Minute to Minute

Education Ministry to analyse Hiv/Aids fight strategy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:44:58 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The Ministry of Education (MED) will run a workshop from February 6-8 in Luanda to review and draft a Strategic Plan to fight Hiv/Aids and the great endemic diseases in the sector, Angop learned Friday here.

The information is contained in a note from the Education Ministry that reached Angop, saying the workshop will also analyse the implementation of the National Strategic Plan, gather contributions to adjust the axis of intervention and outline a monitoring and evaluation plan.

During the workshop, the participants will also discuss such topics as the Hiv/Aids epidemiological situation and come up with general guidelines contained in the MED Strategic Plan of fight against the evil and the great endemics from 2006 to 2011.

The event will also focus on the importance of the role of the Education Ministry in the national response to Hiv/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as the directions for integration of the plans of the sector on the matter.

Ruling party Politburo analyses country's situation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:07:23 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The Angolan ruling MPLA party Politburo held its first ordinary session Friday in Luanda to analyse matters associated with its internal affairs and the country’s governance.

Chaired by the party president, José Eduardo dos Santos, the Politburo reviewed the degree of accomplishment of the party’s 2011 General Plan of Activities, having considered it positive and approved the report that will be submitted to the next session of the Central Committee.

The session also reviewed the report from the Central Committee’s Discipline and Audit Commission, the information on the first International Colloquium on MPLA’s History, as well as the General Plan of Activities for 2012.

The Politburo also analysed the memorandum/proposal on the Principles and Criteria for the elaboration of the list of candidates for National Assembly (Parliament)’s MPs, including the ruling party’s Governing Programme draft for the 2012/2017 period.

During the meeting, the party’s Politburo was informed about the electoral legislative package and that on the constitution of the Electoral Commissions at various levels.

The organisation also approved the Agenda for the 4th Ordinary session of the Central Committee, set for February 10, in Luanda.

Concerning the party’s internal affairs, the Politburo approved directions to strengthen the organisation’s work with the populations, and increase unity and cohesion, particularly in this year of great challenges for MPLA.

On the other hand, the Politburo hailed the militants, sympathisers and friends for their massive participation in the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the foundation of the party, on December 10 last year, with the motto “MPLA- 55 years of Angola for Angolans.”

Government announces 8,000 economic houses

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:49:19 GMT

Bengo,

Icolo e Bengo – The Angolan Government will build 8,000 evolutive houses for disadvantaged people nationwide this year, Angop learned Friday in Luanda.

The information was released by the secretary for Social Affairs to the Presidency of the Republic, Rosa Pacavira, during the launch of the model house in Catete localty, municipality of Icolo e Bengo, Luanda province.

According to the official, the project will include the construction of community laundries, schools, medical centres and installation of solar energy panels.

The source said the houses will cost Usd 8,000 each covered by the State, with the owners having the possibility to build additional compartments.

In his turn, Icolo e Bengo administrator, António Calado, said the project is one of Government’s many designed to assist disadvantaged people around the country.

Book on "Ngangela" community released

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:04 GMT

Angola,

Menongue - A book entitled “A Pérola Etno-antropológica dos Ngangelas”, authored by Bernardo Kativa, was released Thursday in the south-eastern Kuando Kubango province.

The nine-chapter work discusses geographic location of "Ngangela" community in the period of historical sources, ethnographic study, socio-cultural life, inter-cultural marriage and profile of Ngangelas.

The book also focuses on dimensional psychology of Ngangela people, enigma of death, wisdom and folklore of the inter-cultural triptych.

According to the author, the book aims mainly to recover the socio-cultural values of Ngangela, in particular, and the Angolan people in general.

Bernardo Kativa told Angop that the preparation of the work lasted seven years and was sponsored by the provincial government of Kuando Kubango, Ministry of culture and singular people.

Inter-ministerial Commission to study, review refugee status created

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:09:05 GMT

Angola,

Luanda– Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, Thursday in Luanda, ordered the creation of an Inter-ministerial Commission tasked with studying and reviewing the Law on the Refugee Status.

ANGOP learned from the Civil Office of the Presidency that the mentioned commission will be responsible for drafting the changes to the law, carrying out a study on the procedures for the Refugee Status and come up with solutions to the current situation of the refugees in Angola.

The commission will be coordinated by the Interior minister, comprising the ministers of Justice, as assistant, Social Welfare and the secretary for Juridical and Judicial Issues of the Presidency.

Foreign Affairs Ministry pays tribute to diplomats

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:55:20 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - A ceremony to honour the former vice ministers of Foreign Affairs Ministry (Mirex) and diplomats took place Friday in Luanda, with a view to stressing their contribution to the cause of the nation.

