German's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, is organizing a three-day conference on Climate Change and the Media. - The global forum dubbed ‘The heat is on’ brings together a unique mix of participants which include scientists, politicians, media users and producers, energy industry experts, policy makers as well as representatives from international, grassroots and non-governmental organizations, to find answers on how to mitigate on the negative effects of climate change. With the focus being on the media’s role in combating climate change, journalists have been asked to tackle the climate change topic with the seriousness it deserves. Erik Bettermann,…

The media has been urged to act as chroniclers and interpreters of the fight against climate change, according to Yvo de Boer, the Executive Secretary of UNFCC. - Boer said the media need to report climate change without clichés in order to break the jargon to the common man’s understanding. Often times, the content on climate change is quite scientific and controversial, hence the media needs to be conversant with the topic, through research. “Journalists need to communicate clearly on what the climate change risks are and how they can be mitigated,” de Boer added. Noting that many journalists covered the Copenhagen climate change talks, Boer emphasized on the need f…

Climate change is perhaps the greatest challenge facing the world today. In Africa, a continent which is and still remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the effects cannot be over-emphasized. - The dire consequences of this catastrophe are already being felt by citizens across the continent, yet too often their voices are absent from national and international climate debate. When policies are being drafted by the developed countries, rarely do they consider that poor farmer languishing in the highlands of Ethiopia. When rich countries fail to agree on the reduction of carbon emissions, rarely do they remember that they are risking the lives of the poor in Africa. The impa…

US President Barack Obama has with immediate effect lifted the ban on HIV-positive people entering the country. This follows sharp criticism from HIV experts and People Living with HIV/Aids, who have always termed the ban as restrictive and which increases the stigma associated with the disease. - The 22-year-old law was one of the most restrictive immigration policies in the world for people with HIV. While signing the bill, Obama also announced the repeal of the travel ban, describing it as a "decision rooted in fear rather than fact." "If we want to be the global leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it," Obama said in a statement. Obama said his …

South Africa is to treat all HIV-positive babies and expand testing in the coming years while Malawi has promised to begin manufacturing anti-retroviral drugs locally, Presidents Jacob Zuma and Bingu Wa Mutharika announced with their respective countries on World AIDS Day. - Zuma promised to consider taking HIV test himself. "I have taken HIV tests before and I know my status," he said. "I will do another test soon as part of this new campaign. I urge you to start planning for your own tests." "At another moment in our history, in another context, the liberation movement observed that the time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices: sub…

African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi ahead of the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen have vowed to voice a common position against the harsh environmental conditions brought by climate change. - The conference, which brings together 15 countries including five speakers, is also expected to rally African countries to demand for an equitable post in the 2012 Climate Change Agreement. The two-day conference that kicked off Tuesday in Nairobi was officially opened by President Mwai Kibaki under the theme: ‘Towards a Common Position on Climate Justice and Equity.’ Kibaki implored the lawmakers to draft a common position that would act as the bargaining power in c…

Miriam Kemunto, an exotic dancer at Nairobi's Florida club2000 wiggles around her pole, with a disgruntled look. No amount of flirting will woo her customers. On this particular night, she told our reporter that she is ready to charge less, as she fears that her normal rates will scare away her male lovers. - She works at the club as a pole dancer and gets a monthly salary but she has to supplement her income by engaging in commercial sex. But with the glaring recession, even the most generous men are tightening their pockets. When not dancing at the club, Kemunto poses seductively along Nairobi’s famous red/light street (Koinange Street) where she works as a commercial sex wo…

South Africans and the entire world woke up to the news of the sudden death of pop music icon, Michael Jackson. Majority of the locals mourned and some went a notch higher as to wail loudly, while others, including a 35-year-old woman, tore her clothes into pieces, to mourn MJ's death. However, scores of others believe that his death came at the right time. - AfricaNews reporter said Jackson has had a good share of love and hate from different people. From his die-hard music fans to those who feel that he neglected the African race. But more so, to the majority who shared the embarrassment and trauma of young boys who ‘claimed’ that MJ molested them. Jackson had been accused…

Somali shopkeepers in the Gugulethu Township in Cape Town of South Africa are in danger of being evicted from their business premises. Last week, several traders who own small businesses in the area received warning letters telling them they had seven days to leave the area. - Identical acts of intimidation preceded last year's outbreak of xenophobic violence, and foreign traders living and working in informal settlements fear they may again be violently ejected from their homes. Recently, there have been tensions between local and foreign traders who operate Spaza shops in parts of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha townships. Locals allege the foreign traders; mostly Somalis have the habit …

The SA government has re-assured the nation of its ability to contain the swine flu outbreak. This follows last weeks' reported case of a 12 year old boy who tested positive for the HINI virus, upon returning from the US. The department of health says it is closely monitoring further cases of swine flu. - The department further assured it would do everything possible to curb the deadly epidemic. “It is sad to note that our country has encountered the first ever case of the HINI virus but we are going to do everything to ensure that it doesn’t spread,” said health ministry spokesman Fidel Hadebe. Hadebe added that the young patient was kept in isolation and disch…

