Let loose of everything. Dont brake, clutch or eccelerate. Hold your starring wheel and let the car go where its heading. dont fight it, cos it will fight back.

damn

You guys are struggling. Power must only be switched off if u have not being paying for long. It is basic human right

Nigerian MPs brawl in Parliament over splinter group visit
18 Sep 2013 | Sapa-AFP | 38 comments
The private African Independent Television and Channels TV showed footage of a female member of parliament angrily poking her finger in the face of a colleague while a male legislator was seen grabbing a chair in an attempt to hit a fellow lawmaker.
CommentsSign in or sign up to commentWed Sep 18 16:05:37 SAST 2013 ::
18 Sep 2013Mokwepa
I think we need to mobile EFF in nigeria...if people will fight in parliament..then we need to intertvene
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Guptanistan1
I will believe it when I see a video of alleged brawl, lol so there's a challenge for you Sowetan.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013IndigenousNconservative
They must come here and take their drug dealers, we are tired of them. Our useless government let them do as they wish even though they are illegal in this country.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013swona
Nigerians!
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013kabelo110
Nigerians with their big bones!
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Guptanistan1
@mokwepa anc officials they have this trait too, often they use offensive language against opposition, had opposition not been disciplined and mentally stable, there'd have already been fights in parly, so we are not too far from it and not mention their arrogant and sexist jibes against women of the opposition the anc are proper cavemen.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Lemtongthai
Where were Johnny de Lange and Manie Schoeman? They could have taught them Nigerians how to throw a good punch or two.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ThirdEye
it not worth reporting
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Mokwepa
@Guptanistan1
@mokwepa anc officials they have this trait too, often they use offensive language against opposition, had opposition not been disciplined and mentally stable, there'd have already been fights in parly, so we are not too far from it and not mention their arrogant and sexist jibes against women of the opposition the anc are proper cavemen.
====================
its the 1stime i agree with u...hope is not the last.
keep guud comments coming fighter....
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013INDESPENSIBLE
Anger management is a serious problem, I once heard of elders of a certain church who exchanged fists, while service was in progress, the congregation turned into spectators, I mean, Is it really hard to control one's temper?.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013VENDALIOUS
I hate nigerians
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Guptanistan1
@Vendalious you are being destructive right now, how can you hate entire nation? where do you get all this destructive energy from? cause that much hate can't do your health no good, please man be constructive for once in your life.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013VENDALIOUS
@Gupta-Who else do i hate??............i don't pretend to like people unlike the other race which are good in pretending. They pretend like they like you especialy the older ones do that more! Hypocrisy that is....... They don't want to ignore you but yet do not want to open up their mouths and talk to you. Pure stupidy!!! On the other hand, others would call your name to say hello from a distance if you didn't see them. I have lots of experience with this people
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Guptanistan1
Vendalious you have relationship and trust issues, so please don't lay your baggage on me, I said what had to be said about you and your generalising hate of Nigerians, now you are such a loser blaming others for your own shortcomings,
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
At least they don't send hitmen after dark to take out their opponents, as is the method preferred here in SA.

Guptanistan> Vendalious basically hates any and every thing he either doesn't grasp or that disagrees with his particularly sick racist views. He suffers from chronic and acute otherism, shame. Must be really tough being such a jerk.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013VENDALIOUS
Robinx- Why the hate old n!gga,you just need some kitten old man. I can see that its been a while since you had some zigy zigy all that fustration guddamnt
Report Abuse 18 Sep 20139janavy
@Guptanistan1 : This has been going on a lot lately ,here is a video of another incident that landed one of the politicians in a coma:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM9P9nxNMA8

This is how far their greed and nepotism has gotten them.


