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Home , Botswana, Hage Geingob, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Namibia

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ISSUE NUMBER 746 VOLUME 2 16 NOV - 22 NOV 2020

Botswana retailer resumes trading on South exchange

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Strong leadership fought Covid-19 in Africa The next step is to harness ’S research RELATIONS WITH page 10 Karowe Mine PUT TO produces a 998 THE TEST – AGAIN! carat

• Shooting and killing of 4 Namibians by BDF in the Chobe raises an uproar in Namibia • The two governments constitute a joint-investigation into the shooting • Namibians demonstrate in over killing of innocent page 11 residents of region by BDF 2 Echo Report Echo 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

THE AFRICAN STORY

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

Head of Design Ame Kolobetso [email protected] Namibia put to the test – Again! Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] The bilateral relations between been escalated to the highest that President Geingob had President Masisi has been in Echo is published by Botswana and Namibia is again offices of the two countries, with met with the bereaved families direct contact with his Namibian YMH Publishing put to the test following the the two countries confirming and informed them that his counterpart. YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, shooting and killing of four that they have jointly agreed government took the incident He said the deceased, GIFP, Namibian nationals in the to launch an investigation into in a most serious light and suspected to be elephant and Postal address: Chobe’s area by the the shooting with the hope to that relevant agencies were rhino poachers, were shot dead P O BOX 840, (BDF) resolve the matter amicably. mobilised to shed light on the along Chobe River near during Gaborone, recently. Since the incident, the President and unfortunate incident. an anti- exercise by Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. two countries have been ceased his Botswana counterpart, The statement further the Botswana Defense Force E-mail: [email protected] with the matter, with Namibian have both indicated President Geingob was (BDF). www.echo.co.bw populace demanding answers confirmed that they have been in contact with President Masisi “The two Heads of state from their government. direct contact over the matter, and that the latter regretted the have expressed their full DISCLAIMER: This is not the first time the with a view to expeditiously loss of lives. “The two leaders commitment to resolve this Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. two countries find themselves resolve the matter in an amicable agreed to a joint-investigation issue in an expeditious and Letters must carry the in a situation threatening their way. The statements from the in order to shed light and also amicable manner,” said Sesinyi. full name and address of relations, as about 21 years ago, two governments have called to bring closure to the family,” He said in the spirit of good the sender. Letters must the two were in a contention for calm. the statement read. neighborliness, Sesinyi said the conform to the laws of over the ownership of Sedudu But calm seems to be a far- Prior to engaging Masisi, two countries have agreed to Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code Island, which was resolved at fetched desire in Namibia, as ministry of undertake a joint investigation Of Ethics. Letters will also be the International Court of Justice some members of the public International affairs had with the view to determine and edited for length, libel and that awarded the wildlife rich staged a peaceful demonstration summoned Botswana’s High address the circumstances that language. island to Botswana. in capital Windhoek on Friday Commissioner to Namibia, Dr resulted in the incident. The Botswana Defence in which the petitioned Serema to express its regret and He further said Masisi appealed Force purports strongly that Botswana’s ambassador to grave concern over the killings. to the peoples of the two the deceased were poachers Namibia Dr Comma Serema. neighboring countries to remain and were in the Chobe River The demonstration was against “While I informed him that calm while investigations are (Botswana side) on the night what they termed a public the Namibia does not condone in process. they were killed. BDF has demonstration against the poaching, I strongly deplored Meanwhile some pundits have since indicated that they were killing of innocent residents of the extrajudicial killings by called for a speedy investigation carrying out their sovereign the by the BDF. the Botswana Defence Force on the matter, especially that duties of protecting the country They march was also said to (BDF) in their anti-poaching Namibians were becoming and its resources. They believe be ‘against acts of intimidation, drive. Bearing in mind that impatient and preaching Read more Echo that the four were part of a harassment, violence, terrorism the two governments signed violence against Batswana in stories on our poaching syndivcated that and killing of innocent residents the boundary treaty in 2018, their country. They further said Facebook page by terrorise Chobe wildlife. of Zambezi region by the soldiers I sought clarity from the high the area in which the killings The shooting by members of the of Botswana.’ commissioner on whether were made remain very tense scanning the QR of the security organs in The demonstrators have given Botswana still maintained the and any contact between code below with Botswana is in line with the the Botswana government 7 shoot to kill as a government Batswana and Namibians your country’s shoot to kill policy, days to respond to the petition. policy as such a policy has have some undesired outcomes. in the fight against poaching Namibia’s Prime Minister potential to cause disharmony Some scenes of violence against of the country’s most revered and minister of Foreign Affairs between the two countries,” Botswana property and citizens resource of wildlife, particularly Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah, said Nandi- Ndaitwah. in Namibia were recorded over elephants and rhinos. in statement last week said the Botswana’s government the weekend. Following the incident, government learnt with dismay Spokesperson Andrew Sesinyi, The two countries both await and with increasing pressure about the shooting of the four in a statement concurred with the outcome of the investigation from the general public in Namibians. the Namibian minister that instituted by the two countries. Namibia, the issue has since The statement highlighted indeed his government through Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 Echo Report 3 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

