Britain’s Prince Harry’s romance with Botswana
This week at a closely fought match in the searing Singapore heat, Sentebale ISPS Handa Team clinched a 5-2 win with Sentebale's Founding Patron Prince Harry scoring two of the Sentebale goals against Nacho Figueras St Regis Team. The polo match was organised to raise money for Sentebale Charity, an organisation which supports vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana-a country the Prince considers his second home, Writes DAVE BAAITSE.
Even before ascending to Britain’s royal seat Prince Harry, a former military pilot and renowned philanthropist was involved in numerous charitable causes around the world and championing humanitarian works. A frequent visitor to Botswana, Prince Harry also champions a campaign to help protect endangered rhinos in Botswana.
Under a blistering Singaporean sun and in front of a crowd of over 300 guests, Prince Harry took to the field on 5th June 2017 for the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup to raise funds for Sentebale. Prior to the game commencing, guests gathered for national anthems and a minute’s silence in remembrance of those affected by the London attacks on Saturday 3rd June.
According to China Xinhua News the 2017 Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup took place at the Singapore Polo Club on 5th June, the very first time the prestigious event hit the shores of South East Asia. This year's trophy was presented by Karen Sheila Gillan a Scottish actress and director.
Royal Salute continues to support Sentebale’s flagship event, the partnership is on its seventh consecutive year. Royal Salute, which was created in 1953 in tribute to the British crown and has since had a long- standing association with royalty and royal values. China News Agency reports that in 2015, Sentebale announced plans to scale up its operations in Lesotho and expand into several southern Africa countries by 2020, delivering psychosocial support to 10- to- 19-year- olds that are struggling to come to terms with living with HIV. In December 2016, Sentebale launched the first few weeks of camp in Botswana to 150 children and subsequently has reached over 2,800 children and adolescents through monthly Saturday clubs in Lesotho and Botswana.
“Sentebale’s annual polo fundraising event is continuing to be one of the most important events in the charity’s calendar. Since Sentebale was founded in 2006, the charity has reached thousands of children and young people in Lesotho, and latterly in Botswana, who have been struggling to come to terms with living with HIV by addressing their mental health and wellbeing,” Cathy Ferrier, CEO of Sentebale was quoted as saying.
She said it is their ambition to see a reduction in the number of new HIV- infections and AIDS- related deaths amongst adolescents in southern Africa, by putting youth first and equipping them with skills and relevant wrap around support that they need to lead healthy, productive lives. “We are so proud of all the great work that has been made possible by The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup and look forward to generating more funds for our charity and continuing to make a difference to many young lives across southern Africa.”
According to Sentebale there are an estimated 13, 000 young people living with HIV in Botswana. Over 260 children living with HIV have been supported through specialist support at camp in Botswana since they launched here in December. They now have three clubs in different regions of the country, which offer psychosocial support on a monthly basis.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), reports that HIV is the number one cause of death of adolescents in Africa; Lesotho and Botswana have the second and third highest infection rates of HIV in the world, respectively. Sentebale aims to encourage youth to know and manage their HIV status and access the relevant follow up care and treatment. Sentebale’s flagship fundraising event has been running for eight years, taking place in different locations around the world.
To date the event has raised over £4. 5 million for Sentebale’s work providing care, education and critical psychosocial support to children and adolescents coming to terms with living with HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. At last year’s Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, hosted in Palm Beach, Florida, Prince Harry announced the charity’s plans to expand its programme of psychosocial support to young people living with HIV into Botswana.
This year, speaking at the post- tournament dinner at St Regis Singapore, Prince Harry spoke about Sentebale’s newly developed Let Youth Lead programme aimed at encouraging all youth in sub-Saharan Africa to know and manage their HIV status by 2020, which Prince Seeiso launched at the charity’s first youth summit in Lesotho in April this year.
