COMPLETION OF MONUMENTAL KAZUNGULA BRIDGE PROJECT
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THE AFRICAN STORY WITH US DON’T BE
LEFT BEHIND
ISSUE NUMBER 742 VOLUME 2 19 - 25 OCT 2020
Zambian opposition
leader gets two year
jail term
page 4
Zimbabwe’s
restrictions on
mobile money
COMPLETION OF transfers are a blow
to financial inclusion
MONUMENTAL page 10
KAZUNGULA Desert and Delta
BRIDGE PROJECT Safaris – Making
an impact amidst
Covid-19
• Project now awaits official commissioning by Presidents
Masisi and Lungu
page 12
page 2
2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
THE AFRICAN STORY
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Completion of monumental
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Ame Kolobetso
Kazungula Bridge project
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ketletsengm@echo.co.bw
Echo is published by Two ministers of transport state of the art bridge has been Emmerson Mnangagwa, Ian bridge was at 78% in May of the
YMH Publishing from Zambia and Botswana completed and I have been told Khama of Botswana and same year and moving to 91.9 %
YMH Publishing,
Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, conducted a final inspection of that this facility will reduce Edgar Lungu of Zambia did a in November. In May, the bridge
GIFP, Gaborone the Kazungula Bridge Project the transit time for heavy duty final inspection in 2018 where was 78% complete and president
Postal address: on Saturday, signaling the vehicles between Zambia and Botswana and Zambia agreed Lungu of Zambia was optimistic
P O BOX 840, completion of one the major Botswana from more than 3 days to allow Zimbabwe to be part that the project will be completed
Gaborone, multinational projects in to only 2 hours. This is a great of the project, in phase II of the on schedule. An announcement
Botswana
Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. Southern Africa which will milestone in the promotion of project. The three countries was made early this month that
E-mail: info@echo.co.bw improve the movement of goods trade and regional integration,” further agreed to put up a one- the bridge construction had
www.echo.co.bw and services in the North – South Zambian minister Mwale said. stop border post at Zambia’s been completed. Phase two of
Corridor, thereby facilitating For his part, Botswana’s Southern province. Last year the project which a one stop
DISCLAIMER: trade and improved regional Transport minister said the in March the contractor halted border post in Botswana, and
Echo Newspaper welcomes
concise letters from readers. economic activity in the SADC project is one of the biggest construction works due non- Zambia one stop border post
Letters must carry the bloc and the continent as a whole. and best modern engineering payment by Zambia which was are at 98.44% and 99.40%. with
full name and address of ventures ever to be done in followed by an industrial action completion expected at the end
the sender. Letters must The final inspection of the continent. He added that by staff. The progress of the of the month
conform to the laws of the completed project over Botswana was excited at the
Botswana and to the Press
Council of Botswana’s Code the weekend, by transport successful completion of the
Of Ethics. Letters will also be minister Thulaganyo Segokgo project for the economic benefits
edited for length, libel and and Infrastructure minister it brings to the region and Africa.
language. Vincent Mwale of Botswana The objective of the project
and Zambia respectively has is to improve the efficiency
paved way for the commissioning of transit traffic through the
of the project by the heads of Kazungula border to facilitate
state for the two countries. and increase trade activities and
Presidents Mokgweetsi Masisi global competiveness of Zambia
and his Zambian counterpart and Botswana.
Edgar Lungu are expected to Some of the expected outcomes
open up the project to use at time include reduced border transit
date yet to be communicated. time, improved procedures on
trade facilitation, improved
Read more Echo T h e Ka z u n g u l a B r i d g e border management operations,
stories on our Project was co-financed by and consequently increased
Facebook page by both government of Botswana
and Zambia as well the Japan
traffic throughput and reduced
time-based transport and trade
scanning the QR International Co-operation cost.
code below with Agency (JICA), and the African Project Background
your mobile phone Development Bank (ADB) at a In 2015, Botswana and Zambia
total cost of US$260 million. invited bids for the construction
of Kazungula Bridge Project
The 930-metre-long and .Daewoo Engineering and
18.5-metre-wide road-rail Construction was selected to
Bridge built over the Zambezi be the contractor of the project
River, connecting the two and construction started after
neighbours- Botswana and the ground-breaking ceremony
Zambia, replaces the ferry and was held on the Botswana side
is expected to reduce border by Vice Presidents Guy Scott and
transit time for cargo haul trucks Ponatshego Kedikilwe of Zambia
from about 3 days to 2 hours. and Botswana respectively. Three
“We are excited that this regional presidents: Zimbabwe’s
Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Echo Report 3
to enhance security for truck
drivers on the DRC side of the
border.
Association president Stanley
Muluka tells phoenix news
that although the extension
of operating hours is good for
the flow of trucks crossing the
border, the security situation on
the Congolese side of the border
leaves much to be desired as
drivers are attacked by thugs
even during the day and in full
view of Congolese police officers.
Muluka said with the extension
of operating hours, drivers will
be crossing in the night at times
which will put their lives at risk.
He has however commended
both governments for agreeing
to extend hours of operation at
Kasumbalesa border post saying
this will increase traffic flow
beyond the current clearance
of between 500 and 800 trucks
per day.
Zambia and the Democratic
Republic of Congo on Wednesday
this week agreed to implement
Extension of operating hours at Kasumbalesa
the bilateral trade agreement,
which will see the two countries
extend operation hours at
Kasumbalesa border post from
border raises security concerns
6 am to 10 pm by 31st December
2020.
