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Offline Kermah

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Kermah State News
« on: January 04, 2022, 10:13:54 PM »




PRISON REPORT CONDEMS STATE OF THE NATION

Six months ago the Depeartment of Justice began an indepth report into the state of the nations prisons and today the results were released. The lengthy report was heavily critical of the nations prison system. The report highlights several key areas where reform needs to take place however the major concern was overcrowding. While investigating Rembara Prison it was discovered that the average cell was designed for eight inmates however on inspection the average cell had 38 people in the vast majority having to sleep on floors. Not only was this scene of major overcrowding an embarassement for the Confederation government it was also discovered that during the night those floors were visited by cockroaches and rats. Several inspections of cells found rat droppings and in the last six months a total of five inmates in that prison have developed Weil's disease which was probably caught from coming into contact with rats urine. In the kitchens of the prison more examples of poor maintainence were discovered as it was clear that slugs have managed to infiltrate the food prepartion area and lines of salt on the floor were being utilised to try and keep the infestation out. In a survey of inmates it was reported that 82% of inmates had witnessed someone carrying or using a weapon within the prison while 89% said it was easy to get contraband within the prison. The Report was presented to the Senate today as its author, Julius Umbosa called for the government to invest more in prisons.

Mr.Umbosa's plee though was roundly rejected by members of the Independent Party one of whose members stated, "Prison is not a holiday destination. Prison should be the worst experience a human can go through and if you come out in one piece you should have no desire to return. There are people living in poverty in the Confederation. Money should be spent ensuring good citizens are not living on floors covered in rats piss, not spending money on those who have no respect for the just rule of law." The Independent Party are currently campaigning for a return of corporal punishment and an expansion of the death penalty to include offences involving drugs and sexual offences. "By removing from society forever those who commit the worse crimes we should have nothing left to fear."

The majority Unity Party however have said the nation should find the money. It was Consul Dr. Adebola Kamau who explained "The majority of our prison population are serving sentences of less than three years and for non-violent crimes driven by poverty. If we can focus upon projects to help these people come out and have a chance to drag themselves out of this poverty then we can hopefully cut the prison population in the long term. This however does not mean the prisons should become holiday camps. We do need a deterrent when appropriate. Corporal Punishment often leaves lasting damage that impedes people for life meanwhile as the very name suggests the death penalty is a very permanent state. When a study shows between 4-8% of convictions for serious offences are misjudged then that is a significant number of people who may be wrong harmed or killed."

No policies have yet been suggested by either party.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -Only a fool tests the depth of the river with both feet


KING TSHEPO TO MAKE "SPORT FOR ALL"

King Tshepo of Kinjanja has today announced a programme called "Sport for All" intended to find the nations next generation of sports stars. While the King of Kinjanja has no government authority he does have access to significant private funds and has said that he intends to, "ensure sports clubs, schools and community groups can apply for funding so long as that money will be spent to maximise the potential of our youth." It was also announced that the funding will not be specific to Kinjanja. "As the Confederation goes so will Kinjanja. The better the quality of sport across the nation the more competition Kinjanjan's will have and as a result they'll raise their game." The King himself is a keen sportsman and is regularly spotted watching football with members of the extended royal family and is also known to regularly spar in the boxing ring with members of his own security detail.  The exact amount of money is not known but the King has described it as "Substantial

One of those expected to apply is Lumbara MSC who run multiple sports out of an old barn in the town of Lumbara, currently the club has 289 members playing a variety of sports ranging from Football and Basketball to Volleyball and Athletics. Their Club President explained how if successful they would spend the money "Young people take a look at facilities and think its not worth wasting their time coming down. If we can give them somewhere they want to be then of course they'll come in. For every young person who is excelling at our club we know they'll be someone out there who could if they could be encouraged to just give things a go. The King's money is vital as a lifeline to small groups like ours."

