Botswana Presidential THE AFRICAN STORY task Force Team members test positive for COVID-19
page 4 Do you really need to ISSUE NUMBER 732 VOLUME 2 10 - 16 AUGUST 2020 party?’ WHO asks world’s youth page 7
BOTSWANA BUSINESSES PESSIMISTIC ABOUT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY • Firms anticipate a 12-month recovery period after Covid-19 impact 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020
THE AFRICAN STORY
News, Finance, Travel and Sport Telephone: (267) 391 2305 E-mail: newsdesk@echo. co.bw Advertising Telephone: (267) 3922 655 E-mail: [email protected] Sales & Marketing Manager Ruele Ramoeng [email protected] Editor Bright Kholi [email protected]
Head of Design Ame Kolobetso Botswana Busineses pessimistic [email protected] Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng about economic activity [email protected] A report by the Bank of business operations in the second to a larger contraction of 8.9 and communications sectors, Echo is published by Botswana suggests that businesses quarter of 2020, with the most percent projected by the Ministry which have also been hard hit YMH Publishing from various economic sectors affected firms being in thee, of Finance and Economic by the travel restrictions and YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, were pessimistic about the hotels, restaurants, transport and Development (MFED), and lower social distancing requirements. GIFP, Gaborone prospects of economic activity communications; mining and than the 3 percent growth in The finance and business Postal address: during the second quarter of quarrying; finance and business 2019. services sector, which expects P O BOX 840, 2020, a deterioration from the services, and the construction “On quarterly basis, firms poor economic performance Gaborone, optimism business had during sectors. expect GDP to contract in consistent with firms’ predicted Botswana Telephone: (267) 3922 655 the first quarter of 2020. The “In general, firms anticipate the second quarter of 2020, decline in production and E-mail: [email protected] pessimism is consistent with the that it will take a year from consistent with the anticipated investment during the second www.echo.co.bw anticipated decline in production, June 2020, for their businesses decline in production; sales; quarter of 2020 are also third sales, profitability, exports and to recover from the impact of profitability; exports and on the list of these pessimistic DISCLAIMER: imports of goods and services; COVID-19,” the report states. imports of goods and services; sectors. Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. and investment in buildings, “By design, the survey and investment in buildings, All is not gloom as the mining, Letters must carry the vehicles and equipment, plant responses are predominantly vehicles and equipment, plant manufacturing, water and full name and address of and machinery associated with qualitative, and provide valuable and machinery, and ‘other’ electricity sectors are optimistic the sender. Letters must the COVID-19 pandemic. information to facilitate analysis investments,” the report states. about economic performance, in conform to the laws of A report on the Bank’s and inform policy decisions. The perceptions of lower the third quarter while the rest Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code quarterly Business Expectations However, responses to questions economic growth in the mining of the sectors are pessimistic. Of Ethics. Letters will also be Survey conducted in June, and relating to COVID-19, GDP mining and quarrying, the trade, “In general, firms expect edited for length, libel and published recently, gives a growth and inflation are hotels and restaurants and the the cost of credit to decrease language. general perception by the various quantitative and are consolidated transport and communications across all markets, and a few sectors about the prevailing state into simple averages,” the report sectors, as well as the finance cited the need for affordable of the economy and its prospects. further states. and business services sectors credit to stimulate economic Although conducted during According to the survey results, between the first and second activity in the wake of the adverse the second quarter, which was firms are less optimistic about quarters of 2020 have influenced impact of COVID-19 pandemic, current then, the survey horizon economic activity in the second the expected weak performance as the main reason. A few other covers the subsequent quarter quarter of 2020 compared to in the second quarter of 2020. firms based their expectation and the next twelve months. the previous quarter. Overall, “Notably, the mining and of lower lending rates on the The survey was conducted businesses expect a deterioration quarrying sector, which recent policy rate cut by the during the lock down period in all business condition predominantly targets the Bank. Regarding borrowing with its travel restrictions and indicators while deterioration in export market, was significantly volumes, firms broadly expect Read more Echo the social distancing measures access to credit was anticipated to pessimistic about economic an increase in domestic credit, stories on our to contain the spread of the be much tighter in the domestic growth prospects in the second and a reduction in credit from Facebook page by pandemic, but also having dire market compared to other quarter of 2020 compared to South Africa and elsewhere in consequences on the economic markets. an expected stagnation in the the twelve-month period to scanning the QR activity both at domestic level “Meanwhile, firms expect cost first quarter. This is consistent June 2021.” code below with and globally, affecting different pressures to fall significantly with the unfavourable market On a positive note, local your mobile phone businesses in various ways. in the third quarter of 2020, conditions, especially with businesses are of the view The survey covered companies mainly reflecting the anticipated respect to the diamond industry, that the local political climate, in eight areas of the economy, reduction in costs of wages, occasioned by, among others, government spending and the being agriculture, mining, transport, rent and materials. weaker global demand for current regulatory framework as manufacturing, water and Firms also expected inflation rough diamonds associated being the most supportive factors electricity, construction, trade, to remain stable and within the with the US-China trade war to doing business in Botswana hotels and restaurants; transport Bank’s medium-term objective (since September 2018) and the during the second quarter of the and communications: and range of 3 - 6 percent, in 2020 interruption of trading due to the year. Another observation is that finance and business services. and 202,” the report states. recent outbreak of the COVID-19 the water sub-sector contributed Chief among the outcomes of However, though painting pandemic,” the report observes. positively to economic activity, the survey the report indicates a gloomy outlook, businesses The next highly pessimistic reflecting improvement in the that the COVID-19 health protocol expect overall output to contract sectors are the trade, hotels and supply, which had previously measures have negatively affected by 0.2 percent in 2020, compared restaurants and the transport been a serious challenge. Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 3 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 Botswana Presidential task Force Team members test positive for COVID-19
recorded the first case reported had released a statement to Friday have remained a guarded on August 7. the effect that he (Mosepele) secret, but indications are that In a statement on Saturday, had rescinded his resignation the move stems from a long- Acting Coordinator of the as deputy Coordinator of the held suspicion that relations Task Force Team Professor Task Force Team after meeting between the task force team and Mosepele Mosepele, who has President Mokgweetsi Masisi. senior officials at government tested negative, said 46 tests Mosepele had on Friday were not so cordial. The soured had been conducted, of which 8 tendered his resignation under relations have, allegedly led to were positive, 28 negative while unclear circumstances. President frustrations on the Task Force other tests are being processed. Masisi did not accept the team who at time felt sabotaged The Director of Public Health, resignation, and met Mosepele by some at government enclave. Dr Malaki Tshipiyagae is among on Saturday, where the latter Some sources have indicated those who have tested positive, rescinded his decision, and was that it is only President Masisi Botswana’s Presidential Task Scientific Advisor Dr Mogomotsi and follow up tests for those immediately appointed Acting who can resolve this bickering, Force Team’s office has registered Matshaba. who tested negative will be Coordinator following Masupu’s otherwise the core mandate 8 positive cases of the virus, Others who have tested conducted. Covid 19 results. of the Task Force Team will be among them the Coordinator Dr positive are support staff The statement by Mosepele The details surrounding the distracted. Kereng Masupu and the team’s members at the office, which came shortly after the Presidency resignation of Mosepele on Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 5
AGI L I T Y At the Stanford Seed leadership lab in South Africa, the keyword was Agility, which stuck with Dichaba forever. At leadership labs, Seed business leaders present their business challenge and receive feedback and support on how to tackle it.
