Monday, 6 July 2009

Michael Jackson family up and close

Pictures of the late Michael Jackson's family have been published. These pictures showing Michael with Paris and Prince who were born off his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. Click here for more pictures.
A memorial in tribute to Michael Jackson has been organised at Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Tuesday for many of his fans. Entrance will be limited to the lucky fans with tickets. Michael Jackson's body will not be in display.
Meanwhile, private funeral is being arranged, the location and time of this event has not made public.

Photos: Splash News/News of the World

Up and about Maputo-7

Mdau waiting for dinner at the Costa do Sol restaurant Sunday evening.

Up and about Maputo-6

Costa do Sol is one of the popular beach fronts in Maputo. It is one of the must go places in Maputo. People of Maputo come to this beach to relax, have drinks and play games.
......Beach goers enjoying their drinks at the beach front.
...Grilled chicken and meat are also available.
Beer and other drinks are also available at the road side. Other beach goers come with their own drinks.

Sunday, 5 July 2009

CHADEMA Triumphant in Biharamulo

There are unconfirmed reports that Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) candidate Dr Anthony Mbassa has emerged victorious in by-election held in Biharamulo, Kagera today.

The Biharamulo by-election follows nullification of the 2005 parliamentary election results in which Mr Phares Kabuye of the Tanzania Labour Party won but was unseated by the High Court. Kabuye died in an accident a few months ago. More info to follow.

Ya Jirani ni bora kuliko yetu

Mara baada ya kurejea nchini kutoka Libya ambako alikwenda kuhudhuria mkutano wa viongozi wa nchi wa Umoja wa Afrika, Rais Jakaya Kikwete ameondoka tena kwenda nchini Zambia kwa ziara ya siku tatu. Katika ziara hii Kikwete atafungua maonyesho ya kimataifa ya biashara.

Hivi sasa tuna maonyesho ya biashara yakiendelea kwenye viwanja vya Saba Saba. Rais wetu hajatembelea maonyesho haya hadi sasa, ila ameweza kupata wasaa wa kwenda nchi jirani kufungua maoyesho. Je, hii iko sawa? Je, vya jirani ni bora kuliko vyetu?

Picha:Michuzi

Mr President You Need Young People to Turn Tanzania Around

Mr President, (Jakaya Kikwete) you have a great privilege to serve as a president of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. Unfortunately this privilege comes with a dire need to address the daily problems of Tanzanians who are mostly very poor.

I totally understand how complex it is to accomplish your goals of helping these needy Tanzanians to get out of poverty. This is because you operate in institutional failure, the institutional failure I am referring to is a government. The government and the whole political system are much polarised, everything is done to score political point or acquire personal gain and interests and not done for the benefits of people who hired the institutions. For you to perform your job well you need to look outside the box by freeing yourself from the institutional hostage.

Today I have some ideas I want to share with you that can help you to make Tanzania a Middle Income country. When I look at the devastating poverty facing Tanzanians, I see no one to blame or to wait to bring the solutions we need to overcome our economic problems except ourselves.

I also see that our decision to go to war against poverty was great, but we drafted the wrong soldiers who were Politicians and the Government, instead of choosing our hero and veterans who have always brought us victory in our struggles. The heroes I'm talking about here are the Tanzanian young people, who have a history of bringing independency and winning the war against Idd Amini and many other victories.

"And therefore I believe we can only win our war against poverty once we have inclusive Economic policies which will clearly define the role of Youth as solid Economic machinery which Tanzania can enjoy by making them viable productive partners in the Economy"

This can be done by Empowering Youth to get into Business and making them an active partner in Economic Development. By doing this, it will help to increase their Income and avoid the transmissions or inheritance of poverty to the next generation, this being the way of having a Tanzania free of poverty.

It is unbelievable in the global competitive economy to have a country where most of his young people when graduated from University or college they want to get a job in the government or in a very small existing corporate Tanzania. This growing trend is a killer of innovation and creativity, and it encourages corruption because when everyone is trying to get a job in a market which has very few jobs available, the process always gets out of hand by making corruption take control of the whole recruitment process and allowing the highest bidder to get a job. When one gets a job by paying corruption the possibilities of one becoming an expert in taking corruption is very higher. Thus, a country which innovates corrupt people is a failed nation and it will never get out of poverty.

Understanding the need to incorporate young people in the wealth creation process, needs us to take a different approach which will be attached to universities and colleges with a specific task as multiplier and catalyst for the birth of modern wealth creation institutions (private companies).

This can be achieved by having friendly and specific policies in place which will address the practical issues of innovation, business birth and growth. Mr President I have not yet seen your initiative to encouraging graduates to start their own business, which is essential to the war against poverty.

