WEEKLY DIGEST DECEMBER 14, 2022

 20 Zim music producers producing for the  Raza angles for IPL dance. .24
world. .Page 22

US$1 December 14-20, 2022

‘BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
SINKING ZIM ENTERPRISES’

AFRICA IN BRIEF December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 2

World-record nonuplets return
home to Mali from Morocco

Only two other sets of nonuplets have ever been recorded in history, but
none of them survived past a few days

4 The world’s only nonu- Malian authorities last year.
plets — nine babies born The girls — named Kadidia, Fa-
at the same time — have touma, Hawa, Adama and Oumou
safely returned home to — and the boys — named Moham-
Mali after spending the first med VI, Oumar, Elhadji and Bah —
19 months of their lives in Morocco. weighed between 500g and 1kg
The babies broke the Guinness (1.1lb and 2.2lb) at birth, Prof Youssef
World Record for the most children Alaoui, medical director of the clinic
thiopian migrants often use Zambia when travelling to countries such as South Africa delivered in a single birth to survive. where they were born, told the AFP
Ahead of the birth in May 2021, news agency.
Ethiopia to investigate after 27 the mother Halima Cissé, now 27, There were risks that they could
bodies discovered in Zambia was flown to Morocco for special- have developed health problems
ist care. due to their premature birth and
Before returning they had been they spent the first months of their
living with medical support in Cas- lives in hospital.
ablanca. They were then moved to an
The babies — five girls and four apartment where they received
1 Ethiopia’s government boys — were born by Caesarean sec- round-the-clock care from the Ain
will investigate the reported tion, authorities said, and were be- along a road by unknown people. tion at 30 weeks, according to the Borja clinic. — BBC
deaths of 27 of its citizens lieved to be migrants from Ethiopia. Officers found a 28th man “gasp-
found dumped near Zambia’s ing for breath” and he was taken to
capital, Lusaka, a discovery that has On Monday, the state Ethiopia hospital.
“alarmed” the United Nations’ mi- News Agency said its country will
gration agency. send experts to the area to confirm Ethiopian migrants often use
Zambian police found the bodies the identities of the citizens who re- Zambia when travelling to countries
of the 27 men on Sunday in Chong- portedly died while attempting to such as South Africa.
we Ngwerere, a farming area on the cross into South Africa illegally.
outskirts of the capital. They died On Monday, the International Or-
from suspected hunger and exhaus- Zambian police said preliminary ganization for Migration (IOM) said
investigations showed the victims it was “profoundly shocked and
were all aged between 20 and 38, alarmed” by the discovery.
and their bodies had been dumped
— Aljazeera

Western Cape EMS on high alert amid heavy rains

2 Western Cape emer- According to NGO Gift of the The City of Cape Town also says
gency services are on Givers, the rains have caused flash there's been some minor flooding.
high alert as heavy rain floods in some areas, including
So far, no damage to property or
persists in the prov- De Doorns, Worcester, Paarl, Ceres injuries have been reported.
ince. and Gouda. — eNCA
Meryline Jepkemboi visits Kapsabet District Hospital in Nandi country for
A dog trained a routine check up her baby after delivery under the Linda Mama initiative
under Africa
In Kenya, these interventions are
Wildlife decreasing maternal mortality
Foundation's
Canines for 5 The In 2005 when mothers on the importance of giv-
Conservation Kenyan authorities ing birth in proper healthcare facil-
programme first told Jane Bett to ities.
looks content In 2013, Bett became one of
with its han- stop assisting women them.
dlers. Sniffer with home births, the tra-
and tracker ditional birth assistant had mixed These days, she even accompa-
dogs deployed nies pregnant women in labour as
in six African feelings. Helping deliver babies they race to get to the hospital in
countries have was her passion –something she
contributed had volunteered to do despite be- time, on motorcycles.
to the arrests The transition is being facilitat-
of over 500 ing a farmer primarily –but she had ed by Kenya’s Community Health
suspects in the also seen tragedies happen when
long-running things went wrong. Strategy. In 2000, the Kenyan gov-
fight against ernment launched the programme
poachers and “I saw a lot of women dying in to improve public health by train-
my village. Women would lose a lot
traffickers. of blood, or their wounds were not ing trusted local community lead-
ers to become community health
tied up properly,” said Bett. “Some- volunteers. It was initially piloted
times you would try to help a
mother but her placenta would re- in a few counties before eventually
Africa fights back against wildlife spreading nationwide.
poachers, but drought is devastating fuse to come out and all you could Volunteers spend about two
do was pray. It was so dangerous.”
In 19 years, she helped deliver 40 hours per day educating their peers
about primary healthcare. Many do
babies in Koiban, her village in Ken- this for free but sometimes they
ya’s Nandi County – home to an es-
timated 886,000 people. get stipends of up to 8,000 Kenyan
shillings or $66 per month.
3 Elephant populations are malia, and killing off wildlife and live- 60 percent of its elephants within a Almost a fifth of women across In Nandi County, that strategy
starting to recover in parts stock. decade. 11 countries in East Africa still prefer
of Africa as law enforce- home delivery, according to a 2022 seems to be working fine.
ment agencies and local “Poaching of big game is going Wamukoya, who heads AWF’s ca- The percentage of women giv-
communities turn the tide down in most countries,” says Didi pacity training of law enforcement report by Ethiopian researchers. ing birth in the presence of a skilled
in their long-running battle against Wamukoya, senior manager of Wild- agencies to prosecute cases of wild- These births, usually with the help
wildlife poachers and traffickers. life Law Enforcement at African Wild- life trafficking, warns that criminals of traditional birth attendants and birth attendant has almost dou-
But criminal gangs are constant- life Foundation (AWF), noting that adapt. While elephants are faring bled, from 37 percent in 2017 to
ly shifting tactics and exploiting oth- poaching in Kenya and Tanzania of better – also in part because major no health care professional present 69.5 percent in 2021, according to
er species, while the greatest threat large iconic species for the interna- markets such as China have banned are mostly done under unsanitary
now is posed by the severe drought tional wildlife trade is now very rare. domestic trade in ivory — gangs traf- conditions leading to high mater- the Kenya Health Information Sys-
devastating swathes of East Africa, Elephant population numbers in ficking to Asia are switching to other tem (KHIS).
displacing hundreds of thousands those two countries are now increas- species, such as lions for their body nal mortality rates in the past. That is slightly better than the
of people, threatening famine in So- ing. It is a particularly dramatic turna- parts, pangolins, and abalone. In the last decade, hundreds of
round for Tanzania, which lost some former midwives, so often evan- national average, which was 65.3
— IPS percent as of June 2021, according
gelists of home births, have tran- to KHIS. — Aljazeera
sitioned to educating expectant

THE DIGEST VIEW December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 3

Kudos to Harare THE PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THAT THE
Metropolitan WATER LEVEL AT KARIBA HAS GONE
secretary DOWN DRASTICALLY BECAUSE
Muguti PEOPLE ARE NOT PAYING THEIR
ELECTRICITY BILLS.

ZANU PF

has created over a thousand jobs, POWER CRISIS: GOVT BLAMES CONSUMERS
the mayor is very young and they
have nine councillors. We want Her Majesty Empress Auxillia
other three local authorities (Ha-
rare, Chitungwiza and Epworth) to WE have seen First Ladies before, that was nowhere near dabbling in
challenge the Ruwa Local Board.” but Auxillia Mnangagwa beats them State issues.
all in terms of wanting publicity Fast forward to 2018, Auxillia enters
Wow! and use of borrowed power. Janet the stage. She has a background in
What made his comments ut- Banana, Sally Mugabe or Grace the security services. She was an
terly refreshing was that they Mugabe all fall behind by a wide active politician and succeeded her
came from a man who belongs to margin. What does this mean for our husband Emmerson Mnangagwa as
a government that has little to no constitutional democracy? Chirumanzi-Zibagwe constituency
kind words for those in the oppo- Member of Parliament. She knew
Alfonce Mbizwo sition, especially councils led by In 2022 alone, Auxillia has been power and was now set to flaunt it.
the opposition Citizens Coalition to India and Russia all by herself Is it not a common phrase that — if
Editor for Change (CCC), which happens making the headlines. She even you have it, flaunt it? Auxillia learnt
to be the one in charge of Ruwa at got her first honorary degree from well on this.
IN Zimbabwe’s tortuous con- the moment. Zimbabwe Open University. What a Zimbabwe now practically —
temporary existence, it is Frankly speaking, if government mark in a country that is obsessed please note, not legally — has the
quite rare for one to be elat- and the country at large had more with titles, she is now official Doctor Office of the First Lady. Auxillia
ed each time the country’s people of Muguti’s calibre, Zim- Auxillia and the State-owned media has directors in her office, a media
motormouth politicians or babwe would be a paradise. has been practicing writing her as team and to cap it all travels in a Paidamoyo Muzulu
bureaucrats open their mouths to Zimbabwe definitely needs such. convoy with blue lights. This is a
say something. more leaders like Muguti who are first in Zimbabwe and will become the country or regularise this
so sincere and unashamed to see It is important to highlight what behaviour through making a
And what Harare Metropolitan good and praise it, regardless of Zimbabwe’s first three First Ladies permanent if her husband wins re- constitutional appointment.
province secretary Tafadzwa Mu- who has done it. did in their time. Janet, who ironically election in 2023.
guti said recently about the Ruwa Zimbabwe is currently deep in shared the same name with the wife The worrying thing is the new Nothing stops Mnangagwa from
Local Board was so refreshing that the throes of disunity simply be- of the late Rhodesian Prime Minister appointing his wife a minister,
it deserves praise. cause we have nurtured a strange Ian Douglas Smith — the last white development where she is making even without a portfolio into his
culture of vilifying each other at racist leader before independence State-visits. Auxillia is now being
Muguti congratulated the Ruwa every turn, and when people like in 1980 — was a woman who did her treated like an elected official. She Cabinet. The late Nelson Mandela
Local Board for being a leading Muguti suddenly stand out in this work quietly. She knew her position, did it in South Africa by appointing
beacon for other councils across manner, it, indeed, invigorates. supporting her husband. is now speaking on behalf of the Winnie as a minister. In the United
the country after it won three We sincerely hope that some government when in reality she is
awards at the inaugural Harare overzealous character will not As for Janet, I know it is easy to say not a government official and is not States, Donald Trump was clever
Metropolitan provincial awards read Muguti’s well-meaning and her husband was a mere ceremonial to regularise the activities of his
ceremony, which honoured resi- progressive attitude out of con- leader, but constitutionally speaking answerable to anyone. daughter and son-in-law (Ivanka
dents, businesspersons and peo- text. Canaan Banana was the Head On December 4, The Sunday
ple who excelled in the fields of Muguti’s attitude is exact- of State. Probably, it came with Mail ran a screaming headline — and Jared Kushner) as his advisors.
art, sports and others in 2022. ly what the doctor ordered for experience and lived reality as a wife It is now urgent that Zimbabwe
this country because it is the of an ordained church minister. She First Lady engages senior Russian should discuss and set the
Its mayor, Kizito Chivafa, was stuff that helps to build a nation. understood that the office of the government official on agriculture,
also honoured as the best mayor It is the kind of maturity that ce- President was her husband’s and education and technology. This is parameters of the so-called Office
in the Harare Metropolitan area. ments a nation together and we not hers. of the First Lady. Leaving it a grey
wish to see many others in posi- a domain reserved for elected or area is dangerous, all power should
In his own words, Muguti said: tions of authority emulating this Sally came next. She was from appointed government officials
“Two years ago, I called all town commendable attitude, instead of Ghana. She was a teacher by who are answerable to both Cabinet be used transparently and be held
clerks and mayors into one room hurling diatribes time and again. profession. Politically erudite accountable.
and I explained the main areas Despite our differing opinions and had a good heart. She was and Parliament. I’m baffled. Where About the First Lady, brittanica.
to get development, and one of and dogmas, we must remain one a philanthropist and set up were the ministers of Agriculture,
the major issues was to attract in- as a nation and mould one anoth- many organisations to assist Education and Technology? com says: “Wife of the President of
vestment. In a space of two years, er by appreciating each other’s ef- underprivileged children and the US. Although the First Lady’s
Ruwa has attracted US$40 mil- forts. women. Sally knew her place well The Sunday Mail cements her role has never been codified or
lion investments, has zero corrup- Ruwa Local Board must be and was always in the shadows at position saying: “A hands-on person,
tion cases before the courts, had heartily commended for being ex- regional and international summits the First Lady said her office was officially defined, she figures
a budget for roads, and did what emplary in running council busi- where she accompanied her prominently in the political and
other councils have failed to do — ness and government’s acknowl- husband Robert Mugabe. willing to coordinate most activities social life of the US because she is
fixing roads for investments. Ruwa edgement of its sterling efforts working with women to ensure
should push the local authority Close to the turn of the century, success.” (https://www.sundaymail. representative of her husband on
to do much better and challenge Mugabe remarried after Sally’s official and ceremonial occasions
others to do the same. passing away. He got married to co.zw/first-lady-engages-senior- both at home and abroad, the First
Grace. Grace was a former secretary russian-govt-officials-on-agric-
in the Office of the President and education-and-technology). Lady is closely watched for some
Cabinet. Actually, she worked in the hint of her husband’s thinking and
typing pool. She did well to remain This may seem trivial, but the for a clue to his future actions.”
in the background during her early reality is this is unconstitutional.
years. Grace was known for her How does an unelected or What remains clear in the United
expensive fashion tastes, earning States where the term originated is:
herself the moniker Gucci Grace. appointed person lead negotiations First Lady is a representative of her
with a foreign power? She is not
In her last five years as First Lady, accountable to anyone, I mean husband on official and ceremonial
Grace became more political, but functions at home and abroad. This
this was limited to Zanu PF functions really no-one. means all her actions and omissions
and never State functions. She tried Auxillia is now Her Majesty
to influence the Zanu PF succession Empress — answerable to no-one are pinned on the husband.
debate. However, that is where Even if Mnangagwa would want
her influence ended. Granted, her but signing agreements that bind to be imperial president, Auxillia, like
last public speeches at Zanu PF all. In a constitutional democracy,
meetings make people cringe, but that is unheard of. I’m shocked why the late Prince Philip, should know
she is just a representative and has
parliamentarians never asked this no distinct office and her power is
during Wednesday’s question-and
-answer session. Is it because they limited to the delegated authority.