@RobinX - Actually they do send hitmen to kill their rivals,it is not very common but they do it.The President of Ni.geria is the number 1 culprit ,he is the worst leader Ni.geria has ever had.It is because of his thirst for power and his desire to get a second term that these m*nkeys are exchanging blows in the senate.These guys are just an!mals but Ni.gerians willing voted for them so we deserve the leaders we get.This is why i h@te democracy in Africa ,it just gives stup!d people the power to elect scoundrels,crooks and fraudsters to govern over them.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 20139janavy
@VENDALIOUS - I know you were not raised well by your parents otherwise other you will treat RobinX with respect.African cultures dictate that we respect our elders ,you are no African but rather a turd with a loose mouth.Guys like you only become brave when you are online but in the real world you are sissies who can't even look another man in the eye talk less of uttering a word.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
Vendalious. Get your head out of your crotch, you juvenile idiot. I hate idiocy, and my God do you fit the frame. Try actual sane discussion, or go back to wanking in your bathroom. I have an active sex-life, so I don't need to obsess about my penis, as you so clearly need to. Grow up!
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
Janavy: Thanks for the intervention. It is appreciated. However, I am able to swot flies on my own. Thanks again though.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 20139janavy
@IndigenousNconservative - Let me get this straight you want the Ni.gerian Government to do your Government's job for you? Why can't you clean your streets yourself? Ni.gerians exist in almost every country in the world yet they are not allowed to do what they do in SA elsewhere,does that not strike you as strange? Do you think the drug dealers will exist if the powers that be were not getting a slice of the pie.How do the drugs get into SA and how come all drugs zones are just a few meters away from police stations? Wake up and realize what is going,Ni.gerians are the least of your problems.Good leadership will solve the issue of foreign crime syndicate in SA once and for all.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 20139janavy
RobinX - No worries
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013IndigenousNconservative
@ 9janavy

Tell me what must I do as an individual
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
9janavy- Brilliant analogy, to educate Indigenous/Venda cretins. I dont advocate racism in my country, especially when its uncalled for. What has n!gerian drug dealers have to do with the topic

They dont represent a majority of South Africans, please be rest assured
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ONEE
9janavy
@IndigenousNconservative - Let me get this straight you want the Ni.gerian Government to do your Government's job for you? Why can't you clean your streets yourself? Ni.gerians exist in almost every country in the world yet they are not allowed to do what they do in SA elsewhere,does that not strike you as strange? Do you think the drug dealers will exist if the powers that be were not getting a slice of the pie.How do the drugs get into SA and how come all drugs zones are just a few meters away from police stations? Wake up and realize what is going,Ni.gerians are the least of your problems.Good leadership will solve the issue of foreign crime syndicate in SA once and for all.
************

well said, i ahve said it over and over again and people think m biased
we are our worst enemies as South africans , sadly those in power voice indirectly our concerns regarding the issues.
it was disgusting to watch South Africans in PE stealing Pakistanians groceries from their shops , wondering what have we come to , if you have facts and dont need somebody make sure u escourt them out of ur yard with all their belongings
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
ONEE-

Eish Sisi, you are so right. I have always believed us South Africans use racism to enclose ourselves, because 1. We were on the receiving end for centuries and 2. We feel threatened by other nationalities' progress and their methodology of money making and lastly, we are jealous and envious of other people doing well instead of picking their brains for our benefit.

We can learn a few things from the most populous nation in Africa (N1geria), instead of tarnishing all of them with our sh!tty brushes
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ONEE
@ Skwama
all I can say *cry my beloved country* bhuti wam kubi and uma ngithi ngiyabheka isixazululo sikude leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, ngiyesaba ngibona ifuture Zimbabwe
it is always sad and can trigger anger when one says to you have you done introspection before accusing other people of always sabotaging you?
we become defensive and asume we are undermined.

what is happening in SA is majorly our fault, we can not stand the ground and say NO to violence and drug trafficing and always quick to judge and point fingers forgetting that 3 fingers are pointing back to us....mmmhmmmm
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
ONEE: BRAVO!!!!! Well said.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
ONEE-

For starters, we ought to be learning from educated Zimbabweans (who received the best education on the continent) how we can rectify ills of our country. You are right about whats happening in our country is our own fault. We are so badly racially divided in our own country, we are tribalistic, homophobic, bigoted, intolerant, hateful and paedophilic. Oh, we also hate women, judging by the rates of rapes and domestic violence.

