Latest news with #SRI
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
BEE is bringing South Africa's economy to its knees
BEE is bringing South Africa's economy to its knees – new report A report released on June 12 by the Solidarity Research Institute (SRI) and the Free Market Foundation (FMF) has sent shockwaves through South Africa's political and economic landscape. The report delivers a scathing critique of the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy, asserting that it is causing substantial damage to the South African economy while enriching only a small, politically connected elite. BEE was initially introduced as a transformative policy aimed at redressing the economic imbalances of apartheid by promoting greater inclusion of black South Africans in the economy. However, the latest findings paint a different picture, highlighting a policy that is now burdening economic growth, exacerbating inequality, and stalling job creation. According to the report, the annual compliance costs for BEE range from R145-billion to R290-billion, which represents between 2% and 4% of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This enormous economic burden has resulted in an annual reduction of GDP growth by between 1.5% and 3%, with a concomitant loss of between 96 000 and 192 000 jobs each year. Over the years, this has accumulated to about 3.8 million lost job opportunities for South Africans. 'This huge economic cost is not simply the result of negligence or the mere poor implementation of a plan. It is a deliberate government policy that causes it,' said Theuns du Buisson, economic researcher at the SRI and co-author of the report. 'It is irrelevant when someone then says the policy was introduced with good intentions. Today it serves as a mechanism to enrich the elite at the expense of our country's economy and especially at the expense of its poorest citizens.' The report further outlines that while there has been some progress in terms of black ownership and skills development, these gains are heavily overshadowed by the adverse effects of BEE. Among these are increased inequality, elite capture of policy benefits, and widespread economic stagnation. 'The policy places a particularly heavy burden on critical sectors such as mining and finance,' the report reads, 'and it deters foreign investment, encourages capital flight, and stifles technological progress.' South Africa's economic position on the global stage has deteriorated markedly, falling behind other middle-income countries with which it was once comparable. The report critiques the lack of focus and effectiveness in the implementation of BEE policies, which contrasts with more successful affirmative action or empowerment programmes abroad. Du Buisson pointed to countries such as Brazil and the United States, which have begun to phase out similar race-based economic policies. 'Moreover, in other countries, affirmative action policies are precisely there to prevent discrimination, while in South Africa, they in fact make discrimination compulsory,' he noted. 'South Africa must now follow the path of other countries and get rid of it. BEE has become an instrument that benefits a small, politically connected elite and has long ago stopped being a policy that could empower a disadvantaged society.' Connie Mulder, head of the SRI, emphasised the urgency of the situation: 'South Africa cannot afford to continue down this path. The data is clear. BEE, in its current form, is damaging the economy and hurting those it was meant to help. We need policies that promote real economic participation and growth without racial quotas that cripple progress.' The call to action from the writers of the report is for policymakers to immediately abolish the current BEE framework and replace it with a policy that fosters inclusive growth without impeding the economy. 'We need an economic environment where all South Africans, regardless of race, have the opportunity to contribute and prosper,' Du Buisson said. – Access the full report here: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LGBTQ Representation In Movies Hits 3-Year Low, GLAAD Finds
After reaching a record high in 2022, LGBTQ representation continues to decline in movies. On Wednesday, GLAAD released the 13th edition of its Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), which found that LGBTQ-inclusive films dropped to 23.6% of releases from 10 top studio distributors during the 2024 calendar year, down from 27.3% in 2023 and 28.5% in 2022. More from Deadline Pride Month Viewing: 20 Buzzy LGBTQ Movies Of 2025 'I Don't Understand You's Husband Writing-Directing Duo Talks "Horror Movie" Adoption Experience, "Amazing" Italian Crew & Their Son's Cameo 'Queer as Folk' Cast Reuniting For 25th Anniversary At Pride Live! Hollywood, Plus 'Golden Girls' Birthday & Norman Lear Tribute The SRI also found that, only two films (less than 1%) featured transgender characters; 37% of LGBTQ characters had less than one minute of screen time; only 27% had more than 10 minutes of screen time, down from 38% last year; LGBTQ characters of color made up the lowest percentage since 2019 at 36%; and there were no LGBTQ characters living with HIV in any of the 250 films tracker. 'This year's findings are a wake-up call to the industry. At a time when LGBTQ people are facing unprecedented attacks in politics and news media, film must be a space for visibility and truth,' said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO. 