Latest news with #communityempowerment
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Government promises community control as ‘new dawn' Bill introduced
'Landmark' legislation will enable communities to 'take back control' of their regions and boost economic growth across the country, the Government has said. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which will receive its first reading in the House of Commons on Thursday, includes what is described as 'radical reset of local government' and protections for local businesses, as well as measures to enable strategic collaboration across wider areas on issues such as transport. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the Bill provides a 'new dawn of regional power' that will 'rebalance decade old divides'. Among a range of measures, the Bill would introduce a 'community right to buy' through which communities have the first option to purchase local assets such as pubs and shops that are placed on the market. Clauses in commercial leases which enforce 'upward only' rent reviews will be banned in a bid to keep small businesses afloat, helping to end the 'blight of vacant high streets' and anti-social behaviour. The Bill would also establish a new requirement for councils to put in place 'effective neighbourhood governance' aimed at giving local people a direct say in decisions about their areas. As part of boosting the powers available to regional mayors, they will be responsible for developing local economic plans and gain control over licensing for e-bikes and planning decisions to 'set the direction of growth'. Mayors will also be able to impose 'development orders' to speed up developments, while new 'mayoral development corporations' are intended to streamline implementation and attract investment. In a push to restore taxpayers' trust in council spending, the Government has also pledged to address long delays in the process of local authority financial audits. As previously announced, a Local Audit Office will be established to 'increase transparency, simplify and streamline the system'. Ms Rayner said: 'We were elected on a promise of change, not just for a few areas cherry-picked by a Whitehall spreadsheet, but for the entire country. 'It was never going to be easy to deliver the growth our country desperately needed with the inheritance we were dumped with. 'But that's why we are opting to devolve not dictate and delivering a Bill that will rebalance decade old divides and empower communities. 'We're ushering in a new dawn of regional power and bringing decision making to a local level so that no single street or household is left behind and every community thrives from our Plan for Change.' Local government minister Jim McMahon said power concentrated in Westminster and Whitehall has left councils 'frustrated and diminished'. He added: 'This failed approach has held back growth across our country for far too long. 'Local people see this in the job market, on the high street and in their own household security and prosperity. 'Devolution begins the work of fixing that, with this Bill delivering freedom to local leaders to make decisions for their local areas in partnership with local communities, unleashing more growth and more opportunities for people as part of our Plan for Change.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Government promises community control as ‘new dawn' Bill introduced
'Landmark' legislation will enable communities to 'take back control' of their regions and boost economic growth across the country, the Government has said. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which will receive its first reading in the House of Commons on Thursday, includes what is described as 'radical reset of local government' and protections for local businesses, as well as measures to enable strategic collaboration across wider areas on issues such as transport. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said the Bill provides a 'new dawn of regional power' that will 'rebalance decade old divides'. Among a range of measures, the Bill would introduce a 'community right to buy' through which communities have the first option to purchase local assets such as pubs and shops that are placed on the market. Clauses in commercial leases which enforce 'upward only' rent reviews will be banned in a bid to keep small businesses afloat, helping to end the 'blight of vacant high streets' and anti-social behaviour. The Bill would also establish a new requirement for councils to put in place 'effective neighbourhood governance' aimed at giving local people a direct say in decisions about their areas. As part of boosting the powers available to regional mayors, they will be responsible for developing local economic plans and gain control over licensing for e-bikes and planning decisions to 'set the direction of growth'. Mayors will also be able to impose 'development orders' to speed up developments, while new 'mayoral development corporations' are intended to streamline implementation and attract investment. In a push to restore taxpayers' trust in council spending, the Government has also pledged to address long delays in the process of local authority financial audits. As previously announced, a Local Audit Office will be established to 'increase transparency, simplify and streamline the system'. Ms Rayner said: 'We were elected on a promise of change, not just for a few areas cherry-picked by a Whitehall spreadsheet, but for the entire country. 'It was never going to be easy to deliver the growth our country desperately needed with the inheritance we were dumped with. 'But that's why we are opting to devolve not dictate and delivering a Bill that will rebalance decade old divides and empower communities. 'We're ushering in a new dawn of regional power and bringing decision making to a local level so that no single street or household is left behind and every community thrives from our Plan for Change.' Local government minister Jim McMahon said power concentrated in Westminster and Whitehall has left councils 'frustrated and diminished'. He added: 'This failed approach has held back growth across our country for far too long. 'Local people see this in the job market, on the high street and in their own household security and prosperity. 'Devolution begins the work of fixing that, with this Bill delivering freedom to local leaders to make decisions for their local areas in partnership with local communities, unleashing more growth and more opportunities for people as part of our Plan for Change.'
