A COLD DOSE OF REALITY Manzini

Meet the 78 years old High school graduate Ted Sams...

It was a joyfull moment for Ted Sams (78) and his family when he finally walked on stage to receive his high school diploma sixty years after he missed his 1962 graduation because of some teenage mischief and $4.80 (E3.40) overdue library fine he owed at his former school.

During his high school days, Ted and a friend were in a photography class when they were caught by the vice principal for photographing people without their consent and Ted was later suspended, leading to him missing the final exam and graduation. While he tried keeping up with his studies by attending summer school, Ted then found that he couldn't get his diploma because of the overdue library fine book.

“So I just walked away from it and said, 'Forget it',” he says.

In 2022, after much persuasion from his family Ted joined San Gabriel California High school in Los Angeles and got his high school diploma

Sams says he never expected to be back in high school 60 years later after he dropped out. He recounted how he would repeatedly complain to his children how a meagre $4.80 kept him from having a degree.

His daughter Sherry then suprised him by asking San Gabriel High in Los Angeles for a reprint of his diploma so he can attend graduation.

Luckily for him, the school hasn't thrown away the diploma and It was kept in a box, in senior archives.

In 27 May, Ted received an invitation from the school to be part of the graduation ceremony. The ceremony was attended by his wife and five children.

Even though it has been a long hard road, Ted says attaining his diploma has been a great achievement for him and the graduation was one of the highlights of his life.

“Actually, when he walked and got his diploma, every person on that stage hugged him and then the whole class applauded for him,” Sherry says.

Although the $4.80 fine hasn't been paid, Ted is now a graduate of San Gabriel High School's class of 2022.

Source: News24

MLAWULA CAMPFIRE LAUNCH: Let's Adopt a Green Lifestyle for Nature to Continue Sustaining Us- Minister

The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental affairs of Eswatini Moses Vilakati says in order for people to live sustainably and in peace with nature, they should adopt and promote a greener lifestyle.

Vilakati was speaking during the launch of the 3rd edition of the Mlawula Campfire festival on Thursday, while the real event is scheduled to take place from the 28th to 30th of October 2022 at Siphiso Campsite, which is located within the Mlawula nature reserve.

The Minister says as a ministry, it is of paramount importance to them that they monitor the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. "The Ministry has a responsibility, amongst others to oveeseer conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, which is delegated to the Eswatini National Trust Commission" he said.

The launch tabbed, 'Only One Earth' occurred during the World Environmental Month and aims to promote activities that support the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources such as water, land and minerals which also tend not only to bolsters the people's lives but also attracts tourists in a country thus it's economy.

According to Vilakati, tourism is one of the pillars in the country's economic development agenda. He says the government had a wakeup call from the COVID-19 pandemic because it forced it to expand the country's domestic tourism initiatives througn enhanced product development while introducing different adventure promotions.

Vilakati further urged companies and institutions to partner with the government in hosting the event which he described as a perfect epitome of the 'Only One Earth' theme of the environmental month.

He went on saying, "This will provide an opportunity for most companies and institutions to partner with us in hosting a successful event. It is worth mentioning that the intended objectives of such an initiative can only be achieved with your participation and support, as well as inviting others from across the spectrum to enjoy the one of a kind experience. In this way, the tourism economy will increase and enable extended sharing of benefits."

It's far from over... 2 critically wounded as Eswatini Warders trade fire with unknown men at Kwaluseni OK Foods

An unidentified boy was critically injured when a stray bullet meant hit him in the stomach during a gunfight between Warders and unknown men at Kwaluseni OK Foods on Friday, 18th February evening.

It is said the Warders were parked outside the food supermarket when the unknown men approached the vehicle and opened fire on them, which the Warders returned. The gunfight injured the boy and another man was also shot on the leg.

Eswatini is a tiny Kingdom marred by violence and riots as the people demand democratic reforms from the current government led by King Mswati lll

War is evil..

I wake up this morning thinking deeply about war..I ask myself what drives men like Putin to take a civilized world back to the days of medieval times, where barbarians like the Visigoths, the Vandals ransacked cities like Rome, during ancient times.

War is devastating. It has so many serious side effects - hunger, disease, is devastating, and very stressful.. Above all, it brings hatred to the invaded, that will last for generations. Putin is taking us back to barbaric times.

I'm glad the world is in solidarity, condemning, and taking action against Russia. It is sanctions, left, right and centre.

Coming closer home in Swaziland, there are deranged people who want to take us down to barbaric times, where disputes were solved through throttling each other. We are on the road to war, unless some people use their brains instead of thinking violence solved political conflict.

War is deadly. It creates refugees. I don't want my children to live as refugees in neighboring countries, because one clique refuses to embrace change, and the will of the masses.

Let's pray and resist this evil perpetrated by Putin and leaders in autocratic regimes like Swaziland and Zimbabwe..

Leaders are mandated to lead with intergrity.

Abuse of power has led to conflicts which have divided a nation's people..Human greed has brought enmity and hatred between leaders and the grassroot people in my country. Violence now reigns supreme.