are busy enjoying the US$40 000
golden handshakes extended to
them?
President Emmerson Paidamoyo Muzulu is a journalist
Mnangagwa should explain to based in Zimbabwe. He writes in
his personal capacity.

Weekly Digest is published daily by Alpha Media Holdings EDITOR Tel: 883184-8/887057/58/69/70/71 Tel. 883184/5/6/7/8,887069/70/1,887058/885280/1/2.
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PO Box BE 1165, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe SUB EDITOR & DESIGNER After hours editorial 0714 119 403 ZimInd Publishers, Cnr Strand/Bessemer Roads
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FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 4

Zim looks to exports to lead economic recovery

AMTHANDAZO NYONI gagement efforts in pursuing eco- The company recently joined ences, thought-leadership webi- ber 5 and 6, 2022, to learn more
S Zimbabwe joins nomic development through ex- the Commonwealth Enterprise nars, specialized investment pro- about export potential offered by
the rest of the globe port-led growth. and Investment Council (CWEIC), grams, strategic introductions, the Commonwealth.
in looking for ways a body tasked by the 53 Com- and focused trade missions to
to recover economi- According to ZimTrade's most monwealth member nations and assist members in securing new The summit offered a ven-
cally from COVID-19, recent report, this has primarily beyond to promote trade, invest- business. ue for high-level discussions on
ZimTrade has adopted more au- been accomplished through the ment, and the private sector's role. Commonwealth Business and
dacious initiatives and measures pursuit of strategic alliances in- ZimTrade attended the Com- Economic concerns following
to speed up the government's en- tended to enhance trade with the The Commonwealth's business monwealth Trade and Investment CHOGM and COP 27 as well as to
rest of the globe, particularly in arm, CWEIC, is in charge of organ- Summit (CTIS) 2022, held in Lon- set the global trade and invest-
previously unexplored markets. izing and hosting business confer- don, United Kingdom, on Decem- ment agenda for 2023.

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zw.myliquidhome.tech

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 5

For two days of debates and dialogue in 2021,
the event brought together a number of ministers
and senior business leaders from all throughout
the Commonwealth.

In general, and particularly for Zimbabwe, which
has made great strides in its quest to re-join the
bloc, this year's Summit was built on solid ground.

Zimbabwe's participation in CTIS 2022 inspires
greater confidence that engagements during the
summit will push Zimbabwe's trade and invest-
ment agenda in light of the Commonwealth Sec-
retariat visit to Zimbabwe from November 12–17,
2022.

The summit offered a great chance to pinpoint
areas where Zimbabwe could collaborate with
other Commonwealth nations and business com-
munities to gain access to contemporary financial
services, take advantage of technology and inno-
vation, draw in outside capital, and enhance sus-
tainable business practices, particularly through
public-private sector cooperation.

In collaboration with one of the Scottish Hon-
orary Consuls, ZimTrade organised a Business En-
gagement Forum on December 2 in Glasgow,
Scotland, to support efforts to increase trade, par-
ticularly with the UK, a significant trading partner
for Zimbabwe.

According to ZimTrade, the event gave compa-
nies in Scotland a platform to communicate with
possible partners in Zimbabwe and find potential
suppliers of diversified goods and services.

The event also aimed to encourage Zimbabwe-
ans living in Scotland to pursue business oppor-
tunities with Zimbabwean exporters, since it has
been noted that engaging diaspora populations
is a creative method to increase demand for local
export goods. The event featured representatives
from Scottish business and industry who could be
useful allies in encouraging exports to Scotland.

Presentations and business-to-business discus-
sions made up the half-day event's agenda, which
offered a platform for chances to enter the Scot-
tish market.

“Scotland has been targeted as one of the new
markets with potential for exports that can be
penetrated by local businesses as current exports
to that market are negligible. This market is seen
as lucrative, particularly for horticultural produce
as well as processed foods,” the report reads in
part.

ZimTrade stated that the goal of taking part in
these events was to be able to rekindle relation-
ships with businesses and partners, notably in
the UK, which was a significant trading partner in
1992.

“In a market survey carried out earlier this year
to ascertain appetite of Zimbabwean products in
the UK market, it was found that there were im-
mense opportunities in processed foods, fast
moving consumers goods and horticultural pro-
duce, and it is anticipated that the country should
be able to grow and satisfy this demand,” it said.

According to Trademap, Zimbabwean busi-
nesses are present in the UK, and among other
things, fresh fruits and vegetables, tea, and nuts
are among the country's main exports.

Peas, tea, green beans, chilli pepper, avocados,
and passion fruit have the biggest export poten-
tial from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom.

Blueberries, macadamia, citrus, florals, sweet
potatoes, and ground nuts have also seen an in-
crease in demand.

Distributors are searching for specialized items,
some of which include crushed chillies, cleaned
and packed garlic, fried onions, and mixed col-
oured peppers, since consumer dynamics are
evolving toward healthier food and more organic,
natural products.

“There is a growing demand for super foods and
carrier oils such as baobab powder, marula fruits,
baobab oil, marula oil and other edible oils.

“The UK’s processed foods sector is dominated
by international brands and there are retail super-
markets in London and Birmingham that are al-
ready distributing Zimbabwean products.

“These could be used as an entry point into the
market for producers who do not have direct link
to major wholesalers and retailers,” it said.

Low hanging fruits include confectioneries, cor-
dials, long life milk, powdered milk, chips, tinned
foods, processed meats, corn snacks, and dairy
fruit blends, the organisation said.

“Already, products such as Mazoe Orange Crush,
Tanganda Tea and many others have carved a
mark in the market and can be used as a spring-
board to launch new products to the UK. Further
to this, demand for arts and crafts from Africa is
moderately high.

“The key market is those that appreciate art and
the cultures around the production of the prod-
ucts. Products made in Africa have a rich and di-
verse culture that is embraced around the world,
especially in the UK and Europe.”

According to ZimTrade, Zimbabwe is already
recognised as one of the world's top makers of
stone sculptures, and there is still space to expand
exports to the UK, including items like recycled-
material sculptures and carpets.

COVER December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 6

‘Business environment
sinking Zim enterprises’

TTATIRA ZWINOIRA rely on its laurels anymore in terms of relying What are the reasons behind the poor in- make producers and retailers miss their tar-
HE report from the Zimbabwe of the export of primary sector goods in agri- vestment climate? According to the sur- gets at their busiest period of the year.
National Chamber of Commerce culture, mining exports,” Madzima said. vey results, 94% of respondents noted costs
(ZNCC) second edition of its an- brought by high levels of corruption, 93% the Eighty one percent of respondents also
nual ‘State of Industry and Com- She and Illieva called on the government complex taxation system, 90% poor utility noted the poor credit situation, tying into
merce Survey’ for 2022, released to implement acceptable reforms quickly. delivery (e.g. electricity, water, and sewage), what both the World Bank and Fitch Solu-
last week, testifies to that. and 80% policy inconsistency. tions officials stated.
This is because out of the 2 000 question- Fitch Solutions is an American based glob-
naires sent out by the ZNCC, from the 1 695 al market research firm. In fact, electricity shortages have wors- Zimbabwe lacks patient capital which is
business responses, 74% found the ease of ened to such an extent that the country is critical for the much-needed recapitalisation
doing business as having deteriorated while These rankings from global bodies do not now facing load shedding of up to 18 hours and retooling
17% found it as being neutral. Only nine per- bode well for the country as these institu- daily. In some suburbs, people are report-
cent of the surveyed businesses thought tions are some of the many that are used by ing having days without electricity which will “International lines of credit remain elu-
Zimbabwe had a business friendly. investors to determine whether a market is sive given the country’s high sovereign risk.
safe to invest in. Moreover, the past four years have seen the
In fact, World Bank senior economist for
Zimbabwe, Stella Illieva declared at the
launch of the survey that the country has one
of the lowest investments globally.

On the other hand, Fitch Solutions head of
Global Operational Risk Research, Trade and
Investment Risk Specialist, Logistics Special-
ist, Emerging Markets, Chiedza Madzima
said Zimbabwe ranked poorly in terms of its
business climate.

“We rank markets based on the compet-
itiveness of their business climate so out of
201 countries, Zimbabwe ranks 184th,” she
said.

She warned that the government’s reliance
on agricultural and mining exports won’t cut
it anymore owing to the whole world head-
ing into a depressed economy next year.

