NewsHawks 29 July 2022

NewsHawks Africa News Page 51

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Why Russia is on charm offensive in Africa

JOSEPH SIEGLE

RUSSIA is the source of less than 1% of Moscow intent on growing Russia’s African influence. Photo: Wikipedia Commons
the foreign direct investment into Af-
rica. Substantively, then, Russia brings ping up – and not with the broader cow’s orbit. For Museveni, drawing The Republic of the Congo’s  Presi- the international financial system.
little to the continent. public. It’s about elite co-option more closer to Russia sends a none-too-subtle dent Denis Sassou-Nguesso has led the Moreover, foreign direct investment
than traditional bilateral cooperation. message that he will move further to- Central African country for all but five
But the fact that Russia’s Foreign wards Moscow if the west is too critical years since he first came to power in is  strongly correlated  with upholding
minister Sergey Lavrov is making Understanding these motivations of his deteriorating human rights and 1979. The country  is ranked 169 out the rule of law. By signalling that they
a high-profile trip to Africa in the throes brings Lavrov’s trip and itinerary into democratisation record. of 180 countries on Transparency Inter- are open to Russia’s lawless internation-
of Russia’s war on Ukraine reveals how sharper focus. national’s annual corruption perception al order, these African leaders risk dam-
much Russia needs Africa. Ethiopian prime minister Abiy index. It has been on Moscow’s radar aging their prospects for greater western
Egypt’s President Abdel al Sisi is a Ahmed is also fending off fierce inter- for  expanding control  of hydrocarbon investment.
A priority for Lavrov’s trip to Egypt, key ally in Russia’s efforts to install a national criticism for Ethiopia’s alleged exports from the Congo, the Demo-
the Republic of the Congo, Uganda proxy government in Libya. This would human rights abuses in Tigray and sub- cratic Republic of Congo and CAR Nine of the top 10 countries invest-
and Ethiopia is to show that Russia enable Russia to establish an enduring sequent obstacles hampering the hu- through Pointe Noire. This would ing in Africa, comprising 90% of for-
is not isolated internationally, despite naval presence in the southern Medi- manitarian response in the region.  further enhance Russia’s influence over eign direct investment, are part of the
expansive Western sanctions. The ob- terranean and tap Libyan oil reserves. global energy markets. western financial system. It may take
jective is to portray Russia as an unen- Sisi has also been a Russian partner in Russia’s  thwarting  of UN Security Benefits to ordinary Africans? years for African countries to recover
cumbered Great Power that maintains attempting to derail the democratic Council resolutions drawing attention Lavrov’s visit demonstrates that there from the reputational damage of em-
allies around the globe with whom it transitions in Sudan and Tunisia. to the Tigray conflict and humanitari- are African leaders who find political bracing the Russian worldview that rule
can conduct business as usual. an crisis have been well appreciated in value in retaining ties with Russia, re- of law is arbitrary.
Russia, moreover, is  a major arms Addis. gardless of Moscow’s tarnished interna-
Russia is also vying to normalise an supplier for Egypt. A  US$25 billion tional reputation. Lavrov’s trip to Africa is not an isolat-
international order where might makes Russian-financed loan  for Russian Ethiopia has long maintained an ed event. It is part of an ongoing dance.
right. And democracy and respect for atomic energy company Rosatom, to independent foreign policy. But Addis Notably, most of the countries on Moscow is trying to gain influence on
human rights are optional. construct the Dabaa nuclear power Ababa is set to host the next Russia-Af- his African tour maintain significant the continent without investing in it.
plant in Cairo, makes little economic rica summit meeting later this year. The relations with the west. Hosting a This strategy can only gain traction if
Lavrov’s Africa trip is significant, ac- sense. But it does provide a potential event would provide a high-profile plat- high-profile visit from Lavrov is not in- certain African leaders see Russia as a
cordingly, for Russia’s geostrategic pos- windfall for cronies of Sisi and Putin. form to reinforce Moscow’s message tended to scuttle these ties. Rather, it is means to validate their hold on power,
turing. Russian messaging recasts Rus- And it is a means for Russia to gain fur- that it remains welcome on the global an attempt to gain more leverage vis-à- despite objectionable human rights and
sia’s imperialistic land grab in Ukraine ther leverage over Sisi. stage. vis the west. democratic norms.
as a broader East-West ideological
struggle. To the extent that Moscow Lavrov’s trip to Uganda provides While in Addis Ababa, Lavrov can But this is a dangerous game for these The advantages to Moscow and these
succeeds in this framing, few African political cover for the increasingly  re- be expected to highlight Russia’s close African leaders. Russia has an economy African leaders are clear. For ordinary
countries will criticise it. pressive and erratic regime of President ties with the African Union. Fear of the size of Spain’s, does not provide African citizens, not so much.
Yoweri Museveni as it attempts to or- annoying Russia led the regional body significant investment or trade to the
This, in part, explains why 25 of chestrate a hereditary succession to Mu- to repeatedly put off a virtual meeting continent (other than grains and arms), — The Conversation.
Africa’s 54 states  abstained or did not seveni’s son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. with Ukrainian president Volodymr and  is increasingly disconnected  from *About the writer: Joseph Siegle is
vote  to condemn Russia’s invasion of Zelensky. When the meeting was final- director of research at the Africa Cen-
Ukraine during the UN General As- Russia’s driving interest in Uganda ly (and quietly) held in July, only four tre for Strategic Studies, University of
sembly resolution ES-11/1 in March. is to pull another historically west- African heads of state tuned in. Maryland, United States.
This ambivalent response was in stark ern-leaning African country into Mos-
contrast to the overwhelming condem-
nation of Russia’s aggression from every
other region of the world.