“Following extensive engagement, the JSE has agreed to lift the suspension of the company’s shares and to recommence trading on the JSE from today, 13 November 2020,” the company said in a statement. The Botswana bourse lifted its suspension in after the company published all its financials up to December 2019, bringing it into compliance with the stock exchange’s requirements. According to papers lodged in Gaborone’s high court in August and seen by , the retailer’s two biggest shareholders, CEO Ramachandran Ottapathu and director Ismail Farouk, sued PwC for 450 million pula ($40.14 million), saying that their former auditor’s failure to sign off the 2018 financial statement caused the share price crash. PwC has confirmed to Reuters that it was involved in legal proceedings with two Choppies’ directors and was defending the action but said it would not be Botswana retailer Choppies resumes appropriate to publicly comment further on the matter. As part of plans to consolidate its business, Choppies - Botswana’s biggest retailer - has since trading on exchange exited the South African and Mozambican markets. The company is also divesting its operations in and Shares in Botswana’s budget led to a 24-month suspension. suspended from both the appointed external auditors , Ottapathu told Reuters in supermarket chain Choppies Choppies shares plunged by Botswana Stock Exchange and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) July, but will continue operating resumed trading on South Africa’s more than 60% in September the JSE, where it has a secondary raised concerns with the board in in Botswana, , stock exchange 2018 after it said it would delay listing. respect of accounting practices and Namibia. Reuters. (JSE) on Friday, after a failure publication of its financial The results were delayed for the year ended June 30, 2018 to publish its financial results statement, and were then after the company’s newly and prior years.

are only now recovering from diseases, while the introduction the initial impact,” says Moeti. of new vaccines has been halted Even before the pandemic, and countries reporting running maternal mortality in sub- out of stocks. Saharan Africa was unacceptably “Now that countries are easing high, accounting for about two- their restrictions, it’s critical thirds of global maternal deaths that they implement catch-up in 2017, WHO says vaccination campaigns quickly. Preliminary findings indicate “The longer, large numbers that Covid-19 is likely to of children remain unprotected exacerbate women’s health against measles and other challenges, while skilled birth childhood diseases, the more attendance in the 14 countries likely we could see deadly dropped. outbreaks flaring up and claiming For instance, in , more lives than Covid-19,” says 362,700 pregnant women missed Moeti. antenatal care between March According to WHO, some and August 2020, while over countries are now playing 97,000 women gave birth away catch up, like the ’s fragile health from health facilities, and over African Republic and , 193,000 missed postnatal care which have already carried out within two days of giving birth. vaccination campaigns. Recent data also revealed 310 Thirteen other African countries system hit hard by Covid-19 maternal deaths in Nigerian aim to restart immunisation health facilities in August 2020 drives for measles, polio and A sharp decline in five key many countries enforced hard populations face a rising risk -- nearly double the figure in papillomavirus in the essential services in 14 African lockdown, with movement of falling through the cracks,” August 2019. coming months. countries between January and restrictions to curb the spread says WHO Regional Director Meanwhile, 1.37 million WHO is guiding Covid-19 September 2020 is indicative of of the coronavirus. for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti. children across the African region prevention measures to keep how the Covid-19 pandemic According to WHO, during the She believes that the continent’s missed the Bacille Calmette- health workers and communities could deepen the continent’s three months, services in the health systems must do better to Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which safe, and says it is determined health services crisis. five monitored areas dropped withstand future shocks. protects against tuberculosis (TB). to ensure the continuity of These include outpatient on average by more than 50% “A strong health system is In addition, an additional other essential health services consultation, inpatient admission, in the 14 countries, compared the bedrock for emergency 1.32-million children aged under by optimising service delivery skilled birth attendance, with the same period in 2019. preparedness and response. one missed their first dose of settings, redistributing health treatment of confirmed “The Covid-19 pandemic has As countries ease Covid-19 measles vaccine between January workforce capacity and proposing cases and the provision of the brought hidden, dangerous restrictions, we must not leave and August 2020, when compared ways to ensure uninterrupted combination pentavalent vaccine, knock-on effects for health in the door open for the pandemic with the same period in 2019. supply of medicine and other the Health Organisation Africa. With health resources to resurge. At least 15 African countries this health commodities. (WHO) says. focused heavily on COVID-19, as “A new wave of Covid-19 year postponed immunisation The widest gaps were in well as fear and restrictions on infections could further disrupt campaigns covering measles, (Bizcommunity.) May, June and July, when people’s daily lives, vulnerable life-saving health services, which yellow fever, polio and other Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 Echo Report 5 6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

later diverted into small stock production because of the LEA Continues To Empower And empowerment interventions LEA gave me. I want to encourage other entrepreneurs to visit Capacitate SMMEs LEA offices for guidance and to progress their businesses.” Said Mr. Motswaborwa