The imminent extension of and Democratic Republic of Southern Africa Development The association has since (Phoenix News)
operating hours at Kasumbalesa Congo (DRC) has triggered Community (SADC) Truck challenged both the Zambian
Border post between Zambia security concerns from the Drivers Association. and the Congolese governments
4 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Zambian opposition leader gets two year jail term Zambian opposition National proved its case beyond reasonable but also considered his conduct with Kambwili and should not have taken the sentencing of Democratic Congress-NDC- doubt as regards count one and during the proceedings which have continued presiding over the NDC leader as political leader Chishimba Kambwili has two of forgery and uttering a he says was disrespectful to the the case. victimisation when it is based been sentenced to two years false document but that the institutions of justice. Katuka added that although on evidence. imprisonment with hard labour prosecution failed to adduce Meanwhile the opposition there could have been a prima Addressing the media in for forgery and uttering a false sufficient evidence in the third UPND is dissatisfied and displeased facie case against Kambwili, it Lusaka today, Tayali who was document. count, resulting in an acquittal. over the conviction of national was against the rules of natural the complainant in the matter This is in a case where Kambwili In mitigation, one of Kambwili’s democratic congress-NDC- justice that he could be subjected is of the view that justice and was charged with three counts lawyer Musa Mwenye, state Leader Chishimba Kambwili. to a magistrate who had issues fairness must prevail as long of forgery, uttering a false counsel, pleaded for maximum UPND Secretary General with the same litigant he was to as there is evidence and those document, and giving false leniency saying Kambwili is a Stephen Katuka said while the convict of an offence. found wanting should be held information to a public officer. The diabetic patient and a family man party respects the decision of the Meanwhile, Socialist Party accountable. Tayali has refuted opposition leader has however who also heads a political party. court, in an ideal environment, Leader Fred M’membe says he claims suggesting that his decision been acquitted of the charge He asked the court to consider the circumstances under which does not think Kambwili received to take the opposition leader of giving false information to a giving his client a suspended or the justice system is dispensing fair trial under the hands of to court was sponsored by the public officer. non-custodial sentence. justice leaves much to be desired. magistrate Simusamba. ruling pf. Lusaka Principal Resident Simusamba in passing sentence He said it is a well-known But Economic and Equity Magistrate David Simusamba said he has considered that fact that principal magistrate Party leader Chilufya Tayali is (Phoenix News) sentenced Kambwili to 12 months Kambwili was a first offender David Simusamba had issues disappointment that Zambians -- in the count of forgery and another 12 months for uttering a false document saying the sentences will run concurrently meaning Kambwili will only serve a year in prison. It is alleged that in October 2013, with intent to defraud or deceive, Kambwili allegedly forged a ‘no change return’ (companies form 71) purporting to show that it was genuinely signed by his son Mwamba Kambwili when it was not. In count two, it is alleged that Kambwili on the same day forged the no change return form, he knowingly and fraudulently uttered it to an officer at Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA). And in the third count, he is accused of giving false information to a public officer. Magistrate Simusamba in his judgment said the prosecution
Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
Echo Report 5
Covid-19 and AfCFTA: why now is
the time to maintain momentum
despite the global pandemic
The buzz and excitement must make its operational accelerating intra-African trade (Bizcommunity.)
around African Continental initiation a priority. and boosting Africa’s trading
Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), African governments across position in the global market; it
hailed as the answer to a fully the continent should continue could be just the economic shot
integrated pan-African economy, to offer their support and work in the arm needed by African
has undoubtedly slowed its pace towards realising the AfCTFA’s economies.
since the secretariat became e m p owe r i n g m i s s i o n o f
operational in April 2020. The
unprecedented arrival of a global
pandemic has stunted the first
round of the trade negotiations
- an unfortunate setback for the
continent’s grand plans.
Chief Technical Advisor to the
AfCFTA at the African Union,
Prudence Sebahizi has said
that the summit has now been
postponed to December and
the start of free trade will be
postponed to early 2021.
The resilience of the African
continent, however, will be
undeterred. In recent weeks,
the Economic Commission for
Africa (ECA) announced that
member states would continue
negotiations on phase 1 issues of
the agreement – a reminder that
African countries should not lose
sight of the end goal, despite
disruptions to the AfCFTA’s
timeline.
Professor Christopher Cramer
at the School of Oriental and
African Studies echoes this,
outlining that states cannot rely
easily on foreign investment or
aid – they must build resilient
export sectors and take a national
role in promoting change. He
advocates for greater investment
in public agricultural research
and development, as well as
investment in irrigation.
There are already enterprises
that are doing just this. I am
chairman of African Green
Resources, working to promote
agriculture, agribusiness and
sustainable development in
support of accelerated economic
diversification and structural
transformation. Its core mission
is to train farmers in good
agricultural practices to achieve
high yields, promoting value
addition and food security to
build a sustainable agriculture
economy.
The economy, agriculture
and food insecurity are all
intrinsically linked and innately
complex. Availability, access,
usage, and stability all interact
simultaneously, affecting the
different dimensions of food
security. For example, trade
helps to stabilize food prices
and enhance food availability
by moving food from surplus
regions to deficit regions.
In order to marry the current
initiatives already in place in
various countries and regions,
with the economic goals of the
wider continent, the AfCFTA
6 Business & Finance (SMME’s) Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
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Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Echo Report 7
the catchment surface layers Meanwhile, Lake Naivasha
saturate, resulting in extended declined in recent years to
flood periods. For instance critically low levels. Growing
the Turkwel dam, which was developments – such as Naivasha
built on the Turkwel river in town and a new Industrial City
the northern Rift Valley Basin, – need water, which puts more
recently reached its highest pressure on the already critically
level on record. stressed lake water resource. In
And in May this year, Lake addition, the lake suffers from
Naivasha reached its highest level heavy pollution loads.
since 1932. The lake’s expansion The flow of water into Lake
has flooded developments, such Turkana is being regulated by dam
as surrounding flower farms. and irrigation developments,
Yet, like the other lakes, potentially affecting the lake
Lake Naivasha’s waters have ecology and fisheries.
