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ISSUE NUMBER 769 VOLUME 2 17 - 23 MAY 2021

Rapid tests up ’s COVID-19 diagnosis

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From Africa to the World – The Music of Sereetsi & - DRC The Natives REGIONAL INTEGRATION page 12

PROJECT GAINS Maroo Mobile Safaris – MOMENTUM Adventure Awaits -The two countries undertake the Kasomeno- Mwenda toll road-Bridge-borderpost project -Project to decongest traffic at Kasumbalesa Border page 12 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

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 PIC: Artists impression ,Hon. Manager Nickson Chilangwa, MP Ruele Ramoeng [email protected] Editor Bright Kholi [email protected] After Kazungula Bridge: Zambia

Head of Design Ame Kolobetso undertakes Kasomeno-Mwenda toll [email protected] Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng road-Bridge-borderpost project with DRC [email protected]

Echo is published by Following the commissioning facility incorporating road, bridge that crosses the Zambezi Development (GED) Projects YMH Publishing of the Kazungula Bridge and a bridge, airstrip and tolling River was attended by 5 heads Africa Zambia Limited and the YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, one stop border by Botswana facilities. The two countries of state – the hosts President Governments of Zambia (GRZ) GIFP, Gaborone and Zambia last week, a project signed a Memorandum of Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Postal address: hailed a regional integration Understanding on the project and Lungu of Zambia, as well Congo (DRC). P O BOX 840, and continental success story, in 2019. as Emmerson Mnangagwa of The concessionaire has Gaborone, another equally critical regional On the Kazungula Bridge and Zimbabwe, SADC Chair Phillipe signed separate concession Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. integration project is about to One stop border on both the Nyusi of Mozambique and AU agreements with the respective E-mail: [email protected] commence between Zambia Botswana and Zambian sides, Chair Tshisekedi. , governments. (Additional www.echo.co.bw and Democratic Republic of President Lungu highlighted Namibia and the Kingdom of information: Road Development Congo (DRC). that the infrastructure was Iswatini were also represented. Agency-Zambia). DISCLAIMER: The highly anticipated project worth the effort since movement Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. between the two countries of transit traffic at the border About Kasomeno Mwenda About Kazungula Bridge Letters must carry the will further promote regional will improve due to the greatly toll road -bridge- borderpost and One stop bridge Project full name and address of integration in the region and reduced border transit time and project the sender. Letters must promote intra-regional trade. improved border management The Project involves upgrading The Government of the conform to the laws of With improved movement of processes. 85km of the Chalwe to Mwenda Republic of Zambia, through Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code goods along the South-North “This will result in the increase Road and construction of a new the Road Development Agency Of Ethics. Letters will also be corridor through, the newly in trade, competitiveness, bridge across the Luapula River and the Republic of Botswana edited for length, libel and commissioned Kazungula job creation, tourism and at Chalwe. Once upgraded, the through the Ministry of language. Bridge, the upcoming project the development of local new route is anticipated to Transport and Communication, will further complement the communities,” he said. significantly reduce travel times. embarked on the Kazungula easing of movement in goods Lungu said the completion of The scope also includes the Bridge Project (KBP) to construct and people into East, Central project was timely as it would construction of a new road and the Kazungula Bridge across the and North Africa. facilitate intra-Africa trade. He associated border controls and Zambezi River and One Stop Speaking during the said the development will give toll plazas between Kasomeno Border Post (OSBP) facilities commissioning of the Kazungula impetus to the implementation of in the Democratic Republic of in both countries. Bridge last week, President SADC- East African Community Congo (DRC) and Mwenda in The Project was divided into Edgar Lungu of Zambia said Common Market for Eastern and Zambia. three packages as follows: his country and the DRC are on Southern Africa -SADC – EASA- Key elements of the project Package 1 – Construction the way of putting up a similar COMESA Tripartite Free trade include: 182 km of new single of Kazungula Bridge and Read more Echo project between their two area and African Continental carriageway road. 96km of the Approach Ramps; Package 2 stories on our countries. He said the project, Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). road is situated in the DRC and 86 – Construction of One Stop Facebook page by named the Kasomeno Mwenda “This facility is a critical km in Zambia and Construction Border Post (Botswana); and Tour Road- Bridge and border milestone in the development of a 345 metres cable-stayed Package 3 – Construction of scanning the QR post - will be built through a of the North-South corridor as bridge across the River Luapula. One Stop Border Post (Zambia). code below with Private Public Partnership (PPP) it would also facilitate access to Other components are the Works were completed last your mobile phone initiative. international markets through Construction of one-stop border year, and the bridge was handed “Once completed, it will linkages to major sea ports,” posts on either side of the River over in October. The Contract decongest traffic at Kasumbalesa he said Bridge with associated parking Sum was US$174,184,799.54 Border Post from the Walvis Bay, Meanwhile, African Union and warehousing facilities and which was shared between Ndola Lubumbashi corridor,” Chairperson, also President Construction of toll plazas on Zambia and Botswana. Lungu revealed. of the DRC Fellix Tshisisekedi both sides of the bridge. Others The Contractor for the project The project, Lungu said will Chilombo, presiding as the guest are Construction of four satellite was Daewoo Engineering & once completed add to regional of honour said Kazungula Bridge toll plazas and Provision of an Construction Ltd from Korea and integration between Zambia, project by the two SADC states access road to the proposed the supervision consultants are a Congo, Tanzania and Africa. subscribes well to the Africa airport at Kasenga. The project is consortium of engineering firms The project is also said to be the Agenda 2063. an integrated PPP toll concession referred to as the Kazungula first of-its-kind in the continent The commissioning of the between the Concessionaire, Bridge Consultants JV. combining a one-stop border multi-million-dollar Kazungula Messrs Groupe Europeén de Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 Echo Report 3 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

