THE AFRICAN STORY HAPPY!!HAPPY!! INDEPENDENCEINDEPENDENCE DAYDAY !BOTSWANA!

ISSUE NUMBER 739 VOLUME 2 28 SEP - 04 OCTO 2020

Drone technology INSIDE BOTSWANA’S helps boost healthcare supply STATE OF EMERGENCY chains in Africa EXTENSION • Grappling with page 3 growing Covid-19 cases Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi Wealth in Africa: Home seeks to extend state of ownership looming Emergency by another 6 crisis months

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Brady Armstrong; Botswana’s Motorcycle Racing Virtuoso

page 16 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020

THE AFRICAN STORY

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Head of Design Ame Kolobetso ‘Inside Botswana’s [email protected] Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] Echo is published by YMH Publishing State of Emergency YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, GIFP, Gaborone Postal address: P O BOX 840, Gaborone, Botswana extension’ Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. E-mail: [email protected] www.echo.co.bw At a time when some of extension. One opposition from neighbouring . made an update in which he Botswana’s neighbours are member Dithapelo Keorapetse Currently Botswana is battling said non-essential movement DISCLAIMER: easing their State of Emergency of the main Opposition Umbrella local transmission which has accross zones will no longer be Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. regulations and even exiting for Democratic Change has said seen number of cases and deaths tolerated, and that those who Letters must carry the completely, Botswana President he is opposed to the extension related deaths go up. had obtained permits should re full name and address of Mokgweetsi Masisi has sought because nothing was achieved The Coordinator of the apply as they were not valid. He the sender. Letters must to extend the country’s State which could not have been with country’s Covid-19 Task Team, Dr however then sent a press release conform to the laws of of Emergency by a further six a State of Emergency. Kereng Masupu said on Thursday the following day correcting Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code months. “The only thing we saw was last week that local cases stood his initial statement and that Of Ethics. Letters will also be The National Assembly of unprecedented elite corruption,” at 1730, with 701 recovers permits will be given on a case edited for length, libel and Botswana meets today (Monday) he said. and 16 deaths. He said there by case basis, and the new travel language. to endorse President Mokgweetsi Botswana started off with were 1013 recoveries. Masupu protocols will be issued today. Masisi’s request to extent the very low cases of Covid-19 in indicated that the increase in The updates by the two State of Emergency by a further the region while its neighbours local transmission is attributed members if the Task Team six months to fight Covid-19, and cases skyrocketed. South Africa to people no adhering to covid was interpreted that to mean observers say is highly unlikely has seen its numbers cross the -19 protocols set out to control that another lockdown was that Parliament will reject the 600 000-half mark with over 16 the disease. Masupu the urged looming immediately after request. 000 deaths, becoming the fifth the nation to avoid unnecessary the endorsement of the SOE Masisi’s ruling Botswana in the world when it comes to travel as the Independence extension later today. Fears of Democratic Party (BDP) Covid-19. Holidays come up. another lock down was dismissed commands a majority in the The Botswana national Hard on the heals of an update by Tshipiyagae. country’s Parliament and Covid-19 Presidential task of the update by Masupu, on Read more Echo whatever the President seeks team had among other control Friday Director of Health Services stories on our endorsed get an outright support measures divided the country Dr Malaki Tshipiyagae also Facebook page by from his MPs. The Opposition into Covid zones and required in Parliament had rejected the people to apply for interzonal scanning the QR SOE that was effected in April, permits to travel, and also code below with arguing that the six months was emphasised on the observance your mobile phone too long to allow the President to of health protocols like washing rule under a state of emergency. of hands with soap, social They also posited that a State of distancing and making the Emergency could open room wearing of masks compulsory. for corrupt practices by the Local transmission was also government. There also have very low and contact tracing fears of encroachment on the civil in the country was seen to win liberties of the public as members the day. However, the numbers of the security forces are engaged started rising, most of which to enforce SOE regulations. were import cases reported at Some MP in the opposition the borders. These cases were have indicated that they are found on truck drivers who opposed the request for another were bringing essentials mainly Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Echo Report 3

Since the drones do not include cameras, Nkosi says privacy is not an issue, and to date, there have been no safety problems. The drones are not operating within a 15km radius of an airport, he states. Nkosi believes that it is only a matter of time before many countries and communities adopt drones for deliveries, even in urban areas. He says that in the DRC’s capital Kinshasa, the blood transfusion service is exploring the use of drones for urgent deliveries of lifesaving blood due to the city’s poor infrastructure and traffic congestion. The inaugural Africa Supply Chain in Action Conference and Exhibition was one of Africa’s biggest online event for the Drone technology helps boost healthcare supply chain and procurement profession, bringing together hundreds of delegates from supply chains in Africa around the continent. “The Covid-19 crisis has put the Health workers serving story, a project focused on getting the DRC’s northwest province of motorcycle or 4 x 4 vehicle. spotlight on supply chains remote communities in the vaccines and supplies to hard- Équateur. “This is a province with Studies are underway to assess and pushed supply chain Democratic Republic of Congo to-reach rural communities, many geographical challenges. It the affordability of drones versus professionals to their limits. (DRC) must often undertake however, the applications of has 18 health districts, more than conventional transport in other Expertise in supply chain and a six-day return journey to drones in healthcare will extend half of which are only accessible areas. He notes that the drones procurement management, collect vaccines, traversing to congested cities, too. by river. This makes the supply being used can fly up to 80km logistics and distribution has dense tropical forests and often VillageReach is a non- chain and transportation of at a speed of up to 115km per never been more important the raging Congo River and its governmental organisation that is vaccines from the provincial hour. “The technology is still than it is today. The imperative tributaries. Drone technology is striving to improve communities’ storage to the remote health developing, so we can expect to ensure that businesses and offering a lifesaving solution to access to healthcare and life- storage facilities exceedingly fewer limitations in the future. economies can survive and thrive the challenges, including helping saving medicines and vaccines in difficult, especially during the While our drones can fly up to beyond Covid-19 gave rise to to ensure that cold chains are remote rural areas in developing rainy season when there is often 80km, we are setting up ‘refilling this important event and the maintained, and vaccine quality countries. In the DRC, with flooding.” stations’ to reach health facilities collaboration between co-hosts is not compromised. funding from Gavi (The Vaccine A round trip to the Équateur beyond 80km. Sapics and Smart Procurement,” In a presentation at the recent Alliance), VillageReach, in province, which involves taking For instance, if the health says Keabetswe Mpane, Sapics Africa Supply Chain in Action partnership with the Ministry a non-motorised boat down a facility is located 400km from president. virtual conference, which was of Health and the Civil Aviation river, can take up to six hours. the distribution centre or The event forms the foundation hosted by The Professional Body Authority of the DRC, is using The drones completed the one- warehouse, there will be five of the ASCAnation, which for Supply Chain Management drones to transport vaccines way journey in just 20 minutes. stations where the drone will will provide supply chain (Sapics) and Smart Procurement, and other supplies to isolated Nkosi explains that the drones land after 80km and the local professionals across Africa with Freddy Nkosi, DRC country villages and communities. are only being deployed for the team will change the battery to a platform from which their director for VillageReach, shared Nkosi says that the Drones for hardest to reach locations in the enable the drone to fly to the voices can be heard. the Drones for Health success Health project is being piloted in DRC, which are inaccessible by next station.” (Bizcom.) 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020

