Latest news with #Flemish
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Julius Malema's 'Kill the Boer' chant divides South Africa
The divisive 'Kill the Boer, kill the farmer' chant, frequently sung by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and his supporters, has once again ignited fierce debate in South Africa amid broader tensions around land reform, racial reconciliation, and political rhetoric. Originally a liberation song from the apartheid era, the chant has resurfaced in recent years during EFF rallies and political events, drawing sharp criticism from some quarters and staunch defence from others. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued a strong condemnation of the chant, labelling it inflammatory and a threat to national cohesion. 'The song goes beyond mere words,' the DA said in a statement. 'It incites violence, stokes hatred, and deepens divisions within our society.' The DA also called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a more decisive stance against the chant, arguing that it undermines the contributions of farmers – particularly in food security – and damages South Africa's international image. 'Political leaders must foster unity and peace, not deepen social unrest,' the party added. In response to both domestic criticism and international scrutiny – especially after a past meeting with US President Donald Trump, who raised concerns over attacks on white farmers – President Ramaphosa reiterated that the chant should not be interpreted as a literal call to violence. 'It's not meant to be a message that elicits or calls upon anyone to be killed. Freedom of expression is a bedrock,' Ramaphosa said. He has also rejected claims of a so-called 'white genocide' in South Africa, calling such accusations exaggerated and politically driven. EFF leader Julius Malema remains unapologetic, defending the chant as an integral part of South Africa's liberation heritage. 'I will not be silenced… This is not my song; the struggle heroes composed this song,' Malema told supporters during a recent campaign event in the Free State. Julius Malema insists the chant is symbolic and not intended to incite harm, despite mounting criticism from civil society groups and political opponents. Legal and historical context The Equality Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and Constitutional Court have all ruled that the chant does not constitute hate speech under current South African law. Former President Thabo Mbeki also defended the song's use in public discourse, saying: 'Chants of that kind, in our tradition – you don't take them literally.' He likened it to other protest songs that serve as emotional and historical expressions rather than literal threats. The chant has drawn international attention, with high-profile figures such as Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Flemish politician Kristof Slagmulder expressing concern over the rhetoric and its impact on South Africa's white farming community. South African entrepreneur Rob Hersov labelled the chant 'hate speech' during an appearance on the Rob Schmitt Show , comparing it to Nazi-era incitement and accusing President Ramaphosa of creating a hostile environment through policies like land expropriation without compensation. The debate ties into the broader issue of farm attacks in South Africa, which remain a pressing concern. However, research from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warns against oversimplifying the violence as purely racially motivated. Analysts point instead to a complex web of social, economic, and historical factors driving rural crime. Supporters argue the chant is a poignant reminder of the country's painful past and a legitimate form of political expression. Critics argue it is a dangerous provocation that undermines efforts at reconciliation and threatens national stability. As South Africa continues to grapple with land reform, inequality, and racial tensions, the ongoing debate over 'Kill the Boer' reflects the deeper struggle to balance freedom of expression, historical recognition, and the pursuit of social cohesion. 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. Xhosa / Zulu English Ayasab' amagwaladubula dubulaayeahdubula dubulaayasab 'a magwaladubula dubulaawu yohdubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaawe mama ndiyekeleawe mama iyeahawe mama ndiyekeleawe mama iyoaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaAyasab' amagwaladubula dubulaayeahdubula dubulaayasab 'a magwaladubula dubulaiii yohdubula dubalaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaawe mama ndiyekeleawe mama iyoawe mama ndiyekeleawe mama iyoaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaaw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaZiyarapa lezinjadubula dubulaay iyeahdubula dubulaZiyarapa lezinjadubula dubulaay iiiyodubula dubulaAw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaAw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaAw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaAw dubul'ibhunudubula dubulaAyasab' amagwalaDubula dubulaAy iyeahDubula dubulaAyasab' amagwalaDubula dubula Ay iyeah The cowards are scaredshoot shootshoot shootthe cowards are scaredshoot shootshoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootmother leave me beoh mothermother leave me beoh mothershoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootthe cowards are scaredshoot shootshoot shootthe cowards are scaredshoot shootshoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootmother leave me beoh mothermother leave me beoh mothershoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootthese dogs are rapingshoot shootshoot shootthese dogs are rapingshoot shootshoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootshoot the Boershoot shootthe cowards are scaredshoot shootshoot shootthe cowards are scared shoot shoot
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
From Burkina to Belgium, fighting women's corner from benches of hard-right
