What's the problem with this weapon? Air-dropped or ground-launched, they cause two major humanitarian problems and risks to civilians. First, their widespread dispersal means they cannot distinguish between military targets and civilians so the humanitarian impact can be extreme, especially when the weapon is used in or near populated areas. Many submunitions fail to detonate on impact and become de facto antipersonnel mines killing and maiming people long after the conflict has ended. These duds are more lethal than antipersonnel mines; incidents involving submunition duds are much more likely to cause death than injury.

Who has used cluster munitions? At least 14 countries have used cluster munitions: Eritrea, Ethiopia, France,Israel, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia (USSR), Saudi Arabia, Sudan,Tajikistan, UK, US, and FR Yugoslavia. A small number of non-state armed groups have used the weapon (such as Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006). Billions of submunitions are stockpiled by some 76 countries. A total of 34 states are known to have produced over 210 different types cluster munitions. More than two dozen countries have been affected by the use of cluster munitions includingAfghanistan, Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia,Chad, Croatia, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Grenada, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Laos,Lebanon, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria,Tajikistan, Uganda, and Vietnam, as well as Chechnya, Falkland/Malvinas, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Western Sahara.

Why is a ban on cluster munitions necessary? Simply put, cluster munitions kill and injure too many civilians. The weapon caused more civilian casualties in Iraq in 2003 and Kosovo in 1999 than any other weapon system. Cluster munitions stand out as the weapon that poses the gravest dangers to civilians since antipersonnel mines, which were banned in 1997. Yet there is currently no provision in international law to specifically address problems caused by cluster munitions. Israel's massive use of the weapon in Lebanon in August 2006 resulted in more than 200 civilian casualties in the year following the ceasefire and served as the catalyst that has propelled governments to attempt to secure a legally-binding international instrument tackling cluster munitions in 2008.

However, the debate now moves to the loopholes that could benefit powers such as the United States, which refused to take part in the Dublin conference.

Along with the US, China, Russia, Israel, India and Pakistan have rejected the pact.

Cluster munitions contain "bomblets" that are scattered from planes or artillery shells and detonate like mines. Opponents say they cause indiscriminate injury, often lying unexploded for years. Children are frequently the victims.

Giji Gya from the Brussels based International Security Service said: "The main actors are the United States and the UK. You also have Israel, India, Pakistan and China as the main users."

U.S. State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the elimination of cluster bombs from U.S. stockpiles would put the lives of U.S. soldiers and those of their allies at risk.

"While the United States shares the humanitarian concerns of those in Dublin, cluster munitions have demonstrated military utility," he said.

Source:Euronews 31st May 2008

Britain has been given eight years in which to destroy its cluster bomb stocks, although it will have stop stop using them immediately under a deal being thrashed out in Dublin this week.
Britain and others among the 110 countries involved in negotiations have successfully resisted attempts to block nations' ability to fight alongside American troops armed with cluster bombs.

America has taken no part in the negotiations and will continue to use the weaponry.
The final cost of destroying our Armed Forces' stocks of the helicopter-mounted M73 and artillery-launched M85 cluster bombs is not yet known, but destroying another cluster bomb system, the more indiscriminate M26, cost £30 million.
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The cost will be boosted by a clause requiring signatories to clear and destroy remnants of cluster bombs in areas under their juristiction or control - for Britain this will entail a major clearance project in southern Iraq.

The convention was formally adopted in Dublin yesterday but it is understood that the Ministry of Defence will continue negotiations over a number of other weapons which anti-cluster bomb campaigners want banned.