provides for transitional arrangements. These enable the transfer to it of certain provisions from the EU-SADC EPA. These include, among others, customs matters concerning the protection of geographical indications. On the other hand, the UK is required to provide sufficient time for exporters from SACUM countries to adjust to new technical rules for manufactured goods in cases where those deviate from EU regulations. An agreement was also reached on a built-in agenda to address areas of interest in future that could not be resolved during the negotiations. These include market access issues, regional cumulation, export taxes, technical barriers to trade, geographical indications, and electronic certification.

Need for certainty There has been a great deal of anxiety on the part of SACUM countries about the final outcome South Africa and its neighbours anxious of the EU-UK trade talks, and the impact this will have on the trade relationship between about EU and UK post-Brexit talks SACUM nations and the UK. A deal between the EU and As the deadline for the post- rules of origin to fulfil in order for and Eswatini – plus Mozambique But, there were some issues the UK will help reinforce the Brexit trade talks between the products to obtain preferential (SACUM). The agreement in that needed further discussion certainty and continuity that the European Union (EU) and the market access. Rules of origin principle is that SACUM and and resolution. These are tariff- SACUM-UK agreement seeks to (UK) looms, refer to the criteria used to UK will carry over the terms of rate quotas, and the sourcing of achieve when the UK exits the concerns have arisen as to determine the national source the provisions of the EU-SADC inputs from across the EU region EU customs area. If the EU and whether the two parties will be of a product. The agreement EPA into a new bilateral trade into production for export. the UK are unable to agree on able to conclude a deal. In terms provides for trade remedies to agreement. The roll-over was There’s also the treatment of any deal, their trade relationship of the Brexit divorce agreement, tackle unfair trade practices. It intended to ensure continuity bilateral safeguard measures, will be regulated by the rules of the UK is expected to leave the EU also contains safeguard measures in trade ties after the UK had other transitional arrangements, the World Trade Organisation. single market and customs union to increase import duties in cases left the EU. geographical indications, and This means the UK will be treated on 1 January 2021. A trade deal where a surge in imports unduly Following two years of the built-in agenda. as any trading nation that does will govern future trade relations threatens to cause serious injury negotiations, a new agreement, SACUM countries are entitled not enjoy preferential trade between the EU and the UK. The to the domestic market. the SACUM-UK EPA, was to duty and quota-free access for with the EU. prospect of striking such a deal, With the UK deciding to quit concluded in September 2019. their exports under the EU-SADC In this scenario, the SACUM- however, has been thrown into the EU it meant that it would In essence, this entailed a transfer EPA. Given the developed nature UK arrangement will be doubt by the publication recently no longer be a part of the EU- of the terms of the SADC-EU of its economy, South Africa preserved, but it will also of a new controversial bill by the SADC EPA. This implied, in turn, EPA into the new SACUM-UK enjoys less favourable treatment introduce new complications in British government that seeks that trade between the SADC EPA. These terms cover rules for: for some of its agricultural, fish trade and uncertainty concerning to overrule parts of the Brexit countries and the UK would • trade in goods, and aluminium exports. A new how certain issues, such as the withdrawal pact. no longer enjoy the preferential • preferential tariff rates on trade provision was agreed that level and quantity of local inputs The outcome of these talks will terms that existed under the all sides, allowed SACUM nations and the in the production of motor cars have implications for the South EU-SADC EPA framework. • trade remedies, UK to source and use EU inputs in South Africa for export to African economy, specifically The new deal • technical standards for health for production to export to each the EU and UK markets, will be trade. The EU as a regional bloc To prevent disruption to trade, and safety for agricultural and other’s markets. This ensured the addressed. A deal between the is South Africa’s largest trade the Southern African Customs industrial products, continuity of integrated value EU and the UK, therefore, will partner in the world, and South Union nations struck a deal • protection of South African and chains across South Africa, the be the most preferable outcome Africa is the EU’s biggest trade with the UK in 2017. The custom UK’s geographical indications, EU and the UK, particularly in for SACUM countries. partner in Africa. South Africa union countries are South Africa, and the automobile industry. has longstanding and extensive Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, • dispute settlement. The SACUM-UK agreement (TheConversation.) trade relations with the UK. Prior to exiting the EU, the UK was South Africa’s second largest trade partner, after , in the EU regional community. The country is also South Africa’s fourth biggest market for exports, behind only , Germany and the United States. Until the UK decided to leave the EU, it traded with South Africa under an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the EU and some member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The EU- SADC EPA entered into force on 10 October 2016. Under this agreement, the EU has fully or partially eliminated custom duties for South African exports, except for aluminium and various agricultural products. The EU-SADC EPA specifies Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Echo Report 5

The minister had been given a formal reprimand, a “salary

The opposition Democratic Alliance had accused Mapisa- ‘‘Nqakula of misusing state resources by letting the group from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) travel with her to Harare in September.

sacrifice” had been imposed on her for three months from Nov. 1 and she would have to make sure the ANC reimbursed the state for the costs of the flight, the presidency added. A defence ministry spokesman South African defence minister’s pay did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the minister. Mapisa-Nqakula herself docked over use of military plane did not immediately respond to a message sen. South Africa’s president has The opposition Democratic The presidency said late on of judgement”. Ramaphosa has pledged to reprimanded defence minister Alliance had accused Mapisa- Saturday Mapisa-Nqakula had It said President Cyril clean up the ANC’s reputation Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula Nqakula of misusing state been on an official trip. But her Ramaphosa had told Mapisa- after a decade of scandals under and docked her pay for three resources by letting the group decision to let the delegation - Nqakula in a letter that this his predecessor Jacob Zuma. months for taking a delegation from the ruling African National who were travelling to was not in keeping with her to Zimbabwe on an air force Congress (ANC) travel with her on unrelated business - join her responsibilities as a cabinet (Reuters.) plane, his office said. to Harare in September. on the flight had been an “error minister.