“There is this deep confidence gap to nav-
igate especially in the foreign investor com-
munity and a lot of internal policy scepticism.
But, if you bring that sort of global aspect
into play, Zimbabwe is a country that cannot

COVER December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 7

promulgation of a plethora of statutory in- RBZ deputy governor Innocent Matshe The PMI tracks the direction of manufac- “The core problem in Zimbabwe is lack
struments (SIs) which have had unintend- from the purchasing manager index (PMI) turing and service sectors and represents the of investment. Investment comes from sav-
ed destabilising effects on the economy. which had a value of 13.5 (for PMI, values degree to which buying managers believe ings and savings have been decimated by
These are introduced with neither consul- between 0 and 50 shows pessimism, while the market is expanding, remaining stable, hyperinflation. This is the direct relationship
tation with the business community nor im- a value of 50 means no change and values or declining. you need to keep in mind. Everything else
pact analysis.” above 50 means optimistic).” is merely a symptom. Energy, water, health,
schools crisis are mere symptoms,” econo-
However, ZNCC said that companies mist Tinashe Murapata tweeted recently.
needed to explore borrowing in foreign cur-
rency where the interest rates have remained “We need at least nine years of econom-
more attractive despite being higher. ic stability to get investors, foreign and do-
mestic, to invest. Payback period is long and
The majority of stakeholders surveyed, cannot afford changes in currency and eco-
95%, ranked corruption as the major issue nomic instability.”
that needed to be dealt with towards the
ease of doing business. Amid a lack of investment for both private
and the public sector, the government has
“The business confidence index (BCI) re- turned to debt financing through the issu-
flected by firms and the business commu- ances of Treasury Bills and now bonds.
nity is generally negative for the upcoming
year of 2023. The combined diffusion index But, this has had its own impact, as it has
of the BCI of industry and commerce de- caused public debt to be 34 percentage
creased to minus 42 from a figure of 8 which points above the 70% provided for in the
was recorded in 2021,” ZNCC said. Public Debt Management Act.

“In fact, the general pessimism shown “The September 2022 public debt figure
by the business confidence indicators re- of US$17,6 billion (ZWL$10,947.2 billion) rep-
flect that stakeholders in ‘industry and com- resents 104% of GDP, higher than the 70%
merce’ have no confidence on the govern- threshold provided for in the Public Debt
ment’s macroeconomic stabilisation policies Management Act and the SADC RISDP Pub-
in the coming year 2023, and on the interna- lic Debt-to-GDP Macroeconomic Conver-
tional and domestic economic recovery.” gence Target of 60%,” economist Prosper
Chitambara tweeted recently.
ZNCC continued: “A similar sentiment and
conclusion was also observed and drawn In light of all of this, ZNCC made several ur-
gent recommendations.
Mukanganise Fadzai Faith Mukwasi Lydia Madziwa
“Efforts to clear external debt arrears as
Cautionary message - 8 December 2022 well as re-engagement with international
Fidelity Life Assurance of Zimbabwe would want to advise that creditors and financiers should increase with
Mukanganise Fadzai Faith Mukwasi ID 63-1289472H43 and a view to opening up international lines of
Lydia Madziwa ID 63-1166796P80 no-longer work as Fidelity credit. The country is in dire need of patient
Life Agents. Clients are advised to approach our ofces for any but cheap capital for recapitalisation across
business transactions. all sectors,” ZNCC said, based on survey find-
Fidelity Life will not be liable for any dealings with the former ings.
agents.
ZNCC acknowledged efforts made by the
government to clear its debt but found that
the impact was yet to be seen or felt prac-
tically.

“Government should come up with a sim-
plified tax regime that encourages formal-
isation of businesses given the high level
of informality in the economy,” ZNCC said,
based off the survey findings.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) depu-
ty governor Innocent Matshe recently en-
couraged small businesses to register with
the Collateral Registry to borrow credit for
their business. The registry allows movable
assets to be officially listed by the borrow-
er that lenders’ can use as collateral to loan
out money to individuals or small businesses.

These efforts come as the central bank
now estimates the informal sector to con-
tribute up to 80% of economic activity, up
from earlier estimates of between 60% and
70%.

“Government needs to resource entities
which are responsible for providing sound
infrastructure such as the Zimbabwe Elec-
tricity Supply Authority (Zesa) for electric-
ity generation and supply; ministry or de-
partment responsible for roads for ensuring
sound road network and urban authorities
for provision of clean water and refuse col-
lection,” ZNCC said.

ZNCC said the central bank should work
together with local banks to enhance the
trading of forex on the foreign currency auc-
tion that has largely proven inefficient for ex-
porters to source United States dollars to im-
port critical raw materials.

The chamber also called for consultations
between government and stakeholders be-
fore policy pronouncements.

Lastly, ZNCC called for fiscal discipline
through enhanced expenditure rationaliza-
tion measures as the general elections draw
nearer.

Typically, around elections, the govern-
ment has sought to over spend in order for
candidates of the ruling Zanu PF party to en-
tice the populace to vote for them, a strategy
that continues to work.

However, with the low access to invest-
ments, this may hurt the country than help
it as its total expenditure for the year 2023
is set at $4,5 trillion (US$6,95 billion), up
32,35% from pre-budget consultations and
nearly 137% over 2022 comparative.

Thus, amid lower economic growth set at
3,8% in 2023, from 4% this year, debt financ-
ing is the government's only option.

Debt financing, however, leads to money
printing which then leads to high inflation as
such government spending would lack eco-
nomic growth to support it.

Government’s only solution is to heed busi-
ness, whose capital requirement now stands
at least US$2 billion. The government, on the
other hand, failed to get anywhere close to
US$8 063 788 836 need for its infrastructure
spending target for the year.

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 8

Of chicken
buses, black
enterprise,
and the wait for
generational

wealth

RANGA MBERI bus plying routes to their rural home ar- You got Tanda Tavaruva hitting Masv- Midlands, another guy to his village in
WHILE driving down in the Lowveld one day, I saw eas? Where was the basic law of going ingo, Chikozho and Magwizi into rural Chipinge. Was it they did not always con-
what looked like the shell of an old abandoned bus where the demand was? Masvingo, the Shu Shine guys into the sider where the routes were most com-
on the side of the road, somewhere near Chiredzi,
towards Hippo Valley.

“It must be a Shu Shine Bus,” I laughed to myself.
Ah, those days. Tenda, Chikozho, Kukura Kur-
erwa, Mucheche, Mhunga, Musanhi, Power Coach,
Tauya, Mazarura, Chawasarira, Ajay Motorways,
Tombs, Mhukahuru, Country Boy, Hwange Special
Express. There was Munhenzva, which almost al-
ways seemed to be stuck on the side of every road,
broken down.
And, oh, the glamour. In the 1990s, some of these
chaps started installing funny hooters on their
buses that played noisy tunes as they roared into
the bus rank. In the rural areas, they say everyone
knew which “number” bus was approaching, by its
schedule, and even by sound, before the bus even
appeared.
I remember the times we were shipped off to Tri-
angle on the early morning Shu Shine bus, which
passed through my hometown Kwekwe on its way
from Gokwe, heading to Chiredzi. God help your
eardrums if you found a seat under the speaker.
Inevitably, there would be that one guy that
would, at every stop, buy boiled eggs and – much
to everyone’s obvious inconvenience – fall asleep.
An egg at Amaveni Bus Stop in Kwekwe where we
boarded. Sleep. Another at Kudzanai Rank in Gwe-
ru. Sleep. An egg at Shurugwi. More sleep. Oh, are
we at Mhandamabwe now? Egg. Ngundu? Egg.
Some more sleep. Until you drop off at Masimbiti
stop near Triangle, and you wave the bus away, pit-
ying all left on board.
That was the “chicken bus” and it was a big in-
dustry. Now, where did it all go?
How come none of those big names went on to
become large, successful logistics corporations?
What went wrong? There is no easy answer to this.
Transport was always the go-to business for
black entrepreneurs, from way back in the day.
Like, as way back as 1912.
While rummaging through the National Archives
in Harare, I came across the story of one “native”
called Chanakira. He set up a wagon service back
in 1912 to transport farm produce from Seke to
Salisbury.
Since then, mabhazi became the one business
that our people ran to, given limited options in co-
lonial Rhodesia.
I have read about the likes of Bernard Vito and
Isaac Samuriwo, the dude that was first to live in
Marimba Park, which was set up as a ‘suburb’ for a
black elite in the 1950s. Many blacks thrived in the
bus business well into the 1970s, even as the war
happened. Many lost a lot to the war. One Josphat
Ruredzo lost most of his buses during the war, and
had to shut down.
The 1980-90s were boom times. And yet, none of
these famous bus names ever really amounted to
much in the end. Where are they now?
Cannibalised shells of old buses now lie strewn
around all those many seemingly abandoned ‘bus
depots’ on Willowvale Road.
The reasons for this failure are many – not least
the small matter of the economy tanking.
But maybe it’s the “Nhingi and Sons” plague.
Once the founder and patriarch died, their busi-
ness seemed to go with them. The companies are
left deep in debt, and the “sons” seldom carry the
business forward. Instead, they often go about
stripping it all down.
What should happen for these “sons” to push the
legacy of their fathers forward, to grow those busi-
nesses and modernise them? Did they not learn
the trade? Or were they only taught to consume?
Or perhaps the rest of us, looking from the outside
in, have no idea how this thing really goes?
Where are our large black enterprises? The old
big bus companies are in ruin and Gideon Gono
decimated black enterprise in banking in the
2000s.
AVM, the company that had manufactured lo-
cal buses and even exported some, went under. A
change of ownership couldn’t reverse the decline.
One has to wonder; when our people went into
this bus business, why did they always insist on the

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 9

mercially viable? I do not know. You see it still today. Brothers let’s sell gold, let’s go into tobacco biggest, wildest, all-white pool- in business?
No. People kumusha have GOT jumping on every new ‘entrepre- too this year. side parties at his rented house in Have we learnt nothing from
neurship’ wagon because, well, Glen Lorne. Because he must be
to see my buses. Because, how ‘they must see me’. He will go into Two weeks after the brother has seen. that Shu Shine bus, on the side
else could they know I have buses? every business that’s trending to- declared that he’s starting a busi- of the road, broken down some-
Even if, in some cases, the route to day – yah, let’s all have car sales; ness, he’s on the hunt for the big- If he never threw big parties, where near its owner’s village?
Chamakondo is barely viable. gest wheels. He must throw the how else could we ever know he is
Perhaps, one day. — newZWire

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 10

Navigating
uncertainty,
predicting the

future:
Importance of
religion in Zim

IIAN SCOONES
N today’s uncertain world, having a sense of
what the future holds is vital. This is why bibli-
cal predictions and prophecies hold so much
cachet, offering hope in times of turmoil.
While religion may be the ‘opium of the peo-
ple’ it can provide a sense of direction when none
seem available. This is of course religion’s power,
and why those who claim they can foretell disas-
ters and cataclysmic events are held up high, at-
tracting followers and sometimes great wealth.

Responding to drought and keeping the spirits
happy

Our discussions on drought and how people
manage uncertainty (see a previous four-part blog
series) highlighted many examples of how farmers
made use of natural signs as a source of predic-
tion — bird song, particular trees, clouds and so on.
And when these failed — as they often do — then
everyday adaptation and attuned response based
on accumulated experience is necessary.

In the past, as discussed in the previous blog,
people would rely on rainmaking ceremonies con-
ducted in relation to wider territorial cults to as-
sure good harvests. Paying respect to the ances-
tral spirits, brewing beer and offering libations and
providing contributions to the rainmaking cult
shrine in Njelele were all part of the annual cycle.
Only some key people were involved, led by the
spirit mediums (svikiros) and assisted by the rain-
making messengers (nyusa) and supported by the
traditional leadership. Only men and post-meno-
pausal women and pre-pubescent girls could be
involved in the ceremonies. Ritual purity was es-
sential to please the spirits and assure good rains
and harvests.

