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WHAT a low-spirited start to the New Year it has been. All the dark episodes of 2020, with all the grief and death seem to have spilled to 2021 with COVID-19 arguably the worst nightmare. This time, it appears it is more deadly and has a strong appetite to devour judging by the soaring numbers of infections and deaths. After the reckless partying that ushered merrymakers into the New Year, authorities had to act and indeed, the lockdown was the only viable action. The swift reaction by the government to impose a lockdown that includes closure of bars, bottlestores, gyms and other facilities could not have come at a better time. It was timely and life-saving but of course with its own negativity. In the last week alone, Zimbabwe recorded 1 342 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths, representing the highest number of cases recorded to date. On January 2, 2021, 407 new cases were recorded and eight deaths and such numbers are nothing to ignore. The reality we all feared is with us now. COVID-19 is a killer and is ravaging communities hence the need to stop the recklessness that had taken centre stage. The lockdown will, however, mean nothing if there is no proper enforcement and this time, vigilance is needed by enforcers. Of course we are not saying the military and police should use maximum force that borders on human rights violations like we witnessed last year. Soaring cases, particularly in the last two months have risen to terrifying levels and we have been waiting for the government to act. Government was relaxed in that period with some of its officials posting on their social media platforms pictures of themselves partying, completely oblivious of COVID-19 regulations. That was inexcusable recklessness by Cabinet ministers at a time the people needed to be shepherded into responsible behaviour. As if such carelessness by ministers was not enough, President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed hundreds of Zanu PF supporters in Chivi, Masvingo province, exposing them to the deadly disease. Well, that is now in the past but the point remains that it is incumbent upon the leadership to lead by example so that the followers will follow responsibly. We also witnessed towards the end of the year a “super-spreader” event in the form of a chaotic MDC-T extraordinary congress and that Thokozani Khupe was immediately taken ill after the indaba. This is no longer a joke and the deaths, some of them of prominent people in the last two days, should be enough lessons for authorities to act responsibly. Thankfully, the lockdown is a step in the right direction. It will, however, come to naught if it ends just as a lockdown without putting in place other measures including availing ventilators in hospitals and improving testing for the virus. In these trying times, we must not forget those in the frontline, the health workers who are daily exposed to COVID-19 as they try to save lives. The government needs to act and provide all the necessary support. It is a fight we must win together, and we will.
In May, Burundi held a presidential election which was won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party.
Ndayishimiye was hurriedly sworn in after the untimely death of president Pierre Nkurunziza in June.
Rights violations continue
The Council encouraged donor countries which had suspended aid to Burundi to continue dialogue towards resumption of development assistance.
A report by a UN watchdog in September said human rights violations were still being committed in Burundi, including sexual violence and murder.
The country was plunged into a crisis in April 2015 when Ndayishimiye’s predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a controversial third term, which he ultimately won in July 2015.
His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May 2015.
Hundreds of people were killed and over 300,000 fled to neighboring countries.
LONDON (AP) — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the planet has surpassed 40 million, but experts say that... View Article
The post World struggles as confirmed COVID-19 cases pass 40 million appeared first on TheGrio.
MANAMA, (Reuters) - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix, the sport's governing FIA said today.
The article F1 champion Hamilton tests positive for COVID-19 appeared first on Stabroek News.
Following an outreach last month to the villages of Orealla and Siparuta, located on the Corentyne, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that an extension officer has been identified and will commence working soon.
The article Agri extension officer identified for Orealla/Siparuta appeared first on Stabroek News.
Wondering what the day has in store for your star sign? Here's a quick glance at horoscopes and more for today - completely free!
Malaysia Pargo's fans were left spellbound on Friday after the 'Basketball Wives' star uploaded a tantalizing video showcasing her newly installed curly locks. On the […]
It’s a good idea to conduct a financial health check-up to know where you currently stand. You can do this by reviewing your credit report to be on the lookout for any discrepancies, calculating your debt to income ratio, and assessing your emergency savings. It’s also important to determine if you need to obtain health insurance or plan for retirement. Depending on the results of your financial health check-up, you may need to consider more proactive strategies to help you gain financial stability.
A missing painting by renowned artist Jacob Lawrence has been rediscovered more than 60 years after it disappeared from the public eye. The picture was […]
A 3-year-old boy has been hit by a stray bullet in gang violence in Kraaifontein, Cape Town.