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in and around Masunga. The five full time employees, and LEA assisted me to get funding business also benefits from engages temporary workers to develop my business and to other LEA services that include during peak periods. compile a tender document to among others business advisory, “LEA enhanced my supply bread to Government coaching & on-site monitoring entrepreneurship skills and institutions. I encourage other as well as mentoring services. assisted me to formalise my businesses to work with LEA Currently the business has bakery business. In addition, as that will help them to grow and ultimately improve their entrepreneurship skills.” said Mrs Nalebomo.

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Tha-Di Holdings Bakery (Pty) relevant machinery and start LTD is a LEA assisted enterprise operations. LEA also trained the based in Masunga. Directed bakery employees on Records by Mrs. Dianah Nalebomo, Keeping and Entrepreneurship the business specializes in all Development. In addition, the types of bread and confectionery organization facilitated a three- products including scones, months training programme on cakes, loaves, buns and muffins. Bakery and Confectionery, which Mrs Nalebomo registered further equipped the business with LEA in 2018, and was owner’s baking skills. assisted to develop a business Furthermore, LEA facilitated plan and access CEDA funding Tha-Di Holdings products to start the project. LEA went exposure and market linkages to ahead to handhold Tha-Di supply Government institutions, Holdings Bakery to source schools and the communities

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Empowering the entrepreneur to start and grow their business Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Echo Report 7

for vulnerable countries and communities facing worsening UN concerned over floods, storms, sea level rise and other climate change governments’ blocking path threats. Guterres said not enough funding was being channelled to carbon-neutral future into measures to adapt and become more resilient to the climate impacts that are Governments worldwide are recovery funds, Carney noted. technology, which can create already happening today. still putting obstacles in the “What we want for COP26 more jobs than dirty industries. He called for that work to way of economies making the is for the world to make that A report published this week be financed alongside efforts transition to become carbon- type of disclosure mandatory” by research coalition Climate to reduce emissions. neutral by mid-century, an everywhere, he said. Action Tracker, however, said “Many people are already effort needed to hold global “It’s not acceptable for our most government recovery suffering, so we need to warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, companies not to tell us where plans it had analysed from high- massively support those (who) the head of the United Nations the risks are for them,” he added. emitting countries showed “only are suffering more,” he said. said on Thursday. At Thursday’s event, many a hint of green”. Reuters. Besides instituting their leaders said economic stimulus Leaders from Bangladesh, own plans to achieve net-zero to boost recovery from the Antigua and Barbuda, and other emissions by 2050, governments coronavirus pandemic should countries also emphasised the must create the conditions to support clean energy and green need to ramp up protection allow companies, cities, civil society groups and other organisations to do the same, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged. He called on governments to reform regulations and policies Career opportunity that currently go against action on climate change, such as financing coal-power plants and providing subsidies for the extraction and use of fossil fuels. “Governments are an obstacle in many areas for (the) private sector and other entities to be able to establish their own (net-zero) transitions,” he told the close of a virtual climate Career opportunity roundtable organised by the Career opportunity United Nations. Guterres said one prime Senior Manager – South minister had told him it was hard TheDirector- Local NationalEnterprise Branch Authority Network (LEA) invites 1. Production units equipped with the latest to end subsidies for dirty fuels suitableJob Purpose: horticultural enterprises or individuals horticulture technology equipment. because it would hurt people’s withinTo fa ctheilitat eSmall, and ass iMediumst the Nationa andl Bra nMicroch Netw Enterpriseork Director ins t he plannin2. Necessaryg, organising an inputsd developmen sucht asof polseedlings,icies and strat fertilizersegies for the wallets. Another said he could branches in the South. To facilitate and ensure the co-ordination, organisation and prioritisation of activities within the National Branch Network not tax carbon pollution, as it category- South Div is ionfor. T o incubationensure the generatio atn an dGlen timely deliver Valleyy of t he relevan pesticidest information require andd b yspraying the National B raequipmentnch Network Dire castor . would lose him voters. Horticulture Incubator. training material. Guterres said he advised the Position Requirements: 3. Business coaching services. leaders to give financial supportIncubation Invite not to fossil fuels but to poorer TheCompetencies incubation center provides practical and 4. Technology coaching services The Localpeople in need,Enterprise and to reduce Authoritytechnical1. Botho training(LEA) inviteson different suitable aspects of payroll taxes while boosting horticulture2. Partnership enterprise management under REQUIREMENTS 3. Self-driven them on carbon emitters, a protected environment. The center also offers 1. A letter of intent or motivation on how measure he said couldenterprises help win 4. or Transformationalindividuals leadership within the 5. Entrepreneurship elections. business management interventions for SMMEs the candidate intends to utilise the skills 6. Management of financial resources The aim of governmentMedium to grow Enterprisesand establish themselves category as sustainable for acquired. policies and regulations should andEducation commercially viable horticulture enterprises. 2. Proof of ownership or access to land with be to “force everyone to have A University Degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration or awater related forfield. irrigation. A qualification at Masters level (MBA) a transition plan to net-zero would be an added advantage. before 2050”, he added. TheExperience duration of the programme is nine (9) 3. Successful candidates will be required to Public development banks months,At least 7 and to 10 yearsselected experience individuals in administration will and be relationship under management, go medical with a strong assessment background inand business submi t should also commitestablished to halt providedadministration a withhorticulture and the operational following efficiencies. duringincubation training: a medical report prior to starting the lending to coal projects and boost programme. their funding for renewables and energy efficiency, he saidlocated - a key at Glen Valley just outside expectation for the first global summit of those institutions in‘’hands-on’’ Eligible candidates training should submit relevantin di erentdocuments to: November. APPLICATIONApplication PROCEDURE Procedure Former Bank of England If you believe you possess requisite qualifications, experience and competencies, please submit your application to the Local Enterprise Authority together with Selectionthe following; Committee a short covering letter, a detailed and updated curriculum vitae, certifiedInquiries copies can of your be certificates directed and to names Glen of Valley three referees. Horticulture The Authority governor Markhorticulture Carney, now enterprise management under Gleyoffers Valley a competitive Horticulture remuneration Incubator package. the U.N. climate finance envoy, Incubator at 318 6309 Private Bag X035 APPLICATION PROCEDURE protectedsaid rules shouldenvironment be in place to is Theo ered. Authority shall only The correspond withcenter short-listed candidates. provides All submissions to be forwarded to; The Director Human Resources, Local Enterprise require businesses to disclose GaboroneAuthority, IfPrivate you Village believe Bag you191, possess Gaborone requisite quali cations, or emailed experience to [email protected] and competencies, pleaseClosing submitor hand your Date: delivered application 30 toth to Novemberthe Local Local Enterprise Enterprise2020 Authourity,2nd Authority together block with A, the following; a short covering letter , a detailed and updatedFor Online curriculum Applications, vitae, writecerti ed fully copies the titleof your of positioncerti cates you and are names applying of three for. referees. The Authority climate risks they environmentare exposed foro ers a competitiveSMME’s remuneration package.to grow and Closing Date: 19th September 2016 th to by the delayed November The Authority shall only correspond with short-listed candidates. All submissions to beC lforwardedosing date to; : 30 The Februar Directory Human 2018 Resources, Local Enterprise 2021 COP26 climate summit. Authority, Private Bag 191, Gaborone or emailed to [email protected] or hand delivered to Local Enterprise Authourity,2nd oor, block At Thursday’s event, Fiji’s as sustainableA, lot 50676 Fairgrounds and O ce Park Gaborone.commercially For Online Applications, write fully the title of position you are applying for. prime minister said the island CLOSING DATE: 1 th 2016 6 Empowering the entrepreneur to start and grow their business viablenation horticulture would require enterprises. all government departments to assess climate change risks to their work. The incubation/And Canada has made training climate Businessperiod Advisory is • Trainingexpected • On-site Coaching to last • Mentoring • Market Access • Business Incubation • Technology and Innovation Support risk disclosure a condition for “Mogwebi, re go tlhoma kwa pele.” for 9major firms– to12 access COVID-19months. Selected enterprises / 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020

