Zimbabwe Opposition Says THE AFRICAN STORY Activists Missing, Police Deny Holding Them

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Eritrean activists sue EU ISSUE NUMBER 720 VOLUME 2 18 - 24 MAY 2020 for funding Roads Built with ‘forced labour’ page 11

CROSS BORDER page 2 TRUCKERS EXPOSED TO COVID-19 Governments move to test truck drivers at borders Two truck drivers in Botswana test positive for covid-19

2020 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

THE AFRICAN STORY

News, Finance, Travel and Sport Telephone: (267) 391 2305 E-mail: [email protected] 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 [email protected] Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] Echo is published by YMH Publishing YMH Publishing, Cross Border Truckers Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, GIFP, Gaborone Postal address: P O BOX 840, Gaborone, Exposed To Covid-19 Botswana Telephone: (267) 3922 655 E-mail: [email protected] -Governments move to test truck drivers at borders www.echo.co.bw DISCLAIMER: Echo Newspaper welcomes -Two truck drivers in Botswana test positive for covid-19 concise letters from readers. Letters must carry the full name and address of the sender. Letters must conform to the Governments move to address put in place by different and they will be required exempting cargo trucks but laws of Botswana and to the fear of truck drivers contracting countries to control the virus to abide by strict rules for said drivers would have to be Press Council of Botswana’s Code Of Ethics. Letters will also and spreading the virus across to allow for controlled economic containment of covid-19 which tested for COVID-19. be edited for length, libel and borders as 2 truck drivers in activity. includes the use of designated “There will be a cessation of language. Botswana test positive for Botswana put in place new rest sites along approved green movement of persons and any covid-19 measures dealing with truck channels. passenger-ferrying automobiles Most African countries have drivers entering the country Botswana’s testing of truck and vehicles into and out of the since the outbreak of covid-19 after a South African Truck drivers Since Monday last territory of Kenya through the closed their borders to all driver and a Motswana truck week, health authorities had Kenya-Tanzania international movement of goods and people, driver tested positive after by yesterday (Sunday), tested border,” Kenyatta said in a except for cargo trucks bringing testing on entry into the almost 500 truck drivers at televised address. in food and other essential goods country. points of entry, who then The same measures would as a measure to curb the spread The Motswana driver was have to wait for their results apply on the border with of the virus. returning on Saturday from before they proceed to their Somalia, he said. However, allowing cargo South Africa, and on being destinations. Health officials Kenyatta said authorities had truck drivers through the tested at Pioneer Border results have said that of those tested, so far prevented 78 truck drivers borders taking essential goods came positive and is being 370 tested negative while others from neighbouring countries, has since presented a problem treated at Sir Ketumile Masire await their results. including Tanzania and Somalia that seems to defeat the fight and contact tracing is ongoing. The government of Botswana from entering Kenya after they against covid-19, after it became The other case registered on has also taken a decision to tested positive for COVID-19 clear that they may in actually Monday, caused panic leading the effect that the drivers be Kenyatta also extended by 21 fact be taking across borders if health officials closing up the escorted by the police and days an existing dusk-to-dawn left unchecked. In East Africa Gaborone zone for two days military out of towns and curfew and a ban on movement Read more Echo there has always been concerns and suspending movements villages to make sure they do in and out of areas of Kenya that truckers could be spreading in and out of the area. In a not stray from their route and worst hit by the coronavirus stories on our the virus across borders. period of less than 24 hours, come in contact with people. outbreak. Facebook page by Botswana and Kenya the said driver had a contact Botswana is currently on “I know there is growing scanning the QR joined recently tightened the list of over 150 people, who Phase 3 of easing of measures global pressure for easing of code below with requirements that truck drivers were traced, quarantined, and put in place when the lockdown measures against this disease have to meet before they are will be tested after 10 days as was effected on April 2. Some and for all of us to get back to your mobile phone allowed to enter the countries. per requirements. sections of the economy have normal. We are going to step Both countries now require Botswana’s Director of Public been opened and schools are up our defence by employing that drivers have to be tested Health, Dr Malaki Tshipayagae expected to be opened on June 2. stricter, more localised before entering and will not announced last week that now Meanwhile Kenya’s President prevention actions,” he said. be allowed entry on testing as a requirement for entry, truck Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday Kenya has 830 confirmed cases positive. drivers will now be subjected to banned movement across the of the novel coronavirus, with This happens at a time when covid-19 testing at entry points. country’s borders with Tanzania 50 deaths, while Botswana has there a growing pressure for the He further said the movement and Somalia to help curb the 25 confirmed cases, with only easing of lockdown measures of truckers will be monitored spread of the coronavirus, 1 death. Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 3

De Beers Group celebrates the dedication, hard work, sacrifice and resilience demonstrated by all COVID -19 frontline workers in Botswana. We recognise your commitment towards ensuring that the entire nation withstands and recovers from this global pandemic.

From the men and women in mines across In line with our De Beers Group value the country, to health workers working ‘Put Safety First,’ we applaud you for hard to save lives, travel operators safely continuing to work safely every single day transporting goods and people, shop to eliminate the risk of infection. assistants who remain resilient to serve people daily, crop producers and farmers who put meals on tables, immigration and customs officials for their hard work, utility Thank you all! workers, bankers who serve with pride amidst the challenging conditions, house helpers who opted to continue working Re A Leboga! during this time, social workers, District Commissioners and Post Office officials who dispatch various grants and food Bruce Cleaver parcels to those in need, the Church, CEO, De Beers Group business leaders, Dikgosi, Councillors and Parliamentarians for your leadership during this time, re a leboga. Thank You. 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

enforced disappearances, with some activists having gone missing for years now. Many activists have been tortured in police custody, despite denials by police. The longer these activists are in custody the higher the risk of torture,” Mwanayanda said. The three women were part of a demonstration organized by MDC-Alliance Youth against the state’s failure to provide social protection for the poor during the current COVID-19 lockdown. As the country tries to curb the spread of the pandemic, many people are not allowed to go to work, putting them at risk of poverty, hunger and starvation. A local non-governmental organization, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, has searched more than eight police stations to establish their Zimbabwe Opposition Says Activists whereabouts with no luck. Some sources say the trio are being held incommunicado, to pressure them to release Missing, Police Deny Holding Them information on how the demonstration was organized Zimbabwe’s main opposition and private press as saying the claiming to have been tortured. their whereabouts. without police knowledge. party said on Thursday three of three had been arrested for “We demand their Meanwhile Amnesty “It is deeply alarming that its activists were missing a day taking part in an unsanctioned unconditional and immediate International on Thursday called the state claims that it cannot after taking part in a protest over demonstration on Wednesday. release,” the MDC said in a on authorities in Zimbabwe account for the three activists food shortages and police denied Nyathi could not be reached for statement. to urgently account for three when they were arrested at holding them after initially comment. The embassies of Britain, missing female leaders from a roadblock run by both the telling local media they had But in a statement later Canada and the United States the opposition Movement for police and the military,” said been arrested. on Thursday, police denied and the European Union mission Democratic Change – Alliance Muleya Mwananyanda. The southern African nation holding the MDC members in Harare expressed concern (MDC-Alliance) and ensure “Authorities must urgently has a history of enforced in their custody and said law via social media over the their safe return. institute a search operation disappearances of government enforcement agents wanted missing activists and said police “The disappearance of these and do all within their power to opponents and the Movement for to interview the activists in should swiftly establish their political activists amounts to ensure the safe return of these Democratic Change (MDC) said connection with the protest whereabouts and wellbeing. enforced disappearance, a activists. There must be a full it feared its members, including that drew a few dozen people. The Harare-based legal group crime under international law”, and thorough investigation a member of parliament, had That has raised fears about Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human said Muleya Mwananyanda, into their abduction, with been abducted by state security the whereabouts and safety of Rights said it had approached Amnesty International’s Deputy those suspected of criminal agents. the three in a country where the High Court on behalf of the Director for East and Southern responsibility brought to justice Police spokesman Paul Nyathi activists often disappear and families of the MDC activists Africa. in fair trials before an ordinary was quoted by state-owned later turn up at police stations to compel police to determine “Zimbabwe has a history of civilian court.” Uganda Plans To Open Power Transmission To Private Investment - Regulator