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Dynamic Intellectual Services Dynamic Intellectual Services small stock farming project. Market Access opportunities is a LEA assisted enterprise based with various interventions to Dynamic Intellectual Services and participation at various in Mogobane that specializes upskill the employees, provide currently has a capacity of 60 exhibition; platforms that in small stock production. For business management support breeding stock (goats) and 50 enabled the client to market someone with interests in the services that have transformed breeding stock (sheep). his products and establish Agriculture sector, Mr. Frederick the since 2014. Before venturing supply opportunities. Dynamic Motswaborwa had previously into small stock production, The business continues to Intellectual Services currently tried a horticulture project, Mr Motswaborwa was enrolled benefit from other LEA services supplies several markets but due to limited funding for for attachment at the LEA Glen that include business advisory, including local butcheries, the project, he diverted his Valley Horticulture Incubator coaching, on-site monitoring as Government schemes and attention and followed his dream to train and empower him on well as mentoring services. The individual members of the public of becoming a small stock farmer. hydroponics production. LEA owner has also received training in and around . also assisted him to develop on Records Keeping to enhance The Local Enterprise Authority a business plan and access business management skills “LEA has given me the green (LEA) through Ramotswa Branch funding through the Youth and operational efficiencies. light in business. Initially I had has over the years supported Development Fund to start a Furthermore, LEA facilitated interest in hydroponics but Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 Echo Report 7

maintaining the momentum Experts deliberate on matters requiring in addressing other health renewed political commitment by Africa challenges. heads of States

AIDS Watch Africa is convening The issue around equity is also Africa Leadership Ministerial to strengthening leadership experts working at the frontline important as we seek to build Meeting; and additional launches and governance of malaria of the fight against AIDS, back better,” she added. of Zero Malaria Starts with Me interventions; Tuberculosis tuberculosis and malaria across Reports of progress to be (ZMSWM) Campaign. management, TB Scorecard and (AU) Member shared by the experts include: The experts will also deliberate the Accountability framework; States for a two-day consultative The review plan of the Catalytic on the following key issues: and the role of community health meeting. The experts will Framework to end AIDS, TB and The new UNAIDS Global AIDS workers (CHWs) in responding take stock on the progress of Eliminate Malaria; Inaugural AU Strategy; A continental approach to the Covid-19 pandemic whilst implementation of key policies formulated to advance address AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria response in Africa. The experts will contribute recommendations which will be compiled into a report presented during the upcoming AU Assembly of Heads of States and Governments in 2021. “The pandemic has revealed to us an ability to come together, develop a collective response to address a common challenge in an accountable manner. With the economic recovery estimated to be slow, it will require twice as much effort for AU Member States to sustain the gains achieved over the past decades especially in the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases,” reiterated Madame Cisse Mariama Mohammed, Director for Social Affairs, . Speaking on behalf of development partners, Shu-Shu Tekle-Haimanot emphasized on the importance of maintaining delivery of essential healthcare services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “According to the Global Fund Results Report 2020, 75% of HIV-related service delivery have been disrupted. Countries are experiencing significant resource needs and rising fiscal needs on top of a health financing burden. I appreciate all the partners involved in the fight against AIDS, TB, malaria and strengthening health financing. Without their support, none of the work would be achieved,” she added. Rosemary Mburu, speaking as the representative of Civil Society Organisations recognised that it has been a pride to see the regional, concerted effort in managing COVID-19, and that as Africa progresses to the next phase, there is positivity for a better job. “There is potential to have the gains we have made reversed by the pandemic. Our call is to ensure that we safeguard the lessons and progress we have made as a continent. We must protect the gains on AIDS, TB and malaria, protect health systems and beat COVID-19. We do have the instruments and policies - where we stand is to ensure we have the leadership and political will that is needed. 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

