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Big Concerts has vowed to beef up security at the upcoming Chris Brown concerts despite blue-ticking a petition by the anti-gender-based violence (GBV) organisation Women For Change and the GOOD Party, led by Patricia de Lille. The NGO served the concert promoters, as well as the Departments of Home Affairs and Sport, Arts and Culture, with a petition calling on authorities to cancel the performance. The political party has also applied pressure on the government to revoke the artist’s visa. The US singer – who has a history of abuse – is set to perform in South Africa days after the 16 Days of Activism campaign comes to an end. BIG CONCERTS VOWS TO BEEF UP SECURITY In a recent Instagram post, Big Concerts hyped up its followers about Chris Brown’s concerts on 14 and 15 December at the FNB Stadium. “The countdown is officially on!” the account said of the controversial performances. The page liked comments from followers who hinted that Chris Brown’s show would go on despite a petition calling for its cancellation. “We’ve taken many precautions to ensure a safe and secure experience for all patrons. “The venue is fully equipped with visible security throughout the premises. And we’ve added extra lighting to illuminate the outer stadium areas. We’re committed to providing a high level of safety and security for all attendees”. Meanwhile, Women For Change also hopped into the comments section, highlighting an incident in July where Chris Brown was accused of assaulting fans backstage after his concert. According to the LA Times, the singer “brutally and severely beat four fans who were attending a VIP meet and greet.” The organisation commented: “Who ensures that neither he nor his crew repeats such behaviour? What mechanisms are in place to hold performers and their entourages accountable for misconduct during or after the concert?” CRICKETS ABOUT GBV PETITION Meanwhile, Big Concerts, the Department of Home Affairs, and Minister Leon Schreiber have remained mum on the timing and concerns of Chris Brown’s upcoming concert. This, particularly just days after the 16 Days of Activism ends. This included a lengthy motivation for why allowing the 35-year-old undermined holding individuals accountable in the fight against GBV. “If this concert goes ahead, it will speak volumes about where our leaders truly stand in addressing the GBVF pandemic.” The GOOD Party also accused authorities of ignoring their concerns. “[Minister Leon] Schreiber has the power under the Immigration Act to declare Chris Brown undesirable. But chooses to look the other way. “The government claims to fight gender-based violence, but Schreiber needs to prove it by taking action as a Minister.” Meanwhile, The South African has repeatedly contacted Big Concerts and the Department of Home Affairs for comment. None has been received. ARE YOU ATTENDING CHRIS BROWN’S CONCERTS, AND WHY? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.Percentages: FG .541, FT .818. 3-Point Goals: 6-18, .333 (Mayo 2-3, Hensley 2-4, Davis 1-5, Steffe 1-5, Dibba 0-1). Team Rebounds: 0. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 3 (Massey 2, Moreno). Turnovers: 11 (Dibba 2, Mayo 2, Sharp 2, Sykes 2, Hensley, Massey, Moreno). Steals: 7 (Davis 2, Dibba, Massey, Moreno, Sharp, Sykes). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .346, FT .737. 3-Point Goals: 4-17, .235 (Brown 2-6, Polk 2-7, Ford-Belton 0-1, Thiam 0-1, Dimou 0-2). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 3. Blocked Shots: 1 (Brown). Turnovers: 11 (Brown 5, Dimou, Edden, Malekinusic, Polk, Thiam, Turgut). Steals: 8 (Thiam 2, Brown, Dimou, Edden, Malekinusic, Murphy, Polk). Technical Fouls: None. A_213 (7,186).War comes knockingReports show EV hype slowing; focus turns to hybrids
NYT Connections hints and answers for December 30: Solve Puzzle #568 today!Need another reason to give back this holiday season? As it turns out, doing so can actually raise your spirits. "The side effects of a charitable act may include a better mood, lower blood pressure and a longer life, according to studies from brain scientists and economists," said The Wall Street Journal . You might also "experience a spike in serotonin and dopamine, hormones associated with happiness, and a drop in cortisol." The go-to method of giving is often a monetary donation. But if your budget is already feeling squeezed, remember that money is not the only way you can be generous around the holidays. Here are four more methods of giving back. 1. Volunteer your time Whether your budget is already stretched thin or you would simply rather show up in a different way, offering your time is always a great way to be charitable. "Volunteer at a local shelter, food bank or community center to help organize holiday events, serve meals or assist with various tasks," said Chris McGuire, the founder of Real Estate Exam Ninja, to GOBankingRates . Not sure where to volunteer ? "There are a number of organizations that can help you find local organizations that align with your interests and schedule via a simple online search," ranging from "opportunities to help children and seniors in education, arts and health — as well as volunteer positions to care for animals," said Discover . A bonus: "Volunteering your time can do even more for your health, well-being and relationships than money," said the Journal. In fact, just "two hours of weekly volunteer work is enough to lower your stress," a study led by the sociology department at Georgia State University found. 2. Donate something other than money While perhaps the most obvious, money is not the only way you can give to those in need. One alternative is to offer up some of your unique skills. For instance, maybe you are talented at home repairs and could lend that talent to others, "whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a fence or helping with small home improvement projects," said GOBankingRates. Or, if you are into crafts and DIY, "put your skills to good use by teaming up with organizations that accept handmade goods for those in need," said Discover. There are also some organizations looking for specific items, as opposed to money. For example, Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that works to "collect and distribute toys to the less fortunate during the holiday season," said USA Today . 3. Share your excess Maybe every dollar you are earning right now is necessary to make ends meet, but it is unlikely that all of the stuff in your home is quite as vital. You might be surprised by what you find in going through that back corner of your closet or finally cleaning out those bins in the basement. You can donate items that are still in good condition, which may be as easy as setting up a "pickup through local thrift stores and similar donation-collection organizations," said Discover. Alternatively, "with the help of online marketplaces, you can sell your unwanted items and opt to have your profits go to a nonprofit of your choice." 4. Collaborate with others to maximize impact If you do feel inclined to make a monetary donation but worry you cannot give enough to make a big impact, you might consider joining forces with other people trying to do good. "If you only have a small amount to give, it might not seem like it'll make much of a difference, but pulling it together with others and having more of a collective impact is a great way to get more engaged with your giving with others and feel like your dollars are going further," said Andi Thieman, the founder of the social-good venture PennyLoafer, to Shondaland . The good news is there are many ways to collaborate: "giving circles, simply pooling funds with family and friends, giving to specific funds (e.g., a climate-change fund ) or a fund that spreads your donation around to different organizations," said Shondaland.
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