Lavrov can also be expected to por-
tray the  recent Ukrainian-Russian
deal to unblock more than 20 million
metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain for
export as a humanitarian gesture by
Moscow. This, even though it was Rus-
sia’s invasion and blockade of Ukrainian
ports that has prevented the grain from
reaching international markets. Rus-
sia’s bombing of the Ukrainian port of
Odessa the day after the agreement was
signed suggests that Moscow will con-
tinue to try to weaponise the food crisis.
All while blaming the west.

Egypt and Ethiopia – key countries
on Lavrov’s itinerary – have been par-
ticularly hard hit by this disruption in
food supply. The Russian blockade has
caused global grain prices to double this
year, creating intense political and so-
cial strains throughout Africa.
What African hosts gain
Focusing on ideological themes helps
obscure how modest Russia’s official
economic and diplomatic investments
in Africa are.

This begs the question of what Afri-
can leaders gain from hosting Lavrov at
a time when Russia is under severe crit-
icism for its unprovoked aggression and
the destabilisation of global food, fuel,
and fertiliser markets. The short answer
is political support.

Russia’s expanding influence in Afri-
ca in recent years is mostly a result of
Moscow’s use of unofficial means —
deploying mercenaries, disinformation
campaigns, arms for resources deals,
and trafficking of precious metals.
These low-cost, high impact tools are
typically employed in support of isolat-
ed African leaders with dubious legiti-
macy. Russian backing of  beleaguered
leaders  in Central African Republic
(CAR), Mali and Sudan has been vital
to keeping these actors in power.

Russia’s asymmetric approach to
gaining influence in Africa is also nota-
ble in that these “partnerships” are with
the individual leaders Moscow is prop-

Page 52 World News NewsHawks

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Boris and Carrie Johnson to hold
wedding party at Tory donor’s estate

BORIS and Carrie Johnson are to hold A marquee erected on the grounds of Daylesford House, Gloucestershire, ahead of Boris and Carrie Johnson’s wedding party. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA.
a wedding party on Saturday at the Insert: Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson with his wife Carrie.
Cotswolds estate of a major Tory donor.

The outgoing prime minister, 58,
and his wife, 34, will host family
and friends at 18th-century mansion
Daylesford House in Gloucestershire,
owned by Anthony Bamford, the chair
of construction equipment manufac-
turer JCB.

Johnson abandoned plans to hold
the celebration at the prime minister’s
official country residence, Chequers in
Buckinghamshire, after allegations that
he was using the event to delay his de-
parture from office.

A huge white marquee topped with
bunting has been erected in the grounds
of Daylesford House. The event will
celebrate the couple’s wedding that
took place in a low-key private ceremo-
ny at Westminster Cathedral in May
2021 during Covid restrictions.

Guests will be able to relax on hay
bales placed outside the tent and eat
and drink at casks and small tables as
they enjoy views across meadows and
orchards, according to reports.

Lord Bamford, 76, is covering at
least some of the cost of the party at
the Grade I-listed mansion, the Mirror
reported.

The billionaire entrepreneur, who
supported Johnson’s successful leader-
ship bid in 2019, has given more than
£10m in donations and gifts to the
Conservatives since 2001.

The prime minister, who has been
married twice before, has regularly
mentioned JCB in speeches and events
and visited its Gurajat plant during a
trip to India earlier this year.

He crashed a digger displaying the authority and integrity. That’s why we
slogan “Get Brexit Done” through a made a different choice: to keep our
wall of fake bricks marked “Gridlock” reporting open for all readers, regard-
during a visit to a JCB factory in a stunt less of where they live or what they can
during the 2019 general election cam- afford to pay. This means more people
paign. can be better informed, united, and in-
spired to take meaningful action.
When asked about the wedding cel-
ebrations, No 10 declined to comment In these perilous times, a truth-seek-
on the “private matter”. ing global news organisation like the
Guardian is essential. We have no share-
… we have a small favour to ask. holders or billionaire owner, meaning
Millions are turning to the Guardian our journalism is free from commercial
for open, independent, quality news and political influence – this makes us
every day, and readers in 180 countries different. When it’s never been more
around the world now support us fi- important, our independence allows us
nancially. to fearlessly investigate, challenge and
expose those in power.
We believe everyone deserves access
to information that’s grounded in sci- — The Guardian.
ence and truth, and analysis rooted in

An aerial view of the grounds of Daylesford House. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PA

Porsche just got angrier Being a Fashion Model

&Life Style

STYLE TRAVEL BOOKS ARTS MOTORING

Page 53 Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Macheso is bigger than Ngwazi but . . .

TAURAI MHAKA

THE raging comparison of Sun-
gura legend Alick Macheso and
the emerging sungura star Mark
Ngwazi reminds me of the late
1990s when a colleague brought
Macheso's debut album, Magariro,
to a party.

The playlist was predominant-
ly Simon Chimbetu, Leonard
Zhakata, Leonard Dembo, John
Chibadura and System Tazvida.

Only two tracks from Macheso's
album were played before the al-
bum was dismissed as a mediocre
product which was not worth play-
ing at the party. The colleague who
brought the album was even given
names.

A few months later, a video of
the song Sarah, off the same album,
rocked Zimbabwean television.
People immediately fell in love
with the Borrowdale dance, the vo-
cals and music arrangement. Still,
many thought Macheso was a one-
hit wonder. His sophomore album,
Vakiridzo, silenced all critics whilst
his third album, Simbaradzo, es-
tablished him as the new King of
Sungura.

