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ISSUE NUMBER 742 VOLUME 2 19 - 25 OCT 2020

Zambian opposition leader gets two year jail term

page 4

Zimbabwe’s restrictions on mobile money transfers are a blow COMPLETION OF to financial inclusion MONUMENTAL page 10

KAZUNGULA Desert and Delta Safaris – Making BRIDGE PROJECT an impact amidst Covid-19 • Project now awaits official commissioning by Presidents Masisi and Lungu page 12

page 2 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020

THE AFRICAN STORY

News, Finance, Travel and Sport Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. E-mail: newsdesk@echo. co.bw Advertising Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6 E-mail: [email protected] Sales & Marketing Manager Ruele Ramoeng [email protected] Editor Bright Kholi [email protected]

Head of Design Ame Kolobetso [email protected] Completion of monumental Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] Bridge project Echo is published by Two ministers of transport state of the art bridge has been Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ian bridge was at 78% in May of the YMH Publishing from and completed and I have been told Khama of Botswana and same year and moving to 91.9 % YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, conducted a final inspection of that this facility will reduce of Zambia did a in November. In May, the bridge GIFP, the Project the transit time for heavy duty final inspection in 2018 where was 78% complete and president Postal address: on Saturday, signaling the vehicles between Zambia and Botswana and Zambia agreed Lungu of Zambia was optimistic P O BOX 840, completion of one the major Botswana from more than 3 days to allow to be part that the project will be completed Gaborone, multinational projects in to only 2 hours. This is a great of the project, in phase II of the on schedule. An announcement Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. Southern Africa which will milestone in the promotion of project. The three countries was made early this month that E-mail: [email protected] improve the movement of goods trade and regional integration,” further agreed to put up a one- the bridge construction had www.echo.co.bw and services in the North – South Zambian minister Mwale said. stop border post at Zambia’s been completed. Phase two of Corridor, thereby facilitating For his part, Botswana’s Southern province. Last year the project which a one stop DISCLAIMER: trade and improved regional Transport minister said the in March the contractor halted border post in Botswana, and Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. economic activity in the SADC project is one of the biggest construction works due non- Zambia one stop border post Letters must carry the bloc and the continent as a whole. and best modern engineering payment by Zambia which was are at 98.44% and 99.40%. with full name and address of ventures ever to be done in followed by an industrial action completion expected at the end the sender. Letters must The final inspection of the continent. He added that by staff. The progress of the of the month conform to the laws of the completed project over Botswana was excited at the Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code the weekend, by transport successful completion of the Of Ethics. Letters will also be minister Thulaganyo Segokgo project for the economic benefits edited for length, libel and and Infrastructure minister it brings to the region and Africa. language. Vincent Mwale of Botswana The objective of the project and Zambia respectively has is to improve the efficiency paved way for the commissioning of transit traffic through the of the project by the heads of Kazungula border to facilitate state for the two countries. and increase trade activities and Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi global competiveness of Zambia and his Zambian counterpart and Botswana. Edgar Lungu are expected to Some of the expected outcomes open up the project to use at time include reduced border transit date yet to be communicated. time, improved procedures on trade facilitation, improved Read more Echo The Kazungula Bridge border management operations, stories on our Project was co-financed by and consequently increased Facebook page by both government of Botswana traffic throughput and reduced and Zambia as well the Japan time-based transport and trade scanning the QR International Co-operation cost. code below with Agency (JICA), and the African Project Background your mobile phone Development Bank (ADB) at a In 2015, Botswana and Zambia total cost of US$260 million. invited bids for the construction of Kazungula Bridge Project The 930-metre-long and .Daewoo Engineering and 18.5-metre-wide road-rail Construction was selected to Bridge built over the be the contractor of the project River, connecting the two and construction started after neighbours- Botswana and the ground-breaking ceremony Zambia, replaces the ferry and was held on the Botswana side is expected to reduce border by Vice Presidents Guy Scott and transit time for cargo haul trucks of Zambia from about 3 days to 2 hours. and Botswana respectively. Three “We are excited that this regional presidents: Zimbabwe’s Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Echo Report 3

to enhance security for truck drivers on the DRC side of the border. Association president Stanley Muluka tells phoenix news that although the extension of operating hours is good for the flow of trucks crossing the border, the security situation on the Congolese side of the border leaves much to be desired as drivers are attacked by thugs even during the day and in full view of Congolese police officers. Muluka said with the extension of operating hours, drivers will be crossing in the night at times which will put their lives at risk. He has however commended both governments for agreeing to extend hours of operation at Kasumbalesa border post saying this will increase traffic flow beyond the current clearance of between 500 and 800 trucks per day. Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday this week agreed to implement the bilateral trade agreement, which will see the two countries Extension of operating hours at Kasumbalesa extend operation hours at Kasumbalesa border post from 6 am to 10 pm by 31st December 2020. border raises security concerns The imminent extension of and Democratic Republic of Southern Africa Development The association has since (Phoenix News) operating hours at Kasumbalesa Congo (DRC) has triggered Community (SADC) Truck challenged both the Zambian Border post between Zambia security concerns from the Drivers Association. and the Congolese governments 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020