will have more people living in urban than rural areas. Rural to Urban migration, a common plight facing African nations is a contributing factor to increased demand for houses. Rapid population increase in cities leads to shortage of housing and inflates the prices of property leading to further unaffordability. This cycle can be addressed by deliberate action by governments to increase the supply of affordable housing. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Chinese multinational construction and engineering company, CITIC Construction have launched a $300 million investment platform, CITICC (Africa) Holding Limited, to develop affordable housing in multiple African countries. The platform will partner with local housing developers and provide long-term capital to develop 30,000 homes over next five years. African governments have Wealth in Africa: Home identified this looming housing crises and have introduced housing schemes and programmes to support first time home ownership. Some initiatives ownership looming crisis include waiving transfer duty tax for first time buyers, providing By Emmanuel Allottey continents in the world. they work towards growing their of young people in the world at housing subsidy for homeowners Land and property rights personal wealth. 200million and this number is with earnings in a certain income Africa has been subjected to and the systems to protect Property ownership is the most forecasted to increase 42% by bracket, others include providing many misconceptions about and nurture its growth is at significant measure of wealth 2030, according to the United affordable accommodation wealth and prosperity. An infancy stages in many nations accumulation. Africa’s youth Nations report. The rapid growth targeted to the youth within infamous misconception is that in Africa, a disappointing feat face an uphill battle to wealth in population will place a demand a certain age group. These Africans live on trees, however that buttresses misconceptions and property accumulation with on the property market creating initiatives require support from all misconceived these assumptions about the continent. Today’s higher rates of unemployment, a further gap of housing deficits stakeholders including Financial are there is some hidden truth youth are growing up faced with underemployment and limited across many African nations. Institutions, Property developers behind it. Home ownership in the harsh reality of the true cost economic opportunity. Africa UN Habitat estimates that to improve affordability and Africa is the lowest across all the of home ownership in Africa as has the largest concentration by 2030, sub Saharan Africa wealth accumulation in Africa.

services availability. encourage the usage of their The impact of COVID-19 on products and platforms. the economy has threatened The internet is increasingly the disposable income of many become an integral part of individuals. According to World the shopping process as the Bank forecasts, the global virus continues to rampage the economy will shrink by 5.2% this world. Social distancing rules year with possibilities of business and lockdowns have amplified collapse and job layoffs among the advantages of internet others. The emphasis on essential shopping. Retailers that are agile goods and services have placed and provide the convenience for discretionary spending on luxury consumers to shop online with goods on the backfoot. The Retail logistics in place to deliver the sector faces uncertainty whether goods stand to benefit from the they will experience a bumper improved momentum in sales. End of the Year spending season Travelling, which is usually or continued depressed sales as a major activity undertaken a result of COVID-19. towards the end of the year is The End of the Year is a peak currently impacted by national selling season for retailers in lockdowns linked to COVID-19. many nations around the world. Borders remain closed to Sales increase dramatically international travel and the as people purchase gifts, tourism industry is reeling from decorations, and supplies to the effects. Travelling and its celebrate the end of the year. ancillary activities contribute Strategic marketing campaigns to increased retail spending. and events such as Black Friday, The prevalence of COVID-19 Boxing Day specials, are known stands to influence the End to drive exponential growth in of the Year spending season. consumer spending each year. Retailers through innovation and Christmas vs COVID-19: will End Financial Institutions are agile strategies can mitigate the conscious of this phenomenon impact of COVID-19 and unlock and compete amongst themselves opportunities to drive revenue of the Year spending survive? to capture as much business as success in the last quarter of the possible. Towards the end of year, after a challenging start approaching and for consumer retail industry with significant the year, Financials Institutions to 2020. By Emmanuel Allottey spending this is the busiest impacts to consumer behaviour, usually advertise consumer season in the retail calendar product demand, and retail spending related campaigns, The end of 2020 is fast year. COVID-19 has subdued the store, factory, and logistics promotions, give-aways to Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 9 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020