The event was presided over by the incumbent minister, Georges Chicoti.

Recognised were the former vice ministers of Foreign Affairs França Van-Dúnem, Irene Neto, Sebastião Izata, Domingos Muginga, José Alves Primo, Armando Mateus Cadete and Carlos Alberto Bragança.

While the former Foreign Affairs vice ministers, Francisco Romão and Johnny Eduardo Pinock were posthumously honoured.

The ceremony also served to highlight the work and contribution of the retired, late diplomats, as well as others still on duty.

They include, among others, Elias Augusto, André Miranda, Manuel Quarta Punza, Evaristo Domingos Kimba, João Filipe Martins, Eusébio Sebastião Júnior, Domingos Kiosa, Osvaldo de Jesus Serra Van-Dúnem, Henriques Teles Carreira, Simião Cafuche, Aristides Van-Dúnem, João Lourenço Landoite, Pedro Fernandes Mavunza, Emílio Guerra, José
Condessa de Carvalho “Toko”.

Delivering his speech, the minister Georges Chicoti said that the ceremony aims at paying tribute to the Angolan diplomats who in a recent period of history have active and diligently taken part in implementation of Foreign policy of Angola leading to consolidation of
independence and sovereignty, as well as in defence of its strategic interests, very often in conditions and difficult international contexts.

The official stressed that the initiative is part of set of measures recently taken by Mirex intended to preserve the memory and acknowledgement of work performed by those national staff.

The event coincides with the period of celebration of 4 February, the date of begging of national liberation struggle, taking into account its important meaning for the country's history.

Angolan general Consul gives patent letter

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:48:00 GMT

Angola,

Windhoek – The new general consul of Angola in Oshakati, Pedro Walipi Calenga, presented this Friday, in Windhoek, to Namibian Foreign Minister, Uutóni Nujoma, patent letter during a ceremony held at the Noble hall of the Namibian diplomacy.

On the occasion, Uutóni Nujoma highlighted good relations ties existing between both nations and encouraged Angolan people to join efforts for consolidating democracy, by organising elections this year.

At the ceremony, the counsellor minister of the Angolan Embassy, Guido Castelbranco, on the behalf of the ambassador Manuel Alexandre Rodrigues, addressed on the need to strengthen historic relations uniting people from both countries.

The act was witnessed by the first secretary of the Angolan Embassy in Namibia, Francisco Mendes, and the assistant of the general consul, Amélia Fernandes.

Angolans celebrate 51 years of beginning of armed struggle

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:39:15 GMT

Luanda ,

Luanda - The 51st anniversary of the beginning of the armed liberation struggle in Angola will be celebrated Saturday, February 4, which is an indelible landmark date in the history of resistance to Portuguese colonial-fascist regime, toward national independence.

At dawn on February 4, 1961, a group of men and women, armed with sticks, machetes and
other weapons, attacked the house of confinement and the St. Paul prison, in Luanda, to free political prisoners threatened with death.

In response to the attack, the colonial-fascist regime reacted with brutality in an action of
repression throughout the country, with killings, tortures and arbitrary arrests.

The arrests and killings of defenseless people led some nationalists to organise themselves for the liberation struggle.

Preparations of the action started in 1958 in Luanda, with the creation of two underground
groups, one covering the suburbs and other the urban area, coordinated by Paiva Domingos
da Silva, Imperial Santana, Virgil Sotomayor and Neves Bendinha (all deceased) .

The action was also part of the aspirations of the population and the need to move into a form of struggle that would correspond to the hard nature of the colonial administration. To this end, they won the support of the priest Manuel das Neves and other combatants.

The February 4, 1961 is considered a major milestone in the African struggle against
colonialism, following a tradition of resistance against occupation inherited from the peoples of Kassanje, Ndongo and the Central Highlands.

The first reports of enhancement of the resistance to the colonial occupation date from the
16th and 17th centuries (1559-1600 and 1625-1656), led by Ngola Kiluanje and Njinga
Mbandi.

The events of February 1961 translated thus a sublime expression of nationalism, shown by
Angolans.

This year the main event of the celebrations will be held at the municipality of Amboim, central Kwanza Sul province, with the motto "Let us honor the memory of our heroes, preserving peace and democracy."

The programme celebrating the 51st anniversary of the epic, whose national political act will
be chaired by the minister of Ex-Combatants and Veterans of the Motherland, Kundi
Pahiama, includes cultural and recreational activities, as well as inauguration of economic and social undertakings.