Zambian opposition leader gets two year jail term Zambian opposition National proved its case beyond reasonable but also considered his conduct with Kambwili and should not have taken the sentencing of Democratic Congress-NDC- doubt as regards count one and during the proceedings which have continued presiding over the NDC leader as political leader Chishimba Kambwili has two of forgery and uttering a he says was disrespectful to the the case. victimisation when it is based been sentenced to two years false document but that the institutions of justice. Katuka added that although on evidence. imprisonment with hard labour prosecution failed to adduce Meanwhile the opposition there could have been a prima Addressing the media in for forgery and uttering a false sufficient evidence in the third UPND is dissatisfied and displeased facie case against Kambwili, it Lusaka today, Tayali who was document. count, resulting in an acquittal. over the conviction of national was against the rules of natural the complainant in the matter This is in a case where Kambwili In mitigation, one of Kambwili’s democratic congress-NDC- justice that he could be subjected is of the view that justice and was charged with three counts lawyer Musa Mwenye, state Leader Chishimba Kambwili. to a magistrate who had issues fairness must prevail as long of forgery, uttering a false counsel, pleaded for maximum UPND Secretary General with the same litigant he was to as there is evidence and those document, and giving false leniency saying Kambwili is a Stephen Katuka said while the convict of an offence. found wanting should be held information to a public officer. The diabetic patient and a family man party respects the decision of the Meanwhile, Socialist Party accountable. Tayali has refuted opposition leader has however who also heads a political party. court, in an ideal environment, Leader Fred M’membe says he claims suggesting that his decision been acquitted of the charge He asked the court to consider the circumstances under which does not think Kambwili received to take the opposition leader of giving false information to a giving his client a suspended or the justice system is dispensing fair trial under the hands of to court was sponsored by the public officer. non-custodial sentence. justice leaves much to be desired. magistrate Simusamba. ruling pf. Lusaka Principal Resident Simusamba in passing sentence He said it is a well-known But Economic and Equity Magistrate David Simusamba said he has considered that fact that principal magistrate Party leader Chilufya Tayali is (Phoenix News) sentenced Kambwili to 12 months Kambwili was a first offender David Simusamba had issues disappointment that Zambians -- in the count of forgery and another 12 months for uttering a false document saying the sentences will run concurrently meaning Kambwili will only serve a year in prison. It is alleged that in October 2013, with intent to defraud or deceive, Kambwili allegedly forged a ‘no change return’ (companies form 71) purporting to show that it was genuinely signed by his son Mwamba Kambwili when it was not. In count two, it is alleged that Kambwili on the same day forged the no change return form, he knowingly and fraudulently uttered it to an officer at Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA). And in the third count, he is accused of giving false information to a public officer. Magistrate Simusamba in his judgment said the prosecution Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Echo Report 5 Covid-19 and AfCFTA: why now is the time to maintain momentum despite the global pandemic

The buzz and excitement must make its operational accelerating intra-African trade (Bizcommunity.) around African Continental initiation a priority. and boosting Africa’s trading Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), African governments across position in the global market; it hailed as the answer to a fully the continent should continue could be just the economic shot integrated pan-African , to offer their support and work in the arm needed by African has undoubtedly slowed its pace towards realising the AfCTFA’s . since the secretariat became empowering mission of operational in April 2020. The unprecedented arrival of a global pandemic has stunted the first round of the trade negotiations - an unfortunate setback for the continent’s grand plans. Chief Technical Advisor to the AfCFTA at the African Union, Prudence Sebahizi has said that the summit has now been postponed to December and the start of free trade will be postponed to early 2021. The resilience of the African continent, however, will be undeterred. In recent weeks, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) announced that member states would continue negotiations on phase 1 issues of the agreement – a reminder that African countries should not lose sight of the end goal, despite disruptions to the AfCFTA’s timeline. Professor Christopher Cramer at the School of Oriental and African Studies echoes this, outlining that states cannot rely easily on foreign investment or aid – they must build resilient export sectors and take a national role in promoting change. He advocates for greater investment in public agricultural research and development, as well as investment in irrigation. There are already enterprises that are doing just this. I am chairman of African Green Resources, working to promote , agribusiness and sustainable development in support of accelerated economic diversification and structural transformation. Its core mission is to train farmers in good agricultural practices to achieve high yields, promoting value addition and food security to build a sustainable agriculture economy. The economy, agriculture and food insecurity are all intrinsically linked and innately complex. Availability, access, usage, and stability all interact simultaneously, affecting the different dimensions of food security. For example, trade helps to stabilize food prices and enhance food availability by moving food from surplus regions to deficit regions. In order to marry the current initiatives already in place in various countries and regions, with the economic goals of the wider continent, the AfCFTA 6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 LEA continues to Accelerate SMME Growth

Property, Branding and Labelling Awareness. Through Makgovango Luxury Inn is a and catering services. business advisory services, the LEA business development and LEA assisted enterprise based Mr and Mrs Boikanyo registered client was assisted to develop a support services, the business in Gumare. Directed by Mr. with LEA in 2015, and have since business plan, which was used has grown and offers services and Mrs. Mfakosi Boikanyo, the been assisted with targeted to access funding and establish to various markets that include Hotel offers accommodation, interventions to advance their a commercial guest house with Government, private sector and conference facilities, restaurant, business. Through the LEA nine (9) rooms. Furthermore, Tourists. LEA continued to offer support “LEA opened our eyes in all services to Makgovango Luxury aspects of running a business. Inn, including business coaching From drawing the business and mentoring. As a result, plan, starting operations and the business expanded into a expansion. We are really grateful Hotel that currently operates for their mentoring as we 20 air-conditioned rooms, a couldn’t have made it without conference facility, restaurant them.” said Mrs. Boikanyo. and an entertainment area. Employment rate also increased to 18 full time staff members. In addition the business TEL: 6840881/73038027 also benefitted from the Email: [email protected] LEA training and capacity Facebook: Makgovango Luxury Inn ARTICLE BROUGHT development initiatives such Website: www.makgovango.com TO YOU BY LEA as Records Keeping, Intellectual