Uganda said on Thursday it is plants under development later this year. preparing to open up to private may be completed and start Another Chinese firm, investors the transmission producing power before PowerChina International business of its electricity sector required transmission lines Group Limited (PIGL), has that officials say needs billions are in place. applied to Ugandan authorities of dollars in fresh capital. “The government is now for a licence to develop a $1.4 Growth in transmission exploring the possibility billion hydropower plant in infrastructure has lagged that of opening up electricity the country. in generation and distribution transmission to private The Ayago power plant on the which have attracted substantial investment,” Julius Wandera, River Nile will have a capacity investment, especially from spokesman for the ERA told of 840 megawatts (MW) and, China, after the government Reuters. when fully developed, would be partially privatised those two Internal discussions were Uganda’s largest power project. sectors in the early 2000s. underway, he said, but did Wandera said the new An internal March 2020 not give a time when such investments from the private report by state-run regulator discussions and necessary legal sector would help “strengthen Electricity Regulatory Authority procedures would be concluded and expand the grid” (ERA) seen by Reuters shows the for tenders to be issued. “We have a lot of power in the country’s power transmission Uganda’s installed electricity pipeline and we need to make sector needs at least $2.5 billion generation capacity is expected sure that by the time these plants worth of fresh investment over to jump 55.5% to 1,825 come on board there’s sufficient the next seven years. megawatts (MW) when the transmission infrastructure to The report said if the sector new 600 megawatt plant being (get) this power to consumers.” is not opened up to private developed by China’s Synohydro investment there’s a risk power Corporation is commissioned (Reuters.)

Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 5

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ollowing the outbreak of Covid19 and subsequent shows that while• MSc some Project students Management have access to is maintained• Bachelor during of Accounting this difficult time, we have Fshutdown of Education Service Providers (ETPs), internet connectivity• MSc Supplyand are Chain ready Management and willing to developed• Bachelor a strategy of Public which Finance will andguide Accounting the process institutions are preparing to resume classes while start learning on• Bachelor the e-learning of Project platforms,Management others of teaching• Bachelor and of learning Education to (Management) ensure that learners at the same time adhering to the set guidelines on the other hand• Bachelor have connectivityof Office Management issues and/or complete• BA their (Hons) studies Early Childhoodin line with Studies BQA guidelines. by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to curb the lack of readiness• BSc to Supplystudy throughChain Management that mode. The • Bachelor of Public Health spread of the virus. During the national lock down, survey was further• Bachelor supported of Archives by a and desk Records study to We are• Bacheloraware that of Communityit is no longer Development business as usual, the Institute of Development Management (IDM) understand the physicalManagement locality of learners during while we• Post strive Graduate to support Diploma all studentsIn Monitoring to complete And has been working round the clock to prepare for the lockdown and internet connectivity in their their studies,Evaluation we are cognizant of the fact that some business continuity and ensure learners complete different areas. The two surveys will help us to carry students may face adaptation challenges due to CLASSES CONTACT US their studies. IDM Botswana Campus Director, Dr out more engagementsOur Gaborone with Campus relevant offers Block stakeholders Release programmes many reasons.Admissions WeOffice have put measures in place to Onalenna Seitio-Kgokgwe, shares her plan on to assist in helpingto give conveniencedelivery of to online those whoteaching. are unable We to attendsupport Institute all our of Developmentlearners to Management complete their studies. the Institute’s readiness to operate following the have made a ourdecision full-time to classes. start enhancingBlock Release the classes use ofare usuallyWe havePo Box made 1357, Gaborone preparations to offer multiple pandemic. Moodle and otherconducted platforms every 6 inor our7 weeks program from Thursday delivery to Sunday,exams/or Plot 21222,21254,supplementary Mobuto exams Road Village to assist students depending on the programme you are studying. Some firstly to encourage our students to keep studying who mayTel: face(+267) challenges 3612100/38/39 in their studies in one way of the programmes are conducted during weekends, Fax: (+267) 3913296 EMPLOYEES GRADUAL RETURN TO WORK and be in a positionSaturday toto Sundaycomplete from 0800hrs-their studies 1630hrs, in givinga youor another. According to the guidelines from the Covid19 more cost effectivethe liberty to way learn whilenot you only earn. for themselves Email:[email protected] Response Team, organizations are expected to but for the country during these difficult economic Our strategy, which corresponds with the existing make a gradual return to work, with initial 25% of staff times, and secondly to prepare them for worst case requirementsCLOSiNg of d ATEBQA : 30Registration / APRiL / 2019 and Accreditation returning, followed by 50% and 100%. In preparation scenarios brought by Covid19 uncertainties. includes risk management plans to proactively for the gradual opening, IDM began cleaning and identify possibilities of business disruptions and fumigation of offices, classrooms and hostels in To that effect we will resume all our classes online their mitigating factors.