Mr President, when you came to power you had an ambitious goal of creating a million jobs. The idea was great, and indeed you invested money to implement it but the strategy employed to implement your idea was a failure. It could have been done much better with more assurance of higher return of investment per shilling but that didn't happen. The main reason behind the failure was, the people you entrusted politicalized the process which killed the effectiveness and sustainability of that investment.

Today I am sharing with you a strategy which has worked in the past and it can work again. When Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere took a lead toward struggles to secure independency for our country, he mobilised young people including yourself. I believe when young people are not politicalized and are mobilised for a common purpose it is always a guarantee that they will win any war .it's your calling now to use Tanzanian youth, as the massive powerful army to replace the failed institution called government. This will draw you closer to the people and it will energise the nation to work together to eradicate poverty by creating jobs.

When Youth are given opportunities and support as a part of Economic machinery, they are able to catalyse changes in attitudes, knowledge and behaviour among their peers and in their communities. This implies how solid they can be as an army on the war against poverty and also emphasizes the reason why we can't afford leaving them out if we want to be successful on the war against poverty.

In conclusion, Please Mr President leave the failed institutions and incorporate yourself with the heroes of our country (Young people). Once you're with youth always the political machinery will follow you, because that is where the power lay's. Through such incorporation of youth, you will be able to change the attitudes of the power hungry politicians and make them work for the people who hired them. Moreover, being with young people will restore your moral authority, which you have lost because the political machinery sees you as a part of their establishment.

Emanuel D Tayari

Student at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh Pursuing a degree in Business and Finance.

Source: OpEdNews.com

My Take: This is a very good article. Thanks Emanuel for this narrative.

In addition to what Emanuel has said, Tanzania lacks clear policies to integrate and support youths in economic development. Again, our current education system does not encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. These areas need a fresh look in order to provide an enabling environment for our youths to play an integral role in economic development activities.

But, embracing the youth alone will not make Tanzania a middle income country, in addition, we need strong leadership with a vision, clear government policies, efficient resources management and prioritization of key economic activities.

ohh! by the way, the theme "youths are tomorrow's nation" is outdated and need revision.

Up and about Maputo-5

Beer promotion artwork on a wall of a house in Catemba. 2M and Laurentina are among the popular "cervejas" (beers) in Mozambique.

Up and about Maputo-4

A minibus disembarking from the Catemba-Maputo ferry. Take note of the loaded minibus with extra load strapped on the roof of the vehicle with nylon ropes.

Saturday, 4 July 2009

When being smart is not so smart....

A Pretoria woman, who pretended to be kidnapped, has been arrested after she was caught in her pyjamas at her boyfriend's flat, police said on Friday.

Captain Colette Weilbach said the woman and her boyfriend - both in their 40s - were arrested in Dunnottar, Nigel, on the East Rand on Thursday night and were charged with defeating the ends of justice.

"The whole operation wasted more than four hours of precious police time and resources that could have been used more optimally to prevent or investigate other crimes," said Weilbach.

She said earlier on Thursday the woman phoned her husband in Jan Niemand Park to say that she was on her way home after working in Johannesburg.

About half-an-hour later the husband received a SMS telling him that he must not look for his wife and that he must not involve the police.

At 18:00, after calls to his wife's phone went unanswered, a "very concerned husband" went to the Villieria police station to report a kidnapping.

Weilbach said police immediately started an investigation and involved additional manpower and resources from specialised units to assist with the search.

A tracking device in the woman's Toyota Yaris was activated and led more than 10 police officers to an address in Dunnottar where they saw the car in a parking bay at a block of flats.

"After some enquiries, they learnt that a female driver... often seen at the block of flats got out of the vehicle. The police were directed to a flat where the lady allegedly visits on a regular basis," said Weilbach.

When no-one answered the door, police forced their way inside.

"Once inside the flat they found the missing wife in her pyjamas and another man with whom she allegedly has a relationship.

Weilbach said the woman would be held accountable for the financial implications of the investigation.

Source- SAPA

My Take: If you were the husband what would you do? Your comments will be appreciated.

Maputo shopping centre



Maputo Shopping Centre is the largest mall in Maputo. I passed by the mall this afternoon after coming back from Catemba.

Catembe, Maputo, Mozambique

Pickups are used in Catembe to transport people and goods.
Two young girls crossing a road with water containers on top of their heads.

Visit to Catembe, Maputo

This morning I decided to visit Catembe which is across the waters from Maputo. It is just like Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.
View of Catembe from an approaching boat.
View of Maputo city from Catembe.
Some of the Ferry boats have been christianed with Swahili names such as "Bagamoyo" and "Mapapai".

Sarah Palin resigns

Alaska Governor and 2008 Republican Party running mate Sarah Palin has announced that she will resign at the end of the month.