able to appreciate how actual precipitation patterns varied Google and FAO launch new notably on a district-by-district basis from the broader average measures, thus enabling a more refined project design. big data tool, Earth Map “The breakthrough here is that Earth Map brings the unparalleled power of Google Earth Engine to Google and the Food and It does so in a way that does World Bank, including projects in initiative to accelerate agricultural everyone’s fingertips in a matter Agriculture Organization (FAO) of not require users to master Armenia, Georgia, , transformation and sustainable of seconds, so that basic Internet the United Nations has developed sophisticate coding techniques, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Pakistan, rural development. access enables even those without a new tool anyone, anywhere can thereby mitigating bottlenecks the Philippines and Uzbekistan. The new tool also underscores a background in coding or remote access to obtain multidimensional in terms of technical capacities of Buoyed by funding from how FAO is transforming its sensing to analyse big data,” says maps and statistics showing key developing states and ultimately the German Federal Ministry ownership role regarding data Danilo Mollicone, lead technical climate and environmental trends paving the way for smallholders for the Environment, Nature into a custodial sharing function officer of the FAO’s technical wherever they are. to contribute to as well as access Conservation and Nuclear Safety’s to maximize beneficial use. team that supports the new tool Earth Map, an innovative critical knowledge to sustain International Climate Initiative, “That’s what makes big data as well as Collect Earth. and free-to-use web-based their livelihoods. Earth Map offers among else big, and why partnerships will FAO will train and assist users tool provides efficient, rapid, “At a time when environmental data ranging from temperature have an increasingly central and, while the broad focus is on inexpensive and analytically and societal challenges are to precipitation, population, role in pursuing the Sustainable ease of use - including drop- cogent insights, drawn from paramount, we strive for Google’s vegetation, evapotranspiration, Development Goals,” said down menus and aggregated satellites as well as FAO’s Hand- products to enable all countries elevation and soil. Maximo Torero, FAO’s chief charts- and narrowing the digital in-Hand geospatial platform – with equal access to the latest The real-time capacities economist. divide, the Organization can which allows anyone with basic technology in support of global and constant updating make The power of the tool was also help develop more bespoke Internet access to tap critical climate action and sustainable them particularly useful for highlighted recently when, with and specialised Earth Map climate, environmental and development,” said Rebecca those engaged with Hand-in- a few clicks, programme leaders assessments when needed. agricultural information – with Moore, director, Google Earth. Hand, FAO’s evidence-based, working on a Green Climate Fund a few clicks on a computer. “FAO knows what information country-led and country-owned project pitch in Kyrgyzstan were (Bizcommunity.) Its development follows the is needed, we specialise in successful Collect Earth platform information accessibility, and jointly developed with Google both of us are committed to under FAO’s OpenForis suite of boosting the resilience of people tools, which has already proven and communities worldwide.” useful for forest assessments; land Google and FAO began their cover assessments and project partnership in 2015, signing design and implementation. an agreement on the sidelines “I am convinced that of the Paris Agreement. Initial transforming our food systems efforts focused on forest and crop to feed the world will be achieved cover mapping techniques, and with a digital agriculture” said they are now rapidly extending QU Dongyu, FAO’s director- to areas such as biodiversity general. “We need to make conservation, pest control and digital technologies accessible water management. to everyone.” Outputs from Earth Map are Earth Map makes available tailored to users’ needs, and multi-temporal and quasi serve as “dashboards” as well real-time satellite imagery as maps, Moore notes. More and geospatial data sets that than 50 countries have already drive Google Earth Engine benefited from the FAO- and complements them with Google tools and FAO already more planetary-scale analytical leverages the technology to capabilities, allowing for prepare and monitor projects detection, quantification and and help Members apply for monitoring of changes and trends grants from entities such as the on the Earth’s surface. Green Climate Fund and the Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Echo Report 11

humanitarian crises, such as the Twin ‘crises’ of climate and COVID current flooding in Sudan. Wealthy countries may also not deliver the $100 billion they hammering millions - Red Cross had promised this year to help poorer countries tackle climate Weather disasters and the conflict of safe practices, with pandemic. welcomed a rise in the number change, he added. COVID-19 pandemic have people enduring heatwaves On the West Coast of the United of volunteers helping out in their “The massive global investment simultaneously hit tens of advised to wear light clothing States, meanwhile, more than 2 communities, particularly in in recovering from the pandemic millions of people worldwide and remove restrictive coverings, million people have had to deal developed Western countries, proves governments can act this year, making them more for instance, even as many with major wildfires and the as well as a rise in donations for decisively and drastically in the vulnerable to both threats and governments require the wearing pandemic together, with smoke the COVID-19 response. face of imminent global threats. hampering emergency response, of face masks in public. potentially hiking the likelihood But Richard Blewitt, the We urgently need this same the Red Cross said on Wednesday. Access to cooling centres and of lung infections including IFRC’s permanent observer to energy on climate,” said IFRC In a new analysis, the air-conditioned buildings has COVID-19, the report said. the United Nations, warned of a president Rocca. international humanitarian also been limited during the Rocca said the Red Cross “major gap” in funding for other (Reuters.) agency said about 70% of the 132 disasters linked to extreme weather in 2020 had coincided in place and time with the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, more than 51 million people - likely an underestimate - had been recorded as directly affected by an overlap of floods, droughts or storms and the pandemic, with nearly 3,500 people killed in the weather events, it said. “The climate crisis has not stopped for COVID-19, and millions of people have suffered from the two crises colliding,” Francesco Rocca, president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), told journalists. “We have had absolutely no choice but to address both crises simultaneously,” he said. While not all weather disasters have a direct link with global warming, the climate is becoming more volatile and weather more extreme as the planet heats up, he added. The report, produced with the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, said the pandemic was complicating efforts to evacuate people, including a need for more shelters to respect distancing and prevent infection. Aid agencies, meanwhile, face a double threat as they respond to COVID-19 outbreaks and climate disasters at the same time, beset by a reduction in frontline workers and resources. Disrupted global supply chains have also slowed the flow of relief aid and recovery equipment, the report said, and the pandemic has increased the need for financial humanitarian assistance at a time of deep global downturn. The places where the colliding threats have shown up most clearly are and Bangladesh, where almost 40 million people were affected by the pandemic and monsoon floods or storms. COVID-19 has made it harder to move people to safe places and provide food, accommodation and other aid safely and quickly, putting those affected at even greater risk, the report said. The analysis also looked at the intersection between heatwaves and COVID-19. Nearly 432 million vulnerable people, including the elderly and infants, have struggled with the twin threat this year, including many in Europe and North America, it noted. That situation has led to a 12 Arts Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 South African hit ‘Jerusalema’ inspires people worldwide to shake off COVID-19 blues

