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Resolving Conflicts in Marriage Lucas Bwezani Mbewe February - March 2020 Complimentary Copy www.mahoganyair.com
II In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020
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Absa Bank Zambia PLC (registered number 119710006444) is regulated by the Bank of Zambia. In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020
Africanacity – a new word for
a longstanding attitude
A celebration of Africa’s ability to turn every challenge into an opportunity
By Absa Bank Zambia PLC Managing Director, Mizinga Melu
There is a spirit across the continent that is unmatched elsewhere. It is largely unspoken, a feeling and way of
thinking that allows us to say with the greatest of confidence that Africa’s future is bright and that we can do
anything we set our minds to.
All too often, news headlines dwell on Africa’s macro challenges, overlooking its track record of creative,
ingenious and often unique, home-grown solutions to problems. While Africa’s challenges remain true, we also
have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles in ingenious ways. As a Pan-African Bank committed to the bright
future of our continent, Absa is focused on finding solutions.
A walk down any bustling African city – from Lagos to Nairobi, Johannesburg to Kampala – quickly reveals that
Africa is a continent of doers, always going above and beyond to get things done.
More recently, Robert Shimaingo, a fisherman in Zambia, realised that refrigeration problems were hampering
his community’s ability to get a fair market price for their fish. Shimaingo’s community did not have a source of
electricity and were moving large blocks of ice to the riverside, which quickly melted. A determined Shimaingo
designed and built a floating, hydropower river turbine that generates power to refrigerate fish onsite, keeping
them fresher for longer, and ultimately increasing his community’s competitiveness at the local market. But
Shimaingo went a step further, using the turbine’s excess energy to power the once-powerless fishing village.
The Zambian Knitting Movement should serve as an inspiration to the bank and communities across the world:
with tonnes of plastic bags polluting drains and roads, the Zambian government has banned plastic bags and
their resultant waste. This is an admirable effort, but still leaves the problem of existing plastic bags that have not
been properly disposed. This inspired the formation of the Zambian Knitting Movement, which turns such wasted
plastic bags into items of use and value with only a few knitting needles and pairs of scissors. Zambians are using
a well-established knitting tradition to create a cleaner, less wasteful society.
As Absa embarked on one of the continent’s most ambitious corporate rebranding programmes – changing
our name from Barclays to Absa – we took a close look at our business, our people, and the people we serve,
determined to forge a refreshed, fit-for-purpose bank that had meaning and relevance in the lives of our
customers and colleagues.
We also looked at our context and our continent for inspiration. What is it that makes Africa unique? What do we
do that no one else does? What is our essence, our driving force, and the thing that will unlock our potential?
We believe that Africa has a unique way of getting things done, a way that could inspire us as one of the
continent’s largest banking and financial services groups. But we didn’t have
a word to describe this – so we created one:
Africanacity – the distinctly African ability to always find ways to get things
done.
As an organisation, we are inspired by the spirit of Africanacity, which thrives
on turning every challenge into an opportunity. We are inspired by people
who challenge traditional ways of thinking. Africanacity is the inspiration
behind Absa. In defining this word, we commit to helping people find a way
to achieve their goals and to realise their dreams.
We believe that everyone needs a financial partner who will help them
realise their possibility. From our colleagues and customers, to the continent
at large, Africanacity is a call to action for everyone. It’s a defined term to
describe a longstanding attitude. It’s what drives and inspires everything
Absa believes in, and, above all, it drives the beautiful continent we’re here
to serve.
Mizinga Melu
Managing Director of Absa Bank Zambia PLC
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 3
EDITORIAL TEAM
Collins Malisele Naomi Musala Gunet Mwalungali
Editor Production & Sales Consultant Columnist
CEO: Dr Jim Belemu Contributors
Director: Cynthia Belemu Collins Malisele
Marketing: Diana Belemu
Davison Belemu
Publisher: Cynthia Belemu Dr Francis Mupeta
Assistant Editor: Sandra Mundambo Gunet Mwalungali
Photography: Fortress Media | Darkat Media
Imate Bruno Nyambe
Graphic Designer: Choolwe Nakalonga
Printers: New Horizon Printing Press Ltd. Isaac Kanguya
Joseph Fulayi
Lombe Musonda
Lucas Bwezani Mbewe
Naomi Musala
Nkhosi
Cover
Image by Lucas Mbewe
Model: Mwansa Kawesha
MAHOGANY is a complimentary magazine for all Mahogany Air passengers and
is published for Mahogany Air by MAHOGANY AIR.
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The editorial content of MAHOGANY is contributed by freelance writers and journalists. It is the sole responsibility of the publisher and does not
necessarily express opinions held by Mahogany Air. No part of the magazine may be reproduced without written express permission from the
publisher. All rights reserved.
4 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020
UPFRONT
A word from our CEO 8
Mahogany Diary 9
Note from the Publisher 10
The animal within by Lucas Mbewe
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 5
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Ndola. Kafue River Mall. Shoprite, Mazabuka Tel: +260 955 250 430
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6 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020
FEATURES
Are You a Writer? 11
Tips for a Successful Job Interview 14
Resolving Conflicts in Marriage 16
The Greatest Battle 19
Tribal Cousinship in Zambia 20
Luangwa 22
Palak Paneer Recipe 26
The New Virus in China 28
Emergency Hormonal Contraception 30
Lucas Bwezani Mbewe 37
Seven Days in Mozzy 42
Do you ever wonder? 45
Up Close with J Cash 47
Head Accessory Can Be Zesty 48
Irene Muyenga 52
The Broken Hill Man 54
Volley Ball Fanatic 56
Photo by Andy Amazon Pictures
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 7
A word
from our
CEO
W
elcome aboard Mahogany Air.
It is a great honour to begin
this issue by extending our
gratitude to you our flyers for the support
you have rendered us in the past years
and of course in the years to come. You
are indeed our valentine. The kind that
motivate us to keep flying higher and
higher..
