Latest news with #Committee
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Gauteng Legislature warns against social media date dangers
The Gauteng provincial legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has issued a strong warning to the public about the dangers of meeting strangers through social media apps. This follows the shocking murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, who was found dead after reportedly leaving home for a date in Johannesburg. During an oversight visit to Jeppe Police Station on Thursday, the committee received alarming updates on criminal activity in the Maboneng precinct. The police reported a disturbing pattern in which individuals, often from across Gauteng, are lured to the area using social media hookup apps and then kidnapped, robbed, or assaulted. 'Station Management briefed the Committee on a disturbing trend where victims from across Gauteng are lured to Maboneng through hookup apps,' said committee chairperson Bandile Masuku. 'Of particular concern is the recent arrest of a gang operating in the Maboneng area that specifically targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community.' Masuku urged residents to remain vigilant and take practical safety steps when engaging with people on social media. He advised the public to avoid meeting strangers in isolated or unfamiliar areas, always notify trusted contacts about meeting plans, and use video calls to confirm the other person's identity before agreeing to meet in person. 'For their safety, the Committee advises the public to avoid meeting strangers from apps in isolated or unfamiliar areas, inform trusted contacts about meetup plans, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and immediately report suspicious activity to SAPS,' he said. The murder of Mongale and the wave of reported kidnappings highlight the dark side of social media dating. While many apps promise convenience and connection, criminals increasingly exploit these platforms to prey on unsuspecting victims. The committee plans to work closely with law enforcement to monitor these trends and improve public awareness. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
CBC
2 days ago
- General
- CBC
Trans advocates pan new report by Quebec gender identity committee
The committee released a 280-page report addressing various matters tied to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. But even before its publication, the report was mired in controversy. 2SLGBTQ+ groups decried the fact that no one on the committee was a member of the community.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Sahara: For Dominica, Morocco's Autonomy Plan ‘The Compromise Solution'
Doha – The Commonwealth of Dominica forcefully reasserted its 'full support' for Morocco's Autonomy Plan at the UN Committee of 24 (C24) regional seminar recently held in Dili, Timor-Leste, declaring it 'the solution of compromise' to the Western Sahara regional dispute. Dominica's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Philbert Aaron, proclaimed that the autonomy initiative aligns perfectly with international law, the UN Charter, and the resolutions of both the Security Council and General Assembly. 'The development of the Sahara has been manifested by the improvement of infrastructure and healthcare, education and housing,' Ambassador Aaron declared, commending Morocco's extensive development efforts that have transformed living conditions and created substantial opportunities for local populations. The diplomat renewed his country's call for continued engagement by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the separatist Polisario group in the roundtable process, conforming to Security Council resolution 2703. He also spotlighted the UN Secretary-General's crucial role in advancing settlement efforts and recognized Staffan de Mistura's contribution in revitalizing the political process as the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for the Sahara. During the same C24 seminar, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire amplified their support for Morocco's autonomy initiative. Senegal's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Diamane Diome, revealed that 117 countries—over 60% of UN member states, including two permanent Security Council members—back this initiative. Read also: Dominica Commends King Mohammed VI South-South Cooperation Vision He also trumpeted Morocco's human rights achievements in its southern provinces, which earned recognition in Security Council resolution 2756. Côte d'Ivoire's representative unequivocally reaffirmed his country's 'full support' for Morocco's proposal, underscoring how it empowers Sahara inhabitants to actively participate in the region's political and socio-economic management through democratic elections. Both African countries applauded Morocco's steadfast adherence to the ceasefire and military agreements while urging other parties to avoid actions undermining the political process. This is not the first time Dominica endorses Morocco's position. Earlier in April 2024, Dominica's Foreign Affairs Minister Vince Henderson restated his country's support for the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the 'only credible, serious, and realistic solution' to the dispute over Western Sahara during talks with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita in Rabat. In June 2024, Ambassador Aaron told the UN Committee of C24 that 'Dominica fully supports the autonomy plan presented by the Kingdom of Morocco to end the Sahara conflict and views it as the foundation for a realistic and pragmatic solution towards stability and peace in the region.' The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), of which Dominica has been a member since 1981, opened a consulate in Dakhla, Western Sahara on March 31, 2022, joining African and Arab countries that have established diplomatic missions there in a sign of support for Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Tags: Autonomy Plan for the SaharaThe Commonwealth of Dominica
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
SCC Committee visits specialised sports clubs
