Review & Mail 30 May 2022

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Zimbabwe’s Quality Journalism Read Page 13
Tuesday 30 May 2022
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AGREEMENT ELECTRIFIES
MVUMA PROJECT
…Disco, ZETDC sign pact for 100km power line

Tichaona Zindoga that could reach 500 megawatts per “We applied to be connected to the reach the happy occasion we are wit-

month. national electricity grid in order to nessing today.

The Zimbabwe Electricity Trans- Zimbabwe, currently, consumes access the requisite power for our op- “We are pursuing a Public Private
mission and Distribution Compa- about 1 700 megawatts, and Disco is erations that require huge amounts Partnership (PPP) agreement with
ny (ZETDC) and Dinson Iron & Steel set to be the power utility’s cash cow, of electricity and this had to be an- ZETDC with terms that will allow us
Company (Disco) today signed a joint while excess electricity is going to be chored on a totally new infrastruc- to have our electricity requirements
venture agreement to construct a 97 channeled towards the national grid. ture development, whose capacity while the rest will serve the public
kilometre, 330KV power line from The construction of the power line, we could provide,” he said during the need. Indeed, during the first phase
Sherwood in Kwekwe to Mvuma. commencing soon and expected to ceremony. of our project at Mvuma steel plant,
Disco, a subsidiary of Chinese stee- be complete in 18 months, is going to “Given the financial and logistical we will require only a fraction of our
maker Tsingshan Holdings, is con- provide 300 jobs for local skilled and implications of this project and the alloted electricity, allowing for more
structing the much-vaunted US$1 bil- semi-skilled labour. turnaround time of delivering the electricity to be channeled towards

lion steel plant. And the electricity will fire up the steel plant itself, we offered to mobil- other users in the economy,” Motsi
The agreement by the two sides came signature power plant project, plac- ise financial resources and expertise said.
after prolonged negotiations, includ- ing Zimbabwe on the map of produc- so that we could quickly take off the Zesa Managing Director, Howard
ing financing, which Disco is provid- tion of steel as Africa's biggest steel ground. Choga, said the agreement had ob-
ing to the tune of US$45 million and is plant. “I'm happy to report that, through the ligations on both sides. He said this
set to recover through swapping with Wilfred Motsi, representing Disco involvemeny of various stakeholders was part of a number of projects that
its huge monthly bill for consumption explained that power was critical to in Government and its Departments,
the project. we were able to thrash all issues to ZETDC was pursuing TO PAGE 4











Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 DIASPORA 070

Zimbabwean to chair racism task force in Canada

...A Zimbabwean immigrant who migrated to Canada three years ago has been voted to Chair a
newly established anti-racism task force established in the City of Fredericton.

Passionate Ncube, who arrived in gram co-ordinator for NGOs helped volunteered for the task force role

New Brunswick three years ago says him develop a broad understanding because of the First Nation's rela-

his experience working with NGOs of the world as a global citizen. tionship with the city.

motivated him to volunteer for Fred- "I've had to travel to a few countries "I don't think that people really think

ericton's new anti-racism task force. around the world and as a Black per- racism exists, so this is a way for all

"I've met people .... from all over the son, I've experienced racism … and of us to get together and talk about

world," said Ncube, who was chosen when I see that, I was like, 'What shared experiences, but also look

by fellow task force members to chair drove that person to say that to at ways of helping — I don't want to

the group. "It's that moment when me?'… There's still a lot of work that say solve racism, that's idealistic —

you are housed together with those still needs to be done." but once you're aware of something,

people, all waking together, then Ncube said life in Fredericton was a then you can work toward solutions

you start realizing, there are differ- difficult adjustment, especially since to fighting the problem that we have."

ent cultural practices or approaches he immigrated at the height of the Rose said she's been involved in

that we have toward life." pandemic. The biggest challenge was various organizations and with First

Last week, the City of Fredericton finding employment at a time when Nations politics for a long time and

announced the members of the task the world was shut down. Passionate Ncube began having to deal with racism as

force set up to combat systemic rac- But Ncube was able to find work Ncube, was chosen by fellow mem- a child.
ism and help make the community with the University of New Bruns- bers of the anti-racism task force to "But dealing with it as a parent is
more inclusive and diverse. wick and has dedicated his time to be the chair. harder," she said. "I would like for
Last May, the New Brunswick Afri- multiple international faith-based Not everyone faces racism, Ncu- this city to be a safe place for my
can Association published an open charitable organizations in the city. be said, but the framing of the is- children to grow and develop."
letter, directed to the city, pushing While recommendations to coun- sue must move beyond a debate over When task members first met, Rose
for an anti-racism task force. cil are still being discussed, Ncube whether it exists. realized the racism experienced by
City council voted last August to join said community engagement is a vi- "If I experience racism, the ques- most individuals can differ great-
the United Nations Educational, Sci- tal part of knowing how to address tion that you must ask yourself im- ly. Specifically, she said, Indigenous
entific and Cultural Organization's racism. Ncube pointed to the north mediately is, 'What can I do about it?' people still face the racism that has
Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities side neighbourhood of Doone Street, So each and every one must be in- become systemic since colonialism.
initiative. where newcomers have reported volved." "When immigrants are coming to
'There's still a lot of work that still physical and verbal violence. This view was echoed by another Canada, what are they learning about
needs to be done' "Those are the things that we need member of the new task force, Sarah Indigenous people? What programs
Passionate Ncube says his experi- to take immediate action on," he said. Rose, board president of the Under and services offer that basic knowl-
ence working with NGOs motivated "We engage the people. ... Has there One Sky Friendship Centre. edge of the land and territory that
him to volunteer for Fredericton's been any changes? Has those issues As a member of Sitansisk, or St. they're going to be living on?"
new anti-racism task force. been addressed? What we will try to Mary's First Nation, Rose said she
Ncube said his experience as a pro- work on is push for accountability." --cbcnews

Zim women at How to link formal and informal economies
centre of drug
In 2003, Thabo Mbeki – then president well against any of the leading economies a bridge between the formal and informal

trafficking of South Africa – described South Africa’s around the world. Access to capital should economies connecting small-scale farm-
economy as being like a two-storeyhouse. therefore be widely available. But it’s not. ers to formal markets. In other words, the

The top floor was quite plush, with all the Swathes of small businesses fail to meet staircase between the two floors.

Three Zimbabwean women were fittingspackedneatlytogether.Hereferred the criteria set for top-floor financing. In Palladium functions as an intermedi-

nabbed in India and charged for drug to this as the modern, diversified econo- developed economies, small businesses ary in various ways. It facilitates contract

peddling after they were found in pos- my within South Africa. Below that level, have a range of alternatives for financing farming by connecting input suppliers

session of 21 kilogrammes of cocaine however, was an informal economywhere from banks or other capital markets, in- with small-scale farmers, who then agree

concealed in a trolley bag which they the poor were trapped in poverty, with lit- cluding secured and unsecured options. to sell the produce back to them at a pre-

were supposed to deliver in Delhi. tle or no skills. Mbeki’s analogy went fur- How can this be fixed? Claiming “it’s the agreed future price. This addresses input

The 21 kilograms of heroin that ther: there was no interconnecting stair- government’s job” ignores other players financing and provides a guaranteed mar-

was seized by the NCB from three case between the two floors. In effect, who have the ability to play a more inno- ket for the farmers’ output. It also builds

Mizoram women in a hotel in Itar- SouthAfricahad two economies and there vative intermediary role. If South Africa’s partnerships with the private sector to

si, was brought from Zimbabwe and was no bridge between them. What Mbe- two-storey economy is pronounced, Zim- enable mobile buying systems. This frees

it was taken to Delhi from Bengaluru ki was describing is a common problem in babwe’s is severe. Its house is pyramid farmers from having to find a market, and

by a train, zonal director of Narcot- developing countries, including South Af- shaped. Yet there are attempts underway ensures them a fair price; furthermore, it

ics Control Bureau, Brijendra Chow- rica’s neighbour Zimbabwe. My colleague to connect the different levels. Our re- relieves them of the problem of storage

dhary, said on Friday. Baldwin Guchu and I recently conduct- search looked at what these are. The role and packaging.

The women were staying in Hotel ed research on an initiative in Zimbabwe of intermediaries Zimbabwe has a rep- As part of a consignment stock initiative,

Surya near the railway station in Itar- that is trying to address the problem. In utation for weak and extractive politi- the intermediary also keeps an electron-

si in Narmadapuram district with the the paper we examined the role inter- cal and economic institutions. The World ic transaction history farmers can use to

drugs on Thursday. mediaries are playing in connecting for- Bank estimates that the informal econ- access credit in the future by providing

Preliminary investigation revealed mal and informal economies in the coun- omy makes up approximately 60% of the records and information that would oth-

that the women had travelled from try. South Africa can learn from this. Since total economy; roughly 90% of those con- erwise be missing. Solutions. All these in-

Zimbabwe to Bengaluru in a flight and 1994 South Africa has built on the existing sidered “employed” work in the informal terventions are better served by interme-

were going by train from Bengaluru to two-storey infrastructure without paying economy. diaries rather than through bureaucratic

Delhi, where the drugs had to be de- much attention to a stairway. At least, not This is especially true in the agriculture government overreach. This is particu-

livered. They broke their journey in one wide or sturdy enough to encourage space, where the combined legacy of co- larly true where government institutional

Itarsi. The seized drug was concealed upward movement. This poses a serious lonialism and more recently, land grabs, capacity is weak and corruption is com-

inside a trolley bag. Further investi- developmental problem – one shared by has carved a chasm between large-scale mon. Governments with little or no en-

gation is underway. many developing economies. Academ- commercial farmers and small-scale, of- trepreneurial mindset fail at this because

Heroin is prepared from opium. It ic research typically labels this as being a ten subsistence farmers. These small- they don’t see a gap they can fill in a sus-

is a semi synthetic product and is a function of dualism and the lack of insti- er agriculture producers cooperate in tainable way. What governments can do is

highly addictive drug, derived from tutional connections between these dual their villages through a system of mutu- enable policies that support these inter-

the morphine alkaloid found in the economies: although institutions estab- al trust, but this way of doing things does mediaries to function effectively, and to

opium poppy plant (Papaver som- lish the “rules of the game”governing eco- not extend beyond the villages. Tight legal recognise that the traditional boundaries

niferum) and is roughly 2 to 3 times nomic activity in each of these economies, contracts are needed to sell to the bigger between the public and private sectors are

more potent than morphine. the institutions do not bridge the two dis- retail industry players. In addition, small- increasingly blurred and hybrid partner-

India is situated between two larg- parate economies and so they coexist but scale farmers need some level of financ- ships provide the potential for innovative

est Heroin producing belts previously in isolation. How often do we hear the re- ing to ensure access to machinery, and a solutions. For its part big business needs

known as Golden Crescent and Gold- frain that big business does not do busi- sustainable supply of input commodities to realise that maintaining the status quo

en Triangle. Initially the major part of ness with small business? The result of necessaryto plant, harvest, and store their of dual economies delegitimises markets

the heroin seized in India came from this missing link is that the two economies crops. and results in lost opportunities.

