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The impact of digital platforms and their infrastructure implementation in the rural communities of South Africa

- Maifala, Morris Thibogang

Authors: Maifala, Morris Thibogang
Date: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
Subjects: Rural development -- Technological innovations , Transformation -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72916 , vital:79277
Description: The proliferation of digital platforms and infrastructure has transformed various sectors across the globe, yet many rural communities in South Africa still struggle to access and benefit from these advancements. This study explores the impact of digital platforms and their supporting infrastructure on the rural community of Moruleng, located in Rustenburg, South Africa. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how digital platforms are integrated into daily activities and the extent to which they influence socioeconomic development, education, healthcare, and local businesses in Moruleng. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with community members, local businesses, educatorsand healthcare providers. The findings reveal that while digital platforms hold significant potential to improve access to information, economic opportunities, and essential services, infrastructural challenges such as limited internet connectivity, high costs, and lack of digital skills hinder their full utilisation. Furthermore, concerns about data privacy, the reliability of digital platforms, and access to digital literacy programmes were highlighted as barriers to the effective adoption of digital solutions. This research underscores the importance of tailored infrastructure investments and digital literacy initiatives that address the unique needs of rural communities like Moruleng. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, local government, and private sector stakeholders on fostering a digital environment that can contribute to sustainable development in rural South Africa. The study concludes that strategic digital infrastructure implementation, combined with community-based training and support, could bridge the digital divide and facilitate inclusive growth for the people of Moruleng and similar rural areas. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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Date Issued: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences

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The use of social media advertisement platforms for the survival of SMMEs in the VUCA world

- Jawadu, Atuweni

Authors: Jawadu, Atuweni
Date: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
Subjects: Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025 , Advertising -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , The use of social media advertisement platforms for the survival of SMMEs in the VUCA world
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72757 , vital:79255
Description: In an era characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), the survival of small, Medium, and Micro-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) has become increasingly challenging. This dissertation investigates the role of social media advertising platforms as vital tools for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of SMMEs in this dynamic landscape. Focusing on the beauty industry within Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), the study employs a quantitative research design complemented by semi-structured interviews to gather comprehensive data. The research analyses how SMMEs leverage social media platforms - such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and several others - to navigate modern marketing challenges. Through a combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, the findings reveal that SMMEs which effectively harness social media not only enhance their visibility but also develop stronger relationships with their customers. Thematic analysis is utilised to interpret the qualitative data, identifying key themes related to marketing strategies, customer engagement, and adaptability. This study contributes to the understanding of digital marketing strategies in the context of SMMEs, offering practical insights for entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in a VUCA world. The implications of this study’s findings underscore the importance of integrating social media into business models as a means of ensuring long-term success and competitiveness in an ever-evolving marketplace. By highlighting the intersection of quantitative and qualitative methods, this research provides a nuanced perspective on how SMMEs can leverage social media for sustainable growth. The study recommends that SMMEs enhance their social media advertising effectiveness by implementing targeted training programmes for owners and marketing teams, focusing on digital marketing skills and strategies. Forming strategic partnerships with digital marketing experts can provide valuable insights and resources while fostering a culture of continuous learning, through online courses and industry events, will keep teams updated on current trends. Additionally, prioritising data analytics to refine social media advertising strategies and actively engaging with local communities can strengthen brand loyalty and customer relationships. By adopting these approaches, SMMEs can effectively navigate the challenges of a VUCA world and improve their chances of survival and growth. In conclusion, this study underscores the critical role of social media advertising platforms in empowering SMMEs to thrive in a VUCA world. By leveraging targeted training, strategic partnerships, continuous learning, data analytics, and community engagement, SMMEs can enhance their marketing effectiveness and resilience. The insights gained from this research provide a valuable framework for entrepreneurs seeking to adapt to an ever-evolving digital landscape, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and success in their respective industries. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
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Date Issued: Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences

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What is a co-operative?