… tried to heal after nine African Americans were shot dead at church …
By JAMES MacPHERSON Associated Press BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — After months of resisting ordering the people of North Dakota to wear masks and limit the size of gatherings, the state's Republican governor relented in an effort to stem a coronavirus surge that is among the worst in the U.S. and that threatens to overwhelm the state's hospitals. Gov. Doug Burgum's executive order Friday night came as a surprise and only hours before the state recorded new daily records for hospitalizations and infections. Throughout the pandemic, the former software executive had been leaving it to individuals to take personal responsibility for […]
The post North Dakota governor changes tack and issues mask mandate appeared first on Black News Channel.
CIVIL servants yesterday rejected government’s additional 20% salary offer that would have seen the highest paid worker getting $16 430 per month. BY MOSES MATENGA The disgruntled civil servants have been demanding a salary hike to match the rate of inflation and cushion them against the harsh economic environment, with teachers demanding at least US$520, but government has shot down demands for United States dollar-based salaries. Government last month offered its restive workers a 40% hike and converted the US$75 COVID-19 allowance introduced in June this year to be part of their monthly salary, but civil servants insist that the increase is not enough given the country’s hyperinflationary environment. Apex Council, the umbrella body for all public service unions, confirmed that yesterday’s conditions of service meeting with government had ended in a stalemate. The Apex Council said it would now consult its members on the way forward. Apex Council spokesperson David Dzatsunga, however, refused to give details of the meeting, referring NewsDay to a statement issued after the deliberations. Part of the statement read: “The much-awaited National Joint Negotiating Council meeting where the government was expected to feedback and move significantly on the cost of living adjustment for civil servants has been finally held on November 3, 2020. “In the previous meeting, the government had made an offer of 40% of the total package and today increased it by a further 20% of the current earnings of an individual. This new offer is to be with effect from November 1, 2020.” However, the workers, who are earning way below the poverty datum line, rejected the offer saying it did not address their incapacitation. “The workers side flatly rejected the offer for falling short of addressing the incapacitation of civil servants. However, the workers’ side asked for an adjournment to tomorrow for a feedback to its full council and its constituency on the way forward (concerning) the said offer and expects to meet the government this week for workers’ position,” the statement further read. The new offer would see B1 workers getting $13 590, C5 earning $14 105, D1 getting $15 077, while E1, would be the highest paid workers, who are earning $16 430. Workers in grade D, where most education personnel belong to, have been awarded a special COVID-19 allowance of 10% of basic salary that translates to $517. Government has been trying to address the plight of its workers, but all its offers so far have not satisfied the restive civil servants. Teachers said they remained incapacitated. Recently, government extended an equivalent of US$500 as funeral assistance for its underpaid civil servants who would have passed on. Teachers downed tools in September ahead of the reopening of schools for examination classes. Schools reopened for another batch of students on Monday last week, amid reports that most schools were being manned by heads and senior masters as the majority of teachers stayed away citing incapacitation. The prolonged teachers strik
It’s finally Fall! What better time to start adopting the perfect wellness routine that fits your everyday life, but also contributes to your overall well-being? Fall is a time for fresh starts, so why not utilize the cooler seasons to stay grounded and build a foundation for yourself, find balance, and find ways to boost […]
The post Creating Your Fall Wellness Routine appeared first on BlackDoctor.org.
COVID-19 cases are rising as the third wave of the coronavirus surges across the nation. On Tuesday alone, 60,598 new... View Article
The post US reports over 60,590 COVID-19 cases in 1 day, 929 new deaths appeared first on TheGrio.
The singer was taking a good-time sound to the world – but after his song Fem became the anthem of the EndSars protesters, he joined them on the streets
An African-American Starbucks barista kept her cool while a white customer shouted, \"F--- Black Lives Matter!\"
S&P Global Ratings Services has cut its assessment of Zambia’s debt to selective default after it said it couldn’t meet payments and skipped a coupon on its Eurobonds last week.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is today scheduled to meet Matabeleland traditional leaders in Bulawayo to, among other things, discuss the emotive Gukurahundi issue, marginalisation and development of the region. This is not the first time that Mnangagwa has met traditional leaders from the region to discuss festering issues in the region, but there is a worrying trend that these indabas are becoming empty talkshows. The President has also met members of the Matabeleland Collective (MC) at the State House in the city not once, but more than twice. In all these engagements, regional leaders have been clear that they will not settle for anything less than a sincere Gukurahundi apology and a truth-telling process led by the chiefs and civic society organisations from the region. They contend that this is key towards finding a lasting solution to Gukurahudi. In all the past engagements, Mnangagwa has skirted over the apology part and rushed to facilitate exhumations and reburials of Gukurahundi victims and issuance of identity documents to the survivors. This has left many affected citizens sceptical over his sincerity in dealing with the issue. They still believe that Mnangagwa, as one of the perpetrators, must not dictate the direction to be taken, but allow them to lead the healing process. In short, he should talk less and listen more. That's true statesmanship. The message has been very clear that the President cannot put the cart before the horse. From Mangwe to Tsholotsho, Bulawayo and Nkayi — demands of an acknowledgment, apology and a truth-telling process before reburials are uniform. Why does he now want to fast-track an issue that is as old as the country’s independence? We wonder why Mnangagwa is not doing the right thing. Mnangagwa should listen to the people who were affected in order to make his meetings meaningful. If the meetings fail to achieve anything, the people of Matabeleland will lose confidence in him and those meetings will be a wasted opportunity to resolve the crisis. Mnangagwa should simply own up to the atrocities, apologise and seek the consent of the victims on how they would want the crisis to be resolved. This is a key ingredient of transitional justice.
