RwandAir Inzozi Magazine September 2015

Page 1

September - November 2015

THE KING & QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE

ARE BACK


2 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 3


r wa n d a i r S O C I A L i t e s

4 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Connecting Africa

Dear travellers, It is a pleasure to welcome you on board this RwandAir flight to one of our 17 destinations in 14 countries. We are grateful that you have chosen RwandAir to bring you closer to family and friends, conduct business across the continent and further afield or simply take a well-deserved holiday to your favourite destination. Our objective at RwandAir is simple. We want to give you the best travel experience of any airline in Africa at an affordable price. To achieve this, we are working hard to improve our range of services across our fast-growing network and fleet. Earlier this year, we joined the world’s leading airline trade body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This milestone will help us to serve you, our esteemed customers, even better as we become part of new airline alliances and expand our frequent flyer benefits. Joining IATA will also give RwandAir the chance to contribute to developing the airline industry across the continent. We look forward to working with IATA and sharing our experience to connect Africa’s skies. At the end of June, RwandAir received delivery of our second, brand new Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, taking our young fleet to eight. The arrival of the plane heralds a new era for RwandAir’s operations as we expand and increase the frequency of our most popular regional routes. One of the plane’s first commercial flights had a very special guest – President Paul Kagame. I was honoured to accompany him and other senior officials for the half hour flight to Kamembe in Rwanda’s SouthWest. RwandAir is committed to the development of the continent, not only through enabling business and tourism, but also by supporting specific events and industries. Recently we partnered with the Hillywood Film Festival to bring some of the continent’s best filmmakers and creative minds to Rwanda. The festival featured a range of films from across Africa and around the word, and helped to share the story of Rwanda’s renewal over the last twenty-one years.

We were also proud to support the return of lions to Rwanda by providing flights to and from South Africa for members of the team bringing the big cats to their new home in Akagera National Park. I’m sure you will enjoy reading more about this conservation milestone in this Inzozi. In early August, RwandAir supported the Mountain Gorilla Rally as the official airline. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jassi Chatthe and Graig Thorley on their win and wish all teams the best at the upcoming races in Uganda and Madagascar. From September to November, RwandAir is supporting a number of major events including the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Transform Africa and the Interpol International General Assembly. The airline will provide group discounts to travellers flying on RwandAir. Events like these allow us to show more people the beauty of Rwanda. Our country, the land of a thousand hills, is also home to thousands of incredible places for tourists to explore and thousands of opportunities for business people. As you fly our dream to the heart of Africa, we look forward to providing you with a best in class service that exceeds your expectations. As always, I welcome your feedback through our website or via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @FlyRwandAir when posting pictures of your flight with us. I wish you a pleasant journey with our pilots and crew and hope you enjoy reading this edition of Inzozi magazine.

John Mirenge CEO, RwandAir

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 5


Ecobank CashXpress – carry a card not cash and set your own limit. Load money on your card. Set your own limit. With or without a bank account.

Accepted in 36 countries across Africa and VISA network

For further information go to ecobank.com, visit your nearest Ecobank branch, or call our contact centre on 3300 or 078 816 1000, and toll-free on 250 788 384 000

ecobank.com


PUBLISHER R.S. Creative Ltd. P.O.Box 6491, Kigali, Rwanda. Tel: +250 788 898 079

The King and Queen of the jungle

www.rwandair.com MANAGING DIRECTOR: Isabelle Kabano EXECUTIVE EDITOR: David Toovey TRANSLATION: Alice Rutaremara PHOTOGRAPHY: Gael R. Vande weghe, Pose Photography, Ange Magorane, Gabriel Dusabe, Sarah Hall, Lukwago Baker, David Toovey and Jim Ward WRITERS: Arnaud Nkusi, Faustin Kagame, David Toovey, Daniel Nzohabonimana, Tujiza Uwituze, Joselyn Ishimwe, Bertin Iradukunda and Darla Rudakubana

Rwanda is home to a vast array of spectacular wildlife. Most famous for its mountain gorillas in the north and birdlife across the country, the land of a thousand hills is quickly building a reputation as a paradise for animal lovers. Now, for the first time in over 15 years, visitors can add lions to the list and get up close to the big cats in Akagera National Park. By David Toovey

are back

W

hen Akagera National Park was first established in 1934, lions were the undisputed kings and queens of Rwanda’s animal kingdom. For decades they roamed the land and played an important role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance. As predator animals, they helped keep a check on the number of grazers and supported a healthy population of scavenger animals such as vultures and hyenas.

After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, thousands of cattle herders returned to the country. The significant increase in population led to land pressure and the government was forced to reduce the size of Akagera National Park by almost half to accommodate the returnees. While efforts were made to reduce humanwildlife conflict, the lions continued to hunt in the areas where the cattle keepers had settled. At that time, the population of lions stood at around 300.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Baker Lukwago RWANDAIR CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPT RWANDAIR MARKETING: Ariella Kageruka ADVERTISE WITH US: Inzozi Magazine c/o R.S. Creative Ltd. P.O. Box 6491, MTN Centre, Nyarutarama, Kigali, Rwanda. Tel: +250 788 856242 Email: md.rscreative@gmail.com

48

48 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE | 49

September - November 2015

24 HOURS IN

MARVELLOUS

THE KING & QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE

ARE BACK

MUNICH

Munich is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. With centuries-old architecture, sprawling gardens and the world’s largest beer festival, this cobblestoned city has much to offer. It’s impossible to see even a fraction of the city in just 24 hours, but we take you to the places you absolutely can’t miss, including the famous Oktoberfest. By David Toovey

Cover Photo: Akagera National Park lions Photography: Gael R. Vande weghe Inzozi is a registered trademark of RwandAir Limited.

14

12 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

UmuGANURA

4. Rwandair Socialites 8. Mail box 11. How Do You Travel? 14. 24 Hours in Munich 20. Africa’s Transformation 24. East Africa’s Coffee Culture 32. Hagia Sophia 38. Sun Smart 42. Africa’s Sitting Volleyball Stars 46. Claudy Khan 62. Rwanda’s Cup of Excellence 66. Meet the San People 80. Gabon: The Real Deal 84. Flying in for Fashion 90. Rwanda: Histoire(S) Contes et Valeurs 100. When Family Businesses Spread Their Wings 104. Upcoming Events 112. Rwandair Movies & TV 118. Flight Schedule 128. Employee Focus 130. Safety and Luggage 134. Kids Page

68

Rwanda’s National Harvest Day By Bertin Iradukunda

Every year in the month of August, Rwandans come together to celebrate the national Harvest Day. The occasion is a chance for the country to give thanks for the fruits of its hard work. Once celebrated as a way to mark the beginning of the harvest, today Umuganura encompasses success in all sectors of society.

U

muganura is an historic harvest festival during which Rwandans exhibit and share their crop yields at the beginning of every harvest season. This ancient carnival dates back to the early days of the Rwandan kingdom. In pre-colonial Rwanda, Umuganura was marked by citizens from all over the country who presented their harvests to the King. He would share the food and drinks with those who had gathered and preside over recreational activities. The festival, which continues today, is often called “one of Rwanda’s most ancient royal rituals”. In monarchical Rwanda, the King was the central figure during Umuganura celebrations. He would receive the harvests of his people who competed to bring him the finest products. During those times, the festival celebrated the produce of the people and was a way to thank God and honour the King, who was called “Nyir’uburumbuke” (The Issuer of Prosperity).

Umuganura, a foundation of unity & self-reliance plays an important role in promoting solidarity and self-reliance. For Rwandans, Umuganura is the essence of togetherness

Umuganura was also to give thanks to the Queen Mother and ancestors who were considered guardians and protectors of Rwanda. The presentation of crops was followed by sharing food and beer, and entertainment such as music, dance and poetry. The ceremony was also an occasion to lay plans for a more prosperous future. The origin of Umuganura can be traced back to Gihanga Ngomijana, the very first king of Rwanda.

The royal festival continued until 1925 when the colonial resident of Rwanda officially prohibited it because it ‘gave too much power to the King’. The reigning King of that time, and the ultimate Umuganura sovereign, was King Yuhi V Musinga. However, Rwandans didn’t simply let the festival vanish but rather continued it in another form. Instead of presenting their harvests to the King, Rwandans convened in their local villages, often at the home of the most prosperous person, and celebrated their produce in the customary fashion.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE | 13 OLYMPIC PARK 68 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

DISCOVER MORE... Check out our issues online at www.issuu.com/inzozi STAY CONNECTED TO RWANDAIR... Follow @FlyRwandAir on Twitter | Like us on Facebook ‘RwandAir’ | Follow us on Instagram @FlyRwandAir | Subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/flyrwandair

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 7


Dear RwandAir, I had the privilege of travelling for the first time on RwandAir last week en route to Bukavu in the DRC and return to Johannesburg via Lusaka. I experienced the most exceptional service to date. From check in, meals to the whole crew, I honestly felt special and was treated like family.

with very limited time. He personally escorted me to get my visa, carried my luggage and made sure that I made the connecting flight. Kindly express my gratitude to Mr Gisagara. With this level of service I can well understand why RwandAir is growing from strength to strength and I am honoured to be part of your fuel supply network.

Over and above this I had incredible assistance on the ground by Mr Fidel Gisagara. I was connecting from Kigali to Kamembe

Best wishes and kind regards, Helia Dos Santos

Hello RwandAir team,

Dear Managers at RwandAir,

This is to share our nice experience on RwandAir en-route to Lusaka. The flight experience was good, ranging from timeliness of the flight to the good-looking young men who were the flight attendants.

I wanted to send a note to you to say thank you very much for the attention and customer care of your staff, Eugune Mugisha, with my parents at Dar es Salaam airport last month.

Our transits in Kigali were seamless both to and from and the airport offers its best to make every passenger comfortable. The meals on-board were also satisfying. We look forward to more good relationship and better experiences between our group and RwandAir. Wishing you and your team successful trips always. Thank you, Akande Ismail Omotunde

Dear RwandAir, I am writing in appreciation of the level of extra ordinary service rendered by one of your employees, Pauline Uwemeye in the Sales and Ticketing Department. Her service gave absolute meaning to what a difference two minutes can make in someone’s life.

My parents and I missed our flight (due to our own problem with someone trying to steal a bag - not RwandAir’s problem), and Mr Mugisha took the time to talk with us and help us to resolve our problem. After our trouble that day, it was nice to have a friendly face and truly good care and concern from your staff. We found Mr Mugisha to be professional, responsive, and he looked for ways to help us. So, many thanks, we wanted to be sure to write something positive so that you were aware of Mr Mugisha’s good efforts! Jessica Massie, Frequent RwandAir customer in Rwanda

To RwandAir, Pauline did her job but to my family it goes beyond. Had she missed that flight, my wife would have spent 48hrs in transit as a price for mistakes made by other airlines. To this I say kudos to RwandAir and thank you to Pauline for going the extra mile to serve your customers. Regards, Jean Claude Gaga



DAR ES SALAAM

BUJUMBURA

ENTEBBE

JOHANNESBURG

5 FLIGHTS OUT OF LAGOS AND BEYOND

NAIROBI

LUSAKA

The world at your doorstep Enjoy a free night in Kigali while connecting beyondd Generous baggage allowance Travel in a group and the leader gets 1 free ticket

East African Tourist Visa at Only $100 applicable only for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda For more information: 1, Davies Street, UNTL Building, Marina, Lagos 01-4633124/5/6, 01-3427128 sales.lagos@rwandair.com Terms and conditions apply.


TRAVEL? HOW DO YOU

What is your favourite travel destination? It’s hard to say as there are lots of places in world I haven’t yet seen but two of my favourites places that I would happily return to are Israel and Western Australia. They both have a unique environment and culture. Another place close to my heart is Ruzizi Tented Lodge at Akagera National Park. It’s the perfect combination of minimalism and style in the wilderness.

Diana Teta Singer & Songwriter

Maurice Toroitich Managing Director, KCB

What is your favourite travel destination? Everywhere new! I love exploring new places and cultures. I once ended up in a tent in the snow in northern Sweden and learned that the native people had very similar traditions to Rwanda – even the music is almost the same!

What is your favourite travel destination? My favourite place to visit is Nairobi. It’s a city that’s growing quickly and is very vibrant and exciting as a result.

What can you not leave home without? I always have to take my phone with me! And body lotion – that’s something I can’t miss.

What can you not leave home without? I always make sure I have my passport with me. Otherwise, I travel light and the clothes on my back are fine.

What is your top tip for fellow travellers? Whenever you’re travelling, pack light and be social – you never know who you’ll meet or the friends you could make.

What is your top tip for fellow travellers? My advice is to wear slip-on shoes and leave your belt at home - or put it in your luggage. You’ll be able to pass through security quickly and reduce the stress of rushing through the check-in.

What do you like about RwandAir? I really like the nice staff and the beautiful music that is played on board.

What do you like about RwandAir? I really like RwandAir’s vision of growth and the comfort of the airline. I’m looking forward to seeing the delivery of the new and bigger planes that will bring more people to Rwanda. I can’t wait to show new tourists the beauty of Akagera and our newest residents - seven lions reintroduced from South Africa. What is your dream destination?

My dream destination is British Columbia on the western coast of Canada. It has spectacular national parks, including Glacier and Pacific Rim National Parks. With rugged snow-capped mountains and calm lakes, it looks like the perfect place for an adventure where you can camp, go fishing and see bears.

What is your dream destination? New York City.

What can you not leave home without? Whenever I’m travelling, especially internationally, I always ensure I have my mobile phone with me. That way I can keep in touch with my family and stay on top of work. What is your top tip for fellow travellers? It’s best to get to the airport with plenty of time before the flight departure. By doing so, you can avoid unexpected incidences and have a stress free travel experience. What do you like about RwandAir? I like that I can always rely on RwandAir’s schedule. What is your dream destination? I would like to visit Bangkok in the future. The city seems to have an interesting mix of tradition and modernity and I’m sure there are lots of historical places to see and new developments to learn about.

MY TRAVEL

Jes Nicholas Mphatso Gruner Park Manager, Akagera National Park/CEO Akagera Management Company


Early bird $308 special RETURN FARE

from

KIGALI - DUBAI

BOOK NOW


RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 13


24 HOURS IN

MARVELLOUS

MUNICH 14 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Munich is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. With centuries-old architecture, sprawling gardens and the world’s largest beer festival, this cobblestoned city has much to offer. It’s impossible to see even a fraction of the city in just 24 hours, but we take you to the places you absolutely can’t miss, including the famous Oktoberfest. By David Toovey

O L Y M P I C| 15 PARK

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE


T

he city of Munich, or München as the locals know it, has a long and fascinating history. The name of the city comes from the old German term ‘Munichen’ which means, “by the monks”. This is because Benedictine monks established a monastery where the city would eventually be founded. Today, the city is a bustling metropolis that plays hosts to a range of historic buildings, cultural hubs and lush parks.

15:00 Arrival: Munich International Airport is located just under an hour from the centre of town. With an excellent train network, the easiest way to get to your hotel is on the S-Bahn at a cost of around US $15. Those who prefer to travel by car can easily hail a taxi or an UberX for around US $50.

16:00 Check-In: Travellers are spoilt for choice in Munich, with a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.

16 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

If you’re looking for the best of the best, the five-star Bayrischer Hof is for you. First opened in 1841 by decree of King Ludwig I, who wanted a comfortable place for his guests to stay, Bayrischer Hof has become one of the city’s most iconic hotels. For those after something a little less extravagant, the Pension Eulenspiegel is a cosy hotel located in the trendy Glockenbach-Gärtnerplatz district and within walking distance of the centre of town. Single rooms start from around US $50.

17:00 A Night at the Oktoberfest: If you’re travelling to Munich at the end of September, your trip will be incomplete without visiting Oktoberfest – the world’s largest festival. This year, the event will be held from 19 September to 4 October and it set to attract over six million people. It begins with the traditional opening of the first beer keg by the Mayor of the city, who cries ‘O’zapft is’ – meaning ‘It’s tapped!’ The main attraction of the festival is of course the beer, which is specially brewed for the occasion and served by the litre. Fourteen main tents accommodate thousands


of people each. Inside the tents, festival goers sit around tables of 8-10 people, enjoying beer, traditional Bavarian cuisine and classic pop songs performed by a live band. The tents fill up quickly so be sure to arrive early to get a seat. Oktoberfest is the perfect outing for the family as well, with a range of amusement rides and fun activities for the kids. Just be ready to indulge a little in the delicious and gigantic gingerbread on offer. To really get into the Oktoberfest spirit, find some traditional German clothing – Lederhosen for men and Dirndl for women. They’re available at stores across the city and will help to feel like a local.

8:00 Breakfast: After a big night out at the Oktoberfest, there’s no better way start the day than with a hearty breakfast. Germany is famous for its breads and pastries and Munich is no exception. There are a range of great cafes and pubs to satisfy any and all tastes. In one of the coolest parts of the city, the Glockenbachviertel, you’ll find Gaststätte Faun, a bistro that serves German cuisine and Augustiner beer. If you’re after a traditional Bavarian breakfast, Faun is a great place to sample the Weisswurst, or white sausage made from minced veal and pork. It comes served with a bread pretzel and mustard. The sausage is eaten by removing the skin and is usually accompanied by a white beer called Weissbier.

9:30 Jewish Museum: About a ten minute walk from Gaststätte Faun is the Munich Jewish Museum. Through a series of multimedia exhibitions set over three levels,

the museum tells the story Jewish life and culture in Munich. A special section for young people and adults provides in-depth information on Jewish history and religion. The museum gives an insight into the past persecution faced by Jewish people in the city, as well as their contribution to making Munich what it is today. Admission is US $10 for adults.

11:00 Exploring the City Centre: One of the best things about Munich is that it’s easy to explore on foot. Many of the city’s main tourists attractions are within walking distance of one another and with most inner city roads closed to cars, it’s safe to wander the streets and immerse yourself in the architecture and culture. Possibly the most popular spot for tourists is Marienplatz – home to the city’s main square since 1158. Here you can find the Marien column built in 1638 to celebrate the end of Swedish occupation and the new city hall where a Glockenspiel in the main tower depicts two stories from the 16th century. The Glockenspiel plays from 11am everyday for 15-20 minutes.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 17


11:30 Alter Peter: For one of the best views in town, you can’t miss climbing the 90 metre high tower of St. Peter’s Church, known locally as ‘Alter Peter’. The church in its current form was constructed in 1368 and is thought to be the starting point for the entire city. Today you can pay a small fee to make your way up 299 rickety wooden stairs for breathtaking views of Munich. When the skies are clear, you can even see as far as the German alps in the south of the country.

12:30

Viktualienmarkt: Known for its diverse range of fresh produce, plants and flowers, Munich’s largest market extends across 22,000 square metres. Some of the products available include fruits and vegetables, venison and fowl, eggs, butter, honey, fish, meat, sausages, herbs, spices, delicatessens, wine and tea. Viktualienmarkt is a great place to pick up supplies for a picnic at the English Garden so keep a look out for fresh juice, breads, cheese and meats from one of the 140 stalls.

13:30 Picnic in the English Garden: Next stop on our tour of Munich is the famous English Garden. At over 900 acres, the park is one of the world’s largest urban open spaces and is popular all year round. During the summer, thousands of people flock to the park to enjoy walking or running along the 78km network of paths, swim in the Eisbach River, enjoy a drink at one of the many beer gardens or even horse ride. The English Garden is especially popular with students from nearby universities who like to play Frisbee, soccer and practise walking along ropes tied between two trees. Since 1972, surfers have ridden an artificial wave that forms on the Eisbach River. These surfers are experienced in riding standing waves and take great care as the water is very shallow. It’s an exciting spectacle and worth stopping by to see the local surfers in action on the way to your picnic spot. If you want to skip the beer gardens, head to the shores of Kleinhesseloher See to enjoy your lunch from Viktualienmarkt. 18 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

15:30 Coffee and Cake at the Reitschule Café: The Riding School Café turns the season’s best ingredients into mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Located on the edge of the English Garden and in a working horse riding school, the café is one of Munich’s most elegant. Enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee alongside a chocolate soufflé or a citrus-thyme crème brûlée.

16:00 Olympic Park & BMW World: The final stop on our tour of Munich is located a short train ride from the centre of town. Olympic Park was built for the 1972 Olympics Games and has since been converted into one of the country’s largest sports and recreation facilities. The indoor and outdoor stadiums often play host to major sporting competitions and music concerts and festivals.

Also located at the park is BMW World – a must see for any car enthusiast. The centre hosts an exhibit of historic and modern BMWs, as well as concerts and art exhibitions. Guided tours are available, including to the factory floor to see exactly how the famous German cars are made.

18:00 Departure: Munich offers something for all travellers – those looking for luxury, those interested in history and those simply wanting to explore one of Europe’s great cities. The autumn period is a great time to visit Munich, with mild weather, lots of cultural events and of course Oktoberfest. So next time you’re planning a European holiday, add Munich to the itinerary. You won’t regret it.

Guten Morgen Good Morning

Guten Tag Hello/Good Day

Guten Abend Good Evening

Gute Nacht Good Night

Grüß Gott! Greetings! (Southern Germany)

Auf Wiedersehen Goodbye

Bitte Please

Danke (schön / sehr) Thank you

Bitte schön You’re welcome

Es tut mir leid. I’m sorry

Entschuldigen Sie Excuse me

Verzeihung Pardon me

Wie geht es Ihnen? How are you? (formal)

Wie geht’s? How are you? (informal)

(Sehr) Gut (Very) Good

Wie heißen Sie? What’s your name? (formal)

Wie heißt du? What’s your name? (informal)

Ich heiße... My name is... [I am called...]

Ich habe Hunger / Durst. I’m hungry / thirsty.

Ich bin krank / müde. I’m sick / tired.

Ich habe Langeweile. I’m bored.


GORILLAS HOTELS

Exceptional serenity plus elegant facilities equals Gorillas Hotels Welcome to exceptional serenity with beautifully manicured gardens, elegant facilities and excellent service at Gorillas Hotels. Extensive facilities in key strategic locations across Rwanda offer a wide range of choice and unique experiences. Experience the incredible Virunga mountains, gorilla trekking, amazing views of Lake Kivu and exciting expeditions in Kigali. With great conference facilities, Gorillas Hotels is ideal for corporate events and family holidays.

Key to our business success is our level of customer service excellence, ambience and professionalism. We offer our guests up to date technical business facilities in our banquet and conference facilities. Rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished with air conditioning, electronic key system, multi-channel TV, free internet access and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) facilities.

Gorillas Golf Hotel - Nyarutarama • Gorillas City Centre - Kiyovu • Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel - Ruhengeri • Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel - Gisenyi

P. O. Box 1782, Kigali, Rwanda | +250 788 174 000 | +250 788 200 500 | reservation@gorillashotels.com | www.gorillashotels.com


Africa’s Digital Transformation New technologies are transforming Africa in unprecedented ways to the greatest benefit of its citizens. The latest innovations such as the Internet of Things, social media, cloud computing, big data and analytics are opening the floodgates of new opportunities that businesses and governments are working to harness. Combined with a revolution in mobility, broadband and a young population, Africa is embracing a digital lifestyle that is shifting how we communicate, learn, play, interact and work together. By Tujiza Uwituze

I

n the year 2000, sub-Saharan Africa had less telephone lines than Manhattan alone. Today, Africa has more phone lines that twice the entire population of North America. What seemed to be a farfetched dream of connecting Africa is rapidly becoming a reality. When Rwanda and ITU co-hosted Connect Africa in 2006, less than 2% of Rwandans had mobile phones and less than 1% were online.

Today, more than 75% have cell phones and more than 30% are online. Across the continent, a new generation of students, entrepreneurs, businesses and governments are riding this new wave to access world-class education, create enterprises and jobs of the future and deliver high quality, 24/7 customer and citizen-centred services.

The Internet Over the last decade, there has been a huge increase in access to the Internet across the continent – up from around 2% to more than 20% today. Investments in fibre optics and mobile networks are starting to bear fruit,

lowering the costs of access and making it easier for people to connect and communicate. This has been helped by ever-falling prices of smartphones and Internet enabled feature phones. Today, new technologies are being tested to reach those who remain without access to the Internet. These technologies include Facebook’s Internet drones and Google’s Project Loon. Facebook’s drones are solar powered and were created to extend access to people in remote areas. Codenamed ‘Aquila’, the drones have been designed with lightweight materials to enable them to fly, and have a wingspan similar to that of a commercial airliner. The drones will fly for up to three months at a time, beaming Internet down to earth from a distance as high as 27km above the ground using lasers and radio frequency technology.


promises to be bigger and better with the participation of Heads of State and Government, Heads of the ITU, World Bank and the African Development Bank and the CEOs of leading telecommunication and information technology companies.

Another fascinating technology is Google’s Project Loon. This initiative uses balloons released into the stratosphere to provide Internet across a 40km radius. The Internet is beamed down from a network of high altitude balloons, which are steered by changing their altitude to ride different stratospheric winds. This approach ensures a constant connection for users. The speed of the Internet provided from the balloons will be comparable to 3G. Test flights have been conducted in New Zealand, California and northern Brazil with promising results.

Speaking about the role of the summit in Rwanda’s development, Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, says, “As part of the Smart Rwanda 2020 master plan, we’re working hard to ensure that every citizen is connected to broadband, digitally literate and financially included.

Even though these projects are still in the testing phase, their implementation will provide users around the world with a cheaper way to get connected. This will ultimately lead to the transformation of key sectors including financial services, education, healthcare, agriculture, retail and government. According to McKinsey & Company, technology-related productivity gains in these sectors could reach $148 billion to $318 billion by 2025, and Africa’s people stand to benefit as a result. The firm also predicts that if the Internet reaches the same impact and scale of mobile phone usage in Africa, its contribution to GDP could account for up to 10 percent (US $300 billion) of total GDP.

Social Networks & E-Commerce The push by Google and Facebook to expand the number of Internet users might seem altruistic, but there’s a business case for the approach too. Both companies are racing to connected the unconnected and get them to use their services. The increasing use of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google services like Gmail, YouTube and Maps enables marketers to target their advertisements to specific audiences depending on who they are, where they are and what they like. The goal is to drive traffic and sales, of both online services and physical goods. To that end, online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in many African countries. When combined with MobileMoney, mVisa, and other cashless payments options from firms like Visa and MasterCard, e-commerce is dramatically easing daily business operations and keeping running costs low. The result is higher returns for companies, and cheaper prices and a better experience for customers.

Accelerating Digital Innovation Growing and maturing Africa’s digital ecosystem is not only a job for governments but also the private sector, academia and civil society, which all have the role of shaping this environment for the benefit citizens. Leading the way in this effort is the Transform Africa Summit. Held every two years, Transform Africa brings together the continent’s top political and business leaders to shape Africa’s digital transformation. Hosted by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, the inaugural edition in 2013 brought together more than 2,500 participants as well as the leaders of Mali, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Gabon, and Burkina Faso. This year, Transform Africa will take place from 19-21 October and

By 2018, the government should have gone at least 95% paperless and 100% cashless. Our focus is also on harnessing the combined power of technology, youth and women. Transform Africa Summit is the ideal platform for us to share our experiences, learn from others, inspire and encourage each other because the continent needs to move together for all of us to realise the full potential of going digital.”

Accelerating Digital Innovation and Delivering the Future Today Minister of Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana

Transform Africa Summit is the ideal platform for us to share our experiences, learn from others, inspire and encourage each other because the continent needs to move together for all of us to realise the full potential of going digital.

