The Lowdown - 2015-04 April

Vol. 21, No. 04, 2015

April

Riding, Jumping, Shooting

3

Book Review

21

Big Bush Bash

5

Getting Started

22

Competition Corner

6

Book Review

23

Off To The Market

7

Ride (& run!) for Wildlife

25

Star Gazer

9

Show Me A Hero

27

In the Garden

11

The Choice Is Yours

30

Birds, Bugs and Bushes

12

What’s Happening

31

Eating Out

13

Restaurants

40

Fool On The Hill

17

Employment Sought

42

Mole In The Hole

19

Small Adverts

43

Front Cover Photograph: Wild Flower,

by H Chalcraft Editor: Heather Bender Chalcraft Layout & Design: Louann Chalcraft Published by: LH Publications Limited, 25 Joseph Mwilwa Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka.

PO Box 36666, Lusaka, Zambia. +26 0966 821-290 editor@lowdownzambia.com www.lowdownzambia.com Winners of the 2011 Africast Tourism Journalist of the Year Award Advertising, Subscriptions and Distribution: ads@lowdownzambia.com Printed by: New Horizon Printing Press Ltd, PO Box 38871, Lusaka, Zambia. +260 211 236-637 1

Riding, Jumping, Shooting In the past, Mazabuka played host to two extremely popular events: the Robinson Cross Country and Motor Cross Event and the Bernapen Horse Trials. These popular events are being reinstated into one action packed fun filled family weekend on 25 and 26 April at the newly created Mazabuka Equestrian Centre.

The Enduro event is being run by Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) and will constitute the second round of the ZMSA 2015 Off Road Championship. Mazabuka has supported off road racing in the past and is renowned for providing one of the toughest international one-day events in Southern Africa. This event was called the Tom Reeve Memorial event in honor of one of the founders of the sport in Zambia. His son, David, is a household name in Zambia, having represented Zambia in the Dakar Rally in 2013, 2014, and 2015, finishing 32nd in 2015 in Argentina.

Classes will include the National Championship Classes, Junior National Championship Classes, Bikes and Quads, Masters 50+ and Junior Novices. David Reeve and Lance Higgins, have designed two different fun filled technical tracks, for both professionals as well as juniors on their little 50’s, David Reeve has returned uninjured from the 2015 Dakar race and he makes a return to this event. He will be up against Dale Holliday and Fletcher Broad from the Copperbelt for line honours. Rainer Ihman from Siavonga will also be hoping for a clean ride to the podium. Junior classes will expect stiff competition with Scott and Leah Heygate from Chingola up against Chisamba’s Rory Donaldson. This combined event will also attract a large number of junior and novice riders – at all skill levels.

Eventing is a recognised equestrian sport that involves competing on one horse in three disciplines – dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The event usually takes place over two or three days. ZANEF has supported the Mazabuka Equestrian Club to reinstate eventing in Zambia. The FEI has also supported this initiative by sending top 3

international course designer, David Evans, to design the course. David designed the Hong Kong Olympic games course as well as many major international events all over the world. FEI has also sent Patricia Clifton to help Zambia develop the sport to the highest international standard.

Mazabuka Equestrian Centre expects many Zambian riders to compete at all levels as well as competitors from Zimbabwe. There will be Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country competitions and there will also be a Hunter trials (cross country course) for those who wish to do the cross country only.

Generous sponsors have supported the Mazabuka community. First National Bank (FNB) and Honda Zambia are the main sponsors. Other sponsors include Lionel and Linda Coventry, Omnia Fertilizer, Holler Trade, Golden Lay, Southern Cross Motors, Nick & Lilo Paterson, Zambia Breweries, Agair, Dezzy, Buyabamba, Tractor Zam and Irritech. Each and every one of these sponsors has provided invaluable support to the two sports, which will enable both sports to develop further.

The Mazabuka community have worked hard with the Zambia Motor Sport Association, Zambian National Equestrian Federation and the Federation Equestrian International to combine what will be two highly acclaimed national annual sporting 4

events in both motor and equestrian disciplines. But this is primarily a family event. Mazabuka Equestrian Centre aims to bring together families that are often divided by their sports and wishes to create good quality entertainment for the whole family. The Centre will provide the facilities including a brand new clubhouse with full catering and bar and a well-organised and secure campsite for those competitors and spectators who wish to stay overnight.