[East African] Paul Rusesabagina, made famous by the Hollywood film \"Hotel Rwanda\", was denied bail for a third and final time on Wednesday, and is now set to answer multiple charges related to terrorism, arson and kidnap when the trial begins in substance in Kigali.
NATIONAL University of Science and Technology (NUST) students last week held an online demonstration against failure by the university to release transcripts and other administrative concerns. BY PRAISEMORE SITHOLE On Friday, students were forced to stage an online demonstration after realising that their plans for in person protest would be quashed by security details at the campus clad in civilian clothes. In an interview yesterday, the student representative council (SRC) information secretary Muziwenkosi Moyo said the failure by the institution to issue graduate transcripts triggered the demo. “These graduates need transcripts and it’s a basic thing that should be done to enable them to look for jobs. “The NUST online registration system has been down for about five months, and students cannot access it to re-register,” Moyo said. “We cannot have a whole NUST failing to have something working, such basic things as online registration of students. “We are already beginning to question what our fees money is used for. Failure to offer services is disrespectful because we are paying fees,” he said. Moyo also alleged that there were students who were not attending lectures for almost 11 months. “This stream last saw a book in December 2019 and l don’t think that such a scenario has happened at any institute. “The affected students were enrolled in March 2019 and no communication has been sent to them on the way forward,” he said. Moyo added: “There is also poor communication, for example, fees were hiked at a time students had already registered. “No formal communication is sent. There is no proper orientation of students and as a result some new students threatened to drop out as they now regret enrolling at NUST.” The university director of communication and marketing Thabani Mpofu when contacted for comment said questions should be sent through his email. “Send the questions on my email and I will respond to them,” Mpofu said. He had not responded by the time of going to print.
By GRANT PECK and CHALIDA EKVITTHAYAVECHNUKUL Associated Press BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's highest court is set to rule Wednesday on whether Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has breached ethics clauses in the country's constitution and should be ousted from his position. The Constitutional Court will rule on a complaint brought by the Pheu Thai Party, the largest opposition grouping in Parliament, that Prayuth has broken the law by continuing to live in his military residence after he retired as army commander in September 2014. The ruling comes as Prayuth has been dealing with another major headache, a persistent student-led pro-democracy movement […]
The post Thai leader faces court ruling that could cost him his job appeared first on Black News Channel.
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Whites surpassed African Americans in Mississippi’s overall … than those among African Americans
As for racial … Covid-19 disproportionately hurts African Americans, in part because … African American community, and as a result the African American …
[Daily Maverick] The Gauteng by-elections had a 24% turnout against an average of 37.83%, which may have reflected the weather or a gatvol electorate.
If Professor Karim is worried, the rest of us should be too. Our virus expert has conceded that South Africa's second wave 'may already be happening'.
Sean Pavone /iStockBY: JULIA JACOBO AND ARIELLE MITROPOULOS, ABC NEWS (BOSTON) — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has issued an overnight stay-at-home order, among other new mandates, in response to a…
Cocoa, Fla. (AP) – Famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump says he is representing the families of two Black teens who were fatally shot by ...
A fifteen-member group of international organisations concerned with ensuring that issues of forest conservation and the greening of economies remain at the heart of the human development agenda, last week made a high-profile international appeal for forests and tree landscapes to be brought to the centre of the global building back effort “for a more resilient and sustainable future.”
The article UN-affiliated conservation group pushes for forests to be at centre of Covid-19 recovery effort appeared first on Stabroek News.