Who is bigger Alick Macheso or This question is not the same as Alick Macheso. ly coming a week after Macheso’s Mark Ngwazi.
Mark Ngwazi? "who is bigger between Macheso successful launch. Against all odds, whether he would last to win the
You don’t even need a jury to de- and Ngwazi". Not at all. It seeks to Ngwazi's album rose to compete league title.
cide on this matter. Macho is big- establish the better album between with Macheso's.
ger. In fact, he is the number one the two artistes' latest releases. Is the future of sungura in safe
musician in Zimbabwe followed An unbiased comparison of the hands?
by either Jah Prayzah or Winky D, Pomp and fanfare marked the two albums based on message, in- No artiste remains at the top of the
depending on your taste. That is a release of Macheso's album. The strument and vocals arrangement chats forever. As giants exit, new
discussion for another day. giant aquatic complex which takes and audience response shows that champions emerge. In gospel mu-
over 3 500 people was sold out and Nharo neZvinenharo is the better sic we are past Baba Manyeruke,
Macheso has an impressive pro- fans were turned away. Almost all of the two. Pastor Charamba, Fungisai and
file and music catalogue. His third musicians, including Jah Prayzah Shingisai's time. A new crop of ar-
album, Simbaradzo, surpassed the and Winky D, publicised the Nharo neZvinenharo ticks all the tistes in the mould of Janet Man-
record of Leonard Dembo’s Chite- launch on their pages. boxes. Listening to the album, you yowa and Minister Mahendere has
kete and Leonard Zhakata’s Maruva do not need anyone to convince emerged.
Enyika in terms of record sales in On the contrary, Ngwazi's al- you or dig into history. It simply
the first year of release. Macheso is bum was launched at Bar Rouge, a mesmerises the ears. The fusion of Similarly, in recent years has ev-
a legend and a big brand. venue that accommodates around Macheso and Chibadura’s sungura idenced the emergence of Ngwazi,
200 people. brands spiced up with Kapfupi's Simon Mutambi and Tatenda Pin-
Whilst Ngwazi is still learning comic lyrics created a refreshing jisi as serious contenders for the
the ropes, his last two albums took A few up-and-coming musicians hybrid sungura music. If this were sungura crown. If the fierce compe-
the music scene by storm. Taurai talked about his launch. Many mu- football, we would say Ngwazi tition in the genre is anything to go
Madzoka, off his previous album sic pundits dismissed the launch as has won this match, but not sure by, then sungura is in safe hands.
Chamugwegwedu Chamatindike, poorly timed and suicidal, especial-
became an instant hit, but many
still dismissed him as a one-hit
wonder. His latest album, Nharo
neZvinenharo, has marked Ngwazi
as a force to reckon with.

However, besides Ngwazi’s out-
standing efforts, Macheso remains
a bigger brand and granddad of
Zimbabwean music.
Which album is better Tasvitwa
Nashe or Nharo neZvinenharo?

Page 54 Life & Style NewsHawks

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

She is Dynamite on radio and in stature!

JONATHAN MBIRIYAMVEKA a day before as she interacts ing everything would probably Dynamite. ways something that you have
with colleagues, discussing is- take an hour or an hour-and-a- thing when one is on air is be- to be alert about,” she ex-
SHORT in stature, but dyna- sues of interest. half,” Dynamite said. ing careful of everything thing plained radio experience.
mite on radio! that you say. People interpret
“Sitting down and compil-   “I think the most difficult things differently and it is al- Nowadays radio presenters
Victoria Nyanhete has al- have to give more than just
ready endeared herself with playing music for their listen-
98.4 FM Midlands listeners ers and, more often than not,
with her excellent presentation they are supposed to be cheer-
and breath-taking music selec- leaders.
tion.
“Well, I am big on motiva-
And it is easy to see why the tion and inspiration so I try to
31-year-old has so much to of- make sure that each day one's
fer on the airwaves. hope has been lifted in a way
or the other.
We were keen to probe how
it all started, and Dynamite “I also love uplifting and
gives thanks to her family for empowering people so I always
instilling in her some good val- have something that one can
ues. take home and put into prac-
tice,” Dynamite said.
“I grew up in the City of
Progress, that is Gweru,” she “It feels really good, espe-
said. cially when they give positive
feedback of the impact that
One of the most tranquil they felt in their lives because
places in Zimbabwe to raise a of the programmes that I de-
child! liver.”

“It’s a peaceful place that I Dynamite attended Cecil
have always called home,” she John Rhodes Primary School
explained. later enrolled at Thornhill
High School.
“I come from a loving fam-
ily that is very supportive and She then moved to Herentals
has a Christian background, a College for her Advanced Lev-
family that has been a source el and proceeded to Midlands
of inspiration and motivation State University for her degree
for me.” programme.