As discussed before, such practices are declin-
ing across our study areas, and nearly completely
absent in some such is the dominance of diverse
forms of Christian religion described in an earlier
blog in this series. But this does not mean that ap-
peasing spirits or a Christian God is not central to
dealing with uncertainty.

Indeed, all churches pray for rain as part of their
services, while the spiritualist churches go further
and call on spirits to assist their followers (wheth-
er the Holy Spirit or some others linked to the an-
cestors), using a whole array of ritual objects and
practices to cement the relationship, whether
anointed oil, holy water, sacred beer or burning
candles and incense.

Prophecy and hope in challenging times
The prophets of the indigenous African church-
es are especially important, offering hope and sal-
vation to their followers. They offer predictions on
coming seasons, as well as suggesting what ag-
ricultural practices to follow. For individuals who
have suffered mishaps, particular advice can be
offered, sometimes for a fee.
While some of our informants condemned these
new Johanne Masowe churches as just ‘false
prophets’, in it for the business and sometimes
sexual favours, there are others who are firm be-
lievers, arguing that such prophecies will be ful-
filled, and the directions should be followed.
When there is no one else to turn to and when
such prophecies offer some surety and hope in dif-
ficult times, then it is no surprise that such proph-
et-led churches have many followers. It is perhaps
a reflection of the times that such churches have
become so popular — and indeed politically in-
fluential. If the state and ruling party cannot pro-
vide and provide the basic protections, then other
sources of succour must be sought.
During the pandemic the role of prophets be-
came significant. With Apostolic churches reject-
ing modern medical explanation and intervention,
the COVID-19 pandemic was interpreted in differ-
ent ways. Predicted in the bible and representing
a scourge on humans by God, it was accepted as
fate rather than as an epidemiological challenge.
Prophets offered support to those who were fear-
ful and treatment for those who became sick. In
the absence of other forms of support, given the

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 11

parlous state of the health system, such al- Religion therefore offers many rise of the ‘new’ churches and the front uncertainties and adapt tation to climate change and ad-
ternatives were often seen as the only al- different compasses for navi- role of prophets however is espe- their agricultural practices. dressing wider uncertainties — is
ternative and people flocked to the proph- gating uncertainty in a turbulent cially important in many of our a crucial theme, but still remains
ets, with many more appearing during the world, based on different doc- study areas, with important im- Understanding how religious rarely discussed.
pandemic. trines and interpretations. The plications for how people con- belief influences agricultural
practice — and particular adap- — zimbabweland
Waiting for the rain
The annual agricultural cycle is centred
on waiting for the rain, and anyone who
can offer predictions for the season and
ways of preventing disaster have great
power. The power of the territorial rain cults
in the past and the prophets today is wit-
ness to the importance of this role. An ag-
ricultural extension worker joked that they
are the ‘scientific prophets’, providing me-
teorological information during the sea-
son and advice on how to adapt agricul-
tural practices, but they often cannot com-
pete with the church prophets; or at least
people will consult both to inform their de-
cisions.
Warnings of impending apocalypse as
well as salvation are recurrent themes in
Christian doctrines, but how these are in-
terpreted and explained to followers differs
widely. Such events may seem inevitable,
resulting in a sense of despair but also de-
pendence on religious intervention. In the
case of the prophets this becomes a source
of income as well as an opportunity to gar-
ner more followers.
While not rejecting external support and
recognising the value of science, the state
and wider development, other churches —
whether the Pentecostals or the Seventh
Day Adventists — foster a view that disas-
ters cannot be averted but for the grace of
God, making prayer, religious commitment
and doctrinal adherence essential.
For others, a sense of hopeless inevitabil-
ity only offset by divine intervention is re-
jected with a focus on people’s empower-
ment and transformation. This too is seen
as a religious vocation.
The liberation theology of the Roman
Catholic church has had influence in Zim-
babwe through Silveira House, and a pro-
gressive alternative for development, cen-
tred on peace and justice, is promoted.
Religion in turbulent times

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 12

houTsehme aid
msackaimng
slaves of
mwoodmeernn

TORBJÖRN WESTER AND HENRY MHANGO This is standard procedure. The woman’s she refuses to work. the woman says in a voice message.
WOMEN are being duped into going to Oman for job contract, seen by The Telegraph, states “My mother managed to borrow $1,000 Analysis of positioning data from the
work only to find themselves imprisoned and at that she has to pay more than $2,000 if
the mercy of abusive employers and I paid them. But now they want more,” woman’s mobile device indicates she is

With feather-light steps Shirley sneaked out of
the house, towards the waiting car. Her heart was
beating fast. She knew that she had to open four
creaking doors to get out.

It was in the middle of the night, far out in the
Omani countryside, four hours from the capi-
tal Muscat. The family where she had worked as
a maid for two months under slave-like conditions
was asleep.

“I was thinking that if they had woken up, they
would have killed me,” says Shirley.

But she managed to reach the car, where a Brit-
ish man was waiting. She had found him on a so-
cial media platform for expats and he had offered
to help her flee.

It proved to be a close escape. “I think the creak-
ing from the last door might have woken them
up. As we drove off, people with flashlights were
searching the terrain.”

Now, Shirley is hiding in the British man’s home
on the outskirts of Muscat – without a passport or
a plan on how to get back home. “I just couldn’t
stay with the family. I was a slave there.”

Theresa, another Malawian woman, also lives
in the house. Just like Shirley, she was promised a
good job and attractive salary in Oman. But the
promises turned out to be lies.

Shirley convinced the British man to save There-
sa from the family where she had been working as a
maid. She knew of her through WhatsApp. The pair
had both been invited to a group for Malawians
seeking work in Oman.

Theresa is unable to talk about her experiences.
She has no words, only tears. “There is nothing I can
say. I just want to get back home.”

Many of the countries in the Gulf region use dif-
ferent forms of the so-called kafala system, which
ensnares workers like Shirley and Theresa. It legally
binds a migrant worker to his or her sponsor, usu-
ally the employer.

Most migrant workers in Oman are women from
Asia and Africa, who typically sign a two-year con-
tract to work as maids or cleaners in private homes.
During this time, they can’t change employer or
leave the country without permission from the
sponsor.

If they run away, they are treated as criminals and
“absconding” charges might be filed against them.

Working conditions are only vaguely regulated
and many of Oman’s domestic workers live as pris-
oners, forced to work up to 20 hours per day serv-
ing large families with little time off.

Families often pay large amounts to recruitment
agencies for a maid, so will make sure to maximise
the benefit from this investment.

Through sources, The Telegraph has obtained
phone numbers from several Malawian maids. Over
Whatsapp they have shared their accounts. All have
similar stories of long working hours, a lack of free-
dom and, in some cases, physical abuse. All were
promised a life that did not materialise.

Rape and threats to kill
One woman sends a long, desperate voice mes-
sage. She has been spat on, physically abused and
locked inside her room without food for days.
“Today the nephew of the boss came with his two
friends. They were masked and dragged me into
my room. Then they raped me,” she cries.
“The boss says he can kill me anytime. No one will
punish him and no one will be looking for me be-
cause I’m just a poor girl from a poor country.”
Another Malawian woman sends a voice mes-
sage from a recruitment office where she is held.
She says that they only let her use her phone 20
minutes per day and she is not allowed to go out-
side.
The woman wants to go home. She was una-
ble to cope with the workload in the home where
she was placed due to a physical disability. As a re-
sult, the recruitment agency brought her back to
its central office and is now demanding money for
her freedom.

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 13

With neither passports nor money, Shirley and Theresa are stuck in Oman, hiding and hoping to be rescued by Malawian authorities

located in a Muscat suburb. The particular house appear to be cov- many Malawian women, including ply is advertising female domestic cheapest: a $2,300 recruitment
neighborhood is deserted in the ered. A sign reads: “Alshafaq Man- Shirley. workers for “immediate delivery”. fee and monthly salary of $220
afternoon heat. Above a nonde- power Supply”. The price depends on nationality. to $260. Only Ivorian women are
script juice bar, the windows of one On e-commerce sites and Fa- Malawian women are among the cheaper. — Telegraph
The company is well known to cebook, Alshafaq Manpower Sup-

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FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 14

South African president and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa at a party rally in Johannesburg in 2019. Is time
running
VACANCY NOTICE out for
Position: Painter x3 Ramaphosa?
ON Mhlaba Street in
Summary Soweto there is some the protests that saw bloody police
Performs routine to moderately complex surface preparation, painting, and trepidation this par- crackdowns in the township in the
finishing tasks, applying a variety of methods, media, and techniques to both ticular morning. 1970s. “It was tough, really tough,”
interior and exterior surfaces. All week, summer said Moroesi Maluleke, 61.
Key Responsibilities storms have blown down trees and
• Applies paints, sealers, and solvents to exterior and interior building flooded roads around the small A restaurant in Soweto’s Vilakazi
cement houses that line the pot- Street, once home to former pres-
surfaces such as plaster, sheetrock, concrete, and wood. holed road. More are expected and ident Nelson Mandela, which has
• Performs building exterior and interior caulking, finish repair, mud and Magadelene Maranele at No 118 is seen house prices soar amid grow-
far from confident her roof will re- ing prosperity.
tape, and texturing tasks. sist another downpour.
• Operates equipment such as airless spray equipment, scaffolding, and There are metaphorical as well A restaurant in Soweto’s Vilakazi
as literal storm clouds on the hori- Street, once home to former pres-
motorized lifts. zon. Just a mile or so away, a cav- ident Nelson Mandela, which has
• Uses mechanized high-reach equipment to renew caulking on exterior ernous conference centre is being seen house prices soar amid grow-
prepared for the elective confer- ing prosperity. Photograph: Jeffrey
building panel seams, windows, and doors. ence of the African National Con- Isaac Greenberg /Alamy
• Performs special refinishing tasks including wood surface preparation, gress (ANC) party and the political
forecasts are as bad as the meteor- Now, though cattle still graze
staining, and sealing. ological ones. down by the overflowing river and
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and The conference is a five-yearly sprawling squatter camps cov-
event that will probably be consid- er any flat land, Soweto boasts a
supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and erably more exciting than its name theatre, malls, multiple car deal-
environmental practices. suggests. Delegates will elect a erships, a football stadium and a
• Performs minor plaster repair, blending newly renovated wall surfaces new leader of the ANC and so, as thriving tourist trade.
with existing plaster. the party has been in power for 28
• Surveys building painting project sites to estimate time and material years, of South Africa too. In charge Around the fashionable Vilaka-
quantities required; selects appropriate surface coatings. of both is Cyril Ramaphosa, an affa- zi Street, once home to the late
Qualifications & Experience: ble if currently embattled 70-year- former president Nelson Mande-
• Class 1 Apprenticeship trained painter old who grew up on Mhlaba Street. la and archbishop Desmond Tutu,
• At least 1 year working experience after training Local people remember him well. house prices have soared and shin-
If you meet the above requirements, send your CV at 2022recruitments@ “A sweet boy, respectful and hard- ing SUVs sit proudly outside many
gmail.com on or before 18 November 2022 working,” said Maranele, 86. Her homes.
sister, Lillian, agreed. “A very nice
family, good neighbours and a nice This is the kind of growth that
young man,” she said. Ramaphosa, who started his polit-
Until recently, Ramaphosa’s re- ical career as a labour activist but
election as head of the ANC was made a fortune in business in the
a foregone conclusion. In the past 1990s after being passed over as
two weeks, the president has been successor to Mandela, would like
forced on to the defensive after a to see everywhere in South Africa.
parliamentary inquiry reported that His fortune of an estimated $500m
the president might have commit- has not hurt him as a politician.
ted gross misconduct and even
criminal offences after the theft of “His wealth helps because … he
cash worth between $580,000 and is seen is someone who is so rich
$5m from his private game ranch he has no interest in being corrupt,”
at Phala Phala in Limpopo province said Asanda Ngoasheng, an inde-
almost three years ago. pendent political analyst.
The allegations mean that
Ramaphosa, a centrist reformer, is Ramaphosa’s wealth helps be-
now fighting for his political life. He cause he is seen as someone so
remains the most popular politi- rich that he has no interest in be-
cian by some margin in South Afri- ing corrupt
ca, but this may not save him from
the ANC’s brutal internal factional Asanda Ngoasheng, political an-
struggles. alyst
“We are dealing with politics
here that are really not about cre- With the economy crippled by
ating a better life for all South Afri- rolling nationwide power cuts,
cans,” said Judith February, an an- corruption and crumbling infra-
alyst. structure, there is little chance of
In Soweto, which now has a pop- Ramaphosa’s ambition being ful-
ulation of more than 1 million, the filled soon.
challenges are very evident.
“We’re OK … except for the con- The biggest single factor may be
stant electricity cuts, the dirty wa- the vote at the elective conference,
ter and the fact that there are no which begins this week.
jobs,” joked Octavia Mashao, 35,
as she helped her mother fry chips “The conference is the most im-
and sausages at a snack stand on portant election we have. It’s es-
Mhlaba Street. Others talk of soar- pecially important because, even
ing crime rates, drugs and a col- if Ramaphosa is not making major
lapsing healthcare system. progress, the alternatives are very
But what few deny is that life unpromising,” said Anthony But-
is still better than it was when ler, professor of political studies at
Ramaphosa was a barefoot boy Cape Town University.
walking with his books to the local
schools, or to the nearby Lutheran The most serious challenger to
church with his parents, a police- Ramaphosa is Zweli Mkhize, a for-
man and housewife. mer health minister who resigned
Magadelene Maranele remem- after being accused of embezzle-
bers how tens of thousands of ment of public funds during the
households were uprooted from Covid pandemic and is closer to
their homes in and around Johan- the left wing of the party.
nesburg, the city to the north, by
the white supremacist apartheid “The ANC is likely to drop be-
regime and dumped on barely low 50% in 2024 for the first time
habitable land. in [general elections] and different
A neighbour recalled life during leaders would have very different
responses to that loss,” Butler said.

