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ISSUE NUMBER 748 VOLUME 2 30 NOV - 06 DEC 2020

SADC Organ Troika Summit deliberates on security situation in the region ETHIOPIA ANNOUNCES page 4 END OF MILITARY Elephant Havens – Preserving and OPERATION IN Protecting the TIGRAY African elephant

• Situation remains volatile as rebellion Tigray People’s Liberation Front vows to continue fighting page 13 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020

THE AFRICAN STORY

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Head of Design Ame Kolobetso [email protected] Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng Ethiopia announces end of [email protected] Echo is published by YMH Publishing military operation in Tigray YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, GIFP, Gaborone Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy This is about defending our right had seized weapons stocks on National Defense Forces do not Postal address: Ahmed has said that military to self determination.” Saturday. The government said have a mission to bombard its P O BOX 840, operations in the restive region of In his statement, Abiy said in the first week of the conflict own city and people. Mekelle Gaborone, Tigray are complete and federal federal police would continue that a target of its airstrikes remains one of Ethiopia’s key Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. troops control the regional searching for and detaining was military hardware seized cities and the efforts to bring E-mail: [email protected] capital. This is being viewed as TPLF “criminals” and would by Tigrayan forces. to justice the criminal clique www.echo.co.bw a major development in a three- bring them to court. The prime Regional diplomats and experts will not entail discriminatory week-old war that has shaken minister has called the offensive have said that a rapid military ‘bombardment’ as alluded by DISCLAIMER: the Horn of Africa. a law and order operation. victory might not signal the end TPLF and their propagandists.” Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. Abiy’s government has been It was not clear if any TPLF of the conflict. United Nations refugee agency Letters must carry the trying to quell a rebellion leaders had surrendered. The TPLF has a history of chief Filippo Grandi said on full name and address of by a powerful ethnic faction Debretsion said in another guerrilla resistance and used Saturday that he was deeply the sender. Letters must that dominated the central text message that their forces Tigray’s highland terrain and concerned about the 100,000 conform to the laws of government for decades before were withdrawing from around foreign borders to its advantage Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code he came to power in 2018. Mekelle. through years of armed struggle and what he called unconfirmed Of Ethics. Letters will also be Thousands of people are believed Claims from all sides are in the 1980s against a Marxist reports of violence against them. edited for length, libel and to have been killed, and nearly difficult to verify since phone government. The TPLF and Eritrea are language. 44,000 have fled to Sudan, in and internet links to Tigray have The prime minister has so far archenemies: the TPLF was in a conflict that has called into been down and access tightly rebuffed attempts at mediation. charge in Addis Ababa when question whether Abiy can hold controlled since the fighting Abiy accuses Tigrayan leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a together fractious ethnic groups began on Nov. 4. starting the war by attacking war from 1998-2000. But Eritrea in Ethiopia, Africa’s second most Authorities had said earlier federal troops at a base in Tigray. and Abiy have warm relations. populous country. on Saturday that government The TPLF says the attack was a The Ethiopian government has “I am pleased to share that we forces were in the final stages Abiy did not mention in his denied TPLF accusations that have completed and ceased the of an offensive in the region statements whether there had Eritrean troops are operating military operations in the Tigray and would take care to protect been casualties in the offensive on Ethiopian soil. region,” the prime minister civilians in Mekelle, a city of to capture Mekelle. Eritrea is one of the world’s said. Less than an hour earlier, 500,000 people. Rights groups have been most repressive nations and Read more Echo he said in a statement, “The Abiy said the army had secured concerned that an assault on around 10% of the population stories on our federal government is now fully the release of thousands of troops the city could lead to significant has fled. Facebook page by in control of the city of Mekelle”. from the army’s Northern civilian casualties. Tigrayans, who make up about However, the leader of Tigray Command, which is based in The prime minister’s 6% of the Ethiopian population scanning the QR People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Tigray, who he said had been spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, of 115 million, dominated the code below with whose forces have been fighting held hostage by the TPLF. had said earlier on Saturday: government until Abiy took your mobile phone Ethiopian troops, said the group Federal troops had also taken “The safety of Ethiopians in power two years ago. He pledged was not giving up. control of the airport, the Mekelle and Tigray region to unite Ethiopians and introduce “Their brutality can only add regional administration office continues as priority for the freedoms after years of state (to) our resolve to fight these and other key facilities, Abiy said. federal government”. repression that filled jails with invaders to the last,” TPLF leader The government had given the TPLF leader Debretsion told tens of thousands of political Debretsion Gebremichael told TPLF an ultimatum that expired Reuters in text messages earlier prisoners. Reuters. Asked by Reuters if that on Wednesday to lay down arms on Saturday that Mekelle was (Reuters.) meant his forces would continue or face an assault on the city. under “heavy bombardment”. fighting, he replied: “Certainly. It was not clear if federal forces Billene said: “The Ethiopian Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Echo Report 3 4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020