Afghanistan and Myanmar but in struggle to engage with each other, lead- This is impossible without collateral to The question for intermediaries is to

present scenario, due to strict guard- ing to inefficiencies and substantial lost guarantee a loan, or without buying con- imagine ways in which bridging support

ing of Indian borders and due to alert- opportunities. Worse still, it entrenches tracts from retailers. The result is thatthey can extend beyond project initiatives.

ness of Indian Drug Law enforcement social and economic divisions, and deep- are trapped in a vicious cycle – they can’t Baldwin Guchu is a co-author of this ar-

agencies, traffickers try to send her- ens inequality.We see this manifest in var- borrow money to produce, nor are they ticle. He has a background in financial

oin consignments through African or ious ways in South Africa. South Africahas able to produce to borrow money. That’s management. His work focuses on the

other countries, Chowdhary added. deep and liquid financial markets, togeth- where an organisation like the private, nexus between institutions and financial

The trolley bag where the drugs were er with a highly functioning and well-reg- for-profit entity Palladium can step in. Its markets in developing regions.

concealed ulated banking industry, which means approach is collaborative. In this case it

--freepressjournal our top-floor financial system measures backed a donor funded project, acting as The Conversation

Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 ENVIRONMENT 080

Ivory ban loophole means elephant body
parts can still be traded in the United Kingdom
Legislation makes no mention of skins, “However, elephant body parts continue Conservationist groups have hit out

feet, ears and tails so these can continue to be sought after for a variety of purpos- at the Ivory Act previously for failing to

to be bought and sold es, particularly by trophy hunters whose clamp down on trophy hunters, who will

Elephants drink water in the Chobe na- cruel activities cause so much suffering be unencumbered by the law change, as

tional park in Botswana. and disruption.” long as they declare their ivory import is

Elephant skins, feet, ears and tails will Under international treaties, trade in purely for “personal” purposes and not

continue to be traded in the UK even af- the body parts of Asian elephants and “commercial”.

ter next month’s ivory ban comes into some populations of African elephants The government pledged to ban big

force, it has been revealed. has been prohibited since 1975. game hunters bringing parts of endan-

The government has been praised for However, the Convention on Interna- gered animals into the country in late

its Ivory Act 2018, effective from next tional Trade in Endangered Species of Ivory 2021, although the law has still not been

month, making the purchase and sale of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) allows brought before parliament, with Con-
It is feared the legislation could cre- servative MPs telling the Guardian last
elephant tusks punishable by fines of up some exceptions.
to £250,000 or up to five years in prison. For example, less “at-risk” populations ate a puzzling two-tier system, with law month that its progress had been scup-
However, a loophole will allow trade in of elephants from Botswana, Namibia, enforcement applying different rules to pered by a “handful of very wealthy
other elephant body parts to continue. South Africa and Zimbabwe are all fair body parts from the same animal.
peers”.
According to official data, the UK im- game for body-part traders, so long as a The megafauna’s feet are sometimes A government spokesperson said:
used to create stools, with the president “Alongside our tough ban on the ivory
ported 325 non-ivory elephant parts over licence is obtained.
the past 10 years, including 173 skins, 84 Botswana auctioned 70 elephants to be of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, creat- trade, we are committed to banning the
shot in 2021, while South Africa added ing a stir in 2019 when he gifted visiting import of hunting trophies from iconic
feet, 47 ears and 21 tails.
Over three-quarters of the elephant 150 elephants to their “hunting quota” in dignitaries upholstered seats made from species, like elephants – leading the way
elephant feet.
parts imported were hunting trophies, 2022. in strengthening and supporting their
with Botswana, South Africa and Zimba- A change in the law next month will Elephant skin is said to be a remedy for long-term conservation.”
bwe being the most common countries make buying or selling ivory – even if eczema by practitioners of traditional Sign up to First Edition, our free daily
harvested from less “at-risk” elephant Chinese and south-east Asian medicine, newsletter – every weekday morning at
of origin.
Dr Mark Jones, the head of policy at populations – a criminal offence, with who grind it up and mix it with oils to 7am BST
Born Free Foundation, said: “Born Free only qualifying antique items exempted. create a paste.
Jones said: “We implore the UK govern-
has long campaigned for an end to the The legislation, however, makes no Even elephant penises and trunks are mentto make good on its commitmentto
ivory trade that has devastated elephant mention of other elephant body parts – sought after by traditional remedy brew- ban the import of hunting trophies from
populations across Africa over the de- such as skins, feet, ears and tails – mean- ers, although official trade data show elephants and other threatened species
cades, and we welcome the fact that the ing they can continue to be bought and neither of these body parts have been without further delay and to bring an
UK’s Ivory Act will finally come into force sold in the UK under the old legal frame- imported to the UK in at least the last de- end to the import of, and trade in, other
cade.
on 6 June. work. elephant specimens.”- The Guardian

Zim’s ivory trade gets African support Zimbabwe's ballooning jumbo

A group of delegates at the African Ele- herds a growing threat to humans

phant conference in Hwange, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe's estimated 100,000 elephant ing at about five percent a year, reaching

are pressing for the legalization of Ivory to population is growing at about five percent unsustainablelevels.

help in the control of their population. ayear, reaching unsustainablelevels "Our conservation methods are working

Atleast 60 people have been killed by ele- Seventy-five-year-old Hanganani Gide- and I believe thatinstead of being punished

phants in Zimbabwe since the start of the on Dube has walked with a slight limp and we should be rewarded,"Fulton Mangwan-

year, compared with 72 overall in the 2021
year. his speech been laboured since he mirac- ya, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Man-
ulously survived being trampled by an ele- agementAuthority directortoldAFP.
Zimbabwe's conservation success sto-
phant in NorthWestern Zimbabwe. He spoke on the sidelines of a conference
ry has had the unfortunate side-effects of
He considers himself lucky to be alive fol- in Hwange where the government is this
heightening jumbo-human conflict.
lowing the assault one afternoon in May week lobbying allies to push for legal ivory
With some 100,000 elephants, Zimbabwe
2021 near Mabale village on the outskirts of trade.
has the world's second-largest population
Hwange National Park, the country's big- Zimbabwe, along with Botswana, Namibia
after Botswana and about one-quarter of
gest. and Zambia, wants the UN Convention on
the elephants in all of Africa.
But the injuries have left him unable to International Trade Endangered Species of
More than half of those pachyderms live He spoke on the sidelines of a conference fend forhis family of six. Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly referred
in and outside the unfenced Hwange, a in Hwange where the government is this Dube was tending his cattle when "sud- to as CITES, to lift the ban on the trade in
wildlife park nearly half the size of Bel- week lobbying allies to push for legal ivory denly I found myself face-to-face with an ivory.
gium, with some 14,600 square kilometers trade. elephant". They argue that scrapping the ban can
(5,637 square miles) of vegetation. Zimbabwe, along with Botswana, Namib- He sprinted off, without realising he was help to better preserve the animals and
Elephants roam freely from Zimbabwe's ia and Zambia, wants the UN Convention running straight into the path of another bring economic benefit to local communi-
sprawling and unfenced game reserves on International Trade Endangered Spe- elephant. ties wholive close to the animals.
and it is common to find herds crossing cies of Wild Fauna and Flora, commonly "There was no time for me to evade the Zimbabwehas ahuge $600-million stock-
or resting along the main highway from referred to as CITES, to lift the ban on the second elephant. It attacked me swiftly and pile of ivory which it recently showed to
Hwange to the nearby prime tourist resort trade in ivory. I blacked out," he said in the local Ndebele ambassadors representing various coun-
of Victoria Falls. They argue that scrapping the ban can language. tries including the European Union, China
help to better preserve the animals and Dube said he's still puzzled "why the ele- and Japan. It has urged EU diplomats to al-
Dangerous signal - bring economic benefit to local commu- phant didn't finish me off". low a one-off sale of the ivory.
A collection of 50 anti-ivory trade orga- nities who live close to the animals. "I amluckyto be alive butI am nowuseless The country's last official elephant census
nizations issued a statement warning that Zimbabwe has a huge $600-million as I can no longer do any physical work, in- in 2014 counted more than 80,000, a figure
opening the ivory market would decimate stockpile of ivorywhich it recently showed cluding looking after my cattle," he said sit- now estimated at 100,000, which authori-
the African herd, which in some regions is to ambassadors representing various ting on a stool by a cooking fire at his home- ties say is three times more than capacity.
near extinction. countries including the European Union, stead. Cattle herder Hanganani Gideon Dube can
"The conference is sending a dangerous China and Japan. It has urged EU diplo- At least 60 people have been killed by ele- no longer fend for his family because of his
signalto poachers and criminal syndicates mats to allow a one-off sale of the ivory. phants in Zimbabwe since the start of the injuries sustained in an elephant attack
thatelephants are mere commodities, and The country'slastofficial elephantcensus year, comparedwith 72 overall of 2021year. Cattle herder Hanganani Gideon Dube
that ivory trade could be resumed height- in 2014 counted more than 80,000, a fig- Zimbabwe's conservation success story can nolonger fend forhis family because of
ening the threat to the species," they said. ure now estimated at 100,000, which au- has had unfortunate side-effect of height- his injuries sustained in an elephant attack
But growing elephant herds pose real thorities say is three times more than ca- ening jumbo-human conflict. Zinyange Auntony AFP
dangers to nearby communities. pacity. With some 100,000 elephants, Zimbabwe But some conservationists doubt the ac-
Zimbabwe says 60 people have been But some conservationists doubt the ac- has the world's second-largest population curacy of the statistics and fear that lifting
killed by elephants so far this year, com- curacy of the statistics and fear that lifting after Botswana, and about one-quarter of the trade ban would pose a threat to ele-
pared with 72 in all of last year. the trade ban would pose a threat to ele- the elephants in all ofAfrica. phant populations.
"Governments of elephant range states phant populations. More than half of those pachyderms live America, along with EU countries and
are faced with social and political pres- America, along with EU countries and in and outside the unfenced Hwange, a Britain remain opposed to lifting the ban
sures on why elephants are prioritized Britain remain opposed to lifting the ban wildlife park nearly half the size of Bel- while China and Japan are some of the
over their own lives and livelihoods," while China and Japan are some of the gium, some 14,600 square kilometres (5,637 countries in support.
Ndhlovu said. countries in support. square miles) of vegetation. International trade in ivory and elephants
- 'Reward not punishment' - International trade in ivoryand elephants Elephants roam freely from Zimbabwe's has been banned since 1989 under the
Zimbabwe's elephantpopulation is grow- has been banned since 1989 under the sprawling and unfenced game reserves and CITES. One-off sales were allowed in 1999
ing at about five percent a year, reaching CITES. One-off sales were allowed in 1999 itis common to findherds crossing orrest- and 2008, despite fierce opposition.
unsustainable levels. and 2008, despite fierce opposition. ing along the main highway from Hwange The Harare governmenthas threatened to
"Our conservation methods are working The Harare government has threatened to the nearby prime tourist resort of Victo- pull out of the convention if it doesn't have
and I believe that instead of being pun- to pull out of the convention if it doesn't ria Falls. its way on ivorytrading.
ished we should be rewarded," Fulton have its way on ivory trading. 'Reward not punishment'
Mangwanya, the Zimbabwe Parks and Zimbabwe's elephant population is grow- --AFP
Wildlife Management Authority director --AFP
told AFP.

Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 FEATURE 090

Africa also has significant amounts of

China's pivotal role in supporting coltan(neededforelectronics)andhalf
of the world's known supply of carbon-
atites (a rock formation that is the pri-
post-COVID growth in Africa
mary source of rare earth minerals).
Debt and repayment
Between 2000 and 2019, Chinese fi-

White & Case LLP China's relation- nanciers signed 1,141 loan commit-

ship with Africa is well established, ments worth US$153 billion with

deep and thriving on many fronts African governments and their state-

To show the history of Africa and Chi- owned enterprises, according to the

na's relationship, some scholars write China Africa Research Institute (al-

of the discovery of ancient Chinese ce- though these numbers do not equate

ramics in East Africa and trading ties to actual African government debt,

that date from the Song Dynasty (960 as their database does not track dis-

– 1279). When Zhou Enlai, then Pre- bursement or repayment).