“The Future. Delivered. Today.” was the theme of the first Transform Africa, which resulted in the creation of Smart Africa, an initiative to raise $300 billion worth of investment into Africa’s ICT sector by 2020. The other goal of Smart Africa is to become Africa’s reference model for ‘ICT 4 Development’. This year, participants will assess the progress Smart Africa has made over the last two years, including the fact that Smart Africa has already been endorsed by the Summit of the African Union as Africa’s ICT agenda. Under the leadership of President Kagame, Smart Africa promoted and successfully won the support of the African Union for the One Africa Network project, aimed at removing all roaming charges between African countries. Smart Africa also put in place a scholarship fund, and participants will ask how many students have been placed on scholarship in world-class technology training and research institutions. Other exciting topics of discussion include the role of youth and women in driving innovation for sustainable development, broadband for all, Africa’s data revolution and cyber resilience. In its first edition, Transform Africa became the largest and highest level ‘ICT 4 Development’ gathering on the continent. Supported by new partners such as the World Economic Forum, the Alliance for Affordable Internet, the Internet Society and numerous multinationals, this year’s summit is the place to be for those who believe in the potential of ICT to usher Africa into the digital economy.

Visit www.transformafrica2015.org to learn more about this year’s Transform Africa Summit and how you can be part of accelerating digital innovation across the continent.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 21


HORIZON CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTS RWANDA’S DEVELOPMENT Horizon Construction is Rwanda’s leading local construction company. Created in 2007, the firm has delivered major infrastructure projects that have catalysed development and contributed to the ease of doing business in the country.

Horizon Construction began its journey in 2007 to participate in Rwanda’s development and contribute to achieving Vision 2020 – becoming a middle-income nation by the year 2020. Our key priority will be to continue supporting Rwanda’s development through road (asphalt, cobblestone and murram) and bridge construction, sourcing potable water and distributing it in an environmentally friendly way to citizens and building green homes to satisfy growing demand in the local market.

22 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Today, Horizon Construction is building the infrastructure required to boost business opportunities for Rwandans across the country.

Horizon Construction has a skilled workforce and the latest equipment available in the industry. This world-class capacity is in addition to owning an asphalt plant, a stone crusher and a cobblestone plant on the outskirts of Kigali, ensuring that all materials are of a high quality and sourced in a way that doesn’t damage the environment. At Horizon Construction, we know that our 194 employees constitute the ultimate basis of the company’s wealth. We prioritise training for our staff so they can expand their skills, ensure


ADVERTORIAL

they are up-to-date with the latest technology, and operate in safe working conditions. The result is a team better able to serve our clients and deliver on time and on budget. Currently Horizon Construction is involved in a number of road construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects and water supply initiatives. This includes a major project in the south-west of Rwanda to provide water to around 50,000 people. The company is also involved in the construction and rehabilitation of genocide memorial sites across the country.

This is in addition to having 128 distribution lines. The choice of materials to be used was researched very carefully in order to preserve the environment and the well being of beneficiaries. These kinds of development projects help improve the standing of living of entire populations and so Horizon Construction is pursuing similar projects in Rwanda’s Eastern and Northern Provinces.

In line with Rwanda’s aspiration to incorporate a green economy approach into its economic transformation, Horizon Construction is working on a pilot project to design and construct over 340 green homes. In addition, we have partnered with Wilderness Safaris and ALBIZIA for the construction of eco-lodges in the north of Rwanda at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Horizon Construction is also involved in the development of other real estate projects in Rwanda, such as the construction of affordable houses in Kigali. We intend to expand these efforts throughout the region and beyond in the near future.

Nyungwe Water Supply - Bringing drinking water to 50,000 Rwandans The Nyungwe Water Supply project started in early 2014 and is scheduled to conclude in May 2016. The project consists of capturing available water and distributing it to local communities, schools, industries and farms and is more than 50% complete. This venture will provide approximately 50,000 Rwandans with drinkable water. Horizon Construction has already discovered and captured 18 sources of potable water where 50 water storage facilities of different sizes will be constructed.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 23


24 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


liquid gold

East Africa’s

Coffee culture

The love for coffee in East Africa is growing and it shows in the number of cafés popping up across the region. Today, appreciation of East African coffee is found not only internationally, but also by locals themselves. Join a tour some of the region’s best coffee houses. By Darla Rudakubana

E

ast African countries, leveraging favourable climates, have made growing premium coffee a priority and are now reaping the rewards of their investment. Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania are some of the world’s leading Arabica and Robusta bean coffee producers along with Ethiopia, Columbia and Brazil. Coffee from Burundi and Rwanda is also popular with renowned chains such as Starbucks.

While not yet at the level of New York, Melbourne, Rome or other internationally acclaimed coffee lover meccas, the coffee shop scene in major East African cities has graduated to a new level. Today, cafés across the region are capable of catering to die-hard coffee lovers looking to taste some of the best coffee the continent has to offer. If you find yourself in the region and in need of a coffee fix, here are some great cafés to visit.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 25


Rwanda Café Neo For the owners of Café Neo, coffee is not just a drink – it’s a passion. Manager Che and his team are on a mission to serve high quality coffee sourced from the shores of Lake Kivu. With a range of rich silky smooth speciality coffee on offer, as well as delicious smoothies and teas, you’re sure to get the best Rwanda has to offer at Café Neo. Although relatively new, Neo has become a popular meeting spot for artists, tech entrepreneurs, authors and young professionals. Location: BHC Building, 260 Boulevard L’umuganda (Kacyiru Road), Kacyiru, next to the Dutch Embassy.

café has quickly become a treasure trove for natural living enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace for some of the best views anywhere in the city. Location: 13 KG 5 Ave, Inside Ikirezi Bookstore, Kigali Gato Keza Gato Keza is a small coffee shop frequented by movie lovers and occasional philosophers. Located inside the Kwetu Film Institute and Residence Inn, it draws independent and foreign movie fans to its movie screenings. The coffee is made from 100% organic beans grown at the café’s own Kigufi Coffee Estate in Gisenyi on the edge of Lake Kivu. A team of baristas, roast the beans on site, filling the café with the rich aroma of a fresh roast. Gato Keza has gained loyal customers, not only for its ‘extra-curricular’ activities but also because of its famous cappuccino. The café also has an extensive menu with the beef and chicken burgers local favourites. Location: KG 383 Street, Gacuriro, Kigali

Uganda 1000 Cups Coffee House

Inzora Rooftop Café Inzora is a boutique coffee shop located inside Ikirezi, Kigali’s best-known and resourced bookstore. With beans carefully sourced from across Rwanda, this café offers a unique medium dark roast brewed to perfection. Inzora also stocks health products and treats including coconut oil, locally made honey, dried fruits, hibiscus tea and delicious housemade granola. With a commitment to quality, the

Rated as the best coffee shop in Kampala by Lonely Planet, this coffee house offers a wide range of coffee brews made from both Arabica and Robusta beans. Proudly serving a variety of Ugandan coffees, 1000 Cups is the perfect place to relax and take a break from the chaos of the city. Don’t miss their espresso, aeropress or cold drip specialities. If you’re keen to see exactly where the coffee comes from, join their full-day coffee safaris at Bulansuku Farm in Mukono District. Location: 18 Buganda Road, Kampala Flavours Coffee Bar Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Flavours is an award winning coffee shop having won the Ugandan National Barista Championship two years in a row. Whether you’re looking for an espresso to wake you up, a cappuccino to calm the mind, or a decadent Latte Machiatto or Café Mocha, expect quality at this coffee house. Flavours is also a home for art lovers with sculptures and paintings from local artists often on display and for sale. 100% of the proceeds go to the artists, supporting the local arts and craft industry. Be sure to enjoy the tranquil Flavours garden and join in the weekly movie night. Location: Main Street, Plot 12, Jinja


Artcaffé Artcaffé offers over ten varieties of coffee brewed from the best local beans. It has eight locations across Kenya and is well known for its baked goods, especially its cheesecake and cherry and vanilla danish. The deserts are as wickedly good as the coffee and can be enjoyed late in to the evening with most stores open until midnight. If you’re looking for a café with a bustling atmosphere and free WiFi, Artcaffé is for you.

Kenya

Location: Various locations across Nairobi

Tin Roof Café The Tin Roof Café is a small coffee shop that serves a wide range of homemade salads, sandwiches and pancakes. Located in a converted cottage, there is a much charm to this quaint café. It’s very popular too and was recently voted one of Nairobi’s best restaurants. Free Wi-Fi, board games, a book swap and a garden complete with a climbing frame for the kids are all on offer as well. The delicious coffee at the Tin Roof is freshly roasted every morning from the Ransley Coffee Company, also located in Nairobi. Location: Dagoretti Road, Karen, Nairobi

Tanzania Africafe Africafe is famous for its quality Zanzibar blend coffee and roasted beans. Its variety of coffees, many from the fertile slopes of southern Tanzania, are some of the very few exported from East Africa to Japan. Africafe also source their coffee and teas from Lupemmbe Tea Estate in Njombe, Iringa region and the Mponde Tea Factory in Lushoto, Tanga region. Africafe was one of the first coffee houses to open in Arusha and has become a favourite for locals and tourists alike. Location: Boma Road, Arusha Zanzibar Coffee House The various coffees served here are grown by its owner on estates in Zanzibar and on the edge of the East African Rift Valley, in the south of Tanzania. Zanzibar Coffee House was the first to win the Tanzania Barista Championship in 2009 and prides itself on providing the finest espressobased coffees. Their fresh coffee can also be purchased via the Zanzibar Coffee online shop. Zanzibar Coffee House is located in one of the oldest buildings in Zanzibar, build for Sultan Said Bargash by the Wazir in 1885. Location: Stone Town, Zanzibar

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 27


Afrique de l’Est, Tendance café L’attrait pour le café en Afrique de l’Est est en croissance et cela se remarque dans le nombre de cafés qui fleurissent dans toute la région. Aujourd’hui, l’appréciation du café d’Afrique orientale se trouve non seulement à l’échelle internationale, mais aussi chez les locaux eux-mêmes. Venez avec nous pour une visite des meilleurs cafés de la région.

Par Darla Rudakubana Les pays d’Afrique orientale, tirant parti de leurs climats favorables, ont fait du café de qualité une priorité des plus importantes, et aujourd’hui ils récoltent les fruits de leur investissement. Le Rwanda, le Kenya et la Tanzanie sont quelques-uns des principaux producteurs de grains de café Arabica et Robusta du monde ainsi que l’Ethiopie, la Colombie et le Brésil. Les Cafés du Burundi et du Rwanda sont aussi populaires auprès des chaînes de grandes renommées telles que Starbucks. Bien qu’ encore loin du niveau de New York, Melbourne, Rome ou autres hauts lieux pour amateurs de café de renommée internationale, la scène des cafés dans les grandes villes d’Afrique de l’Est a néanmoins su obtenir ses lettres de noblesse. Aujourd’hui, les cafés à travers la région sont aussi bien capables de satisfaire l’appétit des amateurs invétérés de café qui cherchent à déguster certains des meilleurs cafés que le continent a à offrir. Si vous vous trouvez dans la région et dans le besoin de votre dose de café, voici quelques grands cafés à visiter.

28 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Rwanda Café Neo Pour les propriétaires du Café Neo, le café est plus qu’une boisson- il est une passion. Le Gestionnaire « Che » et son équipe se sont donnés pour mission de servir un café de haute qualité provenant des rives du lac Kivu. Avec une gamme de riches et soyeuses saveurs de café à la demande, ainsi que des délicieux smoothies et thés, vous êtes sûr d’obtenir le meilleur de ce que le Rwanda a à offrir au Café Neo. Bien que relativement nouveau, Neo est devenu très vite un lieu de rencontre populaire pour les artistes, les entrepreneurs en Technologie de Communications et autres, les auteurs et les jeunes professionnels en tout genre. Lieu: Bâtiment BHC, 260 boulevard de L’Umuganda (Route Kacyiru), Kacyiru, à côté de l’Ambassade Néerlandaise. Inzora Rooftop Café Inzora est un café-boutique situé à l’intérieur de la Librairie Ikirezi, la plus connue et la plus fournie des librairies de Kigali. Avec ses graines

de café provenant du Rwanda, ce café offre après torréfaction moyenne une teinte foncée unique et brassée à la perfection. Inzora stock également des produits de santé et des friandises y compris l’huile de noix de coco, du miel fabriqué localement, des fruits secs, du thé d’hibiscus et du délicieux granola fait maison. Avec une exigence pour la qualité du produit, le café est rapidement devenu un véritable trésor pour les amateurs de vie saine. Ne manquez surtout pas un moment inoubliable sur la terrasse en toiture pour l’une des meilleures vues de la ville. Lieu: KG 13 Ave 5, intérieur de la Librairie Ikirezi, Kigali Gato Keza Gato Keza est un petit café fréquenté par les amateurs de cinéma et de discussions philosophiques. Situé à l’intérieur du Kwetu Film Institute et La Résidence Inn, il attire les amateurs de films indépendants et étrangers à ses projections de films. Le café est fait à partir de graines 100% naturelles cultivées dans les champs de ce même Gato Keza situés à Kigufi à Gisenyi sur le bord du lac Kivu. Une équipe de baristas fait torréfier les fèves sur place, lui donnant cette fraiche saveur envoutante.


Gato Keza a su se garantir une clientèle fidèles, non seulement pour ses activités «secondaires», mais aussi grâce a son fameux cappuccino. Le café dispose aussi d’un menu complet avec ses choix de burgers au bœuf ou de poulet qui font la joie de la clientèle. Lieu: KG 383, Gacuriro, Kigali

Ouganda Café « 1000 Cups » Considéré comme le meilleur des Cafés à Kampala selon le très sérieux Lonely Planet, cette maison de café propose une large gamme de bières de café à base de grains de café Arabica et Robusta. Fier de servir une riche variété de cafés ougandais, 1000 Cups est l’endroit idéal pour se détendre et prendre une pause bien méritée dans l’une des villes les plus mouvementées. Ne manquez pas leurs spécialités espresso, AeroPress ou boissons glacées. Et si vous êtes désireux de voir d’où provient le café, rejoignez le café-safari pour une journée complète à la Ferme de Bulansuku dans le district de Mukono. Lieu: Buganda Road 18, Kampala Café « Flavours » Situé sur les rives du lac Victoria, Flavours a remporté le championnat national Barista ougandais pendant deux années consécutives. Que vous soyez à la recherche d’un expresso pour détendre les méninges, d’un cappuccino pour vous calmer l’esprit, d’un Latté Macchiato ou d’un Café Moka, attendez vous a un service de qualité dans cet établissement. Flavours est aussi une maison pour les amateurs d’art avec ses sculptures et ses peintures d’artistes locaux souvent exposés et volontiers vendues. La totalité des profits vont aux artistes, en vue de soutenir l’industrie de l’artisanat et des arts locaux. Profitez de la quiétude des jardins du Flavours et appréciez la soirée cinéma hebdomadaire. Lieu: Main Street, Parcelle 12, Jinja

Kenya Café Tin Roof Le Café Tin Roof est un petit café qui sert une grande variété de salades faites maison, de sandwichs et de crêpes. Situé dans une ancienne auberge, il ya beaucoup de charme à ce petit café paisible. Très populaire, il a récemment été élu l’un des meilleurs restaurants de Nairobi. Une connexion Wi-Fi, des jeux de société, un programme d’échange de livres et un jardin avec un mur d’escalade pour les enfants sont tout à votre disposition. Le délicieux café servi au Tin Roof est fraîchement torréfié chaque matin à partir de la Ransley Coffee Company, également situé à Nairobi. Lieu: Dagoretti Road, Karen, Nairobi Artcaffe Artcaffe propose plus de dix variétés de café brassé à partir des meilleurs grains locaux. Il dispose de huit emplacements à travers le Kenya et est bien connu pour ses produits de laitiers et patissiers, en particulier son gâteau au fromage et ses viennoiseries à la cerise et à la vanille. Les desserts sont aussi bons que le café et peuvent être appréciés à la fin de la soirée, la plupart des magasins restent ouverts jusque minuit. Si vous êtes à la recherche d’un café dans une atmosphère animée et une connexion Wi-Fi, Artcaffe est tout ce qu’il vous faut. Lieu: Divers endroits de Nairobi

Tanzanie Africafe Africafe est célèbre pour son café de qualité Zanzibar et pour son mélange de saveurs et de grains torréfiés. Sa variété de cafés des nombreuses pentes fertiles du sud de la Tanzanie, est l’une des très rares exportée aussi loin que l’Afrique du Sud et le Japon. Africafe offre aussi en cafés et thés du Lupemmbe Tea Estate dans Njombe, région d’Iringa et de la Mponde Tea Factory à Lushoto, région de Tanga. Africafe était l’une des premières maisons de café à ouvrir à Arusha et il est devenu le point de rencontre le plus apprécié par les otoctones et les touristes. Lieu: Boma Road, Arusha Zanzibar Coffee House Les différents cafés servis à cet endroit sont cultivés par le propriétaire sur ses propriétés de Zanzibar et sur le bord du Rift valley est-Africain, dans le sud de la Tanzanie. Zanzibar Coffee House était le premier Café à remporter le championnat Tanzanien de Barista en 2009 et s’applique à offrir les meilleurs espresso. Leur café frais peut également être acheté sur la boutique en ligne du Zanzibar Coffee House. Zanzibar Coffee House est situé dans l’un des bâtiments les plus historiques de Zanzibar, construit pour le sultan Saïd Bargash par le Wazir (Vizir) en 1885. Lieu: Stone Town, Zanzibar.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 29


A PARTNER OF

Consistent strength of cement made from the finest raw materials Now that is Strength beyond the bag. Find out more about CIMERWA’s products;

www.cimerwa.rw

3222 (toll free)

sales@cimerwa.rw / info@cimerwa.rw


Volez plus pour beaucoup moins cher ACHETEZ 1 BILLET

ET OBTENEZ 1 GRATUIT

Mardi, Vendredi, Dimanche Libreville Douala Lundi, Mercredi, Samedi Libreville

Kigali

de réduction

Doublez vos miles vers Dubai / Johannesbourg / Kigali / Nairobi / Bujumbura / Entebbe / Dar es Salaam Les étudiants voyageant vers Johannesbourg bénéficient de 10 kg gratuits de bagage en extra Pour plus d’ informations:

RwandAir - Libreville Immeuble Ex-Air Afrique, 1er étage en face de BICIG centre ville Libreville - Gabon + 241 01740511/12 / + 241 07797157 sales.libreville@rwandair.com Les modalités et les conditions génerales s’ appliquent.

Gagnez des miles à chaque fois vous voyagez avec nous


An ancient basilica with many stories to tell

By Joselyne Ishimwe

Hagia Sophia is an incredible museum in Istanbul that has seen its fair share of history. Built as a cathedral in the sixth century A.D. (532-537) by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, there was such commitment and motivation that it was finished in only six years. Since that time, this beautiful Turkish building has been many things to many people and has many stories to tell as a result.



H

agia Sophia is one of Turkey’s oldest and most historically significant buildings. Since its construction around 1,500 years ago, it has served as a cathedral, a mosque and is now a world famous museum. When it was first built, Hagia Sophia was located in Constantinople, a Christian region that comprised the eastern half of the Roman Empire. While the original church collapsed after just 20 years, architect Isidoros the Younger quickly went to work and built a new one. When Mehmed II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, conquered Constantinople (the former capital of the Byzantine Empire and now Istanbul) in 1453, the Greek Orthodox cathedral was converted in a mosque. It is because of this unique history that the Turkish government decided to transform Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1935, known locally as Ayasofya Müzesi. Today, people come from around the world come to visit Hagia Sophia and see its beauty and rich history for themselves. In 2014, the museum was the second most visited attraction in the country, with travellers admiring Christian mosaics and Islamic elements under one roof.

Construction The construction of the Hagia Sophia began in 532 A.D. when great revolutionary Nika Riots conquered Constantinople. During this time, Emperor Justinian I was having a difficult time because the people did not like his idea of high taxes. Because of this, people urged him to resign only after five years in the job. But even though the empire was struggling, the Emperor managed to defeat Riots and there was a construction of a new Hagia Sophia, representing a triumph for Justinian and Christianity.

Architecture The Hagia Sophia has a huge main dome at 32 metres across and is supported on pendentives with two semi-domes on each side. There is

one Seraph (angelic being) on each of the four pendentives and a total of 107 columns. One of these columns is known as the Wishing Column, which attracts a large number of people. It is believed that if you stick your finger in the hole and rotate your wish will come true, but only if your finger becomes wet. The museum also has 40 windows, which allow sunlight to pass through the dome. Hagia Sophia has two levels: the ground floor and a gallery above. It is believed that in the past the two levels were organised according to gender and social classes when services were held. During services, an imperial lodge was to only be used by the upper class including those from the empire. In addition, they were the only people allowed to use the Imperial Door. This was a special door because it was the only entry that provided a perfect view through to the interior of the church.

Becoming a Mosque After Ottoman leader Mehmed II conquered the Byzantine Emperor, he did not want to destroy

the church because it was so impressive. Instead Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. According to historians, Muslim leaders decided to paint over the Christian mosaics to hide them and a Theotokos (the Virgin Mary with child) statute located in the apse was plastered over. Many people believe that the style of Hagia Sophia influenced the design of the Blue Mosque, which was built in the 17th century and other Ottoman mosques such as the Şehzade Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque. Aya Sofya operated as a mosque until 1931, after which time it was closed for four years before becoming a museum.

Influence Today Today Hagia Sophia is one of the most visited museums in the world. The Turkish Council of Ministers says that, “due to its historical significance, the conversion of the mosque [Hagia Sophia], a unique architectural monument of art located in Istanbul, into a museum will please the entire Eastern world and will cause humanity to gain a new institution of knowledge.” Hagia Sophia is now a living storyteller that honours both Christianity and Islam and educates people from across the generations about its fascinating history. Hagia Sophia is also playing a role in the economic development of Turkey. In 2014, it saw more than three million visitors. This has encouraged investors to construct tourist accommodation nearby, and create a tour guiding industry. Hagia Sophia is becoming a place that tourists have on their ‘must see’ lists. If you’re interested in history, religion and the ancient and modern transformation of Turkey, Hagia Sophia holds many stories that you will enjoy learning about. Just be sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid the long queues.

34 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 35




Sun Smart The Power of Solar Kiosks

If you are visiting Rwanda and need to quickly charge your cell phone, keep an eye out for a bright solar kiosk at busy areas such as bus stops and market places across the country. These kiosks offer a range of services including charging devices, sales of electronic vouchers and soon Wi-Fi access.

38 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


W

e hear it over and over again across Africa: the lack electricity and connectivity infrastructure, especially in rural areas, combined with the high cost of delivering these services, has made it hard for people to access power and Internet. It’s a problem that many bright minds are working hard to solve. In Rwanda, young entrepreneur Henri Nyakarundi has spent the last four years developing a business in the box solution to this challenge. Today the company delivers critically needed services such as charging small electronics using solar energy, increasing Internet connectivity while at the same time creating green jobs that address unemployment. The name of the innovation: Smart Solar Kiosk.

The Journey The idea for the kiosks was born in response to the growing demand for access to electricity. The company, African Renewable Energy Distributor, was created to develop and distribute solar kiosks in rural and semiurban areas to promote not only green jobs but also bring a much needed distribution channel for key services. The vision is to combine innovation and entrepreneurship to solve some of the pressing issues the continent is facing. Today there are 24 solar kiosks on the ground across Rwanda. Alongside each kiosk is a well-trained independent operator in charge of offering services such as charging, airtime sales, mobile money and more. For an operator to start their own kiosk business, she or he needs to invest US $400, which includes training, transport of the kiosk, free maintenance and working capital. African Renewable Energy Distributor aims to offer a uniform distribution channel for different services and digital content. It works to provide entrepreneurship opportunities using a low cost franchise business model for people that want to be in business for themselves but not by themselves, while at the same time promoting gender equality. The success of the company will be made possible by collecting data from customers, engaging with them and offering Internet, digital advertisement, content and a comprehensive African App Store using local networks.

Challenges Innovation is not just about today’s market, but also tomorrow’s market – coming up with new ideas to improve efficiency and company visibility. It’s about separating your company from your competition, creating a real brand around innovative products and ideas. It’s the difference between winning and losing. Like any innovative idea, key challenges unique to the African market exist on the ground, and product development is almost non-existent because of the lack of investment in that space. Another hurdle to overcome is the fact that entrepreneurship is still relatively new

Sun Smart La force des Kiosques Solaires Si vous êtes en visite au Rwanda et que vous avez avez besoin de charger votre téléphone cellulaire rapidement, cherchez des yeux un kiosque solaire peint en rouge brillant dans les zones affairées telles que les arrêts bus et les places des marchés à travers tout le pays. Ces kiosques offrent une gamme de services parmi lesquels charger des appareils, vendre des bons électroniques et bientôt l’accès à la connexion Wi-Fi. C’est devenu l’air du temps à travers l’Afrique: le manque d’infrastructure pour l’électricité et la connectivité, spécialement dans les zones rurales combinés avec le prix élevé de la livraison de ces services a rendu difficile l’accès à l’éléctricité et à l’Internet. C’est un problème que beaucoup de cerveaux brillants se sont engagés à résoudre. Au Rwanda, le jeune entrepreneur Henri Nyakarundi vient de passer ces quatre dernières années à développer une affaire dans la box solution de ce défi. Aujourd’hui sa compagnie fournit des services très demandés tels que charger de petits appareils électroniques utilisant de l’énergie solaire, augmentant ainsi la connectivité à l’Internet, créant ainsi des emplois écologiques qui réduisent le chômage. L’innovation se nomme : Smart Solar Kiosk.

L’aventure Sun smart par son promoteur a lancé une compagne appelée African Renewable Energy Distributor (Distributeur Africain d’Energie Renouvelable) pour développer et distribuer des kiosques solaires en milieu rural et semi-urbain non seulement pour promouvoir des emplois écologiques mais aussi introduire une chaîne de distribution de services-clé tant demandée. Sa vision est de combiner l’innovation et l’entreprenariat pour répondre à certaines des questions brûlantes auxquelles le continent fait face.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 39


Il y a aujourd’hui 24 kiosques solaires sur pied à travers le Rwanda. Dans chaque kiosque, il y a un opérateur indépendant bien formé chargé d’offrir des services tels que charger, vendre des bons électroniques, transfert d’argent par téléphone portable et plus. Pour qu’un opérateur puisse démarrer sa propre affaire de kiosque, elle ou lui, ont besoin d’investir 400 $ américains, ce qui couvre la formation, le transport du kiosque, la maintenance gratuite et le fond de commerce.

in Rwanda and most people still look for regular jobs. Manufacturing and logistics is also difficult, and it can often cost more to manufacture and ship within the continent than from China. “Red tape and customs fees are hurting innovation, but a huge opportunity exists on the continent because the market is still wide open for innovative solutions,” says Henri. To truly make the continent competitive with the rest of the world and bring more African products to market, governments must support research and development, and promote collaboration between universities, companies and innovators so Africa can move from a continent consuming foreign products to one of innovation and exporting solutions. Rwanda is the perfect testing ground to better understand the East African market, and improve on the solar kiosk technology. The goal now is to supply the continental market focusing on East and West Africa. Less than 25% of Africans have access to the Internet and Smart Solar Kiosk aims to be a big part of the solution.

