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[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-29T10:47:58 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F24%2F60406%2FOrgan-trafficking-an-urban-legend-expert-reiterates.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/3615029E-CF73-4793-B2C5-719868F5DFC5.jpeg | en | null | Organ-trafficking an ‘urban legend,’ expert reiterates | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- National Transplant Coordination Institute (INCORT) director Fernando Morales on Wednesday reiterated his affirmation that the alleged cases of criminal organ-trafficking are an “urban legend,” that emerge when the media “is short on news.”
He said the situation aims to confuse the population in the case of the girl Carla Massiel Taveras, 10, who vanished in the town of Pedro Brand, north of the capital, because it’s impossible to conduct such surgeries.
He said many times when there are reports of children kidnapped for their organs are just "urban legends" and myths that in his view, emerge periodically because the press is sometimes devoid of news. "Sadly this time it was full of news, and yet it came up. Now it has started to be clarified a little as to what were the causes when it comes to this type of complaint, but hey, that's nearly and virtually improbable."
Interviewed on Antena Latina Channel 7, the physician added that it’s impossible to involve over 100 medical specialists in a criminal trial of this kind, in addition to the implications and complex methods a donor requires. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/24/60406/Organ-trafficking-an-urban-legend-expert-reiterates | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/cb0ffe475c3687223f455dba6415d1cd3cd9fc38a41deacd97e51d7c1c217a74.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-29T16:48:05 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F24%2F60411%2FBank-realtor-executives-arrested-charged-with-fraud.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/28F82010-3788-40B2-A234-E039C0628FC9.jpeg | en | null | Bank, realtor executives arrested, charged with fraud | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- National District prosecutor Yeni Berenice Reynoso said three Propiherbon realtor executives were arrested Wednesday on charges of fraud and forgery, and called customers who invested money in that company to go immediately to her office.
Retired general Ivan Aquiles Hernandez Oleaga, Aquiles Hernandez Bona and Ivette Patricia Hernandez Bona, father and sons respectively, are accused of fraud through the Providencial bank and breach of trust through Propiherbon.
"The prosecution has conducted various investigations during several weeks and proceeded to conduct raids and arrests in the early hours of Wednesday morning," the official said, and urged all people with investment in Propiherbon go to her office as soon as possible to be apprised on the status of the case.
Reynoso added that more details in the case will be provided in the coming hours and will request appropriate measures against the accused. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/24/60411/Bank-realtor-executives-arrested-charged-with-fraud | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/cf2ab17f9ab6a3d76a4b6db0ceafd0c038def7badc33b39b356bf970ffa44439.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T13:02:36 | null | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F20%2F60368%2FTucanogate-Generals-release-sends-a-wrong-signal.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/963A0845-8BF7-4187-81DD-70C59D378BE5.jpeg | en | null | Tucanogate: General’s release sends a wrong signal | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- Justice and Transparency Foundation (FJT) director Miguel Angel Reyes on Friday said Justice minister Jean Alain Rodriguez, is compelled to set a precedent in the Tucanogate scandal.
He said the release of businessmen Daniel Aquino Mendez and his son Daniel Aquino Hernandez and former defense minister, Air Force Gen. Rafael Peña Antonio sends a signal to the population that it seeks to play down the case.
He also warned that the release of the accused, without any conditions other than a ban on travel, endangers many evidence that could vanish and also lets them “concoct all sorts of maneuvers to block out the consequences of the actions for which they’re charged.”
"The Tucano case is symbolic and should become a turning point between what has been called a case of impunity and indifference in cases of corruption and should be exploited to impose a new archetype of the actions of the Dominican justice aimed at ensuring better administration of justice," Reyes said.
“These privileged defendants have to be dispensed the same treatment as all those who violate the law,” Reyes said in reference to money laundering and drug trafficking. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/20/60368/Tucanogate-Generals-release-sends-a-wrong-signal | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/4b7807dd2f58ccee2638a86eb62c45ff2880a1a2afee7ee191fe105fa993777c.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-27T14:47:22 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F24%2F60404%2FOnly-in-Dominican-Traffic-cop-prosecutor-kiss-n-make-up.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/8C63F173-0AC2-4FB2-9D77-2319620F63CB.jpeg | en | null | Only in Dominican: Traffic cop, prosecutor ‘kiss ‘n make up’ | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- In yet another case “Only in Dominican Republic,” the National District Office of the Prosecutor on Tuesday said it dropped the case against Metropolitan Transit Authority (Amet) officer Richardson Saba, charged with assaulting Assistant DA Sourelly Jáquez, when both admit culpability and agreed to put an end to the brouhaha.
"I will pay the corresponding fine because all of us in law enforcement are the first called to comply," said Jáquez.
The prosecutor had accused Saba of assault, but admitted having committed a traffic violation when she parked on the sidewalk.
Meanwhile the traffic cop said he "involuntarily" assaulted the official. "The situation got out of control, but I’m very sorry because she's a lady and I’ve always been respectful of all people and especially women."
Reading from a document, Saba said he comes from an honest, humble and hardworking family. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/24/60404/Only-in-Dominican-Traffic-cop-prosecutor-kiss-n-make-up | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/322e9caa2958cff0c31f2175889947447c36009c298101115e10548fa2313585.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T13:00:13 | null | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F22%2F60375%2FDominicans-in-NYC-slam-new-Sports-Minister-as-common-swindler.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/DE87E499-78E3-4C9A-9E83-1A845331A102.jpeg | en | null | Dominicans in NYC slam new Sports Minister as ‘common swindler’ | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | New York.- The Al-País Party in New York on Saturday said Danilo Diaz’s designation as Sports Minister reveals the weak will of the administration of the ruling PLD party to tackle corruption and its contempt for the Dominican community abroad.
It said Diaz is the same character who was forced to repay more than US$540,000 to 29 people who were defrauded in the Pueblo Bavaro housing project.
"Exposed as a common swindler by the judicial authorities in New York, the now minister in Danilo Medina’s administration has also been barred from dealing in real estate in this city," the political organization said in a statement quoted by acento.com.do.
Al-Pais stressed that there’s no assurance that Diaz has complied in all its parts with the court-ordered agreement. “There’s no doubt that the mantle of impunity that covers the corrupt Dominican politicians is reinforced with designations such as senior PLD leader Danilo Diaz as Sports Minister.” | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/22/60375/Dominicans-in-NYC-slam-new-Sports-Minister-as-common-swindler | en | 2016-08-22T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/1d1a54560e384423ff569a892fa56251e56dde9b3452355282ae0209de5085f4.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:24 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F25%2F60418%2FRaids-shuttered-clinics-in-Dominican-Republic-kidnapping-for-organs-case.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/D2F7DF85-963A-440E-823F-3C45E346449B.jpeg | en | null | Raids shuttered clinics in Dominican Republic kidnapping-for-organs case | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- Dozens of investigators of the Santo Domingo province office of the prosecutor and National Police officers Wednesday last night raided three clinics and shuttered two, of the Centro Medico Integral.
The authorities entered the facilities and searched the areas of files and labs for evidence that people had been hospitalized to remove their organs.
The investigators seized trays, utensils and surgical equipment in the three clinics, where police officers and Health Ministry inspectors turned away ambulances with patients headed to the emergency areas. Clinic staff reacted with surprised at the authorities’ action and said they didn’t know the reason behind the raids.
The raids in the clinics, located in the Ensanche Ozama, Hainamosa and Villa Duarte subdivisions, come in the wake of statements by the convict Dawin Jose Trinidad, accused of abducting, raping and selling Carla Massiel Cabrera, 9, to extract some of her organs.
She vanished on June 25, 2015, when he left her home in the town Pedro Brand, and her body was found some 500 meters from where lived, after the admitted kidnapper took police to the site where he had buried her.
Trinidad said he kidnapped the girl on a motorcycle and then allegedly sold it to remove her organs. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/25/60418/Raids-shuttered-clinics-in-Dominican-Republic-kidnapping-for-organs-case | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/c8caaf73a4656046df0fe35b1e9391342135e1193f4b7346d21d4491812b3cc2.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:26 | null | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Fpeople%2F2016%2F8%2F20%2F60371%2FUniversity-hosts-the-first-international-seminar-on-waste-management.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/3635ACBD-61A6-4FCA-8B1D-CE8456EFDD09.jpeg | en | null | University hosts the first international seminar on waste management | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- The first international seminar on waste management concluded Friday, hosted during two days by UNPHU University’s Faculty of Science and Technology.
The gathering, which featured six national and international experts who spoke about solid waste’s impact on health and the environment, sought to analyze and propose solutions to minimize risks.
International consultant Francisco Pereira de Oliveira on Friday analyzed the topic of landfill design, that also the focus of the participant company Hache-Maccaferri.
On the topic of hospital waste management spoke Carmen Elena de Jano, whereas Juan Roberto Suriel discussed the definitive disposal of car tires and construction waste, among others.
The Propagas Foundation analyzed the issue of solid waste as art and education.
Its representatives explained the program schools where students have used recycled materials to decorate the walls of their schools for years. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/people/2016/8/20/60371/University-hosts-the-first-international-seminar-on-waste-management | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/5161c3dff6abc764e3d75e8a10565dfdfa918056827497bfcfb3693db36be20a.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-29T10:48:02 | null | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F24%2F60405%2FThugs-on-motocycles-big-problem-few-answers.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/ED657950-91A5-4E71-9702-3105A32CA211.jpeg | en | null | Thugs on motocycles; big problem, few answers | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- While citizens continue to be wary of public places and worry about their safety, the holdups using motorcycles, muggers make their escape look easy, as assaults have increased in the last few days, with eight cases including that of deputy Education minister Luis de Leon.
Police meanwhile continue looking for ways to prevent them, but the criminals outdo their own feats and seem increasingly encouraged to attack victims at any time of day and place, with their motorcycles the most reliable means of escape.
But despite that the latest assaults include some fatalities thus far the authorities have yet to identify any perpetrator.
Land Transit Agency Resolution No. 02-16, which lists the measures to combat muggings and other crimes in which motorcycles are used, lists the ways to regularize the over 1.5 million bikes in the country.
The resolution however seems to go unenforced.
Newspaper Listin Diario reports that studies reveal that motorcycles are used in as many as 80% of the country’s robberies.
Conundrum
Adding to the chilling figures is the fact that motorcycles have become the most widely used form of passenger transport in the country. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/24/60405/Thugs-on-motocycles-big-problem-few-answers | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/635b4bf0f0b8e8f3cb5c0d1519e9e386f3d512877e4b498dbc0959236759b064.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-31T12:48:38 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F31%2F60459%2FVargas-pulls-off-export-ban-reversal.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/9776C937-AA1B-4E1C-9933-C4D91D8E1674.jpeg | en | null | Vargas pulls off export ban reversal | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo. – The Ministry of Foreign Relations announced Tuesday that the Haitian government has agreed to lift the restrictions on overland imports of 23 Dominican products in the next few days, as long as the corresponding customs fees are paid.
In a press release, Haitian Foreign Minsiter Pierrot Delienne said that his government would also provide 112,000 of its citizens with the official documents they need in order to qualify for the Dominican Republic’s foreigner regularization plan.
According to the document, the decision was taken during Tuesday's visit by Dominican Foreign Relations Minister Miguel Vargas to Port-au-Prince. Delienne responded positively to his counterpart’s request to resume meetings by the Mixed Bilateral Commission, for which he said a common agenda would be drawn up, as well as to Vargas’s proposal for a trade agreement between the two countries
During a meeting at the El Rancho Hotel near the Dominican embassy in the Haitian capital, Foreign Minister Vargas proposed a treaty that would boost bilateral trade flows “without blockages and without objections” beyond the international trade rules, according to the statement. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/31/60459/Vargas-pulls-off-export-ban-reversal | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/2bac119497d0af026cca5bcd3ab7f8438d8f1cc3e585bd81ec2ac8db1fe2363d.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-31T14:48:33 | null | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F27%2F60438%2FMayor-and-AMET-chief-pledge-to-end-traffic-chaos.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/8528F7B6-436A-46B2-8014-6705786DBDF6.jpeg | en | null | Mayor and AMET chief pledge to end traffic chaos | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- National District mayor David Collado visited the director of the Metropolitan Transport Authority (AMET), General Frener Bello Arias to discuss joint ways of improving traffic in the city.
“We must work together to sort out all the traffic problems and send a clear signal of unity to all the population,” agreed Collado and General Bello Arias, after their Friday meeting at the AMET headquarters.
Collado and Bello Arias also agreed that as no traffic solution could be piecemeal, they had to implement lasting measures to resolve the traffic problems.
The new mayor praised AMET’s work in the National District, stating that “we have to make our concept of the city a reality to achieve order”. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/27/60438/Mayor-and-AMET-chief-pledge-to-end-traffic-chaos | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/62d03f345b0346e4643072343d84a52b38b757d01af16ae9a866aea0d1537a73.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-31T14:48:34 | null | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Fopinion%2F2016%2F8%2F31%2F60464%2FBack-to-School-Tech-for-Your-Children.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/C8E0E0A4-97D3-4625-AF9B-79E9334C2C33.jpeg | en | null | Back-to-School Tech for Your Children | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | It's increasingly common to find classrooms filled with the blue hue of computer and tablet screens. Early education or postgraduate work, there's a shift towards technology-driven, or at least technology-aided, schooling.
Students that learn to use technology to stay organized, conduct in-depth research and collaborate with peers can also use these skills in college and their professional lives.
What devices might students need? Laptops, tablets and smartphones are the primary devices that many students use. Although your child likely doesn't need one of each, a graphing calculator is sometimes a second necessity for classes and standardized tests.
Some high schools have a one-to-one program and issue students a laptop or tablet that they can bring home. Other schools let students borrow devices while in class, or let students bring their own device.
While the upfront costs of purchasing a device are understandably higher, you might want to buy one anyway. You won't need to return it, and it can be used during summer breaks and subsequent years at no extra cost.
Saving money when purchasing your own tech. If you decide to buy a device, you may be able to save money by timing your purchase and comparison shopping.
Find discounts during annual sales. Back-to-school sales often include electronics, making this a good time to buy. Some manufacturers release new models between June and August, which can lead to an even better discount on last year's models. Labor Day and the holidays sales are prime deal times later in the year.
Use retailers' outlets. Manufacturers sometimes offer older models, open-box items, and refurbished electronics for a discount at their online outlet sites. The product might even be as good as new, but can't be sold at full price because the box is damaged. Check back often because the sites frequently post new items.
Look for student deals. Some software companies and electronics manufacturers offer student discounts to high schoolers, while others restrict the savings to current or incoming college students. Research policies from manufacturers, as well as online retailers, and compare them with your local stores' policies.
Educational discounts for homeschooling parents. Homeschooling parents may be eligible for manufacturers' educational discounts even if their child doesn't qualify for a student discount.
Shop at resellers. If you're looking for a particular type of tablet or laptop, search far and wide for the best price. There's no guarantee that buying directly from the manufacturer is cheapest.
Trade in old devices. Some retailers give you store credit for your old electronics. It's a good option if you have a device that's just gathering dust on a shelf.
Buy used. While used electronics may be older and slower than the latest model, that's not always a problem. For example, some standardized tests forbid test takers from using newer web-enabled graphing calculators. You can find used items online, at garage sales and in local Facebook buy/sell/trade groups. If there isn't a warranty or guarantee from a reputable company, determine the device's quality before making a purchase.
Always check for coupons and rebates. Whether you're shopping online or in a store, always check for coupons and discount codes. Researching the store's name plus "coupon code" will often result in a list of sites with the latest codes. Look for more savings by searching the product's name plus rebate.Consider budget laptops. There are laptops available for just a few hundred dollars. Although these less expensive options may come at a compromise on performance or storage capabilities, they can be well suited for students' basic tasks.
Where you find the best deal can depend on what you're looking for, the time of year and one-off promotions. Consider all your options and weigh the pros and cons of buying an older or used device.
Bottom line: Understanding technology is a necessity for many of today's students and professionals. Ensuring students have access to technology at home could help them excel at school and later in life. While some devices can be costly, there are programs and opportunities that can help you save money if you know where to look.
Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa's financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/opinion/2016/8/31/60464/Back-to-School-Tech-for-Your-Children | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/562904194993be08ad65d90fd4f58d6124950734ddd001b9d3f961c6cfe4150b.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-31T12:48:32 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F26%2F60431%2FMayor-Tourism-Police-target-child-prostitution-in-notorious-town.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/B862FA40-8673-4E89-821D-51ECD7602534.jpeg | en | null | Mayor, Tourism Police target child prostitution in notorious town | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.-The mayor of the beach town and the Tourism Security Corp (CESTUR) on Friday launched a plan to eradicate exploitative child labor and child prostitution.
Mayor Radhames Castro and CESTUR commander in Boca Chica Col. Nieves Felix provided details on the plan to confront the prostitution of children, a situation they called "extremely worrying."
"We will work immediately with determination and steadfastness in facing this problem of child prostitution which is causing so much harm to this tourist resort of Boca Chica," Castro said in a press conference.
He said to reach greater effectiveness, a local businessman donated a place to be used to shelter children who are detained, prior to their return to their families. "This negative image abroad Boca Chica by the problem of prostitution, has to change and we are willing to work in that direction."
For her part, Felix said she’s satisfied with interest shown by Castro to contribute with CESTUR to deal energetically with prostitution.
“We’re going to work together without sparing any effort for that situation to be eradicated from Boca Chica.” | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/26/60431/Mayor-Tourism-Police-target-child-prostitution-in-notorious-town | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/876a5e3f026e7ceed625e663d5861572190726a6d9ef63a8cf13198c3dffc0d6.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:19 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F26%2F60426%2FOxfam-leads-launch-of-citizen-watchdog-website.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/2355F38E-E021-4F45-B184-C5C75498641A.jpeg | en | null | Oxfam leads launch of citizen watchdog website | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- A group of local and international organizations on Thursday launched the vigilantes.do website, defined as a tool for citizens to monitor investment of the national budget and a mechanism for transparency and quality of public services.
"Vigilantes.do seeks to provide mechanisms and tools that contribute to the participation of citizens in improving the management of public affairs" said Raul del Rio, director of Oxfam in the Dominican Republic, one of the organizations which created the platform.
Although the new mechanism is aimed at the general public, it;s especially useful for social organizations, public institutions, service providers, journalists, academics and rights activists who need access to data and tools to help improve public policies.
In a statement, the groups said the citizens can analyze budget transparency and education services, housing and habitat, together with the results of the audit or social oversight, shared in three topics of observatories within the mechanisms of the website. “They can also access other observatories, laws, documents and infographics that may contribute to citizen oversight of public administration.” | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/26/60426/Oxfam-leads-launch-of-citizen-watchdog-website | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/56f16af12f6be3d07cc9e10cc19f9c5bb95c632ea8819ee8a312cc71ace72f1d.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T18:47:01 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Feconomy%2F2016%2F8%2F19%2F60354%2FNumerous-representatives-resume-talks-to-reach-Electricity-Pact.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/5B8BDA44-D64D-4B7C-891C-F75B5610A2CE.jpeg | en | null | Numerous representatives resume talks to reach Electricity Pact | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- The preliminary assemblies leading to the National Electricity Sector Reform Pact resumed Thursday with numerous representatives from the social, government, labor and business sectors present.
In a statement, Economic and Social Council (CES) president monsignor Agripino Nuñez said the 4th round of the meetings on the Electricity Pact will continue on Tuesday and Thursday every week until the process concludes.
The last session was held last Thursday while the Draft Committee and working groups continue their tasks during the last few days to reach an agreement and sign the Electricity Pact, whose materialization is one of president Danilo Medina’s campaign promises. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2016/8/19/60354/Numerous-representatives-resume-talks-to-reach-Electricity-Pact | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/6d1a67b68e872916c7fce1cf1d6d12ab44170e2c7db63182cc3cf73c674ff804.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:20 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F30%2F60450%2FForeign-Minister-Miguel-Vargas-visiting-Haiti.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/B0611F07-8D6D-48BE-A008-7EB8D02CC256.jpeg | en | null | Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas visiting Haiti | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Santo Domingo.- Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Relations Miguel Vargas Maldonado is traveling to the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince Tuesday to meet with his Haitian counterpart Pierrot Délienne. One of the main items for discussion is the Haitian ban on overland imports from the Dominican Republic.
Their agenda also includes the issue of documentation of Haitians in the Dominican Republic and the resumption of meetings by the mixed bilateral commission, which has not met for the last two years.
Vargas Maldonado will also pay a courtesy visit to Haiti’s interim President, Jocelerme Privert.
The meeting comes at a time when relations between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are at a practical stalemate following the National Foreigner Regularization Plan, which led to the breakdown in bilateral dialogue, and last October’s inconclusive elections in Haiti, which have yet to define who will lead the Haitian nation. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/30/60450/Foreign-Minister-Miguel-Vargas-visiting-Haiti | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/2ce335905a2d013fb76f07ea0cb0084dc42e1b22258afe0d2f45e096aa011700.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:27 | null | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Fpeople%2F2016%2F8%2F20%2F60370%2FBorough-president-to-allocate-US14M-in-Bronx-parks.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/E9BA1A96-3BFA-4FDF-81D1-145FA27F5928.jpeg | en | null | Borough president to allocate US$14M+ in Bronx parks | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | New York.- Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that his office has invested over $14.3 million in FY 2017 capital funds to improve parks throughout The Bronx, including $10 million to restore the historic Orchard Beach pavilion and upgrades to playgrounds and recreation spaces all over the borough.
"As we work to build a healthier Bronx through our ‘#Not62 campaign,’ we must make sure that our shared recreation spaces are in good condition and inviting to the public, so that more and more Bronxites of all ages will take advantage of them,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I am proud to have provided so much of my capital funding—50 percent—to worthy park projects all over The Bronx this year.”
Borough President Diaz has allocated $500,000 towards improvements at Roberto Clemente State Park; which will soon be home to a baseball academy operated in conjunction with Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association and Harlem RBI; as well as $500,000 for the reconstruction of Garrison Playground, which lies adjacent to the former site of P.S. 31 in Mott Haven.
Other projects included in the borough president’s capital allocations for FY 2017 are $500,000 for the reconstruction of the basketball courts, including new fencing, backboards, benches, paving, landscaping, adult fitness equipment and general site work at Bridge Playground in Highbridge; $500,000 for the reconstruction of Kossuth Playground on Mosholu Parkway and $500,000 for the reconstruction of Waring Playground on Bronx Park East, which will be used to add new equipment, as well as the addition of safety surfacing, spray shower, fencing, benches and landscaping.
Borough President Diaz has also provided $10 million towards renovations at the historic Orchard Beach pavilion in Pelham Bay Park, an allocation he first announced in his “State of the Borough” address in February.
“Orchard Beach is one of the jewels of our borough, and it has the potential to be an even greater tourist attraction, drawing in visitors from all over the region if not the world. Orchard Beach is not just a Bronx beach. Orchard Beach is for the entire city. And it could be so much more. It could be an economic engine for our borough and a destination point for visitors across the region. I am hopeful that my $10 million capital commitment will spark considerable interest in this grand vision for a new Orchard Beach from both the public and private sectors,” said Borough President Diaz.
Since he first took office in 2009, Borough President Diaz has provided $42,768,000 to a total of 60 park projects in every corner of The Bronx.
A complete list of Borough President Diaz’s capital allocations towards parks in FY 2017 can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/2b6jeRI. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/people/2016/8/20/60370/Borough-president-to-allocate-US14M-in-Bronx-parks | en | 2016-08-20T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/51bc226e2a36aeb2bd28624e85ddafa5d6be53e67b72c6a9fe5695d9f85e7f16.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:59 | null | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Fopinion%2F2016%2F8%2F19%2F60361%2FRebalancing-the-Chinese-economic-relationship.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/07239BC4-7B00-4145-831E-3989BEDCAE0A.jpeg | en | null | Rebalancing the Chinese economic relationship | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Last month the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) published a paper ‘Chinese rise in the Caribbean - What does it mean for Caribbean Stakeholders?’. Although, in its conclusions, it said little more than a number of Caribbean commentators have observed previously, it is important for three reasons.
Firstly, it disaggregates the Caribbean from the more usual approach whereby multilateral institutions write or speak about China in the context of the Americas, as if Latin America and the Caribbean were some coherent entity; secondly, the research-based study focusses on the economic benefits that might accrue from a more strategic approach; and thirdly, it encourages the region to be foreword looking about what it wants out of its long term relationship with Beijing.
The paper’s two authors make the point from the Caribbean’s perspective, that while China potentially represents a new export destination, an alternative source of capital, and a new source of tourists, the region must do more to take advantage of such opportunities. They observe that while the Caribbean’s relationship with China - an IDB member since 2009 - may appear to be symbiotic, nations in the region should be taking steps to ensure greater reciprocal benefit.
They also suggest that the Caribbean needs to determine how to respond if Chinese interest in the Caribbean region lessens as a result of Beijing restructuring its economic policy to accommodate slowing, but still remarkable, five to seven per cent annual GDP growth; its increasingly consumption rather than investment-driven domestic economy; and its growing emphasis on exporting higher value manufactured goods and technology.
Such changes, the paper suggests, will require Caribbean nations to make themselves more competitive and globally attractive through undertaking the structural reforms necessary to become a manufacturing platform, a logistical hub, and a premier tourist destination for higher-income Chinese.
The report’s findings parallel other recent commentaries from hemispheric and multilateral bodies.
These suggest that China’s present, often starkly asymmetric economic relationship with the countries of the Latin American and Caribbean region, needs to change. They argue that what is required is a new approach that is developmentally more equitable, and which supports the closer integration of the countries of the region into the global supply chain through the transfer of technology, and by adding local value.
Achieving such an outcome for the Caribbean in the immediate future is likely to be challenging. This is because cash-strapped Caribbean governments caught in short electoral cycles may find it difficult to argue for long-term local value-added or market access against a background of Chinese investments that promise employment, foreign exchange and tourism taxes.
The matter is made complicated as typically, such investment arrangements involve state to state facilitation, state or quasi-state Chinese entities, loans to Chinese private-sector entities from state-linked banks, and sometimes limited competition. In addition, there are often associated side deals with Caribbean government’s offering for example land, tax breaks, duty waivers, citizenship, or other longer term arrangements likely in total to lessen the overall value of local content or the ultimate local return.
Put another way the short term benefits for governments are clear, they offer a means to spur growth and increase public sector revenues, but they provide little incentive to develop new initiatives of the kind the IDB and others envisage.
This is not meant in any way to downplay the importance of Chinese investments, but to observe that their complexity not only makes their full long term domestic economic benefits far from easy to quantify, but also potentially acts as a constraint on developing a more equitable long-term economic relationship.
Irrespective, Chinese investment in the region is continuing to grow.
On July 19 the Jamaican government announced that the Alpart alumina refinery in Jamaica had been sold by the Russian industrial giant, Rusal for US$299m to the Chinese state owned entity the Jiuquan Iron and Steel Company (JISCo). The company is expected to make a first phase investment of around US$220m to enhance production and reduce costs in November and plans to invest another US$1.5bn to establish an industrial zone co-located with the alumina facility.
The acquisition, which will make JISCo one of the top 10 producers of aluminium in China, follows other signs that China, with cautious Jamaican government support, sees the country becoming a hemispheric Chinese enterprise hub. The approach involves first supporting the upgrading of the country’s infrastructure and then making use of its strategic location, deep sea facilities and workforce to competitively assemble, tranship and access the US, Latin American and other markets.
Another quite different development was announced by the St Lucia Government on July 29 when it signed with a Hong Kong related company a US$2.6bn agreement to build what has been described as ‘the country’s first international standard integrated tourism development’. This involves the construction of a resort to be known as Pearl of the Caribbean on a 700-acre site to the south of the island, related to St Lucia’s recently introduced Citizenship by Investment programme. Unusually the principal investor, who has an existing commercial horse breeding industry in Ordos in Inner Mongolia, reportedly sees opportunity in the region arising out of China’s rapidly growing equine industry that is linked closely to racing and gambling. The development, which also includes a free trade zone, is expected to appeal to Chinese, South East Asian and Russian investors and visitors.
It follows other Chinese related tourism mega-projects in the region, such as the still-to-open US$3.5bn Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas and the planned US$1bn resort development on and around Guiana Island off Antigua.
These and other developments suggest that China’s much to be valued economic engagement with the region may eventually supplant the once pervasive economic role of traditional partners.
The IDB report is of significance as it demonstrates the need for greater economic balance in future in the region’s relationship with China.
It and other commentaries imply that if the Caribbean is to retain its much prized independence, it will be important in the longer term that Chinese investment is balanced by the development of an indigenous and vibrant export-oriented Caribbean private sector with some form of preferential access to the vast Chinese market, plus Chinese provision for development programmes for Caribbean goods and services.
Without such support, there is a danger that China’s rise could pose a longer term threat to Caribbean economic sovereignty and indigenous enterprise.
David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at david.jessop@caribbean-council.org
Previous columns be found at www.caribbean-council.org
August 19th, 2016 | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/opinion/2016/8/19/60361/Rebalancing-the-Chinese-economic-relationship | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/09e79c056af44f5b777bc70e233e95ad13a173367881405b773d58acf9d1b2be.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-29T10:48:01 | null | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Flocal%2F2016%2F8%2F29%2F60440%2FCut-down-trees-go-to-jail-says-President.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/14566099-8E9F-4BA4-86F2-04BC53D5CFFE.jpeg | en | null | Cut down trees, go to jail, says President | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Hondo Valle.- President Danilo Medina visited the south-western province of Elías Piña over the weekend to launch a project aimed at restoring the forests in the mountainous area.
The initiative will also create sources of income for local families, while ensuring environmental sustainability.
During his conversations with local farmers, the president declared that “From now on, anyone who cuts down trees will be put in jail,” referring to the illegal deforestation that is ravaging the landscape in the local area.
The reforestation project in Hondo Valle is a commitment taken on by the State towards the local farmers during another of his so-called surprise visits on July 3rd, in which during a flight over the area he was able to see the deforestation for himself.
Out of concern for the situation, Danilo Medina set up a commission made up of the Minister of Agriculture, Ángel Estévez; the director of the Dominican Agrarian Institute Emilio Toribio; the director of the Banco Agrícola, Carlos Segura Foster, Senator Adriano Sánchez Roa, the provincial governor and a member of the Amor por la Vida Farmers’ Cooperative and the Hondo Valle irrigation association, with the task of drawing up a reforestation plan within 30 days.
During this weekend’s visit, Medina announced the immediate start of construction of greenhouses for cultivating saplings for replanting. This will soon be followed by other components that will ensure the project’s success and its acceptance by the community.
“If we don’t stop this now, in five, six or ten years everyone will have to leave. The destruction of these mountains is tragic, and has to be changed. We will give it all the necessary support. There is an inter-institutional team. Today we will start to build the greenhouses, because this is starting immediately. I asked the equipment to be here today,” said the president.
The reforestation program is one of the largest investments put into effect as a result of the president’s surprise visits.
More than 90,000 tareas will be planted with a range of trees, coffee and avocado, at a cost of more than RD$700 million. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2016/8/29/60440/Cut-down-trees-go-to-jail-says-President | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/b7fc1b11db3b1bdef0e02fd6a41c71ba18ffab6446676701e0a3ed3b55c30e46.json |
[
"Merit Designs Consulting Group"
] | 2016-08-26T18:46:51 | null | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicantoday.com%2Fdr%2Feconomy%2F2016%2F8%2F17%2F60329%2FTourism-Dominican-Republic-passes-Brazil.json | http://www.dominicantoday.com/image/article/39/460x390/0/661BD8B6-F436-449A-A8C4-DF18504F6155.jpeg | en | null | Tourism: Dominican Republic passes Brazil | null | null | www.dominicantoday.com | Miami (Latinvex).- Dominican Republic passes Brazil as Latin America’s second tourism earner, according to a Latinvex analysis of new data from the World Tourism Organization.
Latinvex is a Miami-based publication specializing in news about Latin America business.
With tourism revenues growing 8.1 percent last year to US$6.1 billion, the Dominican Republic is now the second-largest tourism earner in Latin America after Mexico.
Brazil, the previous number two, saw its tourism receipts fall 14.6 percent to US$5.8 billion.
The Dominican Republic continues to be Latin America’s champion when it comes to receipts as a percent of its GDP, with a ratio of 9.1 percent.
