Latest news with #KnightGrandCross
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
MK party's political stunt is old and tiresome
The MK party's criticisms of Ramaphosa could have been copied and pasted on Zuma 10 years ago. In what world would the MK party's motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa pass? A world where they had a majority, but that is not this world. MK party shouldn't be questioning leadership There was once such a world, well, kind of. The guy leading the MK party was once the leader of the country. Incidentally, a lot of the things his current party is accusing the current national president of are things that he himself was accused of in his day. And sure, a lot can be said about Ramaphosa's leadership 'failures' as will no doubt be raised in the motion when it comes, but spare a thought for where they're coming from. What leadership has the MK party provided? Being critical of a chaotic budgetary process but putting the JSC through the whole John Hlophe incident is probably a symptom of political dementia. ALSO READ: ANC and DA need to learn to play nice, but can they? I could be wrong but walking into the White House to address issues directly is not exactly 'total absence of leadership when the country needs it most' as the MK party would have us believe. Especially considering that they're a pretty big trading partner. Fun story about Zuma that he won't tell you, though: the dude was knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath back in 2010. MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela rarely mentions that. Much like he will rarely mention where the country's high unemployment came from when he's being critical of it. It's not like Ramaphosa is the first ever president of the ANC and, in fact, his national power as president is hardly close to that of Zuma's, who had a significantly higher parliamentary bloc. Zuma did little to fix the country You can hardly believe the resolve to fix the country of people who were once in the arena and did little to fix the country, but are now crying from the sidelines. If there is a legitimate reason for a motion of no confidence, fine, let's have it. But a political stunt that the DA exhausted years ago? What do they expect to happen? The GNU to fall apart? Who would they put in Ramaphosa's place? They know as well as anybody that a motion of no confidence won't go far at this point, even with all of the president's failings. But I guess they need to pretend like they've done something significant. ALSO READ: Does Johannesburg really need a 'Bomb Squad'? Waste of parliament's time The country is going through some real problems — some that can be addressed by legislative intervention. But the removal of the president by a party led by those who had power and did little good with it is not exactly the best use of parliamentary time. We're still waiting on some dagga regulation, fixing our understanding of copyright, balancing labour rights, and so much more. How is a presidential recall by a party that doesn't have the numbers for a recall going to do any good for the country? Zuma's party claims Ramaphosa has abandoned the poor and the working class. How did that fire pool work out for the working class? How about inheriting a currency that was R8 to the dollar and leaving it 33% weaker on exit? You know what else was great for the working class? That arms deal, the Guptas, and all the lovely load shedding. I get it. Ramaphosa is not your flavour, but before you try to tell me that he should go, maybe have a look at the guy leading you and tell me why you think he did a better job. Because from where I'm sitting, the MK party's criticisms of Ramaphosa could have been copied and pasted on their man 10 years ago. NOW READ: Here's why it's a good thing the government is nationalising petrol
Glasgow Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Sir David Attenborough: 17 fascinating facts about career
Dubbed a 'national treasure' by many, the broadcaster and naturalist has travelled the world filming documentaries about the Earth and the lives of creatures that inhabit it. While you might get stuck into Planet Earth, there are probably a few facts you don't know about Sir David, so to help you out, here are some fascinating facts about him. Sir David Attenborough has presented many shows (Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire) 17 fascinating facts about Sir David Attenborough Sir David has enjoyed a long and successful career in the media. National Geographic Kids and Beano have previously shared some interesting facts about him – let's take a look. Sir David Attenborough was born in 1926 – the same year as the late Queen Elizabeth II. At 11 years old, he started selling newts to University College, Leicester for 3d (three pence) each. He found them in a pond near the zoology department at the university. He studied Natural Sciences at Clare College in Cambridge and graduated in 1947. After graduating, Sir David served two years of National Service in the Royal Navy. When Sir David applied for his first role at the BBC (radio talk producer), he was rejected. When he joined BBC Television as a trainee, he didn't own a TV. His first programme was called Coelacanth, and it was about the rediscovery of the coelacanth, which is a prehistoric fish. Sir David had a few jobs, including being in the Royal Navy, working as a director, TV presenter, narrator and author. He is also the creator of award-winning programmes and books. He also received two Guinness World Records – one for having the longest career as a TV naturalist and another for having the longest career as a TV presenter. Queen Elizabeth II knighted Attenborough in 1985 for his services to broadcasting, making him a Sir. In 2020, aged 94, he was knighted by the Queen again and was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George, which recognised his services to TV broadcasting and conservation. Nearly 20 plants have been named after Sir David by scientists and a type of dinosaur is called Attenborosaurus. Sir David has never driven as he has never passed a driving test. It was Sir David's idea to broadcast snooker on TV when new technology meant that shows could be broadcast in colour, instead of black and white. He is the only person to have won Baftas for shows that were broadcast in black and white, colour, HD and 3D. Recommended reading: He is scared of rats. Sir David Attenborough was stabbed by a cactus with needles like glass while filming The Green Planet on BBC One. He wore protective gear while investigating the cholla cactus in California but the combination of a Kevlar under-glove and a welding glove failed to prevent him from being hurt by 'spicules of glass' while reaching inside the plant. He explored the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Sky News
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
King and Queen watch flypast over Rome and see famous landmarks during Italy state visit