mier of the People's Republic of China, Since FOCAC's establishment, Chi-

visited Tanzania in 1965 he referenced nese companies have helped African

the Chinese explorer Zheng He in pro- countries to build and upgrade more

claiming: "My colleagues and I do not than 10,000 kilometers of railways,

find ourselves in a strange land. Inter- nearly 100,000 kilometers of high-

course between our countries dates South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria. tween South African multinational ways, nearly 1,000 bridges, 100 ports,
back to 900 years ago." For African nations to continue to Naspers and its Netherlands-listed in- 66,000 kilometers of power trans-
The year 2013 marked a pivotal mile- grow, they need friends who invest in vestment unit Prosus). mission and distribution network,
stone, as China overtook the United them, recognize the vast potential of 120,000 megawatts of installed pow-
States (US) as the largest equity inves- African markets and lend them funds Barring other, similar singular trans- er-generating capacity, a 150,000-ki-
tor nation into the African continent, needed to realize that potential. actions, FDI into Africa might contin- lometer communications network and
measured in terms of new foreign di- Itself the largest single recipient of ue to grow modestly in 2022 and be- a network service covering nearly 700
rect investment. global FDI inflow during 2020 and yond. Significant infrastructure needs million user terminals.
Today, the Five Principles of Peace- 2021, China is well aware of the trans- across the continent and growing
ful Co-existence that formally govern formational impact of strong FDI populations may increase demand for By 2017, McKinsey & Co. estimated
Chinese foreign policy to this day have flows. In addition, Africa in 2022 bears project finance of all forms in Africa. that more than 10,000 Chinese com-
a strong African connection. marked similarities, both demograph- China is also increasing the links be- panies were active on the continent.
ically and economically, to China in tween its financial systems and those Although Chinese loans to Africa
China's interest in Africa ramped the early 1970s. of African countries. As of October sometimes are criticized by Western
up considerably during the 1990s, Current UN growth projections fore- 2021, the Cross-Border Interbank Pay- sources as "economic colonialism" and
strengthened even more through the cast that Africa's population will reach ment System (a payment system that "debt-trap diplomacy,”. Most Chinese
following decade and has continued approximately 1.7 billion people by offers clearing and settlement services loans have funded large-scale infra-
under current President Xi Jinping. 2030. for its participants in cross-border structure projects, with the aim of en-
China's engagement and support in China therefore seems to be position- renminbi payments and trade) had 42 hancing economic growth and pros-
Africa was for many years an extension ing itself to lead Africa's future FDI, indirect participants in Africa from 19 perity across Africa. In addition, these
of political relations. For instance, Af- and thus grow African markets to ben- African countries. projects have made significant inroads
rican votes were instrumental for Chi- efit its own trade. The People's Bank of China (Chi- into bridging the continent's energy
na's admittance to the United Nations. This can be seen in China's diversifi- na's central bank) has signed a total of deficit and supplying infrastructure to
cation of investments away from min- RMB 73 billion (approximately US$11.5 ensure the success of the African Con-
More recently, though, China's fo- ing and infrastructure to include ser- billion) in currency swap agreements tinental Free Trade Area
cus on Africa has become increasingly vice industries (scientific research, with the central banks of South Africa, In fact, in keeping with the Five Prin-
economic. For example, Africa's nat- technology services and others) trans- Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria. ciples of Peaceful Co-existence, Chi-
ural resources played a large role in portation, warehousing and postal In addition, China has signed a mem- na's loans typically are not accompa-
China's growth for decades. services. orandum of understanding on cooper- nied by non-financial requirements
This historical context affects the cur- It is further reinforced by Chinese ation in financial supervision with sev- (that could be considered interference
rent China-Africa relationship in Afri- support for infrastructure develop- en African countries, including Egypt, in the internal affairs of the borrow-
ca, as well as China's long-term plans ment projects under its Belt and Road South Africa and Nigeria—thus laying ing nation). The loan agreements fre-
for continued support and engage- Initiative (BRI), which is likely to re- a foundation for steady, long-term bi- quently impose strict confidentiality
ment with African nations. main a crucial component of China's lateral development cooperation. Chi- on borrowers, though, with contracts
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation international relations. In the Gov- na has also increased its involvement governed by Chinese law and any dis-
Since 2000, all the African nations (ex- ernment Work Report presented at in African multilateral funding agen- putes that arise to be settled by arbi-
cept Eswatini) have conducted formal China's National People's Congress in cies, by joining the African Develop- tration in China. When African nations
inter-government collaboration with March 2022, Premier Li Keqiang em- ment Bank (AfDB), the Eastern and find themselves with repayment diffi-
China through FOCAC. In his keynote phasized: "We will promote high-qual- Southern African Trade and Develop- culties, China engages in bilateral dis-
speech at the 8th Forum on China-Af- ity cooperation under the Belt and ment Bank and the West African De- cussions to resolve the issue and has
rica Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Road Initiative… We will, on the basis velopment Bank. Through the AfDB, sometimes written off debt with the
Senegal in November 2021, President of consolidating cooperation on en- it has pledged to contribute a total of poorest countries.
Xi Jinping proposed that over the next hancing connectivity, move steadily to US$996 million to the African Devel- Still, Chinese loans are nowhere near
four years, China and Africa should open up new areas of cooperation." opment Fund. sufficient to fund all of Africa's needs.
collaborate on: BRI projects include railways to link International trade In its 2018 African Economic Outlook,
Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic the continent's eastern seaports to the Trade between China and Africa has the AfDB estimated Africa's infrastruc-
Opening new prospects for China-Af- interior, such as a railway from Nai- increased steadily in recent years. ture needs to be at US$130 – 170 billion
rica cooperation, expanding trade robi to Mombasa and a new line from China has been Africa's largest single per year, with a US$68 – 108 billion fi-
and investment, poverty reduction, Djibouti to Addis Ababa (then eventu- national trading partner for the past nancing gap.
strengthened cooperation on digi- ally to Dakar, Senegal, on the conti- 12 consecutive years (see Figure 2), al-
tal economies and promoting entre- nent's west coast).12 though trade between Africa and EU In 2021, the International Monetary
preneurship by young Africans, and The COVID-19 pandemic, sanctions nations collectively continues to sig- Fund estimated that Africa required
the development of small- and medi- imposed on Russia and other global nificantly exceed Africa's trade with US$285 billion of additional financing
um-sized enterprises events have had a profound impact on either China or the US. by 2025 to fund an adequate COVID-19
Promoting green development in the China's outbound FDI and its econo- According to the latest data released response.
face of climate change, working to my generally. The Asia Development by the General Administration of Cus-
implement the Paris Agreement and Bank now projects that China's GDP toms of China, the total bilateral trade By comparison, total external pub-
strengthening capacity for sustainable will grow at 5 percent in 2022 and 4.8 between China and Africa reached lic debt across Africa amounted to ap-
development percent in 2023. US$254.3 billion in 2021, up 35.3 percent proximately US$726 billion in 2021.32
Upholding equity and justice and This contraction in growth rates may from 2020, and African exports to Chi- Conclusion
promoting true multilateralism be driving a strategic pivot by China na reached US$105.9 billion dollars in The next four years will likely remain
At this FOCAC summit, a "China-Afri- back toward greater international en- 2021, up 43.7 percent from 2020. challenging in Africa (as perhaps in
ca Cooperation Vision 2035" was pub- gagement, which could have a positive The bulk of this trade is with only five the rest of the world). The continent
lished that specifies nine programs impact on Chinese FDI into Africa. countries: South Africa, Angola, Kenya, remains vulnerable to COVID-19 (ac-
across a wide range of sectors ear- According to UNCTAD, the combined Nigeria and Egypt. cording to the World Health Organiza-
marked for implementation during effects of low commodity prices and Although China's dependence on tion, only 11 percent of Africa's popula-
the first three years of this initiative. the COVID-19 pandemic caused global crude oil imports declined slightly tion is fully vaccinated),33 and current
China-Africa foreign direct invest- FDI into Africa to contract by 16 per- in 2021. In 2020 three African coun- global sanctions are impacting eco-
ment cent in 2020 to US$40 billion (down tries (Angola, Democratic Republic of nomic trends in ways that are not yet
In economic terms, 2013 marked a from US$47 billion in 2019), while in- the Congo and Gabon) accounted for fully understood.
pivotal milestone, as China overtook ternational project finance announce- 10.8 percent of those imports, worth For African nations to continue to
the United States (US) as the largest ments—especially relevant for large US$18.3 billion. grow, they need friends who invest in
equity investor nation into the African infrastructure projects—contracted by China also has a strong interest in Af- them, recognize the vast potential of
continent, measured in terms of new 74 percent to US$32 billion. rican mining and minerals. Africa con- African markets and lend them funds
foreign direct investment (FDI flows) . FDI into Africa rebounded strong- tains approximately half of the world's needed to realize that potential. For
FDI flows to Africa from the European ly in 2021, with preliminary UNCTAD stock of manganese, an essential in- many years, China has showed itself
Union (EU) countries collectively con- estimates suggesting a total of US$97 gredient for steel production, and the to be such a friend, and President Xi
tinue to dwarf those of both China and billion for the year (but US$42 billion Democratic Republic of the Congo Jinping's comments at the 2021 FOCAC
the US, though. In 2020, the top African of this was due to the share swap be- alone produces more than 70 percent summit and otherwise show that it in-
destinations of Chinese FDI were Ken- of the world's cobalt. tends to remain one.
ya, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
--jdsupra

M3o0ndMaya0y02J0an2u2ary 2022 PERSPECTIVE 1000

Are Zimbabweans in SA willing to go back home?

Lovemore Jack

To those who read my article in the Mail

& Review dated 16 May 2022, in which

I expressed my views vis-à-vis #why

South Africans want Zimbabweans to

go…you will recall that I concluded that

the main reason is politically motivated

by the desire by a variety of SA political

groups to gain political mileage towards

SA 2024 elections. The main trump card

for electoral campaigning in the upcom-

ing SA political elections 2024 is not re-

form and regularization of immigration

laws and practices but a promise for jobs

to the poorest of the poor.

Sensing fears of possible xenophobia

as ZSP (Zimbabwe Special Permits) ex-

tended expiry nears in December 2022;

….let’s get to the crux of the matter. Are

Zimbabweans in SouthAfricawilling and

prepared to return back to their moth-

erland? And, if indeed Zimbabweans in

South Africa do return to Zimbabwe at

the end of this year, are they really pre-

pared to go back and stay? Or, are they

going back with the thought of coming

back to Mzansi if xenophobia does not Residents of Alexandra marched calling on foreigners to leave the neighbourhood
spiral uncontrollably?

As one talks to fellow Zimbabweans liv-
ing in South Africa, one gets a sense that elections. Some even go to as far as say- been fortified and rooted in the Botswa- largest number of Zimbabweans, docu-
there are some quarters in the SA based ing; “it’s better to face xenophobia than na Democratic Party [BDP], to the east mented and undocumented, and thus it
Zimbabwe immigrant population who go back to where there are no econom- equally an intra-party succession has should be regarded as a very important
prefer to distance the #Zimbabwe must ic opportunities” – this is a bitter pill to held the forte from the days of Samora political constituency which must not
go…from SA politics and instead prefer swallow. For this reason, the majority of Machel to the present-day rule of Filipe be left out in the 2023 Zimbabwe elec-
to view this whole scenario as being or- SA based pro-CCC constituency (most Nyusi, and to the south of Zimbabwe, tions. It is imperative, therefore, that
chestrated by Zimbabwe 2023 political of whom are from Zimbabwe’s urban South Africa has had, and continues to the main political parties (Zanu PF and
maneuvering. Those who hold this view and peri-urban settings) sees a return have, successful democratic transition CCC) as well as others in POLAD (Politi-
can be grouped into two main camps i.e. to Zimbabwe to partake in elections as a through and within the ANC. cal Actors’ Dialogue) must sign a collec-

the pro-CCC and the pro-Zanu PF. waste of time and would ideally migrate How do we galvanize the Zimbabwe tive pact to instill fairness in the elector-