Meanwhile, when it comes to receipts per visitor (US$1,093) it ranks fourth in Latin America, the same position it holds in terms of arrivals.
The Dominican Republic last year received 5.6 million international arrivals, up 8.9 percent compared with 2014.
All in all, the number of international arrivals to Latin America grew by 7.5 percent last year to 97.1 million visitors, while receipts grew 4.6 percent to $82.9 billion, according to our analysis.
Receipts per visitor reached US$854, a 3.3 percent decline from 2014.
Panama and Colombia saw the strongest gains in real growth of tourism receipts, while Paraguay posted the strongest percentage growth.
In terms of arrivals, Mexico saw the strongest real growth, while Paraguay again posted the highest percentage growth, according to Latinvex.
Mexico remains the undisputed king of tourism in Latin America, thanks to receiving 32.1 million tourists last year, who spent US$17.7 billion. | http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/economy/2016/8/17/60329/Tourism-Dominican-Republic-passes-Brazil | en | 2016-08-17T00:00:00 | www.dominicantoday.com/c9a1ee1519cc4b41178c0611b95ba7c23ee3b5942c0cebb3fade104fb0f25747.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:30 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fgrandmother-receives-ontario-award-for-taking-care-of-the-water%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/grandmother-receives-ontario-award-for-taking-care-of-the-water/ | en | null | Grandmother receives Ontario award for taking care of the water | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | Grandmother receives Ontario award for taking care of the water
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) February 25, 2016 – Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says that grandmother water walker Josephine Mandamin deserves the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation.
“Elder Josephine Mandamin has walked the shorelines of five Great Lakes as well as in all four directions of Turtle Island,” says Madahbee. “She takes care of the Lifeblood of Mother Earth – water. Josephine has been bringing awareness about pollution, laws, fracking, and the selling of the water. I congratulate her on such a great honour.”
She’s walked the equivalent of half of the earth’s circumference over the years, dedicated to carrying the copper vessel of water with her.
Mandamin has been bringing her message for years that water is very precious.
“I will go to any lengths to and direction to carry the water to the people,” Mandamin has said. “As women, we are carriers of the water. We carry life for the people. So when we carry that water, we are telling people that we will go any lengths for the water. We’ll probably even give our lives for the water if we have to. We may at some point have to die for the water, and we don’t want that.”
From Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Mandamin is one of seven recipients of the award and will be at tomorrow’s ceremony at Queen’s Park.
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/grandmother-receives-ontario-award-for-taking-care-of-the-water/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/7a52767b7b700b19ad0777e83b638bbe53bec7d62c36bcb34b48a1c9360154e7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:47 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fanishinabek-express-condolences-to-the-community-of-la-loche%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-express-condolences-to-the-community-of-la-loche/ | en | null | Anishinabek express condolences to the community of La Loche | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | Anishinabek express condolences to the community of La Loche
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) January 25, 2016 – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee, on behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, expresses his condolences to the Dene community of La Loche, Saskatchewan.
“It saddened me to hear about this tragedy on Friday,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and also to the community as a whole. My hope is that all levels of government will help out with the systemic issues in La Loche. There is a lot of healing to be done.”
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-express-condolences-to-the-community-of-la-loche/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/e0ee5d2e88226519a165d259f239eb05a760136ef0b1e7c181daff26c71f4fee.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:37 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fthe-anishinabek-mourn-the-passing-of-elder-wilmer-noganosh%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-anishinabek-mourn-the-passing-of-elder-wilmer-noganosh/ | en | null | The Anishinabek mourn the passing of Elder Wilmer Noganosh | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | The Anishinabek mourn the passing of Elder Wilmer Noganosh
UOI OFFICES, Nipissing First Nation (July 27, 2016)—It is with a heavy heart that Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee announces the passing of a great friend, and true Anishinabek Warrior, the former Chief of Magnetawan First Nation, Elder Wilmer Noganosh.
“He was a strong, strong believer in our rights as First Nations. I went to visit him just before Grand Council, and despite how unwell he was, he was determined to get there. That was a testament to his commitment and passion to our Nation. I thank him for his many years of service and dedication to the Anishinabek people and Nation,” stated Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee.
Elder Noganosh overcame the adversity of attending Residential School by later excelling against all odds by becoming a lead Politician, Cultural and Spiritual Leader, Education Advocate, and life-long learner receiving his BA in Native Studies from Laurentian University at the youthful age of 66.
Elder Noganosh was a very active and productive member of the Union of Ontario Indians (UOI) Elders Council and held a seat on the UOI Leadership Council as a Lake Huron Elder Representative.
Elder Noganosh had a vision for our Elders and their importance to teach their life-long lessons, and to guide our people to strengthen our Nation.
In 2012, Elder Wilmer Noganosh, received a Lifetime Achievement award for his political leadership, dedication, and work within his community and the Nation.
He will be remembered most for his strength and determination; two strong qualities that every great leader, like Elder Noganosh, exudes.
The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.
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For more information contact:
Laura Barrios, Assistant ROJ Communications Officer
Phone : 705-497-9127 ext. 2339
Email : laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabeknews.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-anishinabek-mourn-the-passing-of-elder-wilmer-noganosh/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/d9e00939726f283a22794e25555b7763ff04c20976eafbf7a1011d8bf8e6bcd7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:02 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Ftrain-derailment-in-magnetawan-under-control-says-chief%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/train-derailment-in-magnetawan-under-control-says-chief/ | en | null | Train derailment in Magnetawan ‘under control’ says Chief | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | Train derailment in Magnetawan ‘under control’ says Chief
MAGNETAWAN FIRST NATION (January 22, 2016) – Chief William Diabo of Magnetawan First Nation says that everything is under control in his community after a CP train derailment happened at 6:46 this morning.
“Hwy 529 will be close until clean up is done around 8pm,” says Chief Diabo. “We aren’t completely cut off, but emergency services – police, ambulance and fire – are aware of the road block and know to go around.”
Chief Diabo says that four cars went off the track, but all are upright.
“One car contained a load of lumber, one had train parts and the other two were empty tanker cars,” says Diabo. “There were no injuries and there are no environmental impacts from this derailment.”
CP Rail has started their investigation. Magnetawan Chief and Council will work closely with CP and will continue to keep their citizens updated.
Magnetawan First Nation is near Parry Sound, Ontario and is one of the 39 communities within the Anishinabek Nation. The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for its member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 55,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/train-derailment-in-magnetawan-under-control-says-chief/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/f9177934e55d054fae827ea2b08f07d342008aae91efbbff280fc45720c203f8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:00 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fanishinabek-optimistic-of-ontario-budget-need-details%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-optimistic-of-ontario-budget-need-details/ | en | null | Anishinabek optimistic of Ontario budget, need details | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | Anishinabek optimistic of Ontario budget, need details
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) March 1, 2016 – Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says he is optimistic about the Anishinabek Nation’s partnership with Ontario, but needs to see more details in order to ensure that First Nations are reflected in the recent budget. “We’re pleased with the financial commitment from Ontario in the areas of the violence against women strategy and the acknowledgement of our partnership in terms of the tobacco and gas agreement,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “By working to reduce or eliminate homelessness and poverty, the Province will potentially provide a measure of stability to its most vulnerable First Nation citizens so they are able to consider their futures in a climate that is not crisis-based.
The crucial funding committed to the elimination of poverty is an interim measure. The long-term solution to this problem is the investment of First Nation participation in the Provincial economy through partnerships such as Resource Revenue Sharing and on-reserve employment programs.
The efforts to infrastructure advancement, job creation and growing the economy have no specific commitment to First Nations, limiting their representation in the economy both on-reserve and off.
We are also encouraged by opportunity to support children, youth and families through the newly-announced family well-being program. We are also pleased with the announcement by the community safety and healing announcement to support indigenous men.”
The Anishinabek Nation has a Fireweed Rights of Passage – train the trainer program to support male survivors of sexual abuse.
Madahbee adds, however, there is very little in the budget in terms of specifics on how First Nation economies will be enhanced. “There’s nothing that speaks to resource benefit sharing or resource revenue sharing – an area that the Anishinabek Nation is working on with Ontario,” says Madahbee. Ontario’s commitment to the gas and tobacco agreements is in line with the proposed agreement with the Anishinabek Nation in this area.
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The
Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
-30-
For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-optimistic-of-ontario-budget-need-details/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/f60cd4e8be10d9e11341b7cf6426ada7f0f121a48bcd03030262b9b6c184caf4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:35 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fchildren-first-the-aboriginal-advisors-report-on-the-status-of-aboriginal-child-welfare-in-ontaro%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/children-first-the-aboriginal-advisors-report-on-the-status-of-aboriginal-child-welfare-in-ontaro/ | en | null | UNION OF ONTARIO INDIANS | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | null | http://www.anishinabek.ca/children-first-the-aboriginal-advisors-report-on-the-status-of-aboriginal-child-welfare-in-ontaro/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/d265d39fe8db9c849226793f3ae4bd1b6fcda53e4e9a39f13eb3b0e0878ad16a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fanishinabek-wont-change-position-on-nuclear-waste-repositories-madahbee%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-wont-change-position-on-nuclear-waste-repositories-madahbee/ | en | null | ‘Anishinabek won’t change position on nuclear waste repositories’: Madahbee | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | ‘Anishinabek won’t change position on nuclear waste repositories’: Madahbee
UOI OFFICES (February 23, 2016) – Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says the Anishinabek Nation continues to support the 2010/30 Chiefs-in-Assembly resolution which states that the Anishinabek Nation stands united and opposes any deep geological nuclear waste repositories within the Anishinabek Nation Territory.
“We respect Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna in requesting additional studies before she can make an environmental decision,” says Madahbee.
“However, it still does not change our position.”
Ontario Power Generation was planning to bury low to intermediate level radioactive waste beside Lake Huron, within Saugeen Ojibway Nations territory.
Lake Huron supplies drinking water to millions of people in Canada and the U.S., it is also a significant ecosystem that supports the livelihoods of the Anishinabek Nation. Ontario Power Generation is facing international opposition as 184 municipalities have passed resolutions opposing Ontario Power Generation’s proposal and proposed waste repository.
According to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – to which Canada is signatory — States shall take effective measures to ensure that no storage or disposal of hazardous materials shall take place in the lands or territories of indigenous peoples without their free, prior and informed consent.
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
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For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
Anishinabek Nation Website
www.anishinabeknews.ca
www.sayyestoaes.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/anishinabek-wont-change-position-on-nuclear-waste-repositories-madahbee/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/5fb1255bfb524801df44f9d8ca3b9a5cf288c39d5349cda34560d14d8089dda1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:47:28 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fthe-union-of-ontario-indians-welcomes-new-corporate-leadership%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-union-of-ontario-indians-welcomes-new-corporate-leadership/ | en | null | The Union of Ontario Indians welcomes new corporate leadership | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | The Union of Ontario Indians welcomes new corporate leadership
UOI OFFICES (July 8, 2016) – The Union of Ontario Indians is pleased to announce that Gary Dokis has been appointed the Union of Ontario Indians Chief Operating Officer effective Monday July 11, 2016.
Dokis, who is a citizen of Dokis First Nation, says “this is an exciting time to be working with the Union of Ontario Indians. There have been many positive accomplishments within the Anishinabek Nation, but there is still much more work required.”
“I look forward to working with the Union of Ontario Indians Staff, Elders, Youth, and Women Councils, and Leadership towards achieving the objectives of the Anishinabek Nation. It is truly inspiring to work with these dedicated and talented individuals on Anishinabek Nation issues, I feel that we are making a difference,” stated Dokis.
This is Dokis’ second tenure with the Union of Ontario Indians. He has previously served as the Health Director, Chief Operating Officer, and Political Advisor to the Grand Council Chief. His other previous experience includes: Councillor for Dokis First Nation, Executive Director of the Chiefs of Ontario and the Executive Director of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre. He has completed an MBA from the University of Ottawa, BBA from Nipissing University, and the Anishinaabemowin Immersion Program at Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute.
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee welcomes the experience that Dokis will provide in his leadership role and the continuity of having him continue on with the UOI.
“The main thing is you always have to remember who you’re working with. You’re working for the communities and that has to be always in our minds and focus on our strategic planning,” expressed Madahbee as he discussed leadership.
Gary along with his partner Mona-Lisa are residents of Dokis First Nation.
The UOI is a political advocate for 40 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 65,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact. The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949.
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For more information contact:
Laura Barrios, Assistant ROJ Communications Officer
Phone : 705-497-9127 ext. 2339
Email : laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabeknews.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-union-of-ontario-indians-welcomes-new-corporate-leadership/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/d747dca74bceebcbffd53357e9515ba7b81cf9846e904ed6e27d6b9f6d076352.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:35 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fthis-is-a-great-victory-for-our-kids-madahbee%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/this-is-a-great-victory-for-our-kids-madahbee/ | en | null | ‘This is a great victory for our kids’: Madahbee | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | ‘This is a great victory for our kids’: Madahbee
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing FN) January 29, 2016 – Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee and Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare welcome the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Child Welfare decision.
“The federal government has avoided the truth for many years,” says Grand Council Chief Madahbee. “Over 170 cases and millions and millions of dollars have been wasted fighting First Nations and getting beat every time. This is a great victory for our kids.”
Madahbee also commends Cindy Blackstock – Executive Director of the Caring Society – and says she’s a real hero.
“Cindy didn’t do this for any glory,” says Madahbee.
Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare says that the Anishinabek Nation is hopeful that the Federal government will work with First Nation and the Province of Ontario to ensure that First Nations children and families will be provided with enhanced prevention supports regardless of where they live.
“The Anishinabek Nation will work with the Province and the Federal government to enact the Anishinabek Child Well-Being Law by April 1, 2017,” says Hare. “The Anishinabek Nation is on a path to exercise our inherent jurisdiction in Child Welfare. We are developing culturally-appropriate child welfare tools and assessments for the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law implementation.”
Union of Ontario Indians Social Services Director Adrienne Pelletier says that we need to go back to the original, national version of Jordan’s Principle.
“Even though it was passed in the House of Commons in 2007, neither the Federal government nor the Provinces have fully-implemented Jordan’s Principle,” says Pelletier. “If a First Nation’s child gets sick in another province, we need their healthcare fully covered, and the province and feds can deal with who is paying for what later.”
Payment disputes within and between Federal and Provincial governments over services for First Nations children are not uncommon. First Nations children are frequently left waiting for services they desperately need, or are denied services that are available to other children. This includes services in education, health, childcare, recreation, and culture and language.
Jordan’s Principle calls on the government of first contact to pay for the services and seek reimbursement later so the child does not get tragically caught in the middle of government red tape.
Background:
In February of 2007 the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) filed a complaint alleging that the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs provision of First Nations child and family services was flawed, inequitable and thus discriminatory under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) requires First Nations child and family service agencies to operate pursuant to provincial/territorial child welfare laws, the federal government controls the nature and extent of child welfare delivery on reserve through a variety of policies, programs and funding regimes. Internal INAC reviews and Auditor General of Canada reports (2008, 2011) have repeatedly found INAC’s flawed and inequitable approaches contribute to growing numbers of First Nations children in child welfare care. The complaint was filed in the best interests of First Nations children after INAC failed to implement two solutions it jointly developed with First Nations.
The Tribunal began hearing the evidence on February 25, 2013 and heard from 25 witness testifies on May 30, 2014 and approximately 500 documents were filed as evidence. This case will set an important precedent for addressing inequitable Federal Government service delivery to First Nations peoples in other areas such as education, health, housing, and water.
The Anishinabek Nation established the Union of Ontario Indians as its secretariat in 1949. The UOI is a political advocate for 39 member communities across Ontario, representing approximately 60,000 people. The Union of Ontario Indians is the oldest political organization in Ontario and can trace its roots back to the Confederacy of Three Fires, which existed long before European contact.
-30-
For more information contact:
Marci Becking, Communications Officer
Phone : 1-877-702-5200 ext. 2290
Email : becmar@anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabeknews.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/this-is-a-great-victory-for-our-kids-madahbee/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/e6bcaf13da7464e4eae040a63f69e1bd98a2a09d8c5d282e3a3b610756dd99d3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:04 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anishinabek.ca%2Fthe-anishinabek-grieve-the-passing-of-doris-boissoneau%2F.json | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-anishinabek-grieve-the-passing-of-doris-boissoneau/ | en | null | The Anishinabek grieve the passing of Doris Boissoneau | null | null | www.anishinabek.ca | The Anishinabek grieve the passing of Doris Boissoneau
UOI OFFICES (Nipissing First Nation) July 28, 2016—It is with deep regret that Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee announces the passing of longtime language and culture advocate, and former Ojibwe language professor, Doris Boissoneau, citizen of Garden River.
Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee noted that she was a passionate and committed promoter of language and culture.
“She had been a long time band counselor and was instrumental in coordinating language conferences in Sault Michigan for many, many years. She also helped start and host Eagle Staff Gatherings over the years. She is truly going to be missed,” stated Madahbee.
Doris devoted many years to the enhancement of her community with her extreme knowledge of language and culture. Through teaching in both Canada and the United States, she has positively affected the lives of many Anishinaabe. She developed and taught Ojibway curriculum for Sault College, the Ministry of Education, Bay Mills Community College, in addition to the many First Nation communities.
Her dream is passing on the language and that passion to fulfill her dream has moved many people emotionally and spiritually. During her time as a language professor, one student was influenced to such a degree that it brought him to tears and a profound epiphany. He followed up by nominating her for the Order of Ontario for which she was selected in 1999. She later sat on the Order of Ontario Board that selects recipients.
The outstanding work Doris Boissoneau has done throughout over 30 years has led her to be chosen for numerous well deserved awards, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and Diamond Jubilee Medal, respectively, Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award, amongst many other accolades. Additionally, she was a member of the Elders Senate for Anishinaabemowin Teg, sat on many school boards as a trustee, and began the Eagle Staff Gatherings.
“Her contributions to maintaining our language alive will continue on, her legacy will continue on,” added Madahbee.
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For more information contact:
Laura Barrios, Assistant ROJ Communications Officer
Phone : 705-497-9127 ext. 2339
Email : laura.barrios@anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabek.ca
www.anishinabeknews.ca
Follow us on Twitter Facebook YouTube | http://www.anishinabek.ca/the-anishinabek-grieve-the-passing-of-doris-boissoneau/ | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.anishinabek.ca/69d7871f7eafb8794707197b304a23382c55e4d66b552f8475f85f903f32d34e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:55 | null | 2016-08-26T16:40:08 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fgovt-consult-stakeholders-way-forward%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Owen-Garare1.jpg | en | null | Govt should consult stakeholders on way forward | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | TODAY, opposition political parties under the National Electoral Reform Agenda banner will stage a mass protest to pressure President Robert Mugabe to implement electoral reforms. This comes as demonstrations which have become the order of the day in Zimbabwe over the last two months continue to gather pace.
Candid Comment,Owen Gagare
ogagare@zimind.co.zw
The country has witnessed a series of demonstrations since the July 1 riots which rocked Beitbridge, after government banned the importation of some basic commodities through Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016, as part of desperate measures to rescue dying local industries.
People have taken to the streets to vent their anger over rising corruption; the deteriorating socio-economic conditions which have resulted in a tight liquidity crunch and cash shortages; company closures, high levels of unemployment as well as increased poverty, among other things.
The social discontent and riots have resulted in a series of high level security meetings culminating in the army being put on high alert and the police being ordered to ruthlessly crush any demonstrations.
Through brute force, the police have so far managed to contain the social unrest.
However, the situation is becoming unsustainable as protests gain momentum, an indication that the baton stick cannot work forever. Time is thus ripe for the government to consult organised groups such as political parties, churches, informal traders, trade unions, and civil society to discuss the reform agenda.
Surely the people who are demonstrating have reasons why they are taking to the streets. They have genuine complaints which need to be addressed. They also have ideas and solutions to some of the problems bedevilling the country.
After all, one of the major reasons why protests are taking place is the government’s failure to adequately consult. For example, when government introduced SI64/2016, ordinary Zimbabweans and cross-border traders whose livelihoods were affected by the decision were not consulted.
The government only set up a committee comprising representatives from the private sector, retailers and Buy Zimbabwe to look at the measures after the Beitbridge riots.
Similarly, the government announced the introduction of bond notes without adequate consultations. The decision was thus slammed by business, potential investors and ordinary Zimbabweans who viewed the move as an attempt to bring back the Zimbabwean dollar through the back door.
The move heightened anxiety and panic in the market, resulting in large-scale withdrawals of cash from banks.
Externalisation of the US dollar also increased, worsening the liquidity crunch.
A wise government would have consulted in the knowledge that dialogue allows one to appreciate the interests and views of other interested parties. Like ex-Midlands governor and former Zanu PF politburo member Cephas Msipa warned on Wednesday; “you can only ignore people at your own peril”.
Failure to address the root cause of the crisis will only result in the protests gathering speed like a rolling snowball. This may ultimately lead to the collapse of the Mugabe regime. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/govt-consult-stakeholders-way-forward/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/827fe081001cac1d8e8b88b497d22209f1e2d283348b1ca1dfab8898d5a1b8d6.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:38 | null | 2016-08-26T17:40:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcommand-agric-will-not-work%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/zimbabwe_07.jpg | en | null | Command agric will not work | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Just when you thought you had seen it all, you get this new animal on the street in Zimbabwe called “Command Agriculture”. This Government has an amazing penchant for deciding on a course of action and then announcing it as if it was a new law and expecting the new programme or strategy to solve the problem.
By Eddie Cross
First you create the problem; in this case it is the transfer, by force, of commercial farms from their legal, rightful owners, to a politically connected minority for nothing, incurring as a consequence a legal obligation to pay compensation to the former owners before taking over title rights. The new settlers, whatever you call them, are handed occupation rights to the farms and free use of the assets, but without security or title rights.
After 15 years and following a 70% decline in production, you revisit the farms and discover that the great majority have been stripped of assets, are now abandoned and derelict. They are unable to borrow the funds required for normal cropping purposes and when assisted in the recent past, they have simply sold their inputs for cash and done nothing on the farms. So now we have the solution — Stalin like, we will tell the farmers what we want from them, provide the required funding and then deduct from the output the costs of the inputs leaving the farmers with a surplus that they can use themselves.
When I heard the Press Conference at which this grand plan was outlined I think I heard the Minister of Finance & Economic Development say that all that was needed was for 2000 farms to each rehabilitate 200 hectares of irrigation and then plant crops on the land. Hey presto: they indicated that is 400 000 hectares of irrigated land. At the height of our commercial farming system we had 287 000 hectares under irrigation — some of it on large scale irrigated estates in the lowveld and the rest on commercial farms who then used this capacity to mitigate against drought and to produce tobacco, soybeans, wheat and maize.
The programme was announced in July — four months before planting time for the main summer crops. At the time I doubt if we could have put 10% of this target under irrigation because the basic infrastructure simply no longer exists — pipelines vandalised and removed, pump stations no longer working, electricity transformers and power lines vandalised and in many cases stolen.
A clear indication of this is in the wheat sector — in 1997 we produced 300 000 tonnes off a 100 000 hectares of winter irrigation. This winter I doubt that we will reap even 5% of that total, despite government subsidies, high prices and State pressure.
But we continue to make announcements — just this past week Ministers were on the stump announcing that 400 tonnes of maize seed is available for distribution and companies were asking for help with imports of raw materials to produce 400 000 tonnes of fertilizer. They stated that these inputs would be made available to those farmers who were going to participate in “Command Agriculture”. No indication of how they were going to pay for the inputs? The idea that each farmer would be required to pay for the inputs first when they sold their crops to the market place is fair enough — but the whole thing needs funding from the start and none is available.
Command agriculture has never worked. It was tried on a massive scale in the Soviet Union and in China only to be abandoned as a complete failure, but only after tens of millions of people had died of hunger and malnutrition. Whole generations were devastated. Agriculture only works when individual farmers have a sense of ownership and pride, the phrase that the footsteps of the farmer is the best fertilizer, remains true universally and Zimbabwe will be no different.
Agriculture only works when risk capital is invested in the venture, the capital is then managed by a firm or individual who has full responsibility for the liability and if they fail in the enterprise the consequence will be the loss of their property — probably valued at two or three times the total value of their loans. The risk is very great — you cannot insure against drought or floods and hail and therefore collateral security is fundamental to the industry.
But it is also more than that — it is the promise of profit that drives successful agriculture. You can work it out for yourself, a hectare of maize that has been properly fertilised, planted on time, weeded and sprayed for any insect damage and then irrigated when dry conditions prevailed, can easily yield 15 tonnes a hectare today. More if GMO varieties are grown, sold at present prices that is a total output of $4 500 a hectare. Total costs would not be more than $1 800 — a gross profit of $2 700 per hectare. On 200 hectares that is $540 000 dollars for nine months work.
Let me tell you, that is a fantastic return — even with the risks and farming remains a good business to be in, if you can do it properly. What many do not appreciate is that it is a business, like any other business and if you do not manage it properly, you lose, and 20% of all farming enterprises fail every year. That is why you need a vibrant market for land and security of title.
Farmers; no matter who they are or where they come from, whatever their colour, race or creed; are all intensely individual in their approach to life and business. Anyone who has run an agricultural firm, bank or marketing agency will tell you that they are the most ornery of characters. They are the toughest constituency I have ever come across and anyone who tries to give them orders, no matter how well intentioned, is doomed to be disappointed.
So what to expect from the latest madness in Zimbabwe? The answer is not much. I see no sign of land preparation on the farms I drive past in my travels across the country. The crop cycle that we need to monitor this process against is something like this:
Land preparation in May or June.
Purchase of all inputs with delivery to the farms in July and August.
Final disc preparation/weed killers for planting in September.
Planting in October/November (latest by the 15th November).
Top dressing and spraying during the season with hand or tractor cultivation.
Reaping from May onwards.
Drying and delivery.
We are way behind schedule already and I see no possibility of catching up. If the Minister is still talking about asking the Reserve Bank for the funds to import raw materials for the manufacture of fertilizer, then we are simply not going to be able to supply our farmers with the required inputs on time.
And this is for the most simple of the crops in our long list of basic needs. All the other crops are more complex and demanding. Issuing commands to our new farmers is not going to yield results.
Cross is an economist and Bulawayo South MP (MDC-T). These New Perspectives articles are co-ordinated by Lovemore Kadenge, president of the Zimbabwe Economics Society. E-Mail: kadenge.zes@gmail.com and cell +263 772 382 852. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/command-agric-will-not-work/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/ca1d957d6f10c39caa9e7b591075785bfff19d83323b9feee5cfd1acaa80f088.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:25 | null | 2016-08-26T11:29:53 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Ftelecel-legal-battle-looms%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/telecel-hq.jpg | en | null | Telecel legal battle looms | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | A LEGAL battle is looming over the Telecel Zimbabwe acquisition saga following Attorney-General (AG) Prince Machaya’s siding with state-owned information and communications technology (ICT) firm Zarnet in its fight with the National Social Security Authority (Nssa) for the control of the country’s third largest telecommunications company.
By Elias Mambo
The AG’s office got involved in the wrangle after Nssa threatened to withdraw the US$40 million it used to facilitate the acquisition of Telecel Zimbabwe from international telecoms giant VimpelCom, on behalf of Zarnet.
Machaya told Nssa through its lawyers MawereSibanda Commercial Lawyers that government was not happy with its confrontational attitude in its push to control Telecel, insisting the social security company was just a financier.
The Zimbabwe Independent, however, understands Nssa and its lawyers do not agree with the AG’s views, setting the stage for a potential legal battle.
Nssa has been battling Zarnet for the control of Telecel since financing the deal.
Government, through Zarnet, last year entered into a sale and purchase agreement of Telecel with Global Telecom Holding, a unit of VimpelCom. The agreement was that Zarnet would pay the US$40 million on terms.
Zarnet was to acquire 100% shareholding in Telecel International Ltd which in turn owns 60% of Telecel Zimbabwe.
Zarnet structured the deal and engaged Nssa to raise US$40 million for the acquisition of the 60% stake in Telecel.
However, Nssa has been making moves to control Telecel putting it on a collision course with Zarnet.
Sources said the ICT company approached Machaya’s office after Nssa threatened to withdraw its funds. Machaya then wrote a letter to Nssa informing the social security company that the acquisition of Telecel, through Zarnet, was a cabinet decision.
“In case you may not be aware of the genesis of the Telecel issue, we wish to advise you that cabinet, on behalf of government, made a decision that government was to acquire Telecel,” the AG’s Office wrote to Nssa lawyers Mawere-Sibanda on August 19.
“Government thereafter decided to use the vehicle of an entity which it owns in the form of Zarnet to make the acquisition. Against that background you will appreciate that it is not possible for government to act in bad faith against your client.
“Against that background you will appreciate that it is not possible for government to act in bad faith against your client.”
Nssa had written to Zarnet indicating that it wanted overall control of Telecel when the mobile service provider is transferred into the hands of the Zimbabwe government on September 30.
Zarnet, however, protested, saying it invited Nssa to provide funding only.
“The two agreements in question were entered into in a spirit of cooperation and with mutual desire to give effect to the resolution of cabinet to acquire the business of Telecel,” said the AG.
“Your client should, therefore, remain focussed on this overriding objective.” | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/telecel-legal-battle-looms/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/8faccc7e15af12922ced354a0329670c106dd00ed4ab0a3b86ffce5b97cfa7c0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:02 | null | 2016-08-26T12:36:48 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fzim-flashpoint-glints-sadc-leaders-meet%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mugabe-robert9.jpg | en | null | Zim flashpoint glints as Sadc leaders meet | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | President Robert Mugabe’s controversial rule and the country’s political and economic crisis have strongly resurfaced on the domestic and regional agenda as pressure mounts on him to embrace far-reaching reforms or quit.
Bernard Mpofu/Wongai Zhangazha
A series of events, including developments this week and the recent spate of protests against the 92-year-old leader’s rule, have intensified pressure on government to deal with a number of multi-faceted problems facing the country, while drawing the attention of the region and political actors to join the fray.
Today, a coalition of 18 opposition parties are expected to join forces to stage a “massive demonstration” calling for electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 elections.
This comes a few days after senior global statesmen known as The Elders and civic groups called for an inclusive transition in Zimbabwe to restore stability and economic recovery in the midst of the country’s worst crisis since dollarisation in 2009. The call came ahead of the 36th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Sadc in Mbabane, Swaziland, next week on August 30-31 where there is a push for Zimbabwe to be on the agenda.
The Elders, a group launched by the late former South African president Nelson Mandela, this week ratcheted pressure on Sadc cornering Mugabe to form a transitional government.
Ahead of the summit, to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, respected cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Graça Machel — all key members of The Elders — called on Sadc leaders to support a successful and inclusive transition in Zimbabwe.
Writing to Sadc member states ahead of the regional group’s summit, The Elders noted that Zimbabwe is “on the verge of an important transition” which, if handled well, could lead to a peaceful and democratic change of leadership and a renewed focus on social and economic development.
“We firmly believe that a successful transition is vital not only for Zimbabwe, but also for the region … we are also convinced that, if the transition process is to succeed, it must be inclusive, transparent and framed in the national interest,” the three Elders wrote.
“The Elders believe the upcoming summit is an important opportunity to reflect on how best Sadc can help Zimbabwe manage the complex challenges ahead.”
In 2007, The Elders launched a campaign to highlight “continuing human rights abuses” in Zimbabwe as well as Sudan’s Darfur region, Chad and Burma. This initiative led to negotiations between Zanu PF and the opposition MDC formations after the ruling party embarked on a brutal crackdown in dissent and a violent presidential election run-off in June 2008.
Human rights groups and non-governmental organisations are also mobilising support to push Sadc to intervene again in Zimbabwe.
ZimRights director Okay Machisa told the Zimbabwe Independent this week they would pile more pressure on government ahead of the summit whose main agenda is industrialisation and regional integration.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing demonstrations practically every week since the July 1 protests which rocked Beitbridge following government’s decision to ban the import of some basic commodities through Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016.
Meeting under the auspices of the National Election Reform Agenda (Nera) and the Coalition of Democrats (Code), leaders of the country’s opposition parties, who include former vice-president Joice Mujuru (Zimbabwe People First), Morgan Komichi (MDC-T national chairman representing Morgan Tsvangirai), Welshman Ncube (MDC), former finance minister Tendai Biti (People’s Democratic Party), Simba Makoni (Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn) and Elton Mangoma (Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe) and other smaller parties, are today expected to stage a demonstration calling for an overhaul of the country’s electoral processes. Biti’s party welcomed the elders’ proposals.
