Forbes

SEP 22, 2016 @ 04:17 PM 12,902 VIEWS

Africa's Richest Man Aliko Dangote

Still Plans To Take Over Arsenal

Mfonobong Nsehe ,  

 CONTRIBUTOR

I chronicle Africa's success stories and track its richest people  

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, has disclosed that he plans to
buy English Premier League team, Arsenal, within the next four
years – a bid that could make him the first African owner of a Premier League club if successful.

The Nigerian billionaire reportedly made the disclosure on
Wednesday during a television interview in New York but said
that he is not in a position to acquire Arsenal now because his
finances are committed towards completing more than $20
billion worth of infrastructure projects, including the
construction of a refinery.

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 20: Aliko Dangote speaks on stage at the Africa-America Institute’s 2016 Annual Awards Gala at Cipriani 25 Broadway on September 20, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Thos Robinson/Getty Images for Africa-America Institute)

“It’s not about buying Arsenal and just continuing with business as usual,” Dangote said. “It’s about buying Arsenal and turning it around. I’ve run a very successful business and I think I can also run a very successful team.”

Dangote is now at least $2.5 billion poorer since FORBES published its annual ranking of Billionaires in March. At the time, he was worth $15.4 billion. He now has a fortune of $12.9 billion, a fortune decline caused by Nigeria’s recent devaluation of the Naira.

Last year when Dangote reiterated his interest in acquiring a stake in Arsenal, he attracted widespread criticism from a wide section of Nigerians, many of whom insisted that his money would be better spent by acquiring a local Nigerian football team and promoting the Nigerian Premier League rather than spending on a foreign club.

“The issue is that if I buy all the Nigerian clubs, the Nigerian flags will continue to remain here. But buying Arsenal will take the Nigerian flag worldwide. Just like whenever Abramovich is mentioned, the name of his country, Russia comes up. Everyone knows he’s Russian,” Dangote had said.

A spokesman for Dangote did not respond to a request for comment.

News24

'I was scared for my life' – man who was forced into coffin

2016-11-16 12:22

Jeanette Chabalala, News24

The two men accused of forcing a black man into a coffin (Jeanette Chabalala, News24).

Multimedia   ·   User Galleries   ·   News in PicturesSend us your pictures  ·  Send us your stories

Video

WATCH: Fury outside court as coffin assault suspects appear

2016-11-16 11:00

Two Middelburg men accused of kidnapping a man and forcing him into a coffin will remain in custody until January 2017.WATCH

What To Read Next

 

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'Coffin duo' to remain behind bars

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• WATCH: Fury outside court as coffin assault suspects appearWATCH
• 'Coffin duo' to remain behind bars
• 'Coffin duo' to remain behind bars
• 'Coffin duo' to remain behind bars
• WATCH: Two accused of assault for cruel coffin stuntWATCH

Middelburg – Victor Mlotshwa, the man who was beaten and placed into a coffin by two men in Middelburg, said he feared for his life during the ordeal.

"They beat me up, tied me and put me into a coffin," Mlotshwa said outside the Middelburg Magistrate's Court, where the two alleged culprits appeared.

"I was scared for my life. They accused me of trespassing [on] their farm and they started beating me up. There was a foot path there and I decided to use it.

"The next thing, there was a grave and then a coffin. There was nothing I could do because the other man had a gun," he said.

Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen abandoned their bail bid on Wednesday.

Packed to capacity

The court gallery was packed to capacity with members of the community and different political parties.

Dressed in his ANC T-shirt, Mlotshwa sat a row behind the alleged racists.

The case has been postponed to January 25 while Jackson and Oosthuizen remained in custody.

Prosecutor Rean Lourens opposed bail. He said it was not in the interest of the community that the two be granted bail.

The incident happened on August 27.

Mlotshwa's brother, Thobile, said they were not aware of the incident until recently.

"He didn't have evidence to prove what had happened, it's only two weeks back that he decided to open the case. He didn't think anyone would believe him," he said.

YouTube video

Mlotshwa's assault took place at the JM de Beer Boerdery, next to the Komati power station in Mpumalanga.