Our people have crossed the Rubicon of tolerance. Corruption has divided our people into two camps. Only wholesale changes in leadership and the ushering of democratic changes can save my country from anarchy and civil war.

Swaziland, my country, beg the world to pray for us!

DENOUNCE..TAKE ACTION!

Every decent human being, living in this country has an obligation to denounce, and condemn Evil.

We all have to take action against evil and its accessories. Failure to contribute in whatever way in the quest by others to eradicate evil, and/or look the other way as evil men violate the rights of our fellowmen, is the greatest travesty of human decency.

In our midst, we have people who are as good as condoning evil by their failure to partake in the efforts of moral men who sacrificed their freedom in order to make our country a safe place to live in, free from the influences, clutches, and tentacles of a system of government headed by a warlord who believes he is God-ordained to lead a people, cause then to buckle under his cruel leadership.

None of us, was born with hatred in his heart - including the very leaders who use evil force to oppress, jail and kill those who stand up against their evil. We are now consumed by hatred. It is manifesting itself in many ways - anger, violence, intolerance, killing our partners in cold blood, etc. We have become an angry Nation..

Thinking deeply during moments of solitude, about the evil that is taking place in this country, tears my heart into shreds. Standing on the fence while ungodly men destroy whatever semblance of sanity left, is not moral.

Let us all stand up against evil. God will give us the power to triumph over evil...because He hates evil. Let us all join hands, contribute morally to the fight against evil...We are living dangerously in this country. None of us is safe from the evils of the system. If we allow evil to run rampant and have free reign, the Lord help us!

Good morning, a blessed Monday and safe week.

I have recently started a book about a young woman in Eswatini whose personal journey depicts the hardships faced by almost every woman in the country. Below is an excerpt...

EXILED: Losing Thabo

"Don't tell me you have never wanted to see justice done for all the injustices you have suffered! That you haven't wished for your baby's killer to be tried in a fair court of law, instead of roaming free as if he is innocent while we know he's not. That you haven't longed for retribution against your employees who fired you for your political views just because they don't align with theirs. This is our time sis', to right the wrongs done to us by this unjust system. It's time we fought for what is rightfully ours! We can't be governed by a bunch of individuals who priorities money over the people's welfare. Government officials who accept bribes and look the other way while someone is being killed. It's time we take back the power because it belongs to us. Time has run out for this cruel regime which silences us by using guns and brutality and if you do not join the fight now, who will fight for you when they do come for you, because they will?"

Tears trickled down Lindiwe's cheek as she listened to her brothers passionate please. She hung her head in defeat as the inevitability of the situation struck her, she could feel it in her bones that this was it. With her life stripped bare of all possibilities of a bright future she had no other option but to fight

One of the most ignored and underrated, biblical admonitions is the "you reap what you sow" caution from God. Sow violence..you will invariably, sooner or later, reap the fruits of violence.

As parents, it is important that we exhibit moral values to our children. Children copy what we do as parents. If we constantly have marital problems for example, which culminate in violent confrontations, it doesn't escape the attention of our offsprings. In their adult life, somehow what we sowed will manifest itself in our children's behaviours.

Even with our spiritual proclivity, it is important that we behave in a manner that will rub off our children. Worshipping God in truth and in spirit attracts blessings for our families. The opposite attracts curses, which God puts in no uncertain terms that, He will visit the sins of the father to the children up to certain generations.

We need to take an introspective stance as parents, and honestly weigh our behaviours to see if they are still in sync with biblical statutes.

Our children are exposed to many evil spiritual influences. These should not come from within the family. Teach your child in the way he should go because you practice it - true, Godly principles. Yes..were not perfect..but we can try. Don't fool yourself, the devil hates with a passion the family structure. He will use every weapon in his arsenal to disrupt it. Happy Thursday!

Don't despair..!!

Each day comes with its own bouts of joys and/or disappointments. One minute you're happy, the next minute, who knows? Life is very unpredictable. It constantly throws a lot of sh..t at us and it depends how street savvy, positive-minded, and thick skinned you're, to avoid throwing in the towel.

I've walked through numerous valleys full of shadows of death.. We've all faced problems of mammoth proportions such that giving up was the only available option.

But somehow, we summoned those remnants of resilience...and made it. I always never fail to give glory to the Living God for always coming to my rescue in the nick of time..To Him, it is never too late. He controls time, chance, space, our destined futures, All He requires is FAITH...the rest, He takes over. On second thoughts, he tells Paul that His power "is manifested during our weakness".

We may be facing insurmountable problems right now, during this infamous, January month. No light might be flickering at the end of the tunnel. Friends may disappear when we need them most..the cat might be *sleeping on the oven*...no help might forthcoming..we trust in men, when the One who controls the future is only a prayer away.

Let's give glory to God, trust in the Son He sent as atonement for our sins. To the oppressed by life's problems and those who want to give up, including me. DON'T. Let's look up to the heavens..He is forever ready to help. Happy Sabbath!

GOD, YOUR LOVE KENYA

It's unfortunate how we become political every electioneering year

Shouting who we are supporting

Who supported you for the last five years?