“After this demonstration, we shall get together, come together again as political groups and work out the modus operandi in future. We are quite agreeable in wanting to meet as a group, one single force which will control opposition activities in this country,” Zimbabwe People First founding member and former Zanu PF politburo member Didymus Mutasa said.
“We also want to petition Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) on the voters’ roll and how it would be conducted; whether Zec feels it is as independent as the constitution requires it to be. Some of us think that it isn’t that independent. They are still under the Ministry of Justice and what they do is effectively ordered by the minister through Justice (Rita) Makarau (Zec chairperson) who holds two positions.”
Asked if the opposition parties want Justice Makarau — who is currently Zec chairperson and secretary of the Judicial Service Commission — to relinquish one of her positions, Mutasa said: “That is what we hope she would do without being coerced.”
In view of the growing protests and economic hardships in the country, political analysts at home, led by prominent academic Ibbo Mandaza and researcher Tony Reeler, have also weighed in with a call for National Transitional Authority (NTA) to manage the country in the interim. Biti has been calling for the same arrangement.
According to Mandaza and Reeler, the process towards the establishment of the NTA requires consultations across the nation and abroad, with a regional and global “buy-in”, or external scaffolding, to ensure a peaceful and smooth transition, as happened at Lancaster House Agreement of 1979 and the Global Political Agreement of September 2008.
“A primary purpose for the NTA is to heal the nation and embark on a limited political and economic reform agenda.
The NTA cannot solve all the problems that afflict the country, but will provide the necessary first steps to move the country to international legitimacy and deeper democracy.The debate has already begun,” they said.
“The political parties have responded, broadly accepting the idea. Civil society is engaged in serious consultation … the general consensus that this could be a ‘soft landing’ that could save Zimbabwe; and the assertion by (opposition leader) Dumiso Dabengwa that the alternative could be tantamount to ‘continue folding our arms’ and watch the situation develop into the inevitable chaos that is quickly enveloping the country.” | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/zim-flashpoint-glints-sadc-leaders-meet/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/1d55c0c44d0d3bd9acbb0aa996944462441deed2682523c17494dc7f5c7c471a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:49:30 | null | 2016-08-26T16:17:34 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fpresident-blows-state-funds-laws%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mugabe-robert9.jpg | en | null | President blows state funds on his in-laws | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s government is blowing tax payers’ funds by providing state security at his in law’s Marlborough house, it has emerged.
By Elias Mambo
Security sources said Mugabe’s government was providing security to the Chikores whose son Simbarashe is married to the president’s only daughter, Bona.
The development comes at a time government is struggling to raise salaries for its bloated civil service workforce which gobbles over 80% of government revenue.
Sources this week said the Chikores are being provided security by a team from the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) Police Protection Unit (PPU) State House province, although they are not entitled to the protection.
PPU provides security to the first family and senior government or public officials such as ministers, judges, attorney general and prosecutor general among others.
The State House province concentrates on providing security to the First Family.
“ZRP officials provide evening security every day,” said a senior police officer.
“Police details begin their shifts every day at 6pm in the evening until the following day at 6am in the morning.”
The Chikores came into the limelight when Simbarashe married Bona in March 2014.
Government authorities, however, said the Chikores were not public officials and were therefore not entitled to receive state security.
“Why should this family be given such treatment yet they are not public officials?
This is just an abuse of resources,” said a government official.
Police spokesperson Charity Charamba said she had no comment over the matter.
In June, Mugabe office also protected his in-laws when his office blocked the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment from investigating Sakunda Energy after being awarded the tender for the controversial Dema Diesel Power Plant.
Sakunda, owned by Zanu PF benefactor Kuda Tagwirei, partnered Mugabe’s in-law Derrick, brother to Simba in the dodgy and costly deal without going to tender. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/president-blows-state-funds-laws/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/53d845a406f93de83fbda15faf5197a17f0dafbc1eb2b6004475aa659b29ac3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:18 | null | 2016-08-19T15:27:21 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fzim-reels-economic-crisis-afdb%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/AfDB.jpg | en | null | Zim reels from economic crisis - AfDB | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ZIMBABWE, which is reeling from economic implosion, is facing one of its worst economic tailspins since the hyperinflationary era due to weakening commodity prices and serious negative impact of drought, a top regional bank has said. This is despite a bullish outlook by government whose projections of 6,6% GDP growth are widely seen as baseless and pie in the sky.
By Bernard Mpofu
Government adopted dollarisation in 2009 after the economy had contracted by nearly 50% between 1998 and 2008.
Zimbabwe continues to experience a decline in economic growth which is widely projected at 1,6% in 2016. The country’s debt overhang at US$10,8 billion continues to be a major impediment to its re-engagement with the international community and limits access to concessional funding.
According to an AfDB internal memo titled: Zimbabwe Processing of Debt Arrears Clearance Information Note for July 2016: The African Development Fund-13 Report, the regional bank’s deputies agreed to ring-fence Transition Support Facility Pillar II resources for arrears clearance of Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe on a first come, first serve basis.
“The appreciation of the US dollar has particularly reduced the competiveness of the economy. The decline has led to rising youth unemployment, company closures and a crippling liquidity crunch mainly due to lack of confidence in the economy,” reads the AfDB memo.
“In addition, a negative country-risk premium arising from high levels of public debt (about US$7,1 billion) and limited external capital inflows (including remittances) have worsened the situation. The economic situation of Zimbabwe is a major issue of concern for the country, the region and its development partners.
“Zimbabwe faces an unprecedented economic crisis. This is aggravated by drought that has affected agriculture output and significantly reduced growth prospects for 2016. Economic activities are severely constrained by tight liquidity conditions resulting from limited external inflows and the fall in commodity prices at the world market leading to continued decline in mining output. Tax revenue have in turn declined thereby reducing the capacity of the government to meet its public expenditure obligations, including civil servants salaries.”
While the AfDB says the economic situation remains precarious, government sees the economy registering modest growth this year. Apart from weakening commodity prizes, AfDB said Zimbabwe’s economy remains fragile due failure to address legacies of the land reform progamme, lack of clarity over the indigenisation and empowerment policy, deterioration of infrastructure and effects of economic restrictions imposed by the European Union and the United States.
“The combined effect of the aforementioned factors has been a major economic crisis that manifests itself in the form of contracting manufacturing activity…,” AfDB says in its memo. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/zim-reels-economic-crisis-afdb/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/a4b85c97d2673b3fc8c208473c47ea42480afea55f8b8f1ed42b39ae99a8e1de.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:30 | null | 2016-08-26T18:20:27 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fdaily-revenue-now-us400k-netone%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/netonehq.jpg | en | null | Daily revenue now at US$400k: NetOne | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Mobile operator NetOne says that its average daily revenue has grown to about US$400 000 in August from US$300 000 in June, driven by an increase in subscribers.
The Source.
Latest data from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) shows that NetOne is the fastest growing network in the country, with the number of its active subscribers rising 5,5% to 4 360 208 over the previous quarter.
Over the same period, Econet, the largest mobile network saw a 0,2% growth to 6 714 939 while Telecel dropped 5% to 1 824 936.
“The figure has gone up and it’s now close to US$400 000 ….within the next months we will hit the 5 million mark (active subscribers) and as we continue to grow obviously revenues grow,” acting chief executive Brian Mutandiro told journalists on Monday during the commissioning of a new base station in Nyanga.
“We have to be selective where we put new base stations. We have to put them where there is economic activity and we are doing that,” Mutandiro added.
The telco, which is wholly owned by government, reported revenue of US$57,8 million in the six months to June 2015 in making a US$5,8 million loss.
NetOne is funding its network expansion through a US$263 million Chinese concessional loan over two phases. The loan attracts an interest rate of two percent payable over 20 years.
A planned third phase will cost US$485 million and is expected to commence next year under which 3 000 Long Term Evolution (LTE) base stations will be installed in two years.
“It will give NetOne the capability to connect 10 million subscribers at any given time,” Mutandiro added. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/daily-revenue-now-us400k-netone/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/98f2251645653abadf6de116e1fed31f32f9e9bdcf4cbd6f3c19d49b2cd4ec1d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:06 | null | 2016-08-26T18:25:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fproductivity-at-the-workplace%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Robert-mandeya-A7-1.gif | en | null | Productivity at the workplace | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ARE your employees productive at work? Many organisations have problems in ascertaining productivity levels of their employees and it is most probable that they are wasting resources, financially or otherwise paying unproductive labour. No matter what kind of products or services your business offers, it’s important to measure employee productivity, and to measure it as accurately as possible. Peter Drucker, author and management expert had this to say: “If you can measure it, you can improve it.”
People Management Issues Robert Mandeya
Ensuring productivity in the workplace can be challenging. A 2013 Gallup survey revealed that 70% of US workers are disengaged from their workday. I shudder to think what situation is obtaining in Africa and Zimbabwe in particular with regard to work productivity. Distracted by smart phones, social media, personal emails and the demands of their personal lives, most employees find it hard to focus consistently and be productive. The problem could be worse in Zimbabwe as most organisations do not have the slightest clue of measuring productivity of workers-especially office work.
The lack of interest and involvement by many workers often leads to low or mediocre productivity. Accurately measuring your employees’ productivity is one clear way to gain insight into how skilled, engaged and productive your employees really are.
Creating high expectations
It’s essential to measure productivity appropriately. Many companies that want to raise their competitiveness are investing a lot of money and faith in methods to track their plants’ and offices’ efficiency. Taking accurate productivity measurements can mean more than simply counting the number of products made or sold, or services performed.
Look beyond direct labour
What is productivity? Remarkably, many people who make decisions every day about improving plant efficiency don’t know how to answer this simple question. Let’s begin with what productivity is not. A toy factory worker might produce 100 toys each day. But if most of those toys are defective and unsellable, that employee’s productivity level is not very high, and both work time and materials are being wasted.
When you measure your employees’ productivity and discuss your findings with them, you’re letting them know that you expect them to care about their work, perform it as well as they can, and work toward achieving individual goals that are aligned with company goals.
It also goes without saying that in revealing how individual employees are performing, these measurements can also reveal where the work flow gets slowed down or stopped due to equipment breakdowns, inefficient processes, poor job training, or lack of communication, among other problems. Therefore when used correctly, accurate productivity measurements can also reveal how well your business is progressing towards its goals and targets.
What are your business goals?
Productivity measurement should focus on overall capabilities, not on one set of costs. What are your company’s short- and long-term goals? Are you looking to increase profits, innovation or efficiency? Tap into new markets and find new customers? Increase customer retention levels? How good is your company at taking a pile of raw materials, a bunch of machines, stacks of paperwork, and groups of employees, and turning out useful goods or services? That’s what a productivity index should address. It is, as much as possible, a relationship between physical inputs and outputs. The formula is disarmingly simple.
However studies have shown that employees who are able to see a direct connection between their productivity and company goals are far happier-and therefore more productive-than those who don’t see how their work affects company goals.
From 2014 statistics of companies or organisations I have provided training for, I have noted that only 40% of workers know what their employer’s goals and strategies are. Whatever your business goals, it’s important to make them clear to employees. It’s also important to find the methods of measurement that reveal how well employee output is bringing you closer to your business goals.
What drives your business?
Before you can choose the most accurate productivity methods for your business, identify your key performance indicators (KPIs). These are your drivers-the profit-making, reputation-making parts of your organisation. Your KPIs must spring directly from your business’s biggest goals, and must relate only to those aspects of your business that you have some control over. For instance, If your store sells umbrellas in a very dry part of the country, the weather is not a KPI for you, because you have no control over it. Because you do have control over your inventory, sales for items such as sunglasses can be considered a KPI.
Choosing the right methods
Most employees perform several tasks, some of which will be easier to measure than others. When determining how profitable an employee’s actions are, include factors that affect those profits, such as the cost of overtime, annual turnover rates, and overall job satisfaction. Be open to different approaches, and be willing to try different methods at different times, to see which reveal the most accurate data, and reveal what’s most important in terms of your business goals.
There are about seven top methods for accurately measuring employee productivity which due to space I cannot allude to now but I hope the insights shared here will help give you a hint on the importance of productivity measurement.
No matter how big or small your business is, productivity measurement should be part of your instruments for propelling growth and profitability of your business.
Mandeya is a senior executive training consultant and communication in management advisor, a personal coach in leadership and professional development with the Institute of Leadership Research and Development. You can contact him on mandeyarobert@yahoo.com, mandeyarobert@gmail.com | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/productivity-at-the-workplace/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/6bfa0df88c49b83a157783a12167c0915e01e57f62c02e4c923c37e7a1b1188d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:43 | null | 2016-08-19T12:26:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Ftenderpreneurs-parasites-taxpayers%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wicknell-chivayo-and-mugabe1-2.gif | en | null | Tenderpreneurs parasites on taxpayers | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | AS the economic collapse worsens, a number of high-profile Zimbabwean businesspeople have sunk into oblivion, while a new breed of business persons — the lumpen or dodgy variety — with questionable records is emerging from the rubble.
By Taurai Mangudhla
The new extravagant, flamboyant and loud ilk of business people have an edge over others, not because of their business prowess, acumen, access to capital or technical expertise, but almost entirely because of their political connections or proximity to the corridors of powers.
They are part of the nexus and attendant close relationships between business and politics — networks between businesspeople and government officials. And they are well-known, not for their enterprising ideas or entrepreneurship, but largely for conspicuous consumption — spending on and consuming luxuries on a lavish scale in an attempt to enhance their reputations and prestige.
Venality — the quality of being overly motivated by money and open to bribery — is their currency. They are also not shy to flaunt their political connections, giving the impression — to both friend and foe — that they are untouchable or above the law.
Some may be mere middlemen or fronts, but what this breed of business people has in common is the propensity to boast about their ill-gotten wealth, especially on social media these days — unlike the old-school business executives who built empires through hard work, determination and perseverance.
These “tenderpreneurs”, as they have come to be known in many circles, more so in South Africa where the term originated, often lack experience and in some cases education, but somehow get awarded multi-million-dollar tenders for projects of national importance such as road construction, power generation and other critical infrastructural development schemes.
It has also become common that project costs involving the tenderpreneurs are often inflated, resulting in the state losing huge amounts of taxpayers’ money.
The bulk of the tenders are messy and riddled with corruption, costing the country billions of dollars as they are normally not transparent. In a way, tenderpreneurs are parasites who will do anything to get a tender without the necessary capital or expertise.
Unlike celebrated businessman who have established companies that employ thousands and pay millions in taxes annually like Strive Masiyiwa who founded Econet Wireless and Moses Chingwena who championed Croco Motors, today’s tenderpreneurs do not produce or sell anything and hardly make any contribution to the fiscus.
All they have is a nexus with politicians and bureaucrats who will stop at nothing to take bribes while facilitating deals for the nouveau riche to cream off the economy.
They religiously post their first-class flights to European capitals and other preferred destinations, while giving people an inside glimpse of their lives. From cars to their lunch, their lives are a public affair.
Controversial youthful businessman Wicknell Chivayo is perhaps the best example of these tenderpreneurs. Unlike Masiyiwa, for example, whose business history and track record is known, very little can be said about the source of the so called millions which the youthful ex-convict boats about.
Chivayo rose to fame as, perhaps, a socialite or successful streetwise dealer because of his posts on Facebook about his lavish lifestyle. After finding himself on the wrong side of the law which eventually led him to serve time, Chivayo now enjoys the attention when he is seen driving the latest expensive cars and showing off glitzy jewellery, shoes, watches, clothes, electronic gadgets or indeed anything else that be used to bolster the impression that he is living the life.
Despite his show of wealth which has seen him funding the Zimbabwe senior soccer squad, Chivayo’s businesses interest outside the dodgy tenders remain a mystery. He has only publicly linked himself to Intratrek, a foreign company in which he is a director and is at the centre of messy multi-million-dollar Zesa tenders.
As reported by the Zimbabwe Independent, Intratrek has no previous experience or proven record in power projects but was awarded the US$113 million Munyati Thermal Power Station rehabilitation and modernisation contract on November 12 2015. Despite not having capital or experience Intratek is supposed to rehabilitate and modernise the 61-year-old thermal energy power plant to bring its generated capacity to 100 megawatts.
This is in addition to the US$200 million 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, in which Chivayo was paid US$5 million without a required bank guarantee.
Chivayo has publicly claimed that he is related to the late vice-president John Nkomo and hobnobs with many other top political figures.
The young Chivayo has also previously posted pictures of himself in private meetings with President Robert Mugabe, First lady Grace Mugabe and her children, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangwagwa and even former prime minster Morgan Tsvangirai apparently to show how far and wide his political tentacles spread.
Another controversial businessman Agrippa Masiyakurima, popularly known as Bopela and owner of the Bopela Group (Pvt) Ltd, has also attracted attention for his lavish lifestyle. Although Masiyakurima is not as big as Chivayo on social media, the businessman frequents upmarket nightspots where he reportedly spends thousands at a go.
Receipts in possession of the Independent show Masiyakurima has a weakness for the expensive Johnny Walker Blue Label whisky which cost at least US$350 per bottle in retail shops and as much as double the retail price in hotels and upmarket clubs.
Masiyakurima’s Bopela Group is in the eye of a storm following the unearthing of a financial scam in which it was awarded a US$3,7 million deal without going to tender by the counrty’s second largest mobile network operator NetOne.
Masiyakurima has also been linked to street solar lighting projects across the country. He is said to be a close ally of Grace amid claims he hugely funded the First Lady’s controversial meet-the-people series of rallies.
He donated US$91 000 for Mugabe’s birthday bash in 2015 and an undisclosed amount in 2016.
Despite these dodgy business people’s inability to produce or add value on anything, they continue to get new contracts and fatten their pockets through taxpayers’ money.
Economist Evonia Muzondo said the tender irregularities in government and state enterprises have become a culture which is fast-spreading to the corporate world, costing investors and taxpayers millions through procurement malpractices.
“Commitment towards quality control and accountability appears to be low in government due to the apparently minimal due diligence processes in awarding tenders with little or no background checks on companies or persons bidding for a contract,” Muzondo said.
Muzondo said officials who are proven to have abused the system must be brought to book either through dismissals or be arrested for criminal acts, adding tender awards should be withdrawn from those who do not qualify or have secured tenders through the back door.
“Unfortunately, this has not happened and it has escalated the problems. People should simply follow procedure,” Muzondo said. “Tender systems should be modernised by using ICTs to make it more efficient and transparent, while members of the tender board must be rotated annually in an effort to eliminate corruption. Appointments must be based on competence and not political affiliation.”
Another economist John Robertson said Zimbabwe’s tender system is notorious for being generally flawed and needs to be improved in order to save the economy billions of dollars that are lost through irregularities.
“It has been happening for a long time and this dates back even as far back as the Harare International Airport tender which was awarded to Leo Mugabe,” Robertson said. “People in government seem to have no obligation to follow whatever procedures are in place and we have lost a lot, in fact the exact amount we have lost over the years you can only guess. We have had the same problems over and over and nothing has changed except that people are now starting to challenge some of the awards.” | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/tenderpreneurs-parasites-taxpayers/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/8f32b19254b78754dccd49bb2992b01a002741831d6f1e2f6cf3bbb4e9dbea88.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:16 | null | 2016-08-26T18:07:14 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fusing-microfinance-division-penetrate-informal-sector-malaba%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SAM-MALABA.jpg | en | null | We are using microfinance division to penetrate informal sector: Malaba | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Last week Agribank released its half year results where it posted US$2,1 million profit. Zimababwe Independent business reporter Fidelity Mhlanga (FM) caught up with the bank’s Chief executive Sam Malaba (SM) soon after announcing the bank’s financial results to discuss about various issues pertaining the financial institution. Below are the exepts:
FM: What’s your impression about the newly published results
SM: They are very positive results. We are happy with the strategies that have been put in place that have bear these results.
FM: In your presentation you spoke about activities of micro Finance Institutions. Can you explain further?
SM: We already have a Micro finance division in the bank. So its now operating from 20 branches countrywide. From each branch we have two micro finance officers they go on to identify microfinances projects we can fund. We look to fund projects in agriculture and mining as part of our financial inclusion strategy because basically we want to expand our outreach. The significant number of segment of the Zimbabwean economy that is now trading are now operating in the informal sector. So we as a bank, we are using the microfinance division to penetrate the informal sector.
FM: Tell us about your point of sale machines (POS) you have acquired as a bank.
SM: We want to purchase at least 1 000 POS machines by year end. So far, we have 850. We are looking into acquiring 150 between now and December.
FM: What has been the uptake of plastic money in your bank?
SM: It has been very good. Basically, people are beginning to realise that they can easily transact via internet or using cards than using cash.
FM: What has been the effect of the cash crisis to your bank?
SM: It lowers your income from a transaction business as a bank, but you have to move on to get income through the e-banking products. It becomes a switch from cash withdraws to a card based transcations.
FM: There has been complains of high bank charges during this cash crisis time.
SM: No, its not correct. We have actualy lowered our charges and our charges for all our products have come down. We lowered our Pos charges, our withdrawal charges as well.
FM: What parameters are you putting in place to lower non perfoming loans?
SM: Basically, we will tighten in terms of our credit appraisal system. Tighten in terms of recoveries. We will look at the value chain system to say yes we are giving this loan. What is the market for the products. We will look at the sector we are giving the loan and make sure it is collaterised.
FM: What makes it difficult to reach 10% NPL rate by end of June as was prescribed by RBZ?
SM: It is because, we are coming from a high figure so we have done very well to stand at 17%.We see it as a progression. So by October, we will be at 10% so it’s a matter of missing the deadline by a few months.
FM: What type of support have you been giving to tobacco farming?
SM: We have been funding them for the past two seasons by assisting the building of rocket barns and drip irrigation for small scale farmers.
FM: What is your impression about the bond notes which will be introduced in October?
SM: I have no problem with them since they will bring the incentive to the exporters. I don’t have the pessimism about the bond notes.
FM: Do you see opportunity in investing in mortgages?
SM: Yes, but I see that when we are capitalised to US$100 million that’s when we will do mortgage finance, lease finance and asset management. That is why we want to have a tier 1 bank with US$100 million capital to offer full range of banking. We want to create a strong balance sheet. By 2018, we want to be US$100 million capital bank.
Even the RBZ deadline is 2020, but my shareholder want us to be there by 2018.
FM: What support are you giving to Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMES)
SM: Our support to SMES is through Micro Finance Institutions. Its an expanding unit and we have resources to support this division. They are a ready part of our strategy and it dovetails with what we are doing to ensure financial inclusion. We want to have a portfolio of say US$6 million to give to SMEs by end of year.
FM: What are the prospects of the bank?
SM: Very positive and we have to continue to support small scale farmers to support the economy. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/using-microfinance-division-penetrate-informal-sector-malaba/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/29792cdccf3070f2a0354dad7f273b54d9066621165a47a483259f1f8fac7dd6.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:51 | null | 2016-08-24T20:46:50 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fzimbabwe-police-use-teargas-disperse-protest-march-police-action%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/zpolice.jpg | en | null | Zimbabwe police use teargas to disperse protest march over police action | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ZIMBABWEAN police used teargas, water cannon and batons on Wednesday to disperse opposition youths who demonstrated in the capital against alleged brutality by security agents.
More than 200 youths from the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), took to the streets two days before a planned march by all opposition parties to try to force President Robert Mugabe to implement electoral reforms ahead of the 2018 vote.
Police intercepted them and fired teargas at the protesters who were planning to hand in a petition at the offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is in charge of the police.
Two pick-up trucks belonging to state broadcaster ZBC and police were burned, according to a Reuters witness, but it was not clear who had torched the cars or whether anyone was hurt.
Riot police blocked streets around the MDC headquarters and used water cannon against some youths in downtown Harare.
Some protesters threw back teargas canisters, as well as rocks, towards the police, who fired more teargas outside the MDC offices, forcing pedestrians and people standing in nearby bank queues to flee.
The youths had marched through the streets of the capital denouncing the police for beating up protesters and called on Mugabe to step down, accusing him of running a dictatorship.
“We have been seeing a deliberate attempt by the police to intimidate, harass and silence the people of Zimbabwe,” MDC Youth Assembly secretary general Lovemore Chinoputsa told Reuters TV during the march.
Chinoputsa said police had refused to sanction the march, saying that it would degenerate into violence.
Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said she could not comment because she was in a meeting. The police routinely deny charges of brutality and instead accuse the opposition of using “hooligans” during protests to attack officers.
The southern African nation has a history of violence against opponents of Mugabe, where police have in the last few months crushed demonstrations against high unemployment, acute cash shortages and corruption.
A trauma clinic in Harare last month recorded a list of cases of people who had been caught up in a police crackdown during anti-government protests.
The MDC’s leader Morgan Tsvangirai and former vice president Joice Mujuru are expected to lead Friday’s march.-Reuters | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/24/zimbabwe-police-use-teargas-disperse-protest-march-police-action/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/0725e042780cf1eba0cde15be1b2b021f1174fea5496b186dfed6155e1076698.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:31 | null | 2016-08-26T10:57:13 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fus2bn-bailout-sabotaged%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Chinamasa-3-slider.gif | en | null | US$2bn bailout sabotaged | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | FEARS are growing that the Lima Plan, which seeks to settle US$1,8 billion arrears owed to preferred international financial institutions — the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) — before unlocking US$2 billion in fresh funding is all but dead in the water amid growing indications that lack of comprehensive reforms and a strong lobby against it have thwarted the initiative.
By Bernard Mpofu
Authorities have not been able to meet basic reform benchmarks such as fiscal or budgetary targets and as a result the country’s budget deficit is widening and current account deficit growing, while government has been failing to meet other statutory obligations.
Market sources said increased issuance of Treasury Bills (TBs) could also affect the arrears clearance plan.
Although the total stock of TBs is not known, more than US$1,5 billion worth of the tradable paper is currently held by commercial banks.
The continued reliance on the government-guaranteed paper is crowding out private sector funding at a time local industry is badly in need of fresh capital.
There are also assertions in the market that government is abusing the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) balances to meet its financial obligations.
Besides TBs and RTGS issues, government has been unable to control its overall expenditure vis-à-vis tax revenues, thus extending budget overruns and deepening the economic crisis, broadly reflecting mismanagement of the economy.
Apart from these issues, failure by government to adopt comprehensive reforms has also militated against the Lima Plan.
Government has committed to the IMF, under the Staff-Monitored Programme, to embark on a raft of reforms before full reengagement with the multilateral lender.
Some of the key benchmarks for reforms include reducing the size of the wage bill to re-orient spending towards priority capital and social outlays; improve debt management, develop a comprehensive public financial management strategy, and strengthen value-added tax policy and key processes in revenue administration; and improve the business environment, including a transparent and consistent application of the indigenisation policy and a new comprehensive land reform programme.
The debt-ridden country has also committed to compensate white commercial farmers who lost land during the chaotic land reform programme.
Zimbabwe has further failed to come up with viable strategies for state enterprises reform which are currently haemorrhaging the cash-strapped Treasury.
While the IMF has welcomed the arrears clearance plan, which initially received broad support internationally, government has been unable to come up with new development plans and private sector-led growth initiatives.
Sources said other factors that could sabotage the Lima Plan include the controversial indigenisation policy, monetary authorities’ interventions in May, Statutory Instrument 64/2016, command agriculture initiatives, consolidation of diamond mines and management of diamond revenue and Britain’s exit from the European Union.
The indigenisation, law compelling foreign investors to cede 51% shareholding to locals, has kept investors at bay in an economy desperate for foreign direct investment. Although President Robert Mugabe in April attempted to clarify provisions of the law before an IMF meeting held the following month, the market was left more confused.
It is also understood that the IMF was unhappy after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe announced its plans to introduce bond notes, among other things, two days after its May 2 board meeting which government officials attended.
“This appeared like an act of dishonesty on the part of Harare smacking of political chicanery,” a source said.
Growing social discontent and unrest, sources said, is also worrying IFIs and Western governments. The British government, which appeared to strongly backing the Lima Plan, now seems to be backtracking in the face of a strong lobby by local civic society, political parties and powerful diplomats against it. The British government is now demanding that for Zimbabwe to get funding, it must meet three important conditions: respect for human rights; observance of the rule of law and good governance as well as introduction of economic reforms.
Since launching the plan in Lima, Peru, in October last year, government has been hectically promoting the strategy.
Time is, however, running out for the debt-ridden Harare government to settle the US$1,8 billion arrears to access AfDB bridge financing for distressed countries like Somalia, Sudan and Zimbabwe before the end of 2016.
Since Lima, government has taken the plan around the world in a bid to broaden its buy-in.
The lobby against the plan argues that funding Mugabe’s regime at such a critical moment when it is facing unsustainable fiscal pressure, coupled with rising social discontent and unrest, while almost on its knees, would be a great betrayal of the broad pro-democracy movement and those fighting for change in Zimbabwe.
The lobbyists — led by former Finance minister Tendai Biti, who is opposing his successor Patrick Chinamasa and Reserve Bank governor John Mangudya’s plans — say they remain gravely concerned about the economic and political situation in Zimbabwe, including human rights issues, and consequently, there should be no policy shift towards Harare from the international community.
Asked to comment on the Lima Plan, Biti said: “The Lima Plan is all but dead primarily because the Zanu PF government is corrupt and incompetent. You do not need any lobbyists to stop the Lima initiative because it was always doomed from the start. For Lima to succeed, you need comprehensive reforms, but it is not possible to have reforms without reformers. In this government, there are no serious reformers and hence there are no meaningful reforms. This is what is going to kill the Lima Plan.” | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/us2bn-bailout-sabotaged/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/ad6fc456ca3563c0a2ce0c010ceccb22df3859a6c5634a230beaa7ecc9c0ce5b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:44 | null | 2016-08-19T12:32:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fevidence-political-cronyism-influence-peddling%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wicknell-chivayo-and-grace-mugabeSD.jpg | en | null | …evidence of political cronyism, influence peddling | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | DODGY businessman and Intratrek Zimbabwe director Wicknell Chivayo apparently relies on mutually beneficial political networks and influence peddling to corruptly get tenders without following procedures, his associations suggest.
Staff Writer.
A visit to the photo gallery of Intratrek’s website which is under the headline “our story told in pictures” tells a revealing tale of a businessman who relies heavily on close connections to politicians and other persons of influence. At the top of the photo gallery is Chivayo with President Robert Mugabe. In the picture, captioned “His Excellency President R.G. Mugabe congratulates Intratrek Zimbabwe on the solar initiative”, Chivhayo is clad in a black three-piece suit with white shirt and black tie, and wears a wide grin as he poses for a photo with the president.
The next photo features former Zanu PF chairman and Policy Co-ordination minister Simon Khaya Moyo holding hands with a grinning Chivayo.
Chivayo also features on other photographs with First Lady Grace Mugabe, Zanu PF political commissar and Local Government minister Savior Kasukuwere. He was also pictured with Grace and tycoon Mutumwa Mawere at the First Lady’s orphanage in Mazowe. He has previously posted pictures of him and Grace having dinner in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on social media.
Former Energy minister Dzikamai Mavhaire, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa, State Security minister Kembo Mohadi and former Matabeleland South resident minister Angeline Masuku also feature on photographs with either Chivayo or some Intratrek representatives.
The late vice-president John Nkomo is also featured under the company’s heroes’ section and referred to as a former director and patron of Intratrek. Chivayo reportedly claims to be Nkomo’s nephew.
Former Botswana vice-president Ponatshego Kedikilwe also appears on the company’s website. Despite being an ex-convict, Chivayo has been awarded several multi-million-dollar deals by the Zesa through its subsidiary Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC). The contracts were awarded despite Intratrek and its partners lacking capacity and resources to implement the projects.
Intratrek, which has no previous experience or proven record in power projects, was awarded a contract on November 12 2015 to rehabilitate and modernise the 61-year-old Munyati thermal energy power plant to bring its generated capacity to 100 megawatts at a cost of US$113 182 627.
Intratrek is also leading a consortium awarded to construct the 30 megawwatt Gairezi Hydro Power project in Manicaland at a cost of US$128 million. This is in addition to the US$200m 100-megawatt solar power plant in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, in which Chivayo was paid US$5m without a required bank guarantee.
In February, Energy minister Samuel Undenge forced ZPC to unprocedurally pay Chivayo an advance of US$5m for the Gwanda project. The payment was made in the absence of a bank guarantee, a minimum requirement to protect public funds.