and cost of sales (marketing, systems, transport logistics and technology). Meticulous decision making will prevent businesses committing resources to unprofitable activities that deplete resources. Competition: businesses operate in open economies where other businesses are competing for the customers attention. Competition can have positive effects on business by driving innovation and growth, at the same time it can erode market share and ultimately profitability. A largely ignored fact is with so many competitors in an industry, most businesses are constantly trying to improve with the goal of increasing their customer base and market share. If 50 percent of new businesses fail, then 50 percent of new businesses can succeed. With the growth of E-commerce in Africa and more businesses establishing online presence to promote, advertise and actively selling their products and services Doing Business in Africa – Why their chances of success is improved. The adoption of online selling and purchasing greatly Businesses Fail reduces business overheads and expands potential client By Emmanuel Allottey The business environment Africa’s fast-growing Here are the top two reasons base from geographic location of many African economies population of youth present for business failure: to worldwide. Businesses are the driving poses additional challenges to an opportunity for customer Mismanagement of Resources: For businesses ready to solve engine behind economic activity business success. The of acquisition. Governments are businesses operate with finite problems and innovate to meet and job creation in Africa. Businesses is synonymous with faced with youth unemployment resources which are expected Africa’s unmet needs there Businesses are started with high risk and the invent of COVID-19 and have set up programs to support revenue generating is tremendous opportunity hopes and business forecasts of has amplified the impact of to support youth start-up opportunities. Daily business for success and growth. The positive returns and profitability. external forces on economic businesses. There is a myriad operations require decisions on responsibility is for businesses However, statistics show that activity and business success. of support programs from the use of resources, time, money, to avoid the common reasons the fifty percent of businesses Notwithstanding businesses incubation to financing to effort to get the required output for business failure and succeed. opened within the first five years that persevere can overcome mentorship that are designed to of sales. This includes input do not survive. adversity and succeed. support the success of a business. costs (raw materials, capital)

Major industries such as profitable to switch service construction, mining and providers e.g. mobile networks, banking are looking to cut huge banks, utility companies. numbers of jobs, with pressure Savings and Investment: on many other companies to putting money aside regularly right-size their organisations. and consistently will cushion While it may be difficult to avoid the impact of unexpected events retrenchment, there are steps that may occur. Savings with a you can take to ensure that you reputable financial institution are financially resilient. These offering a good return on savings include is a secure option for planning Income protection: The for a rainy day. The caveat is the spread of Coronavirus threatens low interest rate environment in to accelerate the rate of the market due to government unemployment. Consideration monetary policies to stimulate should be given to Insurance spending. Investments however products such as retrenchment do not guarantee a consistent rate cover or job loss insurance that of return. With the turbulence provides income protection in the economy, investments benefit that pays your salary for must be undertaken with due up to a predetermined period if diligence. retrenchment from employment Get financial advice: consult occurs. with a financial adviser to Cost management: conduct a explore options in the wake thorough evaluation of all costs of possible financial decline. and expenses being incurred Though economies are expected with a view of reducing financial to recover in 2021, this is not outflows. This involves reading guaranteed. Some areas that the fine print / terms and the financial adviser will be able New Year Goals - Financial conditions on each obligation guide include debt consolidation, / agreement. severance packages, retirement It may seem reasonable to fund benefits, life cover and planning for a Rainy Day terminate some subscriptions medical aid. and other expenses you may Although we cannot predict happen at any time. COVID-19 financial planning becomes ever deem non-essential; however, the future we can prepare for By Emmanuel Allottey has created the biggest financial so important. During turbulent this may come at an unforeseen the future. Start Today! storm in recent history. As the economic times, retrenchment cost. Another option is to explore If there is one takeaway from prospect of a fresh start beckons remains a reality for many substitutes or alternatives, 2020 is the unexpected can with the approaching of 2021, employees. in some instances it maybe Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 9 Echo Report 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