including our commitment to the SADC Mutual Defence Pact. Other practical and incremental steps that we agreed on include expediting the establishment of the SADC Regional Counter Terrorism Centre (SADC - RCTC); as well as enhancing dedicated national counter-terrorism coordination structures. These include our cyber-security response capacity and improving multilateral cooperation to detect, investigate, identify and combat radicalism and violent extremism. The Summit also deliberated on the Strategy on the Progressive and Phased Drawdown of United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). We agreed to maintain our full support to the DRC, even post the United Nations withdrawal from the country. This is because the ultimate objective of SADC’s SADC Organ Troika Summit deliberates involvement in the DRC is to assist the country to achieve sustainable peace and security, as on security situation in the region well as to create an environment conducive for regional integration and socioeconomic development. *Mokgweetsi Masisi region remains peaceful, stable, to interact and reflect on the socio-economic threats, as well In the overall, I can confidently We have come to a successful secure and prosperous. prevailing security situation in as the root-causes of terrorism say that the Summit reinvigorated conclusion of our very important That you have all come here in our region. We also benefitted and violent extremism. our conviction to rid our region Extraordinary SADC Organ person, speaks to the importance from the excellent work done by Our discussions, therefore, of conflict and terrorism, so as Troika Summit, plus the Force you attach to the SADC ideals. the State Security Sub Committee also focused on the numerous to ensure that the years ahead Intervention Brigade Troop I am therefore confident that and the Report they produced challenges that our countries are better, brighter and more Contributing Countries, the this expression of commitment on the Threats of Terrorism and are facing and the measures prosperous for all our peoples. Democratic Republic of Congo towards finding solutions to the Violent Extremism. that must be undertaken to *President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the Republic of Mozambique. problems afflicting our region, It emerged from our address them. Of particular of Botswana, gave the closing I am pleased to note that the will go a long way in ensuring deliberations that in order for the importance was the realization remarks at the SADC Organ outcome of our meeting is filled that SADC continues to lead in Organ to fulfil its core mandate that incidents of terrorism are Troika SADC Summit, plus the with promise and optimism. terms of regional integration and of sustaining peace and security increasing in our region. To this Force Intervention Brigade Troop In this regard, I wish to thank socioeconomic development. and promoting democracy in the end, the Summit came up with Contributing Countries, the you, once again, for your I hope you will all agree with me region, it has to play a central role a number of recommendations Democratic Republic of Congo demonstrated spirit of unity that this meeting was opportune in addressing the structural causes on how Member States could and the Republic of Mozambique and resolve to ensure that our as it provided a platform for us of conflict. These include the deal with this eminent threat, held in Gaborone on Friday.

severe drought has catastrophic more than double in sub-Saharan Overcoming water impacts on cropland and pastureland Africa, potentially benefiting once every three years. hundreds of millions of rural people. About 11% of the world’s rainfed The report notes that, in some cropland, or 128 million hectares, cases, small-scale and farmer-led challenges in agriculture face frequent drought, as does about irrigation systems can be more More than three billion people live Paths for action range from of land under cultivation and 60% 14% of pastureland, or 656 million efficient than large-scale projects. in agricultural areas with high to investing in water-harvesting and of global crop production. hectares. Meanwhile, more than 60% That’s a promising path for sub- very high levels of water shortages conservation in rainfed areas to Mapping the moisture (or 171 million hectares) of irrigated Saharan Africa, where surface and and scarcity, and almost half of them rehabilitating and modernizing FAO is the custodian of SDG cropland is highly water-stressed. 11 underground water resources are face severe constraints. sustainable irrigation systems in Indicator 6.4.2, which measures countries, all in Northern Africa and comparatively undeveloped and Furthermore, available freshwater irrigated areas. the pressure of human activities Asia, face both challenges, making it only 3% of cropland is equipped for resources per person have declined These must be combined with best on natural freshwater resources, urgent and necessary to adopt sound irrigation - and where expanding by more than 20% over the past two agronomic practices, such as adopting and Soda offers the first spatially water accounting, clear allocation, small-scale irrigation can be decades globally, underscoring the drought-tolerant crop varieties, disaggregated representation of modern technologies and to shift to profitable and benefit millions of importance of producing more with and improved water management how things stand today - which, less thirsty crops. rural people. However, many factors less, especially in the agriculture tools - including effective water when meshed with historical Mathematics of water impede adoption, including lack of sector, the world’s largest user of pricing and allocation tools, such as drought frequency data, allows “The inherent characteristics of secure water tenure and access to water. water rights and quotas - to ensure for a more holistic assessment of water make it difficult to manage,” finance and credit. Improved water management, equitable and sustainable access. water constraints in food production. the Sofa report notes. In Asia, declining large-scale state- supported by effective governance Water accounting and auditing must About 1.2 billion people - 44% “Water should be recognised as an funded surface irrigation has led and strong institutions - including be, however, the starting point for of them in rural areas and the economic good that has a value and a to farmers tapping directly into secure water tenure and rights, any effective management strategy. remainder in small urban centres in price,” it says, noting that customary groundwater, placing excessive underpinned by sound water Achieving the internationally the countryside - live in places where practices leading it to be treated as a pressure on the resource. Addressing accounting and auditing - will agreed SDG pledges, including the severe water shortages and scarcity free commodity often create market these issues will require investing in be essential to ensure global food Zero Hunger target (SDG 2), “is still challenge agriculture. Around 40% failures. A price that reflects the true modernizing old irrigation schemes, security and nutrition, and contribute achievable,” the Sofa emphasises - of them live in Eastern and South- value of water, by contrast, sends as well as effective policies. to the Sustainable Development Goals but only by ensuring more productive eastern Asia, and a slightly higher a clear signal to users to use water Full-fledged water markets (SDGs), according to The State of and sustainable use of freshwater share in Southern Asia. Central Asia wisely. At the same time, policy involving the sale of water rights Food and Agriculture (Sofa) 2020 - a and rainwater in agriculture, which and Northern Africa and Western Asia and governance support to ensure are relatively rare. However, when flagship report published today by the accounts for more than 70% of global are also severely affected - about one efficient, equitable and sustainable water accounting and auditing is Food and Agriculture Organization water withdrawals. of every five people live in agricultural access for all is essential. well performed, water tenure and of the United Nations. FAO’s Sofa report in 1993 also areas with very high water shortages “Water management plans need to rights are well established, and the “With this report, FAO is sending focused on water issues, and today it and scarcity, compared to less than be problem-focused and dynamic,” active participation of beneficiaries a strong message: water shortages is striking how the findings presented 4% in Europe, Latin America and the report recommends. Sofa notes and managing institutions are and scarcity in agriculture must be then remain valid and relevant today. the Caribbean, Northern America that the rural poor can benefit promoted; regulated water markets addressed immediately and boldly While the previous report focused on and Oceania. substantially from irrigation and can induce efficient and equitable if our pledge to achieve the SDGs is irrigation, the new edition broadens About 5% of people living in endorses its cautious expansion. allocation of water while promoting to be taken seriously,” QU Dongyu, its scope to cover water-related sub-Saharan Africa live in similar Between 2010 and 2050, harvested its conservation. FAO director-general emphasised in challenges in rainfed agriculture, conditions, meaning that about 50 irrigated areas are projected to grow the foreword of the report. which represents more than 80% million people live in areas where in most regions of the world and to (Bizcommunity.) Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Echo Report 5 6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 LEA continues to Accelerate SMME Growth