TODAY'S WEATHER - Town of Kermah - Bright Sun 33°C , Balakianda - Dry and Sunny 31°C, Mudiwata East - Some Showers in the early evening 23°C,  Horubaland - Bright Sun 31°C , Naguniland - Overcast but warm 22°C , Luzdidi - Dry and Sunny 30°C , Dlamini - Late night shower expected 29°C, Isiobodo - Warm and Dry 34°C 

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2022, 11:25:13 PM »




SUPER LEAGUE ROCKED BY BETTING SCANDAL

A Confederation Super League football referee has today been arrested following an investigation uncovered following what Police have described as "irregular betting patterns". It was noted by several bookmakers that games involving the referee had an abnormally large amount of bets placed on the number of red or yellow cards given during a game. One betting company spokesman said. "Normally we may see around 100 people per game bet on such a thing as how many cards a ref will give during a match. We today have an industry where fans can bet on almost any aspect of a match, even the number of throw ins. With this increased amount of options for customers we keep a careful watch for patterns and have uncovered that in matches involving just one official the bets on cards went from around 100 people to four times the number while other games were not impacted. We naturally alerted the League who have investigated." The League uncovered further evidence and handed their dossier over to the Police who have today made the arrest. The referee has not yet been named as further investigations are still ongoing.

A CSL spokesman told us, "We want a fair competition and while we have individuals willing to manipulate even the smallest element of the game for the favour of those betting large sums, usually from criminal elements, the game is in danger. We have a duty to ensure the game is fair and honest. We thank the Police for stepping in and taking this on."

Some have speculated that the irregular betting could have been attempts by organised crime at laundering money. "A criminal walks into one book-makers and using ill gotten money or fake notes place large bets, sometimes hitting four or five bookies so as not to raise suspicion. They find ways of manipulating the outcome of games so that nothing is left to chance. Once their bet comes in they go to a different branch of the same companies bookies and cash in their winnings, thus getting legitimate bank notes back, even getting some extra as a bonus. As a result it is us who have been left often holding large sums of fake money unaware where it has come from." One business estimated they lost $200,000 last year as a result of this practice. Should the referee be found guilty he could, if tried in Gotoroland, face a flogging for financial deception however with the League HQ being based in the Confederation capital it is likely that will not be the case. This weekends games will be going ahead as expected however it is certain Police will be keeping a keen eye on betting patterns.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -'It is not what you are called, but what you answer to.'[/color]



PARACAMBI TRIP FOR CONSUL

Consul Dr. Adebola Kamau is expected to depart for Paracambi in the coming days for an official visit designed to promote "Ever closer ties between brothers". Dr.Kamau says that he is keen to build upon the "historic and cultural connections that exist between our two nations. In the time of the 4th Kinjanja Kingdom brave souls from that part of the Confederation tested their manhood by leaving their homeland before returning with a freed slave, meanwhile Paracambi's own naval daring helped free countless slaves. This bond has made us more than simple neighbours and we recognise that annually with a visit between us. Emperor Benson is a gracious host and I look forward to meeting him once again."

This years agenda is likely to be dominated by the Sovereign Union of Nations formation as that body moves towards its 1st birthday. The Consul though has stated, "We do not wish to join SUN and have some concerns what our friends membership means for our own bonds moving forward." Talks are also likely to consider the brewing civil war in Centralia and naval action against the Commonwealth of the Iwi, a nation the Consul says "despite being of a different race, vastly different culture and heritage are people I admire in some ways. They experienced slavery as many of our own people did and threw off their own shackles. My concern is that they now live with that evil inflicted on them as a all consuming desire for justice that sees them, quiet literally, sail close to becoming what they oppose, a nation unwilling to abide by what we accept as necessary for good international order. Therein too lies the problem, how can peace exist with no justice? Had such concepts as international organisations have existed in the 14th Century it would be my hope ourselves and Paracambi would have pushed for all slave traders to stand trial for crimes against humanity. The Iwi's scar is more recent and they do have a chance for justice. Turning nations against them though is not going to support their cause."

While invited to attend official functions in the Confederation during the Emperor's previous visit in early 2021 it is unlikely the heads of each of the Confederate States will attend the visit however King Tshepo has confirmed that he has asked the Consul to extend a challenge to the Paracambians for a sporting festival to take place in the summer.