Gaborone and Francistown this week. Staff will start on Monday 18th May 2020Institute. A revised of Development time Management table www.idmbls.com returning to work during the week of 18th May 2020. will be facilitated by the Academic Services. The Additionally, we have developed a robust Crisis teaching staff will monitor class attendance and Communication plan to facilitate sharing of STUDENTS’ RETURN TO CAMPUS student engagement with the learning process. information about and during the crisis and adoption In view of the current health requirements, it will not Plans will be made to support all students who of crisis intervention strategies. Some of the specific be possible to bring all the students back to campus were not able to access the learning platform to objectives include providing support to students at the same time. We have therefore prioritized the ensure that NO STUDENT is disadvantaged. These and staff to transition to new ways of operations following groups to start classes on June 8th, 2020: students will be given priority once the physical such as e-Learning mode as a critical alternative to 1. All completing classes sessions are arranged. business continuity during the crisis; guide effective 2. All year 1 classes management of communication with students 3. All CIPS classes Part time students on the other hand, who are and key stakeholders; ascertain consistency in mostly frontline workers such as health workers, messaging, and clarity of information; minimize the CONTINUATION OF TEACHING LEARNING police and members of the defence force already impact of the crisis on students and staff and also IDM will facilitate and enhance infusion of information have access to the learning material on Moodle. allay fears and anxiety among students and other technologies in teaching/learning processes in Special classes will be arranged when the situation stakeholders. order to improve quality and efficiency of program returns to normal to enable them to complete their delivery. Prior to Covid19, platforms such as Moodle, studies. NEW ENROLMENTS Skype for Business and others were tested and We are receiving new enrolments for 2020/2021. We successfully used by some of the classes. At the time, To further support the online teaching process, are however looking to be guided by the Department IDM was however very conservative because there we have established IT help desks for different of Tertiary Education Financing who is equally was an opportunity and luxury to deliver programs academic departments to support students affected by this pandemic. Currently, applications face to face. Covid19 has thrown us into a completely who need assistance during online delivery. The are received online through our website, which different situation where we need now to enhance Institution has also established an Instructional has become instrumental in facilitating business the use of technology for business continuity in the Design committee to support teaching staff in continuity during this difficult time. different scenarios that the disease presents i.e. transitions to e-Learning. during periods of lockdowns or in campus adhering Last but not least, IDM looks up to parents as a critical to social distancing requirement. To that effect the It is important to ensure that as teaching resumes, stakeholder to provide support to students during Institution has enhanced IT educational technology the needs of all students are taken on board, this pandemic. We believe that their contribution platform and made significant investment in IT through the Student Welfare Office, students in providing a conducive learning environment infrastructure including bandwidth. This should give with special needs have also been contacted to and encouraging learners to make their academic us a competitive advantage as our students will be establish their needs and state of readiness during studies their priority is key. able to learn wherever they are, and our teaching this special period. staff will also be able to engage with the students TogeTher we can win The baTTle. as needed. QUALITY OF PROGRAM DELIVERY STay Safe! We have done a survey to understand the In response to the Botswana Qualification Authority technology needs of our students which clearly (BQA) call for ensuring that quality of programs (+267) 75996614 6 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

require countries to uphold freedom of expression even in times of pandemics. That freedom can only be limited with justification for instance where news is proven to be fake. Protection Many of the arrests and attacks that are being made by government officials in different African countries are contrary to international conventions. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the universal freedom of expression but provides for limitations. Measures to contain fake news during COVID-19 are permissible under the protections of public health. However, these limitations do not apply when citizens critique the measures their governments have taken as long as they do not spread fake news. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression published a report last month on disease pandemics and freedom of opinion and expression. The Special Rapporteur emphasised that freedom of expression is critical to meeting the challenges of the pandemic. The report recommended that states must still apply the test of legality, necessity and proportionality before limiting freedom of expression even in cases of public health threats. Controls To Manage Fake News This recommendation can still be used to combat fake news as long as the impact on freedom In Africa Are Affecting Freedom of expression is minimal. At the continental level, freedom of expression is protected by Article 9 of the African Charter Of Expression on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The Special Rapporteur on Governments across the world people, that testing kits are warning or arresting those expression. In Tunisia for Freedom of Expression and are responding to the COVID-19 contaminated, and that vaccines spreading it. example, two bloggers who Access to Information in pandemic. Alongside the are being tested on Africans For example, in Mauritius, a criticised their government’s Africa issued a recently press mountain of related challenges, while the truth is that a vaccine man who falsely claimed that response to COVID-19 were statement expressing concerns fake news has become a source has not yet been discovered in riots had erupted after the prime arrested. about internet shutdowns in of frustration. Some are now Africa. minister announced the closure In Mauritius, a woman who African countries in the time referring to this fake news Other fake news purveyors of supermarkets and shops, was published a sarcastic meme of COVID-19. phenomenon as a ‘disinfodemic’. purported that shaving makes arrested under the Information against the government was The statement recommended Purveyors of fake news are face masks more effective, made and Communication Technology arrested for spreading fake that states guarantee respect disseminating propaganda up riots, and made fake claims Act. news. And in countries such and protection of the right and disinformation. This has with falsified video evidence In South Africa, authorities as Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, to freedom of expression increased panic amongst the about Nigerians burning arrested people spreading the Kenya, Somalia and Zimbabwe, and access to information. public and slowed the progress Chinese-owned shops in news that the virus was being there are increasing cases of This would be through access of the fight against the new response to cases of harassment spread by foreigners. And in arrests and attacks by law to the internet and social coronavirus pandemic. of Africans in China. Kenya, a 23-year-old man was enforcement and security media services. The Special The ‘disinfodemic’ has resulted These instances are just the tip arrested after he published false agencies on journalists covering Rapporteur emphasised that in misinformed behaviours of the iceberg and governments information with the intent to the pandemic. states must not use COVID-19 such as drinking alcohol and have had to adopt and implement cause panic. These incidents act as a limitation as “an opportunity to establish applying heat to kill the virus. strict measures to combat the But these strict controls are to the freedom of expression of overarching interventions”. Some people were led to believe ‘disinfodemic’. Many have been also affecting the freedom of Africans, including that of the African states should adopt that the virus only affects white able to contain fake news by expression of people on the press. In this regard, on World regulations that clearly define continent. Press Day – 3 May – the UN what constitute fake news in Secretary General emphasised relation to COVID-19. They Fake news versus freedom the role of the press as an must allow the citizens and the of expression ‘antidote’ to the ‘disinfodemic’. media to express themselves. Even before COVID-19, many Since the outbreak of COVID-19, The measures being taken in African countries used libel and international organisations response to COVID-19 must be defamation laws, and internet such as the World Health debated without fear of frivolous shut downs to limit the freedom Organisation and Human Rights charges. of expression of citizens and Watch have adopted guidelines Finally, African governments the media. Some are examples and checklists regarding the must not use fake news during are Cameroon, Ethiopia, Chad, protection of human rights. this pandemic as a shield to Egypt and Uganda. This includes the freedom violate the freedom of expression With the advent of the new of expression as COVID-19 of its citizens or settle old scores coronavirus, the pandemic is measures are implemented. with the press. now being used as an excuse There are also many laws at the to further limit freedom of global and regional level that (TheConversation.) Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 Echo Report 7

Angola’s Minister of Finance Vera Daves

GE IG R D S Phone: +(267) 2440544 Physical Address: Fax: +(267) 2440545 Plot 322/313 Email: [email protected] St Patrick Street Postal Address: Village Mall P.O. Box 698 Francistown New Angolan budgetary Francistown, Botswana www.diggersinn.co.bw restrictions underline I government’s determination N N “For the best in town” to support Opec FRANCISTOWN CBD

