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Why You Should Visit South Africa: A World of Adventure, Culture, and Natural Beauty By Femi Oyewale

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Why You Should Visit South Africa: A World of Adventure, Culture, and Natural Beauty By Femi Oyewale

 

South Africa, often referred to as the “Rainbow Nation,” is a land of diversity, where breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities converge to create a traveler’s paradise. Whether you’re an adventurer, history buff, foodie, or beach lover, South Africa offers an unparalleled experience that promises to leave visitors enchanted.

Why You Should Visit South Africa: A World of Adventure, Culture, and Natural Beauty By Femi Oyewale

1. The Allure of Nature: From Safari to Sea

South Africa is globally renowned for its natural beauty, boasting a wide range of ecosystems that include savannas, deserts, mountains, and coastlines.

A. The Big Five and Safari Adventures

The country is home to some of the best safari experiences in the world. Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offers visitors the chance to see the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo—up close. Guided tours and self-drive options cater to both luxury travelers and budget explorers.

B. The Garden Route

Stretching along the southeastern coast, the Garden Route is a scenic drive filled with lush forests, serene lagoons, and pristine beaches. Highlights include the Tsitsikamma National Park, where adventurers can hike, kayak, and even bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest commercial bungee jump.

C. Cape Winelands and Table Mountain

Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain offers panoramic views of the city and its stunning coastline. A short drive away, the Cape Winelands, featuring picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, attract wine enthusiasts and foodies alike.

  1. Rich Cultural Tapestry

South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, making it one of the most unique destinations in the world.

A. The Cradle of Humankind

History lovers will appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Cradle of Humankind, where some of the oldest human fossils were discovered, offering a glimpse into humanity’s origins.

B. Cultural Villages and Heritage

Visit cultural villages like Shakaland in KwaZulu-Natal or Lesedi Cultural Village in Gauteng to experience the traditions of Zulu, Xhosa, and other indigenous groups. These villages showcase traditional dances, cuisine, and crafts.

C. Apartheid History and Nelson Mandela’s Legacy

No visit to South Africa is complete without exploring its complex history. The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, offer sobering yet inspiring insights into the country’s journey to democracy.

 

3. Thriving Cities with Global Appeal

A. Cape Town

Nestled between mountains and the sea, Cape Town is a city of contrasts. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Bo-Kaap, enjoy fine dining at the V&A Waterfront, or relax on the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.

B. Johannesburg

South Africa’s largest city is the economic heart of the continent and a hub for art, music, and fashion. Maboneng Precinct, known for its creative energy, is a must-visit for galleries, street art, and boutique shopping.

C. Durban

Famous for its subtropical climate and Golden Mile beaches, Durban is also a culinary hotspot. Sample its Indian-influenced dishes like bunny chow, a spicy curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

4. Adventure for Every Thrill-Seeker

South Africa is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.

  • Shark Cage Diving: For the brave-hearted, cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai offers an unforgettable experience.
  • Hiking Trails: The Drakensberg Mountains feature dramatic peaks and trails for both novice and experienced hikers.
  • Whale Watching: Hermanus is one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in the world, with southern right whales visiting the coast annually.

 

5. A Food Lover’s Dream

South African cuisine reflects the country’s multicultural heritage. Braai (barbecue) is a beloved tradition, while dishes like bobotie, biltong, and Cape Malay curry showcase the nation’s culinary diversity. Pair your meals with a glass of South African wine, renowned for its quality and variety.

 

  1. Practical Tips for Travelers
  • Best Time to Visit: South Africa is a year-round destination, but the dry season (May to September) is ideal for safaris, while November to March offers the best beach weather.
  • Currency: The South African Rand (ZAR) provides excellent value for international visitors.
  • Safety: Like any destination, travelers should exercise caution, particularly in urban areas. Guided tours and reputable accommodations ensure a worry-free experience.

 

7. Why South Africa Should Be on Your Bucket List

Few countries can match South Africa’s blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re marveling at wildlife on a safari, savoring fine wine in a vineyard, or immersing yourself in cultural traditions, South Africa is a destination that promises unforgettable memories.

So pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Rainbow Nation—a place where adventure meets culture, and every traveler finds a piece of home.

 

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TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

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From Automobiles to Acts of Compassion: Olatunde Mukaila Lawal is Transforming Lives in South Africa

TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

In a world where compassion is increasingly vital, TM Foundation stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Established in 2019 by the visionary Olatunde Mukaila Lawal, this South Africa-based organization is dedicated to uplifting the elderly, less privileged kids, and the vulnerable, fostering stronger communities through a mission rooted in dignity, love, and care.

 

Making an Impact Since 2019

TM Foundation began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create meaningful change for those often overlooked. Since its inception, the foundation has provided vital resources and emotional support to kids, seniors and young individuals, bridging the gap between generations and creating a sustainable future for all.

 

“We believe in the transformative power of compassion,” says Lawal. “Our work is about more than just helping—it’s about empowering people and building stronger, more resilient communities.”

A Multi-Faceted Mission

TM Foundation operates on three key pillars:

Social Support and Companionship: Ensuring no one feels forgotten, the foundation offers a caring hand and a listening ear to, kids, seniors and others in need.

Promoting Wellness Across Ages:

Through various programs, TM Foundation prioritizes physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all generations.

Fostering Compassion and Understanding: Building bridges of empathy, the foundation strengthens the fabric of communities.

These programs aim to create lasting change by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

Why You Should Support TM Foundation

TM Foundation’s efforts rely on the support of individuals and businesses who share their vision. Your contribution—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—directly impacts lives. From funding wellness programs to providing companionship for seniors, every act of kindness counts.