TODAY'S WEATHER - Town of Kermah - Bright Sun 33°C , Balakianda - Dry and Sunny 31°C, Mudiwata East - Some Showers in the early evening 23°C,  Horubaland - Bright Sun 31°C , Naguniland - Overcast but warm 22°C , Luzdidi - Dry and Sunny 30°C , Dlamini - Late night shower expected 29°C, Isiobodo - Warm and Dry 34°C

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2022, 10:47:32 PM »




CONFEDERATIONS LARGEST CHURCH NEARS COMPLETION

The Basilica of St.Arcadius in Isiobodo today has completed its various stages of construction. The Church dedicated to St. Arcadeius, a Christian martyr who was murdered for refusing to take part in sacrifices, was begun in 2018 and when completed will be the largest Church in the Confederation. The Church though is not yet ready for its official opening as the gardens that are expected to surround it are yet to be landscaped. The Archbishop of Isiobodo, Emeka Abiodun, is due to officially open the Church at the end of February. The funds to build the Church have come from contributions of the Christian faithful and from several businessman. Archbishop Abiodun is though excited by the prospect. "20% of our Confederation are Christians, most of them regular Church goers. The act of building this mighty house for God is a real act of devotion by our faithful. We look across Mundus and see grand cathedrals hundreds of years old, in some cases even close to a thousand. In the grand cathedrals of places like Tytor, the Orthadox nations of the Rodinan Sea region and who can forget the wonders of the Ecclesiastical State the faithful can marvel at the reflected glory of God. Here though we have perhaps been a little neglectful. We can fix that though. The Basilica will be beautiful, its gardens will provide space for larger crowds when the interior is full and we hope we can host major events here that bring our community, not just from Kermah, together."

As he prepared to leave for Paracambi the nations Consul, Dr. Adebola Kamau, spoke about the importance of the construction project. "I'm not a man of the Christian faith but all religions deserve to be honoured and respected. I know the Christian community have worked hard and come together to see this project through and they have set a fine example for all citizens in what is possible if people co-operate. I'm impressed by the building and would love, if the Archbishop permits, to attend the opening as the Confederations Head of Government."

The Consul's words however did draw scrutiny from a leading Priest of the Aboway Faith. Djamba Bakulu is the leader of that faith and said, "There are a multitude of faiths in the Confederacy that do not waste vast sums on buildings. Any faiths talks of helping people, you do not do that with giant buildings. If God is everywhere he doesn't need a building. Build schools not ego trips." The Aboway faith had opposed the building of the Church on that site as they believe that an ancient oracle stood on the site. Despite two years of archaeological study no evidence of this was discovered however this did not stop several legal challenges designed to block the construction.

Thought of the Day - One who has to yet learn to walk cannot climb a ladder.

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2022, 11:08:08 PM »




TWO DIE AT STICK FIGHTING FESTIVAL

The annual Naguni tribes Stick Fighting Championships have been held this weekend but have been marked by tragedy. The annual sporting competition see's hundreds of men compete over two days to determine the tribal champion. As rules dictate that no one may fight someone more than 5 years different from them in age the championship sees individuals fight a wide number of opponents to build up a win loss record. These are carefully managed by Marshalls who oversee the event to try and ensure that the most technically skilled fighter is crowned champion. While serious injuries such as broken bones are common the event was shocked when on Friday a 24 year old was rushed to hospital after being struck in the chest. Mbwana Samatta was pronounced dead in hospital several hours later after suffering internal bleeding and a collapsed lung. Even before news of Samatta's fate reached the festival 37 year old Yohana Mkomola was being air-lifted to a nearby Army base having been struck in the face. He too was pronounced dead as a result of extensive head injuries. Families of the pair have been informed and their funerals are expected to take place in the next few days.