Undenge, who was struggling to pay US$350 maintenance for his daughter as recently as of December 2015, has of late seen his financial fortunes improve dramatically in the aftermath of payments to Chivayo. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/evidence-political-cronyism-influence-peddling/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/d9bd398e3a1e1f3e2673cff012164909be0f73b6619ec0dd99e3b3355b84aa3c.json |
[] | 2016-08-31T08:52:27 | null | 2016-08-26T16:52:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fsexual-abuse-untold-story-liberation-war%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Boycott-VP-Mujuru.jpg | en | null | Sexual abuse: The untold story of the liberation war | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | IT is night in the late 1970s. Some senior comrades fighting the Rhodesian army during the war of independence arrive at one of the liberation camps in Mozambique sparking joy and jubilation among the fighters in the camp.
By Wongai Zhangazha
Everyone rises to greet them after which a conversation starts on the state of the liberation struggle. The senior comrades announce that the guerillas will soon receive new weapons, increasing the excitement in the camp.
Beer and whisky brought by visitors from Maputo is passed around and the soldiers take a swig as laughter erupts.
For others this becomes a cue to take to the dance floor. They gyrate to fast-paced rhythms that betray a heavy influence of the kanindo music then popular in Tanzania where most of the combatants received military training.
Meanwhile, Comrade Liberty is asleep, but is woken by one of the male soldiers: “Some comrades want to see you,” says the guerilla.
Liberty wants to know why, but in the typical ‘yours is not to reason why, but yours is to do and die’ as English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson would say, she is curtly told to just come. Liberty finds comfort in asking whether she can bring her friend, Comrade Flame.
The male comrades’ faces light up upon seeing the female comrades arrive.
“These are comrades from higher offices, they have come from Maputo, sit, sit,” one of the guerillas tells Flame and Liberty.
The commander of the camp, Cde Che, calls Flame and asks her to accompany him to his room, while her friend Liberty is taken by one of the male guerillas from Maputo.
Liberty tries to resist his demands, but is given a blow to the face. The blow floors her.
While in his room “Cde Che” tells Flame: “You are such a beautiful woman and also very intelligent. Why do you hate me?” to which she responds “I don’t hate you.”
“Do you know something Flame, I love you, why don’t you come closer,” continues Che as Flame moves backwards, trying to resist his advances.
“No, No, No please,” she shouts, to no avail. Che uses his strength to overpower and rape her.
She confides in Liberty about the sexual abuse, but chooses not to report the case to anyone.
The sexual abuse continues until it becomes a routine and a way of life for Flame. She eventually bears a child as a result of the abuse.
This is a scene from a 1995 Zimbabwean movie Flame, which highlights the tragic and often unspoken experiences of the country’s female freedom fighters during the liberation struggle. The movie suggests that the war was far from a purely heroic endeavour in which courageous fighters of both sexes successfully confronted the forces of imperialism and racist hegemony.
Flame was initially conceived as a documentary project detailing women’s experiences in the liberation war. However, when all the participants refused to appear on screen, Ingrid Sinclair who directed the movie, decided to develop a fictional representation of their experiences.
The movie brought to the fore stories of pain, violence, bitterness and a history of broken promises. It is a graphic tale of sexual harassment, gruesome sexual abuse and sex for food. It is a movie that was released to self-righteous howls of indignation by the patriarchal leaders in Zanu PF which sought to deny the pain and abuse of women.
Few people have openly spoken about the abuse of women fighters during the liberation war, but a story published in the state media this week alleging that former vice-president Joice Mujuru, then a teenager, slept with a commander during the liberation struggle, ignited debate on how women were abused during the struggle.
“It does not matter whether the story is true or false, but certainly it highlights the abuse of young girls during the war. Young girls were vulnerable to armed commanders and freedom fighters. That is the untold story of the liberation struggle,” said a Zanu PF official and ex-combatant who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“I can’t say whether it happened or not, but it was difficult for a teenager possibly around 15 or 16 to refuse to bow down to the advances of a commander. In many cases resistances did not matter because they would just force themselves on you.”
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean journalist Chofamba Sithole said women combatants had a rough time during the liberation war at the hands of male colleagues and commanders, as exposed by the film Flame.
“It’s sad that the suffering of female combatants during the war has hardly received official recognition by the government, 36 years after the war ended. Female fighters endured not only the trauma of war, but also carried the added burden of being sexually abused by some of their own comrades and commanders, a number of whom may still occupy positions of leadership and authority in the government and state institutions.
“It’s rather callous and morally inept of the misogynistic men who control the state media to seize on these sad experiences and use them as political muck to soil the reputation of a female rival. It conveys the suggestion that President Mugabe’s liberation history is so insecure that it requires such vile tactics to shore it up.”
While some women have denied stories of rape and abuse, others, including the late Freedom Nyamubaya, an outspoken ex-combatant, maintained raped was rife.
Nyamubaya is on record saying Zimbabwe should accept the truth of what really happened during the war.
Among Nyamubaya’s works, the poem For Suzana which narrates ordeals of a woman who sacrifices her life to train and carry arms for freedom before suffering humiliation through rape when her body becomes a “church for high-ranking monks to relieve their stress”.
In her book Re-Living The Second Chimurenga: Memoirs of Zimbabwe’s Liberation Struggle, former education minister, Fay Chung, who was there, also highlights how thousands of young women guerrillas were used as sex slaves by commanders.
“Sometimes, women did not enter into these casual unions willingly, but were forced into them. I remember two incidents when I was in Pungwe III, a military camp on the banks of the Pungwe River deep in the heart of Mozambique. I was awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of commotion — many angry voices could be heard shouting from the women’s barracks situated a hundred metres from my posto1. The next morning I was told by a young commander that (the late Zanla commander, Josiah) Tongogara and his retinue had arrived in the middle of the night and had demanded women to entertain them. Such women were euphemistically called warm blankets,” reads Chung’s book.
“The sycophantic camp commander had immediately gone into the women’s barracks and called out the names of several young women for ‘night duties’. These women knew what this meant and refused. The commotion was caused by the fight between the camp commander and the young women, whose fierce opposition to being carried off to grace the beds of the commanders was termed ‘rebellion’. Despite their shouts and screams, they ended up in the beds of the top Zanla commanders that night.”
Political commentator Stanley Tinarwo says the story “fitted into the unfortunate narrative of attempting to vilify women and their role in the liberation struggle and to portray someone who was a victim of gender violence as a perpetrator”.
Outspoken former female freedom fighter Margret Dongo was quoted last year saying, “The truth of the matter has not yet been told … abuses of female ex-freedom fighters were so high and sophisticated that they deserve to be paid damages.” Environment minister Oppah Muchinguri has also spoken about the abuse of women during the liberation struggle. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/sexual-abuse-untold-story-liberation-war/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/fb1ec5e6911eece827e889972f05389a6a039ce20d71db2b5d9163a10c77bb5f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:09 | null | 2016-08-19T13:12:17 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fravages-drought-region%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Drought-1.jpg | en | null | Ravages of drought in the region | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THIN maize-meal porridge with no peanut butter and very little sugar — for the lucky ones — has become normal breakfast for most children in Zimbabwe’s urban areas.
By Wongai Zhangazha
For the slightly more privileged, this may be followed by thin slices of cheap bread accompanied by a cup of tea without milk. On a good day some may have sadza with vegetables for lunch and repeat the same meal for dinner.
Meat has become a rare luxury.
In most cases, however, most vulnerable families are only having two meals per day — breakfast and lunch — as a result of a combination of the El Nino-induced drought and the economic hardships bedeviling the country.
The food security situation is worse off in rural areas, as indicated by drought assessments conducted by government and its partners, but the growing number of cases of malnutrition being reported in urban areas is an indication that hunger and poverty are on the rise everywhere, including in Harare — the capital city.
Although cases of malnutrition have been reported in many parts of the city, Harare City Council nutrition specialist Rumbidzai Chituwu said that the high density suburbs of Dzivaresekwa, Hatcliffe, Hopley and Mbare have the highest number of cases.
“From January to June 2016; of the children treated for malnutrition at the 14 clinics, Dzivarasekwa had the highest, followed by Hatcliffe and Hopley while for outpatients department attendances, Mbare had the highest number of kwashiorkor cases,” Chituwu said.
“For now, I can only talk about the malnourished children we see at our clinics. This is why we are advocating for a detailed vulnerability assessment similar to the one conducted in the rural areas before the end of the year.
This assessment will provide information on the current food security situation in Harare and how the El Nino induced drought has affected urban areas. This will give us a complete picture of the nutrition and food security situation in Harare.”
According to the recently released Zimbabwe Demographic and Health (ZDH) Survey (2015) on the nutritional status of children between six and 59 months, 23% of the children are affected by stunting (low height for age and is an indicator of chronic malnutrition) resulting from prolonged under nutrition and or frequent infections which can slow down growth while 6,8% were found to be underweight. The survey observed that the problem of wasting affects 1% of children.
Chituwu said because of the high percentage of malnourished children, Harare’s health department is implementing a management of acute malnutrition programme at its clinics where children with severe malnutrition are managed.
“Children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition are treated using plumpy’nut — a ready to use peanut based paste enriched with micro-nutrients. Those with medical complications requiring stabilisation are referred to Harare and Parirenyatwa Hospitals,” she said.
“The city also has a robust growth monitoring programme where children under five have their growth monitored. This provides an opportunity for screening of malnutrition for children.
“Health education and counselling is conducted before weighing of children. City health promoters also assist with screening for malnutrition in the community and refer to the health facility. This allows for early identification of malnutrition and treatment before the child deteriorates.”
Chituwu said children between six and 59 months are also given supplementary Vitamin A at six months intervals.
Cases of malnutrition have also been reported in other urban areas other than Harare hence calls for an assessment to determine the impact of the drought in towns and cities.
Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Christian Katsande last month admitted that malnutrition was a problem in many urban areas. He said Zimbabwe should conduct an urban livelihood assessment to determine urban and peri-urban food security, so as to provide a more holistic picture of the population deemed to be food insecure in the whole country.
A United Nations (UN) statement on the situation said: “The impact of the El Nino-induced drought is being felt not only in rural areas but also in urban areas … Katsande informed of the government’s intention to conduct an urban livelihood assessment to assess urban and peri-urban food security.”
An assessment of the impact of the drought in rural areas has already revealed that hunger and malnutrition is widespread.
According to the 2016/2017 Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) Rural Livelihood Assessment, the number of food insecure people in Zimbabwe is likely to increase to over 4 million between January and March 2017.
The UN estimated that 2,8 million were food insecure as of March this year.
Food insecurity levels increased significantly in all 60 districts and in particular in the 20 most food insecure districts.
In the districts with the highest food insecurity levels — Binga and Mudzi — 79% of the population will be food insecure in the period January to March 2017.
Commenting on the findings UN Resident Coordinator, Bishow Parajuli, said “the findings of the 2016/2017 ZimVAC and the 43% increase in the number of food insecure people will demand that we scale up our humanitarian response efforts in the coming months.”
Drought is also wreaking havoc in other countries across the entire southern African region.
In a recent telephonic press briefing conference, USAID assistant administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, David Harden, said Southern Africa is facing the worst drought in 35 years and estimates that 18 million people are facing heightened food insecurity.
Harden said as a result USAID is releasing US$127 million to most affected countries in the region — Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Lesotho, and Swaziland.
The announcement came at a time Sadc on July 26 official launched an appeal for US$2,4 billion in assistance. Harden said they are 4,1 million Zimbabweans at risk.
USAID Office of Food for Peace Director Dina Esposito said: “We are estimating that somewhere around 40% of the rural population in Zimbabwe that 4,1 million people are going to be food insecure. By comparison, in 2015 it was around six percent.
“So while we know that a lot of these communities are chronically food insecure, we do feel, as we pointed out, this is a historic moment, a historic drought, where needs are dramatically higher than what we would call a normal year in Southern Africa. Somewhere around one million tonnes of food deficit for Zimbabwe, which is of course, cause for concern.”
Unicef says Zimbabwe is facing its worst malnutrition rates in 15 years, as nearly 33 000 children are in urgent need of treatment for severe acute malnutrition. The statistics are an indicator that the government should channel more resources to ensure that the vulnerable, especially children, are fed and not waste resources on luxuries and foreign trips. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/ravages-drought-region/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/a5556a99efdef76bf941bc1da92ede37fc9b3281fe3f1ab19a280999dc00957e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:54 | null | 2016-08-19T15:37:21 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Ftelecel-sits-5-inactive-suscribers%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/telecel-hq.jpg | en | null | Telecel sits on 5% inactive suscribers | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Zimbabwe’s third-largest mobile network operator, Telecel Zimbabwe, has reported a 5% slump in active subscribers in the first quarter of 2016 amid concern its customers could be losing confidence in the company on news it was taken over by government.
By Taurai Mangudhla
In the last quarter of 2015, news of government, which owns the second-largest mobile operator NetOne and fixed telephone subscriber TelOne, taking over the 60% equity stake owned by VimpelCom in a US$40 million deal filtered into the market with plans to acquire the remaining stake in due course.
Latest figures from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) show that the three mobile network operators —Econet Wireless (Econet), NetOne and Telecel — jointly reported a 1,1% growth in active subscribers from 12,7 million to 12,9 million largely driven by a 5,5% growth in active subscribers at NetOne from 4,1 million to 4,4 million subscribers.
Econet’s active subscribers was flat at a 0,2% growth.
“Telecel was the only operator to experience a decline in active subscriptions as shown above. On the other hand, NetOne had the largest growth in active subscriptions (5,5%). This is attributed to the intensity of promotions on the NetOne network hence consumers move to maximise their utility,” said Potraz in the report.
Telecel has the largest number of inactive subscribers on its network at 57,3%, followed by Econet at 27,7% and NetOne at 19,7%.
An active mobile subscription is defined as a mobile line which has been used to make and/or receive a call, send and/or receive a message or used the internet within the past 3 months (90 days).
In terms of total subscribers, Potraz said, the total number of mobile subscriptions in the country as at March 31 2016 was 18 992 082, representing a 2,5% decline from 19 477 307 total subscriptions recorded as at 31 December 2015.
Econet had 9,3 million subscribers while NetOne and Telecel had 5,4 million and 4,3 million subscribers respectively.
“The decline is attributed to the removal of unused lines from the networks. Mobile lines that exceed 1 year of no activity are removed from the network by the mobile operators,” said Potraz.
Telecel also lost market share from 15, 1% to 14, 1% in the quarter under review while Econet’s market share also fell from 52,5% in the last quarter of 2015 to 52,1% in the reporting period.
NetOne was the only company to report a marginal growth in market share from 32, 4% to 33,8%.
Insiders at Telecel said the decline in market share was attributable to having or using multiple sim cards, referred to as multi-siming as well customers who move from networks for various reasons including promotions.
Apart from that, said an insider who requested not to be named, the slump in inactive subscribers is a deliberate result of trying to manage network resources by removing subscribers on the network who are not using the network.
“Each network has a capacity and Telecel’s capacity is set at five million. Therefore Telecel periodically removes inactive subscribers to free up network resources. At any given time Telecel will have between 4,5 –and 4,8 million subscribers on the network and reserves the right to remove the inactive subscribers to ensure network capacity is within the limit,” said the Telecel source.
“It is important to understand that the clean-up exercise does not in any way reflect a loss in subscribers as these subscribers are already not active on the network. Some networks will chose to keep an inflated HLR (home location register) with many inactive subscribers. Although the total number of subscribers on their books looks impressive the reality is many of those ‘subscribers’ would not be active and therefore do not contribute revenues.” Efforts to get an official comment from Telecel CE Angeline Vere were fruitless at the time of going to print.
Sources at Econet’s commercial department attributed the decline in active subscribers to the liquidity crunch which has limited consumer spending power.
According to the report, the mobile operators generated a total of US$167,7 million in the first quarter of 2016, a 12,3% decline in revenues from US$191,1 million recorded in the previous quarter.
Mobiles revenues stood at US$219 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 before they went on a slippery slope.
“All the mobile operators registered declines in their revenues. Mobile revenues have been declining due to the substitution of traditional mobile services with Over-the-Top services as well as the general economic environment,” said Potraz.
Mobile data utilisation increased by 25,5% to record 1,510,379,839MB from 1,203,378,839MB recorded in the previous quarter. Potraz said total national voice traffic declined by 15,3% to record 1 billion minutes from 1,2 billion minutes recorded in the previous quarter.
International incoming and outgoing traffic declined by 16,5% and 13,8% respectively as shown above. The overall decline in mobile voice traffic is attributed to the substitution of mobile voice service with cheaper Over-the-Top services. International traffic has been the most affected. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/telecel-sits-5-inactive-suscribers/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/19aaf25d9e6d8a3118d3f88dd228113476d6aa0b59c45655308086f6c6dcdae4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:32 | null | 2016-08-19T14:11:39 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fachieving-food-security-zim-lessons-egypt-experience%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/kondozi-trucks1.jpg | en | null | Achieving food security in Zim: Lessons from Egypt experience | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Agriculture has been the mainstay of the economy and also contributes a significant fraction to the GDP of Zimbabwe. It has evolved from a necessity for production of food for the subsistence of families to an industrialised business that produces raw materials that are processed into food, feed, fuel, or industrial products.
Ronald Rusere & Sayid Ali Kativu,Agric Graduates
Agriculture and the manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe are closely integrated and increasing agricultural production with an aim of surpassing subsistence level needs is vital in the generation of surplus produce to support the non-agricultural sector, hence reviving and promoting economic growth.
Albert Einstein, in a famous quote, once said: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Agriculture being the foundation to the success of our economy there is need to acknowledge that agriculture is a knowledge-based economy highlighting the need for agricultural training and education. Food security continues to be an important and pressing contemporary issue in Zimbabwe.
The issue of food security in the country will not improve until we prioritise and acknowledge the role of crop sciences/ agronomy in food security. Zimbabwe now houses a lot of universities and colleges with some of them offering tertiary level training in agricultural sciences and natural resources management. Despite being endowed with these many facilities and producing young graduates in agriculture, who have the necessary skills to improve agricultural productivity, we find ourselves in a situation of “high food drain”. A situation in which we also have “an income level which is so low and a large chunk of our country’s income is required for food imports”.
Without a doubt agricultural education and training has proven to be a crucial key, yet a much-ignored component of agricultural development in Zimbabwe. There is a growing number of graduates having difficulties in finding employment each year and consequently the country is coupled with high “educated unemployment”, as a result of a mismatch between higher education output and labour market requirements and an underperforming economy. This tragic situation is neither new nor is it improving as the overwhelming evidence suggests.
As graduates we also want to be entrepreneurs (agro-entrepreneurs) and contribute towards employment creation, but we also need land in order to put into practice the skills we acquired from university/college and contribute towards the development of the nation. In many instances, the youth are portrayed as a problem that needs to be addressed; young graduates, not only in agriculture, want to be part of the solution, not the problem. We want to revive agriculture for what it truly is, Zimbabwe’s engine for growth as it was before.
However, we are constantly told that graduates lack necessary skills for employment and which also contradicts with another constant we are told, that we should create jobs despite the hard economic conditions prevailing and large companies closing. We also want to create jobs, we did modules on entreprenuership, we also have ideas to transform the agriculture sector, but are constantly excluded.
We know of our fellow colleagues (crop science graduates) a group of five crop science graduates who once visited the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement with the intention of applying for land, only to be told that there was no more land available and they should rent from other farmers. Given how people are sceptical in investing on property or land which is not theirs can prove to be a hindrance in promoting productivity on farms. Surely, logic would not allow a tenant to erect a fence around a house that does not belong to him and such is a perceived risk in renting farms.
Fellow colleagues, holders of BSc degrees in Agriculture, are working in fast-food outlets yet the country is in serious need of these people as the agricultural situation suggests.
Youths with higher education training in agriculture are a necessary human resource that will stimulate science-based technology innovation in the country. It is saddening to see agriculture graduates end up in jobs that are non-agricultural, which they are not trained for yet the current situation clearly highlights their importance.
The case of the N7 farmers in Cape Town, South Africa is testament to the abilities of agricultural graduates in Zimbabwe. The untapped capacity for creativity and innovation by graduate youths in agriculture is wasted when they are not active participants in the mainstream agricultural economy. Involving young agricultural graduates is all important in this effort to enable agriculture to be driven by Zimbabwe’s brightest and best, who are ambitious and eager to make a difference, passionate about the agricultural transformation, and visionaries of an aid-dependence free and prosperous Zimbabwe.
In order to regain our lost status as “the breadbasket of Africa” it is not enough to attend to the symptoms of the crisis we have in agriculture, but rather it is of importance to tackle the profound causes of these symptoms. To do that, it is necessary to have recourse to prioritising agricultural sciences which have an enormous role in transforming agriculture in the country.
First, it is important to take into account that human capital in agriculture has been depleted by long neglect and this has resulted in an exodus of among our brightest graduates to neighbouring countries. Improvements in agricultural productivity and food security in Zimbabwe hinges on tying down these graduates who possess an indigenous scientific capacity and training.
Considering the role that agronomy should play in the revival of our agricultural sector, it is disturbing to note how far away we are from this agricultural reality. To what extent are those who in charge of agriculture are unaware of the wealth of knowledge we are exporting to neighbouring countries and the tremendous role in boosting the economy of neighbouring countries.
The development of agriculture in some southern African countries has been anchored mainly on domestic human capital, with Zimbabwean youths playing their fair share in such development. Such is owed to our unmatched capacity to export a capable, educated agricultural labour force into its neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and Namibia. This labour force we export includes agricultural economists, agronomists, agricultural policy specialists, animal scientists, land surveyors, and developers to name a few.
The money government gets from exporting labour does not equate to the role these graduates play in boosting the economies of neighbouring counties. The same cannot be said about our country’s capacity to import a significant human capital force from our counterparts; which in abstract terms is far-fetched. The country’s inability to absorb its very own agricultural human capital into an economically active population is even a greater and worrying matter; even more so for the youth.
Despite this richness in human capital, its value and key role in agriculture, Zimbabwean agriculture is lagging behind. We mostly certainly are “beggars sitting on a beach of gold”. To say the least, we export human capital to our neighbouring nations, who produce and contribute to the food security of those nations and in return we import food from the surplus stocks of those nations to meet our own food security needs. Put simply, we subsist mainly on trickle-down, left-over benefits from our very own human capital because we cannot seem to be empowered enough as the nation’s greatest force to drive and develop agriculture as everyone visions.
The trends in Zimbabwe are a great stir of worry, reflecting that the agricultural sector is not developing and progressing fast enough towards the milestone everyone and especially the majority of youths in agriculture envision, retaining the agricultural superpower title among African agrarian-based economies, which is becoming the continent’s breadbasket once again. It goes without saying that the marginalisation of young agriculture graduates in Zimbabwe’s agriculture turns the vision into a fairy tale. It would seem, that the role of young graduates in agriculture and food security of the country has been overlooked, or has been given little attention. Overlooked in terms of youth’s inclusion, especially in agricultural land ownership.
It is safe to say that agricultural land and its ownership in Zimbabwe has left too little room for youths to be as active primary producers and productive in agriculture. As much as the government is of the idea that the land reform and ownership is closed, such is to the further disadvantages of the youth. Upon inquiry into why agricultural graduates (those privileged to find little capital) diverted into other trades that are not agriculture-based for investment (especially in relation to infrastructure), the case is so due to lack of support and investment security, especially of infrastructure and risks associated with establishing land whose tenure and security was unclear. It all comes back to the issue of a tenant and his limited privileges to develop a homestead where the landlord may wake up one day deciding that the tenant has to vacate.
In light of the recent comments by Higher Education minister Professor Jonathan Moyo that “graduates lack skills”, it is needless for us as young agriculture graduates to dwell into the scope of agronomy/crop science, soil and animal science the scientific, technical and research aspects that are incorporated into our curricula so as to justify the skills we have. However, we do understand and can also note that even a medical practitioner would not perform auscultation, give a diagnosis and prescription of treatment on that basis only without further inquiry and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, reproduction and the compromises or deviations therein. In the same vein, one should not be quick to generalise the issue of Zimbabwean graduates and formulate a diagnosis, and propose projects and policies of agricultural development without being grounded in a systematic knowledge of the field, and dynamics of different sorts within the agricultural systems.
If the essential problem of the Zimbabwean economy today truly lies in the underperformance of the agricultural sector, then the solution to this crisis necessarily lies in a formulating co-ordinated policies that would allow young agricultural professionals to become active and productive participants. These policies must be in line to end the exodus of agricultural graduates from the country, by way of domestic motivation and incentivisation of these young graduates to stay in agriculture and in the country in the long run.
Agricultural innovativeness also requires drawing on new energy and new sources of inspiration and leadership, particularly through tapping from the youth. Self-sustenance is easy to achieve, but it requires dogged commitment from the top, through leadership and vision that is required to bring about an agriculture that includes these young graduates, not marginalise them. Let us not downplay the critical role played by the country’s universities and agricultural colleges in creating a pipeline of talent and generating scientific discovery and the skills students learn which prove invaluable, particularly for agriculture.
Rusere and Kativu are BSc Horticulture Honours degree graduates from Midlands State University. They can be contacted on ronaldrusere@outlook.com and sksayid125@gmail.com
To be continued next week. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/achieving-food-security-zim-lessons-egypt-experience/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/31b1def051d31b729878c543baa8fd77672706c09fc3db7d00128874bfa9beaf.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:50:33 | null | 2016-08-30T12:11:47 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fzimbabwe-charges-68-violence-protests-activist-denied-bail%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Robert-Mugabe-worried.gif | en | null | Zimbabwe charges 68 with violence after protests, activist denied bail | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ZIMBABWE has charged 68 people with public violence following violent clashes between protesters and the police last week and a magistrate court will on Tuesday rule whether they should be released from custody while they await trial.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon at opposition leaders and hundreds of demonstrators at Friday’s protest before unrest swept across large parts of the capital, Harare.
The 68, who include a freelance photographer, first appeared in court on Saturday. Accused of burning property, attacking police officers and looting shops, they were not asked to plead.
They face a fine and up to 10 years in jail if convicted.
Around 100 riot police stood outside the court house in downtown Harare, accompanied by water cannon and armoured cars. Officers blocked relatives of the accused and members of the public from getting in.
Police arrested three people waving banners criticising 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe, who is facing rising public anger at the dire state of the economy, in particular shortages of cash and unemployment estimated at over 80 percent.
Defence lawyers will argue that those arrested last week were innocent people caught up in the violence.
Magistrate Tendai Mahwe earlier refused bail for political activist Promise Mkwananzi and another man charged with public violence following a protest by opposition youths on Aug. 24.
Mkwananzi is linked to the social media movement #Tajamuka, which joined forces last month with the #ThisFlag campaign of pastor Evan Mawarire to organise a ‘stay-at-home’ protest billed as the biggest strike in Zimbabwe since 2007.
Mahwe ruled that Mkwananzi faced serious charges and should not be freed on bail. His lawyer, Tonderai Bhatasara, said he would appeal the ruling at the High Court.-Reuters | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/30/zimbabwe-charges-68-violence-protests-activist-denied-bail/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/b918b8cc8375cf446dc5668f699d2b01c97213fb41e2bd95c6aa5c771bd180e9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:57 | null | 2016-08-26T05:28:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fcorporate-vultures-swoop-zimasco%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/zimasco1.jpg | en | null | Corporate vultures swoop on Zimasco | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Corporate vultures are circling around Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (Pvt) Ltd (Zimasco) with a view to effect a hostile take-over of the integrated ferrochrome company in the country, businessdigest can reveal.
By Chris Muronzi
Investigations by businessdigest show that Zimasco, the fifth-largest ferrochrome producer in the world, has become a target of corporate raiders keen on extracting intrinsic value in the troubled company.
The company was in June placed under provisional judicial manager to protect thebusiness from creditors.
This comes as it emerged last week that Zimasco’s board of directors, chaired by then CE Li Jinqian, rejected the proposal.
It is understood that Portnex International expressed interest in writing on August 11 2015, but the offer was rejected by the board.
Zimasco is now owned by Sino Steel Corporation, a wholly-owned Chinese state enterprise.
The Chinese shareholders are said to have supported the local company with over US$100 million since taking it over in 2007 in a US$200 million deal.
Sino Steel, China’s leading steel trader, completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Zimasco Consolidated Enterprises, which in turn owned a 73% equity in the Zimbabwe operation.
A letter dated August 11 2015 from Portnex general manager Frikkie Laubschere to Reginald Matshiya shows that Portnex was interested in acquiring Zimasco’s assets.
The proposal — a take-over bid for Zimbabwe’s largest integrated ferrochrome producer with an operational smelting capacity of 180 000 metric tonnes of high carbon ferrochrome per annum — was considered and rejected.
“Over the past five years, the company has developed an industry proven value-in model to optimise the raw material feed and subsequent profitability of various ferrochrome furnaces across the world. In addition, the company has developed a substantial database of available ores and reductants, having access to various sources of chrome ores and reductants globally,” the letter reads.
“To this end, the company has been investigating the feasibility of operating a ferrochrome production facility in Zimbabwe over the past year. Portnex wishes to express its interest to purchase Zimasco (Pvt)Ltd facilities and assets in order to establish itself as a ferrochrome producer. This will serve to unlock the value from its existing chrome ore and the ferrochrome reductants supply and availability from within the group.”
Sino Steel declined the take-over bid, but accepted a deal to lease the furnaces to Portnex.
Zimasco, according to insiders, was at the time operating only two east plant furnaces and had closed the three west plant furnaces in October 2014.
The east plant furnaces had remained open until they were shut down mid-December last year after global ferrochrome prices plunged to a level which rendered production unviable.
Zimasco provisional judicial manager Regis Saruchera told a creditors meeting in the capital on Wednesday Portnex was not paying what is due to Zimasco in monthly rentals.
He told creditors that Portnex was failing to pay rentals on time and had failed to pay around US$700 000 in deposits as agreed to in the memorandum of understanding the parties signed last year.
Saruchera told creditors Portnex was bent on making Zimasco look bad.
“They give mealie-meal to our staff and say we are failing to pay our own workers. But they fail to pay rent,” he said.
“They are behind on rent. They make all sorts of excuses all the time. The South African Reserve Bank has not given us permission.
“The excuses are too many. The next thing they say we want to buy the business,” he said.
Advocate Thabani Mpofu, who was representing Niarchaous, a company seeking permission to sue Zimasco in a class action against environmental contamination, raised conflict of interest on the part of Saruchera on the grounds he was using Wintertons as his attorneys when they were already acting for Zimasco.
Saruchera dismissed the suggestions saying Wintertons were not cast in stone as attorneys could be changed at any time.
“Let us not get bogged down in trivialities. The issue of lawyers is not why we are here,” he said.
On Portnex, Saruchera said, he still respected the agreement the parties signed.
“We have an agreement with Portnex and we must respect that agreement. Despite the problems we are having with our tenant, we believe we should not cancel the agreement,” he said. “Portnex was the only company who wanted to lease our furnaces.”
Saruchera said US$20 million will come from the leasing deal.
He said if Portnex pulled out, the company would run its own furnaces. Portnex, through its local company, Niarchos Investments slapped Zimasco with a US$500 million lawsuit.
l See also A4. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/corporate-vultures-swoop-zimasco/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/c7d72017eee46388debc028b9551cd842d143a484a90a26e4bbd70f59568e4df.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:47:59 | null | 2016-08-26T18:29:49 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Feighty-years-2016-new-1936%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/gwynne-pic4.jpg | en | null | Eighty years on - Is 2016 the new 1936? | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Times are very hard in most developed countries for the old working class, who have been left behind by globalisation and that is where most of the support for right-wing extremism comes from. But there really aren’t enough of them to take over the state: Trump will not win in November, the National Front will not win next year’s French election, and the Brexiteers in Britain — well, that remains to be seen.
Hegel remarks somewhere that all great world-historic facts and personages appear, so to speak, twice. He forgot to add: the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce (Karl Marx, 1852).
World View Gwynne Dyer
We would all prefer a farce to a tragedy, so let us hope that Marx was right. But he has been wrong a few times in the past, so we must entertain the possibility that what awaits us is tragedy.