 

“Together, we can ensure no one feels forgotten or alone,” Lawal emphasizes. “It’s about leaving a legacy of compassion and empowerment.”

How to Get Involved

There are many ways to support TM Foundation:

Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to assist in their programs.
Donate: Your financial contributions help sustain their impactful initiatives.
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about TM Foundation’s mission to inspire others.

Contact TM Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tmfoundation.giving
Phone (South Africa): +27823781398 | +27 81 289 0171 | +27 69 286 4950 | +27747835891
Phone (Nigeria): +234 813 448 0159

Join TM Foundation today and become part of a movement dedicated to empowering seniors and young ones. Together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future.

TM Foundation: Transforming Lives, One Generation at a Time

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Olam Agri and GIZ Sign MoU to Scale Up Sustainable Development in Global Agriculture and Food

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Olam Agri and GIZ Sign MoU to Scale Up Sustainable Development in Global Agriculture and Food

 

Singapore, January 20, 2025 – Olam Agri, a market leading food, feed, and fibre agri-business, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to scale up sustainable development in the global agri-food sector. The MoU provides a framework that will facilitate collaboration between the two partners across staple agriculture supply chains that include rice, cotton, and rubber in developing markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This extends and deepens the long-standing partnership that GIZ and Olam Agri have shared over the past 15 years helping smallholder farmers become more productive, profitable, and sustainable.

 

Three key objectives of the MoU are to support sustainable food production at a range of scales towards climate adaptation while protecting and preserving soil health, biodiversity, and water resources; to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and providing them with access to key services and inclusive opportunities; and establishing sustainability and traceability across agriculture supply chains. This is aligned with Olam Agri’s purpose to transform food and agriculture for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

 

For joint projects, GIZ and Olam Agri have identified six priority intervention areas: nutrition-sensitive regenerative agriculture; harvest and post-harvest loss reduction; access to finance for smallholders; economic inclusion and rights; management of crop residues and reuse; and ecosystem services, including protection and restoration of ecosystems and carbon initiatives. Both partners will continue to identify topics relevant across value chains and regions to drive innovation and scaling, with possible cross-sectoral issues including climate and carbon credits, landscape-scale approaches, and digitisation.

 

Sunny Verghese, Co-Founder & Group CEO of Olam Agri, said: “We’ve shared a strong and fruitful relationship with GIZ over the years during which we’ve made significant inroads in transforming smallholder farming in several supply chains across many geographies to be more productive, profitable, and sustainable. I am thrilled to be signing this MoU with such a valuable partner that is GIZ and commit to collaborate even further to scale up our sustainability programmes in developing and emerging agriculture economies.”

 

Anna Sophie Herken, Managing Director at GIZ said: “The signing of this MoU with Olam Agri marks a pivotal step forward in our collaborative efforts towards sustainable food production. I am very happy and grateful that we can deepen and broaden our cooperation efforts simultaneously. We look forward to enhancing the scope and impact of our successful projects in climate-smart farming.”

 

The MoU builds upon years of successful cooperation between the two organisations since 2008. Starting in Africa, the partnership has expanded through several key initiatives. In the rice supply chain, for example, the progress the partnership has made with the founding of the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) in 2011 has led to positive transformation of the sector by advancing sustainable rice cultivation. Through climate-smart methods and technologies, sustainable rice cultivation reduces usage of water and fertilisers, and consequently significantly reduces the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Under the joint efforts of GIZ and Olam Agri, the Market Oriented Smallholder Value Chain (MSVC) rice project in Southeast Asia has improved the livelihoods of more than 28,000 smallholder farmers and their families in four years, raising their incomes by 20 per cent while reducing their ecological impact. GIZ and Olam Agri continue to engage smallholder rice farmers in Southeast Asia in large scale projects and currently also cooperate in a regional sustainable cotton project in Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Chad, and in sustainable natural rubber in Côte d’Ivoire and Indonesia.

Olam Agri and GIZ Sign MoU to Scale Up Sustainable Development in Global Agriculture and Food

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Shocking Fraud: Nigerian CEO and Companies Sanctioned by World Bank

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Shocking Fraud: Nigerian CEO and Companies Sanctioned by World Bank"

World Bank Debars Nigerian Companies Over Corruption in Social Safety Net Project

By femi oyewale

 

The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, along with their Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Norman Didam, for engaging in fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Monday, the World Bank detailed unethical actions during the 2018 procurement and contract processes for the project, which was designed to provide financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households.

“The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam. The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Allegations and Findings

According to the World Bank, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and gained access to confidential tender information from public officials. These acts violated the bank’s Anti-corruption Framework.

The companies and Mr. Didam also falsified experience records, submitted fake manufacturer authorization letters, and offered inducements to project officials, further undermining the integrity of the initiative aimed at assisting Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

The statement added, “Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”

Sanctions and Compliance Measures

The debarment bars the two companies and Mr. Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the next 30 months. As part of their settlement agreements, the parties admitted their culpability and agreed to meet specific conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.

Mr. Didam is required to complete individual ethics training, while both companies must strengthen their internal integrity policies and implement corporate ethics training programs aligned with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.

The World Bank noted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during the investigation, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding, and the time elapsed since the infractions.

Broader Implications

The debarments are subject to cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the 2010 Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, further limiting the companies’ ability to participate in international development projects.

The World Bank reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, emphasizing that the implicated parties must fulfill the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for future Bank-funded initiatives.

“The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency,” the statement concluded.

This development underscores the World Bank’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in its projects, particularly those aimed at improving the livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

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