A new year signifies hope and endless possibilities. throughout the year under the coined theme: “2020
In short, there is always a lot to look forward flying on the CEO’s account”. This is a one off free
to whenever a new year dawns. Last year, we ticket for senior citizens and children below 12 years
undertook a risk assessment flight into Nakonde who are battling with chronic illnesses but certified
with a view to open flights. We are satisfied to fit to fly. This is one among many ways that we as
commence flights after the rainy season in April Mahogany Air are giving back to the community
2020. We are also really exuberant about opening where our customers and employees leave. It is
the Northern skies of Zambia as we ponder on intended to ease mobility for sick elderly and the
opening new regional routes to countries such as young so that they can possibly access medical care.
Angola. Lastly, a sincere word of thanks to you for choosing
to fly with Mahogany Air and we look forward to
In order to keep our esteemed clients with our earning your continued loyalty in the future.
services, Mahogany Air is running a number
of promotions. We therefore urge you to be on Warmest Regards,
the lookout for promotions as they are specially Dr. Jim Belemu
tailored for your benefit. At the core of my heart is
my profound hope that these promotions will run
8 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020DIARY 8th March 2020 International Women's Day 12th March 2020 Youth Day 10th April 2020 Good Friday 11th April 2020 Holy Saturday 13th April 2020 Easter Monday 1st May 2020 Labour Day
Note from
the Publisher
D
ear readers, thank you for this opportunity once again. It is always an honor and a
pleasure to reach out to you so as to engage, entertain and inform you on various
interesting issues.
The magazine is very passionate about Zambia, hence its focuses on giving you a perspective
of trends, culture and events that shape this great nation. Of interest from cultural perspective
is the history of the Joking Tribes/ Tribal Cousinship also locally referred to as “Chimbuya” and
its significance to co-existence.
We have gone beyond to share with you other possible tourism destination with the sole aim
to inspire your journeys. If you don’t get a chance to physically visit some of the places, be
assured that we strive to tell it to you in a manner that will undoubtedly make you feel you
visited all places without leaving your seats. The various stories we have in this edition are
so interesting that are able to captivate the attention of all readers. Already, I can confess
that I have been inspired by the article herein shared about Mozambique. This article has
permeated my mind to a level where I even intend to visit this beautiful country this year. Wait
until I come to tell you about this beautiful African country from my lenses in the next edition.
In concomitance with the mentioned stories, we are also exploring some delicious delicacies
from outside Zambia in order to diversify the menus in our kitchens. In order to achieve this,
Manish from India, shares with us some easy to prepare Indian recipes which we hope you
will try cooking. Should you decide to try them, do not hesitate to share with us how they will
go with your family.
The magazine also covers cross-cutting issues on health, recruitment, sports, and
entertainment. In this competitive world, we give you heads up on standing out on job
interviews. Related to motivation and success is a scintillating article on greatest battles that
empower self to define the direction of the fight. Basically, how many battles one wins or
succumbs to is defined by oneself. How are you defining your 2020 battles? Get enveloped
and enjoy the read.
Bon voyage and enjoy everything this magazine and its articles has to offer.
Cynthia Mukunka Belemu
10 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020Are You a Writer?
By Joseph Fulayi
W
riting is an art which he/she is going to present and how you have to look at the level of your
enables a person he is going to present it. These audience. Is your audience well-
weave words into are the 5 Ws and 1H questions in educated? Is it composed of young
sentences and sentences into writing. These questions are who, children? Or is it consists of illiterate
paragraphs that give meaning to why, where, when, what and how. people? After establishing your
the reader. This writing should be No matter how short or long the audience you may start thinking of
delightful and clear for the reader piece might be, planning is cardinal. how you are going to present the
to get the meaning vividly and enjoy In planning one still can go further information.
the piece of writing. But where can by asking himself what language he
a person start from? is going to present his information But wait! Have you found the
in. For example, a person may subject you are writing about?
First and for most it requires choose to write in English. After What kind of writing is it? Writing
planning. Before a person starts choosing the language in which you is divided into two major parts.
writing he/she should sit down and are going to write your information, These are fiction and nonfiction.
plan what he/she is going to write never should you think in another When we talk of fiction we are
about. Further inquiry should be language and translate your talking of creative writing where
embarked on so as to establish who thoughts into the language you are a person thinks of a nonexistent
his audience is, why he is writing, writing in. world and characters that are given
where and when the activities took a particular way of life to live and
place. He/ she should also take into You may think that is not a problem. act in a manner the reader sees
account what kind of information You are thinking in English but still them. In short, the characters and
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 11the world only exist in the mind of the writer and are The difference between fiction and nonfiction is that
seen by the reader. The writer can make the reader to fiction as created stories are more believable and live
be part of the world of the characters when the reader while nonfiction writing are only reporting on things
sees the characters and he experiences joy and pain exactly the way they happened. Nonfiction writing
of the characters. The reader cries or laughs with the may not be very interesting because it is presented in a
characters depending on what situation the characters way the writer tells what happened. That is why many
are in. people don’t finish reading newspaper articles. But for
fiction a person can read a two hundred paged book
For centuries many people have enjoyed reading from cover to cover. The reader is involved and is part
novels. And novels are the best example of fiction of the story.
where a writer creates the world and characters. In
fiction a writer also can use familiar places and familiar For one to be a good writer, one has to learn the art of
names of people but the story is completely creative expressing oneself clearly and avoid cliché sentences.
which the writer brings into existence. If you want to A good writer also avoids ambiguous sentences. This is
take this for simple reason.
kind of Your audience will
writing never find you to
you have ask you what you
to be so meant in your
imaginative writing.
and Above all a
creative. writer should
be confident of
In choosing himself as he
fiction you presents his work
have to go to others. He
further by should never instil
looking at doubt in others
the genre of about himself.
your writing. For example,
Is it war, many times we
romance, hear people use
horror, expressions like
science “for lack of better
fiction? term” “you know
Whatever what I mean” “I
genre you think it was” and
choose, it other expressions
has to be which make them
familiar to seem not to know
you and you what they want to
have to read talk about.
many books
about it for Importantly,
you to get the style, even though you have to choose before you submit your work, you need to read through
your own style. By the way, fiction is not only writing many times to remove all unnecessary and unwanted
novels. It involves many other pieces of writing. We can information. Also you should check spelling, grammar,
talk of writing television scripts, radio, short stories and syntax and the flow of your sentences. Are sentences
stage play. All these are fiction. well connected? What about the paragraphs? Be critical
reader of your material. Good writers enjoy reading
What about nonfiction? When we talk of nonfiction, their work before others read it!
we are looking at writing information which is not
created by the writer but it is witnessed. For example, How can you be a good writer? Spend time reading
news items in newspapers, travel writing, biography good written material and practicing writing. Can
and autobiography. We also have reviews and you be a writer? Look out for our next issue when we
commentaries. will discuss in details about descriptive writing that is
showing your readers not telling them.