Non-Governmental Organisations have fought for years to see cluster bombs, which are predominantly used in countries including Cambodia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Lebanon, banned because unexploded munitions have maimed thousands of civilians.
Britain's negotiating team in Dublin have emphasised that both the M85 and M73 were needed to protect British troops when confronted by an enemy in armoured vehicles and their removal from theatre will leave a gap in our defences

South African musicians to set stage at London's Clapham Grand
Southern Fire Productions Ltd are proud to present, in association with the Mineseeker Foundation and the 'Sole of Africa' Campaign, 'Simply South African' at the Clapham Grand, London on the evening of the 8th June 2008.
Join us to celebrate the artistry and musical genius of some of South Africa's leading musicians in their different genres of music.
Joining us on stage are none other than, Arno Carstens, the biggest selling South African (SA) singer/songwriter in the rock genre. Arno made his name as frontman for the highly revered Springbok Nude Girls. As a solo artist, Arno performed at the 2007 Isle of Wight festival alongside the likes of the Rolling Stones and Snow Patrol. In 2008, Arno will perform on the same bill as The Police and Paul Weller. Great things are expected from this icon of SA music.
Letcher is another name synonymous with the South African music scene. Chris Letcher fronted cult SA band, Urban Creep before heading to the UK. He has just released his new album 'Frieze' which has received favourable reviews worldwide and he will be performing with a full band.
Nibs van der Spuy's CV has it all, for this highly acclaimed singer/songwriter and finger style guitarist has travelled the world sharing his music to every appreciating ear. His latest album, 'Beautiful Feet' has received rave reviews in every country released and Nibs has shared the stage with the likes of Ben Harper, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and folk legend, Shawn Phillips.
Hailing from Durban's north coast is Guy Buttery. Guy is blazing his name across the globe with his simply intoxicating and mesmerizing guitar play. Be it an acoustic or a sitar, Guy manages to breath life into every chord played. Despite many nominations for awards, Guy is still the youngest ever nominee for a SAMA (South African Music Awards).
Sitter brings youth and the confidence associated with many of the world's upcoming artists. With an infectious blend of Pop/Rock, these guys are destined for some great things. They are currently touring the UK and every opportunity to see them cannot be missed.
Infectious and caressing...two words that are used repeatedly to express the music of Farryl Purkiss. Farryl's debut album, recorded in collaboration with Nibs van der Spuy was nominated for a SAMA for 'Best Adult Contemporary'. He has shared a stage with Missy Higgins, Jack Johnson and Ben Lee and the best is simply yet to come. Farryl is currently touring the USA.
Opening the bill at 'Simply South African' will be London based Anglo-South African band, the Free State Prophets. Playing energetic music, this band is simply continuing to grow in the competitive London music scene. Rave reviews continue to impress and the band is definitely heading in the right direction.

As a venue, the Clapham Grand is ideal. A typically English Victorian theatre, built in 1900, it brings everyone close to the action. The venue has a superb sound and lighting system, large stage and a capacity of 1000 for this event.
Tickets are priced at £13.50 per person and will be available from www.ticketweb.com from Friday the 2nd May 2008.
Doors open at 5:00pm and there will also be a selection of South African food and beverages available.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@southernfirefestival.com or by calling Clayton on 07806 663 909 or Allison on 07796 294 348.
For information regarding the Mineseeker Foundation and the 'Sole of Africa' Campaign, please follow one of the website links below.
We look forward to seeing you on the 8th June 2008 for what will be a memorable experience.
Regards,
Clayton and Allison

This morning, the Executive Director of The Mineseeker Foundation and
The Sole of Africa detailed the ongoing Aid programs that are part of the overall plan
within the campaign in Mozambique and Malawi

Simply Click this link LISTEN to hear a previous call and maybe also be empowered for the weekend ahead

We had some exceptional individuals involved within The Sole of
Africa share on the call today.

To give your friends the opportunity to sense why this is such a great moment in time to be involved in collaborative Action please send the link to others, copy the http file below:

The Sole of Africa Call

For those that have not yet had time to hear a call, we encourage
you. This was a BRAVEHEART call!

We hope you can Open and Share your heart with someone this weekend.

We look forward to being with you again to share LIVE constant changing
developments every Friday at 10.30 am PST

THE NUMBER 563-843-7000 ...Access Code 269630#

Listen to Last Week's Call:

The Sole of Africa
and
Mineseeker

JP has "Put his Foot Down" and got involved - isn't it time you did ?

