautions they take regarding allergic reactions and shock that can lead to death. As a nurse, I can say that allergies are something that are really stressed in our practice to check for. I can't imagine how they think that FGM is part of a religious requirement and how they think it benefits them. I can only think that it would cause more problems. This article was definitely eye-opening to me. I knew this practice existed, however, I didn't know how popular it was.

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Top 3 Most Liveable Cities in Africa

     Although poverty is what often comes to mind when one thinks of Africa, there is extraordinary beauty that goes unnoticed.  I would like to share with you the top three most liveable cities in Africa. This will include attractions, what the towns are known for, and why they are considered the top five. The cities include Cape Town, South Africa, Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya.
     Cape Town is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in South Africa, this gorgeous city is set between the ocean and mountains, creating a relaxed environment. Sometimes known as the "Windy City," due to rainy, foggy, and windy winters, Cape Town offers beautiful summer weather October-April. Cape Town is also known as the "Mother City" due to the amount of business held there. Mostly known for insurance and digital sectors, other businesses include advertising, retailers and fashion designers. Housing consists of Tuscan-styled homes, downtown lofts and gated urban estates. Although public transportation is offered, it is best to get around in your own vehicle.

     The second most liveable city in Africa is Accra, Ghana. Hosting nearly twenty percent of Ghana's population, Accra is a fun-filled leisure destination. Being the capital city of Ghana, Accra is full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping malls. Downtown are wonderful high rise apartments, which is rapidly expanding with new development. The tropical climate attracts many, bringing many citizens who went West back home. In the years to come, Accra is expected to become more liveable and developed.

 
     Lastly, Nairobi, Kenya is the third most liveable city in Africa. Quickly expanding in development and business, Nairobi is becoming the city of choice for multinational companies. Due to rapid development, apartment compounds have become popular and usually host swimming pools and fitness centers. Suburban style homes are also popular and are known for the much more affordable price compared to other African cities. Technology is also a main industry in Nairobi, offering what is known as the best internet connectivity in the continent. Although buying a vehicle is expensive due to import taxes, owning your own vehicle is the best way to get around town. However, there is public transportation such as mini-buses and motorcycle taxis that the locals use to get around.

To learn more about the most liveable cities in Africa, click here.

Zambia President Michael Sata: State funeral held

     The Zambian president, Michael Sata, died last month due to treatment for an undisclosed illness in a UK hospital. He was 77 years old. A Catholic Mass was held days ago at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the capital, where thousands attended. Sata, also known as "King Cobra," was elected into office in 2011. New elections will take place in January, but for now, the country is being run by an acting president.
     The proceeding was delayed due to the thousands of people. Following was a "moving and emotional ceremony", where one of Sata's sons sang 'Dance with my Father.' The song was written by a US soul singer, known as Luther Vandross. Sata died days after Zambia celebrated their 50th anniversary of independence from the UK. He was the second president of Zambia to die in office.

     Below are some pictures from the article.

 Funeral proceeding.

 Regional leaders pay respect.

 Catholic Mass.

Sata's widow, Christine Sata, comforted by Zimbabwe's first lady, Grace Mugabe.

     To view the article, click here.

Boko Haram: Schoolgirls? We married them off

     Five days ago, Boko Haram dismissed Nigeria's announcement that stated he would release the school girls by stating "there is no such deal and the schoolgirls abducted in April have been converted to Islam and married off." Two weeks ago, Nigerian officials announced they made a deal with Islamist terror group that they would release the (more than) 200 girls who had been kidnapped at a Northern boarding school. In the video, Abubakar Shekau, the Islamist group leader, stated they had converted to Islam, memorizing two chapters of  the Quaran and were then married off. He also denied any type of negotiation with the government.

     Mike Omeri, the coordinator of Nigeria's National Information Centre, informed CNN they are aware of the video and that "we can say the road to peace is bumpy. Nigeria has been fighting a war and wars don't end overnight." Nigerian officials met with Boko Haram in Chad on October 17th to discuss release of the girls. After the deal was made, it was stated that final negotiations would be made at a meeting a week later. However, that week passed and there was no sign of the girls. 

     In the video, Shekau spoke of "war, striking and killing with gun." Apparently, Boko Haram fighters have been performing deadly attacks on the villages in Nigeria, despite "government claims of ceasefire." The latest attack left eight dead. The Islamist terror group also abducted 60 young women and girls days later from Christian villages in Northeast Nigeria. It was stated they left 1,500 naira ($9) and kola nuts as a bride price for each girl abducted. Nigerian military has stepped up in campaigning against militants and criminals in the West African nation. They are continuing to ground operations to prevent attacks are are studying the latest video about the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

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