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www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 13TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL
JOB INTERVIEW
By Malisele Collins
I
t’s natural to feel anxious about a job interview. The only way to combat any of these obstacles is to
Imagine how disturbing it can be for you to stand prepare oneself prior to the actual interview. The
before someone who is about to scrutinize your following are some tips for preparing for a successful
appearance, mannerisms, what you say, and how you interview.
say it. 1. Look/dress smartly. It’s not advisable to dress like
you are on a runaway doing modeling.
If he/she likes you, it could be a job offer, a sweet 2. Always ensure that you carry your original
salary, and the corner office. And if he/she doesn’t certificates with you as you go for interviews.
like you, you soon might find yourself still roaming the 3. Always knock before you go in an interview venue
corridors of Cairo road everyday trying to make ends and only go in when you are given a go ahead.
meet. 4. While inside, don’t sit until you are told to do so.
5. Remember to say thank you when a seat is offered
So yes, the stakes are high. The other factor in a job to you.
interview is that someone else is in control. You don’t 6. Be at ease/ sit comfortably.
know what he/she is going to ask or how he/she is 7. Don’t ever make the mistake of telling the panel
going to behave. For the majority, loss of control can that you applied for the position on offer because
lead to additional stress and anxiety. you were just trying whenever you are asked to
state clearly the reason why you would like to
Unfortunately, that pre-interview anxiety can really join that particular organization. Such an answer
disrupt your performance on the big day. It makes insinuates your lack of passion for the organization
the would - be interviewee to experience any of the hence the chances of you getting that job will be
following; blanking out, blurting, babbling, sweating, or slimmer. Always try with your every endeavor to
fidgeting. convince them that you are the right person for the
job.
14 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 20208. Tell us your weakness/strength ……. Wow! This is 13. Don’t hide your face or look elsewhere when
one of the ridiculous questions that make many responding to questions during interviews. Always
people fail an interview. It must be made clear here maintain eye contact as it shows confidence.
that your interviewers are of course not interested in 14. The other key question that interviewers ask is:
knowing whether you are short tempered or lazy or “can you tell about yourself?” When faced with this
good or bad. Don’t embarrass yourself by outlining question, focus on your professional qualifications
your weaknesses that are not in tandem with your and experience. This question has nothing to do
profession hence tell them for example that: “ I am with your father, your mother nor your village.
not very familiar with the SPSS computer software or 15. Don’t laugh in cases where you fail to answer a
any other weakness that is in resonance with your question correctly. This shows childish behavior.
line of profession. 16. When the interview is done, kindly show some
9. Another key question interviewers are fond of gratitude for the interview invitation and always
asking interviewees is: “what is your expected leave the interview room with due respect. Make
salary?” If such a question pops up in any of sure also that you take all your certificates with you
your interviews, don’t waste their time in trying to and remember to close the door behind you.
convince them that they are the ones that have
an answer to that question or say anything. It is
imperative however for the interviewee to know that
this question is very genuine hence it requires an
honest answer. Simply tell them your expectations
without hesitation. It is vital however to do prior
research as regards the range of salaries that the
firm offers for your position before spelling out your
expected salary in the interview room.
10. Don’t be bossy when answering questions. Avoid
speaking with many eeeeh eehh, you know?
Okay…..as you know.
11. Avoid contradicting yourself about facts vis-à-vis
your qualifications, experience, background as this
reveals dishonesty on your part.
12. Always exhibit a high level of confidence as this
manifests the fact that you know what you are
talking about.
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 15RESOLVING CONFLICTS IN
MARRIAGE
By Joseph Fulayi
T
he fact that two people with different Positive Physical Expression
backgrounds to come and live together makes You can bank on the bonding hormone Oxytocin, to
conflicts inevitable, especially that natural life touch a soft core of your partner when bringing up
has a tendency that states “ opposites attracts”. some sticky issues. A touch helps foster intimacy in
It is clear therefore that we cannot avoid conflict. a relationship if appropriately done. Holding hands
or sitting close while discussing a problem can help
We should instead strive to find an amicable way
ease tension during an argument for some couples.
of resolving it. Conflict in marriage/relationships
Indeed communication is not only talking but also
can lead to a process that can build oneness or the way people relay information to others. Here,
isolation. we don’t only mean verbal expression but our
body language also that includes gestures, facial
Fair Fight expression and body postures; all these can either
Since conflict is inevitable, the focus should not be give negative or positive information to the other
a conflict free marriage but rather on improving person.
how you disagree and argue. The ultimate aim is to
reach a compromise and move on positively in the
relationship, as unconditional love demands.
Apologise
When on the wrong, do not be consumed by pride
and defensiveness. Be humble enough to apologise
to your partner. The “I am sorry” is even more
powerful than the “I love you.”
Table it
We keep repeating that, it is not healthy to sweep
everything under the carpet, because this can
back fire in the future. One Marriage Counsellor
said, “The biggest marital problem that I have
seen is pilling of unresolved issues. When a couple
doesn’t resolve any argument, unresolved matters
will continue pilling until the ‘heap’ becomes a
mountain which can’t help but explode. At this
point, it is very difficult to resolve the problem.”