DITEC & DIAGNOFIRM join forces
Dichaba, founder of Dichaba requires a lot of travel. His the Government’s attention, as school of business, continues Consumer Electronics and investors pulled away and his it is now a requirement for all to nurture and develop Ditec mobile, which specializes customers also reduced. Luckily buildings to check temperatures entrepreneurs through the Seed in designing and assembling for Dichaba, he met his fellow for everyone entering. Transformation program, which mobile phones and electronics, cohort member – Mohammed seems to be paying off during the along with Mohammed Chand, where he shared his leadership De Beers Group in collaboration current Pandemic. Medical Director of Diagnofirm, a challenge. The Leadership Lab with the Stanford Graduate medical laboratory in Botswana; introduced him to the concept are part of the Stanford Seed of being agile, which is when Mohammed Chand and Southern Africa cohort for 2020. he thought up an idea to Thatayaone Dichaba During an interview with build infrared thermometers Thatayaone Dichaba, who in response to the Covid 19 attended the Stanford Seed pandemic. Upon convincing Immersion week in Ghana this Mohammed that he could build year January and proceeded to the infrared from scratch, the his leadership lab in South Africa partnership between the two in February; told a very impactful was formed after Mohammed story about his transformation. offered to invest capital to get the assembly started. Dichaba speaks about how his business was crashing in 2019, NOW Infrared Botswana has after losing 1.4 million Pula been formed; an entity where despite buying equipment, as infrared Thermometers are they had no capital remaining being assembled in Botswana to assemble the equipment. by Batswana. They trained a This is when he realized that he large team of Batswana to assist needed help and decided to apply with production and are now for the Seed program, of which making over 1000 thermometers he also couldn’t comfortably a day which has now caught afford, but given Stanford’s ability to provide scholarships for accepted applicants, he managed to negotiate the admission payment. Following his admission, he went through the first part of the program before the pandemic exploded and couldn’t proceed after boarders closed, as the program Hon Minister Peggy Serame (Trade) and Hon Minister Dr Lemogang Kwape (Health. 6 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020
2021 we will have connected three million women to the market. We have already gone beyond half of that number. Given the disruptive impact of Covid-19, can you still meet the 2021 target? I believe we can. For the simple reason that the demand to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is even higher now than before. I remain optimistic. We will keep pushing ourselves, understanding the challenges that we face.
How do you connect the women to the market? We have identified some core issues that make women uncompetitive in business. One is a lack of access to finance. You still have some countries asking women for their husband’s approval before accessing a loan. And interest rates for loans are too high and unaffordable.
Is such thinking going on? Yes, it is. We are working with different partners. We are part of the SDG 500, which is an initiative that involves other UN agencies. We are Small businesses in Africa must collaborating with the private sector and some foundations. The objective is to mobilize about $500 million to support innovate to survive Covid-19 MSMEs, particularly those led by women, to access resources In June, the ITC launched a supplies that these MSMEs are these countries, businesses can participate, they’re likely with minimal requirements. report titled Covid-19: The Great a part of. The third message is are relatively small and cannot workers and when they own You were heavily involved in Lockdown and its Impact on that, going forward, we need access finance. Some of these a business, they are small trade matters in your country Small Business. Dorothy Tembo, to think carefully about how countries are landlocked and operations that cannot grow [Zambia]. What are your views the acting executive director of we support MSMEs, making therefore the cost of doing because of various reasons. on Africa’s free trade area? the International Trade Centre, sure we push in a direction of business is much higher than Women’s businesses are I am a believer in free trade (ITC) a joint agency of the United more resilient value chains that in the others. likely to be closed as a result and Africa should embrace this Nations and the World Trade can withstand disruptions in Women constitute a huge of the pandemic; therefore, any opportunity. But what needs Organisation discusses the the future. percentage of Africans engaged form of financial assistance to to happen is that the level of report, the role of women and The report states that MSMEs, in informal trade. Given that companies must consider the political commitment should youth in post pandemic recovery especially in poor countries, women are disproportionately plight of women or be viewed increase. In operationalizing in Africa. are disproportionately affected affected by COVID-19, is it through the gender lens. The the agreement, participating What key messages does by the pandemic. Why is this reasonable to suggest that they ITC has designed a women’s countries must come through your newly released report the case? be given priority in any recovery empowerment programme on their commitments. on Covid-19 and micro, small Poor countries face huge assistance? called SheTrades under which Africa is positioned to attract and medium-sized enterprises economic challenges. The Absolutely, and not only we aim to connect three million investments. It has resources (MSMEs) convey? pandemic compounded an because of Covid-19. Women’s women to markets. for domestic production. It has The first is that MSMEs already bad situation. For economic participation has been human resources. We must now matter, and they must be at years, these countries have very limited. In most cases, What is the timeframe for organise ourselves better. the center of any post-pandemic cried out for assistance to build women are not very engaged connecting three million recovery effort. Second, there infrastructure that supports or allowed to participate in women to the market? What support is ITC is a disruption of the global economic development. In business. Even when they Our commitment is that by providing MSMEs in Africa in these trying times? Our mandate includes working with MSMEs in support of economic development in developing countries. We Poor countries face support countries to better understand what has confronted huge economic them [Covid-19] these last few challenges. months. Through surveys, we ‘‘ have information on issues The pandemic specific to certain countries. Our report builds on those efforts. compounded We have the action plan, but an already bad alongside that, we work directly with businesses so they can situation. For years, navigate these challenging times. these countries What message do you have cried out for have for business owners in African MSMEs? assistance to build It’s a difficult time for MSMEs, infrastructure that for sure. They must ensure they remain resilient in this difficult supports economic period. To survive, they must development build on their innovative spirit. (Bizcom.) Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 Echo Report 7