The leader of Gotoroland,  Katikkiro Tebogo Opeyemi , sent his condolences to the families saying "Deaths of young men, especially with families, is heartbreaking. It is my hope that spirits of our ancestors will welcome them home as brave men. Stick fighting is a sport that scares me and anyone willing to do it is much braver than me." The Katikkiro did though hint at changes being made to the festival for next year. "Perhaps now is the time to consider making rules to protect those taking up the sport. In the same way that boxers began wearing gloves to mitigate damage, the design of race cars has changed to protect the drivers and various other sports have introduced safety equipment. Perhaps now stick fighting must look at such things. If need be we could legislate for such things but it would be better if the sports organisers took a lead."

Members of the Naguni tribe however spoke out against the steps proposed. King Hortuba of the Naguni tribe was one. He had taken part in the festival and the 55 year old amassed a record of 6 fights, 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. While he was well out of contention his involement was largely a ceremonial one. "As a seasoned competitor at the festivals the measures the Katikkiro proposes are unacceptable. Stick fighting is a tradition that tests a mans bravery. Wearing helmets for example remove that. The deaths are very tragic but I am proud in both men having the stomach to test themselves and show just how brave the men of the Naguni are."

The festival attracted several thousand spectators and brought a boost to the local economy.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - The water of the river flows on without waiting for the thirsty man.


ARCHBISHOP OF ISIOBODO THANKS "BROTHERS ACROSS THE OCEANS"

The Archbishop of Isiobodo, Emeka Abiodun, today has confirmed that the new church being built known as the Basilica of St.Arcadius has been given help from Zaporozh. Leading political figure Moisey Viktorov has sent funds, plants and seeds to help complete the garden. Archbishop Emeka spoke about this deed. "Catholic or Orthodox does not matter, what matters is that we love our fellow man and we love God and Jesus Christ. Do we think Arcadius, a most blessed man, would care about the differences between us when we are united as brother in Christ. Moisey and his fellow Zaporozhians have shown they are truly brothers across the oceans. Their generosity to strangers is a true reflection of what we as Christians aspire to and we send him, his family and all those who have supported this cause our humble thanks."

It was confirmed that the designers of the garden have now planned a Zaporozh Corner to be made utilising plants and flowers from Zaporozh. The Archbishop has also extended an invite to Moisey and his family. "When the Basilica opens I hope Moisey will come and bless us with his friendship in person. Perhaps we can sit and enjoy a drink together in their Corner and in the same way those flowers will blossom so will the friendship between two possibly unlikely nations." The Church is due to be completed at the end of February. 

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2022, 07:14:30 PM »




NAGUNI RIOT OVER LAW PROPOSAL

Yesterday in the Senate a proposed law was passed that would require any stick fighting contests to be licenced. The proposal by Sera Motebang from Balaika would mean that it would be illegal to organise or participate in stick fighting without a licence, similar to those required by boxing, in addition to gain a licence an individual would have to prove they have been trained in the sport, have knowledge of basic first aid and that a qualified medic is present. Anyone participating who does not fulfil these criteria would face a fine of $1,000 while anyone organising an event failing to comply would be fined up to $10,000 and face up to a year in prison. The law was debated in the Senate however no vote was taken. Consul Dr. Adebola Kamau, a qualified medical doctor, stated that he would await further reports on the situation that took place last week in a Naguni tribal event before permitting a vote. Dr.Kamau explained his choice saying. " We must ask ourself what happens if we pass this law. Would stick fighting end? I doubt it. We would criminalise many people for following their tribes traditions. We must though take steps to protect people as many Naguni will feel pressured to take part in this sport. Boxing has thrived in modern times despite a licencing system. I have asked for reports into the risks of the sport and the likely impact Senator Motebangs proposal will have."