The “first time”, in this instance, was the 1930s, when the painfully slow recovery from a global financial crash led to political polarisation, beggar-my-neighbour trade wars and the rise to power of anti-democratic, ultra-nationalist leaders in a number of countries. The consequences included the Second World War, death camps, the first and only use of nuclear weapons, and 40 years of Cold War.
Well, we had our global financial crash in 2008 and the recovery has certainly been slow. Average incomes in many Western countries have still not recovered to pre-2008 levels and the growth of nationalist and racist sentiment is evident in major countries like Britain (the Brexit vote), France (the rise of the National Front) and above all the United States (Donald Trump).
The wave of non-violent democratic revolutions that transformed so many developing countries at the end of the Cold War ended with the failure of the “Arab Spring”, leaving a new dictatorship in Egypt and civil wars across the Middle East. In parts of Asia the process has even gone into reverse (military rule in Thailand, death squads run by populist elected governments in the Philippines and Indonesia).
Authoritarian, ultra-nationalist governments hostile to the European Union have come to power in post-Communist Eastern Europe (Fidesz in Hungary, the Law and Justice government in Poland). And a trade war is brewing between the United States and China no matter who wins the US election in November.
You could add to the list of worries a new ruler in China (Xi Jinping) who is more autocratic and readier to play the nationalist card than any other Chinese leader since Mao Zedong and a Japanese Prime Minister (Shinzo Abe) who promises to remove the anti-war clause from the constitution. Not to mention that addict to high-stakes international brinkmanship, Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Quite a list, but does it really mean that we are back in 1936 (fascists in power in Germany, Italy and Japan, civil war in Spain, the Great Purge in the Soviet Union), with the catastrophe of global war just three years away?
Or is it just a grab-bag of local problems, failures and worries of the sort that are bound to exist in a world of almost 200 independent countries? Probably the latter.
Right and left-wing parties are a legitimate and inevitable part of any democratic society, but they both tend to spin off or mutate into more extreme and paranoid versions of themselves in times of economic hardship. It is difficult to argue, however, that the times are really that bad at the moment.
Times are very hard in most developed countries for the old working class, who have been left behind by globalisation and that is where most of the support for right-wing extremism comes from. But there really aren’t enough of them to take over the state: Trump will not win in November, the National Front will not win next year’s French election, and the Brexiteers in Britain — well, that remains to be seen.
The Middle East is a disaster area, of course, but it is a pretty isolated disaster area, apart from occasional small-scale terrorist outrages in Western countries. To live in fear of a worldwide Islamic caliphate is as delusional as to hope for it.
Democracy is not in retreat in Africa or Latin America and the pluses and the minuses more or less balance out in Asia (military rule in Thailand and more authoritarian elected governments in the Philippines and Indonesia, but more democracy in Burma and Sri Lanka). Nor should we see the triumph of a couple of ultra-nationalist parties in traditionally nationalist Eastern European countries as a sign of things to come in the rest of Europe.
This is not to say that the European Union will survive in the long-term without major changes. We are going through a historic shift of the centre of gravity of the global economy from the North Atlantic world to Asia and many things will have to change as a result.
It is possible that the US and China might stumble into a military confrontation at some point: that risk is implicit in the kind of power shift that is underway in the early 21st Century. But we are not on the brink of any great and awful calamity in the world. It is not 1936.
Dyer is a London-based independent journalist. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/eighty-years-2016-new-1936/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/2e43bfd875bc211c0a5eab0360b916e9d0c08eb67c8f27ff1ea2030b30c01a49.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:49:17 | null | 2016-08-26T10:40:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fgovt-deploy-army-streets%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/chombo-ignatius.jpg | en | null | Govt to deploy army in streets | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | GOVERNMENT will today deploy security forces to quell mass demonstrations organised by a coalition of opposition parties joining forces to push for electoral reforms and change — should the protest turn violent — as pressure mounts on President Robert Mugabe to reform or quit, it has been established.
Bernard Mpofu/Wongai Zhangazha/Elias Mambo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) yesterday refused to grant permission to the 18 political parties under the auspices of the National Election Reform Agenda and the Coalition of Democrats to march in the streets of Harare, prompting the parties to approach the High Court.
Justice Hlekani Mwayera, who heard the urgent matter, is expected to make a ruling at 8am today, but protest organisers insist the demonstration will forge ahead, setting the stage for violent confrontation like what happened on Wednesday in Harare.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo said state security forces would not hesitate to descend heavily on protestors.
“We will not tolerate any illegal demonstration. If they elect to march unlawfully, the police are there to protect citizens from lawbreakers,” Chombo said yesterday at a press briefing in Harare attended by Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi and State Security minister Kembo Mohadi.
“We have a moral duty to protect citizens of this country and people that do business so that they are not disrupted by malcontents. There is no ‘peaceful demonstration’ that has been held so far, all violent.”
Military sources told the Zimbabwe Independent yesterday that the army will be on high alert and could patrol the streets today following Wednesday’s riots which resulted in a police car and a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation truck being set ablaze.
Some shops, including Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s Choppies Supermarket along Nelson Mandela Avenue in Harare, were also looted.
Security sources said soldiers would be deployed in the streets at the slightest hint of trouble as the under pressure and insecure government moves to contain the rising social discontent and unrests manifested through riots.
The security reinforcements, sources said, were also made to ensure that there is structure-induced stability and false tranquillity as visiting Sierra Leone Vice-President Victor Bockarie, who opened the Harare Agricultural Show, leaves the country today.
Army public relations director Lieutenant-Colonel Alphios Makotore said questions relating to the proposed demonstrations should be referred to the ZRP.
“I do not comment on issues to do with demonstrations,” Makotore said adding, “such questions should be directed to the police.”
The 18 opposition political parties, which include former vice-president Joice Mujuru’s Zimbabwe People First, Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC-T, Welshman Ncube’s MDC, Simba Makoni’s Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn, Tendai Biti’s People’s Democratic Party and Elton Mangoma’s Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe, among others, informed the police of the intended demonstration on August 12.
The police, however, yesterday told the organisers they did not have capacity to handle the protest march in a letter dated August 15, but stamped August 25.
“The above subject matter is pertinent. We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 12th of August 2016. The office is discouraging the issue of marching in the central business district considering the number of participants, that is 150 000 to be involved in your street demonstration,” wrote the officer commanding Harare Central District, chief superintendent Newbert Saunyama.
“The crowd cannot be accommodated in the CBD as it interrupts the smooth flow of both human and vehicular traffic. We, however, encourage you to send representatives to submit your petition to Zec (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) headquarters rather than engaging in street demonstration.
“Any inconveniences caused are greatly regretted. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.”
The political parties, however, vowed to press ahead with their demonstration.
The organisation’s chairperson Didymus Mutasa, a founder member of Zimbabwe People First party, said the demonstration would forge ahead despite skirmishes between protestors and police on Wednesday, and police resistance.
“We have called this press conference to announce that tomorrow’s march to press for comprehensive electoral reforms is going ahead as planned. As political parties, we call upon the people of Zimbabwe to come out in their numbers so that we make a loud national expression to demand comprehensive electoral reforms that will ensure that we move away from the culture of contested electoral outcomes,” said Mutasa. “During our march tomorrow, we will hand over a petition to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the procession will culminate in an address to the people by the leaders of the political parties.”
Mutasa said the opposition were demanding the implementation of electoral reforms, and the announcement of a clear road-map — complete with processes and time-frames — to the next election by Zec.
“We are calling on Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers tomorrow in support of this legitimate cause of demanding a truly free and fair election. We are also calling on Sadc, specifically the current chair of Sadc, to remain seized with the issue of Zimbabwe and to ensure that the electoral field in this country is levelled ahead of the next election,” Mutasa said.
“Sadc must remain seized with the issue of Zimbabwe where the current unravelling economic crisis is just but a mirror of the underlying political crisis of legitimacy. As political parties, we have complied with the law in that we have notified the police of our peaceful march tomorrow.”
MDC-T vice-chairperson Morgen Komichi, who is directing Nera operations, said people will gather at the open space opposite Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare showgrounds.
“We will march along Robert Mugabe Road via 4th (Simon Muzenda) then turn at Jason Moyo Street headed for Zec offices where we will hand over our petition and return back to Freedom Square,” said Komichi.
“Nera has followed the law in notifying of our demonstration which will be peaceful. We urge people to be patient as we wait for judgment. Even if the judgment comes out at eight or 10 in the morning or at two in the afternoon, the demonstration will take place.”
Today’s demonstration comes at a time the Mugabe regime has been under pressure from demonstrators who are demanding that he steps down amid a worsening political and economic crisis.
The country has witnessed an increased number of protests since the July 1 riots in Beitbridge following the imports ban. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/govt-deploy-army-streets/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/495ecbe6ac3c27c3b6c9fc96ae2b8ea5630dc8a41b83c8f26d3cf135b5880862.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:21 | null | 2016-08-26T17:58:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fbeitbridge-hard-hit-hotel-closures%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/hotel.jpg | en | null | Beitbridge hard hit by hotel closures | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THE closure of the Rainbow Tourism Group’s Beitbridge Hotel and African Sun’s Express Hotel in Beitbridge has had a negative impact on the development of the town, businessdigest has learnt.
By Kudzai Kuwaza
The RTG group closed its Beitbridge unit after it cost the group US$2 million in losses due to depressed occupancies. The Express Hotel closed for similar reasons.
Beitbridge town secretary Loud Ramakgapola told businessdigest last week that the closure of the two hotels had an adverse impact on the town’s development.
“The closure of the two hotels were a huge blow to the town,” Ramakgapola said. “ We used to have groups such as government ministries and non-governmental organisations having their meetings almost on a monthly basis, but that is no longer the case since the closure of the hotels.”
Ramakgapola said as a result of the closure of the hotels, the National Association of School Heads, which had planned to hold its conference in Beitbridge which would have had huge spin-offs for the town, then held their conference in Victoria Falls.
He said that the council was battling to secure a venue that will accommodate about 150 guests for its meetings.
“The closure of the hotels has a domino effect,” Ramakgapola noted.“ Guests who would stay at these hotels would also spend money for other services and this would benefit the council because it would mean that businesses and individuals who have benefitted from those staying in the town will be able to pay their rates.”
The National Social Security Authority (Nssa) is seeking buyers or tenants for its US$49 million Beitbridge Hotel amid indications the fund has so far received potential proposals from different hotel groups, churches and individuals who want the hotel.
Nssa chairman Robin Vela last month told businessdigest that the authority is trying to get the best deal.
“We are very much in a hurry to find the best offer as we are time conscious and understand that every day that we are not earning a return we lose money,” said Vela. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/beitbridge-hard-hit-hotel-closures/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/7f3cc9578586d2b0470f0572061035fdd996fcf5e7998f02b6e8151b9c8d87d0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:50:38 | null | 2016-08-30T13:42:24 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F30%2Fcar-bomb-kills-5-soldiers-outside-somali-presidents-palace-police%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Blasts.jpg | en | null | Car bomb kills 5 soldiers outside Somali president's palace-police | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | A CAR bomb claimed by al Shabaab Islamist militants killed five soldiers outside the president’s palace in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and badly damaged two nearby hotels, police said.
Reuters witnesses said gunfire could be heard after the explosion and a huge cloud of smoke could be seen above the president’s palace, outside which were the remnants of the car and splattered blood.
“A suicide car bomb exploded outside the presidential palace. So far two hotels opposite the palace are partially destroyed,” police officer Major Mohamed Ali told Reuters by phone.
Al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for several recent explosions in Mogadishu, including a car bomb and gun attack last week at a popular beach restaurant in the capital that killed 10 people.
“So far we know five government soldiers died in the blast. It exploded outside the SYL hotel which is also just at the checkpoint outside the palace. We believe the target was SYL which is frequented by officials. The death toll may rise,” police officer Colonel Abdikadir Hussein told Reuters.
Al Shabaab’s Radio Andaluz said that the group was behind the attack.
In a separate incident, al Shabaab fighters attacked military bases housing government and African Union troops south west of the capital Mogadishu late on Monday, police and the group said on Tuesday.
Military officer Major Bile Farah said a soldier and two al Shabaab fighters were killed in the attack in K-50 and Muri in Lower Shabelle region,
Al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said the group’s fighters had killed 10 soldiers and commandeered a vehicle from the Somali government soldiers.
The militants were pushed out of Mogadishu by the African Union peacekeeping force AMISOM in 2011 but have remained a serious threat, launching frequent attacks aimed at overthrowing the government.
Seeking to impose its own harsh form of Islam, al Shabaab has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda which have contributed troops to the 22,000-strong AMISOM force.-Reuters | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/30/car-bomb-kills-5-soldiers-outside-somali-presidents-palace-police/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/d5f25c396dc51360a2cb2eabb6c07f56f037c90ea1566b8a5eb349ba00c7492d.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:50:05 | null | 2016-08-29T16:12:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fgabon-opposition-candidate-calls-president-bongo-acknowledge-defeat%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ping.jpg | en | null | Gabon opposition candidate calls on President Bongo to "acknowledge his defeat" | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | GABON opposition candidate Jean Ping called on President Ali Bongo on Monday to “acknowledge his defeat” in a weekend presidential election, telling reporters in the capital Libreville that unofficial tallies give him a clear edge.
Bongo’s camp said on Sunday that it was set to win the single-round contest and accused Ping’s supporters of fraud, charges that could presage confrontation between the two sides.
The Central African oil producer’s interior minister called Ping’s move to pre-empt an official announcement of the poll results, which is expected on Tuesday, by declaring victory an attempt to manipulate the democratic process.
“Based on nearly all the affidavits … we are able to affirm that I am the winner of the presidential vote,” Ping said. “I encourage Ali Bongo to submit to the verdict of the ballot box.”
He also called upon the Gabonese people to “defend their choice throughout the country and overseas”.
Ping said he had told the American and French ambassadors in Libreville that he intended to guarantee the security of Bongo and his family, who have ruled the nation of some two million people for nearly 50 years.
Bongo, 57, first won election after his father Omar died in 2009 after 42 years in office. Declining oil output and falling prices have resulted in budget cuts in recent years, however, providing fodder for opposition claims that average Gabonese have struggled under his leadership.-Reuters | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/29/gabon-opposition-candidate-calls-president-bongo-acknowledge-defeat/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/ac83ef5da92fd1c6389842ef69a335fefb3fdb274ca44819f88361e1c5cc46f0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:22 | null | 2016-08-19T15:34:21 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fbest-practices-workplace-mentoring-programmes%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Robert-mandeya-A7-1.gif | en | null | Best practices in workplace mentoring programmes | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | As businesses continue to compete for skilled employees in an increasingly competitive and growing global marketplace, the ability to retain and develop talent from within is quickly becoming essential. One method of developing internal employee talent is through the use of mentoring programmes. Research has established that mentoring programmes are effective in increasing employee retention.
People Management Issues with Robert Mandeya
Mentoring programmes can be formal or informal and allow individuals to learn and grow professionally into their current or desired careers. Organisations, large or small, that foster a mentoring culture can realise many benefits, including reduced costs, increased productivity and efficiencies through increased employee satisfaction, retention and engagement. Mentoring partnerships and cultures provide employers with the opportunity to increase engagement in their workplace, increase productivity and to establish and achieve organisational goals. Studies have shown that there is a higher employee turnover rate if there is a lack of career development opportunities ranging from training programmes to promotion within an organisation.
A mentor is someone who is established in their career or business and is knowledgeable and experienced within an organisation, industry or career field. Mentors develop a professional relationship with mentees who are usually individuals seeking to start or develop within their career or business. The role of the mentor is to share knowledge, skills and experiences to help mentees develop their career or business through attaining new knowledge, building new skills, and in planning and achieving goals.
A mentor plays two major roles: career support and psychosocial support. A mentor and mentee relationship is built on shared values, trust, confidentiality and professionalism. The mentorship typically focuses on sharing and building knowledge and skills that the mentee would like to develop over a period of time. The duration of mentoring partnerships can be either long or short-term, depending on the goals of the mentorship and the compatibility of the mentor and mentee. Mentorships can range from a few months to a few years in length and may see the mentee transition between careers or business ownerships through the course of the mentorship.
There are many benefits to mentoring partnerships for career development and overall business success. Mentees and mentors develop a wide range of skills, including leadership and communication, this leads to an increase in morale and job satisfaction. Benefits to the organisation include succession planning through the development of internal talent and retention of corporate knowledge, increased productivity and efficiencies, decreased costs, decreased employee turnover and a positive impact to the financial bottom line. Research shows that when mentoring leverages the skills, productivity and employee morale within organisations can increase by 25% benefiting both the employer and employees.
Although the benefits are many, it is important to recognise that developing an effective mentoring programme takes time, planning and a true commitment from all levels within the organisation (particularly the top). If you are interested in developing a mentoring programme within your small business and are not sure where to start, here are five tips for your consideration:
Identify interest
The first step to developing and implementing a mentoring programme is to gauge the level of interest within the organisation as well as identify individuals who are potential mentors and mentees.
Design the programme
It is important to plan a mentoring program that aligns with the culture of your organisation as well as development needs are of the individuals who will participate. Mentoring programmes can be either formal or informal. Formal programmes are often structured in mentee/mentor pairings, meeting expectations, goals/outcomes, time frames, reporting, etc. Informal programmes are much more relaxed, often mentees choose their own mentor and meeting times/frequency, duration, topics, etc, are determined solely by the mentee/mentor with little or no input or guidance from the organisation. Programme formats can also vary and include peer-to-peer, one-to-one, forums, etc.
Select mentors, mentees
When selecting mentors, choose individuals who are not only interested in mentoring but also possess the required knowledge, skills and experience that will benefit the mentees and are positive role models with a genuine interest in developing others. These are employees with strong interpersonal skills, who are committed and willing to set aside the time to work with a mentee. When selecting mentees, focus on individuals who are not only seeking development but who have been identified as key performers in their current position and who have the potential to advance.
Mentoring, like any other employee training and development programme, is an investment in an individual.If there are no qualified mentors available within your organisation, which is often the case for small businesses, consider finding a mentor from another organisation, association or industry. Mentors and mentees don’t have to be involved in the same type of career or business, just someone you trust whom you can learn from.
Match pairs
In a formal programme, mentees and mentors are paired through aligning the interests and goals of the mentee with a mentor who has the relevant knowledge, skills and experience. Matching pairs is very important for mentoring because effective mentoring partnerships are more likely to occur if the pairs are compatible. It is important to look at the career or business goals and professional interests of the individuals. This can be accomplished through questionnaires, surveys or interviews. Potential mentors and mentees should be consistent and share values in the areas of confidentiality, work ethic, patience and responsibility.
Mandeya is a senior executive training consultant and communication in management advisor, a personal coach in leadership and professional development with the Institute of Leadership Research and Development. — mandeyarobert@yahoo.com, mandeyarobert@gmail.com. The views contained herein are personal. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/best-practices-workplace-mentoring-programmes/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/0f9962f83debae2f7feb9bda53ec617d01051856291930654e90fbb54ce80707.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:11 | null | 2016-08-26T18:36:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fzc-manager-bowled%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Makhaya-Ntini.jpg | en | null | ZC manager bowled out | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | Zimbabwe Cricket’s (ZC) restructuring programme is set to claim the scalp of managing director Wilfred Mukondiwa, Independent Sport has been told.
By Kevin Mapasure
Mukondiwa has been at the helm of ZC since 2012 after taking over from Ozias Bvute. His reign is however coming to an end soon with the board resolving that his contract, which expires next month, will not be renewed.
ZC has been going through a restructuring exercise since the board led by chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani took over in 2015.
There have been several changes both in the administration and on the playing side.
On Wednesday ZC invited applicants for the post of national team coach to fill in the void left by Australian Dave Whatmore.
Former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has been leading the technical team since Dave Whatmore was sacked in May this year.
Tatenda Taibu returned into the structures as convenor of selectors while Graeme Cremer was appointed captain after the dismissal of batsman Hamilton Masakadza.
Some of the administrative changes saw former director of international cricket Alistair Campbell quitting last year.
Even though ZC deny that there will be changes in management, it has been learnt that the organisation is looking around for a new managing director.
It is understood the board is considering candidates from both within the organisation and outside. Former convenor of selectors Givemore Makoni has been mentioned as Mukondiwa’s potential replacement.
The ZC board met twice last week where the decision was ratified.
A couple of months ago some ZC employees, whose contracts had expired, were offered new ones, albeit with reduced benefits.
ZC also retrenched some employees including former cricket affairs manager Trevor Mutangadura.
The new board set about reducing employee costs to channel more funds to improving the results.
Importantly ZC is on the prowl for a new coach, which may be indication that Ntini might have failed to impress the board in his short spell as interim coach.
Ntini presided over the team’s 3-0 One-Day-International defeat to India in June before the two match Test defeat to New Zealand earlier this month.
In both tours Zimbabwe folded easily without any fight and this prompted ZC to continue their search for a new coach.
It is likely that Ntini will revert to his original role as bowling coach with Lance Klusener staying on as batting consultant. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/zc-manager-bowled/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/ca819734c4d52b894ac890fa531ba3689b9dcf66da4a9bf4517d4b6978200f46.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:33 | null | 2016-08-24T20:53:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F24%2Fzimbabwe-police-use-teargas-disperse-protest-march-police-action-2%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Zim-agric.gif | en | null | Govt abolishes 8000 jobs in agriculture ministry | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ZIMBABWE’S government plans to abolish about half the jobs in the agriculture department, a government official said on Wednesday, as President Robert Mugabe’s administration struggles to pay public service wages.
The southern African nation is facing a biting shortage of cash, its worst since 2009 when it dumped its hyperinflation-wrecked currency in favour of the U.S. dollar.
Zimbabwe, which spends 82 percent of its national annual budget on wages, said on Monday it would no longer hire new public workers as it struggles to pay soldiers, police, teachers and other employees.
The deputy minister in the agriculture department, Paddy Zhanda, said his office was seeking to prevent the shedding of about 8,000 jobs decision by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which hires state workers.
Zhanda said the department had offered an alternative plan that would cut wages but save jobs, because dismissing staff could impact agriculture at a time the sector is struggling to recover from the worst drought in a quarter century.
“For example, workers can work fewer days and we could retire non critical staff above the age of 60 years as well as doing away with posts that are vacant,” Zhanda told Reuters.
Cecelia Alexander, chairperson of the main union for state workers Apex Council, could not be reached for comment.
The state-run Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday that the PSC had notified the agriculture ministry on July 29 that 8,252 posts out of 19,235 had been scrapped with immediate effect.
In March last year, Harare carried out an audit of its government workforce but has not made the results public. An audit by private consultants carried out in 2010 showed that up to 70,000 “ghost workers” were on the payroll.
There are more than 300,000 employees in government, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency, a number which does not include the army, air force, police and prisons.
Delays in salaries as well as the cash squeeze that has seen long queues at banks, are some of the reasons that have in the last three months fuelled anti-government protests that have ended in clashes with police.-Reuters | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/24/zimbabwe-police-use-teargas-disperse-protest-march-police-action-2/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/165b240f34498873f826ca95696fefe15fc03a0c4282c3f2d3f65255b8bb260d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:50:00 | null | 2016-08-26T15:11:42 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fmugabes-office-hijacks-dema-project%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mugabe-at-zanu-pf-hq1.gif | en | null | Mugabe’s office hijacks Dema project | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THE Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has seized control from the Energy and Power Development ministry of the controversial US$83 million Dema Diesel Power Plant in a move aimed at ring-fencing and protecting political cronies behind the deal.
By Elias Mambo
President Robert Mugabe’s in-law, Derrick Chikore, brother to Simba who is married to the president’s daughter Bona, has an interest in the dodgy deal which was initially pegged at US$194 million-a-year. The deal has since been revised to US$83 million following an outcry from both the public and government officials.
This comes as it has emerged that a clique of people including a top military commander, business dealers and the government’s political cronies are lingering behind the scenes to get a piece of the pie in the Dema deal.
While the OPC has been supervising the project, sources said Mugabe’s office has now taken a hands-on role in the deal, taking over the functions of the Energy ministry.
“There were reports that some ministry officials were sabotaging the running of the plant resulting in government transferring it to the OPC,” said the source.
“The project implementers are now reporting directly to the OPC. Energy ministry officials have been stopped from dealing directly with the Dema project,” a source said. Another source also said: “The OPC blamed Zesa officials as well as energy ministry employees for leaking details of the deal to the media.
“We were informed that the bad publicity the project is getting was a result of officials leaking information to the media.
“What is clear is that the move to transfer it to OPC is meant to keep the deal shrouded in secrecy so that no one knows what will be happening.”
The Zimbabwe Independent first reported recently that Chikore partnered Kuda Tagwirei of Sakunda Holdings in the murky project.
Documents seen by the Independent show Sakunda was awarded the 200-megawatt project despite not participating in the tender process in the first place. The project initially went through the normal tendering process and was awarded to APR Energy Holdings, but the company was later side-lined in favour of Sakunda after intervention by the President’s Office. Despite having a higher cost structure than any of the companies which had submitted bids, Sakunda was still awarded the project through the back door.
THE Zimbabwe Power Company could have saved approximately USD$200 million over three years had it explored other alternatives such as the use of liquid petroleum gas instead of diesel powered generators at the controversial 200MW Dema Diesel Power Plant. Government has since shot down requests by Zesa to increase its tariff by 49% in an effort to cushion the costs from the Dema plant. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/mugabes-office-hijacks-dema-project/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/776a9d16317868badc256c16d1a296deba67b3b2ca6bf3d747458fe9104227b1.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:48:17 | null | 2016-08-26T15:24:06 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fchivayo-front-intratrek-zim%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/wicknell-Chivayo.jpg | en | null | Chivayo a front for Intratrek Zim | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | CONVICTED fraudster and dealer Wicknell Chivayo is not the owner of Intratrek Zimbabwe — a controversial company he has successfully fronted to win several multi-million dollar tenders in electricity generation projects over the past two years under murky circumstances.
Herbert Moyo
Chivayo is often portrayed as a savvy young businessman and owner of Intratrek, but is in reality merely the Zimbabwean face of the shady company whose owner is the equally controversial South African-based Zambian national Ibrahim Yusuf.
Intratrek Zimbabwe, according to the company’s website, was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in South Africa.
Yusuf’s son Tariq is the company’s executive director tasked with “implementing the group strategy of expansion through acquisitions and organic growth”.
Just like Chivayo, listed on the company’s website as a non-executive director, Yusuf, who is Intratrek’s founder and executive chairman, has a shady background littered with allegations of involvement in grisly crimes of drug trafficking, among other.
“He (Yusuf) is the driving force behind the business and maintains an executive position, ensuring that the company continues to expand into new territories. He oversees the strategic development of the company and manages the growth strategy of the business, ensuring that Intratrek grows into a powerful force in the African continent,” reads the short biographical information on the website.
On the other hand, Chivayo is glowingly described as “an accomplished businessman with over 10 years of experience in areas as diverse as transport and logistics, farming, petroleum and energy industries”.
“A results driven, self-motivated and resourceful managing director with a proven ability to develop and strengthen management teams in order to maximise company profitability and efficiency. Experienced leading and growing all sectors of a business to make it a dynamic and progressive organisation. Possessing excellent communication skills and able to establish sustainable and profitable relationships with customers, suppliers and stakeholders across the world,” the company website says.
However, the reality about the Intratrek trio is far from glossy as Yusuf and Chivayo both have criminal backgrounds in addition to shared modus operandi based on cultivating relations with senior government officials in order to win tenders without proven capacity of executing.
A visit to the photo gallery of Itratrek’s website which is under the headline “our story told in pictures” tells a revealing tale of a company which relies heavily on close connections to politicians and other persons of influence. At the top of the photo gallery is Chivayo with President Robert Mugabe. Chivayo also features on other photographs with First Lady Grace Mugabe, Zanu PF political commissar and Local Government minister Savior Kasukuwere. He was also pictured with Grace and tycoon Mutumwa Mawere at the First Lady’s orphanage in Mazowe. He has previously posted pictures of him and Grace having dinner in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on social media.
Yusuf was linked to a Zambian Mandrax smuggling network in the mid-1980s and he was named in a 1985 Zambian court judgment. In 2010, Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission told our sister newspaper Mail & Guardian newspaper Yusuf “is a well-known drug trafficker”.
In a 1987 affidavit former South African drug trafficker Vuyo Ndzeku identified Yusuf as a packager and seller of Mandrax drugs. Yusuf also allegedly imported stolen goods into Zambia in 1993 and 1994; and obtained US$29 000 under false pretences from the Zambian Parliament in 2002.
Yusuf and his son have also employed the trusted strategy of cultivating relations with South Africa’s political elite, including President Jacob Zuma and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. Yusuf even gave Zwelithini a R1 million luxury sports vehicle during a reed dance in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The gift was given in the aftermath of Zwelithini having directed the health department to roll out the controversial male circumcision device known as the Tara KLamp that had been procured from Yusuf’s company.
Tarik also maintains a heavy social media presence where he poses with beautiful women. Similarly Chivayo often takes to social media to splash pictures taken with a slew of political and military figures in Zimbabwe, including Mugabe and his family members.
Intratrek has been awarded multimillion dollar energy deals despite that the company has no capacity, resources and a proven track record in the sector. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/chivayo-front-intratrek-zim/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/90665df09859120100f22c7eb6bf77b59d1f24beea77322654d2c5d53c474d64.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:34 | null | 2016-08-19T11:04:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fnew-battle-erupts-telecel%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/telecel2.jpg | en | null | New battle erupts over Telecel | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THE National Social Security Authority (Nssa), which financed the US$40 million take-over of Telecel Zimbabwe from international telecoms giant VimpelCom, is battling with state-owned information and communications technology (ICT) firm Zarnet for the control of the country’s third largest mobile service operator, it has been established.
By Elias Mambo
This is a new development in the long-running ownership wrangle over the mobile phone operator. Last year private equity firm Brainworks Capital withdrew its bid to acquire Telecel over the opaqueness of the shareholding structure of a local consortium Empowerment Corporation, which has a stake in the firm.
Government, through Zarnet, last year entered into a sale and purchase agreement of Telecel Zimbabwe with Global Telecom Holding, a unit of VimpelCom. The agreement was Zarnet would pay the US$40 million on terms.
Zarnet was to acquire 100% shareholding in Telecel International Ltd which in turn owns 60% of Telecel Zimbabwe.
Zarnet structured the deal and engaged Nssa to raise US$40 million for the acquisition of the 60% stake in Telecel.
The funding structure that Zarnet wanted included a loan payable over a 10-year period at 7% per annum with a two-year moratorium.
However, Nssa initially rejected the proposal saying it was unwilling to fund such a deal, but in October last year its finance, investment and procurement board committee reviewed the offer after a due diligence on legal and tax matters, sources said this week.
Sources said the payment was staggered since government failed to transfer the whole amount due to non-funding of the nostro accounts. Initially, US$10 million was paid and then US$30 million followed, although only US$6 million of that amount has been sent out to VimpelCom due to cash problems in banks.
However, sources said a new battle has erupted between Zarnet and Nssa which now wants to take over Telecel instead of being merely the financier.
“There is a new struggle as Nssa now wants to run Telecel instead of being financier,” a source said. “The funding arrangement was a loan payable in 10 years at a 7% interest, but it seems Nssa now wants to run the mobile service provider as it feels Zarnet has no money and won’t repay. Crisis meetings have been held as Zarnet is refusing to surrender to Nssa’s demands.”
In a letter addressed to Zarnet ahead of crucial meetings between the two companies recently, Nssa said it wanted to resolve issues to deal with the call-back contact person and proposed change to deed of amendments, among many other things.
“Call-back contact adjustment — confirmation that, as per Nssa’s letter of July 13 2016 to yourselves, Zarnet had indeed written to Barclays Bank Plc and Global Telecom Netherlands advising them that Dr (Henry) Chikova (Nssa chief social security officer and acting general manager) is the sole call-back contact of the funds in terms of the escrow agreement,” Nssa wrote. “Deed of amendment — confirmation that Zarnet has signed the deed of amendment to the SPA with VimpleCom in order to protect the extension of the Long Stop Date to 30 September 2016. Proposed change to the said deed of amendment — to include a clause stating explicitly that in the event of a transaction falling through, the US$6m is returned to an account nominated by Nssa.”
Sources said Nssa wants Zarnet to confirm how the new arrangement will work.