In a 20-second video of the incident, which was posted on YouTube on November 7, one man, speaking in Afrikaans, forces Mlotshwa into a coffin and threatens to pour petrol on him.

Members of the ANC, DA and EFF protested outside court, holding placards, some of which read: "Life sentence for this racists" and "Racism must fall".

The ANC and EFF held two opposing gatherings, with their own stages, several metres from each other outside the court.

(Jeanette Chabalala, News24)

Mlotshwa joined the ANC on its stage, while addressing supporters.

Provincial ANCYL deputy president Desmond Moena said the EFF were "political prostitutes" and that Mlotshwa belongs to them.

The EFF said the other political parties would not have known about the case, were it not for them. The party also criticised the lack of restraints on Jackson and Oosthuizen when they appeared.

Read more on:    da  |  anc  |  eff  |  mpumalanga  |  crime  |  racism

The Presidency

Opening Remarks by President Jacob Zuma on the occasion of the 3rd Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Botswana, Pretoria

11 November 2016

Your Excellency, President Seretse Khama Ian Khama,

Honourable Ministers,

Senior Officials and High Commissioners,

Members of the Media,

It is a great pleasure and privilege to once again welcome you to South Africa, My Brother, President Khama, and your distinguished delegation.

Allow me to take this opportunity to once more extend our very warm and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and the people of Botswana on their 50th Independence Anniversary.

This was duly and colourfully celebrated in Botswana on 30 September 2016.

We are all impressed with your country’s achievements, Mr President.

Your country has recorded remarkable achievements since independence, becoming a model of democracy, stability and rule of law.

Significantly, successive governments in Botswana have been able to manage the profits of their natural resources to the betterment and development of the country. This is something that many in the continent may consider emulating.

Your Excellency,

We are greatly honoured to host you Mr President on the occasion of the 3rd Session of the Bi-National Commission between our two countries.

Our BNC is an important platform that helps to consolidate bilateral cooperation existing between our sister countries.

Most importantly, it is a platform we use to provide strategic direction to our relations.

Furthermore, the BNC helps us to think together and thus shape our national development plans accordingly.

Your Excellency,

It is a fact that because of our geographical proximity, our historical and cultural ties, cooperation between our two countries spans across a broad spectrum of areas.

These include trade, health, Energy; Water; Justice; Immigration; Culture; Transport; Science and Technology; defence and security; Agriculture; Tourism; Minerals; Education as well as Sports and Recreation.

Growing our economic ties and investments is fundamental for both our countries, as these will help to eradicate poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.

We note with appreciation the growing cross border investment by our private sector.

We need to prioritise economic diversification and manufacturing in order to grow our economies and create job opportunities.

Your Excellency,

At this point I would like to highlight the excellent cooperation in one important field, and that is in Science and Technology, particularly the Square Kilometre Array Project.

This Project has placed our scientists and students at the forefront of research in astronomy, engineering and information and communication technologies.

In this regard, we note with great appreciation and satisfaction the increasing number of Batswana students enrolled at our Universities.

Your Excellency,

We meet during a difficult period when our region faces a serious and persistent drought and water shortages. The drought will result in significantly reduced crop production throughout Southern Africa. This will have a far-reaching impact on food security and food prices.

It is therefore vital that we fast track our work on the Lesotho Highlands Water Transfer Project in an effort to address the water shortage crisis.

As SADC, we need to explore the possibility of hosting a special Summit to discuss the drought and solutions thereof.

 

We also need to work diligently on the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan to create regional value chains and manufacturing capacities.

Key in this regard is a need to identify and prioritise projects that will have a regional and cross border dimension.

Critically important is also the need to enhance our cooperation in border management to combat cross-border crimes such as rhino and elephant poaching.

Your Excellency,

Some of our countries in the region and continent continue to face political and security challenges.

We need to continue working together in the maintenance of peace, security and stability.

Let me conclude by once more welcoming our esteemed Guests from our sister Republic and Neighbour – Botswana.

I look forward to our deliberations on the report of the Ministers.

I thank you.