News24
10-07-2025
- General
- News24
How can I fix a pothole? Who is my councillor? New platform helps you ‘fix local'
A new platform called fixlocal has been launched to give residents information on how to fix problems in their neighbourhoods. It was founded after many community forums were able to effect change in small ways in their areas. Available online and on WhatsApp, co-founder Mark Heywood says the platform is not trying to reinvent the wheel but empower citizens to know where to go all in one place. A new platform is bringing the residents closer to those who have the authority to fix issues in their neighbourhoods, by providing people with the information they need. Called fixlocal, the platform is a 'a one-stop shop' where residents can find and get into contact with relevant authorities, hold them to account, get organised, or learn how to fix problems themselves. READ | Frustrated Welverdiend residents fix potholes while R59m road budget sits unused According to co-founder Mark Heywood, the platform is not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it aims to bring authorities closer to citizens and empower communities with knowledge of how local spheres work. 'The end goal is to help us get to the point where our communities are safe, functional, clean, dignified and where local government works in partnership and efficiently with local communities. That's that. That's what it is all about. It is to empower the citizen to make our lives better,' Heywood tells News24. The platform is accessible online and on WhatsApp – and an app is in development. It has coverage of 18 metros, providing contact details of councillors or departments to which to address specific problems: be it for potholes, water or electricity. Visit its website or write to info@ For example, you can search the name and contact details of your ward councillor and geo-locate your ward in case you don't know where to look. According to Heywood, this is the first time the geo-locator and the contact details of councillors can be found in one place. So why start this? The idea was sparked in 2024 when the director of Heartlines and fixlocal founder Garth Japhet believed there was a huge amount of local activism that was succeeding in getting problems seen to. As a result, the platform also hosts a number of success stories, which are updated regularly. As examples of the power of local activism, Heywood points to: The Johannesburg Crisis Alliance: Concerned citizens got together in June 2023 to try to arrest the growing crisis in many parts of and services in Johannesburg. They still meet four times a year. Senekal/Matwabeng Community Forum: The forum originated from the need to revitalise the town through active community participation. The forum aims to initiate, develop and implement various projects to restore the town of Senekal. Parkrun South Africa: This forum makes people aware of the value of parks and public spaces. 'Ultimately, this is not an attempt to circumvent local government,' Heywood says. 'It's an attempt to bring the hot breath of the citizen more closely to the relevant officials and to make them more responsive, but also foster partnership in local communities.'
Malay Mail
09-07-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
UNHCR and LOJEL Join Forces to Launch The Simplest Act: A Global Campaign Celebrating Simple Gestures That Make a Difference
The Simplest Act - With Refugee Bracelet (HK$100) comes in Blue + Gray, White + Gray, and Blue + White HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 9 July 2025 - LOJEL, the global brand that offers modern luggage and everyday carry products, announces a new partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, withcampaign. This collaboration highlights how even the smallest gestures can help restore dignity, hope, and agency to displaced the heart of this initiative is the launch of a—a simple object with a powerful in collaboration with UNHCR and MADE51, a global initiative brought to life by UNHCR that brings traditional skills and heritage of forcibly displaced persons to the world, LOJEL is proud to introduceMade by displaced artisans living in South Sudan, the bracelet features a beaded band and an engraved metal emblem, with every detail speaking to intentionality and care. It is not a fashion item, but a quiet statement of solidarity—a reminder that empathy can be carried with us, worn openly, and from every bracelet go directly to supporting UNHCR's work with displaced communities living in South steps towards community empowerment make this collaboration a natural evolution of its sustainability initiatives. The brand works with local organizations to donate suitcases for displaced communities across Hong Kong, Singapore, and the U.S. Everycontributes to a cycle of support that provides essentials like clean water, shelter, and education to South Sudan's forcibly displaced the UN Refugee Agency, works around the world to protect people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. Their mission is to safeguard rights, offer critical support, & help displaced communities rebuild with is an initiative of UNHCR that gives people forced to flee their homes the opportunity to use their skills and heritage to build brighter futures"Working with the UNHCR has allowed us to turn our values into real support for the displaced people in South