Lennon Monyae, a researcher at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is making waves on the African continent. An unlikely hero in the youth revoution, Lennon, a young man based in Johannesburg, South Africa has managed to ensure youths from across the continent can sit at the decision-making tables in their respective countries.

The African Union (AU) established the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) after the realisation that Africa will only move forward with the full actualisation of transformative leadership and practice on the continent. The APRM is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by AU member States as an African self-monitoring mechanism. It is often described as “Africa’s unique and innovative approach to governance” with the objective of improving governance dynamics at the local, national and continental levels.

It is no secret that Africa needs to invest in the youth if the continent is to leapfrog developmentally thus youths should be exposed to govenance issues as early as possible. This is the revolution that Lennon is at the centre of. This week he is hosting diplomats, Presidents and youths from across the continent to chart a way forward for youths in the governance space.

When Lennon joined APRM, he noticed that there was no dedicated youth-desk which meant that there was no deliberate focus on youths in as much as APRM implicitly included them. The lack of youth-focused programs gave Lennon a mission.

Through careful lobbying within the organisation he realised that everyone in the organisation agreed with him but there was no-one who was leading the change so by default he became the leader of the "Youth Governance Revolution".

As a direct consequence of  his efforts APRM affiliated countries are ensuring that youths are included in the APRM process and have created local youth chapters that are promoting the ideals of democracy and development.

The APRM has embraced Lennon's crusade and to date have held a successful Africa Month Youth Symposium at the University of Cape Town (UCT). The symposium was characterised by robust debates among the youths and development experts.

Hot off the heels of the UCT symposium, Lennon assisted by his colleagues and backed by APRM, has convened youths from more than 30 African countries in Ndjamena, Chad for the first International APRM Youth Symposium. Among the youths in attendance is Aya Chebbi, the African Youth Envoy for Youth and Edzai Zvobwo, the NEPAD Youth Champion for Agenda 2063.

The APRM will host its inaugural International Youth Symposium from the 1st to the 2nd of July 2019 in N’djamena, Chad. The symposium will be under the patronage of His Excellency Idriss Deby Itno, the President of Chad. The theme for the Ndjamena symposium will be "African youths as a driving force for good governance". https://aprmyouth.org/

"The revolution for meaningful youth involvement in Africa is just starting and as APRM, we will tirelessly work with different stakeholders to achieve this mission", said Lennon as he prepares for the Ndjamena symposium.

With more than 756 hotels in 56 countries across Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Mercure Hotels was founded in 1973. The group was acquired by Accor Hotels in 1975.

The groups ambition? To be the most loved locally inspired global midscale hospitality brand.

Combining the best features of a local and personalised experience, the Mercure group of hotels in South Africa have a unique personality that is enhanced by their enthusiastic hoteliers, always offering a warm welcome and excellent knowledge of the hotel and local attractions in area, combined with a professional and efficient check-in process.

The chain has 4 locally inspired midscale hotels that provide a stimulating sense of place for local and international travellers.

Located in the exclusive suburb of Bedfordview and directly opposite Eastgate Shopping Centre, the Mercure Hotel Bedfordview invites you to enjoy an elegant and warm experience during your stay. This affordable hotel has 120 air-conditioned, comfortable rooms and apartments. Unlimited Wi-Fi is available to guests throughout and the hotel also offers 3 meeting rooms and a self-service business centre for guest’s convenience. The restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with access to the terrace and outdoor swimming pool with a bar for guests to enjoy.

Adjacent to Ferndale on Republic (a new retail development opening in September 2019) and previously known as Brightwater Commons, the Mercure Hotel Randburg is ideally situated within close proximity to Sandton and Rosebank, two of South Africa's financial and commercial hubs. Whether on holiday or a business trip, guests can enjoy sundowners in the bar or on the outdoor patio, along with adjoining room that is open for breakfast, light lunches and dinner until 9:30pm. 104 stylish guest rooms are equipped with free unlimited Wi-Fi, air-conditioning as well as flat screen TVs. Two intimate conference facilities can accommodate up to 20 delegates for mini seminars and events.