Kenya’s Rift Valley high
historically been higher. The Excessive river inflows into
lake is 1.4 vertical metres short the lakes result from increasing
of its official riparian boundary. catchment rainfall coupled
levels a cause for concern
In 1917, the lake was 2.4 metres with the effects of land use
higher. In earlier centuries, the changes. Dilution of saline
lake was at least 13 metres higher. waters affects the production
The water cycles of Rift of cyanobacteria, the food
Recent high water levels of of Lake Baringo alone have the proportion of rain and Valley lakes are changing as sources of lesser flamingos.
Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes have displaced more than 5,000 sediment that runs off from water is taken out for use and Increased turbidity reduces
flooded properties and displaced people and destroyed schools, the catchments is increasing. because the catchments and light penetration into water,
communities, most notably hospitals, hotels and roads. The lakes’ water cycles are land surrounding the lakes are and affects photosynthesis, an
around Lakes Baringo and And the effects on lake governed by rainfall on highland being degraded. For instance, engine of the aquatic food chain.
Naivasha. ecologies are a concern as catchment areas, evaporation forests are being converted Future concerns
There are many lakes along the flooding increases lake turbidity and seepage. Water reaches the into agricultural land, there While tectonic plate changes
length of the African Rift Valley, and dilutes the saline waters of lakes through direct rainfall, is increasing urbanisation and are beyond humans’ control,
which runs from the Red Sea alkaline lakes. rivers, groundwater flows, and people are encroaching onto biodiversity-friendly land use
in the north to Mozambique in The Rift Valley is subject to in some cases hot springs from riparian and wetland zones. and commitment to existing
the south. Kenya’s eastern Rift ongoing plate tectonics and underground geothermal fields. Lake Nakuru’s ecology has legislation and national
Valley has a string of eight lakes. crustal movement that can The eastern Rift Valley is semi- long been affected by catchment vegetation cover goals can limit
These lakes provide diverse affect the lakes. The recent rises, arid and its high evaporation rate change. For instance, the forest catastrophic damage to lake
habitats ranging from the though, are directly associated concentrates salts in the lakes. cover of its catchment area is ecological systems, people and
freshwater lakes of Naivasha with above-average rainfall. The The lakes are especially sensitive reported to have declined from property.
and Baringo to the semi-saline lakes have been even higher in to changing catchment rainfall 70% to 15% over the past 50 In the context of increasing
Lake Turkana, the saline alkaline the past, and with rainfall in and have, in the past, ranged years, leading to greater runoff rainfall trends, it is vital that
lakes of Magadi, Elmentaita, the Rift Valley Basin being on from near empty to much higher into rivers and thence to the official demarcation of riparian
Nakuru and Bogoria and the a rising rainfall trend, higher levels than today. lake. On top of that, the growth and wetland zones takes full
transient Lake Logipi. lake levels can be expected in Kenya’s October to December of Nakuru town requires more account of the very well-
The lake level rises are worrying the future. 2019 rains were the highest on water supply which will be documented extreme high lake
because of the destruction to Land use changes, riparian record for decades. These were imported. Unless otherwise level precedents and extent of
homes, livelihoods, industry zone encroachment, loss of followed by above-average rains channelled, this extra water flooding of the last century and
and infrastructure, and loss of wetlands, and urban growth in 2020. In some areas they were will end up in the lake, raising before.
terrestrial wildlife habitat. So are all contributing to more 400% more than normal. water levels, and if not properly
far this year, the rising waters extreme flooding. This is because With persistent rainfall, treated, will worsen pollution. (TheConversation.)
8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
number of annual sunshine hours
and the average solar irradiation
is evenly distributed. Electricity
is a major overhead for many
business operations. African
countries have made progress
in expanding electricity access
in recent years, the overall state
of electrification in Africa is still
far from its potential.
Africa with a large coastline
offers huge opportunity for Wind
power production. Currently,
wind makes up one percent of
electricity production and by
2030, wind is only expected
to account for two percent of
Africa’s power mix, according to
the International Energy Agency.
Although wind is not as popular as
Interest Rate Cut: Growing your
other renewable energy solutions
it is an important contributor to
Investments in a Low Interest Environment
nations energy mix.
Economic diversification is a
top priority for many African
nations. There is a direct
correlation between economic
By Emmanuel Allottey convert Africa’s natural wealth of its energy needs through responsible for 84 per cent of all growth and energy consumption.
into a revenue generating the use of indigenous, clean, non-fossil fuel energy use. Africa Implementation of policies and
Africa as the poorest continent industry. Africa is rich in renewable energy by 2030. The is a continent rich in lakes and strategies that support economic
in the world is in desperate need renewable energy sources, investment required however rivers however climate change diversification must feature
for economic transformation. including hydro, sun, wind can be daunting as these projects and drought is threatening the renewable energy. The integration
Most economies in Africa are amongst others, which once require large sums of upfront sustainability of this as an energy of a renewable energy strategy
still based on the production harnessed will significantly capital. African governments face source. will achieve multiple objections
and export of unprocessed augment the current cost of difficult investment allocation Solar is particularly promising from social transformation to
agricultural products, minerals, energy demands. decisions between short term in Africa nations: albeit with economic growth. A combined
and crude oil with little to no According to a report by revenue generating projects and varying potentials, this type effort is required from private,
manufacturing or processing. the International Renewable longer-term revenue generating of energy could be harnessed public sector and foreign direct
Renewable energy offers Energy Agency (IRENA), Africa projects such renewable energy. virtually everywhere in Africa. investment to translate economic
a substantive opportunity to could meet nearly a quarter Across Africa, hydropower is African nations receive a very high initiatives into tangible results.