Nyaoke Anoke, senior clinical project manager and medical Strong leadership fought Covid-19 in Africa manager at DNDi, argues: One of the most urgent priorities is the need for treatment The next step is to harness research for mild to moderate cases to avoid mass hospitalisations that would overwhelm already overburdened health systems. Dandy will soon be launching a African countries are still the pandemic is certainly a lesson country – the main way cases After two difficult years, the large clinical trial with a number reeling from the effect of for others. But strong leadership were being introduced. strategies paid off: over 300,000 of African and European partners measures, such as lockdowns, needs good science. For Africa, A number of countries also people were vaccinated. to fill this gap. A number of taken to contain the spread of this means that research for developed impressive testing Most of the research taking treatments that can be given to Covid-19. Though painful, they treatments and vaccines for programmes. One was , place for Covid-19 is happening patients with mild symptoms were a vital part of the successful Covid-19 must take place here, whose Institut Pasteur in in North America and Europe. will be tested. public health response mounted led by African scientists and was one of the only two Large, well-organised clinical Lastly, African countries need by many African leaders. tailored to this specific context. laboratories with Covid-19 trials that were launched months to be active in the research arena The quick responses by most Global solidarity might be testing capacity when the ago are already saving lives. to ensure that they are not last African countries meant that lacking in the fight against pandemic began. Results are now The first is that Africa has in the queue for life-saving they were able to avoid the Covid-19 but regional available in hours. The country a different genetic profile. treatments and vaccines. large-scale loss of life seen cooperation is not, especially has also trained health workers According to Helen Rees, African countries have proved elsewhere. The 1.8 million in Africa. As the director of elsewhere on the continent, executive director of the Wits that they have the skills and infections and 44,000 deaths the Africa Centres for Disease and the Institut is developing Reproductive Health and HIV expertise to provide local recorded on the continent by Control, John Nkengasong, home-test kits which should Institute in South Africa, who is solutions to this global pandemic. mid-November are a great loss. pointed out, “the continent be available soon. leading Covid-19 vaccine efforts They need to build on this success They are, nevertheless, far from came together very quickly”. In South Africa, an army of in South Africa, together to keep the pandemic the catastrophic predictions Under his leadership, 55 health health workers with experience Another reason for more at bay. made back in March and April. ministers gathered in Addis in HIV and tuberculosis were research on the continent is that But the fight is not yet over: Ababa in February to develop used as contact tracers for it can help drive policy. As Borna ( TheConversation.) the Africa Centres for Disease a joint African strategy for the Covid-19. Control has recently warned Covid-19 outbreak. Another feature of the of a fresh wave of infections, One of the decisions taken was response in some countries reporting almost 9,000 cases to develop a platform to train was getting the buy-in of a day. With lockdowns easing 100,000 health workers and communities. Steve Mundeke and borders opening this figure for the common procurement Ahuka, the incident manager will certainly rise. of diagnostics medical supplies. for the Covid-19 outbreak in the If good public health measures Called the “Partnership to Democratic Republic of Congo, helped Africa tackle its first Accelerate Covid-19 Testing in said the country drew on its Covid-19 wave, a response led Africa (PACT)”, the initiative was past experience in managing by scientists and researchers set up for multiple countries and the Ebola response. must be central to any current has led to 12 million tests being This involved using social and future threats. This was conducted. scientists and epidemiologists emphasised by several top Many countries closed borders to study perceptions of Ebola African scientists gathered at and implemented lockdowns. in the community because of a recent webinar convened to South Africa instituted one of the the distrust of outsiders. These discuss next steps to contain world’s strictest. For its part the insights were used to create the pandemic. Democratic Republic of Congo and adapt communications to The strong leadership displayed (DRC) instituted a lockdown and combat fake news and support by many African countries during suspended all flights into the vaccination and contact tracing. Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 Echo Report 11 Karowe Mine produces a 998 carat diamond

Lucara Diamond has announced the recovery of an unbroken 998 carat high white clivage diamond from its Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana.

The diamond, measuring 67x49x45mm, was recovered from direct milling of ore sourced from the EM/PK(S) unit of the South Lobe, and follows a notable series of diamond recoveries during this recent production run, including a number of top quality clivage and gem quality stones of 273, 105, 83, 73, and 69 carats in weight. The EM/PK(S) forms an important economic driver for the proposed underground mine at Karowe and continues to produce large gem quality in line with expectations, a further testament to the strong resource performance at Karowe. The 998-carat diamond was recovered in the MDR (“Mega Diamond Recovery”) XRT circuit that allows for diamond recovery post primary crushing and prior to milling. This recovery represents the second +500 carat diamond recovered from this circuit in 2020. To date, Karowe has produced 31 diamonds greater than 100 carats including 10 diamonds greater than 200 carats comprising of the 549 carat Sethunya, and the 998-carat diamond. In accordance with the partnership between Lucara and HB Antwerp regarding all diamonds greater than 10.8 carats produced from Karowe, both companies are evaluating the next steps in order to maximise the value of this rare large diamond. Lucara CEO Eira Thomas: “Lucara is extremely pleased with the continued recovery of large high-quality diamonds from the South Lobe of the Karowe mine. To recover two +500 carat diamonds in 10 months along with the many other high quality diamonds across all the size ranges is a testament to the unique aspect of the resource at Karowe and the mine’s ability to recover these large and rare diamonds. Operations at Karowe have continued through 2020 and operational challenges, due to Covid-19 restrictions, have been met with professionalism by the team. We look forward to a safe finish to 2020 and continued success at Karowe as we remain focussed on strong operations to ensure maximum resource performance.” 12 Climate Change Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020