JP arrives at the clinic in Maputo,Mozambique	JP meets the landmine victims
The story is told of how she lost both her legs	JP pledges to send more aid to the Sole of Africa
Maria and JP meet for the first time	Maria and JP after he has told her he would sponsor new legs

Candice Hillebrand is one of our South African Ambassadors and we value her time spent on helping us to help Mozambique landmine victims to help themselves.

As stated by Candice: “At times it can seem overwhelming as there is so much suffering everywhere we turn, but on a personal level we can help with what we are aware of.

The fact that you are reading this means you are meant to do something however big or small it may be, you have a part in this now. Lets put our foot down, lets stand together, lets look back and not be ashamed we did nothing, lets be proud of who we are. If you had the chance to change just one life for the better would you?

If you believe that humanity can become better than we are, that we can evolve and have a higher destiny, let us begin today”.

Candice has had a busy period and has just finished filming a drama series for Fox MyNetwork called "American Heiress." It is going to start airing in the USA next month. Candice spent some time in San Diego where the filming took place but is now back in LA. Maxim online recently did a feature on Candice that will go into print shortly, and she took a short songwriting trip to Nashville where she reports back that she "worked with some amazing people". One of the highlights of the last few months for Candice was a trip back to South Africa.

For those of you that do not know Nourish The Children, SOA believes that it is the most complete Social Marketing program working in the world. So do a lot of other people. Since their unique business model was birthed, their growing "Force for Good" under the Chairmanship of legendary Lee Iacoca have now donated over 75,000,000 especially formulated and enriched Vitameals.

75,000,000 in only a few years!!!!!! Donated not by large fund raisers or governments but by people just like you. $20 a bag.

Today we ask for your help. It is needed now. Our immediate goal to stockpile 100,000 tons of food and donate 30,000,000 Vitameals.

-Nourish the Children donates additional funds and Vitameals to be used in the overall Sole of Africa plan.

-YOU earn commissions and rebates so that you can turn your dreams into reality, donate more food, make a trip to help “Build a Village” or simply pays bills

-Our community will embrace your visit and you can roll up your sleeves and work with NTC in Malawi and SOA in Mozambique on two week Adventure trips.

Click HELP NOW to join us today.

WE THANK YOU.

THE SOLE OF AFRICA CAMPAIGN

Would you:

Wipe out poverty?
Guarantee that every child gets a first-rate education?
End homelessness?
Make war ravaged lands safe from landmines that blow up women and children and stop farmers from growing crops?

Thanks to people like you, the Sole of Africa Campaign has in the last few months of 2006 helped put new limbs on mine victims; has helped start training hundreds of primary teachers and is teaming up with food agencies to feed starving children as the the world food program pulls out of its commitments citing lack of funds.

We are not interested in Aid alone. We collectively know we must teach the fisherman to fish and in 2007 we start returning land to its people. We start stimulating self sustainment with food factories that feed farmers and donate product to areas of need and stockpile for the rainy season.

The Sole of Africa has remarkable people who have overcome their own personal hurdles to contribute immensely into the world today. Our invitation is open for you to join us shoulder to shoulder. In 2007 we will be inviting you to events close to you as well as opportunities to make
trips of a life time. You will see that the keys to giving are in your own ability to receive. We hope as you start changing the world you too will benefit immensely from the rewards of helping others.

Just $8.00 will feed a hungry child for a month. $12 will clear 4 landmines after Mineseeker has
mapped an area. $99 a month for a year will help fit a new state of the art leg and rehabilitate a mine victim. $500K will build a food factory that will receive the crops turning them into nutritional meals to put back into the famine areas for 12c a meal! The point is please just help.

Collectively we believe that the Sole of Africa Campaign is the solution to the major problems in Africa. Organizations and dynamic individuals working together in support of the essence of a country, its people and its land. We know that we can maximize the donations that you contribute as their is a clear action plan with an achievable defined end goal.

OUR GIFT OF THANKS TO YOU
In celebration of the new year, responding to this email as a token of our appreciation for every donation over $10.00 we will digitally send you music tracks donated by award winning US, UK and African recording artists

The Butterfly Effect states that the tiny changes brought about by a butterfly fluttering its wings in San Francisco have the power to dramatically change the weather conditions in China.