This raises the prospect of the
party governing as part of a coa-
lition — a first since the fall of the
apartheid regime in 1994 — or even
in opposition.

“Cyril is a good man. He is trying
his best. If there are problems, they
are not his fault. He has lots of en-
emies and they are getting in the
way and making tricks and traps
for him,” Maranele said.

The recent charge of graft is
one of these, many say. The main

FEATURE December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 15

A restaurant in Soweto’s Vilakazi Street, once home to former president Nelson Mandela, which has seen house prices soar amid growing prosperity more fully,” Butler said.
The news that Ramaphosa may
source for the allegations against judicial inquiry. “Ramaphosa’s rivals ly tired and close to resigning ear- would do as an adult, Ramapho-
Ramaphosa is a former intelli- needed to destabilise him, and just lier this month, he has mounted a sa said: ‘I’m going to be president’, face impeachment sent the South
gence chief known to be close to needed to cast some doubt,” Nga- fierce fightback and will still prob- and he was serious so this has been African currency reeling and sup-
the former president Jacob Zuma, osheng said. ably win a second term as leader of an ambition all his life. A win at the porters say defeat at the confer-
whose government collapsed in the ANC. conference would make him se- ence would be a disaster.
2018 amid allegations of corrup- Whatever happens at his party’s cure for some time and he’d be
tion, many later substantiated by a conference, Ramaphosa will prob- “When asked as a teenager at able to use his presidential powers But critics say the president has
ably keep fighting. Though clear- a Christian youth camp what he failed to tackle South Africa’s ine-
quality and accuse him of failing
the poor. Many analysts point to
the dominance of the ANC as the
principal brake on the country’s
development.

“The problem is the ANC, not the
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OPINION December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 17

Fossil cements Lafarge acquisition
TAFARA MTUTU
unclear and highly speculative given (i) the ownership that could change the vision way that BNC remains listed with a share-
THE Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)’s absence of a clear recovery roadmap since and strategy of the business. holder, who holds a 72% stake in the busi-
turnover on December 1 stood out as La- the incident that affected cement produc- ness.
farge Holcim’s Associated International tion, (i) lack of clarity on the former share- There are also concerns regarding the
Cement Limited concluded the sale of La- holder’s US$30 million loan vis-a-viz a neg- status of Lafarge’s listing post the change Tafara Mtutu is a research analyst at
farge Cement Zimbabwe to Fossil Mines. ative net cash balance of ZW$12,7 billion in in ownership and we opine that, despite Morgan & Co Research. — tafara@mor-
According to various sources, Fossil acquired La- its 1H 2022 results, and (iii) the change in having a shareholder with a 76,5% stake, ganzim.com or +263 774 795 854.
farge’s 61,2 million shares from Associated Interna- Lafarge can still remain listed in the same
tional Cement at a price of ZW$312,65 per share for
a total price tag of ZW$19,1 billion or US$22,8 mil- BUY GROCERIES WORTH ZWL30,000 AND YOU COULD
lion at current market rates. Several voices have cri- BE ONE OF OUR 24 X WEEKLY WINNERS TO WALK
tiqued the transaction from different standpoints, AWAY WITH A ZWL90,000 SHOPPING VOUCHER
but we focus on the merits and demerits of the
transaction from an investor’s perspective, starting PRICES VALID UNTIL 16 OCTOBER 2022
with an overview of Zimbabwe’s cement industry.
PUREDROP PROBRANDS
The cement industry has been experiencing a COOKING OIL PREMIUM RICE
boom despite the overarching macro-econom-
ic challenges. We identify three sources of cement 8 X 2L 10 X 2kg
demand that have been key to the resilience of the
sector, namely (i) residential housing construction $22 14000 $15 83000
projects, (ii) infrastructure development, and (iii)
commercial property developments. $2 79999 $1 59999

Individuals, real estate businesses, and financial each each
services entities have driven the development of
residential housing through cluster schemes in re- PAMPERS
sponse to growing need for housing by the local JUMBO PACK DIAPERS
market as well as the diaspora.
48-76
In the past two years, financial services players,
such as FBC Holdings, Steward Bank, CBZ Holdings, $16 99999
NBS and some local asset managers, have rolled
out several cluster projects in various parts of the SAVE
country that have added over 2 400 units to the lo-
cal residential property market. $2 17100

Property development businesses, such as Con- PROBRANDS IRVINES IRVINES
Dev and West Property have also complemented LIFE FULL CREAM MILK STANDARD LOOSE EGGS MIXED PORTIONS
efforts to supply the market with residential prop-
erty in leafy suburbs of Harare through their cluster 6 X 1ℓ 12 X 2.5 DOZ 5kg
housing developments that will see an addition of
over 1 300 units (and counting) in the market. $5 70000 $32 00000 $10 80000
$1 09999 SAVE
Demand for housing and, in turn, cement, will $2 89999
also be complemented by government housing each $1 20000
projects for which ZW$49,9 billion (auction rate of each
US$1:ZW$654,86) was set aside in the latest budg- SAVE BIG WILLARDS SNACKS
et speech. There has also been an increase in com- & (ASSORTED) JADE SOAP
mercial real estate developments in the country vis- 8 X 150g 20 X 250g
a-viz high inflation and limited options to invest in WIN BIG
real assets. $3 45000 $9 49999
QUENCH $44999 $47999
We note the development of leisure assets by Old MANGO SYRUP
Mutual’s Zimbabwe operations, student accommo- each each
dation by Infrastructure Development Bank of Zim- 6 X 2ℓ
babwe (IDBZ), and sprouting suburban office spac- RED SEAL
es by companies and individuals and companies, $10 90000 DOG MEAL
just to mention a few. In addition, the new asset $1 99999
class (REITs) is expected to grow the country’s com- 10kg
mercial property portfolio. As it stands, the recent- each
ly listed Tigere REIT has five commercial develop- $5 89999
ments in the pipeline and there are more REITS ex- SAVE
pected to be listed in the coming months.
$1 10000
Considering that cement accounts for roughly
16% of total building materials expenses, these de- ADDIS COOLCAT FIZZI CARBINATED AMSTEL LAGER ALCOHOL MAY BE HAZARDOUS
velopments point to sustained cement demand in COOLER BOX SOFT DRINKS (ASSORTED) BOTTLES TO HEALTH IF CONSUMED TO
Zimbabwe. The rise in infrastructure projects by the 26ℓ 24 X 330ml EXCESS. THE OPERATION OF
government ahead of the 2023 elections has seen 12 X 500ml
demand for cement sometimes outstripping supply $23 99900 $21 59999 MACHINERY OR DRIVING AFTER
in recent months. $2 65900 THE CONSUMPTION OF
SAVE $89999
In the finance minister’s latest budget speech, $21999 ALCOHOL IS NOT ADVISABLE. NOT
ZW$196 billion has been set aside for the transport $3 00000 each FOR SALE TO PERSONS UNDER
sector in the coming year. Further, the government each THE AGE OF 18. DRINK
plans to list bonds worth US$100 million for the pur- RESPONSIBLY.
poses of funding its infrastructure projects.
CHATBOT +263 788 788 034 QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED PER PERSON. E&OE.
These funds have been channelled to projects, PRICES INCLUDE VAT. PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT
such as the Harare-Beitbridge highway, which took PRIOR NOTICE. OFFER VALID WHILE STOCKS LAST. PICTURES ARE NON-CONTRACTUAL.
over 200 000 tonnes of cement, and other projects
like the Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion,
Muchekeranwa Dam, Gwayi-Shangani Dam, the
new Manyame Air Base Hospital, Robert G Mugabe
International Airport and the Beitbridge Border Post
expansion.

Supply of cement in the country is largely domi-
nated by PPC with an installed capacity of 1,4 million
tonnes followed by Lafarge with an installed capac-
ity of 450 000 tonnes.

However, due to an incident at Lafarge in Q3 2021,
the company’s capacity has dwindled pending full
restoration of operations.

We identify Fossil as a strategic shareholder in La-
farge given that the acquirer is a subsidiary of the
Fossil Group. Fossil Group also provides construc-
tion services to the government and in 2021 the
group was awarded more than 15 contracts, which
were collectively worth over US$45 million.

The business is also part of the Tefoma consor-
tium of companies, which comprises Tensor Con-
struction, Fossil Contracting and Masimba Hold-
ings.

The Tefoma consortium is contracted to under-
take road infrastructure projects along the country’s
major highways as well as the US$88 million Mbud-
zi interchange reconstruction.

With this in mind, we characterise the acquisition
of Lafarge by Fossil as a move to vertically integrate
its operations.