disease, officials at the World names to contact tracers. “It’s Health Organization (WHO) tough but it is what is needed pleaded on Wednesday. Tired of lockdowns and eager to enjoy the northern hemisphere summer, young people in some countries have Young people are less been contributing to resurgences by gathering again for parties, likely to suffer a severe barbecues and holidays. form of the respiratory Even in Geneva, where the global U.N. health body is based, disease than their cabarets and clubs were closed ‘‘ parents or grandparents, last week after evidence that but the proportion of nearly half of new cases were coming from there. those infected aged 15- “Younger people also need to 24 has risen three-fold take on board that they have a responsibility,” said WHO in about five months, emergencies chief and father- WHO data shows. of-three Mike Ryan in an online discussion. “Ask yourself the to stop the virus,” he said. question: do I really need to go Swiss newspapers said that in to that party?” one night club in Zurich from Young people are less likely which cases emerged recently, to suffer a severe form of the partygoers had given fake names respiratory disease than their including “Donald Duck”. parents or grandparents, but As well as reducing risks to the proportion of those infected others, WHO epidemiologist Do you really need to party?’ aged 15-24 has risen three-fold Maria Van Kerkhove said young in about five months, WHO people should be careful as data shows. even a mild version of the WHO asks world’s youth Ryan said young people were disease might have long-term often reticent in giving their consequences. Young people must curb their party instincts to help prevent new outbreaks of the COVID-19 details or disclosing friends’ (Reuters.) 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020
and communications networks can have an adverse effect on service quality creating a ripple effect as companies across various sectors implement remote- work plans. The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed that many telecommunication providers are utterly unprepared for increased demand in the broadband traffic. Telecommunication players are faced with upgrading their infrastructure by buying new systems and investing in new hardware to be able to support sudden usage spikes effectively. Auxiliary services provided by telecommunication players and partners such as mobile money transactions and other digital transactions have been negatively impacted by government directives ranging from the waiver of fees to mandating discount on charges as part of measures to ease the Telecommunication industry financial burden on customers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. In Kenya, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) mandated boom during COVID-19 the removal of the charges on mobile money transactions up to a certain limit to facilitate By Emmanuel Allottey in a significant impact on the million have internet access in keeping economies moving increased use of mobile money telecommunication industry. out of a population exceeding under the lockdown in at least transactions instead of cash, The telecommunications sector The surge in traffic of data 1 billion, with many people three different ways: Providing with the immediate objective is has seen a tremendous increase and voice have improved the and businesses disconnected. business critical connectivity and to reduce the risk of transmission in demand for its services financial performance of telecom However, this is expected to resiliency; Facilitating work- of COVID-19 by handling arising government-imposed players. change as technological advances from-home arrangements; banknotes. restrictions to curb the spread The International in the coming decades, with Keeping individuals and societies As the global economy of COVID-19 in society. The Telecommunication Union (ITU) progress in mobility, broadband, connected and informed, with continues to reel from the restrictions on movement have estimates that there were over and internet services growing access to medical, financial, impact of the novel coronavirus necessitated the requirement 4 billion internet users at the in capability and reach across commercial, and other essential communications providers at to spend more time at home end of 2019, of which over 3 the globe. services during mandated social the centre of contingency plans and more usage of data for billion users are in developing The telecommunication isolation. are booming. work and leisure, resulting countries. In Africa, only 294 sector has emerged as critical Excessive demand on mobile
These include; the financial adviser will be Build up a nest-egg: the ideal able guide include severance is to save enough money to cover packages, retirement fund your monthly expenses on for benefits, group life cover and a period of around 6 months. medical aid. The purpose of having adequate savings is to ensure that, should retrenchment occur, you will not need to liquidate the cash from retirement benefits. Get Insurance cover: There Review your are retrenchment insurance pension savings: It is options available which pay important to review a monthly amount for a specified period of in the event the‘‘ sum of retirement of retrenchment. Ensure that funds that have there is no interruption in the been accumulated. payment of subscriptions and If possible, seek to the policies are active. Review your pension savings: It preserve these funds is important to review the sum of for your retirement retirement funds that have been so as not to interrupt Making your future accumulated. If possible, seek the effects of to preserve these funds for your retirement so as not to interrupt compounding. Retrenchment-Proof the effects of compounding. Pay down debt: If you have The continued decline in started implementing short term times, retrenchment remains debt, take proactive action to economic activity will lead to By Emmanuel Allottey mitigations to lessen the financial a reality for many employees. ensure that it is being paid of the worst recession in decades. impact of reduced revenue. Major industries such as regularly to reduce the debt. Governments are vigorously COVID-19 has ushered in an These cost reduction initiatives construction, mining and Explore the possibility of implementing economic unprecedented contraction include pay cuts, unpaid banking are looking to cut consolidation of the loans into resuscitation measures to in economic activity in many leave, and even suspension huge numbers of jobs, with a single payment to reduce the reverse the downward turn nations. Business profitability has of contracts with some non- pressure on many companies to interest paid. with expectation that economic been stifled due to a combination essential staff being made to stay right-size their organisations. Get financial advice: consult recovery could be achieved in of government-imposed at home. The harshest impact While it may be difficult to avoid with a financial adviser to 2021. Managing finances during lockdowns and other restrictions from the downturn is possible retrenchment, there are steps recommend the right decisions this time will improve your future needed to address the public retrenchment. you can take to ensure that your in the wake of possible financial situation, contact your health crises. Employers have During turbulent economic finances are retrenchment ready. retrenchment. Some areas that financial adviser today! Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 9 Echo Report
Rhino poaching in Namibia down 63% on tougher policing, penalties
Rhino poaching fell 63% year-on-year in Namibia, the ministry of environment said on Friday, citing intensified intelligence operations by authorities and tougher sentences and fines for poachers. Elephant poaching, which takes places to a lesser extent, also decreased, with 2 incidents reported this year compared with 13 in 2019, the ministry said. The southern African nation is home to the second largest white rhino population in the world after South Africa, non-profit organisation Save the Rhino says. Namibia also holds one-third of the world’s remaining black rhinos. Rhino poaching has plagued the southern Africa region for decades, especially in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana, leading to anti-poaching programmes, including de-horning and strict policing.
