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ISSUE NUMBER 760 VOLUME 2 15 MAR - 21 MARCH 2021

Credible elections key in boosting Zambia’s IMF bailout package chances - Economist

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Tanzania denies Magufuli sick with COVID-19

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Countries gear-up COVID-19 to kick all forms of polio out of Africa, HEAVILY JOLTS once and for all AFRICA’S HEALTH page 5 Wonderful WORKFORCE Savuti: ’s According to WHO, health worker wilderness infections stand at 3.5% of the total untamed cases in the continent

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THE AFRICAN STORY

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Head of Design Ame Kolobetso [email protected] COVID-19 heavily jolts Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] Echo is published by Africa’s health workforce YMH Publishing YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, World Health Organisation To date, more than 100 000 Botswana, Gabon, Mauritius, doctors, nurses and other GIFP, Gaborone (WHO) Regional Director for health workers have contracted Seychelles and South Africa have health workers stretched to Postal address: Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has COVID-19 in the African region. registered the highest testing the limit. Several studies have P O BOX 840, said since its outbreak Covid-19 Health worker infections account rates. identified lack of personal Gaborone, has heavily shaken the health for 3.5% of the total number of Following a second wave which protective equipment, exposure Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. workforce in Africa, with more cases in the region. peaked at much higher numbers to COVID-19 patients, work E-mail: [email protected] than 100 000 heatlh workers This she said as Africa is poised than Africa’s first surge, new overload, poor infection www.echo.co.bw having contracted Covid-19 to cross the 4 million COVID-19 case numbers declined for five prevention and control measures to date. infections this week since the weeks, and then plateaued as the main risk factors associated DISCLAIMER: Dr Moeti, while addressing the continent’s first confirmed case during the past three weeks with infections in health Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. weekly virtual press conference in February 2020. The year- at around 70 000 cases per facilities.” Letters must carry the last week, highlighted that due long battle against the virus, week. In the last week, there However, WHO has supported full name and address of to the nature of their work at which has also claimed over has been a slight uptick in new countries to strengthen the sender. Letters must the frontline of fighting the 106 000 lives, is now receiving cases and an upward trend in COVID-19 infection prevention conform to the laws of pandemic, health worker must a crucial boost with the arrival 12 countries, including in Cote and control, developed and Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code be at the top of the lists to receive of vaccines through the COVAX d’Ivoire, Ethiopia and Cameroon. disseminated guidance on health Of Ethics. Letters will also be Vaccines as rollout gets under Facility – a multi-partner vaccine While deaths reported have worker infection prevention edited for length, libel and way. procurement platform. dropped by more than 50% over as well as helped train more language. “The pandemic has nearly Laboratory diagnosis of the the past 28 days compared with than 200 000 health workers. knocked loose the linchpin of virus in the African region has the previous 28 days, the case With partner organizations, the health systems in many improved greatly over the past fatality ratio or the proportion of WHO has also shipped more countries,” said Dr Moeti. three months, with tests nearly deaths among confirmed cases than 6.4 million rapid diagnosis “We must further protect and doubling to 243 per 10 000 people is at 3.6% for the past 28 days. test kits to African countries to equip our health workers to up from 149 tests per 10 000 This is higher than the global boost COVID-19 testing even in effectively contribute to the people. More than 27 million average. remote areas. efforts to contain COVID-19. tests have been performed in “Africa’s health systems have Everyone’s wellbeing is at stake the region to date. Cabo Verde, been severely tested, with Additional Reporting: WHO. without an adequately supported health workforce.” Read more Echo Dr Moeti further said every stories on our COVID-19 vaccine delivery to Facebook page by Africa is a step towards equity and ensuring, people get their scanning the QR livelihoods back, “But doses will code below with remain limited and it’s critical your mobile phone that frontline health workers and other priority groups are at the front of the queue. Health workers deserve protection because without their pivotal role, efforts against the pandemic can go only so far.” According to Moeti, since the beginning of the pandemic, 267 health worker infections have been recorded on average every day, translating to 11 new health worker infections per hour. Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 Echo Report 3

along with similar comments The former chemistry teacher from Tanzania’s ambassador in has mocked coronavirus tests, Namibia, Modestus Kipilimba, denounced vaccines as part of were the first official reactions a Western conspiracy to take since concerns surfaced at the Africa’s wealth, and opposed start of this week. mask-wearing and social “He’s OK, he’s going on distancing. with his job,” Kipilimba told Tanzania stopped reporting Namibia media. Neither NBC coronavirus data in May last nor Tanzania’s state broadcaster year when it had reported 509 showed video of Magufuli in cases and 21 deaths, according their reports. to the WHO, which has urged Kenya’s Nation newspaper had the government to be more on Wednesday cited unidentified transparent. political and diplomatic sources Magufuli, from northwest saying that an African leader, Tanzania, was first elected which it did not name, was president in 2015 and has being treated for COVID-19 on faced accusations from Western a ventilator at Nairobi Hospital. countries and opposition parties John Mnyika, general of eroding democracy. Tanzania denies Magufuli secretary of Lissu’s Chadema According to the constitution, party, said Tanzanians had 61-year-old Vice President a right to know more. “We Samia Suluhu Hassan would take sick with COVID-19 urge the government to come over for the rest of the five-year The government of Tanzania in a speech after Friday prayers Hospital in neighbouring Kenya out publicly and say where is term should the president be has denied reports that President in the southern Njobe region. and then to India in a coma. the president and what is his unable to carry out his duties. John Magufuli had been flown to “To spread rumours that he is Magufuli was busy at work condition?” he told reporters Born in Zanzibar, Suluhu Kenya and then India in critical sick is just an outcome of hate.” indoors reviewing files, in Dar es Salaam before the has studied economics in condition with COVID-19. Magufuli, 61, is Africa’s most Majaliwa said, adding that he prime minister’s comments. England and worked for the Prime Minister Kassim prominent coronavirus sceptic. spoke to him by phone on Friday Nicknamed “The Bulldozer, United Nations’ World Food Majaliwa has denied the reports He has not been seen in public morning. Magufuli has frustrated the Programme as well as holding saying Magufuli is in good health since February 27. “I have decided to say this to World Health Organization various government posts prior and working normally, blaming Tanzanian opposition leader give hope to Tanzanians that our (WHO) during the pandemic to becoming Tanzania’s first the narrative on “hateful” Tundu Lissu, who left for president is around,” he said. by playing down the threat female vice-president in 2015 Tanzanians living abroad. Belgium after disputing his “If he were sick, would I talk from COVID-19, saying God under newly elected Magufuli. “Tanzanians should be at election defeat to Magufuli last to him on the phone? He sent and remedies such as steam peace. Your president is around, year, has said the president was his greetings to you.” inhalation would protect (Reuters.) healthy, working hard,” he said flown to the private Nairobi The prime minister’s remarks, Tanzanians.