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Empowering the entrepreneur to start and grow their business Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Echo Report 7

the catchment surface layers Meanwhile, Lake Naivasha saturate, resulting in extended declined in recent years to flood periods. For instance critically low levels. Growing the Turkwel dam, which was developments – such as Naivasha built on the Turkwel river in town and a new Industrial City the northern Rift Valley Basin, – need water, which puts more recently reached its highest pressure on the already critically level on record. stressed lake water resource. In And in May this year, Lake addition, the lake suffers from Naivasha reached its highest level heavy pollution loads. since 1932. The lake’s expansion The flow of water into Lake has flooded developments, such Turkana is being regulated by dam as surrounding flower farms. and irrigation developments, Yet, like the other lakes, potentially affecting the lake Lake Naivasha’s waters have ecology and fisheries. historically been higher. The Excessive river inflows into lake is 1.4 vertical metres short the lakes result from increasing Kenya’s Rift Valley high of its official riparian boundary. catchment rainfall coupled In 1917, the lake was 2.4 metres with the effects of land use higher. In earlier centuries, the changes. Dilution of saline levels a cause for concern lake was at least 13 metres higher. waters affects the production The water cycles of Rift of cyanobacteria, the food Recent high water levels of of Lake Baringo alone have the proportion of rain and Valley lakes are changing as sources of lesser flamingos. Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes have displaced more than 5,000 sediment that runs off from water is taken out for use and Increased turbidity reduces flooded properties and displaced people and destroyed schools, the catchments is increasing. because the catchments and light penetration into water, communities, most notably hospitals, hotels and roads. The lakes’ water cycles are land surrounding the lakes are and affects photosynthesis, an around Lakes Baringo and And the effects on lake governed by rainfall on highland being degraded. For instance, engine of the aquatic food chain. Naivasha. ecologies are a concern as catchment areas, evaporation forests are being converted Future concerns There are many lakes along the flooding increases lake turbidity and seepage. Water reaches the into agricultural land, there While tectonic plate changes length of the African Rift Valley, and dilutes the saline waters of lakes through direct rainfall, is increasing urbanisation and are beyond humans’ control, which runs from the Red Sea alkaline lakes. rivers, groundwater flows, and people are encroaching onto biodiversity-friendly land use in the north to Mozambique in The Rift Valley is subject to in some cases hot springs from riparian and wetland zones. and commitment to existing the south. Kenya’s eastern Rift ongoing plate tectonics and underground geothermal fields. Lake Nakuru’s ecology has legislation and national Valley has a string of eight lakes. crustal movement that can The eastern Rift Valley is semi- long been affected by catchment vegetation cover goals can limit These lakes provide diverse affect the lakes. The recent rises, arid and its high evaporation rate change. For instance, the forest catastrophic damage to lake habitats ranging from the though, are directly associated concentrates salts in the lakes. cover of its catchment area is ecological systems, people and freshwater lakes of Naivasha with above-average rainfall. The The lakes are especially sensitive reported to have declined from property. and Baringo to the semi-saline lakes have been even higher in to changing catchment rainfall 70% to 15% over the past 50 In the context of increasing Lake Turkana, the saline alkaline the past, and with rainfall in and have, in the past, ranged years, leading to greater runoff rainfall trends, it is vital that lakes of Magadi, Elmentaita, the Rift Valley Basin being on from near empty to much higher into rivers and thence to the official demarcation of riparian Nakuru and Bogoria and the a rising rainfall trend, higher levels than today. lake. On top of that, the growth and wetland zones takes full transient Lake Logipi. lake levels can be expected in Kenya’s October to December of Nakuru town requires more account of the very well- The lake level rises are worrying the future. 2019 rains were the highest on water supply which will be documented extreme high lake because of the destruction to Land use changes, riparian record for decades. These were imported. Unless otherwise level precedents and extent of homes, livelihoods, industry zone encroachment, loss of followed by above-average rains channelled, this extra water flooding of the last century and and infrastructure, and loss of wetlands, and urban growth in 2020. In some areas they were will end up in the lake, raising before. terrestrial wildlife habitat. So are all contributing to more 400% more than normal. water levels, and if not properly far this year, the rising waters extreme flooding. This is because With persistent rainfall, treated, will worsen pollution. (TheConversation.) 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020

number of annual sunshine hours and the average solar irradiation is evenly distributed. Electricity is a major overhead for many business operations. African countries have made progress in expanding electricity access in recent years, the overall state of electrification in Africa is still far from its potential. Africa with a large coastline offers huge opportunity for Wind power production. Currently, wind makes up one percent of electricity production and by 2030, wind is only expected to account for two percent of Africa’s power mix, according to the International Energy Agency. Although wind is not as popular as other renewable energy solutions it is an important contributor to Interest Rate Cut: Growing your nations energy mix. Economic diversification is a Investments in a Low Interest Environment top priority for many African nations. There is a direct correlation between economic By Emmanuel Allottey convert Africa’s natural wealth of its energy needs through responsible for 84 per cent of all growth and energy consumption. into a revenue generating the use of indigenous, clean, non-fossil fuel energy use. Africa Implementation of policies and Africa as the poorest continent industry. Africa is rich in renewable energy by 2030. The is a continent rich in lakes and strategies that support economic in the world is in desperate need renewable energy sources, investment required however rivers however climate change diversification must feature for economic transformation. including hydro, sun, wind can be daunting as these projects and drought is threatening the renewable energy. The integration Most economies in Africa are amongst others, which once require large sums of upfront sustainability of this as an energy of a renewable energy strategy still based on the production harnessed will significantly capital. African governments face source. will achieve multiple objections and export of unprocessed augment the current cost of difficult investment allocation Solar is particularly promising from social transformation to agricultural products, minerals, energy demands. decisions between short term in Africa nations: albeit with economic growth. A combined and crude oil with little to no According to a report by revenue generating projects and varying potentials, this type effort is required from private, or processing. the International Renewable longer-term revenue generating of energy could be harnessed public sector and foreign direct Renewable energy offers Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa projects such renewable energy. virtually everywhere in Africa. investment to translate economic a substantive opportunity to could meet nearly a quarter Across Africa, hydropower is African nations receive a very high initiatives into tangible results.