BRUSSELS: When Assita Kanko was 10 years old, she pictured herself as president of her native Burkina Faso -- with a mission to stamp out female genital mutilation, and further women's rights. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As it turned out, she sits as a Belgian lawmaker in the ranks of the hard-right in the European Parliament, and says that suits her just fine. The 44-year-old says she feels at home among the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) -- one of three groups in the assembly's far-right bloc, whose influence has grown steadily since elections last year. As one of three EU lawmakers from the Flemish nationalist N-VA party, she rubs shoulders in the ECR with around 20 other outfits including Giorgia Meloni's post-fascist Brothers of Italy, and Poland's PiS. She also crossed paths with Meloni at the inauguration of Donald Trump -- where they were both handpicked, as likeminded European politicians, to welcome the US leader back to office. Despite divergences with some ECR members on "ethical" issues, Kanko pushes back at criticism of her decision to join the N-VA, a staunchly conservative party with a tough line on immigration. "The idea that a black woman cannot also be right-wing is outrageous," she told AFP. "I want the right to think and I take that right to think, I don't ask permission." Fighting for women's emancipation has been a cornerstone of her life in politics, she says. Born in Godyr, Burkina Faso, in 1980, Kanko was subjected to female genital mutilation at the age of five -- like three quarters of women in the country. She shared her trauma from the experience in a 2013 book, the first of four she has written about gender equality. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "If my mother had had means of her own, I am convinced I would not have been circumcised," she said. "Today I am a very independent woman -- and no one would dare mutilate my daughter. That has to be the goal." - EU being 'trampled' - A "top of the class" high-school student in Burkina Faso -- in her own words -- Kanko left to study in the Netherlands in 2001. From there she would move to Belgium -- where speaking both Dutch and French proved a boon to her career, in the private sector then as a municipal official in a district of Brussels. Fast-forward to 2018, and Kanko decided to jump ship, leaving the centre-right MR party for the N-VA -- the political home of Belgium's current prime minister, Bart De Wever. "I feel unstoppable, free and proud to be a new Flemish woman," she explained on the party's website at the time. Kanko describes herself as pro-business, as a sovereigntist -- attached to the role of national governments within the EU -- and as a fervent Atlanticist. That's how she explains her decision to attend the swearing-in of a US president who has made clear his disdain for the -- which he says was founded to "screw" the United States. "The United States is a partner we cannot do without," she said. "We have to form a bloc to defend Western values in the world." But Kanko also warns that "unless we believe in our own power, our own priority and strategies, Donald Trump will walk all over us." As it stands -- with a transatlantic trade war brewing and US security support in question -- she considers "the European Union today is being trampled underfoot -- and not just by the United States." "It's trampled on by countries in the Middle East too, trampled on by China, trampled on by Russia, trampled on by radicals living on our own territories," argued Kanko -- who was raised in a Muslim culture but did not adopt the faith, and sees Islamic extremism as a threat. In the EU parliament, Kanko has focused on security and border control -- and has sought to spotlight a report sounding the alarm about the Muslim Brotherhood as a threat to secularism and women's rights in France and beyond. Kanko wants to see the organisation investigated at European level. "We need to wake up," she told fellow lawmakers in parliament recently, accusing the brotherhood of "indoctrinating children" and "treating women as inferior."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ABO-Group Environment General Meeting: ABO-Group shifts to large, multidisciplinary soil projects
Ghent, 28 May 2025 – 20:30 – Press release / Non-regulated information This autumn, ABO-Group Environment celebrates a milestone: 30 years of expertise in environmental services. What began three decades ago as pioneering work in soil remediation in Flanders, alongside the introduction of the first Flemish soil decree, has evolved into an international benchmark for environmental consulting, soil investigations and geotechnics. Today, ABO-Group combines the expertise of around twenty specialized companies, fully committing to large, cross-border projects of a multidisciplinary nature. Recent assignments for the French Ministry of Defence signal a new chapter: a strategic shift towards innovation and international impact. Annual General Meeting 2024 ABO-Group, listed on Euronext Brussels and Euronext Paris, held its Annual General Meeting and reported strong growth of 14.6%, achieving a turnover of nearly EUR 100 million. In Belgium, revenue increased by 23% to EUR 33.6 million, driven by increased demand for PFAS-related projects and the acquisition of Infrabureau Demey and soil consultancy Rimeco1. The Netherlands had a strong year, growing by 38.8%, thanks to integrated project execution and the acquisition of ecology specialist Eco Reest. In France, turnover rose by 2.5% despite the postponement of subsidiary Geosonic's ongoing lithium project. Internal, international collaboration It is noteworthy that market demand within the sector has shifted significantly over recent years. Previously, clients requested primarily soil investigations; nowadays, there is growing demand for combined quotations involving geotechnical-geophysical soil investigations alongside ecological studies. With its extensive range of specializations, experts, and