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Offer available from 1st October 2020 to 31st March 2021 Terms and conditions apply. E&OE. 4 Road to Zambia Elections Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021

Road to Zambia Elections Credible elections key in boosting Zambia’s IMF bailout package chances - Economist

An Economist in Zambia Oliver investment pattern and a lack chances of clinching a deal with Saasa, has said injustices in of institutional systems and the international monetary fund Zambia’s governance system structures of accountability IMF. and the electoral process have towards resources. Professor Saasa has since advised the potential to dent Zambia’s He has also argued that an political players to conduct chances of clinching a deal with election year usually sees violent free and clean campaigns the international monetary fund government failing to implement to ensure the country gets the IMF. austerity measures for political much needed loan from the IMF Professor Saasa has since advised expediency which could also be especially that the country is Oliver Saasa political players to conduct contributing to the failure to under microscopic observation election year usually sees violent free and clean campaigns provide proper arguments to pre-election. government failing to implement (Phoenix News) to ensure the country gets the the IMF to earn the loan. Professor Saasa told Phoenix austerity measures for political much needed loan from the IMF Professor Saasa however news that while Zambia is entitled expediency which could also be especially that the country is remained optimistic that to an IMF deal, negotiations contributing to the failure to under microscopic observation negotiations will eventually be are not easy and have dragged provide proper arguments to pre-election. concluded with Zambia getting due to Zambia’s unsustainable the IMF to earn the loan. Professor Saasa told Phoenix the IMF package as is it is needed debt, unsustainable expenditure Professor Saasa however news that while Zambia is entitled pre or post elections for the pattern, gross domestic remained optimistic that to an IMF deal, negotiations country to revive the economy. product GDP growth, Zambia’s negotiations will eventually be are not easy and have dragged An Economist in Zambia Oliver investment pattern and a lack concluded with Zambia getting due to Zambia’s unsustainable Saasa, has said injustices in of institutional systems and the IMF package as is it is needed debt, unsustainable expenditure Zambia’s governance system structures of accountability pre or post elections for the pattern, gross domestic and the electoral process have towards resources. country to revive the economy. product GDP growth, Zambia’s the potential to dent Zambia’s He has also argued that an

Hichilema wants Bank of Zambia to weigh in on suspicions it has printed money

Opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has advised the Bank of Zambia to urgently address the suspicions that the institution has printed money. Hichilema has told Phoenix News in an interview that the Central Bank has the mandate to print and monitor the circulation of the currency hence the need for them to address the suspicions following viral videos of self-proclaimed PF cadres displaying huge sums of money on social media. The opposition leader said it is unacceptable that businesses have little to no liquidity but a few people are seen splashing money that can be injected into the Calls made for change of guard at country’s economic activities. Hichilema further said the failure by the central bank to take action could only indicate Home affairs and Police that it has printed money that the electoral security plan plan, a peaceful election which is now contributing FODEP Executive Director must ensure the fair application is not guaranteed unless to the radical increase in The Foundation for Democratic George Chimembe said the of the public order act, equality constitutionalism and respect the prices of commodities. Process -FODEP has suggested recently launched electoral before the law for both ruling for the rule of law as enshrined This comes in the wake of a strategic reshuffle of high security plan will be an academic and opposition political party in the bill. unprecedented online videos ranking officials at both the exercise if the Zambia Police cadres and respect for the rule showing suspected PF cadres Ministry of Home Affairs and continues being unprofessional of law. (Phoenix News) flashing money. the Zambia Police command ahead of the August 12 polls. He added that while it is if Zambia is to hold a peaceful commendable for the Zambia (Phoenix News) election. Chimembe told Phoenix News Police to have launched the Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 Echo Report 5