Conveniently situated adjacent to Gallagher Convention Centre and close to the Mall of Africa and Midrand Gautrain Stations, the Mercure Hotel Midrand is located in the heart of the Midrand business district. This contemporary 3-star hotel offers accommodation at affordable rates and its comfortable air-conditioned rooms are perfect for short-stay travellers. An English breakfast buffet is served daily, and free Wi-Fi service is provided throughout. Small meetings can be held in the hotel's boardroom-styled meeting room. The Mercure Hotel Nelspruit is situated on the edge of the Kruger National Park with a 7-minute drive to Mbombela Stadium. The hotel offers 104 spacious and comfortable suites with modern amenities and access to Wi-Fi. The suites come with a kitchenette, living room, bathroom with shower and bathtub. Enjoy a relaxing time next to their swimming pool with a cocktail from the bar. The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and South African cuisine. For professionals, the hotel has 5 meeting rooms for professional events or conferences.

Locally inspired midscale hotels that provide a stimulating sense of place, Mercure Hotels South Africa are proud to be part of the Accor Hotel group.

Gauteng, South Africa – On Thursday, 15 November Forever Resorts South Africa hosted their annual Charity Golf Day, this year in aid of the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in SA at Blue Valley Golf and Country Estate.   

The Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, creating a sustainable future for people with hearing loss, inspire, educate, develop and empower an entire community, create fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, promote social welfare, encourage poverty alleviation and generate a lasting change.  

The Forever Golf Day raised a total of R189 093.01 and the funds were paid over directly to the foundation to help three children (Haley Smit (4 years), Ronisha Malander (4 years) and Mulweli Makhuva (9 years)) with funds to pay for their cochlear implants. Mulweli underwent his operation on Monday, 19 November 2018 and will now be going through the process of slowly training his brain to hear again as he lost his hearing due to illness some years ago.  

“On behalf of Forever Resorts we would like to thank our wonderful sponsors who participated in our annual Golf Day, without you, your passion and your selfless generosity this would not have been possible. Oranje Drukkers, Bravo Group Sealy, Backgat Braai,  Adams&Adams, Pam Golding Nelspruit, Beeld, Birchwood Hotel, Unlimited Events Group, Forever Warmbaths, Forever Badplaas, Forever Gariep, Forever Centurion, Forever Loskopdam, Forever White River, BDT Accountants, AirlinkVictoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, Wild Horizons Tours, The Good Oaks, Pentagon Security Consultants, FNB, Valorem, Agri SA, Rockwood Theatre, Delheim Wines, Levati Water, Rhino Clothing, Work Front, Dairymaid, Pretoria FM, Decimal Agency and Zebula Golf Estate and Spa”, said Heidi Halgryn, Marketing Executive at Forever Resorts South Africa.

Midrand’s hidden gem, Gecko Jewellers is Africa’s largest jewellery showroom. This gemstone attraction will surprise and delight visitors with hundreds of pieces of fine jewellery made from the highest quality precious stones.

An attraction for the whole family, one can spend at least half a day exploring this five-acre world of gems and precious stones!Ideal for those in search of personalised gifts and fashionable, quality jewellery at factory prices. All stones are 100% authentic. Every piece of jewellery is locally designed and manufactured making prices highly competitive.

This is truly a haven for jewellery lovers, stone and gem hunters, collectors, enthusiasts and tourists looking for a beautiful piece of Africa in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Gecko Jewellers has an impressive collection, something for everyone, to suit every budget.Their selection includes cut stones, rough stones, polished stones, loose gemstones, rocks, crystals, beads, carvings, water features and collectibles that will excite even the most avid collector.

Customers come to find special, meaningful gifts for example birthstone’s or a creation of their own custom design. Gecko custom makes jewellery for many clients with their workshop on the premises. The “esoteric” meanings of each stone also make for thoughtful, christening gifts, “push” presents for new moms, bridesmaid gifts, anniversaries, wedding jewellery and other special occasions.Gemstones and crystals are believed to possess special meanings, energies and healing properties that have been passed down for thousands of years. Throughout history gemstones have been are worn as talismans and iconic figures have adorned themselves with colourful jewels for protection, good health and long life.