Prince Harry, added, “Through youth- led campaigning, training and advocacy, the initiative allows young people affected by HIV/AIDS to be heard. We hope this will create a platform where the needs of young people in the region are listened to – from the need for adolescent- friendly health services, more trained counsellors in rural areas and better sexual reproductive health education in schools. Young people know what works for them and their friends, so we must listen and take note.”
While in Botswana Prince Harry also welcomed the chance to become the royal patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana (RCB) after seeing first- hand the cruelty they face from poachers. He helped to clear thorn bushes from around sedated rhinos so that tracking devices could be fitted, monitored the animals' breathing and heart rate, administered oxygen, covered rhinos' eyes to protect them and helped to keep the animals cool with water. "I've been lucky enough to visit Botswana for more than 20 years and am incredibly fortunate to be able to call it my second home, being patron of RCB is an opportunity to give something back to a country that has given so much to me,” he was quoted as saying.
WeekendLife
DJ Sway ‘saved’ the YAMAs
DJ Sway, the daring and ambitious on-air presenter of Yarona FM, played a crucial role in saving the radio station’s music awards, known as the YAMAs. The event was initially dry and disorganized, but DJ Sway, who co-hosted with Pearl Thusi, injected life into the show. However, things took a turn for the worse when Pearl Thusi abruptly left the stage, leaving DJ Sway to carry on alone. Despite the unexpected setback, DJ Sway rose to the occasion and captivated the audience, effectively putting an end to the drama caused by Pearl Thusi.
In an exclusive interview after the YAMAs, DJ Sway revealed the behind-the-scenes chaos that unfolded during the event. He acknowledged the script editors, Phalana and Hope, who worked tirelessly to reedit the script and adapt it to a one-host format. Despite the last-minute changes, DJ Sway remained composed and focused, thanks to the support of his colleagues, such as Owen Rampha, Katlego Rakola, Tshepang Motsisi (DJ Easy), and LB.
When asked about his initial reaction to the unexpected turn of events, DJ Sway admitted to feeling saddened by how things ended. However, he credited Pearl Thusi for giving him a much-needed confidence boost during his moment of doubt. She reminded him that he was destined for greatness and that he didn’t need big stars to succeed. With her words of encouragement, DJ Sway regained his composure and approached the rest of the show with the same professionalism and charisma he displays on the radio.
To overcome the challenges he faced, DJ Sway relied on his radio skills and calm personality. He engaged with the audience as if he were speaking to a single person, pointing out individuals in the crowd to create a more intimate connection. He also expressed gratitude for his backstage team, who provided support and ensured the smooth running of the show.
DJ Sway expressed satisfaction in being seen as the saving grace of the YAMAs. He believed that he fulfilled his role as a host and brought joy to the Yarona FM board, his family, and his fans. Despite his success, DJ Sway’s journey has not been without hardships. He has experienced the loss of his mother and sister, which has left a lasting impact on him. While he continues to grieve, he seeks solace in therapy sessions and relies on his father for emotional support.
DJ Sway’s dedication to his craft and ability to overcome adversity make him a remarkable figure in the radio industry. His vibrant personality and deep knowledge of music have made him a perfect fit for Yarona FM. Despite the challenges he has faced, DJ Sway remains determined to make a positive impact and bring joy to his listeners. With his talent and resilience, there is no doubt that DJ Sway will continue to thrive in his career and leave a lasting legacy in the world of radio.
WeekendLife
Chef Gustos walk of shame
Chef Gustos, the renowned hitmaker, recently experienced what can only be described as a walk of shame at the 8th edition of the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs). Despite being nominated a whopping seven times, he failed to secure a single win. Ouch!
The night was filled with surprises, drama, and controversy, but the biggest winner of the evening was Han C, who walked away with three awards, including Best Pop and Best Male Single for his hit song, “Sebinki.” Han C graciously announced that he would be donating P10,000 from his winnings to his fellow nominees, promoting a spirit of togetherness among artists. What a noble gesture!
Meanwhile, Chef Gustos found himself on the losing end of several categories, including People’s Choice Artist of the Year, which he had won in the past. He seemed unfazed by the loss, stating, “People know that ‘Away’ was big, but they won’t stop me.” It’s clear that Chef Gustos is determined to continue making music, regardless of the awards he receives.