From Sao Paulo to , “Early this year, around full scrubs at a Swedish hospital thousands of people around the January, I thought the song had doing the dance. world, including priests, police, reached its peak,” said Master “(Now the song is) number ministers and frontline workers, KG, real name Kgaogelo Moagi. one on Shazam. Being posted have posted clips of themselves “And then out of nowhere the by Cristiano Ronaldo. Posted dancing to South African house song came back.” by Janet Jackson. Just a lot of song “Jerusalema”. The “nowhere” was a group amazing things. Things I’ve been With confirmed global of Angolan friends, who posted dreaming of,” Moagi said. coronavirus deaths nearing a themselves performing a self- In a televised address grim milestone of one million, a invented dance routine to the announcing the country was vaccine still some time away and song. In the video, a first group moving to the lowest level lockdowns and social distancing demonstrates the dance to of lockdown restrictions, measures to curb the pandemic’s another group, who interrupt South African President Cyril spread weighing on public life, their house chores to join-in. Ramaphosa dared the entire the up-tempo gospel groove has From there the clip made nation to take the challenge. provided a moment’s relief across its way to , the rest Moagi said: “The music I make borders and language barriers. of Europe, the United States is for the people ... It’s no longer Yet 150 million YouTube views and under the my song, it’s a song for the world. later, the song’s producer is still #JerusalemaDanceChallenge It’s healing them and I’m blessed not sure why. Master KG told tag, inspiring variations such as and honoured by that.” Reuters on Thursday he was in a group of Italian nuns in tunics In Cape Town on Thursday at “disbelief”. and priests in robes, and nurses in the studio where blockbusters like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Invictus” were filmed, actors and crew who have mostly been on furlough due the pandemic came to film a short feature on the dance craze. Director Abongwe Booi said the dance challenge was good fun but also a chance to highlight the struggles of the film industry. “So many people have been out of work and they haven’t had a chance to come together. For us to do this on a day like Heritage Day is amazing,” Booi said, referring to Thursday’s public holiday which celebrates South African heritage and cultural diversity.

(Reuters.) Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 13 Travel

experience that involves hiking and trekking, look no further than Lesotho. The spectacular mountain kingdom with its pristine natural vegetation offers beautiful landscapes that include the Tsehlanyane and Sehlabathebe National Parks, both gems for avid botanists, birdwatchers and hikers.

The hardy Basotho ponies, which were specially bred for traversing mountain terrain, are an absolute joy for guided treks in these parks. The ever- popular Malealea Lodge, the kingdom’s premier horseback destination, has hosted novice and experienced riders alike since it was founded back in 1986.

For more extensive hiking and pony trekking experiences, the exciting multi-day routes on offer include the 32km track connecting the Bokong Nature Reserve with the Tsehlanyane 4 sub-Saharan African National Park via the Roof of Africa, and a 40-km escarpment footpath between Sani Top and countries to visit this spring Sehlabathebe National Park. So whether you’re seeking jumping right in. The force of from the water (boat cruise) a weekend getaway or a full CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA the water propels you to the gives one unforgettable safari exploration of the wonders edge of the waterfall so you’re experiences. This is one place of nature in Spring, anywhere both immersed in water and where you get to experience you visit in sub-Saharan watching the waterfall down largest elephant herds. Africa at this time of the year below. It’s an exhilarating One can equally enjoy is sure to offer you a chance experience for those brave the wildlife in the Central to discover Africa’s natural enough to experience it. Kalahari Game Reserve, or landscape offerings, along with the Makgadikgadi. safe options to ensure social The Victoria Falls region is also distancing. full of native wildlife such as Lesotho crocodiles and hippos. Visitors If you’re seeking an outdoor (BizCommunity.) can book helicopter tours of the area for a thrilling view With the borders officially The area is home to more than of the animals basking in the opening to the rest of Africa and 8,000 species of indigenous shallow waters below. The fact the world on 1 October 2020, plants, and September and that the area is not gated means South Africa’s neighbouring October are the perfect time that you might catch a glimpse countries in sub-Saharan Africa to enjoy the spring flowers in of a wandering elephant or offer the perfect vacation spots bloom as you drive along the warthog on a morning walk for SA travellers who want to coast. At Cape Point, you might around your hotel grounds. follow their wanderlust. catch an ostrich or a baboon From Botswana to Cape Town running past while taking a Botswana and in between, sub-Saharan lazy dip in the cooling ocean. October is also the best Africa offers travellers the full time for viewing wildlife spectrum of what there is to be Zambia in Botswana. Although enjoyed in our natural world, Another well-kept secret temperatures begin to spike along with options to suit any only available to people at that time of the year, grasses ZAMBIA budget. travelling to Zambia between are low and the drying up of August and January next water sources means the game Cape Town, South Africa year (when the water is low are more likely to collect en BOTSWANA An hour’s drive along Cape enough), is the Devil’s Pool masse at larger water sources, Town’s Atlantic Coast gives at Victoria Falls. After years making viewing easier. you access to a host of secluded of erosion, the area is full of secret beaches, perfect for natural pools and interesting September and October cooling down after a hike on rock structures. Walk along are the best months to visit Table Mountain or en route to the edge of the falls holding Botswana’s famous Okavango the Cape Point Nature Reserve. on to the safety ropes, before Delta region, one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Take a LESOTHO boat cruise across the Delta or a guided walking tour to view elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and giraffe grazing happily across the vast lush green landscape for which the area is famous. The famous Chobe National Park is another marvel to visit this time of the year. Game views on the mighty Chobe River bans from both the land (game drive) or 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 CAF participates CLASSIFIED ADS in UN meeting on Call 3933805/6 sport To Advertise.

Confederation of African

KHAN Agj N E E E N Football (CAF) participated in the E NE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA high-level virtual international HELD AT GABORONE CASE NO: CCMVL – 000440-19 expert group meeting on sport CASE NO. CVHGB-004021-19 In the matter between: for preventing and countering

N violent extremism (PCVE) And conducive terrorism, that took ODIRILE NGWEBULA PLAINTIFF E NE EENN place from 21 - 23 September ENE N EENN 2020. PK CONNECTIONS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED DEFENDANT The meeting was held within t/a EXECUTIVE MOTORS CLUB E EE E E the framework of the United NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION E NE a company duly registered in terms of the Laws of Botswana, with Nations global program on its place of operations situate in Botswana, and having capacity thereof to sue and be sued in its security of major sports events, BE PLEASED TO TAKE NOTICE THAT own name and whose address for purposes of this suit is P O Box 31, Mogobane. With further and and promotion of sports and better particulars unknown to the Plainti . (herein called the ‘1st Defendant’). DEPUTY SHERIFF OMPHEMETSE PETER KAISARA its values as a tool to prevent N ENE an adult female, resident in Botswana, of full legal capacity to sue and be sued in her own names, whose address for purpose of this suit is PLOT 8951, BLOCK 5, violent extremism. Gaborone, with further and better particulars unknown to the Plainti . (Herein called the ‘2nd CAF was represented by DATE OF SALE : Defendant’) E NE that by summary judgement application issued out of this court, you have been Head of Safety and Security TIME : called upon to give notice within 14 days after publication hereto, to the E and to Department, Dr. Christian E E, the Applicant’s Attorneys, of your intention to oppose (if any) in an Emeruwa as a panelist of the VENUE : application wherein o co E EE E N EEE NE, Sport and PCVE: the engagement claims: PROPERTY TO BE SOLD a) Payment to the Plainti by the 1st and 2nd Defendants of the total sum of P34 290.49; of sport bodies and federations. b) 10% interest on the amount claimed calculated annually from the date of default to date of nal CAF congratulated the : VOLVO S60 2.0T SEDAN GOLD IN COLOUR REGISTRATION NO. JG 49VP GP; payment; United Nations on adopting SAMSUNG LCD; SAMSUNG HOME THEATER; HP LAPTOP; CANON PRINTER; 2 c) Costs of suit; PIECES SOFAS; DEFY FRIDGE; DEFY MICROWAVE; DSTV DECODER; 3 BAR d) Further and/or alternative relief. this initiative, saying they are STOOLS; 2 X DOUBEL BED; WALL MIRROR. E NE E that if you fail to give such notice, judgment may be granted against you looking forward to using of without further reference to you. football to recruit more sports TERMS OF SALE : CASH OR BANK GUARANTEED CHEQUE. E NE N EEE towards achieving this target.