“They want Zarnet to confirm that September 30 is the final date on which full settlement is completed and the asset (Telecel) becomes Zimbabwean-owned,” another source added. “Nssa wants that the US$6m which has been paid must be repaid into their account if the deal fails, so they are demanding a clause stating that condition to be inserted in the agreement of sale. Generally, they want Zarnet to have nothing to do with the deal despite the fact that Nssa was approached only as a financier.”
Nssa board chairperson Robin Vela confirmed this week to the Zimbabwe Independent that the social security agency would unlock value by taking over Telecel.
“We have pensioners’ money so we have to look at best ways to deliver good service to them. We are looking into controlling Telecel Zimbabwe because it is an advantage to our business, for instance in such things as mobile money for our pensioners. We have never said we are financiers,” he said.
Zarnet board chairperson Casper Chigwedere said his focus for now was on concluding the purchase of Telecel.
“Priority is to close the transaction on behalf of the Zimbabweans; everything else can always be dealt with internally. Nssa and Zarnet serve the same principal, the Zimbabwe government,” Chigwedere said.
Information Communication Technology minister Supa Mandiwanzira, however, insisted that Zarnet is buyer and owner of Telecel, not Nssa.
“Zarnet is the buyer of the Telecel shareholding from VimpelCom, and it paid its own money (US$10 million), except the US$30 million secured through a funding structure with Nssa,” Mandiwanzira said.
“The structure is such that Zarnet will secure the equity interest and for its part Nssa is getting a bargain buying debt of US$98 for only US$45 million. In order to ensure a smooth execution of the deal, Zarnet and Nssa have agreed a step-in agreement which allows Nssa to enjoy Zarnet’s rights as the purchaser, albeit temporarily.
The agreement between the two parties is to that effect.
“Obviously, we understand where Nssa is coming from. They have to protect pensioners’ funds and that’s why the two parties have agreed on that sort of a structure.” | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/new-battle-erupts-telecel/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/47d63ac136734e5e0d802d1a0a19bfe0f8565ee6cde73942effa51de0d7fa2e5.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T14:50:06 | null | 2016-08-29T16:06:39 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F29%2Fzim-reserve-bank-soothes-jittery-investors%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/themes/theindependent-child/images/placeholder_100x100.png | en | null | Zim Reserve Bank soothes jittery investors | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reassured foreign investors that remittance of capital is a top payment priority, and that payments will still be made in United States dolllars.
In a joint statement with the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), the RBZ said its Exchange Control Guidelines and Compliance Framework emphasises that the remittance of capital, capital repatriation and dividends is in the first priority category of payments “to ensure that foreign investors on the ZSE are not disenfranchised access to their capital”.
The RBZ also assured investors that the ZSE will continue to settle all transactions in dollars, and that this position will not change when the bond notes are introduced.
“Bond notes issued for the purpose of incentivising exporters will circulate in the market alongside currencies within the multi-currency system and will be at par i.e. one on one with USD,” said the joint statement, adding that settlement of trades executed on the ZSE “will take place in USD through normal banking channels”.
The statement comes at a time when foreign investors are fretting over repatriation of their investments from Zimbabwe, which is battling with depleted foreign exchange accounts.
As a result, trading on the ZSE – which is dominated by foreign investors – has been subdued, averaging US$0,5m per week compared with an average of US$1,5m per day last year.
Since the beginning of the year, Zimbabwean companies have also been struggling to make foreign payments resulting in a shortage of raw materials which is halting production.
Asbestos-making company Turnall this week told analysts that production in the first half of the year was low due to issues around foreign payments to its suppliers.
In July, British American Tobacco also told analysts that it was struggling to remit dividend payments worth $4m to its parent company.-Fin24 | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/29/zim-reserve-bank-soothes-jittery-investors/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/a4fca5bee7a27639a0e346b44a2a7f967f5fd599e33bf76bdc5b6f0539858835.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:43 | null | 2016-08-26T17:44:14 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fdairibord-pours-us6m-expansion-projects%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Dairibord.gif | en | null | Dairibord pours US$6m into expansion projects | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ZIMBABWE’S largest milk processor, Dairibord Zimbabwe Ltd (DZL), has embarked on a US$6 million expansion project which could double production capacity for its non-alcoholic malt beverage, Pfuko Maheu, and long life milk plants.
By Taurai Mangudhla
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company said the plants will also produce and package Supermilk, which is primarily for export, as well as juice blends.
According to information gathered by businessdigest, a team of foreign engineers have been in the country for the last three months installing and testing the new plants that are expected to boost production.
In responses to businessdigest’s enquiries, DZL said the company in July this year made a US$2 million investment to bolster production capacity for Dairibord Pfuko-Udiwo Maheu from the initial 2014 investment.
The expansion of the maheu plant entails additional processing and packaging of Pfuko-Udiwo which will double the annual production capacity from the current 25 million litres per year, the company said.
“In view of this investment we have developed and launched four additional flavours under the Dairibord Pfuko-Udiwo Maheu brand namely Strawberry, Banana, Buttermilk and Chocolate flavours (and) DZL continues to expand and innovate its offering to meet merging consumer needs,” said the company.
DZL has also invested in a new state-of -the-art cartonised long-life milk processing and packing line which will see the company packing Dairibord Chimombe full-cream and low-fat milk in a 1litre carton in Zimbabwe in addition to the 500ml and 250ml sachets.
This, the company said, will allow for consolidation of market share in the UHT long-life milk category.
“In addition the plant will process and pack the Dairibord Supermilk which is targeted for the export market. The plant has capacity to process 3,5 million litres of milk per month while at the same time meeting both local and export demand,” said the company.
The current UHT long-life milk processing capacity is 12 million litres annually. This is in addition to the annual capacity of 25 million litres for the Sterilised long life milk plant commissioned in Chipinge in June 2015. The target for UHT production is 60 million litres per annum.
“Dairy juice blends and 100% fruit juices in cartons will be packaged by the same machine. The total investment on the cartonised milk equipment is US$3,5 million,” added DZL.
DZL confirmed engineers from various European and South African suppliers were at the company’s Harare and Chitungwiza factories working on the two mentioned projects, adding the Maheu project has been commissioned with the milk based flavoured variants already available on the market, while the cartonised Chimombe plant will be commissioned shortly.
The company said its current capacity utilisation on the Maheu line stands at 100%, adding the goal is to ensure that the additional capacity is utilised to deliver minimum 90% though this may be affected by the consumer pull in the market.
“As for the cartonised milk, we target to achieve above 70% production capacity utilisation as the line will also be used to pack the dairy juice blends and 100% fruit juices,” added DZL.
Revenues for 2016 are seen flat despite a projected 10% slide on the price per litre of milk sustained by an anticipated 10% volume growth, CE Anthony Mandiwanza said at the company’s 2015 results briefing.
Mandiwanza said the volume growth would be driven by investments into the Chimombe carton, additional capacity on the Pfuko production line, product promotions and tapping into opportunities in the informal sector.
In year ended December 2015, the company reported a 281% after-tax profit growth to US$2,3 million for the year-ended December 2015, up from US$604 000 prior year mainly driven by new products and cost-cutting measures. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/dairibord-pours-us6m-expansion-projects/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/7707815dce164049e154ad4dcfc42d6bf7ff2cade28fac269fb0ec3e798af630.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:09 | null | 2016-08-19T11:49:43 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fstorm-brews-kariba-gold-deposits%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/gold.jpg | en | null | Storm brews over Kariba gold deposits | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | A CLASH is brewing between the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) and Townsend Enterprises over the extraction of gold at the Gache-Gache area where gold deposits worth millions of US dollars were discovered by the latter as it has emerged that the state-owned concern is gradually forcing out the private company.
By Hazel Ndebele
Townsend Enterprises was last year sub-contracted by the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) to supply sand to Chinese firm Sino Hydro for the construction of Kariba South Power Station from a concession on the Gache River owned by Chapungu Safaris.
The company then discovered gold deposits on the sand and informed Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa through a letter requesting for a special grant which was never responded to.
Sources close to the developments told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Townsend Enterprises is gradually being forced out of its allocated site by ZCDC which has fully commissioned its equipment for the extraction of the gold.
“Government instead of issuing a special dispensation grant to Townsend Enterprises, commissioned ZCDC equipment at the Gache-Gache area and will soon start extracting gold in the area which Townsend was also allocated,” the source said.
Townsend delivers 450 tonnes of sand to Sino Hydro daily.
ZCDC first deployed equipment in Gache-Gache on May 23 2016 and set up camp and a plant for gold extraction.
“Townsend has since last year been seeking for the special dispensation of the extraction of gold to save millions of dollars being lost to the dam wall, the company has engaged government numerous times and even the office of the President several times but has been ignored,” the source said.
“The private company is gradually being forced out of the Gache-Gache area to make way for ZCDC.”
ZCDC, according to sources, will be interfering with Townsend’s contractual responsibilities which are to excavate, wash and deliver sand to Sino Hydro.
Sources told this paper that the district ddministrator of Kariba and the chief executive officer of Nyaminyami Rural District Council instructed Townsend and its sister company Chapungu Safaris to assist ZCDC.
Townsend, according to the sources, argues that the country has lost gold to the dam wall worth to US$25 million in the last eight months due to government’s refusal to grant it a special dispensation grant.
The wasteful loss of gold, according to sources, is conservatively estimated at three kilogrammes per day.
Mines deputy minister Fred Moyo on Wednesday this week told parliament that ZCDC will extract gold on the alluvial sands at Gache-Gache.
“The Gache-Gache project has to do with gold recovery on the alluvial sands, in that area there may well be deposits of diamonds but there were never accessed, we never said they were at a minable level and the project at the moment is specifically directed at extracting gold at that area, one source said.”
Government sources told the Independent that Townsend had initially approached Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya in December 2015 after the discovery of the gold. However, the governor advised the company to deal with the Mines ministry.
The central bank is the sole buyer of gold in the country through Fidelity Printers. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/storm-brews-kariba-gold-deposits/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/2aee3796b22f3c3f0d1fce23c72312ba29dd65ac6c4d7edf9e7d7e0b76acc364.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:46 | null | 2016-08-26T17:21:33 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fsa-zim-trade-war-time-wto-intervention%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Nkululeko-Khumalo1.jpg | en | null | SA-Zim trade war: Time for WTO intervention? | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | The current dispute between South Africa and Zimbabwe relating to the latter’s import restrictions on groceries and other products such as building materials underlines the importance of a vibrant dispute resolution system in trade relations.
Nkululeko Khumalo,Lawyer
The import restrictions at issue were imposed in terms of Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 (SI 64) under the auspices of Zimbabwe’s Control of Goods Act.
According to the press statement issued by Zimbabwean Minister of Industry and Commerce Mike Bimha on June 22, the aim of SI 64 is not to “ban” the importation of the goods in question, but rather to “regulate” them. Further, “the main purpose of SI 64 is to promote the revival of our local industries” and the support so provided to the relevant local producers is “not to be open-ended but time-bound and sector-specific”. The relevant local industry is supposed to use the protection from imports to “retool and bring in new technology and address production inefficiencies”.
The products in the SI 64 can only be imported under licence issued by the Minister of Industry and Commerce whose ministry, based on the press statement, “will allow importation of goods which can be produced locally, when local production cannot meet the national demand; in an endeavour to avoid shortages on the local market”. In other words, it seems that importation will be allowed only to prevent shortages, otherwise a virtual import ban has been imposed.
Through SI 64, Zimbabwe seems to be attempting to apply “safeguard measures”, one of the legitimate trade remedies against imports, provided both substantive and procedural provisions for their application are complied with. Zimbabwe is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Sadc Trade Protocol and is therefore obliged to observe the relevant provisions of the two regimes in its imposition of any trade restrictions.
Safeguard action can be taken when a surge of imports leads to domestic industries not being able to cope with an increase in competition. These temporary measures allow the domestic industry to adjust and improve competitiveness. Safeguards may only be used to prevent or remedy serious injury or to facilitate the adjustment to increased competition for the domestic industry due to further trade liberalisation.
The procedure to be followed before the imposition of safeguard measures is more complex than that for other trade remedy instruments such as anti-dumping duties (to counter dumping) and countervailing measures (to counter subsidies). Unlike anti-dumping and countervailing measures, safeguard measures are not meant to counter unfair trade practices, but rather to provide succour to the domestic industry where it suffers “serious” injury as a result of legitimate trade.
As such, a safeguard measure is one of the most difficult instruments to use (that is if strict provisions of the WTO are applied). For example, a WTO member state that wishes to impose safeguard measures has to first initiate an investigation to determine that there has been a surge of imports as a result of unforeseen developments and that such increased imports of the subject product(s) is recent, sudden, sharp and significant enough. In addition, there should be a causal link between the serious injury so suffered by the local industry and the surge in the volume of imports arising from the unforeseen developments.
In circumstances where delay could result in injury that would be difficult to repair, a WTO member state is allowed to impose provisional safeguard measures (which should not exceed 200 days) while investigations are still underway provided a preliminary finding is made that there is clear evidence that increased imports have caused or are threatening to cause serious injury. However, such provisional measures can only take the form of tariff increases which should be refunded if the final investigation does not determine that increased imports have caused or threatened to cause serious injury to the domestic industry.
Article 20 and Article 20 BIS of the Sadc Trade Protocol contains provisions similar to those contained in the WTO Agreement on safeguards regarding the procedure to be followed before safeguards could be imposed and on provisional safeguard measures.
Should Zimbabwe’s action be regarded as safeguard action, that is, provisional safeguard measures, a violation of both the WTO Agreement on Safeguards and of Articles 20 and 20 BIS of the Sadc Trade Protocol is apparent. For instance, the measure imposed should only be a tariff increase pending an investigation and not a ban requiring a licence which can only be issued to prevent shortages in the local market where domestic production cannot satisfy demand.
Interestingly, SI 64 as well as the subsequent press statement by Bimha do not make any reference to any enabling provisions of the Sadc Trade Protocol or WTO provisions, as if Zimbabwe is not bound by its trade liberalisation commitments regionally and internationally — only domestic legislation is mentioned. While the Sadc Trade Protocol provides a mechanism, Annex VI, to be followed in the event of a dispute, to date no trade dispute has been considered under this system.
At present, considering the fact that Annex VI has never been implemented and the Sadc Tribunal was disbanded (while a new system is being devised), there is virtually no rules-based dispute settlement system in Sadc. The only available forum is the WTO since both South Africa and Zimbabwe are members thereof.
However, the general “culture” in southern African trade communities is to avoid hauling each other before a dispute settlement body in preference of “diplomatic” solutions. This is the path that South Africa seems to be taking and has reportedly given Zimbabwe three weeks to lift the restrictions to South African imports.
The calculation, if any, from Zimbabwe’s side is perhaps that Sadc lacks capacity to enforce its trade liberalisation provisions and that South Africa is unlikely to invoke the WTO dispute settlement system to deal with this matter.
Where due process is not followed and in the absence of an effective rules-based dispute settlement system, a trade dispute such as the one sparked by SI 64 between South Africa and Zimbabwe could easily raise political temperatures and potentially become something much bigger and uglier.
Should Zimbabwe refuse to relent, it’s unclear what South Africa will do. However, to avoid further escalation of the dispute into unhelpful political wrangling, South Africa should perhaps take the high road by referring the matter to the only rules-based system available under the circumstances — the WTO.
Khumalo is a senior associate at Tutwa Consulting, a trade and competition law consultant and a part-time commissioner at the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa. He has extensive experience as both an international trade policy expert and a trade and competition law attorney. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/sa-zim-trade-war-time-wto-intervention/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/97f3c6ed7d49834b606739bf8d55d2ee4cdce292def5fd31858a8466bedf54e7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:48:32 | null | 2016-08-26T18:03:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fzimasco-inside-story%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/zimasco-40.jpg | en | null | Zimasco: The inside story of daring corporate banditry | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | ON one chilly morning in July last year, three men walked into Zimasco’s Harare offices. They wanted to see the man in charge and had a business proposal.
By Chris Muronzi
They had come with a seal of approval from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. Then Zimasco Technical and Business Development General Manager Reginald Matshiya entertained the guests at the company’s head office along Samora Machel and had tentative discussions with the would be suitor. The proposal was put on the table.
The gentlemen were representing a South African, they said. Portnex International, Matshiya would later learn, intended to lease Zimasco’s West Plant furnaces. Discussions around leasing the furnaces commenced in earnest with Zimasco considering the deal.
Zimasco, according to insiders, was at the time operating only two East plant furnaces and had closed the three West Plant furnaces in October 2014.
“Portnex was the only company who wanted to lease our furnaces,” Zimasco Provisional Judicial Manager Regis Saruchera told a creditors meeting in the capital this week on Wednesday.
The East plant furnaces had remained open until it was shut down mid-December last year after global ferrochrome prices plunged to a level which rendered production unviable.
Against such a background, Portnex’s offer to lease Zimasco’s West plant was accepted by the company’s shareholder.
It made sense. A 34% drop in global ferrochrome prices experienced in 2011 from US$1,12/lb to a low of US0,74,88/lb in 2015 had also hit revenue. Revenue plunged by 38% from US$194,9 million in 2011 to US$120,7 million in 2015.
The depressed ferrochrome prices also affected capacity utilisation. From a capacity of 100% in 2011, the company started operating at 37% in 2015. Energy costs and overheads remained high despite falling revenues.
Electricity accounts for 29% of the production costs while chrome ores account for 31%.
When the company closed its West plant, the benchmark price for Q1 2016 was forecasted to drop to US82/lb cents.
Owing to persistent losses, the company suffered from an acute shortage of working capital with the gap deteriorating from a positive US$71,3 million in 2011 to a negative US$82,9 million in 2015.
The company had turned to borrowings to finance the business. With high borrowing came a huge finance cost. For instance, the company has paid US$66 million in finance costs.
A ban on raw ore chrome export had also militated against the company in the same period.
In line with the portnex being accepted, Zimasco had re-invested into the plant. According to investigations, a total US$1,5 million was invested in the three furnaces.
Investigations by the Independent show Portnex agreed to reline and refurbish furnace four and offset the cost with its rentals.
As the parties discussed the deal to lease Zimasco’s West plant furnaces, Portnex International was exploring another area of interest. On August 11 2015, Zimasco received a love letter in the form of a letter of intent from Portnex.
The proposal, a takeover bid for Zimbabwe’s largest integrated ferrochrome producer in Zimbabwe with an operational smelting capacity capable of producing 180 000 metric tonnes of high carbon ferrochrome per annum, was considered and rejected.
A letter dated August 11 2015 Portnex International general manager Frikkie Laubschere to Regis Matshiya shows that Portnex was interested in acquiring Zimasco’s assets.
“Over the past five years, the company has developed an industry proven value-in model to optimise the raw material feed and subsequent profitability of various ferro chrome furnaces across the world. In addition, the company has developed a substantial database of available ores and reductants, having access to various sources of chrome ores and reductants globally,” the letter reads.
“To this end, the company has been investigating the feasibility of operating a ferrochrome production facility in Zimbabwe over the past year. Portnex wishes to express its interest to purchase Zimasco (Pvt) Ltd facilities and assets in order to establish itself as a ferrochrome producer. This will serve to unlock the value from its existing chrome ore and the ferrochrome reductants supply and availability from within the group.”
Zimasco shareholders’ Sino Steel declined the takeover bid, but accepted a deal to lease its facilities including the furnaces to Zimasco.
A Memorandum of Understanding was entered into between the chairman and chief executive Li Jinqian and Frikkie Laubscher, the general manager of Portnex International was agreed on and signed.
The agreement was with effect from December 1 2015.
The parties also agreed to a baseline agreement on the state of the assets which essentially guided the companies on the state of the furnaces on December 1 and December 2020 when the contract expires.
On December17 2015, Portnex and Zimasco announced the lease agreement to the world.
Things seemed to be going well for the two parties.
Portnex was heralded as the knight in shining armour that had come to rescue Zimasco in its hour of need.
The agreement between Zimasco and Portnex covered three 18 MVA submerged arc furnaces which are fitted with transformers which are supplied with 33KV of power from ZETDC transformers.
With the ink on the contract barely dry, Portnex commissioned a baseline contamination assessment study under the guise this would enable the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to comprehend the level of contamination in the environment.
“From the contamination assessment undertaken to enable the Ministry of Mining and Mining Development to comprehend the level of contamination in the environment pertaining to the Sinosteel/Zimasco Kwekwe operations,” reads the executive summary of the report.
This would mark the beginning of problems between the parties.
Quietly, Portnex flew in environmental consultants into the country and started sampling various water sources around the Zimasco plants.
However, Portnex as it would later emerge was playing a totally different ballgame where the means justified the ends.
After completing the baseline contamination assessment study, the report was sent to various influential offices in the country such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Mines.
In no time, the findings of the report detailing shocking revelations of pollution also found their way to the media.
“It is evident that the surface and ground water proved to be toxic and certain elements are present in concentrations which are at alarming levels of transgressing the globally allowable concentrations for these,” the report said.
No report was sent to Zimasco.
Among some of its findings, the report compiled by Ecco Elementum and Enviromental Projects claimed to have unearthed incorrect storm water management, incorrect separation of clean and dirty water, overflowing of dirty water containment, leaching of contaminated water from the non-functioning PCD, incorrect storage and handling of contamination source materials, inability to contain and prevent pollution from entering the natural receiving environment and groundwater and boreholes contamination.
“Both surface and ground water sampled indicated various transgressions of the globally accepted limiting concentrations as per the SANS, ERA and WHO standards. These transgressions will lead to serious health risks and fatal diseases. The area surrounding the Sinosteel/Zimasco operations prior to Portnex becoming operational experience very high and alarming levels of contamination. The sampling layout was conducted in such a manner to be able to pinpoint certain concerning features which will contribute to the environmental degradation on and off site,” the report concluded.
“The samples taken, illustrates that pollution and contamination of water sources increased downstream from the operations. specifically it can be determined that the current operations being carried out on site especially from the Chinese operated slag plants Sinosteel/Zimasco area and the trench carrying the discharge water from their operations contribute to contamination being at very high levels. The PCD at the point furthest downstream is not functioning properly and highly contaminated toxic water is seeping into the receiving environmental surface water systems and into the natural stream, but also into the groundwater.”
Zimasco has dismissed the report as unfounded, inaccurate and malicious. The report was done clandestinely, Zimasco said.
“Of late, there have been some disturbing and defamatory articles in the press which perpetuate the unfounded allegations contained in the Eco Elementum (Pty) Ltd Contamination Assessment Report for The Sinosteel/Zimasco Operations. This report was commissioned without Zimasco’s knowledge by Portnex International (Pty) Ltd, who are leasing Zimasco’s West Plant furnaces; allege that the judicial management process continues to be opposed by Zimasco’s bankers; attempt to discredit the credibility of Zimasco’s turnaround business plan; and question the major shareholder, Sinosteel Corporation’s commitment to the company,” Zimasco said.
“Zimasco first became aware of the Eco Elementum report in an article published in the Sunday Mail on 26th June 2016.”
The site visits and surveys are believed to have been conducted in the month of January and February this year.
After the report was compiled, the report was submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in March 2016 bearing Zimasco’s logo, a development Zimasco feels amounted to fraud.
Zimasco says it has neither seen nor verified the contents of the report which carried its logo.
The Independent understands that a meeting held with Portnex officials at the offices of the judicial manager early August, Zimasco expressed its displeasure over the manner the report was compiled and the inaccurate information contained therein, which they felt had been leaked to the press and sensationalised.
A number of newspapers have run stories on the disputed report. “Zimasco disputes the contents of this report for the following reasons. Zimasco was not present to witness whether correct procedures and equipment were utilised for the sampling and preservation of the samples, particularly as samples were obtained in Zimbabwe and tests conducted in South Africa. Since Zimasco was not present it cannot vouch for the integrity of the samples nor confirm the sampling points,” the company said.
“More importantly, the hexavalent chromium analyses were conducted by a laboratory not accredited by SANAS to conduct hexavalent chromium as Cr6+analysis. For the avoidance of doubt, the laboratory, Water Lab(Pty) Ltd contracted by Eco Elementum on behalf of Portnex, did not have the capacity to conduct hexavalent chromium as Cr6+ analysis.”
The company also said Ecco Elementum had not drawn any distinction between allowable limits in process water and drinking water which are different.
“Process water is contained within the plant and there are procedures that are followed to manage the treatment of Cr6+ therein which ensure that there is no contamination outside the plant,” Zimasco said. “In the meantime, Zimasco is actively implementing its turnaround plan, as previously communicated to all stakeholders.”
According to Zimasco, banks consented to the company being placed under provisional judicial management with effect from June 3 2016.
This is contrary to media reports claiming banks and other creditors were unhappy with the decision.
Unbeknown to Zimasco, Portnex International was smitten with the ferrochrome producer and was prepared to do anything to get its hands on the asset.
In line with the company’s plan to acquire a ferrochrome company, Portnex had looked around the Zimbabwean terrain first before settling for Zimasco. Zimbabwe was host to two world class assets in the form of Zimasco and ZimAlloys, a former Anglo American Corporation firm.
ZimAlloys was not as attractive given it has not been operational for a while.
In order to get ZimAlloys up and running again, Portnex would have needed to invest heavily.
It was a cost Portnex did not want to bear.
It was time to get back to the drawing board for the South African company.
Schemes were hatched, whose implementation would show cut throat business instinct, which boarders on corporate banditry.
Portnex, incorporated in 1999, had begun operations in 2004. With offices in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Turkey, Portnex International positions itself as a global reductant-supplier to numerous consumers of a broad spectrum of carbon products.
While Portnex was happy to sign a deal for the leasing of Zimasco’s facilities, evidence suggest that the company did not take the rejection for the takeover of the company very well.
The company has been looking to grow through acquisitions. This was evidenced two years ago when the company in conjunction with London-listed International Ferro Metals (IFM) made an offer to acquire Australia-based Pacific Carbon and Modderriver Minerals’ assets.
IFM and Portnex intended to acquire the assets, comprising six retorts used to produce intermediate or retort coke, through a newly incorporated company in which IFM would hold two-thirds and Portnex the balance.
It would seem that was the turning point for Portnex.
Portnex had already decided the programme of action to take if Sinosteel did not want to sell.
A chain of events were set in motion. At face value, the leaking of the baseline contamination report to the media seemed to have been mischief. But a careful examination suggests this was part of multi-phased programme that would lead to the intended end, controlling Zimasco.
The first was getting banks Zimasco owed such as MBCA, CABS, BancABC, Stanbic and Nedbank to support a business plan the company felt would help revive the company and to reject Zimasco’s plan to be placed under judicial management.
Investigations show that in January and February, banks had been made to believe that Zimasco had no chance of turning around the company.
Portnex in tow
As such, banks rejected a proposal to have the company placed under judicial management on the basis of the Portnex business plan or promise. A banking source this week confirmed they had been approached early this year with a plan to involve the South African company.
Stanbic, BancABC, CABS and Nedbank are some of financial institutions owed around US$34 million.
Zimasco crossed swords with most of the banks after they tried to block its road to judicial management.
Management felt the company would be better protected from creditors under judicial management.
This resulted in banks opposing management’s plans to have the company placed under judicial management.
l To be continued next week. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/zimasco-inside-story/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/388dc3a7935e7a386d451694b624235ffca5934108d691a24eba85c2e241ab0b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:01 | null | 2016-08-26T16:39:25 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fwinds-change-blowing%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Dumisani-Muleya.gif | en | null | Winds of change blowing | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | FOR many years, informed analysts and close observers of the Zimbabwe situation have claimed that when the economy collapses, that’s when President Robert Mugabe’s fossilised regime will fall and change will come in the process.
Editor’s Memo,Dumisani Muleya
dmuleya@zimind.co.zw
Yet by various measures, the economy all but collapsed during the hyperinflation era peaking in 2008, and is currently on a nosedive, but nothing has happened. This shows there is no direct correlation or causal link between economic deterioration and political change, at least in Zimbabwe.
Yet the reverse is easily applicable locally. Political instability is regarded by economists as a serious malaise damaging to economic performance. Instability, especially accompanied by social discontent and unrest, is likely to force leaders to go for myopic populist policies.
It also shortens policymakers’ horizons leading to sub-optimal short-term macro-economic measures. It may also lead to policy flip-flops, creating volatility and thus negatively affecting macro-economic performance and economic growth. Considering its destructive repercussions on economic performance, the extent to which political instability has been allowed to simmer and continue for about 16 years in Zimbabwe is quite surprising.
While most Zimbabweans used to be focused on daily survival struggles rather than the struggle for political change, this seems to be now changing. For sometime now there are practically demonstrations and protests every week across the country since the Beitbridge riots in July over the imports ban.
And today a grouping of political parties, under the auspices of the National Election Reform Agenda and the Coalition of Democrats, is expected to march to demand electoral reforms and change.
The pervasive pessimism, and a sense that there is nothing to be done but haplessly lament Zimbabwe’s deteriorating situation which created much analysis of the populace since 2005, seems to be giving way to new-found social and political activism, and courage by masses of citizens.
Events on Wednesday in Harare this week and prior to that in different places seem to confirm this. It appears fear is now gradually but surely fading into the country’s horrific past and people’s miserable existence, while courage and in some cases bravery is emerging and beginning to grow like a germinating seed, putting out shoots after a period of dormancy.
However, given that the regime in Harare has a vast repressive apparatus — with the military as its pillar of strength — there is still a long way before the balance of forces or power relations shift decisively. Although police seem to be getting overwhelmed or are probably beginning to be reluctant to continue using brute force on a massive scale seeing Mugabe is now on the sunset of his long and controversial political career, the threat of violence remains.
Government is today expected to deploy the military to thwart the opposition groups’ demonstration, a sign that the regime is insecure and getting ready for violent confrontation.
While the army is powerful, no force in the world no matter how powerful can stop an idea whose time has come.
Besides, the military, except a few top commanders who are now part of Mugabe’s patronage network through direct profits from taxpayers’ funds and crony capitalism arrangements, is also affected by the crisis.
While the winds of change may now be blowing, there are serious risks attendant to the protracted transition underway. When authoritarian regimes like the Zimbabwean one collapse, most of the time they don’t leave behind a stable aftermath and a positive reform agenda, but rather violent disorder and chaos in their wake.
Hence, renewed calls for Sadc and the international community to intervene and also prepare for the worst-case scenario, in which a vicious power struggle spills over into turmoil or civil conflict, potentially with powerful factional, regional and ethnic dimensions.
Some want a transitional arrangement, but ultimately Zimbabwe needs an inclusive and transparent process framed in the national interest to secure progressive and sustainable change. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/winds-change-blowing/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/f96343b22681b325132d1f3a9093fd71d3a94df2a57bd2725b63fca72a7e2a5e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:45 | null | 2016-08-26T16:42:11 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Freforms-critical-zim-recovery%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IMF-building.gif | en | null | Reforms critical for Zim recovery | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | WHILE the cash-strapped government urgently needs a rescue package through the Lima debt and arrears clearance strategy to salvage the fast-declining economy, doing so without political and economic reforms will not help much.
Zimbabwe Independent Comment
Zimbabwe is frantically making efforts to clear US$1,8 billion in arrears owed to three preferred international financial institutions—World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank. Some reforms have been made in the process, but the changes have been piecemeal and fail to address structural issues. If successful this plan could trigger the release of US$2 billion in funding, a good thing.
However, it must be understood even if Zimbabwe gets the money, its problems won’t go away. You can’t fix the current morass by throwing money at it.
For Zimbabwe’s crisis is far more complex than it looks. The facts are clear. Zimbabwe’s economic problems are multi-faced and getting worse. Economic activity is severely constrained by tight liquidity conditions resulting from limited external inflows and lower commodity prices on global markets.
The IMF says unless the country adopts bold reforms, the economic difficulties will continue deepening in medium-term. Given the outlook of the global economy, realistic growth — not government’s daydreaming projections — is forecast to remain below levels needed to ensure sustainable recovery and poverty reduction.
The multilateral lender has also stressed the importance of stepping up structural reforms to boost recovery, growth and living standards. This will also help to secure Zimbabwe’s development partners’ support. Many have also raised the need to overhaul or repeal the indigenisation policy to create a business-friendly environment and resolve outstanding land issues swiftly. Other measures needed include improving the overall investment climate, tackling corruption, and promoting economic diversification.
While money will help the situation, that alone is not enough. Unless the country bites the bullet of political, economic and institutional reform, the crisis will continue.