However, timing when bringing up difficult issues is
key to a successful resolution. You may for instance
have a valid point, but if you bring it when there
are other people who should not be part of the
conversation, the partner may feel belittled, and
take a defensive approach. So a little patience can
save a lot heartaches in marriage.
Externalise the Issue
It is important to always strive to communicate with
the right phrases so that your partner is not made
to feel like he or she is the problem. Phrase your
concerns as if you are both outside the problem.
For instance, “the geyser was not switched off, how
can we remember to switch it on next time?”
As opposed to “you did not switch off the geyser,
please do so next time.” The lack of tact in
communication can lead to defensiveness, and
a good tact can bring about quick resolve to
problems.
16 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020Seek Counselling that person can give practical There are also religious leaders
When all the above is done, and advice on how to resolve the who are more than willing to
it still seems like marital conflicts issue amicably. help you to live together in peace
are escalating. It is advised with your marriage partner.
that couples consider engaging Finally, as we have seen Above all there are professional
others so as to help them resolve good communication defuses Marriage Counsellors who can
their conflicts. Some marital all tension in marriage. To handle problems you are facing.
differences may be solved by emphasize the relevance of
independent and experienced communication in marriage, “True love in a marriage and
people. One marriage counsellor one marriage counsellor said, in any relationship, means
said, “Many people go into “good communicators are good loving each other through the
divorce before they consult other listeners and they do not become imperfections, disagreements,
people to help them resolve their defensive or aiming at wining the and challenges, no matter
marital conflict. Each spouse feels discussion.” what. We can’t be surprised or
he or she is capable of handling discouraged by the inevitable
their conflicts or they may not We have talked of confiding in tensions that arise in our daily
be comfortable to share their other people in order to resolve lives, but just as a good coach
problems with others.” marital differences but who can never shows up to the game
one talk to? There is a long list without a playbook, couples
When there are two opposing of people you can talk to. For should have a few strategies
ideas which are not coming to example, you have relatives, both in place to help resolve and
terms, a third or fourth party yours and your spouse. These repair those conflicts swiftly and
could come in. An independent relatives can easily bring both compassionately”.
person may see where these two of you together and resolve any KATHLEEN O’BEIRNE; UPDATED:NOV 30, 2016 ORIGINAL:SEP 30, 2015
are failing to come to terms and problems you may be facing. GOTTMAN INSTITUTE
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In-flight Secretarial
Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020The Greatest Battle By Imate Bruno Nyambe
O
ne thing that is certain about life is the of our peril and degeneration. We both add to the
uncertainties and the mysteries of tomorrow. richness of fossil.
Beyond doubt, this is by far one of the
established uncertainties of the world. The experienced know their weight and take time
to develop necessary skills with the aim of building
Noteworthy is the fact that life is about battles and strong muscles to knock down their perceived rivals.
fights. Those who are well read extensively are
inclined to philosophies that endorse the maxim: The wise however are brilliant because they know
“It’s not about the size of the dog in a fight, rather that the greatest battle one can ever face is the
it’s about the size of the fight in a dog.” welfare against self.
This is substantially a good argument as it rules out Self is that luring agent ever mocking you to go
any preconception about stature and any physical against your budget when you have a fixed list of
attribute which may disadvantage a party against any what you need. Self knows your bank account and
perceived gigantic rival. the details thereof.
Before any conquest, one is ideally expected to Self is the young person’s sweet friend. He is ever
resolve within themselves. It is prudent to undertake reminding them of the years ahead so that they
introspection before casting the eye on any outer shouldn’t really be at pains in preparing themselves
body. for the hurdles and glorious days alike.
Humanity in general has a bad attitude of ever Self is experienced and well exposed to forces which
looking at outer bodies at the expense of developing work against it, but then it is unwise not to pick
oneself. lessons from the unfortunate losses on its score
sheet.
This in my own words is one of life’s greatest self-dug
pitfalls. We tailor these pitfalls in line with our bodies Self has a fixed abode in each one of us. Until we
and height, and when they collapse, they perfectly realise his presence and silent effectiveness, we are
bury us with no trace of our remains. bound to the sinking haven of self’s own creation.
Our relevance is no better than an ant in the day Are you interested in winning? Defeat self!
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 19TRIBAL COUSINSHIP IN ZAMBIA
Words by Joseph Fulayi, images by Andy Amazon Pictures
H
istorically, it is said that the tribal one gains the appreciation of how this is a
cousinship never existed, until British tool of conflict management and a form of
South African Companies started enhancing active cooperation between tribes
governing Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. that would probably inevitably have continued
with a trial of strength between themselves.
It is believed that, what existed before was When we speak of one Zambian one Nation,
some level of hostility and Inter tribal War. we can now appreciate how this motto
With the coming of the Europeans, different resonates with the phenomena of cousinship/
tribes began to cooperate because they had a chimbuya that has endeavored to hold the
common role in the productive process as they different tribes in harmony with a unity of
at the same time combated their European purpose.
employers. Furthermore, it is documented that
Without some of these mechanisms, it may not
in tribal wars between the powerfully organized be obvious to co-exist harmoniously with 73
tribes such as Lozi, the Ngoni, the Bemba, it tribes present in Zambia.
was the Western Lunda that eventually turned
to cousinship henceforth the end of the tribal In brief, some of the cousinship’s that exist in
wars resulted in developing mutual respect Zambia are discussed below;
for one another. In cases were those engaged The Lozi people are tribal cousins of the Tonga
people and the Kaonde. The Lozi people fought
in war discovered that the opponent was just war with the Tonga. According to oral history,
as skilled, the warring parties saw no point in the Lozi people invaded the Tonga land to get
continuing with the inter- tribal hostility. Instead cattle. In response, the Tonga resisted and
they sought new mechanisms of controlling pushed back the Lozi.
hostility so as to enhance cohesion, henceforth
came the institutionalized tribal Cousinship also The Lozi sought reinforcement from the Luvale,
locally referred to as Chimbuya. Luchazi, Mbunda and others who came to help
them defeat the Tonga. At the war and seeking
The tribal cousinship allows or requires co-existence the Lozi and the Tonga developed
unusually free verbal or physical interaction. the cousinship, a friendly relationship. The
The relationship may be mutual (symmetrical) cousinship was extended to other tribes like the
or formalized in such a way that one person Ila, Lenje, Soli, Sala, Kaonde-Ila. On the Lozi
or group does the teasing, and the person or side, it has extended to the Luvale grouping.
group being teased does not react in a negative Until now the Luvale grouping and Lozi are
way. Historically, this occurs in situations in cousins of the Tonga people.
which conflict or rivalry is possible but must be
avoided. In their quest for territorial expansion, the Lozi
Given this background of the tribal cousinship, went to invade in the Kaonde people area.
