Lawyers for Human Rights launch detention hotline over migrants’ plight:
Lawyers for Human Rights has been inundated with calls for help mostly from immigrants who have been detained and cannot afford legal representation. The organisation launched its immigration detention hotline about a month ago.
Head of penal reform at the organisation, Nabeelah Mia, said they deal with an average of about 35 calls a day. The hotline was introduced after observing that immigration officers and police are increasingly detaining immigrants without following the proper procedures under the Immigration Act.
She said another issue is the restrictive immigration policies and practices being implemented by the department of home affairs, including rejection of asylum seeker applications and the cancellation of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).
“This has seen an increase in the number of immigrants being detained or at risk of detention. The hotline was therefore established in response to this. It was also a way to streamline access to legal assistance and advice to people in distressing situations,” Mia said.
The organisation has employees who screen all the calls and provide immediate legal advice where possible. For complaints beyond their capabilities, Mia said people are directed to other organisations in their detention monitoring network.
“We also encourage lawyers who wish to be a part of the referral network to contact us,” she added.
In cases where an immigrant has already been arrested or detained for issues related to their document’s status, Mia said the aim is to get that person released as soon as possible.
“However, we have quite a significant number of requests for assistance from people not detained but who have questions related to their documentation.”
Mia said their walk-in offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Musina see hundreds of people a week who are desperate for assistance.
She said the hotline is toll free. There is also a WhatsApp messaging number. The initiative is part of a collaboration between Lawyers for Human Rights and the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town.
The immigration detention hotline toll-free call number is 0800079614 or WhatsApp or message to +27817168791.
This story was first published by GroundUp.
The Flavour Hunter: Eatery goes the whole nine yards:
An outstanding menu, freshly prepared food, exceptional decor and ambience and breathtaking views is what you can expect when you book at The Nines in Sea Point, Cape Town.
Entering The Nines, the ocean views are what strike you first. It is on the ninth floor of the Station House development, which just screams “Instagrammable”.
The sea vistas make an amazing backdrop for a special afternoon lunch or a romantic date night, not to mention the earthy, bronze tones of the interior, which create a luxurious, modern and chic dining experience.
The Nines has a bar and a sophisticated cocktail lounge which work well for grabbing a few drinks with friends or a late-night celebration.
But what’s really fabulous about The Nines, beyond the carefully curated space, is the cuisine, which mixes classic and contemporary dishes, such as asparagus risotto for those who don’t eat meat and sixty-day dry-aged prime ribs.
Everything on the menu has a story. When you open it, it feels as if you’re reading the chapters of a book. Each page has a subheading detailing the dish and tells you what you can expect to experience.
The beverage selection is just as exciting, versatile and seasonal, ranging from signature cocktails to a generous wine and bubbles selection. The story behind the flavours of the drinks makes tasting them more meaningful and interesting.
Ideal for: Impressing a partner on a romantic sunset date, meeting friends for drinks or a special occasion. The spacious interior, beautiful rooftop views and delicious food set the perfect mood for a memorable date or celebration.
Order this: Try the seafood risotto, prepared using white tiger prawns, Patagonian baby squid, sea bass and Saldanha Bay black mussels topped with pomodoro sauce and mascarpone to add a rich and creamy texture and taste.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, order the sixty-four percent Valrhona chocolate bomb made with warm ganache and peanut mousse. Caramelised banana ice cream adds the perfect finish to a delectable dessert.
Signature bev: Pina Picante. This cocktail is a balance between sweet and intense. It’s made with Tullamore Dew XO Whiskey, pineapple, lime, ginger and maple, creating a juicy and tangy taste, served over a block of ice.
You’ll like this eatery if: You relish an international dining experience. From the upscale bar to the cocktail lounge, The Nines serves good food and good views.
The Friday mood is: Instagrammable moments. The service is good, the food even better, and the aesthetics are the right balance between fun and classy to make for an unforgettable dining experience. But make sure to book — it is the restaurant of the moment in Cape Town.
Social Media: @thenines on Instagram /The Nines Cape Town on Facebook.
Location: Station House, 19 Kloof Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town.