I remember once MZABALAZO wrote that WE NEED TO CLEAN OUR OWN HOUSE FIRST!!! She was spot-on, as always
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
Skwama: Seldom a truer word spoken!
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
Robin-

My children just came from a holiday in SA, the violence they witnessed against a woman on the streets of Jo'burg, traumatised them. Especially because no-one intervened, even when she was stripped naked in public. My daughter (4) said "I know dad would have helped the woman", and she is right.

It destroyed my heart
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013RobinX
Skwama: I weep for our once fair country, but I love it and will die here.... as will my children.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ONEE
skwamasamabele
ONEE-

For starters, we ought to be learning from educated Zimbabweans (who received the best education on the continent) how we can rectify ills of our country. You are right about whats happening in our country is our own fault. We are so badly racially divided in our own country, we are tribalistic, homophobic, bigoted, intolerant, hateful and paedophilic. Oh, we also hate women, judging by the rates of rapes and domestic violence.

I remember once MZABALAZO wrote that WE NEED TO CLEAN OUR OWN HOUSE FIRST!!! She was spot-on, as always
******************

can i say amen to the entire comment above.

we have what i call SELF HATRED.
We complain about White people a lot to a point of even forgetting our own errors.
everytime we try so hard to find scape goats.
its so sad how much of anger and discrimination we have against each other in particular the african black race.

its time to move foward yet we are still dragging the past with all our efforts, its good not to forget the past but excellent to work on the present while eying the future.

ARISE AFRICA ARISE LOOK AT THE BRIGHTER SIDE
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ONEE
skwamasamabele
Robin-

My children just came from a holiday in SA, the violence they witnessed against a woman on the streets of Jo'burg, traumatised them. Especially because no-one intervened, even when she was stripped naked in public. My daughter (4) said "I know dad would have helped the woman", and she is right.

It destroyed my heart
*********

Today a person can be robbed in the presence of multitudes without help
in particular Small street is a cayos I wonder when will this end.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
Sir Robin- I love, adore and respect my country, not the inhabitants. Thats why I moved lock stock and barrel from Soweto, uMlazi and Muizenberg to Colesberg. Peace and quiet, when I retire down there in 5 years time.

I served and help free my country, but I dont owe the greedy and hateful inhabitants anything. If they won't reform, its their prerogative. I'll continue to work with our next generation
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ONEE
RobinX
Skwama: I weep for our once fair country, but I love it and will die here.... as will my children
****************

talk of the love of the country,
I love this country yet pity it
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Guptanistan1
hey 9Janavy thanks fro the vid though it turned my stomach the violence these ppl are capable of inflicting is quite shocking, mind you I was having a laugh with Sowetan when I said I needed a vid, anyway whilst watching this vid check this I also found on the same site,


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVuw_D75hw4
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013skwamasamabele
ONEE-

Very soon our country is going to descend into anarchy, and it will be misdirected. What I fear most is if the ANC lose the next elections, they will wreck the country, defile the Constitution, make the country perulous, activate a coup and turn SA into a pariah state. Their support of dictators is the frightening prospect, as well as their descent into African coherent corrupt culture of greed, and neglecting the needs of our people.

And, THAT, is a catastrophic mixture. I'd be smoking my pipe and wearing my slippers and not lift a finger
Report Abuse

Lemtongthai
Where were Johnny de Lange and Manie Schoeman? They could have taught them Nigerians how to throw a good punch or two.
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013ThirdEye
it not worth reporting
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013Mokwepa
@Guptanistan1
@mokwepa anc officials they have this trait too, often they use offensive language against opposition, had opposition not been disciplined and mentally stable, there'd have already been fights in parly, so we are not too far from it and not mention their arrogant and sexist jibes against women of the opposition the anc are proper cavemen.
====================
its the 1stime i agree with u...hope is not the last.
keep guud comments coming fighter....
Report Abuse 18 Sep 2013INDESPENSIBLE
Anger management is a serious problem, I once heard of elders of a certain church who exchanged fists, while service was in progress, the congregation turned into spectators, I mean, Is it really hard to control one's temper?.
Report Abuse

The private African Independent Television and Channels TV showed footage of a female member of parliament angrily poking her finger in the face of a colleague while a male legislator was seen grabbing a chair in an attempt to hit a fellow lawmaker.
inShare.0
Picture taken from www.stickitcy.comLawmakers in Nigeria's Lower House exchanged blows on Tuesday over the presence in parliament of a splinter group of the ruling party, according to local television.