However, he did express his frustration with the outcome, suggesting that the awards may be corrupt. He declined to comment further, citing the need to protect his brand and maintain good relationships with corporate clients. It’s understandable that he wants to avoid any potential damage to his future prospects.
In fact, Chef Gustos went so far as to request that Yarona FM not nominate him for future YAMAs. It seems he wants to distance himself from the disappointment and focus on his music without the pressure of awards. Perhaps this decision will allow him to create freely and without the burden of expectations.
While Chef Gustos may have experienced a walk of shame at the YAMAs, it’s important to remember that awards do not define an artist’s talent or success. His fans still appreciate his music, and he continues to have gigs with corporate clients. So, despite the disappointment, Chef Gustos remains optimistic about his future in the industry.
In the end, the YAMAs may have been a letdown for Chef Gustos, but he’s determined to keep moving forward. He won’t let a lack of awards dampen his spirits or hinder his creativity. And who knows, maybe next time he’ll come back stronger and prove that he’s deserving of recognition. After all, the true measure of an artist’s success lies in the hearts of their fans, not in shiny trophies.
WeekendLife
Women in Science: Breaking Glass Ceilings
Women scientists have made significant contributions to the field of science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Despite their remarkable achievements, women represent only a fraction of researchers globally, and their work often goes unrecognized. The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is urgent. However, organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community.
The Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have collaborated for over two years to support and recognize women scientists who have achieved scientific excellence. These organizations have awarded more than 100 laureates, with five of them going on to win Nobel Prizes. These women researchers, who have worked in various scientific fields across different continents, are not only changing the world through their discoveries but also serving as role models for aspiring women scientists.
The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programs annually support over 250 talented young women researchers. Through regional and national programs, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO provide crucial support to these researchers during their thesis or post-doctoral studies. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality in science. However, both organizations remain determined to make this vision a reality.
Recently, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO hosted thirty winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science 14th Rising Talents Sub-Saharan Africa awards in Kasane. These awards recognize African women scientists for their outstanding research. During a press conference, Fondation L’Oréal CEO Alexandra Palt emphasized the importance of empowering women scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa, a continent that suffers greatly from climate disruption. Palt highlighted the challenges these women face, including overcoming prejudice, sexism, and harassment, to become accomplished scientists.
The finalists of the awards are scientists, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers who are advancing various disciplines such as biology, agronomy, physics, mathematics, genetics, and engineering. Their goal is to improve the daily lives of Africa’s people, whether through advancements in health or the environment. These women, such as Dairou Hadidjatou, a pioneer in cardiovascular disease treatment in Cameroon, Esther Uwimaana, conducting research on potential tuberculosis vaccines, and Mwende Mbilo, innovating clean energy solutions in Kenya, are driven by their desire to advance science and society.
The need for scientific role models to inspire the younger generation is crucial. Palt emphasized that Africa currently represents only 2.5% of scientists globally, making it challenging for young girls in Africa to pursue scientific careers when women researchers in their countries are often invisible in the media, scientific publications, and international forums. To address this, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO have increased the number of young talents awarded from 20 to 30. These researchers also receive leadership training to enhance their communication and negotiation skills, as well as their ability to address harassment and speak publicly or with the media.
By highlighting the achievements of these women scientists, the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO aim to break the glass ceiling and provide them with the recognition they deserve. It is essential to take urgent action on multiple levels to enable these talented women to emerge onto the public stage and be acknowledged for their excellent work. Only then can we truly achieve gender equality in the scientific community.
In conclusion, women scientists have made significant contributions to science, yet they continue to face numerous challenges and barriers. Organizations like the Fondation L’Oréal and UNESCO are working tirelessly to empower women scientists and promote gender equality in the scientific community. By recognizing and supporting these women, we can inspire the younger generation and create a world where women in science are celebrated and their work is valued.