This is one of a number of Angola, which is currently emergency measures, including Africa’s second largest crude a freeze in public sector hiring producer behind Nigeria with that was announced in recent an estimated average daily weeks in response to the oil production pre-agreement price crash and the expected of 1.4-million barrels per day, reduction in government is set to drop production to revenue for 2020. and average daily output of The country’s finance minister, 1.18-million barrels per day. Vera Daves’ signed the order in “Compliance is key for the line with Presidential Decree credibility of Opec and their Lodge designed in the old mining style of Francistown with all no. 96/20 of 9 April, which ability to deliver on stable crude the modern day luxuries. Try us for superb accommodation for declared a state of emergency prices. We salute the resolute the best value in town. Ideal for the business traveler and a in response to the Covid-19 action of the government convenient stop-over for tourists. pandemic, which it considered of Angola and the efforts of a case of force majeure. Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, These budgetary restrictions minister of mineral resources, do not only represent the petroleum and gas, in delivering government’s attempt at the 9 April Opec deal,” said fiscal responsiveness and Sergio Pugliese, president of Luxurious responsibility, they also the African Energy Chamber give credence to Angola’s for Angola. Accomodation commitment to adhere to The cuts are due to last for its most recent engagements an initial two-month period Air conditioning within the Organisation of the through May and June. By the Petroleum Exporting Countries start of June, reports about Multi Channel DSTV (Opec). compliance in the month of May On 9 April, following an oil are likely to be key in achieving Free WIFI price crash that drove down oil the intended effect. Conference Facilities prices to historic lows below Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo $20/barrel, oil producers has been successful in steering Secure Parking including Angola within the the organisation during periods framework of Opec+, led by of heightened geopolitical GPS: 210 09’ 43.55 S Russia and Saudi Arabia, agreed tensions, bringing together 27 0 39’ 35.67 E to cut their supplies to the producers with opposing global market by an overall interests in the interest of market 23% compared to October 2018. stability. African producers like These cuts are intended to Angola and Nigeria continue to reverse the downward trend be key in ensuring that Opec is in prices when combined with effective. In that light, decisions an expected recovery in crude towards ensuring compliance oil demand in the aftermath like those made by Angola are of widespread relaxations in important for the entire industry Covid-19 related restrictions, globally. Great Accomodation incorporating Diggers Pub & Grill and expected later this year. (Bizcom.) The Thorn Tree Coffee Shop 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 Interest Rate Cut: Growing your Wealth in a Low Interest Environment

By Emmanuel Allotey reduce your wealth position. the economy. Savings rates are now likely to Contact your Financial Economies across the globe fall lower, reducing the income services provider to explore are facing an unprecedented earned from interest on deposits what options you have to downturn. Central banks have and savings. Your financial grow your Wealth. had to resort to interventions decisions should depend on to resuscitate their economies. your personal goals and should The central bank of Botswana is not change drastically to keep one of over 10 central banks in pace with what’s happening in Africa to announce interest rate cuts in 2020, putting interest rates at a historically low level. Interest rate cuts can have a positive or negative impact on an individual’s wealth. Making the right decisions during a low interest environment will preserve and grow your wealth. Interest rates define the cost of money. A rate cut is the reduction in interest earned or paid on products and services held with Financial Institutions. When rates go down, borrowing becomes cheaper, making AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL BHC TENANTS WHO ARE IN large purchases on credit FINANCIAL DISTRESS AND UNABLE TO MEET THEIR RENTAL more affordable, such as home mortgages, auto loans, and credit OBLIGATION DURING THE EXTREME SOCIAL DISTANCING PERIOD card expenses. Lower rates, however, adversely impacts savers who get less favourable interest on deposit accounts. All Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) valued customers who are Low interest rates have the experiencing some distress during the Extreme Social Distancing period and following benefits which may lead to an improved wealth are unable to meet their monthly rental obligations are encouraged to contact position. the Corporation as a matter of urgency. Improved Affordability The reduction in interest rates leads to lower cost of The Corporation aims to engage in flexible mutual arrangements particularly borrowing. This creates the with tenants in distress. This engagement will be done at an individual level. opportunity to afford higher limits on mortgages, personal loans amongst others at a lower The Corporation is aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has presented Botswana cost. For those looking to make with unprecedented economic challenges. Some Batswana, including BHC large purchases and investment decisions with support from tenants, have unfortunately been left without income to meet their obligations. Financial Institutions this is The Corporation remains committed to assisting all its customers through these the time to make your dreams trying times. a reality. Increased Disposable Income For those with loans, Please contact the officers below for assistance from Tuesday,May 12th, 2020; interest rate cuts translate to a reduction in either your monthly repayment amount Regional Director, South Region (Gaborone) or the tenure of your loan. Mr. Kesebonye Khimbele Discuss with your financial Email: [email protected] service provider for options. Those who opt for a reduction Call: 72318675 in monthly repayment, this puts money back in your pocket. This money back or increase Regional Director North Region (Francistown) in your disposable income can Ms Bridget Mtonga be channelled into a savings Email: [email protected] or investment plan that will generate positive returns. Cell:72267399

Faster Debt Clearance If a consumer opts to reduce the tenure of a loan, they maintain the repayment amount over a shortened repayment period. For those close to the end of their loans, this will accelerate your path to being debt free. Interest rate cuts can have an unfavourable impact that may Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 9 Echo Report

Egypt Presses On With New which Khattab said was 90% slow decay. complete, ministry buildings “The question about how fronted with vertical strips rational this is - whether it Capital In The Desert Amid of white stone and darkened makes sense economically, glass lead to an open area being whether it is doable, whether planted with palm trees and it’s the best course of action - Virus Outbreak mini obelisks in front of a domed this question is not even asked,” parliament building. Ezzedine Fishere, an Egyptian While Egypt’s economy has to don masks when journalists had contractors’ payments in To one side a large, low-rise writer and senior lecturer at stumbled due to the coronavirus started filming and others drove hand. presidential palace is under Dartmouth College in the United outbreak, construction at a new by crammed into a minibus. The Housing Ministry expects construction. States, said by phone. capital taking shape east of Cairo Egypt has confirmed more than to deliver two residential Sisi has urged people seeking On the other side of Cairo at is continuing at full throttle after 10,000 coronavirus cases, but districts by late 2021, while work to head to new cities the new museum next to the a short pause to adjust working none at the new capital. the business district should being built around the country, Giza pyramids, work has also practices, officials say. Delays in payments to be finished by early 2022, said including the new capital, which been continuing at a slower pace. The level of activity at the contractors and to imported Ahmed al-Araby, deputy head of Khattab said employs some In mid-April staffing levels desert site - where trucks rumble supplies were additional risks, the new capital’s development 250,000 workers. sank to about 40%, with plans down newly built roads and said Shams Eldin Youssef, a authority. Private developers Critics have questioned the to recover gradually to 100%, cranes swing over unfinished member of Egypt’s union for and the army are building six diversion of resources away said General Atef Muftah, who apartment blocks - reflects the construction contractors. other neighbourhoods. from existing cities, including oversees the project. new city’s political importance Khattab said the government In the government district, Cairo, parts of which are in (Reuters.) even as the government grapples with the pandemic. Known as the New Administrative Capital, it is the biggest of a series of mega-projects championed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a source of growth and jobs. Soon after coronavirus began to spread, Sisi postponed moving the first civil servants to the new city and moved back the opening of a national museum adjoining the pyramids to next year. Productivity dipped as companies adapted to health guidelines and some labourers INVITATION TO NATIONAL stayed home. But officials have sought to keep the mega-projects going SMME REGISTRATION to protect jobs, and after 10 days of slowdown construction had fully resumed at the new capital with a shift system, said Amr Khattab, spokesman for The Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) has embarked on a national the Housing Ministry, which along with the military owns initiative to register informal and formal SMMEs operating in the company building the city. “The proportion of the labour Botswana. The main objective of the registration exercise is to force that is present on site develop a centralized database of all trading SMME businesses doesn’t exceed 70%, so that the workers don’t get too close,” countrywide; which will inform the development of targeted he said as he showed off the R5 support programmes and policies that will effectively benefit neighbourhood, which includes about 24,000 housing units. the SMME sector. “We work less intensively, but we do two shifts.” Sisi, who publicly quizzes Register your business online at: officials responsible for https://smeregistration.lea.co.bw OR simply dial *165# infrastructure projects about timetables and costs, launched on your mobile phone and follow the instructions. the new capital in 2015. Designed as a high-tech smart city that will house 6.5 million In order to facilitate decision making on availing COVID-19 relief, people and relieve congestion in Cairo, it includes government informal sector businesses are required to have registered by and business districts, a giant 31st May 2020. In future, SMME business development support by park, and a diplomatic quarter as yet unbuilt. Government will only be availed to those registered on the One senior official said last year SMME database, therefore SMMEs are encouraged to continue the cost of the whole project was st about $58 billion. While some registering beyond 31 May 2020. Egyptians see the new capital as a source of pride, others see it as extravagant and built to For any enquiries regarding SMME business registration, contact benefit a cocooned elite. the following numbers: 71696870, 77423708, 75016935, 71667681 “We have clear instructions from his excellency the president OR email [email protected] that the postponement of the opening is not a delay to the project,” said Khattab. “The project is running on time.” Disinfection and other protective measures were visible at the construction site 45km (30 miles) east of the Nile, though some workers were only ordered 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

