Login to BlackFacts.com using your favorite Social Media Login. Click the appropriate button below and you will be redirected to your Social Media Website for confirmation and then back to Blackfacts.com once successful.
Enter the email address and password you used to join BlackFacts.com. If you cannot remember your login information, click the “Forgot Password” link to reset your password.
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has reportedly refused to restore water supplies to Binga Rural District Council until the local authority has paid at least $300 000 of its $1,5 million debt. BY PRAISEMORE SITHOLE Zinwa cut off water supplies to Binga in September, forcing residents and business operators to turn to boreholes and other unsafe water sources. Binga Residents Association vice-chairperson Samson Sibanda said Zinwa recently met council officials and indicated that it would restore water supplies after the local authority has paid at least $300 000 towards settling the bill. “We met and agreed on the way forward for water to be reopened. Council is the one that owes Zinwa money and not the residents. For water to be reopened Zinwa said they require at least $300 000 from the council,” Sibanda said. “Residents of Masoja area who are affected by the water cut started to protest and demonstrate saying they had been paying council and the issue has to be resolved immediately.” Binga district development co-ordinator Farai Marinyame confirmed that stakeholders met on Wednesday to try to resolve the crisis. “I was not on the ground, but there was a meeting between Zinwa, residents and the council to solve the ongoing water crisis. For now there is still no water as council is still negotiating with Zinwa so that they take that project,” Marinyame said. “The main problem is that residents are not paying up.” Binga RDC chief executive officer Joshua Muzamba said he was still out of Binga. “I am still out of Binga, just look for those on the ground who can give you information,” he said. Zinwa spokesperson Marjorie Munyonga, who previously pleaded with residents to pay up, yesterday said she was out of office and was yet to be briefed on the latest developments.
Many people have been killed since clashes began on Monday. Scores too had been killed in the run up to the vote as protestors marched against Conde's bid for a third term.
Miss South Africa 2020 will be announced on Saturday evening. While you grab the popcorn, we have your top 10 finalists lined up.
Lifespan Spring Water Company Limited has asked students to write letters about their lives and the merits of education. The reward for their personal essays: a tablet computer to assist with online schooling. “The criteria for selection involve...
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Jamaican Football Federation has confirmed it will carry out extensive COVID-19 testing of locally-based national players, before the squad leaves for next month’s international friendly doubleheader against Saudi Arabia.
The article Rigorous testing on the cards for local Reggae Boyz appeared first on Stabroek News.
The quarrel is over the rate at which Ethiopia fills the reservoir behind the dam and its effect on water supplies downstream in Sudan and Egypt—for who the Nile is the primary water source.
On and off since construction started, Egypt has threatened to go to war to secure continued access to the Nile waters.
If Egypt attacked Ethiopia, the antiquated idea that the Nile is a common good to which all have natural rights would collapse.
The Nile has two major tributaries—the White Nile is the headwaters and primary stream of the river, and the Blue Nile, containing 80 per cent of the water and originates in Ethiopia.
For now, Uganda should be able to collect custodian’s fees from South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt, and invest it in protecting the polluted Lake Nalubaale from which the Nile flows, and the real estate of the river that sits on its territory as it flows north.
The head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) is fighting off allegations of corruption, mismanagement, harassment and political interference.
An internal report by the African Union (AU) criticises Francisco Madeira for mistreating employees - including refusing to provide sanitary towels - using abusive language, hijacking Amisom donations to gain political mileage and taking sides in situations where the mission is expected to be neutral.
\"Madeira has said several times that Amisom will remain neutral during political disputes between Somali politicians but this has not been matched by his actions,\" says a leaked report filed last week by the Amisom Mission cell analysis chief, Walters Samah.
\"Madeira introduced an erratic management and leadership style, characterised by fear, suspicion, threats, corruption, favouritism, bullying and intimidation,\" the reported added, warning that if unchecked, the mission may fail to use its position to support the political process in Somalia.
Madeira has been the head of Amisom since January 2016 when he replaced Tanzanian diplomat Augustine Mahiga as the special representative of the AU chairperson to Somalia.
Queen Shudufhadzo Musida is officially here. Miss South Africa 2020 was announced on Saturday 24 October live from the Table Bay Hotel.
