South Africas National Holidays

When Apartheid ended and the African National Congress under Nelson Mandela came into power in South Africa in 1994, the national holidays were changed to days that would be meaningful to all South Africans. March 21: Human Rights Day On this day in 1960, the police killed 69 people at Sharpeville who were participating in a protest against the pass laws—laws that demanded blacks always carry passes. Many protesters were shot in the back. The carnage made world headlines. Four days later, the government banned black political organizations and many leaders were arrested or went into exile. During the Apartheid era, there were human rights abuses by all sides; the remembrance of Human Rights Day is but one step to ensure that the people of South Africa are aware of their human rights and to ensure that such abuses never again occur. April 27: Freedom Day This was the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa, an election when all adults could vote irrespective of their race, as well as the day in 1997 when the new constitution took effect. May 1: Workers Day Many countries around the world commemorate the contribution made by workers to society on May Day (America doesnt celebrate this holiday because of the days communist origins). It has traditionally been a day to protest for better wages and working conditions. Given the role that trade unions played in the fight for freedom, it is unsurprising that South Africa commemorates this day. June 16: Youth Day On June 16, 1976, students in Soweto rioted in protest against the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction of half their school curriculum, sparking eight months of violent uprisings across the country. Youth Day is a national holiday in honor of all the young people who lost their lives in the struggle against Apartheid and Bantu Education. July 18: Mandela Day On June 3 2009 in his State of the Nation address, President Jacob Zuma announced the annual celebration of South Africas most famous son—Nelson Mandela. Mandela Day  will be celebrated on the 18th of July each year. It will give people in South Africa and all over the world the opportunity to do something good to help others. Madiba was politically active for 67 years, and on Mandela Day people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, will be called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate. Let us wholeheartedly support Mandela Day and encourage the world to join us in this wonderful campaign. Despite his reference to wholehearted support, Mandela Day failed to become a national holiday; but Nelson Mandela International Day was established by the United Nations in November of 2009. Aug. 9: National Womens Day On this day in 1956, some 20,000 women marched to the Union government Buildings in Pretoria to protest against a law requiring black women to carry passes. This day is celebrated as a reminder of the contribution made by women to society, the achievements that have been made for womens rights, and to acknowledge the difficulties and prejudices many women still face. Sept. 24: Heritage Day Nelson Mandela used the phrase rainbow nation to describe South Africas diverse cultures, customs, traditions, histories, and languages. This day is a celebration of that diversity. Dec. 16: Day of Reconciliation Afrikaners traditionally celebrated December 16 as the Day of the Vow, remembering the day in 1838 when a group of Voortrekkers defeated a Zulu army at the Battle of Blood River, while ANC activists commemorated it as the day in 1961 when the ANC started to arm its soldiers to overthrow Apartheid. In the new South Africa, its a day of reconciliation, a day to focus on overcoming the conflicts of the past and building a new nation.

What Is Good Architecture Free Essays

How do you acknowledge something as â€Å"Good Architecture†? In Cesar Pelli’s â€Å"Connections†, he narrowed down eight â€Å"connections† of architecture with the world, which, when given importance, could help shape a good building. These connections can be helpful to architects and those who aspire to be one as he conveniently enumerated the factors, based on his observations, on how to have a good architecture. However, Cesar Pelli mentioned that ignoring one of these connections undermines the architecture, with which I disagree. We will write a custom essay sample on What Is Good Architecture or any similar topic only for you Order Now Personally, I think that the connection ‘time’ should be dependent on the place. He described this connection that architecture should go along with the modern architecture. However, for me, as long as the traditional building styles belong to a place and has an improved construction, I think that these structures should still be built as it preserves the cultural identity of that location. One example of how modern architecture disrupts the vibe of the surrounding buildings is the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building in the University of Santo Tomas. Passersby often described the design of this building as out-of-place because of its modern look compared to the other buildings in the university. On the other hand, the buildings in Calle Crisologo located in Vigan is an example of structures that ignored the connection ‘time’, but still doesn’t give off a disconnected feeling as its design, even the newly-built structures, suits the environment of the place. Throughout time, the meaning of â€Å"Good Architecture† was never definite. (â€Å"What Is Good Architecture?†, n.d.) Aside from what I mentioned above, I applaud Cesar Pelli’s writing of â€Å"Connections† as he clearly defined on how the eight connections contribute to a good architecture, especially when he cited some of his works that demonstrated his use of the eight â€Å"connections†. I also liked how the author didn’t limit the other architects as he mentioned that some may opt to have more or lesser â€Å"connections† than his. His purpose of introducing the connections were effective as he does not only gave description to them, but gave examples of how ignoring the connections may create an unpleasant output. How to cite What Is Good Architecture, Papers

