Population Growth Takes Center Stage At African Union Summit

One of the key issue on the agenda of the ongoing African Union summit in Addis Ababa is utilizing the continent’s population growth. Many fear the rise in the continent’s population, with leaders rejecting any quotas on birth rates.

Africa’s population is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050. Asia will also add 1billion to reach 5billion — and then stop. Africa will keep going. By 2100, its population could easily have doubled again, according to the United Nations, from which these estimates come. If that is right, at least 4billion of the world’s 11billion people will be African, against just 1billon today.

The African Union (AU) intends to tackle this sensitive issue at its summit on Monday. But the challenges are enormous.  Nigeria today has about 180 million inhabitants. This figure is expected to rise to 800 million by 2100. It’s unclear how so many people can be nourished and provided with jobs.

The precipitous rise owes to the fact that infant mortality has dropped dramatically, and life expectancy, though still low, has improved. Birth rates remain high at about five children per woman. Until Africa’s fertility rate falls sharply, its population will grow exponentially, experts say.

The UN has counted 71 African cities with a population higher than 750,000, many of which lack the infrastructure to support large populations. These cities are growing at an unstoppable pace – expected to hold 100m more people in 2025 than they did in 2010.

In a program attended by Per Second News in 2016, the UN warned that  “The continent continues to suffer under very rapid urban growth accompanied by massive urban poverty and many other social problems.

“These seem to indicate that the development trajectories followed by African nations since post-independence may not be able to deliver on the aspirations of broad based human development and prosperity for all.”

Lagos is currently Africa’s largest megacity. The Nigerian metropolis has a population of 13 million, but this figure will soar by a further six million in the next 10 years.

This poses a series of challenges to government planners, who have to figure out how to deal with these extra people in cities that often lack the infrastructure to care for their current, smaller populations.

Some leaders call for urgent strong policy action, saying Population growth is a ticking time bomb for sub-Saharan Africa

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is representing Nigeria at the 29th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Ethiopia.

Digitisation of SA Rail Services Overtaking Most Advanced Economies

Publication: Transport World Africa

Author: Phila Mzamo

The passenger rail system of South Africa (Prasa) is undertaking a comprehensive digital upgrade, which includes a partnership with Siemens.

The electrical engineering company is implementing a new high tech solution to a dated rail service, which will allow South Africa to leapfrog some of the most advanced global economies.

Sabine Dall’Omo, the CEO of Siemens South Africa, outlined how the new operation compares, “In Germany the system is much older… For Prasa, we did a full digital solution that basically brings Africa and South Africa right on top of state-of-the-art technology.”

The investment worth R3.4 billion million has allowed 16 of Prasa’s 92 signalling stations in the Gauteng province to undergo various upgrades with more upgrades expected by 2019.

“The most significant developments of the digitisation are the direct connection, direct communication, between the train and the signalling station… There were significant adjustments to be done to the track to accommodate the signalling technology. Everything is on fibre optic so you have less vandalism and the communication is through the GPRS network,” added Dall’Omo.

Siemens Gauteng Nerve Centre

One of Siemens’ assignments for South Arica’s largest signalling project included intelligent high tech solutions. The Gauteng Nerve Centre, a core component of the Gauteng Resignaling Project was officially launched in October 2015.

As part of the Prasa re-capitalisation program, Siemens was commissioned to build a new command centre bringing together all the existing control rooms to one location.

The heart of the centre, the command rooms is equipped with a 52m long video wall used for the monitoring of train movements and the display of the traction electrical supply as well as weather and other operational information.

The train movements are controlled from 30 multi-screen workstations each equipped with an integrated communication module which consolidates telephone, trunk radio and GSMR communication.

“Most of the train stations in the Johannesburg and Pretoria area comprised of old signalling systems that were far beyond their life expectancy, with some of them dating back to the 1930’s,” said Collin Naidoo of Prasa, who attended the Africa Rail Summit.

“Gauteng witnessed increase rail traffic during recent years and the existing signalling system was no longer reliable for processing and monitoring the train movements consistently and efficiently. The consequence of this was a high maintenance cost and unexpected train delays.

“As part of Prasa’s drive to deliver a world class commuter railway system, we were commissioned to install a new signalling system over the complete Prasa network in the Gauteng region as well as to build a state of the art centrally controlled operations centre, now known as the Gauteng Nerve Centre.”

Piet Sebola, Strategic Asset Development Group Executive at Prasa, said that the state-owned company has acknowledged previous concerns about management and copper cable theft to try and fix South Africa’s transport issues, “We have accepted that criticism and we have acknowledged it for many years… We are driven by lowering the cost of travel for the lower end of the market that we serve.”

With Prasa servicing 2.2 million people every day in South Africa, improving efficiency is a key component of the redevelopment as the wait for a train can be between 20 and 35 minutes off peak.

