Author: newsnote correspondent

By Henning Melber Anti-colonial activists in Namibia – calling themselves A Curt Farewell – have scored a victory after a statue of a colonial German officer, Curt von François, was removed from outside the Windhoek City Council in the country’s capital. Namibia was under German colonial rule before being governed by apartheid South Africa, gaining independence in 1990. We asked Namibian political scientist Henning Melber what all the fuss is about – and who the officer was. The statue was erected in 1965 outside the Windhoek municipality’s new headquarters at Kaiserstreet (now Independence Avenue), the main street in the capital…

By Watetu wa Gichuki Every November the United Nations marks a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence. It begins on 25 Novovember, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year’s theme is “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.” This theme aims to highlight the impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence, as well as inequalities in accessible housing, services and resources. During pandemic lockdowns women experiencing gender-based violence found themselves in precarious and dangerous circumstances. Many women facing violence had to contend with the prospect of homelessness…

PRETORIA: Auditor-General (AG) Tsakani Maluleke this afternoon reported “a gradual upward trend” in the national and provincial government audit outcomes and called on the government to instil a culture of accountability in the public sector to improve service delivery to South Africans. Releasing the 2021-22 general report (GR) and material irregularity report for national and provincial departments and their entities, Maluleke said these spheres of government have been gradually improving their ability to report transparently on their finances over the term of the current administration. “By 31 August 2022, we had notified accounting officers and authorities of 179 material irregularities…

An historic Premier League rivalry and English football royalty, Manchester United and Liverpool, are simultaneously open to offers from potential buyers. Goldmann Sachs and Morgan Stanley were asked to gauge interest around a possible sale by Reds owners Fenway Sports Group earlier this month. The Glazer family are open to selling up as United plans to identify “strategic alternatives” and said the process will consider a number of options “including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”. The sales are in large part sparked by the £4.25bn (R87,13 tln) takeover of Chelsea. Beyond financial…

By Libby Elizabeth Sander As a case study in how to implement organisational change, Elon Musk’s actions at Twitter will go down as the gold standard in what not to do. Among other things, the evidence shows successful organisational change requires: a clear, compelling vision that is communicated effectively; employee participation; and fairness in the way change is implemented. Trust in leaders is also crucial. Musk, the world’s richest man, appears in a hurry to make Twitter into a money-spinner. But it takes time to understand the requirements for successful organisational change. Two in three such efforts fail, resulting in…

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United with immediate effect. The decision follows a controversial interview in which the 37-year-old criticised the club and said he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag. Both parties stated that Ronaldo’s exit was “mutually agreed”. “The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford,” said a Manchester United statement. They wished “him and his family well for the future” and added “everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch”. United are…

Officials in Qatar are targeting fans showing solidarity with LGBTQ people during the Soccer World Cup. Before Wales’ match against the USA, rainbow bucket hats were confiscated from fans wearing them. According to the LGBT+ supporters group Wales’ Rainbow Wall, male fans were permitted to keep the hats, but female fans were denied access to the items at the stadium in Qatar before their opening World Cup match. Despite the harsh punishments for homosexuality in this Arab country, there has been growing international criticism over its heavy-handed approach.

There was a risk both sides would leave the Al Thumama Stadium with a sense of frustration before Gakpo’s header finally broke the deadlock. Senegalese fans brought colour, dance and unwavering drum-banging, often silencing the Oranje masses, but despite an explosive start to the match on the pitch, it fizzled out as the game wore on. Watford winger Ismaila Sarr had shone on the left for the African champions in the first half, while De Jong controlled the tempo and dictated play for the Netherlands. Neither goalkeeper, though, had been tested by half-time. The Dutch who had wasted two glorious…

In 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, and 2014, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have consistently represented Africa at the World Cup. In the 124th minute, they beat Algeria sensationally with a goal after eliminating Mozambique, Malawi, and Ivory Coast. Rigobert Song, who played in four World Cups as a player, will coach Cameroon in Qatar with a star-studded team that includes André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, André Onana, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. Additionally, several players on the team have the potential to become breakout stars. Brazil, Switzerland, and Serbia will be their opponents this year. The second round and even further can be…

In the Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg in the North West, the African National Congress (ANC) Letsema campaign will be led by Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile today. In ward 3 of the Boikhutso township, Mashatile will conduct door-to-door visits. In preparation for the by-elections slated for December 14th, this is an element of the party’s local campaign. The by-elections were sparked by the dissolving of the Ditsobotla local council two months prior. The council was regarded as being ineffective and unable to carry out its constitutional duties. This made it harder to provide fundamental amenities like water and sanitation. Several political…