the impact of COVID-19 on the critical element for development. economy. The combination It has been the main engine for of government-imposed poverty reduction globally. The lockdowns and other restrictions continued decline in economic needed to address the public activity will lead to the worst health crises have resulted in recession in Africa’s history. reduction in economic activity The implementation of and ultimately national output. different economic interventions The results of the decisions has come at an opportunity made have yielded mixed results lost to national development highlighting the importance of projects. The deployment of governance in driving economic these economic interventions growth. has stretched already constricted Africa has been plagued national budgets and, in some with poor governance and instances, requiring further political instability stagnating borrowing to bridge the deficit. development on the continent. Budgeted projects have had to Empirical studies have shown be suspend or deferred to the that countries which have detriment of national progress. established good governance Government spending to regimes have been able to attain combat the coronavirus has a faster economic growth. uncovered an inherent risk of Effective governance and misappropriation of resources the rule of law are important and corruption in Africa. This determinants of economic corruption risk is a rule of law growth. Throughout the problem. It also compromises pandemic, continued political the pandemic response, unrest has been witnessed with undermining much-needed incidents across the four corners trust in public institutions, of the continent. Governments squandering supplies and have had to revert to emergency resources, and impeding their powers to govern during the flow to those in need. pandemic. COVID-19 is transforming the Recent World Bank reports economic landscape in Africa Impact of COVID-19 in Africa: indicate that economic activity and improved governance could in Sub Saharan Africa is on course correspond to higher levels to contract by 2.8% in 2020. of economic development. role of Governance in driving This is an aggregated average, Improving governance, with sharper deterioration including aspects such as Economic growth in individual African states. regulatory quality, rule of law, Africa’s largest economies are and government effectiveness, anticipating a contraction in could be a key component to The impact of COVID-19 has Africa. Governments have been economic activity and have generate faster economic growth By Emmanuel Allottey reversed the economic growth under pressure to respond downgraded their domestic in Africa. trajectory of many nations in swiftly and decisively to mitigate outlooks. Economic growth is a Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 9 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020

Zimbabwe’s restrictions on mobile money transfers are a blow to financial inclusion

Mobile financial services are, in Another important use of mobile As a result, close to 50,000 Zimbabwe has a national The Reserve Bank also needs most African countries, born out money is to store money securely mobile money agents have lost population registration system a financial sector policy that of crises. In 2011, Zimbabwe had in high crime areas. their source of income. This is which is only accessible by facilitates the development gone through a volatile decade of An important benefit is likely to affect customers in the authorised government workers. of safe and accessible mobile economic crises – hyperinflation, the cash-in and cash-out rural areas of Zimbabwe who The ordinary mobile money agent money services for Zimbabweans currency instability and a collapse functionality. This allows users depended on the agents to access would not have access to it. But who currently don’t have of the formal financial system. to deposit cash into a mobile mobile money services. These customers without adequate access to financial services. Consumers, mostly employed account through a mobile money agents gave rural consumers the identification could still sign This would require that all in the informal sector, had a agent and withdraw physical cash opportunity to be integrated into up for a basic account with low stakeholders, including the widespread mistrust of the formal at a convenient time and place. the financial system. transaction and withdrawal regulator, mobile money banking system. They can avoid the long queues The overall effect is that mobile limits, instead of being excluded operators, telecommunication In came Econet, a major mobile and withdrawal limits set by the money accounts can only be used entirely from the financial system. regulators and financial operator, to launch a mobile formal banking system. for transacting but not “store of Alternative forms of intelligence authorities, develop money service called Ecocash. Despite the compelling value” purposes. Store of value identification could have been a collaborative regulatory Taking advantage of the country’s value proposition that mobile means savings or investment used for opening accounts. These framework. high mobile penetration, the money offers, the Reserve Bank accounts. This is seemingly at could include utility bills or letters Such a framework would seek service had 2.3 million users of Zimbabwe recently placed odds with findings by academics from local church and village to protect the integrity of the within 18 months. Today, close significant regulatory restrictions and development practitioners leaders. financial system from fraud to 90% of adult Zimbabweans on its operations. The regulator that mobile money accounts The mobile money agent and misuse. At the same time it use Ecocash. In addition, Ecocash said mobile money services were encourage poor customers who network increased access to would ensure that consumers paved the way for competitors fuelling illegal foreign currency are not well served by the formal financial services in rural and merchants enjoyed the such as OneMoney, Telecash exchange, money laundering financial sector to save regularly. and hard-to-reach areas of full benefits of mobile money and Mycash. and fraud, especially through This is all the more so in a Zimbabwe. Instead of abolishing services. At all times, the end The economic crisis in the cash-in/cash-out service. country battling with a shortage the role of mobile money agents, goal of greater financial inclusion Zimbabwe spurred the rapid The restrictions followed the of banknotes and coins and the financial regulator could must remain a priority. adoption and use of mobile Reserve Bank’s audit of the the collapse of the traditional have reprimanded, and fined money. First came cash four mobile money platforms, financial system. The stringent agents found guilty of money (TheConversation). shortages coupled with higher including Ecocash. It found that restrictions could stifle innovation laundering and the trading of cash withdrawal fees and lower some accounts were opened among mobile money operators foreign exchange without a withdrawal limits. Then loss using fictitious or unverified and hinder access to financial licence. of savings to soaring inflation identification documents. There services for many unbanked and loan denials in the formal was also a rampant misuse of Zimbabweans. banking system engendered mobile money accounts for Alternative approaches mistrust among consumers. This money laundering schemes and The blanket restrictions may forced a government-led drive fraudulent overdrafts or fictitious have the unintended consequence towards a cashless economy and credit. It also cited cases of foreign of excluding legitimate merchants non-cash transactions. currency trading outside the and consumers from accessing Mobile money transfers in formal channels. financial services. The new Zimbabwe are mainly from Users are now restricted to regulations also appear out one person to another. This just one mobile wallet account of proportion to the risk. For allows for urban to rural money per person and a daily transfer instance, a tiered approach to remittances for family support, limit of ZW$5,000 (US$50). In know-your-customer regulation payment for goods and services addition, users can no longer could have allowed the regulator in retail settings and financial transact through mobile money to distinguish between risky flows between the formal and agents. Their operations have high-value transactions and informal business sectors. been abolished. low-value transactions. Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Arts 11