None Provided8 Essay Paper Example For Students

None Provided8 Essay Paper This article, by Maggie Gallagher, a scholar at the Institute for American Values, is in response to an unsigned editorial in the New York Times called The Divorce Debate. Gallagher opposes the views of the editorial and tries to answer the question: What, if anything, can we do about the fact that at least half of our marriages fail? I was very turned-off by this article. First, it starts off with what the author thinks should be a shared assumption; the assumption stated that divorce is harmful for children. Not everyone believes that. She goes on by asking, Whatcan we do? Gallagher continues with her article by putting down other states because of their divorce stipulations. She says that they are not working. Yes, she did back that statement up with information from Judith Wallersteins book, Second Chance, and statistics from the Journal of Marriage and Family, but they were buried between the many instances in which she shared the views of her opposition. The way she recognized the reasoning behind the speedy spouse disposal or delayed backlash was a nice touch. Unfortunately, Gallagher was so involved with trying to show the other side of things, she forgot to give the reasoning behind her own ideas. Through the entire article, she used negative words or phrases to express her feelings on divorce; they include: harmful, delayed backlash, speedy spouse removal, eliminating, marital wrongdoing, dissolve a marriage, bitter conflict, unhappy marriages, bleak times, punishments, messy and irrelevant, and torment. However, she never once suggested a solution for the problem of divorce. How can one argue with the ideas of others, if that person has no argument of their own? After reading this article, I am pretty confident that the author has not personally been through a divorce of her own. This alone, could cause me to question her. I feel that a more personal article involving some of her own experiences would have been more convincing. I know that she was wr iting with a logical approach, but I believe an emotional one would have been better. Divorce is a topic that touches every person in so many different ways. If this article would have reached to the heart, it would have been more persuasive. Though I am unhappy with the way the topic was approached, I am sure that the essay was not quickly written. Their was a lot of research involved in this article. Gallagher explained how different states came up with different solutions for divorce. She discussed the no-fault divorce and the waiting period before a divorce. Her statistic was a great bonus. Divorce is certainly a great topic for debate as we head into the new millennium. There are many assumptions made about divorce, both shared and unshared. Some people believe that divorce is always a bad thing, no matter what the situation. Others believe its a matter of what is best for the children (if there are any). Gallagher challenges the assumption that no-fault will.remake divorce into a kinder, gentler institution. I believe that divorce is not necessarily the issue. The real question is, How do we make marriages work? Bibliography:

Problems of the Country an Example by

Problems of the Country by Expert Marvellous | 22 Dec 2016 1. One of the problems facing the US today is that of illegal migration. According to the estimates of the INS (currently CIS), in January 2000, the total population of illegal migrants in the US comprised 7 million people (CIS 2003). Out of those, 32% lived in California, and largest increases in the numbers of illegal aliens were also posted in Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Georgia, and North Carolina (CIS 2003). Need essay sample on "Problems of the Country" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The estimates of the Census Bureau show an even higher number, 8 million illegal aliens living in the US as of 2000. The Center for Immigration Studies finds that the two "magnets" which attract illegal aliens are jobs and family connections. Discrepancy in salaries between American workers and those in developing nations drive people across the border. The result is illegal networks that help channel new entrants across the border. Despite measures taken to combat the problem, the flow does not abate. Angela Kelley, deputy director of the National Immigration Forum, states that the continued growth of that population simply shows that current immigration policy "is broken" (Moreno 2005:A02). One way to combat illegal migration is to supply all legal entrants as well as citizens with some sort of ID that will be required in virtually all establishments: banks, supermarkets, stores etc. The lack of such identification will become instant proof of illegal status or indication of need to perform a background check for the police or other law enforcement bodies. Another serious problem that emerged only recently is the incumbent Administrations crackdown on free exchange of information. Especially worrisome is White House's directive that allows the NSA to monitor the calls and e-mails of Americans without court approval (Arlen Specter to Dick Cheney: Butt Out on Wiretap Probe). The initiative is assumed to violate the constitutional rights of Americans. Yet it is presented as an important tool in combating terrorism and was labelled by the President as a terrorist surveillance program (Bush Defends). It seems necessary in this respect to introduce additional legislation that will protect civil liberties in the face of the stepped up efforts in the fight against terrorism. The new acts have to outlaw any indiscriminate tapping of phones or e-mails, subjecting them to the court approval. 2. One of the future problems that have attracted a lot of debate is the projected shortfall in Social Security. Washington Posts editorial No Social Security 'Crisis' cites the projections of a gap of $3.7 trillion in the next 75 years. The solutions are delayed because politicians do not risk voting for unpopular measures that may alienate voters. Some politicians even question the very existence of the crisis. Thus, R-Calif. Bill Thomas insisted that lawmakers have to reach a consensus on the level of urgency and the magnitude of the problem (Lawrence 2005). However, independent analysts arrived at the conclusion that the Trustees' projections for productivity, labor force growth, and longevity show the projections to be reasonable and perhaps even optimistic (Biggs 2000). Slow growth of the economy combined with aging of the population is bound to result in shortfall in Social Security. While it is clear that seniors may have to work longer in order to provide for themselves, it makes sense to start a program creating special senior jobs. These jobs can be offered to people over 65 who are still willing to put in a few hours a day. Either corporations or special entities can find ways to utilize the expertise and experience accumulated by seniors without straining their fragile health. Another problem that will surface in the nearest future is the need to accommodate soldiers returning from Iraq. Many soldiers discovered that homecoming proved a far more complicated, even conflicted, experience than it seemed it would be back in Iraq when they thought of little else (Myers 2003). The soldiers often encounter the so-called Vietnam syndrome manifested in alienation, depression and a range of psychological disorders (Satel 2004). Even if they feel more or less sound psychologically, there is a new problem: many veterans are struggling with finding work as their long absence from the workforce and psychological problems make them less attractive to employers (Reserve soldiers at a loss for jobs). The solution for soldiers problems can come from soldiers unions, but should be facilitated by the government. Thus, the federal government can offer an incentive plan to businesses that want to hire soldiers returning from the war. Incentives can be offered in the form of tax breaks or additional guarantees for loans taken out by businesses that hire 3 or more Iraqi veterans. 3. I do hope that the US can address its problems with due effort. Throughout the centuries, this nation faced a variety of challenges, yet each time emerged vigorous and able to protect itself from future challenges. The strong civil institutions including non-governmental organizations and independent press are a powerful means of identifying problems. The mechanisms for their resolution do not always prove effective, but they reflect ultimately the evils of society that is not always capable of adequate action. Our country does not face the serious challenges that confront developing nations such as access to fresh water, basic sanitation etc. However, the problem of the US is that it is already a great power with much to lose. It takes effective and imminent action to remedy the problems in order to continue as a great power. References Bush Defends NSA Electronic Surveillance Program. Tech Law Journal. 12 Jun. 06 http://www.techlawjournal.com/alert/2006/01/24.asp>. Center for Immigration Studies. Illegal Immigration. 12 Jun. 06 . Drum, Kevin. Bush and the Separation of Powers. Washington Monthly 18 December 2005. 12 Jun. 06 . Lawrence, J. (2005, January 23). Social Security 'crisis' questioned. USA TODAY 23 January 2005. 12 Jun. 06 . Moreno, Sylvia. Flow of Illegal Immigrants to U.S. Unabated: Mexicans Make Up Largest Group; D.C. Area Numbers Up 70 Percent Since 2000. Washington Post 22 March 2005, A02. Myers, Steven Lee. The Struggle for Iraq: With the Third pision; Returning From Iraq War Not So Simple for Soldiers. New York Times 12 September 2003. 12 Jun. 06 . No Social Security 'Crisis'. Washington Post 1 February 2005, A16. Reserve soldiers at a loss for jobs. Washington Times 1 July 2005. 12 Jun. 06 . Satel, Sally. Returning From Iraq, Still Fighting Vietnam. New York Times 5 March 2005. 12 Jun. 06 . U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). Executive Summary: Estimates of the Unauthorized Immigrant Population Residing in the United States: 1990 to 2000. January 2003. 12 Jun. 06 .