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Empowering the entrepreneur to start and grow their business Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Echo Report 7 Family farmers struggle to keep up with fast-warming world

Young African farmers Mavis be “massive”, added Agnolucci, than a hectare have 3G or 4G Gofa and Andrew Goodman had associate professor at UCL. cellular services and the cost a vastly different upbringing With global climate action of data remains prohibitive - Gofa grew up on a one- moving at a slow pace, many in many parts of Africa, said hectare (2.5-acre) farm and small farmers in Africa are the International Center for could not afford to finish high diversifying crops, to adapt to Tropical Agriculture. school, while Goodman’s family worsening weather extremes The UCL-led study said cultivated 275 hectares and and shifting climate patterns. expansion of irrigation and educated him in Britain. Millions of small farmers have increased use of fertilisers Both want a better life for the “woefully low access” to mobile and pesticides could protect families who run the world’s networks and the Internet, yields, but would come with half a billion small farms, many putting digital technologies that environmental costs, from The only long-lasting solution Without this, the number of of whom remain steeped in could help them out of reach, growing water scarcity to is cooperation to help transfer farmers quitting their land and poverty despite producing said a study this month. nitrous oxide emissions from technology from rich to poor migrating north could grow, about 80% of food consumed Less than 40% of farms smaller fertilisers. countries, said UCL’s Agnolucci. he warned.( Reuters.) in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, according to the United Nations. It is a tough ask as climate change makes life even harder for millions of small-scale farmers - with scientists predicting more frequent and intense floods, droughts and storms. A recent study led by University College London (UCL) showed such experiences could become widespread as the planet warms, with significant implications for hunger and inequality. It looked at 18 crops - including those grown mainly in developing nations such as cassava, groundnut and rapeseed - representing 70% of the world’s crop area and about 65% of its calorific intake. The study found that harvests of key crops - such as pulses in West Africa, rice in India and Pakistan, and wheat in Sudan - would fall if temperatures rose 1 degree Celsius above today’s levels, even without other impacts such as floods. Globally, the average temperature has so far risen a little more than 1C since pre- industrial times, although the change varies in different parts of the world - and projections are for warming to increase further to 3C or more this century. The study also said countries where increasing temperatures cause the most negative impacts already have lower- than-average yields and are struggling to feed their citizens, denting their resilience and ability to adapt to additional heating. Poor nations face a triple whammy with food production pummelled, higher levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reducing nutrients in crops, and a resulting spike in hunger and malnutrition, warned Paolo Agnolucci, the study’s lead author. About 690 million people, or one in 11, went without enough to eat in 2019, and the United Nations has warned the COVID-19 pandemic could add another 132 million to that number in 2020. The social implications of even 1C of additional warming could 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020

