Nominations open for AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021)

Awards organised by AFRONEWS and sponsored by Ortel recognise and celebrate African Achievers in Germany

AFRONEWS, the newspaper for Africans in Germany is proud to launch the AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021).

The awards are sponsored by Ortel Mobile, Germany’s leading prepaid sim cards provider for people with a migration background, to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of Africans in different fields in Germany.
Stephen Ogongo, editor of AFRONEWS said: “There are many Africans who have excelled in different fields and are making a positive contribution to the German society. We also have many African organisations/associations carrying out exceptional activities to promote a positive image of Africa and Africans, facilitate integration of Africans in Germany and promote business opportunities and international cooperation between Germany and African countries. Unfortunately, most of these efforts are hardly recognised.”

He added: “The AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021) will recognise these achievers and role models from our communities who deserve not only to be recognised and celebrated but also encouraged to continue the good work they are doing.”

Categories open for nominations
The six categories open for nominations are:
The Best African Association in Germany
The Best African Festival in Germany
The Best African Musician/Band in Germany
The Best African DJ in Germany
The Best African Fashion Designer in Germany
The Best African Restaurant in Germany
How to submit nominations for the AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021):
The AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021) are free to enter, and you can nominate candidates in different categories. You can nominate yourself, your association/organisation, as well as others. All nominees must be of African descent and based in Germany.

You can nominate candidates in the above categories by sending names and details of nominees to editor@afronews.de

For each nomination, provide the following details:

Your full name:
The nominee’s name:
The category you are nominating someone for:
The nominee’s official website and or social media links (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Tell us why you think this nominee should win this award: (this is your opportunity to provide all the information that can convince the public and the special jury to vote for your nominee(s). The answers should be between 500 and 1000 words.)
The Awards Committee will contact the eligible nominees in order to accept nomination and tell us more about themselves, their activities and their achievements.

The closing date for entries is 17:00 on 16th September 2021 – no entries received after this date will be considered.

The Awards Committee will review all nominations and select finalists for each award category based upon the information submitted, the information received from the nominees and the candidate’s track record.

The finalists for each category will be announced on 22nd September 2021.

Voting the finalists
AFRONEWS will run articles on each finalist in order to enable the public know more about these outstanding members of the African Community in Germany.

Members of the public will then be invited to vote online for their favourite finalist. The public vote will account for 70% while the vote of the Award Committee will account for 30% in determining the winner of each category.

Awards ceremony
Winners of the AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021) will be announced at the Awards Gala Night sponsored by Ortel Mobile on 23rd October 2021 at Freigut Bootshaus GmbH, Freigut-Frankfurt, Eiserner Steg (Sachsenhäuser Mainufer), 60594 Frankfurt am Main.

The winner of each category will receive the Award Plaque while the runners-up will receive certificates.

In addition to the Award Plaque, the winner of the Best African Association in Germany category will receive a cheque of 2000 euros from Ortel to support the activities of the association.

“We are grateful to Ortel Mobile for allocating this amount to the winner of the Best African Association in Germany category. It is indeed an important way of supporting the activities of these outstanding African associations,” said Mr. Ogongo.

It’s now your turn to nominate the people and associations/organisations you are convinced should receive AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021).

Germany: 5 important changes for all taxpayers after September 26

Here’s what will happen after September 26. There are changes that all taxpayers in Germany will have to face:

Increase in health insurance premiums
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , the health insurance system will run out of EUR 7 billion in 2022! Olaf Scholz has already announced that at the turn of the year, contributions may increase by an average of 0.6 to 16.5 percent.

This means that with a gross monthly salary of EUR 2,000, the employee would have to pay EUR 72 a year more. On the other hand, at EUR 4,000 gross / month, it would be EUR 144 more.

Increase in pension contributions
Until 2023 at the latest, there is a risk of a significant increase in pension contributions from the current 18.6% to even 20%!

After the increase, a worker earning € 2,000 gross per month will have to pay € 168 per year for pension insurance. However, at 4000 EUR / month, even 336 EUR / year.

Increase in unemployment insurance premium
From January 1, 2023, the unemployment insurance premium will increase by 0.2 percent.

For an employee earning 2,000 gross per month, this means an additional € 24 per year. With a gross salary of EUR 4,000 / month, it will be EUR 48 / year.

Climate protection, increase in fuel prices
The “climate package” adopted in 2019 will result in a significant increase in fuel prices from 2022. The price for a liter of gasoline could rise by as much as 40 cents.