'Representation isn't about checking a box — it's about whose stories get told, whose lives are valued, and creating worlds that mirror our own society today. When done authentically, LGBTQ representation builds audience and buzz, while humanizing LGBTQ people as those in power are actively working to take away our humanity.' Meanwhile, gender parity was reached among LGBTQ characters for the first time in five years, at 50% women, 48% men and 2% nonbinary; and A24 was the only studio to receive a 'Good' rating with the highest percentage of LGBTQ films. Looking at releases from A24, Amazon, Apple TV+, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros. Discovery, as well as their subsidiaries and streaming services, films were judged based on the basic standard for meaningful LGBTQ inclusion, as outlined by GLAAD's Vito Russo Test, named after a co-founder of the organization. The 2024 titles that passed the Vito Russo Test include Love Lies Bleeding (A24), Problemista (A24), My Old Ass (Amazon), Drive-Away Dolls (NBCUniversal), Mean Girls (Paramount Pictures), Fancy Dance (Apple TV+), Good Grief (Netflix), Rez Ball (Netflix), Sweethearts (Warner Bros. Discovery), Housekeeping for Beginners (NBCUniversal), The Radleys (Lionsgate), Ricky Stanicky (Amazon), Between the Temples (Sony Pictures Entertainment) and Prom Dates (The Walt Disney Company). Following the Trump administration's attacks on DEI and recent attempt to cancel Pride Month, several LGBTQ films are finding their ways to the screen this year. Best of Deadline 'Stick' Release Guide: When Do New Episodes Come Out? 'Stick' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Apple TV+ Golf Series 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Dr. Eric Lang, world-leading behavioral science and insider prevention expert, joins SRI Advisory Board
Dr. Eric Lang joins Swedish personnel security and insider prevention company Scandinavian Recruitment Intelligence, SRI, as Advisory Board member. STOCKHOLM, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, May 27, 2025 / / -- Swedish personnel security company SRI, with a clear vision of enhancing the safety and security of Swedish workplaces, the Nation, and international partners who depend on Sweden, has in recent years focused significant resources on raising awareness and educating Swedish employers about insider threats. As part of this focus, the company has collaborated with Dr. Eric Lang from the United States. Dr. Lang is a world-leading authority and expert in the behavioral and social sciences, and insider prevention. Dr. Lang is responsible for research studies and tools that are now used by governmental and private sector security functions worldwide. With the aim of becoming a leading player in security culture and insider prevention that supports both Swedish and foreign operations, the collaboration with Dr. Lang has now been expanded as SRI welcomes Dr. Lang to its Advisory Board. The need for knowledge and tools in this area is also expected to increase in the coming years, as the prevailing geo- and security policy factors have caused the situation and threat landscape to deteriorate rapidly in recent years, which has led to an increased insider threat in Sweden and throughout Europe. Dr. Lang is a social psychologist with over 35 years of experience improving organisational effectiveness, fairness, security, and well-being through science-based policy recommendations and best-practice tools. Dr. Lang has led multiple research groups and is best known for his many years as Director of the Personnel and Security Research Center (PERSEREC) – a research arm of the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2025, Dr. Lang chose to retire from government service and return to his private sector roots (e.g., he spent over 10 years as an applied scientist and leader in small and big businesses, and a 'think tank'), and now joins SRI. Dr. Lang remarked: 'Malicious and unintentional Insider Risks are increasing in Sweden and across the world. From the smallest businesses to the largest governments, organizations increasingly experience loss and compromise of intellectual property, sensitive data, staff and facility safety, and financial resources, as well as downstream consequences such as increased organizational stress, employee attrition, and decreased trust among partners and customers. Technological tools are necessary but not sufficient. The greatest gaps and opportunities in Insider Threat management center on human factors and organizational culture issues. Research-based social science insights, practices, and tools continue to be misunderstood and underutilized by most organizations. SRI leadership and staff understand these needs deeply. Their activities, reports, and tools—such as SRI's annual Summit, Annual Insider Review, and Prisma software—demonstrate skill and commitment to support their customers, partners, and Nation. I am grateful and excited at the opportunity to collaborate more extensively with SRI on this critical mission.' Dr. Lang has collaborated with SRI in various ways over the past few years, most recently at the company's 2024 annual security conference, SRI Summit, where he gave an acclaimed keynote presentation centred, in part, on his 'Seven Science-Based Commandments' journal article which is considered by many to be a foundational publication in the Insider Threat field. Dr. Lang is often consulted to help leaders and security professionals understand and manage security, organisational culture, and psychological issues related to insider risk. At SRI, Dr. Lang will join the company's Advisory board