However, the investment case for Lafarge remains

COLUMN December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 18

They have taken us Power cuts:
back to dark ages Undeniable sign of
economic growth
NMy Dear People whatever that is supposed to mean.
gwena’s declaration that Zim- All along we thought that philanthropy THE country continued to celebrate one of the told that some people are saying we have
babwe is open for business is biggest signs of economic growth this week — bribed the CCC MPs, that is not correct,”
being exposed as the empty should benefit the poor and not be a com- power cuts. Mutsvangwa said.
and meaningless slogan that it petition. The people at Zesa are simply failing to cope For Zanu PF, there is one big disappoint-
is with revelations that industry with the pace at which the economy is boom- ment about the fact that MPs have accepted
is experiencing depressed sales of up to 30% It really makes us wonder who among ing, and people are getting as little as two US$40 000 loans in the midst of alleged pov-
coupled with surging costs of production of these so-called international philanthropists hours of power per day. erty; it is that the money is far too little.
about 20% thanks to the prolonged power she was competing against. According to Nick Mangwana, the nation’s City in progress
cuts his administration has caused through favourite spokesperson: “The power cuts are In Gweru, where services are collapsing
sheer negligence and incompetence. They must be quite stingy to lose to page causing distress, inconvenience and cost to the like everything else around this corner of the
2 kkkkk. citizenry and business. This is regrettable. The woods, councillors sat down to discuss the
The country is now in crisis as Ngwe- challenge is affecting part of our region. Gov- most important issue of the day — giving Pres-
na’s administration runs around like head- Anyway congratulations to her excellency, ernment is seized with implementing immedi- ident Emmerson Mnangagwa the Freedom of
less chickens with no solution in sight a title created by the Second Republic for ate mitigatory measures to bring normalcy. We the City status.
to the catastrophe caused by the power page 2 girl to probably justify Mthuli’s deci- thank you “This is
outages. sion to divert some of the money from the for your Tidbits the high-
depleted state coffers to her so-called of- patience.” est civic
Some are already saying the Lacoste peo- fice. honour in
ple should create another parallel structure The illit- recogni-
to be known as Darkness4ED in recognition She is now even meeting foreign govern- erate and tion of His
of his unenviable feat that has seen Zim- ment officials and people have the audacity unpatriotic Excellen-
babweans going without electricity for 19 to accuse me of delving into politics. among us
hours a day kkkkkk. Munopengaaaaa! read all this cy’s contri-
They even said I was behaving like power the wrong Twitter: @MuckrakerZim bution to
Ngwena is now finding out that it is one was sexually transmitted. way. All the growth
thing to make promises to a euphoric crowd of the city.
after being catapulted into powder by guns You haven’t seen nothing yet with Dr Amai they heard
and tanks and forcing the removal of Baba 11. She is now even acquiring PhDs everyday instead was: “The people in power are causing He has done a lot and deserves the status we
who was a fountain of wisdom and quite in a desperate effort to be like me! distress, inconvenience and cost to the citizen- have conferred on him,” according to Mayor
another delivering on promises and proving ry and business. This is regrettable. These peo- Hamutendi Kombayi.
that he is useful for more than just looting At this rate, all that remains is for the office ple are affecting our region. Voters are seized There will be people wondering what ex-
and violating human rights. of page 2 girl to be converted to a full minis- with implementing immediate mitigatory actly this contribution Mnangagwa has made
try probably named the ministry of the First measures to bring normalcy. We thank you for to Gweru is. What “done a lot” has he really
This is also threatening the jobs, jobs, and Lady and Philanthropic Activities. your patience.” done?
jobs he promised in 2017 when he was high Well, it must be remembered that, recent-
on gunpowder. A local television station at the Glass and Undenge the prophet
Mortar House which was recently given Some seven years ago, a prophet-cum- ly, Kombayi came out to tell his councillors to
As a result of these unprecedented pow- a licence showed that they are still green bone thrower disguised himself as a whole hire donkey-drawn carts for refuse collection
er cuts, companies could retrench workers in around the edges when they advertised that government minister and went about making in the city. It is the sort of thinking outside the
droves if they do not shut shop in the pro- it would be broadcasting an interview with predictions. His name was Samuel Undenge. box that the President himself has shown at
cess. the Energy ( or is that power cuts) perma- The Herald, the most credible newspaper national level, from cutting ribbons on urban
nent secretary Gloria on its channel at 18:30 ever published in the history of publishing, re- wells to commissioning earth ovens. It is only
Open for business, my foot! Unopenga!!!. on microblogging site Twitter. ported in 2015: “Zimbabwe will be a net ex- fitting that a city going back to donkeys for
The country is definitely not open for busi- porter of electricity by 2018 and the current transportation recognise him as a visionary.
ness. Rather it is now open for darkness. The only problem with this was not many power outages will be a thing of the past as They do not call Gweru the “City of Pro-
would watch as households would be envel- government has intensified the implementa- gress” for nothing.
Ngwena's new dispensation of pover- oped in darkness thanks to the prolonged tion of various power projects. By 2018, Dr Un- Crazy South Africans
ty, misery and darkness which often accus- power cuts. denge said, Zimbabwe would be producing in African leaders must be wondering what
es foreign businesses and organisations of excess of 4 000 megawatts against a local de- has gone into the people of South Africa.
pushing regime change when they tell him The advertised programme unsurprisingly mand of 2 100MW. He said this meant that the For some reason, some people there are
the stark truth of his administration’s inept- sparked outrage. country would have over 1 900MW for export.” calling for Cyril Ramaphosa to resign. One
itude, has now even lost the confidence of Well, two years after Undenge’s prophecy would think that the man committed some
the country’s business sector. Is this some sort of dark humour, one was supposed to have come true, he was sent high treason of some sort. But, no, his so-
asked in response with another even inquir- to jail. The last time we saw Undenge, he was called crime is that he found some money
According to the 2022 Zimbabwe Nation- ing whether there will be any electricity at running as fast as he could out of the gates of through his hard work and decided that his
al Chamber of Commerce State of Indus- the studio during the interview. one of our fine prisons, after being pardoned sofa was the best place to keep it.
try and Commerce Survey unveiled in Ha- by the country’s latest owner. He had been He then, allegedly, tried to make sure po-
rare last week, 59% of the businesses sur- It was ironic that the perm sec of no pow- jailed for giving a contract to a crony. lice kept their mouths shut when some revo-
veyed expect the economy to deteriorate er wanted to talk about the power situation We do not know why they arrested him for lutionary decided to steal the money.
next year. to citizens who had no electricity to watch such a small, petty crime like corruption. He All this must be very confusing to fellow
whatever nonsense would be spewed on the should have been arrested, instead, for false leaders around the world. At the next African
Similarly, about 61% and 53%, respectively, issue of power. prophecy. Union summit, they will be milling around him
expect profitability and ease of doing busi- asking him why on earth he even contemplat-
ness in 2023 to deteriorate. Only in a Ngwena administration can such Let the MPs eat
a preposterous situation occur. Muckraker cannot believe that we are into a ed resigning, just because some people think
Such statistics illustrate how Ngwena is new week and there is still debate about the he is corrupt.
getting the thumbs down from the coun- It does kind of leave one feeling quite decision by the people’s elected representa- Did he not hear that in Zimbabwe, our for-
try’s manufacturers and industry as a whole powerless. tives to eat on their behalf. mer owner once lost US$1 million that he had
as they have now seen Ngwena’s lack of pro- Some people are still complaining that stashed under a bed at his rural home at Ku-
bity, which Baba sacked him for. I could not help but laugh my lungs out Members of Parliament have accepted loans tama?
when some obscure organisation, the Zim- of US$40 000 each. Among the grumblers Surely, leaders are allowed to keep spare
Ngwena and his lot could not organise a babwe Integrated Traders Association de-
piss up in a brewery, never mind a conducive cided in its wisdom or lack thereof to award
environment for business to thrive. that controversial businessman Delish Ngu-
waya with a special Innovative Business
If the local business community has ab- Award in recognition of his leading role in
solutely no faith, who will trust him? Proba- the Pomona Waste Management project.
bly his wife aka Page 2 girl, his family and his
hangers on only. This is the same project that is siphoning
US$22 000 per day or an estimated US$1
Talking of page 2 girl, I see she has been million a month to Gegenix BV fronted by
very active recently including receiving an Nguwaya for the next 30 years.
award for ‘best’’ philanthropist in the world,
Hehehehede!!
This is surely madness on steroids.
Gushungo Chete Chete!
Chatunga Chete Chete!
Dr Amai Stop it! PhD (Fake)

is Nelson Chamisa, who called the money a change lying around the house. And you
“bribe”. want to resign for that? What a wimp, this
Chamisa should leave these legislators Ramaphosa fellow is.
alone. Did Tendai Biti, as Finance minister in Another one for Dr Amai
2012, not let MPs run off into the sunset with The nation joined together in wild celebra-
free cars and US$9 million of free loans? Can tions and general revelry at the news that the
we please allow people to eat in peace. wife of our current owner had received an
Besides, this business of saying we must not honorary doctorate.
accept money from a government that we It was announced to all the nations of the
have been telling ourselves is illegal is unfair. world: “First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has
When we are at rallies or lying to the gullible been conferred an Honorary Doctor of Philos-
people of Twitter, yes, Mnangagwa is illegiti- ophy (Honoris Causa) in Development Studies
mate. But when it comes to allowances, perks by the Zimbabwe Open University in honour
and cars, he is our President and Head of State of her efforts to improve the standard of living
and Government and Commander-in-Chief of in disadvantaged communities through pro-
the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and Chancellor grammes such as “Gota/Nhanga/Ixhiba pro-
of all universities. gramme”, her fight against cancer, and efforts
to safeguard children’s rights.”
Calm down: Mutsvangwa
It had to take Chris Mutsvangwa this week The citation went deeper: “A true embodi-
to put this non-issue of chefs’ perks into per- ment of an African woman, who has earned
spective. Just when people are losing their local and international accolades due to her
minds, he is always the calm head in the room, outstanding humanitarian work.”
telling everyone not to panic. We are a truly blessed nation. Two Dr Amais
Asked about the issue, Mutsvangwa was in a row is something other nations can only
surprised to be asked about the issue. dream of. We are shocked that, this time, the
“Every MP is entitled to a good welfare and doctorate did not take just two months of
they should not languish in poverty. We are study.

AFRICA December 7 to 13 2022 Weekly Digest 19

The US
scramble

for
Africa

TMARWAN BISHARA US President Joe Biden
HE Biden administration is convening a
United States-Africa summit in Washing- That is smart, considering that many would nomic and political influence on their coun- sum game, and do not want to become
ton this week after having announced a probably choose China. try, just behind China (63 percent) but far dependent on any foreign power. They
new strategy for the continent in the sum- ahead of Russia (35 percent) and the former have gone hybrid, choosing and mixing
mer. Now comes the hard part: restoring But America continues to command colonial powers (46 percent). from among the various outside parties, be
lost trust and credibility in their relationship which goodwill on the continent, as, polling by it the US, UK, EU, China, Russia, France, In-
suffered terribly under the Trump administration. Afrobarometer, shows 60 percent of Afri- This also indicates that Africans do not dia or Turkey.
cans believe the US has had a positive eco- see their foreign relationships as a zero-
The new scramble for Africa is part of President Joe
Biden’s effort to shore up dwindling American influ- RTGS RATES DAILY 1 MONTH 3 MONTHS 6 MONTHS 12 MONTHS
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are making considerable inroads, economically and Zimbabwe Independent ZW 1,050.00 ZW4,200.00 ZW 13,650.00 ZW27,300.00 ZW 54,600.00
strategically.
The Standard ZW 550.00 ZW 2,200.00 ZW 7,150.00 ZW14,300.00 ZW 28,600.00
Beijing’s success in Africa has been of particular
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China has grown its influence on the continent at the Combo
expense of all Western powers, including the former ***** ZW 21,750.00 ZW 67,300.00 ZW 134,600.00 ZW269,430.00
colonial powers, Britain and France. The latter’s neo-
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sia strengthening its presence. Other countries such
as Togo, Gabon and Rwanda — once a part of the
French sphere of influence — have chosen to align
themselves more with Britain or China in recent years.