- Crankshaw, Paul

Authors: Crankshaw, Paul
Date: [Date of publication not identified]
Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Producer cooperatives -- South Africa , Consumer cooperatives -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: text , book
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75688 , vital:30448
Description: The word ‘co-operative’ means to work together for a common goal. A co-operative is a group of people who together own and control an organisation or a business for the benefit of its members. A co-operative is democratic, and so the members of the co-operative are responsible to each other. They work for themselves; and together they decide how to run the co-operative and how to share the profits. , This booklet was put together by members of Cope, with the help of Paul Crankshaw (editing and layout), Leslie Lawson (photographs and interviews) and Sue Beattie (drawings)
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Date Issued: [Date of publication not identified]

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Fundal pressure during the second stage of labour

- Hofmeyr, Georges Justus, Vogel, Joshua. P, Cuthbert, Anna, Singata, Mandisa

Authors: Hofmeyr, Georges Justus , Vogel, Joshua. P , Cuthbert, Anna , Singata, Mandisa
Date: 03-2017
Subjects: South Africa Pregnancy Computer File
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5766 , vital:44640 , https://DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD006067.pub3
Description: Background Fundal pressure during the second stage of labour (also known as the 'Kristeller manoeuvre') involves application of manual pressure to the uppermost part of the uterus directed towards the birth canal, in an attempt to assist spontaneous vaginal birth and avoid prolonged second stage orthe need for operative birth. Fundal pressure has also been applied using an inflatable belt. Fundal pressure is widely used, however methods of its use vary widely. Despite strongly held opinions in favour of and against the use of fundal pressure, there is limited evidence regarding its maternal and neonatal benefits and harms. There is a need for objective evaluation of the eGectiveness and safety of fundal pressure in the second stage of labour. Objectives To determine if fundal pressure is eGective in achieving spontaneous vaginal birth, and preventing prolonged second stage or the need for operative birth, and to explore maternal and neonatal adverse eGects related to fundal pressure. Search methods We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (30 November 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies. Selection criteria Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of fundal pressure (manual or by inflatable belt) versus no fundal pressure in women in the second stage of labour with singleton cephalic presentation. Data collection and analysis Two or more review authors independently assessed potential studies for inclusion and quality. We extracted data using a pre-designed form. We entered data into Review Manager 5 soAware and checked for accuracy. Main results Nine trials are included in this updated review. Five trials (3057 women) compared manual fundal pressure versus no fundal pressure. Four trials (891 women) compared fundal pressure by means of an inflatable belt versus no fundal pressure. It was not possible to blind women and staG to this intervention. We assessed two trials as being at high risk of attrition bias and another at high risk of reporting bias. All other trials were low or unclear for other risk of bias domains. Most of the trials had design limitations. Heterogeneity was high for the majority of outcomes. Manual fundal pressure versus no fundal pressure Manual fundal pressure was not associated with changes in: spontaneous vaginal birth within a specified time (risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 1.28; 120 women; 1 trial; very low-quality evidence), instrumental births (RR 3.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 79.65; 197 women; 1 trial), caesarean births (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.07 to 17.27; 197 women; 1 trial), operative birth (average RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.12 to 3.55; 317 women; 2 studies; I2 = 43%; Tau2 = 0.71; very low-quality evidence), duration of second stage (mean diGerence (MD) -0.80 minutes, 95% CI -3.66 to 2.06 minutes; 194 women; 1 study; very low-quality evidence), low arterial cord pH in newborn babies (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.58; 297 women; 2 trials; very low-quality evidence), or Apgar scores less than seven at five minutes (average RR 4.48, 95% CI 0.28 to 71.45; 2759 infants; 4 trials; I2 = 89%; Tau2 = 3.55; very low-quality evidence). More women who received manual fundal pressure had cervical tears than in the control group (RR 4.90, 95% CI 1.09 to 21.98; 295 women; 1 trial). No neonatal deaths occurred in either of the two studies reporting this outcome (very low-quality evidence). No trial reported the outcome severe maternal morbidity or death. Fundal pressure by inflatable belt versus no fundal pressure Fundal pressure by inflatable belt did not reduce the number of women havinginstrumental births (average RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.02; 891 women; 4 trials; I2 = 52%; Tau2 = 0.05) or operative births (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.01; 891 women; 4 trials; I2 = 78%; Tau2 = 0.14; very low-quality evidence). Heterogeneity was high for both outcomes. Duration of second stage was reported in two trials, which both showed that inflatable belts shortened duration of labour in nulliparous women (average MD -50.80 minutes, 95% CI -94.85 to -6.74 minutes; 253 women; 2 trials; I2 = 97%; Tau2 = 975.94; very low-quality evidence). No data on this outcome were available for multiparous women. The inflatable belt did not make any diGerence to rates of caesarean births (average RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.14 to 2.26; 891 women; 4 trials; I2 = 70%; Tau2 = 0.98), low arterial cord pHin newborn babies (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.55; 461 infants; 1 trial; low-quality evidence), or Apgar scores less than seven atfive minutes (RR 4.62, 95% CI 0.22 to 95.68; 500 infants; 1 trial; very low-quality evidence). Third degree perinealtears were increased in the inflatable belt group (RR 15.69, 95% CI 2.10 to 117.02; 500 women; 1 trial). Spontaneous vaginal birth within a specified time, neonatal death, andsevere maternal morbidity or death were not reported in any trial. Authors' conclusions There is insuGicient evidence to draw conclusions on the beneficial or harmful eGects of fundal pressure, either manually or by inflatable belt. Fundal pressure by an inflatable belt during the second stage of labour may shorten duration of second stage for nulliparous women, and lower rates of operative birth. However, existing studies are small and their generalizability is uncertain. There is insuGicient evidence regarding safety for the baby. There is no evidence on the use of fundal pressure in specific clinical settings such as inability of the mother to bear down due to exhaustion or unconsciousness. There is currently insuGicient evidence for the routine use of fundal pressure by any method on women in the second stage of labour. Because of current widespread use of the procedure and the potential for use in settings where other methods of assisted birth are not available, further good quality trials are needed. Further evaluation in other groups of women (such as multiparous women) will also be required. Future research should describe in detail how fundal pressure was applied and consider safety of the unborn baby, perineal outcomes, longer-term maternal and infant outcomes and maternal satisfaction.
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Date Issued: 03-2017