helped to develop and deepen local currency credit markets. The development of local currency bond markets has enabled African government administrations to borrow locally. This has reduced their reliance on bilateral and multilateral lenders or using short-term paper instruments. Short-term paper instruments have to be repaid within a year from the date of issue. Access by African governments to domestic bond markets as well as global financial markets is very important to the continued and sustainable development of African economies. The pool of capital that these markets provide is substantially larger than the developmental finance or multilateral resources. In other words, the size of the global debt capital markets dwarfs the size of the resources of the multilateral organisations. Even if market access were maintained after a blanket debt moratorium for Africa, it would Moratorium on Debt for Africa? Be probably come at a higher cost of borrowing. Moreover, given that most hard currency debt for the careful of unintended consequences private sector is benchmarked off the sovereign, this has Africa is home to 41 of the moratorium (or standstill) on International Development achieved over the past 15 years. the potential to significantly International Monetary Fund’s all debt service due to African Association countries to provide These gains relate to access to increase financing costs to 59 Low Income Countries. creditors, be they bilateral, debt forbearance. international capital markets growing businesses across the These are more structurally multilateral or commercial. These initiatives resulted in a and the relatively lower cost region. Hence the repercussions vulnerable to external shocks In a letter to the international G-20 communiqué announcing a of borrowing. Many African of this action are not just for such as COVID-19. The pandemic community, African finance debt suspension initiative jointly countries have been able to governments but businesses is affecting economies as ministers called for an immediate agreed with the Paris Club. This access international commercial too. For a continent with such governments implement waiver of all interest payments stance has provided a measure finance for the first time during a young demographic, taking increasingly aggressive on public debt and sovereign of assurance to commercial and this period. This has not only actions that would likely increase lockdown procedures to stem bonds. In the case of the private private lenders. Just like the IMF broadened the pool of capital the cost of much needed funding the rate of the spread of the virus. sector, the ministers identified and World Bank, commercial they can tap, but aided in the for business expansion or It is also straining the continent’s the immediate waiver of all and private lenders recognise building of a credit history in the infrastructure investments can generally weak national health interest payments on trade the unintended consequences a international financial markets. be very costly. The expansion of systems. credits, corporate bonds and blanket debt moratorium could As a result some governments businesses and investments in At the same time the global lease payments. They also called have. However, commercial have seen reductions in their infrastructure are the engines economic slowdown triggered for the activation of liquidity creditors know they need to cost of debt (for example, Ghana of growth and job creation. by the pandemic is taking a toll lines for African central banks. play a role due to the magnitude managed to lower the interest Answers to a solution on key commodity sectors and These requests have formed and the unprecedented nature rates on its Eurobond issuances In drawing up workable tourism. These are significant the basis of a growing narrative of the phenomenon that we are since 2015). solutions, there needs to be revenue earners for many for a blanket debt moratorium currently facing. Nor would the proposed blanket clear recognition of the crucial countries across the region. for Africa. The IMF and World But if the debt suspension moratorium be a victimless role commercial creditors will As a consequence, the Bank have thus far not publicly initiative is applied as a general action. A significant proportion play in assisting Africa out of economic impact of COVID-19 supported this call. They blanket solution, it risks costing of the pool of international capital the current crisis and beyond. has sparked calls from various have instead asked bilateral African countries much of the is derived from private and state The obvious question is where stakeholders for a blanket and multilateral creditors in hard won gains many have pension schemes, educational the capital will come from to endowments, foundations fund the government deficits. and charitable trusts. Such A rough estimate puts the cost institutions have a fiduciary of the pandemic above the US$4 duty to make investment trillion mark. Even at a trillion decisions for the benefit of their dollars it is unlikely that the IMF’s beneficiaries. These include balance sheet will be enough to some of the most vulnerable help all African countries to in society, both in developed reach a more sustainable path. and developing economies, In this context it would be such as the elderly, as well as a ideal to mobilise commercial vast array of employees (some lenders and investors to help of whom are low paid) who are bridge the financing gap many saving for their retirement. low income countries, especially Losses from their investments those in Africa, are likely to face. will affect many materially. It is rational to expect that lenders and investors understand What’s been gained that time is of the essence and Gains over the past 15 years that breathing time is needed. have not just been in terms of So, in these unprecedented pricing. Some governments times, lenders and investors (such as Ghana, Nigeria and need to join the dialogue and be Kenya) have even managed to part of the solution to prevent issue bonds with much longer unintended consequences that maturities in the Eurobond can be costly for Africa. markets. In addition, international commercial investors have (Theconversation.) Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 Echo Report 11 Eritrean activists sue EU for funding Roads Built with ‘forced labour’ Eritrean activists sued the spending to Eritrea. European Union (EU) on The 80 million euros ($87 Wednesday and asked it to halt million) funds a project to 80 million euros in aid to the reconnect Ethiopia and Eritrea east African nation, saying the following the peace deal and was money funded a scheme built dispersed in two tranches last on forced labour. year from the EU Emergency The Netherlands-based Trust Fund for Africa. diligence, has no oversight of the governments have said the Many head for Europe, which foundation Human Rights for Yet despite acknowledging the project, and relies on information system of conscription amounts hopes that by funding work at Eritreans (FHRE) filed a lawsuit labour would be performed by provided by the government, to indefinite military service that home it can curb the flow of to the Amsterdam district court, members of Eritrea’s national according to KVDL. forces thousands of Eritreans to African migrants to its shores. accusing the EU of financing a service, the EU refuses to do due Rights groups and Western flee the country each year. (Reuters). major road renovation project that relies on forced labour and of failing to carry out due diligence. Some of the labourers belong to Eritrea’s national service, condemned as forced labour and slavery by the United Nations and European Parliament, according to lawyers backing the lawsuit. The Netherlands is host to a large number of Eritrean migrants and pays toward the project as a member of the EU. The European Commission - the EU’s executive arm - did not provide a comment by deadline. The EU last year said it would monitor the work to ensure labourers were paid and treated well. Eritrea’s information minister, Yemane Ghebremeskel, questioned the credibility of the FHRE and said the lawsuit was typical of its “demonisation campaigns”. “The accusations emanate from a very small but vocal group, mostly foreigners who have an agenda of ‘regime change’ against Eritrea,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by email. Eritrea signed a peace deal with Ethiopia in 2018, raising expectations that a long-standing system of universal conscription would be scaled back. Yet Human Rights Watch last year said no changes had been made to a “system of repression”. The Dutch law firm backing the lawsuit - Kennedy Van der Laan (KVDL) - said it was seeking court rulings that the roads project was unlawful and that the EU should cease support. “The EU has normalized and given an acceptable face to a practice which has been universally condemned by the international community and is a clear violation of the most fundamental human rights norms,” the firm said in a statement. Emiel Jurjens, an attorney at KVDL, said the FHRE raised the issue in April 2019 with the EU, which rejected its criticism before announcing further funding for the project in December. He said the European Parliament was set to vote on Thursday on a motion to freeze EU development 12 Art Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