China’s direct state involvement in Africa, through
loans and mega infrastructural and technological
projects — from ports to power stations — has made
it harder for others like the United States to compete.

The investment fervour may cool off as more gov-
ernments struggle with paying back their loans fol-
lowing the pandemic — creating the risk of a Chinese
takeover of their national assets like ports and air-
ports. But despite COVID-19 and its related supply-
chain challenges, bilateral trade between China and
Africa had in fact risen by 35 percent from 2020 to
$254bn in 2021, due mainly to Chinese exports.

To make headway, China has prioritised develop-
ment over democracy and human rights, which suits
authoritarian regimes, but undermines Biden’s agen-
da, as one coup d’état after another has plagued the
continent over the past two years.

After the coup in Mali in 2020, there was a failed
coup attempt in Niger in March 2021, and then a
successful one in Chad in April. Guinea followed in
September and Sudan in October 2021. UN secre-
tary-general Antonio Guterres called it “an epidemic
of coup d’états.”

Let me be clear. The US is no beacon of human
rights. Far from it. Indeed, the US has long priori-
tised geopolitics over human rights and continues to
place its interests above its proclaimed values. Still,
today’s democratic backslide on the continent does
not serve American, let alone African interests.

Good governance is paramount for any good to
come out of the continent’s bargaining with rich and
powerful foreigners, or for any good to trickle down
to those who need it most. Besides, why let the
Biden administration off the hook when it could be
held accountable for its commitments to strength-
ening human rights globally?

If Biden needed a wake-up call, it may have come
earlier this year when, following the Russian invasion
of Ukraine, the US failed to enlist the support of Af-
rican nations at the UN, where they represent more
than a quarter of the General Assembly’s members.

When voting on a draft resolution to freeze Rus-
sia’s membership at the UN Human Rights Council,
only 10 out of 54 African nations voted in favour, nine
voted against, and the rest either abstained or did
not show up for the vote. Worse, South Africa, among
America’s leading partners on the continent, cham-
pioned the abstention drive.

Now the Biden administration says it wants to re-
sume the work of the Obama administration, which
held the first US-Africa summit in 2014, by pursu-
ing an African agenda free of the usual paternalism
and based on mutual interest and mutual respect.
It pledges to listen to instead of lecturing its African
partners and to pursue sustainable policies that are
in the best interest of the continent.

In that spirit, the US will not bring up the
800-pound gorilla in the room, China, during the
summit. US officials have indicated that they will
not ask African nations to choose sides, but that the
US strives to be the continent’s “partner of choice”.

AFRICA December 7 to 13 2022 Weekly Digest 20

Senegal President Macky Sall, who is the current head of the African Union, at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15, 2022. The US has indicated that it will support
the AU's formal inclusion in the G20 during the US-Africa summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Washington from December 13-15, 2022

To be a partner of choice, the US After years of neglect, the Biden horizon to speak of. and youth leadership. rican Union’s inclusion in the G20,
must first commit to the relation- administration now says it wants to In response to these pressing But such lofty and generic diplo- and committing to another US-Af-
ship at least as the Chinese have help with Africa’s mounting chal- rica summit in the next couple of
done. But the US has waited eight lenges. The US Department of De- challenges, the US Department of matic jargon raises questions about years, to follow up on this week’s
years before convening a second fense list includes “political instabili- State has articulated a new Africa the Biden administration’s serious- decisions.
summit, with little follow-up in be- ty, armed groups, democratic back- strategy that steers away from too ness to do more than just talking
tween. Instead, Africa had to put sliding, pandemics, environmental much talk about security and com- big. It is vital for the US to convince
up with former President Donald degradation and climate change”. bating “terrorism” to address the the continent that it is not going to
Trump’s racism, no less his reported The continent is also plagued by root causes of instability and vio- That is why Washington must forget Africa for another eight years.
2018 remark describing African na- poverty, insecurity, poor govern- lence, such as fostering economic take concrete measures, such as in- Or Africa might decide to forget
tions as “shithole countries”. ance and frustrated youth with no engagement, promoting food se- creasing investments in the private Washington.
curity, and promoting education and public sectors, rewarding bet-
ter governance, supporting the Af- — Al jazeera

OPINION December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 21

Platinum num have steadily firmed in recent years.
in short There remains a need for greater invest-
supply ment in the sector to ramp up PGMs pro-
next duction in Zimbabwe.
year
Platinum production in Zimbabwe de-
clined 1% to 241 000oz in the first six
months of 2022 from 243 000oz in the
comparative period of 2021. Moreover,
Zimbabwe is projected to register an an-
nual decline of 4% to 465 000oz for 2022,
from the 2021 outturn — just 1,5% above
2019’s output.

Persistent power cuts could come in
the way of the country's platinum out-
put. However, Zimbabwe stands to ben-
efit from firming commodity prices. De-
spite major market shifts, platinum has
managed to hold critical long-term sup-
port at around US$800 an ounce (clos-
ing at US$996 on Monday December 5)
with solid demand expected to provide
some support for the precious metal go-
ing forward.

EBEN MABUNDA portant to this matrix: the price of the met- production has not changed much against Eben Mabunda is an analyst and
al and the national annual production. The the yesteryears while the prices of plati- TV anchor at Equity Axis, a leading
T HE platinum market is ex- financial research firm in Zimbabwe.
pected to be in a deficit in — [email protected]
2023, according to the World
Platinum Investment Coun-
cil (WPIC). This is owing to a
growth in demand for the metal, which
is projected to be stronger than its an-
ticipated supply for the 2023 fiscal year.

2023 projection
The latest WPIC report forecasts a
platinum deficit of 303 000 ounces
(oz) in 2023. This is on the back of an
increase in global platinum demand,
which is expected to strengthen by 19%
(to 7 770koz) vis-a-vis an anticipated in-
crease in supply of just 2% (to 7 466koz).
“The considerable economic head-
winds that have persisted through-
out 2022 are expected to continue into
2023, yet the platinum market is fore-
cast to be in deficit after two consecu-
tive years of significant surpluses,” reads
the report.
2022 FY forecast revision
The report also highlighted a down-
ward revision of the 2022 full-year (FY)
forecast: “Supply constraints, combined
with increased bar and coin demand,
have seen the market surplus forecast
for 2022 revised downwards by 17%
(-170koz) to 804koz ... Operational chal-
lenges meant refined platinum produc-
tion declined 11% (-171koz) year-on-year
in Q3 2022.”
Feeding the trend; are maintenance
and power supply challenges in South
Africa — supplier of over 70% of mined
supply which resulted in a 18% decline
during the quarter.
2022 Q3 outturn
Stats collated by WPIC show auto-
motive platinum demand jumped 25%
year-on-year in Q3 2022 versus a weak
outturn in the comparative 2021 period
steered to a greater extent by a 27% in-
crease in light-duty vehicle production
as supply-chain challenges eased. Ac-
cording to the report: “A combination
of higher passenger vehicle produc-
tion numbers, tighter emissions legisla-
tion for HDVs in China and India, as well
as growing substitution of platinum for
palladium will see a 12% (+329koz) ex-
pected increase in platinum demand
this year, to 2 964koz.”
With growing clamours for reduced
carbon emissions buttressed by the COP
27 global summit on climate change;
there is an ever increasing demand for
the metal by automakers. This is be-
cause platinum is a key ingredient in
catalytic convertors which significantly
cut on carbon emissions.
In the quarter, jewellery demand
edged slightly lower to 482koz (down 1%
year-on- year, -3koz). Jewelley demand
is expected to sail stable in 2023. In-
dustrial demand improved by 2% year-
on-year, although it is forecast to de-
cline by 14% for the full year of 2022. The
year 2023 is forecast to be the second
strongest year for industrial demand on
record, climbing 10% to 2 316koz, with
a notable increase in demand from the
glass industry.
What this means for Zim
Zimbabwe’s platinum revenues are still
a far cry from the US$3 billion platinum
target for 2023. Two key factors are im-