the energy transition to stimulate their respective economies, developing countries, particularly those in Africa cannot afford to, and largely lack the supporting infrastructure and domestic market skills to follow this trend. While being the biggest global disruptor this decade, global evidence suggests that the energy transition does in fact create significant positive economic impact and other opportunities. Africa can benefit tremendously from the technology initiatives and learning curves largely paid for by the developed world. Despite most African countries having greening policies in place, implementation is largely lacking, domestic market momentum is low, and countries can’t afford the level of investment or incentives being implemented by the developed world. It is notable that some countries have taken steps to implement some form of basic energy transition policies, plans or strategies. Kenya, , , and South Africa have been the most proactive with progressive and clear policies, yet all remain short of their initial renewable energy installation targets. Countries such as , Algeria, , Egypt Covid-19 has accelerated the and have updated hydrocarbon legislation, regulations and decrees over pace of energy transitions the last three years in respect of local content, government revenue, transparency, fiscal Spurred on by the Covid-19 accelerated the renewable energy and sustainable environment. ongoing rise in shale production, measures and other reforms. global pandemic, the world transition through greening This disruption and change a slowing global economy and talk However, these haven’t always is finally galvanising its policy, economic stimulus and are taking place against the of a potential global recession, been aligned to an overall national commitment to move towards investment. backdrop of increasingly fragile the prospect of a deepening energy strategy that includes a green and sustainable future The company has released its African economies under fiscal trade war, structural oversupply energy transition. Many oil by mid-century, and the Africa’s Oil & Gas Review 2020 pressure from both the immediate of liquified natural gas (LNG) and gas exporting countries, global energy transition is the Energising a new tomorrow, Covid-19 responses required as production and concerns over specifically Nigeria and Angola, cornerstone of this new world. which continues to build well as depressed markets and security of supply with increased focus heavily on policy associated This transition to renewable on annual insights into the specifically declines in oil and attacks on oil production sites. with taxation and regulation of energy will continue to rapidly African oil and gas sector but gas production and exports. Due to a decreased demand the oil and gas sectors, which gain momentum throughout the expands the focus to include The development and early during Covid-19 and prolonged has detracted from progressing coming decade, led by policy the unprecedented disruption adoption of clear, regionally low oil prices, global M&A activity renewable energy policy. shifts towards green incentives caused by the Covid-19 global aligned country strategies saw a steep decline in 2020 with Overall, the majority of the as developed economies begin pandemic as well as the biggest and policy dialogue aimed at an 88% decline by value and oil and gas exporting countries to “build back better”. global theme for this decade - the capitalising on the global energy 40% decline by number when do not have adequate energy The dramatic global oil demand renewable energy transition. transition and harnessing the compared to 2019. transition policies in place and slump, triggered by economic The Covid-19 market attractive wind and solar array With global peak oil demand are still largely focusing on lock-down across the world disruption has provided insight across Africa may be an attractive behind us, Covid-19 has hydrocarbons for domestic power and a result of the downgrading into the future energy system, and sustainable outcome for accelerated the global energy as well as continued exports. of long-term global oil demand permanently changed our Africa. transition by as much as five outlook; estimated to never again behaviour and given us a new A number of challenges arose in years. While developed countries ( Bizcommunity.) exceed 2019 levels; has left African perspective on the value of a clean 2019 for the oil and gas sector. The are moving quickly to accelerate economies under significant increased economic and fiscal distress, especially those reliant on Oil and Gas. In this shifting world, however, there is an opportunity for Africa to take advantage of the global energy transition and the new global markets taking shape. It opens up the prospect for the continent’s countries to diversify their economies, address energy , create new employment sectors and benefit from the investment incentives out of the developed world. “The Covid-19 pandemic has played havoc in global economies and energy markets, with oil being shown to be particularly vulnerable. In response, the developed world has Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 13 Travel