The pro-CCC constituency claim that back home only out of fear of xenopho- voting population and drive a political al process – ensuring a common ground
Zanu PF is threatened by a diaspora vote bia. narrative which is free of voter apathy? or a level playing field;

which they believe has huge allegiance The pro-Zanu PF camp claim that CCC I proffer the following as answers to this 3) Ensure proper security and au-
towards #CCC and hence Zanu PF is is behind-the-scenes trying to push and other questions that I have paused dit of electoral results: - With millions
somewhat demotivating Zimbabweans Zimbabweans to go back and vote in above: of Zimbabweans having left the country

in the diaspora not to mobilize and cam- their homeland since chances of a postal 1) Restore the credibility of the Zim- crying foul of a “stolen vote”, the upcom-
paign for the upcoming plebiscite. The vote away from Zimbabwe will never be babwe electoral process: - this can be ing elections in 2023 are a turning point
pro-CCC constituency further contends entertained by the Zimbabwe Electoral achieved through active engagement of for the majority of foreign based Zimba-
that Zanu PF is working in cahoots with Commission and further will not be al- regional and international political and bweans who are expressing awillingness
unorthodox mafia-like groupings such lowed to see the light of day the Zimba- economic blocs such as SADC, and the and desire to trek back to Zimbabwe and
as “Operation Dudula” and other SA po- bwe Judiciary. UN. In this case, speaking particularly re-establish their lives as Zimbabweans

litical forces to destabilize the safety and Both arguments across the SA based with respect to Zimbabweans in South contributing meaningfully to the de-
security of Zimbabweans in South Africa Zimbabwean political divide appear Africa it would make a huge difference velopment of their country. The secu-
with the ultimate objective being to in- sound in their own right. But the fun- if they had been efforts to have Zimba- rity and audit of 2023 electoral results
directly dismantle the Zimbabwe urban damental questions remain: Is the con- bweans register (and even vote) while by an independent adjudicator who will
voter population. This line of thinking tinued residence of Zimbabweans in the they are where they currently derive the without fear or favour declare – and not
drove me to question….How will “Oper- diaspora a panacea to socio-econom- means to their economic livelihood. If just rubber stamp – the elections as tru-
ation Dudula” lead to the dismantling of ic despondency in Zimbabwe? How will this is properly managed and the votes ly democratically free and fair is with-
the Zimbabwe urban voter population? Zimbabweans be motivated to freely and are properly secured and aggregated to out a doubt a sought-after game chang-
The SA based pro-CCC constituency willingly change and/or chart their own the voting tallies in Zimbabwe, a truly er. Until there is a properly constituted
feel short-changed and disenfranchised chosen political destiny in their own representative Zimbabwe voting result Independent Electoral Commission in
with the Zimbabwean electoral pro- land? What will incentivize the political will emerge. And with this, Zimbabwe- Zimbabwe, it is important for all political
cess citing that under the current ZEC will of Zimbabwean voters to once again ans will not be driven from Mzansi but parties to agree on who or which body is
administration, a free and fair elector- have faith in the electoral process? will freely leave this foreign land not out given the interim authority to properly

al result which will usher in a political My encouragement to Zimbabweans is of fear of “Operation Dudula” and trek secure and audit the electoral results.
leadership capable of driving the econ- that we should look up northwards, and back to Zimbabwe to embrace their cho- This is not the time for those in pow-
omy out of the economic quagmire of there lies the answer that Zambians be- sen and not forced democratic dispen- er to continue to claim that Zimbabwe is
spiraling inflation, massive unemploy- lieve in the ballot and have progressively sation. This view recognizes the realities a sovereign country capable of running
ment, misguided economic policies and moved from Kenneth Kaunda, Frederic that it will be difficult, if not impossible, its own elections – but rather, more than
rampant corruption is a pipe dream. Chiluba, Edgar Lungu, and now Hichile- for ZEC to register and successfully in- ever before this is a time where first and
They is strong belief that instead of mi- ma – all this transition through a peace- corporate SA based Zimbabweans into foremost , efforts must be taken to en-
grating back to Zimbabwe urban set- ful and democratic political space. The the voters roll if this voting constituency hance the appetite of the voters to exer-
tlements to reside and vote is a waste other points of a basic 4-point campus does come back home in their numbers cise their democratic right.
of time and in their view, this is a more also show the entrenchment of peace- at the end of the year;
like “a delayed soccer match” which has ful and democratic transition (although 2) Obtain buy-in of all Zimbabwean LovemoreJackisaZimbabweanTeach-
already been played and the results are in other states…this has been within the political forces: - Out of all the countries er based in SA and he writes here in his
a foregone conclusion where Zanu PF same political party), to the west, Bo- to where Zimbabweans have sought personalcapacity.
remains in power with or without the tswana’s political succession has firmly economic refuge, South Africa has the

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M3o0ndMaya0y02J0an2u2ary 2022 PERSPECTIVE 1100

Eighteen is the new age!

Legal
Corner

with
Reuben Mukavhi

There is a new number in town. It is

called eighteen! 18. One eight.

The constitutional court has just

handed down a judgment in a case

argued by our principal @BitiTend-

ai holding that the age of sexual con-

sent is 18, not 16.Provisions of the law

that held that the age of consent is 16

have been struck down.

This was a Twitter post from Tendai

Biti Law Firm following the Consti-

tutional Court judgment that people

under the age of 18 years are legal-

ly considered not yet old enough to

consent to participation in sexual

activity.

Let us put this in everyday language.

If a girl or boy is below the age of 18

years, he/she is considered to be a

child who cannot make an informed/ The reasoning of the ConCourt in age of consent to the age of marriage, that the young person concerned was
mature decision regarding partici- the latest case was that if the Con- which is 18 years. of or over the age of eighteen years at
pating in sexual activity. If an adult stitution defined a child as a per- Prior to this ConCourt judgment, the time of the alleged crime. Always
has sexual intercourse with a boy/ son who has not attained the age of the law put the age of consent at 16 keeping in mind that reasonableness
girl aged below 18 years, even if that 18 years, and set the minimum age years. A girl/boy aged 16 years and is an objective test! What you might
boy/girl “agreed” to have the sexual of marriage as 18 years, consenting above was legally considered old consider reasonable might not pass
intercourse, the adult will be guilty to sexual activity could only be le- enough to consent to sexual activi- the reasonable man test. The best is
of the crime of having sexual inter- gally done by a person aged 18 years ty. You would find that the Criminal to follow the sound legal advice from
course with a young person. The ad- and above. As way back as 2016, the Law (Codification and Reform) Act Nick Mangwana who cautioned thus:
age “regai dzive shiri” now has a new ConCourt touched on the issue of the defined a young person as a boy or Careful, you may be committing
meaning, with “shiri” now starting at age of consent in the case of Mudzu- girl under the age of 16 years. With Statutory Rape in Zimbabwe where
the age of 18 years. ru & Anor v Ministry of Justice, Legal the ConCourt judgment, that defini- the Age of Consent is now 18. Why
Someone asked me what would hap- & Parliamentary Affairs, with Hlat- tion has now changed to say any boy take the risk if she looks kinda bor-
pen if a boy and a girl who are both shwayo JCC observing that the age or girl under the age of 18 years is a derline, no matter how old she says
below the age of 18 years have con- of sexual consent which then stood young person. Every other aspect of she is? And to the ladies, careful with
sensual sexual intercourse. This at 16 years was now seriously mis- the law on sexual intercourse with that Ben Tennyson. pic.twitter.com/
question was answered by Tagu and aligned with the new minimum age or performing indecent acts upon ZPwXfgrDws
Tsanga JJ in the case of the State vs. of marriage of 18 years. The Consti- young persons remains the same. For My ears have picked rumors that
L C (a juvenile). The two judges held tution could not prohibit marriage of example, it is still a valid defence on they are also considering imposing
that youngsters aged under 16 (we young persons, but then allow them a charge of having sexual intercourse mandatory jail terms for those who
should now say under 18) could freely to consent to sexual activity! It was with a young person for the accused have sexual intercourse with young
indulge in consensual sexual activi- therefore inevitable that the latest person to satisfy the court that he or persons. Forewarned forearmed!
ties outside criminal sanctions. judgment would come to align the she had reasonable cause to believe Get in touch on [email protected]

What is a profession?

fidence. For this reason it has been

noted as follows:

Taona Sibanda “Professions and business have tra-

ditionally been contrasted. The pro-

fessional is seen as oriented not to

personal profit but to disinterested

tasks like the advancement of knowl-

edge. Professionalism involves lim-

We often call people professionals, itations on the aggressive pursuit of
but what is a profession? The word self-interest. Professionals subordi-
is very imprecise. At one extreme nate their financial interests to the
it may mean any calling or vocation interests of the public, especially to
hence we have infrequently encoun- people who need help.”
tered people randomly calling them- Against this background, a profes-
selves professionals to justify their sion has been defined as a vocation
integrity in business. On the other founded upon specialized educa- a register or record;
hand, a profession may embrace only tional training, the purpose of which a peculiar kind of relationship be-
such callings as law and medicine yet is to supply disinterested counsel
(c) Belong to a representative or- tween professionals and those who
from whichever dimension one looks and service to others, for a direct and ganisation which sets and enforces do not belong to the profession. The
at it, there has never been any doubt definite compensation, wholly apart
professional standards; functions relationship is peculiar in that it aris-
(d) Perform advisory es from the complexity of the subject
that there is need to preserve certain from expectation of other business and accept personal responsibility matter which, by its nature, deprives
fraternities as professions. gain.
for their advice; the client of the ability to make in-
In Britain, up to the 19th century, Members of a profession behave (e) Hold themselves as willing to formed judgments on his own and
only the church, the law and medi- professionally by acting in a way that serve the public;
so renders him to a large extent de-
cine were regarded as professions accords with accepted professional (f) Submit to a set of rules which pendant upon the professional man.
(they were the learned professions). standards. One such standard is the impose higher standards of conduct When third parties interfere into this
Today an examination of various vo- independence of the profession. Pro- than those required by law of the or- delicate relationship by tampering
cations and callings guides us in un- fessions, whatever their nature, may dinary citizen. Some of these rules with the independence of profes-
derstanding what fits into the idea of be succinctly defined as a self-reg- are set in tablets of stone but others sional men in professional pursuits,
a profession as opposed to trading ulating body of people whose mem-
activities. The essential difference bers: are subject to change over the years society will be at a serious risk.
to reflect the changes in society gen- Taona Sibanda is an Advocate of the
between professional and trading ac- (a) Are recognised as having some
tivities lies in the functions involved. special skill or learning in some field erally and the role of professionals in Superior Courts of Zimbabwe prac-
society. Among those cast in iron is tising at The Temple Bar Chambers in
There is a difference, for instance, of activity in which the public needs the independence of professionals in Harare. He is contactable on his email
between the supply of furniture or to be protected against incompe- assisting the public.
groceries and the supply of skilled tence; address [email protected]

Clearly, the independence of a pro- or on whatsapp on +263 715015607.
advice on the basis of trust and con- (b) Are identifiable by reference to fession is imperative. It safeguards

Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 LEADER PAGE 1020

EDITORS GMB Will GMB give us money
COMMENT on time, this time?