test’s detection limit, as such Rapid tests up Zimbabwe’s a negative test result cannot exclude COVID-19 infection and a repeat confirmatory polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 diagnosis test is necessary particularly in symptomatic patients. The World Health Organization Zimbabwe has upscaled the game changer, according to far-flung localities. Antigen rapid diagnostic (WHO) recommends that the use of antigen rapid diagnostic Dr Raiva Simbi, the Deputy “Most of our clinics are able tests detect active SARS- CoV- antigen rapid tests be used in tests to reinforce its COVID-19 Director Laboratory Services at to do tests using the rapid 2 infection and are used as four scenarios: in suspected response, hitting a daily rate of the Ministry of Health and Child diagnostic test kits,” says Dr point of care diagnostic tests. outbreaks where there is no 4000 tests – a fourfold increase Care. Initially COVID-19 tests Simbi. “The advantages of the They detect the COVID-19 access to polymerase chain reached within just two months were done through the standard turn-around time outweigh viral proteins, specifically the reaction testing, including in after the method was launched polymerase chain reaction in a the supremacy of the PCR virus antigen. Rapid diagnostic remote, hard-to-reach areas; to in November 2020. major laboratory in the capital [polymerase chain reaction] tests are easy to use and do trace the extent of an outbreak The rapid tests have been a Harare and later decentralized in terms of technological not require a laboratory or where at least one case is to the provinces. Even then this advancement. We are very happy expensive equipment. detected through polymerase was hamstrung by shortages that we are covering the whole Test done with antigen rapid chain reaction, including in in the supply of reagents due country in terms of diagnosis diagnostic tests will most often closed and semi closed settings to global competition and of COVID-19.” be positive when viral loads are such as prisons, schools, care longer turn-around time for At least 600 sites have been highest, and patients are most homes; among high-risk groups “Most of our tests results. set up for the rapid diagnostic infectious – typically 1−3 days like health workers; and in areas The rapid diagnosis tests have tests and more than 1800 health prior to the onset of symptoms with widespread community clinics are able been distributed to clinics in workers from the country’s 10 and during the first 5−7 days transmission. to do tests rural areas and results are provinces have been trained in after the onset of symptoms Antigen rapid diagnostic tests ‘‘using the rapid received 20–30 minutes (at their use. Health worker training – and will become negative as are also useful in other aspects diagnostic test the minimum), a time reduction is ongoing to reinforce skills the patient clears the infection of COVID-19 prevention and from up to one week in certain particularly in remote areas with and recovers. Antigen rapid control such as supporting kits,” says Dr cases when results through no laboratories or laboratory diagnostic tests may return treatment, contact tracing, Simbi. the polymerase chain reaction personnel, increasing testing false negative results when surveillance and outbreak testing had to be sent back to capacity and coverage. the viral load falls below the investigations. The tests have enabled wide coverage of testing, timely reporting and has “helped us break the [COVID-19] transmission throughout the country,” says Dr Mugabe Muchaneta, WHO laboratory specialist in Zimbabwe. The country has to date conducted more than 121 000 antigen rapid diagnostic tests and over 390 000 polymerase chain reaction tests. “PCR is now well complemented by the [rapid diagnostic tests] and interventions are being done in a timely manner,” says Dr Simbi.

(WHO Africa.) Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 Echo Report 5

Road to Zambia Elections 19 Presidential candidates pay nomination fees for Zambia Elections

The Electoral Commission of appealed to Zambians not to will work because the members Zambia -ECZ- has announced voter for people whose interest are genuine and that no pre- that a total of 19 presidential is to spoil voters at a time when conditions were set as the candidates have so far paid the the opposition in the country alliance was being formed, required K95, 000 nomination needs to unite. making it unique and genuine. fee. Mweetwa said the newly Addressing the media in formed political pact between Lusaka last week, where he the UPND and other politicians (Phoenix news) also gave an update on the certified registered voters, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano said the 19 candidates made the payments between Monday 3rd May and Sunday 9th May 2021.