This means that fueling 50 liters will cost 97 euros instead of the current 77 euros.

Increase in heating oil prices
The fuel oil tax will rise from 7.9 cents a liter to 9.5 cents, or a whopping 20 percent! This increase will have a huge impact on the cost of heating the property for taxpayers in Germany.

This means that owners of single-family houses with an area of ​​up to 150 m2 and an average consumption of 2040 litres of oil will have to pay an additional EUR 327 per year. In the case of a three-room apartment with an area of ​​up to 80 m2 and an average consumption of 1088 litres of oil, the heating expenditure will increase by EUR 173 / year.

Time change to winter 2021. We will set our watches back and sleep longer

Time shift to winter 2021: Autumn is fast approaching and the days are getting shorter and shorter. Soon the summer time will change to winter time.

Every year we switch the watches on the last Sunday in October. This means that this year the time change will take place from Saturday 30 October to Sunday 31 October. We will move our directions back from 3:00 a.m to 2:00 am thanks to which we will sleep an hour longer.

Time shift is practised in 70 countries around the world. The distinction between winter and summer time is valid in all European countries, except Iceland and Belarus. In 2014, Russia resigned from changing the time.

In all Member States of the European Union, the date and time of the daylight saving time changeover is harmonised by the 2001 directive.

Polskiobserwator.de wrote that, It is worth recalling that the Germans were the first to introduce the change to daylight saving time. During World War I, on April 30, 1916, the time was moved one hour ahead in the Reich and allied Austro-Hungary.

Daylight savings: Time changes 2021 in Germany

Soon the time changes were introduced in Great Britain, followed by most European countries. In Russia, the transition to summer time was introduced in 1917 and in the United States in 1918.

End of time shift in Europe
The procedure to change the rules across the EU was launched after a referendum in Europe in which a majority voted to end the time change. The abolition of the time change was approved by the European Parliament, announcing that the last time the watches will be changed in 2021.

The idea of ​​abolishing the procedure of changing watches once and for all twice a year was also supported by doctors and biologists. Scientists have presented studies that prove that changing time has a negative effect on the human body.

According to the EU directive, theoretically this year the time change could take place for the last time. In practice, it is not feasible, because due to the pandemic, all correspondence regarding the abolition of the clock shift between individual countries has ceased.

Germany: 72 people infected with Coronavirus after ‘2G’ party in Münster

Germany: The number of infected people with coronavirus has increased to 72 after party-goers attended a club under the 2G rule (vaccinated, cured) in Münster.

Despite the facts that only vaccinated people and convalescents could participate in the event organised on September 3rd at the the club “Cuba Nova” in Münster, 72 people were infected with the coronavirus .

It is possible that this number will continue to increase, as 380 people participated in the event, 56 people infected are from Münster.

The health department in Münster is currently checking that all participants were indeed vaccinated or are had recovered. 44 persons have already submitted the necessary certificates.

Hygiene rules and regulations were adhered:
The hygiene requirements were introduced by the club in Mid- August and they were assessed being deemed exemplary and conforming to the 3G principle. The landlords themselves had tightened the compulsory 3G requirement (geimpft / getestet / genesen) to 2G.

<<< Germany: ‘3G’ rule on trains and domestic flights. Angela Merkel’s new idea >>>
All “Cuba Nova” guests who attended the event on September 3 are advised to undergo a test, and any person with symptoms should contact their GP immediately.

Following the detection of the new infections, the Münster authorities checked compliance with visitors’ vaccination requirements and certificates. No deficiencies were found.

However, the investigations have not yet been completed. The city’s health department has requested vaccination certificates for infected people in Münster. So far, the office has received 44 documents. “Other infections are possible, as there are still occasional reports of infections related to the club event,” said the city of Münster.

The head of the crisis team at City Hall, Wolfgang Heuer, is aware that people can continue to become infected despite immunization and become carriers: “But it is also clear that vaccination greatly reduces the risk of serious disease.” The evolution of the disease in infected people is currently asymptomatic or very mild.

Is the introduction of the 2G principle enough?
Many Länder implement the 2G rule. Hamburg was followed by Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and Lower Saxony. But experts are wondering if this is enough given the dangerous Delta variant.

Jerome Boateng’ trial: He was found guilty of assaulting his ex. She will be paid almost EUR 2M in compensation

The district court in Munich has found German- Ghanaian ex Bayern Munich player Jerome Boateng guilty. The star will have to pay his ex fiancee 1.8M euros in damages as compensation.