being reviewed as Financial institution re-examine their risk appetite aligned to the economic outlook. Engaging financial intuitions for a debt facility restructuring may prove to be a viable option to lead the business back to profitability. Readiness for growth – although it remains unclear when the coronavirus will fully diffuse, businesses must start exploring a path to growth. Business continuity planning and other scenario readiness strategies will prove effective in determining the actions to take should another wave of COVID return. Other options involve securing business funding, extending credit line with suppliers, rehiring employees, increasing stock held in anticipation for growth. Go digital – the advantages of digital as a cost-efficient solution to service delivery has been demonstrated during this Rebuilding your Business pandemic. All businesses need to develop a digital strategy that allows for a ubiquitous sales presence and a seamless after COVID-19 logistics arrangement to fulfil treat the virus, lockdowns environment. The following be factored in when assessing digital orders. By Emmanuel Allottey and restrictions are gradually steps will assist in the rebuilding the total impact on the business. The pandemic has engraved being eased. The wheels of the process. an important lesson in business The year 2020 has been global economy are starting to Assessing the Damage – the Damage control – after agility. Businesses should always dominated by COVID-19. The move again, although at a slow first step is to perform a financial completing a thorough create room to adapt to the global economic devastation pace giving businesses hope of assessment of the business. assessment, business momentum dynamic business environment. caused by the coronavirus has recovery. Quantifying the reduction recovery strategies can be Rebuilding a business post- been unprecedented. Businesses According to reports more than in sales, operational losses, introduced. It is important to COVID may prove challenging, were not prepared to deal with 92 percent of small businesses overdue payments, collections tackle the challenge that give the but not impossible. There are national lockdowns, social experienced a negative impact outstanding, will give a better biggest delta when solved. Some resources and organisations distancing, amongst others and from COVID-19. As the economy perspective on the profitability options may involve exploring available to support the business consequently suffered heavy rebounds businesses need to of the business. Some businesses funding options to prop the return to profitability. losses. With the discovery assess their current operations received COVID grants and other business finances and reduce of vaccines that can possibly and adjust to post-COVID relief support, this should also debts. Lending standards are

as Deputy President, Thapelo Tsheole said ‘I would like to thank my colleagues in the continent for entrusting me with this role and I accept the task ahead which is to work with a team of experts to transform capital markets in Africa.’ He further said ‘as an association, ASEA has performed tremendously well in promoting Africa as a viable investment destination and we look forward to building on that to attract issuer and investment participation, as well as develop securities exchanges to adopt international best practice. The BSE has been pursuing a strategy to expand its African and global presence and this is an important milestone in that regard’. Established in 1993, ASEA is the premier association of 27 securities exchanges serving thirty -two (32) economies in Africa. ASEA aims to develop member exchanges and provide a platform for networking and Botswana Stock Exchange CEO elected cooperation on areas of mutual importance. The association also aims to unlock the potential deputy President of African Security of African capital markets and enhance the development and global competitiveness of Exchanges Association member exchanges. In November The Botswana Stock Exchange Deputy President of the African at 24th ASEA Annual General Regionale des Valeures Mobiliers 2019, the BSE hosted the ASEA has announced that Thapelo Securities Exchanges Association Meeting (AGM) help last week. (BRVM) was elected President conference for the first time in Tsheole, its Chief Executive (ASEA) effective immediately. Edoh Kossi Amenounve, Chief of ASEA. Botswana. Officer has been elected as the Thapelo Tsheole was elected Executive Officer of Bourse In responding to his election Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 9 Echo Report Kenyan central bank cuts 2020 Growth outlook as coronavirus hits home