20According to oral history, there was a serious The Luvale grouping and the Lamba people
war at Kamusongole Mountain in Kaonde land. have been tribal cousins. This stretched far back
Depending on which side one gets the story, to the time of slave trade in 1800s. The Luvale
he will be told that the tribe narrating with used to come to the Lamba land to capture
ordeal to him or her won the war. This was the people to sell them the Ovimbundu as slaves.
spark of the cousinship of the Lozi and Kaonde In turn, the Lamba used to capture the Luvale.
people. This is how their cousinship started.
We have the Kaonde and the Lunda people. The Bemba and the Ngoni people had their
These people have been cousins ever since war in the 1800s when the Ngoni people came
they came from the Kola region in Democratic from the south to settle where they are now.
Republic of Congo. In any case, it was out of
wars that they fought in the earlier years. This Most of the cousinship comes because of the
cousinship has extended to the Luvale because tribal grouping. For example, we today have
the Lunda and Luvale are considered brothers. the Ila, Lenje, Soli, Sala, Kaonde-Ila having
cousinship with the Luchazi, Luvale, Chokwe
The Chokwe and the Mbunda are cousins and Mbunda. These people never fought wars
because of war which happened many but because Ila, Lenje, Soli, Sala, Kaonde-
years in Angola. The war was between chief Ila grouped among the Tonga and on the
Mushilinjinji of the Chokwe and Katavwola of other hand the Luchazi, Luvale and Mbunda
the Mbunda. Unfortunately, this cousinship are considered related to the Lozi hence
has never extended to others because it is they became cousins. This applies to all the
considered to be within the grouping. tribal groupings. It is not uncommon to hear
that Ushi, Lunda Kazembe, and
other tribes in Luapula, Northern,
Muchinga, Copperbelt and Northern
part of Central province are cousins
of the Easterners.
We should not forget that some of
the tribal cousinship is as a result
of intermarriages. The more people
marry and re-marry the more they
become cousins or form closer
relationships. A good example is
the Luvale and Luchazi people.
These people have stayed together
for many years marrying and re-
marrying each other. Now they
are cousins. This cousinship hasn’t
spread to other groups.
In conclusion, from a naked eye,
one may look at tribal cousinship
as mere relationships where people
of different tribes have mutually
agreed to have some light moments
of teasing each other. However,
for those who dig deeper will
discover that these relationships
are so significant to the peace
and harmonious co-existence of
the diverse tribes found in our
mother land, Zambia. There is
need to continue nurturing these
relationships and other values that
promote peace and unity of our
land.
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 21LUANGWA By Lombe Musonda
T
he Luangwa River is one of the greatest in the After about an hour and a half of driving through
world. This arid and unique landscape with several villages and missing a few drunks and domestic
scattered pools in the dry season is home to the animals, tiny lights appeared as I approached Luangwa
world’s famous South Luangwa National Park which town. Several minutes later as Simon Miti, my host
has the largest concentration of Hippo in the world. It had been directing me over the phone throughout
is also the origin and home to walking safari. This river the way finally came to meet me at my stop, the local
has also given its name to Luangwa town, formerly bus station. I had originally met Simon in Sinazongwe
Feira- a former Portuguese slave market on Zambia’s in December of 2017 when my family and I were on
border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, a very long vacation there. He was actually running a lodge there
time ago. Luangwa is also the name of the District in which belonged to my employer through a holding
Lusaka province of Zambia in which both the river and company. It was actually from this first meeting that
town are found. However, the most significant feature we became very close that when he left his job in
of the Luangwa River and Town is that they are right Sinazongwe, he insisted that I visit him in his home
at the confluence with the Zambezi River. This meeting town of Luangwa.
point of these two world renowned rivers is a major
attraction since the Zambezi is not only the largest in ‘I we chi Lombe chi mudala, uka libe kusiya ma dizzy?’
the Southern African region but, is also home to other
feats as well like The Mighty Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba Simon teased me over my drinking habits as he gave
and Dam, The Barotse Flood Plain and The Kuomboka me a bear hug. ‘Welcome to Luangwa my brother, how
Ceremony. was your trip from Mfuwe?’
It had always been my childhood dream to visit ‘Great thanks’, I replied.’ How are you and your
Luangwa town and on a Saturday of 24th November family?’
2018, my dream came true. Earlier that day I had left
Mfuwe in the South Luangwa National Park around ‘Super in fact we are expecting you to dinner, shall you
midday, buying loads of mangoes as I exited town drive after me?’ he asked while gesturing to his home
via Chipata, the eastern provincial capital of Zambia. direction. 5 minutes later we were at his home and his
Around 7 pm after buying myself a 6 pack Castle Lite wife and kids gave me a very warm welcome before
I left Luangwa Bridge and market-a shanty roadside settling down to a sumptuous dinner of the famous
makeshift of stores, bars and prostitutes. My destination Luangwa dried fish, Pumpkin leaves and Nshima. Later
was Luangwa town, unknown to me but, just slightly that night after chatting and sharing of my mangoes,
over a 100 kilometres to my south on a newly tarred Simon decided it was time for me to retire to bed since
road. As I drove through the night I imagined alongside he was working throughout the night until the next
me the white sandy beaches of the dry Luangwa morning. Once again he drove ahead of me leading
River bed which I had become accustomed to viewing me to the Lodge where I would spend my night. After
through Google Earth which looked beautiful in broad ushering me into my room he left promising to call
daylight all the way up to the confluence and town. me early in the morning before coming to pick me up
A Fishing Party paddling down The Luangwa River
22 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020A Washing Party in Zumbo, Mozambique at the confluence of The Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers
for the next day’s adventure. However, as soon as I you there but, unfortunately my boat is leaking so I
freshened up I stepped out of my room and asked for can’t risk it’. Simon then looked across towards his left
the nearest bar where I met some local college students from where we were standing and said, ‘Down there
and after exchanging a few rounds of beer, they led me is where the Luangwa joins the Zambezi, it is also the
into the town’s favourite and busiest night club where border between Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
we squared it off until the early hours of Sunday. Those hills right across us are in Zimbabwe’, he
concluded.