the impact of COVID-19 on the critical element for development.
economy. The combination It has been the main engine for
of government-imposed poverty reduction globally. The
lockdowns and other restrictions continued decline in economic
needed to address the public activity will lead to the worst
health crises have resulted in recession in Africa’s history.
reduction in economic activity The implementation of
and ultimately national output. different economic interventions
The results of the decisions has come at an opportunity
made have yielded mixed results lost to national development
highlighting the importance of projects. The deployment of
governance in driving economic these economic interventions
growth. has stretched already constricted
Africa has been plagued national budgets and, in some
with poor governance and instances, requiring further
political instability stagnating borrowing to bridge the deficit.
development on the continent. Budgeted projects have had to
Empirical studies have shown be suspend or deferred to the
that countries which have detriment of national progress.
established good governance Government spending to
regimes have been able to attain combat the coronavirus has
a faster economic growth. uncovered an inherent risk of
Effective governance and misappropriation of resources
the rule of law are important and corruption in Africa. This
determinants of economic corruption risk is a rule of law
growth. Throughout the problem. It also compromises
pandemic, continued political the pandemic response,
unrest has been witnessed with undermining much-needed
incidents across the four corners trust in public institutions,
of the continent. Governments squandering supplies and
have had to revert to emergency resources, and impeding their
powers to govern during the flow to those in need.
Impact of COVID-19 in Africa:
pandemic. COVID-19 is transforming the
Recent World Bank reports economic landscape in Africa
indicate that economic activity and improved governance could
role of Governance in driving
in Sub Saharan Africa is on course correspond to higher levels
to contract by 2.8% in 2020. of economic development.
This is an aggregated average, I m p r ov i n g g ove r n a n c e ,
Economic growth with sharper deterioration
in individual African states.
Africa’s largest economies are
including aspects such as
regulatory quality, rule of law,
and government effectiveness,
anticipating a contraction in could be a key component to
The impact of COVID-19 has Africa. Governments have been economic activity and have generate faster economic growth
By Emmanuel Allottey reversed the economic growth under pressure to respond downgraded their domestic in Africa.
trajectory of many nations in swiftly and decisively to mitigate outlooks. Economic growth is a
Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
9
10 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Zimbabwe’s restrictions on mobile money transfers are a blow to financial inclusion Mobile financial services are, in Another important use of mobile As a result, close to 50,000 Zimbabwe has a national The Reserve Bank also needs most African countries, born out money is to store money securely mobile money agents have lost population registration system a financial sector policy that of crises. In 2011, Zimbabwe had in high crime areas. their source of income. This is which is only accessible by facilitates the development gone through a volatile decade of An important benefit is likely to affect customers in the authorised government workers. of safe and accessible mobile economic crises – hyperinflation, the cash-in and cash-out rural areas of Zimbabwe who The ordinary mobile money agent money services for Zimbabweans currency instability and a collapse functionality. This allows users depended on the agents to access would not have access to it. But who currently don’t have of the formal financial system. to deposit cash into a mobile mobile money services. These customers without adequate access to financial services. Consumers, mostly employed account through a mobile money agents gave rural consumers the identification could still sign This would require that all in the informal sector, had a agent and withdraw physical cash opportunity to be integrated into up for a basic account with low stakeholders, including the widespread mistrust of the formal at a convenient time and place. the financial system. transaction and withdrawal regulator, mobile money banking system. They can avoid the long queues The overall effect is that mobile limits, instead of being excluded operators, telecommunication In came Econet, a major mobile and withdrawal limits set by the money accounts can only be used entirely from the financial system. regulators and financial operator, to launch a mobile formal banking system. for transacting but not “store of Alternative forms of intelligence authorities, develop money service called Ecocash. Despite the compelling value” purposes. Store of value identification could have been a collaborative regulatory Taking advantage of the country’s value proposition that mobile means savings or investment used for opening accounts. These framework. high mobile penetration, the money offers, the Reserve Bank accounts. This is seemingly at could include utility bills or letters Such a framework would seek service had 2.3 million users of Zimbabwe recently placed odds with findings by academics from local church and village to protect the integrity of the within 18 months. Today, close significant regulatory restrictions and development practitioners leaders. financial system from fraud to 90% of adult Zimbabweans on its operations. The regulator that mobile money accounts The mobile money agent and misuse. At the same time it use Ecocash. In addition, Ecocash said mobile money services were encourage poor customers who network increased access to would ensure that consumers paved the way for competitors fuelling illegal foreign currency are not well served by the formal financial services in rural and merchants enjoyed the such as OneMoney, Telecash exchange, money laundering financial sector to save regularly. and hard-to-reach areas of full benefits of mobile money and Mycash. and fraud, especially through This is all the more so in a Zimbabwe. Instead of abolishing services. At all times, the end The economic crisis in the cash-in/cash-out service. country battling with a shortage the role of mobile money agents, goal of greater financial inclusion Zimbabwe spurred the rapid The restrictions followed the of banknotes and coins and the financial regulator could must remain a priority. adoption and use of mobile Reserve Bank’s audit of the the collapse of the traditional have reprimanded, and fined money. First came cash four mobile money platforms, financial system. The stringent agents found guilty of money (TheConversation). shortages coupled with higher including Ecocash. It found that restrictions could stifle innovation laundering and the trading of cash withdrawal fees and lower some accounts were opened among mobile money operators foreign exchange without a withdrawal limits. Then loss using fictitious or unverified and hinder access to financial licence. of savings to soaring inflation identification documents. There services for many unbanked and loan denials in the formal was also a rampant misuse of Zimbabweans. banking system engendered mobile money accounts for Alternative approaches mistrust among consumers. This money laundering schemes and The blanket restrictions may forced a government-led drive fraudulent overdrafts or fictitious have the unintended consequence towards a cashless economy and credit. It also cited cases of foreign of excluding legitimate merchants non-cash transactions. currency trading outside the and consumers from accessing Mobile money transfers in formal channels. financial services. The new Zimbabwe are mainly from Users are now restricted to regulations also appear out one person to another. This just one mobile wallet account of proportion to the risk. For allows for urban to rural money per person and a daily transfer instance, a tiered approach to remittances for family support, limit of ZW$5,000 (US$50). In know-your-customer regulation payment for goods and services addition, users can no longer could have allowed the regulator in retail settings and financial transact through mobile money to distinguish between risky flows between the formal and agents. Their operations have high-value transactions and informal business sectors. been abolished. low-value transactions.
Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Arts 11
Rough Diamond
Book Release By
Thea Khama
The Light Network Releases
“Rough Diamond” by Thea
Khama, Exploring Beauty,
Despair, Rage & Truth in a Rare
Life-Changing Way
Thea Khama shares her story in adoption, displacement, and
“Rough Diamond”. The darkness being an only child of a broken
of youth and young womanhood family. My story is about all the
seen through the lens of soul turmoil that made me who I am
songs, always with enough today. This narrative is meant to
love to keep her moving. As bring you closer to your heart,
Thea finds spirituality and her to open up your point of view,
life transforms into something and to radiate compassion for
magical, the diamond emerges the inner child and adolescent
out of the rough. that rages, slumbers, plays and
Rough Diamond is a poignant dreams in every one of us.”
story of one woman’s discovery Rough Diamond inevitably
of self and the spiritual world. relates how young Thea met
The book covers Thea’s life from her future husband Tshekedi,
birth through adolescence to her introduction to the Khama
her early twenties, and is told family and how she found her
through soul songs. Thea shares own path in Botswana, a country
the light and darkness of her she has called home ever since.
journey in discovering her place In addition to her work as an
in the unknown mysteries of author, Thea is a philanthropist,
the world. With an emphasis mentor and coach.
on love’s universal language of Set to make waves in Botswana
healing, Thea tells her story of and abroad, the moving book is
endurance and pain, but also scheduled for a Closed Group
of the unspoken connections Launch for the media and
that link all people together; for selected publishers on the 20th
every aching memory there is November 2020, followed by a
another of hope and kindness. Virtual Live Launch on the 29th
In Thea Khama’s own words, November 2020 via Webinar.
“My story tells how I experienced12 Arts Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
New African-made films
In one scene, a businessman
drugs and rapes the undercover
journalist at a party. In another,
sex workers endure a voodoo
challenge Hollywood stereotypes
initiation to scare them into
loyalty to pimps trafficking them
to Italy.
“I am very happy that this
conversation has started so that
Producers of two African-made and in June released romantic some of these animals in their million subscribers globally. the government will sit up to
films premiering on Netflix this comedy “Cook Off”, Zimbabwe’s natural habitat.” Òlòtūré was shot on the gritty their responsibility, so that the
month believe their work will first offering on the streaming The film ends with a statistic streets and in rundown homes agencies that are tasked with
show there’s subscriber appetite service. from the World Wildlife of Lagos. It tells the story of fighting human trafficking in
for movies that go deeper than the Poacher, the first Kenyan film Foundation: if current trends impoverished sex workers lured Nigeria will maybe clamour for
Hollywood stereotypes that often released on Netflix, uses drama continue, elephants will be into being trafficked overseas. more funding or sit up and do
make African viewers groan. to show the lives of everyday extinct by 2040. Human Rights Watch ranks better,” said co-producer James
Subscribers to the world’s people involved in poaching. The other movie, Òlòtūré, joins Nigeria a top origin country of Omuta.
largest streaming service can now “It’s very simple to point a host of Nigerian films on the trafficking victims in Europe (Reuters.)
watch Poacher, a Kenyan drama fingers,” said Davina Leonard, platform, which has nearly 193 and elsewhere.
about elephant poaching and who co-wrote, co-produced,
Òlòtūré, a Nigerian thriller about and stars in Poacher. “When
a journalist whose world falls you start a drama, now you’re
apart after she goes undercover looking at the people and their
as a sex worker. motivations.”
The films avoid the simplistic The film’s other star, Brian
portrayals that viewers in Africa Ogola, hopes Poacher will spur
often resent, the producers say. people to action.
Netflix has begun screening “It’s still not enough if we
more content produced in Africa, want our grandchildren to seeEcho Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 13 Travel
Desert and Delta Safaris
– Making an impact
amidst Covid-19
Savute-Safari-Lodge
Camp Okavango
While the COVID-19 pandemic lodges and Camps in some of i m p o s e d , DD S t o ok t h e
has devastated the tourism the most pristine and wildlife daunting decision to keep all
industry more than other rich areas in Botswana and its permanent employees on the
sectors of the economy, Namibia. job. This is despite camps being
one of the oldest and well Its luxury safari establishments closed due to border closures
established Safari operators are Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe which meant no tourists.
in Botswana, Desert and Delta Savanna Lodge, Savute Safari During this time, the industry
Safaris, has during this difficult Lodge, Camp Moremi, Camp experienced a sudden decline
time been working on new Xakanaxa, Camp Okavango, of income, but had to continue
enduring costs.