 

The Presidency

Voice of Government

Government on start of Imbizo Focus Week

7 Nov 2016

Highlights of Imbizo Focus Week

Government’s fifth National Imbizo Focus Week, 7-13 November 2016 opened today, following the theme “Together we move South Africa forward: “Our future – make it work“. All South Africans are encouraged to actively participate in the Imbizo events and engage with government.

An informed and active citizenry is critical towards delivering the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. The NDP serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country.

At the opening of Imbizo Focus Week today, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma handed over a fully equipped computer laboratory to the Marhulana Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng Province.

The President went back to fulfil the commitment he made in July 2016 at the Mandela Day commemorations to equip the school with computers. The use of ICTs in education is increasingly becoming an important medium for complementing the delivery of the curriculum. The President was accompanied by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga and the Ambassador of China in South Africa H.E. Mr. Tian Xuejun.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Phumulo Masualle launched the first phase of the Komani Industrial Park revitalisation in Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province. The launch marked the completion of the 1st phase of the project which covers security upgrading of the industrial park. R22.5m has been invested in the revitalization of the Komani Industrial Park. The Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme is creating much needed jobs in and around townships and rural communities.

The Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters presided over the official handover of the Notwane Bridge a linking South Africa and Botswana. This construction of the road and bridge cost R78.5 million, and 51 full time jobs were created over the 23 month contract period. The Notwane Bridge will open up economic opportunities and lead to a safer travel experience for commuters within the region.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr David van Rooyan held a Sector Imbizo with various role-players in Garankuwa as part of the Local Economic Development Programme which aims to ensure that municipalities are sustainable. The team visited the Garankuwa Eco-Furniture factory. This project aims to help create job opportunities, fight poverty and develop entrepreneurship skills.

The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Obed Bapela visited the Agri-Hub site at Makapanstad in the North-West Province. Agri-Hubs are a key component of Agri-Parks, and the goals of this programme are to transform the rural economy. Government has allocated a total of R2 billion annually for the establishment of Agri-Parks around the country. The Deputy Minister addressed the community and the local traditional leaders during the event.

SA News

There are many achievements of the ANC government under Zuma – Mzwandile Masina

In an article reflecting on the events of the State of the Nation address, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe correctly noted that the media and many other commentators overly focused on the disruptions in Parliament and paid little attention to the contents of the speech.

The effect was to shift public attention from the substantive matters of governance and development in the address by President Jacob Zuma to a preoccupation with side shows.

This observation can be extended to the manner in which the dominant voices in mainstream media have framed how public discourse should assess the performance of the government.

It is particularly relevant if one considers the many achievements of the ANC government under Zuma that do not feature prominently in this framing of public discourse.

The strategic advances made by the ANC government are hidden from public reflection behind the negative, vitriolic and personalised commentary that dominates national discourse.

Public conversation is less about the delivery of government on its stated objectives. It is based more on the personal hatred that some people harbour for the ANC and the President.

This robs people of the opportunity to see the great strides the Zuma administration has made.

Chief among the remarkable achievements of the ANC government under Zuma has been the production of the National Development Plan (NDP).

The NDP is a long-term plan for South Africa’s development and a vision for social reconstruction.

It is a strategic policy framework whose value lies in its capacity to forge parameters for the engagement of social forces in a long-term endgame that binds society behind a common national vision.

There are numerous areas of social policy in which South Africa has made significant progress. These range from advances in public health policy to such things as incremental allocations in social grants as part of an effective social safety net that prevents abject poverty.

The national health insurance scheme that is being rolled out has led to remarkable progress being made in the revamping of public health facilities in the trial regions.

The long-term imprint of the scheme will be the availability of modern health facilities with advanced technological capabilities in historically underdeveloped regions of our country.

The full implementation of the national health insurance scheme will radically restructure the sector, providing access to health care for the vast majority of South Africans who cannot afford medical aid.

Similarly, over the years the ANC government has rolled out progressive reforms in the education sector. The basic education situation is improving, with indications of stability and coherence in planning.

Among these progressive reforms has been the conversion of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme into a bursary for successful final-year students.