The footballer had stood for trail yesterday Thursday in Munich and was accused of beating and hitting his ex partner and the mother of his twin daughter Sherin Senler. They had been in an heated argument while on holiday in 2018 where she said he has punched her so hard, he lost breath for a moment.

Boateng denied the allegations and said a very different record of events to what his ex had confessed.

According to former partner of Jerome Boateng – Sherin Senler, the footballer was said to have used violence against her twice. The newspaper “Bild” reported that during the 2018 vacation, Boateng appeared to have thrown a “small glass candlestick” at his partner.

To the disadvantage of the footballer there is also evidence in the form of eyewitness accounts and the video shot. Jérome Boateng’s lawyers have consistently maintained that the allegations are based on unsubstantiated allegations.

Sherin Senler testified that Boateng had indeed pulled her hair by her head, insulted her during arguments and she had even lost breath for a moment.

What is Jerome Boateng’s sentence?
A court in Munich sentenced the footballer. Boateng will have to pay his former partner € 1,800,000 (€ 30,000 a day for 60 days).

The Polish model also accused him of beating him
A Polish model, Kasia Lenhardt, who committed suicide in her apartment in Berlin in February this year, also accused him of the assault and bodily injury. We wrote about it here: Bayern Munich player Jerome Boateng’s, model ex-girlfriend found dead a week after the couple announced their split

The body of 25-year-old Kasia Lenhardt was found on February 9, on the birthday of her 6-year-old son, in an apartment in Berlin’s Charlottenburg district. The Polish model parted ways with the Bayern Munich player at the beginning of February. They were together for over a year. After they broke up, they publicly blamed each other. We wrote about it here: Germany: Forensic doctor reveals the cause of death of Bayern player Jerome Boateng’s ex girlfriend Kasia Lenhardt

A few days after Kasia’s death, the prosecutor’s office in Munich resumed an investigation against the footballer suspected of attacking the woman.

Bild ”informed that the local law enforcement agencies decided to resume the investigation suspended a few months ago. Lenhardt accused Boateng of assault and bodily injury, but according to “Zeit” the investigation was suspended because the Polish woman did not want to testify against the player. According to Bilda, the document signed by Lenhardt and Boateng is now the basis for the reopening of the investigation.

– The proceedings were resumed because as part of the investigation into the death in Berlin, we received new information that could indicate a possibility of continuation of the case. The investigation is not over yet, prosecutor Anne Leiding told Bild.

After the death of a Polish woman, a document signed by Kasia and Jerome Boateng was found in her apartment, in which the woman undertook to “remain absolutely silent” about the relationship with the Bayern Munich player. This document forbade her from providing any information and not only from publishing text messages / e-mails or photos, but even ordered their deletion.

Kasia Lenhardt became famous in Germany after participating in the program “German’s Next Top Model”. The Polish woman reached the finals of the program, but ultimately did not manage to win. – took 4th place.

How to apply for a Visa for Germany and the required documents in 2021

If you are thinking of coming to Germany, depending on what you want to do, then you might need a visa. Here are some answers to some important questions on how to apply for a visa in Germany in 2021:

Do I need a visa to come to Germany in 2021?
When coming to Germany it depends on where you are coming from and for how long. EU nationals do not require a visa or permit to enter Germany but they will need to carry documentation identifying them as members of an EU state such as a passport or ID card. Non-EU nationals will universally require a visa in order to stay in Germany, but might not need a visa to enter the country.

Citizens from the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Korea – and many more – do not need a tourist visa to enter Germany, but will need a visa from the German Consulate in order to stay for longer than 90 days. These visas are issued most commonly for students with a foreign exchange scholarship or people who have already acquired employment in Germany.

Which visa is best for me?
Germany offers many visas depending on what one wants to do in Germany. The most common types of visa many Africans in Germany attain is the Tourist Visa and Visitors visa, the Job seeker visa (which allows you to seek employment in Germany), working visa (if you already have employment in Germany), and the Studying and Language Learning Visa (for foreigners wanting to study at an educational institution in Germany).

Do I need to be able to speak Germany to get a visa in 2021?
No. You do not need to speak Germany in order to get a starter visa but you might need to show some interest in learning the language to attain a visa.

Should you want to progress any further than a short stay in Germany or obtaining a entry visa, then you might be challenged to learn the language.