The very experienced Lance Higgins will also provide Paintballing. Twenty quality paint ball guns are available for spectators to play with their friends, family and work colleagues. On Saturday night, there will be a disco and entertainment provided by R and G events, and superb food (including halaal) provided by the Mazabuka Equestrian Centre ladies.

Make this a family weekend to remember.

It is an event for all ages, all levels of competition, and of course provides fantastic fun for the spectator as well.

Mazabuka Equestrian Centre is situated on a small sugar farm in the heart of the sugar cane farming district. (S15 deg 4.765’ E 027deg 56,278). For directions, further information and entry forms, please contact Norman Barratt on 0978 772-505, email md@tgtbusiness.co.za or Ceri Coventry on 0968 448-405, email cericoventry@gmail.com

Big Bush Bash

The Siavonga Music Festival has this year upsticks and moved to Lusaka at Bongwe’s Big Bush Plot under the new name of Bongwe’s Big Bush Festival.

Thursday 2, Friday 3 and Saturday 4 April sees three nights of LIVE music followed by some hard core DJs leading the party into the early hours of the morning. A number of Zambia’s own amazing artists, Cactus Agony Zambia, Salma Sky, Namvula, The Tritonix, Sir Jones, Maureen Lupo Lilanda, and many others will be on stage. This is in addition to new international artists traveling to Zambia for their very first time Gangs of Ballet and Shadowclub, with a special return visit from EVICTED Gangs Of Ballet are based in Durban, South Africa. They are made up of brothers, Josh and Brad Klynsmith, Hardus de Beer, and Jono Rich. They have had singles released on major compilation CDs such as the ‘NOW that’s what I call music’ series, headlined at Oppikoppi (one of South Africa’s largest festivals of over 25,000 attendees) and signed a local distribution deal with EMI South Africa in July 2012.

They are currently signed to Universal Music Group South Africa (after EMI merged with Universal globally).

Shadowclub have quickly become one of South Africa’s premier Rock n Roll bands, headlining festivals, clubs and venues across the country. They have been handpicked to support some of the world’s biggest acts on their tours to South Africa, including Kings Of Leon, Bloc Party, Chevelle and Feeder, but are just as keen to play a small town bar, where they electrify the stage time and time again. “We pride ourselves on our sound, our strong set, and

our energetic stage presence, and we’re fully focused now on taking our music to all corners of the globe.”

Evicted, the “Afro-Rock Fusion” traditional Zimbabwean music band with their unique blend of ethnic and western styles backed by amazing passion & energy headlined at the Siavonga Music Festival 2014 and were certainly one of the highlights. They have a huge following in Zambia and their upbeat energetic and charismatic performances never fail to impress.

Of course this is just a sneak peek into the festival as Bongwe will be offering a lineup that starts at 8 pm on Thursday and all day and night on Friday and Saturday.

Many other artists will be performing throughout the day in the form of DJs, small bands, soloists and acoustic performances.

However, the big show starts at 8 pm each day.

Tickets are just K100 per day or K250 for three (Members tickets are just K50 per person per day). They are on Sale at the Zambia Coffee Shop, The Deli and Zebra Café on Addis Ababa Road. Of course you can also get tickets at Bongwe’s Big Bush in Roma.

Sponsored by Windhoek Draught, Pepsi, Power fm, National Arts Council, Zirbro Staging and Raddison Blu, this is an epic event for all those who love LIVE music.

INFO: Stacey 0973 589-419, Claudia 0977 762-096, Alyssa on 0973 830-320 PS: This event starts on Thursday so if you are heading out for the weekend you can still squeeze in a night or two of music before you leave!

5

Competition Corner

The Art Shop Ltd at Ababa House is holding an Africa Freedom Day art competition titled ‘Abstract’ on the Africa Freedom theme.

Artworks can be in Mixed Media but are to be A2 sized (Canvas: 457 x 610 mm or 18 x 24 inches – Enquire at The Art Shop about discounts on Stretched Canvas).

The below voucher must be completed and accompany each Entry. Please include the class you are entering. Only one Entry per person. Entry Fee’s are K100 for adults and K50 for children under 12, proceeds will go to our chosen charity, the Special Hope Network which supports the education of mentally disabled children.

Submissions of Artworks are to be made from Monday 11 – Friday 15 May at The Art Shop at Ababa House. Following that, the entry’s will be judged and there will be a Public Exhibition of the artworks in the Garden of Ababa House and Zebra Crossings Cafe premises on Saturday 30 May. First, Second and Third Prizes will be awarded to each category. The categories are: Children, Teenagers, and Over 21.