Leeville Guest House: Accommodation with a homely pristine setting

This unique and cosy, thatched rooms have television sets facility stands on a high ground Echo Travel and Toursim with access to Dstv, and wi- of Lesoma village, a stone throw got first-hand experience of this fi connection. This limited away from the Chobe Forest magnificent facility recently. number of guests guarantees Reserve. It is also located Lesoma Village in the Chobe comfort and intimacy since near the historic Lesoma District, strikingly stands out it promotes less human In December 2015, a young day travelling brings a new set Disaster National Monument as the custodian of flora and interaction between guests Motswana woman, Boikaego of issues and opportunities,” landmark in a less developed fauna, commanding beautiful and inherently promotes social Moshoeshoe and her husband she advised. area, providing guests with topographical views. To many distancing. took an adventurous trip to While Leeville primarily natural wilderness experience who have found time to visit this Furthermore, all the rooms during the festive season provides accommodation to that is generally associated small village, sitting about 25 have direct access from the and they were immediately customers, guests do not travel with lodges and campsites in kilometres outside Kasane, the outside which is advantageous struck with serious shortage simply to stay in a hotel or lodge the pristine environments. place is arguably, the gateway in meeting social distancing of accommodation. hence the facility works with All these traits about this to the mighty Chobe river, and COVID-19 protocols. The Something strikingly odd other partners to provide a facility makes it stand out for , Kasane risk of contracting the virus stood out; there was no budget holistic package that includes a budget traveller, who yearns and other attractions in is greatly minimized to save accommodation with a pristine activities such as boat cruises for a serene environment away Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier guard the wellbeing of its valued homely setting character. On and game drives. from the buslting life of the Conservation Area like the guests. the last day, whilst sight- town centre, to spend their Victoria Falls and others. seeing, they ended up at the Leeville was not spared the nights before venturing on to Leeville Guesthouse has only But who came up with beautiful Lesoma Village. The effects of travel restrictions site seeing, game drives and 5 rooms -3 double rooms and the magnificent Leeville attraction of the village had a due to the COVID-19 pandemic boatcruises. two-family rooms - and total idea and saw it to its lasting impression on them; that saw booking almost all capacity of 12 guests. All the fruition? she was inspired, and it later cancelled or deferred effective became the home of Leeville. February 2020 resulting in Leeville is owned by Royal decimation of the revenues in Mongers (PTY) Ltd, a 100% the tourism industry. citizen-owned company, whose “Leeville Guest House was sole shareholder is Boikaego not spared as it recorded very Moshoeshoe. Moshoeshoe has minimal business from March shared with Echo Travel and to May 2020. The pandemic also Tourism some of the benefits had adverse impact on both of travelling, and why Leeville national and global economies is the best place to complete thus reducing the disposal the orbit of travel in the most income for leisure travel,” sought after destination. Moshoeshoe said. “Travelling contributes to good The good news to travellers into mental health in the form of the ’s Moremi positive emotions, greater life Game Reserve and the Savute satisfaction and less stress. area is that Leeville is targeting Furthermore, it challenges to expand to Khwai where it oneself not to get stuck in the recently acquired a place to rut of daily routines but rather set up another magnificent to learn through experiencing guesthouse. unfamiliar things thus expanding one’s perspective about life in general. Travelling is one of the best ways to learn more about oneself since every 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 CLASSIFIED ADS Call 3933805/6 To Advertise.

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA HELD AT GABORONE CASE NO. CVHGB-001236-19 In the matter between:

FIRST NATIONAL LIMITED Plainti And KEWAGAMANG CONSTANCE MOSIIWA Defendant Call 3933805/6 NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION

E EE E NE that pursuant to judgment granted in the above Honourable Court on h s the Defendant’s property will be sold by auction to the highest bidder by Deputy Sheri Omphemetse Peter Kaisara.

DATE: h eceer FOR MORE NEWS GO TO OUR TIME OF SALE: a PLACE OF SALE: o ee hwe

piece of land being o situated in ee hwe WEBSITE.: www.echo.co.bw PROPERTY TO BE SOLD : owshp Eeso measuring 420m² (Four Hundred and Twenty Square Metres); held under Deed of Transfer Number dated h day of epeer made in favour of EN NNE EE with some developments therein being; a 4 bedroomed house, master en-suite, sitting room, kitchen, dinning room, toilet, toilet and bathroom, fence and gate.

E E Cash or bank guaranteed cheques

E NE h E

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

change the landscape of African countries in a collective football and make the game on statement last month. the continent more profitable,” But the CAF president is said SAFA president Danny under investigation by FIFA’s Jordaan. ethics committee for alleged Motsepe was not present at corruption and his imminent the announcement. suspension, reported by both The 58-year-old mining the BBC and Football, magnate is the third candidate, has opened the door for ahead of Thursday’s deadline challengers. for nominations, following Ahmad, a former minister in incumbent Ahmad Ahmad of , won a dramatic Madagascar and the Ivorian election in 2017 when he Jacques Anouma, a former FIFA deposed the long-standing executive committee member. incumbent Issa Hayatou of Motsepe is the owner of South . However, his tenure African champions Mamelodi has been dogged by allegations Sundowns and has pumped of embezzlement and the millions into making the club sacking of whistleblowers at the dominant force in domestic CAF headquarters in . competition plus regular Ahmad was taken in for contenders for continental questioning by French police in honours. They won the African Paris last year amid allegations Champions League four years a French company was involved ago. in the alleged corruption. The Anouma announced his CAF elections are set for intention to run at the weekend on March 12. while Ahmad was endorsed Sundowns owner runs by 46 of the 54 CAF member (Reuters). for leadership of African football