African Renaissance As more and more innovative solutions come to the forefront, the challenges the continent experiences are actually opportunities to provide local solutions. With a population that is set to double in the next few decades, a whole new generation of problem solvers will be needed to bring the continent to the same level as the rest of the world. It is imperative that Africa becomes more aggressive to not only find our place in the global market place, but to start thinking outside the box so we don’t just follow trends but set our own. After all, Africa – with its own set of challenges – is an incredibly unique market place that needs unique and innovation approaches. Smart Solar Kiosk is one of those many bright ideas that are shaping the future of Africa today. 40 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

African Renewable Energy Distributor veut offrir une chaîne uniforme de distribution de services différents et de données numériques. Il œuvre à fournir des opportunités d’entreprenariat en utilisant un modèle d’affaire à franchise bon marché pour des personnes désireuses d’entrer en affaires pour elles-mêmes mais aussi pas par elles-mêmes, tandis qu’en même temps il œuvre à promouvoir l’égalité entre les hommes et les femmes. Le succès de la compagnie dépendra de la collecte de données au niveau des clients, du niveau d’engagement avec ceux-ci et l’offre d’Internet, de publicité et de données numériques, ainsi qu’un Stock d’Applications Africaines en utilisant des réseaux locaux.

Défis L’innovation ne concerne pas seulement le marché du jour, mais aussi celui du marché de demain. Arriver avec des idées nouvelles pour améliorer l’efficience et la visibilité de la compagnie. Il s’agit de distinguer votre compagnie de votre compétition, en créant une vraie marque autour des produits et d’idées innovatrices. C’est là la différence entre gagner et perdre. A l’instar de toute autre idée innovatrice, des défis majeurs uniques au marché africain existent sur terrain et le développement d’un produit est presque inexistant à cause du manque d’investissement dans cet espace. Un autre obstacle à franchir est le fait que l’entreprenariat balbutie encore au Rwanda et la plupart des gens cherche encore des emplois réguliers. L’usinage/logistique est également difficile, et souvent c’est plus cher de produire/ transporter sur le continent en venant de Chine. Les frais d’importation et de douane entravent l’innovation, mais une grande opportunité existe sur le continent car le marché reste encore largement ouvert pour des idées innovatrices. Pour rendre le continent réellement compétitif dans un contexte mondial et introduire plus de produits africains sur le marché, les gouvernements doivent soutenir la recherche et le développement, et promouvoir la collaboration entre les universités, les sociétés et les innovateurs pour que l’Afrique puisse quitter son statut de consommateur de produits étrangers et devenir celui de l’innovation et d’exportateur de solutions. Sun Smart a profité du fait que le Rwanda soit un terrain d’essai pour mieux comprendre le marché Est Africain et améliorer la technologie du kiosque solaire. Son objectif est de servir le marché du continent en se concentrant sur


l’Afrique de l’Est et l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Moins de 25% des Africains ont accès à l’Internet et le Smart Solar Kiosk se doit de devenir une part importante de la solution.

La Renaissance Africaine Au fur et à mesure que les idées innovatrices arrivent sur l’avant-scène, les défis que le continent affronte sont en fait des occasions qui motivent des solutions locales. Avec une population qui risque d’augementer du double dans les décennies futures, toute une nouvelle génération de talents sera nécessaire pour porter le continent au même niveau que le reste du monde. Il s’avère impératif que l’Afrique devienne plus agressive pour non seulement trouver notre place sur le marché mondial, mais également qu’elle commence à réfléchir en dehors des pré-carrés pour que nous puissions sortir des sentiers battus et nous frayer un chemin. En définitive, l’Afrique, avec son propre chapelet de défis, constitue un unique marché incroyable qui a besoin d’approches uniques et innovateur. Le Smart Solar Kiosk est une de ces nombreuses idées brillantes qui sont entrain de façonner aujourd’hui l’avenir de l’Afrique. Visit www.a-r-e-d.com for more information about the Smart Solar Kiosk


42 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


TheRoadtoRiofor

Africa’s Sitting Volleyball Stars By Daniel Nzohabonimana

After a tense and exciting sitting volleyball competition in Kigali, Egypt and Rwanda came away champions and will represent Africa at the 2016 Paralympics Games.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 43


africa's best

K

igali recently played host to the 2015 ParaVolley Africa Sitting Volleyball Championships. Athletes from Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Algeria and Burundi converged on Amahoro Stadium to compete and qualify for the only spot reserved for Africa in the men and women’s

categories.

Throughout the competition, the audience at the stadium was treated to an electrifying spectacle. Over three days of sporting battles, talented athletes from across the continent fought hard to make their countries proud. On the final day, the two teams left standing in both the women and men’s categories were Rwanda and Egypt. The men’s championship match was a straight set victory for the Egyptian team, who took out the regional sitting volleyball crown and qualified for Rio. In contrast, the women’s final had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought with all their might for the trophy. While Egypt secured the first two sets, Rwanda regrouped and took the next two sets with a very slim margin, forcing a fifth set. Buoyed by the cheers of the home crowd, the Rwandan team kept their composure and came out victorious in the highly contested game.

44 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

The two countries will now represent Africa at next year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Rwandan team is the continent’s first women’s sitting volleyball team to compete at a Paralympics Games. The championship was a chance for athletes from different backgrounds to come together to show the world that disability does not equal inability and that Paralympic sports are as gruelling and demanding as their able-bodied equivalents. The athletes who took part in the competition confirmed that sitting volleyball also has a rehabilitative effect on their bodies and plays a positive role in their integration into society. Furthermore, sports teach teamwork, independence and help people develop self-confidence. Although Paralympic sports are yet to attract the large audiences that other sports in Africa command, the number of people with disabilities involved in sports and those keen to cheer them on is steadily increasing.

The championship was a chance for Athletes from different backgrounds to come together to show the world that disability does not equal inability.

Paralympic sports are divided into three main categories: sports for the deaf, sports for people with physical disabilities, and sports for those with intellectual disabilities. From the late 1980s, athletes with disabilities began to compete in sporting events such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. This has played an important


In Rwanda, the National Council of People with Disabilities works in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government to contribute to the social and economic development of persons with disabilities. In addition, one seat in Rwanda’s national parliament is reserved for a representative from the council.

role in increasing the visibility of Paralympic sports and providing much deserved recognition for elite athletes. Apart from sitting volleyball, people with mental and physical disabilities can compete in wheelchair basketball, weightlifting, swimming, equestrian, cycling and many others. Today there are over 30 sporting events held at the summer and winter Paralympic Games. These events provide an opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of the lives of people with disabilities. This is true for African societies where some traditional beliefs have made it difficult for disabled people. In a number African tribes for example, there has been a belief that the Gods have cursed you if you have a child with a disability. Unfortunately in some communities we still find that there are parents who don’t accept their children if born with disabilities. However, this situation is changing and today governments are taking the lead to promote the rights of disabled people. Emile Mvuningabo, the 29 year-old captain of Rwanda’s national men’s sitting volleyball team, appreciates the efforts of government to promote the rights of people with disabilities, but says a lot still need to be done. “We still have challenges, for example access to public transport as many people move around using wheelchairs and there are not many options for them,” he said.

These events provide an opportunity for the public to gain a better understanding of the lives of people with disabilities. This is true for African societies where some traditional beliefs have made it difficult for disabled people.

Government also supports such sporting events, with the Ministry of Sports and Culture, the Rwanda Paralympics Committee and Africa ParaVolley the main sponsors of the sitting volleyball competition. Speaking about the championships, Dr Dieudonne Mutangana, Vice President of Rwanda’s National Paralympics Committee and member of the Rwandan men’s sitting volleyball team said, “Even though we have disability, that doesn`t mean we are unable.” The elite athletes who competed for a place at Rio have proven just that. The Rwandan and Egyptian teams who qualified for the 2016 Paralympics Games are now busy training to take on the world in Rio. We wish them all the best! Learn more about Rwanda’s ParaVolley scene at www.rwandaparavolley.rw

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 45


46 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


There are infinite wonders that lay below the sky, as many as there are personalities. And since we are now a little over seven billion on this earth, we need to meet some of these souls, those spirits and the bodies that make up our humanity.

A Universe to Explore By Arnaud Nkusi

C

laudy Khan is Congolese, Belgian and Latin, and he is a world worth exploring. He is an artist who has more than one string to his bow. He is a real globetrotter, full of life and all that it contains. After having soaked himself with the visible and invisible, he creates rich paintings that can barely be described.

It appears to me that any interpretation of his work is wrong and that the only expression of what can be observed from this artist should be a feeling rather than a description, which would eventually turn out more diminishing of what is much broader than what we try to say. Let’s proceed with the questions, since the gentleman is willing to answer. This is the shortest way to meet this universe contained in the great body of a vibrant life, which he would have to live several times in order to give the best of himself.

You are a multifaceted artist, designer, painter and even musician. What is the junction point of all these art forms in you? Creativity! When one is an artist, everything becomes art. The sensitivity within oneself allows you to be as a canvas before which the artist prances before affixing his brushstrokes.

Do you credit your diverse backgrounds to your many talents? Yes, I think the diversity of my heritage also played a role. I look at life through this wealth from different cultures, but work and passion were the main drivers of this cultural base. I lived my early childhood in the bush, in the forest, far from the cities, with the villagers in the

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 47


area. Then I lived and studied in town but the lure of the bush was still present and I missed no opportunity to immerse myself in nature. It teaches a lot – especially another way of seeing or understanding things.

In which form of art do you excel most? I chose painting and I transcend. Architecture, design and music are opportunities that presented themselves, but I think I was predestined to paint.

Your paintings say a lot about your strong taste of aesthetics, yet they are tinged with much sadness or sorrow. Art is the search for beauty. Even in ugliness I think beauty exists. Look at the beauty of nature around you. It’s just our perspectives that make our thoughts enthusiastic, melancholy or sad. I look and reproduce the beauty that surrounds us, asking myself what we are doing with it.

A woman is at the heart of your painting. What is your relationship to the opposite sex? This beautiful nature, this beautiful woman, we abuse often in today’s world. Without it, what would we be or become of us? I do not focus on her pain because the evidence of its bright future will be the delight of man. I just focus on the time that he understands if he wants to survive!

What place does the “mystical” have in you? It appears in your paintings. The “mystical”…nothing strange, why? All these questions we ask ourselves, trying to find an answer: why we are born and die, evil, good, darkness, light, the earth, the universe. I search like everyone else, and we are the only masters of the acts we have lived. Having experienced certain things in my life, I began to understand that we are “energy”, a “light”, and more important is what we do with that. This becomes “mystical” for some when we begin to explore the soul...to probe the invisible, to have visions. Everyone possesses

48 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Claudy Khan: Un univers à explorer… Par Arnaud Nkusi

Ciel que d’univers il ya sous toi ! Autant d’univers qu’il y a de personnalités. Et puisque nous sommes à ce jour un peu plus de sept milliards sur cette terre, il faut faire le tri et aller à la rencontre de certaines de ces âmes, de ces esprits et de ces corps qui composent notre humanité. Claudy Khan, congolais, belge et latino est à lui seul un monde qui vaut la peine d’être exploré. C’est un artiste qui a plus d’une corde à son arc. C’est un véritable bourlingueur, boulimique de la vie et de tout ce qu’elle recèle qui, après s’être imprégné du visible et de ce qui l’est moins ou pas, le redonne sous forme de peintures d’une richesse à peine descriptible. FR

Clairement, il m’apparait que toute interprétation de son travail serait erronée et que la seule expression de ce que l’on peut observer de cet artiste ne devrait être qu’un ressenti plutôt qu’une description qui dès qu’elle serait, s’avèrerait réductrice de ce qui est beaucoup plus vaste que ce que l’on essayera d’en dire. Contentons nous donc de poser des questions, puisque le gentleman veut bien y répondre. C’est le chemin le plus court pour aller à la rencontre de cet univers contenu dans le grand corps d’un métis plein de vie à qui il faudrait en vivre plusieurs pour donner le meilleur de lui-même. Vous êtes un artiste aux multiples facettes ; aussi bien peintre que designer et même musicien. Quelle est le point de jonction de toutes ces formes d’art en vous ? La créativité ! Quand on est artiste, tout devient art, la sensibilité qui est en soi fait qu’on aborde son sujet de la même manière qu’une toile devant laquelle l’artiste trépigne avant d’apposer ses coups de pinceaux. Vos origines diverses sont-elles une richesse liée de près ou de loin à vos talents multiples ? Oui, je pense que la diversité de mes origines a aussi joué un rôle….je regarde la vie avec cette richesse venant des différentes cultures, mais le travail et la passion ont été les principaux vecteurs de cette base culturelle. J’ai vécu ma prime enfance en brousse, en forêt, loin des villes, avec les villageois du coin, pour ensuite vivre et faire des études en ville mais l’attrait de la brousse était toujours aussi présent et je ne ratais aucune occasion de me replonger dans la nature. On y apprend beaucoup et surtout une autre façon de voir ou d’appréhender les choses …


First floor Grand Pension Plaza and Simba Super markets Tel: +250 782756606 / +250 787058179, Facebook: monaco cosmetics shop, www.monacocosmetics.net


these gifts but we forgot to use them because we need to see and feel to believe. I consider thinking as a mystical path. And if in my paintings this “mystical” feeling shines, it’s that you’re in the same process!

You live in Europe, a troubled continent. What is your reading of the environment in which you live, what did you learn from what you see on this continent? A troubled continent? Which continent is not today? I live in a world where individualism is at its peak. Man has become a robot that does not take time to think or live as almost programmed. I watch and see through this world with its troubles trying to adapt so as to make the best, whether in Africa or Europe. The West with its wealth, its technology and excess complains. Africa with its poverty and its miseries, crying... but strangely she smiles. I let you conclude.

Should one work and live there to support his art? I left young. I wanted to discover, explore, to learn but also show. Show what I could do and confront myself with another culture, which also allowed me to understand my own. I live in Europe certainly, but my biggest customers are in Africa. Now I live between Africa and Europe and I realise that I am a citizen of the world. It’s a shame that there are still borders!

Let’s talk about reality: climate change, mass migration, growing gap between rich and poor, ideological conflicts, terrorism, spectacular boom of new information technologies, marriage for all, are they topics that speak to you? Do they influence your art? Of course all these things interest me and influence me. I am an observer of this world in which we live. Example: Who is rich and who is poor? Every coin has two sides...wealth is where happiness is I think.

At this stage of our interview, what do we still not know about you? That if it was possible, I would need three more lives to become an “artist”!

50 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Quelle est la forme d’art dans laquelle vous excellez davantage ? J’ai choisi la peinture et je transcende. L’architecture, le design et la musique sont des opportunités qui se sont offertes, mais je pense que la peinture m’était prédestinée. Vos tableaux en disent beaucoup sur votre goût fort prononcé de l’esthétisme, pourtant ils sont teintés de beaucoup de mélancolie, voire de tristesse… L’Art est la recherche du beau…même dans la laideur je pense que le beau existe et regardez la beauté de la nature autour de vous c’est juste le regard que nous portons qui fait que notre pensée est , soit enthousiaste, mélancolique ou triste…. Je regarde et reproduis cette beauté qui nous entoure mais en me posant la question de ce que nous en faisons. La femme est au cœur de votre peinture. Quel est votre rapport à la gent féminine ? Cette belle nature, cette femme magnifique, que nous maltraitons bien souvent dans le monde actuel ….sans elle, que serions ou deviendrions nous ? Mais je ne m’arrête pas à sa peine car l’évidence de son futur lumineux fera le bonheur de l’Homme. Juste le temps que ce dernier le comprenne s’il veut survivre ! Quelle place le ‘‘mystique’’ a-t-il en vous ? Il transparait sur vos toiles… Le « mystique »…rien d’étrange, pourquoi ? Toutes ces questions que nous nous posons, cette pensée qui chemine en essayant de trouver une réponse, pourquoi naitre et mourir…le mal, le bien, l’obscurité, la lumière…la terre, l’univers. Je cherche comme tout le monde et comme une évidence nous sommes seul maître des actes que nous posons…et ayant vécu certaines choses dans ma vie personnelle, j’ai


commencé à comprendre que nous étions une « énergie », une « lumière » et le plus important est ce que nous en faisons. Cela devient « mystique » pour certains quand on commence à explorer l’âme….à sonder l’invisible, à avoir des visions, et pourtant ces dons là, tout le monde les possèdent, mais l’homme a juste oublié de les utiliser car il a besoin de voir et palper pour croire. Je considère la pensée comme un cheminement mystique d’office ! Et si dans mes toiles cette impression « mystique » transparait , c’est que vous êtes dans la même démarche ! Vous vivez en Europe, un continent tourmenté. Quelle lecture faites-vous du milieu dans lequel vous vivez, que retenez-vous de ce que vous observez sur ce continent ? « Un continent tourmenté » ? Quel continent ne l’est pas au jour d’aujourd’hui ? Je vis dans un monde où l’individualisme est à son paroxysme…l’Homme est devenu un robot qui ne prend plus le temps de réfléchir ou de vivre car programmé presque… J’observe et regarde ce

monde avec ses travers en essayant de m’adapter de sorte à en tirer le meilleur, que ce soit en Afrique ou en Europe. L’Occident avec sa richesse, sa technologie et ses excès tire la gueule, L’Afrique avec sa pauvreté et sa cohorte de misères, pleure… mais chose étrange …elle sourit. Je vous laisse conclure. Faut-il à ce jour, pour vivre de son art, y travailler et y habiter ? J’y suis allé jeune, je voulais découvrir, explorer, apprendre mais aussi montrer. Montrer ce que je savais faire et me confronter à une autre culture, ce qui m’a permis aussi de comprendre la mienne. Je vis en Europe certes, mais ma plus grosse clientèle est en Afrique… Maintenant je vis entre l’Afrique et l’Europe et j’ai compris que j’étais un citoyen du monde…dommage qu’il y ait encore des frontières ! Parlons d’actualité : changements climatiques, flux migratoires massifs, fossé de plus en plus grand entre riches et pauvres, conflits idéologiques, terrorisme, ‘’boom’’ spectaculaire des nouvelles technologies de l’information, mariage pour tous, … sont-ils des sujets qui vous parlent ? Influencent-ils votre expression artistique ? Bien sûr que toutes ces choses m’intéressent et m’influencent, je suis comme un observateur de ce monde dans lequel nous vivons. Exemple : Qui sont les riches et qui sont les pauvres ? Tout est relatif finalement…on est riche là où on trouve son bonheur je pense. A ce niveau-ci de notre entretien, que ne savons-nous toujours pas de vous ? Qu’il me faudrait si je pouvais, trois vies encore pour commencer à devenir « Artiste » !

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 51


The King and Queen of the jungle

are back 52 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Rwanda is home to a vast array of spectacular wildlife. Most famous for its mountain gorillas in the north and birdlife across the country, the land of a thousand hills is quickly building a reputation as a paradise for animal lovers. Now, for the first time in over 15 years, visitors can add lions to the list and get up close to the big cats in Akagera National Park. By David Toovey

W

hen Akagera National Park was first established in 1934, lions were the undisputed kings and queens of Rwanda’s animal kingdom. For decades they roamed the land and played an important role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance. As predator animals, they helped keep a check on the number of grazers and supported a healthy population of scavenger animals such as vultures and hyenas.

After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, thousands of cattle herders returned to the country. The significant increase in population led to land pressure and the government was forced to reduce the size of Akagera National Park by almost half to accommodate the returnees. While efforts were made to reduce humanwildlife conflict, the lions continued to hunt in the areas where the cattle keepers had settled. At that time, the population of lions stood at around 300.

MAGAZINE | 53 P H O T O G R A P H YRWANDAIR | G A E LINZOZI R. V ANDE WEGHE


OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA P H O54 T O| GFLY RA PHY | SARAH HALL


With constant attacks by lions, cattle herders took matters into their own hands and begun poisoning the lions. Over the next few years, Rwanda’s lion population plummeted until the last lions were killed. Without lions in Akagera, and with a lack of coordinated management, the park began to suffer. It would take a concerted effort to not only return lions, but also the park to ecological viability.

The lions were first tranquilised by a team of vets and then given a range of medication to keep them healthy, including a booster rabies jab and long acting antibiotics. They were dewormed for internal parasites and sprayed for external parasites such as ticks. To keep them calm as they travelled to Rwanda, they were also given a longacting tranquiliser.

Bringing Back Lions

The vet overseeing the operation in South Africa, Dr Mike Toft, said he was very keen to see how the lions settle in to Akagera as he had previously operated on one of them.

When the plan was hatched to return lions to Rwanda, the first step was to ensure Akagera could support them. That meant restoring the number of animals in the park, eliminating poaching and creating a sustainability management plan. To achieve this, the Akagera Management Company – a partnership between African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board – set out to secure the park’s borders and engage the communities surrounding the park to win their support. The next challenge was to find the lions. In many parts of the continent, lions are under threat from poachers. In southern Africa however, the threat from poachers is outweighed by the threat from habitat loss. As a result, some parts of South Africa have excess lions. Two places that faced this challenge are &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal. They have healthy lion populations that are growing faster than they can support. So when they heard that Rwanda was looking for lions, they were keen to be part of the reintroduction effort.

“I think it’s absolutely fantastic that they’re going to Rwanda. I don’t think there could be a nicer place to send them to. I’m looking forward to hearing how they go and I’m sure they’ll be very happy,” Dr Mike said.

In total, seven lions were chosen for reintroduced into Akagera – five females from Phinda and two males from Tembe.

After being placed into specially designed containers, which provided ventilation and water, the lions were loaded onto the truck that would take them by road to Johannesburg International Airport. Seven hours later, the lions arrived at the airport and were loaded on a private charter flight. From Johannesburg, the lions flew first to Lusaka in Zambia where the plane refuelled and then onto Kigali. The lions touched down at around midday and were greeted on the tarmac by the Akagera Park team, the Rwandan media and airport ground crew keen to catch a glimpse of the new arrivals. The unloading took around an hour, after which they travelled by road to the park.

“I was very excited that we could donate lions to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. The lionesses from Phinda are very suitable for reintroduction into other parks, especially where there are tourists who want to see them because they’re very relaxed around vehicles. In addition, the lionesses come from three different prides to ensure that future generations of lions in Akagera are as genetically diverse as possible,” said Simon Naylor, Conservation Manager at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. In total, seven lions were chosen for reintroduced into Akagera – five females from Phinda and two males from Tembe. The females include a ten-year-old mother and her one-year-old daughter, a five-year-old female and two three-year-old sisters. The males are three and four years old and are unrelated.

The Journey to Rwanda Once the lions were selected, the journey to bring them to Rwanda began. At both Phinda and Tembe, the lions were placed in a quarantine enclosure for a month where their health was monitored. When the big day arrived, the excitement of the reintroduction team was at a high.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 55


While the journey usually takes four hours, unexpected rain (a blessing in Rwandan culture) made the road in the park difficult to navigate. But thanks to some creative and determined driving, the lions finally made it to their temporary enclosure under a full moon. When the first lion was ready to be released into its enclosure, the anticipation was high. No one quite knew how it would react. The journey from South Africa had lasted 45 hours – the longest lion translocation in conservation history – and there was no way of knowing the lions’ exact condition. When the door of the first lion’s container was opened, there was a collective deep breath as the team waited to see the park’s newest residents. One minute, two minutes, three minutes…nothing. The lion was still and quiet. Suddenly, he leapt up and darted out into the enclosure. The relief was palpable. Over the next four hours, the other six lions were released, all in good health and good spirits. The next morning, it was clear that the lionesses were far more comfortable with their new surroundings than the males who stayed hidden amongst the trees.

56 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


In the first few days, the lions received a visit from a troupe of baboons that called alerts from nearby trees and a small group of hyenas also paid a visit to check out the competition. Over the next four weeks, the big cats acclimatised to their environment as the park’s team of vets monitored them.

Free to Roam After one month, the lions were released into the wilderness of Akagera. All five lionesses came out immediately to feast on a waterbuck carcass while the males only left once the sun had set. On the first night, the females walked up to ten kilometres, while the males walked around two kilometres. Within the first week, the lionesses had walked approximately 35km, partly because 16 hyenas chased them up into the Mutumba Hills on the western boundary of the park. Here they met a herd of giraffes before returning to the wetlands near Lake Gashanju. An unsuccessful attempt to ambush a warthog was quickly forgotten when they took down a female waterbuck and later a zebra. The male lions have spent a lot of time exploring the Magashi peninsula where there is plentiful food, water and no tourists. After temporarily separating, the two males joined forces again to hunt. While it’s clear they are enjoying the quiet life as they become accustomed to their new home, they’ve also been busy and one of their first kills was a buffalo.

VISIT akagera n at i o n a l pa r k , rwanda

The Rwanda Model of Conservation Over the last 15 years, Rwanda has made incredible strides in wildlife conservation. From protecting the endangered mountain gorilla to rehabilitating ancient rainforests, the country is quickly becoming the green capital of the continent. These efforts and the reintroduction of lions to Akagera National Park are symbolic of Rwanda’s renewal – a nation that has risen from the ashes to become a beacon of hope. “As we welcome back the lions to Akagera National Park, we celebrate a great advance in the Rwanda’s tourism and conservation journey,” said Rwanda’s Chief Tourism Officer, Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 57


I think it’s absolutely fantastic that they’re going to Rwanda. I don’t think there could be A nicer place to send them to. Dr Mike TOFT

Today, the ‘Rwanda Model’ of conservation is serving as a template for Africa. By pairing community engagement with intensive management and law enforcement efforts, the country’s wilderness is both respected and valued by Rwandans who have become custodians of the land. Without such an approach, the reintroduction of lions to Akagera would have been impossible. The next challenge for Rwanda is bringing back the East African Black Rhino. Such a feat would return Akagera to a ‘Big Five’ park, and cement Rwanda’s status as a conservation leader in Africa. To stay up to date with the progress of the lions, like the ‘Friends of Akagera National Park’ Facebook page. RwandAir was proud to support the return of the lions by providing flights to and from South Africa for the relocation team.

Lions movementS from 10-18 August 2015 LIONS' MOVEMENT FROM 10 - 18 AUG, 2015

.

PHOTOGRAPHY | JIM WARD

uzizi@african-parks.org // +250 (0) 787 113 300 // www.ruzizilodge.com

7 Facts about the Return of the Lions

The seven lions, including five females and two males, were donated by & Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It has been 15 years since lions have roamed free in Rwanda after farmers poisoned them to prevent attacks against cattle. At 46 hours, the translocation journey to bring lions to Rwanda was the longest in conservation history.

Legend Females Males Akagera_roads_lin_dd

Akagera_river Shapes

A 120km predator-proofed, electric fence has been built along the edge of the park that borders communities to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

Big Small Park_Boundary

anp_land cover_pol_d Types Islands Lakes Savannah Swamps

8

4

0

Lions have a gestation period of just over 100 days so it’s likely that Rwanda will see the first new generation of cubs born within the next 12 months.

8 Kilometers

58 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

The seven lions have each been fitted with a GPS tracking collar, which sends a signal to park management every few hours. The lions have come from different prides so have good genetic diversity. Among the females are a ten-year-old mother and her one-year-old daughter, a single five-yearold female and two three-year-old sisters. The males are three and four years old and are unrelated.