The same applies to philanthropy. The actions of one person really do have the power to transform and impact the world. You really CAN make a difference.

Please click and donate today at http://www.thesoleofafrica.org/donate.php

Saying YES is an essential step to LEAVING a LEGACY

Yours in success,

The Sole of Africa

The Mineseeker ambassadors Penny Streeter and Candice Hillebrand met with Mineseeker SA Director, Kai Von Pannier, to discuss the The Sole of Africa campaign.

The trio have all agreed to step up the awareness campaign for the Mineseeker Foundations project, which aims to detect,remove landmines and return the cleared landmined regions to the people in Mozambique.

The Mineseeker Foundation will make use of advanced technology that enables the detection of landmines from airships at a rate of 100m per second.

Nelson Mandela, Queen Noor, Graca Machel, Sir Richard Branson. John Paul DeJoria and Brad Pitt are Patrons of the Foundation, which has successfully used the technology in Kosovo under the auspices of the United Nations.

Help us make 2007 a year of peace, health and happiness worldwide, put your foot down with us in the Sole of Africa Campaign!!!

Welcome to the team!

Entrepreneur Penny Streeter (OBE) CEO of Ambition 24hours is appointed SA Ambassador to Mineseeker

Entrepreneur Penny Streeter – listed this week in the UK Daily Telegraph’s top 40 UK entrepreneurs aged under 40 in the UK – has been appointed as an Ambassador in South Africa for Mineseeker, the Foundation established to identify and eliminate landmines in 70 countries. She will be working with patrons who include Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, John Paul De Joria, together with other business leaders and humanitarians.

Mineseeker invited Penny Streeter to act as an Ambassador in the ‘Sole of Africa’ campaign, which is initially targeting aid to Mozambique . The purpose of the programme is to identify and remove landmines, and then release the reclaimed land for agriculture; a ‘foster management’ team will then help the local communities to sow, grow and sell their own produce.

Penny Streeter OBE (Order of the British Empire) is CEO of Ambition 24hours, the R 700 million medical staffing agency, founded in the UK and operating in South Africa since October 2004 - when it launched a R 150 million, three year investment plan to develop its SA operation, which now includes the QA Calling call centre service, to reinforce SA’s reputation as a centre of excellence in international sales and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) activity.

In the Daily Telegraph’s top 40 list of UK entrepreneurs aged under 40 in the UK, Penny Streeter is the second highest woman and listed in 25th position overall. She was educated at Alberton High in Johannesburg and left South Africa for the UK in the mid 1980s.

With its SA headquarters at 130,000 sq ft freehold premises in Cape Town, the company is undertaking a nationwide expansion programme to help alleviate locum, nursing and allied health care staff shortages with a 24 hours a day, seven day a week service. The company is actively encouraging medical staff to return from the UK to SA and to remain in the country, by developing career opportunities through the use of advanced IT systems and services for job placements to match the needs of healthcare service providers precisely.

Mark Victor Hansen
Mega Philanthropy and Fulfillment

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As Co-Founder of the Enlightened Wealth Institute, Mega philanthropist Mark Victor Hansen is on a crusade to create world-wide enlightened wealth … with a short-term goal of creating 1 million millionaires who each give $1 million to charities, churches and other charitable organizations.

Despite the doom and gloom coming from news channels, the reality is that the United States is blessed with a booming Mega economy. What we lack is awareness – awareness of the universal principles that, when applied, will deliver all of the money and resources anyone could ever desire.

During this empowering session, you’ll discover how to harness these universal principles to create the wealth you deserve … and how to plan your legacy that will change the world. Mark will reveal the 2 different roles you can play in changing the world, 12 ways to raise funds for your cause, the 2 roads to wealth (and the truth about which path is right for you) and how to open the door to your potential as a creator, a connector, and a philanthropist. He’ll also discuss the 2 pivotal events that will occur in your lifetime … and 12 models of residual philanthropy you can use to ensure that you leave a truly inspiring legacy.