South African billionaire for the top post in African conference on Monday with Patrice Motsepe has been soccer gathers momentum. support from Botswana, Sierra nominated as a candidate for the Motsepe’s candidacy was Leone and Nigeria. leadership of the Confederation announced by the South African “His business acumen makes of African Football as the race Football Association at a news him a revolutionary choice to Echo Newspaper 16 Nov - 22 Nov 2020 Sports 15

is providing pedometers to Getting people more active is key employees so that they can monitor (and increase) their daily steps. to better health: here are 8 areas for 8: Community-wide programmes: Community- wide programmes to promote investment physical activity will have benefits beyond health. These Africa is facing an increasing provided at the parks. Active all has been attained in high- have shown to be successful in burden of noncommunicable Eight investments urban design allows for many income countries such as , particularly in terms diseases. The lack of physical 1: School Programmes: of the things people need to be . of scaling-up interventions activity is a risk factor for most Physically active children are near to home or work, within with political support, and of them. likely to be physically active walking distance. 7: Workplaces: For sedentary Japan where population- Research on physical as adults. Physical activity occupations, workplace-based level physical activity was inactivity trends in Africa is also contributes positively to 4: Healthcare: Health physical activity programmes increased. But these have yet limited. But evidence suggests academic achievement and professionals are in a position to will have physical, mental, to be implemented effectively that as countries undergo classroom behaviour. School advise patients on how and why and social benefits, while in any African country. transitions such as increased environments and programmes they should be physically active. also reducing absenteeism urbanisation, physical activity that keep students active But some health professionals and burnout and increasing ( TheConversation.) levels may decline. before, during and after school need additional training and productivity. An example But in Africa, the health are recommended. One of the support to promote physical agenda is dominated by pressing best known and successful activity. There are indications issues such as infectious diseases multi-component programmes of success in some high-income and food insecurity. Given these is ’s “Schools on the countries such as . competing priorities and the Move”. absence of physical activity 5: Public and the policies, African countries need 2: Active travel: Funded media: Social media, digital to know which strategies to transport policies that support media and mass media invest in. walking, cycling and public campaigns can transmit Encouraging physical activity transport encourage more clear messages about physical should be a priority. Being active modes of travel. These activity. These platforms can physically active is not entirely policies should address safety as cost-effectively reach large an individual choice, but a well. Most city-based journeys populations and increase result of what funds, spaces, are short enough to walk, cycle awareness of the importance places and opportunities are or roll. Replacing car trips with of physical activity and available to the individual active transport trips improves opportunities to be more active, and communities. This is why health, reduces injury and road and to behaviour change. governments and leaders have trauma, and reduces harmful a role to play. emissions, along with other 6: Sport and recreation for all: Decades of research highlight benefits. Providing a variety of sporting that no single solution will opportunities across the lifespan increase population levels of 3: Active urban design: People is key to keeping people engaged physical activity, which have are active in locations that in sport. Given the high cost declined and stagnated over feel safe and enticing to use. of some sports, government the last 50 years. That’s why Spaces can be designed to subsidies may be one way our reinvestment suggestions support physical activity, to increase participation. cover a range of settings and such as buildings where the Sport has specifically been government departments. stairs are visually appealing. linked to the attainment of Multiple departments, Providing access to parks is the Sustainable Development including transport, education, another clear example, but Goals, with a “Tool Kit for sport and health, need to work there are nuances, such as the Action” for countries to draw together. type and quality of amenities on. Sport and recreation for THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 16 Nove -22 Nove 2020 From Arsenal and Barcelona to : Alex Song has new goals

Alex Song used to play for and 185th in the world. marquee European clubs This will be their third Arsenal and Barcelona. Now, consecutive Confederation he is preparing to line up with Cup appearance with a heavy Arta Solar 7 of Djibouti in the defeat by Kariobangi Stars of CAF Confederation Cup. Kenya in 2018 followed by a It will be a tall order for the better showing when going 33-year-old Cameroonian as down to Al of . the team from the tiny Horn Should the virtually of Africa nation drew Al unimaginable happen and Mokawloon Al Arab (formerly Arta eliminate Mokawloon, Arab Contractors) in the they would face an even bigger preliminary round draw in obstacle in continental giants Cairo Monday. Etoile Sahel from . While success in Africa has Etoile are the only club to eluded the Cairo outfit of late, have won all five current and they won the now defunct now defunct CAF competitions African Cup Winners Cup three -- the Champions League, times between 1982 and 1996. Confederation Cup, Super Cup, Mokawloon qualified by African Cup Winners Cup and finishing fourth behind African CAF Cup. giants Al Ahly and Zamalek Apart from playing for the and 2020 Confederation Cup senior team, Song will supervise runners-up Pyramids in the youth development at Solar Egyptian Premier League. during his two-year contract. The route to Africa for Arta was less daunting as they ( Cafonline.) lifted the FA Cup in Djibouti, a country ranked 51st in Africa

THE AFRICAN STORY

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