and in particular for Africa’s Countries gear-up to kick all forms of children who are currently at risk of lifelong paralysis due to circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus,” said Dr Moeti. “This polio out of Africa, once and for all tool can stop cVDPV2 but only A modified vaccine, known as partners across the continent to capacity; investing in meeting pandemic, and the existing polio if it reaches all at-risk children. novel oral polio vaccine type 2 respond to outbreaks of cVDPV2 cold-chain capacity and vaccine eradication infrastructure has We must apply the lessons from (nOPV) is now being rolled out and prepare for the roll out of management requirements; been instrumental in preparing the decades of action to kick to stop outbreaks of circulating nOPV2. ensuring vaccine safety for the nOVP2 vaccine as well wild polio out of Africa. This vaccine-derived poliovirus As countries in the Region monitoring and follow-up as more broadly supporting will require the collective action type 2 (cVDPV2) rapidly and gear-up to roll out this new mechanisms are in place; and COVID-19 response efforts across of political leaders, traditional sustainably in African countries. tool for outbreak response, developing communication the continent. and religious leaders, public Africa made history on with WHO’s support they are plans and engaging communities Years of extensive development health experts, partners, donors, 25 August 2020 with the developing supply, demand to enhance understanding of and preparations are now about frontline health workers and of African Region Certification and deployment plans; ensuring the vaccine and risks posed by to pay off, as nOPV2 will now be course parents and caregivers. Commission for Polio Eradication expedited pathways for national cVDPV2. utilized for outbreak response. Together, we can protect all independently certifiing that regulatory approvals; enhancing These preparations continue “This is tremendous news for African children from all forms the Region was free of wild surveillance and laboratory even amidst the COVID-19 Africa’s polio eradication effort, of this virus.” WHO. poliovirus. This is the second disease to be kicked out of Africa after smallpox more than 40 years ago. www.lea.co.bw This achievement is remarkable, considering that in the 1990s wild poliovirus paralysed more than 75 000 African children every single year – a situation that prompted Nelson Mandela in 1996, joined by Rotary International and other partners, to issue a stark call to action: Kick Polio Out of Africa! All strains of wild poliovirus have now been interrupted in the continent. The last case of wild poliovirus was in August 2016. However, this tremendous progress remains an unfinished success story. Although Africa is free of wild poliovirus, countries continue to be affected by TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION SUPPORT another form of the virus, known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). Such strains are rare but can occur in TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACROSS ALL SECTORS (AGRICULTURE, under-immunized communities MANUFACTURING, TOURISM, SERVICES) with limited access to safe water and sanitation. Populations that are adequately IDENTIFY TECHNOLOGICAL GAPS immunized are protected from both wild and vaccine-derived strains of poliovirus. However, because of gaps in immunization TRAINING & AWARENESS coverage across Africa, 20 countries have been affected by cVDPV2 outbreaks since 2018. Now, intensified efforts are TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION & VETTING being launched to finish polio once and for all, to ensure no child in Africa will ever be paralysed by any strain of this QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INTERVENTIONS virus. The novel OPV2 vaccine has been in development since 2011, and in November 2020, WHO’s Prequalification Team issued an emergency use listing (EUL) recommendation enabling initial roll-out in countries affected by cVDPV2 outbreaks. Soon Visit any LEA branch for assistance. after the issuance of the EUL, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Gaborone: 3957856 Francistown: 2418036 Molepolole: 5921006 advocated to countries to use Pilane: 5729146 Tsabong: 6540196 Ghanzi: 6597161 this additional tool to stop all Kanye: 5403093 Selibe Phikwe: 2613160 Serowe: 4632071 forms of polio in Africa. For nOPV2 to be deployed Ramotswa: 5391075 Maun: 6863146 Hukuntsi: 6510420 and used under the EUL, special Masunga: 2489803 Kasane: 6250432 Letlhakane: 2978780 readiness requirements and criteria need to be met. The Polio Rapid Response Team at WHO’s Regional Office for Africa, in close coordination with other Empowering the entrepreneur www.lea.co.bw Global Polio Eradication Initiative to start and grow their business partners, has been working TOLL FREE: 08 00 155 155 intensely with countries and 6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 LEA Upskills Local Businesses For Growth & Success

Contact Details: 71750708 Real Gumtree Investments Mr. Giye registered with LEA in facilitation and linkages with (Pty) Ltd is a LEA assisted 2015, and was trained on Records procuring entities. Through LEA, 71624084/73423092 enterprise based in Mmopane. Keeping and Occupational Health Gumtree had an opportunity Directed by Mr. Ishmael Giye, and Safety, to enable him to to promote their products and Email: the business manufactures manage the business well and services at various seminars and realgumtreeinvestments001 and supplies, tents, canvas monitor profitability, as well as exhibitions such as the SMME @gmail.com bags, canvas canopies, tarps, help foster a safe and healthy Pitso and Fair; market days and blinds, tonneau covers, awnings, occupational environment to stakeholder appreciation tours. Facebook: tautliners, gazebos, swimming promote social climate and real gumtree investments pool covers as well as truck, smooth operations. LEA has further facilitated bakkie/ pickup rail canopy marketing strategies and covers. Their tent product line In addition, LEA supported supported the business to supply range from safari bow tents, high the business through various their products and services to wall executive cottage tents with business management and Government institutions, the flysheet and verandah, executive support interventions to up- Tourism sector, Private sector meru tents both suspended skill Gumtree employees. as well as individual members and grounded, roof tents and These included customer care of the public. many more according to the workshop; business coaching, customers’ specifications. Real brand facilitation and mentoring. Gumtree currently has seven ARTICLE BROUGHT TO Gumtree also provides repair The Authority also supported the full time employees. and washing services. business through market access YOU BY LEA Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 Echo Report 7 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021

