The Sole of Africa

What are cluster bombs? Cluster munitions are large weapons which are deployed from the air and from the ground and release dozens or hundreds of smaller submunitions. Submunitions released by air-dropped cluster bombs are most often called "bomblets," while those delivered from the ground by artillery or rockets are usually referred to as "grenades."

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.

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More than 100 countries have formally agreed to ban the use of cluster bombs.

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

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UK Telegraph
By Aislinn Simpson
Last Updated: 3:54AM BST 31/05/2008

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

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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

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FOOD + WATER + HEALTH AID + TECHNOLOGY + LAND RECLAIMING + EDUCATION + MICRO LOANS = "EXTREME MAKEOVER AFRICA" AND EMPOWERING ONE NATION AFTER ANOTHER TO BE SELF SUSTAINING = THE SOLE OF AFRICA CAMPAIGN 2007

If you visit Mozambique in East Africa you will witness a direct correlation between wars, earthquakes and floods and the children that stay hungry.

The need for aid is so great, but now there is clearly a solution that can change the way the history of Africa is to be written.

What America doesn’t see through its media is the very present beauty of Africa; vast fertile lands that for over 40 years have now remained un-ploughed because of a legacy of landmines; subsistence farmers that wake at dawn and toil to trade on the side of roads and children playing with eyes that mirror the fruits of their spirits.

Imagine your bank loaning you money without you guaranteeing any collateral. That’s what is now happening to millions of Africans. In Africa full repayment of these microloans to individuals totals 97%. A new economy has blossomed.

Today the most “Extreme “Makeover” you may ever witness has been birthed. It is for an entire Nation, and then another Nation and another.

However now more than ever we need to feed the starving children with nutritional meals.

The Sole of Africa is thrilled that the mega food agency, Nourish the Children, together with its worldwide empowered distributor team has joined forces to continue this quest to Make Poverty History. A child dies every 6 seconds from malnutrition, no food and dirty water.

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

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Penny Streeter joins The Sole of Africa Team as a new SA Ambassador!

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.

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Candice Hillebrand

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

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September 28, 2006 Edition 1

Sholain Govender

Citizens whose efforts and achievements best served the country, here and abroad, received honours at the Union Buildings yesterday.

President Thabo Mbeki presented the highest orders to twenty seven citizens from all walks of life who were deemed deserving of awards for bravery and achievement.

Among those were Olympic gold medallist Ryk Neethling, disabled athletics world champion Oscar Pistorius and Marcel Christian van Rossum, a real-life hero who saved two drowning children five years ago while on honeymoon in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal.

The youngest awardee was Pistorius (20), a double-amputee, who is the world record holder in the 100m, 200m and 400m events for athletics. He said he was very humbled by the award.

"It means so much to me and I can't believe that I'm getting an award alongside all the other people here who have done so much for the country," said Pistorius, who is currently a first-year University of Pretoria business management student.

He said he would continue his humanitarian work as an ambassador for Soul of Africa, a Mozambique-based project, and try his best to be a good role model to fellow South Africans.

THE ORDER OF IKHAMANGA IN BRONZE

Oscar Pistorius - awarded for inspiring achievements in the field of athletics and contributing to the well-being of disabled people in Africa.

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“Fear is a terrible affliction. Whether it is the fear of treading on a land mine or the fear of not knowing if you are HIV positive”. Nelson Mandela, Johannesburg

The Mineseeker Foundation has reached an agreement with Calypte, a US pharmaceutical company, to purchase a new aids test product called Aware™, that is based on a saliva swab that can be used in the field by non-medical personnel.

The Foundation will fund the purchase of 1 million swabs, with an option on a further 4 million units. The swabs, now approved by the South African Health Authorities, has been trialled in Kenya and has proved to be as effective as leading blood test products - but without the necessity of a costly, medically supervised support structure.

The Mineseeker Foundation is primarily involved with the removal of land mines, but the Foundations ‘Sole of Africa’s’ initiative, now being launched in Mozambique, includes returning mine free land back to agriculture and an educational and empowerment programme that trains local people to farm. They also support vocational training for people unable to find work, including land mine and aids victims.

Mike Kendrick, Founder of Mineseeker said today. “While the primary objective of Mineseeker is the eradication of land mines, we are also committed to the regeneration of the local communities. Without that the clearance of mines is only part of the answer. Land will be returned to the people to grow food and a foster management programme installed to help re-establish themselves. This will mean growing good quality crops that will lift the natural immunity system – particularly helping aids sufferers. The introduction of the Aware product will help re-build the confidence of these communities.”

The Mineseeker Foundation Patrons include Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Branson, Queen Noor of Jordon, Graca Machel, international businessman John Paul DeJoria and the actor Brad Pitt. The Foundation is supported by other leading NGOs including Feed the Children, The International Youth Foundation and The Salvation Army. The test packs will be donated to NGOs for distribution in the field or sold at cost.

Nelson Mandela said: “As a patron of Mineseeker, I totally support the aids test initiative. The tests will remove the fear of many people who believe they may be infected and who are nervous about blood testing. Fear is a terrible affliction, whether it is the fear of treading on a mine or the fear not knowing if you are HIV positive.”

John Paul DeJoria added “As a Patron of Mineseeker, it is my honour to be able to thank all the people and companies that are coming together in this initiative to help conquer AIDS in Africa”.

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