A BREAST cancer survivor is often referred to as someone who previously had cancer, but no longer shows signs of the disease. GUEST COLUMN:Mackintosh Chigumira However, it can as well refer to an individual living with, through and beyond cancer. This means cancer survivorship begins from a point one is diagnosed with cancer. Breast cancer has been so much associated with pain, psychological trauma and in worst cases scenarios, death. However the big question still remains, can one can survive the severity of this most dreaded disease? In exploring these possibilities, there are quite a number of factors which are intertwined to define the fate of the victim. Having a clear understanding of this disease on how it begins, how it grows attacking other surrounding body organs and also when exactly it can completely get out of control becomes key. This means that there is nothing odd that can happen on an individual’s body which can be ignored as it can define one’s fate. The following key elements are important in the cancer fight: Cancer awareness There are symptoms which have been noted to be common among individuals during the onset of cancer from clinical studies and observations. This formulates the basis of what information one must have about cancer and it becomes the push factor to quickly seek medical attention for further clarification and diagnosis. Knowledge is power and that is the reason why advocacy on “Cancer literate Zimbabweans” is on the rise. When cancer is diagnosed at its early stages it becomes easy to manage or even eradicate and this will determine one’s survival. Many regional and local organisations, and trusts, including Talk Cancer Zim, are tirelessly pushing the agenda to save the nation through imparting the necessary information to the general populace. It is very crucial that this agenda be driven especially at this point and time where focus has been shifted towards the COVID-19 pandemic. The public must as well be watchful and alert not only for the symptoms of the COVID-19, but also of this complex disease. Early treatment The secret behind one’s survival after cancer diagnosis is seeking the treatment earlier. Though some cancers can be so complex even at their early stages, at least they will be easier to manage. The common treatment modalities in cancer management in Zimbabwe are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. All of these modalities can be used to complement one another for an effective treatment outcome. Each step of treatment can be so traumatising since these treatments can be so radical and burdensome to an already stressed cancer patient. Apart from the stress of being diagnosed with cancer, failure to get treatment in time for a number of reasons can destroy a patient’s spirit and reduce their chances of survival. For example, many people in the country cannot afford the high fees required for surgery and the disease progresses or forces individuals to try alternative medicine. Though radiotherapy can be affordable at government-run radiotherapy centres, 80% of pati
[Atlantic Council] The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) invests in companies and projects in lower and middle income countries, including emerging economies in Africa, to address critical global and regional challenges.
Four more people have died from COVID-19 and another death is under investigation, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has reported. \tThis means Jamaica has now recorded 186 deaths from the disease since it's first case on March 10. ...
Marc Short, Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence, tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, becoming the latest in a laundry list of people in or close to the […]
The post Mike Pence's Chief Of Staff Tests Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on Essence.
THE Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) yesterday expressed disappointment at the apparent disregard shown to its recommendations put forward in respect of the Data Protection Bill, which was passed on June 12 in the House.
Both the MAJ and Press Association of Jamaica, while in support of preserving one's right to data privacy, have for the last two years advocated for changes up to and including complete exemption of media from the Bill on the basis of press freedom principles.
The association said this means, among other things, that:
• There could be subjective determination by the information commissioner for whether exemptions apply when media/journalists (as data controllers) are challenged for publishing personal data (eg picture, name, data of birth, address) [Section 50];
• A data controller will not be able to present his/her case to the information commissioner before a determination is made in respect of an application challenging the use of personal data [eg Section 11 (5)];
• Avenues exist for confidential sources to be exposed, including confiscation of journalistic records, potentially compromising investigative projects, revealing sources and/or putting journalists in danger.
Double compensation is also possible, as this Bill does not explicitly preclude individuals from claiming under this Bill and the Defamation Act [Section 69];
• Claims for breaches can be brought against a data controller at any time, perhaps years after the incident, unlike defamation laws which stipulate limitation periods;
• Culpability will be determined by a judge as opposed to a jury, as occurs under defamation law;
• Fines for individual breaches remain high and imprisonment for individuals still looms.
It is because, whilst there are certain exemptions in this Bill afforded to the media, the average person as a data controller will be fully exposed to many of the above issues, and more.”
By LEKAN OYEKANMI Associated Press LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's top police official on Saturday ordered the immediate mobilization of all officers to 'reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters' after days of unrest and demonstrations over police abuses that left at least 69 people dead. The police order could further heighten tensions in Africa's most populous country after some of its worst turmoil in years. Nigeria's inspector general of police, M.A. Adamu, ordered colleagues to 'dominate the public space' while announcing that enough is enough, a statement said. Nigerians on Tuesday evening watched in horror as […]
The post Nigeria's police order massive mobilization after unrest appeared first on Black News Channel.
