World News
Trouble for opposition party as leader bags jail sentence
Julius Malema, South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader, has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
The 45-year-old leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and serving Member of Parliament was found guilty of illegal possession and public discharge of a firearm.
He will, however, not head to prison immediately, as Magistrate Twanet Olivier granted him leave to appeal the sentence.
Malema, clad in a dark suit and red tie, remained composed as the sentence was delivered, despite the implications for his political future.
He had earlier been convicted on five counts, including unlawful possession of a firearm, discharging a weapon in public, and reckless endangerment.
The charges stem from a 2018 incident during the EFF’s fifth anniversary celebrations in Eastern Cape, where Malema was captured in a viral video firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air.
During trial proceedings in KuGompo City, he maintained that the act was celebratory.
But in her ruling, Olivier dismissed the defence, stating that the act was not impulsive but premeditated, describing it as “the event of the evening.”
She stressed that Malema’s political stature did not influence the court’s decision, but noted that as a public figure with a large following, he bore greater responsibility for his conduct.
Despite the conviction, Malema walked free from court, greeting hundreds of chanting supporters, as the appeal process commenced.
Addressing supporters outside the court, Malema alleged, without evidence, that the ruling was politically motivated, accusing unnamed forces of attempting to silence him.
“They are trying by all means to silence this voice. They will never win,” he declared, adding, “We are fighting the enemy, and the enemy is white supremacy.”
The outspoken politician, known for his radical rhetoric and populist appeal, commands a loyal support base. His followers, many clad in EFF regalia, broke into revolutionary songs and chants after learning he would not be taken into custody immediately.
Malema, a former youth leader of the African National Congress (ANC), was expelled following a fallout with then President Jacob Zuma. He subsequently founded the EFF, which has grown into a formidable opposition force, emerging as the fourth largest party in the 2024 general elections.
His political messaging—centred on land expropriation and economic redress for South Africa’s black majority—has eroded the ANC’s traditional support base.
Reacting to the sentencing, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula suggested that Malema’s prosecution reflected broader political targeting, particularly by Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, which initiated the case following the circulation of the video.
However, AfriForum insisted the matter was strictly about law enforcement, maintaining that it opposes all forms of racism and that the case centred on “reckless and illegal actions.”
Culture experts and enthusiasts have applauded the Africa Day 2026 Cultural Hangout Festival held in Manchester last weekend.
The event brought together speakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community
stakeholders for a day focused on culture, heritage, tourism, and international
collaboration.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Manchester City Centre, the event provided a platform
for dialogue on how cultural assets can support destination promotion, economic
development, and stronger relationships between African and UK communities.
The event was organised by Aihawu Victor, Founder and CEO of the Cultural
Hangout Festival, who welcomed guests and spoke about the importance of
preserving cultural identity while creating opportunities for future generations.
“We often celebrate culture through food, fashion, and entertainment, but culture is
also a powerful tool for education, tourism, business, and community development,”Victor said during his presentation.
One of the highlights of the day was a discussion session that brought together
speakers from both Nigeria and the United Kingdom to share perspectives on
tourism, culture, and destination development.
Representing Badagry Local Government in Lagos State, Ms. Avoseh-Akwe
Senami Oluwakemi, Council Manager, spoke on Tourism as a Tool for Local
Economic Development. Drawing from the experiences of Badagry, a town known for
its rich history and cultural significance, she explained how communities can benefit
when heritage is properly preserved and promoted.
Another speaker, Careen Joseph, explored opportunities for collaboration between
African and UK destinations. Her presentation focused on how cultural partnerships,
tourism exchanges, and shared projects can create stronger connections between
communities on both sides.
Aihawu Victor also delivered a presentation on ‘The Role of Culture and Heritage in
Destination Promotion’, encouraging participants to see cultural assets not simply as symbols of the past but as valuable resources for education, tourism, and economic development.
Away from the discussion sessions, the atmosphere throughout the day reflected the diversity and creativity of Africa. Guests enjoyed live music, drumming, instrumental
performances, cultural displays, and opportunities to interact with businesses and creative entrepreneurs showcasing their work.
Performing artists added energy and excitement to the festival, creating moments that brought people together through rhythm, storytelling, and shared cultural
experiences. For many attendees, the event was more than a celebration. It was an opportunity to reconnect with heritage, build new relationships, and explore ideas that could lead tofuture partnerships and projects.
The festival was delivered with support from partners including CareersBar, Reftop
Homes Ltd, and the Centre for Youths Integrated Development (CYID).
As the day came to a close, participants left with new contacts, fresh perspectives,
and a renewed appreciation for the role culture can play in bringing people together
across borders.
The Cultural Hangout Festival continues to grow as a platform that connects culture
with education, tourism, enterprise, and community development, creating spaces
where heritage is celebrated while new opportunities are created for the future.
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