Trade with China rises to 11.5 percent - statistics

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:19:40 GMT

China,

Beijing - Trades between Angola and China increased by 11.5 percent in 2011, corresponding to USD 24.88 billion, which ranks Angola as the second biggest Chinese partner among the Portuguese-speaking countries.

This is contained in a statistics released Thursday by the Support Office to Permanent Secretariat of Macau Forum.

The source puts an increase of more than 9.12 percent in comparison to 2010, while the purchases stood at USD 2.78 billion, over 38.82 percent comparing to the previous year.

On the other hand, the restricted statistics point out that trading between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries rose to 28.2 percent in 2011, in relation to 2010, in an order of USD 117.2 billion.

Whereas, Brazil remained as the main economic partner of China, with a volume of trade estimated at USD 84.5 billion (64.3 billion euros), more 35.2 percent than in 2010.

Company sells products worth USD 18 million

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:52:39 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - The detergent factory "Lider Cem Percent", located in Viana district in Luanda, sold products estimated at USD 18 million, ANGOP learned Friday.

Speaking to ANGOP, the financial manager, Luis Miguel, said that this year the company expects to profit USD 24 million.

The plant produces detergents for domestic and industrial use.

According to the interlocutor, as well as Luanda, the company trades its products in the provinces of Zaire, Uige and Malanje, and its main customers are supermarkets of the country’s capital.

Angolan ambassador highlights forthcoming elections

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:41:26 GMT

Angola,

Brussels - The ambassador of Angola to Belgium Maria Elizabeth Simbrão pointed out the first decade of the celebration of peace and general elections in the country as the main events of 2012, around which the embassy staff should be engaged.

Speaking a few days ago, at the time of New Year's greetings from the officials of the Angolan embassy to the European country, Elizabeth Simbrão who is also the ambassador to the European Union, stressed that for the election of Members of Parliament and the President of the Republic all legal mechanisms are being created so that the act is organized, transparent and fair.

The diplomat spoke, on the other hand, of the work to be done for the Angolan community in Belgium and Luxembourg, which should be in a way to meet its needs

Inauguration of bridge over Munhino river

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:39:27 GMT

Namibe,

Namibe – A bridge over Munhno river with capacity for 100 tonnes connecting Bibala district and the localities of Camacuio, Caitou and Namibe, in south-western province of Namibe was unveiled Friday.

Built in six months, the 55m long and 6.5 m wide infrastructure cost 89 million kwanzas (one
dollar corresponds to 100 kwanzas).

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the provincial governor of Namibe, Cândida Celeste.

Angolan business mission visits Trinidad and Tobago

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:21:33 GMT

Luanda ,

Luanda - A national business delegation led by the Business Support Centre of the Commerce and Industry Chamber of Angola, is due to pay a visit to Trinidad and
Tobago on February 5-11, to study the market and evaluate the possibilities of doing business in the Caribbean country.

Speaking to Angop, the director of Business Support Centre (EAC), Caetano Capitao, said
that the visit aims to take small and medium Angolan enterprises to Trinidad and Tobago, to
identify partners, gain experience and invite them to work in projects in Angola.

According to Caetano Capitao, Angolan mission, composed of six small and medium
enterprises, providing services to the oil sector, will be part of an energy conference, and
develop bilateral exchange meetings.

Soccer body to sign outfit contract with Adidas

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:47:21 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The Angolan Football Federation (FAF) will sign a contract, by 2013, with the sports trademark “Adidas” to provide material for the national teams.

This was said Friday, in Luanda, by FAF chairperson, Pedro Neto.

Without specifying the periodicity of the contract, the source said that during the African Cup of Nations (CAN2012) being held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, “Palancas Negras” had already used this mark, but the material was bought.

“Because of the urgency we had, Adidas said that it should not be possible signing a contract for CAN2012, reason why we used alternative outfit. But for 2013 we already have a support agreement and will be signed next year”, stressed Pedro Neto at a press conference.

Speaking on Puma contract that used to “dress” the national team, Pedro Neto clarified that as result of some irregularities committed by FAF, the company interrupted sponsoring “Palancas Negras” (Nickname of the Angolan football team).

“Once that Puma stop sponsoring our team because of violating some items of the contract, we had to find another sponsor”, he said.

Over 100 youth join basic sanitation activity

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:46:06 GMT

Namibe,

Namibe – At least one hundred and twenty seven young volunteers and first aid members from Red Cross of Angola are attending from Friday in south-western Namibe province a series of activities linked to the basic sanitation, civic and moral education within the communities.