Ruzizi Tented Lodge // ruzizi@african-parks.org // +250 (0) 787 113 300 // www.ruzizilodge.com

119 Kg 9 Avenue Tel: +250252500555 F: +250252577758 M: +250781579654 www.hotelvillaportofinokigali.com info@hotelvillaportofinokigali.com, reservations@hotelvillaportofinokigali.com P.O Box: 3446 Kigali, Rwanda.

Peacefully tucked away in Kigali’s serene district of Nyarutarama, Hotel Villa Portofino is not only an ideal place to stay but a calm environment to hold your meetings in state of the art conference facilities or celebrate life events with family and friends under Kigali’s beautiful sky. RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 59


60 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 61


Rwanda’s Cup of Excellence The land of a thousand hills is known for its world-class coffee. From the shores of Lake Kivu to the mountains of the Southern Province, Rwanda has a range of coffees to suit any taste. This year the country held the 7th Cup of Excellence, a competition that seeks to find the best of the best. After two intense weeks of judging, a panel of experts named two coffee washing stations as the winners of the 2015 Cup of Excellence.

E

veryday around the world, millions of people enjoy the rich aroma and taste of coffee. Whether alongside breakfast or accompanying dessert in the evening, there is no doubt that coffee is one of the most beloved drinks of our time. In Rwanda, the love affair with coffee began many decades ago and continues to this day. The crop now accounts for 40% of the country’s exports, is an important earner of foreign exchange and provides a livelihood for thousands of Rwandan farmers and their families. In an effort to increase the quality of its coffee, the country introduced the Rwanda Cup of Excellence. The competition is overseen by local and international judges who scour the country in search of the very best Rwanda has to offer. Producers from across the country are

62 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

assessed for the quality of their coffee. Only coffees that continuously score highly are allowed through to the next stage of competition. The Cup of Excellence demands strict observance of standards, protocols and rules along the whole supply chain including sample preparation, chain of-custody, sampling procedures and compiling and processing the scores. The final winners are awarded the prestigious Cup of Excellence and sold to the highest bidder during an online auction. Since 2008, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has been the close partner of the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE) in the organisation of the Rwanda Cup of Excellence. ACE is a not-for-profit organisation that owns and manages the Cup of Excellence programme. ACE also conducts training, testing and other activities


designed to increase the appreciation of exemplary coffee worldwide. This year marked the 7th edition in Rwanda and saw 208 lots of coffee entered into the competition, up from 170 in 2014. The competition began with a six-day pre-selection process, followed by a four-day review of the coffee by the national jury and a final judging by the international jury. To participate, farmers must pick full ripe cherries and select them before supplying to coffee washing stations. The washing stations must choose farms where the farmers respect the agriculture practices that achieve good coffee harvests. They must then prepare at least ten bags of parchment coffee, each containing 60kg and submit a sample of 5kg of parchment coffee for each lot presented. Among the 208 coffee lots listed in the 2015 competition, 60 passed through to the last phase. These lots were assessed during the last cupping session, which saw 24 selected as finalists. With the competition incredibly tight,

the judges had a tough task on their taste buds. At the end of the day, Muyongwe Coffee Washing Station of Gakenke and Mahembe Coffee Washing Station of Nyamasheke District emerged as victors of the 7th edition of Cup of Excellence with 90.42 and 90.13 points respectively. Speaking about the competition, Minister for Agriculture, Gerardine Mukeshimana, reiterated the importance of maintaining quality coffee given its contribution to the economy and livelihoods. “Coffee contributes forty per cent to the country’s overall exports, so we must work hard to continuously increase its quality. It is important for the country and, in particular, to the over 400,000 farmers who directly depend on it,” she said.

A Roaster’s Dream The Cup of Excellence winning coffees are sought after worldwide by coffee connoisseurs with sharp palates who

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 63


which tended to have a fairly uniform taste. As a result, there has been very little recognition of the individual farmer and of the unique flavour profiles that can be present among different varieties and from different microclimates. For the roasters and importers who support the Cup of Excellence, the competition has introduced to their businesses a new demographic of customers who appreciate top quality coffee and are willing to pay a premium price for it. For consumers, the Cup of Excellence award label is a guarantee for top coffee that has been judged to be best by professional cuppers. Often these award-winning coffees are so good that consumer expectations are easily exceeded.

appreciate the complex flavours and aromatics found in a world-class coffee. Roasters who buy the coffees care about providing the highest quality to their customers as well as creating a direct relationship with the winning farmers. These roasters have the opportunity to purchase the winning coffees during an online auction that takes places in mid-September. To date, the winning coffee lots have attracted buyers from Asia and Australia where coffee consumption is exponentially increasing and where specialty coffee is sought after.

Coffee Farmers For farmers, the competition represents a chance to have their hard work recognised internationally. Winning farmers take both the competition and the award as an acknowledgement of their dedication to quality. The farmers are given a prestigious award during a national ceremony and the biggest proportion of the record prices at auction goes directly to the producers. In addition, the winning farmer is now recognised in the industry as a producer of quality coffee. Elias Rwiririza, from 2015 winner Muyongwe Coffee Washing Station, said the award is recognition for the hard work of his team to achieve the highest standards in coffee production. “I am really excited by this achievement. Our cooperative has been working tirelessly to maintain the highest standards and now our efforts have been rewarded. When we entered the competition, we thought, ‘everything is possible’. If others have won the competition, why not us?” he said.

The Role of the Cup of Excellence The Cup of Excellence changes the perception of what exemplary coffee is. For years great coffees have been blended away, creating a fairly good commodity but

64 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

The Cup of Excellence is exciting for coffee lovers who get to discover exceptional coffees. It stimulates sales and builds the brand of roasters who acquired the best coffees during the auctions. Most importantly, it dramatically enhances the lives of the farmers, their families and the community.

A Bright, Coffee-flavoured Future In spite of price fluctuations observed in coffee business on the international market, the experience from the Cup of Excellence shows that the competition has stimulated farmers’ competitive spirits and the quality of Rwanda’s coffee has increased as a result. In 2014, 28 winning lots generated more than US $300,000 with the winner achieving a high price of over US $80/kg. This year’s Cup of Excellence drew an even large number of contestants and is expected to exceed the heights of 2014. The impact on farmers’ lives and on the quality of coffee production will be felt and tasted for a long time to come. Visit www.naeb.gov.rw to learn more about the 2015 Cup of Excellence and to be part of this year’s auction of specialty Rwandan coffee.


Are you drowning in data and need affordable and secure archiving solutions? DevTech is Rwanda’s leading provider of world-class archiving tools. We offer a range of services including ICT consulting, physical preservation, digital archiving and document management. Our state of the art systems are custom built to meet the needs of our clients, boosting efficiency and effectiveness in any business small, medium or large.

2nd Floor MTN Centre Nyarutarama +250788856242 | info@devtechltd.co.uk www.devtechltd.co.uk



By Daniel Nzohabonimana

Across Southern Africa live a people of immense culture and tradition. As the oldest inhabitants of the region, the San people have a rich history to share with the world.

S

outhern African is one of the most beautiful parts of the world. With undulating plateaus that cover much of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and central Angola, vast uplands in Zambia and Zimbabwe and coastal mountains and escarpments in northern Mozambique, the region is a spectacular place to live and visit.

In this part of the world live an indigenous people called the San, known also as Khwe or Basarwa. There are more than 100,000 San people living in southern Africa today, though they are teetering on the brink of cultural extinction. San people are the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa, having settled there tens of thousands of years ago.

They are a fragment of Africa’s oldest cultural group and are genetically the nearest living people to the original Homo sapiens. Interestingly, San people kept their nomadic lifestyle for tens of thousands of years until the introduction of modern forms of agriculture. They did not have a concept of ownership of land or animals so remained with hunting and gathering economic and social structures for many years.

Skilled Hunter-gatherers San people are traditionally hunter-gatherers and most of their diet consists of foods such as berries, nuts, roots and melons that are mostly collected by women. The men are usually tasked with the role of hunting.


Land and Society San people are usually nomadic within fairly limited boundaries, with the territory of a family stretching in a 25-mile circle. If there are no other bordering clans, these areas may reach further to ensure adequate access to food and water. Within the San community, there is no leader as found in tribal societies and their ties of kingship are fairly relaxed. They have a family culture and decision-making processes follow an agreement by consensus where an individual’s opinion is weighed according to their skills and experience in the particular field of discussion. San people speak a variety of languages, all of which incorporate a click sound. Families within a clan generally speak a common language but neighbouring clans often speak a different tongue. However, there is normally a degree of similarity and understanding between them.

Religion and Relationships Like many ancestral African tribes, San people believe in more than one God. Their religion is thought to be similar to that of the Ibo People of south-eastern Nigeria. They have many Gods they pray to, including the God of life, the God of death and others. Before marriage, both boys and girls go through a period of initiation. Girls are initiated at the time of the first menstruation with a dance called the “eland dance”, which is performed by women of the tribe. Women use a hide sling, blanket and a cloak called a kaross to carry food and firewood, as well as young children. Empty ostrich eggshells are used to collect and store water following good rains, in anticipation of the hot, dry season. San people are known as excellent marksmen who use small bows and arrows with barbs coated in poison. A traditional hunt can often last for several days at a time. The most prized catch is the eland, the largest antelope in southern Africa. The eland is significant not only for its size but also for its fat. This fat is very important to the diet of the San and they believe that it has supernatural potency. When men return from their hunting expedition, everyone gathers together and women sing and beat drums to various poly-rhythmic patterns while the men dance in celebration of their victories. Hunting plays an incredibly important role in the culture of the San and you will find that many of their stories and songs revolve around this theme. 68 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

A boy is only initiated when he has proved himself to be a good hunter. A husband for a woman is chosen with great care to make sure that the union is beneficial for both families. During the wedding, the bride’s face is painted red and the groom presents to his new in-laws an animal that he has hunted and killed. The new family will then go on to build their own house with their own campfire. Divorce is another interesting part of the life of the San and sets them apart from other tribes and cultures. If a woman is unhappy, she simply returns to her parents and the marriage is declared over.

Challenges Today The San people have battled many challenges over the last few centuries. They face discrimination, eviction from their ancestral homelands and oppression. San were banned from the areas where they normally lived and moved into settlements. In earlier times, they were forced to abandon hunting and gathering when their homelands were taken


over by cattle herding Bantu tribes around 1,500 years ago and later by colonialists. This has threatened their way of life and driven them to the brink of cultural extinction.

A Long History The San people are among the most intensively studied indigenous peoples anywhere in the world. Many consider them to be the oldest population of humans on earth with the most genetic diversity of any people alive today. A study that was published in the Journal of Science in 2009 argues that the San are directly descended from the original population of early human’s ancestors who gave rise to all other groups of Africans.

With traditions that date back thousands of years, the San people of southern Africa have a wealth of knowledge and experience that is fascinating to any visitor, no matter where you come from. Next time you are travelling to southern Africa and the Kalahari, be sure to meet the San people and immerse yourself in their culture and way of life.

Meeting the San People Today, visitors to Southern Africa have the chance to understand more about the San and their unique way of life. A number of tours operators have partnered with different clans in conservation projects and work with local guides who take tourists through the areas where they live. Visitors who are passionate to learn more also have the rare opportunity to take part in the traditional ceremonies that are still part of their customs and culture. The best time of the year to visit is in August during the Kuru San Dance Festival. For three days, San people come from across the Kalahari (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and sometimes other countries) to the small village of D’Kar to dance, sing, talk and make traditional music around the fire. It is a unique experience to witness an ancient culture still alive today.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 69




UmuGANURA

Rwanda’s National Harvest Day By Bertin Iradukunda

Every year in the month of August, Rwandans come together to celebrate the national Harvest Day. The occasion is a chance for the country to give thanks for the fruits of its hard work. Once celebrated as a way to mark the beginning of the harvest, today Umuganura encompasses success in all sectors of society.

72 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


U

muganura is an historic harvest festival during which Rwandans exhibit and share their crop yields at the beginning of every harvest season. This ancient carnival dates back to the early days of the Rwandan kingdom. In pre-colonial Rwanda, Umuganura was marked by citizens from all over the country who presented their harvests to the King. He would share the food and drinks with those who had gathered and preside over recreational activities. The festival, which continues today, is often called “one of Rwanda’s most ancient royal rituals”. In monarchical Rwanda, the King was the central figure during Umuganura celebrations. He would receive the harvests of his people who competed to bring him the finest products. During those times, the festival celebrated the produce of the people and was a way to thank God and honour the King, who was called “Nyir’uburumbuke” (The Issuer of Prosperity). Umuganura, a

foundation of unity & self-reliance plays an important role in promoting solidarity and self-reliance. For Rwandans, Umuganura is the essence of togetherness

Umuganura was also to give thanks to the Queen Mother and ancestors who were considered guardians and protectors of Rwanda. The presentation of crops was followed by sharing food and beer, and entertainment such as music, dance and poetry. The ceremony was also an occasion to lay plans for a more prosperous future. The origin of Umuganura can be traced back to Gihanga Ngomijana, the very first king of Rwanda.

The royal festival continued until 1925 when the colonial resident of Rwanda officially prohibited it because it ‘gave too much power to the King’. The reigning King of that time, and the ultimate Umuganura sovereign, was King Yuhi V Musinga. However, Rwandans didn’t simply let the festival vanish but rather continued it in another form. Instead of presenting their harvests to the King, Rwandans convened in their local villages, often at the home of the most prosperous person, and celebrated their produce in the customary fashion.


They ate food, drank beer and enjoyed music and dance. The loyalty of Rwandans to this traditional thanksgiving ceremony has helped preserve it to the present day. Today, Umuganura is celebrated annually on the first Friday of August, marking the beginning of the harvest season. It is organised by the Ministry of Sports and Culture, which assigns a theme and place of celebration where the national ceremony is held. The rest of the country celebrates Umuganura with their family, friends and neighbours in their own villages (Imidugudu).

PHOTOS GABRIEL DUSABE & ANGE MAGORANE

Despite being inspired by tradition, the modern version of Umuganura has been adapted to 21st century Rwanda. It is no longer a mere harvest holiday for people to rejoice for their crop yields. It has evolved into a symbolic national festival to celebrate the country’s achievement in all sectors of development such as health, education and technology. “In the kingdom era, the main activities for income generation were agriculture and livestock. Now we have more economic activities. Through Umuganura, we celebrate all the great achievements we have registered in different sectors. This is an opportunity for us to think of new ways to attain sustainable development,” says Julienne Uwacu, Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture. Umuganura has also become a beacon of preserving Rwandan culture. It is one of those rare moments of the year when everything goes traditional: fashion, cuisine, music and more. It is an opportunity for young people to embrace the traditions of their ancestors. In addition, among Umuganura’s attendees now are foreign nationals and friends of Rwanda, who are invited to join Rwandans in the gleeful celebrations – either at the national level or in the villages where they live.


This year’s Umuganura was held in Nyagatare District in the Eastern Province. Organised under the theme “Umuganura, a foundation of unity and self-reliance”, the event plays an important role in promoting solidarity and self-reliance. For Rwandans, Umuganura is the essence of togetherness, while at the same time being a pillar of self-reliance resulting from economic performance, family welfare and Agaciro (dignity). Next time you’re in Rwanda at the beginning of August, join in this ancient thanksgiving ceremony, enjoy local cuisine and find out more about what it means to be Rwandan.

What Umuganura means to Rwandans “We are very glad that our district was selected to host Umuganura at the national level as we outperformed others in terms of production. It was delightful to see people from all sectors: health, agriculture, livestock and technology united here and celebrating their achievements.” – John Gasherebuka (53) from Nyagatare. “For me, Umuganura is about celebrating our achievements and making plans for the future.” – Frank Mwesigye (45), farmer.

“Umuganura will support our development since it will help us celebrate the goals we have achieved while promoting the Rwandan spirit of building our nation.” Joy Mugema (35).

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 75


UmuGANURA Umunsi abanyarwanda bishimira umusaruro Buri mwaka mu kwezi kwa Kanama, Abanyarwanda bahurira hamwe mu kwizihiza umunsi mukuru w’Umuganura. Uyu ni umunsi igihugu cyose cyishimira imbuto z’umurimo unoze uba warakozwe mu mwaka wose. Uyu munsi watangiye wizihizwa mu ntangiriro z’igihe cy’isarura, ubu usigaye uhuriza hamwe inzego zose za sosiyete Nyarwanda.

Yanditswe na Bertin Iradukunda

Umuganura ni umunsi umaze igihe kinini cyane wizihizwa n’Abanyarwanda urangwa no kumurika ndetse no gusangira umusaruro w’imyaka mu ntangiriro za buri gihe cy’isarura. Uyu muhango umaze igihe kinini cyane, ukaba waratangiye mu myaka yo hambere, ubwami bw’u Rwanda bugitangira. Mu gihe cya mbere y’ubukoroni, Umuganura warangwaga nuko Abanyarwanda baturutse mu mpande zose z’igihugu bamurikaga umusaruro wabo ku mwami. Umwami nawe yasangiraga nabo ibyo kurya n’ibyo kunywa maze akanataramana nabo. Uyu munsi mukuru ugikomeza magingo aya ufatwa nk’ “umwe mu migenzo ya cyami imaze igihe kinini kurusha iyindi mu Rwanda”. Mu gihe cy’ubwami, umwami yabaga afite umwanya ukomeye cyane mu mihango y’Umuganura. Yakiraga umusaruro w’abaturage be babaga barushanwa mu kuzana imyaka myiza. Muri icyo gihe, Umuganura wari uwo kwishimira umusaruro w’abaturage, ukaba n’uburyo bwo gushimira Imana ndetse no guha ikuzo umwami wafatwaga nka “Nyiruburumbuke”. Umuganura kandi wari uwo gushimira umugabekazi ndetse n’abasokuruza bafatwaga nk’abarinzi b’u Rwanda. Imurika ry’imyaka ryakurikirwaga no gusangira amafunguro n’inzoga, ndetse n’imyidagaduro nk’indirimbo, imbyino, imivugo, ibyivugo, n’ibindi. Uwo muhango kandi warangwaga no gufata ingamba z’iterambere mu gihe kizaza. 76 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Umunsi w’Umuganura ufite inkomoko ku ngoma ya Gihanga Ngomijana, umwami wa mbere w’u Rwanda. Uyu muhango wa cyami wakomeje kugera mu w’1925 ubwo uwari Rezida w’u Rwanda icyo gihe yawuciye ku mugaragaro ngo kubera ko wahaga umwami imbaraga


Avuga ku munsi w’Umuganura, Julienne Uwacu, Minisitiri w’Umuco na Siporo, yagize ati “Mu gihe cy’ingoma ya cyami, umusaruro wavaga mu buhinzi ndetse n’ubworozi. Ubu dufite byinshi byongera ubukungu bw’igihugu. Binyuze mu muganura, twishimira ibyo twagezeho mu nzego zitandukanye. Uyu ni umwanya wacu wo gutekereza ku buryo bushya butuganisha kw’iterambere rirambye”. Umuganura wanahindutse kandi igicumbi cyo gusigasira Umuco Nyarwanda. Ni kimwe mu bihe bike cyane by’umwaka uzasanga ibintu byose byabaye gakondo: imyambarire, imirire, umuziki n’ibindi. Ni igihe cyiza ku rubyiruko cyo kwisanga mu misango y’abasokuruza. Ubu ngubu noneho mu bitabira umuganura harimo n’abatumirwa b’abanyamahanga n’inshuti z’u Rwanda, bose baba baje kwifatanya n’Abanyarwanda muri uwo munezero, haba ku rwego rw’igihugu cyangwa mu midugudu.

z’ikirenga. Umwami wari uri ku ngoma icyo gihe, ari nawe wayoboye Umuganura bwa nyuma, ni Yuhi V Musinga. Icyo gihe ariko ntabwo Abanyarwanda bahise batererana burundu uwo munsi mukuru, ahubwo bawukomeje mu bundi buryo. Aho kumurikira umwami umusaruro wabo, Abanyarwanda bahuriraga mu ngo zabo, akenshi mu rugo rw’umukungu urusha abandi, maze bakishimira umusaruro bagezeho mu buryo busa nk’ubwahozeho. Bararyaga, bakanywa ndetse bakanatarama mu ndirimbo n’imbyino. Ubudahemuka bw’Abanyarwanda kuri uyu munsi w’ibyishimo bwatumye uyu muhango ugumaho kugera magingo aya. Muri iki gihe, Umuganura ni umunsi ngarukamwaka wizihizwa buri wa gatanu wa mbere wa Kanama, mu ntangiriro y’igihe cy’isarura. Utegurwa na Minisiteri y’Umuco na Siporo ari nayo igena insanganyamatsiko ndetse n’aho imihango izabera ku rwego rw’igihugu. Usibye ku rwego rw’igihugu, abaturarwanda bahurira mu midugudu yabo aho bizihiriza umuganura hamwe n’abaturanyi. Nubwo wubakiye kuri gakondo, Umuganura w’iki gihe waravuguruwe mu buryo bujyanye n’icyerekezo Rwanda muri iki kinyejana cya 21. Ntabwo ukiri umunsi mukuru abantu bahuriraho bizihiza umusaruro w’imyaka gusa. Ubu ngubu wahindutse umunsi w’ingenzi cyane ugenewe kwishimira ibyo igihugu cyagezeho mu nzego zose z’iterambere nk’ubuzima, uburezi n’ikoranabuhanga.

Muri uyu mwaka, Umuganura ku rwego rw’igihugu wabereye mu Karere ka Nyagatare mu Ntara y’Uburasirazuba. Insanganyamatsiko iragira iti “Umuganura, Isoko y’Ubumwe n’Ishingiro ryo Kiwigira”. Iyo nsanganyamatsiko irashimangira ko umuhango w’Umuganura ufite uruhare rukomeye mu gushyigikira ubufatanye no kwigira mu Banyarwanda. Abanyarwanda bumva ko Umuganura ari ishingiro ryo gukorera hamwe ndetse n’inkingi yo kwigira biturutse mu iterambere ry’ubukungu, imibereho myiza y’umuryango no kwihesha agaciro. Nimugaruka mu Rwanda mu ntangiriro za Kanama, nyabuna muzasanganire abandi muri uyu muhango w’amashimwe, muryoherwe n’amafunguro ya Kinyarwanda, munamenyereho byinshi ku bijyanye n’icyo kwitwa Umunyarwanda bivuze.

UkoAbanyarwandabumvaUmuganura “Twishimiye kuba akarere kacu ka Nyagatare ariko kakiriye Umuganura ku rwego rw’igihugu kuko aritwe twahize abandi kugira umusaruro ushimishije. Nashimishijwe no kubona abantu b’ingeri zinyuranye duhurira hamwe yaba abakora mu buzima, ubuhinzi, ubworozi, ikoranabuhanga... twese twishimira ibyo twagezeho,” John Gasherebuka (53), Nyagatare. “Kuri njyewe numva ko Umuganura ari ukwishimira umusaruro wagezweho ndetse ukaba n’umunsi wo gufata ingamba y’ibizagerwaho mu gihe kigiye kuza. Ubu hano muri Nyagatare ntitukireba ubutunzi gusa kuko twahutse n’ibishanga tukaba tubihinga umuceri,” Frank Mwesigye (45), Umuhinzi. “Ikigaragara ni uko Umuganura uzadufasha kugera kuri byinshi dufatanyije kuko uzajya utuma twishimira imihigo twahize tukanayesa, tukarangwa n’umutima wo kubaka igihugu cyacu,” Joy Mugema (35)

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 77


78 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


t

Connect to more destinations Accra

Lagos Douala

Dubai

Juba

Entebbe Nairobi Libreville Kamembe Kigali Mombasa Brazzaville Bujumbura Arusha Dar es Salaam Lusaka

Johannesburg

Our Destinations Accra, Bujumbura, Brazzaville, Dar es Salaam, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, Johannesburg, Juba, Kamembe, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Libreville, Lusaka, Mombasa, Nairobi.

www.rwandair.com

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 79


The Real Deal With a fast growing economy and new industries emerging almost daily, Gabon is a great place to invest. Find out what makes this African Emirate worth your time and money. By Arnaud Nkusi


G

abon is an African Emirate with a range of opportunities for any investor seeking to thrive in a quickly emerging economy.To facilitate this, the land of Bongo II has adapted its legislation to match that ambition. Much of this effort is conducted through the “Trust In Future” social project, which relies on an economic set of policies based on three majors pillars.

These pillars are ‘Green Gabon’, ‘Service Provider Gabon’ and ‘Industrial Gabon’.

Green Gabon Gabon derives great economic benefit from its 22 million hectares of forests and exploitable land, as well as a coastline that measures 800km long. The modernisation of agriculture, fishing and aquaculture techniques are the main cornerstones of this aspect of the project. Businesspeople who practice natural resource transformation and exploit special economic zones are being facilitated. In the words of the Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, “The green economy will very soon be a key part of the global economy in this 21st century, and our country has at its disposal all the necessary tools and assets be a major player in the world economy”.

Service Provider Gabon The second pillar of the Trust in Future program is ‘Service Provider Gabon’. Its objectives are to give added value to natural resources and, in doing so, increase national revenue. To achieve this crucial step, oil production needs to be put back on track by optimising the revenues of all oil products and affiliated industries. A better management of the mining industry and its products, including the setting up of clean metal treatment methods and facilities and a strong industrial support system is to be encouraged.

Industrial Gabon Industrial Gabon has set 2025 as the golden year for sectors like tourism, higher education, digital and numerical services, green sector services, financial services, health and real estate. Serious and measurable projections place these different areas as the major drivers to boost the country’s economy. The current social economic reality of the country reveals a certain level of inequality and a low level of school attendance and education. This creates a situation where many people are living on the outskirts of the economy, which can become a social time bomb over the long term if left on its own. Fortunately, Gabon as a nation is well aware of the problem. ‘‘It can no longer be tolerated to witness so much unemployment, such low income and low level informal jobs, poverty, inequity, outcasts, homeless or poorly housed, absent or very poor education and level of

Gageons le Gabon Par Arnaud Nkusi

Cet Emirat africain qu’est le Gabon, est une mine d’opportunités à découvrir pour tout investisseur intéressé par un pays émergent. Pour ce faire, le pays de Bongo le fils, a soumis sa législation à cette ambition. Son projet de société ‘‘L’avenir en confiance’’ repose sur une politique économique que sous-tendent trois piliers : - Le « Gabon vert », met à profit les vingt deux millions d’hectares de forêt, de terres agricoles et le littoral maritime du Gabon qui s’étend sur huit cent kilomètres. La modernisation de l’agriculture, de la pêche et de l’aquaculture, le travail local du bois sont les principaux axes de ce projet. Des facilités sont proposées à celles et ceux des femmes et hommes d’affaires qui se lancent dans la transformation des ressources naturelles et qui occupent les zones économiques spéciales. ‘‘L’Economie verte s’annonce comme un vecteur de l’économie mondiale du XXIème siècle et notre pays dispose des atouts pour y devenir un grand acteur,’’ affirme le président gabonais. - Le « Gabon des services », deuxième pilier, veut valoriser davantage les richesses du sous-sol. L’économie nationale devrait y gagner plus en revenus. Mais pour y parvenir, il faudrait mener à bon port les barques de la relance de la production pétrolière, en optimisant les revenus des hydrocarbures et des industries connexes, faire fructifier davantage le potentiel minier et mettre à pied d’œuvre une filière de métallurgie propre. Ajouter à cela le développement d’industrie de soutien qu’il faut encourager.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 81


education, no or very poor professional training and no or very poor medical coverage,” said President Ali Bongo Ondimba. According to the African Development Bank, one third of the Gabonese population live under the poverty line. The existence of a successful middle class and a vibrant expatriate community should spark the interest of investors and exporters. In addition, almost everything is imported in Gabon, which could easily bring more business opportunities in many sectors. The revenues generated by national efforts should of course be fairly redistributed to the sons and daughters of the emerging Gabon. The government plans on sharing this wealth by giving priority to the best quality medical services and coverage and by making water and infrastructure accessible to all. The next priorities are decent housing, employment promotion, and the fight against any kind of segregation and exclusion. This last part can only be the successful result of the four previous objectives. Gabon is the Promised Land for your talents and business visions to thrive. All sectors do indeed need ideas, but also audacity. Opening up a nation to the rest of the world reveals many challenges, yes, but these very challenges can and will be dealt with thanks to a well developed action plan for guaranteed success. RwandAir can take you there, for a first look, or even better to guide you through your favourite domain of expertise. To make it happen, all you need is a valid passport, mandatory to enter Gabon, stamped with a valid visa that costs around 45,000 CFA or US $75. The visa can be obtained upon arrival, but it is advised to obtain it before departure. The Gabon of today is the real deal.