ARTS December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 22

20 Zim music producers
producing for the world

PLOT MHAKO

ZIMBABWE boasts of super talent- fa and many others. He also worked Alie Keys The Bulawayo born and of other SA artists such as DJ Qness, with Cloud9. He has won numerous
ed and successful music produc- with South African hip hop artists raised Almont “Alie Keys” Mthombeni DJ Bigsky, Holly Rey, Ghanaian artists accolades as music producer and di-
ers working at various levels of their such as Cassper Nyovest on his song, is a producer, artist and music direc- Budukusu, Verti, Kyn Citi and many rector and mixed and mastered for
craft, industry and living across the “Phumakim”, K.O’s “Mission State- tor who works with hip hop artist with more. many artists and record labels across
world. Here are 20 of some of the ment” and MaE. He has also worked Cassper Nyovest. He is also one of the the world. Shayzar he worked with
young and great Zimbabwean mu- with Tinashe. creative brains behind Nyovest’s Fill Verseless Lady Zamar on her hit Collide. This
sic producers producing for the Up events. He has produced for Cas- Gwinyai Peter Tawanda Runyowa is year he worked on one of SA’s big-
world. Compiled in appreciation of Dr Chaii sper Nyovest, Tshego, Riky Rick, Ma- an artist and music producer known gest songs Paris by Q-Mark & TpZee.
the amazing Zimbabwean talent in Philip Kembo, known professional- jor League, Professor and many other as Verseless. Verseless specialises in
music production. ly as “Dr. Chaii”, is a Grammy Nomi- artists. Alie Keyz has worked with big Hip-Hop, Electro, House, Pop, Drum, Young DLC
nated record producer and song- names in Africa including Soul Broth- and Bass. He has worked with the in- Young DLC (born Darlington La-
NB: This compilation is not ex- writer. He has co-produced and co- ers, Himba Noi, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Exit ternationally acclaimed Shingai, Bur- zarus Chikwewo) is a dance mu-
haustive, so feel free to add other written for Sean Paul, Pitbull, Chris na Boy and many others. sic producer, songwriter and artist
amazing producers doing interna- Brown, Camila Cabello, Jason Derulo, Mr Brown Daecolm from Zimbabwe. He has produced
tional projects that we may have left Dua Lipa, French Montana and many Mr Brown (born Lynol Siwela) is a The now US based Daecolm was for shows such as Coke Studio Af-
out. Thank you for supporting our others. Zimbabwean-born and South Afri- born in Zimbabwe and moved to rica where he was responsible for
work #weLoveLocal. Mboks ca based artist. He grew up in Gwe- South West London at an early age. producing all the covers, remixes. At
Tanzania based Humphrey Dom- ru. He is a renowned producer, singer, He has worked with artists such as: Coke Studio Africa he produced for
Simba Tagz boka aka Mboks On the Beat is an and songwriter. He has produced for Avelino, Shift K3Y, Labrinth, Bru- Patoranking (Nigeria), Olamide (Ni-
Real name Simbarashe Tagwireyi. internationally sought after Zimba- Master KG, Nomcebo, Makhadzi and nelle, Feder, Elijah Blake, Mario, Chris geria), AKA, Shekinah, Yemi Alade
He is an Artist, Producer and re- bwean artist and producer who has a many other top artists. Brown, Trey Songz, Desiigner, Craig (Nigeria), Kiff No Beat (Côte d’Ivoire),
cord label owner. Simba Tagz has long running catalogue of music pro- Kooldrink Munashe Kugarakuripi David, Original Dodger, Krept & Ko- Rayvanny (Tanzania), Winky D (Zim-
produced for several African music jects he has been involved in, from is a South African disc jockey, sound nan, Yungen, Sneakbo. babwe), Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) and
heavyweights such as Burna Boy. film scores and other related pro- engineer and record producer who Nicky Genius many more.
Maleek Berry, Lady Zamar, Niniola. ductions. He has produced for art- found fame with the name Kooldrink. Kuwadzana-bred Norman Chip- Obi Mhondera
Jusa Dementor «« ists such as Saudi Sol, Soweto Gospel Apart from making his own music, fumbu (Nicky Genius) is the fast- A Multi-Platinum Songwriter / Pro-
Jusa is an award winning Zimba- Choir and many others. Kooldrink has worked with the likes of est rising Zimbabwean producer. He ducer, Music Publisher and manag-
bwean born music producer and Riffi Wacho DJ Maphorisa, Shane Eagle, Young- has produced several hits for Winky er based in Umea Sweden. Born in
musician based in the United King- Award winning producer and staCPT, and Sho Madjozi. He worked D (Such as Rugare ft Buffalo Soul- Mutare, the producer and re-mixer
dom. Real name Tawanda Sibotshi- sound engineer based in South Af- with Ed Sheeran on his hit single Bad jah, ft Beenie Man -My Woman, Dze- responsible for many major releases
we. Jusa Dementor is producing for rica. Affectionately known as the Habits — Amapiano remix. mudanga, Chandelier, Reply), inter- worldwide, particularly in the Unit-
several international artists such as Sound Sangoma, Riffi is one of the Murphy Cubic national artist Tory Lanez (It doesnt ed Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Obi
Red Rat, Beenie Man, Tuface, Winky best on the continent. Bulawayo based Music producer matter), Sulu Chimbetu (Alice Mbe- has worked with & contributed mu-
D, Vybz Kartel, Lady Saw, Playbouy He has worked on projects for real-name Mefibosheth Kesani Ncu- we), Ishan and UK’s The Voice 2021 sic to artists such as John Legend,
and T Rex and many others the Sweet Symphony, Just 6, The be produces/beat makes a wide va- winner Anatoria (Lola lola) and many Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Jay
Mr Kamera Muffinz, PJ Powers, Soweto Gospel riety of genres namely Pop, Electro more. Sean, Natasha Bedingfield , New-
Real name Tatenda Terence Kam- Choir, Zakes Bantwini, Davido, Jah Dance Music, Hip-Hop, House Mu- Shayzar ton Faulkner, Macy Gray, Wiley, Sug-
era. The South Africa based artist Prayzah, Emtee, RJ Benjamin, Lokua sic (all its sub genres), Afro-Pop. Mur- South Africa based Shingirayi ababes, Exo, Exo-Cbx, BTS, Tvxq, As-
and music producer has worked with Kanza and many others. He is also an phy Cubic has produced for SAMA Zimanyi started off producing for his tro, SUPER JUNIOR, SF9, V.I.
African musicians; Ice Prince, L-Tido, artist in his own right. Award-winning artists and a number label MixMasters and is now working
Gemini Major, Victoria Kimani, Burna — earGround
Boy, Cassper Nyovest, AKA and Yemi
Alade and top local artists. He is the
producer behind the Music Score for
Netflix’s Blood and Water series.
GeniusMithol
The Highfield, Harare based beat-
maker and producer Milton ‘Genius-
Mintol’ Kanongwah has produced
for international Dancehall stars
from Jamaica such as Tanto Metro
& Devonte, Spice, Kaibanon, 1MrS-
mooth, on the continent he has pro-
duced for Ice Prince, Roberto, NC
Dread and locally for Nutty O, Guspy
Warrior and many more.
Tinashe “T-Collar” Sibanda
Zimbabwean born but US based
music producer. He has worked
with American artistes such as Kevin
Gates, Rita Ora and Chris Brown.
He co-produced Rita Ora and Chris
Brown’s popular song Body On Me.
Previously nominated for a Grammy
award after the Suicide Squad Al-
bum was nominated for Best Com-
pilation Soundtrack for the Visual
Media category.
Rymez
Born Rodney Kumbirayi Hwingwiri
in Zimbabwe the producer-cum-art-
ist moved to the UK in his teen years.
Rymez has worked with top artists
Frisco, Lioness, Krept & Konan, Wiley
and G-Unit rapper Young Buck,
Wretch 32, Sean Paul, Fuse ODG,
Wizkid, Skepta, JME, Kojo Funds, Fu-
ture, Stefflon Don, Idris Elba, X Factor
winner James Arthur, Krept & Konan,
Tory Lane, Cassper Nyovest, Ampli-
fy Dot.
Brian Soko
Brian is a Zimbabwean songwrit-
er and record producer who is based
in the United States. He won three
awards at the 2014 edition of the
Broadcast Music Inc R&B/Hip-Hop
Awards for composing Beyoncé’s
song, “Drunk in Love”, in 2014 and a
Grammy Award for his production
work on the same song. He has pro-
duced songs for and featuring art-
ists like Lil Wayne, Vigilante, Kendrick
Lamar, Detail, Birdman, Wiz Khali-

SPORT December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 23

Morocco run to semi-final can
‘galvanise’ African football

MMorocco have only conceded one goal in eight games since Walid Regragui took over as coach in August victory at the Al Thumama Stadium grets — and they believed me.
orocco’s success sure, galvanise the entire continent. equally helped by the impressive has rewritten the history books. "You don't go to the World Cup
in becoming the But galvanising and dreaming is facilities at the Mohamed VI train-
first African team not enough to grow [the game] ing complex, which is unrivalled on Regragui, who took charge in to play only three games. The mes-
to reach the World and make African football more the continent. August, said self-belief has been sage passed to my team, my coun-
"Morocco is an example to fol- an important factor in their run to try and now the continent."
Cup semi-finals competitive to win the World Cup. the last four, having emerged from
can “galvanise” the continent, ac- “It needs concrete actions and low," Mosengo-Omba added. a group which contained Belgium, Meanwhile, Regragui says he was
cording to one of African football's long-term efforts.” "The government and the feder- ranked second in the world, and overcome by emotion after the vic-
Although Morocco's squad con- ation work hand-in-hand on foot- 2018 runners-up Croatia before tory over Portugal as the weight of
top officials. seeing off 2010 World Cup winners the country's achievement hit him.
The Atlas Lions beat Portugal 1-0 tains several foreign-born players, ball development of infrastructures Spain in the last 16.
on Saturday to make history, and a large part of their success stems and training programs. "I think it's the first time that I've
will now face defending champi- from the vast support — both emo- "Besides, and in addition, Caf "Everyone thought we were go- cried at a match," said the former
ons France in the last four in Qatar tional and financial — the team has and its member associations also ing to be knocked out in the first defender, who won 45 caps for
on today (19:00 GMT). received from the country’s foot- need to continue progressing on round," the 47-year-old said. Morocco.
However, Veron Mosengo-Om- ball federation (FMRF). good governance practices to im-
ba, the general secretary of Con- Almost uniquely in Africa, the plement good intentions.” "What I was telling the players "I tried to control my emotions
federation of African Football (Caf), FMRF is prepared to invest huge Morocco coach Walid Regragui was that we have elite players - because I need to show an exam-
says more investment and resourc- sums in the country's national has talked about the importance [Hakim] Ziyech for Chelsea, [Nous- ple to my players and show that I'm
es must be made available for oth- teams, with the $20m (£16.29m) of having ambition and dreaming sair] Mazraoui for Bayern, [Achraf] mentally strong.
er countries to match the achieve- devoted to women's football over of lifting the World Cup, while Sen- Hakimi for Paris St-Germain.
ment by the North Africans. a four-year period a clear example egal captain Kalidou Koulibaly said "I'm the coach after all, but
“Morocco show it is possible for of its aims. before the finals that African coun- "We have players in the top clubs sometimes it is just too much for
Africa to shortly have more teams That support helped Morocco tries should set higher goals. and we have a team that can win you when you get to the semi-fi-
in the World Cup semi-final, and reach both its first Women's Africa Before Qatar, only Cameroon games at the World Cup and that's nals of the World Cup. Sometimes
even in the final,” Mosengo-Omba Cup of Nations final and qualify for (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana what I tried to get through to my the emotions just pour out.
told BBC Sport Africa. the Women's World Cup earlier this (2010) had reached the last eight players. We need to be confident
“The Moroccan result will, for year. The men's team have been at the tournament, but Morocco's and we need to go out there and “I’d be lying if I said that I real-
give everything and have no re- ly thought what we were going to
get to the semi-final. I just couldn't
take control of the tears.” — BBC

Female December 14 to 20 2022 Weekly Digest 24
Zim rugby Precious Pazani
ref
Pazani
breaks
new
ground

TMUNYARADZI MADZOKERE gle,” ZRU said.
HE country’s leading rugby referee Pre- This year alone Pazani broke many barriers af-
cious Pazani continues to break new
ground after she became the first local to ter officiating in a number of high-profile competi-
officiate on the Women’s HSBC World Sev- tions such as the Women’s Six Nations Champion-
ens Series in Capetown last weekend. ship, men’s Under-20 Six Nations Championship and
Barely a week ago, Pazani was one of the four ref- the 2022 men’s Rugby Africa Cup which doubled as
erees from Africa to officiate at the Dubai Sevens In- the qualifiers for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
ternational series.
Rugby Africa also praised African referees who
The multi-talented Pazani has been on a steady have been officiating at international events making
rise since crossing over from basketball to rugby, special mention of Pazani following the Dubai Invita-
where she played for Zimbabwe in women’s rugby tional Sevens Tournament.
sevens before venturing into refereeing in 2014.
“Rugby Africa was well represented at the recent
In September this year, the 32-year-old umpire Dubai Invitational Sevens Tournament. Four referees
became the first Zimbabwean rugby referee to offi- participated, Bineta Sene (Senegal), Precios Pazani
ciate at the World Cup after her participation at the (Zimbabwe), Zaid Isaacs (Namibia) and Aymen Jri-
Rugby World Cup Sevens which was held in Cape ji (Tunisia).
Town, South Africa.
“75 match officials from all over the world took
Pazani was recently named the Referee of the Year part at the event last week. At the end of the event,
during the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society’s end- Precious Pazani left for Cape Town where she offi-
of-season awards ceremony held at Old Hararians ciated in the Cape Town Sevens,” Rugby Africa said
Sports Club in recognition of her achievements on yesterday.
the international circuit this year.
Pazani will be aiming to become a regular on the
The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) took to its so- whirlwind HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series which is
cial media platforms to celebrate Pazani’s latest. one of the most popular rugby events in world rugby.

“Fresh from being awarded Zimbabwe's Rug- The stopover in Cape Town was the third in the
by Referee of the year for the third consecutive year 2022/23 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, with the
,Precious Pazani has gone on to also become Zim- opening tournaments taking place in Hong Kong
babwe’s first local to officiate on the Women’s HSBC (November 4-6) and Dubai (December 2-3).
World Sevens Series. Pazani, also became the first lo-
cal referee to officiate at the Rugby World Cup held The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series includes 16
in Cape Town in September. men’s and 12 women’s teams, playing in pools, with
the top teams progressing to the Cup quarter-finals
“Congratulations Precious Pazani. Soar like an ea- and the bottom teams playing out for lower posi-
tions in the next round. Every match is crucial, as
World Series points are up for grabs.