Rough Diamond Book Release By Thea Khama

The Light Network Releases “Rough Diamond” by Thea Khama, Exploring Beauty, Despair, Rage & Truth in a Rare Life-Changing Way

Thea Khama shares her story in adoption, displacement, and “Rough Diamond”. The darkness being an only child of a broken of youth and young womanhood family. My story is about all the seen through the lens of soul turmoil that made me who I am songs, always with enough today. This narrative is meant to love to keep her moving. As bring you closer to your heart, Thea finds spirituality and her to open up your point of view, life transforms into something and to radiate compassion for magical, the diamond emerges the inner child and adolescent out of the rough. that rages, slumbers, plays and Rough Diamond is a poignant dreams in every one of us.” story of one woman’s discovery Rough Diamond inevitably of self and the spiritual world. relates how young Thea met The book covers Thea’s life from her future husband Tshekedi, birth through adolescence to her introduction to the Khama her early twenties, and is told family and how she found her through soul songs. Thea shares own path in Botswana, a country the light and darkness of her she has called home ever since. journey in discovering her place In addition to her work as an in the unknown mysteries of author, Thea is a philanthropist, the world. With an emphasis mentor and coach. on love’s universal language of Set to make waves in Botswana healing, Thea tells her story of and abroad, the moving book is endurance and pain, but also scheduled for a Closed Group of the unspoken connections Launch for the media and that link all people together; for selected publishers on the 20th every aching memory there is November 2020, followed by a another of hope and kindness. Virtual Live Launch on the 29th In Thea Khama’s own words, November 2020 via Webinar. “My story tells how I experienced 12 Arts Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020

In one scene, a businessman drugs and rapes the undercover New African-made films journalist at a party. In another, sex workers endure a voodoo initiation to scare them into loyalty to pimps trafficking them challenge Hollywood stereotypes to Italy. “I am very happy that this conversation has started so that Producers of two African-made and in June released romantic some of these animals in their million subscribers globally. the government will sit up to films premiering on Netflix this comedy “Cook Off”, Zimbabwe’s natural habitat.” Òlòtūré was shot on the gritty their responsibility, so that the month believe their work will first offering on the streaming The film ends with a statistic streets and in rundown homes agencies that are tasked with show there’s subscriber appetite service. from the World Wildlife of Lagos. It tells the story of fighting human trafficking in for movies that go deeper than the Poacher, the first Kenyan film Foundation: if current trends impoverished sex workers lured will maybe clamour for Hollywood stereotypes that often released on Netflix, uses drama continue, elephants will be into being trafficked overseas. more funding or sit up and do make African viewers groan. to show the lives of everyday extinct by 2040. Human Rights Watch ranks better,” said co-producer James Subscribers to the world’s people involved in poaching. The other movie, Òlòtūré, joins Nigeria a top origin country of Omuta. largest streaming service can now “It’s very simple to point a host of Nigerian films on the trafficking victims in Europe (Reuters.) watch Poacher, a Kenyan drama fingers,” said Davina Leonard, platform, which has nearly 193 and elsewhere. about elephant poaching and who co-wrote, co-produced, Òlòtūré, a Nigerian thriller about and stars in Poacher. “When a journalist whose world falls you start a drama, now you’re apart after she goes undercover looking at the people and their as a sex worker. motivations.” The films avoid the simplistic The film’s other star, Brian portrayals that viewers in Africa Ogola, hopes Poacher will spur often resent, the producers say. people to action. Netflix has begun screening “It’s still not enough if we more content produced in Africa, want our grandchildren to see Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 13 Travel Desert and Delta Safaris – Making an impact amidst Covid-19