Marrying Homosexuals essays

Marrying Homosexuals essays Homosexuals should be allowed to marry because the disallowance of it violates their constitutional rights. Marriage is an institution long recognized by our government under the right to pursue happiness, and denying that right to any couple, regardless of gender, is unconstitutional. This argument, though, is not disputed. In fact, none of the arguments raised in opposition to the allowance of homosexual marriages takes into account the constitutional rights afforded to all humans. The arguments are only in relation to the possible repercussions (real or imagined) of granting these rights. Our nation was built and has always been based on the fundamental principles of freedom expressed in the Declaration of Independence and through our Constitution. The opponents of homosexual marriage need to remember what freedom means to America, and understand the significance of setting a precedent that denies that freedom. The Supreme Court has long recognized that the institution of marriage is one of the rights guaranteed to all Americans by our Constitution. On the Internet, you can find the full text of the following Supreme Court cases. In the case of Loving v. Virginia, the Supreme Court said, The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men. In the case of Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, the Supreme Court said, This Court has long recognized that freedom of personal choice in matters of marriage and family life is one of the liberties protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. At this time, however, marriage is only granted to heterosexual couples. Although homosexuals live under the same constitution, they are not afforded the same rights as heterosexuals. The reasons presented against the allowance of homosexual marriage are flimsy, and have nothing to do with the constitutio...

Economics of exchange rates Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economics of exchange rates - Essay Example Operating under such a business scenario is too risky for any business. This is because, regardless of how much sales a business makes, and regardless of how much a business tries to minimize its costs and expenditures, it will always find itself on the receiving end, where its performance is not dependent on its efficiency or effectiveness but rather on the behavior of the foreign exchange markets (Sarno & Taylor, 2005, p. 83). XJP receives virtually all its supplies directly from J&J Ltd, which, in turn, invoices all the costs and expenditures in Euros. On the contrary, XJP makes its sales in Chinese Renminbi. Therefore, it has to convert the income made from the sales from the Chinese currency into the Euros so that it can submit its payment to J&J Ltd. This means that the amount XJP pays to J&J is not solely dependent on the value of the supplies it receives from this company, but also on the rate at which the Chinese currency exchanges for the Euro.... However, if the foreign currency gains over the local currency, XJP will be forced to pay the cost of supplies at higher costs. This will in turn reduce its profit margin (Moffett, Stonehill & Eiteman, 2008, p. 254). Therefore, system through which XJP and J&J structure and manage their currency exposure is not suitable for the business, since it influences their performance and growth negatively. This is because, even when they apply suitable strategies to grow their business and increase their profitability, it is not possible to achieve their targets, since the target will always depend on the exchange rates (Sarno & Taylor, 2005, p. 90). Therefore, the most suitable way for them to structure their business is employ a system that allows XJP to purchase and pay for its supplies using the local currency. This will serve to remove the uncertainty involved in the operation of the foreign currency markets, making it possible for the business to Strategize on improving its profitabilit y and consequently achieving the desired growth (Coyle, 2000, p. 41). Case Question 2: The situation in which XJP finds itself is very different from that of other foreign subsidiaries owned by J&J worldwide. This is because, while the other foreign subsidiaries are decentralized, allowing them to take responsibility of their own structure from top to bottom, the case is different for XJP. The organizational structure of XJP is characterized by a lot of control from its parent company. Thus, XJP is not capable for planning and procuring its own supplies, inclusive of the raw material, but instead depends on J&J to supply it accordingly (Moffett, Stonehill & Eiteman, 2008, p. 255). This arrangement might be beneficial for enhancing

The National Plan of Action for the Garment Industry of Bangladesh Essay - 145

The National Plan of Action for the Garment Industry of Bangladesh - Essay Example The two incidences triggered protest that facilitated the implementation of the Multi-stakeholder Accord on Fire and Building to boost the corporate environment and offered new dimensions in the occupational safety, health, and environmental reporting of the firms in Bangladesh. Besides, the disasters enabled the adoption of the National Tripartite Plan of Action (NTPA) at the local, regional, and international platforms (Khan and Wichterich 11). The Accord and NTPA offered the platform for collaboration of the stakeholders towards enhancing the safety of the workers. It is in this regards that Khan and Wichterich aimed to assess the level of implementation, achievements, and possible hindrances towards the realization of the objectives. Immediately, the NTPA and the Accord attracted public admiration, and the implementers strived to attain the goals. Some of the primary initiatives comprised corrective action plans, capacity building, and inspection of the facilities. Despite the advantages of the strategies and great anticipation, the strategies have no noticeable impacts. The findings indicate the presence of the gendered prejudice and the associated mishandling of the workers according to their genders. It also shows that the labor power and collective bargain is in the preliminary phase. However, the findings evidence significant progress to advance the occupational health and safety. Predominantly, the findings indicate a clash of power negotiations in the global apparel chains with a particular focus on the RMG accumulation (Khan and Wichterich 36). Given the magnitude of the responsibility and public expectations, the study realized minimal advancement that raises issues about the seriousness of the target ag ency and stakeholders. The responsible institutions and stakeholders lost focus and the associated power structures hinder the realization of the goals.