But just how did a laid-back While she seems to have
city girl find herself on radio? been born with a silver spoon
in her mouth, Dynamite has
“I had always been in love her own regrets.
with radio from a very young
age. Growing up listening to “I'm sure everyone has re-
the radio I would imagine my- grets in there; I'm not spared.
self talking to thousands of There are chances that I let go
people in the studio while I of that I should have taken ad-
was alone,” she said. vantage of, but I guess we live
and we learn,” she said.
“I was fascinated by the idea
of people having nothing but She says her career highlight
one's voice to listen to and was when she had the privilege
connect.” of having a conversations with
high-profile people on air and
With the advent of social also winning a Zimstars Award
media and digital technology, for Best Radio Presenter in
she reckons that a lot has since 2019.
changed from the good old
days. During her spare time she
likes to read, especially mo-
“Of course now radio is tivational and inspirational
slightly different as it has also books.
become visual,” she said, add-
ing that: “I do not have a spe- “I also like to hang out with
cific type of music. I listen to friends and family as well as
anything that sounds good.” watch movies and series,” she
said.
Besides being a radio pre-
senter and emcee at functions, Speaking of love life or what
Dynamite is also an actress of has come to be known as "mjo-
note. lo" (dating), Dynamite lives by
the code.
“Acting has also been one of
my passions,” she said, adding “Love and relationships is a
that, “Besides radio I do voice tricky one, but if you find love
overs for adverts, I'm a direc- then cherish every moment,”
tor of ceremonies, an actress Dynamite said.
and also into retail business.”
She says she’s grateful to the
For those not in the know, listeners for the love and sup-
Dynamite hosts the mid-morn- port because “they give me the
ing show called Dandaro (play- strength to carry on. I appreci-
ground in short). ate them and hope that I con-
tinue to deliver in a dynamic
Essentially the show is a time and captivating way.”
to sit back, relax and connect.

Preparing for the show starts

NewsHawks Life & Style Page 55

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

AN anthology of short stories New African anthology of
titled African Teen Soul on Social short stories coming soon
Media Impact compiled by Africa
Teen Authors Book Initiative will South African author Nomawele Njongo promoting African teens anthology initiative. Cape Town coming from univer-
be published this August. sity until her career and dreams
South Africa is currently the Eastern Cape, South Africa, wants norance often the biggest driver of were shattered by her superi-
The Africa Teen Authors Book theatre of those sharp contradic- Africans to go beyond artificial division and hate - which should or’s insatiable desire for sex have
Initiative is an international liter- tions and conflict manifesting differences and come together for be the basis integration, cohesion taught her a lot of things about
ary platform created to promote themselves as xenophobia and Af- a common cause – integrate the and unity for bigger objectives. story-telling.
writing and reading of African ricaphobia. continent through knowledge
stories by teenagers across the and information – by fighting ig- Njongo’s experiences working She says before the coming
African continent to advanced Njongo, from Lusikisiki in the as a parliamentary assistant in compilation she invited a group
Pan-Africanist epistemology, of teens to submit stories under
knowledge systems, and under- the theme African Teens In the
standing of issues as well as social Covid-19 Era. At least 60 teens
integration and cohesion at an from five African countries - Ni-
early age. geria, Ghana, Lesotho, Zimba-
bwe and South Africa - heeded
African Teen Authors Book the call. The adjudication process
Initiative was conceived in De- took place in April.
cember 2020 and brought to life
on 1 February 2021. It started Adjudicators included Dr Faith
in Mzintlava A/A, Luqoqweni Ben-Daniels from Ghana, Nom-
Section C, Lusikisiki, in Eastern fanelo Kota and Tolika Sibiya, a
Cape, South Africa, led by author PhD candidate, Linda Zama, a
Nomawele Njongo of KwaziThi- former English teacher and KZN
na Publishers.  province adviser to the premier,
as well as Dr Nompucuko Zakaza
Njongo, executive director of from South Africa. 
the youth publishing project, is
keen to expand her initiative to More than 44 teens followed
build networks across Africa and the theme and certificates of par-
help promote the continent’s in- ticipation were issued to all of
tegration and cohesion through them.
story-telling.
The adjudicators were: Dr Hen-
She has been working flat out to ry Emeka Obidi from Nigeria, Dr
motivate and coordinate African Sibongiseni Steinger Mgolozeli
youths to tell their stories about (South Africa), Dr Sheikh Wesley
their communities, societies and Macheso (Malawi), Dr Ayanda
Africa, which has a rich history, Deliwe (South Africa), Thamie
cultural heritage and diversity. Africa Sithole (South Africa),
Advocate Chioneso Samantha
Her primary objective is to let Kanoyangwa (Zimbabwe), Tobi-
Africa tell her own stories and as Nairuki Olekina (Kenya), and
promote pan-African knowledge Linda Chimanikire (Zimbabwe).
systems, understanding of issues Botswana did not participate.
and solidarity.
Others involved were Okon
Njongo, the author of the re- Ukeme Cornelius Dominic, Raji
vealing Abortion by the Womb Aishat Okikiola, Blessing Agbola,
of Democracy: Surviving Polit- Victory Ebubechi, Munyaradzi
ical Sexual Masculinity in SA, Masvaure, Palesa Makoatsa, and
which chronicles the horror of Idrisu Nerzif.
her sexual assault and harassment
by the former ruling ANC chief Prominent Kenyan Professor
whip Mbulelo Goniwe who was Patrick Loch Otieno  Lumum-
eventually booted out of his job ba wrote the foreword.
and had his party membership
suspended, says she is passionate
about helping youths to tell their
African stories, share experiences
and develop interrelations in a
continent sometimes plagued by
divisions, conflict and hate.