Nambia has increased fines for poaching to 25,000,000 Namibian dollars ($1.43 million) from 200,000 and prison sentences have risen to 25 years from 20. Rhinos are hunted and killed for their horns to feed rising demand, mostly in Asia, where SMME affluent classes regard them as a status symbol. They are also used as medicine. Spokesman for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Romeo Muyanda, said rhino poaching BOOST had decreased from 46 in 2019 to 17 incidents so far in 2020. #ConnectWithYourCustomers Intensified ground and aerial patrols were the main reason, while collaboration Register to be an O3 Authorised Reseller & Partner Enjoy upto with members of the public and the stiffer sentences for 25% discount on O3 Products and a 24 hr Social Media convicted poachers also helped Take-Over to market yourself & build a bigger audience for bring about the decline. “Another factor is the your SMME excellent collaboration with law enforcement agencies, such For More Information Contact Marketing at +267 318 0800. as the Namibian Police, the Namibian Defence Force and the Namibia Central Intelligence,” the spokesman said. The ban on international travel imposed in March in response to the coronavirus was not a big factor in the drop in poaching. (Reuters.) 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 maize, sorghum potatoes, Cherry. “There is a big national Namibia harvests first commercial onions and cauliflowers in drive to develop local resources Kavango East, for the local properly and to produce more Namibian market. local fruit, vegetables, livestock blueberries thanks to smart irrigation Because blueberries must be fodder and other horticultural hand-harvested to ensure that products, thereby reducing the July 2020 saw the equipment, custom designs, Basson agrees: “We partnered fruit is not damaged or bruised, need to import. commencement of Namibia’s smart technologies and artificial with Cherry Irrigation after the industry offers excellent “Cherry Irrigation’s mandate first-ever commercial harvest intelligence (AI) monitoring seeing their success with custom employment opportunities for is to properly support farmers of blueberries by local company solutions may cost more system designs for blueberry seasonal workers. During peak in their quest to increase Mashare Berries Farming (Pty) initially. But for crops like plantations in South Africa. Like harvest times, a larger staff employment opportunities Ltd. The historic harvest took blueberries that are highly us, they recognise the enormous contingent is required for this and improve food security in place on a 20ha development sensitive to climatic conditions agri-potential of Namibia that highly labour-intensive work. the country. We are proud to located close to the Okavango and soil and water quality, we we are working to unlock.” “With the right teams, be part of this evolution. We’re River between Mashare and believe this approach is crucial Mashare Berries is a subsidiary investors and companies on bringing our knowledge and Mupapama villages in Kavango to success,” Cherry explains. of Mashare Irrigation, which board, Namibia has the potential experience to the table to add East, northern Namibia. “If you do it right, look at what produces a variety of grains and to be a world-class production value for the long haul.” The fruit is being sold and you can achieve.” vegetables, including wheat, hub for fresh goods,” says (Bizcom.) marketed under the trading name Namib Blue and is earmarked for Namibian as well as international consumption. Exports commence in August to markets across Europe and Asia and Indian Ocean islands, including Mauritius, the Maldives, and Seychelles. According to Willem Mostert, Namibian manager of Cherry Irrigation, whose team designed and implemented the fully automated drip irrigation and fertigation management system for the landmark project, the quality of the fruit harvested has so far been exceptional. “A few years ago, no one would have dreamed that you could grow high-quality blueberries in a country as dry as this, says the Namibian- born Mostert. “We’re proving
what’s possible with the right planning, infrastructure and management in place.” Mashare project director Albert Basson says the 2020 harvest is set to continue into late October. “We’re projecting Office Closure due to lockdown a yield of up to 150 tonnes, as different varieties reach maturity. Currently, three varieties imported from the US- based grower Fall Creek have th been planted on the property. Following the reintroduction of lockdown for the Greater Gaborone zone effective midnight on 30 July 2020, we wish to assure our valuable clients that we continue to offer full services, having adopted remote working plans to ensure that we are able to service and The plantings were established engage our clients remotely. in November 2019, with 16ha under net, 2ha in tunnels and Alexander Forbes has heightened its operational excellence programme to implement systems and processes which will ensure that 2ha in open field.” our business can continue to operate during this period and we have tested them extensively. Mashare Berries plans to double its production area by As a trusted partner, we stand with you through this challenging period. These challenges may be heightened especially in times of the end of 2021, with Cherry economic downturns and crisis.
Irrigation on board for the Alexander Forbes Botswana will continue to use existing channels to keep all informed during this difficult time. We will also amplify our expansion. “Ultimately, within messages through our social media pages which you can follow. You can continue to communicate with us as you normally would the next five years we would like using electronic channels – email and telephone. to expand blueberry cultivation across 200ha to 300ha of land Members are encouraged to use our online Platform, AFONLINE, to access our services, view records such as Benefit statements and in the region,” Basson adds. other Financial tools, by logging on to www.afonline.co.za. Issues experienced from the use of this platform should be routed through Cherry Irrigation’s executive the email address below.
