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Actress Shix Kapienga is set to star in an upcoming comedy movie  Sketchy Africans. Alongside celebrated actress Nyokabi Macharia, the two will co-star in the new comedy film directed by Vincent Mbaya. Set for release on November 30, 2024, the film promises a fresh, comedic take on the struggles of modern life in Kenya and across Africa. In Sketchy AF!, a desperate entrepreneur, facing pressure from her family and struggling with her business, teams up with a debt-ridden theater director to fake an engagement and stage a fake dowry ceremony to secure much-needed cash. Other cast members include  Bruce Makau (Kina), Morris Mwangi (Faithless),  Duncan Murunyu (Boda Love), Benson Ojuwa (Untying Kantai), Beatrice Kamuyu (Faithless), Gloria Songoro (Selina), and Andrew Levi (Shanga). "This is a universal experience that resonates across Africa, taking a comedic look at the hardships of making it in cutthroat Nairobi during tough economic times while balancing modernity and cultural expectations," says Mbaya of his new project. Sketchy AF! is also the launch pad for the broader Sketchy Africans brand, with the film being the first in a planned series of comedy films. The project aims to redefine African comedy, with plans to release three films a year under the Sketchy Africans banner. "This is the beginning of a movement in African comedy cinema with the potential to captivate audiences worldwide," Mbaya adds. The film's visual style is created by renowned cinematographer Jim Bishop, known for Intellectual Scum, Half Open Window, and the upcoming 2 Asunder, starring Sanaipei Tande. Bishop also serves as executive producer alongside Francis Mwaniki and Sarah Wangari Thuo. Sketchy AF! is co-produced by Multan Productions, headed by Reuben Odanga, known for successful projects such as Selina, Nafsi, and Pink Ladies. Kara Wambui (Mpakani, Mission to Rescue) and Sally Nyoike (Selina, Faithless) are also involved as producers.

“As far as my family was concerned, that was another planet," Chanel's Leena Nair said. The bet paid off as she then built a 30-year career at Unilever.

A job seeker, Benjamin, just had his resume publicly roasted by the high-flying fashion CEO and Shark Tank Australia star Jane Lu.

It's an unprecedented call to arms.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella asked the company to axe his pay, but still saw it increase by more than $30 million because of performance-linked stock awards.

KZN Department of Human Settlements invites unemployed graduates to apply for Internship Programme 2024 / 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 28 October 2024 Internship Location: KwaZulu-Natal Reference No: Department of Human Settlements Internship Programme Required Fields of study: National Diploma / Degree in: Selection Criteria: The applicants must meet the following requirements: How to Apply Download ... Read more

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BMW South Africa invites unemployed graduates to apply for Graduate Internship Programme 2024 / 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 31 October 2024 Internship Location: Gauteng, South Africa BMW Group South Africa is calling on enthusiastic and talented graduates who may be interested in applying for our 2025 Graduate programme. The programme is aimed at graduates who ... Read more

The post BMW SA Graduate Internships 2024 / 2025 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? The time has come to explore a world of possibilities within the National and Provincial Departments of South Africa. DPSA Circular 38 of 2024, released on the 25 October 2024, unveils numerous job openings waiting for talented individuals like you to make a difference. ... Read more

The post DPSA Circular 38 of 2024: Apply now for various SA government vacancies appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.

THE Menendez Brothers have been behind bars for 35 years following the brutal slaying of their parents.

Now new evidence means they could be out on parole by the end of 2024 — here’s what we know about George Gascón, who announced he will ask the judge to consider resentencing for Erik and Lyle.

Reuters

LA DA George Gascón announced he will ask the judge to consider resentencing in the Menendez brothers’ case[/caption]

AP

The DA believes new evidence could mean the brothers are eligible for parole ‘immediately’[/caption]

Reuters

George Gascón shaking hands with Diane Hernandez — niece of Kitty Menendez[/caption]

George is the current district attorney of Los Angeles County, known for his progressive approach to criminal justice reform.

His decision to recommend resentencing for the Menendez brothers has thrust him into the national spotlight.

Who is George Gascón?

George Gascón was born in Havana, Cuba on March 12, 1954.

He immigrated to the States as a child with his family and grew up in Los Angeles.

George served in the US Army before joining the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1978.

During his time with the LAPD, George rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Assistant Chief of Police.

His career in law enforcement continued as he served as Chief of Police in Mesa, Arizona, and later in San Francisco.

District attorney

In 2011, George was appointed as the district attorney of San Francisco, a position he held until 2019.

He gained widespread recognition for his progressive policies, including efforts to reduce mass incarceration and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

In 2020, George successfully ran for Los Angeles County district attorney, defeating the incumbent Jackie Lacey.