God, your love Kenya

Who paid Your rent, school fees for your kids,facilities food on your table just to name a few

God, your love Kenya

Cutting across tribal lines... This is mediocrity Bana,

We need to think inner ward lyrics and outside the box,

It's no longer about where the president, comes from, my tribe how did it benefit you?

You probably buying cooking Oil the same price as everyone else is...

This frustrating country my Kenya

God, Your love Kenya

Everything is above the sky

skyrocketing prices on every basic commodity

Kutoka kwa mafuta hadi Unga

God, your love Kenya

I walk into a Supermarket I no longer buy any commodity for quality but for quantity and price consideration is my first priority.

God, your love Kenya

But till when will this go On....

How SURE AM I?

I will not be put in the same shifty hole after 8th August 2022

God, Your love Kenya

We can't tell but then again we are left with ONE, To gather our thoughts and, for once make a sober and informed decisions in terms of who you vote in various seats....

God, Your love Kenya

Fail to which the suffering continues and we pass it to the next generation what a shame?

I wonder what our forefathers are thinking at this certain moments

God, Your love Kenya

It's like we probably sold our country but for WHAT?, You would ask yourself... Is it worth

We have spearheaded development in East and Central Africa we are so Much head compared with other neighboring countries...

But at what expense?

OUR CULTURE, ENVIRONMENT DEGRADATION, HERITAGE AND HUMAN EXISTENCE....

I really wonder...

God, Your love Kenya

We live at a time where the money you earn is not enough to cater most people livelihoods

Living in a deficit chasing money more than yourself....

God, your love Kenya

CATCH it if you may, Your life depends on it

Save yourself from the life your have created around yourself

Staying true to your course, your true happiness, love and harmony essentials for our soul

God, your love Kenya

My Country Kenya as we Go to Elections

I love you

May you be Peaceful

I pray and believe

Amen

В Казани росгвардейцы выполнили задачи по обеспечению безопасности во время празднования Дня России

Военнослужащие казанского специального моторизованного полка Приволжского округа Росгвардии, бойцы ОМОН «Ак Барс» и сотрудники вневедомственной охраны Росгвардии по Республике Татарстан выполнили задачи по обеспечению безопасности жителей и гостей республики во время праздничных мероприятий, посвященных Дню России.

Традиционно, наиболее массовым местом проведения праздничных мероприятий для жителей и гостей столицы республики стала площадка возле центра семьи «Казан», где побывало около 35 тысяч человек. Помимо концерта с участием творческих коллективов и артистов эстрады там было организовано множество развлекательных зон. Завершилось мероприятие красочным салютом над акваторией реки Казанки.

Задачи по охране общественного порядка и обеспечению безопасности во время праздничных мероприятий выполнили военнослужащие казанского специального моторизованного полка Приволжского округа ВНГ России, сотрудники вневедомственной охраны и бойцы ОМОН «Ак Барс» Управления Росгвардии по Республике Татарстан во взаимодействии с сотрудниками МВД по РТ и работниками частных охранных организаций.

Благодаря совместной работе Росгвардии и МВД, при участии работников ЧОО, грубых нарушений общественного порядка и безопасности не допущено.

В канун Дня России Президент Татарстана наградил сотрудников территориального Управления Росгвардии

Казанском Кремле состоялась церемония награждения выдающихся татарстанцев, внесших большой вклад в развитие республики, республиканскими и федеральными наградами, в числе которых были сотрудники Управления Росгвардии по Республике Татарстан.

Поприветствовав участников церемонии, Президент Татарстана отметил символизм нынешнего торжества, которое проходит в преддверии одного из главных праздников страны.

«Мы гордимся, что живем и работаем в стране с тысячелетней историей и богатейшим культурным наследием. Благодаря созидательному труду многих поколений, поддержке федерального центра и лично Президента России Владимира Путина сегодня наша республика является передовым, опорным регионом страны. Благодаря энергии и таланту людей, увлеченных своим делом, в том числе находящихся в этом зале, воплощаются в жизнь самые смелые идеи в экономике, науке, образовании, медицине, культуре, управлении и других отраслях. Ваш талант и трудолюбие, стойкость и мужество делают нашу республику сильной и процветающей. Хочу поздравить всех вас с заслуженными наградами, поблагодарить за преданность своему делу, а также вклад в развитие родной республики и страны», — сказал Президент Татарстана, обращаясь к присутствующим в зале.

Отдельно руководитель республики Рустам Минниханов подчеркнул вклад присутствующих в зале сотрудников Росгвардии, которые проявили мужество и героизм в деле отстаивания интересов Родины и мирного будущего наших граждан.

В заключение своей речи Президент Татарстана подчеркнул, что все награждаемые – люди, достойные высоких государственных наград. Он искренне поблагодарил их за преданность своему делу и еще раз поздравил с предстоящим Днем России.

По окончании вступительной части состоялась торжественная церемония: Президент РТ вручил орден Пирогова, орден Дружбы, медаль ордена «За заслуги перед Отечеством», медаль «За спасение погибавших», ордена «За заслуги перед Республикой Татарстан» и «Дуслык», медаль «За доблестный труд», благодарности Президента России и другие почетные награды.

Всего высоких наград удостоены 34 человека.