If you require any further information, please email info@theartshopltd.com or call 0974 279-107.

Event Management: The Art Shop Ltd, Zebra Crossings Café and the Lowdown Magazine Artwork’s Title: Artists Name: Category:

Children

Teenagers

Over 21

Contact Number: Email Address: If under 18, Parent / Guardian’s Name & Phone Number: Artwork For Sale:

Yes

No

Selling Price:

Artwork’s Title: Artists Name: Category:

Children

Artwork For Sale:

Yes

6

Teenagers No

Selling Price:

Over 21

Off To The Market

Farmer’s Markets, or places where consumers can buy directly from the producers are common around the world. In Zambia, a few, such as the Tuesday market exist, but there is room for more.

The Waterfalls Precinct Goods Market is an independent initiative by Entrepreneur, Oscar Chimbelu, whose aim is to revive and reinvent the Public Market as a civic institution. This market aims to feature over 50 specialty traders once a month, creating a platform for local farmers, finefood purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs, and micro enterprises.

One of the aims of the market is to empower local producers / suppliers. Not only are the suppliers empowered but the local community will enjoy being able to buy fresh produce at subsidised prices with good value for their money. This will in turn also support the Zambian Economy .

The market is well designed and attractive.

Information about the food for sale, the growers products, healthy diets, seasonal recipes and adapting to low-impact lifestyles will be creatively displayed .There are welcoming knowledgeable staff who are freshly recruited students and graduates from various institutions. The students are knowledgeable in areas such as food preparation, healthy eating and bread making. The market is an active player in a rapidly growing food movement.

But it is not only shopping. This is a place to meet up with friends and enjoy the warm friendly atmosphere. It appeals to all ages and backgrounds and provides a popular, convenient and accessible venue where Lusaka residents can buy quality food at a fair price. The Waterfalls Precinct Market is a community event with large numbers of people enjoying authentic food, art and craft and some good family entertainment.

The next Market will be held at Portico on 10 April from 7 pm.

INFO: oscar@waterfallsprecinct.com 7

by Gwyn Thomas

The Sky in April Minor Planets & Dwarf Planets MINOR PLANET A minor planet is an astronomical object in direct orbit around the Sun that is neither a planet nor a comet. Minor planets can be dwarf planets, asteroids, trojans, centaurs, Kuiper belt objects, and other trans-Neptunian objects. The orbits of about 670,000 minor planets were archived at the Minor Planet Center by 2015.

CERES Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered in January 1801 by Giuseppe Piazzi at the Academy of Palermo, Sicily.

A non-satellite body fulfilling only the first two of these criteria is classified as a “dwarf planet”.

It is composed of rock and ice, is 950 kilometers (590 miles) in diameter, and comprises approximately one third of the mass of the asteroid belt.

It is the only dwarf planet in the inner Solar System and the only object in the asteroid belt known to be unambiguously rounded by its own gravity.

From Earth, the apparent magnitude of Ceres ranges from 6.7 to 9.3, so even at its brightest it is too dim to be seen with the naked eye except under extremely dark skies.

There are currently eight planets and five dwarf planets known in the Solar System.

Dwarf planets include Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris, all of which are locked beyond Neptune’s orbit. They are all considered Kuiper Belt bodies, which is a belt of small icy bodies approximately 50AU from the sun. Most of these bodies consist of frozen volatiles (termed “ices”), such as methane, ammonia and water.

Ceres appears to be differentiated into a rocky core and icy mantle, and may harbor a remnant internal ocean of liquid water under the layer of ice. The surface is probably a mixture of water ice and various hydrated minerals such as carbonates and clay. In January 2014, emissions of water vapor were detected from several regions of Ceres.

DWARF PLANETS A planet, according to the Astronomical Union, is defined as a celestial body which is in Orbit around the Sun, has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium (a nearly round shape) and has “cleared the neighbourhood” around its orbit.

9

The robotic NASA spacecraft Dawn entered orbit around Ceres on 6 March 2015.

Pictures show a cratered surface and a bright spot seen in earlier Hubble images was resolved as two distinct high-albedo features inside a crater in a 19 February 2015 image, leading to speculation about a possible cryovolcanic origin.