President Zuma joined millions of South Africans Thursday, as they marked the one year countdown to the 2010 World Cup. President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, and other high-level delegation commemorated the occasion. FIFA has lauded the country's preparedness for the world cup, the first to be held Africa. - At a ceremony in Cape Town’s nearly completed Greenpoint stadium, Zuma booted a FIFA-approved soccer ball off a stand, as VIPs and stadium workers looked on. “We have proved to the world that South Africans are special people. When we have challenges we always rise to the occasion,” Zuma said The President hailed the ongoing construction, terming it as state-of-t…

A high level international media forum has brought together about 900 media practitioners to deliberate on how the media can use their tools in ending conflicts across the world. The global media forum is organized by German's main broadcaster, the Deutsche Welle under the theme: "Conflict prevention in the multimedia age." - Erik Bettermann, the Director General of DW reiterated the need for quality journalism that would go along way to counter conflicts. He said: “In the age of mass media, high quality journalism isn’t a thing of the past, in the future, it will be required for civil society and peace making processes. Publishers and broadcasters must drast…

SA is now facing a deep recession in 17 years. Officials confirmed that the country's GDP had contracted again in the first quarter of the year. Statistics South Africa (SSA) said gross domestic product growth slowed by a shocking 6.4% in the first quarter, from last quarter's -1.8% contraction. - This is the worst figure since the third quarter of 1984 when GDP was at -6.5 percent. South Africa is the continent’s largest economy. “It is the first technical recession in South Africa since the fourth quarter of 1992,” read the statement from SSA. Following the news of the recession, President Jacob Zuma arrayed fears of a further economic meltdown, assuring …

Senegalese born US rapper Akon is in South Africa and has met President Jacob Zuma. He is also set to launch his clothing label 'Konvict' and shoot a music video later in the week. Akon arrived Thursday with an entourage of six smartly dressed people and immediately requested to meet the President. - “It had been my desire to meet South Africa’s No1 citizen, the President of the Republic, Jacob Zuma,” said Akon adding that he wanted to meet him to ‘formally introduce myself’ as an African artist with the same voice that he (Zuma) has.” He added: “I also came here to congratulate the President, following his inauguration last weekend.…

SA's new cabinet, which was unveiled Sunday, has seen renowned cabinet minister Trevor Manuel shifted from his former finance ministry to the newly formed National planning portfolio. The new move has elicited mixed feelings, with some saying that the SA economy would show significant drops. - Others however say that the newly formed national planning portfolio has fallen into the right hands. “We know Manuel is indispensible, we hope that his new post will make our country shine even further,” said a middle aged banker based in Cape Town. Trevor Manuel, former finance minister credited internationally for increasing economic growth via free-market policies is widely e…

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it will ensure that Africa is free from the swine flu pandemic that has hit Mexico and continues to spread in other parts of the world. The flu, which first hit Mexico on Saturday, has killed nearly 150 people and the UN says the spread is 'fast and dangerous'. - For the moment Africa appears not to be affected, according to a press statement released by the UN yesterday, but the continent is highly vulnerable. Major tourist destinations in Africa are particularly exposed to this risk but the UN has pledged an enormous support to ensure that African countries do not suffer the biggest brunt of the pandemic. Michele Montas, spokes…

SA celebrates its Freedom Day today, which marks fifteen years of liberation from the apartheid regime. The day is marked 27th day of April, yearly with celebration of the country's first non-racial democratic elections of 1994. National celebrations are taking place in Durban, KwaZulu Natal province. - The crowd is in a carnivore mood as they not only celebrate their 15th anniversary of their democratic freedom but also the victory of President-elect, Jacob Zuma. Peace, unity, the preservation and the restoration of human dignity hallmark its celebrations. The theme of today’s event is “Together celebrating a vibrant democracy and building a better life for all".…

The African Union and the Southern African Development Authority (SADC) have credited the South African polls as free and fair. Leader of the SADC team of election observers Balefi Tsie said that despite hiccups, the elections were conducted in compliance with guidelines adopted by all SADC countries. - “It is our considered judgement that the election process was conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner." And the leader of the AU observer mission Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim said that the voters exemplified total maturity in the polls. He added that the huge turnout of voters was an indication that South Africans had entered a new era of democratic dispensation. …

Thousands of ANC supporters on Thursday celebrated a near victory of Jacob Zuma following a commanding 66.52% his party has so far garnered in the general polls. The figures indicate the party would keep the two-thirds majority it needs to change the constitution and to solidify its hold in the country. - The entire atmosphere at the Albert Luthuli’s building of the ANC party in Johannesburg was electrified with dancing, singing and jeering. Zuma, who danced and sang his trademark ‘Umshiniwam’ which means "Bring me my machine gun" an anti-apartheid anthem, reiterated that the ANC was "not yet celebrating victory", although with some 60 per cent of votes…