- Le « Gabon industriel » se donne jusqu’à 2025 pour avoir prouvé de quoi il est capable dans les domaines aussi bien du tourisme, de la formation technique supérieure, des services numériques, des nouveaux services de l’économie verte, que des services financiers, de la santé et de l’immobilier. L’Economie gabonaise selon des prévisions précises devrait pouvoir compter sur les services comme faisant partis des atouts qui la boosteraient. La réalité actuelle de ce pays veut qu’il y ait beaucoup d’inégalités, d’analphabètes et donc d’exclus. Cette frange considérable de la population devient vite une bombe à retardement lorsqu’elle est vouée à son sort, sans la moindre perspective de l’en sortir. Le Gabon en a conscience et déclare par la voix de son chef d’Etat : ‘‘Il n’est plus tolérable qu’il y ait autant d’emplois précaires, de chômeurs, de pauvres, d’inégalités, d’exclus, de non ou mal logés, de non ou mal enseignés, de non ou mal formés, de non ou mal soignés.’’ D’après la Banque africaine de développement, si un tiers de la population gabonaise vit sous le seuil de pauvreté, ce sont environ 38 % des citoyens qui appartiennent à la classe moyenne. L’existence d’une classe moyenne, parfois aisée, et de nombreux expatriés doit attirer l’attention des investisseurs et des exportateurs. Au Gabon, presque tout est importé. Cela justifie les opportunités d’affaires dans la plupart des secteurs. Les revenus générés par l’effort national, devraient logiquement être équitablement redistribués aux filles et fils du Gabon émergent. L’Etat prévoit le partage des fruits de la croissance en donnant la priorité aux soins de santé de la meilleure qualité possible à tous les siens, puis à l’accessibilité pour tous à l’eau et aux services d’assainissement, ensuite au logement décent, à la promotion de l’emploi et enfin en éradiquant l’exclusion. Ce dernier point devrait être la conséquence de la réalisation des quatre premiers objectifs. Madame, monsieur l’investisseur, le Gabon est donc un terrain propice à l’exploitation de vos talents de visionnaire du domaine des affaires. Tous les secteurs de la vie ont besoin d’idées certes, mais d’audace ensuite. Sortir le pays de son enclavement passe par plusieurs défis certes, mais tout à fait à portée d’un plan d’action bien étudié et dont la rentabilité devrait suivre. RwandAir se propose de vous y emmener pour une première prise de contact, ou mieux pour vous lancer dans votre domaine de prédilection. Pour ce faire, munissezvous d’un passeport en cours de validité, obligatoire pour l’entrée au Gabon, ainsi que d’un visa (coût : 45 000 FCFA / US $75). La délivrance d’un visa sur place à l’arrivée reste possible même si une option d’achat au départ reste la plus sure. Le Gabon est aujourd’hui une vraie gageure.

82 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Working Out, We Admit, Can Be Boring. Working Out, We Admit, Can Boring. Working WorkingOut, Out,We WeAdmit, Admit,Can CanBeBe BeBoring. 66 Ways to Make Working Out More Exciting. Make Working More Exciting. 6 Ways 6Ways WaystototoMake MakeWorking WorkingOutOut OutMore MoreExciting. Exciting. Whether you are a seasoned gym member with years of experience or a first-time gym user embarking on a weight-loss journey, working out can sometimes be frustratingly boring. In order to overcome feelings of boredom, which may impact motivation and Whether are a seasoned gym member of of experience a afirst-time gym user on journey, commitment to health and fitness goals, it with is years important to find ways to make your workout Below are 6 Whether Whether youyou areyou a your seasoned are a seasoned gym member gym member withwith years ofyears experience experience ordifferent a or first-time or first-time gym user gymembarking userembarking embarking on amore weight-loss onaexciting. aweight-loss weight-loss journey, journey, working can sometimes be frustratingly boring. In In order to to overcome feelings of may impact motivation and different methods to sometimes energize and improve your workout experience. You should free to try outwhich 1may or all of the suggested methods working working outout canout sometimes can be frustratingly be frustratingly boring. boring. In order to order overcome overcome feelings feelings offeel boredom, ofboredom, boredom, which which impact may impact motivation motivation and and commitment to your health fitness goals, it isit important to to find different totomake your to figure out which ones mayand work best for you. commitment commitment to your to health your and health fitness and fitness goals, itgoals, is important is important to find different find different ways ways toways make your make workout yourworkout workout more more exciting. moreexciting. exciting. BelowBelow are Below 6 are are 66 different methods to energize improve workout experience. You should feel free 11of ororthe allallof methods different different methods methods to energize to energize and and improve and improve youryour workout your workout experience. experience. You should You should feel free feel to free try to out totrytry 1 out orout all suggested ofthe thesuggested suggested methods methods to figure out which ones may work best forfor you. Try a to figure toBootcamp out figure which out ones which may ones work may best work forbest you. you. One of the causes of workout boredom may be due to the familiarity of your routine. If you have been doing the same routine for 3 or a Bootcamp TryTry a Bootcamp Try a Bootcamp more months, it is definitely time to switch it up. Beyond increasing your motivation to workout, varying up your routine also will help One of the causes of workout bebe due tofamiliarity thethe familiarity of of your routine. have the same you avoid delay reaching a boredom plateau inmay workout One of One the causes ofor the causes of workout of workout boredom boredom may bemay due toperformance. due the to familiarity of your routine. your routine. If youIfhave Ifyou youbeen havebeen doing beendoing the doing same theroutine sameroutine routine for 3 orfor for33or or more months, isitdefinitely time to switch Beyond increasing your motivation totoworkout, varying up your routine also will more months, more months, it is it definitely is definitely time totime switch to up.it up. Beyond it up. increasing increasing motivation your motivation toworkout workout, workout, varying varying up your up routine your routine alsoinwill also help willhelp help High-intensity bootcamp classes are a itswitch great way ofBeyond ensuring a your fun and exciting while incorporating variety your workout you avoid or delay reaching aclass plateau in workout performance. youroutine. avoid you or avoid delay orreaching delay reaching a plateau a plateau in workout in workout performance. The WAKA Warrior which launched inperformance. June is a one-month high-intensity bootcamp class led by WAKA Fitness owner High-intensity bootcamp classes a agreat way of of ensuring aand fun and exciting workout ininworkout your High-intensity High-intensity bootcamp bootcamp classes classes areropes, aare great are arowing way great of machine, way ensuring ensuring a funkettle a fun exciting and workout workout while incorporating whileincorporating incorporating variety in your yourworkout workout Dennis Dybdal which uses tires, and bells toexciting challenge eachwhile participant to variety work variety faster and harder. Each routine. WAKA Warrior which launched in June isother ais one-month bootcamp class by routine. routine. TheThe WAKA The WAKA Warrior Warrior class which class launched which launched in June inisJune a one-month a one-month high-intensity high-intensity bootcamp bootcamp classlimits. led class byled led WAKA byWAKA WAKA FitnessFitness Fitness ownerowner owner participant chooses their ownclass “warrior” name and supports warriors inhigh-intensity pushing beyond their Dennis Dybdal which uses tires, ropes, a rowing machine, and kettle bells toto challenge each totofaster work and Dennis Dennis Dybdal Dybdal which uses which tires, uses ropes, tires, aropes, rowing a rowing machine, machine, and kettle and bells kettle tobells challenge challenge each participant eachparticipant participant to work workfaster and faster harder. andharder. harder. Each Each Each participant participant chooses chooses theirtheir own their “warrior” own “warrior” name and name supports and supports otherother warriors other warriors in pushing pushing beyond beyond their limits. theirlimits. limits. participant chooses own “warrior” name and supports warriors in in pushing beyond their Try a Supplement If you have tried out varying your routine, why not also try varying your health habits outside of the gym with fitness supplements. There Tryare a Supplement Try a Supplement Try a a Supplement wide range of products that can help diversify your diet, like protein powder or protein bars which can supplement or replace If you have If you have out tried varying out varying youryour routine, your routine, why why not why also not tryalso varying try varying your health your habits health outside habits outside of theof gym of the with gym fitness withfitness supplements. fitness supplements. There There There If you have tried out varying routine, not also tryAny varying your health habits outside the gym with supplements. meals ortried snacks, or improve performance, like creatine. of these nutritional supplements may be found at the WAKA Fitness Shop, areand a wide are wide of range products of products thatthat canthat help can diversify help youryour diet, your like diet, protein like protein powder powder orwhich protein protein bars which barsmay can which supplement cansupplement supplement or replace orreplace replace are ait wide range of products can help diversify diet, like protein powder ororprotein bars which can or isarange always recommended to consult with adiversify fitness professional to determine supplement be right for you. meals or meals snacks, or snacks, or improve or improve performance, performance, like creatine. creatine. Any of Any these nutritional these nutritional supplements supplements may be may found befound at found the at WAKA atthe theWAKA WAKA FitnessFitness Fitness Shop, Shop, Shop, meals or snacks, or improve performance, likelike creatine. Any of of these nutritional supplements may be andand it isand is always recommended recommended to consult to consult withwith a fitness with a professional fitness professional to determine determine whichwhich supplement which supplement may be may right be for right you. foryou. you. italways is italways recommended to consult a fitness professional to to determine supplement may be right for Have a Competition Goal setting can be a very effective tool for guaranteeing health and fitness results. So why not make your goals a bit more exciting by Have aHave Competition a Competition Have a Competition challenging a friend or colleague on who can achieve their goals by a set deadline? Goal setting Goal setting can be abe very effective a very tool tool forspreadsheet tool guaranteeing guaranteeing health and health fitness and results. fitness results. So why not why make notmake your make goals your agoals bit more bit exciting moremetrics exciting by like by Goal setting abevery effective forfor guaranteeing health and fitness results. SoSo why not your aabit more exciting by All you needcan is acan goal plus a effective Google which you can both fill in your results each week. Wegoals suggest using challenging challenging a friend aor friend colleague or colleague on hips, who can who achieve can achieve their goals their goals set a set deadline? challenging a friend or the colleague on on who can achieve goals byby adeadline? set deadline? measurements around waist, arms, thighs andtheir bust orby a abody mass scale (available at WAKA) to determine body fat and muscle, All All youyou All need you isneed aisgoal aplus goal a Google plus a Google spreadsheet spreadsheet which you which can you both can fillboth infill your fill in results yourresults results each each week. eachweek. week. We suggest Wesuggest suggest using using metrics usingmetrics metrics like like like need ais goal plus a Google spreadsheet you can both inphysical your We instead of using strictly weight loss which may notwhich be reflective of actual transformation. We also recommend that each measurements measurements around around the waist, the hips, waist, arms, hips, thighs arms, and thighs bust and or bust a body or a mass body scale mass (available scale (available at WAKA) at WAKA) to determine to determine body fat body and fat muscle, and muscle, measurements theand waist, hips, arms, thighs bust or of a body mass scale (available at WAKA)intervals to determine body fatofand competitor takearound pictures measurements at theand beginning the competition and in one-month until the end themuscle, instead instead of using of strictly using strictly weight weight loss loss which loss may which not may be reflective reflective of actual physical actualphysical physical transformation. transformation. We also We recommend alsorecommend recommend that each that each each instead of using strictly weight which may notnot bebe reflective of of actual transformation. We also that competition. competitor competitor take pictures take pictures and measurements and measurements at the beginning at the beginning of the competition of the competition and in one-month and in one-month intervals intervals until the until end the of end the of the competitor take pictures and measurements at the beginning of the competition and in one-month intervals until the end of the competition. competition. competition. Use a Personal Trainer can’t find a friend to breathe new life into your workout routine consider hiring a professional. Experienced and knowledgeable UseIfayou Personal Use a Personal Trainer Trainer Use a Personal Trainer personal trainers area to afriend great for those looking eliminate boredom in their workouts because they and can knowledgeable introduce you to new If you can’t If youfind can’t a friend find breathe toresource breathe new life new into life your into workout your to workout routine routine consider consider hiring ahiring professional. a professional. Experienced Experienced and knowledgeable If you can’t find a friend to breathe neworlife into your workout routine consider hiring atrainers professional. Experienced and knowledgeable exercises and routines to fit your health fitness goals. At WAKA Fitness our personal vary their client’s routines on an on-going personal personal trainerstrainers are a great are aresource great resource for those forlooking those looking to eliminate to eliminate boredom boredom in theirin workouts their workouts because because they can they introduce can introduce you to new you to new personal trainers arecontinue a great resource for those looking to changing eliminate the boredom inoftheir because they can isintroduce you to new basis to ensure they to stay challenged. nature yourworkouts routine, avary personal trainer own exercises exercises and routines and routines to fit your to fit health your or health fitness or goals. fitnessBesides At goals. WAKA At Fitness WAKA Fitness our personal our personal trainers trainers vary their client’s their client’s routines routines onyour an on-going on anindividual on-going exercises and routines to fit your health or fitness goals. At WAKA Fitness our personal trainers vary their client’s routines on an on-going workout companion whocontinue can motivate or listen toBesides the details of nature your day, bothof ofyour which make workouts seem less tedious. basis tobasis ensure to ensure they continue they to stay to challenged. stayyou challenged. Besides changing changing the the of nature your routine, routine, a can personal a personal trainer trainer is your is own your individual own individual basis to ensure they continue to stay challenged. Besides changing the nature of your routine, a personal trainer is your own individual workoutworkout companion companion who can who motivate can motivate you or listen you ortolisten the details to the details of yourof day, your both day, ofboth which ofcan which make canworkouts make workouts seem less seem tedious. less tedious. workout companion who can motivate you or listen to the details of your day, both of which can make workouts seem less tedious. Give Yourself a Reward Creating your ownareward system for consistently working out or achieving your goals is another way of changing your attitude towards Give Yourself Give Yourself a Reward Reward Give Yourself aBy Reward yourCreating workout. allowing yourself afor glass ofworking wine, or a special will beginis looking your workout as a means totowards a very Creating your own your reward own reward system system for consistently consistently working out or achieving out purchase, or achieving your you goals your isgoals another another way of at way changing of changing your attitude your attitude towards Creating your reward system for consistently working or achieving your goals isthe another of changing your towards satisfying result. We suggest ayourself relaxing at theornew WAKA Spa ayou treat end ofway your workout. helps to your workout. your workout. By own allowing By allowing yourself a glass aofmassage glass wine,oforwine, a special aout special purchase, purchase, youas will begin willfor looking begin looking at your at workout your workout as a Massage means as aattitude means to also a very to a very yoursatisfying workout. By suggest allowing amassage glass of wine, or athe special purchase, you will begin looking atyour yourworkout. workout asalso a means a very reduce stress result. levels and of injury somassage itsat a the treatnew actually good for satisfying result. We We chances suggest a yourself relaxing a relaxing atthat’s WAKA new WAKA Spa as Spa a treat asyou. afor treat the for endthe of end yourof workout. Massage Massage helps alsoto tohelps to satisfying Wechances suggest relaxing massage theactually new WAKA as for a treat reduce reduce stress result. levels stressand levels and chances ofa injury ofso injury its a so treat its that’s aattreat that’s actually good Spa for good you. you. for the end of your workout. Massage also helps to reduce stress levels and chances of injury so its a treat that’s actually good for you. Take a Break Take a Take Break a Break Our final recommendation is a simple one: take a break! Workout boredom may be a symptom of overworking yourself at the gym or lack arecommendation Break offinal motivation. Sometimes weektake of distance be Workout just whatboredom you need make your workout seem new and exciting again. Once OurTake Our final recommendation is a some simple is aaone: simple one: a break! take a may break! Workout boredom may bemay atosymptom be a symptom of overworking of overworking yourself yourself at the gym at the or gym lack or lack Our final recommendation is aaagain, simple one: a of break! Workout boredom may ayou symptom of overworking yourself at the Once gym and orOnce lack you of feel ready to hit thesome gym try out take some themay other tipsbe so restart your workout with something new fun. of motivation. motivation. Sometimes Sometimes some week aof week distance of distance may be just what be recommended just you what need youtoneed make to your make workout your workout seem new seem and new exciting and exciting again. again. motivation. Sometimes some a week ofout distance may be just what youtips need make your workout andsomething exciting again. Once youoffeel you ready feeltoready hit the to gym hit the again, gymtry again, out some try ofsome the other of the recommended other recommended so to you tips restart so you your restart workout yourseem workout withnew something with new and new fun.and fun. you feel ready to hit the gym again, try out some of the other recommended tips so you restart your workout with something new and fun. We hope these tips will make your next workout an exciting and fulfilling one. For those looking for more in-depth guidance regarding Weworkout hope Wethese hope tips these willwe tips make willyour make next your workout next an exciting an exciting and fulfilling fulfilling one. For one. those Forby looking those forour more forin-depth more in-depth guidance regarding regarding boredom suggest stopping byworkout WAKA Fitness for aand fitness consultation one looking of experienced fitnessguidance professionals. We workout hope these tipssuggest will make yourstopping next workout an exciting and one. by Forone those looking forexperienced morefitness in-depth guidance regarding workout boredom boredom we we suggest stopping by WAKA by WAKA Fitness Fitness for a fitness for afulfilling consultation fitness consultation by of our one experienced of our professionals. fitness professionals. workout boredom we suggest stopping by WAKA Fitness for a fitness consultation by one of our experienced fitness professionals.


Flying in for Fashion Rwanda is quickly building a name for itself in high quality, on point fashion. From ties and scarves to gowns and tailored suits, the country’s talented designers are taking the world by storm. Inzozi sat down with Kwame Bekoe, a fashionista who was inspired to travel to Rwanda to get his fashion fix.

84 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 85


86 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


tailor-made suit, which would reflect my African origins, using traditional fabric, but which could work well in a corporate and informal setting.

How was the experience at the store? The experience at House of Tayo was fantastic. I could communicate my desires, and have someone listen and create a design that fitted my needs, giving me full confidence. Living in France, a country that is full of creativity and ideas in fashion, it’s quite difficult and can be very expensive to have a bespoke suit designed and produced. Even though there are a multitude of stores and designers who offer their own look, I could never find a suit that completely satisfied me.

Have you had any comments on your new clothes from friends and colleagues? I regularly receive comments from friends and colleagues on where I got this suit from, and it always brings a sense of shock and surprise when I say from Kigali, Rwanda.

What inspired you to travel to Rwanda? As an international businessman, I like to explore the different countries that I have the opportunity to visit and do business in. I find it very important to understand the background and cultures of the people I will be engaging in business with, hence my desire to explore Rwanda and discover the wonderful traits the country has to offer. Within sub-Saharan Africa, Rwanda has always at the top of my list of destinations to travel to because of its warm hospitable people, beautiful landscape and clean environment.

Would you recommend others to visit Rwanda to experience its growing fashion industry? I would strongly recommend others to visit Rwanda, and I believe there will be a strong fashion industry here in the future. With growing popularity of events such as the Kigali Fashion Week, which took place in July 2015, I can see the launch and birth of a new generation of Rwandans who are hungry and ready to compete on the international scene. They will certainly have my backing!

How did you find out about Rwanda’s fashion scene and House of Tayo? I found out about Rwanda’s fashion scene through personal research and speaking to different people about what the country has to offer. As a rapidly growing economy with a strong middle-class, I saw that there was a growing fashion market and desire for quality and excellence, so I researched the different players in the industry to see the different type of work they offered. I came across Matthew Rugamba from the ‘House of Tayo’ in Gacuriro, Kigali. I felt he offered unique and bespoke designs and I was immediately impressed by his attention to detail and ambition.

What shopping did you do while in Kigali? During my first visits to House of Tayo, I was presented with images and samples of what Matthew Rugamba had done. Together we put together a design of a custom-

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 87


les différents types de travail offert. Je suis tombé sur Matthew Rugamba de «House of Tayo» dans Gacuriro, Kigali. Il offrait des designs uniques et sur mesure et j’ai été immédiatement impressionné par son souci du détail et de l’ambition.

Quel genre de shopping avez-vous fait à Kigali? Au cours de mes premières visites chez House of Tayo, on m’a présenté des images et des échantillons de ce que Matthew Rugamba avait fait. Ensemble, nous avons réuni une conception de costume sur mesure, qui refléterait mes origines africaines, en utilisant le tissu traditionnel, mais qui pourrait bien fonctionner dans un environnement d’entreprise et informel.

Comment était l’expérience au magasin?

Un envol vers la mode Le Rwanda se construit rapidement une réputation en termes de qualité, dans le domaine de la mode. De cravates et écharpes à robes et costumes sur mesure, les stylistes talentueux du pays envahissent le monde. Inzozi s’est entretenue avec Kwame Bekoe, une fashionista venue au Rwanda pour obtenir sa dose de mode. Qu’est-ce qui vous a inspiré chez vous un voyage au Rwanda? Comme tout homme d’affaires international, je tiens à explorer les différents pays que j’ai l’occasion de visiter et y faire des affaires. Je

88 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

trouve qu’il est très important de comprendre le contexte et les cultures des gens avec qui je fais affaires, d’où mon désir d’explorer le Rwanda et découvrir les merveilles que ce pays a à offrir. Dans l’Afrique subsaharienne, le Rwanda a toujours été au sommet de ma liste de destinations à cause de son peuple chaleureux et hospitalier, du beau paysage et son environnement propre.

Comment avez-vous entendu parler de la mode au Rwanda et de House of Tayo? J’ai pris connaissance de la mode au Rwanda par recherche personnelle et diverses conversations avec des personnes différentes sur ce que le pays a à offrir. Avec sonu économie en croissance rapide avec sa forte classe moyenne, je voyais qu’il y avait un marché croissant de la mode et le désir de qualité et d’excellence, donc je j’ai étudié les différents acteurs de l’industrie pour voir

L’expérience à House of Tayo était fantastique. Je pouvais communiquer mes désirs, avoir quelqu’un à l’écoute et créer un design qui répondait à mes besoins, tout ça me donnait pleine confiance. Vivre en France, dans un pays qui est plein de créativité et d’idées à la mode, il est assez difficile et peut être très coûteux d’avoir un costume sur mesure conçu et produit. Même s’il existe une multitude de magasins et de stylistes qui offrent leur propre look, je ne pourrais jamais trouver un costume qui me convainc complètement.

Avez-vous eu des commentaires sur vos nouveaux vêtements de vos amis et collègues? Je reçois régulièrement des commentaires de ces amis et collègues sur l’endroit d’où vient ce costume, et il suscite toujours un sentiment de choc et de surprise quand je dis, de Kigali, au Rwanda.

Recommanderiez-vous d’autres à se rendre au Rwanda à l’expérience de son industrie de mode croissante? Je recommande fortement les autres à se rendre au Rwanda, et je crois qu’il y aura une forte industrie de la mode au Rwanda dans le futur. Avec la popularité des événements tels que la Semaine de la mode de Kigali, qui a eu lieu en Juillet 2015, je peux voir le lancement et la naissance d’une nouvelle génération de Rwandais qui sont prêts à rivaliser la scène internationale. Ils auront certainement mon soutien!


Tel: +250 7888 12003 | +250 783 259916 | +250 782 205570


90 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Rwanda: Histoire(S), Contes Et Valeurs Par Faustin Kagame

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE | 91 PHOTOGR APHY | GABRIEL DUSABE


Le Rwanda est un vieux pays d’histoire(s). Une histoire qui plonge ses racines dans un passé millénaire, objet d’études et de recherches diligentées par des érudits. Cette histoire académique est accompagnée d’histoires, de contes et de récits divers qui, pour être apocryphes et de tradition populaire, n’en disent pas moins sur le long vécu d’une nation dont l’univers spirituel originel est passé en hibernation au contact de la modernité. Il n’en reste que des bribes. Il faut les raviver, réapprendre, faire acte de sauvetage.

92 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

L

a transcription de ces contes et leur adaptation en langue française et anglaise contribuent à la perpétuation d’un patrimoine africain, un patrimoine de l’humanité. Il s’agit aussi d’une introduction inédite à la découverte d’un pays plus connu à l’étranger pour les malheurs qu’il a subi que pour ce qu’il est vraiment. Selon la tradition, les contes passent mieux le soir dans les veillées. Ils servent de prélude au sommeil. Les thèmes sont universels : des histoires de princesses et de rois mais aussi de personnes ordinaires touchées par la grâce du destin, des histoires d’amour ou de trahison, des leçons amèrement apprises, des prodiges hallucinants, des miracles devenus ordinaires, des crève-cœur, des retournements du sort, bref, tout ce qui donne des ailes à l’imagination avant la traversée de la nuit…

NTA BYERA NGO DE !

Rien n’est blanc sans tache (Point de clarté sans nuages) Ce dicton se dit quand la contrariété survient au milieu d’un grand bonheur, empêchant celui-ci d’être complet, laissant un goût d’inachevé à la bouche. Le dicton nous vient du roi Cyilima Rujugira fils de Yuhi II Mazimhaka (vers l’an 1700), regrettant la mort de Kalira, son épouse adorée. Kalira était une femme très belle, probablement la plus belle de son époque. Elle était pauvre de naissance. A la puberté, elle fut fiancée à un jeune homme de son rang. Le mariage fut célébré.