For permanent residency in Germany (which means your residence only has to be renewed when your passport expires), a minimum B1 language level is required and must be proven by a certified language school. We wrote about it HERE:

However, you are only eligible for permanent residency when you have spent years in Germany and earned sufficient income in the country. We wrote about: How to get German citizenship for African refugees as they approach their sixth year.

German citizenship you will also need a minimum B1 level of proficiency in the language. As a German citizen you will no longer need a visa for Germany at all, and will have an official German passport.

Very important information on German visas, temporary and permanent residence permits

Coming to Germany for studies – How to get the visa and residence permit

How will I know how long my visa is going to take?
Visa application status tracking is not available, and you are not permitted to send questions regarding the status of your application when it is ongoing. You will be given an indication of how long it might take when you submit the relevant documentation, and you will be contacted when a decision has been made.

Can I come to Germany with a visa from another Schengen state?
This depends on what brings you to Germany should it be; work, travel or studying. You can come to Germany using a Shengen visa from another counrty wich allows you to stay for 90 days (also woeks for UK and Us too).

If you want to work or study in Germany you will have to apply for a visa even if you have a visa issued by another Schengen state already.

Can I travel to other Schengen states with a German visa?
Yes, if you are travelling for the purpose of tourism.

What do I need in order to apply for my visa?
You need different documentation in order to apply for different types of German visa:

Health insurance issued by a licensed provider
Visa application form
Passport photos
Physical passport
Copies of previous visas
Proof of intended travel (with a relevant ticket if relevant)
Financial means to travel
Authorities may also ask for a cover letter and proof of civil status.
You will be informed of other required documentation when you begin the application process, but this will vary based on your purpose in applying for the visa.

Those applying for a study visa will require proof of enrolment, whilst those who are employed by a German company will require an employment contract, bank statements and tax returns.

Nominations open for AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021)

Awards organised by AFRONEWS and sponsored by Ortel recognise and celebrate African Achievers in Germany

AFRONEWS, the newspaper for Africans in Germany is proud to launch the AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021).

The awards are sponsored by Ortel Mobile, Germany’s leading prepaid sim cards provider for people with a migration background, to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements of Africans in different fields in Germany.
Stephen Ogongo, editor of AFRONEWS said: “There are many Africans who have excelled in different fields and are making a positive contribution to the German society. We also have many African organisations/associations carrying out exceptional activities to promote a positive image of Africa and Africans, facilitate integration of Africans in Germany and promote business opportunities and international cooperation between Germany and African countries. Unfortunately, most of these efforts are hardly recognised.”

He added: “The AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021) will recognise these achievers and role models from our communities who deserve not only to be recognised and celebrated but also encouraged to continue the good work they are doing.”

Categories open for nominations
The six categories open for nominations are:
The Best African Association in Germany
The Best African Festival in Germany
The Best African Musician/Band in Germany
The Best African DJ in Germany
The Best African Fashion Designer in Germany
The Best African Restaurant in Germany
How to submit nominations for the AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021):
The AFRONEWS – Ortel Mobile African Community in Germany Awards (2021) are free to enter, and you can nominate candidates in different categories. You can nominate yourself, your association/organisation, as well as others. All nominees must be of African descent and based in Germany.

You can nominate candidates in the above categories by sending names and details of nominees to editor@afronews.de

For each nomination, provide the following details:

Your full name:
The nominee’s name:
The category you are nominating someone for:
The nominee’s official website and or social media links (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
Tell us why you think this nominee should win this award: (this is your opportunity to provide all the information that can convince the public and the special jury to vote for your nominee(s). The answers should be between 500 and 1000 words.)
The Awards Committee will contact the eligible nominees in order to accept nomination and tell us more about themselves, their activities and their achievements.

The closing date for entries is 17:00 on 16th September 2021 – no entries received after this date will be considered.

The Awards Committee will review all nominations and select finalists for each award category based upon the information submitted, the information received from the nominees and the candidate’s track record

Coronavirus in Germany: The unvaccinated risk being barred from public places and other stricter measures

Coronavirus in Germany: A new Germany study conducted warned that the economic consequence of another lockdown would be severe and that it would be cheaper for people in Germany to adhere to the 2G rules which exclude unvaccinated people from many public setting.

Businesses and politicians have been discussing whether the so called ‘2G rule’ should be enforced as this would mean that only the vaccinated (geimpft) and recovered (genesen) people could visit many indoor areas such as restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as cinemas ans gyms.

Most of Germany currently has the 3G rule in place, which allows unvaccinated people to enter with a negative Covid test (getestet).