As poll results continue to trickle in, two main opposition parties in SA have aired their grievances on what they term as evidences of fraud in some polling stations. COPE leader Lekota said he would declare a dispute in some 12 wards in Freestate, Bloemfontein following a shortage of ballot papers and boxes. - He has accused the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for inefficiency and its failure to quell the anomaly in time. In a similar development, Democratic Alliance leader Hellen Zile has expressed her disappointment over the fraud evidence witnessed in Kwa Zulu Natal province, the home town of ANC’s leader Jacob Zuma. Early Wednesday, a number of marked ballot pa…

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki cast his vote early morning with a message to voters to cast their ballots with their full conscious. He pleaded to South Africans to elect a leader who would change their lives for the better as well as someone who would pave way for a prosperous and united South Africa. - “Don’t vote out of fear, vote out of commitment,” was the key message of the former President who resigned last year after a landslide defeat in Polokwane to his former deputy, now leader of the ANC, Jacob Zuma. Mbeki said the future of South Africa depended on people voting according to their conscious. “People vote for their parties not necessary…

South Africans headed to the polls today, to elect their national and provincial leaders. Voting began as early as 7am and was characterised by long queues and an enthusiastic mood. About 23 million voters including 1.5 million new voters are expected to cast their ballot today in 20,000 polling stations. - Security has been beefed up in all the polling stations and the voters as well as local and international observers expect a smooth exercise. ANC leader Jacob Zuma cast his ballot at exactly 11am in his home town Province of Kwa Zulu Natal. Opinion polls have already pitted him as the next President of South Africa. Zuma, whose corruption charges against him were dropped two weeks…

The head of the AU's observer team to the South African elections former Nigerian President Obasanjo has urged voters to cast their ballots in a peaceful manner and desist from any acts of violence. He hoped this year's elections will be a beacon of democracy, not only for SA, but the continent as a whole. - “We would like to see the elections conducted in a democratic manner, where every registered voter will have a chance to cast his/her ballot,” said Obasanjo. South Africans head to the polls today, to elect their leader in the forth democratic elections since the fall of the apartheid regime. Observers have termed this year’s elections as a hotly contes…

As SADC leaders, diplomats, dignitaries and Zimbabweans gather at the Rainbow Towers, Harare on Monday afternoon of September 15, 2008, an aura of hope and optimism reigned. History was being made. A power sharing agreement was signed between the reigning ZANU-PF and the expectant MDCs. - The power sharing deal was a product of long drawn negotiations brokered by long time mediator, President Thabo Mbeki. It was no wonder then that many Zimbabweans and their friends turned up in large numbers to witness this historic event. They cheered and sang songs of joy and praise for Mugabe and Tsvangirai and all those mediators who had paved way for agreement. The looks on their faces exemplified hope…

Lives in most rural Kenya communities revolve around jiggers. They know little about everything else as they are busy grappling with a problem Kenyans seem to ignore. As the world come to grips with the effects of the US financial crisis, the jigger-infested victims are in a cocoon of their own. - They have become so accustomed to jiggers that nothing else matters. Not that they care less about the global economic shrink or other pivotal issues; to them, the jigger problem is the most pressing. Worse still, the victims face another challenge: the stigma and discrimination associated with jiggers. In most pats of Kenya, jigger infestation is touted a curse while in other areas, people affecte…

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday signed a historic power sharing deal after months of a political stalemate following the March 29 disputed polls. In the deal, Mugabe maintains the Presidency while the MDC leader becomes the country's Prime Minister. - In February this year, Kenya had a similar scenario after the December 27 disputed polls and three months of violence that left 1,000 people dead and scores displaced. President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, then head of opposition, set aside their pride and formed a unity government. Zimbabwe seems to have followed the Kenyan path although some analysts think the setti…

Famine is imminent in Ethiopia as shortage of food increases and threatens millions of lives, the UN has warned. The situation is as a result of inadequate rainfall in the main February to April wet season which has left at least 75,000 Ethiopian children under age five at risk from malnutrition. - The UN’s office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) estimates that about eight million people need urgent food relief while another 4.6 million need emergency assistance. Speaking to journalists after visiting one of the draught stricken areas of Arba Minch, about 500km south of the capital Addis Ababa, the UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emerge…

- Pomp and glamour surrounded the home of Sarah Obama, grandmother of US Democratic Presidential nominee Barrack Obama as he made his acceptance speech in Denver, Colorado. Nyang’oma-Kogelo village in Siaya District was abuzz with activities as Sarah Hussein Obama, gathered guests in her home, to watch the historic moment as her grandson Barrack Obama accepted the nomination as the Democratic Party Presidential nominee for the November elections. In his acceptance speech aired live in television channels, Obama mentioned Kenya in his first paragraph, reminding the mammoth crowd of a previous speech he delivered in 2004, stating that his father was from Kenya. And with this, his gran…