Le nouveau mari était orphelin de mère et son père mourut peu après la noce. Le couple s’établit comme il pouvait, avec le jeune frère du mari comme compagnon de misère. Kalira était adulée de son homme, comblée d’amour. Un beau jour, celui-ci dit à son jeune frère : « j’aimerais te chercher une épouse avant qu’une maladie quelconque ne décime nos vaches, sans plus rien pour te payer la dot, alors que c’est moi ton père et ta mère ». Ce ne fut pas l’avis du jeune frère : « Nous possédons si peu de vaches, et nous avons une femme trop belle, indigne de notre dénuement. Si tu me trouves femme, il faudra partager notre maigre troupeau. Le lait que Kalira pouvait boire seule, elle aura à le partager avec ma future épouse. Elle flétrira, maigrira, son teint se couvrira de cendres. Nous deviendrons la risée de tout le monde, les gens diront que tu as épousé une femme que nous n’étions pas capables d’entretenir. Ils pourraient même nous la prendre en prétextant notre incapacité à lui assurer une vie décente». Et d’ajouter : « Vivons tout simples avec Kalira. Offrons-lui tout le lait que nous pouvons traire. Et si par bonheur le troupeau vient à grossir, tu me trouveras une épouse ». Ainsi futil convenu entre les frères. Les nuits firent place aux jours jusqu’à ce que le destin s’en mêle, et qu’il plût au Prince Rujugira de partir en expédition de chasse dans le pays où Kalira avait trouvé mari. Près de l’enclos où elle habitait, le Prince décida de se reposer à l’ombre d’un bois d’acacias, non loin de la cour d’entrée. Accompagné de son frère, le mari de Kalira avait alors amené les vaches bien loin en transhumance. Rujugira avait faim et soif. Son valet n’avait plus de ration en réserve. En guise de coupe-faim, de diversion à la fatigue, il bourra sa pipe et ordonna à son valet d’aller lui trouver du feu dans les parages. A l’entrée de l’enclos où vivaient Kalira, son homme et son beaufrère, le valet vit de jeunes veaux s’ébattre en sautillant dans la cour, ayant renversé les barricades qui les maintenaient dans l’étable. La jeune femme qui tentait de les ramener à l’ordre était débordée. Chaque fois qu’elle réussissait à ramener une bête dans l’étable, deux ou trois autres se faufilaient dans l’ouverture et s’égayaient dans la cour au grand air. Le valet observa amusé ce manège, avant de se porter à son aide. Non sans efforts, les deux réussirent à calmer tout ce petit monde. Ils disposèrent du fourrage dans les mangeoires et purent enfin s’asseoir. Kalira demanda au voyageur d’où il venait, l’autre répondit qu’il était le valet du Prince Rujugira, qui l’envoyait chercher du feu pour sa pipe. - « Avant de repartir, laissez-moi vous remercier de votre aide ». L’homme entra à sa suite. Kalira lui tendit le lait dans une jarre. Désaltéré, il revint vers son maître qui, l’apercevant, lui demanda ce qui l’avait retardé. Ce qui m’a retardé ô mon prince, vous l’auriez ramené avec vous si vous étiez parti à ma place …

Qu’as-tu donc vu de si spécial ?

Le valet rapporta au prince comment, dans la maison voisine, il avait trouvé une jeune femme d’une beauté et d’une gentillesse sans pareilles. Il la décrivit avec chaleur, n’oubliant aucun détail. Le récit fit tant d’effet sur le prince qu’il en oublia la faim et la fatigue. Il renvoya le valet auprès de Kalira, avec mission de solliciter un moment d’hospitalité, une pause à l’ombre du soleil. « Retournez lui dire que je serais ravie de l’accueillir », répondit la jeune femme. Et Rujugira de se lever. Kalira lui souhaita la bienvenue. Ils se saluèrent. Le prince revint derrière le portail d’entrée, où étaient disposés des sièges. Kalira se retira à l’intérieur, à l’abri dans la

pénombre. Ils se parlèrent ainsi sans se voir. Le prince mourait d’envie de la regarder à l’aise, Kalira se demandait quoi faire. A n’importe qui d’autre, elle aurait offert son lait. Mais à un fils de Roi ?… Autant Rujugira souhaitait la voir, autant Kalira hésitait sur ce qu’il convenait de faire. Les choses continuèrent ainsi, chacun s’interrogeant de son côté, cherchant le moyen d’arriver à ses fins. Pour finir, Rujugira se décida : - « J’aimerais vous dire au revoir et vous remercier. Votre compagnie et votre accueil sont si reposants. Je vous enverrai un cadeau. Mais pour cela, vous devrez vous montrer à moi. Je dois vous reconnaître. Vous me direz votre nom et celui de votre mari. Mon messager doit savoir ces détails ». Kalira répondit : - « Je vous accorde ce que vous voulez, mais à mon tour, j’ai une demande à vous faire ». Rujugira donna son accord. Kalira se drapa de son meilleur habit et franchit le portail, rejoignant le Prince à l’entrée. Celui-ci se leva et à nouveau, comme s’ils ne l’avaient pas fait auparavant, ils se saluèrent. Rujugira la retint. Chaque fois que Kalira voulait se dérober à son étreinte pour retrouver la pénombre de son logis, le prince raffermissait la prise. « Restez ici pour que nous causions face à face et si vous retournez dans l’intimité de votre case, il va falloir que nous y allions ensemble »…Ne sachant que dire, Kalira finit par accepter de s’asseoir aux côtés de l’homme qui eut tout loisir de la voir, de la regarder à l’aise. De sa vie entière, ses yeux ne s’étaient pas posés sur quelqu’un d’aussi agréable à voir. Mieux encore, jamais son cœur n’avait ressenti autant d’amour. Un vrai coup de foudre. De son côté, Kalira devinait le sentiment qu’elle venait de susciter dans le cœur du Prince. Elle lui dit : - « Voici que j’ai fait ce que vous m’avez ordonné. A mon tour, j’aimerais vous offrir le lait de mes vaches, je ne possède rien d’autre. S’il n’est pas à votre goût, ne vous forcez surtout pas ». Rujugira accepta. Kalira revint à l’intérieur de la case. Elle versa du lait dans la jarre, qu’elle présenta au prince. Pour la rassurer et la mettre à l’aise, il lui dit : « buvons au même pot, tu es mon égale». Kalira accepta. Ils se passèrent le pot de lait à tour de rôles. Rujugira revint alors dans la cour. Il fit appeler trois serviteurs et les envoya auprès de trois chefs du voisinage, pour qu’ils envoient une chaise à porteurs.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 93


L’homme refusa. Décidant de porter plainte, il prit le chemin de la Cour le lendemain à l’aube. Près le Ciel de Kamonyi en ces temps, siégeait le Roi Mazimhaka, père du prince ravisseur. Rujugira enleva ainsi Kalira. Arrivé chez lui, il fit venir tous les enfants du Roi, ses frères et soeurs. Ils fit venir ses amis, pour célébrer la noce, avec offrandes et libations. Hommes, femmes, enfants, personne ne manqua à l’appel. Quand l’assemblée fut complète, Rujugira dit à tous: « En ce jour béni, je me suis trouvé une fiancée très chère à mon cœur. C’est pour cela que je vous ai rassemblés, afin que vous me serviez de témoins et que nous nous réjouissions ensemble ». La veillée fut magnifique. Les filles et les femmes entourèrent Kalira, les jeunes gens et les hommes se rassemblèrent dans le séjour principal, en compagnie de Rujugira jusqu’au point du jour. On procéda à la cérémonie de « dévoilage » en l’honneur de la nouvelle épouse. Au terme de tous les rites, tout le monde se retira chez soi. Rujugira resta seul avec sa conquête. La noce prit fin de cette manière. Quelques jours après, un messager vint dire à Rujugira de se présenter à la Cour du Roi, son père. Il était convoqué. Rujugira s’y rendit aussitôt. Il fut accueilli par un flot de reproches : comment osait-il se comporter de la sorte, abuser à ce point de son statut de prince, arracher une femme à son mari légitime. Et Rujugira de rétroquer : « C’est donc pour ça que Votre Honneur me convoque ? ». « Pour ça et rien d’autre. Rendez à ce Munyarwanda sa femme. Le prince supplia son père: « plutôt que de me priver de cette femme, offrez donc à cet homme la fiancée que vous m’avez choisie mais de grâce, laissez-moi l’épouse que les dieux ont désigné à mon coeur. J’ajoute qu’à mon rival, j’ai proposé seize vaches ». Le Roi s’adressa au mari de Kalira, inconsolable : « pourrais-tu accepter un compromis? Tu te choisirais une épouse parmi les filles ici présentes à ma Cour ou ailleurs si tu en connais. Je te la marierais en te dotant de troupeaux et de domaines. Ainsi tu serais indemnisé pour la femme que Rujugira t’as prise ». L’homme refusa tout net : «Sire, gardez toutes ces merveilles, mais rendezmoi ma femme ». Le Roi Mazimhaka commença à s’interroger : « à quoi pouvait donc ressembler cette femme qu’on se disputait avec tant de passion » ? Il ordonna qu’on la fasse venir. Rujugira la fit habiller de neuf, la rendit plus belle encore et la fit conduire à la Cour. Dès que le Roi la vit, son opinion fut faite : jamais il n’avait vu rien de tel. Au plaignant et à son fils, il dit : « cette fiancée n’est digne que du Roi lui-même, je vous la prends à tous les deux » !… Avec pour message : « le prince est tombé malade pendant le voyage ». On trouva les porteurs, on apprêta la chaise. Avant que les porteurs n’arrivent, les deux compagnons de Kalira levèrent le camp de transhumance. A l’approche de leur domicile, ils virent la foule devant l’entrée. Ils entrèrent chez eux avec précaution, se demandant quel malheur ou quel prodige leur était tombé sur la tête. On leur dit que Rujugira était dans la place. Ils s’inclinèrent devant le prince. Ils s’approchèrent de Kalira et la saluèrent. A ce moment précis, les porteurs débarquèrent avec la chaise à porteurs. Rujugira dit aux porteurs: - Posez votre chaise à terre, entrez dans la case. Ramenez la personne que vous y trouverez près de l’âtre, nous partirons aussitôt que le soleil se radoucira ». Entendant ces paroles, Kalira et ses compagnons d’infortune furent stupéfaits. Les porteurs franchirent aussitôt le seuil avec la chaise. Ils y firent asseoir Kalira. A la première protestation de ses hommes, on les arrêta. Kalira fut emportée dans la chaise, éplorée, inconsolable, imaginant la consternation de son pauvre mari. Rujugira attendit de voir la chaise à porteurs de Kalira sur la colline voisine. Il s’adressa à l’homme dont il venait de ravir la femme : « je vous offre un troupeau de deux huitaines ainsi qu’un domaine. Habitez-le, trouvez-vous d’autres femmes, celle-là je ne vous la rendrai pas ! ».

94 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

S’adressant au Roi, le premier mari de Kalira dit alors : «je n’ai donc pas le choix, je vous la cède. Mais dites-moi… que vais-je devenir, quel sera mon sort ? ». « Je t’ai proposé des troupeaux de vaches, des domaines et d’organiser ton mariage, mais tu n’as pas voulu ». « J’accepte à présent ». On lui donna le tout. Il revint chez lui en grand seigneur. Quant à Rujugira, il ne rentra pas avec Kalira, qui rejoignit le quartier des femmes de son père. Ulcéré, rongé de chagrin, le Prince Rujugira arrêta de s’alimenter. Il perdit le sommeil à force d’avoir Kalira à l’esprit, à force de ressasser sa peine. Voyant cela, des nobles de la Cour approchèrent le Roi Mazimhaka. « Dépouiller votre fils est un tabou », lui dirent-ils, le faire mourir de tristesse, une horreur ». « Je n’ai pas voulu faire de jaloux, c’est pour cela que je la leur ai prise à tous les deux » répliqua le Roi sans convaincre.


« Ce n’est pas équitable. L’un est rentré avec femme, domaines et troupeaux. Quant à Rujugira, il n’a que le chagrin pour compagnon. Ne tourmentez pas votre enfant. Le mari a cédé. Rendez au prince ce qui lui revient ». Ne sachant quoi répondre, le Roi se plia aux conseils des Sages. Il renvoya Kalira chez son fils. Elle y revint dans un cortège nuptial. Une nouvelle noce fut célébrée. Il y avait un marché : Kalira devait passer en « audience » chez son beau-père de temps à autre. Des audiences au terme desquelles elle rentrait couverte de cadeaux. Le Roi fut si comblé que dans toute sa fratrie, Rujugira devint le préféré de son père. Il finit par hériter du Kalinga, le Tambour royal, devenant ainsi le Dauphin officiel du royaume. Pour avoir partagé la couche du Roi Mazimhaka, en étant mariée au futur Roi Rujugira, Kalira fut surnommée « Rwabami », la Dameaux-Rois. Elle fut comblée au-delà de l’imaginable, dépassant en faveurs toutes les femmes de la Cour. A Rujugira, elle donna un fils nommé Sharangabo, l’ancêtre éponyme des Abasharangabo, un clan qui prospéra jusqu’à nos jours. Elle lui donna ensuite une fille nommée Mulikanwa.

de s’écrier : « le Tambour l’a foudroyé. C’est bien la preuve qu’il ne lui était pas destiné ». Le Conseil des Aèdes reprit séance. Ils conclurent que Rujugira devait revenir au Rwanda, qu’il était l‘unique successeur légitime de son père. On envoya des messagers le ramener. Quand la nouvelle lui parvint, il s’écria aussitôt : « jamais je ne reviendrai. Mon père a tué Musigwa juste parce qu’il causait à sa femme. Et moi qui ai tué son taureau… vous me prenez pour un idiot ? » Les messagers complotèrent. Ils décidèrent d’enlever Kalira et de la remener au Rwanda. Ils savaient que Rujugira ne pourrait longtemps vivre sans elle. Ils parvinrent à attirer Kalira, le valet Ndabaramiye et les enfants dans un piège. Ils les ramenèrent à Kamonyi, laissant Rujugira seul dans son exil. Revenue au Rwanda, Kalira fut atteinte du pian. On lui bâtit une demeure à Kivumu près Mpushi (localité qui fut ainsi nommée par allusion aux ’bihushi’, pustules du pian). C’est là qu’elle s’installa. On lui prodigua des soins. Après sa guérison, elle revint à Kamonyi. On lui demanda de préparer ses meilleurs parfums et d’en envoyer à Rujugira en gage d’amour. Ainsi fut-il fait. On envoya Ndabaramiye le fidèle valet. Celui-ci n’oublia pas de s’enduire les vêtements avec les parfums de Kalira. Rujugira lui fit l’accolade et s’écria :

Les choses finirent par tourner à l’aigre. Bien que Rujugira soit officiellement promis au trône de son père, la jalousie maladive de ce dernier le contraignit à l’exil. L’incident déclencheur ? En l’absence du Roi, Rujugira s’était trouvé un jour dans le quartier - « ce parfum est unique. Il n’est de personne d’autre, il est de des dames à la Cour. Au moment de sortir, un taureau royal lui Kalira ». barra le passage, refusant de bouger. Paniqué à l’idée que son - « viens que je te dise son message ». père allait le trouver sur place, Rujugira n’eut d’autre choix, pour s’ouvrir le passage, que de l’abattre à la javeline. Sa crainte Interrompu en pleine partie d’ « igisoro », Rujugira se leva était fondée sur un précédent terrible : dans les mêmes et suivit le messager. Des graines servant de pions dans circonstances, le Roi Mazimhaka avait tué net le prince ce jeu d’adresse tactique (ubusoro) lui restèrent dans Musigwa. Incident qui inspira à Mazimhaka - roi et la main. Ndabaramiye réussit à distraire le prince, lui poète rendu fou par les excès - son poème intitulé Un groupe d’Aèdes en parlant de sa femme, l’entraînant à son insu jusqu’au « Plus jamais je n’aimerai ». Submergé de remords charge des rites royaux gué de Busoro (nommé ainsi par la suite, en et de chagrin, il l’avait composé en l’honneur du fils vint trouver Kalira. Il souvenir des graines « u-busoro » qui glissaient de mort de sa main. Plus jamais je n’aimerai/ Ce que la main du prince le long du chemin). La méfiance existait à l’époque un j’aime n’aime pas se faire aimer / Au lieu d’aimer, de Rujugira ne résista pas. Au lieu de l’alerter, les tout me glisse dans la main/ Pour se perdre au loin interdit absolu, empêchant manigances de sa femme et des envoyés ne firent vers Kamagoma/ Aimer ce qui ne saurait t’aimer/ tout Rwandais ayant fui le que l’émouvoir : elle mourait d’envie de le revoir. Il Comme la pluie qui arrose la forêt/… pays en compagnie de son jeta le reste de graines « ubusoro » dans la rivière. Il épouse, de rentrer d’exil revint au Rwanda de Kamonyi et monta sur le trône Connaissant les colères de son père, Rujugira se de ses pères sous le nom dynastique de Cyilima. précipita chez lui et dit à Kalira : « une seule chose avec celle-ci. Un groupe d’Aèdes en charge des rites royaux vint nous reste : prendre le chemin de l’exil ». Kalira prit son trouver Kalira. Il existait à l’époque un interdit absolu, fils Sharangabo et sa petite sœur Mulikanwa. Elle prit empêchant tout Rwandais ayant fui le pays en compagnie de l’hydromel dans une calebasse et du tabac. Elle prit de son épouse, de rentrer d’exil avec celle-ci. Soit elle restait à deux bâtonnets à faire le feu. Elle prit une pipe sans tuyau, un l’étranger, soit elle était sacrifiée en cas de retour. Les Aèdes firent bout de bois grossièrement taillé, elle mit le tout dans un panier. donc « boire » Kalira comme on disait alors. Ils lui firent prendre Elle fit appeler Ndabaramiye le fidèle valet qui habitait Gihinga un breuvage empoisonné. près Ruzege (où ses descendants habitent encore aujourd’hui). Parvenus à Bihembe près Rugalika, Rujugira dit : « j’ai soif ». Et Apprenant les circonstances de la mort de Kalira, effondré de sa femme de le railler : « déjà ? Mais comment trouver de l’eau tristesse, Rujugira s’exclama : « Nta byera ngo de » : « Rien n›est dans cette forêt ? » Elle sortit l’hydromel du panier et le servit. blanc sans tache » ! Par là, il voulait dire qu’en dépit de son Rujugira se désaltéra et soupira : « Un peu de tabac ne me ferait intronisation récente et de la gloire qui en découlait, régner sans pas de mal non plus ». Kalira en prit un peu dans le panier et le lui Kalira – la femme à laquelle le destin l’avait si fortement lié, y remit. « Comment vais-je faire sans pipe à présent ? Avec ce bout compris dans le danger et l’exil – n’était qu’un bonheur bien fade. de bois non apprêté ?… Et Kalira de prendre le bout de bois, de « Nta byera ngo de ! »… le tailler, d’en faire un joli tuyau de pipe. Ndabaramiye se saisit des bâtonnets à feu. Il frotta entre les mains. Il alluma la pipe du Le Roi CyilimaII Rujugira dont il est question dans ce récit, est prince. La pause terminée, ils se remirent en route. Cap à l’Est, vers ce fameux Roi qui régna vers l’an 1700, et dont le corps fut le Bugesera, le Gisaka... provisoirement enseveli à Gaseke, région de Rukoma. Une situation « provisoire » qui devait durer… trois siècles, jusqu’en Des années passèrent. A la Cour du Rwanda, le Roi vint à mourir. 1932. La tradition voulait qu’un roi de nom dynastique Cyilima Le temps des rites d’intronisation du successeur de Yuhi IV ne puisse être enseveli que sous le règne d’un Mutara. Il y eut Mazimhaka suivit. L’investiture revint à Karemera Rwaka. (Ce Mutara II Rwogera à la quatrième génération, qui mourut avant nom de Karemera n’avait jamais figuré parmi les noms royaux. que les rites funéraires royaux ne soient tous mis au point. Il fallut C’est Ruganzu Ndoli qui l’avait ramené de son exil au Karagwe donc attendre le règne de Mutara III Rudahigwa – à la septième des Bahinda où régnait Karemera Ndagara de Ruhashyampunzi. génération après Rujugira - pour que ce dernier soit enseveli Celui-ci l’avait caché, protégé et élevé. En signe d’indéfectible dans les règles. En 1969, le corps de CyilimaII Rujugira fut deterré reconnaissance, Ruganzu lui avait promis d’inclure un jour son et envoyé au Musée d’Afrique centrale à Tervueren en Belgique, nom parmi les patronymes royaux du Rwanda). Aussitôt installé où on lui fit subir des analyses scientifiques. Le sarcophage royal sur le trône, Karemera fut frappé de cécité. Tout le monde alors fut ramené au Rwanda par la suite. RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 95


INZOZI - Apartment (final).pdf 1 12/8/2015 13:07:13

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


INZOZI - Lounge & Restaurant v3.pdf 1 18/8/2015 19:04:04

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K


HWAN SUNG

MAHOGANY DOORS MAHOGANY DOORS

MODERN KITCHEN MODERN KITCHEN

QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY QUALITY ON-TIME DELIVERY ON-TIME ON-TIME DELIVERY DELIVERY ON-TIME DELIVERY AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE

ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS

SANDWICH PANEL SANDWICH PANEL

HWAN SUNG INDUSTRIES LTD HWAN SUNG INDUSTRIES LTDINDUSTRIAL AREA KAMPALA SHOWROOM: +256 414286019, +256 392789137/8 NTINDA KAMPALA NTINDA JUBASHOWROOM: SHOWROOM:+256 +211414286019, 957108781,+256 +211392789137/8 922131117 NEAR OLDINDUSTRIAL CUSTOMS AREA JUBA SHOWROOM: +211 957108781, +211 922131117 NEAR OLD CUSTOMS Website: www.hwansungbiz.com email: hsind@hwansungbiz.com Website: www.hwansungbiz.com email: hsind@hwansungbiz.com


akagera national park

nyungwe national park

volcanoes national park

Lake kivu

live entertainment in kigali

Rwanda’s Top 5

DESTINATIONS Volcanoes National Park

Two and a half hours north of Kigali you will find Volcanoes National Park, home to most of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Rwanda is among only three countries in the world where you can trek to see the majestic gorillas up close – a truly once in a lifetime experience.

Lake Kivu

Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes, with deep emerald-green waters and a shoreline of magnificent mountains and fishing villages. The lake is dotted with uninhabited islands that can be explored by boat and provide the perfect location to relax and enjoy the peace of Rwanda’s countryside.

Nyungwe National PARK

Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests found anywhere on the continent. The lush, green forest is home to over 300 bird species and 13 primate species including chimpanzees and

TravelRwanda

TravelRwanda

colobus monkeys. Take a stroll through the canopy along a 70m high walkway for exhilarating views of the rainforest.

Akagera National Park

Rwanda’s largest national park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. The lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains and rolling highlands make Akagera an incredibly scenic reserve. The park is home to the elusive Shoebill stork, seven newly introduced lions, elephant, leopard and the shy but stunning roan antelope.

Kigali

Rwanda’s capital provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway. As one of the safest cities in Africa, Kigali is quickly becoming a favourite for East African and international tourists. Savour the tastes of international cuisine at the city’s best restaurants and enjoy live music at the many clubs and bars in Kigali.

@TravelRwanda

RWANDATOURISM.COM


When family businesses spread their wings Family businesses have an excellent reputation in the world of entrepreneurs, and for good reason. They are robust and can achieve near miracles of rising from kitchens and backyards into high streets and central business districts, but they also face particular challenges on their growth path. By Eric Rutabana

T

he firm grip of a family so vital to the survival of a business in its early years can easily turn into a stranglehold later on. Or, as the business grows, the family’s ability to control the expanding operation slips, and things may spin out of control.

Typically, the collection of skills and attitudes contained in a family do not change in tandem with the skills needed by a growing business. This is unless deliberate development plans are put in place to improve family staff skills. At some stage, the family has to bring in expertise from outside to supplement or even replace their own skills.

100 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

It is a difficult and risky process that can lead to unbearable tensions in the family and the business. It is surprising how many of these businesses that have perfectly good prospects get into trouble because of family fights. But spreading wings can be done, and when a family business gets it right, the enterprise can soar to heights surpassing even those envisioned by the founders. In order for this to happen, family businesses must be willing to innovate and grow ahead of change in customer and business trends. This requires the introduction of new products, positioning, growing into new markets, mergers and/or acquisitions and, most importantly, breaking the leadership lid. The founders’ willingness to change their business radically in order to achieve growth must be present to allow for openness to bring in talent from outside, and to manage the process in such a way that the values and interests of the non-family managers do not clash with those of the founding family members. In many cases, unbearable tensions can arise through this process. Professional managers coming into a family-run firm can find their ideas stifled by a stubborn attitude of “I’ve always done it this way”, on the part of the founder.


The arrival of non-family professionals in a business can also be perceived as a threat to the expectations and career path of family members working in the business, especially the offspring of the founders who often expect to take over from their parents. Similarly, a non-family professional may view family members in the business as a threat to their own advancement in the business. Firm leadership is required from both the founders and the non-family managers. It is important for the business founders to employ the right managers; anyone brought in from outside should share the same values as the founders and they should actually be more skilled in their area of specialty than the founders. Once the decision is made, the founders should respect this, otherwise they won’t be able to retain the outside talent with which they hope to grow the business. It requires giving and taking, not only from the founders who have to learn to let go, but also from the incoming management who have to respect the founders, but stand their ground when it comes to their area of specialty.

management job just because of their family status. If the family plans to hand over the reins to the next generation, they should use the early years in the business to prepare the future leaders which should include external training and onthe-job training that includes working their way up through the ranks. Sometimes, it is difficult for family members to judge impartially the merits of their relations. Blood, after all, will always be thicker than water. In this case, hiring an impartial outsider to evaluate the business needs becomes important. Such a process can help to diffuse the anger from family members if promotions go against them. There are many ways in which a family-owned business can continue thriving without necessarily being run by a family member. Some families step back entirely and appoint a professional board of directors to ensure the business is managed well.

It is crucial for the founders of family businesses to clarify the expectations, ambitions, skills and potential of their children in the business.

This will undoubtedly allow the business owners to see their fortunes from a different angle and to have someone to question the logic behind certain decisions and directions, which might save a business from costly mistakes. Once this is done, the business continues to benefit from committed individuals who are steeped the ethos that makes family business so successful.

It is crucial for the founders of family businesses to clarify the expectations, ambitions, skills and potential of their children in the business. Expecting the children to take over the business when they don’t want to is an often fatal mistake which few businesses survive when the founding generation steps aside. The other side of that coin is just as problematic. The children of the founders cannot expect to walk into a

Eric Rutabana is the Country Manager of Business Partners International Rwanda SME Fund, a risk finance company for formal small and medium enterprises. Contact Eric at erutabana@businesspartners.rw.

Commercial property finance —

because it’s time to put down some roots. Every business needs a roof over its head, a place to do what it does best. We offer you tailor-made commercial property financing solutions including up to 100%† finance.

Purchase your business property without compromising your business’ cash resources. We provide commercial property finance from RWF 35 million to RWF 700 million for joint venture, multi-tenanted, retail, industrial and commercial properties. Come to BUSINESS/PARTNERS, home of the square pegs*.

* noun: The exceptional few who see the world not for what it is, but for what it could be. +250 252 585 065

/

enquiries@businesspartners.rw

/

businesspartners.rw

/

Ts & Cs apply


We take pride in offering you a remarkable experience every time you visit.

When you are in Rwanda, visit Hakuna Matata and enjoy moments you could never experience anywhere else. Our local cuisine is prepared by one of the country’s most experienced chefs and our staff always wear a smile. We are eager to serve you and exceed your expectations. We welcome you to indulge in contemporary African luxury. Enjoy lake views and spectacular sunsets, moments that you will take home and never forget.

Hakuna Matata. Purely paradise.

