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Zuma’s fate will not affect Brics Summit: Experts
Cape Town, Feb 14 (IANS) The potential removal of South African President Jacob Zuma is unlikely to impact the 10th Brics Summit scheduled for July, experts said.
The 10th annual diplomatic meeting of the group of major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — is set to come up in Johannesburg between July 25-27.
South Africa’s ruling party African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday had ordered Zuma to step down as the state head after marathon talks over the fate of the leader.
The potential dismissal of the President, according to experts, will not impede the 10th Brics meet in South Africa, which takes over the rotating chairmanship of the group in 2018.
“The Zuma exit (Zexit) will not affect the Brics summit. A new South Africa President will convene the summit and the programmes will continue,” Gwinyai Dzinesa, a researcher at the Centre for Conflict Resolution based in Capetown, told Xinhua on Tuesday.
The summit scheduled in the Sandton Convention Centre will see South Africa push forward the programmes of development and prosperity.
Zuma had earlier requested a three-month “notice period” before he submits his unconditional resignation, ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule said. His proposal was shot down by the committee.
South Africa will not allow the summit to abort, said Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena, a political commentator at the Zimbabwe Communist Party.
“The Brics mechanism has strengthened cooperation for institutional development, which saw the creation of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the newly launched Africa Regional Centre in Johannesburg,” Mabhena added.
He also said South Africa is willing to see Brics countries help each other with inclusive economic growth, value-added multilateral trade and investment in productive sectors.
Since South Africa joined the group in 2011, the country has scored major achievements.
Gerry Thomas, the chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme, a famous South African food producer, said the summit was important and “its organisation will be an important milestone towards building stronger solidarity and cooperation among the emerging markets.”
Magashule also said on Tuesday that Zuma has not been given a deadline to resign but was expected to respond to the recall on Wednesday.
As uncertainty over Zuma’s future continues, the South African government had to postpone a cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.