Profitroom supports Southern Africa hospitality awards

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by DION HENRICK in Cape Town
Western Cape Bureau
CAPE TOWN, (CAJ News) – PROFITROOM, a leader in hospitality technology solutions, has announced its headline sponsorship of the inaugural prestigious 2024 Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) Awards.

This sponsorship is Profitroom’s support to local talent and highlights the company’s commitment to recognising and celebrating the leaders of South Africa’s hospitality sector.

“The efforts put into achieving excellence in the hospitality industry are undeniable,” said Michael Puffett, Senior Business Development Manager at Profitroom.

“We are proud to be a part of this process and acknowledge various aspects of excellence, including operational efficiency, leadership, customer satisfaction, innovation and adaptability, sustainability, and overall contribution to the industry.”

The FEDHASA Hospitality Awards was born out of a need to celebrate the work and achievements in the hospitality industry.

From operational efficiency to innovation and sustainability, these awards cast a spotlight on the individuals and organisations that are shaping the industry’s future.

Lee-Anne Singer, Cape Chairperson at FEDHASA, said, “We are thrilled to be able to show our industry partners that we see the work they are doing and appreciate it in a tangible way. Without them, South Africa’s tourism industry wouldn’t be what it is and these awards are our way of saying thank you.”

The inaugural awards programme features an array of categories, including General Manager Hotel, General Manager Restaurant, and Business Support.

– CAJ News

Nigerian state cracks whip on cyber crime

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from OKORO CHINEDU in Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
LAGOS, (CAJ News) – YOUTH are outraged at the establishment of a so-called Cyber Crime Action Committee by a Nigerian state, purportedly to curb fake news and cyber crime.

They argue the move is to gag freedom of speech, particularly among the media and opposition.

Such a committee has been established in the southwestern state of Osun, under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The Congress of Progressive Youth (COPY) has denounced the move by the state government that is under the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is with utmost concern and disappointment that a democratic government like that of Adeleke would slide to anti- democratic tendency of making such an announcement,” said Lekan Ibraheem, COPY Secretary.

“This move by the State Government is not only deeply troubling but also reckless in an attempt to stifle the press and trample upon the fundamental rights of freedom of speech.”

Ibraheem added, “We see through the thinly veiled guise of combating fake news, recognizing it as a blatant assault on the democratic values we hold dear.”

COPY has advised the administration of Adeleke to heed constructive criticism.

“We are urging them to learn on how to uphold the principles of democracy by having respect for the rights of the citizenry rather than resorting to anti-democratic and authoritarian tactics,” Ibraheem said.

The Osun state government justified the setting up of a Cyber Crime Action Committee as to effect relevant provisions of the law on cyber crime, cyber bullying and deliberate online false news.

Those found guilty will be liable to a fine of not more than N7 million (US$4 860) or imprisonment for a term, not more than three years or both.

– CAJ News

Hunt on for fugitive Binance executive

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from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – HEADS are to roll in the Nigerian intelligence following the escape of Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from house arrest last Friday.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed the escape of the suspect on Monday.

Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA, said personnel responsible for the custody of Anjarwalla suspect had been arrested.

He did not divulge the number of those arrested.

“A thorough investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to his escape from lawful detention,” said Mijinyawa.

Sources told this publication suspicions are that Anjarwalla could have bribed the officials to secure his escape.

It is understood he took advantage of the courtesy granted him to observe Ramadan prayers to escape.

ONSA said upon receiving this report, the office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies as Interpol to apprehend the suspect.

Preliminary investigations indicate Anjarwalla fled Nigeria using a smuggled passport.

He holds British and Kenyan nationalities and serves as Binance’s Africa regional manager.

The suspect escaped while under a 14-day remand order by a court in Nigeria.

He was scheduled to appear before the court again on April 4.

Nigeria has been investigating money laundering and terrorism financing transactions perpetrated on the Binance currency exchange platform.

“We urge the Nigerian public and the international community to provide whatever information they have that can assist law enforcement agencies to apprehend the suspect,” Mijinyawa said.

– CAJ News

Madagascar under threat of Cyclone 20

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from MARIO RAJOMAZANDRY in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Madagascar Bureau
ANTANANARIVO, (CAJ News) – MADAGASCAR is on high alert amid the threat posed by Tropical Cyclone 20.

It has formed in the Indian Ocean, and at the time of publication of this article, was tracking west-southwestward just northeast of Madagascar.

The storm’s centre of circulation was approximately 774 km (481 miles) north-northeast of Antananarivo, the capital city.

It is projected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone through Friday.

Meteo Madagascar has issued yellow heavy rain alerts for Atsinanana and Analanjirofo regions.

There are red strong wind alerts for northeastern and southern Madagascar, and red strong swell alerts for the coast of northern, southern, and eastern Madagascar ahead of the arrival of the storm.

The weather is forecast to deteriorate further on Saturday, with heavy to violent thundery showers and cyclonic conditions.

There are fears of flash flooding and landslides.

Meteo Madagascar has warned the inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable.

“Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible.”

In the other Indian Ocean island, the Mauritius Meteorological Service has warned of passing showers, mainly over the Central Plateau and the windward slopes on Thursday.

The showers are likely to become frequent and scattered on Friday.

This time in 2023, Cyclone Freddy left over 1 400 people dead, being one of the deadliest tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, second behind Cyclone Idai in 2019.

– CAJ News

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