a one-stop-shop approach, ABO has secured a unique market position responding to this new demand. ABO is one of the few companies able to address multidisciplinary requests, as it integrates all phases—from sampling, laboratory analysis, and consulting to engineering—under one roof. ABO-Group is preparing for larger, more complex, multidisciplinary projects. This requires internal organizational adjustments, such as recruiting additional personnel and intensifying cross-border collaboration among group companies. For 2025, approximately EUR 45 million worth of large-scale assignments have already been secured, including EUR 25 million from the French Ministry of Defence. ABO-Group expects this new integrated approach will become a significant asset from the second half of this year onwards, particularly in the current stagnant climate within the geotechnical sector, mainly driven by France's weakened residential construction market. Selected references Besides assignments to upgrade and reinforce military airbases and to build stable platforms for deploying an anti-missile defense shield, ABO-Group has secured an additional EUR 10 million contract from the French Navy. This involves soil investigations for creating safe docking areas for nuclear submarines and improving port infrastructure to accommodate aircraft carriers, including the 'Charles De Gaulle'. Additionally, various parcels have been awarded for constructing new high-speed rail lines, such as Bordeaux–Toulouse and Marseille–Nice. Major assignments have also been secured in Belgium and the Netherlands, including projects for Port of Antwerp-Bruges and regional development initiatives in Almere and Lelystad. About ABO-Group Environment ABO-Group, founded in 1995 as a consultancy firm for soil investigations, has grown into an international engineering firm specialized in all aspects of environment and soil: quality, reuse and remediation, geotechnics and monitoring, ecology and cultural heritage. ABO-Group operates through various semi-independent subsidiaries in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. With over 800 experts, the group possesses the technology, expertise and scale necessary to offer complete solutions for the most challenging projects. Its clients include businesses active in construction, infrastructure, mining and raw materials, energy and water, ranging from indicative studies and design to execution and maintenance of diverse assets. ABO-Group Environment is listed on EURONEXT Brussels and EURONEXT Paris. For a more detailed description of ABO-Group Environment's activities, please visit: For more information Frank De Palmenaer CEO ABO-Group Environment nv T: +32 (0)496 59 88 881 Full-year effect of the 2023 ABO-Group Environment - General Meeting - ABO-Group shifts to large, multidisciplinary soil projects Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Art-inspired journeys: 8 travel destinations that capture the spirit of famous masterpieces
2. 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh – Iceland Above A starry night in Iceland would be a dream for Van Gogh lovers. (Photo of Iceland: Jonatan Pie/Unsplash) Van Gogh's swirling skies and emotional intensity find their match in Iceland's untamed beauty. With its stark volcanic landscapes and chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a celestial spectacle that mirrors the dreamlike quality of the painting. Visit Þingvellir National Park to walk along tectonic rifts, or take in the icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, the elements feel alive—a cosmic drama playing out under the stars. Also read: Want to see the Arctic Circle's northern lights? You can right here in Hong Kong 3. 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer – Bruges, Belgium Above The cobbled roads of Bruges, Belgium would appeal to fans of Vermeer's depictions of a quiet, timeless world. (Photo of Bruges: Dana Andreea Gheorghe) Vermeer's intimate portrait evokes a quiet mystery—an everyday moment imbued with grace. Bruges, with its medieval streets, serene canals and soft Flemish light, offers the same sense of timelessness. Meander through the lace shops near the Markt, take a boat ride under arched stone bridges or visit the Groeningemuseum to see masterpieces by the Flemish Primitives. The city's hushed beauty and quiet charm echo the gentle stillness captured in Vermeer's work. 4. 'American Gothic' by Grant Wood – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Above Minneapolis offers a modern, creative take on Midwestern roots, echoing Grant Wood's nuanced portrait. (Photo of Minneapolis: Josh Hild/Unsplash) 'American Gothic' is often read as a stern portrait of traditional values, but Grant Wood's subtle satire also hints at performance and persona. Minneapolis, a progressive cultural hub in the American Midwest, offers a travel destination that contrasts with the painting's severity while staying geographically and thematically relevant. Visit the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden, explore the dynamic Mill District along the Mississippi, and discover the city's vibrant design, music and food scenes. Minneapolis honours its roots while looking to the future—reframing rural Americana with wit and imagination. 5. 'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo – Petra, Jordan Above Petra's ancient rock-cut architecture embodies the human spirit and divine connection Michelangelo captured. (Photo of Petra: Michael Mitrakos/Unsplash Michelangelo's fresco is a visual metaphor for divine spark and human connection. Petra, hewn from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataeans, radiates that same spirit of awe and transcendence. Walk the Siq to the dramatic façade of the Treasury, or ascend to the Monastery for sweeping desert views. Nearby Wadi Rum invites travellers into a vast, almost biblical landscape, where silence reigns and the heavens feel close. This is a place where human creativity and the sublime meet. Also read: A travel guide to Jordan: What to see, eat and do on your first visit 6. 