The private African Independent Television and Channels TV showed footage of a female member of parliament angrily poking her finger in the face of a colleague while a male legislator was seen grabbing a chair in an attempt to hit a fellow lawmaker.

Other lawmakers engaged in fisticuffs.

The row was apparently sparked by the visit of Kawu Baraje, the chairman of a dissident faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and several state governors loyal to him.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, told MPs that Baraje had requested permission to address supporters during parliament's opening session.

But the group's presence so infuriated parliamentarians belonging to the main PDP that a noisy brawl ensued between the two sides, leaving Baraje to read out his address over the shouts of the arguing lawmakers.

The PDP controls 23 of the 36 states in Nigeria.

The party, which has controlled Nigeria's presidency since a return to civilian rule in 1999, has found itself in unfamiliar territory recently, rocked by infighting and facing a stronger opposition.

General elections are scheduled for 2015 and whether the party can iron out its differences and fend off the opposition will have huge implications for Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer.

The rift had been in the making for months, with factions within the party opposed to President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election and several members believed to be plotting their own run.

Fighting has increased since clashes at the weekend in which a South African soldier, along with three Tanzanian troops, was slightly injured in an M23 mortar attack.

More than 1000 soldiers from 6 SA Infantry Battalion, based in Eastern Cape, are part of the UN's 3000-strong intervention brigade, which is backing a DRC government forces' assault on rebel positions.

The brigade has an aggressive mandate and the power to pursue, engage and disarm the M23 rebels, who are heavily armed and backed by tanks. It is believed that their arms and other munitions are being supplied by Rwanda, a claim that country vehemently denies.

A South African soldier said yesterday that teams of Special Forces members had been engaging the rebels.

"The engagements occurred as helicopters attacked M23 supply lines between Goma and Rwanda. Our snipers were specifically targeting rebel command-and-control posts. It appears from information coming from the front that the officers were busy planning attacks on DRC and UN bases," he said.

The national secretary of the SA National Defence Union, Pikkie Greeff, confirmed the involvement of snipers: "Our sources in Goma have revealed that at the time of attacks [on M23 supply lines] by UN Ukranian Mi24 attack helicopters, snipers from our Special Forces were engaging the rebels. They have killed a number of rebels, with reports of one being shot from a distance of 2.2km."

He said at least one South African soldier was shot in the leg.

"Information is sketchy. The soldier is in a stable condition and was evacuated to hospital."

Greeff said the fighting was in an area known as Kigali Towers - 15km from the North Kivu provincial capital, Goma - where M23 rebels had dug in.

"[Our information is] that within the next two weeks SA Air Force Rooivalk attack helicopters are to be deployed to join the clashes . they will provide much-needed fire power to be used to drive the rebels from their positions," he said.

M23 president Bertrand Bisimwa said yesterday: "There was a big offensive this morning . It was the UN that was shooting at us, from their helicopters. It's the Tanzanian and South African troops that are on the frontline. It's them we see first."

The intervention brigade was created after the rebels briefly held Goma late last year. Then UN peacekeeping forces stood by and did nothing because they were authorised only to protect civilians.

SANDF spokesman Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga confirmed that a South African soldier had been slightly injured. - Additional reporting by Sapa-AP

Puff Johnson actually passed away of cancer last week

hAPPYBIRTH DAY SON OF THE SOIL

These Guys look ill trained

H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa will host H.E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), for a two-day State Visit in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 May 2013. This will be President Jonathan’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa.

The purpose of the State Visit is to further strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

South Africa and Nigeria have over the years enjoyed close bilateral relations that are structured under the Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was officially inaugurated in 1999. Our bilateral partnership with Nigeria spans across a wide spectrum covering political, economic and social cooperation.

President Jonathan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Cabinet Ministers, Governors of States, Business and Senior Government Officials.