Desert and Delta Safaris’
Camp Xakanaxa Marketing Manager told Echo
Travel that further to keeping
their staff on their job, the
company has been busy with
other initiatives during this
period of lockdowns. Among to work on new projects. of this, which will benefit
them, was the rebranding “During this halt in operation, Botswana for years to come.
exercise for the company, we used the time to get some ”
which saw the change and new projects done, including Given the importance of wildlife
modernisation of their logo a rebrand of the famous Desert to the tourism industry as
and tagline. and Delta Safaris logo and attractions, our last point
Also achieved during this tagline. Many hours went of conversation had to be
time was the decision by the into this project, which has conservation.
company to be among the been going on since April.,” Flatt outlined the company
inaugural founding members of he said. philosophy saying,
the newly formed Victoria Falls “Where we are going is to is to “Conservation has become such
Tourism Association (VFTA). empower the country through a popular tag word in tourism
initiatives aimed at developing Xugana Island Lodge and “The history that comes with people – using tourism as the today, and rightly so. But the
its employees through travel Leroo La Tau - all of which this brand makes a significant vehicle. And through this, we reality is that in Botswana,
operations into the future. guarantee travellers unique impact on the experiences came up with – ‘Empowering conservation has been a part
Desert and Delta Safaris started Safari experiences. that our guests have. What Botswana Through Tourism.” of operation for a long time.
its operations in 1983, and then really makes a safari with us Desert and Delta Safaris became We have been involved in,
operated only Camp Moremi At the onset, following the special is the people. We have one of the founding members started or helped fund countless
in the Okavango Delta. Today, pandemic outbreak, and always had our people at the of the Victoria Falls regional initiatives over the years and
DDS operates eight luxury world-wide travel restrictions core of our decisions. In fact, Tourism Association, or Africa’s will continue to do so because
the Chobe Holdings group Eden earlier this year. without our wildlife and natural
was the first luxury safari “Recognizing the power of a environments, we do not have
Leroo La Tau group in Botswana to have all joint tourism body in one of a tourism product and we do
citizen management in all of Africa’s most sought-after not have a vehicle to empower
our camps and lodges, which tourism regions, we jumped our people.”
has fostered an incredible at the opportunity to be a part
sense of pride and ownership
of the brand from everyone
who works for the company. Xugana Island Lodge
It is these very people that
deliver flawless, but relaxed
and welcoming hospitality
to every guest that walks
through their doors,” Flatt
emphasised the company’s
people centred approach.
Flatt said during the halt
in operations due to the
pandemic, they saw the need14 Sports Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
CLASSIFIED ADS
Call 3933805/6 To Advertise.
TAFA J
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA
HELD AT GABORONE
CASE NO. CVHGB-000029-18
Call 3933805/6
In the matter between:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOTSWANA LIMITED Plaintiff
And
KELESITSE RAMOND GILIKA First Defendant
PORTIA TEBOGO GILIKA Second Defendant
WHALERS (PTY) LTD Third Defendant
NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION
advertise
BE PLEASED TO TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to judgment granted in the above Honourable
Court on 7th December 2018, the First, Second and Third Defendants’ property will be sold
by auction to the highest bidder by Deputy Sheriff Omphemetse Peter Kaisara.
.
DATE OF SALE: 13th October 2020;
VENUE: Lot 21028, Gaborone West Extension 5;
TIME: 09.30 am;
piece of land being Lot 21028, Gaborone West Extension
with us
5, 770m2 (Seven Hundred and Seventy Square Metres);
PROPERTY TO BE SOLD : held under Deed of Transfer No. 163/2006 dated 31st day of
January 2006 made in favor of KELESITSE RAYMOND
GILIKA with some developments thereon being a castle type
4 bedrooms house, master ensuite, sitting room, kitchen,
bathroom, toilet and shower, dining room, swimming pool,
staff quarters, office and study room, paving, screen wall,
electric fence and sliding gate.
TERMS OF SALE: Cash or bank guaranteed cheques
DATED AT GABORONE THIS 13th DAY OF OCTOBER 2020.
Deputy Sheriff Omphemetse P Kaisara (71222244)
C/o Serole & Partners
The Courtyard, Lot 54513, Unit 1
P O Box 1679 ABG, Sebele
GABORONE
opposition.
The return legs will be played
in Alexandria on Oct. 23 and
Oct. 24 respectively.
The Confederation of African
Football had originally intended
to host the final stages of
both competitions in a mini-
tournament format with single
semi-finals and a final a few
days later at a central venue.
Cameroon were asked to host
the Champions League final-
four but pulled out and, after
that, no alternative could be
found, leading to the decision
to continue with the usual
two-legged format.
The final, however, is no
longer over two legs for the
first time in the competition’s
56-year history, but will be
played in Douala, Cameroon
on Nov. 6. The decision to play
African club competitions
the final in a single game was
already made last year.
The Confederation Cup will
be concluded behind closed
return after lengthy hiatus
doors at Rabat’s Prince Moulay
Abdellah Stadium.
There is an all-Moroccan
clash between Hassania Agadir
African club competition Champions League is continuing regulations and travel behind closed doors at the and Renaissance Berkane on
returns following a hiatus of in its traditional format but restrictions have kept the cavernous Mohamed V Stadium Monday, followed the next
more than six months, caused the Confederation Cup is competitions from being in Casablanca on Saturday in day by the second semi-final
by the COVID-19 pandemic, as being concluded in a mini- concluded sooner and there the first leg of their Champions between Guinea’s Horoya and
both the Champions League tournament at a single venue, was concern, at one stage, they League semi-final. Pyramids of Egypt. The final will
and African Confederation Cup as was the case with Europe’s might have to be cancelled. Raja Casablanca meet be played on Sunday, Oct. 25.
resume at the semi-final stage. two annual club competitions Last season’s runners-up Zamalek on Sunday at the same
Morocco plays host to all in August. Wydad Casablanca host record venue in another tie pitting a (Reuters)
four ties this weekend. The Africa’s strict lockdown winners Al Ahly of Egypt Moroccan club against EgyptianEcho Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020 Sports 15
feat. However, they want to
go a step further with the title
within their sights.