DATED AT GABORONE THIS 17TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2020. E E N NE CAF representative Dr. E E Emeruwa suggested that DEPUTY OMPHEMETSE PETER KAISARA N international sport bodies c/o YANDANI BOKO LAW FIRM EEE Plainti ’s Attorneys NE should play a role in using their Plot 27190 Block 3 respective sports as a tool to Opp Itumeleng Primary School P. O. Box 522AAH CBD, prevent violent extremism. GABORONE (YB/rv/588) He advocated for an integrated and collaborative approach whereby sport bodies will be able to come with dedicated programmes targeted towards The Tokyo Olympics, preventing violent extremism. originally scheduled for this summer, were postponed for a The meeting was considered as year because of the coronavirus the first step in the preparation pandemic. of the guidelines to be adopted The virus has maintained by the United Nations to assist its global spread in recent member nations on what to do months, casting a shadow over and how to do them. The meeting the viability of the postponed was attended by representatives Games but Bach was optimistic and senior experts from Civil about efforts to fight it. society organizations working “We also have very on sport and/or PCVE, including encouraging news about the youth-led organizations, the development of vaccines,” United Nations, international he said. and regional organizations, Bach and Japanese Prime sport federations, sport Minister Yoshihide Suga spoke foundations, private sector, by telephone last week and academia, Member States, local agreed to cooperate closely to and regional governments, stage a safe and secure Games Networks, Platforms and for athletes and spectators. Associations in addition to “We are sitting together in media representatives. IOC’s Bach sounds optimistic note on one boat. The only thing we have to do now is to row in Topics discussed included Tokyo Games in 2021 the same direction,” Bach among others the role of athletes International Olympic sports events and progress we can organise safe sports told the meeting, in which in promoting dialogue and Committee (IOC) President in novel coronavirus vaccine events even without a vaccine,” Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, preventing violent extremism, Thomas Bach sounded an development. Bach told a meeting of IOC Olympics Minister Seiko youth engagement in Sport and optimistic note last week about “We can see that sport is representatives and Japanese Hashimoto and other officials PCVE programmes, and the holding the Tokyo Olympics coming back slowly but officials and organisers. participated. engagement of sport bodies and next year, taking heart from surely .... which shows to The opening of the online ( Reuters.) federations in Sports and PCVE. the recent resumption of major us, shows to the world that meeting was open to the media. Echo Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Sports 15

did very well. We eliminated Orlando Pirates of South Africa, Zanaco of Zambia and SC Villa Legend of Uganda and we qualified for the quarter-finals. Still on coaching successes, you are the last coach to take Phiri still Malawi to the Cup of Nations. How was the campaign to qualify for Angola 2010? Our qualification to AFCON dedicated was very difficult. The Malawi FA called me from South Africa after Stephen Constantine had left the team in Mozambique. to serving The team was already in camp. I took the team from there. My first game was a friendly match against Tanzania and Malawi we drew 2-2. We went on into the qualifiers that also doubled up as World Cup qualification matches and we had good football results to take us into AFCON. Heading into the AFCON, we prepared very well. We played friendly games against Egypt, Kinnah Phiri is regarded as in broad about his career both and also the headmaster at in a friendly match the end Swaziland and Ghana and I one of the most prolific players as a player and coach as well as Chaminade liked me so much of the game, they invited me could see the team was ready to ever don the Malawi national his stint in managerial positions he did not want me to move. So, together with goalkeeper for the tournament. team jersey. Phiri, who is set to within the Football Association they made an arrangement to Boniface Maganga to go to In our first game in Angola we turn 66 next month however of Malawi fly me from Karonga to Blantyre for trials but the Federation played and we surprised shocked everyone when he How did your football on Friday and then fly back on wanted us to be signed outright. everybody by beating them made the decision to retire career start and take off? Monday after a game. It went After this is when I decided 3-0. After that game, I didn’t from international football at I started playing football on and on until I finished my to go to Swaziland and played even think we would lose in the age of 27. when I was still in primary secondary school. there for six years for Manzini the qualifiers but in the second Having starred for Malawi school. I was spotted by one of Wanderers as a player and in game, we lost 2-0 to Angola between 1974 and 1981, Phiri the officials from the Football You decided to retire from 1984, I was also a player-coach and in the third game, we lost scored an astonishing 71 goals Association of Malawi when I international football at 27 there. 3-1 to Mali and we didn’t go in 115 games for the national was in Secondary School. When years, when most people After you retired from through. team as well as guiding them I was in Form Two, there was a thought you were at the playing, you took up coaching You have been away from to several CECAFA Senior schools’ competition and I was prime of your career. Why and you came back home in the coaching scene for a Challenge Cup titles. picked to play for the Malawi did you make this decision? 2001 to rejoin Bullets as coach. while. What next? After his active days, he went national schools team, and that I retired so early because What inspired that? I would love Malawi to honour on to venture into coaching is where my career started. I was a bit upset, as at that I was invited back by then me with the same position that and the Malawian legend is You also earned your first time when I was on top of the President Bakili Muluzi. He is I was called for from outside to also the last tactician to take top flight team when still in game, I had so many offers to the one who called and asked take up. I would like to continue The Flames to the Total Africa secondary school and you play outside Malawi. I had an me to come back and take the with the position of director of Cup of Nations (AFCON) when were being flown to Blantyre offer from and team for the Champions League football in Malawi so that I can he guided them to the 2010 for matches every weekend? Zimbabwe but I was not cleared assignments. work with the government and tournament hosted by Angola. When Bullets signed me in by the Federation. I took the team when it help improve soccer in Malawi. In this interviews with 1972, they did not want me Also, there was a club that had already qualified for the Cafonline, Phiri where he talked to be transferred to Blantyre came from Brazil to play Malawi CAF Champions League. We (Cafonline.)

