Latest news with #staffwelfare
Telegraph
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Nigerian agriculture ministry workers ‘told to fast and pray' to end hunger crisis
Nigeria's agriculture ministry has called on staff to pray and fast to address the West African nation's hunger crises. An internal memo sent late last week urged staff to participate in Monday lunchtime prayer and fasting sessions to seek 'divine intervention for protection and national development'. The leaked memo prompted mockery on social media, where critics alleged it showed the country was not serious about tackling malnutrition and food shortages. The circular signed by the director of human resources invited all staff 'to a solemn prayer session for God's guidance and success in supporting the government's efforts to achieve food security'. Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation, but the World Food Programme (WFP) last year estimated that around 27 million of its 220 million population had a severe lack of food. The ministry was quickly forced to clarify that the prayer circular did not represent official policy for finding a solution to the problem. It said the prayer meetings had been suggested as a staff welfare and morale activity, after the untimely deaths of several employees. A statement explained: 'The ministry wishes to inform that the prayer session is an initiative of the human resource department to address the well being of the staff, just as the already existing monthly aerobic exercise and establishment of the gymnasium in the ministry are for physical fitness [and] as the regular medical check-up of staff are for their health.' 'The prayer was to address the apprehensiveness of staff over the recent untimely and successive death of management staff of the ministry.' WFP's 2024 report on Nigeria said entrenched insecurity in the north east, floods, and economic woes had all badly hit food supply. The cost of basic food staples including sorghum, millet, maize, and wheat, climbed sharply over 2024, leaving many unable to feed themselves properly.
The Herald
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald
KZN health officials visit family of late doctor amid probe into tragic death
Mazwi, from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, was diagnosed with diabetes 10 months ago. According to allegations, he had informed his supervisor of his deteriorating health but was reportedly still required to report for duty. He collapsed on his way to work the day before his death, raising serious concerns about working conditions and staff welfare in public hospitals. His mother, Thabisa Maqoqa, a single parent, expressed deep gratitude for the government's visit while pleading for answers and justice. 'All I want is closure. My son showed no signs of illness or distress and I just want to understand what happened. I raised him on my own and it means a lot to have you here today,' she said. During the visit, Msimango spoke to the grieving family, offering both compassion and assurances of transparency. 'We are here today not just to mourn, but to stand with you as a family. On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal government and KZN department of health, we pledge to offer you all the support you need. An all-encompassing investigation has been launched and we will ensure that you are informed of the findings once the process is complete,' she said. Msimango also commended the Mnquma local municipality for the assistance and support it has provided to the Mazwi family during this difficult time. Dr Fikile Ndlovu added the provincial government's voice to the call for a thorough investigation. 'We are committed to ensuring this matter is handled with urgency, sensitivity, and transparency,' said Ndlovu. The KwaZulu-Natal health department has launched a formal investigation, while national health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has requested the health ombud to conduct an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mazwi's death. Mazwi will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 29, in Gcuwa. TimesLIVE