In addition, they boast of a
remarkable away record in their
campaign. Pyramids have won
all seven away games this term;
a feat that sets the debutants
miles apart from their peers.
Ahead of their semi-final
clash with Horoya of Guinea,
Pyramids will be banking on
the experience of skipper
Abdullah El Said, who has
won five different CAF titles
with his former side, Al Ahly.
El Said is having a season to
remember, having recently
joined the elite club of “100
Goals” in the Egyptian Premier
League..
Though ownership of the
club has changed hands yet
again, Salim Al Shamsi of the
United Arab Emirates taking
over from Al-Sheikh, Pyramids
Pyramids, A Story Of
continue to attract big names.
Having the likes of Ghanaian
John Antwi, the record foreign
Building Giants
goal-scorer in Egyptian
football, Burkinabe Eric Traore
among others, they will have
more power next season in
It might be their first ever Assiouty Sport, the club found and moving the club base from Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. the form of former Al Ahly
appearance in a continental their way up reaching the Upper Egypt to the capital, The adventure looked to have experienced trio of Sherif
club championship, but Egyptian top division (Premier Cairo. produced immediate returns Ekramy, Ahmed Fathy and
Egyptian newcomers Pyramids League) in 2014. However, their Al-Sheikh is reported to have as Pyramids topped the 2018- Ramadan Sobhy.
FC have emerged as one of the tenure in the elite division spent about 1 billion Egyptian 19 Egyptian Premier League They are guided by an
favourites for this season’s Total was short-lived as they were Pounds (almost 63 million US table for a greater part of the experienced coach as well.
CAF Confederation Cup title. relegated in 2015. dollars) on the restructuring season. Eventually, they had Croatian-born Ante Cacic,
The continental debutants It was not until 2018 when process. He brought on board to settle for third place Al Ahly 66, who joined the club last
will face Guinea champions their revolution started to take some big name players and and Zamalek in that order. The year after a long managerial
Horoya on Tuesday, 20 October shape. After two seasons in the raiding the camp of giants Al third position earned them career that saw him managing
2020, at Mohammed V Complex topflight, the leadership of the Ahly and Zamalek to help in the ticket to qualify for the Croatia national team, besides
in Casablanca, Morocco, with club changed hands following building the new club identity. continental club championship clubs including Dinamo
both sides aiming for a place a takeover by Saudi Arabian Abdullah El Said, Omar Gaber, for the first time. Zagreb (Croatia), NK Maribor
in the final of the second-tier investor Turki Al Al-Sheikh. He Ahmed El Shennawy, Ali Gabr And they have made the best (Slovenia) among others.
club championship five days mastered a complete revamp among others were recruited, of their maiden adventure.
later in Rabat. of the side, including changing while adding a South American Reaching the semifinal in their ( Fifa.com.)
Founded in 2008 as Al the name to “Pyramids FC”, flavour with players from debut season is a remarkable
Olympics-Surfing and
Games still in love but
wedding on hold
excitement. The party is still the coast non-stop for three
going to happen.” months illegally pretty much.
While many athletes have “My competitive side of me
sought out sports psychologists would come out because I just
to help deal with the anxiety of a wanted to get the best waves I
delayed Games, Fitzgibbons and possibly could.”
South Africa’s Jordy Smith have Fitzgibbons said after the
found balance riding waves. Tokyo Olympic postponement
Fitzgibbons says the extra was announced she initially
time has provided room to felt a bit anxious but has used
figure out performance and the COVID pause to “polish the
progression while Smith ordinary” and find perspective.
After flirting with each other Thursday. opportunity to ramp up the sharpened his competitive “I think everyone will be
for decades, surfing and the “We’re still getting married, anticipation. instincts on home waves. on board to have that real
Olympics were set to tie the we’re still lovers,” Aguerre “It is really interesting “When I made the trip positive energy to kick start
knot in July until COVID-19 said during a State of Olympic because that moment you have back to South Africa it was everything,” said Fitzgibbons.
crashed the wedding to spoil Surfing broadcast. “It’s just an been preparing for something our winter and the borders “Hopefully, that gratitude
the sport’s debut at the Tokyo extra year for the wedding.” you think you know what it is were closed,” said Smith, who continues on and every time
Games. Viewed as among sport’s going to be like but we truly has also secured an Olympic you think you are having a
It will, however, take more most laid-back athletes, it is don’t know,” said Fitzgibbons. berth. “You couldn’t take tough year, a tough moment it
than a global pandemic to no surprise surfers are taking “You just kind of wake up flights to each state and there will be like remember that year
break up this relationship, the Olympics delay in their each day and look at it as this were obviously good waves in and that will put everything
International Surfing stride, Australian gold medal opportunity and the dream Durban and Cape Town. into perspective.”