The news sent anger through the Naguni community who tried to march on the Senate building. Several hundred people blockaded the roads around it and began burning tyres. The Senate building itself was being guarded by the Regiment of Kermah who sealed the compounds gates and then prepared smoke grenades and water canons. Having fired warning shots of paint ball bullets the crowd maintained a distance however the anti-riot gear was visible throughout the rest of the day. Basia Makepe of the Independent Party arrived in the early evening and and presented a petition on behalf of his party, who have no seats in the Senate but several in the three State legislations. Mr.Makepe said, "The Senate have no right to impose upon a tribe controls over their traditions. The act of stick fighting is something no one must take part in, it is entirely voulentary. If people go into it with their eyes open to the dangers then Gods help them but it is their choice. We don't stop people playing other dangerous sports like rugby or wrestling. This is an over-reach and must be stopped."

Dr. Kamau has written to the chief of the Naguni and invited him to address the Senate before any vote takes place.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY- No matter how much the world changes, cats will never lay eggs.

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2022, 11:02:18 PM »




"STICK WAR" CONTINUES DESPITE CONSULS VISIT

Members of the Naguni Tribe have still continued their protests over the proposal to put limits on their traditional stick fighting. The move comes after a debate in the Senate which saw the tribal chief address the chamber and give a passionate defence of the practice. The general feeling gauged by those watching the debate however was that should the matter be put to a vote limits or controls will be imposed on the practice. The large gathering of the tribes-people outside the Senate saw Police struggle to hold the crowds back. Police ended up having to use tear gas to ensure that the perimeter of the Senate building was not breeched. There were a total of five arrests made and one Police officer required medical treatment after being hit by a milk bottle that had been thrown.

In the afternoon the Consul, Dr. Kamau visited Naguni territory and spoke with a council made up of young members. He was put under close security by members of the armed forces and during his visit he called for protests to remain peaceful. "We live in a Conferderation where there is a system for having your voice heard. We are listening to the people but it takes time. In that time people need to remain within the law. They will be heard, that is why I am here today." There is expected to be a vote in the Senate in a few weeks time following a committee hearing evidence from medical professionals.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - We have not inherited this land from our ancestors; rather we have borrowed it from our children

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2022, 08:52:23 PM »




SENATE BLOCKS STICK FIGHTING BAN

Today the controversial attempt by Sera Motebang from Balaika to put blocks and controls on the traditional stick fighting has been defeated 4 -11. The vote largely was split along regional borders with all 4 votes in favour of controlling the sport coming from representatives from Balaika. Just Joma Elawa from Balaika voted against the controls saying, "It is my opinion that matters such as this should be left to the governments of each state rather than a Confederation wide stance, after all only a very small proportion of the Confederation even take part in the sport." The members having the votes for Gotoroland and Kinjanja refused to add controls over the sport and instead voted against it.

The move was meet with celebrations by the Naguni Tribe who had gathered outside the Senate to protest against the proposed law change. They thanked Consul Dr. Kamau for his recent visit to their tribal lands and for speaking in the Senate to say of the importance that the sport had in Naguni culture. While Consul does not have a vote except in ties he is permitted to speak in Senate meetings and is responsible for presenting the vast majority of legislation to the Senate. The Consul did however urge the tribe to consider ways in which they could make the sport safer saying, "Until the participants are adults I think they should use forms of padding or shielding, the sport puts a lot of stress and strain on a person and it is important that we protect young bodies from harm." The tribes leader,  King Hortuba, said "The sport will live on and grow. It is part of our cultural identity and I am grateful the Senate saw sense." As soon as the result was read out to the public the tribe held an impromptu fight outside the Senate which Police had to break up.

Thought of the Day - Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #7 on: June 21, 2022, 07:37:27 PM »




CONFEDERATION ADOPTS "ABRAHAMIC DECLARATION"

Consul Dr. Adebola Kamau has today approved the Confederation becoming the first non "Abrahamic" nation to sign the Abrahamic Declaration of Rights recently authored in Rayyu. The document outlines both the rights and responsibilities of a citizen and will be used as a bench-mark for the whole Confederation. The document passed approval of all three parts of the Confederation and then Senate. Signing the document Dr. Kamau explained, "It may sound out that a nation that does not have a majority of people following the Torah, Bible or Quran would sign this. We share many unfaltered traditional views with these faiths and as a diverse nation this has often been difficult to ensure we have a rights document that refelects the diversity of the Confederation. With 40% of our population worshiping one of the Abrahamic Faiths it is then not as surprising that the document is acceptable to the nation as many of us who follow folk-faiths have many beliefs that are similar to those of Christianity. It could be said that in some ways we share the destination not the mode of travel."