and, through it, contribute with his vast knowledge and experience. SRI's Advisory Board consists of Stefan Kristiansson, former head of the Swedish Military Intelligence and Security Service (Must), Therese Mattsson, former Director General of the Coast Guard and the Director General at the Swedish Customs Administration, and Joakim Paasikivi – a well-known name to many. Joakim has, among other things, served as a military strategy professor at the Swedish Defence University and held positions within Must. Pierre Gudmundson, Personnel Security Specialist and Head of Insider Prevention at SRI said: 'Eric Lang's deep knowledge and impressive experience of research and work at the absolute cutting edge of the U.S. Security Service in applying personnel-related research in counterintelligence is invaluable to us. With Eric's help, we will be able to quickly take big and important steps to help many employers in both Sweden and around the world to create safer workplaces and preventively and systematically prevent insider problems from arising.' Anders Selvehed, CEO of SRI, said: 'For us at SRI, it is extremely flattering that Dr. Lang, a world-leading authority in this field, chooses to join our Advisory Board and make his expertise available to us and our clients. Our aim is to become a leader in Sweden, the Nordics and Europe in the insider prevention segment. We have already developed our own security culture enhancing- and insider prevention program that is appreciated by Swedish employers, our own Annual Review on insiders, as well as training and lectures in insider prevention. With Dr. Lang's help, we will be able to support clients with specific needs in this area in an even better way.' About SRI: SRI (Scandinavian Recruitment Intelligence) is a Swedish-owned private company and a leading actor within background checks, protective security and operational security with an overall vision of contributing to the creation of safe and secure workplaces and a safer Sweden. SRI works with people in focus and are experts in the field of personnel security and insider prevention. Within this discipline, SRI assists public and private organizations with Security-as-a-service solutions, business intelligence, consultation and training to promote proactive and systematic security work. As a private actor, SRI contributes to qualified investigations that counteract espionage, insider activities and terror, among other things, as threats and risks are directed at Swedish operations. Anders Selvehed SRI [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Tatler Asia
These farmers grow your food, but they can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that
Root of the dream Marinduque, an island province once marred by poverty and environmental degradation, became the fertile ground for Agrea's pioneering model: the One-Island Economy. This holistic approach integrates social, environmental and economic sustainability, aiming for zero hunger, zero waste and zero insufficiency. 'We started with the One-Island Economy Model in Marinduque, which showed that self-sustaining agricultural ecosystems could work,' Atilano explains. This model integrated local farming, environmental preservation, community training and direct market access, demonstrating that holistic approaches can yield tangible results. Agrea also introduced the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a method that increased yields while reducing water usage and input costs. It helped farmers increase their yields by fourfold and decreased their farm inputs cost to 70 per cent. Beyond rice, farmers diversified into high-value crops like turmeric and serpentina, tapping into both local and international markets. Read more: Moving beyond organic farming: Hong Kong farms embrace the regenerative farming revolution 'Agrea has evolved from a small initiative into a movement that empowers farmers, educates young people and influences policy-making,' Atilano notes. The organisation's reach now spans farmer capacity-building programs, youth engagement campaigns and sustainability-driven agribusiness ventures across the Philippines. Since its founding, Agrea has impacted more than 30,000 individuals across farming, fishing and youth communities. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Agrea launched the #MoveFoodInitiative, successfully transporting nearly 138,000 kilogrammes of fruits and vegetables from almost 4,000 farmers, reaching nearly 30,000 families. This initiative helped prevent food waste and provided essential support to farmers and consumers during a critical time. At the centre of Agrea's mission is the belief that farmers don't need saving. They need systems that work to address the root causes of poverty and instability in the agricultural sector. Planting new seeds Above A big part of Agrea is its women farmers (Photo: Agrea) To address the persistent challenges in agriculture, Agrea had to go deeper than surface-level aid, focusing on three core pillars: capacity building, market linkages, and policy and advocacy. First, in the capacity-building area, Agrea trains farmers in 'climate-smart and sustainable farming methods,' equipping them to increase productivity while preserving their environment. Then there's the market linkages. 'We connect farmers directly to buyers, ensuring fair prices and reducing dependence on exploitative middlemen,' she notes. This is one of Agrea's most transformative moves: cutting out intermediaries who often take the lion's share of profits and restoring control and income to the producers themselves. The third pillar—policy and advocacy—is where Atilano's strategic thinking truly shines. 