The next morning I woke up around 11 am and after a
quick shower, I called Simon who told me he was still All the while Simon was explaining, I was in awe
resting but, would be coming soon. At around noon I and then finally after catching my breath I said, ‘Ba
checked out of my room and after throwing my luggage kalamba, do you mind if I launch my drone and fly
into my car I headed straight to the restaurant where around here?’
I ordered a beer as I waited for my lunch which I had
equally ordered. At about 1 pm, after I had taken a ‘You mean that thing in your bag is a Drone?’ he asked
couple of beers and lunch Simon finally showed up at me with the excitement of a child.
the Lodge and asked that we drive after each other
again downtown. As we went I noticed this town was Immediately I knew this was an ultimate yes and before
actually a fortress-bordered by hills from both gorges of you knew it we were flying all over the hills, the waters,
the Zambezi and Luangwa Rivers. After a 10 minutes’ the people and the buildings. About an hour later
drive, Simon led me to an old structure at the edge Simon led me to the main market which was right at
of town near the Zambezi River.
‘This is a National Monument, it
is Feira-the slave market’, he told
me. ‘This is where the Portuguese
carried out their slave trading a
long time ago. If you see inside
this small structure you shall see
some cells in which slaves were
locked up before being shipped
downstream the Zambezi towards
the Indian Ocean for overseas
transportation on bigger vessels’,
Simon continued as he made me
peep into the untidy structure.
Then he led me out to the river
bank and pointing to the right
he said, ‘A 30 minutes boat
cruise up the Zambezi after the
harbour below us would take us to
Mpanta Gorge which also marks
the border with Lower Zambezi
National Park. I would have taken
An Aerial view of The Arid Luangwa River winding down towards The Zambezi River
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 23the confluence of the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers. Simon was famous around here and after viewing the various
fish and chatting to a few fellows and folks Simon suggested it was now time to cross the Luangwa River into
Zumbo, Mozambique where we would spend the rest of the afternoon.
‘Are you crazy?’ I confronted him.
It was just at the beginning of the rainy season and the sky was partially cloudy however, with slim chances of
rainfall. The weather was mild and I was sitting right in the front row of the banana boat as it began to pull away
across the river to the opposite shore. Simon was sitting behind me while the two paddlers rowed from the back
seat. As the boat continued across the Luangwa channel as I was looking into the river I noticed the muddy water
typical of this river compared to the clean waters of the Zambezi River beyond to my right. Partial rays of sunlight
lit up some waves here and there in both rivers as I could now visibly see several boats and dugouts carrying out
their fishing activities in both rivers.
‘Ba Simon manje no ma passport elo ma pasi si ba za ti gwila uku kwa mene ti yenda?’
I asked Simon whether it was still safe to proceed into Zumbo, Mozambique without any form of documentation.
‘Ah I mwe na I mwe ba Lombe ni chani?’
‘We are just the same people, this is Kunda country my brother, same families also exist on both banks. Some men
also maintain several homes on either banks of the river, a family can be staying in Luangwa while cultivating in
Zumbo, vice versa’, protested Simon as I laughed my lungs out much to the imagination of our adventure ahead.
‘In this part of the world Ba Lombe, you can even have sex with a young girl below 16 as long as she consents no
one can sue you for defilement’, continued Simon as I burst out louder sinking my body into the boat as I looked
up to the heavens in tears of laughter. When I got up we were ashore, on Mozambican soil, Zumbo to be specific.
As I got out of the boat to begin stretching, I noticed 3 guys sitting on and standing beside their bike with clothes
hanging on a line in the background.
‘Ba choka ku washa ba ma mbala’, whispered Simon as if they meant danger.
‘Ah Simon’, shouted the one sipping on a beer, ‘Ati bwanji mudala? He continued as the other two only gestured
with their hands since they were busy grinning into their cell phones as if in a sexual lust for their lovers in the
surrounding villages.
Simon didn’t answer immediately but instead led me over to them and
after a few introductions, bear hugs and jokes we left them behind
as we embarked on a half hour walk to the Boma and after several
encounters with common people and villages to Simon we arrived to a
thunderous welcome at the local market. It was here that I later came
to learn that Simon was very famous for his D.I.Y. skills. I mean this guy
was a genius even from our original encounter. He could fix just about
anything as also compared to his cooking. He was no drinker but, as
we began drinking and getting really drunk with the others, some guy
also teased me that my buddy was also a daredevil in bed no wonder
he was very popular with the women. After about two hours of gulping
several brands of Mozambican beer it was now time to head back
home. My hosts were very kind and generous that they gifted me several
brands of beers and I staggered back an hour of what was originally a
half an hour walk. The sunset was beautiful paddling back to Luangwa
as I continued sipping on my beer, wearing my sunglasses and taking
countless selfies and videos.
A few minutes later just after dark we were back in Luangwa and we
immediately set out to buy some tasty and famous Luangwa River Dry
Fish from the market. From here Simon and I drove off in our own
vehicles after each other to his home where because of my tipsy state, I
refused dinner but, instead preferring to say goodbye to his lovely family
since I had to drive some 300 kilometres back to Lusaka in readiness
for my day in the office the next day. As usual, along the way I had my
Mozambican beers for company.
This dear reader is yet another story told through my eyes and lens.