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Above Las Vegas' neon frenzy and sensory overload channel the raw anxiety and intensity of Munch's 'The Scream'. (Photo of Las Vegas Strip: aestelle/Unsplash) Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' captures a moment of existential panic—overwhelmed by sensation, unsure of what's real. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, with its neon delirium, surreal architecture and manufactured realities, is one of those travel destinations that channels this same disorientation. It's a place where overstimulation is the point: from the slot machines to the Strip, the city is a cacophony of lights, sound and spectacle. If Munch painted 'The Scream' today, it might well be in front of a pyramid, a pirate ship or the Eiffel Tower—on the same block. Don't miss: How to spend 24 hours in Las Vegas, Nevada 7. 'Water Lilies' (Nymphéas) by Claude Monet – Giverny, France Above Giverny's gardens let visitors step into Monet's world of shifting light and tranquil reflections. (Photo of Giverny: Alexandra Salvado/Unsplash) Monet's Impressionist reverie invites immersion in water and light. Giverny, where Monet's famous garden still thrives, offers a travel destination that allows visitors to step directly into the painter's world. Wander the flower-lined paths and cross the Japanese bridge, pausing to contemplate the water lily ponds that inspired so many masterpieces. Nearby Rouen provides further insight into Normandy's charm with its Gothic cathedral and quaint old town, enriching the sensory experience Monet so cherished. 8. 'Nighthawks' by Edward Hopper – Tokyo, Japan Above Tokyo's late-night solitude and urban quietude capture the mood of Hopper's iconic 'Nighthawks' scene. Hopper's 'Nighthawks' is all stillness and solitude—strangers sharing space but not connection, framed by fluorescent quiet. Tokyo, with its late-night convenience stores, glowing vending machines and tucked-away izakayas, mirrors that exact sense of urban isolation. Add this to your list of upcoming destinations if Hopper is your vibe, and if you prefer places where silence is part of the architecture. Wander Shibuya after midnight, take the last train from Ikebukuro, or find yourself alone in a ramen shop at 2 in the morning. There's a kind of intimacy in the anonymity here—precisely what Hopper captured in paint. Don't miss: What you should know about Shibuya Sakura Stage, Tokyo's latest must-visit destination These travel destinations align with the spirit of their corresponding artworks, prompting journeys beyond the familiar and into atmospheres that echo art's deepest impressions. Whether seeking contemplation, drama or quiet elegance, your next trip can be a dialogue between place and painting.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
EBU ‘looking into' promotion of acts and number of votes allowed following Eurovision voting controversy
Eurovision organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), has said it will look at the promotion of Eurovision acts 'by their delegations and associated parties', and the number of votes allowed per person amid calls for an audit of the voting system. Earlier this week, RTÉ requested a breakdown in Eurovision voting numbers. The Irish televote awarded Israel 10 points for Yuval Raphael's song New Day Will Rise, while the jury awarded seven points. RTVE, Spain's public broadcaster, called for a 'complete review' to avoid 'external interference', and VRT, the Flemish public broadcasting company also publicly raised concerns over the voting process. Belgium and Spain's televoters both awarded Israel 12 points, while the juries gave the country zero points. Israel was ranked joint 14th by the national juries but jumped to the top of the leader-board when it received 297 in the public vote. As it currently stands, viewers can currently vote up to 20 times each by phone, text or app. While the EBU says there is no evidence this affects the final result, it will discuss this rule at the annual Reference Group that takes place after the contest each year. We want to ensure that such promotion is not disproportionately affecting the natural mobilisation of communities and diasporas we see in all entertainment audience voting Some countries, including Israel, used advertising on social media channels to promote their act. In an 'open letter' on the Eurovision website, Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said that the EBU would look into promotion of acts. 'Such promotion is allowed under our rules and acts to celebrate the artists, increase their profile and launch future careers – it's very much part of the music industry - but we want to ensure that such promotion is not disproportionately affecting the natural mobilisation of communities and diasporas we see in all entertainment audience voting,' he said. 'Another example is the number of votes we allow per person – 20 per payment method. This is designed to ensure that audiences of all ages can vote for more than one of their favourite songs and there is no current evidence that it disproportionately affects the final result – but the question has been asked and so we will look at it.' ADVERTISEMENT The EBU has said that the voting system is highly advanced and contains 'multiple security layers and a comprehensive set of rules to ensure that a valid result is generated'. Mr Green said that over 60 individuals in Cologne and other individuals in Vienna and Amsterdam 'monitor the voting process in each country and maintain direct contact with telecommunication and broadcasting partners globally'. The results are then independently authenticated by compliance monitor EY. He said all the concerns and feedback will be considered at the annual reference group for the contest which will take part in June this year. The Song Contest was won on Saturday night by Austrian singer JJ with his techno ballad Wasted Love.