Page 56 Poetry Corner NewsHawks

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Title: Such is my world Title: Let’s Talk Title: Gaia
Poet: Andy Kahari Poet: Nissi Poet: Temba Munsaka

Hate the taverns, the bar man, Before we get married, Epithet: The Demented Scribe
The brew, the puke I’d like to let you know; Walking down the Mighty Lake,
The messed up pants, There gon be days when you’re gon be so in sooty sandals raising hell on a typical sa-
The foul stench, love with me vannah escarpment
Inebriating our children; Days when you’ll hold me so tight as if you’re Drops of sweet sweat ambling along my
But never the concocter, the brewer; not gon see me anymore. frame like drops of dew along the grass
The breeder, the wonder not, And there gon be days when you’ll miss me but stork,
Where in earthly heaven, the last time you saw me was an hour ago. to give ants rivulets to satiate from
The brood swim under dusk? Please know there’s gon be a week where & bespatter my gleaming torso-
Hate the croc, the lion, the hyena, you’ll be so mad at me as my drumbeat dawdling scatter locusts!
The leopard and the cheetah A full week you’ll be quiet, unhappy and won’t Tilapia diving out of the blue deep to kiss
For invading the huts, the kraal, the village... talk to me the sun,
But never the cheating human; A week where I’ll be mad at you and things flippers in aerobic formation to befuddle the
The plunderer of the river, won’t be like they used to be. leprechaun kingfisher
The mountain, the forest; Heck there will be days I’ll start hating you: and The cabrettas orbing away to safety to the
Desecrating the deer, the buffalo, you- me bending horizon,
The zebra, the eland; Loathing everything you say, and everything as the sky and great expanse cuddle in a
Food for the beasts! you do. hot picturesque embrace
Hate the sharp shooter, Days where I’m gon feel like I made a mistake Dry morse brittle under my strides,
The sniper, the marksman, And sadly you’re gon have those days too. to petrify nature as dust like helium is freed
The rifleman, the bullet chamber loader, Days I wish I could punch you in the face from mother earth,
The spotter and the bomb; And days I realize that that’s a wish and grow wings over the translucent waters
But never the miner, That can never be addressed. Ripples of white waters rolling off a sub-
The excavation of suffering, Babe there are days we are gon make up merged rock,
The escalation of hurt to be mine To be very clear, minutes of heart throbbing and to sketch a rainbow in the sky
The shaping of the arrow tipped bullet, sweat dripping making up Blood 'n' sand edifice,
The packing of the flesh tearing shrapnel! Steaming the kitchen windows & plates break- a constant fluid in parched low veld!
Hate, condemn, chide, curse, ing: falling from the kitchen counter. The stubborn rugged hills remain un-
The chicanery There will be months were we will keep push- changed,
The chiefdom, the kingdom, ing- forging ahead as they continue to impose upon life below
The parliament; Reminding ourselves of that very moment we At that moment,
But not the man, the woman, said “I do” I cherished the beauty of life!
The constituents, the electorate Into years I will realize that you’re truly all I have
The vote caster, in this world. ZAMBEZI VALLEY ENCLAVE - a collection
The neighbourhood dog, There will be decades to meditate that even if I of protest pieces
Not chasing away the irate campaigner! love, hate or get angry with you
Damn, such is my world! That there’s absolutely nothing I can ever do ************************************************
Because I’m forever stuck with you
Overview: From that very moment I said I do. Title: Mittens for my Kittens
We know where the issue is but we cast a blind Poet: Sheikh Al Dirani
eye, and look elsewhere in the hope of not fac- .*****************************************************
ing our truth, which we now know we have let Title: Imprints of Pain The sneering wind is up with spears
out of hand for too long; rendering it almost too Poet: Samuel Chuma Rising in an icy Antarctic altercation,
complex to solve. With the sun on a thermal vacation
The easy way is thus simply to shift blame. the imprints of your words The sparrows die out of the sky
still linger in my mind In fluffy feathered death giving up the
***************************************************** startlingly defined ghost.
Title: Pain and Confusion heading grief-wards My furry cat gives a purring protest
Poet: Andile Sayi the love that we planted Shocks a winter with catty teeth chattering
somewhat still stands in bone-rattling yawns.
I felt the light in my womb, with boughs drooping downwards An icy blizzard out of Antarctica
The weight that felt like the moon. as i water it with my tears Slices around my old man’s shins
The feeling of greatness attached, the promises that we pledged Freezing on my grandfatherly chin
Two souls came out unannounced. in sugared midnight escapades The hoary icicles of my beard.
Uncontrolled release of emotion, now turn bitter on my tongue Grand me a heath for my wish,
Pain overshadows tears of joy. as i swallow my words Steep my spirit in near-scalding sauna,
Pain again when the light fades to darkness, it hurts like yesterday Borrow me a balmy October,
Confused if both worlds are a curse or worse. your decades old departure Bless my knee marrows with a thaw.
cutting merciless at my heart
with the daggers of today.

NewsHawks People & Places Page 57

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Deal done... 2023 Clipper Race reveals new South African Race partner for future editions which will focus on empowering rural communities. A signing ceremony was held in Derry, Northern Ireland,
with Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose from Bekezela and Clipper Race CEO William Ward and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, putting pen to paper.