According to the provincial secretary of Red Cross, Daniel Kussumuwa, the event coincides with celebrations of 16 March, the international organisation's day.

The source stressed that the activity serves to encouraging the residents to join the activity related to the removal of solid residuals in most vulnerable communities.

National team play FIFA date with home-based players

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:29:17 GMT

Angola,

Luanda- Angola's national soccer team will play in the country in the next FIFA date, slated for February 29, only with athletes performing in the National Championship (Girabola), said Friday in Luanda the chairperson of the Angolan Federation of Football (FAF) Pedro Neto.

Pedro Neto, who was speaking to the press conference held in Luanda in reference to the performance of National soccer team during African Cup of Nations (CAN2012), where the country was eliminated in the first phase, said that FAF is in contact with several teams for
conducting the matches.

In his turn, the vice president of FAF for national teams, José Luis Prata, explained that among the potential candidates two are participating in CAN2012 and one is European side, without disclosing names.

"On the 29th February, we will play, perhaps in Luanda or in another province. The opponents have not yet been confirmed and we will disclose shortly," he said.

In CAN2012, held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea respectively, Angola reached the third place of Group B, following the result of a win, a draw and one defeat, adding four points.

Singer Titica holds Kuduro show

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:04:04 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – Angolan Kuduro singer "Titica" will be organising her first Kuduro music show, on February 17, at Atlantic cinema hall, in Luanda city.

The show will also have the participation of other singers, such as, Ary, Ady Cudz, C4 Pedro, Pérola, Edmasia, Noite e Dia, Própria Lixa, Mona Star, Tuga Agressiva, Os mais potentes, Pety, Puto Saborosa and DWG.

With the songs “Chão” and “O boneco”, the artist won revelation award in the top kuduro contest, organised by Radio Escola, last year.

Registration for 2012 carnival opened

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:47:26 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – The Commission of Luanda Carnival announced this Friday beginning of registration for economic agents dealing with hotel and tourism business, interested in participating in the cultural event to be held on February 18, 19 and 21.

ANGOP learnt from a communiqué issued by Luanda government that enrolment will be take place in New Marginal. Those interested should contact the Provincial Department of Economic Activities, at Kinaxixi square, Luziadas building nº 14, 6th floor.

Ambassador to Brazil at CPLP business confederation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:42:49 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda - The Board of the Business Confederation of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) is meeting in Brasilia, under the chairwomanship of the Angolan Albina Faria de Assis Africana.

The opening session of the meeting took place at the headquarters of the National Confederation of Industry, in the Brazilian capital, and was attended by ambassadors of the CPLP member countries and representatives of the CNI and the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.

The Angolan ambassador to Brazil, Nelson Cosme, on behalf of the Angolan presidency of CPLP, urged participants to find ways for administrative and office organisation of the confederation in simultaneously with the improvement of the relationship between entrepreneurs and the officials of the CPLP.

He recalled, however, that in light of the resolutions of the Council of Ministers of the CPLP of July 2011 in Luanda, it is recommended to the Business Confederation to hold a large meeting of businessmen during the Angolan presidency, with the presence of officials and managers of the Community.

The chairwoman of the Board of the Business Confederation of the CPLP, Albina Assis, called for a new vision of the organization's work, as well as the need for institutional capacity of African partner countries most in need, with the competition from Brazil and Portugal.

Petro and 1� de Agosto in final of junior handball championship

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:47:26 GMT

Angola,

Huambo – Petro de Luanda and 1º de Agosto will on Saturday play in the central Huambo province, the final of the national junior females handball championship.

To reach the final Petro de Luanda beat ASA by 33-26, whilst 1º de Agosto defeated by Electro do Lobito by 30-3.

SME expels over 100 illegal foreign citizens

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:45:55 GMT

Angola,

Cabinda – The Migration and Foreigner Services (SME) in the northern Cabinda province expelled out on 23-30 January at least 180 foreign citizens for illegally staying in this city.

According to a press release from SME, which reached Angop this Friday, some 70 foreigners are from the DR Congo and 10 citizens belong to Congo Brazzaville.

The foreign citizens were repatriated through the border checkpoints of Yema, Yabi Massabi, Mbaca Kossi, Chimbuandi, Zenza do Lucula, Pinto da Fonseca, Necuto and Beira-Nova.

Mo�amedes railways trains to operate by March

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:39:55 GMT

Angola,

Lubango – The first commercial trains of Moçâmedes Railways Company (CFM) connecting Namibe, Lubango and Menongue localities will be operational between March and April this year.