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Iodine nutrition status in Africa: Potentially high prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnancy even in countries classified as iodine sufficient

- Charles Bitamazire Businge, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, Andre Pascal Kengne

Authors: Charles Bitamazire Businge , Benjamin Longo-Mbenza , Andre Pascal Kengne
Date: 03-8-2020
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3377 , vital:43336 , https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/public-health-nutrition/article/iodine-nutrition-status-in-africa-potentially-high-prevalence-of-iodine-deficiency-in-pregnancy-even-in-countries-classified-as-iodine-sufficient/B3DCB06E75CDDD8EAD410BE090198BA4
Description: Objective: To assess the burden of iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa using estimated pregnancy median urinary iodine concentration (pMUIC). Design: pMUIC for each African country was estimated using a regression equation derived by correlating the school-age children (SAC) median UIC (mUIC) and pMUIC from countries around the globe, and the SAC mUIC data for African countries obtained from the Iodine Global Network (IGN) 2017 and 2019 Score cards. Setting: Iodine deficiency was endemic in many African countries before the introduction of iodine fortification, mainly through universal salt iodisation programmes about 25 years ago. There is a scarcity of data on the level of iodine nutrition in pregnancy in Africa. Women living in settings with pMUIC below 150 μg/l are at risk of iodine deficiency-related pregnancy complications. Participants: Fifty of the fifty-five African countries that had data on iodine nutrition status. Results: A cut-off school age mUIC ≤ 175 μg/l is correlated with insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy (pregnancy mUIC ≤ 150 μg/l). Twenty-two African countries had SAC mUIC less than 175 μg/l, which correlated with insufficient iodine intake during pregnancy (pMUIC less than 150 μg/l). However, nine of these twenty-two countries had adequate iodine intake based on SAC mUIC. Conclusions: There is likely a high prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy, including in some African countries classified as having adequate iodine intake in the general population. A SAC mUIC ≤ 175 μ
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Date Issued: 03-8-2020

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A Review of Arterial Stiffness and HIV Infection in Adult Africans

- Awotedu, Kofoworola Olajire, Iputo, Jehu

Authors: Awotedu, Kofoworola Olajire , Iputo, Jehu
Date: 09-06-2016
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3484 , vital:43615 , https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/a-review-of-arterial-stiffness-and-hiv-infection-in-adult-africans-2167-1095-1000221.pdf
Description: Aim: To review the impact of the human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral therapy on the vasculature. Objectives: This review seeks to identify the burden which the human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral therapy have on the vasculature. Method: Medline/PubMed and Google scholar were searched. There were over 100 publications reviewed. Some people who worked in similar fields were also contacted. The present review summarized current understanding of Human immunodeficiency virus, antiretroviral therapy and effect on the vasculature such as arterial stiffness. Atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, the strengths and weaknesses of current testing strategies, and their potential applications in clinical research and patient care. The association of inflammatory biomarkers, blood pressure and ageing with arterial stiffness were also reviewed. Conclusion: Available literature shows that HIV and antiretroviral agents have a great impact on the vasculature and its progression.
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Date Issued: 09-06-2016