Nshindano explains that following the successful payment of the nomination fees by the 19 candidates, the commission has since made a timetable for pre-processing of presidential supporters which were conducted from Wednesday 12th May to Saturday 15th May 2021. He has however clarified that the successful payment of the nomination fees does not mean that the candidates have qualified to be on the ballot as there are other processes that still need to be conducted before the final list of candidates to be on the ballot is arrived at. Meanwhile, the commission has certified over 7 million registered voters against its projected 9 million registered voters. Nshindano disclosed that after the inspection, de-duplication and final consolidation by the commission, the certified 2021 register of voters’ stands at 7,023,499 with Lusaka province accounting for the highest at 17.7 percent. He also disclosed that only 43.2 percent of the registered voters, translating to 3, 035, and 417 verified their details both physically and digitally. And Zambia’s largest opposition political party, the UPND has doubted the genuineness of the 19 presidential candidates who have so far paid the K95, 000 nomination fee ahead of the August elections. Party Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa feels most of the presidential aspirants are not genuine and has accused the ruling patriotic front of having paid them in order to spoil votes. Mweetwa says the 19 presidential candidates as announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia are meant to populate the ballot paper so that they confuse the electorate especially those who are illiterate. He has charged that the high number of candidates on the ballot paper will result in voters to lose their preferred candidates and in this vain 6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 LEA Upskills Local Businesses For Growth & Success Your Family Dentist Dental Clinic

support. Your Family Dentist Clinic continues to benefit from other LEA interventions that include business advisory, coaching and Your Family Dentist Dental patients with or without medical the use of modern technology mentoring services. Currently Clinic, directed by Dr. Pogiso insurance cover. to efficiently offer services in a the business has nine full time Letswere is a LEA assisted Dr. Pogiso Letswere registered timely manner. employees enterprise based in Ghanzi, with LEA in 2014, and was To effectively manage Tau Mall. The business started assisted to develop a viable the business and monitor Contact Details: operations in 2014. The clinic business plan to access funding profitability, the business has offers the following services; to start the project. Three years also been assisted with branding 659 7867 or 762 216 95 complete oral examinations, later, the business was also and intellectual property rights oral surgery, fillings, tooth assisted to source more funds and patenting as well as training Email: Facebook: replacement, cleaning and to expand. The clinic was able on records keeping and customer [email protected] polishing, extractions, root to purchase additional dental care. Your Family Dentist Dental Clinic canals, crowns, teeth whitening, equipment and also to introduce LEA continued to provide the Website: bridges, partials, enamel an outreach clinic in Charleshill. clinic with business advisory www.yourfamilydentistclinic.com ARTICLE BROUGHT TO bonding, dentures, sealants Furthermore, LEA took the client support services that include and periodontal treatments. for benchmarking in South Africa procurement procedures and YOU BY LEA The services are offered to to acquire more knowledge on technology and innovation Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 Echo Report 7

adults, 70% of people shopping important once our lives return locally during the pandemic to some kind of normality, as said they would continue to many have been starved of social do so once it was over. interactions. Other factors also come into One problem, though, is play. Consumers often have a whether there will be any great need to touch products and choice of shops remaining on the many find pleasure in the high street, as physical stores sensory stimulation of visiting disappear and brands become a shop, which clearly can’t available only online. Recent be replicated online. In fact, examples in the UK include the consumers are often motivated fashion outlets Topshop and Miss to touch products just because Selfridge and the department it is fun and this in turn can store Debenhams. increase the likelihood of purchase. High street retailers This may pose a dilemma for can benefit from these consumer consumers when they wish to needs. return to physical shopping after Retailers should give some the pandemic, as there simply thought to the fact that may not be enough shops to consumers often spend more satisfy their needs. If there is a in physical environments than lack of variety then they may they would online. A physical find that they are drawn back Covid-19 Is Giving A New store can also provide a good online, where they can order opportunity for consumers anything they want with the to return unwanted online click of a button. Appreciation For Physical Shops purchases, and offers the The Shopping app will curate opportunity to exchange or unique experiences for mall buy other products rather than visitors, in line with Attacq’s The outlook for high street Globally, after the first round of having been isolated for a period just sending them back. This may mission to put the customer stores seems gloomy. Social lockdowns in 2020, consumers of time. Research carried out be one way to combat the high back at the centre of the retail distancing measures and flocked to the shops. At the before the pandemic suggested return rates for online purchases, experience. It’s likely that in the lockdowns have driven people Bicester Village shopping outlet that interactions with in-store which are often around 30% future, consumers will want to to shop online, leading to shop in England, crowds were so great salespeople could satisfy some compared to only 8% for in- combine purchasing online with closures and a boom for online that people petitioned for shops of the social needs of consumers store purchases. shopping in person. retailers such as Amazon. to be closed. who experience loneliness. Shoppers benefit from physical Perhaps this is the ideal time Before the pandemic, online The pandemic has caused Covid-19 has also led people shopping, too. Social interactions for high streets to reinvent shopping was a growing trend people to spend much more to new kinds of shopping have the ability to improve themselves, offering consumers – and it’s possible that Covid-19 time at home – and to appreciate experience. They have explored emotional well-being, and many a more satisfying shopping is the tipping point that will a change of scene, which a trip to different types of shops, people go on shopping trips experience that responds to their change how we shop for good. the shops can provide. Many may especially smaller ones that with a companion, making it needs for social interaction and However, it’s clear that also cherish the social aspect of are local to where they live or an inherently social experience. physical touch.( Bizcommunity.) people still value physical shops. going shopping, especially after work. In one survey of British These social occasions will be 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