Savute-Safari-Lodge Camp Okavango

While the COVID-19 pandemic lodges and Camps in some of imposed, DDS took the has devastated the the most pristine and wildlife daunting decision to keep all industry more than other rich areas in Botswana and its permanent employees on the sectors of the economy, . job. This is despite camps being one of the oldest and well Its luxury safari establishments closed due to border closures established Safari operators are Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe which meant no tourists. in Botswana, Desert and Delta Savanna Lodge, Savute Safari During this time, the industry Safaris, has during this difficult Lodge, Camp Moremi, Camp experienced a sudden decline time been working on new Xakanaxa, Camp Okavango, of income, but had to continue enduring costs. Desert and Delta Safaris’ Camp Xakanaxa Marketing Manager told Echo Travel that further to keeping their staff on their job, the company has been busy with other initiatives during this period of lockdowns. Among to work on new projects. of this, which will benefit them, was the rebranding “During this halt in operation, Botswana for years to come. exercise for the company, we used the time to get some ” which saw the change and new projects done, including Given the importance of wildlife modernisation of their logo a rebrand of the famous Desert to the tourism industry as and tagline. and Delta Safaris logo and attractions, our last point Also achieved during this tagline. Many hours went of conversation had to be time was the decision by the into this project, which has conservation. company to be among the been going on since April.,” Flatt outlined the company inaugural founding members of he said. philosophy saying, the newly formed Victoria Falls “Where we are going is to is to “Conservation has become such Tourism Association (VFTA). empower the country through a popular tag word in tourism initiatives aimed at developing Xugana Island Lodge and “The history that comes with people – using tourism as the today, and rightly so. But the its employees through travel Leroo La Tau - all of which this brand makes a significant vehicle. And through this, we reality is that in Botswana, operations into the future. guarantee travellers unique impact on the experiences came up with – ‘Empowering conservation has been a part Desert and Delta Safaris started Safari experiences. that our guests have. What Botswana Through Tourism.” of operation for a long time. its operations in 1983, and then really makes a safari with us Desert and Delta Safaris became We have been involved in, operated only Camp Moremi At the onset, following the special is the people. We have one of the founding members started or helped fund countless in the Okavango Delta. Today, pandemic outbreak, and always had our people at the of the Victoria Falls regional initiatives over the years and DDS operates eight luxury world-wide travel restrictions core of our decisions. In fact, Tourism Association, or Africa’s will continue to do so because the Chobe Holdings group Eden earlier this year. without our wildlife and natural was the first luxury safari “Recognizing the power of a environments, we do not have Leroo La Tau group in Botswana to have all joint tourism body in one of a tourism product and we do citizen management in all of Africa’s most sought-after not have a vehicle to empower our camps and lodges, which tourism regions, we jumped our people.” has fostered an incredible at the opportunity to be a part sense of pride and ownership of the brand from everyone who works for the company. Xugana Island Lodge It is these very people that deliver flawless, but relaxed and welcoming hospitality to every guest that walks through their doors,” Flatt emphasised the company’s people centred approach. Flatt said during the halt in operations due to the pandemic, they saw the need 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 CLASSIFIED ADS Call 3933805/6 To Advertise.

TAFA J

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA HELD AT GABORONE

CASE NO. CVHGB-000029-18 In the matter between:

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOTSWANA LIMITED Plainti And KELESITSE RAMOND GILIKA First Defendant Call 3933805/6 PORTIA TEBOGO GILIKA Second Defendant WHALERS (PTY) LTD Third Defendant

NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION

BE PLEASED TO TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to judgment granted in the above Honourable Court on 7th December 2018, the First, Second and Third Defendants’ property will be sold by auction to the highest bidder by Deputy Sheri Omphemetse Peter Kaisara. .

DATE OF SALE: 13th October 2020; VENUE: Lot 21028, Gaborone West Extension 5; TIME: 09.30 am; piece of land being Lot 21028, Gaborone West Extension advertise 5, 770m2 (Seven Hundred and Seventy Square Metres); PROPERTY TO BE SOLD : held under Deed of Transfer No. 163/2006 dated 31st day of January 2006 made in favor of KELESITSE RAYMOND GILIKA with some developments thereon being a castle type 4 bedrooms house, master ensuite, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and shower, dining room, swimming pool, sta quarters, oce and study room, paving, screen wall, with us electric fence and sliding gate. TERMS OF SALE: Cash or bank guaranteed cheques DATED AT GABORONE THIS 13th DAY OF OCTOBER 2020.

Deputy Sheri Omphemetse P Kaisara (71222244) C/o Serole & Partners The Courtyard, Lot 54513, Unit 1 P O Box 1679 ABG, Sebele GABORONE

opposition. The return legs will be played in Alexandria on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 respectively. The Confederation of African Football had originally intended to host the final stages of both competitions in a mini- tournament format with single semi-finals and a final a few days later at a central venue. Cameroon were asked to host the Champions League final- four but pulled out and, after that, no alternative could be found, leading to the decision to continue with the usual two-legged format. The final, however, is no longer over two legs for the first time in the competition’s 56-year history, but will be played in Douala, Cameroon on Nov. 6. The decision to play the final in a single game was already made last year. The Confederation Cup will African club competitions be concluded behind closed doors at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. There is an all-Moroccan return after lengthy hiatus clash between Hassania Agadir African club competition Champions League is continuing regulations and travel behind closed doors at the and Renaissance Berkane on returns following a hiatus of in its traditional format but restrictions have kept the cavernous Mohamed V Stadium Monday, followed the next more than six months, caused the Confederation Cup is competitions from being in Casablanca on Saturday in day by the second semi-final by the COVID-19 pandemic, as being concluded in a mini- concluded sooner and there the first leg of their Champions between ’s Horoya and both the Champions League tournament at a single venue, was concern, at one stage, they League semi-final. Pyramids of . The final will and African Confederation Cup as was the case with Europe’s might have to be cancelled. Raja Casablanca meet be played on Sunday, Oct. 25. resume at the semi-final stage. two annual club competitions Last season’s runners-up Zamalek on Sunday at the same plays host to all in August. Wydad Casablanca host record venue in another tie pitting a (Reuters) four ties this weekend. The Africa’s strict lockdown winners Al Ahly of Egypt Moroccan club against Egyptian Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Sports 15