Sudan," said Dipti Paryani, Sustainability Manager at LOJEL. "In an era where traveling for leisure is commonplace, we cannot forget or neglect those for whom freedom of movement is a necessity for survival."Fashion Walk: 2-4 Kingston Street, Causeway BayK11 MUSEA: Shop 353, 3F, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha TsuiThe One: GA06, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha TsuiLCX: Kiosk 20A & B, LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha TsuiThe Wai: Shop 428A, 4/F, 18 Che Kung Miu Road, Tai WaiYOHO Mall: Shop 2005, 2/F, 9 Long Yat Road, Yuen LongTuen Mun Town Plaza: Block 4, Phase 1, Kiosk 2, 2/F, 1 Tuen Shun Street, Tuen MunRoyalmount: 1205, 5050 Côte de Liesse, Ville Mont-Royal, QC H4P 0C92183 W 4th Ave Vancouver, BC V6K 1N7 CanadaHashtag: #lojelcommunity #UNHCRxLOJEL #LOJELTheSimplestAct The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About LOJEL LOJEL creates carry essentials that simplify movement, enabling individuals to focus on what matters most. Founded in Japan in 1989, LOJEL's mission is to empower journeys through thoughtfully designed products that promote mindful movement and sustainability. Guided by three key principles—"Less, but better," ensuring high-quality design; "Simply User-Centric," prioritizing your needs; and "Modern Movement," offering adaptable solutions—LOJEL delivers innovative carry essentials for all aspects of mobility, from international travel to everyday commutes. LOJEL is headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Yokohama, Vancouver, and Singapore, and sales locations across Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and the UAE, as well as online sales in Asia and North America.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MultiChoice's 2025 ESG Report shows progress toward a sustainable, inclusive, empowered Africa
The MultiChoice Group today proudly released its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for the financial year ended March 2025. The report underscores the company's enduring commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, responsible governance, and inclusive growth across Africa. More than just a review of milestones, the report charts a clear course for a future where purpose and progress work hand in hand to enrich lives and safeguard the continent's cultural, environmental, and economic legacy. 'At MultiChoice, our mission has always gone beyond entertainment,' said Litlhare Moteetee-Murendo, head of corporate affairs at MultiChoice. 'We believe in being a catalyst for meaningful change. Whether it's through protecting our environment, nurturing local talent, creating jobs, or fighting piracy, our ESG approach is deeply rooted in the belief that a better tomorrow starts with what we do today.' MultiChoice's ESG strategy is guided by its alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a targeted focus on goals where it can drive measurable impact from clean energy and quality education to decent work, gender equality, and climate action. This report provides in-depth insight into how the group's policies and programmes are delivering tangible benefits across its operating markets. Environment Africa is among the region's most vulnerable to climate change, yet it also holds immense potential for green innovation. MultiChoice recognises its responsibility to reduce its environmental impact and actively contribute to the continent's sustainability journey. Its environmental strategy rests on four foundational pillars: strategic partnerships, conservation of natural resources, solutions that enhance environmental performance, and minimising the company's operational footprint. A highlight of the year was MultiChoice's continued partnership with The Earthshot Prize, the world's most prestigious environmental award launched by Prince William. As a proud member of the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance, MultiChoice helped bring this global celebration of environmental innovation to African soil for the very first time. The 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony, held in Cape Town and broadcast live on MultiChoice platforms, showcased groundbreaking solutions aimed at healing the planet. The event not only spotlighted global innovations but also amplified the voice of African changemakers. To date, Africa has made notable impact towards environmental sustainability: - 10 African Earthshot Prize finalists since 2021. - Three African winners, including two announced in 2024: Keep It Cool (Kenya) and GAYO (Ghana). - 950+ African nominees since inception, with nearly 400 in 2024 alone. - £6m in partnerships raised last year to support environmental entrepreneurship and innovation on the continent. Beyond the ceremony, Earthshot Week included a Fellowship Retreat and year-long support programmes that provided each finalist with resources, technical assistance, mentorship, and access to a global ecosystem of investors and philanthropists. This partnership reflects MultiChoice's belief in Africa-led climate solutions and its role in scaling innovations that can change the world. Social MultiChoice's social investments are designed to uplift communities, promote equity, and build future-facing industries across the continent. Through flagship programmes in sports development, storytelling, and skills training, the company empowers