The King and Queen received a red carpet welcome and watched a flypast as they were greeted by Italy's president following their arrival in Rome for a state visit. The royal couple were met by President Sergio Mattarella at his official residence in Rome, the Quirinale Palace, after their limousine was escorted into the palace quadrangle by mounted Corazzieri guards. Laura Mattarella, the president's daughter, acting in a first lady role following the death of her mother, was also there to greet Charles and Camilla. The couple landed at Rome's Ciampino Airport on Monday, where again they had a red carpet rolled out for them as they were met by dignitaries, including the UK's ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn. Charles, Camilla, President Mattarella and his daughter stood still as they listened to the national anthems of Italy and the UK being played out at the Quirinale. Lined up nearby them were a guard of honour formed of the Quirinale Band, troops from the Italian army, navy and air force, members of Italy's military police the Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri guards. The King and Queen watched a joint flypast over the capital by the Italian air force's aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, streaming Italy's national colours, and the RAF's Red Arrows, who left red, white and blue smoke in their wake. Honours were later exchanged by the King and the president at the palace. The King was made a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and he presented Mr Mattarella with the insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. "It goes back quite a long way," said Charles. "It's just a token really of our appreciation, you've served for so long." "I'm humbled, your majesty," Mr Mattarella replied. The Queen was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and told her host: "I'm very honoured and humbled." What else has been on Charles and Camilla's schedule? After meeting the president, the couple visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located within the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (also known as Altare della Patria) in Rome's famed Piazza Venezia, where they laid a wreath. Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy were also in attendance. Charles and Camilla then headed to the Colosseum, where they took pictures in front of the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre. The couple greeted members of the public during their visit to the Colosseum and beamed as they waved to crowds with the iconic site in the background. British and Italian military bands stood outside the Colosseum, which attracts millions of tourists every year, during the state visit. Built during the first century, in its day the Colosseum held around 50,000 spectators who watched gladiators compete, including contests between men and animals and larger staged battles under the shade of a huge retractable awning. During the royals' visit on Tuesday, spectators were entertained by the band of the Welsh Guards and Italy's Sassari Brigade Band, who played a selection of movie themes and other popular songs. Charles and Camilla are also attending a British community reception later on Tuesday. The timing of Charles and Camilla's visit means they will spend their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday in Italy. The trip comes just less than a fortnight after Buckingham Palace confirmed the King had been taken to hospital following side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment. Last week, he returned to a full diary of official engagements, albeit slightly adjusted to give more time for rest ahead of the trip to Italy. The four-day visit to Italy, on behalf of the government, is an important step in continuing efforts to bolster relationships with EU countries following Brexit, but also significant in the context of Donald Trump 's presidency and the disruption that has caused. The King and Queen were also due to visit the Vatican City and meet Pope Francis, but that was postponed in recent weeks due to the Pope's ill health.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
King and Queen watch flypast over Rome as state visit to Italy under way
The King and Queen received a red carpet welcome and watched a flypast as they were greeted by Italy's president following their arrival in Rome for a state visit. The royal couple were met by President Sergio Mattarella at his official residence in Rome, the Quirinale Palace, after their limousine was escorted into the palace quadrangle by mounted Corazzieri guards. Laura Mattarella, the president's daughter, acting in a first lady role following the death of her mother, was also there to greet Charles and Camilla. on Tuesday morning, where again they had a red carpet rolled out for them as they were met by dignitaries, including the UK's ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn. Charles, Camilla, President Mattarella and his daughter stood still as they listened to the national anthems of Italy and the UK being played out at the Quirinale. Lined up nearby them were a guard of honour formed of the Quirinale Band, troops from the Italian army, navy and air force, members of Italy's military police the Carabinieri and mounted Corazzieri guards. The King and Queen watched a joint flypast over the capital by the Italian air force's aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori, streaming Italy's national colours, and the RAF's Red Arrows, who left red, white and blue smoke in their wake. Honours were later exchanged by the King and the president at the palace. The King was made a Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and he presented Mr Mattarella with the insignia for a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. "It goes back quite a long way," said Charles. "It's just a token really of our appreciation, you've served for so long." "I'm humbled, your majesty," Mr Mattarella replied. The Queen was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, and told her host: "I'm very honoured and humbled." What else has been on Charles and Camilla's schedule? After meeting the president, the couple visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located within the Victor Emmanuel II Monument (also known as Altare della Patria) in Rome's famed Piazza Venezia, where they laid a wreath. Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy were also in attendance. Charles and Camilla then headed to the Colosseum, where they took pictures in front of the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre. The couple greeted members of the public during their visit to the Colosseum and beamed as they waved to crowds with the iconic site in the background. British and Italian military bands stood outside the Colosseum, which attracts millions of tourists every year, during the state visit. Built during the first century, in its day the Colosseum held around 50,000 spectators who watched gladiators compete, including contests between men and animals and larger staged battles under the shade of a huge retractable awning. During the royals' visit on Tuesday, spectators were entertained by the band of the Welsh Guards and Italy's Sassari Brigade Band, who played a selection of movie themes and other popular songs. Charles and Camilla are also attending a British community reception later on Tuesday. The timing of Charles and Camilla's visit means they will spend their 20th wedding anniversary on Wednesday in Italy. The trip comes just less than a fortnight after Buckingham Palace confirmed the King had been taken to hospital following side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment. Last week, he returned to a full diary of official engagements, albeit slightly adjusted to give more time for rest ahead of the trip to Italy. Read more from Sky News: The four-day visit to Italy, on behalf of the government, is an important step in continuing efforts to bolster relationships with EU countries following Brexit, but also significant in the context of Donald Trump's presidency and the disruption that has caused. The King and Queen were also due to visit the Vatican City and meet Pope Francis, but that in recent weeks due to the Pope's ill health.
