Latest news with #FHR
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Scotsman
Travel hacks from just £2 – lounge access, parking, car hire and more
Enjoy the freedom of the open road on your next European adventure. | Wowcher This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Cut your holiday costs with these five bargain travel extras – from lounge access to cheap airport parking and a handy £8 Dunelm pillow. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Travel doesn't have to cost the earth – and if you're heading off on holiday soon, these five bargain buys could seriously cut your costs. We've tracked down the cheapest ways to park at the airport, sneak into the lounge, and even get mobile data in Europe and the USA – all from just £2. There are plenty of clever ways to make your trip smoother and more comfortable without shelling out for upgrades or first-class tickets. The trick is knowing where to look – and when to book. From one buy that transforms even budget flights into something more bearable, to a sneaky way to slash prices on airport essentials, these are the under-the-radar travel hacks real frequent flyers swear by. We've even included some smart beauty picks to help you shine in the sun. Whether you're off on a quick city break or something longer-haul, these clever extras will make your trip smoother – and cheaper. Escape the chaos of the terminal with Priority Pass airport lounge access from just £5 £ 5.00 Buy now Buy now If you've ever found yourself stuck at a noisy departure gate with nowhere to sit, this could be a game-changer. Priority Pass is offering discounted access to its worldwide network of airport lounges – and right now you can unlock membership from just £5. That means entry to more than 1,700 lounges in over 600 cities, with perks like free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks and quieter spaces to relax before your flight. It's valid at most major airports, and you don't need to fly business class to use it. Get lounge access for just £5 with this Priority Pass deal Bristol Airport via Google Maps Save up to 40% on airport parking at 17 major UK airports – for just £2 £ 2.00 Buy now Buy now Planning a getaway? This £2 voucher gets you up to 40% off your next airport parking booking through FHR – with a choice of meet and greet, park & ride, or long-stay options. It covers 17 major airports, from Heathrow and Gatwick to Manchester, Edinburgh and beyond. You'll have access 24/7, and most bookings include flexible cancellation if plans change. It's a simple way to save money and avoid stress on travel day. Get up to 40% off UK airport parking with this £2 FHR voucher Wowcher Explore Europe your way with up to 40% off car hire – voucher just £2 £ 2.00 Buy now Buy now If you're planning a holiday and want the freedom to explore beyond the resort, this £2 car hire voucher could come in handy. It gives you up to 40% off rentals in top European destinations including Malta, Croatia, Italy and Greece, through trusted provider With thousands of vehicles to choose from and flexible pick-up points at airports and cities across the continent, it's an easy way to keep your travel plans on track – and in budget. Claim your £2 voucher for up to 40% off European car hire Canva Stay connected abroad from just £3.50 with easySim eSIM data for Europe, USA & Turkey £ 3.50 Buy now Buy now No more airport SIM hunts or surprise roaming bills. With this digital eSIM deal from £3.50, you can access reliable data across Europe, Turkey and the USA — just scan a QR code and you're online. Choose from bundles up to 50GB, with instant delivery to your device and no physical SIM required. It's a flexible and affordable option whether you're away for a few days or a longer trip. Get your easySim eSIM deal from just £3.50 Dunelm Dunelm's 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket is just £8 – and perfect for your next trip £ 8.00 Buy now Buy now This smart little buy from Dunelm is ideal if you've got a flight or long journey coming up. It works as both a travel pillow and a cosy blanket, packing down small so it won't take up much room in your hand luggage. Made from super-soft polyester and fully machine washable, it's a simple way to stay warm and comfortable whether you're flying long-haul or just napping on a train. Get the 2-in-1 travel pillow and blanket from Dunelm for £8 Canva Get beach-ready with MySweetSmile's gentle teeth whitening range £ 20.99 Buy now Buy now Sunshine, selfies and holiday cocktails – summer is here, and so are all the moments you'll want to capture with a glowing smile. Whether you're jetting off for a beach escape or heading to a sunny staycation, MySweetSmile can help you look your best. This UK best-seller offers peroxide-free, gentle whitening that works its magic without harsh ingredients or faff. Their powder is perfect for whitening before take-off, while the handy on-the-go pen is great for keeping your smile photo-ready poolside. Shop the full MySweetSmile summer-ready range here.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Mbeki's intervention in TRC damages litigation criticised as 'absurd' and 'muddying the waters'
The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) has described former president Thabo Mbeki's application to intervene in the constitutional damages litigation by survivors and families of apartheid-era crime victims as unreasonable and 'muddying the waters'. The application by Mbeki and his former justice minister, Brigitte Mabandla, is set to be heard on Monday, July 28, in the Pretoria High Court. The families of victims who were forcibly disappeared or killed during apartheid, supported by the foundation, filed an application against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government early this year, seeking R167-million in constitutional damages for the state's 'gross failure'. They say there was 'a gross violation of their human rights as the state failed to investigate and/or prosecute the cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the National Prosecutions Authority'. They alleged that there was some political interference in the cases, leading to delays of about 15 years. Speaking to eNCA on Thursday, FHR executive director Zaid Kimmie said they were not gunning for any individual or 'alleging that any particular individual was responsible'. He said they were seeking justice and the R167 million damages, and wanted to know 'potentially how this interference happened'. Those seeking to clear their names or 'cast aspersions on others' would have their opportunity in the upcoming commission of inquiry set up by Ramaphosa, said Kimmie. He said they believed that the commission was 'the correct avenue' that Mbeki and Mabandla should follow. He said the two politicians' intervention in the damages case was 'absurd' and posed a danger of muddying the waters. 