THE Clipper Round the World Clipper Race unveils new of our Race Crew. Sailing is so much
Yacht Race — one of the biggest South African race partner more than just a sport or pastime as it
challenges of the natural  world  and gives you experience that is as useful
an endurance test like no other — race around the world.  A yacht race underway... Natal as well as help unlock econom- in the workplace as it is on board a
has unveiled Bekezela Community The Clipper Race is the only event ic opportunities for rural and impov- yacht. The sport develops self-confi-
Foundation (BCF) as it newest Host Knox-Johnston.  erished communities.” dence and self-esteem, and we hope
Port and Team Partner for its 2023- of its kind that trains people from all Mpungose said: “The Clipper that the successful BCF Ambassador
24 and 2025-26 editions. walks of life to become ocean racers. The City of uMhlathuze will first Crew will inspire others in their com-
The 40 000 nautical miles sailing Race, with its essence of ordinary welcome Clipper Race Crew in the munity.”
BCF is a non-profit organisation event takes eleven months to circum- people doing extraordinary things, autumn of 2023 when the Clipper
founded by Inkosi Thandisizwe Siya- navigate the globe, making six ocean seemed like the perfect collaboration 2023-24 Race fleet sails to this des- The new Host Port location means
bonga Mpungose to empower under- crossings and stopping in over ten to bring the world to Africa, and to tination. Situated on the east coast that the second stage of the sailing
privileged and vulnerable communi- countries.  uMhlathuze specifically. Our King of South Africa, a short drive from circumnavigation will round the
ties in South Africa. and the people of KwaZulu Natal Durban, uMhlathuze is a picturesque famous Cape Agulhas, one of the
The new partnership was revealed can’t wait to welcome this new leg resort that could be mistaken for world’s Five Great Capes.
True to its name, Bekezela -— at a launch event in Derry or Lon- of the Clipper Race in October next Cannes or Ville Franche.
which means “patience” or “to en- donderry, Northern Ireland, where year. Sailing around this cape requires
dure” in Zulu - is committed to the current edition of the race is in Known for its picturesque land- skill and respect, with its currents
restoring, cultivating and protect- port. A signing ceremony was held “Through our sponsorship of the scapes, warm water and balmy weath- and unpredictable weather making
ing African culture and heritage by with Mpungose from BCF and the Clipper Race we hope to shine a er, Clipper Race Crew will be treated for a cautious passage. Easterly Gales
strengthening, developing and em- Clipper Race chief executive Wil- spotlight on the immense raw nat- to its special South African hospital- known as the “Cape Doctor” are also
powering rural communities. liam Ward and chairman Sir Robin ural beauty, modern sophistication, ity during the stopover. The Clipper common, making for some tough
cultural diversity and pulsating ener- Race will then return to uMhlathuze upwind sailing in strong winds.
BCF aims to use its partnership gy which is the province of KwaZulu in its 2025-26 edition. 
with the Clipper Race to create a However, once the fleet has round-
platform of opportunity to make Record-breaking sailor Sir Robin ed this Great Cape, the nutrient rich
sailing part of the fabric of its com- Knox-Johnston, the first person to waters will mean the Race Crew can
munity whilst changing the narrative sail solo nonstop around the world expect to spot some of the best ma-
through diversity and inclusion ini- and Clipper Race founder, said: rine wildlife in the world, includ-
tiatives.   ing Cape Fur seals, Southern Right
“By partnering with the Bekezela whales, gannets and dolphins to
This new partnership means that Community Foundation together we name a few. 
the Port of uMhlathuze (Richards hope to make a lasting legacy in uM-
Bay) on South Africa’s eastern coast hlathuze and its surrounding area. By visiting the Northern Irish stop
will feature on the next two editions Our global race route will enable on the Clipper 2019-20 race route,
of the sailing event’s global race route.  BCF to showcase its foundation and BCF will be able to see the positive
the region it represents to an interna- impact that a stopover can have on
The City of uMhlathuze, around tional audience. And as a Host Port Host Port.
where the event will take place, is a on our race route, new visitors will
municipality serving the Richards discover what this beautiful coastal This is the fifth time the Clip-
Bay, Empangeni, eSikhaleni, eNsele- region has to offer.  per Race has visited Derry, or Lon-
ni, Vulindlela, Ngwelezane and Port donderry, and since this partnership
Durnford areas on the north coast of “From our many years of deliv- began ten years ago, a long-standing
Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. ering successful ambassador pro- legacy has been created, drawing over
grammes, we have seen first-hand 600 000 visitors to the stopovers over
It is home to  the deepest port in how empowering such schemes are the decade, igniting civic pride and
Africa and one of the largest bulk ter- for the individuals who become part generating millions of pounds for the
minals in the world. local economy.

In addition, through its team By partnering with the Clipper
entries, BCF will be offering local Race, BCF aims to bring such success
people from rural communities the to and leave a lasting legacy within
opportunity to apply to become an communities in uMhlathuze and its
ambassador representing it and train surrounding region. 
to become crew on the sailing event’s

Page 58 Sport NewsHawks

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

NewsHawks Sport Page 59

Issue 91, 29 July 2022

Africa’s first black Test cricket umpire: ‘I
was afraid of letting down a whole race’