The artist who took Algerian music to the world

The death of Algerian icon Idir has relationship with its history and setting that Idir developed a a third of the total. exile in France, his songs convey brought an important chapter identity, but also questioning deep understanding of the rich These repressive government his deep yearning for home and of Algerian music to a close. what it means to be exiled in a oral traditions of his own Kabyle policies resulted in mass political touch upon universal themes. Through his brilliant career, new country, France, and to be culture, a branch of Amazigh protest throughout Kabylia in It is in their universal essence, Idir modernised and promoted a citizen of the world. (Berber) culture. 1980, a period known as the bearing collective memories and the richness of Kabyle melodies Hamid Cheriet, better known Initially he did not pursue Berber Spring, later followed by histories, that his songs retain and poetry, popularised North as Idir, was born in 1949 and a career in music. But his life the Black Spring in 2001. These their power. African culture, and advocated grew up during the Algerian took a turn in 1973 when he was two periods of social unrest After a decade-long break from for unity and tolerance both in War of Independence in Aït called on at a moment’s notice were violently repressed by the show business, Idir returned Algeria and in France. Yenni, a small village bordering to replace the Kabyle singer Algerian government. to centre stage in 1991 with a Looking at Idir’s life in the Djurdjura mountain range Nouara at Radio Algiers. It led It is these repressive policies compilation release, followed music is looking into Algeria’s of Kabylia. It is within this to his recording Rsed A Yidess that Idir, a fierce defendant of by the release of his third album (May Sleep Come) and A Vava his Kabyle heritage, dedicated two years later. In 1993’s Les Inouva (My Dad). A Vava Inouva much of his life to fighting. He did chasseurs de Lumières (Light would soon become his most this through his unapologetically Hunters) Idir addresses his iconic work as well as one of Kabyle music and his role as an favourite themes: exile, liberty the first North African songs to advocate for Kabyle culture. and love. It came at a time of gain international recognition. Some artists, such as the serious political upheaval with In 1976, after completing his late Matoub Lounes – another Algeria experiencing a violent military service and moving great figure of Kabyle music and bloody civil war between to Paris, at the request of the – were outwardly critical of the military government and French label Pathe-Marconi, he the government in their lyrical Islamist groups. produced his first album, named content. Idir’s lyrics bore their Idir produced only a handful after his hit A Vava Inouva. This power in their poetic depictions of studio albums. Nevertheless marked the beginning of a long of Kabyle social life and culture. his contribution to the world of and fruitful career in music. This album, followed by music and culture was immense. Shortly after gaining Ayarrach Negh (For Our He will be remembered for independence from the French, Children) in 1979, bears the promoting his Kabyle heritage to the new Algerian government musical mark of Idir’s sound. It the world, thus contributing to began a steady-paced process is a savant blend of traditional its sustainability against cultural of arabisation throughout instruments: the shepherd flute erasure, for seeking a peaceful, the country. This involved which he learned to play as democratic, secular, and united promoting Arabic as the national a child, the bendir (a frame Algeria, and for his vision of language. This denied much of drum), the tambourine, and tolerance and integration in the country’s rich linguistic darbuka (a goblet-shaped drum) France. All artfully – and subtly and cultural diversity. This accompanied by the guitar, bass, – done through his music. was particularly true among and drums. the Amazigh factions of the Filled with a feeling of (TheConversation.) population, who accounted for melancholia and nostalgia as an Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 Travel 13 and undisturbed, even with a full camp you will still have that sense of peace because it’s always quiet – it gives you the feeling of the area. And even when you’re out on activities, because we’re the only lodge operating in this area – and we’re a small one, our guests don’t get disturbed by any other lodges or companies – its only us here. So if our guests need peace, come here.

About Slade: Slade’s full name is Batanani Slade Mmegwa – though the “Slade” part was a later addition. At primary school his brother nicknamed him “Slade” after the character Johnson Slade in an American action movie. “Johnson Slade could break iron shackles and he was very strong and my brother thought maybe I would grow up and be like that”. He is from a small village next to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve called Xhumo. He has two children and is married to Lettie who also works at Xugana Island Lodge.

This article was written by Mana Meadows for Desert and Delta Safaris, and we On the Mokoro with Slade republish it with permission.

If you’ve been to Desert and they came the teacher would from then. A: When I’m in Okavango Delta’s Xugana Island Lodge in ask us to rush to the main areas Delta I feel more complete the last year, chances are you and leave the elephant to do Q: What does guiding mean than when I’m at home. I value won’t forget meeting “Slade” – whatever they wanted to do. to you? this place more than my home the softly spoken giant with the A: Guiding means because this is my office and serene smile who is as passionate And we didn’t know that they responsibility. As a guide you when I am here I get so much. about the Okavango Delta as were just looking for the fruit look at things in a different way. It’s one place that made me he is about guiding. We know that we were sitting on. It was It’s all about responsibility – realize that I am an ambassador lots of you want to hear from the first time I’d seen them close. doing things in the right way for this country – for Desert and Slade so we caught up with him A friend of mine called Paul – at the right time. The way I Delta – I represent my company recently at Xugana. his brother was a guide – told look at things now is different and my country because of the me that he knew the name of compared to before I became Okavango Delta. Q: What first sparked your these animals in English, we a guide: the way you talk to interest in wildlife? knew them only in our Tswana people, how you associate with Q: Tell us about Xugana A: I grew up in a tourism area, language. After some weeks he other people, how you maintain Island Lodge in Kasane in the Chobe area. We brought a book on mammals to peace with the people around Xugana Island Lodge is in didn’t have enough classrooms, prove to me that he knew the you. I’m the youngest of ten a place where it is so natural so we learnt under trees in the English name – we read some siblings but they still respect school premises, those were our information about the animal me – and they will even wait classrooms. There were times and became interested… we for me to come home to give when elephants would come decided to stay behind when them advice on any issues at into the school area looking for the others ran away, hiding home. And I think this is because fruits from the same trees that behind the nearby bathrooms to of the job I do – it’s made me we were using as our classrooms. watch what the elephants did. responsible. This happened almost every And then we saw them eating day as we were trying to take fruits and it was so fascinating! Q: What does the Okavango our lessons. Each time when We developed such an interest mean to you? 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020