You could call it jewellery with a difference and a purpose, should you choose to as many do. Whether you believe in the mystical attributes of gem stones or not, their beauty is no less mesmerizing and beautiful – gorgeous jewellery is always a winner as a gift, to show you care or to simply spoil yourself!Gecko’s most popular stones include: Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Garnet, Topaz, Tanzanite, Sapphire, Turquoise, Aquamarine, Agate, Carnelian, Jasper, Onyx, Crystal Quartz, Rose Quartz, Flourite, Lapis Lazuli, Obsidian, Ruby, Emerald, Tourmaline, Opal, Zircon and Tiger’s Eye.There is also entertainment for the whole family including a simulated gemstone mine and tour that will amuse and educate both adults and children. On this large property there is a kiddie’s scratch patch, games and a coffee shop that makes a lovely cappuccino. The best way to experience this gem is to seek it out for yourself!

Next time you are in or near Midrand looking for some fun and fascination, Africa’s largest jewellery showroom is at 52 Mercury Road in Crowthorne waiting to be discovered.

More info at:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: @GeckojewellersInstagram: @GeckojewellerssaFor editorial queries:Alex This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Joshua Naicker (22 months old) from Midrand, Johannesburg, was born at only 33 weeks old with challenging circumstances. The circumference of his head measured 45 cm, a length greater than his body, due to tremendous fluid on his brain.

Proud parents, Phillecia (29) and Bradley (36) were elated to welcome their first born into the world after 5 years of marriage and with uncomplicated family medical history, they could not have anticipated the difficult road ahead.Baby Joshua was diagnosed with congenital Hydrocephalus, more commonly known as “water on the brain”. This relentless and incurable disease currently affects 1 in every 500 babies globally.

At only 10 days old Joshua had already undergone his first brain surgery and spent the first two months of his life in Neonatal ICU, where he received a number of plasma blood transfusions to compensate for hemorrhaging large amounts of blood. He has since been fitted with a shunt (a thin piece of plastic tubing with a catheter), which drains the fluid from his brain to his stomach.

As a result of this rare disease Joshua has developed a number of serious conditionsnamely Cerebral Palsy (Hemiplegia), severe Cortical Visual Impairment, Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Chiari Malformation, Scoliosis, missing Septum Pellucid, global developmental delay and hypertonia.

“He has had a total of 5 operations in his short existence, 3 of them being brain surgeries, uncountable hours of therapy and doctors appointments. His daily activities are so challenging and he cannot perform any tasks independently such as sitting, standing, crawling, playing, eating or drinking.” – says Bradley.

Despite his challenging circumstances, Joshua is described as a bubbly child, who loves affection.“He has the most beautiful smile, a smile that can capture anyone's heart. He exudes love and happiness. He has the true heart of a warrior.” – says Phillecia 

“He has come such a long way and is getting very close to sitting and crawling each day. He is beating the odds and with the right treatment and therapy has a chance at developing normally.” – adds Bradley

With unexpected mounting medical costs, Joshua’s parents have appealed to the public for support and set up a campaign on donations-based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy hopes to fund raise a total of R400 000 for Joshua to undergo Stem Cell Therapy at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

“Stem cell treatment will help him have a better quality of life and we are hoping it will specifically help with his vision, as he is practically blind. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate and repair the damaged brain cells. Duke University has performed thousands of stem cell infusions specifically for children born with this condition. We are hopeful that the procedure will eliminate at least one of Joshua’s conditions” – says Bradley

Breakdown of medical costs:

• The estimated total cost of the first stem cell treatment will be around R344 700 allowing for exchange rate fluctuations or an approximate 10 per cent increase.
• Banking and processing the stem cells for infusion: R20 460HLA-typing of both siblings to confirm a match: R6 507Transporting the stem cells to America: R26 300
• Infusion of stem cells: R216 100
• Transportation and accommodation in America: R44 000

“From the time Joshua was born we have done our best to manage this extremely difficult and expensive situation on our own, but the financial toll on our family has been overwhelming and we need help. We cannot express our gratitude to everyone who has supported out BackaBuddy campaign. Donors have given our boy a chance at a life where he will encounter far less challenges” – says Phillecia. 

Joshua’s campaign has thus far raised R45 498 towards his fundraising goal of R400 000 with contributions from 64 donors.Contribute Joshua’s medical campaign by donating here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/hope-for-joshua

Participate in the Global Giving Survey to empower Charities in South Africa here

BackaBuddy a proudly South African crowdfunding platform where individuals have the opportunity to raise funds for causes they feel passionate about.BackaBuddy has raised over R65.6 million various causes and charitable organizations in South Africa.T

Take a look at our Website site https://www.backabuddy.co.za

For additional information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 082 602 0735