director, Charles Cherry, believes the success of the pilot project attests to the enormous untapped potential of arid or Please contact us on the following platforms for more information; semi-arid regions. “These areas can effectively produce Telephone: +267 365 1901 or +267 365 1948 a range of crop types through careful water and resource Email: [email protected] management. Website: www.alexanderforbes.com “We’re seeing first-hand Facebook: Alexander Forbes Botswana from this development and others we’re involved with
across Namibia that customised irrigation design is the way forward. Simply put, it ensures both environmental sustainability and commercial Thank you for your cooperation and profitability over the long term,” he adds. understanding “The outlay of quality
Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 Echo Report 11 Shoprite to discontinue operations in Nigeria
The Shoprite Group is exiting Nigeria after 15 years. The Cape Town-based company - the largest grocery retailer Africa - announced the decision in a trading update this week. “Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria TENDER NOTICE AND INVITATION TO TENDER Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite INVITATION TO TENDER International Limited,” the company said. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR THE The retailer has 25 stores in Nigeria, all of which will CONSTRUCTIONBOTSWANA OF HOUSING HOUSING UNITS CORPORATION AT LETLHAKANE be discontinued by a later TENDER No. BHC 08-2020/21 communicated date. Shoprite BY BOTSWANA HOUSING CORPORATION said the results for the year do not reflect any of its operations CONTRACT C626/17 - CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF 120NO UNITS is Nigeria as it will be classified TENDER NO. BHC 011 – 2018/19 – C723/1C as discontinued operation. OF FLATS WITH ASSOCIATED SITE WORKS AND SERVICES AT BLOCK 7, Group sales rose by 6.4% to GABORONE ON PLOTS 59029 FOR BOTSWANA HOUSING CORPORATION about R156.9 billion in the 52 Introduction weeks to 28 June, the group said. The Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), a statutory Corporation in Property Development and As a result of the lockdown, Estates Management business invites tenders from suitably qualified and certified environmental customer visits declined by practitioners1. The registered Botswana with Housing Botswana Corporation Public Procurement invites tender & proposals Asset Disposal from duly Board registered (PPADB) 7.4%, while the average basket under Code 313 sub-code 01, 02 to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the spend increased by 18.4%. Corporation’scompanies tribal land within Letlhakane. PPADB GRADE E (100% Citizen) Code 01-Building Construction However, international Works and Maintenance Sub Code 01 Building Construction supermarkets (excluding The output of the consultancy work is intended to aid the planning and implementation of the housing2. project Tender within documents the BHC site. containing details of the requirements are available for th Tender feescollection from Tuesday 28 July 2020 at the following address: A non – refundable fee of P112.00 (VAT inclusive) is required for the purchase of the Terms of Procurement Section, Office The retailer has 25 References (ToRs). stores in Nigeria, Botswana Housing Corporation Collection ofPlot Tender 10236/7 Documents Lejara Road, Broadhurst all of which will be Upon payment at the BHC Francistown revenue office, tender ToR’s are to be collected from discontinued by a ProcurementGaborone, Office, BHC Botswana Francistown Office premises – Plot 1283 Government camp Francistown, ‘‘ th later communicated from MondayTelephone: 17 September 3605100 between 0800 and 1500hrs during week days. date. Shoprite said the results for the year do Deadline forBusiness Submission hours are 0730hrs to 1630hrs (Mondays to Fridays) not reflect any of its Tenders submissions are to be registered and submitted at the Procurement Office, BHC Francistown operations is Nigeria Office. 3.The Telegraphic,deadline for submissiontelephone, offacsmile, tenders isemail Tuesday or any 16 formth October of electronic 2018 at tenders 0900 hours. will not as it will be classified be considered. Queries as discontinued th All enquiries4. Tenders regarding shall this be Tender HAND should delivered be to forwarded the address by email stated no in later (2). than the Friday 12 operation. October 2018 to the following BHC Officers (NB: all correspondence to include both Officers at all times), and confirmations of receipt should be followed up by telephone to: th Nigeria) contributed 11.6% to 5. All tenders must be submitted not later than 0900hrs on Tuesday 25 August 2020 group sales, and reported a 1.4% Sheila Kitenge Ipeleng S. Lennwe decline in sales from 2018. South [email protected]. A non-refundable deposit of BWP560.00 will [email protected] required upon collection of African operations contributed the Tender documents. All such payments shall be made by CASH or bank 78% of overall sales and saw +267 3605100 +267 2405080 8.7% rise for the year. guaranteed cheques in favour of the Botswana Housing Corporation. Shoprite is the latest South Disclaimer African retailer to look at The Corporation has no obligation to accept any tender and reserves the right to take any decision it deems fit. leaving Nigeria. In June this year, clothing retailer Mr Price FIND US ON; Group also announced plans BHCBotswana to shut Nigerian operations, BHCBotswana citing weak economic growth @BHCBotswana and other difficulties.
(BizCom.) Botho E cellence Inno ation Transparency Teamwork 12 Arts Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020
thesis on colonialism and narratives of resistance. “As a writer, you don’t want to How artists have suppress history, you want to be one of the people liberating stories.” She explains that “to write preserved the memory is to engage possibilities for triumphant and repeated exits, inversion and recuperation of identity”. In this line of of Zimbabwe’s 1980s thinking, writing can offer victims of Gukurahundi a voice which the state continues to massacre deny them. Visual artworks have also engaged with Gukurahundi, such as in the exhibition Sibathontisele by Owen Maseko, which has stood for years as a material text-under-erasure in Zimbabwe. Sibathontisele is a Ndebele word meaning “we drip it on them”. It refers to an infamous torture technique used by the Fifth Brigade in which they dripped hot and melted plastic on victims. Unlike literary texts, which have remained unbanned and uncensored, Maseko’s 2010 exhibition was banned by state security a day after its opening at the National Arts Gallery in Bulawayo and the artist was arrested. Visual art, it appears, is deemed more subversive than written texts. In spite of such restrictions, Maseko’s exhibition has been hosted “Let people vent,” lamented by the 5th Brigade.” chaff and dirt from the fields. There have been books in outside Zimbabwe. performing artist and television Shiri was a military man who The death of Shiri on 29 July indigenous languages such as personality Kudzai Sevenzo in a commandeered a praetorian 2020 has kindled flames of Uyangisinda Lumhlaba (This tweet as Zimbabweans on social army that killed over 20,000 debate that the ruling party world is unbearable) in Ndebele media reacted to the death of civilians in the provinces of has tried to shut down for many by Ezekiel Hleza and Mhandu Perence Shiri. Shiri was the Matabeleland and the Midlands years. Dzorusununguko (Enemies of Minister of Lands, Agriculture between 1983 and 1987. I argue, in a paper on independence) in Shona by and Rural Resettlement. Gukurahundi saw his North Gukurahundi, that writers Edward Masundire. Zenzele Ndebele, an Korean-trained unit, the Fifth and artists have left behind a Farrar, Straus and Giroux investigative journalist, also Brigade, descend on provinces richly textured memory on what There has been an even spoke out in a tweet: “Shiri inhabited by the Ndebele people writer Novuyo Rosa Tshuma has bigger corpus of texts written gets to be buried like a hero. We to quell dissent. Gukurahundi called the country’s “original in English. Among them is the never got a chance to mourn is a Shona term referring to the sin”. late Yvonne Vera’s 2002 novel our relatives