feat. However, they want to go a step further with the title within their sights. In addition, they boast of a remarkable away record in their campaign. Pyramids have won all seven away games this term; a feat that sets the debutants miles apart from their peers. Ahead of their semi-final clash with Horoya of Guinea, Pyramids will be banking on the experience of skipper Abdullah El Said, who has won five different CAF titles with his former side, Al Ahly. El Said is having a season to remember, having recently joined the elite club of “100 Goals” in the Egyptian .. Though ownership of the club has changed hands yet again, Salim Al Shamsi of the taking over from Al-Sheikh, Pyramids continue to attract big names. Having the likes of Ghanaian Pyramids, A Story Of , the record foreign goal-scorer in Egyptian football, Burkinabe Eric Traore among others, they will have Building Giants more power next season in It might be their first ever Assiouty Sport, the club found and moving the club base from , Peru and Ecuador. the form of former Al Ahly appearance in a continental their way up reaching the Upper Egypt to the capital, The adventure looked to have experienced trio of Sherif club championship, but Egyptian top division (Premier . produced immediate returns Ekramy, and Egyptian newcomers Pyramids League) in 2014. However, their Al-Sheikh is reported to have as Pyramids topped the 2018- Ramadan Sobhy. FC have emerged as one of the tenure in the elite division spent about 1 billion Egyptian 19 They are guided by an favourites for this season’s Total was short-lived as they were Pounds (almost 63 million US table for a greater part of the experienced coach as well. CAF Confederation Cup title. relegated in 2015. dollars) on the restructuring season. Eventually, they had Croatian-born Ante Cacic, The continental debutants It was not until 2018 when process. He brought on board to settle for third place Al Ahly 66, who joined the club last will face Guinea champions their revolution started to take some big name players and and Zamalek in that order. The year after a long managerial Horoya on Tuesday, 20 October shape. After two seasons in the raiding the camp of giants Al third position earned them career that saw him managing 2020, at Mohammed V Complex topflight, the leadership of the Ahly and Zamalek to help in the ticket to qualify for the national team, besides in Casablanca, Morocco, with club changed hands following building the new club identity. continental club championship clubs including Dinamo both sides aiming for a place a takeover by Saudi Arabian Abdullah El Said, , for the first time. Zagreb (Croatia), NK Maribor in the final of the second-tier investor Turki Al Al-Sheikh. He Ahmed El Shennawy, And they have made the best (Slovenia) among others. club championship five days mastered a complete revamp among others were recruited, of their maiden adventure. later in Rabat. of the side, including changing while adding a South American Reaching the semifinal in their ( Fifa.com.) Founded in 2008 as Al the name to “Pyramids FC”, flavour with players from debut season is a remarkable

Olympics-Surfing and Games still in love but wedding on hold

excitement. The party is still the coast non-stop for three going to happen.” months illegally pretty much. While many athletes have “My competitive side of me sought out sports psychologists would come out because I just to help deal with the anxiety of a wanted to get the best waves I delayed Games, Fitzgibbons and possibly could.” South Africa’s Jordy Smith have Fitzgibbons said after the found balance riding waves. Tokyo Olympic postponement Fitzgibbons says the extra was announced she initially time has provided room to felt a bit anxious but has used figure out performance and the COVID pause to “polish the progression while Smith ordinary” and find perspective. After flirting with each other Thursday. opportunity to ramp up the sharpened his competitive “I think everyone will be for decades, surfing and the “We’re still getting married, anticipation. instincts on home waves. on board to have that real Olympics were set to tie the we’re still lovers,” Aguerre “It is really interesting “When I made the trip positive energy to kick start knot in July until COVID-19 said during a State of Olympic because that moment you have back to South Africa it was everything,” said Fitzgibbons. crashed the wedding to spoil Surfing broadcast. “It’s just an been preparing for something our winter and the borders “Hopefully, that gratitude the sport’s debut at the Tokyo extra year for the wedding.” you think you know what it is were closed,” said Smith, who continues on and every time Games. Viewed as among sport’s going to be like but we truly has also secured an Olympic you think you are having a It will, however, take more most laid-back athletes, it is don’t know,” said Fitzgibbons. berth. “You couldn’t take tough year, a tough moment it than a global pandemic to no surprise surfers are taking “You just kind of wake up flights to each state and there will be like remember that year break up this relationship, the Olympics delay in their each day and look at it as this were obviously good waves in and that will put everything International Surfing stride, Australian gold medal opportunity and the dream Durban and Cape Town. into perspective.” Association (ISA) president hope Sally Fitzgibbons looking is kind of happening. It is “I was just getting in the Fernando Aguerre said on at the postponement as another definitely going to build the car and driving up and down (Reuters.) THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 The African keepers leading the way