'We work with government agencies and institutions to create lasting policy changes that benefit smallholder farmers.' This empowerment extended to women, who, despite legal and societal barriers, found new roles as agricultural entrepreneurs. "If you invest in women in farming communities, it's an investment in the entire community," Atilano asserts. These interventions have produced success stories. 'One of my favourite success stories is about a woman farmer in Marinduque who joined our programme with little knowledge of modern farming,' Atilano recalls. 'Today, she not only provides for her family but also mentors other farmers in her community.' Read more: This is how innovative entrepreneurs throughout Asia are working to end global hunger 'Technology and innovation are key to Agrea's work,' she adds. The group uses everything from farm digitisation to precision agriculture and digital marketplaces. 'We use data-driven approaches to help farmers make informed decisions… and connect them to digital marketplaces, ensuring fair trade and transparency.' The results are higher yields, lower costs and most surprisingly, a newfound appeal to the youth. 'We're also seeing younger people become more interested in agriculture because of the tech-driven opportunities,' she adds. In recognition of her impactful work, Atilano has received numerous accolades, including the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur award in 2017, COVID-19 Action Champion by UN Women in 2020, and being named a 2024 Young Global Leader Mastercard Fellow by the World Economic Forum. As one of Tatler Asia's Most Influential, she also received the Impact Award for Humanity in 2024. A harvest of hope 'Agrea operates as a social enterprise,' Atilano explains. 'We believe that purpose and profit can go hand in hand. When farmers thrive, the economy grows.' Rather than relying on handouts, Agrea generates revenue through agribusiness solutions, farmer training and sustainable supply chains. This allows the organisation to reinvest in its mission without compromising its core values. 'Unlike traditional aid, Agrea doesn't give handouts. We create long-term solutions that empower farmers to become self-sufficient,' Atilano says. 'Many charity models focus on short-term relief, but we invest in education, policy change and economic empowerment so that farmers don't have to rely on aid in the future.' 'One of the biggest challenges is changing mindsets—both within farming communities and in society at large. Many people still see farming as a low-income, low-respect profession' - Cherrie Atilano - The organisation works at every level of the ecosystem—empowering farmers with tangible results, equipping youth with a new narrative, and influencing public discourse. 'By highlighting success stories, we help shift perceptions and inspire a new generation of agripreneurs,' shares Atilano. Systemic change is not for the faint of heart. It requires relentless optimism, deep patience and the ability to mobilise across silos. 'Engage policymakers, businesses and the general public,' she says. 'Systemic change requires a collective effort, and building partnerships has been key to amplifying our impact.' For Atilano, despite the long odds and daunting tasks ahead, every gain matters. 'The progress we've seen keeps us going,' she says. 'Every farmer who thrives, every young person who chooses agriculture, and every community that becomes more food-secure is a step toward a more resilient and empowered future.' In the fields of the Philippines, Agrea is showing what's possible when farmers are treated not as beneficiaries but as nation-builders. Yet the question remains: in a country that eats because its farmers endure, how much longer can we afford to overlook the very hands that feed us?
Dubai Eye
23-05-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Two-time Olympic champion steps in as sports advisor at Dubai's new flagship school
Two-time Olympic gold medallist and President of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, will step in as special advisor for sports at the flagship GEMS School of Research and Innovation that will open in August. Coe will bring his vast experience in elite sport and youth development to support the school's vision, said Gems in a statement. In his advisory role, Coe will work with the school's senior leadership team to ensure that excellence in physical education and wellbeing is fully integrated into the learning experience, supporting students to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong health and physical habits. 'The facilities and ambition at SRI are world-class. But more importantly, the vision to develop well-rounded global citizens who understand teamwork, perseverance, and personal bests is one I wholeheartedly share," he said. The school, pegged as the "most expensive", features state-of-the -art facilities, including a 400m track, 50m Olympic-standard swimming pool, FIFA-standard elevated football pitch, and a world-class gymnasium. Coe's "experience will be invaluable in shaping a truly integrated and future-ready education at the GEMS School of Research and Innovation," highlighted Sunny Varkey, Chairman and Founder of GEMS Education. The school earlier announced the appointment of former UK foreign secretary William Hague, former Chief Inspector of Ofsted Amanda Spielman, and former UK Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb in advisory roles.