Kenya’s central bank cut its forecast for 2020 economic growth by more than half on Friday, joining the Treasury in realising that the coronavirus had inflicted more damage to Career Opportunity the economy than previously thought. Finance Minister Ukur Yatani said on Wednesday he expected Managing Director, Reinsurance expansion of only 0.6% for this year, down from an earlier A SADC based and fast growing Reinsurance Company is seeking to set up in Botswana forecast of 2.5%. That’s still and is recruiting for the above named position. The duties of the position will involve more optimistic than the World the following; Bank’s outlook, which forecasts a contraction of 1% to 1.5%. Like other economies around ➢ To provide strategic direction and control in all reinsurance business operations the world, Kenya’s tourism, with the aim of generating new business and underwriting profitable risk. education and other key sectors ➢ Developing and implementing the company’s business strategies in order to have been pummelled by the achieve agreed objectives. COVID-19 pandemic. ➢ The central bank now expects Providing regular advice and updates to the board so that they have an accurate growth of 1.3%, down from its view of the market and the company’s future prosperity. September forecast of 3.1%, ➢ Developing short and long term financial plans and budgets for the company for bank governor Patrick Njoroge implementation upon approval by the company’s board of directors. told an online news conference. ➢ Ensuring that company policies and guidelines are communicated to all The bank’s prediction employees of the company. was derived from updated information on output in sectors ➢ Maintaining communication channels and beneficial relationships with the like farming and manufacturing company’s business partners, including local and regional insurers, brokers and that it expects the statistics office retrocessionnaires and building lasting trust relationships which are vital for the will eventually reflect, he said. company to achieve its objectives. Njoroge, who led policymakers ➢ Overseeing the company’s financial performance and ensuring that it remains on in holding the benchmark lending rate unchanged for the track to meet agreed objectives. fifth time in a row on Thursday, ➢ Acting as the face of the company and represent it in a responsible and said a benign outlook for the professional manner in line with the company’s values. current account deficit, driven ➢ Providing applicable and relevant solutions to ensure survival and growth of the by a rebound in exports, will organisation within the confines of the operating environment. support the exchange rate. The ➢ Building an effective team capable of delivering on the company’s short and long shilling weakened to a record low of 110.00/30 in early trading term objectives. on Friday. ➢ Ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to reinsurance Kenya is in discussions with the business in all the territories the company will operates in. International Monetary Fund for ➢ Spearheading business development initiatives with key stakeholders with the a budget lending programme, aim of increasing business revenue and ensuring profitability. which the Treasury put at $2.3 ➢ billion on Monday. Initiating beneficial contracts with profitable partners that culminate in business Njoroge said they were still growth and an increased market share. assessing the potential impact ➢ To act as the Company’s principal officer for regulatory compliance. of seeking suspension of debt payments under the G20’s Debt EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THE JOB. Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), aimed at helping poor countries weather the COVID-19 ➢ Minimum 10 years’ experience in short term insurance industry. pandemic. ➢ A Business related Degree and Masters in Business Administration. “We need to look at it in the ➢ Professional Insurance Qualification such as Diploma in Insurance or equivalent. context of what is good for the country and look at the various risks and benefits and weigh them as we go into this,” he said. Kenya’s total debt jumped to COMPETENCES AND SKILLS 65.6% of gross domestic product in June this year from 62.4% a ➢ ound decision making and udgement. year earlier, the World Bank ➢ isks nalysis capability. said on Wednesday. ➢ nowledge of nvestments and Capital arkets. “It is currently sustainable, ➢ Team building and leadership capability. but we need to move away from the dangerous sort of margins, ➢ nderstanding of socioeconomic trends and implications on business. closer to the edge of the table, ➢ ound negotiating and business acumen. and more to the middle where we should be,” Njoroge said.

(Reuters.) Interested candidates are to submit their applications to [email protected] by no later than 10 December 2020 10 Arts Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020

The ultimate celebration of Ugandan Ministry of Tourism local African and international and the CEO for the Ugandan talent and achievement, MAMA Tourism Board, Lilly Ajarova. 2021 recognises and rewards The engaging Q&A discussion musicians, trailblazers and those included accomplished Ugandan who are shining a light on the artist Bebe Cool, highly skilled continent’s diverse talent and songstress Sheebah Karungi creativity by instilling positive together with talented South impact on African music and African rapper Nasty C. youth culture over the previous year. The awards ceremony will Road to MAMA feature performances from Always celebrating the pan- leading African and international African scope of the MAMA, artists and will also showcase the awards will encompass some of the biggest cross-genre three pulsating Road to and cross-border collaborations. MAMA broadcasts featuring 20 Award categories MAMA nominees from across The event will celebrate the continent. The MAMA African talent across 20 award Kampala 2021 brings the much- categories, including Best Male, anticipated music industry Best Female, Best Song, and Best workshops in a virtual format Collaboration. The contribution for the continent’s aspiring of artists from Portuguese- and musicians, youth upskilling French-speaking Africa will and development. also be recognised in the Best First staged in 2008, the Lusophone and Best Francophone MTV Africa Music Awards categories. Additional new has recognised the talent of categories included are the musicians, achievers and MAMA Generation Change personalities from across Africa, Award, Best Fan Base, Alone rewarding iconic artists and Together Best Lockdown game-changers such as 2Face Performance and Personality Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big of the Year. These new categories Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence seek to demonstrate MTV Base’s Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, commitment to supporting the D’Banj, Diamond Platnumz, youth of Africa. Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, The news was revealed today Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Lira, via a virtual press conference Lupita Nyong’o, Mafikizolo MTV Africa Music Awards returns broadcast from Johannesburg Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, and Kampala by Monde Twala Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor and Craig Paterson, senior vice Noah, Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, with virtual format in 2021 presidents and general managers Yemi Alade, Zebra & Giraffe and at ViacomCBS Networks Africa many more. The MTV Africa Music a comeback in 2021, when it will with Uganda, on 20 February (VCNA), the State Minister for Awards (MAMA) is set to make be held virtually, in partnership 2021. Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda at (Bizcommunity.)