Tel: +250 783 943 583

info@hakunamatatalodge.rw

Hakuna Matata Rubavu lodge

Hakuna Matata Rubavu lodge


Volez plus pour beaucoup moins cher

de réduction

Achetez 5 billets et obtenez un gratuit pour vous rendre à n'importe quelle destination de votre choix Achetez un billet de classe affaire et obtenez un deuxième billet à 50% de réduction à partir de Septembre jusqu’ à Novembre Réservez et payez en avance et bénéficiez du tarif le plus bas Brazzaville Brazzaville

Kigali Douala

Mardi, Jeudi, Dimanche Lundi, Mercredi, Samedi

Pour plus d’ informations:

96 Bis,Avenue de Gaulle, plateau ville, Immeuble EBATHA +242066465555 / +242066435555 / +242053209212 sales.brazzaville@rwandair.com Les modalités et les conditions génerales s’ appliquent.


w h at ' s o n

Upcoming

04 Transform Africa Summit 19-21 October 2015 | Kigali, Rwanda

01 Kwita Izina 5 September | Volcanoes National Park, Kinigi

02 Hobe Rwanda

This year, Rwanda will hold the 11th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony. Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming babies soon after they are born. In the ten years since the event was established, over 160 gorillas have been named in a celebration of nature and the communities who protect the majestic mountain gorilla. The event will bring together thousands of Rwandans, friends of Rwanda and celebrities to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Visit www.rdb.rw/kwitizina/ to find out how to join the fun.

5-6 September 2015 | Petit Stade & Serena Hotel, Kigali Hobe Rwanda is an annual rendez-vous that takes you on a journey through Rwanda’s traditions and culture. This year marks the third edition of the event and will see dance, discussion and music held over two days. The first day will be filled with teachings about Rwandan culture to young people and visitors. Day two will see renowned traditional artists perform at a gala at Serena Hotel. For more information, visit www. hoberwanda.com.

104 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

03 Bayimba International Festival of the Arts 18-20 September | National Theatre, Kampala, Uganda

This multi-disciplinary festival brings together the finest arts from Uganda and across East Africa. Now in its eighth year, the event will feature new art forms and dramatic performances from established and up and coming artists. The festival is a highlight on Uganda’s social and cultural calendar and supports the development of the local creative arts scene. Visit www.bayimba.org

for more details.

The second Transform Africa summit is set to attract more than 1,000 participants from around the world. The summit is co-organised by the Government of Rwanda and the International Telecommunications Union, with the support of the World Bank. Transform Africa will feature a number of key events: Leaders Summit, conference, Youth Connekt Africa Summit and an exhibition. Transform Africa will be chaired by President Paul Kagame and attended by Heads of State and Ministers from Africa and across the globe, senior executives of global and African ICT companies as well as heads of international and regional business and finance organisations. Visit www.transformafrica2015.org to find out more.


w h at ' s o n

Events

05 Interpol International General Assembly 2-5 November | Kigali, Rwanda Last year Rwanda officially received the Interpol flag - a symbol given to the nation that will host the next Annual General Assembly. The assembly will bring together 1,500 participants from Interpol’s 190 member countries to discuss issues including cross-boarder crimes, cyber crime, human trafficking and the drug trade. Rwanda is an active member of the Interpol community and works with regional and international partners to tackle organised crime and bring criminals to justice.

Visit www.police.gov.rw to learn more.

06 Tour of Rwanda 15-22 November 2015 | Across Rwanda The Tour of Rwanda has become one of the country’s major sporting events, and one of the most important African competitions on the cycling calendar. This year marks the 7th edition of the Tour of Rwanda and will be a chance to see popular riders in action, including last year’s winner Valens Ndayisenga – the first Rwandan to win the race. More than 25 teams from Australia, America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa are set to compete. Visit www.tourofrwanda.com for more information.

07 Safety in African Aviation Conference 19-20 November | Kigali, Rwanda

Kampala International Theatre Festival

As Africa’s premier aviation safety event, this conference brings together aviation professionals from around the continent and across the globe. It is organised by AviAssist Foundation to promote professionalism in African aviation safety. This year, RwandAir’s CEO John Mirenge will provide the opening address, which will be followed by a range of sessions including Just Culture, Runway Safety, Safety Management Systems, Operations Engineering and Insurance. Visit www.2gether4safety.org for more information.

08 25-29 November | National Theatre, Kampala, Uganda Now in its second year, the Kampala International Theatre Festival is a treat for lovers of the stage. Organised by the Bayimba Foundation and the Sundance Institute, the festival is one of East Africa’s most vibrant and diverse. Performers from across Uganda and the region will converge on the National Theatre in Kampala for four days of performances. Visit www.

kampalainternationaltheatrefestival. com to find out how to get your tickets.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 105


Brussels Eat: Le Temps des Tartines on Rue de Midi is an excellent option for both breakfast and lunch. Enjoy the English breakfast special, fresh salads, and filling sandwiches. Make sure to try some of their fresh pastries and bread, also available for take-away. Sleep: Ideal for both short and long term stays, Suite Home Stéphanie offers five different types of suites and apartments, including the two-floor maisonettes. The apartment hotel is reasonably priced, conveniently located near public transit, and fully furnished with new appliances. Explore: Discover Brussels’ unique comic strip paintings as you walk through the city. There are more than 40 murals around the town centre, including favourites Tintin and Asterix. For more comics, visit the Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art on Rue des Sables, open Tuesday through Sunday.

Bujumbura Mangez: Au Temps des Tartines sur la Rue du Midi. C’est l’endroit parfait pour le petit déjeuner et le déjeuner. Profitez du petit déjeuner anglais spécial, des salades fraîches, des sandwiches garnis et n’oubliez pas d’essayer leurs gâteaux et pains frais, que vous pourrez également emporter.

Eat: Try the Kanowe restaurant. It

Logez: A Suite Home Stéphanie pour un long ou un long séjour, Il dispose de cinq différents types de suites et appartements y compris des maisonnettes à deux étages. Cet hôtel-appartements situé à proximité des transports publics est complètement meublé, dispose de nouveaux appareils haut de gamme et est à un prix raisonnable.

Sleep: The Hotel Roca Golf is located a stone’s throw from the city centre and has breathtaking views of Bujumbura golf course. You will receive a welcome worthy of a five star hotel from the friendly staff. The rooms are well decorated and equipped with all amenities. During your stay you will enjoy the ‘5R’ concept. An original idea whereby each of the five functional areas starts with the same first letter of Roca: “R”. The development of these areas exudes a sense of harmony – all aimed at bringing comfort to your stay.

Explorez: Les rues de Bruxelles et découvrez des tableaux uniques de bandes dessinées. Il y a plus de 40 peintures murales au centreville, y compris les meilleurs de Tintin et d’Astérix. Pour plus de bandes dessinées, visitez le Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée sur la Rue des Sables, ouvert du mardi au dimanche.

has a friendly atmosphere and is set amongst beautiful gardens. You can enjoy eating outdoors – the perfect way to beat the heat of Bujumbura after a busy day. We recommend their tender and juicy kebabs (Grand Monsieur) and their sangala fish, delivered right to your table by the chef himself.

Explore: For a great shopping experience the African way, visit one of Bujumbura’s bustling markets. Their vibrant stalls stand out with colourful fabrics and fresh produce. One favourite is the craft market near the U.S. Embassy that’s full of beautiful hand made goods from local artists. Finish your shopping on Chaussée Prince Louis Rwangasore and view their wide range of jewellery. Don’t hesitate to bargain for great prices.

Mangez : Essayez le restaurant Kanowe. Ambiance conviviale dans un beau jardin. En plein air, l’idéal pour supporter la chaleur de Bujumbura après une journée harassante. Nous vous recommandons leurs tendres et juteuses brochettes (Grand Monsieur), ainsi que leur poisson Sangala, présentés avec professionnalisme par le Chef cuisinier en personne. Logez : à l’Hôtel Roca Golf situé à quelques mètres du centre-ville, avec vue imprenable sur le golf de Bujumbura. Vous y trouverez un accueil digne d’un hôtel cinq étoiles et un personnel chaleureux. Les chambres y sont bien décorées et pourvues de toutes les fonctionnalités. Pendant votre séjour, vous profiterez du concept des « 5 R ». Idée originale qui, partant de la lettre initiale de Roca, le « R », décline les espaces fonctionnels e. L’aménagement de ces 5 espaces dégage une impression harmonieuse pour vous apporter le plus grand confort. Explorez: pour une pure expérience de shopping à l’africaine, visitez le marché de Bujumbura, qui se démarquent par ses tissus colorés, et aussi le marché artisanal près de de l’ambassade américaine, recouvert de la beauté d’œuvres d’art d’artistes locaux. Terminez votre shopping sur la chaussée Rwagasore pour ses bijoux dont l’attraction est sans conteste la gamme en ivoire végétal. N’hésitez pas à marchander les prix.


Dar es Salaam Eat: For an informal dining experience try Mamboz Corner BBQ at the corner of Morogoro Road and Libya Street. Sit outside and sample the tangy grilled chicken, beef, and fish. Open daily from 6:30pm onwards, the always busy Mamboz also offers vegetarian options. Sleep: Atlantis Hotel in Oysterbay is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers. The boutique hotel, recently under new management, has renovated both its rooms and conference facilities. In addition, the hotel has an incredibly friendly staff, a modern fitness centre, and highspeed Internet. Explore: Enjoy an afternoon outside at the Kunduchi Wet‘n’ Wild waterpark, the largest in the region, located beside the Kunduchi Beach Hotel. Go down the 22 water slides, dance at the rain dance stage, zoom around on go-karts, go for a swim, play in the kids’ area, and eat at one of the five restaurants and bars.

Douala Mangez: Au barbecue Mamboz Corner au coin de la route vers Morogoro et Libya Street pour une expérience gastronomique extraordinaire. Prenez une place sur la terasse et goûtez au poulet grillé, bœuf et poisson aux saveurs tropicales. Ouvert tous les jours de 18h30 à l’aube, Mamboz offre également des plats végétariens. Logez: L’Hôtel Atlantis à Oysterbay est un excellent choix pour ceux qui voyagent pour affaires ou loisir. Ce charmant hôtel, récemment sous un nouveau management, a rénové ses chambres et salles de conférence. En plus l’hôtel dispose d’un personnel d’une sympathie incroyable, un centre de remise en forme moderne et l’internet à haut débit. Explorez: Au parc aquatique de la région KunduchiWet’n’Wildun après-midi à côté de l’Hôtel Kunduchi Beach. Laissez-vous aller sur les 22 glissades d’eau, dansez sur la piste de pluie, roulez à toute vitesse dans un kart, nager, jouez dans la section des enfants puis régalez-vous dans l’un des cinq restaurants et bars.

Eat: At Youpwe, small restaurants by the sea side offer fresh fish caught right before your eyes! A selection is presented to you as soon as it’s out of the water and there is no doubt you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Mangez: Au Youpwe ,les petits restaurants jonchées sur la mer vous offres des poissons frais péchés devant vous ! vous aurez un embarras de choix , parce qu’on vous les présente directement et vous choisirez les quels vous voulez déguster.

Sleep: The Starland Hôtel is a newly constructed four star hotel in the Bonapriso neighbourhood near the flower market. A self-serve continental breakfast is on offer and has a wide range of delicious food. The hotel is equipped with the usual suite of services you’d expect from high end accommodation. A swimming pool offers the chance to relax and escape the heat. The hotel is equipped with Wi-Fi and a magnetic key card gives you access to the lift as well as for the electricity in your room. Enjoy the air conditioning because as soon as you step out of the hotel, you will be met by the oppressive heat of Douala.

Logez: Au Starland Hôtel nouvellement construit ,un Hôtel quatre étoiles situé dans le quartier de Bonapriso près du marché aux fleurs. Petit-déjeuner continental en buffet libre-service avec un vaste choix de qualité. Belles parties communes avec le panel de services classiques des grands hôtel,vous y retrouverez aussi une piscine agréable. L’hotel est equipee d’un Wifi. La carte magnétique vous donne accès aux ascenseurs et pilotant l’électricité des chambres. Profitez à fond de la climatisation parce que quand vous en sortez ,la chaleure etouffante de Douala vous embrasse à bras le corps.

Explore: The coastline is Douala’s number one asset and is perfect for tourists to explore. Visit the Akwa and Bonanjo palaces, the Bonanjo Maritime Museum, the Akwa Craft Centre, the Centenary Church, Cathedral and the ‘Bonanjo comptoir colonial’. One stop you must see before leaving is the flower market in Bonapriso.

Explorez: Sur le plan touristique,la region du littoral possède plusieurs atout, la zone côtière. Visitez les palais à Akwa et bonanjo, le musée maritime à Bonanjo, le centre artisanal à Akwa, l’Eglise du centenaire, la Cathedrale, le comptoir colonial de bonanjo.. Ne terminez pas votre visite sans passer par le marché aux fleurs a Bonapriso.


Kamembe

Libreville

Eat: You simply can’t go past the Émeraude Kivu Resort. Enjoy local and international cuisine on the terrace as you take in spectacular views of Lake Kivu and the hills of eastern Congo. The expansive menu includes the local favourite Isambaza (fish), salads, pizza, pasta and a well stocked bar. The signature fresh juice made from local produce is without a doubt the best in town.

Mangez: Il est impossible de faire l’impasse sur l’Émeraude Kivu Resort. Dégustez une cuisine à la fois locale et internationale en profitant d’une vue spectaculaire sur le lac Kivu et le Congo. La carte offre un choix large entre le plat régional, les Isambaza (petits poissons ), les salades, pizza, pâtes et un bar fourni. Le jus de fruit frais fait maison est sans aucun doute le meilleur de la région.

Eat: L’Odika in Libreville’s Louis Quarter mixes local Gabonese flavours with Creole and offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace where reservations are recommended. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday, and also offers takeaway and catering services.

Sleep: As soon as you arrive at Émeraude Kivu Resort you know you’re somewhere special. The hotel and restaurant are beautifully appointed with both luxury rooms and tents on offer. The hotel is the newest in Kamembe and conveniently located on a quiet peninsula only 15 minutes from the airport. Wake up to stunning views from your private balcony and stay connected with WiFi throughout the hotel.

Logez: En arrivant à l’Émeraude Kivu Resort, on sait que l’on entre dans un lieu hors du commun. L’hôtel et le restaurant sont aménagés avec goût. Le Resort dispose à la fois de chambres de standing et de tentes. L’hôtel est le plus récent de Kamembe, situé sur un presqu’île paisible à seulement 15 minutes de l’aéroport. Réveillez-vous sur une vue imprenable de votre balcon et restez connecté grâce au service WiFi.

Sleep: Visit the Residence Hoteliere du Phare for a relaxing stay in a charming boutique hotel on the beach where the sound of waves lull you to sleep. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the hotel restaurant and bar serve excellent meals, and guests are often treated to live jazz music.

Explore: Kamembe is a town full of history, serving as a colonial outpost until independence. Many administrative buildings still stand today and are worth discovering. A boat ride is the best way to explore the lake without getting your feet wet. Tracks of untouched forest line the water’s edge and are home to magnificent bird life. Take a late afternoon trip to catch the best sunset in Rwanda.

Explorez: Kamembe est une ville à l’histoire riche. Elle servit d’avant-poste colonial avant l’indépendance. La plupart des bâtiments de cette époque sont toujours présent et valent un coup d’oeil. Une balade en bateau est la meilleure manière de découvrir le lac sans se mouiller. Une forêt touffue tombant dans le lac abrite de magnifiques oiseaux. Faites un tour en fin de journée pour profiter d’un des plus beaux coucher de soleil du Rwanda.

Relax: Take a boat or jet ski from Libreville to Pointe-Denis beach on the peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Gabon Estuary. Spend the weekend at one of the beach hotels where you can explore the shore, take a trip into the jungle, and see the endangered leatherback sea turtle.

Mangez: Al’Odika situé dans le Quartier Louis de Libreville, sa cuisine mêle les saveurs gabonaises aux saveurs créoles et offre une bonne variété de plats végétariens. Profitez de votre repas sur la terrasse en plein air où il est recommandé de faire une réservation. Le restaurant est ouvert pour le déjeuner et le dîner tous les jours sauf le mardi. Il suggère également des plats à emporter et un service traiteur haut de gamme. Logez: A la Résidence Hôtelière du Phare pour un séjour de détente dans une charmante boutique hôtel à la plage où le son des vagues berce votre sommeil. Les chambres sont propres et confortables. Le restaurant et le bar de l’hôtel servent d’excellents repas et vous offre en supplément de la musique jazz pour rendre le séjour plus agréable. Explorez: Prenez un bateau ou un jet ski de Libreville à la plage de Pointe-Denis à la péninsule entre l’océan Atlantique et l’estuaire du Gabon. Passez le week-end dans l’un des hôtels sur la plage pour explorer la côte puis rendez-vous dans la jungle et plus tard visitez la tortue luth de mer en voie de disparition.


Mombasa Eat: For a delicious meal of fresh seafood, visit the unbeatable Jumba Ruins Monsoons, located north of Mombasa near the Jumba ruins. Described as a “little oasis of paradise,” Monsoons offers a superb selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes with accompanying wine suggestions. Try the highly recommended seafood platter for two and garlic octopus. Sleep: The ship-themed Voyager Beach Resort north of Mombasa is a beautiful beach getaway. The all-inclusive resort is ideal for families, has three swimming pools (one that is adults-only), and a range of water sports. The friendly staff is happy to organise excursions to local attractions and provide supervised programs for children. Explore: Visit Fort Jesus at the entrance to the harbour for a glimpse into history. Built by the Portuguese in 1593 and now a national museum, Fort Jesus is open daily from 8:00am – 6:00pm. Knowledgeable guides lead tours through the fort and its archaeological exhibits, and there is also an excellent sound and light show.

Nairobi Mangez: Chez l’imbattable Jumba Ruins Monsoons au nord de Mombasa près des ruines de Jumba pour un repas délicieux au fruits de mer. Connu comme un «petit oasis de paradis», Monsoons offre une superbe variété de fruits de mer, viandes et plats végétariens avec des suggestions de vins d’accompagnement. Essayez le plateau de fruits de mer recommandé pour deux et le poulpe à ail. Logez: dans le navire nommé Voyager Beach Resort au nord de Mombasa pour une escapade inoubliable sur la mer. Idéal pour les familles, il dispose de trois piscines, dont une est réservée aux adultes, et une variété de sports nautiques. Le personnel charmant sera ravi d’organiser des excursions vers les attractions locales et s’occuperont des enfants. Explorez: Le Fort Jesus à l’entrée du port pour un aperçu de l’histoire. Construit par les Portugais en 1593 et actuellement un musée national, le Fort Jesus est ouvert tous les jours de 08h00 à18h00. Les guides expérimentés vous conduiront à travers le fort, ses expositions archéologiques et visuelles sous une lumière et des sons magnifiques.

Eat: For an unforgettable meal of fresh fish and seafood visit Tamarind Nairobi located in the National Bank Building. Although expensive, the service is excellent and a lot of care and attention is put into the details. The seafood is flown in daily from the coast and a wide selection of meat dishes is available as well. Sleep: The luxurious five-star Nairobi Serena Hotel is a peaceful retreat in the bustling city centre. Relax by the heated pool, in the beautiful hotel gardens, or in the spacious rooms and executive suites. The Nairobi Serena offers live nightly music, a delicious breakfast buffet, excellent à la carte restaurant, health club and spa, conference centre, and welcoming staff. Explore: Visit Nairobi National Park, the only protected area close to a capital city. The beautiful savannah full of impressive wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephant, giraffe, and 400 bird species, is located 7km from the city centre. Enjoy a picnic in the park, the Nairobi Safari Walk, and the Animal Orphanage.

Mangez :Au Tamarind Nairobi situé dans le bâtiment de la Banque Nationale pour un plat inoubliable de poisson frais et fruits de mer. Les coûts sont un peu élevés mais le service est excellent avec beaucoup d’attention aux détails. Les fruits de mer sont frais et sont fournis chaque jour en provenance de la côte. Un grand choix de plats de viande est également disponible. Logez : Au somptueux Nairobi Serena Hotel à cinq étoiles. Cet hôtel est une retraite paisible au centre-ville vivement animé. Détendez-vous dans une piscine tiède, dans les jardins magnifiques de l’hôtel ou dans les chambres spacieuses et suites de haut standing. Le Nairobi Serena offre de la musique live tous les soirs, un délicieux petit déjeuner buffet, un excellent service restaurant à la carte, un club de remise en forme et spa, une salle de conférence et un personnel très accueillant. Explorez : Le Parc National de Nairobi, le seul endroit protégé à proximité de la capitale. La belle savane située à 7 km du centre-ville est pleine de faune impressionnante y compris les rhinocéros noirs en voie de disparition, les lions, les léopards, les guépards, les hyènes, les éléphants, la girafe et 400 espèces d’oiseaux. Profitez d’un pique-nique dans le parc, du Nairobi Safari Walk et de l’orphelinat animalier.


110 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Fly away fromthe thenoise noise and stress ofthe thecity city Andimmerse immerseyourself yourselfininthe thebeauty beauty And theAfrican Africanjungle. jungle. ofofthe

1200 FLIGHT FLIGHT

HOTEL HOTEL

MEALS MEALS

from from

$

PER COUPLE PER COUPLE 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION

Special SpecialOffer Offer

11July July-30 -30Sept Sept EAC EACRESIDENTS RESIDENTSONLY ONLY

Monday Monday to to Thursday Thursday &&Saturday Saturday Kigali Kamembe Kigali Kamembe Kamembe Kigali Kamembe Kigali Friday Friday && Sunday Sunday Kigali Kamembe Kigali Kamembe Kamembe Kigali Kamembe Kigali

Time Time 13:20 13:20 14:30 14:30 Time Time 10:40 10:40 11:50 11:50

www.rwandair.com

www.rwandair.com RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE | 111


MOVIES The Longest Ride Director: George Tillman Jr. Britt Robertson, Scott Eastwood 128 min | Romance | PG-13 | 2015 An unforgettable tale of two intertwining love stories. In one, an elderly man, drifting in and out of consciousness, reunites with his beloved wife – who had died years before; in the second, a man fighting to save his family’s ranch falls in love with a sophisticated young woman. The Longest Ride

Aloha Director: Cameron Crowe Cast: Bradley Cooper, Rachel McAdams, Emma Stone 105 Min | Comedy | PG | 2015 A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs and re-connects with a long-ago love while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watchdog assigned to him. Spy Director: Paul Feig Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne TBC | Comedy | R | 2015 A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster. Far from the Madding Crowd Director: Thomas Vinterberg Cast: Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge 119 Min | Romance | PG-13 | 2015 In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous and mature bachelor.

112 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Spud 3

Spud 3 Director: John Barker Cast: John Cleese, Caspar Lee, Alex McGregor 89 Min | Comedy | NR | 2014 As Spud Milton continues his awkward stagger through adolescence, he learns one of life’s most important lessons: When dealing with women and cretins, nothing is ever quite as it seems. 30 Days in Atlanta Director: Chika Anadu Cast: Ayo Makun, Ramsey Nouah, Mercy Johnson Okojie 110 Min | Comedy | NR | 2015

Akpos wins a 30 day holiday for two to Atlanta and takes his cousin Richard, an IT specialist on the all-expenses paid trip. Whilst there he lets his unique personality shine, showing off his smarts - and his foolishness - in an exciting mix of rhetoric and witty humour. Hawaizaada Director: Vibhu Puri Cast: Van Vicker, Carl Payne, Chet Anekwe 148 Min | Drama | NR |2015 A biographical film based on the life of Indian scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, who is credited with having constructed India’s first unmanned plane. This is the story of the hardships that he went through in order to manage that feat.


SHOWS The Big Bang Theory 30 Min | Comedy Penny gets an offer to be in the sequel to a really terrible movie and can’t decide whether to take the job. Meanwhile, Sheldon is being indecisive on which new video game system to buy, and it’s driving Amy crazy. The Flash 60 Min | Drama Nine months after the S.T.A.R. Labs explosion, Barry awakens to find a lot has changed while he was in a coma. With his new friends and powers Barry must try to right the wrongs of his new mentor, the owner of S.T.A.R. Labs. Penguins of Madagascar 30 Min | Kids

Spy

When King Julien is accidentally bounced out of his kingdom, he is mistaken for a cat and adopted by old lady Gladys. Legion of Superheroes 30 Min | Kids A Legion team is forced to take refuge in a derelict space station but are separated and begin disappearing one by one.

Far from the madding crowd

Aloha


RwandAir Music

GLOBAL SOUNDS

Noel Gallagher Chasing Yesterday Birds The second studio album by the English rock band fronted by former Oasis member Noel Gallagher. The album features the single ‘In the Heat of the Moment’. Chilly Gonzales Chambers Chilly Gonzales, Canadian pianist and entertainer, returns with his much anticipated follow-up to Solo Piano II: Chambers, which sees him finding a modern take on chamber music.

Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita Clychau Dibon A stunning, shared musical journey between two world class virtuosos - Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and West African kora player Seckou Keita.

Chilly Gonzales

Bjork Vulnicura The eighth studio album by the Icelandic musician features the single ‘Stonemilker’. The album also includes the track ‘Atom Dance’ which features guest vocals from Antony Hegarty.

Jose Gonzalez Vestiges & Claws The third full-length solo release from the Swedish singer-songwriter sees him continuing to create subtle, soft pop that will wash away all your worries. Ibeyi Ibeyi Ibeyi’s debut album consits of an unusual blend of chants and jazzy hip hop. This is one for fans of FKA Twigs and Damon Albarn. The album includes the singles ‘Ghosts’ and ‘River’.

Jose Gonzalez

Avi Avital

114 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Stereophonics Just Enough Perform The third album from the Cwmaman rock trio is a more mature work. Stand-out tracks include ‘Mr Writer’ and ‘Lying in the Sun’.

Avi Avital Vivaldi Avi Avital re-imagines the sounds of Venice in this vivid homage to the most beloved composer of the Italian Baroque, Antonio Vivaldi.


RwandAir Radio

RADIO SKYDREAM

World Genre Sit back and enjoy a collection of Inspiring sounds from around the world. This channel features artists such as: Marvin and Joyce Moreno. Sit back and enjoy a collection of inspiring sounds from around the world.

Classical & Opera If classical music is more your cup of tea, be sure to check out the classical channel. Featured artists include Britten Sinfonia & Thomas Gould. A beautiful selection of classical tracks from a selection of artists.

Easy Listening Enjoy the feel good sounds of the Easy Listening channel. Featuring great tracks from artists such as Chris de Burgh, Bob Crewe and Barry Manilow. Enjoy the feel good sounds of the Easy Listening channel.

Radio SkyDream Radio Sky Dream is guaranteed to cater for all musical tastes. Sit back and enjoy the smooth sounds of RwandAir’s favourite artists. Hand-picked selection from RwandAir’s audio section to bring you the best of music.

Ibeyi

Contemporary Tune in to a collection of contemporary tracks from various artists. Including Sam Smith, Estelle and Jill Scott. A mixture of great contemporary tracks from various artists. International Featuring the biggest hits of the moment, this collection is specially selected to get you singing along! With tracks from the likes of Coasts, Erasure and Jake Isaac. This channel features the biggest hits of the moment. Oldies Take a trip back in time with this selection of golden oldies! Featured artists include: Stevie Wonder, The Four Wonders and The Marvelettes. Take a trip down memory lane with this selection of golden oldies!