Passengers to Pay More

Publication: Roodepoort Record

Author: Adéle Bloem

Image by: Antonio Muchave

Metrobus and Rea Vaya bus fares will increase from 1 July.

Commuters making use of the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) bus services, will be paying more for their rides from 1 July.

The CoJ’s two bus services – Metrobus and the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – will see a fare increase of 6,2 per cent and 6 per cent respectively for the 2017/ 18 financial year. This increase was approved by the city’s Mayoral Committee on Transport, after consulting with all stakeholders, including the Commuter Forum, and is in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the city’s pro-poor budget and other market-related cash fares.

After the increase, commuters using cash to travel via Metrobus will pay R10,80 per single trip – an increase of 60 cents. Scholars in uniform will pay R7,80 (also an increase of 60 cents) per single trip, while 130 trips for the term will cost R760,50. Forty-four trips will cost R257,50 and 10 trips R58,50. Fares for children aged between three and 12 will range from R7,80 to R18,80.

Pensioners will pay R185 for 200 trips and this will be valid for one year – irrespective of the number of zones travelled. They will also be eligible for a 50 per cent discount on multi-journey trips during off peak times (8am – 2pm). Should they travel during peak times, normal adult fares will apply.

Commuters with disabilities will pay R371 for 100 trips, valid for six months – irrespective of the number of zones travelled and will also qualify for a 50 per cent discount. Commuters will also be able to buy a smart card for R64.

Private bus hire and contracts to schools, hospitals and private companies, will be increased by 7 per cent.

According to Metrobus, monthly trips will now cost:

• Between R421,20 and R1 053 (for 52 trips)

• Between R356,40 and R 891 (for 44 trips)

• Between R113,40 and R283,50 (for 14 trips)

• Between R97,20 and R243 (for 12 trips)

• Between R81 and R202,50 (for 10 trips)

Rea Vaya fares will increase by 80 cents – from R6,20 to R7 – for the shortest trip, while the furthest point fare increases by 40 cents – from R14,10 to R14,50. A single trip card will now cost 40 cents more (R15) and smart cards will be available for R28.

The penalty fee has increased to R14,50 and the inspector fare evasion penalty to R25.

Because the majority of Metrobus and Rea Vaya commuters make use of coupons or smart cards for multiple trips, they will qualify for a 25 per cent discount, making them far cheaper than cash fares.

For more information, commuters can call 0860 562 874 or 011 403 4300 for both companies. Alternatively, they can visit www.mbus.co.za or www.reavaya.org.za.

South East Leaders Say No Thanks To Kanu’s IPOB, Commit to Nigeria’s Unity, Restructuring

South East leaders have declined calls for a divided Nigeria following the outcome of an interactive forum of stakeholders. The leaders reiterated their commitment to a united Nigeria where peace, fairness and equality of opportunities are paramount to citizens irrespective of ethnicity or political affiliation.

“We are also in full support of the clamour for the restructure of the country and call on the Federal Government to start a dialogue with Nigerians on the modalities for achieving it,” said Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Gov. Dave Umahi.

The Ebonyi state governor said that leaders from the zone condemn all manner of hate speeches from any segment of the country.

The leaders also threw their weight behind the call for full restructuring of the country on the platform of fairness and equity.

He said that they were in consultation with leaders from other parts of the country with a view to engaging the Federal Government in a meaningful dialogue.

He said that the region was in full support of the 2014 National Conference report and urged the Federal Government to set up structures for implementing same within a reasonable time.

Umahi appealed to the Federal Government to take steps that would ensure safety of the people of the area wherever they lived in the country “just as we have guaranteed the safety of those in our domain”.

With ethnic divisiveness that has reached such a pitch, the leaders dismissed fears that Nigeria may be pushed from the brink to chaos once again.

NAN further reports that the meeting which held at the Nike Lake Resort had all governors of the zone in attendance.

Former Senate Presidents Chief Ken Nnamani and Chief Adolph Wabara as well as the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu was also in attendance.

Other prominent leaders in attendance included, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, Sen. Gil Nnaji, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi and several members of the House of Representatives from the zone.

Members of the clergy, traditional rulers and the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo was also represented.

South African Airways: High tech to DC

“We are thrilled to have our newest aircraft operating daily on the Washington Dulles route,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, the Americas for South African Airways. “With a new and innovative Premium Business Class product and, a spacious and enhanced Economy Class cabin, SAA continues to provide world-class service to our customers both in the air and on the ground.”

South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, has introduced the new Airbus A330-300 on the Washington DC-Dulles to Accra, Ghana, route. This service compliments the existing Washington DC-Dulles to Dakar, Senegal, route operated by the A330-300.

The interior design of SAA’s A330-300s provide a comfortable environment for long-haul travel with warm, neutral colors, textures and finishes that are inspired by the airline’s African culture and heritage. In SAA’s seating configuration, the aircraft has the capacity for a total of 249 passengers, with 46 seats in Premium Business Class and 203 seats in Economy Class.