'It's clear to us and all families that there was some form of interference in these cases. You don't simply have a 15-year delay in investigations and prosecutions because someone forgot to do their job. It's very clear that there was some sort of interference, and what we've asked for was that, to get to the bottom of that interference we need a commission of inquiry,' said Kimmie. He explained that the R167 million the families were seeking was carefully calculated based on the money used in supporting some of the families during inquests, investigations, prosecutions, and generally providing justice to them. 'Just to make it clear, the money that we're asking for is going to be held in trust. It will be available to any family who's in the same situation (as those in the damages case),' he said. Responding to a question about the 'unfinished business of the TRC' and whether, in his view, the state dealt with the issues adequately, Kimmie said: 'It's clear that there has been a gross violation of the human rights of these families. The state didn't do its job, did not live up to its obligations. And when the state does not live up to its obligations, then it's incumbent upon the people involved to call them to account … 'It's simply not enough to say 'well, bad things happened, these things happen', and everyone walks away.' The state had 'constitutional, legal obligations' and had officials paid to do their jobs, to investigate and prosecute cases. He said it was 'absurd' for them to 'simply decide' that a certain set of cases was 'not worthy' to be prosecuted. There have been allegations in the past that interference by the government under Mbeki during former national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli led to work on the case being stopped. There have not been any proper explanation as to why the TRC cases where amnesty was not granted were not pursued. These cases include the killing of the Cradock Four — Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli — members of the United Democratic Front and other community organisations fighting apartheid whose killings shocked the nation in 1985.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Mbeki's intervention in TRC damages litigation criticised as 'absurd' and 'muddying the waters'
Former President Thabo Mbeki's application to intervene in an apartheid-era damages claim has been criticised Image: DIRCO The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) has described former president Thabo Mbeki's application to intervene in the constitutional damages litigation by survivors and families of apartheid-era crime victims as unreasonable and 'muddying the waters'. The application by Mbeki and his former justice minister, Brigitte Mabandla, is set to be heard on Monday, July 28, in the Pretoria High Court. The families of victims who were forcibly disappeared or killed during apartheid, supported by the foundation, filed an application against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the government early this year, seeking R167-million in constitutional damages for the state's 'gross failure'. They say there was 'a gross violation of their human rights as the state failed to investigate and/or prosecute the cases referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to the National Prosecutions Authority'. They alleged that there was some political interference in the cases, leading to delays of about 15 years. Speaking to eNCA on Thursday, FHR executive director Zaid Kimmie said they were not gunning for any individual or 'alleging that any particular individual was responsible'. He said they were seeking justice and the R167 million damages, and wanted to know 'potentially how this interference happened'. Those seeking to clear their names or 'cast aspersions on others' would have their opportunity in the upcoming commission of inquiry set up by Ramaphosa, said Kimmie. He said they believed that the commission was 'the correct avenue' that Mbeki and Mabandla should follow. He said the two politicians' intervention in the damages case was 'absurd' and posed a danger of muddying the waters. 'It's clear to us and all families that there was some form of interference in these cases. You don't simply have a 15-year delay in investigations and prosecutions because someone forgot to do their job. It's very clear that there was some sort of interference, and what we've asked for was that, to get to the bottom of that interference we need a commission of inquiry,' said Kimmie. He explained that the R167 million the families were seeking was carefully calculated based on the money used in supporting some of the families during inquests, investigations, prosecutions, and generally providing justice to them. 'Just to make it clear, the money that we're asking for is going to be held in trust. It will be available to any family who's in the same situation (as those in the damages case),' he said. Responding to a question about the 'unfinished business of the TRC' and whether, in his view, the state dealt with the issues adequately, Kimmie said: 'It's clear that there has been a gross violation of the human rights of these families. The state didn't do its job, did not live up to its obligations. And when the state does not live up to its obligations, then it's incumbent upon the people involved to call them to account … 'It's simply not enough to say 'well, bad things happened, these things happen', and everyone walks away.' The state had 'constitutional, legal obligations' and had officials paid to do their jobs, to investigate and prosecute cases. He said it was 'absurd' for them to 'simply decide' that a certain set of cases was 'not worthy' to be prosecuted. There have been allegations in the past that interference by the government under Mbeki during former national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli led to work on the case being stopped. There have not been any proper explanation as to why the TRC cases where amnesty was not granted were not pursued. These cases include the killing of the Cradock Four — Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli — members of the United Democratic Front and other community organisations fighting apartheid whose killings shocked the nation in 1985. 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 Mbeki and Mabandla deny that political interference stopped the TRC cases and claim that the application is defamatory of them. The families oppose their application, arguing that they couldn't intervene simply to rebut adverse allegations. They say the damages and other relief they seek are 'not directed' against Mbeki or Mabandla but against the state; and if they feel they are or might be defamed they have recourse through 'normal legal remedies'. 'The families assert that the application can be decided without the need to make findings in respect of individual roleplayers, which will be the task of the commission of inquiry already established by the President, although it is yet to commence its work,' the FHR said in a statement on Thursday.
New Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission work 'unfinished' 30 years on
JOHANNESBURG: Nomonde Calata's tears as she testified in court last month about her husband's assassination 40 years ago echoed the raw anguish heard during South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings after apartheid ended in 1994. From 1996 to 1998, the TRC heard harrowing accounts of murders, torture and other apartheid-era abuses from hundreds of victims and some perpetrators, aiming to expose the horrors and begin healing. Internationally hailed as a model in reconciliation, 30 years later its reputation is tarnished at home, where critics say the exercise allowed some to get away with their crimes. Calata was one of the first to appear at a hearing. In her mid-thirties, she told of the 1985 assassinations by police of her husband and other anti-apartheid activists known as the Cradock Four, one of the era's most notorious cases. She recounted the story again this year in June at a new inquest, still seeking justice and closure, this time supported by lawyers from the "Unfinished Business of the TRC" programme of the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR), a non-profit organisation. Set up by the July 26, 1995 "Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act", the TRC heard about 7,000 applications for amnesty from perpetrators of gross human rights violations from 1960 to 1994, the year white-minority rule ended. It rejected most, including for six apartheid policemen who confessed to involvement in the Cradock killings, and recommended criminal prosecutions for 300 cases where there was no full disclosure or when the acts did not have a clear political purpose. But only a handful of these were pursued. Claims that follow-up was deliberately squashed, including by politicians in the post-apartheid leadership, led President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint an enquiry in May. With many perpetrators now deceased, the FHR hopes the investigation will uncover who blocked prosecutions and make them accountable instead, the group's executive director Zaid Kimmie, said. "So it would not be the original perpetrators," he told AFP. "But where people in the democratically elected post-1994 government interfered with criminal prosecutions, we hope that those people in turn will be pursued for the role that they have played in the miscarriage of justice." The TRC was a compromise for the "move forward without further bloodshed, without a civil war," Kimmie said. "Did it wipe away the antagonisms and the hurt that accumulated over the previous centuries? No, it couldn't do that," he said. Failure Of around 20,000 written witness accounts submitted to the TRC, more than 2,000 were heard in televised hearings open to the public. The process exposed the "full brutality" of apartheid as well as "some very hard truths" about anti-apartheid groups, said Verne Harris, who was a member of the TRC team. "Its most important achievement was to make any form of denial impossible -- denying the state terror, denying the special formations that were put in place by the apartheid state to assassinate activists and so on," he said.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Africa sets up inquiry into slow apartheid justice
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Wednesday a judicial inquiry into claims of deliberate delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes three decades after the end of white-minority rule. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) created in 1996 exposed crimes, including murder and torture, carried out during apartheid but few of these cases have progressed to trial. "Allegations of improper influence in delaying or hindering the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes have persisted from previous administrations," the presidency said in a statement. "Through this commission, President Ramaphosa is determined that the true facts be established and the matter brought to finality," it said. Led by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the TRC heard over two years harrowing accounts from hundreds of victims and perpetrators of apartheid-era abuse. It granted amnesty to 850 people who confessed to their crimes and also recommended more than 300 cases for prosecution. Ramaphosa would soon announce who would head the new inquiry as well as its timetable and terms of reference, the statement said. The announcement came after 25 families of victims and survivors sued Ramaphosa and the government in January over a lack of justice. They included the son of Fort Calata, among anti-apartheid activists known as the Cradock Four who were abducted and killed by security police in 1985. Lukhanyo Calata, whose father Fort was stabbed to death and burnt, said they looked forward to the hearings and finding out who interfered with the work of the National Prosecuting Authority. "Their dark and dastardly deeds must be brought into light. This is yet another crucial step to help the long suffering families on their journey towards truth, justice and closure," told AFP. - Compensation - The victims' legal suit sought constitutional damages for the government's alleged failure to investigate and try the case. "Following discussions involving the presidency, the families and other government bodies cited in the application, there was a joint agreement to establish the commission," Ramaphosa's office said. "Government will be seeking a stay of application on these outstanding matters pending the conclusion and outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry," it said. The rights group representing the victims said welcomed Ramaphosa's move but expressed displeasure at the mediation not ceding to all their demands. The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) said it rejected the proposal to use the commission to address victims' rights and constitutional damages, arguing that only a court can determine such matters. "The applicants are very disappointed at the about-turn of the president," FHR said in a statement. Critics have long alleged a covert agreement between the former white-minority government and the post-apartheid leadership of the African National Congress to prevent prosecutions. The foundation of the country's last white president, FW de Klerk, suggested in 2021 that prosecutors halted the trials due to an "informal agreement" between the post-apartheid leadership of the African National Congress and the former government. ho/giv