LEGENDARY Jamaican Steve Buc- years ago, but the school has kept work were big for them.  I was for- making excuses. The 2020 Women’s Langton Rusere.
knor set the benchmark for cricket it to this day. What has also been tunate to be really bright at school. T20 final was incredible. That’s the ago, even as three countries on the
umpires of African heritage. kept by Victoria High is the British The same values that I learnt at biggest crowd I’ve seen at a cricket continent were co-hosting the 2003
sporting legacy of such disciplines home, at cricket and at school are match to date, 86 174 at the MCG World Cup. It has happened now,
The man from the West Indies as cricket and rugby. This is where pretty much the same values on the (Melbourne Cricket Ground in and Rusere wants to see a contin-
was a colossal figure in the game, Rusere learnt his cricket. “When I ICC PCT (International Cricket Australia)! Also ask me about my uation. “I hope that I can inspire
umpiring a record 128 Test match- was at Vic High, respect was some- Council, Play Control Team) Code: other early experiences! First ball of someone to believe that they, too,
es, in addition to 181 ODIs includ- thing that was instilled in us,” Rus- accountability, honesty, leadership, my first Test! I didn’t get time to get can be all they dream of being,” re-
ing five consecutive World Cups. ere says. “You were either willing, or and trust.” nervous. Appeal off the first ball!” marks Rusere.
made willing. We were shaped into
Back on the home continent, respectful young gentlemen – or Outside bilateral Tests, ODIs and Rusere is well travelled, on duty, “If a little kid from the listed
South Africans Rudi Koertzen, at least I was! It’s something that’s T20Is, Rusere has been receiving around the cricket-playing world. country, a poor kid from an aver-
Dave Orchard and Marais Erasmus helped me in my uprising.” lofty appointments, including at And he loves every bit of it. age cricket-playing nation can um-
have been the big names on the the Women’s T20 World Cup and pire with some of the best umpires
world stage. Zimbabwe’s Russell Rusere is incredibly grateful to the Caribbean Premier League. “I’m incredibly blessed to have in the world and officiate in some
Tiffin and Ian Robinson were also a lot of people who encouraged my job,” he says. “I get to watch global events, what’s stopping them
torchbearers. Combined, the five him to take up cricket, and um- How does it feel, as a ground- cricket for free. Well, I get paid for from going after their dreams? I re-
men stood in over 250 Tests since piring. Too many to mention. He breaker, to be officiating in the it! It takes a bit of getting used ad- member being told to lower my ex-
1992. would hate to leave out anybody, world’s biggest cricket stadiums justing to different conditions, but pectations by some of my colleagues
so he prefers not to single out any.  alongside the best umpires on the it’s amazing to learn about different when I would say I wanted to um-
Perhaps not surprising, not until But when it comes to family, it is planet? cultures and see different places”. pire Tests. I’d say ‘never allow any-
2021 had a black African umpired a bit different. “My dad was in the body to trim your dreams’. Dream
in Test cricket, the pinnacle of the army,” he says, suggesting military Not a very clever question, be- “In my case, a lot of my colleagues big and work hard. If you persist,
game. History was made by Zim- discipline in his upbringing. cause Rusere can spend the whole have grown to be like brothers and you’ll realise your dreams.”
babwean Langton Rusere, who cap- day on it. sisters to me. What I truly love is
tured the attention of the sporting “My mother was a housewife the cultural cross-pollination. A lot From umpiring in Zimbabwean
world when he made his Test debut who didn’t tolerate nonsense. And “How much time do you have!” of us have grown to understand a domestic cricket before a man and
in a match between hosts Zimba- then to my parents, since I wasn’t he quips. “It’s amazing how I’m still lot about different cultures and rac- his dog, to officiating in front of
bwe and Pakistan in Harare in April on a cricket scholarship at Vic quite inexperienced and have had es due to umpiring.” over 80 000 in the final of a major
2021. It was a massive personal High, school needed to come first. lots of experiences. My first CPL international tournament, the man
achievement, but for the 37-year- At Vic, respect, honesty and hard match was a shock to me. I had nev- A black African umpire at the is indeed living his dream.
old Rusere, the significance of this er umpired in a packed stadium and highest level of the game would
historic feat went beyond just him- still had to do a good job without have been unthinkable two decades — This Is Africa.
self.

“Being the first black African Test
umpire scared me,” Rusere tells This
Is Africa. “I was afraid of letting a
whole race down if I didn’t perform
well. If I had just been the first um-
pire in my neighbourhood, then
messing up would be okay.”

But Rusere has not, of course,
let anyone down in his umpiring
career. The good life values that
were instilled in him while grow-
ing up – honesty and integrity –
have carried him from the bottom
of Zimbabwe’s domestic leagues
right through to the highest level of
world cricket.

“I have always wanted to be a
Test umpire,” he remarks. “This was
a big deal. Obviously, I’m black and
I’m proud. I’m proud to be Zim-
babwean and proud to be African.
I had so much pressure and pride
in being the first black African to
stand in a Test match.”

Like most young Africans of his
age, cricket was not Rusere’s first
contact with sport. But this game
was something he perhaps could not
escape from. Rusere was brought up
in Zimbabwe’s oldest town, Masv-
ingo, his birthplace, where the first
game of cricket is said to have been
played in the country 132 years ago. 

Members of the British South
Africa Company’s Pioneer Column,
who established the new colony of
Rhodesia’s first urban settlement in
1890, were the first local cricketers.
Masvingo was known as Fort Vic-
toria from the colonial era through
to two years into black rule in
1982. One of Fort Victoria’s most
cherished institutions was Victoria
High School, where the town’s fin-
est teenagers were educated.

The town and school were named
after Queen Victoria of the Unit-
ed Kingdom – a country that lays
claim to having invented crick-
et. The town changed its name 40

Sports Nurturing
footballers
on the other
side of town

Romanticism v
Realism: How we
blew it againThursday 1 October 2020

Friday 29 July 2022 @NewsHawksLive TheNewsHawks www.thenewshawks.com

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS CULTURE
Tale of two Platinums, and$60Covid
tariff for
visitors &
Community
radio
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tourists under review