Just in time for one of the busiest travel seasons, many travelers can take advantage of the Step-up program to experience SAA’s new Premium Business Class product. The Premium Business Class offers 180° flat-bed and direct aisle access for passenger convenience, gourmet meals, award-winning South African wine, and on-demand entertainment system, noise cancelling headphones and power / USB ports at every seat along with increased privacy.

Also available for customers in Economy Class is a spacious cabin with newly-designed slim-line seats, offering generous legroom and extra personal space. Each seat is well equipped with access to PC power port/USB port and an on-demand entertainment system featuring a 10” touch screen for viewing, movies, television shows, interactive games or audio programming with an array of over 170 music channels. SAA also provides a selection of freshly prepared meals, coupled with complimentary South African wines and bar service.

Seychelles Multi Sectoral meeting: Proposed revision of park fees, stray dogs and mooring

Government officials met with stakeholders from the private sector in the third Multi Sectoral meeting for 2017 to discuss and propose solutions to challenges affecting the tourism industry.

The meeting held on Friday, June 23, at the Ex-National Assembly Hall, National house, was chaired by the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Mr. Maurice Loustau Lalanne.

A presentation on proposed changes in entrance fees for visitors to access the national parks and marine parks, mooring concerns on Praslin, stray dogs and tax on hybrid and electric cars were the main items on the agenda.

The Chief Executive of the SNPA, Flavien Joubert outlined the authority’s intention to strengthen tourism in the National Parks and financial needs required to achieve its objectives. Through a PowerPoint presentation made by Andrew Rylance, a Technical Advisor contracted through the GOS-UNDP-GEF protected area finance project, those present learnt that SNPA’s financial needs currently double its budget allocation.

Proposed strategies to increase revenue include increasing entrance fees for non-residents to the national parks and the payment of a one-time fee for tourists staying at hotels bordering marine protected areas. Details were also given on proposals to ensure the efficient collection of revenue that would be used to invest in conservation management and to improve tourism products.

Several points of concern were raised by the stakeholders including the need to improve the product value and safety along the trails and terrestrial parks. On the need to increase revenue, the trade proposed the setting up of kiosks to sell locally made products as well as for the one-time fee to be extended beyond the hotels bordering the marine protected parks.

Minister Loustau Lalanne who saluted the efforts of the SNPA highlighted that there should be more consultations with immediate stakeholders that would be affected, before a final decision can be taken on the proposals.

Aside of Minister Loustau Lalanne, the Minister of Environment, Energy & Climate Change Mr. Didier Dogley, Minister for Employment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation Mr. Wallace Cosgrow and the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Mr. Michael Benstrong were also present at the multi sectoral meeting. Representatives of the private sector who attended include representatives of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, the Seychelles Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Praslin Business Association among others. Chief Executives and officials of various government organizations concerned were also present.

The other three items on the agenda were brought forward by the newly created Praslin Business Association, chaired by Mr Christopher Gill.

On the issue of stray dogs, which is in fact affecting all three main inhabited islands, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the stakeholders were given details on a new draft bill that seeks to amend the Dog Control Act. Once it enters into force – on January 1st 2018 – the provisions of the new act should help resolve the issue of stray dogs.

Currently in the white paper stage, members of the public are being invited to give their views on the new bill through a series of meetings, which will start in July. The new act makes provision to have dog shelters on the three main islands to house stray dogs until their owners can be located, or they can be re-homed. Ultimately, dogs that cannot be found a home after a set time period will be put to sleep.

On the issue of moorings it was felt that there should be more designated moorings on Praslin. It was pointed out that this would help generate revenue as mooring spaces can be rented to yachts and this would also help to protect the reefs and limit accidents.

Minister Loustau Lalanne remarked that there are plans to increase the number of mooring buoys on both Mahé and Praslin. Some 45 new mooring buoys are expected to be installed alongside the existing 78 at several marine parks.

On the issue of tax on hybrid, the stakeholders were informed that revision in tax rates announced by the Ministry of finance makes provision for the new tax rates to be applied based on the engine capacity of the hybrid vehicles, while 100 percent plug-in electric cars are not subject to taxation.

Statistics of crimes for the period of January to March 2017 was also presented. It was noted that an increase in crimes and other illegal activities had been recorded in the vicinity of Port-Launay and Baie Ternay during that period. Additionally, statistics for May show an increase in illegal activities at the Beau-Vallon beach.

The participants of the meeting were also updated on progress made to address some of the issues discussed at the previous meeting.

Nigeria Court Hears Final Arguments on Zakzaky

PRESS TV:

Danjuma Abdullahi
Press TV, Kaduna

Final arguments have been presented in a Nigerian court regarding the deadly attack on senior cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky’s house during the army’s 2015 massacre in the northern city of Zaria. Press TV correspondent Danjuma Abdullahi has details in this report.

Click here to read the full article.