From Badou Zaki to Thomas year to Atletico Madrid. FIFA World Cup in 2018. That to experience that tournament, Widely regarded as one Nkono, and Bruce Grobbelaar Denied first-team football with said, El Shenawy has not being but in the colours of Chelsea, of the most gifted keepers to and Los Colchoneros, he would waiting in the wings at club who secured his services in the in Europe, he was a logical Joseph-Antoine Bell, Africa eventually find success in Spain level, having been a mainstay most recent transfer window. choice to be Kameni’s successor has consistently produced great with Real Zaragoza and Girona, of Al Ahly since 2016. Captain His progress with the national at national level, despite goalkeepers. Their heroics in paving the way for his transfer of the Red Devils, he has won has been no less dramatic. competition from Fabrice the last line of defence have to Sevilla in 2019. the last three editions of the Handed his first in Ondoa. To return to the world not only secured their place in Second-choice behind Tomas Egyptian Premier League and November 2018, he was already stage in 2022, the Indomitable the history of African football Vaclick and used last season only was instrumental in his side’s in the starting XI for the 2019 Lions will be counting on but have also inspired a whole for UEFA Europa League games, progress to the last four of CAF Africa Cup of Nations a few Onana’s dependability in a generation of players. the Moroccan still dazzled in this year’s African Champions months later. A finger injury group featuring Côte d’Ivoire, While many kids growing up helping the Andalusian club League before its interruption sidelined him for the latter stage Mozambique and Malawi. on the continent still dream lift that continental title. Bono due to COVID-19. of the competition, in which Denis Onyango (Uganda/ of becoming the next Roger was particularly impressive A starter in Egypt’s initial the Lions of Teranga lost to Mamelodi Sundowns) Milla, Samuel Eto’o, Rabah against Manchester United group games of Russia 2018, he in the final. With Sadio At 35, Denis Onyango is one Madjer, Nwankwo Kanu or in the semi-finals and Inter was named Man of the Match for Mane banging in the goals and of the most reliable keepers in Didier Drogba, these days Milan in the final, prompting the opening defeat to Uruguay Mendy stopping them, Senegal African football, even if he is not many others aspire to be a Julen Lopetegui to hand him a (1-0). Now 31, and at the peak have their sights firmly set on a household name beyond the hero between the posts. It is starting place at the beginning of his powers, he aspires to a place at 2022 and will continent. Yet despite that, the no surprise to see more and of the current season. The lead The Pharaohs to a second face Congo, Namibia and Togo CV of the Mamelodi Sundowns more African keepers bursting situation is reminiscent of consecutive World Cup, starting in the second round. custodian shows he was voted onto the scene in elite football. his journey with the national with a group stage battle against Africa-based Player of the Year With the second round of team, where, for many years, Gabon, and Angola. Andre Onana (Cameroon/ in 2016 after winning that year’s CAF qualifiers for the FIFA he was understudy to Munir. Ajax) CAF Champions League and World Cup Qatar 2022™ just Bono would eventually relegate Edouard Mendy (Senegal/ After Nkono, Bell, Jacques participating in the FIFA Club months away, .com turned him to the bench in 2019, since Chelsea) Songo’o and Carlos Kameni, World Cup. On top of that, he the spotlight on five of Africa’s when he has been first choice It’s hard to believe now, but Cameroon appear to have has picked up South African top keepers, who are – and hope for the Atlas Lions. In the race 28-year-old Edouard Mendy found another goalkeeping Premier League winning medals to remain – at the forefront of to Qatar 2022, Moroccans will only signed his first professional phenomenon. Having gone in each of the last three seasons. their teams’ ambitions. be hoping he can help their contract in 2016. The club in through the Samuel Eto’o Very assured in one-on-ones, side progress from a group question was Stade de Reims, Academy and La Masia at and often brilliant at stopping Yassine Bounou (Morocco/ containing Guinea, Guinea- who finally gave the player a Barcelona, Andre Onana made penalties, the Uganda captain Sevilla) Bissau and Sudan. chance after seasons in the his professional debut with knows the clock is ticking if At 29, Yassine Bounou, lower leagues and a short stint Dutch giants Ajax. A regular the rest of the football world is or simply ‘Bono’, has been in Marseille’s reserve team. starter from the age of 22 to discover and appreciate his around for some time. Canadian (Egypt/Al Ahly) After three years there with no following the departure of talents. A vital component of born, he cut his teeth with Mohamed El Shenawy is few clean sheets, reflex saves Jasper Cillessen, he was part the Cranes’ qualification for the the youth teams of Wydad another who took centre stage and commanding forays off of the exciting young team Cup of Nations in 2017 – their Casablanca, where he made relatively late in his career. It his line, the 1.97m custodian that made it to the semi- first since 1978 – and 2019, he his first team debut in 2010 must be said, however, that moved to Rennes. It was no final of the 2019 Champions would dearly love to represent and progressed alongside the his predecessor in the national coincidence that, with the League, where they would his country at a World Cup. To club’s legendary keeper Nadir team was a certain Essam El Senegalese in goal last year, lose in dramatic fashion to do so, the first step will be to Lamyaghri. He was a starter Hadary, a colossus of African the Bretons enjoyed their best Tottenham. En route to the top a second-round group in in the 2011 CAF Champions football who kept goal for The ever season, culminating in last-four, Onana thwarted the which Mali, Kenya and Rwanda League final, which the club Pharaohs until turning 45, a maiden UEFA Champions considerable attacking talents await. lost to Esperance de Tunis, in the process becoming the League qualification. As fate of Real Madrid and Juventus, before moving the following oldest player to compete at a would have it, Mendy will get among others. (fifa.com.)