HIGH Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere has filed an interdict against President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop him from suspending her until Chief Justice Luke Malaba has followed correct disciplinary procedures. By DESMOND CHINGARANDE Justice Ndewere has been accusing Justice Malaba of discrimination, saying former judge Justice Francis Bere’s disciplinary hearing was done according to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) guidelines, but her case had been sent directly to Mnangagwa without giving her an opportunity to be heard. In her application for interdict, Justice Ndewere cited Mnangagwa, Justice Malaba, Judge President George Chiweshe, the JSC and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. “On September 15, 2020, I received documents containing complaints against myself from JSC,” Justice Ndewere said. “It was noted that the complaints had been placed before JSC in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. “I was asked to respond to the complaints on or before September 22. My lawyers of record then wrote a letter to JSC highlighting critical issues on how complaints against a sitting judge ought to be dealt with.” She added: “It was clear from the document I received from JSC was acting on the basis that it is Malaba who is complaining about my conduct. If, indeed, it is Malaba who is of the opinion that I have conducted myself contrary in any shape or form, then the JSC code of ethics should apply.” Justice Ndewere said the JSC did not respond to her letter and on October 13, she was shocked to receive news that she was to appear before a tribunal and received a letter stating that the complaints commission had referred the matter to the President. She said she, therefore, concluded that the complaints considered by the JSC at the extraordinary meeting chaired by Justice Malaba were the same as the complaints delivered to her, which confirms that Justice Malaba was the one complaining about her conduct. “By operation of law, the setting up of a tribunal by the first respondent (Mnangagwa) will result in my automatic suspension which will prejudice my work and my reputation,” she said. “My reputation is in jeopardy because Malaba has complained about my conduct. I run the risk of losing my job based on complaints raised against me by Malaba alone. To allow this would be a violation of my right and to the administration of justice.” Justice Ndewere said section 163(2) and (3) of the Constitution clearly stated that the Chief Justice was the head of Judiciary and was in charge of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court and Judge President Chiweshe was in charge of the High Court. She said Justice Chiweshe was supposed to be the complainant in her case. Justice Ndewere is reportedly being victimised after allegedly refusing bail instruction in cases involving former Cabinet minister Priscah Mupfumira, who is accused of corruption and fraud, and MDC Alliance legislator Job Sikhala, accused of plotting Mnangagwa’s ouster.
It would be interesting to speculate how many people who, after reading the Prosus and Naspers results for the year to March, are thinking the same thing: would Warren Buffett invest in either company?
By RAF CASERT Associated Press HEIKRUIS, Belgium (AP) — As the Friday night dinner service began earlier this month at the De Viering restaurant outside Brussels, it seemed the owners' decision to move the operation into the spacious village church to comply with coronavirus rules was paying off. The reservation book was full and the kitchen was bustling. And then Belgium's prime minister ordered cafes, bars and restaurants to close for at least a month in the face of surging infections. 'It's another shock, of course, because — yes, all the investments are made,' said chef Heidi Vanhasselt. She and […]
The post Virus is pummeling Europe's eateries — and winter is coming appeared first on Black News Channel.