LABOUR ISSUES
SHOULD NOT BE

POLITICISED

China-Zimbabwe relations have exist- Section 264 of the Constitution - Devolution
ed since the liberation war when the Asian
country rendered its support to Zimba- Community Eye able to contribute meaningfully to all
bwean combatants and have continued
after the attainment of independence in aspects of governance matters. Power
1980.
The two countries have enjoyed ‘mutual- with should refer to the ability of people to
ly beneficial cooperation in various sectors Ngwindi Ngwindingwindi determine their destiny and be able to
of the economy, among them agriculture, hold accountable those whom they give
mining and infrastructure development.
Economic ties, however, were further ce- mandates to lead.
mented at the turn of the new millennium
when Zimbabwe adopted a Look East poli- Politics should mean the right of all
cy after falling out with the West.
The Look East Policy saw a massive num- people to be able to hold public office
ber of Chinese companies, both govern- "Section 264 of the constitution out- by way of free and fair election. Politi-
ment owned and private, flocking to invest lines that power be devolved to the cal empowerment should mean the dy-
in Zimbabwe, making the Asian giant the people as a means to ensure political namics of promoting the reign of free-
biggest investor in Zimbabwe and conse- and economic empowerment of com- doms of association and assembly at
quently, one of the biggest employers in munities."
the country. village level going up.
There are now more Chinese employ- Of all statements that I have read in re- Economic empowerment of commu-
ers in Zimbabwe across all sectors of the cent years, this one has particularly re- nities as in the context of devolution
economy than from any other country. kindled the flame in me.
Like any other employers, Chinese com- must mean that the people must di-
panies are bound by the labour laws of Section 264 has since become my area rectly benefit from the natural resourc-
Zimbabwe, under the Labour Act Chapter of devotion as it lays the foundation for
28:01. a mission that I believe so much in. es which are found in their respective basically on the issue of empowerment
While the Chinese Embassy in Zimba- The people who live in the rural side areas. of communities.
bwe and the Chamber of Chinese Enter- of Zimbabwe have a special place in my In all this however, devolution must If people possess the power, they
prises in Zimbabwe (CCEZ) have done and heart. I was born and bred in Mudzi never be a vehicle for dividing the peo- should be able to choose their leader-
are still doing everything in their power to District, in a rural set- up; and so, I ple of a nation. As we seek to roll out our ship based on merit as opposed to a
ensure that Chinese companies operating have always sought to play some role roadmap for a devolved state, it must be system of imposing leaders on the peo-
here abide by the labour laws of the land, in the upliftment of the people that I made clear on what model we intend to ple. By being able to freely choose their
there are obviously a few companies that love so much. Rural communities have embrace: are we heading towards es- leaders, the people will be able to have
sometimes flout the laws. lagged behind in terms of meaningful tablishment of a semi federal system developmental projects in their own
It is imperative to note that this is not development, especially if the area has whereby provincial leaders will be di- hands. Natural resources will be man-
unique to Chinese companies alone as it no torch bearers who advocate for em- rectly elected by the people, or a system aged in a way so as to build schools,
happens with any other companies from powerment of their respective societ- whereby a state president has to con- hospitals, roads, boreholes, dams and
elsewhere across the globe, it be the Unit- ies. It is therefore imperative that this tinue appointing ceremonial governors all infrastructure that constitute a de-
ed Kingdom, Australia, the USA Canada or time around, rural communities must on top of the provincial leadership. We veloped community.
even Nigeria. not be left out in any program build- must always seek to curtail discord at The system of devolution will avert
Critical to note is the fact that by virtue of ing up to any form of National Develop- every level in all our systems of gover- marginalization of other communities
being the biggest formal employers in the ment Strategies. nance. as is the order today. There's therefore
country, it can only be logical to conclude As a people, we must now be able to The constitution states that a provin- need to expedite the processes from
that disputes between employers and their stand together on matters that bind cial council Chairman will be elected by the grassroots in order to avoid unnec-
workers would naturally be highest at Chi- us. We must work together on matters a provincial council, and the candidates essary delays by politicians who usually
nese owned companies than any other be- of national interest. Vision 2030 must must come from a party that gets most have their own bone to chew.
cause of the scale of their employment. not be seen with political lenses; it is votes in a particular province. I believe that once power is given to
Worker-Employer relations have histori- a national agenda which must not be In light of this arrangement, my ide- the people, such ills as corruption will
cally never been easy in Zimbabwe and the viewed as a political party project. We al concept for a successful devolution easily be manageable. Idolizing political
government, itself one of the biggest for- must therefore learn to contribute in of Zimbabwe would be that of a cen- leaders has been the one biggest source
mal employers in the country, has been our small ways in our different corners tral government whose cabinet must of power which enables leaders to act
complicit in supressing labour rights. to help the success of the noble vision. include the elected provincial leaders weirdly. An economically empowered
Long before Chinese companies trekked There's however need to expound on as opposed to a system of handpicking people will have the muscle to tack-
to Zimbabwe in large numbers, workers four key words as loudly enshrined in provincial ministers by the state presi- le errant behaviours of their leaders,
have always had issues with employers, the above devolution statement: peo- dent whose bias will always be towards hence my call to expedite finalization of
who they blamed for unfair labour practic- ple, power, politics and economy. the party that he or she represents. This the devolution agenda. The grassroots
es and ill-treatment. People make up the communities idealistic concept will foster in genu- must take this matter in to their hands
These issues have been dealt with through which are; the villages, the districts, the ine unity among Zimbabweans, and the if they wish to see progress; some of
proper channels and were treated strictly provinces and ultimately, the nation central government will thus be more our politicians will always speak the
as labour issues, without any political in- Zimbabwe. transparent and accountable in carry- words without action on the real sub-
ferences. Power should refer to people being ing out its duties. ject at hand.
What is surprising now, however, is that The objective of my write up here is
any misunderstanding between Chinese
employers and their employees is now be- About us Property of Ruzivo Media and Resource Centre
ing politicised. Room 207 & 211
While disregard of labour laws and ha- We are an independent, critical and al- Courtney/Capstone Hotel
rassment and ill-treatment of employees ternative media platform established in Corner 8th Street and Selous Ave
should never be condoned, it is worrying the year 2021, specializing in quality or Call : 078 299 4101
that any misdeeds by Chinese employers good journalism made up of profession-
are blamed on the government and the al journalism and well-curated content
ruling ZANU PF party. from various contributors, writers as well
Whereas there are a number of non-Chi- as authoritative interviews with a range of
nese companies that treat their employees sources that make news locally and inter-
far worse than those from the Asian coun- nationally.
try, there isn’t much noise about them as We strive to be an independent, non-par-
we find against the Chinese. tisan alternative platform that serves our
Instead of being handled through the clientele, in its diversity, well and timely.
proper dispute resolution channels as out-
lined in the Labour Act, disputes between As a media establishment, we are also
Chinese employers and their workers have dedicated to play the normative role to
attracted the attention of political parties educate citizens, play a watchdog role
and Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) through exposure of abuses and excesses
who are always on the forefront to deni- of the powerful in society, including politi-
grate Chinese investments in Zimbabwe. cians and the corporate world.
And this points to a hidden hand hell-bent
on scoring cheap political goals at the ex-
pense of solving clear labour issues in a
manner that ensures mutual industrial re-
lations that would, in the long run, benefit
the economy at large.

Review & Mail

NaGUG traces her roots in Reggae Artist Young
new song Simuka Dubai's

'PREHZYDENT'
EP On Apple Music

Songwriter and performer NåGuG has An American record label (MVB Re-

released her new song titled ‘Simuka’ cords) signed the young Jamaican MC in

which is a celebration of one’s culture late 2021. Now he's getting ready to re-

and heritage. lease his first EP titled 'PREHZYDENT'.

On the project she enlisted the ser- 'PREHZYDENT' will show the Dance-

vices of prolific industry gurus; multi- hall Reggae world that Young Dubai is

award winning Los Angeles-based mu- not only a gifted writer and lyricist, but

sic producer, Pascal Guyon and multi his cadence and flows are very diverse”

award-winning choreographer and cre- — Michelle Robinson

ative John Cole to direct the video. -- It's every young Jamaican MC's

Nagug says the song Simuka was based dream; getting signed by an American

on personal experience. record label. In November 2021, Austin

“As a diasporan, it is inevitable that af- 'Young Dubai' Dakins was doing what

ter seeing the world, you begin to value he did on a regular basis, posting vid-

your culture, history, and heritage much eos of himself reciting lyrics to his un-

more,” she said. recorded music. As luck would have it,

Her years away from home helped her Kirk, an intern for MVB Records ; an in-

under the richness and value contained dependent New York record label, was

in the Zimbawe cultures and value sys- touched by the song that Young Dubai

posted on instagram. That song later
tem. on became the artist's first recorded
“The song Simuka is birthed from this
track with MVB Records, and it's called
experience. It’s me speaking what I have
'Things Gon' Change'.
grasped from the spirit of vanhu/Bantu
Fast forward seven months later, and
which I have grown to acknowledge and
Young Dubai is getting ready to release
understand better in my years of es-
his first EP 'PREHZYDENT ', and his life
trangement from home, over the years.
is literally changing right before his
Africa, particularly My Zimbabwe are
a proud nation, wealthy in culture and opportunities should be outsourced to NaGuG which is an acronym for Nature, eyes. 'PREHZYDENT' is a five track EP.
resources, education and much more,” them to build their experience. Advantage, Gem, Unique and Uncanny Three of the five songs on 'PREHZY-
added NaGuG. “The video of SIMUKA is amplifying the and Grand describes her music as soul- DENT' are songs about Young Dubai's
The product is vibrant and full of life message of coming together of young ful and captivating with lyrical depth, prowess with young ladies; Gyalist, She
showing the cooperative work of Zim- people hence I outsourced it to ‘young that evoke one’s thoughts. Like That, and Prehzydent. The other
babwean young people including, vid- blood’ , Zimbabwe’s young and vibrant Some of her previous work include two songs on the EP; Soldier (REMIX)
eographers, editors, costume designers/ generation to amplify the message ‘Back to the Beginning’ and ‘EarthChild’ featuring MVB Records newly signed
stylists, Dancers, Artists and Dreamers. SIMUKA. I procured John Cole, known which were recorded at HubII studios Hip Hop artist AR, and Timmy Turner
She stressed that this was proof our as best Dance choreographer and art- and premixed by multi Grammy win- (Murder), display a more aggressive but
young are competent and professional ist to direct the project,” said the ZIMA ning British Producer, Simon Gorgerly
in execution of projects and that more 2022 nominated artist. cool side of Young Dubai.-- 'Jamaican
--zimbuzz.
Herald

Green Rockers: Music Artists Supporting Sustainable Causes

Dave Matthews Band bating climate change is really inspiring also teamed upwith Reverb environmental

Music tours require a lot of energy. Plane andIhopetogetherwecanhelptomotivate nonprofitto found the Green Music Group.

rides, hauling equipment, powering stage andcreateawareness,”DrakesaidlastJune. Alongside acts like Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow,

sets, utilizing massive venues, and other The 1975 and country music’s Willie Nelson, the or-

factors blowthrough alotof carbon, result- British pop rock band (and friends of Gre- ganization aims to facilitate the large-scale

ing in alarge environmental footprint. taThurnberg), The 1975 teamed up with the greening of the music community as a

Artists, however, tend to be considerate of Reverb nonprofit to help create a Green whole.

theiractions on ageneral scale. Hence, sev- 2020 tour that tackled environmental and Dave Matthews’ Bama Green Project — a

erallarge music acts are taking ensuing ac- social issues. The band’s July 11, 2020 gig in spinoff of his Bama Works Fund charitable

tion to ameliorate touring’s negative con- Finsbury Park, north London was notable organization — is another Reverb ally, edu-

sequences. In turn, these musicians have for its emphasis on sustainability. cating fans around the globe about how to

assumed leading roles in encouraging pro- Organizers said it was the first time in take simple and positive steps to protect the

gressive efforts and positive energytoliving British history that traceable, sustain- planet. Matthew practices what he preach-

lives mindful of humanity’s impact on the ably-sourced hydrotreated vegetable oil es, relying on a biodiesel-fueled tour bus,

Earth. powered an entire event. HVO is a renew- reducing waste while traveling, and eating

Drake able diesel produced from European veg- locally at tour destinations. Through these
When it comes to offsetting his carbon etable fats and oils, which reduced the Drake efforts, Matthews and the band have man-

footprint, the Champagne Papi doesn’t show’s carbon footprint. The concert was aged to retroactively neutralize its entire

mess around. Drake has implemented also the first FinsburyPark paperless show, that he chose the festival’s name after he touring career’s carbon footprint.

environmentally-friendly changes to his with all tickets available only digitally. heard the word used in a Three Stooges Radiohead

tours, which include vending merchandise In addition, The 1975’s sound was supplied film. ) Renowned for their unique sound and

made from sustainable materials, upgrad- by hybrid-powered generators with solar Since then, the rocker has donated por- heady lyrics, Radiohead is as dedicated to

ing to biodegradable catering supplies, and arrays, and food vendors operated a traffic tions of proceeds from the weekend fest to environmentalism as they are to uncon-

runninghis tour bus on biodiesel. light system that informed concertgoers of the city’s park projects. ventional newtunes.

