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South Wales Argus
15 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Sam Scarfe signs new Dragons deal after Pontypool exploits
The 21-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign in Super Rygbi Cymru with Pontypool, making 14 appearances for the play-off quarter-finalists. Scarfe, who made his Dragons debut in his old position of flanker at Glasgow in February 2024 because of an injury crisis, enjoyed a solitary outing for Filo Tiatia's side against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup clash in Newport. The combative forward has agreed fresh terms and is now looking to push Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan, James Benjamin and Oli Burrows for action next season. Scarfe said: 'I've played lots of minutes and learnt a lot from Pooler this year with the help of top players and coaches, which has been great for me. 'Dragons is my home club and I want to represent the badge as much as possible. The club is in a good place so it would be great to get the minutes down at Rodney Parade. 'Filo (Tiatia) has helped me a lot this year in understanding the game in a different way and seeing the opportunities available. I've also enjoyed picking the brains of our experienced senior boys as I continue to develop.' Sam Scarfe crashing over for Pontypool (Image: NCR Photography) Scarfe, who came through at Penallta, provides the Dragons with a different option at the heart of the front row thanks to his back-row background. 'Sam converted to hooker from seven about four or five four years ago,' said forwards Coach Sam Hobbs. 'He was a very good seven and his body type is suited to being a modern-day physical hooker. 'With Pontypool, he played a huge amount of rugby in the Championship, which was a tough education, but now in the SRC he's become a dominant force there and an outstanding prospect winning numerous player-of-the-match awards. 'I'm excited and believe next year will be a big season for Sam. His contact area is his superstrength and he's developed his ball carrying while his set-piece is going really well.' Head coach Tiatia added: 'We've been pleased with Sam's progress and the minutes he has also been able to secure for Pontypool in the SRC. 'He's a hard-working young man who wants to keep improving, so we look forward to his continued development in our senior environment.' Scarfe is one of the Dragons' many promising prospects who will back up the experienced figures in the squad next season. Centre Joe Westwood, flanker/lock Ryan Woodman and hooker Brodie Coghlan grew in influence last season, while centre Harri Ackerman would have were it not for injury. Full-back Huw Anderson, scrum-halves Che Hope and Morgan Lloyd, lock Barny Langton-Cryer and tighthead Luke Yendle got more opportunities while there were debuts for wing Harry Rees-Weldon, fly-half Harri Ford, props Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths and Owain James, lock Nick Thomas and back row forward Evan Minto. The aim will be to balance more Dragons chances with learning in the middle for Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool in SRC.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
What Ngugi wa Thiong'o Taught Us About Freedom, Power, and Betrayal
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Dr Iqbal Survé explores the profound lessons he imparted about freedom, power, and the ongoing struggles faced by Africa. Image: Independent Media January 5, 1938 – May 28, 2025 Last week Thursday, 28th May, saw the passing of Ngugi, the East African novelist. He was widely regarded as East Africa's greatest novelist and one of the best in Africa. (He coincidentally shared a birthday with my son.) He was unfortunate never to win the Nobel Prize for Literature despite being nominated several times and considered a favourite to be awarded the prize. Perhaps he had angered too many powerful people in Europe and among the elites. Ngugi understood Africa and the politics of the continent better than most. He explored through his novels the class struggles of ordinary people — a reality that remains with us today, as Africa continues to grapple with inequality and poverty. His work brilliantly intersected the personal and the political, a gift that reminds us that storytelling can be a form of resistance. NGUGI AND HIS IMPACT ON MY THINKING ABOUT POST-LIBERATION POLITICS The apartheid years — my formative years — especially the student movement in the post-1976 and 80s, were shaped by writers like Ngugi. For student activists and leaders, Ngugi's works were essential reading. We were fighting the apartheid system, a system of 'racial capitalism', race laws institutionalised to support economic exclusion. As activists and freedom fighters, we opposed this system, envisioning a non-racial society and socialism as a real alternative to benefit the people post-apartheid. While we were imagining a post-apartheid South Africa grounded in the Freedom Charter, Ngugi was imagining a post-colonial Kenya, where genuine freedom would reach the people, not just the new ruling elite. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading THE NGUGI BOOKS I READ AND THEIR MEANING TODAY Petals of Blood (1977)I first read Petals of Blood in my early student years, during my time in the SRC and the Committee of 81. It may even have been banned in South Africa then. We hid these books alongside many other struggle literatures, mindful of the consequences if they were found. Petals of Blood was Ngugi's last novel written in English before he committed to writing in his indigenous language. The novel is set in post-independence Kenya and tells the story of villagers disillusioned by the broken promises of independence. Ngugi shows how the new ruling elite quickly resembled their colonial predecessors, a theme too familiar even today across many parts of Africa. The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (1976)This play recounts the story of Dedan Kimathi, the leader of the Mau Mau uprising, who refused to betray his fellow revolutionaries under British torture. Many South Africans can relate to this heroism, the sacrifices made by anti-apartheid leaders who endured torture, imprisonment, and, too often, death. A Grain of Wheat (1967)Set during the struggle for Kenyan independence, this novel grapples with betrayal, loyalty, and the burdens borne by revolutionaries. South Africa, too, has its stories of betrayal, of those accused of collaborating with apartheid authorities, of the tragic labels of impi and askari. Ngugi was ahead of his time in laying bare the complexities and moral ambiguities of liberation struggles. His works continue to remind us: it is not enough to fight for freedom, what matters is what we do with it after it is won. NGUGI WAS A SAGE If He Could See South Africa TodayThe elites have benefited. The poor remain poor. Unemployment is massive. Racial capitalism, though no longer enshrined in law, endures in practice. Ngugi, a staunch anti-colonialist and communist, might have seen in our reality a confirmation of his warnings: that without vigilance and moral clarity, power merely changes hands without changing society. Though I differ with Ngugi on communism — I do not believe it offers a full solution for South Africa — I do believe that Africa must remain focused on what works, whether that is found in the best of socialism, capitalism, or something altogether different. Ideology must not triumph over pragmatism. We must be bold enough to accept uncomfortable truths: that we have, too often, failed to fulfill the promises of liberation. The struggle was noble, but the aftermath requires an even greater commitment to justice and transformation. Ngugi's writings teach us that history will judge us not by our intentions but by the realities we create. If we care, if we truly value our people, we must reduce poverty and inequality, not in theory, but in lived experience. The past should inform us, but it must not chain us. Our focus must be on the now and on the future. * Dr Iqbal Survé is the Chairman of Sekunjalo Group and the Past Chair of the BRICS Business Council & Co-Chair of the BRICS Media Forum and BNN. * Follow Dr Survé's updates via his WhatsApp Channel. * The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
HSL ship repair complex witnesses surge in dockings
Visakhapatnam: Once a quiet section of the shipyard with limited activity, Hindustan Shipyard Limited's Ship Repair Complex (SRC) today has become a hub of maritime action, operating at near-full capacity and fast becoming the destination of choice for ship owners seeking reliable and timely refits. The transformation of the complex stems from a renewed focus on timely delivery, customer-centric processes, operational efficiency and business process re-engineering. Currently, four ships are undergoing repairs at the repair dock of HSL -- ICGS Sarang, SCI Sabarmati, MV Tharangini, and Matsya Drushti. These vessels represent a healthy mix of defence, commercial, and scientific maritime assets, a testament to HSL's versatile capabilities and its growing profile across sectors. The pipeline for the upcoming months is equally packed, with INS Jamuna, RV Sagar Kanya, MFV Samudrika and Matsya Darshini already scheduled for dry-docking. 'The turnaround is a direct result of our commitment to timelines, quality workmanship, and transparent engagement with clients. Ship owners who have experienced our performance are now proactively lining up their vessels for repairs with us,' said a senior official at HSL. In fact, the demand has grown to a point where HSL is experiencing constraints in providing adequate berthing space for incoming ships. To address this, HSL is entering into a tie-up with its trusted and long-standing partner Visakhapatnam Port Authority to secure alternate berths for handling the growing inflow of vessels. This strategic move ensures that HSL continues to deliver on-time results without compromising on quality. As HSL steps into its Sapphire Year this 21st June, the SRC's resurgence adds a compelling chapter to the shipyard's journey.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Rainfall likely to continue till May 31