The State Visit will be preceded by the 13th Session of the Special Implementation Committee (SIC) meeting of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.

It is anticipated that the discussions between the two Principals will concentrate on bilateral, regional, continental and multilateral issues.

It is expected that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following the deliberations between the two Presidents and their delegations on 7 May 2013.

President Jonathan will address the Joint Sitting of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The two Presidents will also participate in the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum which will further enhance the economic partnership between the two countries.

It is expected that the State Visit to South Africa by H.E. Dr Goodluck Jonathan will elevate the relations and place them on a good footing.
[b]

H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa will host H.E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), for a two-day State Visit in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 May 2013. This will be President Jonathan’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa.

The purpose of the State Visit is to further strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

South Africa and Nigeria have over the years enjoyed close bilateral relations that are structured under the Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was officially inaugurated in 1999. Our bilateral partnership with Nigeria spans across a wide spectrum covering political, economic and social cooperation.

President Jonathan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Cabinet Ministers, Governors of States, Business and Senior Government Officials.

The State Visit will be preceded by the 13th Session of the Special Implementation Committee (SIC) meeting of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.

It is anticipated that the discussions between the two Principals will concentrate on bilateral, regional, continental and multilateral issues.

It is expected that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following the deliberations between the two Presidents and their delegations on 7 May 2013.

President Jonathan will address the Joint Sitting of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The two Presidents will also participate in the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum which will further enhance the economic partnership between the two countries.

It is expected that the State Visit to South Africa by H.E. Dr Goodluck Jonathan will elevate the relations and place them on a good footing.
[/b]

H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa will host H.E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), for a two-day State Visit in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 May 2013. This will be President Jonathan’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa.

The purpose of the State Visit is to further strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

South Africa and Nigeria have over the years enjoyed close bilateral relations that are structured under the Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was officially inaugurated in 1999. Our bilateral partnership with Nigeria spans across a wide spectrum covering political, economic and social cooperation.

President Jonathan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Cabinet Ministers, Governors of States, Business and Senior Government Officials.

The State Visit will be preceded by the 13th Session of the Special Implementation Committee (SIC) meeting of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.

It is anticipated that the discussions between the two Principals will concentrate on bilateral, regional, continental and multilateral issues.

It is expected that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following the deliberations between the two Presidents and their delegations on 7 May 2013.

President Jonathan will address the Joint Sitting of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The two Presidents will also participate in the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum which will further enhance the economic partnership between the two countries.

It is expected that the State Visit to South Africa by H.E. Dr Goodluck Jonathan will elevate the relations and place them on a good footing.

SA has three airports rated among the world's top 30!
http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2013/top100.htm

The World's Top 100 Airports voted by international airline customers at the 2013 World Airport Awards.

This is good news for the economy. South Africa is alive with possibilities. This country is always inspiring new ways

Go to South Africa if you want to experience it. Any drive through ATM in Nija?

200 South Africa soliders managed to fight back and killed 600 bandits until they raised a white flag for surrendering

Wherever you find a multiracial society like Mzansi, you are bound to here people scream racism and reverse racism. Most White people are bitter that South Africa is under black governace and their grand children will not benefit as they did. They never chanted against it during Apartheid when the Nationalist were being racist toward the blacks. Most whites all over the world suffer from Superiority complex that clouds the reality.

They were probably drunk or drinking alcohol in Public and probably confronted by the police they behaved badly, perhaps in an arrogance manner. In South Africa public comsumption of alcohol is taken seriously but police can let you go if you are polite and remorseful.

Yes it South African. By the way South Africa is a multiracial country.

I LIKE NIGERIA A LOT. THE PROBLEM WITH NIGERIA IS THAT U GET TO BRIBE PEOPLE IN EVERY CORNER. ASK FOR A DIRECTION..YOU ARE ASKED TO COUGH UP..HOTEL STAFF ASK FOR MONEY...JUST TO PROCESS YOUR ACCOMODATION. AT THE AIRPORT IS EVEN SCARY. THAT IS VERY STRANGE TO US. UNLESS NIGERIANS START TO REALISE THAT THEIR COUNTRY IS IN A " DOG EAT DOG" SITUATION..IT WILL NEVER PROSPER

Is it Diplomatic or Political Asylum? He is needed in Sweeden to face up charges that are not related to his leak site. His fear is a possible extradition to the US for the leaks. However, it should be bourne in mind that he does not qualify for Political Asylum as it is only applied in the host country that one is seeking protection from (in this case in Ecuador). As far as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Immunities of 1963, DIPLOMATIC ASYLUM WAS DELIBERATLY NOT COVERED.....