you log on or fill your personal or banking details. Odd ways of paying: a fake site may ask you to pay by direct bank transfer or wire transfer or unconventional means. Examine the details of the beneficiary you’re making a payment to. If things go wrong, it may be harder to recover the funds. Amazing deals and discounts: if the prices on the site are a lot lower than other sellers, it could be a scam. Remain vigilant and don’t be distracted by the proposed discount. Spelling mistakes: fake sites spell words differently to convince an individual to believe they are on a well know website. Always, cross check how brands and other key logo, identification features are spelt on a website. How to protect yourself: Use and anti-virus: install an antivirus on all your devices and keep it up to date. Remember to scan for viruses at least once a week and follow its recommendation if it tells you when a site is unsafe to visit, or Fraud awareness tips - Shopping a file is unsafe to open. Keep track of what you buy: check your bank account after safely online you perform a transaction to lockdowns and other measures of the increased usage of deals and save money and time ensure there are no unknown By Emmanuel Allottey imposed to mitigate the impact social media and other online if you avoid unsafe websites and transactions or payments. If you of the virus. Internet service platforms. fraudsters. identify anything suspicious Digital adoption is rapidly providers have played a major At the height of the What to look out for when report it immediately to your expanding in Africa and with role in the acceleration digital coronavirus, Google reported shopping online: financial services provider. this comes increased risk adoption by reducing their fees that it was blocking an average Secure websites: a closed The rapid spread of the internet associated with fraud. The associated with internet usage. of 18 million phishing emails padlock image will appear in across Africa has downsides, coronavirus pandemic has This also means fraudsters and related to COVID-19 phishing the address bar at the start of always remain vigilant when channelled activity online in the cybercriminals have increased scams in a day. Shopping online the address. This will inform shopping online to protect wake of government-imposed opportunity to take advantage is a convenient way to find great you that the site is secure before yourself from cybercriminals.

financial position. Majority of SMMEs operate informally without formal company and businesses registration, trading name and license and most importantly without a tax recognition. The absence of these formalities and requirements hinder financial institutions from offering banking services. Every small business needs to answer the following questions when looking to identify their banking needs: Do I need to regularly pay employees or suppliers? Do my customers want to pay via cheque, debit/ credit card, mobile money, electronic transfer, or in cash? Diary Farming in Africa – Will I need to deposit cash meeting regularly? What is my loan or line of credit needs? Once the needs have been identified the growing demand you can comprehensively evaluate services being offered By Emmanuel Allottey (SMEEs) in Africa. the rapid adoption of technology Financial Institutions have by Financial institutions and Despite the progress SMMEs are being left behind due an important role to play in the the cost associated to make an Small Medium and Micro and initiatives by financial to the cost associated with setting creation of bespoke banking informed decision. Enterprises (SMME) play a institutions to support nascent up a digital payment system that solutions that eliminate complex Financial literacy training significant role in the economic SMMEs through different will allow their customers to technical and bureaucratic should be the pre-requisite for activity in Africa. From job initiatives, many SMMEs are transact without cash. requirements and embrace every SMME embracing banking creation to innovation and unable to meet the requirements This is one of the major reasons the simplicity of SMMEs. This solutions. Financial institutions diversification of the economy, to access formal banking services why African economies have not will rapidly increase financial should implement mandatory SMME’s are at the forefront. due to complex technical and transitioned from cash to digital inclusion and participation of training sessions to formally Financial literacy, formal bureaucratic requirements. payments. The opportunity the unbanked population. equip every business owner banking and access to finance SMMEs require convenient, lies with innovative fintech’s Every small business owner with the skills and knowledge remains one of the main obstacles affordable, practical banking that are able to offer affordable need banking support, including required to manage the finances to the development of Small services that facilitate the smooth alternatives to traditional ways to grow their money and of a business. Medium and Micro Enterprise operation of their business. With payment setups. have a wholistic view of their Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 9 Echo Report 10 Agriculture Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021

price from around 3,700 to 4,000 Kenya dairy farmers double income, milk Kenyan Shillings per kilogram (US$33-36) depending on the variety. yields with climate-smart fodder grasses Charles Wasonga, company director at Advantage Crops, More than 1,000 dairy farmers the cows preferred the cultivars,” Up to 80% of farmers relied making activity. We have worked said: “This is a great opportunity in Western Kenya have doubled Dickson said. “This motivated on Napier, which has serious with development partners for farmers, whether they own their milk production and grown me to expand the area under disease problems which hinder and farmer organisations to cows or land, to step forward their incomes by saving on high- production. Now I have recorded grass production. Finding quality disseminate the forages, and and venture into a different cost feed and growing their own an increase of up to six liters of grasses and seed with high each partner has had a crucial direction, in which their farming high-quality, drought-resilient milk per cow from milking twice protein content, which could role to play in making these new enterprises can be profitable. forage grasses. per day. I don’t use a lot of grass translate to improved milk yields grasses available to as many There is a need to intensify Researchers have been when feeding them like I used and incomes, has been a real farmers as possible.” these campaigns so that more working with farmers to test ten to with Napier. The grasses also challenge for farmers.” Advantage Crops, a partnering of the potential beneficiaries can new varieties of grasses that are mature fast. When I first planted The Kenya Agriculture and seed company, has collaborated experience what the alternative higher in protein, lower in fiber them, they matured within 10 Livestock Research Organization with the research teams to fodders can offer.” and mature faster. They boost weeks.” (KALRO) tested the grasses for commercialize some of the new He added that young people both the quality and quantity He has increased his monthly suitability in local conditions forage seed varieties, making without cattle are also benefitting, of milk. income from selling milk from before they were released to them more easily available to growing the fodder and selling Finding quality grasses and seed KES 11,015 ($100) to Sh37,500 farmers. David Miano, a forage farmers within shorter distances it to farmers, encouraging new with high protein content, which ($340) since introducing the agronomist at KALRO, said: “As and addressing seed shortages. entrepreneurial, income- could translate to improved milk grasses. “I am now also able to we think of making agriculture They have also repackaged the generating opportunity. yields and incomes, has been a sell milk and still leave some for a business, we need to explore seed into more affordable sizes, real challenge for farmers. my family to consume, including how we can convert what we from 50-gram packs to one- ( Bizcommunity.) Through trainings and use of my grandchildren,” says the are researching into a money- kilogram packs which vary in demonstration plots, the Grass father of nine, who has used to Cash project of the Alliance the proceeds of the milk sale to of Bioversity International and educate his children and take the International Centre for care of other family needs. Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), has Dickson is now a peer trainer been working with smallholder with Send a Cow, a partner farmers in Siaya, Kakamega, organisation of the Alliance, Bungoma and Busia counties working with 3,000 vulnerable since September 2018. farmers to improve their Dickson Osogo, a dairy farmer nutrition, health and income in Siaya County, joined the opportunities in the region. He research work two years ago. trains 35 farmers in Siaya County, He had three cows and struggled demonstrating the benefits of with high commercial feed prices the grasses through sharing and poor quality Napier grass. his experience. He also gives Dickson joined the Grass to interested farmers forage seeds, Cash project out of curiosity and and visits their farms to advise now, having attended trainings them on good farm management and tried new planting, farm practices for optimum grass management, harvesting and yields. feeding methods, he has bought Ruth Odhiambo, a senior two more cows and set aside half research assistant at the Alliance an acre on his farm to cultivate who worked with farmers to test the grasses himself, cutting costs. the new grass varieties, said: “We “When I first planted the realised that the biggest problem cultivars and fed them to my farmers in Western Kenya faced cows alongside Napier, I noticed was lack of animal feed. Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 Echo Report 11 12 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021