cover. Retrenchment cover replaces lost income due to retrenchment. Medical insurance during this pandemic cannot be overemphasised. Tax planning: the right kind of investment/purchase can reduce our taxable income to a certain extent. With proper tax planning you can utilise the various exemptions and deduction options through which you can bring down our taxable income. Retirement planning: Retirement is one of the most crucial life stages, and it can be as blissful or as miserable depending preparation. Retirement planning is a two- step process. First, is saving for retirement and second is, generating income from your assets during retirement. Both require intentional action. Individuals in work and Developing a Financial Wellness approaching early retirement need to understand the impact of market volatility on their Checklist pension pot, and what decisions, adjustments need to be made, to By Emmanuel Allottey retirement planning. way of saving money. In addition, and medium-term fluctuations. ensure their retirement benefits The coronavirus pandemic Below is a breakdown of the savings accounts allow you to Investment portfolios should be are secure. has highlighted the importance key financial wellness pillars: earn interest, thus improving balanced and well diversified to The coronavirus pandemic has of health, both physical and Savings: The aim is having a your financial position. remain resilient and profitable. prompted a review of personal financial. Financial wellness financial buffer that will cover Investing: investing is an Financial protection: Financial financial wellness. Those who defines the overall financial up to three to six months’ worth important tool for increasing protection through the various find their financial wellness health of an individual. It is of living expenses should any your personal wealth. Successful types of Insurance products requiring attention should essential to monitor the status disruptions to a financial position investing requires choosing the protect and preserve wealth seek immediate intervention. of the five pillars of a complete occur. An automatic savings right instrument that will grow and legacy. An insurance Developing a plan with input financial picture. These are plan is an integral part of every your money. Investors need to product gaining momentum from a financial adviser will saving, investing, financial financial plan that leverages remain focused on long term due to the coronavirus assist in improving your financial protection, tax planning and technology to create a seamless goals and avoid reacting to short- pandemic is retrenchment health and wellness.

advantages for a young, tech- savvy population. In Kenya, remittance company BitPesa uses Bitcoin as a medium for international money transfers. This avoids bank fees and also skips the cost of converting money into different currencies. Investors looking to venture into cryptocurrencies need to accept the risks associated with this disruptive investment. The very nature of cryptocurrency means prices are volatile. The exponential growth in price may seem attractive, however a sudden drop in price may impact potential returns. Virtual currencies remain unregulated in most African countries and their legal status is often unclear, meaning there is no safety net to compensate Are Cryptocurrencies lucrative for for loss of funds. Another major risk with investing in cryptocurrencies is the lack of Africans investors education and experience with new technologies. Individuals without adequate information By Emmanuel Allottey internet penetration continues growth in price of over 200 000 interference by governments. are most at risk of falling victim to to advance. Bitcoin is the most percent. For African nations with an increasing number of crypto- African investors looking popular form of cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency transactions an unstable political and scams or investing schemes that for opportunities to maximise however there are over 6,000 in Africa are growing rapidly. economic environment with are not cryptocurrencies and in their returns are now turning other types of cryptocurrency Cryptocurrencies are designed to unreliable local currencies and the wrong markets. to cryptocurrencies. Spurred that have been created, including cut out the middlemen, such as hyperinflation are driving the Cryptocurrencies have the by the success of mobile money popular options like Ethereum credit card companies or banks, adoption of cryptocurrencies potential to revolutionise the payments in Africa, investment and Litecoin. making it cheaper to transfer as an avenue for uninterrupted financial system. Investors interest has in cryptocurrencies The recent growth in money from one virtual wallet transactions. looking for lucrative options has increased exponentially. Dogecoin has demonstrated to another. The African continent is well stand to gain by investing in Africa is a relatively the opportunity that lies in Cryptocurrencies are not versed with innovative financial cryptocurrency provided they nascent market regarding cryptocurrency. Dogecoin has controlled by any central technology solutions such as can accept the risks associated cryptocurrencies, but this is fast a market capitalization of over authority, which theoretically mobile money, the introduction with the investment. changing as digital adoption and $63 billion, with exceptional protects them from any of a virtual currency offers Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 9 Echo Report 10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 How trade deals explain the behaviour of West African elites