Story on Page 3 Story on Page 8
tally wiped Zimbabwean football off the
two ex-WaCrrhioarsmciaspatarinesacEVIDENTLY,NgeziPlatinumFChave
not learnt the tiniest of lessons from their sporting calendar? Compare with FC
namesake across Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke. out to KhupePlatinum’s fellow mining club, Ngezi Plat-
When FC Platinum arrived on the inum. Ironically, the number of years —
seven — that it took Platinum to finally
Premier Soccer League (PSL) scene a little win the PSL title, is the same number of
over a decade ago with eye-catching swag years that Ngezi have been in the PSL.
and flamboyance that drew the attention Coaches have come and go — Tonde-
of the whole country, the Zvishavane club
splashed cash like never seen before in rai Ndiraya was dismissed after guiding
Zimbabwean domestic football. them to second position. Players have also
As money flowed freely from the min- Unofficial president calls for emergebeen in and out of the club at an alarming
ing club’s coffers, Platinum challenged for rate.
top honours straightaway in their debut It appeared that the modus operandi
PSL season in 2011, almost desperate to had changed at Ngezi when somewhere
justify their spending habits. mid-way this season they appointed for-
In a tantalising title race in 2011, Plat- mer Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaru-
inum — who had been top of the league wari as head coach.
for the greater part of the season — were Holder of a UEFA "A" coaching badge,
left completely gutted after losing the bat- you felt in former Manchester City for-
tle to record Zimbabwean champions Dy- ward Benjani that Ngezi had now settled
namos on goal difference. down with the right man to help them go
What a thrilling finish it was to a con- through the whole process without cut-
test that turned on its head in the business ting corners, without illusions.
end of the season after the Harare giants Benjani’s lengthy contract with Ngezi
went to Platinum’s fortress, Mandava Sta- — said to be between three to five years
dium, and emerged with a priceless last- — suggested the Mhondoro outfit had
gasp 1-0 victory to gain advantage over finally decided to do things the right way
most neutrals’ favourite for the title.  and let results take care of themselves.
The heartbreak of their maiden season Football is a result-based business and
sent Platinum back to the drawing board, every coach, including Benjani, is only as
and it was a no-brainer solution: pump good as his last game.
more money into the football club. Three wins, four losses and six draws do
So off they went shopping again with not amount to handsome returns for Ben-
their swelling bank account and this time jani by any means. But not a complete di-
it was even bigger names, conquering the saster for somebody who took over during
transfer market to come up with an im- the course of the season in his first job as
pressive compilation of Zimbabwe’s best a head coach. Ngezi, besides, were never
footballing talent. Benjani Mwaruwari as Ngezi Platinum coach. going to win the title anyway, so why the

But there was the small matter of Dy- prove that just because they had not been started to tap into its expanding youth in 2017, 2018 and 2019 – nearly on all rush for the axe?
namos, as we were to witness for a few among rich FC Platinum’s chosen ones structures. And then, perhaps more im- occasions under Norman Mapeza, who Giving Benjani a fresh new season
more seasons. At the beginning of 2011 on the transfer market, they were no way portantly, Platinum recruited a coach they left mid-way through the 2019 season be- next year — to see what he is made of —
and then buoyed by their championship inferior to the "galácticos” assembled at put full trust in, someone they were pre- fore returning in 2020. seemed the most logical thing to do, given
success at the end of that season — a Mandava. he had the time now to allow him to
measly second PSL title for the club in pared to be patient with — doing away build his own project. A new coach
But, as this was happening, Platinum with the trigger-happy attitude that had
14 years — DeMbare had been silently were watching, learning and sobering. A characterised their earlier years in the will not guarantee Ngezi trophies,
crafting quite a mean machine that would and now they must pay Benjani a
make an absolute mockery of Platinum’s lot had been done in the quest for ear- Premiership. This time around they were HawkZone substantial amount of money with-
money for the next three more years. ly success, to no avail. Money had been prepared to wait, and indeed they waited. out fully utilising him. In Zvisha-
spent, lots of it. Coaches had been hired vane, Mapeza — another former
The end of Dynamos’ glory era at the
Callisto Pasuwa’s team went on an and fired, on top of an unhealthy player end of 2014 did not pave the way for
amazing run to be crowned Zimbabwe’s turnover in search of elusive silverware. Platinum to finally land their hands of the national captain — was in his third
champions four times in a row, with un- EnockPlatinum quickly realised that while fusPelnaastodinnsuamt tthoethceZluiribmfiwrs'htsePnlSaLhteteitlseledt. lFaCnd
mistakable grit that was the centrepiece of
this group of players’ dominance. money can indeed buy the success they
ALttihSteleOc. hCaIhmNicpkSieonInDsIniEnn 2a0n1d5CFaAinnPdSa2nU01nc6iet.edMwienreisty wipes out $3.2 Billion depositors c
Muchinjosought, for an institution that prides itself
Platinum finally became Zimbabwe’s This season, Mapeza looks on
In professional sport, momentum can in unadulterated professionalism, they champions for the first time in 2017, a course to bagging his third champi-
be a very difficult thing to stop, and some- needed to take on a strategic approach and good seven years since they tried and al- onship medal as Platinum’s coach,
times all you have to do is wait for your trust the process. and the club’s fourth in succession.
time when one is on a roll. most pulled off the unthinkable feat of In comparison, it is something of a
So they abandoned the free-spending lifting the title in their debut PSL season. Platinum look favourites again this
And we may also add that the play- policy but when they spent, they bought And they are reaping the fruits of their year to make it a fourth one on the trot. mystery that Ngezi imagined they could
ers in Pasuwa’s all-conquering Dynamos well and smartly. To complement the new good labour and patience. They have been Who knows what would have transpired achieve big things with Benjani in just half
side were fueled by a burning desire to signings, the club slowly and strategically champions on three consecutive occasions in 2020 and 2021 had Covid-19 not to- a season.

ALSO INSIDE ‘I was afraid of letting down a whole race’