King Babajide X of Balakai was the first of the three leaders from the Confederates states to support the document. "We are an ancient people, our culture dates back to 3000BC in some ways. We have a desire to try and keep as much of that alive as possible while giving people a chance to live prosperous lives. This document is going to ensure no matter where you are in the Confederation your rights will be protected as a minimum level." The next to sign wasKatikkiro Tebogo Opeyemi of Gorotoland. "I am a supporter of this document as it can give us a foundation. At the moment a person travelling our Confederation has to have a good knowledge of many different rules to guide them. While those elements of independence can still retain this shall now ensure a minimum standard is adhered to." Finally King Tshepo signed just a day before the Consul saying, "I was torn as to whether to sign this but having consulted with the Kinjanja Priesthood they assured me that to do so would be a good thing and so here I am to place my signature on it."

The Consul's signature did however come with one clause and that was that the document will become part of the Confederations Law in 1st July 2022.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you.

 

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #8 on: October 18, 2022, 11:57:08 PM »




KERMAH-ABERTONE TO DISCUSS SLAVERY ISSUE

Every year a suspected 20,000 people from Kermah illegally cross the straits between the two countries in the expectation of a better life. Many of the tribes from Kermah have connections within the Eastern part of the Empire of Abertone dating back several hundred years and some are lured across in the belief that these tribal connections will be a path to a better life. This however is not always the case. As no freedom of movement exists between the nations of Kermah and Abertone these trips are illegal and gangs of human trafficers take vast sums to provide people with what they believe will be safe passage. When they arrive in Abertone however the gang often take any official paperwork and whisk the new arrivals away to work on farms, in warehouses or illegal brothels. In fear of family members back in Kermah being killed or reprecussions of being caught themselves the victims feel they have no choice but to comply. It is estimated there are around some 200,000 "slaves" in Abertone.

Last year around 12,000 people were returned to Kermah where despite their fears they face little to no government action as King Tshepo of Kinjanja, the province where most of the returnees came from explains, "I don't begrudge anyone seeking to find a better life. I'm just disappointed that people feel it can't be here. Its a dangerous journey either across the Straits or the longer land route. I want anyone trying to make it to consider not doing so and look at official routes rather than feathering the beds of the smugglers. We will happily work with Abertone to try and resolve this issue and ensure people aren't forced into shady jobs against their will." These sentiments were echoed by the leader of the Confederation, Consul Dr. Adebola Kamau, "What drives people to make this crossing and consign themselves to a life of hardship is beyond my understanding. As a leader of a Confederation I will work with the parties that make up our lands to see what we can do to help those abroad to return home and at the same time we must look at how we can make Kermah a better prospect."

Many experts point at the huge economic differences between the two nations. Abertone enjoys a GDP per capita of $31,600 while the richest of the Confderation provinces is Balaika with a GDP per capita of around $22,000, however Kinjanja  sits at just over $ 7,500. Dr. Kamau explained the impact of such a gap, "For someone in the vast majority of Kermah the idea of a nation with more than double their wealth is a tempting carrot to be dangled. Our best chances are to close that gap. We must look at Balaika as a role model for much of the Confederation as they are both the  most successful part in terms of GDP per capita and also have the largest economic growth with an estimate of around 2.4% expected this year." The main driver of the economic growth there seems to have been the service economy and tourism which may be harder to replicate across the Confederation.