This was said to Angop on Friday in Lubango city, southern Huíla province by the CEO of the referred company, Daniel Quipaxe.

The CEO said that due to the pace of the execution works, the inaugural commercial train might happen between March and April this year.

Reggae community remembers Bob Marley in show

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:32:01 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The Angolan Association of Reggae Music Friends (NARA) will organise, in Luanda, an international show to honour the 67th anniversary of the King of Reggae Music, Bob Marley, to be marked on February 6.

According to a press release from the association sent to ANGOP, the show will count on the performances of the singers Ras Naya, from Kenya, and Pierre Babréle, from Martinique, both members of the Free Island Band, based in Paris (France).

The event happens at Elinga Teatro and also counts on the participation of Namibian singer King Rasta, as well as the Angolan singers Legalize, Sajambela, Pedro Nzaji and Loromance.

The local band Ombaka Show and the rasta dance group “Jihoji Ya Angola” will also perform in the event.

ENSA unveils branch in Santa Clara locality

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:27:48 GMT

Angola,

Ondjiva – The Angolan National Insurance Company (ENSA) in the southern Cunene province will inaugurate on Friday a counter in the bordering area of Santa Clara, Angop learnt.

According to a press note released to Angop, the opening of the branch is part of the modernisation and expansion programme of ENSA, as well as bringing the services closer to the customers.

ENSA has a branch in Ondjiva and 27 insurance mediators.

Commission for elaboration of development programme appointed

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:25:01 GMT

Angola,

Lubango – The governor of Huíla Province, Isaac dos Anjos, nominated this Friday, through a despatch, a working commission that will elaborate a proposal for the economic and social development of the province for the 2013/2017 period.

ANGOP has learnt that this move comes from the need to gather more opinion on the framework of objectives, strategies of implementation, goals to achieve and programmes of development between 2013 and 2017.

In the same despatch, the governor of Huíla Province instructs the nominated commission to elaborate a proposal of plan for the province’s economic and social development for the 2013/2017 period, with April 15 as the dead line to present the proposal to the provincial government.

The working commission includes the vice governors for economic, political and social sectors, respectively, Cunha Velho and José Arão.

Lito Vidigal reinstated national coach

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:23:03 GMT

Angola,

Luanda – The chairman of the Angola Football Federation, Pedro Neto, said this Friday that Angolan Lito Vidigal remains as the main coach of the national senior males football team.

The official said so in Luanda during a press conference, aimed to assess the Angolan squad participation in Africa Cup of Nations (CAN2012).

Angola failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of CAN2012, being co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Singer Ray-C to release second promotional single

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:09:11 GMT

Luena,

Luena – The Angolan singer, Araújo Domingos "Ray-C", announced on Friday in Luena city, eastern Moxico province, his second “Single”.

This was said to Angop by the singer himself.

According to him, the “Single” will comprise five tracks, sung in the music styles of kizomba, house and kwaito.

Ray-C said that the the single will count on the participation of Angolan Paul G, Zambians Elizau and Silent E.

The artist, aged 24, has been singing for 15 years and he intends to release his first CD in 2013.

Term for business licences validity extended

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:34:30 GMT

Angola,

Luanda - The Ministry of Commerce has extended the deadline for the validity of business licences to March 31, ANGOP has learnt.

A press note delivered to ANGOP says that the move is due to the number of business licences issued for retail and wholesale commerce.

The note says that traders are also appealed to go to the national department of internal commerce or the respective provincial departments for further details.

Iron, gold exploration to bring benefits to southern region

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:26:11 GMT

Angola,

Lubango - Iron and gold exploration in Cassinga areas, as well as in Jamba Municipality, southern Huila Province, might help boost the social and economic development of the region, says the administrator, Miguel Cassela.

Speaking to the press, he said that the exploration will be a leverage for the growth of the municipality, as well as help to create jobs and boost tourism.

He said that the firms in charge of the works, Somepa and Aemr, have already defined the areas for the construction of more than 200 residences, as well as a leisure and professional training centre.

They are also repairing bridges and opening secondary roads.

Roller-skate hockey final begins Friday

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:07:58 GMT

Luanda,

Luanda – A play-off tournament, best of three games, in senior males national roller-skate hockey championship begins this Friday, at 08.30 pm, in Cidadela pavilion, with the game between Petro de Luanda and Juventude de Viana, after a two-day break.

To reach the final, Petro de Luanda beat 1º de Agosto in the first round by 3-2 and second by 4-2, while Juventude de Viana left behind Académica de Luanda (2-0 and 3-1).

1º de Agosto versus Académica de Luanda (current champion) will play for the third place.