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Tag: Jacob Zuma

  • Nelson Mandela, Former President Of South Africa, Dies At Age 95

    Nelson Mandela was a pioneer of peace, freedom and unity. The man who served 27 years in prison due to his opposition to South Africa’s apartheid laws, and later became the president of South Africa, died today.

    He will be remembered as a hero of the people, and one of the most significant leaders in history. The news was officially announced by South African President Jacob Zuma, when said “We’ve lost our greatest son.”

    Nelson Mandela was born Rolihlahla, meaning “Troublemaker,” on July 18, 1918. He was renamed Nelson by a teacher in school. His health has been in decline for several years now, but he was able to extend his life through his power and perseverance, dying at the old age of 95.

    Mandela was a pioneer of human rights, and has been the subject of several films including Invictus, Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, Winnie, and more. He was one of the nation’s first black lawyers, and he joined the African National Congress in 1952, devoting his life to peacefully ending apartheid. He soon shifted his fight to the streets, and began to live on the run.

    Nelson Mandela was later forced to serve 27 years in the Robben Island prison for conspiracy and sabotage, before getting out, and being able to change the country for the better. He has been looked up to as a hero by many people all over the world.

    African American poet Maya Angelou spoke of Mandela’s character when saying “Mandela represents the best any of us can hope for. He was a great man. … And I’m grateful. The world is better for having him.”

    Mandela was a very important figure in the 20th century, and people all over the world have been reacting to his death in a very touching way. His death is a great loss to all that knew him, or those that appreciated him for the great man that he was.

    Celebrities, politicians, and citizens around the world have shown their support for the former leader, and will continue to do so with his upcoming funeral being held in South Africa. The Huffington Post released a slideshow of a wide variety of politicians who have all made statements about Nelson Mandela, and what he meant to them, including everyone from President Obama, to former President Clinton, and many others.

    After choosing to only serve one five-year term as president, Mandela accomplished a lot for his people including introducing free health care for children, and he stepped up government investment in housing, education, jobs and infrastructure.

    Nelson Mandela was a hero to many people around the world, and because of the things he accomplished, he is likely to continue to inspire people for generations to come.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Francois Hollande Travels to South Africa

    Perhaps in an effort to avert his plunging approval ratings, Francois Hollande, president of France, is currently visiting South Africa. The aim of this trip seems to be multi-fold, with the emphasis being on the creation of an African peace-keeping unit and the strengthening of economic ties between France and South Africa.

    Earlier today, Hollande commented on the recent collapse of the government in the Central African Republic. In March, the Seleka rebel group overthrew the country’s government, and there has yet to be a replacement. As it currently stands, the CAR is rampant with anarchist rebels and sectarian violence.

    “There is a political emergency because there is no state.There is also an emergency at a regional level because there is a risk of spillover. We might witness religious conflict,” stated Hollande as he addressed reporters in Pretoria.

    As of now, France has 400 troops stationed in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. This force is supporting a 2,500 man group sent to the CAR by the African Union. France’s numbers in the CAR could increase to 750 if the UN approves a resolution to send a peace-keeping force to the war-torn country.

    South Africa is intimately involved in the situation in the Central African Republic. In March, South Africa lost 14 troops in clashes with rebel forces. While South Africa has not agreed to assist France with this peace-keeping mission, they have decided to partner with them in other matters.

    South African President Jacob Zuma accepted an $8 billion infrastructure deal with France today, as well. The two main components of the deal addressed energy and transportation concerns for South Africa.

    In 2008, South African energy conglomerate Eskom could not keep up with the growing energy demands, and thus massive energy outages drastically affected production in South Africa. Currently, Eskom is working to create 2 new coal-fired energy stations. South Africa receives 90% of its energy through coal. However, this new deal with France gives South Africa $2 billion to create a thermal energy plant and a solar farm.

    France and Hollande also structured a transportation deal with South Africa in order to combat their outrageous unemployment rates. Earlier this month, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) stated that South Africa had to take steps to reform its economy if it was to avoid a financial crisis. As it currently stands, South Africa faces a 25% unemployment rate.

    This rate should decrease soon, though, with an agreement with France to bolster South Africa’s rail system. The $5.4 billion contract will hopefully create thousands of jobs, with South Africa building 600 trains and 3,600 passenger cars.

    France has remained intimately involved with its former African colonies, moreso than any other Western nation. Much of this may be due to the close proximity of the southern French coastline to the northern part of Africa and the large numbers of Muslim immigrants to the country every year. Many people believe that these particular efforts by Hollande are being made to reduce the negative image of the “France-Afrique,” a term used to implicate France in underhanded political and economic deals with its former colonies.

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