The Author enjoying a drink on a boat while
crossing The Luangwa River
© Lombe Musonda 2020.
24 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 25
Palak Paneer
Recipe
Palak Paneer is a common North Indian curry made of blanched spinach Palak is Hindi Name
of Spinach and Paneer means Cottage Cheese / Tofu . This restaurant style spicy palak
paneer recipe prepares a yummy curry by cooking shallow fried paneer cubes in healthy
spinach gravy, which is sautéed with finely balanced curry
spices in aromatic Butter. Additionally, this recipe uses milk
cream to bring in rich creamy texture.
INGREDIENTS:
1 large bunch or 4 cups chopped Spinach (Palak)
1-2 Green Chillies, seeded and chopped (or to taste)
1 large Onion, finely chopped (approx. 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste (or crushed)
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons Fresh Cream
1/3 cup Water
2 tablespoons Oil + 1 tablespoon Butter
Salt to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2 servings
Taste: Creamy and spicy
DIRECTION : 8. Add 1/3 cup water. Mix well and bring it
1. Clean and wash spinach in water to to a boil. Stir occasionally in between.
remove any soil or impurities. To blanch 9. When gravy starts to boil, add shallow
the spinach, boil it in salted water for 2 fried paneer cubes and cook for 3-4
minutes. minutes.
2. Drain it using a big perforated spoon or 10. Add lemon juice and mix well. Turn off
a strainer. the flame and mix milk cream.
3. Immediately transfer drained spinach 11. Transfer it to a serving bowl and serve
into cold water and keep for a minute. with Rice, Nchima or Chapati.
4. Drain excess water and transfer
blanched spinach to the medium size TIPS AND VARIATIONS:
jar of a mixer grinder. Add green • Make best palak paneer with tofu by
chillies and grind until smooth puree. If adding shallow fried tofu cubes.
required, add few tablespoons of water • If you want to have very soft paneer that
while grinding mixes well with gravy of palak, soak
5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan them in hot water for 10 minutes after
over medium flame. Add paneer cubes shallow frying.
and shallow fry them until the sides turn • Add milk cream only after turning off the
light brown. Transfer them to a plate flame as it may curdle if added before.
and keep aside. You can remove excess • Add more water in step-8 and adjust
butter or oil from it by placing them on seasoning according to taste to make
absorbent kitchen paper napkin. more amount of gravy in curry.
6. Heat remaining 1-tablespoon oil and • This simple and easy recipe uses shallow
1-tablespoon butter together in the same fried paneer cubes to improve the flavor
pan over medium flame. Add finely and texture of curry. However, you can
chopped onion and stir fry until it turns avoid shallow frying them to reduce the
translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and calorie of this dish.
stir fry for 30 seconds.
7. Add spinach puree and salt. Stir and By Manish Kumar
cook for 2-3 minutes.The New Virus in China
Should we be worried?
O
n 31st December, China informed WHO of an outbreak of a novel respiratory virus affecting hundreds of
people in Wuhan Province. By 24th January 2020, 830 cases had been recorded with close to 20 deaths.
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS VIRUS?
It belongs to a group of viruses called Coronavirus [Corona meaning crown like appearance]. These are well
known zoonotic virus (occurring in animals). The group was discovered to have caused the first human infection
in 1965 but only a few cases were recorded. It is responsible for about 15-20% of common colds. The largest
outbreak from this type of virus was in 2002 in Guangdong Province, China. This infection caused Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome [SARS] which was named SARS-Coronavirus [SARS-CoV]. At the end of the pandemic, there
were 8096 people infected from 29 countries and about 774 deaths globally. The second
outbreak started in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2012. The outbreak was ignited by another
type of Coronavirus called the Middle East Respiratory virus [MERS]. Fewer people were
affected though it had a higher mortality than SARS. The Wuhan out break named
2019-nCoV is the third outbreak from corona viruses in two decades.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The Wuhan virus has similar symptoms as SARS and MERS. Common
symptomatology is malaise (generalised weakness), headache, chills, fever,
runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Symptoms can be mild to severe requiring
hospitalization and death. Diarrhoea and kidney failure occurs in some people.
HOW IS IT SPREAD?
All Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses meaning they are transmitted
airborne. Most transmission occur in hospitals, hotels, markets and
airplanes. In most cases, the disease is mild but can be severe causing
deaths in over 50% of the elderly especially those with low immunity.
Hospitalised patients are also susceptible to this virus. Healthcare workers
are also at increased risk of contracting the infection. Recently, an elderly
doctor treating patients with the virus died from the same disease.
SHOULD WE BE WORRIED?
YES! The increased trade between china and Zambia since
the first outbreak of SARS puts us at risk. The fact that
transmission can occur from infected people without
symptoms means someone can easily travel and spread
the disease especially through air travel. The move
by the Chinese authorities to lock down Wuhan, the
epicentre of the virus, is the right move based on
lessons learnt from the SARS which resulted in over 8000
people infected.
WHAT SHOULD ZAMBIA DO TO AVOID POSSIBLE
OUTBREAK?
The first thing is to increased alertness and screening
for fever at all entry points especially airports. This is
being done I believe so, due to the Ebola outbreak in
the neighbouring DRC..
However, I propose a step further that Zambia National
Airports (ZNAC) and Zambia National Public Institute
(ZNPHI) introduces a screening questionnaire to include
questions on air travel. When doing this, there should be
frequent contact with people from China mainland or
transit in the past 2 to 3 weeks. Symptoms like weakness,
headache and sore throat should also be screened in the
questionnaire. Screening for fever alone will miss close to
half of possible cases.
28 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020Secondly, Government should identify a quarantine facility as soon as possible for a possible epidemic
preparedness. A toll free line should be set up for people experiencing symptoms to call. Admitting or screening
possible cases from already existing facilities like UTH would be a disaster as thousands of people would be
infected within a few days. Health facilities should procure and store N95 masks and health workers at entry
points should always use N95 masks whenever they are assessing a possible case, or anyone suspected to have
the infection. The country should have enough face masks ready for distribution to the public should we get even
a single case.