“The worst thing that could happen now is for countries to not start vaccinating,” said Tandakha Ndiaye Dieye, a member of Senegal’s vaccine advisory group, explaining the decision. By comparison, India’s Serum Institute is selling AstraZeneca shots it manufactures for $3. The Indian government has also donated over a half million of those shots to eight African countries, according to a Reuters tally. Beijing has so far not announced financing packages that would make vaccine deals more affordable in Africa. At around $10 per dose, Sputnik V is cheaper, and RDIF told Reuters it would be even more competitive if subsidised via COVAX. RDIF said it was in “advanced negotiations” with the WHO to be included in COVAX and could offer a one-shot version to reduce the cost. A spokesperson for GAVI, the global vaccine alliance helping lead COVAX, said all vaccines would be considered but they first needed approval from the WHO or another stringent regulatory authority. RDIF said some deliveries of the Sputnik V doses offered via Africa proves rocky terrain for the AU plan could start in May. A senior AU diplomat told Reuters that talks were taking Russian and Chinese vaccines place but no agreement had been reached. No details have Russia and China are racing French President Emmanuel to Algeria, Tunisia and Guinea. Ombeva Malande, director been announced about the to plug the COVID-19 vaccine Macron says Europe and the The global vaccine sharing of the East Africa Centre for finance package. RDIF did not gap in Africa, hoping to cement United States risk losing scheme COVAX, meanwhile, Vaccines and Immunization, respond to Reuters questions their influence on a continent influence in Africa over the delivered nearly 15 million which advised the government. about the potential deal. where many countries have yet issue. shots to 22 African countries Kenya is taking a similar line, Both China and Russia to administer a single shot. However, John Nkengasong, in its first 10 days. he said. must increase production if But, so far, vaccine donations head of the Africa Centres for The facility co-led by the Diana Atwine, permanent they hope to become major from Beijing and Moscow have Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, secretary in Uganda’s health global vaccine suppliers. For been small, the commercial cautioned against “vaccine GAVI and others aims to ship ministry, said authorities would Moscow, exporting shots is deals they offer are costly, and diplomacy”, saying powers 35 million doses to Africa by consider affordable vaccines politically sensitive when its some African governments are must not use token allocations the end of the month and 720 approved by the WHO. own population still needs wary about a lack of data. to curry political influence. million by the end of 2021. The head of Kenya’s vaccine vaccinating. As rich countries ramp up “Africa will refuse to be that That will still only be enough task force confirmed it was not “I’m not worried about their inoculation drives, Africa, playing ground where we use to inoculate those at greatest in talks to procure Chinese whether Russia’s going to be without the resources to pre- COVID as a tool to manage risk. vaccines, and health ministry able to deliver the doses,” said order Pfizer, AstraZeneca , relationships,” he said on a DATA DEFICIT plans do not include Russian Gyude Moore of the Center Moderna and Johnson & webinar hosted by the Atlantic China’s leading vaccines vaccines. for Global Development, a Johnson vaccines, is being left Council think tank in late - from the China National DOLLARS AND DOSES Washington think tank. behind. February. Pharmaceutical Group While COVAX shots are “I’m worried about how With Western nations facing “It becomes like you’re trying (Sinopharm) and Sinovac - are free for most African nations, African countries are going criticism for hoarding supplies, to sprinkle water on a very hot not yet approved for emergency countries doing commercial to pay for them ... COVAX is flooding Africa with life-saving day on children ... Then you use by the WHO. Neither is deals are paying a premium. just not going to be enough.” shots would be a soft-power can tick the box that you did Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine. Senegal paid $20 a shot for coup for Russia and China. that,” he said. “That’s not what China offered South Africa - 200,000 doses of Sinopharm, (Reuters.) Moscow has offered 300 we are after as a continent.” the African nation hardest hit a two-shot vaccine. million doses with financing While other developing by the pandemic - 2 million to an African Union (AU) regions have turned to Russia shots, its health minister said. purchasing scheme. or China, in Africa their But a government official Beijing has pledged nearly engagement has translated involved in procurement told a quarter of all its vaccine into few shots in arms. Reuters the lack of trial data donations to Africa, according Africa has received around meant Chinese vaccines were to data compiled by Bridge 3.15 million shots from China not being seriously considered Consulting, a Beijing-based - or less than 4% of its vaccine for now. Sputnik V was also health sector advisory. exports - Bridge Consulting relegated to a second tier of “This is a vivid manifestation data showed. vaccines South Africa says need of China-Africa friendship,” “The numbers of vaccines more study, according to the China’s foreign ministry told China is donating are not going health ministry. Reuters. to move the needle in any of Even some countries that “Africa is one of the key these countries. But it’s as accepted donations have shied markets for Sputnik V,” said the much about the optics,” said away from purchases. Russian Direct Investment Fund Eric Olander, co-founder of Uganda considered buying (RDIF), the sovereign wealth The China-Africa Project. Chinese vaccines but is focused fund marketing its Sputnik V Russia has shipped a total of on COVAX due to their cost and vaccine abroad. around 100,000 vaccine doses the availability of data, said Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 13 Echo Report