The political survival of of that commodity drops to very was not a member, grew at an Economic crises often political legitimacy. ruling elites is one of the major low levels, especially over long annual average of 2.1% during threatens the survival of ruling Côte d’Ivoire, on the other determining factors behind their periods of time. the same period. elites, resulting in political crises. hand, under Houphouët- trade policy choices. But trade The ruling elites can respond Furthermore, countries that A government that depends on Boigny’s government, negotiated policy choices can determine to the fear of this threat in two signed up experienced fewer a particular commodity for its with the European Economic whether a country’s economy ways. The first option is to try political crises during this revenue will feel threatened Community for a guaranteed diversifies to reduce dependence to diversify their economies to period than non-members. This when the price of that product price that was higher than the on the production of a few goods reduce dependence on one or finding applies across a range of reaches a critically low level. world market price. This was or services. This phenomenon is a few commodity exports. The proxies for political crisis. Non- Subsequently, ruling elites done within the framework most pronounced in countries second option is to enter into members of the convention had will seek economic change to of the Yaoundé Convention of whose economies are heavily trade agreements that guarantee on average twice as many crisis safeguard their power base. 1963. This enabled the country to dependent on a few commodity the price of key commodity as the affiliated countries did. This explains the diversification survive the decline in the price exports. exports. This is what some West Collectively, , Ghana and undertaken by the countries that of cocoa. But Côte d’Ivoire’s To understand this African countries have done. Sierra Leone experienced eight didn’t sign up to the Yaoundé response amounted to a neo- phenomenon better, I have But the second option is a trap. military coups during the period Conventions. colonial economic system, looked at the behaviour of ruling My research shows that of the conventions, meaning the For the signatories, the meaning the continuation of a elites in West Africa since the trade partnerships with the EU three had an average of 2.6 coups partnership with the EU provided colonial economic system. early 1960s. I focused specifically generally function as a system each. The three didn’t sign up price support that maintained Economic diversification, on their choices of trade policy of extraversion for West African to Yaoundé. Togo, Burkina Faso, the existing economic system. particularly diversification and relations. I chose West Africa ruling elites. To ensure their Senegal, Ivory Coast, Mali and This helped the signatory from unproductive into highly because some of the countries political survival, they tend to Niger had six, translating into countries avoid the political productive economic activities, in the region, including Burkina fashion their trade relations with an average of one coup each. conditions that drove economic has been identified as crucial Faso, Senegal and Ivory Coast, the EU as one of dependency. There were also wide change in the non-signatory to sustainable development in have basically been in a trade These amount to the continuation differences in the diversification countries. Africa. But such changes seldom partnership with the European of a colonial economic system, efforts of the members and non- The response of the two occur spontaneously without Union and its predecessor, the a neo-colonial relationship. members. By the end of the countries is telling. Kwame state interventions in the form of European Economic Community, It comes at the expense of Yaoundé Conventions, only two Nkrumah’s government in Ghana production or industrial policies. since independence. economic diversification. of the affiliated countries had plotted an economic course The logic of such policies follows The behaviour of ruling elites The economies of the countries changed one of their top three away from cocoa, cancelling its the pursuit of political survival. is informed by the fact that that signed the Yaoundé main export products. All the pending investment in the sector. Since the Yaoundé economic crises often threaten Convention grew twice as fast non-affiliates had changed on This attempt followed a political Conventions, ruling elites in their survival, resulting in as those that didn’t. The economy average two of their top three crisis that had threatened West Africa have consciously political crises. A government of Côte d’Ivoire, a signatory export products. This difference Nkrumah’s position. As in other negotiated trade partnerships that depends on a particular to the convention, grew at an has crucial implications for unaffiliated countries during with the EU to protect existing commodity for its revenue will annual average of 8.1% between understanding the actual effect this period, diversification in economic systems against crisis feel threatened when the price 1961 and 1975. Ghana, which of the trade partnership. Ghana was an attempt to regain in order to guarantee their survival. As astutely noted in the mid-1980s by political scientist John Ravenhill in 1985, A proper understanding of the EU’s trade partnership with African countries, and how it affects the incentive structure of ruling elites, is needed to truly understand the problems of diversification and industrial development in Africa. While the recent trend towards intra- Africa trade, in the form of the recent African Continental Free Trade Area, is positive, the fact is that the EU trade partnership is more important to some African counties than regional or continental trade. (TheConversation.) Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 Echo Report 11 12 Arts Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