THE CALL!
1. Avoid high risk places like hospitals (see https://www.lusakatimes.com/2018/04/02/lets-restrict-number-of-
visitors-at-uth-zma/)
2. If you recently travelled to China or came into contact with a person who recently travelled to China and have
any symptoms, please call for help via the toll free lines yet to be established!
3. Health workers should evaluate possible cases either from their homes or a quarantine facility identified.
4. Lastly, wash hands regularly.
Together, we can beat the threat of this new and emerging infectious disease.
Dr Francis Mupeta
Infectious Disease Specialist
Member-Zambia Medical Association
Note: “World Health Organisation has given the Coronavirus a new name
COVID-19 according to WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said
the World Health Organisation had chosen a name that did not refer to a
geographical location, animals, an individual or a group of people to avoid
stigmatization amid a wave of anti-Chinese sentiment. The COVID-19
which stands for C-Corrona.VI for Virus , the D for Disease Tedros added.”
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 29Emergency
hormonal
contraception
BACKGROUND emergency contraception in Africa and Zambia in
This is a form of contraception for use in a woman particular. Emergency contraception should not be used
not taking any contraceptive who has had sexual as a routine method of birth control. Levonorgestrel
intercourse risking unwanted pregnancy. Emergency can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. People
hormonal contraception (EHC) is legally available to sometimes call it the “morning after pill.” But you don’t
the public, through community pharmacies and without have to wait until the morning after sex to take it. In
the need for a prescription in most of the developed fact, levonorgestrel is more effective the sooner you
countries unlike the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, take it. It is a one-dose regimen: you take one pill. The
Zambia inclusive where a prescription may be needed. pill contains 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel, which is
used in lower doses in many birth control pills.
Greater access to emergency contraception fits in
with most of the western world’s policies of trying to HOW DOES IT WORK?
reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. The Depending upon where you are in your cycle,
most commonly used product contains the hormone levonorgestrel may work in one of these ways: It
progestogen in the form of one levonorgestrel 1.5 mg may prevent or delay ovulation. It may interfere with
tablet and is marketed under different brand names like fertilization of an egg. It is also possible that this type
levonelle, Econtra EZ, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, of emergency birth control prevents implantation of
Plan B One Step, Preventeza, and Take Action. a fertilized egg in the uterus by altering its lining.
Levonorgestrel is not the same as an abortion pill. It
Levonorgestrel is a hormone that is widely used for does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. In other
30 In-flight Magazine | Feb - Mar 2020words, it does not stop the development of a fetus once intrauterine device fitted by the medical practioner.
the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. So it will not • Is the client already pregnant? Details about the
work if you are already pregnant when you take it. client’s last period should be sought. Is the period
late, and if so by how many days? If pregnancy is
HOW EFFECTIVE IS LEVONORGESTREL (MORNING suspected, a pregnancy test could be encouraged.
AFTER PILL)? • What method of contraception is normally used?
The exact effectiveness of levonorgestrel is hard to Patients who take combined oral contraceptives
establish, however, a number of reliable studies have might not need the morning after pill, depending
stated that if taken within 72 hours after you’ve had on which part of the cycle the pill was forgotten. The
unprotected sex, levonorgestrel can reduce the risk royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
of pregnancy by up to 89%. If you take it within 24 guidelines on missed pills are:
hours, it is about 95% effective. But you should know a. If two or more pills are missed from the first
that morning after pill is not as effective as regular seven pills in a packet or four or more pills
contraception. So don’t take it as your main form of are missed mid-packet then morning after pill
birth control. And, it does not protect you against should be given
sexually transmitted diseases. Think of it as a backup; b. If two or more pills are missed from the last
not for routine use. That’s why it’s also called Plan B. seven pills in a packet, morning after pill is not
Therefore, it is more effective the earlier it is taken after needed provided the pill-free break is omitted.
unprotected sex. c. If the client is on the progesterone on a daily
form of contraception then the morning after
In addition to being effective, trials have shown the pill should always be given if the tablet is taken
morning after pill to have a more favorable side-effect more than 3h late.
profile, with lower incidences of nausea and vomiting.
SUMMARY
ASSESSING CLIENT SUITABILITY FOR MORNING The morning after pill should be taken as soon as
AFTER PILL possible after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Prior to any sale or supply of morning after pill, it The dose consists of a single tablet. About 1 in 5 clients
should be established if the client is pregnant: experience nausea but only 1 in 20 go on to be sick.
• First has the client had unprotected sex, If the client vomits within 3 h of taking the dose she
contraceptive failure or missed taking contraceptive should be advised to take another single 1.5 mg tablet
pills in the last 72 hrs? Morning after pill can only immediately.
be given to clients who present a report within
72 hrs. If more than 72h have elapsed but less Taking the morning after pill can affect the timing of the
than 120 h (5 days) then the client will need an next menstrual period and clients should know that the
period might be earlier or later than usual.
However, if the period is different than normal or more
than 5 days late then she should be advised to have a
pregnancy test.
A number of medicines do, theoretically, interact with
the morning after pill. Most notably most of drugs
used in treatment of epilepsy, some of the drugs used
for treatment of T.B, and some of the over-the counter
herbal medicines like St John’s wort, although the
clinical significance of the interactions appear low.
Further reading
1. [Anonymous] 1998 Randomised controlled trial of levonorgestrel
versus the Yuzpe regimen of combined oral contraceptives for
emergency contraception. Task force on Postovulatory Methods
of Fertility Regulation. Lancet 352:428-433
2. Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE) 2003
Emergency hormonal contraception e-learning material.
CPPE, University of Manchester. Available online to qualified
pharmacists: www.cppe.man.ac.uk
Author:
Gunet Mwalungali
BPharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy), MClinPharm (Master of
Clinical Pharmacy), UNZA.
Lecturer: - Pharmacology/Therapeutics- Cavendish
University Zambia, School of Medicine.
www.mahoganyair.com | Fed - Mar 2020 31You can also read