AFRICAN SPORTS BRIEFS

PWD Bamenda champions of Cameroon as season cancelled Cameroon has cancelled the rest of its league season and declared leaders PWD Bamenda as champions, the country’s Tennis-Algerian Ibbou finds upport after football federation said on Tuesday. Cameroon is the eighth African country to abandon plans to challenging Thiem over player fund resume the season, which has been curtailed by the COVID-19 Algerian Ines Ibbou was hailed African country, which she said I do,” Ibbou questioned Thiem. my hero.” pandemic. as a hero by Venus Williams lacked even basic infrastructure “Do you finish your tournaments Ibbou replied: “You’ve always Bamenda were leading Coton while her country’s president for the sport. with holes in shoes like I do?” been mine too, and now you’re Sport by a single point, and had pledged full support after the “I cherish the day when I’ll “Dear Dominic, unlike you, even more to me. Thank you also played one match fewer, low-ranked tennis player posted be able to afford a gift for my many share my reality. so much.” when the championship was an emotional video to take on parents. I’m dreaming about this “Just a reminder, it’s not Australian Kyrgios, who suspended in mid-March. world No. 3 Dominic Thiem day,” said Ibbou, who started because of your money that had criticised Thiem for his There were six rounds still to for his opposition to a player playing at the age of six but has we survived until now. And comments, said “Respect!” complete. relief fund. only managed to make $27,825 nobody requested to you before adding, “Keep doing you, It is a first title for the club Thiem rejected the notion in tournament earnings so far. anything. The initiative went I’m always willing to support.” from the country’s north-west that top tennis players should “I’m a lonely lady, travelling from generous players who As Ibbou’s post gained region, who now qualify for next chip in to help lower-ranked the world generally in three- showed instant compassion popularity and was widely season’s African Champions competitors who are struggling legged trips, always looking for with a classy touch.” shared on social media, it caught League. financially due to the pause in the cheapest tickets.” The governing bodies recently the eye of Algerian president No team will be relegated from tournaments due to the novel World number one Novak raised over $6 million to help Abdelmadjid Tebboune. the top flight, the federation coronavirus pandemic. Djokovic has urged fellow lower-level players affected by “Algeria can’t miss a sporting added, but the top two sides In the video, which runs over professionals to contribute to the shutdown. talent like Ines Ibbou in a young in the second division are nine minutes and was posted a fund set up by the sport’s Ibbou said the crisis showed age and a flower of giving, in a promoted to an expanded 20- on Ibbou’s Instagram page, the governing bodies to help players “who people truly are” and specialty that is rarely born in team league next season. world number 620 starts with affected by a shutdown which helping the needy players was it,” Tebboune said in a message Leagues in Angola, Burkina “Dear Dominic” and goes on began in March and will continue only to help the game survive. for Ibbou on his official Facebook Faso, Congo, the Democratic to talk about the difficulties at least until mid-July. “We did not ask anything from page. Republic of Congo, Kenya, she has had to endure and the Austrian Thiem said he felt you. Except a bit of respect to “Soon, the ministry of youth Mauritius and Niger have sacrifices she needed to make there were sections of society our sacrifice,” she said before and sports will take care of your already cancelled the rest of in her career. that needed more urgent help signing off. “Players like you work. You have my full support their season as African football The 21-year-old pleads with than his fellow competitors make me hold on to my dreams. and I wish you success, God grapples with the impact of Thiem to understand the stark during the economic crisis Please, don’t ruin it.” willing.” the coronavirus. (Writing by difference in the Austrian’s caused by the pandemic. Williams, a seven-time Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; “magical world” and how she “Do you alternate clay and Grand Slam singles winner, (Reuters) Editing by Toby. had to pursue tennis in the North hard from a week to another like commented on the post: “You’re Echo Newspaper 18- 24 May 2020 Sports 15