in other elements because at the end of the day I am a Motswana living in this modern age,” Sereetsi said. Sereetsi commented that promoting oneself as an artist is a challenge because as an artist you are more drawn to the creative aspect of things like creating music and performing and the branding takes a back seat but he believes that both should be done because it’s a business. “It’s just as important that what you do reaches the people,” he said. He believes artists have to know how the music affects people and who these people are and that artists cannot afford to I will be collaborating more be in the dark about the business and more internationally. I will aspect. Sereetsi said that it has collaborate locally as well though From Africa to the World been fun to tour and perform I really want to increase my in South Africa and expand to footprint across the continent other markets. and across the world so it’s a no – The Music of Sereetsi & “I have been one of the brainer that to do that I would fortunate artists who have have to have a global approach to The Natives been able to perform across the how I do things,” Sereetsi said. continent really. There was a time Sereetsi said that the advice Ryan Blumton “There were these four string in his university days he got to when I thought it was going to he would give to upcoming and folk guitarists who would ply be involved with various bands be really difficult because let’s aspiring artists is the same that In this week’s Echo Arts, we their trade in the watering including heavy metal. He grew face it not a lot of artists in the he would give to himself, which look at the music and career of holes of Somerset. So, I often to love music in general. continent are performing across is “We need to work hard, we Botswana’s Tomeletso Sereetsi found myself among elders just “When the time was right the continent. need to keep up the work, keep -singer, songwriter and producer checking out these guitarists for me and I felt I was ready, I Sereetsi said that many the faith and trust in the gift and of Afro Jazz group Sereetsi & the and I thought it was the highest stepped into it and put out an Africans want to experience the just keep at it and not take the Natives. Sereetsi is also author form of entertainment, serious, album in 2015,” said Sereetsi. music and culture of their fellow foot off the pedal.” of The Solo Four String Guitar high art. Africans and that exploring Sereetsi believes there is a great of Botswana and a TV producer I think that is where the He described his music as Africa as an artist paves the way future for African music. “The with a show titled Meet the Band seed was planted for me,” said Setswana contemporary/folk for collaborations. He believes world has become smaller, it’s so airing now on Now TV. Sereetsi. music and said that he brings that collaborations could bring interconnected and we have the “What we do as adults comes Sereetsi said that he picked up in many elements to what Africans closer and open more tools today to be seen in various from a seed that was planted the guitar around 1999, playing essentially is a proudly Setswana markets for artists. markets and to collaborate with in us as kids. I have always it on and off. There would be one sound. He added that it’s not “I will be working throughout artists from all over the world gravitated towards music from or two years where he was not the sound you would get from the continent going into the and I believe Africa is open for childhood even as I played in playing. He said that whenever he the traditionalists. future. I will be working with business and it’s all for the taking the dusty streets of Somerset in returned to the guitar from the “I believe I have two caps, one a lot of African artists including and you can see how African Francistown. I was always drawn breaks it always felt like home. looking back to the past, at the artists from outside the continent music is dominating trends to the sound of music especially He said that he has no doubt heritage but I have another cap going forward. I have done two right about now. the sound of the guitar,” Sereetsi that the four stringers were looking forward. So, I am moving albums where it was really just said about his calling to music. his earliest influences and that the music forward and bringing me but now with the third album

that captures the spirit of what will once again utilise the digital it means to be African. space to we bring our customers The idea of helpfulness, which and all Africans, a concert like is etched into the DNA of the never before”. brand, and the Africa Day concert “Many events, even here will help drive that association locally, have obviously been with FNB across the continent. forced to head online, often at the The Africa Day concert, a first of expense of the experience which its kind, will be a mix of music, makes them so powerful in the song and dance, showcasing first place, however we think the performers from diverse fusion of live performance and backgrounds, collaborating to online interaction delivers the create Afro-inspired musical best of both worlds. We believe magic. the online concert experience The concert is to mark Africa will open up a new musical world Day, the annual commemoration to all Africans” adds Chilinde- of Africa’s independence, Masebu. freedom and liberation across Featured artists include: the continent. KHOISAN (Botswana) Mophato “In the last year our brand Dance Theatre (Botswana), pushed boundaries in adding Top Cheri (Namibia), PDK value to customers’ lives in a (Namibia), Sands (), time of uncertainty, and this was Velemseni (Eswatini), Ntate reflected in our efforts to offer Stunna (Lesotho), Botala ba From Africa to the World – The relief to individuals and business, Linare (Lesotho), and Yaw Tog coupled with keeping our doors (Ghana). Music of Sereetsi & The Natives open as an essential service,” The public is invited to stream says Boga Chilinde-Masebu, FNB the free concert on the FNB Botswana Communications and Botswana Facebook or FNB FNB African subsidiaries have diversity and talent that brings Recognised as Africa’s Most PR Manager. “Our industry- Namibia Facebook page, on the collaborated to host an Africa Day artists from Namibia, Botswana, Valuable Bank Brand for the leading digital platform enabled 25 May 2021, starting at 16:00 virtual live concert on May 25. Eswatini and Lesotho right to second year running, FNB our customers to manage their (CAT). Let’s celebrate Africa! Led by FNB Namibia, the concert the living rooms of thousands brings customers and the public finances in the comfort of their is a celebration of African unity, of people across the continent. a virtually imagined concert homes – and on Africa Day we Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 13 Travel