artists have to be creative and find a way to show their work to the public. It does become a bit more challenging for sales. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has impacted on all walks of life and we all have to slowly adjust.” Meyner’s art is constantly evolving and she says about her the Art scene here and would like art “I have to admit I am not to learn and see more, so it is a always consistent and probably bit hard to compare. Although most artists will agree. It is I have been here two years, very difficult to produce pieces having a baby and Covid-19, that reach a certain standard has kept me indoors a bit more every time, but you will see than usual.” as time goes on. Consistency Meyner was a secondary for me is the drive to evolve. school teacher for 15 years and My advice to upcoming artists in that period taught in India for would be, to not to think that Katrina Meyner – “A Landlocked 2 years. She says that teaching your style or technique has constantly exposes artists to completely evolved yet, keep new impressions, different experimenting.” Islander” techniques, media, approaches and point of views adding, “Over Katrina Meyner is a Trinidadian Caribbean have influenced her, values and emphasizes the colors. the years, I would from time to painter. She is scheduled to have and she describes color as being Doing close up of objects is one time, change my style to try her first exhibition in Botswana a major part of her work. of her favorite themes, although different experiments. Many at Sanitas Tea Garden on the 5th Speaking of her process, she paints a bit of everything. She times, you become a student of December. The exhibition Meyner mentions that she enjoys blending vivid Caribbean yourself, while being a teacher.” will be entitled “A Landlocked generally starts with her colors with Botswana’s wide Meyner says that like most Islander” in reference to her own photographs to guide and open landscapes and the industries, Covid-19 has had Caribbean origins. her painting. She advises to blue skies. Commenting on an impact on art with fewer Meyner described her artists not to use other people’s Botswana’s art scene, Meyner events and thus less exposure for inspiration to paint as arising photographs and to train their says that Botswana’s art scene artists. Meyner acknowledges from a young age, influenced eyes and brain to capture the seems to be a bit more focused the introduction of the virtual by Trinidad and Tobago’s rich initial moment. After sketching on certain topics and is a bit art exhibition popularized and diverse culture. She went she likes to add a watercolor smaller than that of Trinidad in the time of Lockdowns. on to become a teacher after wash, even though I use acrylics. and Tobago. Speaking on the business side art school. The colors of the She then adds the details and Meyner says “I am also new to of art Meyner say, “Generally, Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Echo Report 11 12 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 13 Travel

communities towards incident free co-existence with elephants. Elephant Havens – Preserving and “Our future plans are to touch base with the entire district of Ngamiland to come up with Protecting the African elephant ideas that will work for farmers in reducing conflicts and the There is usually little thought or happens to them as they wonder of the Okavango Delta exists with the view to re-introduce children in the area on the issues given to what happens to the in the wilderness and ultimately specifically to address conservation them into the wild,” he said. of conservation,” he said. young elephants or any other becoming easy prey or predators. concern. The orphanage rescues His other strongly held view is Meanwhile, Poloko has species that are abandoned or An elephant sanctuary- these young animals and put into that of community empowerment indicated that the solution to orphaned through poaching or Elephant Havens, founded by their care facility, hand rearing in the areas of conservation the contentious issues of human natural deaths of their mothers. Boago Poloko, and located just them until they are in a position and tourism. He wants the wildlife conflict lies in public Little is known as to what becomes outside Shorobe on the edges to be re-introduced into the wild. communities in the area to derive education. He said farmers and Besides the care facility, the benefits from the natural resources communities equipped with orphanage also works on habitat they are endowed with. And as the right knowledge abouts protection and engagements with part of the community outreach wildlife, would be in a position community on the importance programme, they have assisted to live peacefully alongside these of co-existence with elephants. communities with the drilling animals. Echo Travel recently visited the of boreholes aimed at reducing “We should get together as orphanage to appreciate its work elephants and human conflicts. conservationists and the tourism and during the visit we spoke to Some of the pilots project already industry and make sure we bring its founder Poloko, aged 33 who in place in this regard were geared our communities on board, and is a conservationist at hear, who towards reducing the damage work with them closely. There has cared for elephants and the caused by elephants on farmers’ are a lot of projects that works environment his entire life. crops. in alleviating human wildlife Coming from a family of According to Poloko, the baby conflicts that farmers need to be conservationists and having elephants at the orphanage are educated on.” he said. grown up in the Okavango Delta’s like ambassadors for those in Poloko said some of the initiatives panhandle, Poloko is not your the wild. he has since implemented for ordinary animal care giver, having “As people come here and the communities around the as an elephant handler at very interact with them, they learn orphanage is that of drilling young age. and see them from a different boreholes for communities, which According to Poloko, he has perspective and not problems has since reduced incidents of always known that there is a animals. We also work with conflict as there is less interaction need for an elephant orphanage schools, to engage school kids between farmers and elephants in the area, an idea which was for educational tours,” he noted. at water sources. actualized in 2017, when they The orphanage is in the process There is an invaluable amount their foundation registered. After of acquiring a school bus for of lessons about elephants that a year, the government processes students who school at Shorobe can be learnt from orphanage, and permits had been completed. Primary school, and living far from and members of the public are “Our mission is to preserve school, and traversing elephants’ encouraged to visit this remarkable and protect the African elephant, corridors daily for easy access conservation initiative. The through habitat protection, to school. orphanage can be accessed from community outreach, research Poloko emphasised that the Maun, turning off the tarred road and information sharing, and donations made to the orphanage before reaching Shorobe and through the orphanage rescue and for the care of the young elephants, drive a further 6 kilomteres on rehabilitate orphaned elephants are also used to empower the the earth road. 14 Sports Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020