The only way foward here is negotiations between the interests states. or they should try and smuggle him via the diplomatic bag,,,and that could proof risky, like one Nigerian incident a decade or so ago.

Almost every single body has a car in South Africa. Oh, another thing, I have never seen any African migrat driving good

WShats wrong with gay people? There is nothing wrong boy

She is a good diplomat and she will fight to unite Africa devided as it is.

South Africa's Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma won a closely fought election to become the new head of the African Union Commission, the first woman to hold the post, African leaders said.

She beat the incumbent, Jean Ping of Gabon, after several rounds of voting.

"Now we have the African Union chair Madame Zuma, who will preside over the destiny of this institution," Benin's president and current AU chairman Thomas Boni Yayi said.

Dlamini-Zuma, 63, an experienced diplomat, is a veteran of the fight against apartheid. A doctor by training, she has served as health, interior and foreign minister in South Africa.

Her victory brings to an end an impasse that has lasted for the past six months.

Her former husband, South African President Jacob Zuma, was one of the first to offer his congratulations after the vote.

"It means a lot for Africa... for the continent, unity and the empowerment of women -- very important," Zuma said.

Voting took place at an AU summit, where, earlier in the day, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to an international force to neutralise rebels in eastern DR Congo, as the African Union said it was ready to send peacekeepers there.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame told AFP both sides had agreed "in principle" to accept the force.

He was speaking after his first face-to-face meeting with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila since a UN report in June accused Rwanda of supporting Congolese rebels. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the AU summit.

Dlamini-Zuma's win follows her challenge six months ago to unseat Ping, the former commission chairman, which ended in deadlock after neither won the required two-thirds of the vote, leaving Ping in the post.

"She's a freedom fighter, not a bureaucrat or a diplomat," said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, beaming enthusiastically.

Noureddine Mezni, spokesperson for the outgoing chairman, told AFP that Ping had acknowledged defeat.

He "has accepted the results of the elections and wishes Madame Dlamini-Zuma the very best.

"He expressed his readiness to cooperate with her to work together for the unity of the continent."

Erastus Mwencha of Kenya was re-elected as deputy chair of the AU Commission, he added.

Members of the South African delegation smiled and congratulated one another as they filed out of the conference hall.

"It's good for southern Africa. We (in southern Africa) never had this job," a delegate from Zimbabwe told AFP with a broad grin.

Officials said the elections went to four rounds of voting before Dlamini-Zuma won 37 votes, three more than the required majority, to confirm her win over Ping.

Jakkie Cilliers of the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies told AFP how Dlamini-Zuma's score had crept up from one round of voting to the next.

"She got ahead in the first round and after that the momentum kicked in," said Cilliers. "The heads of state wanted a decision."

Dlamini-Zuma's win had brought "clarity as to who's in charge" at the AU, after six months of deadlock over the leadership issue, he added.

Some analysts say South Africa has violated an unwritten tradition that continental powerhouses do not run candidates for the post, but leave smaller nations to take the job.

Before the vote however, Dlamini-Zuma played down concerns that the vote could divide the AU.

"I don't think the continent will be polarised," she said.

The winner would "make sure they work with everybody, irrespective of where and who they voted for," she added.

Cilliers said he was optimistic that divisions created by the vote would heal.

"She'll be an inclusive chair, she won't be divisive ... She was a very competent foreign minister and even better at home affairs (the interior ministry)," he said.

Rwandan and DRC leaders will meet again in early August to try to thrash out the details of the force -- including size, mandate, nationality and deployment details -- for eastern DRC.