specter like trees. These trees make the perfect foreground for photography with a background of the quintessential African sunset. During the wet season a multitude of bird species flock to the marsh as well as and so the marsh is thus place where the fortunate may witness lion kills.

Wildlife While the Northern part of the Chobe National Park closer to the Victoria Falls is the most visited part of the Chobe National Park, the southern area, Savuti is a less visited area of natural splendor. Savuti provides excellent year round game viewing. The Savuti lions are famed for their ferocity specialized at hunting the many , giraffes, buffalo and elephant in the area though they often have to deal with the equally plentiful hyena. The rainy period from November to April is the best time to visit Savuti. Unsurprisingly, due to their nature, leopards are present though harder to Wonderful Savuti: Botswana’s come by. Accommodation wilderness untamed Savuti is most easily and most commonly accessed through the Savuti airstrip, from where As a remote area of the Chobe recommended is a camera through a sand ridge gap. Where channel reemerged. Dereck you will be collected to travel National Park, Savuti has as a visit to Savuti without the water enters the depression, and Beverly Joubert excellently via 4x4 to whichever lodge become globally renowned as an opportunity is almost a small marsh is created. The documented the process of you are staying at. Lodges the ultimate safari destination. impossible, the golden hours flow of the water is believed this water flow in the films are available on both sides Savuti is blessed with the of dusk and dawn are every to flow due to the influence of Stolen River and Journey to of the Savuti Channel and presence of some of the most photographer’s dream. tectonic forces and had stopped the forgotten River. include Savute Safari Lodge, sought after cats. Lions and flowing for many years due Ghoha Hills Eco Lodge, Camp leopards are I abundance. The Channel to these same forces. The dry The Marsh Savuti, Thobolo’s bush lodge Also known as Savute, this The Savuti Channel runs from period emerged in 1982 though A long span of dryness gave and Selinda Explorer’s Camp area is a prime destination to Chobe to Mababe carrying water in 2008 it became wetter and the Savuti Marsh some haunting among others. see nature unspoiled. Highly for a distance of about a 100km the movement of water up the scenery with the appearance of

stilt, the blacksmith lapwing, , and secretary birds are notable species of the sanctuary. Birds migrate from Etosha in Namibia. Accommodation Being close to Nata Village means that there is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from. For northward bound travelers, Nata Sanctuary is a perfect stop over on your way towards Kasane or Maun. Nata Lodge is another excellent place to stay or alternatively the campsite near the park entrance, offering showers, toilets and braai areas. Non-avian wildlife Botswana’s Nata Bird Sanctuary – A As birds don’t live in isolation from other species there are other animals to make a visit community conservation project to the Nata Bird Sanctuary a worthwhile safari. Almost half As the only protected reserve an elevated wooden platform, the cattle, understanding the Pan, attracting a multitude of of the Reserve lies in the Sowa in the northeastern periphery of a beautiful panoramic vista. significance of the area when bird species. During the rainy pan. There are antelope, kudu, Sowa Pan, Nata Bird Sanctuary is The sanctuary is located at the it was declared protected. The season 4x4s are a requirement monkeys, reedbuck, , a community-managed project. mouth of the Nata River delta Manxotae, Sepako, Nata and for exploration of the area. jackals, foxes, eland, gemsbok This avian sanctuary opened about 15km from Nata Village. Maposa Communities were Greater and lesser flamingoes as and Zebra. There are tour guides in 1993 with the objective of Nata bird sanctuary is described the original inhabitants of the well as great white pelican are available to assist visitors and wildlife conservation. The as one of the largest breeding region. the most common bird species, they are particularly helpful sanctuary is home to about sites of lesser and greater Bird Species annually arriving in large for education on the various 165 bird species. flamingo in the world.” The The rainy period from numbers in the winter season species available, their behavior Geography areas is 230sqkm of what was December to March when the as part of their migration. The and migration patterns. The bird sanctuary provides once a grazing area for over 3500 banks of the Nata River are full as African Fish-eagle, Ostrich, one of the pans’ best views from cattle before the locals moved these waters flow into the Sowa Kingfisher, the black winged 14 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 CLASSIFIED ADS Call 3933805/6 To Advertise.

IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF GABORONE HELD AT VILLAGE GABORONE HELD AT VILLAGE

CASE NO: CCMVL-000126-20 CASE NO: CCMVL-000616-19 FOR MORE NEWS GO TO OUR In the matter between: In the matter between:

WEBSITE.: www.echo.co.bw LETLHOGONOLO KELAOTSWE PLAINTIFF MPHO LETLHATSHANE PLAINTIFF (In her capacity as Executor in the Estate And Of the late Lekgotla Letlhatshane)

NKOSI KOMBONI DEFENDANT And

SUBSTITUTED SERVICE TUELONYANA TSIANE 1ST DEFENDANT (Order 8 Rule 4) LONTIETSENG CITY BONTSENG 2ND DEFENDANT

TO: NKOSI KOMBONI, an adult male of full capacity whose present whereabouts are unknown, (Herein called the “Defendant”) SUBSTITUTED SERVICE (Order 8 Rule 4) Take notice that by summons issued against you in this court by LETLHOGONOLO KELAOTSWE whose address for purposes hereof is TO: TUELONYANA TSIANE, an adult male of full capacity whose Moahi Attorneys, Plot 117, UNIT 6C, Gaborone International present whereabouts are unknown, Herein called the “1st Finance Park for the following reliefs; Defendant”)

a. Judgment debt in the sum of P40, 000.00 AND TO: LONTIETSENG CITY BONTSENG, an adult male of full legal b. Interest thereon at the rate of 10% temporae morae capacity whose present whereabouts are unknown, (Herein called the c. Costs of suit; and 2nd Defendant”) d. Further and/or alternative relief

Take notice that by summons issued against you in this court by And that an Order has been made that the publication of notice of whose address for purposes hereof is such summons shall be deemed to be good and sufficient service of MPHO LETLHATSHANE, the summons of you. You are required to enter an appearance to the Moahi Attorneys, Plot 117, UNIT 6C, Gaborone International summons within fourteen (14) days from date of this publication and, Finance Park for the following reliefs; if you do not do so, judgment may be given against you in your absence. a. Payment in the sum of P35, 000.00 b. Interest thereon at the rate of 10% temporae morae TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT if you fail to give such notice, c. Costs of suit; and judgment may be granted against you without further reference to d. Further and/or alternative relief you. And that an Order has been made that the publication of notice of DATED AT GABORONE ON THIS 2ND NOVEMBER 2020 such summons shall be deemed to be good and sufficient service of the summons of you. You are required to enter an appearance to the MOAHI ATTORNEYS summons within fourteen (14) days from date of this publication and, Plaintiff’s Attorneys if you do not do so, judgment may be given against you in your Plot 117, Unit 6C absence. Kwena House, GIFP P O Box 374 AAD TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT if you fail to give such notice, Poso House judgment may be granted against you without further reference to Gaborone you.

DATED AT GABORONE ON THIS 8TH MARCH 2021

street football tournament, and craft and saw her, aged just 15, some freestylers came to put on become World Female Panna The girl using tricks to a show and give a workshop. Soccer champion, a specialty It was a revelation for me, so based on nutmegging one’s I started to train every day. I opponent. enrapture and inspire was constantly watching videos After that, her videos began to on the internet and trying to circulate widely online and her Today, 21-year-old Franco- FIFA.com. “If my backstory Even when I was playing outside replicate the moves.” career really took off. Zimouche Algerian Lisa Zimouche is a can inspire young girls, then my building, I had to impose “Because it’s a discipline has now travelled the world global freestyler with over I’ll have achieved my goal.” myself and show that I could with so much to learn, I had and racked up millions of views two million followers on “When I started, my idols play.” to practice over and over again with her ever more creative Instagram. Her viral videos were mostly male players,” Even after she had earned when I wanted to master a videos. demonstrate her artistry with explained Lisa. “I knew a few her place in team, gender bias move. For example, when I “Be passionate, because the ball and showcase a level female players, like Louisa sometimes reared its head. “On was learning the move known if you’re passionate about of skill unimaginable for your Necib, who I was sometimes occasion, our opponents would as ‘Around the World’, I wasn’t something, you’ll naturally average footballer. compared to, but it was quite brag that they were going to even 1.40m tall, but I remember work harder at it, no matter It all began with a very young rare. Nowadays women’s beat us because there was a girl spending hours and hours in what domain,” she said. “You Lisa kicking the ball around football is more visible and on our team,” said Lisa. “But front of my building until I got also have to work on your self- outside her building, having there are plenty of role models. it was a source of motivation it. During the first few years, confidence and follow your been inspired by the exploits I see my goal as helping women for me. I wanted to show them I spent up to five hours a day instincts, so you don’t get of the France team of Zinedine gain confidence, whether that they were wrong.” training.” influenced by what’s being Zidane, Franck Ribery and through freestyle or women’s Then one day, her evident At the same time, she said around you. I occasionally Samir Nasri, her first role sport in general. fondness for the game’s continued to play football heard people say that what I was models. “Initially I wasn’t necessarily technical side came face to and even joined Paris Saint- doing was a bad idea and that “I don’t know if I’m a role better than average. I had to face with freestyle, and it was Germain’s youth team between it wouldn’t get me anywhere, model now, but I’m doing play on a team that was almost love at first sight. the ages of 14 and 16. It was an but I knew deep down that everything I can to show people exclusively made up of boys, “I remember the moment experience that instilled in her they were wrong.” Fifa. that a girl playing football is so I had to work twice as hard exactly,” she said. “I was ten the invaluable discipline and normal,” Lisa Zimouche told to prove I deserved my place. years old and I’d signed up for a rigour needed to perfect her Echo Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021 Sports 15

