Category Archives: OPINION

Tuesday, January 07, 2025 What you need to know: The more inclusive our policies and structures are, the more they promote integral and holistic integration. It is time to fully commit to educating society on supporting people with visual disabilities and to nurture what I call ‘a culture of care,’ especially among the younger generation. The question of holistic engagement is a crucial one in relation to all persons with disabilities, as those conditions in one way or another differentiate the level at which one can engage in society and societal activities. For example, while a person with mobility disabilities can equally appreciate the music being played, he or she may not manifest bodily in the same way as persons without a mobility disability who have the same musical appreciation

It’s generally a rare thing for the person you’re interviewing to burst out laughing. But that’s what happened to me, recently, on a call with Ernie Tedeschi, the director of economics at the Yale Budget Lab who in March wrapped up a three-year stint on the White House Council of Economic Advisers. The question that evidently tickled Tedeschi: Was the “vibecession” fake? The vibes around the economy — as in, the way consumers and businesses say they feel about it — have been changing lately, and not because the economy itself is markedly different from how it was in the recent past. Inflation is down from its peak, but it’s up a bit from where it was earlier this year. The labor market is still strong, and consumer spending is

By Junior Lebese Cape Town will be pulsating with the ANC’s celebratory activity this week, particularly its annual “January 8” celebration. The celebration marks a watershed moment as the party emerges bruised from a historic “below-50” performance in the 2024 national elections. This January 8 statement isn’t going to be just another political ritual—it’s a defining moment for both the ANC and many South Africans, a make-or-break moment. The nation awaits President Ramaphosa’s Khayelitsha speech with bated breath, seeking signals of the party’s posture since its electoral setback. Back in 2015, at a five-day ‘Alliance’ summit, then-Secretary General Gwede Mantashe (now National Chairperson) diagnosed that “crass displays of wealth and arrogance are among the problems facing the ANC,” noting the “growing social distance between the leadership and the people” they

OURSELF INFLICTED FUEL DILEMMA BY DR JOHNSTONE CHIKWANDA, ENERGY EXPERT ===================== 1) Zambia has recently been experiencing fuel stock outs, especially on petrol, due to alleged post electoral violence in Mozambique. Zambia’s petrol has, to a large extent, been coming via the Mozambique transit corridors. 2) Zambia is not the only country that uses the Mozambique corridor for fuel transportation yet it is more affected that other countries. Why? 3) Before these post electoral violence in Mozambique, Zimbabwe made changes to customs regulations for transit fuel tankers. This action affected at least 3,000 fuel tankers. This decision adversely impacted Zambia more than other countries. How? 4) The Petroleum Transporters of Zambia (PTAZ) has, for more than 5 years, been lobbying government to actualize the SI on fuel transportation thereby empowering

James Carville and Mary Matalin, America’s quintessential bipartisan power couple, have turned their marriage into a metaphor for bridging divides. Thanks to their fiery debates and enduring partnership, the duo’s lives have piqued public interest, too. But what happened to James Carville and Mary Matalin? James Carville speaks onstage during Angel Ball 2015, and Mary Matalin attends the 2013 Legends For Charity Dinner. Photo: Bryan Bedder, Tyler Kaufman (modified by author)Source: Getty Images TABLE OF CONTENTS Who is James Carville? Who is Mary Matalin? James Carville and Mary Matalin’s relationship When did Carville and Mary meet? Are Carville and Matalin still together? What happened to James Carville and Mary Matalin? FAQs about James Carville and Mary Matalin Wrapping up James Carville and Mary Matalin remain engaged in various personal and

Sa’ar’s new budget is the first step toward correcting 77 years of mistakes in neglecting Israel’s effort to explain itself to the world, which is more important than ever. By GIL HOFFMAN JANUARY 3, 2025 14:28 GIDEON SA’AR (photo credit: Shalev Mann) There was a movie in 1985 called Brewster’s Millions, in which Richard Pryor played minor league pitcher Montgomery “Monty” Brewster, who accepted a challenge to spend $30 million in 30 days in order to inherit $300 million from his great uncle. Thirty years later, new Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar finds himself in a similar place. Once the state budget passes into law, Sa’ar will receive $150 million for Israeli public diplomacy – half of what Brewster won, but 20 times more than the pathetic amount the government previously

Experts point to maladministration and decaying infrastructure as reasons for Joburg’s failure to achieve world-class status. As City of Joburg mayor Dada Morero this week reflected on challenges and resilience in his year-end appraisal of the metro’s performance, experts yesterday said Joburg has struggled to live up to its aspirations of being a world-class city. At the core of challenges faced by Johannesburg is its failure to address its financials, water security and decaying infrastructure. In his 2024 assessment of the city’s performance, Morero said the city was marked by “challenges and resilience” – conceded that pressing issues included the ongoing strain on infrastructure, especially water systems, “which has resulted in significant service interruptions in various parts of the city”. Joburg marked with ‘challenges and resilience’ “This has tested our