Charlie Gay
One Second to Changing Your Life (and the World) FOREVER: Guaranteeing a Legacy

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Many people wonder, “What can one person do?” Charlie Gay, Executive Director of Mineseeker Foundation, whose patrons are Nelson Mandela, Queen Noor, Sir Richard Branson, Graca Machel, John Paul de Joria and Brad Pitt, is here to tell you … a LOT.

A crusader and philanthropist who has been instrumental in the creation of the Sole of Africa campaign to wipe out land mines, return the land to the people and stimulate self sustainment and micro economies in Africa, Charlie has witnessed the tremendous, world-changing movements that result when ordinary people combine to use their talents and skills in extraordinary ways.

During this uplifting and inspirational session, he’ll open your eyes to the magnificent things you can accomplish … and reveal the secret to achieving those dreams, even if you’d describe yourself as an Average Joe or Jane. You’ll discover what a “legacy” really means – and more importantly, how to figure out what type of legacy you are meant to leave. You’ll also learn why the world desperately needs your talents and skills now more than ever, the choice you must make today to ensure your legacy, and how one second can change your life. Listen to and act on Charlie’s message, and you’ll be ready to transform the world.

Pat Burns
“How to Produce and Fund a Successful Public Benefit Event And Create Your Lasting Legacy”

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As Cofounder and Executive Director of the Orange County Children's Book Festival, a wildly popular event that draws tens of thousands of attendees each year, Pat Burns knows firsthand the in’s and out’s of creating a super successful public event that creates results, inspires change, builds community and reaches people of all ages. During this motivational session, she’ll help you see how you can create your own event and light a fire in you to have the same tremendous success … no matter how daunting your vision.

Pat’s fundraising and management success with clients such as Time Warner®, Radio Disney®, PBS®, Chicken Soup for Soul®, Enlightened Millionaire Institute®, and the International Trading Corporation in Vietnam and Thailand is based on lessons she’s learned from the world’s greatest masters.

Using statistician and consultant W. Edward Deming’s statement that the success of any project is determined in the first 15 percent of effort as a guiding principle, she’ll show you how to develop a clear vision and powerful purpose to ensure the success of your event. Then she’ll deliver the tools and systems to go from a kitchen table to over $1 million in corporate funding … and share her secrets for enrolling an all-volunteer team and attracting nearly 20,000 people from all walks of life to your one-day event.

I was very moved by the website Charlie showed me. I love how this cause will change lives now and for future generations. I was not actively involved in any other charities at the time and so I leapt at the opportunity to join the Sole Of Africa team!!

In the past my involvement has been with The Nelson Mandela Children's fund poster campaign and print ads for AIDS awareness (Red Ribbon). I also performed at a Students for Students benefit in New York to support Health education and HIV prevention for the Children of South Africa when I moved to the USA last year. Students for Students is a non profit organisation where the worlds leading Business Schools come together to improve lives through education.

Through my media profile in South Africa, I also worked with SPCA on a regular basis, Reach for a Dream, Child Welfare and I washed a lot of Penguins a few years back when there was a large oil spill in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (if that counts) LOL.

So I have put my foot down....have you?

Candice xxx




Find Out More About Candice

Maria's smile lit up the airport lounge! Going home to her beloved children, family and friends!



Maria at the airport heading for Vilanculos 17 November

Story and photo's courtesy of Christo Schutte: Director - Landmine Victim Assistance, Mineseeker SA

Maria's spirit carried her through the difficult task of adjusting physically and mentally to her new limbs. Her courage and determination inspire us to remember to never take anything for granted. It is a sad but joyful time for us. Sad because Maria has left us to go back to her hometown, Vilanculos, Mozambique! During her time at the Arwyp Medical Centre Maria became like a family member to members of her team and is missed already by those who have had the privilege to have spent time with her. Her entire team of medical staff wish her well as she begins her life anew with the simple pleasure of being able to walk. Something we take for granted but remember walking is something her little daughter has never seen her do!



Maria and Christo 17th November

Story and photo's courtesy of Christo Schutte: Director - Landmine Victim Assistance, Mineseeker SA