Eto’o: Qatar 2022 will be a special experience for football fans

they are open and sincere,” With Qatar 2022 set to be one of and compete. Eto’o believes the Maroons Samuel Eto’o believes the said Eto’o. “I also like the fact the most compact World Cups “The players will have the have the quality to shine on a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 you always feel safe and secure ever staged, it will not just chance to use the best facilities global stage. will offer many unique and in Doha and throughout the be the fans that will benefit. in the world, whether it is “I expect them to be memorable experiences for country. Players will never be more the spectacular new stadiums competitive because they have fans when the next edition “These things should than about an hour from any that will host matches or the built a winning mentality by of football’s showpiece event offer football fans a level of of the eight stadiums and will world-class training facilities. becoming Asian champions,” heads to the Middle East and reassurance when they come have the luxury of staying in One thing is for sure, what he said. “What is important Arab world in two years’ time. to Qatar for the World Cup. the same place throughout the the players will experience now for Qatar is that they take In an interview with I believe they will be able to tournament. in Qatar will be a reward for advantage of every opportunity qatar2022.qa, the former have a great time visiting the “The players will not be so their efforts in qualifying for to play the best national teams Cameroon international – who country and watching the best tired because they won’t have this World Cup.” in the world and learn from serves as a Global Ambassador players in action during the to travel to games by plane,” Eto’o’s time in the Qatar those experiences. They have for the Supreme Committee tournament.” Eto’o said. “They will be based Stars League also allowed him some good players, including for Delivery & Legacy (SC) Having appeared in four in the same city and have the to assess the quality of the Akram Afif, who I rate highly. – highlighted some of his World Cups for Cameroon, optimum time to train and players that will represent the I wish them all the best.” favourite places to visit in the Eto’o is aware of the logistical prepare. That will be good host nation in 2022. Qatar will country. challenges that players have because they will be fresher head into the tournament as (Fifa.com.) “I enjoy visiting lots of faced in previous tournaments. when they take to the pitch the champions of Asia – and different places when I’m in Qatar,” said Eto’o, a four- time African Player of the Year. “Sometimes, I like to go to the Villaggio Mall and on other occasions I enjoy visiting the Katara Cultural Village, which has many shops and restaurants. I also love Banana Island, which is a brilliant holiday destination if you want to get away from it all. “I’m sure fans will find many interesting places to visit when they arrive in this magnificent country in 2022.” Eto’o’s initial experiences of Qatar were shaped during a brief playing spell with Qatar Sports Club during the 2018/19 season. He believes fans will be amazed by the friendliness of the people and the safety of the country. Qatar is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. “I like the people in Qatar, Echo Newspaper 30 Nov - 06 Nov 2020 Sports 15

Race to run Africa’s football confederation has just heated up

The president of CAF has premier competitions. the finances. running for the presidency. has played in the African immense powers, which include The president elected in These missteps make it clear It prevented Anouma from Nations’ Championship as representing the continent at March will face several major that Ahmad Ahmad will have contesting. well as the more prestigious the highest committees for tasks. The most important will challengers as he seeks a second The rule was eliminated Africa Cup of Nations. These global football decision making be to sign a respectable media term in office. A previous ally, under Ahmad, opening the two achievements were quite at the International Federation contract for its continental Amaju has publicly announced door for Anouma to put his unexpected for the country. of Football Associations (FIFA). competitions and to restore support for Motsepe. name forward. Beyond the field, he has built He or she serves on the FIFA confidence in the organisation. Ahmad is not a novice to Motsepe appears in a much a modern headquarters for his Council and as an Executive Ahmad became president politics. He is vice-president of stronger position than Anouma federation and an academy, Vice President of FIFA. CAF after a late coalition against his country’s senate and at CAF – at least at this early stage. received a CAF award for presidents set the direction the prolonged leadership of he has dealt with adversaries Anouma is considered part leadership excellence, and for football on the continent. former president Issa Hayatou summarily and co-opted of the old guard that held received accolades from FIFA They serve a four-year term of Cameroon. Ahmad, elected supporters. To gauge support sway during the long years of as an exemplar for African and the highly coveted position as president in March 2017, from within CAF’s executive, Hayatou’s rule. Nevertheless, football. often attracts support based on has been in office for four he recently demanded and Motsepe still faces major Yet his candidacy may be regional coalitions and language years. He has been a member received written support obstacles. While his club, considered early and his alignments. of CAF’s Executive Committee from 46 of the continent’s 54 Mamelodi Sundowns, is an ability to navigate the thorny At present there are three since 2013. But he has run into associations for his second run example of successful club landscape of African football contestants besides Ahmad and problems during his tenure. for office. ownership, it hasn’t proved his politics could be challenged. Motsepe. They are the Ivorian These include accusations of Yet he’s not sure to return football administration skills. Ahmad must still be Jacques Anouma, a former impropriety in a CAF equipment as president of CAF. FIFA’s As a mining executive considered the front runner. member FIFA’s executive supplying contract awarded to investigation results are he clearly has the business To pass him will require his committee; Augustin Senghor a company owned by a friend pending and could have severe background. But the CAF job opponents working together of Senegal; and Mauritania’s of his. PricewaterhouseCoopers consequences. This includes requires political rather than to support a single opposition Ahmed Yahya. Two others have also reportedly found long term or life banishment. business manoeuvring. The candidate and canvass around withdrawn: Tunisia’s Tarek unreceipted expenditure of What’s more, his tenure has question is: would he be able the continent within a short Bouchamoui, was reportedly $24 million. rubbed up some members the to combine his business skills period to have a chance of blocked by Tunisia’s Football There have also been reported wrong way. For instance, in with politics? having a new CAF leader in Federation, and Nigeria’s sexual harassment complaints. July 2019, Ahmad engineered Ahmad Yahya is an intriguing March. TheConversation. Pinnick Amaju, who is backing Ahmad has denied these the removal of Nigeria’s Amaju option. At 44, he is a shipping Motsepe. accusations. Pinnick from the CAF vice- magnate and heads the Football The drama has only begun. In the boardroom, there were presidency position. Nigeria has Federation of the Islamic ( TheConversation.) More can be expected before the bungled decisions following now joined four other countries Republic of Mauritania. Under election on March 12. Political an ill-tempered African – Sierra Leone, South Africa, his leadership, Mauritania alignments and coalitions can Champions League final between Zimbabwe, and Botswana – to be expected to change quickly Morocco’s Wydad and Tunisia’s declare support for Motsepe. as the election draws close. The Esperance, and a decision to The other contenders changes may also be influenced pull out of a marketing contract Ivory Coast and some of the by alleged horse trading of with Largadere Sports and French speaking countries are positions and favours. Entertainment without a likely to rally behind Anouma. It What’s more, his tenure has rubbed up some This particular election is substitute marketer in place. is not his first attempt to get this members the wrong way. For instance, in clouded by the fact that there FIFA has investigated some job. He tried in 2012, but was are investigations into Ahmad. of these issues and results politically out-maneuvered by July 2019, Ahmad engineered the removal of In addition, the organisation are awaited. FIFA also sent Hayatou. Hayatou introduced ‘‘Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick from the CAF vice- is at a crossroads after losing its secretary-general, Fatma a rule that barred non-voting presidency position. the primary sponsor for its Samoura, to straighten out members of the CAF board from THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 30 Nove -06 Dec 2020