30 years of Boom Shaka with the Mail & Guardian:
The mid-1990s in South Africa saw the emergence of one of the country’s biggest kwaito groups. Boom Shaka hit the music scene in 1993 and consisted of four members — Lebo Mathosa, Theo Nhlengethwa, Junior Sokhela and Thembi Seete.
Their debut single It’s About Time, released in 1993, marked the beginning of what would be an 11-year career that had an exceptional effect on the country’s music landscape.
Emerging while South Africa was transitioning into a democracy, the band became a defining sound for young people. It wasn’t just the music that captivated the nation, it was their vibrant nature, edgy fashion sense and sometimes provocative choreography that inspired the youngsters of then.
The group also laid the foundation for other local kwaito and pop groups that would follow in similar footsteps such as Adilah, Jamali and 101.
The band graced international stages alongside Janet Jackson, Tevin Campbell and Shabba Ranks. Boom Shaka also introduced the country to Lebo Mathosa, who would become a musician that left a lasting impression on many, including other entertainers such as Thandiswa Mazwai.
Former bandmate Thembi Seete — who moved on to forge a career in entertainment as an actress on shows such as Gomora, Yizo Yizo and Gaz’ lam — sat down with Kaya FM about a year ago to speak about some of the group’s significant moments.
“We had unforgettable performances and experiences, but the one that stands out the most is the very first Studio Mix. We were wearing black and white with gold braids, Dr Martens, with skimpy tops and people were asking who these kids are. Are they South Africans? South Africa stood still that day asking themselves who we were. The music was international, rare, fresh, something that had never been heard before,” she said.
In honour of Boom Shaka’s 30th anniversary we decided to share our team’s fondest memories associated with the ensemble’s catalogue.
People, songs, stories
National sales manager Thulani Pfende: “It has to be Thobela‘. What a hit, easy to sing along and the dance, swinging hips side by side and waving the hands. Classic, classic, classic.”
Product manager Candice Williams: “I’ll echo my friend Thulani, but my fave memory has to be their performance on Jam Alley and the vibe. It’s quite bad quality but the vaaabs are there”.
Graphic designer John McCann: “The first time I heard Boom Shaka’s song It’s About Time, it was playing in the background on TV. I immediately stopped walking across the room to listen but only heard a short piece of it. The rhythm was a thing of wonder and the vocals intriguing. It was a new sound and it left me wanting to hear it again.”
Reporter Khaya Koko: “They wrote and performed the greatest love song of all time, Lerato. If you’re young you won’t know the song, it’s Tembisa classic.”
Friday sub-editor Mtungwa Mahlangu: “Gcwala reminds me of my high school girlfriend. ‘Mina ngiyagcwala ngowami’, the lyrics had a deeper meaning for both her and me.”
Circulation executive Jabulile Tshakaza: “Gcwala!!! Hai noooooo, now that’s a hit, it will get you on the dance floor for sure.”
Deputy editor Athandiwe Saba: “It’s About Time is definitely my favourite. Especially when they used to lift up their legs like Captain Morgan does. As a youngster that was life, it was exhilaration, Boom Shaka was life.”
Reporter Bongeka Gumede: “As a Gen Z I never got to witness the glory days of Boom Shaka but one song that would constantly play at home or on Sabc 1 was It’s About Time. Agh man, it was catchy and the band had these cool dance moves not to mention their style. I remember standing in front of the television with my short shorts and crop top trying to imitate Lebo dancing. They were so cool.”
Reporter Lesego Chepape: “It has to be Bambanani, Boom Shaka featuring iHhashi Elimhlophe. It reminds me of my mother. Whenever we had guests over, which was almost every weekend and Bambanani came on, she would take the TV remote and sing and dance through the whole song. I would pretend as if I am going to the kitchen just to catch a glimpse of my mother being a superstar.”
Editor-in-chief Ron Derby: “Free captured the attitude of a young, emerging black South Africa that refused to be told where to stand, how to speak and act. Free from our parents apartheid shackles and the patronising nature of our relationship with white South Africa.’ It was just too cool …That energy is nuts in that song.”
Submit and get free exposure here: Showcase Your Business | Advertise Your Special Offers.