individuals to unlock opportunities and reach their full potential. Empowering local talent through storytelling The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) continues to be a cornerstone of creative skills development in Africa. In FY25, MTF celebrated the graduation of 86 young filmmakers, bringing the total number of industry-ready graduates to 486 since inception. Working in partnership with organisations such as Zee World, Sony, Mastercard Foundation, and local government institutions, the initiative provides hands-on training, masterclasses, and critical exposure to real-world production environments. Elevating girls in sports The DStv Schools Netball Challenge proved to be one of the year's standout community initiatives. In 2024, over 2,800 high schools participated in the tournament, involving more than 28,000 schoolgirls from cluster stages to national finals. The Ubuntu Stream saw Khombindlela High School from KZN emerge victorious and later named School of the Year at the KZN Sports Awards. In the Botho Stream, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool defended its 2023 title, showcasing the depth and consistency of talent development. Let's Play multipurpose sports fields Through the Let's Play initiative, MultiChoice has installed multipurpose sports fields at schools in underserved communities. To date, over 140,000 learners have benefited from these facilities. In FY25, over 250 teachers completed the Premier Skills Teacher Training Programme, a joint initiative with the English Premier League to build capacity in delivering effective physical education. 10 years of the DStv Diski Challenge Over the last decade, the DStv Diski Challenge has become an essential pipeline for local football talent. More than 350 players have progressed to Premiership clubs, and over 260 have represented South Africa in junior and senior national teams. In FY2025 alone: - 23 of the 46 players who helped the U17 and U20 teams qualify for the FIFA World Cups came from Diski Challenge teams. - 19 players were promoted to the premiership, including rising star Mbekezele Mbokazi of Orlando Pirates. The 10th season of the Diski Challenge demonstrated its crucial role in talent development and national team success, as both the U17 and U20 sides qualified for the AFCON, a gateway to the World Cup. Governance MultiChoice holds itself to the highest standards of corporate governance and ethical conduct, ensuring that trust remains central to its relationship with stakeholders. A key governance priority continues to be the intensification of efforts to combat piracy and illegal content retransmission, issues that threaten not only company revenues but the broader media and creative industries across Africa. Piracy is not just a legal challenge. It undermines local content creators, discourages investment, and distorts the entertainment economy. In response, MultiChoice spearheaded multi-jurisdictional collaborations through the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative. In FY25 alone: - Over 155 successful anti-piracy raids conducted. - 4,351 illegal networks shut down. - 107 individuals arrested across the continent. PAP's international footprint continues to expand, with Ethiopia becoming a focal point in 2024. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MultiChoice Africa, the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport, and the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority to enhance IP enforcement and preserve the country's rich cultural legacy. With increasingly sophisticated digital tools, MultiChoice is tracking and dismantling pirate operations while educating consumers about the dangers of illegal streaming. This dual approach of enforcement and awareness is vital to preserving the integrity of Africa's creative industries. Economic contribution MultiChoice's economic contribution goes well beyond direct employment. Its enterprise development initiatives, skills-building programmes, and inclusive procurement practices create ripple effects that stimulate economic activity and uplift historically disadvantaged communities. Through the MultiChoice Innovation Fund, the company has supported 79 black-owned businesses, with at least 50% black-female ownership, with over R410m in loans, grants, and business development support. This initiative has already created more than 1,000 jobs, reinforcing the company's role in nurturing the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Since its partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES), MultiChoice has facilitated the creation of 1,980 jobs for young South Africans. These roles offer more than work experience; they provide a gateway to permanent employment and economic mobility. As Africa's leading entertainment platform, MultiChoice recognises the unique position it holds, not just to entertain, but to empower, educate, and enable. 'With each programme, each graduate, and each innovation we support, we are actively shaping a more resilient and inclusive Africa,' said Murendo. 'Our ESG commitments are not an add-on, they are fundamental to who we are and how we do business.' The full ESG Report is available at It provides a comprehensive look into the company's impact across environmental, social, and governance metrics, and the stories of people and communities who have been empowered along the way.