In the further education and training sector, all needy students are granted full bursary allocations that are a variation of free education.

The Zuma administration has succeeded in the founding of the first post-1994 universities through the building of the Sol Plaatjie University, the University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako Makgatho University for Health Sciences.

Of course, much more needs to be done in the transformation of the education sector, but these achievements have laid a solid foundation for the future.

The global financial crisis wreaked havoc in many economies of the global north. Continental Europe was hardest hit by the financial meltdown and major bickering continues about how the euro zone can extricate itself from a position where a second collapse seems imminent.

How did South Africa sidestep the effects of economic collapse in the euro zone, given its high trade relations then?

The Zuma administration consolidated an effective fiscal package that halted a windfall shedding of jobs and managed to place the manufacturing sector on the path of positive growth again.

The manufacturing competition enhancement programme is among the strategic fiscal cushions that prevented that possible windfall in most of our manufacturing industries and has initiated positive growth trends.

The automotive industry greatly benefited from the fiscal support package under the automotives investment scheme and has entered positive growth territory.

Public spending in public infrastructure and other social assets has progressively sustained industries and created employment opportunities.

Without these interventions, we could have been far worse off than we are.

Overall, this administration has achieved greater economic stability in the face of the global economic volatility of the past seven years.

Despite the hardship the global economy has experienced, South Africa has sidestepped a possible rollback of the progressive social safety net interventions and managed to roll out more delivery in crucial areas of social capital.

In my next offering, I will draw the reader’s attention to the major impact that the consolidated infrastructure plan has had on our economy.

It is crucial to highlight all these progressive interventions to put the brakes on the ultra-pessimism bordering on Afropessimism that dominates the mainstream media.

Of course, all these things have been buried beneath the heap of malicious commentary and hostility directed at the ANC, the government and the person of President Zuma.

When rational discourse is established and facts are given primacy, the commendable legacy of President Zuma will speak for itself beyond what the hogwash commentary and opposition opportunism make of it.

A culture of a balanced contestation of facts has to be engendered in public discourse for the sake of a positive climate of political criticism and contestation.

By Mzwandile Masina

IOL

ANC confident Zuma ousting motion will fail

WESTERN CAPE / 10 November 2016, 11:19amSiyabonga Mkhwanazi

Parliament - The DA’s attempt to remove President Jacob Zuma from office, through a motion of no confidence in Parliament on Thursday, faces another defeat from the ANC.

The ANC’s strong majority of 249 MPs looks to give the DA another defeat in the Chamber on Thursday.

President Jacob Zuma Picture: Sumaya Hisham. Credit: EPA

The ANC has insisted that none of its MPs will swing the vote in the National Assembly in favour of the opposition despite pleas from DA leader Mmusi Maimane that ANC MPs must vote with their conscience.

Parties were on Thursday attending their scheduled caucuses where final touches on the vote will be discussed.

The ANC has already spoken to its MPs and told them that they vote as a unit, and no vote will go to the opposition.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said this week the country’s system was a party system and not a Presidential system.

Mantashe insisted that ANC MPs were in the National Assembly on the ticket of the ruling party, and no other party.

Independent analyst Sipho Seepe put it succinctly recently when he said that the ANC gets irritated when it is told what to do by “external forces”.

The ANC came out of its National Working Committee on Monday in support of Zuma, saying calls for him to go were premature.

The NWC resolved that it will meet with the stalwarts of the ANC including Reverend Frank Chikane, Murphy Morobe, Cheryl Carolous and others.

The veterans said last week they have been trying to meet with Zuma and the other top five leaders to discuss the state of the party.

But Mantashe said the NWC decided it will meet with the veterans.

The caucuses of opposition parties in Parliament, ahead of the vote on Zuma, may decide on a strategy how to get more votes on their side.

But the ANC has already described the motion as frivolous.

Opposition parties need more than half of the ANC MPs to get Zuma out of office, but that looked unlikely after the tough talk by the top brass of the ANC and the caucus.

The ANC MPs have always backed Zuma over the last few years when opposition parties tried to use the motion of no confidence to remove him.

Political Bureau