Maroo Mobile Safaris – Adventure Awaits

In this week’s Echo this “Maroo adventure group to the communities that we rest of the year heading towards calendar which has social ideas, Travel, we look at Maroo tag along,” said Basson encounter on our expeditions,” 2022 would be to concentrate safaris, and any other events of Mobile Safaris and speak Basson shed some light on said Basson. on CSR initiatives with much interest by members.” to Director, Frank Basson where he thinks the tourism He said that there has been more reliance on local entities about Botswana tourism, industry in Botswana may be a tremendous amount of local and international support to Maroo’s CSI initiatives and heading and whether it will make enthusiasm as our safaris and achieve their CSR initiatives and mobile adventuring on 4x4 a comeback, “With the support initiatives have been lively with added, “We have a local event and by boat. of the government through the extreme adventure and that Ministry of Tourism, corporate the highlight of the year has groups as well as international always been the elephant count Maroo Mobile Safaris is community, Batswana are at elephant sands where Maroo ‘owner-run’ and is a small citizen showing great interest in safaris Mobile Safaris are invited to owned company that provides in the tourist destinations, which participate. adventure safaris. The tours are is positive,” said Basson. Regarding social media, Basson tailor made to suite different A lot of what Maroo does is said, “We continue to have an paces and interests whether educational and have a host of abundance of enquiries about for families, groups, team excellent safari guides. Basson what we do and offer and seems building, students or tag along said that Maroo has interacted to be bearing fruits as we are expeditions. Accommodation is with local schools including noticing more interest. We also provided in safari dome tents or universities where they gave have individuals interested and on trailer roof top tents for the students an experience on we are currently creating their less inclined. Maroo also offers safaris and adventure as well as itineraries. Most of our Safaris boat-based wetland safaris and delivering on some CSI initiatives are Tailor made. all expeditions are conducted by in the most remote areas of Our Social Media Chat Group professional Batswana guides. Botswana. is created to bring like-minded Director, Frank Basson said “We also collaborate with persons together where we share of what attracts to tourists to the Botswana Land Rover ideas on best off-roading and Botswana, “We believe it’s the club, named ‘Team Land camping ideas.” untapped areas and natural Rover Botswana – TLR BW’ – Basson said that the resources, the abundance of in delivering some donations reorganisation plans for the wildlife and birds and the marvels of migration which change with the season.” Basson added that the personalized experience attracts clientele to Maroo and they have many repeat customers, most of them attracted from word of mouth. In providing adventure safaris in the absence of international travelers who formed the bulk of demand prior to Covid-19 Basson said that Maroo has been concentrating on the local market. “We have a large following on social media platforms where we had great exposure which resulted in some good safaris during the Covid era. We also encourage clients to bring their 4x4’s to enjoy and experience the extreme adventure that we, the Maroo team continually experience, we proudly named 14 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

recent landmark legislative reforms have already benefitted tens of thousands of workers across Qatar.” The exchanges with member associations focused on the concrete steps towards full implementation of the changes introduced, and the expansion of the measures put in place within Qatar’s construction sites to the service sector that will become more involved as the competition approaches. The international organisations, human rights organisations and workers unions that have been directly involved in Qatar’s labour reform programmes since 2010 welcomed the national reforms and the work specifically being conducted by the SC and FIFA on the country’s World Cup projects. The same organisations also outlined the need for strict implementation of the new and existing legislation and pointed to some additional reforms that FIFA hosts associations to are expected later this year. The meeting followed a series of previous exchanges with discuss human rights ahead of individual member associations on the same topic, and FIFA and the SC committed to FIFA World Cup continue to engage with the global football community to keep its stakeholders regularly informed on preparations for FIFA has held a virtual meeting and workers unions with direct this important topic,” said FIFA directly from independent the FIFA World Cup, and to last week with several member knowledge of the situation on President Gianni Infantino. international experts that the address any concerns that may associations and confederations the ground. “We all want to ensure the conditions on the FIFA World arise. to discuss workers’ welfare The meeting provided an protection of everyone engaged Cup construction sites have reforms and broader human opportunity to clarify a number in the delivery of the FIFA World reached the highest global (Fifa.) rights in Qatar in connection of facts related to the country’s Cup, and we are confident the safety standards, and that the to the country’s hosting of the labour reforms programme, event can serve as a catalyst for FIFA World Cup 2022. look at the important progress broader positive social change.” The virtual event was achieved since Qatar was “We know there is still work organised in collaboration with awarded the tournament in 2010 to be done, but we need to the Supreme Committee for and discuss the challenges that recognise the significant Delivery & Legacy (SC), FIFA’s still remain, while stressing the progress achieved in a very local partner in Qatar. Member role that FIFA and football can short time, thanks to the associations that had expressed continue to play in promoting commitment of the highest an interest in the matter heard a lasting legacy of the FIFA authorities in the country, and from the SC’s Secretary General, World Cup 2022™ in the field to ensure that any debate on H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, as well of workers’ welfare and human this complex matter should as presentations from industry rights in the host country. be based on verified facts,” experts from independent “I very much welcome the he added. international organisations, constructive engagement with “It is important for our human rights organisations our member associations on member associations to hear Echo Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021 Sports 15

we will obviously do our best. We played against Mozambique in COSAFA Cup a couple of months ago. They improved and we will have to be better and give our best to get a good result. What will be your plan to win and qualify to the next round? Mozambique is a very physical side and they also move the ball around quite well. I think we have to be in a super physical condition. We played them in COSAFA Cup 2020. It was a tough tournament, but we’ll make sure that we are in a better shape now. We respect them and will do everything to win as our target is to go to the World Cup once again. It starts here. We need to plan it with a program of international friendly matches coming up, we know we can use that to prepare and then get the result that we want. Are you already thinking about the FIFA Women World Cup in 2023 or you’re just South Africa’s Ellis: We will not focusing on the Women AFCON for the moment? When you play once in the underestimate any team World Cup, you will surely want to go back again. But this CAF Best Women’s coach took place on Monday in Cairo. FIFA Women’s World Cup. Looking at our draw, we played is just the first game, and we in 2018 and 2019 and South On the road to Women’s What are your thoughts about Mozambique before, but we’ve won’t look too far. We need to Africa women coach Desiree AFCON, Banyana Banyana will the results of the draw? always said that we will not get a positive result out in that Ellis spoke to CAFOnline.com face Mozambique in a southern Desiree Ellis: We are just underestimate any team. game to go to the next round. just after the draw for the Total duel, as the South African excited to be back on the We have two matches, and if Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, coach shared her prospects playing field again after being you don’t take teams seriously, (Cafonline) Morocco 2022 Qualifiers that of a new participation in the inactive for such a long time. you could end up losing. So,