Drake has also enlisted the eco-conscious each meal’s carbon footprint. Concert pro- “Doing a party, andthenleaving no carbon Led by singer Thom Yorke, Radiohead has

startup Aspiration to reduce and offset his moter, Festival Republic, planted 1,975 trees footprint; leaving it actually enhanced and been touring sustainably since 2008 with

lifestyle, which includes a 50,000 square in the show’s surrounding boroughs via a beautified,” Farrell said, “is what the dream their launch of the “Carbon Neutral World

foot mansion and a private jet. Per Roll- partnershipwith Trees for Cities. The band was for Grant Park and that is definitely Tour.”Aftercollecting carbon dioxide mea-

ing Stone, the rapper joins celebrities like has pledged to plant trees across the globe happening.” surements from their previous tour, the

Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr., for every ticket sold through the One Tree The Roots band devoted itself to reducing its environ-

and Orlando Bloom in investing in Aspira- Planted initiative. The Roots take a collaborative approach mental impact.

tion, but Drake’s partnership goes deeper PerryFarrell to sustainability. In addition to partnering Nowadays, these efforts have joined forc-

than buyinghis way in. Since its 1991 inception, Perry Farrell’s with organizationslike PETA andthe Com- es with environmental champions like

Aspiration asserts itself as asustainable al- traveling Lollapalooza festival has provid- mon Ground Foundation, the Roots played Friends of the Earth. In addition, the Brit-

ternative to competitor banks and fintech ed a platform for numerous environmen- the Earth Day Climate Rally in Washing- ish band institutes eco-friendly measures

companies because it doesn’t invest in fos- tal causes. Begun as a multicity event with ton, D.C., and hosted a Pre-Grammy Jam on the road.This includes shipping gearvia

silfuelcompaniesorothernon-sustainable numerous bands joining the Jane’s Addic- & Green Carpet Bash in 2007. The party seaborne ship instead of airfreight, run-

endeavors. In addition to financial services, tion farewell tour, Lollapalooza converted aimed to raise awareness about environ- ning buses on biofuel, drinking from wa-

customers can track their carbon footprint to an annual event in Chicago’s Grant Park mental issues and even gave away auto- ter flasks instead of disposable plastic cups,

and putsome oftheirspendingtowardtree in 2005. graphed compost. and encouraging fans to take public tran-

planting and charitable donations. (‘Lollapalooza’ is an archaic word meaning As the hip-hop stars work to neutral- sits to shows.

“Aspiration’s innovative approach to com- extraordinarily impressive. Farrell claimed ize their C02 emissions while on tour they --msn

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DONE AND DUSTED... This picture collage shows representatives of Dinson Iron & Steel Company and the Zimbabwe Electricity
Transmission and Distribution Company sign a joint venure agreement to construct the Sherwood-Mvuma high voltage power line in
Harare yesterday

Europe looks to Africa for energy security

As Europe takes action to reduce Equatorial Guinea, and Congo lack producers such as Uganda. and CEO of Crystol Energy. She is
imports of Russian gas, the conti- the requisite infrastructure to en- As Europe scrambles to secure its our guest on the show to discuss
nent's leaders have been looking to able them to increase production. energy supply, questions are being whether Africa can become a major
Africa as an alternative energy sup- A European ban on financing new asked if a ban on financing fossil gas player in Europe.
plier. oil and gas projects in Africa has fuel projects will be reversed. Port wars: Dar outwitting Mombasa
New deals have been signed with also locked up capital for aspiring Carole Nakhle is an energy expert Twelve years ago, Kenya was rocked
Algeria, Angola, Congo, Nigeria, and by deadly post-election turmoil. The
others are thought to be on the way. violence also blocked rail and road
This week, while welcoming Ger- transport to Uganda and Rwanda,
man Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Sen- stopping imports of fuel and essen-
egalese President Macky Sall said tial goods.
his country was "ready to work" on As another general election looms
supplying liquid natural gas (LNG) in East Africa’s largest economy,
to Europe, but that "first we need to importers and shippers are divert-
be supported in our participation ing business from Kenya’s Mombasa
under better conditions than those port to Dar es Salaam of Tanzania.
currently offered by our partners." Both ports have invested in expand-
Senegal is believed to have signifi- ing their facilities in recent years
cant deposits of natural gas along its and are giving incentives to import-
border with Mauritania. ers in a bid to outcompete each oth-
Europe's interest is good news for er.
African energy producers who have Ethiopia Foreign Direct Investment
endured years of low prices, and a (FDI) grows 18%
pandemic that affected demand. Ethiopia shrugged off a pandemic,
But many gas-rich countries, with conflict in its north, and sanctions to
the exception of Algeria, face capac- record $2.4 billion in foreign direct
ity problems and won’t readily satis- investment in the first nine months
fy European demand. of the current financial year.
In 2020, Algeria was Africa’s top Much of the investment went to
natural gas exporter followed by Ni- manufacturing according to Ad-
geria, Egypt, and Libya, according to dis Ababa’s national investment au-
Statista.
Other producers such as Angola, thority. - africanews

Health & Science Review&Mail

Make menstruation a normal fact Gvt must
support local
of life by2030: Plan International production of

Review & Mail Writers Young girls need medicines
Plan International-Zimbabwe says

government and families in society
must come up with mechanisms to
education on menstruationlessen the burden of accessing men- Chris Mahove

strual products for girls and young Primrose Mhlanga will be saving some for next month be- The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Af-
women as this will create sustainable cause pads are expensive and I'm not rican countries’ shortcomings in their
solutions to menstrual health and hy- Menstrual cups, sanitary pads, nap- employed. healthcare delivery system and came
giene. kins, re-usable pads. You name them, UNICEF, in partnership with Sham- as a wakeup call for governments to
The World Menstrual Hygiene Day, are these accessible to all women and wari yeMwanasikana, on this day and support local production of essential
is a global advocacy day that mobilis- girls in Zimbabwe? Food for thought. any other day aim to raise awareness medical products.
es diverse national and international Twenty-eight of May was set aside to and change negative societal norms In its Africa Day message, Community
stakeholders to promote good men- celebrate world menstrual hygiene day around menstrual health and hygiene. Pharmacists Association (CPA) noted
strual health and hygiene management in a bid to fight illiteracy that surrounds Around Zimbabwe, especially to those that most African governments relied
among girls and young women globally. what menstruation is to both women who stay in rural areas, it's rare for them on imported medical products, includ-
In a message to commemorate the and men. to access napkins and or menstrual ing vaccines, which was demonstrated
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the or- Menstrual hygiene is about having ac- cups to use when they are on their pe- by shortages during the pandemic.
ganisation said there is a need to in- cess to menstrual hygiene products riods due to high cost of these prod- This, the CPA said, called for Africa to
crease dialogue on menstrual health that absorb or collect blood during ucts. They end up using cuts from old take more strides in the formulation of
and hygiene as this is key to ending pe- menstruation, about having privacy to t-shirts as a way to hold blood. This can policies and financial support systems
riod poverty in Zimbabwe. change the product and also to access be dangerous as it causes vaginal infec- that aid the development of local vac-
Plan-Zimbabwe Country Director Pe- facilities to dispose used menstrual tions which in the long run can cause cines as is happening in South Africa
ter van Dommelen said it is critical to management products. cervical cancer. This can be avoided if and Algeria.
normalize conversations around peri- This year's celebration was held under the right products are used, which is “It would be interesting to see how Af-
ods as stigma around periods can lead the theme, "To create a world where no the aim of this day. rica, as a region, would then take more
to shame, embarrassment, possible women or girl is held back because they It is important for pads to be changed strides in that direction,” CPA Board
sexual harassment, curtailed mobil- menstruate by the year 2030".Having regularly in that the duration of a pad is Chairperson, Jocelyn Chaibva said.
ity and decreased school attendance monthly periods should be something eight hours, some wear a single pad the She said the pandemic also served as a
among girls and young women. that the world has to normalize and un- whole day because they cannot afford to key lesson for African nations to estab-
“In order for us to make menstrua- derstand how this can psychologically change them regularly, this is where the lish or strengthen existing multidisci-
tion a normal fact of life by 2030, it is strain a woman or girl when she is on government should chip in and support plinary teams, considering that health-
key that we all talk about menstrua- her periods. those who are less privileged. care provision was a team effort which
tion. All of us should be involved and Harare High school head, Ms Satande Men should be educated on how required every healthcare professional
find appropriate spaces where we can said they need support from organi- the menstrual cycle is because lack to play their important role for better
listen and learn about misconceptions, sations like UNICEF to educate school of knowledge leads to them blaming patient and treatment outcomes.
taboos and the effect menstruation has children on how they can handle them- women for things behind their control. Chaibva said the COVID-19 pandemic
on girls and young women all around selves when they are on their periods. Before the menses starts some experi- was a huge setback in terms of achiev-
the world including here in Zimba- "Some do not even come to School, ence premenstrual pain, body changes ing Universal Health Coverage by 2030
bwe,” said van Dommelen. they will be behind because some can and a change in attitude, all of this will based on the effective implementation
“With us all talking openly about men- spend the whole week without coming need one to study how her cycle is. of the Abuja Declaration which com-
struation we will help girls and young to school, consider they are just kids Rufaro Chinoona, a girl from High- pels governments to allocate 15% of
women to overcome the challenges they cannot suffer in the name of being fields says when she started her peri- their National budgets to health minis-
they face when they are on their peri- a woman", she said ods she could not tell her mom because tries for the continent to achieve Uni-
ods. There are a lot of social norms around she was afraid. versal Health Coverage by 2030.
“Inadequate spaces for conversations menstrual health and hygiene in Zim- "A lot of girls out there are afraid be- “Access to medicines in the region
around periods coupled with unreli- babwe as menses are considered a ta- cause we cannot even tell those who are was also affected, mainly because of
able and inconsistent access to clean boo. If we could go back to history close to us, thinking it's a taboo," said low investment in healthcare systems
water continue to contribute to peri- during the Great Zimbabwe state, only Rufaro. and infrastructure,” she said.
od poverty and, investing in such is a women who were no longer going on Every girl should confidently talk She, however, said CPA was prepared
pre-requisite for dignified menstrual menses were the ones to take part on about her periods because that is what to collaborate with government and
health and hygiene management.” rituals such as "mukwerera". Those who makes a woman. Women should be development partners to promote ac-
Head of Programs at Plan Internation- were still active on their menses were proud enough to conquer the world cess to health care services and medi-
al Zimbabwe Antoinette Ngoma further considered as outcasts and considered even during menstruation. cines for the people of Zimbabwe.
said government should ensure that as not clean. Nowadays in churches a This day is important because it leads “This is in line with Sustainable De-
government should reduce the cost of woman who is on her days is not sup- to girls and women having adequate velopment Goal (SDG) 3. In order to
accessing sanitary wear for girls and posed to partake anything because they information on how to manage their achieve this goal, members of CPA
young women and incentivise local are considered as unclean before the menstrual hygiene and health. Women have been championing the provi-
production of dignity kits. Lord. are strong because they can manage to sion of pharmaceutical care through
“We call upon families to prioritise Out of every ten girls, only 2 are man- do their daily duties even during men- strengthening the roles of pharmacists
sanitary wear at household budget lev- aging their periods well because they struation. This should not be some- and promoting self-care for the public,
el, as a means to ensure dignity for our are able to buy medication to ease the thing that anyone should be afraid of she said.
young girls. More importantly, we im- pain and enough sanitary wear. saying out because it's nature. Chaibva noted that CPA had trained
plore the government to reduce the It's a pityto alot of women in Zimbabwe a number of pharmacists in vaccine
cost of accessing sanitary wear, which as those who are disabled also suffer administration and monitoring of ad-
continues to be impacted by gener- the same problem of not having access verse events following immunization,
al price increases. Incentivising local to menstrual management products. which she said was consistent with
production of dignity kits can also go a Why not the government subsidizing pharmacist roles in other countries,
long way in creating sustainable solu- sanitary pads or give them for Free at such as South Africa.
tions to menstrual health and hygiene,” least to those who are disabled, it's not This enabled members of the public
added Ngoma. worth it having them suffer twice. to access vaccination and other phar-
Plan-Zimbabwe has been a key player Tsitsi Musora, a girl who is living with macy services from their community
in the promotion of menstrual health disability said at times she spoils her pharmacies.
and hygiene management across the skirt and the wheelchair as well because “It is a known fact that vaccination is
country and in the past three years, ef- she will be afraid to tell her mother to a very effective method of preventive
forts of the organisation have reached change her pad as she cannot afford to medicine, and is cheaper than treat-
over 300 000 beneficiaries. buy two packets of pads every month. ment of the resultant disease,” she
Plan has buildt girl-friendly latrines in "At times I just ignore and spend the said.
rural areas, drilled boreholes in schools whole day with a single pad because I She added that it was the CPA desire
and communities, enhanced health to see the expansion of such services
promotion through knowledge impar- using all available channels including
tation and supported young people to community pharmacies, so that the
come up with business ideas that pro- war against preventable diseases was
mote menstrual hygiene management. not lost.

Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 SPORT 1060

Mabika seeks Qatar funding for

Zaka Jerera Sports Centre

United Arab Emirates based Zimbabwe- sored by the Dubai Sports Council and gi-
an marathon runner, Royal Mabika, who ant oil company Emirati. So they line races

is making waves in United Arab Emirates each and every season for runners here in
(UAE)hassethiseyesonestablishingasports Dubai. So we have about 7-8 series and we

centre in Zaka Jerera in rural Masvingo to are only left with 2 series to complete the
help nurture young talent and keep youths events where they will crown the champi-

outofdrugsandsubstances. on of all those.
Recently Mabika was in Doha, Qatar, So for now I have been on the podium for

where he was invited ICA, an organization about 2 of those ones (now 3 including the
which empowers sports in Africa where he Tuesday podium finish). The next race will

presentedthemwithhisvisionforthe Youths be on the 5th of June, finallywe will be clos-
SportsCentre,whichissettofirstofitskind. ing our running season in the UAE and we

Sports Review (SR) caught up with Royal will now be building up for the great Dubai Royal Mabika vidual athletes or individual sports, because
Mabika (RM) at his base in Dubai where he Marathon which will be on the 10th of De- play. The running environment is not so
sharedhisvision. cember 2022.

Belowareexcerptsoftheinterview: SR: So in terms of facilities, how good are easy here, the moment you win some- thy might be talented but most of the cor-
SR: What is the latest on the application they compared to maybe SouthAfrica and thing they don’t give you money there and porates in Zimbabwe do not sponsor indi-

thatyou made? other places that you have been like Na- there. Theytestyou check if you don’thave viduals. They will even tell you even if you
RM: The application that I made in Qatar, mibia? any other substance that you are taking. So applyno matterhowgoodyou are, theywill

I was invited, they paid for my flight, they RM: I can’tcompare UAEwith SA, Namibia you seethatit’s notalotof Kenyansthatwill tell you we don’t sponsor individuals. But
paid for everything. They said we want you and Zimbabwe but I think SA and Namib- come and runhere. Some of them theyfear look how our athletics relay team gets an

to come to Qatar and tell us more about ia are almost there. But in the UAE it’s quite the different environment because here opportunity to go to the World Champion-
your idea. Tell us what is it that you want to different; for example my brother, I was you have to be straight forward. There are ships although they do not proceed to the

do in Zaka Jerera. I told them that it is a re- training in Meyrick Park I couldn’t train in Kenyans who come and run here. Some next round. Theywent there in 2019, which
mote area in Zimbabwe where I am trying the BArena atthe National Sports Stadium, of them win races but they are clean ones, is the highest global event in running. So if
to build at least the first youth sports cen- not in the main ground because they are so those oneswhohave some doping routines these people are qualifyingto getto such an

tre, I am advocating fortwothings.The first manyrestrictions. Ourboards cannotfacil- do not come to run in Dubai. It is actually a event to run in the 4x100m relay, we don’t
thing that I am advocating for is to fight itate for us atleast to paythen we train, but different place where you can get caught so have any other sport which is managing to

drugs using sport. Sport is one way that we we are talking of us taking part in interna- easily and you can go to jail. get there, why don’t we sponsor them. We
can use for our young people in Zimbabwe tional races not being able to train in a tan- SR: Do you think you can live off athlet- allknowthe mostloved child butwe should

because young people for a very long time tern stadium. ics only. At this point in time or at this stage tryto balance them. The same support that
have been into drugs. Not because they It has got a lot of negativity. So here in the whereyou are, canyou concentrate on just you are giving to people who play netball,

want to, not because they find comfort in UAE I can train at any facility. If I go to GEMS running and earning aliving from there? peoplewho playfootball, Iknowthatitcan’t
drugs. They do not find comfort in drugs, and I talk to the people at GEMS that I am an RM: you can earn a living through run- be 1:1 because football is a highly marketed

buttheyhave gotnothingto do.We allknow athlete, I wantto train at GEMS, theywilllet ning but the idea is that you get to market sport. There is nothing we can do about that
that nowthe industryin Zim is not so good, me train at GEMS. I can even train at one of brands. So in as much as running itself is even if you go to South Africa it is always

no one gets to be employed butwe are say- the stadiums. Like I can go to Dubai Sports concerned, you cannot only run. The rea- like that but in South Africa they are trying
ing that there are people who are talented, City at any time and I can get in there not son is running is not a sportwhich is finan- to promote them somehow. The corporate
there are peoplewho can playfootball, bas- because I am a local Emirate but they un- cially rewarding. It can boost you of cause world t comes on board, so even in Zimba-

ketball back in the rural areas. derstand that I am into sport , I’m pushing you can buy a vehicle, you can invest back bwe they can give the little that they have
If we can get at least one sports centre for my dreams. Theywilllet me train inside home into something; but the thing is that because those runners in Zimbabwe are

which can promote sports, atleast all those there. So these are some of the policies that with running you never know what will talented and they are going through alot.
clubs can even nurture talent. There are we wish the Sports and Recreation Com- happen, the next day you win the next you Recently I saw a journalistwrote that Ngo-

very big clubs in Zimbabwe. I can imagine mission can at least do something about. I don’t win so as for someone who wants to ni Makusha finished disappointingly in an
setting up a sports centre in Zaka Jerera and really want to commend our government achieve certain things besides running,you event that he ran in Gaborone last week. It is

some of the football giants like ZimPlats can interms of sports becauselikeyou see now, alsowanttokeepyourself busy. IthinkI can sowrong for a journalistto dowrite in such
even come and try to nurture talent there. Honourable Kirsty Coventry was in Dubai live off running but because I just found an a way. Ngoni Makusha got a bus from Ha-

FC Platinum can even come and nurture forthe Dubai Expo and she invited meto go opportunityI decidedtotake upthe oppor- rare to Gaborone. He did not get time to rest
talent there; even some other running to Reggie Street. Iwentthere to meetsome tunity and work also. but still had to run because he has no one

clubs. We have legends in Zimbabwe; the of the officials and she gave me an oppor- SR: In terms of sponsorship, how easy is who is sponsoring him. He doesn’t have a
likes of Tendai Chimusasa- a legend who tunity to say it is that I think can be done to itforonetogetcorporatesponsorship and corporate who is endorsing Ngoni Maku-
is known all over, even if you go to Europe improve sports in our country. What I am brand endorsements and how rewarding sha, someone who even managed to go to

they say in Zimbabwe we onlyknow of one saying is that when each and every one is are they? the Olympics although he did not make it
personwho is into running, itsTendai Chi- called to participate and to have a say in RM: In Dubai itis notso difficultto getcor- to the final, but he was there. The world’s

musasahe won big raceslike the Belgrade. what is happening, such an environment porate sponsorship. The idea is thatwe have biggest games. If it was in Dubai someone
SR: So nowinterms ofyourjourneyso far shows there is room for improvement. got certain brands which sponsor, certain who is an Olympian by nowwould be driv-

what sort of achievements have you made? SR: So as a person and as an athlete, what companies which can sponsoryou and you ing a car. A lot of brands would have come
RM: As an athlete I have managed to get isyourroutinelike fromhowyoulive,your can be in an agreementto be sponsored for to say we just want to endorse you because

the times that I wanted to get. For exam- diet, your training regimes and so forth. ayearjustbecauseyouknowsports. Itis al- you went to the Olympics. But you see that
ple, for 10 kilometers I’m now running, the Can you just take us through what you do ways like that; they always want to look for in Zimbabwe there is no such respect. We

latest time that I ran in the UAE was 29:56, to get fit to be in the proper shape that you some better people. It is sort of marketing. don’t see brands trying to call Ngoni Maku-
which is almost closerto the real times that wantto be? You can get a sponsor who can do the race sha to do even some other marketing be-

are being done in Europe by those cham- RM: So in as much as I am an athlete, I am registrations for you, who can make sure cause he has managed to be there. I am not
pions. For a half marathon I have 65:28. Of that you have got running shoes, who can talking of someone who is not on the top,
cause it might not be the international stan- also employed. There is a local who owns a make sure that where you are staying he is I’m talking of someone who has at least
world class gym. It’s asporting facilityand a
dard comparing to our counterparts from paying foryour rentals. It is possible foryou gone somewhere. We need to be endorsed
Uganda and Kenya, but well it’s something fitness centre. So I am employed as an ad- to getthat. by these brands. I know they don’t have
ministrator there. The reason that he em-
because I believe that I am still pushing. We cannot really say as a foreign athlete it is much funds probably, butthelittlethatthey
Like any other athlete, I do have dreams, I ployed me is that he saw my great passion easy to get that because in most cases they have they should at least give so that if the
for sport even when I did interview he just
do want to go to the Olympics and World promote local talent. Like if you go any- blame is on athletes that are not doing well,
Championships. asked me about my interests and did not where, someone from South Africa cannot we can be able to take up the matter with
really get much into my (educational) qual-
SR: So are you affiliated to any club, any come to Zimbabwe and get sponsored by the athlete. But we can’t take it up when
institution? ifications. Larfage in Harare whilst I am there. Even someone travels from Harare to Pretoria
I told him that I am so passionate about
RM: Here in the UAE I am affiliated to the journalists would write something about bybus,he gets to Pretoriahe is supposed to
Tezatro World Runners. I also promote a sports, he said okay I will employ you. So that because they will be trying to protect run atthe Universityof Pretoriaandhe only
Zimbabwean club called theAdventistAth- my routine goes this way, I wake up in the theirown, so itisthe same ashere in Dubai. has 2-3hours to rest and a journalist in Ha-
morning I do my training up to 1 PM. I go
letics Club. It’s a church club which was There are certain things that we as athletes rare comes up to write a story that they are
founded by the Adventist members in Pre- to work after 1 PM. On my diet, there are who are here from other countries, there so disappointing?
certain things that I take. I do not take so
toria, South Africa and then they brought are certain priviledges that we are given I am very happy that I managed to meet
it to Zimbabwe. It’s actually a very unique much fats. Every meal that I eat it has to and there are also certain priviledges that you and tellyou some of the challenges that
have a portion of carbohydrates, it has to
idea because that church is doing a lot to we see thatthey are not fit for us. some athletes back home are facing, be-
promote sports and it’s not only promot- have a portion of protein and vitamins be- SR: Looking back on time in Dubai. What cause in whatever I am doing I don’t think
cause those are some of the things that can
ing sports but also promoting health and sort of lessons do you think we can take of myself. I’m thinking of someone better
fitness. build up your body structure in such a way home both from the perspective of ad- than me who is actually going to come be-
that you can be able to compete. You need
SR: Any competitions lined up for this ministration and the perspective of partic- cause I know that I might not be in a posi-
yearthatyouwill be taking part in? power, you need energy, and you need all ipants or athletes themselves? What sort tion to go the Olympics. I might not qualify
those things. Then in as much as supple-
RM: I will be going to Davos, Switzerland in of broad lessons can you draw on a broad in any ways but there is a young boy who is
Julyto do a10km racethere,thenthisTues- ments are taken seriously, I also take some number of stakeholders of sport in Zimba- in Mashonaland Central, who is in Bindu-
day (he took part in the Supersports event recovery supplements, I do not take those bwe? ra,who is in Mvurwi,who is in Mutokowho
other supplements because here in Dubai
where he finished 3rd a night race done at RM:What I can say, Ihave gotthree points. might be able to qualify and we should not
19:30). Here in Dubai we have a series events we get tested whenever we run races with The first point is that I am kindly calling on kill the spirit in these young sports people.
big prizes. These local sponsors don’t play;
whichwecalltheSupersportseventsspon- even the Dubai Sports Council, they don’t corporates in Zimbabwe to sponsor indi-

Ja3n0uaMrya-yFe2b0ru2a2ry 2022 SPORT 1070

Sanity prevails at Dembare are doing well," he told Review Sports.
The former Ngezi Platinum Stars gaf-
fer has led Chazunguza to one of their

best starts in a championship marathon,

Tawanda Munthali boasting arguably one of the best success
rate in the league this season; 66,6 percent

with an average of two points per game.

