“NO ELECTRICITY, NO VOTE,” SOUTH AFRICANS THREATEN TO SHUN RULING PARTY ANC. (PHOTO)

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 “No electricity, no vote,” South Africans threaten to shun ruling party ANC Residents in Katlehong, a township outside Johannesburg, have resolved to boycott South Africa's upcoming local elections on November 4 due to long-standing failures by authorities to provide basic services like electricity. For over 20 years, around 180 households in the community have relied on illegal electrical connections pulled from neighboring areas to power their homes. Angry over the lack of formal grid infrastructure, residents are directing their frustration at the ruling African National Congress (ANC). "We have made a collective decision: no electricity, no vote," said community leader Lesiba Rankapole, 59. "We know it is illegal, but we had no choice because we cannot live without electricity. Our children cannot progress without electricity." "I was born ANC, but today I do not want anyone to tell me about the ANC because I am suffering," added 57-year-old resid...

DEPUTY SPEAKER KALU ADVOCATES SEAT RESERVATION BILL TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN POLITICS.(PHOTO).


 Deputy Speaker Kalu advocates seat reservation bill to empower women in politics


Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed his commitment to gender inclusivity in governance, calling for widespread support for the Seat Reservation for Women Bill (HB1349). He emphasized that the bill is a strategic intervention to empower women and ensure their rightful place in political decision-making.


Kalu made this statement during a dinner banquet in his honor, organized by The Osasu Show Foundation (TOS Foundation), United Nations (UN) Women, and the Policy Innovation Center (PIC) in Abuja. The event, which also featured an award presentation, recognized Kalu’s legislative efforts in championing women's rights.


A Legislative Push for Equality


Speaking at the event, Kalu highlighted the bill’s alignment with the principles of the Beijing Declaration, which advocates for gender equality globally. He described the proposed legislation as a necessary tool to break systemic barriers and correct the historical underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics.


"This is not about charity it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity," Kalu stated. "A truly representative government must reflect the people it serves. Women have been historically marginalized in our political process, and this bill seeks to change that by ensuring they have a rightful place in legislative chambers at both national and state levels."


According to the Deputy Speaker, the bill will reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, fostering a more diverse and inclusive legislative process. He argued that the participation of women in governance contributes to more equitable and holistic policymaking, ultimately benefiting national development.


A Call to Action Despite Challenges


While acknowledging the obstacles that remain in the fight for gender equality, Kalu reiterated his determination to push forward.


"The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities. We must continue to dismantle systemic barriers, foster environments where everyone can thrive, and build institutions that are truly inclusive," he affirmed.


Drawing inspiration from the Beijing Declaration, Kalu stressed the importance of legal protections and affirmative action in achieving sustainable change. He urged stakeholders to support the Seat Reservation for Women Bill, describing it as an essential step toward a future where justice and equal representation prevail.


As discussions around gender equality continue, Kalu’s advocacy signals a renewed push for policies that ensure women's voices are not only heard but also actively shape the nation's political landscape.

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