young age, played street football side by the Lesotho Football “There is an active league, and resists traditional gender Association. which is helping to improve Baholo Motene, roles suggesting that “a girl “My international career the performance of the national shouldn’t play football as it’s ended when I enlisted in the teams. More than 15 players the game changer a men’s game. A girl should army in 2014,” she said. “But are playing football abroad. We clean the house, cook and so that never stopped me from have players in South Africa and Women’s Football Executive on,” she explained. achieving my dreams. I set up two in the USA. My focus is on Committee. “It was a historic “Thanks to human rights a team in the army. I also saw empowering more women to victory as it was a dream that I and gender equality, woman an opportunity for my team- get involved with this beautiful knew I would one day achieve share the same power and mates in the newly-founded game so that one day we can one way or the other,” Motene opportunities as men. Yet Lesotho Defense Force Ladies run it ourselves,” explained the said. dreams cannot be achieved Football Club, many of whom spirited Motene before setting “I never expected it to without rules. To overcome were still struggling to get jobs. out the next steps. happen this year as I was the challenges I encountered, “This all happened in “We can have more teams and still on a learning curve,” I had to make sure that I had 2016, and my team has been active leagues in the districts. she explained. “But most the full support of my family.” dominating since then. The As we have ten districts in coaches and administrators Motene’s love of football positive outcome of this was Lesotho we can hold regular approached me and asked me grew steadily. In 2007 she took that 15 players have now found refresher courses specifically to stand for the elections that part in the Lesotho National permanent jobs. Helping other for women’s football and more At 28 years old, most female were held in July 2020. They Vision 2020 Games, where women through football has administrative courses for footballers are reaching the convinced me that I was the her impressive performances positively influenced my life.” managers to enable them to prime of their playing careers. perfect candidate. I thought earned her a call-up to the U-17 It is this commitment to other attract sponsors. Crystal Dunn and Julie Ertz long and hard about it until national team. But her journey women and determination to “At the moment it is still have won more than 200 caps I told myself: never settle was far from over. continue developing women’s the Association who fund the combined for the USA national for second best. I had all the She made appearances football in Lesotho that sets Women’s Super League. The team at that age and are world potential and the support to for Lesotho’s senior team, Motene apart. Although issue of incentives needs to be champions, while Dzsenifer win the election.” competing at several there has already been some looked at to give the players Marozsan just won her 100th The confidence being international tournaments development work on the something to motivate them. international cap, to name just placed in the former Lesotho including the FIFA Women’s women’s side of the game, the The football landscape has really a couple of examples. international is not surprising; World Cup™ qualifiers dynamic 28-year-old still has changed, so companies could Baholo Motene made history after all, Motene knows what and COSAFA Women’s plenty she wants to achieve. start investing in women’s at the same age when she she is talking about. She began Championship. In 2019 she “There has been a huge increase football as well.” was appointed the youngest advancing her career in a male- was appointed team manager in the number of women’s president of the Lesotho dominated environment at a of the women’s senior national teams in Lesotho,” she said. (FifaOnline) THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 28 Sep - 04 Octo 2020 Brady Armstrong; Botswana’s Motorcycle

ARTIST CREDITS: LOCAL ARTIST Racing Virtuoso OCEAN LOTTERING

By Ryan Blumton events successfully, Armstrong would subsequently be able to Brady Armstrong is one of race the and he would Botswana’s young riders, be the youngest Motswana racer aged 19 and with 14 years of to do so. racing experience is about The qualifiers would be either in to enter International World Abu Dhabi or Morocco and these Championship Cross Country determine the fitness of racers then you have to upgrade to the Armstrong’s father and from Botswana running in the Rally Racing. to be able to take on the Dakar bigger ones such as Dakar because manager, Gregory Armstrong, Dakar and other international Armstrong is in the OR1 Pro rally, though these qualifiers motorsport is dangerous and you founder of Armstrong Racing and races but they were not licensed Class and races on the new 2020 and in fact the entire 2020 rally can even get lost without the head of Lobelo Racing outlined through Botswana Motorsport. FX450 Husqvarna and is a member calendar have been disrupted by right navigation skills.” some of the training areas It also creates an issue where of Francistown’s Lobelo Racing the ongoing global pandemic. Armstrong is the first Motswana that included the surrounding even where we were meant to Club riding internationally under Speaking to Echo Sports holding a Botswana Motorsport environment of Greater support the rider, it gave us some HT Rally Raid Husqvarna Racing. regarding these qualifiers Federation license at this level Gaborone. “We are potentially limitations because it’s difficult Armstrong is currently working Botswana Motorsport Federation of FIM racing and this is the looking towards training in the to support someone who is not towards his matriculation in FIM head, McPherson Chibana first Botswana Motorsport FIM Khawa Dunes to train navigational affiliated to you.” Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. said “As you know from Junior rally license listed in World skills due to the dunes and out He said Armstrong is under the The FIM Cross-Country Rallies school you have to upgrade to Championship Cross Country of country locations including Botswana Motorsport he is flying World Championship is a Dakar senior school and that’s how Rally racing. Swakopmund, Namibia and also the federation flag very high. Rally Type Qualifier. Having it works with Motorsport you The FIM is the Fédération go back to Abu Dhabi. The Key “It creates a scenario where completed one of these race start with the smaller races and Internationale de Motocyclisme, thing in training and racing is the not just other riders in Botswana the governing body of motorcycle ability to ride fast and navigate at will want to take licenses from racing. Armstrong was an the same time,” Armstrong said. Botswana but neighbors as well observer at the 2020 Dakar Rally Botswana Motorsport such as Namibia or Zimbabwe. in Saudi Arabia on invitation President Kagiso Modibedi, This really puts our federation from his team. The Dakar Rally speaking to Echo Sports said right up there with the best. He is the world’s most grueling about this development in Brady is a junior rider, up and coming and mentally challenging rally Armstrong’s career “It is very and yet with many years under in navigation, mechanical important to have somebody his belt so from my perspective in maintenance and competition. like Brady Armstrong going on the future I will be expecting one As such Armstrong has already to the international stage and or two Dakar titles from him.” tested the Arabian sands were running on a Botswana license. many of the Dakar greats train. We have always had competitors