insights into a number of key areas of talent development, namely talent identification, training, playing opportunities, and the transition from youth to senior level. Each country report offers tailored guidance on how the MA could proceed, given their own particular national situation. FIFA’s Talent Development scheme will enter its second phase later this year. The FIFA technical team will follow up with each of the participating MAs to set out an individual road map to improve the state of youth football development in each country. FIFA study calls for every talented The scheme is in keeping with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Vision 2020-2023, player to be given a chance the stated aim of which is to make football truly global by increasing competitiveness A ground-breaking study development, as well as a Wenger said: “Our immediate A team of 30 FIFA High in competitions such as the by FIFA has delivered the dedicated country report for target is that every member Performance experts looked at FIFA World Cup and the FIFA message that every talented each of the 205 FIFA member association should reach its youth football practices across Women’s World Cup. “This player deserves a chance to associations (MAs) that took full potential to have the the world, conducting a total global report is part of our be identified and developed. part. strongest possible national of 1,143 interviews and 2,140 commitment to our members, The 14-month-long project, The report has found that team. A long term plan for surveys with key members to all talented players and launched in Doha in January a great number of talented talent development is essential of the technical development to all football stakeholders 2020 by FIFA’s Technical players go undiscovered due to for success.” hierarchy in each MA, including everywhere to increase global Development team, analysed a number of factors, including The report provides a series national team youth coaches, competitiveness. Everything youth football and talent the lack of planning, quality of calls to action, which technical directors, and is connected in our sport. We development practices and of education, infrastructure indicate practical steps towards association presidents and are all connected. Giving every structures around the world. & financial resources to train improvement that can be taken general secretaries. The study talent a chance to develop in The data gathered during that youngsters. by MAs and other stakeholders also includes insights drawn the best possible way requires time has now been compiled Explaining the aim of the involved in the development from 864 football academies, everyone to play their part,” into a global report on the project, FIFA’s Chief of Global of young players. analysed by Double Pass. said the FIFA President. state and direction of talent Football Development Arsène The global report offers (Fifa.) THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 17 May - 23 May 2021

Nigeria Super Falcons ready to the challenge

His experience of women’s training and the game models And again, that takes some story with FIFA Women’s before. So that’s obviously the football is majestic with more that we want to present. time and that’s what we’ve been World Cup, recording eight goal, we understand we’ve got than 30 years as manager. working on this year as we’ve participation so far. Is that to get through Women AFCON Previously Coach of Trinidad All the teams in the continent hope gotten together, and we’ve got a something you already think first before we can start thinking & Tobago Women’s National to defeat Nigeria, is that something few more international matches about? about the World Cup. Our next Team, and USA U-23 Women that you fear? coming up in June and September Everyone knows Nigeria’s focus now that we know the amongst others, Randy Waldrum I think you always embrace so we’re looking forward to that. history in the Women World draw and how things are going is now the coach of Nigeria’s the challenge. Obviously, this is I think right now, the focus is Cup, the success and even some to work, the focus now will be Super Falcons. a difficult draw, we have a lot of more on preparing our team of the shortcomings. I think on preparing for those games. Following the draw for the respect for Ghana, and we know properly and as we get closer what any good coach wants Total Women’s Africa Cup of the strength and power of that than we will start to prepare a is the challenge to see if you (Cafonline). Nations, Morocco 2022 qualifiers, team. But as far as the pressure little bit more for Ghana. can’t take the country even a the American-born coach talked of the job and the task at hand, I Nigeria has also an amazing step farther than they’ve been about what he thinks of women’s think that’s something that any football in Africa, and about his competitor truly embraces, and next opponent in the qualifiers you know I think the biggest which is none other than Ghana. thing for me is that I’m just ready to get to work. You held many positions before. How do you feel being coach of Your opponents, the Black Queens Nigeria, most successful team in of Ghana are also among the best African women’s football? teams of the continent. What would Randy Waldrum: Well, I’m be your strategy against them? really excited and thankful for Well, I think, right now, I’ve the opportunity. I have to give a got to do a little more homework, lot of credit to President Amaju because obviously being from the Pinnick and General Secretary US I’m a little bit newer to all the Dr Sanusi. I appreciate the African nations but I know the opportunity and trust they’ve history. I know several of the put in me to run the program results over the years against and I’m very excited. I’ve been Ghana and I understand, as I with the team, only once in mentioned earlier, the strength Turkey for our first event and of this team, so we have a lot of really enjoyed. I think it’s a respect for them. I think the great group of talented players biggest thing for me right now and the biggest thing right now is worrying about our team and is getting enough time with putting together our plan the them to fulfill some more of the way we want to play.