Some soul-searching is needed here. Key reforms require political will from President Robert Mugabe’s regime. So far government is failing to tackle the need to reduce the size of the wage bill to re-orient spending towards priority capital and social outlays; improve debt management, develop a comprehensive public financial management strategy, and ensure tax reforms and key processes in revenue administration.
There is also reluctance to improve the business environment, including through a transparent and consistent application of their indigenisation policy and a new comprehensive land audit programme.
While securing funding is important to help recovery, without dealing with fundamental macro-economic, governance, rule of law, property rights, corruption and human rights issues the otherwise good though politically naïve debt clearance and new funding strategy will ultimately fail, if it’s not already dead in the water. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/reforms-critical-zim-recovery/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/5ed8ecb64ce908a9191e4bf8ff725a40242c36747eec9dcd811f257b7b819152.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T06:50:29 | null | 2016-08-26T11:40:28 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fzanu-pf-desperate-bid-rewrite-history%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Muckraker-Dustbin35.jpg | en | null | Zanu PF in desperate bid to rewrite history | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | None other than war rookie Robert Mugabe benefited from Joice Mujuru, the trained cadre at Zhunda Camp. She will remain an inspiration in her own right well beyond those who glory in that which is accidentally bestowed by marriage certificates.
REWRITING history is an art Zanu PF has specialised in as and when it suits them. The Sunday Mail article on Joice Mujuru this week is one such example.
MUCKRAKER
Twitter: @MuckrakerZim
In one of the most unprofessional and despicable articles written by the paper under the heading Mujuru unmasked, the article suggests that Mujuru rose through the ranks through offering sexual favours.
What makes this article even more appalling is that it trivialises the sexual abuse of young girls during the war, one of whom was Mujuru. If this garbage that she rose through sexual favours was true, it would then reflect very badly on President Robert Mugabe who appointed her minister in 1980 at a tender age and as his deputy in 2004 till 2014.
That even war veterans chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa who, less than two years’ ago castigated Mujuru, has been disgusted by the Sunday Mail article and has sprung to her defence calling her “a fully-fledged war veteran, a fighter and a leading woman combatant”, speaks volumes of the pathetic tripe spewed by the weekly propaganda sheet.
“None other than war rookie Robert Mugabe benefitted from Joice Mujuru, the trained cadre at Zhunda Camp. She will remain an inspiration in her own right well beyond those who glory in that which is accidentally bestowed by marriage certificates. Such reactionary apostasy will come to naught,” Mutsvangwa said of the article.
At this rate of rewriting history, a Pravda-style article claiming that First Lady Grace Mugabe single-handedly masterminded the liberation struggle and was the one who famously shot down the Rhodesian chopper instead of Mujuru could be in the works!
Of course, this pathetic revisionism will dismally fail like Zanu PF’s previous clumsy attempts to obliterate Joshua Nkomo, Zapu and Zipra from the liberation war narrative and memory.
Kiss of death
Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been waxing lyrical on government’s command agriculture programme. The programme, we are told, aims to ensure national food security. It targets farmers with the potential to produce over five tonnes of maize per hectare.
However, that the programme is being spearheaded by the same government that decimated agriculture since 2000 gives the whole exercise the kiss of death. This was the same government after all which in 2008, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, bought farming implements to bring about what the government trumpeted as the mother of all agricultural seasons, only for it to be the mother of all blackjacks as the season turned out to be yet another unmitigated disaster. To add insult to injury, it is the taxpayers who are now paying off the debt for equipment that benefitted God knows who as the government has refused to this day to name the beneficiaries.
Assurance by Agriculture minister Joseph Made that there are enough inputs for the agricultural season will do little to convince the nation. This is the same minister who predicted a bumper harvest after mistaking hedges for maize from a helicopter in 2002. Needless to say, the season turned out to be a write-off. Given Zanu PF’s incompetence, the command agriculture project will no doubt join the long list of failed programmes by the clueless ancien regime.
Daydreaming
Recent remarks by Zimbabwe Investment Authority chairman Nigel Chanakira in parliament laid bare the extent to which the government daydreams when it talks of increasing investment to more than US$1 billion this year. This is according to the Economic Planning ministry’s 2015 fourth quarter macro-economic bulletin.
“In April this year, the President (Robert Mugabe) had to issue a statement giving guidelines to the indigenisation laws, but still, investors are asking, that is only a statement, where is the law to back it up?” Chanakira told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment last week.
Chanakira might as well be winking in the dark for all the good it will do. His words will like those of many others who have expressed similar sentiments will fall on deaf ears.
Premature defence
Self-styled Prophet Walter Magaya has been known to wear his heart on his sleeve, never one to shy away from the controversial social topics of the day.
He has a large following who hang on his every word and takes his pronouncements as the gospel truth, including on issues as diverse as bond notes, apostolic sects, soccer and politics. The field of criminal law is, however, a different kettle of fish that bounds even to a prophet and moreso if you happen to be the subject of a case that is sub judice.
Commenting on a matter that is already before the courts and one where you are the subject of the trial may be a good way of whipping the public into a frenzy of emotion and sympathy. It is, however, not particularly helpful on building up one’s defence. Just have your day in court “prophet” and that is where you can say it all on the rape allegations.
Overzealous Barwe
Ever heard of a car being reduced to ashes? The ever-exuberant Reuben Barwe was at it on Wednesday, “bringing news as it happens” and reporting on demonstrations against growing police brutality in the country.
Barwe narrated how, in the course of protests, “a police car had been burnt to ashes”. Viewers could see the shell of the car — something which obviously escaped the attention of the excitable veteran ZBC propagandist who has to show that even after all these years, he is still a dedicated party cadre in his reportage.
Staying with the pliant state media, we could not help but note the desperate yet farcical attempts by the garrulous and gullible Herald political editor Tichaona Zindoga to build a case of friendship between Mozambican opposition Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama and MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai.
After a screaming Dhlakama reveals Tsvangirai friendship (an old state propaganda story), we expected to be treated to salacious details about how the two had plotted to destabilise their countries. You can imagine our disappointment when all we got was an unhelpful quotation ascribed to Dhlakama who was apprehensive about being pushed into a coalition government like “what happened to my friend Tsvangirai”.
Opposition glut
Muckraker has always watched with a mixture of downright cynicism and amusement the manner in which political parties always seem to multiply in opposition to the “revolutionary party” whenever elections begin to approach on the horizon.
There should a plausible explanation of how a country of 15 million people came to this scenario of having more than 18 opposition political parties. Ever the optimist, Muckraker prefers to think of it as evidence of democracy at its best.
However, we had never heard about political leaders Barbara Nyagomo (PDZ), Cosmas Muponda (FF), Gilbert Dzikiti (Dare) and Farai Mbira (Zunde) until now. Muckracker sincerely hopes they bring something to the table and do not just overcrowd the political space as state-sponsored outfits.
short and sweet…
Koroma teaches Mugabe a lesson or two
So Sierra Leonne’s President Ernest Koroma saw it fit to send his Vice-President Bockarie Foh in his stead for the official opening of the Harare Agricultural Show? It is the kind of behaviour Muckraker frowns upon for it betrays a certain lack of tact and respect for the continent’s elder statesman who was obviously relishing the occasion to once again thumb his nose at the West and show them that the sovereign nation of Zimbabwe can never run out of all-weather friends.
Now look what you’ve done Mr Koroma — the Dear Leader will now become a laughing stock of all those detractors who are bent on reversing the hard-won gains of our liberation struggle. Muckraker can even visualise scandalous headlines in the opposition media — something like “Koroma snubs Mugabe”.
However, as they say there’s always a silver lining in every cloud and in this case, Mugabe could well do with a lesson himself even if he was a primary school teacher. Koroma has just delivered a lesson on the importance of delegating responsibilities to subordinates.
At the ripe old age of 92, Mugabe is still gallivanting and attending every function around the world, including obscure youth festivals. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/zanu-pf-desperate-bid-rewrite-history/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/b1207ae041b0795b51d2f9b0cadeb759c8f01fb9cd6730b580db70a2fb4b7d41.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:59:20 | null | 2016-08-19T12:01:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F19%2Fmalungas-son-misses-big-sa-post-dark-cloud%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Malunga2.jpg | en | null | Malunga’s son misses big SA post under dark cloud | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | PROMINENT late Zimbabwean nationalist Sydney Donald Malunga’s son, Kevin Sifiso (pictured), who was running for the influential post of South African Public Protector — given a high-profile by its incumbent corruption-buster Thuli Madonsela — failed to make the shortlist yesterday under a dark cloud of controversy.
By Hazel Ndebele
Initially considered by many as one of the front-runners or the heir-apparent until interviews and attendant grilling started last week, Kevin became entangled in citizenship, security clearance and full disclosure issues which jeopardised his prospects, in fact sealed his fate.
The parliamentary ad hoc committee interviewing the applicants met yesterday in Cape Town to deliberate on the suitability of the 14 candidates vying for the job, including Kevin’s security clearance issues.
The committee, chaired by ANC MP Dr Makhosi Khoza, whittled the number of applicants down to five.
The final five candidates for the role of the next public protector are Sharise Weiner, Siraj Desai, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Muvhango Lukhaimane and Bongani Majola. Kevin failed to make it onto the shortlist. The ad hoc committee will reconvene at 1pm on August 24 to discuss the shortlisted candidates as it seeks to find Madonsela’s replacement whose seven-year term ends next month. Her successor takes over in October.
MPs interviewed the candidates in a marathon session in parliament last Thursday.
Skeletons in applicants’ closets were discovered, including drunk-driving allegations, cellphone theft accusations, charges of public fighting and illegally selling of liquor and non-disclosure of information material to competence and integrity requirements, during the process.
Although Kevin was until yesterday still in the running in the heated race and was widely regarded by some as professionally and capably suitable for the job as he is already Madonsela’s deputy, three issues stood on his way: citizenship, security clearance and full disclosure.
The citizenship issue came into focus after South Africa’s State Security Agency (SSA) entered the fray, saying Kevin was not suitable for the position as he was born in Zimbabwe and thus could not get top security clearance needed to become public protector. He only qualified for confidential — not top secret — security clearance, it said.
Some lawyers, however, said legally, candidates do not need SSA clearance to get the job as that was mainly a political and security consideration.
Officially, SSA also said Malunga arrived in South Africa in 2005 and became a citizen by naturalisation in 2010.
Questioned about this by the committee‚ Kevin said he was a bona fide South African citizen as he has renounced his origional Zimbabwean citizenship.
“I denounced (renounced) the Zim citizenship in 2010 and I will have to follow up if it was concluded. I got South African citizenship in 2010,” Kevin said. “I have family in Zimbabwe as well as South Africa‚ and I travel both countries very frequently. If the State Security Agency does not understand that, I feel very sorry for them.”
Asked by reporters after his interview last week‚ Kevin said it was up to the committee to make the final decision and would not comment further while the process was still on.
The committee also challenged him on full disclosure grounds, saying he failed to divulge some issues in the questionnaire. These include a driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated charge which was later withdrawn and failure to pass his Wits University Law School probation period as a lecturer.
Kevin has been South Africa’s deputy public protector since December 2012. The public protector’s office is one of South Africa’s critical constitutional institutions tasked to investigate officials’ conduct in public administration. It mainly investigates impropriety and corruption.
Its most recent high-profile case is President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla scandal. Kevin also worked as the state legal adviser and spokesperson during the Marikana Judicial Commission of Inquiry. He was also a legal advisor dealing with policy co-ordination and monitoring at the Ministry of Justice. Besides, he also served as an aide and researcher to the committee on institutional models in the former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo’s office where he was also chief-of-staff.
Kevin was born in 1974 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He went to Hillside Junior School in Bulawayo, Mzingwane High in Esigodini 40km south of Bulawayo and then proceeded to study law for a BA in Law in Swaziland.
He obtained his LLB at the former University of Natal and an LLM from the University of Georgetown in the United States. He is currently studying for a PhD with the University of Wisconsin, also in the US.
Kevin’s father, the remarkably candid Malunga, was a senior PF Zapu official and MP for Makokoba in Bulawayo.
As a leading political actor, civic leader and outspoken MP, he was targeted and persecuted by President Robert Mugabe’s regime for political reasons. Resultantly, he was arrested on false politically motivated charges alongside other senior Zapu leaders and top Zipra commanders in the 1980s for allegedly plotting to overthrow government.
Malunga died on August 28 1994 in a mysterious car accident. He was buried at the Heroes Acre in Harare on September 3 the same year. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/19/malungas-son-misses-big-sa-post-dark-cloud/ | en | 2016-08-19T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/24079ddce061ba4f8336d5ac40843a362a539630102033f457798438644588c4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:49:37 | null | 2016-08-26T15:10:30 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fbeitbridge-police-transferred%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/riot-police3.jpg | en | null | Why Beitbridge police were transferred | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | THE surprise wholesale transfer of 500 Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers from Beitbridge last week was sparked by a police internal security (PSI) report claiming the police ignored early warnings on the protests which rocked the border town on July 1 and were likely to turn violent resulting in “inadequate” deployments.
By Elias Mambo
Beitbridge residents took to the streets to protest against the importation ban of several basic commodities through Statutory Instrument 64/2016. The demonstration resulted in a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority warehouse being burnt while some property was damaged. The protests fuelled riots countrywide resulting in many high level security meetings which led to the mass transfers. Officials said security chiefs felt that police officers deployed in Beitbridge had “melted into the community in ways that compromised their policing role and duties.”
Police bosses also felt that officers in the town did not use adequate force to crush the demonstrations because of their close relationships with the Beitbridge community and vested interests.
“Some of the police officers were also involved in cross-border trading and were not happy with SI64. They identified with the protestors. In addition many police officers were involved in the buying and selling of cars literally turning Beitbridge Police Station into a car sale,” said one government official. Government also feared that the police officers would fail to contain any future demonstrations and decided to redeploy them because the town is considered strategic as it is the busiest port of entry in the country and region.
Beitbridge border post has an average daily traffic volume of close to 10 000.
It also facilitates the movement of international cargo and millions of people between Southern Africa and central, east and north Africa. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/beitbridge-police-transferred/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/a297e21b27c652386117ecd609e7c0e1b1f706a59531ffbd047f7bc891d2de3f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T14:47:59 | null | 2016-08-26T16:31:17 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theindependent.co.zw%2F2016%2F08%2F26%2Fdodgy-companies-get-money-spinning-deals%2F.json | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Cash-photo.jpg | en | null | Dodgy companies get money-spinning deals | null | null | www.theindependent.co.zw | MORE improprieties and shady backgrounds have emerged in Zimbabwe’s energy power deals as it surfaced that virtually all companies that have been awarded tenders have been beneficiaries of corrupt deals with irregularities ranging from inflation of prices, awarding of contracts to companies with neither experience nor capacity and some to elements with criminal records which include fraud and drug trafficking.
By Herbert Moyo
This comes at a time when the energy deals, as reported by the Zimbabwe Independent, have been inflated by more than US$500 million, possibly to benefit the companies as well as corrupt government officials.
Apart from convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivayo who secured the largest chunk of the energy contracts for Intratrek Zimbabwe, background checks reveal foreign firms like Chinese company ZTE Corporation were also awarded tenders despite being mired in serious corruption scandals in several countries where they had been engaged for other projects.
ZTE was one of three companies, including Intratrek, which won controversial tenders to build solar power stations.
Norway’s sovereign-wealth fund, the world’s largest, in January excluded ZTE from its portfolio after assessing corruption allegations made against the telecoms equipment-maker in several countries.
“The company is excluded based on an assessment of the risk of severe corruption,” said Norway’s central bank, which has the final word on ethically-based exclusions.
The decision was based on an assessment by the fund’s Council on Ethics which said the Chinese company is facing corruption allegations in 18 countries while under formal investigation in 10 other countries. In addition, the company has one conviction for corruption, it said.
ZTE has also fallen foul of American laws amid revelations by the Financial Times in April that some of its senior officials were listed in US commerce department documents accusing ZTE of acting as a conduit for the re-export of sensitive US technology to Iran in violation of United States legislation.
Another recipient of the solar tender China Jiangxi Corporation (CJC) also has a history of conflict with workers.
In 2010, Ghanaian workers accused CJC of wrongful and frequent dismissals, under payment, failure to provide them with safety gadgets and payment of compensation. The workers had been engaged after the company won a tender to refurbish the Akatsi-Tadzewu-Dzodze-Akanu road in the Volta Region.
Angelique International, one of the companies awarded the 30 megawatt Gairezi Hydro Power Project (March 2016) along with Intratrek, has also been accused of impropriety in its home country of India. In February, the company was among those investigated on suspicions of paying kick-backs to corrupt government officials in India in order to obtain soft loans for financing projects in Africa.
Below is a summary of some of the recent scandals in the energy sector:
Munyati Thermal Energy Power Plant (November 2015)
The US$113 million project to rehabilitate and modernise the 61-year-old power plant to bring its generation capacity to 100 megawatts was awarded to Intratrek, which has no previous experience or proven record in power projects;
Intratrek partnered Indian firm Jaguar Overseas Limited (JOL) who also lack experience and funds for such a project;
JOL had already made an unsuccessful application for US$52 million funding to the Exim Bank of India for another project- the Harare II Repowering Project whose total cost is US$70 million;
JOL, according to a due diligence report done by the Zimbabwe Power Company this year, has no experience in power projects as it is “still new to power plants”; and
The due diligence also highlighted that JOL has done some shoddy work or was blacklisted in several countries, including Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Swaziland, Ethiopia and India, where it is facing litigation.
US$70 million Harare II Repowering Project (August 2014)
The project was awarded to Indian firm JOL despite its lack of experience and lack of funds;
The company has been unable to implement the project to date thus raising questions as to why Zesa awarded Intratrek and JOL the more costly Munyati (US$113 million) project;
The Kariba South Power Extension project
The project was officially commissioned by President Robert Mugabe in September 2014. It was initially pegged at US$355 million, but shot up to US$533 million. The cost escalation was US$178 million.
US$128 million30 megawatt Gairezi Hydro Power Project (March 2016)
The Gairezi Project was awarded to a consortium led by Intratrek. The company is partnering Indian firms Angelique International and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in the project.
Costs were inflated from US$90 million to US$128 million.
US$240m 100-megawatt Gwanda Solar Power plant (2014)
The tender was awarded to Intratrek, which initially lost the bid to China Jiangxi Corporation (CJC), but eventually got a piece of action when government decided it needed two more solar plants. Eyebrows were also raised when the project cost was raised from US$183 million to US$240 million per plant, representing an escalation of US$181 million for all three projects; and
In February, Energy minister Samuel Undenge forced ZPC to unprocedurally pay Intratrek an advance of US$5m for the Gwanda project. The payment was made in the absence of a bank guarantee, a minimum requirement to protect public funds.
US$83-million-a-year 200 megawatt Dema Diesel Power Project (2016).
Initially, pegged at US$194-million-a-year, the project was awarded to Sakunda, owned by Zanu PF benefactor Kuda Tagwirei who partnered President Robert Mugabe’s in-law, Derrick Chikore, and other high-profile cronies without the company going to tender. Derrick is brother to Simba who is married to the president’s daughter Bona.
The tender was initially won by American power company APR Energy Holdings before it was corruptly taken away and awarded to Sakunda. | http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2016/08/26/dodgy-companies-get-money-spinning-deals/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.theindependent.co.zw/3d493759a20ef51f11858918077e434ba35d2ccd81cf6452508b7e6065ce7b63.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:08:46 | null | null | NANAIMO – Walking in Nanaimo offers opportunities to see what's going on in city. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Flifestyles%2F386369131.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Active Life: Walking around Nanaimo offers dozens of ideas to get active | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | By Tammy Toor
If there’s one thing that most people know about me, it’s that I love walking.
I especially love walking in the summer because you can go early in the morning or later in the evening and still catch the light of day. During this week on my travels, this is what I walked by:
Children participating at the free playground program. This tradition has been part of Nanaimo’s summer for many years. It is a great way for children between the ages of five and 12, along with their parents, to play games and make crafts under the direction of an enthusiastic leader.
This year’s venues also include some evening options. I know I plan on taking my kids. They happen Monday to Friday until Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Harewood and Mansfield parks; Monday to Wednesday until Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Carmanah and Country Hill parks; Thursday and Friday until Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Groveland and Deverill Square parks; Wednesday evenings, 3-8 p.m., at Mansfield, Carmanah, Country Hill, Groveland and Deverill Square parks.
Music filling the air at the Bowen concert in the park. These free outdoor concerts are again part of the city’s summer schedule.
Lunch time concerts are held Mondays, 12:30-1:30 p.m., in Maffeo Sutton Park in July and Bowen in August.
Evening concerts are held Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., in Bowen Park in July and Maffeo Sutton Park in August.
This year’s line-up is diverse and is great entertainment for the whole family. Check our website for the schedule of performers.
Families playing together at the Departure Bay water park. I have to admit, this is one of my family’s favourite summertime destinations.
We love to cool off when it’s hot and then play games on the adjoining field. Other water parks to check out include Deverill Square, Harewood and Mansfield. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
I love walking in this beautiful area – especially when I get to see and experience the many activities that make Nanaimo so great.
For details on these programs, please visit www.nanaimo.ca or call 250-756-5200. In the meantime, it’s time for me to put on my runners and get out for another walk.
My FitBit is telling me I still need to get a few more steps in order to reach my goal.
Tammy Toor is a communications specialist with Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Environment. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/lifestyles/386369131.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/8b57585086dcbe97e046a7bb58f389ba50b66e8b7ed0c75d69aef08e137844d3.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:01:03 | null | null | NANAIMO – Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will be close for annual maintenance Aug. 29-Sept. 26. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fcommunity%2F391341911.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Annual maintenance closes Nanaimo Aquatic Centre | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Nanaimo Aquatic Centre will be closed for annual maintenance starting Monday (Aug. 29).
This year, work includes replacing the three-metre diving board, touch-up painting throughout the facility, re-tiling and re-grouting as needed, slide maintenance, general maintenance of the pool heat exchangers, circulating pumps and play equipment and extensive cleaning of the whole facility.
The weight room in the aquatic centre will reopen Sept. 12 with reduced operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily until the centre fully re-opens Sept. 26.
The Beban Park pool and weight room will have extended operating hours during the shutdown.
All facilities are closed on Labour Day (Sept. 5). Lifeguards will be on duty at Westwood Lake from noon to 6 p.m. that day. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/391341911.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/b663af3c8c30a5113fe279027f9487cd7b5b13f9b43b2f166e413ede044b2535.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:30 | null | null | NANAIMO – Members of Tanzania's National College of Tourism visit Vancouver Island University. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fcommunity%2F391330451.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/66783nanaimoTanzania_visit.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Tourism ideas exchanged between universities | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Members of the Tanzania National College of Tourism visited VIU. From left (back): Darrell Harvey, VIU international projects coordinator; Aggie Weighill, chairwoman, recreation and tourism management; Jonelle Knowles, professor, hospitality management; Peter Briscoe, chairman, hospitality management; Jean-Guy Robichaud, professor, hospitality management; (front) Mary Maduhu, NCT senior tutor and ISTEP project coordinator; Naiman Mbise, NCT senior tutor and director of studies and professional activities; Rosada Msoma, NCT acting CEO; Stephen Madenge, NCT campus manager (Temeke); Neema Sabulaki, NCT campus manager (Arusha).
By Glenn Drexhage
A first-time visit to Vancouver Island University by a group of senior college officials from Tanzania is the next step in a unique training collaboration between the two institutions.
Five members from Tanzania’s National College of Tourism are at VIU for two weeks in August, working alongside VIU tourism and hospitality faculty to develop new management programs for the East African country.
“Our team is excited to offer our support and expertise to NCT,” said Peter Briscoe, chairman of VIU’s hospitality management program. “The international nature of hospitality and tourism allows people to experience other cultures, and to share their cultures and ideas with others.”
Tourism is a crucial industry in Tanzania, accounting for about 17 per cent of the country’s gross domestic produce. However, few Tanzanians work in the sector’s managerial ranks. The goal of developing an upper-level degree program is to enable Tanzanians to take on those management positions in hospitality and tourism, according to Rosada Msoma, acting CEO of NCT.
“We are looking forward to learning from VIU as we develop degree programs in hospitality and tourism management,” said Msoma. “We also want to develop a diploma curriculum for event management.”
The visitors will take workshops on ‘competency-based education and training,’ an educational philosophy that stresses participation and hands-on learning. In addition, delegates will receive leadership training and take part in sessions offered by VIU’s Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Learning.
The partnership is also benefiting VIU.
“Faculty are able to use their skills in an international context,” said Darrell Harvey, VIU’s international projects coordinator. “The shared learning will help VIU as faculty members renew their curriculum – it’s likely that the collaboration will rub off on our programming, too.”
The project’s over-arching goal is to launch a new NCT tourism and hospitality degree program by 2019. Two more NCT visits to VIU are planned, with VIU faculty leading annual training trips to Tanzania.
Glenn Drexhage is a writer with VIU’s communications department. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/391330451.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/c369887f436f98b887c09905338bf65d591577411494d194549c2a93096ed3c3.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:07:42 | null | null | Collector plates will be available next year for modified as well as stock cars made between 1958 and 1974 | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Flifestyles%2F389536851.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/25111BCLN2007Chevrolet_Camaro1969-wikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Collector program expanding to 'muscle cars' | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Modified versions of the 1969 Camaro SS and other popular vehicles will soon be eligible for B.C. collector plates, allowing occasional use for parades and car shows.
The B.C. government is expanding its collector vehicle licence system to include eligible modified cars made between 1958 and 1974, to capture the popular "muscle car" era of the 1960s.
The ICBC collector plate program gives car enthusiasts a lower-cost licence plate that allows occasional use for parades and classic car shows. ICBC plans to take applications starting in 2017 for eligible modified vehicles up to 1974, and replica cars resembling North American production cars from 1942 and earlier.
With strict rules that the cars must be in "collectible condition," changes will take in modified popular cars from the Dodge Duster to the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang, as well as replicas of the popular Ford "deuce coupe" from the 1930s.
Premier Christy Clark announced a break for older cars this spring, allowing vehicles from 1940 or earlier and their replicas to run without fenders or mud flaps when the highway is dry and paved.
Transportation Minister Todd Stone said the collector car industry is significant for B.C., with registered collector vehicles having doubled to 26,000 in the past 10 years.
"We want to see this specialty vehicle program remain viable, preserve vehicle history and evolve with the times," Stone said. "That's why we are opening up the opportunity to owners of specialty cars within the 'muscle car' era."
Currently, the standard collector plate is available to cars 25 years or older, as well as discontinued or limited production vehicles 15 years or older. It requires a stock engine with no performance enhancements, no rust, dents or "significant wear and tear" of the interior.
Modified vehicles from 1958 or older are currently eligible for collector plates, if they retain the shell of the original body but have parts replaced or modified in the chassis, engine, suspension, steering or brakes.
Owners have to apply for a collector or modified collector plate, with purchase and parts bills, photos and inspection reports.
Applications for collector and modified collector programs are available on ICBC's website, www.icbc.com, and can be dropped off at Autoplan brokers. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/lifestyles/389536851.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/483dfbe5253020b1a0a9c844dd455b76371fac73b9aac6f713a5adb04052161f.json |
[
"Chris Bush"
] | 2016-08-30T22:50:38 | null | null | NANAIMO - No one injured but home owner displaced by early morning fire. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391778911.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/4802nanaimoC-NanaimoFireRescuelogo-web-IMGP3512.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Fire in Nanaimo dislocates homeowner | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | A house in Nanaimo is boarded up and under repair following an early morning fire Monday.
Nanaimo Fire Rescue was called out to 723 McBride Pl. in Harewood shortly before 3:30 a.m.
The fire caused extensive damage to the interior of the house, according to Umesh Lal, Nanaimo Fire Rescue fire prevention officer, who said in an e-mail to the News Bulletin, the home suffered smoke damage throughout its interior and the fire got into the roof eaves and trusses. There was no working smoke alarm in the house, but fortunately the occupant was not injured.
Lal said the possible cause of the fire, which is still under investigation, was an “electrical/mechanical malfunction of an electric lamp.”
The homeowner, who is insured, will be displaced for some time due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391778911.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/c5edb723865db4fe10e20f4ea5e2ccf67ddedb1094c04b6110d8b0ee27c88bb7.json |
[
"Chris Bush"
] | 2016-08-26T13:08:58 | null | null | NANAIMO – Cobs Bread Pleasant Valley celebrates win for Best Bakery in annual Best of the City awards. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Flifestyles%2F385916371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/36141nanaimoC-CobsBread-IMGP5007.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Best of the City: Bread winners | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Mike Humphries, north Nanaimo Cobs Bread, Pleasant Valley franchise owner, left, and sales associates Rachel Therrien and Megan Dodds present some award-winning baked goods.
Mike Humphries, north Nanaimo Cobs Bread, Pleasant Valley franchise owner, left, and sales associates Rachel Therrien and Megan Dodds present some award-winning baked goods.
Cobs Bread Nanaimo outlets won the Best Bakery category in this year’s Best of the City survey. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/lifestyles/385916371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/e3dd73b417aa0ea9f2df2e73eadcdafe20b16fc1bea20d37cf91a2268d14a7a8.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:25 | null | null | NANAIMO – Independent Investigations Office is looking for witness to shooting at Wassel Way and Departure Bay Road. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391345731.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/69924nanaimoNanaimoRCMPshooting.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Police watchdog seeks witness to Nanaimo RCMP shooting in June | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Police investigate the scene of a shooting on Country Club Drive in Nanaimo on June 14.
The province’s police oversight organization is looking for a witness to a Nanaimo RCMP-involved shooting in the city earlier this year.
On the morning of June 14, police were called to an area near St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Wassel Way and Departure Bay Road, for reports of a man carrying a knife. According to an RCMP press release issued shortly after the event, RCMP members attended the scene, located the individual and during the encounter shots were fired by police.
The suspect was transported to hospital where he later died of his injuries.
The Independent Investigations Office is looking for a potential witness to the incident. At about 10:45 a.m. on that day, a blue quad-cab or crew-cab pickup truck turned right onto Wassel Way and stopped at the intersection with Country Club Drive for one minute before turning left.
The IIO believes the occupant of the truck might have seen what happened. The office is asking the witness to come forward to the IIO at 1-855-446-8477. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391345731.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/73cb7cd7e82eaa546bf09ff7ddbb01369e4040bd8bc39c188aa7a05e11aab76a.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:04:01 | null | null | No permit required for weddings, festivals on farms if fewer than 150 people attend, says Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fbusiness%2F388995481.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/15664BCLN2007farmWeddingCarriagewikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Brides, bands allowed back on farmland | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Almost a year after B.C. farm weddings were banned due to a crackdown on agricultural land use rules, the B.C. government has clarified what commercial activities are allowed on farmland.
Farmers can host up to 10 commercial weddings, concerts or non-agricultural events per year without a permit from the Agricultural Land Commission. Farmers can take payment to host a wedding or other event as long as no more than 150 guests attend and a list of conditions are met, according to regulations that took effect Tuesday.
To qualify, event hosts must provide all parking on the farm rather than along roads, with no permanent parking lots or structures, and the event must end in less than 24 hours. For more than 10 events a year or exceeding 150 guests, properties with farm tax status must apply to the ALC for a permit.
The new regulation also clarifies ALC policies to allow, with no permit, farm tours and demonstrations, hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patch tours, harvest and Christmas fairs and special occasion events to promote farm products.
Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick said the regulation requiring farms to generate at least 50 per cent of its revenue from farm products is also scrapped, after consultation in the past year suggested the new rules instead.
The crackdown on farm weddings came last fall, when the ALC issued stop-work orders to B.C. farms including the Fraser Valley, Kelowna and Vancouver Island.
The restriction came after the province expanded farm uses to allow breweries and distilleries to operate on protected farmland with the same rules used to permit wineries. The rules allowed for processing of farm crops into products such as juice or jam for commercial sale. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/business/388995481.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/a90c846df9ffc673759205daae91c94f8b1fe8107dcfd00b6d73bd96d706657d.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-29T18:50:16 | null | null | Province has alternatives if Canada Post employees begin strike action | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391636531.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/40679BCLN2007CanadaPostMailboxwikim7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | B.C. prepares for possible postal disruption | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | The B.C. government's plan B for income assistance cheques and other time-sensitive documents could be re-activated as the long-running Canada Post labour dispute reaches another deadline.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is in a legal position to strike as of Monday, but postponed threatened rotating strike action after weekend talks with a federal mediator. Its initial action would be an overtime ban rather than a full-scale walkout that would disrupt mail delivery.