who were killed early summer rains that remove In the aftermath of The Stone Virgins. It details the Gukurahundi, former president horrors faced by villagers from Robert Mugabe enforced a ruthless army. In Running collective forgetting of this with Mother, a 2012 novel by period in Zimbabwe’s history. Christopher Mlalazi, a child He referred to it simply as a narrator, Rudo, recounts the “moment of madness” and arrival of the Fifth Brigade in The artist explains in this suggested that discussing her village. article that art, justice and the events would undermine Peter Godwin’s largely human rights are intricately attempts to nurture national autobiographical Mukiwa: A interrelated. Visual art plays a unity. White Boy in Africa in 1996 role in bringing to the surface His successor, Emmerson gives a picture of Gukurahundi narratives on Gukurahundi, Mnangagwa, Minister of State from the eyes of a young white which have been buried for Security at the time of the journalist. And House of Stone, almost three decades. Gukurahundi genocide, has the 2018 novel by Novuyo Rosa Writers and visual artists are also implored Zimbabweans to Tshuma, tells the story of an able to create alternative spaces “let bygones be bygones”. At his orphaned young man trying to for marginalised and forgotten 2017 inauguration he said that explore his past. He’ll find out stories. And Zimbabwe’s artists the past cannot be changed, but that his father is Black Jesus have created a rich memory “there is a lot we can do in the (a name by which Shiri was and archive that counters present and the future to give known). Tshuma’s descriptions the culture of forgetting and our nation a different positive of the genocide are detailed, criminalising open discussion direction”. graphic and ghastly. of Gukurahundi. However, as l contend in Literary creativity has made Through their works, histories another paper, silence on it possible to remember, are revisited so that they can Gukurahundi has not led to commemorate and document be better understood and can any national cohesion. Instead, experiences that otherwise be accorded their rightful it has been a part of what’s would have been forgotten recognition. They have opened responsible for the culture of or dispersed through wilful new spaces of discussion and state violence and impunity in omission. In doing so, literary have gestured towards the Zimbabwe since independence texts create narratives of importance of remembering in 1980. Zimbabwe’s history and national and learning from the past. Yet, a rich body of literary and identity. visual artworks has emerged “To write is to banish silence,” (TheConversation.) thematising the genocide. writes Vera in her 1995 doctoral Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 13 Travel
in one area is unusual and it’s imperative for scientific and environmental reasons to maintain this diversity and as a legacy for future generations. Diversity of Life Diversity of ecosystems means diversity of life. There are around 500 different bird species. With the translocation of rhino to the area, Moremi Game Reserve has become a “Big 5 destination”. The reserve has all the animals one may associate with the classic safari experience. Poaching remains a concern particularly for the endangered rhino, with demand for rhino horn reaching up$60,000/kg. Moremi Game Reserve Where to stay There are many camps at Moremi Game Reserve. The reserve is densely packed –Delta’s oldest protected area with predator and prey and as such Moremi is a premier safari destination. Some of Moremi’s camps include Camp Okavango, Chief’s Camp, Moremi game reserve is the reserves to be established thus in 1963. Mrs. Moremi and the 5000 square kilometers, there are Xakanaxa, Mombo Camp, Okuti oldest protected part of the as many before were established BaTawana sought to establish a floodplains, mopane woodlands, Camp and Camp Moremi. Chief’s Okavango Delta. The reserve by colonial powers before natural sanctuary to preserve acacia forests, Papyrus Rivers Island has many camps as it is covers the Eastern part of the Botswana’s independence. The animal population decline from and lagoons. This dense diversity a highly sort after destination. Delta and was named after Chief BaTawana under the leadership uncontrolled hunting and cattle of ecosystems is fascinating Most activities are catered for Moremi of the BaTawana. of the wife of the late Chief encroachment. even to seasoned travelers of the by camps with fully stocked Origins Moremi III, concerned about Diversity of Ecosystems African continent. It’s therefore safaris both on water and land. The Moremi Game Reserve was the depreciation of wildlife This is among the fascinatingly no wonder that this “Eden” has Leopard sites are common in established by the inhabitants numbers took the decision to enduring aspects of Moremi been a protected area for so long. the area so cameras are a must of the area. It is one of the first proclaim Moremi a game reserve Game Reserve. Within less than Having such diverse ecosystems to capture rare moments.
“especially [as it is believed that process had been accomplished properties from rhino horns] with Southern white rhinos Technology gives hope to Africa’s can treat cancer, influenza, who carry their own embryos, convulsions, and even act as an but it is the first time that endangered Northern white rhinos aphrodisiac. They’re also used Northern white rhino embryos as status symbols.” A kilo can will be carried by surrogate fetch $60,000 - $65,000 in the Southern white rhinos. The Asian black market, he adds. results, according to Ol Pejeta “People are willing to pay any Conversancy, could potentially price for their health.” be groundbreaking in growing The chase for rhino horns the rhino population in years began since the 1960s. At that to come. time the population of Northern Mwenda believes that using white rhinos was about 2,400, technology to save rhinos could according to conservation be a boon. “I think different charity Save the Rhino. methods can be explored to Although national save the Northern white rhino, governments with large rhino including cloning, artificial populations such as South Africa insemination and IVF. These are taking traditional measures assisted reproductive techniques such as dehorning rhinos to are essential.” make them less susceptible to It seems many people agree poaching, innovative technology with him. Kenya’s tourism is also being explored to regrow minister Najib Balala urged the population of the endangered “scientists to explore how to animals. use technology and innovation This past January, Ol Pejeta to ensure that rhinos don’t go Kenyan wildlife caretaker “It’s not easy being the last of science and policy on issues Conservancy released the extinct. It’s amazing to see that and guide Jemu Mwenda your kind on our planet. I think related to biodiversity and encouraging news that sperm we may be able to reverse the bittersweetly recounts one of the emptiness of extinction, ecosystem services. from the late Sudan and another tragic loss of this subspecies his favorite memories of ‘Sudan’, which means forever, and never Rhinos have especially been deceased male northern white through science.” the male Northern white rhino coming back, is tragic. It is a victims of a merciless chase rhino was preserved and frozen In the meantime, Mwenda who died two years ago, making void that would have made by poachers. The Ol Pejeta and has been combined with 12 encourages people to be headlines across the world. Sudan feel very sad. This really Conservancy is home to the eggs harvested from Fatu and considerate of their fellow living “Sudan was the last northern transformed me and helped me two remaining Northern white Najin to create viable embryos. creatures. white male rhino known to know I have a responsibility to females —20-year-old Fatu and These embryos were slated “I feel we have a greater exist,” explains Mwenda be his voice.” 