Association (ISA) president hope Sally Fitzgibbons looking is kind of happening. It is “I was just getting in the
Fernando Aguerre said on at the postponement as another definitely going to build the car and driving up and down (Reuters.)Sport
THE AFRICAN STORY
Echo Newspaper 19 - 25 Octo 2020
The African
keepers leading
the way
From Badou Zaki to Thomas year to Atletico Madrid. FIFA World Cup in 2018. That to experience that tournament, Widely regarded as one
Nkono, and Bruce Grobbelaar Denied first-team football with said, El Shenawy has not being but in the colours of Chelsea, of the most gifted keepers
to Essam El Hadary and Los Colchoneros, he would waiting in the wings at club who secured his services in the in Europe, he was a logical
Joseph-Antoine Bell, Africa eventually find success in Spain level, having been a mainstay most recent transfer window. choice to be Kameni’s successor
has consistently produced great with Real Zaragoza and Girona, of Al Ahly since 2016. Captain His progress with the national at national level, despite
goalkeepers. Their heroics in paving the way for his transfer of the Red Devils, he has won has been no less dramatic. competition from Fabrice
the last line of defence have to Sevilla in 2019. the last three editions of the Ha n d e d h i s f i r s t c a p i n Ondoa. To return to the world
not only secured their place in Second-choice behind Tomas Egyptian Premier League and November 2018, he was already stage in 2022, the Indomitable
the history of African football Vaclick and used last season only was instrumental in his side’s in the starting XI for the 2019 Lions will be counting on
but have also inspired a whole for UEFA Europa League games, progress to the last four of CAF Africa Cup of Nations a few Onana’s dependability in a
generation of players. the Moroccan still dazzled in this year’s African Champions months later. A finger injury group featuring Côte d’Ivoire,
While many kids growing up helping the Andalusian club League before its interruption sidelined him for the latter stage Mozambique and Malawi.
on the continent still dream lift that continental title. Bono due to COVID-19. of the competition, in which Denis Onyango (Uganda/
of becoming the next Roger was particularly impressive A starter in Egypt’s initial the Lions of Teranga lost to Mamelodi Sundowns)
Milla, Samuel Eto’o, Rabah against Manchester United group games of Russia 2018, he Algeria in the final. With Sadio At 35, Denis Onyango is one
Madjer, Nwankwo Kanu or in the semi-finals and Inter was named Man of the Match for Mane banging in the goals and of the most reliable keepers in
Didier Drogba, these days Milan in the final, prompting the opening defeat to Uruguay Mendy stopping them, Senegal African football, even if he is not
many others aspire to be a Julen Lopetegui to hand him a (1-0). Now 31, and at the peak have their sights firmly set on a household name beyond the
hero between the posts. It is starting place at the beginning of his powers, he aspires to a place at Qatar 2022 and will continent. Yet despite that, the
no surprise to see more and of the current season. The lead The Pharaohs to a second face Congo, Namibia and Togo CV of the Mamelodi Sundowns
more African keepers bursting situation is reminiscent of consecutive World Cup, starting in the second round. custodian shows he was voted
onto the scene in elite football. his journey with the national with a group stage battle against Africa-based Player of the Year
With the second round of team, where, for many years, Gabon, Libya and Angola. Andre Onana (Cameroon/ in 2016 after winning that year’s
CAF qualifiers for the FIFA he was understudy to Munir. Ajax) CAF Champions League and
World Cup Qatar 2022™ just Bono would eventually relegate Edouard Mendy (Senegal/ After Nkono, Bell, Jacques participating in the FIFA Club
months away, fifa.com turned him to the bench in 2019, since Chelsea) Songo’o and Carlos Kameni, World Cup. On top of that, he
the spotlight on five of Africa’s when he has been first choice It’s hard to believe now, but Cameroon appear to have has picked up South African
top keepers, who are – and hope for the Atlas Lions. In the race 28-year-old Edouard Mendy found another goalkeeping Premier League winning medals
to remain – at the forefront of to Qatar 2022, Moroccans will only signed his first professional phenomenon. Having gone in each of the last three seasons.
their teams’ ambitions. be hoping he can help their contract in 2016. The club in through the Samuel Eto’o Very assured in one-on-ones,
side progress from a group question was Stade de Reims, Academy and La Masia at and often brilliant at stopping
Yassine Bounou (Morocco/ containing Guinea, Guinea- who finally gave the player a Barcelona, Andre Onana made penalties, the Uganda captain
Sevilla) Bissau and Sudan. chance after seasons in the his professional debut with knows the clock is ticking if
At 29, Yassine Bounou, lower leagues and a short stint Dutch giants Ajax. A regular the rest of the football world is
or simply ‘Bono’, has been Mohamed El Shenawy in Marseille’s reserve team. starter from the age of 22 to discover and appreciate his
around for some time. Canadian (Egypt/Al Ahly) After three years there with no following the departure of talents. A vital component of
born, he cut his teeth with Mohamed El Shenawy is few clean sheets, reflex saves Jasper Cillessen, he was part the Cranes’ qualification for the
the youth teams of Wydad another who took centre stage and commanding forays off of the exciting young team Cup of Nations in 2017 – their
Casablanca, where he made relatively late in his career. It his line, the 1.97m custodian that made it to the semi- first since 1978 – and 2019, he
his first team debut in 2010 must be said, however, that moved to Rennes. It was no final of the 2019 Champions would dearly love to represent
and progressed alongside the his predecessor in the national coincidence that, with the League, where they would his country at a World Cup. To
club’s legendary keeper Nadir team was a certain Essam El Senegalese in goal last year, lose in dramatic fashion to do so, the first step will be to
Lamyaghri. He was a starter Hadary, a colossus of African the Bretons enjoyed their best Tottenham. En route to the top a second-round group in
in the 2011 CAF Champions football who kept goal for The ever season, culminating in last-four, Onana thwarted the which Mali, Kenya and Rwanda
League final, which the club Pharaohs until turning 45, a maiden UEFA Champions considerable attacking talents await.
lost to Esperance de Tunis, in the process becoming the League qualification. As fate of Real Madrid and Juventus,
before moving the following oldest player to compete at a would have it, Mendy will get among others. (fifa.com.)You can also read