This comes as part of the SCC's commitment to enhancing the role of specialised sports and developing the sports sector in the Emirate, and in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which support sports and community development. The committee visited both the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club and Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled to review their programmes, infrastructure, and areas of work in supporting the sports and youth movement among members of the community. The committee delegation was headed by Her Excellency Sheikha Ali Al Naqbi, Chairperson of the Committee, and included Her Excellency Kaltham Saif Al Tunaiji, Her Excellency Sheikha Khalfan Al Dhain Al Naqbi, and His Excellency Yousef Mohammed Al Mazrouei, in addition to Huda Al Hammadi, Secretary of the Committee. They were received by officials and administrative and technical leaders from both clubs. At the beginning of the visit to the Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club, the committee was received by His Excellency Sultan Mohammed Khalifa Al Yahyai, Director General of the Club; Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Legal Researcher at the Club; and a number of administrative and technical staff. During the meeting, Al Yahyai reviewed the club's most prominent initiatives in the field of equestrian sports, including the organisation of seasonal races, equestrian and training courses, the club's efforts to hone national talent, and its hosting of prestigious international and regional competitions that reflect the Emirate of Sharjah's standing in this authentic sport. Upgrading facilities Al Yahyai also addressed the club's development vision for upgrading facilities, infrastructure, and training facilities, and ensuring sustained interest in equestrian sports, which are linked to Emirati identity and heritage. During the meeting, the committee commended the club's qualitative efforts and its role in preserving and promoting equestrian sports in the community. They also commended the club's artistic and sporting performances and the care it observed for horses and riders of all age groups. This contributes to consolidating the values of authentic equestrianism and providing the sports sector with qualified personnel who are aware of the ethical and traditional dimensions of sport. During its visit to Al Thiqah Club for the Disabled, the committee was welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Chairman of the Club's Board of Directors, and a number of club staff, including administrators, trainers, and specialists in technical, medical, and psychological support. Empowering people with disabilities A comprehensive presentation was given on the club's role in supporting and empowering people with disabilities through various sporting activities, local and international tournaments in which the club's champions participate, and the rehabilitation and cultural programmes it offers as part of its community mission. The committee's delegation praised the club's advanced level of specialisation and empowerment, expressing their admiration for the efforts made to provide a stimulating and inclusive environment that ensures the sporting and social integration of people with disabilities. The committee emphasised that Al Thiqah Club represents a pioneering model in supporting an important and influential segment of society, and that its achievements and successes in the sporting arena reflect strong will and determination and highlight the civilised image of the Emirate of Sharjah in its commitment to all segments of society. Strengthening national identity through sports At the conclusion of the two visits, Her Excellency Sheikha Ali Al Naqbi, Chairperson of the Committee, expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the two clubs' managements for their warm welcome, praising the role these sports institutions play in fostering a spirit of competition and excellence among youth and strengthening national identity through sports. She emphasised that the Committee, guided by SCC vision, will continue its support for all specialised sports clubs and will submit its recommendations and observations to serve the development of the sports sector in the Emirate and align with the aspirations of the wise leadership to make sports an active part of the community development process. The two visits concluded with an expression of thanks and appreciation to the two clubs' managements, emphasising the importance of continued cooperation and exchange of views between the Council and the sports clubs, which contributes to building a conscious and integrated sports community that benefits from the support and future visions of the wise leadership.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Solar panels: Pakistan govt mulling withdrawing ST exemption
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood said Thursday that the government is examining a proposal to withdraw sales tax exemption on solar panels in budget (2025-26). FBR Chairman was responding to a query of a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance during meeting held at the Parliament House. He stated that the FBR is working on proposals to withdraw all kinds of tax exemption including exemption available on the import of solar panels. Cabinet halts additional tax on solar power users Meanwhile, during another meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, the representatives of Refineries briefed the committee that their input was taxed, but on output, there was no GST, causing problems over the last several years. Without resolving this issue, they would not be able to invest $6 billion. The Chairman FBR, Rashid Mahmood Langrial, said that their business came out of the ambit of the Value Added Tax (VAT) when there was no tax on their output. He said that there were proposals under consideration to impose sales tax on their output or provide them some kind of other permanent solutions. Chairman FBR has also assured the committee that he will inquire into the matter of recovering over Rs 80 million amounts from KababJee restaurant Karachi. Member of committee Mirza Ikhtiar Baig raised the issue before the finance committee chaired by Nafeesa Shah. He informed that FBR has recovered more than Rs 80 million from accounts of this restaurant without giving any chance of hearing in different forums. He has no money to pay salaried and owner of the restaurant has threatened to commit suicide. The business community is pressing me for this harassment by the FBR, Baig added. The FBR Chairman replied that I did not have knowledge of this particular case. I will update the committee after inquiring about the matter from the relevant field office of FBR. The committee considered 'The Income Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025'. The Committee expressed concern over the second proviso of the newly inserted clause (3A). The Secretary Revenue assured the Committee that the concerns of the Hon. Members would be addressed and that the words 'and shall cease to have effect after tax year 2025' would be deleted. Upon the assurance given by the Secretary Revenue, the Committee recommended that the Bill, as amended, may be passed by the Assembly. The Committee considered Starred Question No. 38, moved by Aliya Kamran, MNA, regarding the imposition of Section 99D of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, and Starred Question No. 40, moved by Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, MNA, regarding the recent policy shift prioritizing digital currencies, without adequately addressing their regulatory deficiencies. After a detailed discussion the Committee decided to defer both agenda items for discussion in the next meeting of the Committee. The report on the 'non-implementation of minimum wages, as announced by the Federal Government in its departments', a matter raised by Syed Rafiullah, MNA and referred by the Honourable Speaker, was also deferred due to the absence of the mover. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