30-year-old Najin. to be implanted into the responsibility to make the who works at the Ol Pejeta Mwenda reflected poignantly Mwenda explains that northern white rhino’s cousin planet better and, especially Conservancy, a wildlife centre on the extinction of white poachers target rhinos for their the Southern white rhino. Due being a young person myself, in Kenya. male rhinos. In May 2019, the horns that are made of keratin — to Covid-19, however, plans I am obligated to push young “One evening, while feeding Intergovernmental Science- the same component in human for implantation have been people to live conscientiously,” him, I saw him dropping tears, Policy Platform on Biodiversity nails and hair. Though the sale suspended. he says. “It is going to have an and that made me ask myself: and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) of rhino horns was banned by Nevertheless, eggs from impact on us as young people ‘Why would he be crying?’” assessed that approximately the Convention on International a Southern white female and we have a responsibility He continues: “People may 1 million plant and animal Trade of Endangered Species in Germany were recently to continue to help the best think that animals don’t have species were in dire danger (CITES) since 1977, its purported harvested and fertilised, and we can.” feelings, but when I looked of extinction. Based in Bonn, curative properties sustains its the viable embryos are now Sudan in his eyes, I felt the pain Germany, the IBES works to demand in the Far East. awaiting transfer. (Bizcommunity) he was going through. strengthen the link between “They’re very prized,” he says, The invitro fertilisation (IVF) 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020
When Algeria won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations With African football on hold streets. The peaceful protesters of Bouteflika’s privileged class Djamel Belmadi was appointed community around the world, and the Africa Cup of Nations want real change, including or “les nouveaux riches” who as new coach in August 2018, the in Europe, Canada and the US, rescheduled because of the the end of the army-backed controlled the networks of team had plunged into a crisis and in France in particular. COVID-19 pandemic, there’s establishment that has ruled politics, media and business of confidence. Results were And, as always, raising the plenty of nostalgia to go around. since independence in 1962. in Algeria. absent and critics were present Algerian flag in French cities But memories of the Algeria’s This money was also used Following on the heels of and acerbic. So when Belmadi fuelled the debate on French biggest football wins can offer to co-opt sport, football in Bouteflika’s resignation amid announced that Algeria would identity and the question of more than just nostalgia. particular. Each election, massive protests and the go to Egypt to lift the cup, few alliance with Algeria’s former The 2019 Afcon win in Egypt photos of Bouteflika would nomination of a caretaker took him seriously. colonisers. also offers insights into how adorn football stadia and be president, the 2019 Africa Cup The tournament was being Looking back, the 2019 governments co-opt the game. displayed at the opening of of Nations came in the right played in Egypt, one of the Afcon win underscores how Algeria’s victory against West matches. It was not unusual for time. It was for the new decision favourites for the title. For the Algerian regime has long Germany in the 1982 FIFA World club bosses and former players makers, led by General Salah, an Algeria, Egypt was a rather understood how to mobilise the Cup, still in Algeria’s post- to be seen at political rallies opportunity to reconcile with hostile sporting environment. national football team victories independence, was an iconic for Bouteflika, who famously the population and rebrand the The two countries had been for its own agenda. But the moment. As was their first Afcon claimed during a 2009 speech new ruling elite as guarantors football foes for decades – and regime is also now very aware win in 1990 in Algiers. that Algeria “has the means to of stability and the fight against at political loggerheads over of the liberty football can bring. A decade later the country organise two football World corruption. the Libyan conflict – and the For years young Algerians entered one of its darkest times Cups”. For the Algerian national animosity was tangible. The have understood that stadiums since independence. Under One example of this interplay football team, after years of hostility continued especially are the ideal venue to freely Abdelaziz Bouteflika – who between football, business and instability and management after Egypt failed to reach voice their socio-political and would serve as president for politics is a long-time backer changes, it was another the second qualifying round. economic discontent. These 20 years from 1999. Political of Bouteflika, construction opportunity to reconcile with Yet opposition to Algeria’s football chants and slogans violence caused the deaths of magnate Ali Haddad, who supporters at home and among opponents in the final, Senegal, reached their zenith when they thousands and deeply affected purchased the football club the large Algerian diaspora in was also great. were eventually repeated by Algerian society. USM Alger in 2010 and became Europe and in North America. And so the celebrations of thousands every Friday during The 2019 Afcon trophy would its president. Interestingly, the In 2014, Algeria experienced Algeria’s second Afcon cup hirak marches. be lifted 29 years after the first. club’s fans continued with their its first time in a knockout round happened in a unique context. This game, in Egypt, is especially chanting attacks on the symbols at the FIFA World Cup. But when They extended to the Algerian (TheConversation.) worth recalling because of the political circumstances surrounding it. All the elements of a Greek tragedy were in place that day. On Friday 22 February 2019, after a campaign on social media following the announcement by the ruling National Liberation Front that an ailing Bouteflika would stand for a fifth term, hundred of thousands of demonstrators took to the street to express their discontent. The prospect of enduring another five years of Bouteflikism was too dire. Since then, every Tuesday for students, and every Friday after the prayer, Algerians of all ages and regions have returned to the Echo Newspaper 10 - 16 August 2020 Sports 15
Covid-19. Public and private ensure that children can play football stakeholders will be their favourite sport in a secure invited by FIFA and the AFD environment that encourages to put forward initiatives that their development. These harness the values of football to projects all seek to show how tackle the ongoing health crisis. football can have a positive impact for African youngsters Support for Guinea in terms of gender equality, A third project will be rolled education, health, and other out in Guinea, where the Guinean issues. The two partners are Football Federation has put expected to continue working funding from the FIFA Forward together on new projects in development programme to the future to guarantee the excellent use in building the development of football as a first football academy for girls vehicle promoting equality and in Africa. The AFD is giving its inclusion. backing to this ambitious social project over a period of three A partnership focused on years, providing support for the the future education that girls attending Through their partnership, the academy will receive. FIFA and the AFD are pooling The initiative also includes a their strength and resources to FIFA, French Development Agency gender-based violence and promote unifying, educational, child protection awareness cultural and humanitarian team up for new projects in Africa programme for the academy’s values around the world employees, a scholarship system through youth-oriented football In June 2019, FIFA signed an committed to ensuring that all name of Championnes!, will and logistical support. development programmes. agreement with the French the projects it funds promote provide support for 6,000 girls The cooperation between the Development Agency (AFD), gender equality. It will be giving in Guinea, Benin and Togo and Backing for Benin two, which is non-political recognising football’s its backing to projects tackling 1,000 of their family members. Finally, a project for the in nature and responsible in importance as a driver of these problems through to 2022. Its main aim is to use football construction and renovation