UN peacekeepers already operate in the region. UN deputy secretary general Jan Eliasson called for an immediate end to the violence, warning that "countries of the region ought to respect the principle of non-interference."

AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra said that changing the mandate of the UN peackeeping mission there "was one scenario."

On Monday the heads of state will wrap up their two-day meeting.

With explosive retail growth predicted in a country where the middle class outnumbers most African populations, the government must focus on removing obstacles. As if more evidence was needed of Nigeria’s attraction as a major consumer market, the opening of the new Shoprite store in the capital, Abuja, a fortnight ago was an unprecedented success. Shoppers told me amid the crush that the prices were much lower than the local markets and they relished the choice of goods. More than 15000 people visited the store on the first day and the company described it as the best opening to date in Nigeria. Similarly, last year Mr Price said its first Nigerian store, in the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos, enjoyed the second-best opening in turnover terms in the group’s history. A number of South African retailers, including Pep Stores and Foschini , are expected to join the ranks of other local brands, such as Woolworths, Mr Price and Truworths, in setting up shop in Nigeria, although Pep, with plans for 50 stores, has opted for a street retail model rather than the malls because of high rentals. The new Shoprite is located in the Grand Towers Abuja Mall, developed by SA-based Novare Equity Partners with its Nigerian partners. Once it is fully occupied, the centre will have 44 shops and restaurants, with the usual mix of local and international retailers, restaurants, pharmacies, cellphone companies and banks. Abuja is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing cities, with a relatively large and rapidly growing middle class of public servants, diplomats and others with average incomes higher than those elsewhere in the country. The Abuja supermarket is Shoprite’s fifth store in Nigeria, where investors are clamouring for opportunities in the fast-moving consumer goods sector and customers with rising incomes are ready to part with their money. It’s a match made in heaven. Coincidentally, on the same day as the mall launch, I also attended a dynamic presentation at the Lagos Business School on the Nigerian consumer market. Research, we were told, has found that the growing middle class has about 40-million people. That is almost the size of SA’s total population and more than the populations of most African countries. The fast-moving consumer goods sector grew by 17,9% last year compared with 2010, with the food segment contributing more than half of that market. Telecommunications accounted for 29,3% last year. Aspiration for top-end labels is a key factor in Nigerian retail, driven by a desire for status and exposure to international brands. Nigeria has more than 45-million internet users, making it the 11th-most "connected" country. The experts predict 1000% growth in per capita retail sales by 2016, with very high growth in restaurants and bars as well as kiosks over the next five years. Modern retail is expected to grow by 25% over the period, from about 145 outlets to about 500. At the same time, banking and payment systems are destined to become more efficient, particularly with the growth of cellphone banking. Despite this explosive growth, analysts seem to believe it will take about 10 years for Nigeria’s formal retail sector to resemble SA’s because of strong competition from other forms of shopping, such as markets. There is also the question of rising poverty in Nigeria, where more than 80-million people are regarded as poor and living a subsistence existence. Incomes are also expected to be affected by government reforms in the fuel and power sector, where the rising cost of services is a byproduct of making the economy more efficient. Other constraints to growth include the high cost of finance, difficulty in securing land, the poor operating environment for local industry, as well as government-imposed import bans and supply-chain challenges related to infrastructure deficits and stifling bureaucracy. One often hears that the way to stimulate an economy is to pick winners by exploiting natural competitive advantage. In this case, the Nigerian government has a clear winner in plain sight and what it needs to do is remove the aforementioned obstacles to its further growth — in some cases by getting out of the way.

Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor hits out at SKA pessimism (www.buanews.co.za, 20120316) - Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor on Thursday spoke out for the first time against perceived Afro-pessimism on the part of Australia, saying comments reportedly made by the Country’s Science Minister "reflect a very inadequate understanding of where Africa is today". The two countries are bidding to host the R23bn Square Kilometre Array (SKA), which will be the world’s largest radio telescope. A decision is expected in three weeks. The Australian reported on Thurday that Science Minister Chris Evans said an "aid mind-set" was Australia’s main impediment to hosting the SKA. "The thing that works against us the most is the sympathy for doing more in Africa, the European view that says we ought to be doing more development in Africa," it quoted the Minister as saying. The main concern is that this suggests that if SA wins, it would be due to sympathy rather than the strength of its bid. The Australian report comes after other Australian newspapers reported last week that the SKA site advisory committee had recommended SA’s site in Carnarvon in Northern Cape as being technically superior to Australia’s. Neither SKA SA, the government nor Australia’s International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (Icrar) would confirm the recommendation. "The most recent comments attributed to Senator Evans reflect a very inadequate understanding of where Africa is today," Ms Pandor said. "Various economic analysts have confirmed that Africa is a vibrant economic growth region. Our bid is sound and we won’t insult any party in an effort to sway decision makers." Sources involved in astronomy told Business Day that Mr Evans’s comments may be sour grapes because the recommendation may favour SA. The other possibility was that this was last-stand politicking in an attempt to sway voting countries. China, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK have voting rights, and SA needs three favourable votes out of four to host the SKA. SKA SA director Bernie Fanaroff on Thurday refused to comment on Mr Evans’s remarks. Icrar outreach and education manager Pete Wheeler said on Thurday: "The senator’s comments were not downplaying SA’s ability in radio astronomy. "Minister Evans was talking to a number of Australian journalists and the comments were taken out of context," Mr Wheeler said. Repeated attempts to contact Mr Evans through his spokesman Rhys Davies were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the European parliament on Thurday called for greater collaboration with Africa in the field of radio astronomy, following its adoption of Written Declaration 45 on science capacity building in Africa. The declaration highlights Africa’s exceptional competitive advantages in the study of radio astronomy, and could be seen as a thumbs up for SA’s SKA bid.

All Nigerian Presidents have proved to be reactionaries. They do not initiate processes that seeks to secure that country's interests before hand, they only react after a jab. South Africa remain the only African country with a backbone to denounce that which is not in line with its foreign policy objectives.

No country is immune to HIV and Aids (Nigeria included). The South African Goverment has a long term objective in conducting statistical information regarding HIV in order to plan ahead (hence your lousy perception of SA as the capital of the desease). Fact: You only know your status after you have tested. On avarage, how many Nigerians undergo these tests? You may find that there isnt any information of that sought (Documenting these issues is crucial for the survival and the revival of socio-economic status of your people). Stigma, has always proved to be a problem in Africa (exclude RSA).

Nigeria has plenty of infected beings but the demographics are just skewed compared to that of SA due to population size. Nigeria is one volitale country that can never sustain if left unattended Foreign Direct Ivestments (E.G Corruption, Bokoharam, MEND, Religion, and the President).
It should be bourne in mind that South Africa is not a Banana Republic. Here the rule of law is key than power base governance in Nigeria.

(www.news24.com, 20120303) - Nigeria's Arik Air said it would resume daily flights to Johannesburg, just 24 hours after suspending them in protest over Pretoria's refusal to let in 125 Nigerians on health grounds. A statement said: "Arik Air is reinstating flight operations between Lagos, Nigeria and Johannesburg, South Africa effective immediately with Saturday's scheduled service departing from Lagos." Arik earlier said it had suspended flights between Lagos and Johannesburg, Africa's two financial hubs, due to a dispute with health authorities over yellow fever vaccination cards presented at OR Tambo International Airport by passengers. The airline said a meeting between the two governments over the dispute was scheduled for Monday. Passengers who have new yellow fever vaccination cards issued in Nigeria or are travelling to South Africa for the first time will not be allowed to board on Saturday's and Sunday's flights to Johannesburg, it added. Arik, the only Nigerian-owned commercial airline on the lucrative Lagos-Johannesburg route, said 50 passengers were refused entry on Friday while ThisDay newspaper said that 75 other Nigerian passengers on South Africa Airways were also turned back. "Many passengers have been detained and refused entry in recent months," the airline said in an earlier statement. It said health authorities gave the reason as incorrect or unrecognised batch numbers on the documentation which is mandatory proof before entry. Arik, which began once-daily flights to South Africa in June 2009, currently operated a combined number of more than 120 daily flights to some west African countries, Heathrow (London), New York JFK (US) and Johannesburg.