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Medical Education in Decentralized Settings: How Medical Students Contribute to Health Care in 10 Sub-Saharan African Countries

- Talib, Zohray, van Schalkwyk, Susan, Cooper , I, Pattanaik , Swaha, Turay , Khadija, Sagay, Atiene S, Baingana , Rhona, Baird , Sarah, Gaede , Bernhard, Iputo, Jehu, Kibore , Minnie, Manongi , Rachel, Matsika , Antony, Mogodi , Mpho, Ramucesse , Jeremais, Ross, Heather, Simuyeba, Moses, Haile-Mariam, Damen

Authors: Talib, Zohray , van Schalkwyk, Susan , Cooper , I , Pattanaik , Swaha , Turay , Khadija , Sagay, Atiene S , Baingana , Rhona , Baird , Sarah , Gaede , Bernhard , Iputo, Jehu , Kibore , Minnie , Manongi , Rachel , Matsika , Antony , Mogodi , Mpho , Ramucesse , Jeremais , Ross, Heather , Simuyeba, Moses , Haile-Mariam, Damen
Date: 10-2017
Subjects: Sub Sahara Africa Medical Education Health Care Medical Students Computer File
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5786 , vital:44644 , https://doi:10.1097/ACM.0000000000002003
Description: Purpose: African medical schools are expanding, straining resources at tertiary health facilities. Decentralizing clinical training can alleviate this tension. This study assessed the impact of decentralized training and contribution of undergraduate medical students at health facilities. Method: Participants were from 11 Medical Education Partnership Initiative-funded medical schools in 10 African countries. Each school identified two clinical training sites-one rural and the other either peri-urban or urban. Qualitative and quantitative data collection tools were used to gather information about the sites, student activities, and staff perspectives between March 2015 and February 2016. Interviews with site staff were analyzed using a collaborative directed approach to content analysis, and frequencies were generated to describe site characteristics and student experiences. Results: The clinical sites varied in level of care but were similar in scope of clinical services and types of clinical and nonclinical student activities. Staff indicated that students have a positive effect on job satisfaction and workload. Respondents reported that students improved the work environment, institutional reputation, and introduced evidence-based approaches. Students also contributed to perceived improvements in quality of care, patient experience, and community outreach. Staff highlighted the need for resources to support students. Conclusions: Students were seen as valuable resources for health facilities. They strengthened health care quality by supporting overburdened staff and by bringing rigor and accountability into the work environment. As medical schools expand, especially in low-resource settings, mobilizing new and existing resources for decentralized clinical training could transform health facilities into vibrant service and learning environments.
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Date Issued: 10-2017

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Acacia Karoo - Adelaide (South Arica)

- Pringle,Thomas (1789-1834)

Authors: Pringle,Thomas (1789-1834)
Date: 1822
Subjects: Acacia karroo -- South Africa -- Adelaide , Trees -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: mixed material , essay
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/109175 , vital:33082
Description: Transcript: "1822 Thomas Pringle, 1835 April. In The Koonap River Valley, Adelaide, E.Cape. p.126. "Among the mimosa trees (i.e. thorntrees) sprinkled over the meadows, or lower bottoms, the traces of their (i.e. elephant) operations were not less apparent. Immense numbers of these trees had been torn out of the ground and placed in an inverted position in order to enable the animals to browse at their ease on their juicy roots which form a favourite part of their food. I observed that, in numerous instances, when the trees were of considerable size, The elephant had employed one of his tusks, exactly as he would use a crowbar, thrusting it under The roots to loosen their hold on The earth before he attempted to tear them up with his proboscis, many of the larger mimosas had resisted all their efforts, and, indeed, it is only after rains that they can successfully attempt the operation."
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Date Issued: 1822

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Illustrated souvenir of the Industrial and Arts Exhibition held at Grahamstown, December 1898 to January 1899

