Author: Staff Writer

The Desmond and Leah Foundation has condemned what it calls acts of war by Russia amid its invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The foundation has urged parties to engage in dialogue and avoid bloodshed.

“Putin’s actions hark back to the colonialism and imperialism of the last centuries,” the foundation said in a statement on Thursday.

“The right of national self-determination is sacrosanct. As a result of these actions there will be lives lost, futures shattered, and families torn apart.

“The Foundation is deeply outraged that this act of aggression from Russia is having on the cost of human life. Images showed scores of residents desperately fleeing major cities in the search of safety. 

“We call on the South African government to join Ghana and Kenya in condemning Russia’s act of war. This is no time to sit on the fence. The act of war and violence needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

The foundation has also called on BRICS nations and African Union to impose harsh sanctions on Putin’s regime.

“We further call on the African Union, BRICS economic block, and all other countries to consider the strongest possible sanctions on Putin’s regime, so that Russia will feel the full brunt of their violent action.

“Putin’s act of aggression severely undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and is a devastating blow to world peace, a breach of international law and a violation of human rights.”

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The UCB launches a series of “Bible Biogs in 30 minutes”, focusing on different parts of the Bible.

Their recent episode focuses on Jonah. It says: “When we think of Jonah, we often think of a battle with a fish! But what of his greater roles? Both as a historical figure and a prophet? Join David and Mike as they consider the story of Jonah and the value of second chances…”

Watch the video episode below:

https://ucb.lightcast.com/player/21332/292667

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The South African government has expressed concern about the ongoing tensions at the Ukraine and Russia border, as the situation – if allowed to further deteriorate – could have regional and global ramifications. 

“All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict,” the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, said on Wednesday.

South Africa has urged all parties to devote increased efforts to diplomacy and to find a solution that will help de-escalate tensions and avert armed conflict.

South Africa further called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to play a central role in the search for peace.

“The UNSC is the body given the mandate for maintenance of international peace and security, and it must exercise its role fully.

“As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Security Council,” Pandor said.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the world does not need another war, as “that will result in death and destruction,”  hence the call for enhanced diplomacy.

Meanwhile, news reports are that Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in the Ukraine in a televised statement on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

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WCC director for the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Peter Prove expressed appreciation for the progress made in implementing the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan signed in September 2018.

“However,” Prove noted, “this progress has been limited to the formation of the unity government, establishment of institutions, allocation of states and responsibility in sharing of power among the protagonists.”

He called attention to the fact that millions of South Sudanese continue to live in deplorable conditions—both inside and outside the borders of the country—and the steps taken towards implementation of the peace agreement have not yet addressed their urgent needs.

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Disclaimer: Bible Media News (BMN)* is an independent faith-based media organization. Please note that all press releases and statements published by BMN do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

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The South African Government is concerned about the ongoing tensions in the Ukraine and Russia border, a situation if allowed to further deteriorate, could have regional and global ramifications.SA urges all parties to devote increased efforts to diplomacy and to find a solution that will help de-escalate tensions and avert armed conflict.

Commenting on the situation, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor said: “All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict.”

South Africa further calls on the UN Security Council to play a central role in the search for peace.“The UNSC is the body given the mandate for maintenance of international peace and security and it must exercise its role fully. As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the UNSG.” Minister Pandor said.

The world does not need another war as that will result in death and destruction, hence our call for enhanced diplomacy.

Disclaimer: Bible Media News (BMN)* is an independent faith-based media organization. Please note that all press releases and statements published by BMN do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

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Headline inflation is projected at 4.8% in 2022 and 4.4% in 2023, National Treasury said on Wednesday. 

This is attributed to food and energy prices, especially municipal rates from rising electricity prices, high domestic food inflation and elevated fuel prices, which are expected to be the key sources of inflationary pressure in 2022.

“Fuel prices were up 40.4% in the year to December 2021 owing to higher global crude oil prices.

“Fuel prices are expected to ease during 2022, but [they] remain elevated and above the 2019 average price level.

“Global supply-demand imbalances triggered an acceleration in the price of raw materials and intermediate inputs, which will continue to put upward pressure on consumer inflation.

“Medium‐term risks to the inflation outlook are to the upside, primarily as a result of price pressures from food and non‐alcoholic beverages, along with petrol, energy and other administered prices.

“Although the forecast assumes 2022 and 2023 electricity prices rise in line with Eskom’s application for a tariff increase in 2022/23, there is a risk that electricity inflation may exceed the assumption due to increasing costs of ensuring electricity supply,” said Treasury in the Budget Review document.

Household consumption expected to grow by 2.5% in 2022.

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“We appeal urgently for an end to the dangerous geopolitical competition that has precipitated this crisis, for de-escalation and reduction of tensions, and for respect for international law and established national borders,” said Sauca. “We call for a return to dialogue and to the principles of the Minsk Agreements as a pathway to a peaceful resolution of the longstanding tensions and divisions in the region, within the framework of international law and commitments.”

Sauca added: “We plead again for consideration of the death and suffering that any armed conflict would inevitably visit on the children, women and men of Ukraine. And once again we pray that eyes of those driving the march to war may yet be opened, and that peace may yet prevail.”

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Western Cape Agriculture says no other African Swine Fever (ASF) cases have been reported in Mossel Bay and George in the Southern Cape since January 2022.

The provincial Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinary Services officials estimated that about 370 pigs have died due to the disease in the two areas.

“The areas remain under quarantine, and local municipalities are assisting with the disposal of carcasses and disinfection,” Agriculture MEC, Ivan Meyer, said.

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Chakwera, who is also chair of the Southern African Development Community and an ordained minister and former president of the Assemblies of God in Malawi, received an overview of the WCC’s work, particularly the WCC programmes focused on the spiritual role of the WCC for unity, justice and peace through the theological work with Faith and Order, the Pilgrimage of Justice in Peace, Thursdays in Black, and human rights.

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Disclaimer: Bible Media News (BMN)* is an independent faith-based media organization. Please note that all press releases and statements published by BMN do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of Bible Media.

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