Sanityhas prevailed atthe country’s most Stanza managed to turn around fortunes

successful team as Tonderayi "Stanza" at the club and turn them into competi-

Ndiraya was reinstated days after the Dy- tors. Having taken over the reins from

namos executive had suspended him due Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe, Ndiraya is way

to unknown reasons. better than his predecessor, who man-

The move to suspend the former nation- aged a single win in Dynamos’ opening

al team assistant coach came as a shock as four matches of the 2019, six points above

he has managed to bring back smiles to the drop zone. The 44 year old then took

the faces of the "7 Million” Dembare fans over and guided the former cup kings to

as well as room to dream again of being as Ndiraya somehow has managed to get showed Darlington Dodo the exit door af- ninth position in 2019.This seasonhe is on
the domestic champions. the best out of his players. ter the club failed to go beyond the Chi- course of bringing the title to Dembare af-
Stanza has managed to come up with a Soccer analyst Cuthbert Kuture said buku Super Cup group stages and turned ter eight years as the club last tasted suc-
Dembare squad that is ready to challenge Ndiraya has managed to assemble a their faith to son Lloyd Chitembwe. Days cess under former coach Kalisto Pasuwa.
for honours as they have been good de- squad that can challenge for honours and after the abandoned "Battle of Zimbabwe Problems seem to be the order of the day
fensively as well as offensively with play- his continued suspension would have ", Highlanders recently parted ways with at the Glamour Boys as there have been
ers like Frank Makarati, Emmanuel Paga plunged Dynamos in self destruction Mandla "Lulu" Mpofu, following the team’s leadership squabbles over the ownership
and Bill Antonio being the driving force mode. recent poor form which saw them rooted of the club. Recently the Premier Soccer
behind the team this season. "Tonde has built a strong squad and for on 13th position with 16 points. League summoned Dynamos together
Ndiraya has managed to keep Dembare the first time in over 8 years they have Kuture believes the traditional clubs with Highlanders to appear before the PSL
afloat this season despite the alleged back- a good chance of winning the title, the should evolve and employ proper sports Disciplinary Committee following acts of
room squabbles. According to reports, speculation around his suspension made administration as well as set up with clear hooliganism and violence that forced the
stability has eluded Dynamos as the club things worse. This move would have de- policies. abandonment of the Battle of Zimbabwe
is said to be owing its players winning bo- stabilized the dressing room , a divided at Barbourfields on the 15th of May.
nuses for the past 9 matches, something dressing room doesn't win you titles," Ku- "These big clubs need to evolve , they
that is astonishing as the club received a ture said. need to employ proper sports adminis- The 1998 CAF Champions League final-
financial bail out after energy company Thisseasonalone,allthetraditionalgiants trator's , you can't run a club like a buri- ists are being charged with breaching Or-
Sakunda bankrolled the club. in the league have shuffled their technical al society were no clear policies are set in der 31 of the PSL Rules and Regulations,
Despite all that, resultshave been coming teams. Caps United were the first as they place , why is it they are failing to do that the disciplinary proceedings have been
Ngezi , FC Platinum and Bulawayo Chiefs pencilled for 8 June 2022.

Sport brings opportunities
Mane has nottold Liverpool heacross sectors
wants to leave this summerShelly Guni
are managers of social, economic, cultural
and political efforts of society fully realize

"Coming together is a beginning," Henry importance of developing sports accord- Sadio Mane has 12 months left on his Liver- ority on his transfer list and met his
Ford famously said. Keeping together is a ingly in all parts of Zimbabwe. If you can pool contract; media reports suggested he representatives this month to for-
step forward. Collaboration is the key to understand. hadtoldthe clubhewouldliketoleave;how- malise the interest.
success." "We understandthe importance of sports ever, forward isyetto inform Liverpool ofhis Paris Saint-Germain were also linked
Sports, in addition to but not limited to and therefore recognize companies and decision; Liverpoollost1-0 to Real Madrid in with Mane, but Kylian Mbappe's con-
education, have and will continue to assist individuals who continue to invest in dif- the Champions League final on Saturday tract extension and Leonardo's pos-
society in easing the stresses and everyday ficult economic conditions. The latter has Sadio Manehas nottold Liverpoolhewants sible exit as sporting director means
socio-economic evils it faces. been a serious problem for manyyears. to leave amid links with a move to Bundesliga the club are unlikely to have the fi-
Blessed Chinyangare, a sports psycholo- He said it was time for industry stake- champions Bayern Munich. nancial leeway to strike a deal.
gist, believes that sport brings people to- holders to consult with various gover- Liverpool are expecting contact from the Mane is not the only contract issue
gether. nance structures at the local level to find German club butwould want more than the Liverpool have to resolve this summer
"Imagine soccer players, netball players, ways and means to enable sports a related €30million (£35m) being quoted to contem- as fellow forwards Mohamed Salah
long-distance runners, and rugby players, project / program," he said. plate doing a deal for the Senegal interna- and Roberto Firmino - who make up
to name a few, having to train during the tional, who has 12 months left on his current the rest of his famed front three - are
week to be ready for match days. "Sure, local governments, businessmen, deal. also entering their final 12 months.
"These athletes not only prepare them- bidders, etc. can save a dollar or two. Take Mane hinted on Wednesday he would an- However, ahead of the Champions
selves, butalso theirsupporters, investors, into account the flow of funds, including nounce a "special" decision on his long-term League final, Salah confirmed that he
visitors (tourists), and entrepreneurs, par- surplus funds. plans after the Champions League final will be at Liverpool next season.
ticularly micro-small and medium-sized "Political, business, tradition, sports and but following the 1-0 defeat at the Stade de
businesses," he said. religious leaders respond to the social and France,theforwarddidnotmakeanappear- --skysports
Sporting days and events, according to economic calls of the masses and contin- ance in front of the media.
Chinyangare, provide opportunities for ue to add value to culture, our people, and Manager Jurgen Klopp was asked
almost everyone who finds themselves in especially future leaders of the republic. It about the Bayern rumours at his pre-
that situation. owes the country of Zimbabwe that. Hard match press conference in Paris and
"Only stakeholders and role players who work to discipline and communicate," he his answer was non-committal.
said. "Wherever Sadio will play next year,
I amjupmropuedr:oCf mhaydseenlfg-aHighTexas based Zimbabwean athlete Ku- he will be a big player," said the Reds
of himself as he had been working hard to boss.
dakwashe Chadenga continued with his get back in the game as he was not per- On Friday, Sky Germany report-
impressive form as he secured a third forming well in other competitions. ed that Bayern Munich are confident
gold medal for South Plains College in the “I’m proud of myself that all the hard work they can sign Mane for less than €50m
(£42.5m) this summer.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Sali-
hamidzic has made Mane the top pri-

men’s high jump category at the Nation- finally paid off, I was frustrated through-

al Junior College Athletic Association (NJ- out the season as I was not jumping high

Monaco GP: Sergio Perez winsCAA) Outdoor Track and Field Champi- enough like in most of my competitions.
onships in Hutchinson, Kansas in the US. When I jumped 2.22m I was very excit-
The 19 year old who has been enjoying a ed because I have been working hard for chaotic, delayed race

new lease of life in the United States said me to get back in the game and jump high Sergio Perez wins incident-filled Monaco start to a spectacular dry finish as Perez,
he was happy that he got to achieve what again,” Chadenga revealed. GP ahead of Carlos Sainz; MaxVerstappen on wearing tyres, held off Carlos Sainz.
he had been working for throughout the Also raising the national flag high is the third ahead of Charles Leclerc, who had Perez assumed control forhis first Mona-
season. Texas Christian University (TCU) duo of pole and led but was furious with Ferrari co win after Red Bull's Monte Carlo street
“I am happy that I became the new na- Tinotenda Matiyenga and Kundai Ma- strategy; race was delayed by over an hour smarts wrongfooted the bewildered Fer-
tional champion, I’m really excited that I guranyanga who were part of the TCU due to rain, huge Mick Schumacher crash rari, with the Mexican undercutting the
got to achieve what I have been working 4x100m relaywhich clocked a 38.89 to fin- led to another red flag pole-sitting Leclerc when changing from
for throughout the season. I have been ish third in their heat and automatically Sergio Perez claimed an unlikely victo- wets to intermediates early on.
competing at other competitions butwhat qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Champi- ry in an incredible Monaco Grand Prix, There was then more agony for Leclerc
I really wanted was to become a national onships. It was the fourth sub-39 time the with home favourite Charles Leclerc only when Ferrari double stacked Sainz, who
champion, it has been my long-term goal 4×100 team has run this season. fourth as Red Bull outsmarted Ferrari af- hadn't stopped at all, and the Monegasque
for the season,” Chadenga said. Maguranyanga and Matiyenga were also ter heavy rain led to chaos in the Princi- onto slicks. Ferrari initially told Leclerc to
The former Prince Edward student broke joined by another Zimbabwean athlete pality. pit before telling him, too late, to "stay out".
the national record as he tied his personal Simbarashe Maketa in the 4x400m relay The race was delayed by over an hour After Red Bull responded, Sainz was sec-
best jump of 2.22m, which is also the na- which also booked their ticket to Eugene after the heavens opened shortly before ond behind Perez, and Leclerc a furious
tional high jump record which he set early running 3:02.17, the third-fastest time in the expected start time of 2pm but F1's fourth behind Max Verstappen.
this year a mark that puts him at number school history to win their heat and auto- blue-riband event was well worth the wait
nine all-time in NJCAA history. matically qualify for the NCAAs. after that, with drama from the wet rolling --skysports
Tying his personal best made him proud

SportsINSIDE Sanity prevails at Dembare P17

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ZIM FOOTBALL ROTTEN:
MASOMERE
Tawanda Munthali from home as the country does not have of Zimbabwean football is not some- and inspires you to work hard. A year in

a CAF accredited stadium. thing new as it started way back with the the life of a footballer is a lifetime,” said

An eye for an eye will leave the whole SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa made Asiagate scandal. Norman Maroto.
world blind. This is something that it clear that Zimbabwe’s participation in “Zimbabwean football is rotten, if you “Most football administrators who are
those at the Zimbabwe Football Asso- the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON2023) look at the Asiagate, no one was even put in charge of football are doing it to sur-
ciation (ZIFA) and the Sports and Rec- qualifiers was not a priority, all but clos- behind bars for all those criminal activ- vive and feed their hungry stomachs
reation Commission (SRC) should take ing the door on the possibility of the ities. It has been going on for a long time not because of passion or development.
Warriors participating in the qualifiers. there is a lot that is going on in terms of They settle personal issues using these
into consideration as the fierce fight be-
tween the two parties has left football “Let me be brutally clear about this, AF- football administration. There’s quite a institutions while hurting players the
CON qualifiers are not a priority or a de- lot especially from ZIFA going down to most & a few people who keep things
players and football lovers paying the
hefty price. cision for the SRC right now. It’s as sim- clubs, some club officials are also fol- going,” said former Warriors defender
Zimbabwe was banned from inter- ple as that,” Mlotshwa said. lowing suit because they are seeing it Elisha Muroiwa.
national football by FIFA and recent- For months the SRC have been saying happening at national level,” Masomere The Warriors were also barred from
ly continental football mother body, the that they are cleaning the local football said. competing in this year's edition of the
Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) but nothing has been done. They sus- A number of yesteryear players have COSAFA Cup, a tournament that they
decided to take a similar stance as they pended the Felton Kamambo led ZIFA added their voice on the tussle between have won resoundingly over the years,
barred the Warriors from taking part administration on a number of charges the SRC and FIFA. with the regional body deeming Zim-
in the AFCON2023 Qualifiers that com- that included gross incompetence, as babwe ineligible due to the FIFA ban
mence in a week's time. Zimbabwe were well as failure to account for public “It's not just about winning, but also over government interference. Howev-
set to host Liberia in their first Group K funds amongst other charges. about the opportunities that come with er Zimbabwe has been included in the
Self-proclaimed Doctor of football playing football. Football gives kids CHAN draw and will only take part if the
hope. You grow up wanting to play for
match on the 9th of next month away Luke “Vahombe” Masomere said the rot your country, and that alone motivates Kamambo administration is reinstated.