Date: 1899
Subjects: Commercial products South Africa Grahamstown History , Church buildings South Africa Grahamstown , Schools South Africa Grahamstown , Merchants South Africa Grahamstown , Buildings South Africa Grahamstown , South Africa History 1836-1909 , Grahamstown Literary and Social Institute , Bloukrans Bridge (Eastern Cape, South Africa) -- Pictorial works Pictorial works , Grahamstown (South Africa) Pictorial works
Language: English
Type: book , illustrated works , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/107752 , vital:32887 , Cory Library for Humanities Research, Rhodes University Library, Grahamstown, South Africa
Description: This publication, dated 1899, serves as souvenir publication of the industrial and arts exhibition held at Grahamstown, Cape Colony, between December 1898 and January 1899.
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Date Issued: 1899

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Anniversary bulletin, 1943-1993: Unity Movement 50th year of struggle-and the struggle continues

- New Unity Movement

Authors: New Unity Movement
Date: 19--?
Subjects: New Unity Movement (South Africa) -- Periodicals , Labour -- South Africa -- Periodicals , South Africa -- Social conditions -- Periodicals , South Africa -- Politics and government -- Periodicals
Language: English
Type: text , book
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75906 , vital:30481
Description: The Unity Movement was established in 1943 after long and hard struggles of the disfranchised oppressed people in South Africa against foreign domination by first the Dutch and then the British ruling classes. The Non-European Unity Movement (NEUM) as it was named was the first National liberation movement to base itself upon several most important principles and policies: (i) That there could be only ONE SOLUTION for all the people in South Africa to bring freedom, justice and peace. Thus the UNITY of the oppressed and exploited who were denied all citizenship rights was a vital necessity.(ii) That the ruling class and all its agents among us had done everything possible to prevent the oppressed from uniting in their struggles. They had used the tactics of divide-and-rule as a major weapon against our struggles. The struggle for UNITY was always to be one important answer to these divide-and-rule tactics.(iii) That the ruling class used the myths of "race" and the "inferiority" of persons of colour, language, "culture" and separate schools, housing areas, hospitals, churches, jobs, etc., etc., to divide people. The Unity Movement declared war on racism, tribalism and all forms of discrimination. It strove to educate and organise the oppressed to UNDERSTAND WHY AND HOW WE were oppressed. It also strove to teach the oppressed that only a united people could win the freedom struggle; the ruling class were always united; as a disunited people we could never win our liberation struggle. (iv) That our democratic rights had been known for centuries. But we must know them and demand ALL of them. Democracy could not exist if people had some democratic rights and lacked others. We had to know this because dishonest political activists used the masses to get privileges (concessions) for themselves while they pretended to struggle on behalf of the masses. There was a minimum we must always demand, but we could and must strive for even more. (v) That the oppressed were robbed of their land and their possessions (mainly livestock); their homes were destroyed. They were driven into labour camps and mission stations after these wars of dispossession. They were forced to work as cheap labour in the mines and on the farms and in the factories and homes of the conquerors. Landlessness was a feature of all colonies conquered by the warring colonial powers. Today these colonial powers form the basis of World Imperialism. This World Imperialism is the main enemy of every oppressed nation with a history of colonial conquest. It is imperialism that paid for and bought over the collaborators who have been in government since April 1994. But now that they are part of government the collaborators are paid out of the taxes they collect from workers and others they now help to oppress. (vi) That the struggle for the land by the combined unified efforts of workers, landless peasants and the rural poor was a vital part of our struggles. Victory here would help to root out unemployment, homes broken up by the migrant labour system, by a lack of education and necessary skills, poor health, starvation and lack of simple things like drinking water and proper sewage. Thus the struggle for the land (point 7 of our programme) and all the other 9 demands belonged together as part of ONE struggle. That in our struggle the interest of the workers, the landless peasantry and the millions of rural poor are our first concern. And that the struggle against foreign domination (that is, against World Imperialism) was part of our struggle for total liberation. In the light of these founding principles and policies it is clear that a "government of National Unity" set up by the de Klerk Government and World Imperialism (that is, the USA, Canada, Britain, Japan and the European Community) cannot bring liberation peace and justice to us. , Abantu bebanye abasoze boyiswe! = Abantu bemunye abasoze behlulwe!
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Date Issued: 19--?

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