1 2 Bhubaneswar: The state is set to witness a fresh spell of rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal by May 27. The weather system is expected to trigger moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across several districts until May 31. According to a special IMD bulletin, the low-pressure area is likely to develop over the west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around May 27, under the influence of a cyclonic circulation and an upper air trough stretching from the east-central Arabian Sea to north Odisha. This is expected to draw in ample moisture, creating conditions for intense weather activity across many districts. The special relief commissioner (SRC) has issued alerts to all district administrations, urging them to remain vigilant. Rainfall activity is likely to begin on Sunday and intensify over the next few days, with the system becoming more active towards the end of the month. Districts such as Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Jajpur are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo The IMD has also warned of waterlogging in low-lying areas, localised flooding of roads, damage to kutcha roads, and disruption of power and communication lines. Sea conditions are predicted to turn rough to very rough from May 28 to May 30, with squally weather and wind speeds reaching 40–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast and over the central Bay of Bengal during this period. Emergency control rooms have been activated in all districts, and the SRC has directed officials to ensure drainage systems are cleared, particularly in urban areas like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, to prevent flooding. On Sunday, a maximum rainfall of 35.4 mm was recorded at Paradip, while the maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius was recorded at Boudh and Hirakud. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded day temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius, respectively. On Sunday, Paradip recorded the highest rainfall at 35.4 mm, while Boudh and Hirakud registered the highest temperatures at 38°C. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded day temperatures of 34°C and 31°C, respectively.
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Rhys Jenkins and Elliot Frewen leave Newport after title
The Black and Ambers became champions for the first time since 2004 when they became the first side to beat the Steelmen at Eugene Cross Park this season. It was a perfect ending for a pair of modern-day Newport greats in their final outings for the club. Flanker Rhys Jenkins first played for the Black and Ambers in 2010 while on the books of the Dragons, who he played for once against an Ospreys back row that featured Jerry Collins, Marty Holah and Filo Tiatia, and wing Elliot Frewen arrived from Tonmawr a year later. The duo – both members of the club's hall of fame – were named on the bench for the SRC final and got the ending that they craved. CHARGE: Flanker Rhys Jenkins carrying hard for Newport in 2015 (Image: Newsquest) 'It was a win that was a long time in the making,' said Jenkins. 'In recent years we have built every season and after being so disappointed at Llandovery [in the 2024 Premiership final] we finally got over the line.' Jenkins initially cut his teeth with Ebbw Vale in the Premiership along with fellow academy prospects James Thomas and Aaron Coundley but headed to the Black and Ambers after the Steelmen were relegated. The flanker signed to stay with the club when he left the Dragons and finished with 231 appearances over 13 campaigns, several as captain. Jenkins' list of injuries is a long one but there are no regrets for the 34-year-old. 'I played more than 200 games and it flies by, but I wouldn't change a thing,' said the combative flanker from Caerleon, who was called into the action early at Ebbw when Kyle Tayler limped off. 'I didn't want to go out when too smashed up and it's a nice time to finish because I think that I was still playing half-tidy. 'I started at Ebbw Vale in the Premiership and it went full circle when signing off by winning the league there.' Frewen's last appearance didn't quite go to plan. He came on in the second half but didn't finish the game after a huge collision: 'It wasn't the bang that I was intending to go out with!' Frewen was still able to celebrate with his teammates after appearance number 246. ELUSIVE: Winger Elliot Frewen finished his Newport career with 96 tries (Image: Newsquest) 'It's an amazing feeling and hard to put into words after being here for so many seasons and finishing with a league win,' said the 38-year-old. 'It doesn't get any bigger than that and what a way to sign off with a great bunch of boys. We've got closer and closer every year and to go one step further and win it was immense. 'I wanted to win the league and go out on my own terms. I also wanted 100 tries but 96 isn't bad!' Frewen isn't quite ready to completely hang the boots up – news that will make boss Ty Morris' ears prick up in case Newport are ever low on numbers – but his midweek diary will now be full of horse vaulting and gymnastics with Lois rather than training. 'It's about supporting my daughter now,' said the Wales Sevens international. 'She's seven and has clubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I've had my time.' Jenkins and Frewen sign off but they have left their mark on the Black and Ambers.