terms of the management development through which The targeting of these shared to give these young players of school football pitches will and monitoring of allocated a number of projects will be objectives and the desire to a quality education in a safe be implemented in Benin. The resources, is both flexible and rolled out in French-speaking pool resources to achieve them environment. This pilot project, initiative follows on from an results-oriented. It will enable sub-Saharan Africa in the near is at the heart of this ground- which will run until 2023, agreement signed in January partners to pull together with future. The plan is to extend breaking partnership between promotes women’s football 2020 by FIFA, the Beninese their development efforts and them to other countries in the world football’s governing body as a tool for empowering girls, Football Association (FBF) will also enhance FIFA’s ability years to come. and one of Europe’s largest safeguarding children’s rights and the Beninese government to develop the game and expand In pursuing its Sport and development agencies. and fighting gender-based for the development of that of the AFD in drawing on Development strategy, the As part of the partnership, violence. grassroots football and the football’s potential as a vehicle main objective of which is to four projects will soon see the creation of a physical education for sustainable development. bring people closer together light of day. Football versus Covid-19 programme and a school football through the inclusion of The second project will see championship for girls and boys. (Fifa.com.) women in society and the fight Championnes! the launch of a call for proposals In lending its support to the against inequality, the AFD is The first, which goes by the across Africa in a bid to combat venture, the AFD wants to
and I can’t equate it to anything,” Women’s Premier League title, high. We have a lot of potential Abera told CAFOnline.com scoring 18 goals and finishing as because there are so many “It was very challenging the top scorer despite joining good players. We need a more especially being a girl and not midway through the campaign. competitive league with better many people believed that a girl “I really feel proud and happy exposure and soon we will could play football,” Loza Abera because of the success I have be up with the best teams in “I started playing football had in the Ethiopian Women’s Africa,” a confident oozing as a kid. I was interested and League. Those experiences are Abera remarked. attracted to the sport because the ones that have made me The Ethiopian national team, there was a small football pitch grow and relish the challenge fondly referred to as Lucy has right next to where we lived and of playing at an even bigger qualified for the Women’s Africa occasionally, I would go there stage,” Abera states. Cup of Nations three times, with and join the rest of the guys in Her performances for Adama their best performance being playing,” Abera explains. earned her a move to Malta in 2004 in South Africa, where Football wasn’t such a big where she has simply been they placed fourth after Ghana sport in Durame, worse still, unstoppable. And now, the on penalties in the third-place for women. There were not any striker hopes she can take a step match. women’s football teams in the further up after her contract Their last participation at the area but for her, she still held with Birkirkara ended. tournament was in 2012 when on to the dream of becoming a “My dream now is to play in Abera was just starting off her professional footballer. the top leagues in the world career and they didn’t make it “It was very challenging and I am really relishing a new past the group stages, losing especially being a girl and not challenge. I have done well in two and drawing one of their many people believed that a Malta and picked up experience, three matches. girl could play football. But but I would love to scale up. “I believe we can do it and we because of the passion I had and I have finished my time with can show the whole continent The crown jewel of the dream of wanting to play Birkirkara and now we will see that we can get back to our best. professional football, I pushed what next,” she states. The target remains to qualify hard and continued to fight for She holds a firm belief that for the Women’s Africa Cup Ethiopian football a chance and that’s why I am Ethiopian women’s football of Nations and I believe with here today.” has lots of potential, especially hard work and commitment Ethiopian Loza Abera had herself to the top of the world, In 2018, she brought her stint noting how they would from everyone, we have what an unforgettable debut season getting noticed by all and at Dedebit to an end for a brief dominate the East African region it takes,” she notes. in Malta last year, scoring 30 sundry. stint in Sweden with second tier several years ago. She believes While she casts her eyes on goals in 14 league matches and “It was a very good season in side Kungsbacka DFF before with better exposure and more the future for success with Lucy, a further three in the Super Cup Malta and I really enjoyed my returning home to sign with players joining ranks abroad, the Abera will be calculating her final for her club Birkirkara, football there. It was successful Adama City midway through women’s game in the country next career move as she looks champions of the Maltese because I scored goals as is the 2018 season. will improve. to continue scaling the heights Women’s First Division League. required of a striker and I feel Her signing proved to be a “We need to create a generation of women’s football. In her second stint in European I grew one step in football. The masterstroke as she aided Adama of women’s football in Ethiopia football, the 22-year old hoisted experience there was amazing to their first ever Ethiopian who can keep women’s football (Cafonline.) THE AFRICAN STORY
Sport10 - 16 AUGUST 2020 Echo Newspaper
Cricket- Australia to host T20 World Cup in 2022, women’s WC postponed
-India retain 2021 T20 World Cup -Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand moved to 2022
were reluctant to sacrifice the teams the chance to play a 2021 slot for Australia and host sufficient level of cricket ahead back-to-back World Cups in of both the qualification event 2022 and 2023. and leading into a Cricket World All teams that qualified for Cup.” (Reuters.) this year’s tournament in Australia will compete in India next year, the ICC said, while a new qualification process will be put in place for the 2022 Australia will host this year’s “We now have absolute clarity year’s tournament in October- tournament. postponed Twenty20 World Cup on the future of ICC events, November followed by the 2021 Moving the women’s World All teams that in 2022 with India retaining enabling all of our members edition in India, who will also Cup would allow teams to be qualified for this their tournament next year, the to focus on the rescheduling of host the 50-overs World Cup sufficiently prepared in 2022, sport’s governing International lost international and domestic in 2023. Sawhney said. year’s tournament Cricket Council (ICC) said on cricket,” ICC chief executive In its board meeting last “There has been no women’s in Australia will Friday. Manu Sawhney said. month, the ICC deferred the international cricket played ‘‘ compete in India The ICC also confirmed the “We will now proceed as tournament in Australia keeping since the conclusion of the T20 next year, the ICC women’s 50-over World Cup planned with the men’s T20 in mind the logistical challenges World Cup earlier this year that was scheduled to be held in World Cup 2021 in India and host involved in staging a 16-team and... that is likely to remain said, while a new New Zealand in February-March the 2022 edition in Australia.” tournament amid existing travel the situation for a number of qualification process next year has been postponed Before the pandemic disrupted and other restrictions. the teams. will be put in place for to 2022 following the impact of the game’s calendar, Australia The Indian cricket board, “Moving the event by 12 the 2022 tournament. the COVID-19 pandemic. were scheduled to host this according to media reports, months gives all competing