cent and in Togo 32 per cent. The consequences are dramatic: Championnes: football for 29 per cent of girls in Guinea are not enrolled in school and more than 3,000 pregnancies were recorded in school settings gender equality in Africa in Togo in 2017. Moreover, discriminatory To empower women and share experiences and skills and Matthieu Discour, AFD child, especially of girls, and practices against and attitudes girls and fight against the create synergies with existing Regional Director in the Gulf gender equality through towards women and girls discriminatory practices and activities. of Guinea said, “Football is an education. Plan International continue to exist. In many attitudes that they face, FIFA “Every day, football around inspiring universal language France Director Yvan Savy communities, social norms and the AFD are financing the the world shows us that that unites and unifies. It notes that “by playing football, dictate that girls should become Championnes programme, it brings people together, is capable of transcending girls in the Championnes mothers, which is considered to which is being run by the NGO motivates regardless of age borders, cultures, beliefs programme are going to change be incompatible with education. Plan International France. and promotes team spirit. FIFA and physical differences. the way their skills, ability and Child marriage, sexual violence, Its objective is to promote wishes to use the power of The pitch becomes a space roles are perceived. They will female genital mutilation leadership among girls and football to drive social change where everyone can be free, become the role models, the and early childbearing, in promote gender equality and address some of the greatest excel, share and connect. In champions of change, capable addition to unequal access to through football in a safe challenges we are currently addition to the remarkable and of making their own decisions land and financial services, environment, namely at school. facing at global level in order unprecedented nature of this and contributing to reducing constitute significant obstacles The various projects under to tangibly contribute to the partnership, the Championnes harmful practices that are still to the economic and social the Championnes programme United Nations Sustainable programme is fully aligned with preventing their communities empowerment of women. are being developed in Benin, Development Goals,” said the ADF’s strategic focus in from developing.” Against this backdrop, the Togo and Guinea. The expected Véron Mosengo-Omba, FIFA terms of gender equality and In West Africa, 30 per cent Championnes programme can outcomes include capacity- Chief Member Associations social cohesion.” of girls between 15 and 19 are clearly contribute to changing building and bolstering Officer. “The partnership This ambitious project is married, divorced or widowed. mentalities. confidence in 5,390 girls by between FIFA, the AFD and also fully in line with Plan More specifically, in Benin, giving them the chance to work Plan International will allow the International France’s mission child marriage affects 30 per (Fifa.com.) together towards a common three organisations to combine to promote the rights of the cent of girls, in Guinea 54 per goal. The girls and women, aged their know-how and respective between 12 and 24, will be given strengths to promote the role the opportunity to play football of women in society and reduce in refurbished facilities that are inequalities,” he added. properly equipped, enabling The Championnes programme both genders to share the space comes under the umbrella harmoniously. Leaders from of FIFA’s strategy for the 180 community organisations promotion of women’s football, will also receive support as part which has been in place since of the programme. October 2018. The potential for On 23 March, Plan personal empowerment and International France, together development through football with Plan International did not go unnoticed by the Benin, Guinea and Togo, will AFD. Both FIFA and the AFD bring together all the local share the conviction that sport stakeholders to officially launch can and should be a vector the programme. The Guinean, in sustainable development, Togolese and Beninese football social cohesion and equality associations will be invited to in Africa. participate, enabling them to Women’s Football Strategy THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 15 Mar - 21 Mar 2021

Motsepe becomes CAF’s new President

South African billionaire begins his four-year ter. attendance in Rabat in his club, Mamelodi Sundowns. successful and globally mining magnate Patrice Motsepe remarks in the General Motsepe replaces Ahmad competitive. We need to put has been elected unopposed Going to the General Assembly commended the Ahmad of Madagascar, who the financial position of CAF as the new Confederation of Assembly, Africa adopted a African Member Associates for was elected four years ago in a significantly more healthy African Football president, at unity stance which saw other the unity they have displayed but suspended last November position,” Motsepe told the the organisation’s 43rd CAF three candidates, namely in the last few weeks. on corruption charges. The congress. General Assembly, meeting Augustin Senghor, Ahmed Motsepe, 59, is an 59-year-old Motsepe becomes Ahmad had made a last- today, 12 March 2021 in Rabat, Yahya and Jacques Anouma accomplished South African the eighth president in the 64- minute bid to stand for re- Morocco on Friday. withdraw from the race to be businessman and philanthropist year history of African football’s election but his appeal against Dr Motsepe, who becomes the President. and no stranger to football. For governing body. his ban was rejected by the seventh (7th) person to occupy FIFA President Gianni almost two decades, he has been His election was agreed Court of Arbitration for Sport the position of CAF President, Infantino, who was in the President of a South African in a deal brokered by FIFA on Monday. president Gianni Infantino The 52 voting countries a week before the election, at Friday’s congress swept with two of Motsepe’s three out all but one of Africa’s six opponents set to be appointed representatives on the FIFA as CAF vice presidents. Council, the all-powerful Motsepe is the brother-in- cabinet at the heart of the law of South African president running of the game. Cyril Ramaphosa and one of the Only Egypt’s Hany Abo Rida richest men on the continent. kept his place with Mathurin He said he had a 10-point de Chacus (Benin), Mamoutou business plan for the future Toure (Mali), Fouzi Lekjaa of the African football. (Morocco), Amaju Pinnick “The next six months will (Nigeria) and Isha Johansen lay the foundation to ensure (Sierra Leone) newly elected. African football is globally (Reuters.)

Dr Motsepe, who becomes the seventh (7th) person to occupy the position of CAF President, ‘‘begins his four-year ter.