break on level terms. In the second half, the stakes were raised as each team increased the tempo. Ahly had the best chance of the opening minutes of the second period but top scorer Elshahat missed a sitter, hitting the upright from five yards out after a beautiful cutback from Maaloul found him with a gaping goalmouth On the other end in the 65th minute, Zamalek also struck the upright with Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Mostafa seeing his effort go cracking on the woodwork after setting himself up with a beautiful first touch and launching a rocket with the second. The see-saw continued to swing in both ways as possession was balanced, but Ahly tilted the scales to their favour in the last quarter of an hour. The pressure was rewarding as Magdy scored the winner with four minutes left, another world from range. The forward controlled the ball with his thigh to get off his marker before rolling a volley Ahly Wins Record Extending that landed on the keeper’s left. Pitso Mosimane, Al Alhy coach “It’s an unbelievable and an Ninth Champions League Crown amazing feeling. Not everyone can win the Champions League. It was a difficult match. We Mohamed Madgy Afsha who joined the team less than to nod in a header from Ali Bencharki had a grass cutter played a very good team. scored a beauty of a goal with three months ago won his Maaloul’s corner to give The go just wide. But they went Beautiful goals from the three four minutes left on the clock second Champions League title, Red Devils the lead. level terms in the most sublime scorers of the game. I must as Al Ahly beat Zamalek 2-1 at coincidentally against the same The record champions were of fashions, Shikabala taking thank everyone who took part the Cairo International Stadium side he beat to clinch his first rewarded for a bright start and on a superb solo effort. The in this success; the players, the on Friday to clinch a record crown in 2016 when he was at the corner had been borne after experienced striker picked the technical team, the president extending ninth Total CAF Mamelodi Sundowns. Ahly also Hussein Elshahat had forced the ball from a throw-in on the of the club, everyone. Champions League title. kept their track of not being keeper to a save from his near right, drifted to his favourite left The new season start this The Cairo Derby, the first time beaten by their eternal rivals post on the right. But despite foot before unleashing a belter weekend, we do not even have a final was being decided by in the CAF Champions League, going down, Zamalek forced that left Mohamed Elshenawy a time for a break. Of course, teams from the same country, picking their sixth win in nine Ahly to play in their half as dazed. we enjoy the moment, but we looked to be headed for a draw matches. they sought an equalizer to get The White Knights kept have to start preparing CAF before Magdy scored a beauty Ahly had the perfect start, back into contention. the pressure but could not Super Cup and Egyptian Cup. to hand the Red Devils the Elsoulia breaking the deadlock They had the chances, with convert their possession to coveted piece of silverware. after six minutes. The midfielder Shikabala having a shot from any additional goal as the two Head coach Pitso Mosimane sneaked in behind the defence range saved while Achraf Egyptian giants went to the ( Cafonline.)

THE AFRICAN STORY

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