WHEN COVID-19 broke out, we all thought it was going to be another manageable ailment, until everything came to a halt. SUCCESS LIFE:Jonah Nyoni Now, we are slowly going back to business, but it seems life will not go back to normal any time soon. As highlighted in previous articles, occupational safety and health is now a central point in the corporate space. Time is ticking and we should now be thinking of what we will do whether COVID-19 goes away or stays longer. Governments across the globe are easing restrictions and we need to be thinking of ways of being effective in the “new normal”. As we think about how to strategise, the PWL Global Insurance says there are five priorities that we should consider as we craft our strategies: Realign your cost structure and sharpen productivity Supercharge digital transformation to create a digital enterprise Carve out new revenue streams Prepare your workforce for the new world Strengthen capital efficiency. Flexibility Most institutes have the same way of doing specific things and it’s hard to tell them that their year-to-year template is no longer relevant. In some institutes, you take a report that was written three years back, there are still clauses that are still being used, but with little success. Piloting Generally as we plan, we usually have short, medium and long-term plans. Before anyone takes on a long-term plan, it would be ideal to test it before they commit to it entirely. Make a short-term action plan as a pilot programme or experimental way so as to see the possible benefits or losses. This test run tells us what works and what does not work. Involvement Having tabled your strategic plan as a company, you need a progressive and a probing debate on the same document. It’s unfortunate that some leaders draft a document somewhere and shove it into the throat of employees to swallow without expecting to be questioned how realistic the plan is. Is it SMART enough? Does it bring solutions to specificities? Corporate audit Ask yourself: Where am I? At times we tend to think of ourselves as what we are really not. As a company, make both an internal and external audit. What did we lose? What kept us afloat? What do we need to stay relevant? This gives you a picture of how you are perceived in the minds of people against what you think of yourself. This helps to make necessary adjustments. Adopt a post-COVID-19 mentality The strategic plan becomes futile, especially with leaders that are hinged on maintaining and managing systems. Life has changed. COVID-19 has redefined rules of operation. Besides, life has its sharp turns, twists and changes and the leader should know what to do. As others ask the question: What? The leader asks: Why? That gives the proper answer it could to a current issue or for future encounters. “Why” gives purpose to the programmes you are doing. Is it significant? how is it positively affecting humanity? The “why factor” liberates leaders from just doing a project because it’s their work requirement. They do it because it’s relevant an
Zoom CEO Eric Yuan
Three US lawmakers have asked Zoom Video Communications to clarify its data-collection practices and relationship with the Chinese government after the firm said it had suspended user accounts to meet demands from Beijing.
The California-based firm has come under heavy scrutiny after three US and Hong Kong-based activists said their accounts had been suspended and meetings disrupted after they tried to hold events related to the anniversary of China’s Tiananmen Square crackdown.
We do not have a backdoor…
“We did not provide any user information or meeting content to the Chinese government,” Zoom said in a statement.
Zoom founder Yuan grew up and attended university in China before migrating to the US in the mid-1990s.
US-based Humanitarian China founder Zhou Fengsuo said he welcomed Zoom’s acknowledgement of the suspensions but said it was unacceptable for the company “to separate China users from the rest of the world”.
… had done more for black Americans than any of his … .’
‘Eight in ten black Americans believe that Trump is … saw Donald Trump have African American people, formerly incarcerated, … for criminal justice reform, African Americans overwhelmingly favor his opponent, …
UN Women is bringing up-to-date information and analysis on how and why gender matters in COVID-19 response.
The commitment by Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to help increase opportunities and recognize the plight of African Americans as outlined in an exclusive editorial with Black Press USA resonated quite loudly with African American publishers and national board members from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).
Western Bureau: Hanover, which was the last parish to record a case of the coronavirus in Jamaica, took a direct hit yesterday as the family court in the parish had to be closed because of positive COVID-19 cases at the facility. A press release...
BY PATRICIA SIBANDA EKUSILENI Hospital in Bulawayo, which is currently being used as a COVID-19 facility, will become a National University of Science and Technology (NUST) specialist teaching centre when the coronavirus curve flattens. The chief executive of the hospital Absolom Dube revealed this last Friday during a tour by a ministerial taskforce to assess the health institution and progress made in operationalising the facility which had been lying idle for a long time. Dube told journalists that the government had already decided on what the hospital would be after the pandemic. “On the issue of what the hospital will become after COVID-19, I can say the Cabinet has already approved that NUST is going to take over and use it as a specialist teaching hospital,” Dube said. “We are working towards mobilising resources so that by November 30, the hospital is fully functional. We feel it is possible because we have some funds that we have been pushing for,” he said. Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube hailed COVID-19 frontline workers for a sterling job despite the dangers of the pandemic. She said more beds were needed in order to ensure the hospital facilities can adequately cater for COVID-19 patients. “Our wish as a government is that if we happen to get a patient with COVID-19, that person should be well treated, well received, and well taken care of, and we are doing our level best in Ekusileni, United Bulawayo Hospital and Thorngrove Hospital to treat patients,” Ncube said. Initially, the government had promised that Ekusileni Medical Centre would be opened by the end of June for the first time in nearly 20 years after its closure due to obsolete equipment, in order to make it a coronavirus treatment centre. The hospital is believed to be the brainchild of the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo and it currently operates at only 25% of its capacity.