scorer after scoring nine goals in six matches, a record that Libyan golf lasts till today. Mutumbula as he known in flourishes his nation scored a brace against Guinea and another goal against with No Mauritius in the group stage. In the semifinal he added another brace as Zaire stunned hosts Equipment Egypt to reach the final. Against Zambia he scored another brace, and as the final ended in a 2-2 draw it was replayed 48 hours later with Mulamba scoring two more goals to see his side winning the trophy. Mulamba also won the CAF Champions League (then African Cup of Champion Clubs) with AS Vita in 1973. He died in January 2019, aged 70. He was honoured with a minute of silence during the ultimate group matches at the last Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt 2019. AFCON Records – Mulamba’s Laurent Pokou After scoring six goals for Cote d’Ivoire in the 1968 AFCON edition, Pokou returned to score famous nine, five-star Pokou eight in the next edition in Sudan 1970. He kept the record of most A look into the Africa Cup of different reasons. another record, having scored scored goals in AFCON history Despite the ongoing conflict Nations all-time top scorers Mulamba holds the record for five goals in a single match when till 2008 when it was shattered in Libya, golf enthusiasts in the list, and the names Pierre Ndaye the historical top scorer when Cote d’Ivoire defeated Ethiopia by Eto’o. country have tried to revive the Mulamba and Laurent Pokou it comes to a single edition. 6-1 in Sudan 1970. But Pokou keeps another neglected sport. At the Juliana will be cast in gold. “Mutumbula” as he was known Pierre Ndaye Mulamba record, the one of most goals Golf Course of Benghazi, local While Pokou sits second on among his supporters scored After playing a role in DR Congo scored by a player in a single tournaments are held on a the list with 14 goals, four shy nine goals in Egypt 1974 as the (then Zaire) qualification to the match. Against Ethiopia in the wasteland, covered with wild of record scorer Samuel Eto’o Leopards grabbed the title, a 1974 FIFA World Cup, Mulamba group stage, Pokou scored five grass and stagnant water ponds. of Cameroon, DR Congo’s record till date. came to Egypt with Les Leopards goals as Les Elephants emerged Despite its poor condition, this Mulamba has 10 goals to his On the other hand, Pokou to take part in the 1974 AFCON. 6-1 victorious. course is considered one of the name. However, both are in who was the top scorer in two He emerged as the tournament’s oldest in the African continent. the AFCON book of records for consecutive editions holds most valuable player and top ( Reuters.) The nine-hole course, which was established by British individuals in the late 1940s, Quinton de Kock ... we’re all is one of only three golf courses in this together. in the country. “So we’ve all got to come But the field suffered negligence together, understand what’s when dictator Muammar important to us, work together, Gaddafi seized power in 1969, get through this together and and stopped the support for golf, make good decisions together.” which had been a very popular Always a big favourite with sport at the time. Despite those fans, Pietersen hit 23 centuries cutbacks, the love for golf still and scored more than 8,000 runs exists and some Libyans have in 104 tests for England before returned to practice after a finally hanging up his bat in decades-long absence. 2018 after a few years playing Abdelhalim Al-Hwiti was for club teams across the world. a professional golfer before South Africa, where he was he became a coach and born and raised, remains close represented Libya in several to Pietersen’s heart and along world championships, from with his work as a cricket pundit 1983 to 2015. and business interests, he has He believes that the younger become closely associated with generation has good potential, Cricket-Players must play, crowd the conservation of endangered but the lack of equipment and animals in the country. negligence for this sport makes He is particularly identified it difficult for them to achieve or no crowd - Pietersen with the battle to preserve the their aspirations. Former England captain “Sport is so uplifting and so “So what if the crowds are rhinoceros and the charity he The head of the Libyan Golf Kevin Pietersen has said the positive for so many people. not there? The crowds may founded, SORAI or Save our Federation in the eastern region, resumption of sport will lift New sport will have to be played not be there in person but the Rhino Africa/India, rescues Mabrouk Mohamed, said that, morale for people around the behind closed doors until we find broadcasting numbers will be abandoned, injured or orphaned among the biggest problems world during the COVID-19 a vaccination for coronavirus. massive.” rhinos. faced by the federation, are the crisis and cricketers owe it to Sportsmen have got to deal with Looking more broadly at a “When we come out of this lack of resources and support fans to play behind closed doors it.” possible silver lining to the global crisis, as humans we from the state. if that hastens the process. With golfer Rory McIlroy crisis, Pietersen said it was an have to play a bigger and more Mohamed revealed that, The spread of novel coronavirus preparing to play a charity event opportunity for his sport to have significant role in making sure although the country is has brought sport across the on May 17 and English soccer’s a serious look at solutions to we protect the planet and protect considered rich because of world to a standstill over the last Premier League plotting a return problems shared by the entire all the species,” said Pietersen, its oil production, the Libyan two months and Pietersen thinks for mid-June, Pietersen finds cricketing world. who will relaunch the brand at governments and the Ministry of every effort should be made to in unfathomable that any top “The nice thing, if you can have the end of June. Sports show no interest in golf. resume professional cricket as athlete would not want to be a look at something that’s nice “There’s no way we can afford Amid the global coronavirus soon as it is safe to do so. plying their trade as soon as about this coronavirus, is it’s to let animals like the rhino go pandemic, Libya, like many “Fans, the public, need a possible. affecting absolutely everybody,” extinct, the pangolin go extinct. other countries, has suspended morale boost. Their morale at the “Some sportsmen are in the Pietersen said. It’s just incomprehensible to sport activities, such as golf, to moment is so negative, so down prime of their life. Why would “Virat Kohli is in the same even think that something like limit the spread of the outbreak. in the dumps,” the 39-year-old they not want to be playing?” position as Kane Williamson that can happen.” (Africanews). said in an interview. he added. as Joe Root to Steve Smith as (Reuters.) THE AFRICAN STORY

Sport18- 24 MAY 2020 Echo Newspaper Ramafifi’s long walk from Ledumang to Georgia

“My mother always yelled at me to stop playing with boys. However, the boys at school ‘‘made it a habit to include me in their team. I Thuto Ramafifi was more of a lucky charm to them because my team won most of the duels,” Thuto Ramafifi

intimidated me. I fumbled at the “I’m able to support my initial stages but as I got used to family. Though I do feel it is not that it really motivated me to enough, they do understand that play my heart out not just for am not playing in a professional my team but for them also,” league. Whenever I play with the the ever smiling Ramafifi added. national team, the appearance “When I was still in Junior fee really helps a lot and is enough Secondary School at 14 years in to put a smile on my mother’s 2006, I was spotted by Double face.” Thuto Ramafifi grew up in the or any other boys’ jobs, the “Then came a time I found Action Football Club, a club that Like any other footballer, there populated Gaborone suburb USA-based player said. myself in a tight corner when was participating in Schools are many games to remember of Ledumang. Like any girl in “We had two dogs and I will my aunt wanted me to choose League. I signed for them with and cherish. Some will obviously Botswana, th ere were lots of run around with them. My between my studies and football. the support my mother, and that be the ones that she wants to sporting codes to fall in love grandfather was against it as Most parents at the time deemed is where I earned the nickname forget and erase in her memory. with. Football was not an option he viewed such games suited football a waste of time. That was ‘Verah.” “In the next five years, my at the time. for boys. He wanted me to a very painful choice to make. In 2009, at the age of 17, hope is to play to play for At primary school, Ramafifi stick to women-like games and I cried all day because I had to she made unlikely move to Arsenal women’s football team,” played netball. She was a shooter household chores.” choose one which I didn’t. I neighbouring Namibia, joining Ramafifi concluded. and sometimes deployed as a Like a biblical calling, her love couldn’t make a decision. My Okahandja Beauties, based in the The journey to England will winger thanks to her height. for football surpassed that of all family believed I didn’t know capital, Windhoek. She netted be no rosy and the forward is She continued her education the popular traditional sports. how to balance the two and felt 13 goals during her short stint hoping to lead the Zebras to at Ledumang Senior School. It Perhaps it was because she grew football was taking much of my before returning home the qualify for a major continental was a tough upbringing for the amongst a boy dominated family. time; but like a rare visionary I following year, and rejoined championship to rub shoulders 28-year old who had to make the At school, she played with her felt otherwise.” Double Action. with the big guns and announce journey to school every day on male counterparts. She loved “My mother always yelled at After some time in Botswana, her presence on the biggest stage foot, and also trying to break an it and always wanted to win. me to stop playing with boys. offers abroad trickled in and of women’s football. existing norm which was against To her disappointment, she However, the boys at school Ramafifi opted for the United Botswana will face neighbours girls’ participation in sports. enjoyed no family backing even made it a habit to include me States of America. Namibia in the First Round of the “I still remember everything from her mother, who was not in their team. I was more of a Currently, she plays in the qualifiers for the 2020 Women’s as if it was yesterday how I was in support of her playing with lucky charm to them because my National Collegiate Athletic Africa Cup of Nations. Should the described as unusual girl. All boys. team won most of the duels,” Association (NCAA) with Albany scale the Namibian hurdle, they this was because I was a rare “As time passed by, I missed Thuto Ramafifi State University in Georgia, whilst will be up against either Gabon breed - the only girl - in a several netball sessions as I was “My family would surprise studying Business Information or Central African Republic for family dominated by boys and busy playing football. Some of my me and come watch me play. Systems. She also studied Human a ticket to the final tournament, wanted to do everything they teachers tried to get me back to Sometimes, I could hear them Resources Management at Salem which will have 12 teams for the were doing. I never wanted to be netball, but my mind was made chanting my name from the University. first time. second best either in gardening on football,” Ramafifi said. touch line. At first, their presence (Cafonline.)