Canada Post served lockout notice in July, with the two sides far apart on issues including pension changes for future employees and pay for rural carriers.
Income assistance, rent subsidy and other B.C. government payments are not affected if they are direct deposit. For mailed cheques and information, updates on possible postal strike effects to the Ministry of Social Development will be available as necessary at this website or at 1-866-866-0800.
Phone and online contacts are set up for questions about affected provincial departments:
• Ministry of Advanced Education and StudentAidBC online here.
• Ministry of Children and Family Development 1-877-387-7027
• Medical Services Plan payments online here or 1-877-405-4909
• ICBC inquiries 1-800-663-3051
• Family Maintenance and Enforcement program 604-660-2528
• Public Guardian and Trustee online here or 604-660-4444
• Vital Statistics 1-888-876-1633
• WorkSafe BC online here or 1-888-967-5377 | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391636531.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/9d53d3d0f22b257684af8aee3be921f83cbe538f13fbac5ae23329702efc9afb.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T18:47:53 | null | null | NANAIMO - Poets of all ages and skill levels invited to submit a piece for the Ode to a Farmer Poetry Contest. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fentertainment%2F391651941.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/46452nanaimoFarmers-Web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Poetry contest seeks work praising B.C. farmers | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | The B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets is hosting the Ode to a Farmer Poetry Contest, and is seeking submissions.
Poets are invited to pay tribute to British Columbia’s farmers as part of the annual Farmers Appreciation Week celebrations, Sept. 12-18.
The B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets is seeking submissions of farm-themed poems from poets of all skill levels. People must submit their poems to the Ode to a Farmer Poetry Contest by midnight on Sept. 18.
“Last year we received a record 120 submissions of farm- and food-inspired poems and we are hoping to exceed that again this year,” said Georgia Stanley, the association’s communications manager, in a press release. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes and consider the immense skill, time and dedication that goes into growing the fresh food we value. It’s challenging work and worth celebrating everyone involved.”
All poetry styles are accepted including sonnets, limericks, haiku and others.
People can submit their poems online at http://bit.ly/2bJYwYD or by e-mailing info@bcfarmersmarket.org.
The grand prize winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to a B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets’ member market of their choice. A regional winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to a B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets’ member market of their choice.
Winners will be chosen by a judging panel made up of writers Ronda Payne, Renee Sarojini Sakikar, Trevor Hargreaves and Fred Steele. Winners will be chosen based on relevance to the theme, the judges’ impressions, poetic structure, spelling and grammar and originality.
During Farmers Appreciation Week people are also invited to attend local events, farmers’ markets and learn about local food production in their communities.
People are invited to use the hashtag #BCfarmersweek to promote the event.
For more information and contest rules please go to www.bcfarmersmarket.org. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/entertainment/391651941.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/d3346ac044a7b1ea18daf531ef045db446e6193062033d59dce49456f8c9c6c2.json |
[
"Nicholas Pescod"
] | 2016-08-26T13:03:39 | null | null | NANAIMO – Tony Harris remembers T-ball games and ice cream at Departure Bay Beach. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fbusiness%2F389532611.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18805nanaimoC-DepartureBayDevelopment-IMG_5433.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Developer re-creating Nanaimo childhood memories | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Developer Tony Harris displays the artist’s rendering of penthouse-style units slated for construction in the Departure Bay neighbourhood. Harris said he wants to re-create positive childhood memories he experienced during family outings.
When Tony Harris thinks about Departure Bay, he remembers spending time there as a kid with his family.
He remembers the simple pleasures, like T-ball games and getting ice cream at a popular beachfront shop.
“It was a really neat thing to be able to go and do and it is those simple pleasures that we should all have access to,” he said.
Harris is the developer behind a brand new oceanfront residential development at 2835 Departure Bay Rd., which he hopes will help transform the area and bring back some of those simple pleasures.
“There is something special about Departure Bay,” he said. “It’s not urbanized, it’s a neighbourhood, but it has this amazing beach and park and all these things. It’s very much a family-oriented place, but it doesn’t have much to draw the families down.”
Known as Legasea, the development consists of six luxury penthouse-style units that feature three-bedrooms, two-half bathrooms, a private roof top, modern furnishings and other amenities.
“It’s going to be an unmatched lifestyle opportunity for the people who buy residences there ... They will all have private double-car garages, private elevators, private entries,” Harris said.
The development, worth nearly $5 million, also includes a coffee shop and cafe that will accessible directly from Departure Bay Road. A seasonal ice cream shop is also part of the plan according to Harris, who said it’s something he’s always wanted to bring back to the area.
“I have always said if I can pull it off I will have an ice cream shop in there because it is not just my memories,” he said.
Development in the Departure Bay can be challenging as the area is archeologically sensitive because it was once home to a large Snuneymuxw First Nation population.
Harris said he’s worked closely with the Snuneymuxw, the Departure Bay Neighbourhood Association, and the City of Nanaimo to ensure his development doesn’t further disturb the area.
“It’s really important that whatever happened down there be well thought out and executed with care and respect,” Harris said.
The Legasea foundation will be constructed on a floating slab of concrete instead of the traditional method of excavating the site and pouring a foundation deep into the ground.
“It is a pretty cool concept and it is obviously a little bit more expensive and a little bit more involved, but we feel it is the only and appropriate solution,” Harris said.
Legasea is the first development project for Harris, who said he believes it will help bring change to the area.
“I think when it is built it is really going to set the tone for the future of the Departure Bay,” he said. “I am excited for five to 10 years from now to see Departure Bay just that much more of a community meeting place.”
Construction on the project is set to begin later this year.
For more information, please visit www.legasea.ca or www.islandhomegroup.com. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/business/389532611.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/f4cc549a346f3fa11528b20cb97290cf2a4e1a8a9d1f3741f742c77436a41aaf.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:26 | null | null | Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation has started its annual Stock the Lockers fundraising campaign to help students in need. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391207321.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Stock the Lockers an important cause | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Fundraiser buys more than pencils, Aug. 11.
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation has started its annual Stock the Lockers fundraising campaign to help students in need, and we are thankful for the support from Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Poverty is very real among many students in the Nanaimo school district. Of the more than 13,000 students expected in schools this year, almost 3,000 will arrive at school without breakfast or adequate supplies. Thanks to generous donors we are able to provide support for these students so they can come to school ready to learn.
We are frequently asked why the schools foundation asks for money, instead of donations of school supplies. Not all supplies are acceptable for classroom use. The foundation works directly with schools about their requirements, and we buy supplies in bulk, at wholesale prices, so we can stretch donor dollars and help the most students.
Contributions are taken at Staples, Coastal Community Credit Union branches, Country Grocer, and at www.NLSF.ca until Sept. 1.
Please give. Every dollar helps.
Patrick Ross
president
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/391207321.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/0e1db265e51c9aee12f1079ef8de82bfa232621588ea51dfb091ec4e4e4e16f7.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:13 | null | null | NANAIMO – Island Savings launches The Full Cupboard program. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fcommunity%2F391342061.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/68203nanaimoTFC2.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Nanaimo credit union targets hunger | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | With back-to-school expenses on the horizon and empty food bank shelves in Island communities, the Island Savings division of First West Credit Union has set a goal to provide the equivalent of 650,000 meals to Island children and families over the next three years.
Through a combination of food, money and awareness-raising activities, The Full Cupboard is a new community investment program from Island Savings.
“At this time of year thousands of Island parents are stretched to buy new clothing and school supplies while still managing to put food on the table,” said Randy Bertsch, president of Island Savings. “Thanks to the buying power of food banks, $1 a day can feed a child in B.C. – and so raising funds with our members and employees through The Full Cupboard will relieve some of this immediate need for food while we develop capacity-building programs to reduce food bank dependence in the long term.”
Island Savings launches The Full Cupboard with an initial $8,800 raised through employee and member donations over the summer. Every dollar goes directly to 11 food banks located in the neighbourhoods that Island Savings serves.
Donors can also choose to support the “greatest need,” whereby donations are funnelled by Food Banks B.C. to any Island-based food bank with urgent needs.
“With over 1,000 youth accessing our programming each month this support is critical,” said Peter Sinclair, executive director of Loaves and Fishes community food bank in Nanaimo.
In addition to raising money, The Full Cupboard will help food banks with in-kind volunteer support and awareness-raising activities so that food and cash donations from the public can be even more effective.
Financial donations can be made in any Island Savings branch or online at www.islandsavings.ca/thefullcupboard.
Island Savings will also be donating $1 for every share The Full Cupboard video receives from the organization’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/islandsavings) before Sept. 1. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/391342061.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/7d72f59e2dbafe663116a5454b54a8942cdaa48ff5ab68bc626f3d1e5ffd29ab.json |
[
"Tamara Cunningham"
] | 2016-08-30T16:50:34 | null | null | Mayor doesn't believe committee structure lines up with B.C. Community Charter, opposes political appointments. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391464141.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Councillors appointed to new city committees | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | New political appointments to City of Nanaimo committees were announced last week as groups get set to return to the table this September.
Coun. Wendy Pratt read out the roster of political appointments for committees, lacking support only from Mayor Bill McKay, who believes the structure doesn’t line up with the B.C. Community Charter and that the city runs a risk of being challenged by the community.
The assignments come on the heels of a committee restructuring in July, which saw the city strike down committees and merge or create others, and it included some changes. According to Pratt, council met and worked out the appointments together with suggestions from staff on who should go where, which she ultimately announced. Previously, the mayor presented committee appointments.
The mayor, who assigned himself to four select committees in 2015, also wasn’t named in the appointments, although Pratt said in a council meeting last week that it’s her understanding the mayor can attend whichever meetings he wants.
At issue for McKay is the designation of committees, which the city has labelled as ‘select’ but which he believes are ‘standing’ committees. The former, he said, are created and appointed by council to determine a specific, select issue and then are essentially dismissed, while a standing committee goes on for an extended period and deals with items on an ongoing basis.
He said the city should have followed the community charter, and the structure, membership and terms of reference needed to be overseen by the mayor.
Pratt said to her, there’s no basis in McKay’s dispute of committees’ legality.
“We’ve had legal opinion on it and the committees are fine, we are moving forward with them and I really wish people would stop focusing on it so much because honestly they are just committee appointments,” she said, adding she’s thrilled, and so is everyone else, to finally get back to committee tables.
New assignments will see Pratt sit on the Parks, Recreation and Wellness, Public Works and Engineering, and Community Planning and Development committees, while Coun. Jerry Hong has been tasked with the newly merged Culture, Heritage and Social Planning committee, Community Planning and Development Committee, and Design Advisory Panel.
Coun. Diane Brennan will sit on the Culture, Heritage and Social Planning and Community Planning and Development Committee, along with Coun. Gord Fuller. Coun. Ian Thorpe sits on the Parks, Recreation and Wellness Committee and Public Safety Committee. Coun. Bill Bestwick will sit on Parks, Recreation and Wellness and Public Works and Engineering, while Coun. Jim Kipp has been tasked with Public Works and Engineering, and Public Safety. Coun. Bill Yoachim is on the Public Safety committee and Culture, Heritage and Social Planning.
news@nanaimobulletin.com | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391464141.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/23b76a5c71f17c52cbe4eb225cd1727c0c595172c2cd08485d92a97b70e7fc6e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:34 | null | null | Even if a new hotel were built next to that white elephant, the conference centre, taxpayers would still be ponying up. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390234321.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Conference centre should be sold or re-purposed | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Report shows subsidy needed even with hotel, July 28.
So now we have it; finally a feasibility study that states even if a new hotel were built next to that white elephant, the conference centre, taxpayers would still be ponying up over a million dollars a year to keep it operating. Seems all those local business ‘leaders’ who packed council chambers over a year ago, bemoaning that more shiny rooms would be the savior, were wrong. Perhaps they are not as knowledgeable as they strut or perhaps they do not care how much taxpayers’ money, when it’s not theirs, is thrown deep into an endless pit.
Re-purpose or sell the conference centre now. Taxpayers are going into the red each year this dinosaur keeps gathering dust. It and just about every other conference centre in the world are outdated. Better put, they are extinct.
Ursula Knight
Nanaimo | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/390234321.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/cbd5b50ea9502576b996dcb6d4f679c221cd508729fb657be88979063f2377a3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:58 | null | null | NANAIMO - Veda Hille performs at Gabriola's Hive Emporium Sunday (Aug. 28) at 7:30 p.m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fentertainment%2F391084791.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/55626nanaimoVeda-Web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Veda Hille performs at Gabiola's Hive Emporium | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Singer-songwriter Veda Hille performs at Gabriola’s Hive Emporium Sunday (Aug. 28).
She is touring Canada to promote her latest album Love Waves, which was released earlier this year in May. Love Waves is Hille’s 20th album.
Hille also writes musical theatre, scores for films and teaches songwriting.
She is currently working on an adaptation of King Arthur for Vancouver’s Neworld Theatre with actor Niall McNeil.
Hille performs at the Hive Emporium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available in advance by calling 250-325-1948 or at Hive Emporium, located at 9-575 North Rd.
For more information about Hille please go to http://vedahille.com. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/entertainment/391084791.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/6c3f45959cd5afec6e55e439720d1ce708e27147ddaa34bf95cafd87ba0bbdc0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:19 | null | null | The letter is a repeat of all of the old tired stereotypes and myths about people on assistance. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390964791.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Disability assistance a drop in the bucket | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Someone has to pay for increased disability benefits, Letters, Aug. 11.
The letter is a repeat of all of the old tired stereotypes and myths about people on assistance. However, it crosses the line when it lambastes and demonizes chronically ill people who are trying to survive against Everest-like odds. The writer seeks to load even more on the backs of people who are sick and disabled by attempting to make them feel guilty for their own misfortune. The letter is beyond cruel. It is a psychological assault on fragile people, falsely depicting them as freeloaders and burdens on society. The writer’s words constitute disability-bashing and poor-bashing in their most poisonous form.
The writer spews venom at the wrong people. Disability assistance is a drop in the bucket when it comes to Liberal spending. The vast majority of the author’s taxes are going to self-serving politicians, such as the $625-a-month car allowance for a cabinet minister – about two-thirds of the total monthly income for a PWD client. Since 2001 the cost of living has increased by more than 30 per cent. During that period, B.C. increased the disability rates by 15 per cent. But here’s the kicker: Christy Clark’s salary soared by a whopping 54 per cent.
“Enough is enough” indeed.
Doreen Marion Gee
Victoria | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/390964791.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/856dd8139a732923a888a623d2153024a9a6dbbed116e9376e2d08cd2841326a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:34 | null | null | NANAIMO - Willie Thrasher performs with Linda Saddleback and Ora Cogan at the Vault Cafe Friday (Aug. 26). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fentertainment%2F391091041.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/58293nanaimoThrasher-Saddleback-Web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Willie Thrasher performs in Nanaimo at the Vault Cafe | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Willie Thrasher and Linda Saddleback perform at the Vault Cafe Friday (Aug. 26).
Willie Thrasher’s music has helped the singer-songwriter connect with his Inuvialuit culture.
He sings folk-rock tunes. His songs Spirit Child, Old Man Carver and We Got to Take You Higher are included in the compilation album, Native North America, Vol. 1, which was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Historical Album last year.
Thrasher performs with Linda Saddleback at the Vault Café Friday (Aug. 26) at 9 p.m.
Admission is $8 at the door.
The evening also features a performance by Ora Cogan.
Cogan was born on Salt Spring Island and has released six full-length albums. Her latest album, Shadowland was released earlier this year.
She explores a diverse range of genres in her music including Americana, grunge and psychedelic. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/entertainment/391091041.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/2bb0c3ba7e13d39eb14390689dadb725f7ca4ad8f3110e75b5fec4b68561d571.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T20:48:57 | null | null | The Nature Trust hires young people each summer to tackle a wide variety of conservation activities on properties across the province. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fcommunity%2F391753771.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/94138nanaimoConservationcrew.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Youth crew targets conservation | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Jaylene Harper, right, installs a data logger at Nanaimo River Estuary with fellow Conservation Youth Crew member Hilary Blackman. The summer job experience program allows students to put their education to work.
Young people put their education to work and made a difference, thanks to The Nature Trust of B.C.’s Vancouver Island Conservation Youth Crew and program supporter HSBC Bank Canada.
“I first became interested in the crew position when I saw a presentation at Vancouver Island University last September from a former participant,” said Jaylene Harper, crew member. “It sounded like a lot of fun and I was immediately interested in being on the crew this summer in order to gain experience in the conservation world.”
The Nature Trust hires young people each summer to tackle a wide variety of conservation activities on properties across the province and learn valuable skills for future employment. Training includes first aid and Bear Aware as well as the safe handling of power tools.
“My favourite activity was a helicopter trip up Green Mountain, which is an important area for Vancouver Island marmots. It was my first time in a helicopter which was very exciting, and we got to help restore marmot habitat in hopes of increasing their population,” said Harper. “Learning to identify certain plants, especially differentiating grasses, was one of the most difficult things we had to do.”
The crews perform on-the-ground work as well as attend workshops from specialists in the field on topics such as bird counts, and forest and wetland ecology. They also contribute to the local community in a variety of ways.
“We worked on restoring turtle habitat and nesting areas at Buttertubs Marsh in Nanaimo,” Harper said.
Her future plans include attending VIU in September to continue her studies in natural resource protection.
This year The Nature Trust is dedicated to protecting B.C.’s natural diversity. Since 1971, the Nature Trust along with its partners has invested more than $80 million to secure more than 71,000 hectares across B.C. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/391753771.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/62a312362a64538bd314fc4a82cc93674dbcaef5a1757a3eb2836b3c0ac7e713.json |
[
"Tom Fletcher"
] | 2016-08-26T13:06:07 | null | null | Four per cent rate hike already in effect, more to come as BC Hydro looks for savings to offset slow industrial demand | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fbusiness%2F388687371.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/9960BCLN2007DamRevelstokewiki7web.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | BC Hydro rates rise as demand slows | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Revelstoke dam on the Columbia River is due to have a sixth water turbine added, but Site C is BC Hydro's priority today.
BC Hydro is going ahead with its planned four per cent rate increase this year and deferring more debt to future years as it revises its electricity demand forecast downward.
The provincially-owned utility has not asked for an increase in its government-imposed rate plan despite a revised demand forecast with $3.5 billion less revenue over the next 10 years. BC Hydro has filed a three-year plan with the B.C. Utilities Commission that would increase rates four, 3.5 and three per cent in the next three years. The four per cent increase is already showing up on customer bills as an interim increase.
With the Site C dam on the Peace River and other upgrades amounting to $2 billion a year, the plan includes additional deferred debt until 2023, when Site C is due to be completed. BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald said the long-term nature of capital projects means its capital cost savings don't start until the next decade.
BC Hydro has also cut some of its familiar Power Smart activities, such as the fridge buy-back plan and incentives for energy efficient light bulbs.
McDonald said BC Hydro is seeing lower revenues due to two warm winters and downturns in mining and forest products. It still projects growing overall demand as population and economic growth continue.
NDP energy critic Adrian Dix said the new deferred debt represents roughly $500 for each of BC Hydro's two million customers, and it is a political move to get the B.C. Liberal government past next year's election.
The 10-year rates plan imposed by Energy Minister Bill Bennett in 2013 overstated demand to justify the construction of Site C, and translates to a 28 per cent rate increase. It allows the utilities commission to regain control over approving customer rates by 2020, after five years of political direction.
Dix said with the new demand forecast and commodity prices expected to remain low, BC Hydro should have added a sixth turbine to its Revelstoke dam for $450 million before embarking on the $9 billion Site C project. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/business/388687371.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/2f0059cbcce9a4ef36c17129c73421c1eef60be36468cb36ba8898cfc1d16d42.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:51:53 | null | null | The article does an excellent job of outlining the expenses report on Nanaimo council’s agenda from the day before. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391675101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Councillor clarifies comments about expense report | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Report details city councillors’ spending to date, Aug. 23.
The article does an excellent job of outlining the expenses report on Nanaimo council’s agenda from the day before.
I would just like to clarify the piece that says this was the first time I had seen a dollar figure associated with my expenses. I am not sure in what context I made the remark and I don’t dispute it, but it is important for me to clarify that I have seen my expenses each year that I have held elected office. Perhaps I was referring to the quarterly reports. In years past we received a report once giving the full amount spent during the full fiscal year.
Thank you for allowing me to make this minor clarification.
Coun. Diane Brennan
Nanaimo | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/391675101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/312fdea93327329db205c0bc648def0c17175d7f1b8669cca7c60cbc587fba0f.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:10:45 | null | null | NANAIMO – Alleged incident happened in downtown Nanaimo, according to RCMP. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391347971.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Nanaimo police investigating after man allegedly exposed himself to nine-year-old girl | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | The Nanaimo RCMP are investigating an indecent exposure incident involving a young girl.
On Aug. 12, a man exposed himself to a nine-year-old girl in downtown Nanaimo near Bastion Square Park at approximately 7 p.m., according to the RCMP.
The incident occurred after the girl, who was with her family, had just entered Bastion Square Park from the staircase that connects the park to the Harbourfront Walkway.
According to police, as the girl entered the park, her mother went back down the staircase to retrieve her son and husband, when a man sitting on a bench exposed himself to her.
The suspect is described as Caucasian man between 50-60 years of age, 5-foot-8 and around 145 pounds. Police say he was last seen wearing an olive green button-down, long-sleeve shirt and washed-out dark pants.
If anyone has information on the incident, please call the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345 or contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391347971.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/d3ad0b08591ccf82ab99f483bed08b2f9a8bd7383c2ed6e5871b7fb23d037d87.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-30T20:50:39 | null | null | NANAIMO - Emergency Response Team and a crisis negotiator called out after man allegedly threatens to harm ex-wife. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391783101.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/7442nanaimoC-ERT-web-IMG_3543.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Nanaimo man arrested after allegedly threatening his ex-wife | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | The RCMP Vancouver Emergency Response Team was called after a man in Nanaimo allegedly threatened to harm his ex-wife.
Police in Nanaimo have a arrested a 25-year-old man after he allegedly threatened to harm his ex-wife.
According to Nanaimo RCMP, police responded Monday at about 8 p.m. when they were notified a threat had been made against the woman. Police called the woman to make sure she was safe and then attended to the suspect’s home in central Nanaimo. Police are not releasing the address of the incident, but witnesses said it occurred at a home located on Duggan Place between Meredith and Northfield roads.
The suspect refused to leave the residence and police learned there was a woman also in the residence.
Due to the nature of the alleged threat, the presence of woman in the residence and because police believed the suspect possessed a firearm, the a crisis negotiator and the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team were called in to deal with the situation.
The woman left the residence unharmed several hours after police arrived and was removed from the area by ERT members.
Police finally entered the home at about 3 a.m. Tuesday and took the man into custody. He was not injured.
The Nanaimo RCMP Serious Crime Unit and Domestic Violence Unit are continuing the investigation into the incident. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391783101.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/b7bf5a827126843caf6a9a923515e7f0d69faaef41009c1cfb0cf6ef2350d2ff.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T13:05:26 | null | null | NANAIMO – Immigration, low rates of interest fuel Island real estate. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fbusiness%2F391317661.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Central credit union sees robust housing market | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | The B.C. housing market will remain robust over the next two years, particularly on Vancouver Island, says the latest forecast by Central 1 Credit Union.
“Since our spring forecast we have raised our outlook for prices, reflecting the strong momentum early in the year and tighter than expected market conditions,” said Bryan Yu, senior economist with Central 1, which is the primary liquidity manager, payments provider and trade association for 42 member credit unions in B.C. “But we expect the pace of price hikes to slow through 2018.”
Sales will be lower than previously forecast but still at an elevated level due to tightening of housing policy measures.
“The foreign buyer tax will result in a temporary but substantial short-term cut in Metro Vancouver sales trend of 10 per cent that extends into 2017,” Yu said. “The tax puts further downward sales pressure on a market already slowing from spring fever. However, strength in the local economy will underpin sales and prices.”
While policy changes are expected to dampen home sales in Metro Vancouver, Central 1 has lifted its outlook for Vancouver Island markets and parts of the B.C. southern Interior as in-migration and low interest rates will drive sales and tightening inventory will lift prices.
Highlights from the forecast include:
The new foreign buyer tax will reduce Metro Vancouver area sales by 10 per cent;
The provincial median annual price will rise 12 per cent this year to $480,000, gain four per cent next year, and 3.5 per cent in 2018;
In Metro Vancouver, following a near 20-per cent gain in annual median price this year to $705,000, prices will rise four per cent in 2017 and 4.4 per cent in 2018 to $765,000;
Housing sales growth rotates toward Vancouver Island and the central Okanagan in 2017, before shifting back to Greater Vancouver by 2018;
Housing starts will remain above 40,000 units in 2017 and 2018;
The Bank of Canada will maintain its policy rate at 0.5 per cent until mid-2018.
For the full report, please visit www.central1.com. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/business/391317661.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/8ddee064d7c6d027daf9bf53cc8bd5ee72c53c1365def1ab599d3b28f7f6a2df.json |
[
"Canadian Press"
] | 2016-08-31T00:50:41 | null | null | Two sides avert job action that has loomed for months | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fnews%2F391803281.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/18051BCLN2007Canada_Post_TruckWikimediaCommons.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Canada Post, postal union reach tentative deals | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have reached tentative agreements, averting the prospect of a labour dispute that has loomed over the talks for months.
In a statement, Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk says the agreements were reached "voluntarily," but provides no other details about the deals themselves.
The issue of differences in paycheques for rural mail carriers — most of whom are women — and urban letter carriers had been at the forefront of protracted contract talks between the two sides.
The negotiations were extended twice since the weekend, when a deadline expired on a 72-hour job action notice issued last Thursday by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers.
The two sides were in talks nearly around the clock at the request of a special mediator appointed Friday by Mihychuk.
Canada Post described the tentative agreements as short-term. It said they are for two years and that four-year contracts were typically negotiated in the past.
"The agreements will avert a work disruption, bringing much-needed certainty in the postal system for our employees and customers," said Canada Post in a statement. "Canadians can now use the postal system with confidence."
The tentative agreements, however, still must be ratified by the members.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is Canada Post's largest union, representing more than 50,000 postal workers
The Canadian Press | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/news/391803281.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/e2e26260102bec7b7313d60cf0e93e5dd59a124e7989a818d7da2235c8c2a4a8.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-29T16:51:14 | null | null | The Nanaimo Islanders Female Hockey Association will hold its final registration night Monday (Aug. 29). | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fsports%2F391619621.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Islanders women's hockey holding registration | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Women's hockey season is nearing faceoff, and there is room for more players to join the starting lineups.
The Nanaimo Islanders Female Hockey Association will hold its final registration night Monday (Aug. 29), and players can continue to sign up leading up to the start of league play Sept. 12.
The Islanders restructured their divisions this off-season. For 2016-17, they will offer a recreational division for players of all skill levels and a competitive division for intermediate-level players, with Monday-night games for both those leagues. The Isles also have two tiers of competitive travel teams.
Tonight's registration is from 6-7:30 p.m. in the foyer at Frank Crane Arena.
To read more about the Islanders program, please click here.
For information about the league and registration, please visit www.nanaimoislanders.ca or e-mail nifhakim@shaw.ca. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports/391619621.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/3783de823d73104a8bea6beb7a18f29481086a47cffbbd64e85d8cf5655ddaf4.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:14:11 | null | null | The gnome homes are for decoration and they make me feel good. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390234431.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | We can all use some ‘gnome magic’ | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Gnome doors deface park, Letters, Aug. 9.
I am eight years old and I attend Morrell Sanctuary day camp. There is only one loop at the sanctuary with gnome homes in it. The gnome homes are for decoration and they make me feel good. If you don’t like the gnome homes, please walk in a different loop at the sanctuary.
Cadence Vaughan-Griffiths
Nanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Gnome doors deface park, Letters, Aug. 9.
I am shocked by the bah-humbug spirit of the author.
Really, the doors are an excellent addition to the forest. Children love to visit the doors, it brings such magical joy to them. How can you complain about that in this day and age? There are bad things happening in the world and we are all the better for a touch of gnome magic.
I could maybe understand if the doors had been placed in a pristine forest, but Neck Point is not pristine. There are plenty of invasive plants and the footpaths themselves are not natural!
Thank you to the kind soul who helped the gnomes build their homes.
L. Jackson
Nanaimo | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/390234431.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/846fbb1bc5860f774f68616ca8b593b0fb1800fd988ad62f2234aadf75a53a7b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:47 | null | null | I thought the air show was fantastic and the capability of the F-18 was superb. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F391207451.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Air show makes us feel safer | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: Snowbirds a source of Canadian pride, Letters, Aug. 18.
I thought the air show was fantastic and the capability of the F-18 was superb.
I feel with planes and pilots like these, along with the army and navy, we are completely protected if ever they are needed again.
The letter writer’s comments are definitely not justified.
By the way, my father served in Passchendaele in the First World War, my brother served in the Second World War on the HMCS Midland and my nephew trained the British to fly the F-18s.
R.J. Dudley
Nanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Snowbirds a source of Canadian pride, Letters, Aug. 18.
The performance by the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds in support of the CHILD Foundation for children with intestinal and liver disorders to me was completely misguided.
I couldn’t help thinking that if the Snowbirds were grounded, the money saved in gasoline, aircraft maintenance and salaries of crew and ground support would give the CHILD Foundation more money for research and support of the children of these diseases than a few dollars collected at the Maffeo Sutton Park.
Shows such as these are a further promotion of war and we already have enough wars in the world.
As a society we should be promoting peace. Where are the big anti-war marches of the past?
Louise Hudson
Nanaimo | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/391207451.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/80697247ee30ed233217eb93a0028bbdb1c504dee2e9b0ed79bc25824de062d5.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:30 | null | null | We want to express our thanks to Bulletin readers who respond so promptly and directly to meet a need in our city. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F390963631.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Community comes through for emergency shelter | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | To the Editor,
Re: New faces overwhelm shelter, Aug. 11.
The article alerted Nanaimo residents to the urgent need for underwear, pyjamas, toiletries and similar items at the Samaritan House emergency shelter.
Our executive director, Violet Hayes, and I were at the shelter last week and spoke with our program director, Ronell Bosman, who showed us numerous bins of the much-needed items that have been donated. Staff have sorted essential garments and toiletries into cupboards in preparation for intake. Women staying at the shelter and staff are relieved to have the supplies restocked and we are all feeling grateful for the generous response from Nanaimo citizens. The article has had a secondary effect in that it was shared on social media and inspired some local women to conduct an impromptu fundraising effort that raised over $200. That money will go to fill in any gaps in supplies that are urgently needed by women at the shelter. We want to express our thanks to the Nanaimo News Bulletin for your ongoing coverage of important local issues, and to Bulletin readers who respond so promptly and directly to meet a need in our city.
Richard Powell
information manager
Island Crisis Care Society | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/opinion/letters/390963631.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/10249e7ac863169b17cbc342d8934636a499691943eef5dc73d8bc7238f0e8e0.json |
[
"Staff Writer"
] | 2016-08-26T12:59:01 | null | null | NANAIMO – Harbour City is one of 30 communities participating in Etsy pop-up shops. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nanaimobulletin.com%2Fcommunity%2F391060621.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Online marketplace pops up at Nanaimo shopping mall | null | null | www.nanaimobulletin.com | Etsy, an online marketplace, is celebrating the ‘buy local’ movement with pop-up shops across Canada, including Nanaimo.
On Sept. 24, Nanaimo will be one of 30 communities participating with 45 artists and entrepreneurs represented.
Etsy is an online marketplace for entrepreneurs to sell their handmade or vintage goods – both of which will be represented at the Nanaimo event.
The event will also feature free kids’ activities such as crafting and face painting.
Tanya Gruszecki, of My Favourite Fabric Store, says she’s proud to be a community partner to the event.
“The creative community of Nanaimo stood behind me when I lost my store to a fire. They rallied around me and held an auction to help me get restarted. I’m happy to have this opportunity to support them.”
The event takes place at Nanaimo North Town Centre from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/2aZCZtZ. | http://www.nanaimobulletin.com/community/391060621.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.nanaimobulletin.com/aca59b25e8536a78085aa85cbf799030391ea4c624939eed714c6d4247970e91.json |
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