Dr. Kamau though has said that he and the three leaders of the Confederations sub-part will meet with the Emperor of Abertone shortly to discuss ways of stopping this human trafficking. Yesterday two small fishing vessels packed with people were intercepted by the Confederation Navy and returned to shore. Police interviewed a total of 47 people but made no arrests. Chief of Police said "Usually the smugglers load the boats and then point them towards Abertone  before the organisers sloping off. We generally get sadly disappointed people returning home. We hope that they don't try again but often we see the same people two or three times."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - One may have two legs, but that does not mean one can climb two trees at the same time

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Re: Kermah State News
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2022, 11:37:59 PM »




KING TEBOGO CONGRATULATES "FRIEND" EMPEROR BENSON ON MARRIAGE

King Tebogo Opeyemi of the Mombaka tribe has today sent his congratulations to Emperor Benson of Paracambi on his recent surprise marriage. The Emperor was visiting some of the small Vodou community that exists in the East of the Gorotoland region which lies in the jurisdiction of King Tebogo. His visit coincided with the annual Uhmlang Festival taking place. During this festival all unmarried women between the age of 18 and 40 are expected to join a ceremonial parade. Historically this parade would see the King pick women to serve in his household. Up until 1961 the parade was also used to organise women into five reserve military units for use during emergency and each regiment would provide one woman to be part of the Kings personal household. Meanwhile any Prince's within the Royal family may select one girl in total to serve in their household. Traditionally the women would serve as part of the Kings bodyguard for a year and at the end of their service be placed in what would be considered an extremely good marriage, especially considering many of the girls selected came from low status families. In the past many of those girls being selected have also become mistresses and even wives to members of the royal family. Currently King Tebogo has five wives with Queen Ssanyu having been selected to serve during the ceremony in 1990. Historically the festival has also seen "Honoured Guests" granted the right to make a selection, as happened this year. One of the most surprising selections took place in 1790 when King Sven of East Moreland was invited to pick, local stories say he made an excuse not to pick a girl as he was already married and his Gods forbid him, he did however ask that if the King of the Mombaka wished to give him a gift it should be a pair of Honeybadger. The King ended up taking 16 of the animals back to East Moreland and soon it became the national animal. This year Emperor Benson selected to have 22 year old Zuri Kolisi join his household for a year.

During the ceremony King Tebogo said, "Emperor Benson may be a foreign royal but he is my friend and a friend to all in Kermah. I have seen him come and spend time in our lands and he has treated all of us with deep respect and friendship. It would therefore be wrong for such a noble man to be here during the ceremony and me not give him a chance to partake. I am confident that any girl selected will serve in his household with great enthusiasm and dignity." On the day the Emperor spoke to several of the senior ladies in charge of the ceremonial regiments and selected Zuri Kolisi who was part of the Central Mombaka Regiment. The Emperor initially informed the media that he was "amazed at her beauty and hearing she was a gifted university student impressed with her intelligence." She was studying Agricultural Sciences at the National Industrial University where she was due to take her final exams in the summer of 2023. 48 hours later however it was announced that she had married the Emperor after her father had agreed what has been described as a "hefty bride price." It is understood that Selwa Kolisi, the girls father, will receive 100 head of cattle, three tractors and ten years supply of seeds from the Emperor. When King Tebogo married Queen Ssanyu he paid 50 cattle and two years of seeds. The ceremony was a traditional Vodou festival as it appeared the now Empress Zuri had converted to the faith of which the Emperor is the leader of.

Speaking as his daughter has now returned to what will be her new homeland her father said, "It is beyond my imagination that my daughter will have a life beyond what I could ever have given her. She will now escape some of the hardships that a life as a farmer here in Kermah involves and in doing so has ensured the rest of her family are taken care of. I can not be happier." While Zuri has yet to be formally coronated as Empress people of her tribe are excited that it will happen soon. As King Tebogo explained. "The ceremony may by some foreign eyes seem outdated, we have seen an incredible love story take place and as a result a young girl has risen far beyond what she could have achieved without the ceremony." The King selected four girls who are all members of the National Sporting College and explained "having spoken with the elder women who run the various ceremonial regiments we hope to create some sporting greats from within the tribe. The four ladies will be part of my household and as such be given support for the next 12 months to achieve not just their sporting dreams but help fulfil those of our tribe."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - A wise man fills his head before emptying his mouth.