Speculations are rife that she is preparing herself for the 2012 presidential race.
The Republican Party has lost the majority status in both the Congress and the Senate. The party is currently plagued by lack of clear policies and weak leadership.

Should she choose to run, it will be an uphill task. She has a lot to learn about ABCs of local and international politics and economy matters.

Picture: AP

Friday, 3 July 2009

Honours for Nyerere, Zenawi and Museveni

Kigali — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania will be honoured for their contribution in liberating Rwanda, 15 years ago.

The three leaders will also be honoured for their tireless efforts in promoting a campaign against Genocide this Saturday during celebrations to mark National Liberation Day.

President Paul Kagame will decorate Museveni, Zenawi and the late Nyerere with the "Uruti" medal which is Rwanda's National Liberation Medal.

The three leaders will also be decorated with "Umurinzi" medal,Rwanda's Campaign Against Genocide Medal.

Mrs Maria Nyerere, the late president's wife, will receive the posthumous medal on behalf of her husband.

"This is a special time for Rwanda to celebrate achievements and recommit to build a new and better future," Minister of Information Louise Mushikiwabo, told The New Times.

"This seemed like the right time to honour those who have in one way or another contributed to our liberation. We are thankful for their countries and their citizens for having supported Rwanda's cause. They have been there when Rwanda needed them."

President Museveni and Prime Minister Zenawi are expected in Kigali today.

This will mark the first time medals will be awarded to foreign dignitaries for their support to Rwanda's liberation struggle.

Previously, medals have been conferred upon Rwandan citizens, both military and civilians for their heroic roles in Rwanda's recent history.

Last year, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) awarded medals to forty-nine war heroes, for their bravery and resilience in the campaign to liberate the country.

President Paul Kagame was awarded the Rwanda Defence Forces "Order of Honour" for his role in leading the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) struggle that liberated the country in 1994.

The medal is the country's most prestigious award.

Source: The New Times

Logical thinking

Some thinking defy logic. It reminds of a story of a king who upon hearing that his people had nothing to eat, he said they should be given cakes.

African Union meeting in Libya

President Robert Mugabe meeting Libyan Leader Muammar Ghaddafi.
Readers add your caption to this picture. What do you think was spoken between the two of them?

Picture: AP

Tanzanian "Begging" strategy starts paying dividend

Tanzanian "begging' strategy is starting to bear fruits. Countries and international banks have heeded our "cry for help" and are now opening their purse string to lend us money, pushing our external debt even higher and making Tanzanians even poorer.
Of late, we have channeled our energies singing songs of poverty to any one who cares to listen.
We have gone to the brink of selling our souls for the sake of aid, while very little has been done to stimulate the local economy, manage local resources, close revenue loss loopholes and theft of public funds.
The following are some of "begging" strategy pay offs:
  1. $300 million from the World Bank to help fund an economic stimulus package.
  2. $470 million from the donor community for 2009/2010 budget support.
  3. $39.3 soft loan from China to revamp Tanzania Zambia Railway.
  4. $ 328 million 12 months loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cushion effects of the global recession.
This is a lot of money in any language. It is my hope that this money will go directly into the intended projects without filtering out into greedy hands.
Tanzania is rich in natural resources, but it is being looted and raped by a few greedy individuals who have enriched themselves at the expense of the fellow countrymen who have grown poorer and poorer.

Out and about Maputo-3

In Benfica area of Maputo, there is a booming business of second hand clothes. For those living in Dar es Salaam, this area resembles Manzese.
..It is business as usual at the side of the road with items such as cement, timber and door frames for sale.
Cars forming three lanes on ONE lane road. As you can see in this picture, cars are overtaking on oththe left and the right side of this lane.
Driving in Maputo can be a test of driving skills and temperament.

Thursday, 2 July 2009

Swine flu now in Uganda

Uganda has just confirmed its first case of the H1N1 swine flu virus in a 40-year-old man from the UK.

It is reported that the case rrived in Uganda on June 26, 2009 from London via Nairobi to Entebbe on Kenya Airways. He was able to pass through the health checkpoint at the airport with no symptoms and proceeded to Kampala to visit Ugandan friends. He did not stay in a hotel.

After contracting flu symptoms, he was admitted to Entebbe Hospital where Wednesday night he was confirmed to have Influenza A (H1N1) by the health laboratories in Entebbe.

The patient has been isolated in Entebbe and is reported to be in good condition.

On Monday I posted a confirmation of a first case of swine flu in Kenya. Click here for the story.

It is now just a matter of time before it lands in Tanzania. I hope we are prepared.

Source: The Monitor

New International Atomic Energy Agency boss

Mr Yukiya Amano, from Japan, was today elected as the new director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Amano will replace Mohamed El Baradei as the head of the IAEA, after the later steps down from the role in November. Amano defeated Abdul Samad Minty of South Africa in the race for this position.