Money may earn a commission when you click on the products and services below. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how they appear. Learn more about how we make money. When shopping, do you opt for quality (buying a few expensive items with long lifespans) or quantity (picking up several cheaper options even though you know they won’t last)? Your answer to this question can say a lot about the state of your overall finances as well as your personality, new research suggests. While low price tags may initially lure quantity-focused shoppers, these folks tend to spend more in the moment and accrue more debt in the long run. “Buying more [things] makes it harder to track spending,” says Rodrigo Dias, an assistant marketing

We owe it to our brothers and sisters to bring them home, now. Their candle isn’t out yet. By JPOST EDITORIAL DECEMBER 27, 2024 05:54 Former hostages speak at Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. (photo credit: Paulina Patimer) It may sound like a broken record to say, but it will be necessary until it happens: The hostages have to come home. Not only that – the hostages must come home so they can begin to heal. Those who are still alive are living in “inhumane conditions, including physical, emotional, and psychological torture,” reads a draft report by the Health Ministry, which was published on Thursday. The report is currently nearly completed. Next, it will go to the Justice Ministry for final touches before it is submitted to the United Nations to

Whatever path forward is chosen, the Houthis will need to suffer more serious blows because, currently, they feel emboldened. By SETH J. FRANTZMAN DECEMBER 24, 2024 14:46 A Houthi pictured at a rally to show support for the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen December 20, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH) Overnight, the Iranian-backed Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Israel. This is the fourth attack in two weeks. There were also Houthi missile attacks on December 21, December 19, and December 16. The Houthis are increasing their attacks and showing they are not deterred by Israel’s strikes or Israel’s rhetoric. Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Arrow air defense battery that intercepted the missile overnight. “We will not accept the fact that the Houthis continue to fire at the State

In the heart of Ghana’s Birim North District, Newmont’s Akyem Mine stands as a beacon of opportunity and inclusion, empowering local community members to thrive. Among these stories of transformation is that of Dorcas Oppong, a determined woman from the Afosu community, whose journey embodies Newmont’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. Dorcas joined Newmont one and a half years ago through the Learnership Programme after working for seven years with ATS, Newmont’s former catering services provider. Her career took a remarkable turn when she witnessed women operating heavy machinery at Newmont’s site. “I saw the women operating the machines and thought, this machine, and this single human being—come to talk of a lady—is operating it. Then I thought, I would also like to sit in the same machine one

There is a general mood that the future is brighter than the immediate past, bringing unique opportunities to chart a positive momentum.  By ROBERT SINGER DECEMBER 20, 2024 16:30 Israelis protest for the release of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip near Yokneam, northern Israel, November 30, 2024. (photo credit: Dor Pazuelo/Flash90) As 2024 draws to a close, the latest survey conducted by the Center for Jewish Impact, in collaboration with the Geocartography Knowledge Group, paints a sobering yet insightful picture of Israeli public sentiment.  The survey, which canvassed 500 Israeli men and women across diverse sectors of society, reveals both pressing concerns and glimpses of hope, capturing a nation navigating complex challenges at home and abroad.  One of the most striking findings from the survey is the widespread

So many are suffering from the consequences that war has; not only war, but watching friends, family, and loved ones be decimated on October 7. By JPOST EDITORIAL DECEMBER 20, 2024 05:54 Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view. Psychological trauma and PTSD treatment at therapy session. Tired pensive military man feeling worry and despair overhead view (photo credit: INGIMAGE) A handful of research, reviews, and data have come out in the aftermath of October 7, exposing the mental health crisis Israel is currently experiencing, and it is devastating. Out of the thousands of lone soldiers who have served in the reserves since the start of the war and who need treatment, only 500 have received treatment. The Hostage Family Forum revealed that the psychological harm of

In today’s competitive business landscape, organizations increasingly recognize that employee experience (EX) is critical in driving long-term growth and success.  Employee experience encompasses every interaction an employee has with their workplace, from onboarding and career development to recognition and work-life balance.  Prioritising EX isn’t just about keeping employees happy—it’s about fostering a culture that supports engagement, productivity, and innovation. In this blog, we’ll explore why investing in employee experience is key to organizational growth. Boosting Employee Engagement and Productivity Employee engagement is a vital contributor to productivity and business success. Engaged employees are more motivated, committed, and willing to go the extra mile to help their organization succeed. By investing in a positive employee experience, businesses can improve engagement levels, enhancing productivity. Offering personalized benefits, recognition, and career development opportunities