Stereophonics

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 115


116 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


FREE NIGHT

in Kigali & City Tour

Enjoy a free night of accommodation in Kigali, airport transfers and a tour of the city. From Lagos to

From Accra to

From Brazzaville to

From Libreville to

From Lusaka to

DAR ES SALAAM KILIMANJARO LIBREVILLE JUBA MOMBASA BRAZZAVILLE KAMEMBE

BRAZZAVILLE DAR ES SALAAM JUBA MOMBASA KILIMANJARO LIBREVILLE KAMEMBE

ACCRA LAGOS KAMEMBE DAR ES SALAAM KILIMANJARO MOMBASA JUBA

DAR ES SALAAM KILIMANJARO LAGOS ACCRA KAMEMBE JUBA

BRAZZAVILLE LIBREVILLE DOUALA JUBA BUJUMBURA

From Dar Es Salaam to

From Kilimanjaro to

From Kamembe to

From Juba to

ACCRA LAGOS BRAZZAVILLE LIBREVILLE JUBA KAMEMBE DOUALA

ACCRA LAGOS BRAZZAVILLE LIBREVILLE JUBA KAMEMBE DOUALA

BRAZZAVILLE ACCRA LAGOS LIBREVILLE JUBA

DAR ES SALAAM KILIMANJARO LAGOS ACCRA BRAZZAVILLE LIBREVILLE

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

Terms and conditions apply.

| 117


Flight Schedule | Destination Guide

Entebbe Just 40km from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, Entebbe’s position on the shores of Lake Victoria makes it a popular destination in its own right. Entebbe has hotels with spectacular lake views, restaurants, bars and colourful markets - what more could you need?

Libreville

Brazzaville

Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon. The city is a port on the Komo River, near the Gulf of Guinea, and a trade centre for a timber region. Its population is less than 1 million. Libreville features a tropical monsoon climate with a lengthy wet season and a short dry season. Libreville’s wet season spans about nine months, with a heavy amount of rain falling during these months.

The capital of Republic of the Congo, not to be confused with neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kigali

Libreville

Days

Flight No.

Tue, Fri, Sun

Libreville

WB212

Kigali

Days

Kigali

Entebbe

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sat

Flight No. Libreville

WB 450

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 452

Days

Wed, Fri, Sun

WB 434

Tue, Fri, Sun

Mon, Tue

WB 422

Daily

WB 420

Douala

Flight No.

Kigali

Days

Mon, Wed, Sat

Flight No.

Wed, Fri, Sun

WB 425

Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat

WB 433

Mon, Tue

WB 423

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 453

Wed, Fri, Sun

WB 435

Daily

WB 460

118 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

WB 212

Libreville

Days

Kigali

Brazzaville

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sat

Brazzaville

WB 213

Kigali Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Sun

WB 211

Douala

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sat

Douala Flight No.

WB 210

Days

Brazzaville

Douala

Daily

Entebbe

WB 213

Brazzaville is located on the Congo River and the country stretches all the way to a small Atlantic coastline. The country is home to over 100,000 Western Lowland Gorillas and also home to the Livingstone Falls.

WB 210

Brazzaville

Days Tue, Thur, Sun

Flight No. WB 211


w w w. r w a n d a i r. c o m

Johannesburg

Bujumbura

Five hours from Kigali, Johannesburg is a long way, but it’s worth it! All you could desire - at your fingertips.

Bujumbura is the capital of Burundi. The city is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. A highlight is the Bora Bora resort.

Nearby attractions include the Johannesburg Lions Park, situated about 45 minutes away from Johannesburg a must see for all ages.

Kigali

Johannesburg

Days

Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Sat

Kigali

Bujumbura

Days Wed, Fri, Sat

WB 480

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat

WB 482

Wed, Fri

WB482

WB 100

Bujumbura Johannesburg

Kigali

Days

WB 101

Johannesburg via Lusaka

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Johannesburg Days Tue, Thur, Sat

Kigali

Days Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun Kigali

Flight No.

WB 100

Kigali via Lusaka

Flight No.

Wed, Fri, Sat

WB 481

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat

WB 483

Wed, Fri

WB483

Nairobi A scenic day’s drive from the Masai Mara National Park, Nairobi is a bustling city teeming with life. Modern hotels, outstanding restaurants and topnotch shops combined with traditional markets and world-class safaris.

Flight No. WB 101

Kigali

Nairobi

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat

WB 402

Daily

WB 460

Nairobi

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Daily

WB 450

Daily

WB 403

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 119


Flight Schedule | Destination Guide

Kilimanjaro

Mombasa

The gateway to Tanzania’s incredible wildlife heritage, Kilimanjaro International Airport serves the cities of Arusha and Moshi, and the international tourism industry based on Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.

Lusaka

Kigali

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. One of the fastest-developing cities in Southern Africa, Lusaka is located in the southern part of the central plateau at an elevation of about 1,279 metres (4,195 feet). Lusaka is the centre of both commerce and government in Zambia and connects to the country’s four main highways heading north, south, east and west.

Kigali

Lusaka

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sun

WB 104

Mon, Wed, Fri

WB 100

Lusaka

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sun

WB 105

Tue, Thur, Sat

WB 101

Lusaka

Johannesburg

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

Johannesburg Days Tue, Thu, Sat

WB 100

Lusaka Flight No. WB 101

120 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

Flight No.

Wed, Fri, Sun

Kilimanjaro Days Wed, Fri, Sun

Mombasa

Dubai

Days

Kilimanjaro

Days

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya. Lying next to the Indian Ocean, it has a major port. The city also serves as the centre of the coastal tourism industry

WB 444

Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Sat

Dubai

Mombasa

Days

Kigali Flight No. WB 445

WB 302

Wed, Fri, Sun

Flight No. WB 303


w w w. r w a n d a i r. c o m

Dubai

Mombasa

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi.

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya. Lying next to the Indian Ocean, it has a major port. The city also serves as the centre of the coastal tourism industry.

Kigali

Dubai

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun

Dubai

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat

Kigali

WB 301

Dubai (via Mombasa)

Days

Mombasa

Days

Mombasa Days Wed, Fri, Sun

Kigali Flight No. WB 302

Tue, Thur, Sat

Accra is the capital of the West African country of Ghana. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, and with a metro area population of more than 4.3 million.

Kigali

Accra

Days

Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

Accra Flight No. WB 303

WB 200

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 201

Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Sat

Dubai

WB 300

Kigali

Accra

WB 302

Kigali (via Mombasa)

Days Wed, Fri, Sun

Flight No. WB 303

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 121


Flight Schedule | Destination Guide

Dar es Salaam

Lagos

Formerly Mzizima, it is the largest city in Tanzania. It is also the country’s richest city and a regionally important economic centre. Dar es Salaam is actually an administrative province within Tanzania, and consists of three local government areas or administrative districts

Lagos is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria. With a population of 7,937,932, it is currently the third most populous city in Africa after Cairo and Kinshasa

Kigali

Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun

WB 446

Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 442

Dar es Salaam Days

Lagos

Days

Dar es Salaam

Days

Kigali

Flight No.

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

Lagos

Kigali

Days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Kigali Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur

WB 447

Wed, Fri

WB 443

122 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA

WB 200

Flight No. WB 201


w w w. r w a n d a i r. c o m

Douala

Nairobi

Juba

Douala is the largest city in Cameroon, the capital of Cameroon’s Littoral Region and the richest city in the whole CEMAC region of six countries.

A scenic day’s drive from the Masai Mara National Park, Nairobi is a bustling city teeming with life. Modern hotels, outstanding restaurants and topnotch shops combined with traditional markets and world-class safaris.

Juba is the capital and largest city of the Republic of South Sudan. It also serves as the capital of Central Equatoria, one of the ten states of South Sudan. The city is situated on the White Nile and functions as the seat and metropolis of Juba County.

Kigali

Douala (via Libreville)

Days

Flight No.

Tue, Fri, Sun

Douala

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sat

Kigali

WB 213

Douala (via Brazzaville)

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Wed, Sat

Douala

WB 212

WB 210

Kigali

Days Tue, Thur, Sun

Kigali

Nairobi (via Entebbe)

Kigali

Days

Flight No.

Daily

WB 450

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 452

Nairobi

Kigali (via Entebbe) Flight No.

Daily

WB 460

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 453

Flight No.

Days

Flight No.

WB 211

Daily

WB 460

Flight No.

Daily

WB 450

WB 434

Kigali Flight No.

Wed, Fri

WB 435

Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat

WB 433

Entebbe

Juba Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat

WB 432

Wed, Fri, Sun

WB 434

Entebbe

Days

Flight No.

Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat

WB 433

Wed, Fri, Sun

WB 435

Nairobi

Days

Flight No.

Daily

WB 450

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 452

Nairobi

Juba

Juba

Kigali (via Nairobi)

Days

Entebbe

Wed, Fri

Days

Entebbe (via Nairobi)

Entebbe

Flight No.

Days

Days

Kigali

Juba (via Entebbe)

Days

Entebbe

Days

Flight No.

Daily

WB 460

Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

WB 453

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 123


124 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Why drive when you

RETURN FARE from

100

$

Excl. Govt. Taxes

KAMEMBE - KIGALI DAILY

Monday to Thursday & Saturday Kigali Kamembe Kamembe Kigali

Time 13:20 14:30

Friday & Sunday Kigali Kamembe Kamembe Kigali

Time 10:40 11:50 RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

www.rwandair.com | 125


Take advantage of our growing network

Dar es salaam Entebbe Kamembe

Amsterdam Brussels

Douala

Jubaa

Accra

to G uan g Zh ou

Instanbul

Mumbai

Dakar Banjul

Sokoto

Monorovia

Addis Abbaba

Kano Abuja Lagos Lome Enugu Accra Cotonou Oweri Port - Harcourt Douala Abidjan

Juba Entebbe

Sao Tome Libreville Pointe Noire

Brazzaville

Nairobi

Kamembe Kigali Bujumbura

Mombasa

Arusha Dar es Salaam

Lusaka Luanda Lusaka

Harare

Windhoek

Brazzaville

Lagos

Gaborone Johannesburg Mbabane

Maputo Durban

Mombasa Bujumbura Nairobi

Kilimanjaro

Dubai Libreville reville

Dubai

Jo’burg

RwandAir Direct Flights RwandAir Partnerships RwandAir RwandAir Planned Routes


In the air Boeing 737-700NG

Bombardier Q-400 NextGen

Seating Capacity: 12 Business Class and 108 Economy Class

Seating Capacity: 7 Business Class and 60 Economy Class

Cargo Capacity: Cubic Meters

27.3m3

Cargo Capacity: Cubic Meters

14.2m3

Overall length: Meters

33.60m

Overall length: Meters

32.83m

Wingspan: Meters

35.79m

Wingspan: Meters

28.42m

Overall Height: Meters

12.50m

Overall Height: Meters

8.40m

Cabin width: Meters

2.20m

Cabin width: Meters

2.03m

Cabin height: Meters

3.50m

Cabin height: Meters

1.95m

Max takeoff weight: Kilograms

64000kgs

Max takeoff weight: Kilograms

29,574kgs

Max cruise speed: Kph

810kph

Max cruise speed: Kph

667kph

High Speed Cruise: Kph

780kph

High Speed Cruise: Kph

646kph

Long Range Cruise speed: Kph

760kph

Long Range Cruise speed: Kph

532kph

Bombardier CRJ-900 NextGen

Boeing 737-800NG

Seating Capacity: 7 Business Class and 68 Economy Class

Seating Capacity: 16 Business Class and 138 Economy Class

Cargo Capacity: Cubic Meters

16.81m3

Cargo Capacity: Cubic Meters

44.0m3

Overall length: Meters

36.37m

Overall length: Meters

39.50m

Wingspan: Meters

24.85m

Wingspan: Meters

35.79m

Overall Height: Meters

7.45m

Overall Height: Meters

12.50m

Cabin width: Meters

2.57m

Cabin width: Meters

2.20m

Cabin height: Meters

1.89m

Cabin height: Meters

3.50m

Max takeoff weight: Kilograms

38,329kgs

Max takeoff weight: Kilograms

79015kgs

Max cruise speed: Kph

901kph

Max cruise speed: Kph

810kph

High Speed Cruise: Kph

901kph

High Speed Cruise: Kph

780kph

Long Range Cruise speed: Kph

836kph

Long Range Cruise speed: Kph

760kph


128 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Book Bookand and Pay PayOnline Online Save Savetime timeand andmoney moneywhen when youyoubook and pay online. book and pay online.

WeWe accept Credit & Debit Cards accept Credit & Debit Cards


Safety & Luggage | all you need to know

Ensuring Your Safe Flight To & From The Heart Of Africa FLIGHT INFO SAFETY: Your safety and comfort are important to us. Please watch the demonstration or the video of the emergency equipment before takeoff. For more information refer to the safety leaflet in the seat pocket in front of you.

TAKE-OFF:

Immediately after takeoff the aircraft climbs very steeply. Shortly afterwards you will hear a reduction in the engine sound, but the aircraft will continue to climb. All aircraft cabins are pressurized. Due to change in pressure during takeoff and landing, some passengers may experience slight discomfort in the ear. Relieve this by swallowing, yawning or pinching the nostrils gently and breathing out whilst keeping lips sealed. Should you feel unwell at any time, please ask the cabin crew for assistance.

LANDING:

After touch down, you may notice an increase in engine noise level due to the reverse thrust being applied to assist braking. Please remain seated until the engines have been switched off and the doors are opened. Before leaving the aircraft, ensure you have all your belongings with you. Always keep your belt fastened until the plane comes to a complete stop.

EXCESS BAGGAGE

All baggage in excess of free checked baggage allowances is charged at a fixed fee depending on the route you are travelling to or from Kigali.

SEATING

The position of your seat can be adjusted by pressing the button located at the arm rest. For take-off and landing, all seats must be in the upright position.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Electronic Devices may not be used during taxiing, take-off, climbing, descent and landing. This includes laptop computers, remote-controlled games, radios, portable TVs and mobile phones, all of which may interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft.

IN-FLIGHT INFO

Passengers are looked after by qualified cabin staff. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance.

MEALS

A hot meal will normally be served during long-haul flights. A healthy snack is served on regional flights.

REST ROOMS

T&T Events is a Rwandan company specialising in the planning and coordination of luxury weddings, conferences and corporate and social events.

Toilets are fully equipped with soap, towels and cleansing pads. Please note that all toilets are fitted with smoke detectors we therefore ask that you refrain from smoking in the toilets

NON-SMOKING

All RwandAir flights are non-smoking. If found smoking on board you may be prosecuted.

Contact T&T at tt.eventsmanagement@gmail.com

or call

+250 788 856 242 to make your next event one to remember.

130 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Contact us KIGALI HEAD-OFFICE Kigali International Airport Main Building (top floor), P.O. Box 7275 Kigali Tel. (+250) 738 177 000 / Fax (+250) 252 503686 Email: info@rwandair.com KIGALI SALES OFFICE Ground Flour, UTC Mall City Center Tel (+250) 738 177 000 Email: reservations@rwandair.com KIGALI AIRPORT SALES (24/7) Kigali International Airport Tel. (+250) 732 154 018 Email: reservations@rwandair.com KAMEMBE Airport Building Kamembe Town Tel. (+250) 788751695 / (+250) 788863012 (+243) 994600962 Email: sales.kamembe@rwandair.com ARUSHA Plot 15 – A area T Swahili St. Tropicana Shop Center (1st Floor) Tel. (+255) 732 978 558 / Fax (+255) 732 978 501 Email: sales.tz@rwandair.com JOHANNESBURG 156 Bram Fischer Drive Randburg Tel (+27) 11 289 8050 Email: sales.johannesburg@rwandair.com O.R. Tambo International Airport Terminal B, 1st floor Tel: (+27) 11 390 2456 / (+27) 11 390 3234 / Fax (+27) 11 390 2457 Email: sales.johannesburg@rwandair.com BRAZZAVILLE Immeuble Ebatha Franck 96, Bis Avenue Charles de Gaulle, Plateau Ville Tel. (+242) 066 465555 / (+242) 066 435555 / (+242) 069 705550 Email: sales.brazzaville@rwandair.com DAR ES SALAAM Viva Towers 2nd Floor, Room 19 Tel. (+255) 022 210 3435 Email: sales.dar@rwandair.com Dar es Salaam Tanzania MOMBASA Moi International Airport P.O. Box 94662 – 80115 Tel. (+254) 736 99 9931 / (+254) 712 99 9931 Email: sales.mombasa@rwandair.com

w w w. r w a n d a i r. c o m

LIBREVILLE En face de BICIG, Centre Ville Immeuble Ex-Air Afrique, 1 er etage, BP 734 Libreville Tel. (+241) 017 40511/12 Cel. (+241) 077 97157 Email: sales.libreville@rwandair.com BUJUMBURA 14 Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore Jubilee Center Tel. (+257) 222 51850 / (+257) 222 51849 / Fax (+257) 222 54266 Email: sales.bujumbura@rwandair.com KAMPALA Rwenzori Courts, Gr. Floor, Lumumba Avenue Tel. (+256) 414 3448512/2 / Fax (+256) 414 34485 Email: sales.kampala@rwandair.com DUBAI OFFICES Office no.29, Mezzanine floor Al Rais Shopping Centre Al Mankhool St., Burdubai Tel: (+971) 43 555 013 / / Fax: (+971) 43 555 014 Email: sales.dubai@rwandair.com LAGOS UNTL Building 1, Davies Street, Marina Tel. Office (+234) 1-4633124/5/6 Tel. Airport (+234)1-8426588 Email: sales.lagos@rwandair.com DOUALA 6 rue Christian Tobie 1.077, Bonanjo Tel. (+237) 33423586 / (+237) 33423587 (+237) 50645572 Email: sales.douala@rwandair.com ACCRA Sales Office 603 Block 6, Section 019 Ringway Estates Behing Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Osu-RE Tel. (+233) 302 797 486 / (+233) 540 101 543 Email: sales.accra@rwandair.com LUSAKA Intercontinental Hotel Ground Floor Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Ground Floor. Office : (+260) 968 345 259 / (+260) 963 015 130 Email : sales.lusaka@rwandair.com JUBA Airport Business Centre – Ground Floor Airport Rd, Tong Ping Area Office : +211927010569 / +211954890607 Airport :+211956411523 Email: sales.juba@rwandair.com

NAIROBI International Life House Mezzanine 1, Mama Ngina St. Landlines: (+254) 20 3343870 / 2220918 Mobile phones: (+254) 72 2387863 / (+254) 73 3151386 Airport Office line: (+254) 72 2390669 Email: sales.nairobi@rwandair.com

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

|| 119 131



Date Of Passport Expiry:

Passport Number*:

Nationality:

Date Of Birth*: ( For example:- 23/03/1982 )

Gender*: Tick as appropriate Male Female

Last Name*: *as displayed in passport

Middle Name:

Title*: Mr. /Mrs./Dr./Prof./Miss First Name*:

DREAM MILES ENROLLMENT FORM

REFFERAL MEMBER ID.

2

Visit http://www.rwandair.com/?rubrique8 for more detail on the program.

3

0

1

9

8

3

1. Earning status and bonus miles on tickets purchased and flown on RwandAir. 2. Redeeming miles for ticket purchase, upgrades, and companion awards 3. A host of tier benefits including:- Priority wait listing, upgrade to business class, check-in and boarding, excess baggage allowances, guaranteed seats, and exclusive benefits for, Silver, Gold and Diamond members.

Dream Miles is an exclusive program that offers a range of privileges to our frequent flyers, all designed to enhance your journey before, during and after your flight. With this program, you get to enjoy a world of benefits, convenience and personalized service whenever you travel with us, including:

Date: ..........................................................................................................

Signature: ..................................................................................................

Please send your email to dreammiles@rwandair.com or call +250788177000 for any further assistance.

NB.: Please note that this application is going to be processed and your membership details that include membership number, password and benefits will be sent to your email address as registered in your profile.

(Check Box to accept)

Receive marketing communication from RwandAir.

Receive correspondence by Email. (If you choose this option we will give you 500 bonus miles.)

CONSENTS:

Where do you want your Card and paper correspondence delivered? Please specify below if different from the address you have provided above;

Country: __________________________________

State/Province: ______________________________

City: _____________________________________

PO Box: Zip/Postal Code: _________________________

5. .................................................................................................................................................................

4. .................................................................................................................................................................

3. .................................................................................................................................................................

2. .................................................................................................................................................................

1. .................................................................................................................................................................

List all the ticket numbers on Flights taken on RwandAir within a period of one calendar year before the enrollment date.

Mobile Number*: For example: - + 250 788177000

E-mail Address*:


The Most Beautiful Heart One day, in a heavily crowded place, a young man was shouting at the crowd. “People look at me; I have the most beautiful heart in the world.” Many people looked at him and were stunned to see the beautiful heart in a perfect shape, no little flaw, which looked quite amazing. Most of the people who saw his heart was mesmerized by the beauty of his heart and praised him. However, there came an old man and challenged the young man, “No my son, I have got the most beautiful heart in the world!” The young man asked, “Show me your heart, then!” The old man showed his heart to him. It was very rough, uneven, and had scars all over the heart. Also, the heart was not in shape, appeared like bits and pieces joined together in various colours. There were some rough edges, some part of the heart were removed and filled with other pieces. The heart of the old man simply looked like various pieces of heart joined together and formed as a heart. The young man started laughing at his heart, “My dear old man, are you mad? See, my heart! How beautiful and flawless it is. You cannot find even a bit of imperfection in my heart. See, yours. It is full of scars, wounds and blemishes. How can you say your heart is beautiful?” “Dear boy, my heart is just so beautiful as your heart is. Did you see the scars? Each scar represents the love I shared with a

person. I share a piece of heart with others when I share love and in return I get a piece of heart, which I fix at the place where I had torn a piece!” said the old man. The young man was shocked. And the old man continued. “Since the pieces of heart I shared were neither equal nor in the same shape or size, my heart is full of uneven edges and bits and pieces.” “My heart is not in shape because sometimes I never get the love in return from those I gave it. So where do you see the real beauty? Your heart which looks fresh and fuller with no scars which indicates you never shared love with anybody. Did you?” The young man stood still and never spoke a word. Tears rolled down his cheeks. He walked to the old man, tore a piece of his heart and gave the piece to the old man. Many give importance and respect to physical beauty. Yet, physical appearance isn’t the real beauty! Lions are the only big cats to live in groups, called prides. Prides are close family groups.


Have fun while you colour me

Facts about lions

The females in the pride tend to do the majority of the hunting. They work as a group and use intelligent hunting tactics to catch prey which they would not be able to catch alone as they are faster than them.

Lions communicate through a range of behaviours and their expressive movements are very highly developed. They will perform peaceful tactile actions such as licking each other and rubbing heads.

Lions enjoy relaxing and lazing around. They spend between 16 and 20 hours each day resting and sleeping. They have few sweat glands so they wisely tend to conserve their energy by resting during the day and become more active at night when it is cooler.

Head rubbing or nuzzling is a common greeting behaviour for lions. They also communicate through a variety of vocalisations including purrs, snarls, miaws and hissing. Their vocalisations also vary in intensity and pitch.

Lionesses are caring mothers who will even take care of a neglected cub, allowing him/her to suckle and giving them a chance to survive. Two or more lionesses in a group tend to give birth around the same time, and the cubs are raised together. Cubs are extremely playful.

Lions roar to communicate their position to other prides. A lion’s roar is the loudest of any big cat and can be heard up to 8 km away.

The mane of the male lion is a distinctive characteristic of lions as no other big cats have them. It makes male lions appear larger thus allowing them to be more intimidating. It also signals sexual maturity and health status; lionesses tend to favour denser and darker manes.

Lions are symbols of strength and courage and have been celebrated throughout history for these characteristics. They are also common symbols for royalty and stateliness, hence the phrase ‘king of the jungle’.

Lions have terrific night vision. They are 6 times more sensitive to light than humans. This gives them a distinct advantage over some prey species when hunting at night.

RWANDAIR INZOZI MAGAZINE

| 135


Mobile : +250 731340421 facebook : konkaproducts www.konka.com.hk

13MP Rear Camera 5MP Front Selfie Camera ISOCELL Sensor OV 1.4um pixel size Mid VCM Motor 5P Largan Lens

136 | FLY OUR DREAM TO THE HEART OF AFRICA


Mobile : +250 731340421 | facebook : konkaproducts | www.konka.com.hk

No.1


Green Hills Academy and RwandAir partner for world-class education

Signs of Rwanda’s progress are easily seen in many different parts of the country. Whether the opening of new skyscrapers and Kigali City Hall or the growth of RwandAir into a successful international airline with an expanding network. Joining this list is a worldclass boarding facility at Green Hills Academy. Located in Kigali, Green Hills Academy is an established international school with more than 40 nationalities represented and teachers and administrators that come from across the world. The school consists of a nursery, primary and secondary school and hosts more than 1,500 students. While the main language of the school is English, there is a 50/50 programme up to grade 10, with classes in French and in English. It is also possible to take French as the mother tongue language, including the study of literature, up to grade 12. Until grade 8, students follow a school curriculum, drawing on the best international models. At the end of grade 10, they sit for the Cambridge IGCSE exams, and in grades 11 and 12 students are prepared for the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification. As Alan Shanks, the Principal of the Secondary School, pointed out, “This is a challenging academic programme, which in Rwanda is only offered at Green Hills Academy.” Across the school, great emphasis is placed not only on students’ academic learning, but also on their personal growth. For instance, a varied co-curricular programme ensures that by the time they leave they have made the values of the IB Learner Profile their own:

students should be knowledgeable, openminded, principled and caring enquirers, thinkers and communicators, who are also willing to take risks. After graduation, the majority of students continue their education at universities throughout the world, mostly in the US, Europe, India and China, but also in Rwanda and across East Africa. Like the academic programme, the boarding programme brings to Rwanda the best that is available internationally. Two purpose-built boarding houses, one for up to 50 boys, the other for up to 52 girls, are headed by resident staff with a wide range of international experience. The rooms for either two or four secondary school students are brightly furnished to provide a happy ‘home away from home’. The boarding houses are located on the campus of the school, and teachers of the school are available for learning support during the daily study periods to help students do their best. “The school has no religious affiliation,” the Headmaster, Ron Wallace from Canada, says, “but it is important to us that the religious and spiritual needs of students are well catered for.”

On weekends and some evenings, a range of fun activities and trips are organised to help students interact, make new friends and feel part of a community. Boarding at Green Hills Academy will enable students to grow into mature young adults, in a caring and secure environment. Speaking about the partnership with the school, RwandAir’s General Manager Commercial Gobena Mikael said, “We are delighted to join efforts with Green Hills Academy to promote their boarding school. It is an opportunity for students and parents from different countries to discover the peaceful and remarkable Rwanda. Through this partnership, students and parents will be offered an attractive discount on a world class travel experience connecting from our 17 destinations, which include all major cities in East, Central, West & Southern Africa as well as Dubai in the UAE.” The boarding programme at Green Hills Academy is an example of how life in Rwanda is increasingly integrated into the international world, without giving up important traditional Rwandan values.


AKAGERA BUSINESS GROUP LTD AKAGERA MOTORS

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF

SALES - PARTS - SERVICE

TIRES - BATTERIES - LUBRICANTS

AKAGERA ELECTRONICS

AKAGERA HARDWARE & PAINTS

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF

AKAGERA SECURITY & SAFETY SYSTEMS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF

IP / ANALOGUE / DVR / MONITOR / LENS / PERIPHERALS / CONTROLLERS

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

CCTV CAMERA SYSTEMS

FLEET MANAGEMENT

GPS TRACKING DEVICES

SUPPLY, INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE OF ALL SECURITY AND ALARM SYSTEMS

B.P.3774, GATUNA ROAD, KARURUMA, KIGALI, RWANDA, PHONE: +250 252 573835 /36 /37, E-Mail: info@abgafrica.com, Website: www.abgafrica.com



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.