He took office in December 2020, promising to implement significant reforms in the nation’s largest prosecutorial office.

Controversies

As Los Angeles County district attorney, George has implemented several controversial policies, including:

• Eliminating cash bail for most nonviolent offenses
• Refusing to seek the death penalty in all cases
• Declining to prosecute certain low-level offenses
• Reevaluating sentences for individuals who have served extensive prison terms

These policies have drawn both praise from criminal justice reform advocates and criticism from law enforcement groups and some victims’ rights organizations.

Since [Erik and Lyle Menendez] were under 26 years of age at the time that this crime occurred, they will be eligible for parole immediately

George Gascón

Menendez brothers case

On October 24, 2024, George announced that he will ask a judge to reconsider resentencing Lyle and Erik.

He said: “I came to a place where I believe, under the law, resentencing is appropriate.”

The DA revealed that he would ask the court to remove the life without the possibility of parole and request it be replaced with a sentence of 50 years to life with the possibility of parole.

He added: “However, because of their age under the law, since they were under 26 years of age at the time that this crime occurred, they will be eligible for parole immediately.”

EPA

Diane Hernandez reacting as George Gascón spoke during a press conference about Lyle and Erik Menendez on October 24, 2024[/caption]

The district attorney’s office has been examining new evidence, including a letter Erik Menendez wrote to a cousin prior to the murders, hinting at abuse.

New evidence also includes and a sworn declaration from a former member of the boy band Menudo, alleging sexual assault by Jose Menendez.

George has stated that societal understanding of sexual abuse has evolved since the original trial, potentially affecting how a jury today might view the case.

His recommendation for resentencing in the Menendez case will ultimately be decided by a judge.

The hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024.

NOROVIRUS cases have surged over the past two weeks, raising fears as Brits brace for a trio of rampant winter viruses.

During the summer months, the virus was already on the rise, but recent data indicates that its numbers are now superseding expected levels.

The most recent UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show reports of the nasty bug are up by 39 per cent already – with cases predicted to rise further over the coming weeks.

At least 382 lab reports came back positive for the “extremely contagious” norovirus between September 30 to October 13, (weeks 40-41) figures show – up from 274 in the two weeks prior.

This suggests the number of people sick with the bug is more than double what’s typically expected for this time of year, the agency said.

It comes as health chiefs fear a “tripledemic” of Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this winter.

Brits have been urged to take up “life-saving” NHS jabs to give themselves the best chance of dodging the bugs.

Seperate UKHSA stats, published earlier this week, revealed an uptick in RSV infections that have led to more babies being admitted to the hospital with severe chest infections.

RSV is a very common infection that – in some instances – can be deadly, especially for infants and the elderly.

Meanwhile, flu cases are already twice as high among children aged 5 to 14 – compared with the general population prompting experts to urge parents to get their kids vaccinated.

Scientists have also sounded the alarm over a new, more contagious Covid variant called XEC, which is spreading across several European countries.

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “As we head into the winter season, we are seeing norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect the virus to spread more in the coming weeks.

“Recently, we’ve seen the biggest rise in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and over.”

Norovirus – also known as the “winter vomiting bug” – is a highly infectious viral illness.

Adults and children who might have the bug are being urged to stay home from work and school.

The figures come as a new vaccine that could stop people from developing the vomiting bug norovirus is being trialled in the UK.

The mRNA vaccine from Moderna has entered its final stages of testing, the Health Secretary has announced, with results so far showing it creates a “strong immune response”.

The UKHSA report, based on laboratory test results, suggests that the rise in detected cases may be linked to changes in national disease surveillance methods following the pandemic.

Changes to testing and reporting, and the weather getting colder, are also considered possible factors in the report.

Not all norovirus cases are reported or tested, so the true number of infections is likely to be much higher.

Most cases are being recorded in the over-65s, though the virus, which triggers sickness and diarrhoea, continues to affect all age groups.

The bug spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces or foods.

This makes nurseries, schools, workplaces, hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, and family homes over Christmas perfect breeding grounds.

While most people make a full recovery within a few days, norovirus can lead to dehydration, especially among the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

How to stay safe

Thankfully, there are some simple ways to help curb the spread.

The UKHSA urges families to:

• Wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water
• Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them
• Cook foods thoroughly
• Routinely sanitise surfaces
• Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick

And if you, a relative or friend has got norovirus, it’s important to remember:

1. It cannot be treated with antibiotics.
2. Vomiting and diarrhoea cause your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
3. Stay at home. Do not return to work or send kids to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
4. Avoid cooking or preparing meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
5. Wash all contaminated clothing and bedding using detergent and at 60C.
6. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaning products where possible.
7. Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.