Ceres follows an orbit between Mars and Jupiter, within the asteroid belt, with a period of 4.6 Earth years. It is moderately inclined and moderately eccentric.

Asteroids share similar orbits and may indicate a common origin through collsions.

Ceres was later found to have spectral properties different from other members of the family. The rotational period of Ceres (the Cererian day) is 9 hours and 4 minutes.

During April 2015 Ceres will be visible in the very early morning with a telscope in dark skies in Capricorn and the Moon will close to on 13th.

Proper Orbital Elements 2.7670962 AU Proper semi-major axis 0.1161977 Proper eccentricity 9.6474122° Proper inclination 78.193318 deg/yr Proper mean motion 4.6039 yr Proper orbital period Precession of perihelion 54.070272 arcsec/yr −59.170034 arcsec/ Precession of the yr ascending node

Diary of Astronomical Phenomena

During April the 5 major planets: • Mercury is moving from Pisces through Aries into Taurus and is visible in the morning sky early in the month then early evening at the end of the month.

• Venus is moving from Aries to Taurus visible in the evening.

• Mars is moving from Pisces through Aries to Taurus - visible in the evening.

• Jupiter is moving through Cancer and is prominent the first half of the night.

• Saturn is in Scorpio and is visible after midnight until morning.

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Physical Characteristics 476.2±1.7 km Mean radius 487.3±1.8 km Equatorial radius 454.7±1.6 km Polar radius 2850000 km2 Surface area 0.00015 Earths Mass 0.28 m/s2 0.029 g Surface gravity 0.51 km/s Escape velocity 0.3781 d Sidereal rotation period ≈ 3° Axial tilt 19h 24m / 291° North poleright ascension 59° North pole declination ≈ 3° Axial tilt 19h 57m 20s / North pole right 299.3° ascension 42.950° North pole declination

Meteor Showers April Lyrids

Visible 16/04 - 24/04

Peak 22/04

pi Puppids

16/04 - 28/04

23/04

Eta Aquariids

21/04 - 12/05

05/05

d 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 12 14 18 18 19 19 21 21 22 23 23 26 26 27 28

Event Spica near the Moon Full Moon Spica near the Moon delta Pavonid meteor shower max.

Comet 88P Howell at perihelion Moon occults gamma Lib Mercury near Uranus Saturn near the Moon Last Quarter Moon Moon occults Dablh (beta Cap) New Moon Uranus near the Moon Mercury near the Moon Mars near the Moon Aldebaran and Venus near the Moon Venus-Moon 7.3° at noon April Lyrid meteor shower maximum Mercury near Mars pi Puppid meteor shower max.

First Quarter Moon Jupiter near the Moon Moon near Subra (o Leo) Regulus near the Moon

The rains are over. The fearsome downpours, the dramatic thunderstorms and the gentle rains from heaven that made our gardens so green, luxuriant and full of weeds will probably not reappear for 7 or 8 months. Trees with deep roots can still reach the underground water but nearly everything else needs to be given water. Count your blessings if you have a borehole yielding all the water you need. Or indeed any water at all.

Bedding plants will soon be available. Plant some for instant colour. Try a plant that you have not bought before. Petunias are so COMMON! Pansies are easy and last for ages, right through to the really hot weather. Snapdragons give a good effect in a large patch and delphiniums are incredibly pretty. Lobelia have a wonderful colour and alyssum spread and cover empty spots. Whichever you choose, buy a lot.

For another solution to colour in the garden, think of foliage. Foliage plants need much less care (and water) than bedding plants. I can suggest three that are easy and rewarding. The acalypha, often called the copperleaf, is a large shrub with leaves in a variety of colours. The coppery red is well known, but the large yellow and green leaves are spectacular and the dark red with a very serrated edge is striking. They all need a rich soil, occasional deep watering and full sun. The croton or codiaeum is a smaller shrub with very attractive leaves. It loves heat and humidity and water. Choose a smaller variety and grow it in a large pot on the verandah or patio where you can remember to mist it frequently. It likes sun or bright shade but the colours are best in full sun. The coleus is grown for its colourful leaves. It comes from Java but full sun will sometimes bleach the leaf colour so try semi-shade. This plant is an annual: when the thin spikes of small pale purple flowers appear, remove them promptly to extend the life of the plant for many more months.

This is called “dead-heading� and is a good job for the owner of the house as gardeners often overlook it. Ensure you remove the part that will produce the seeds. Several other shrubs have lovely dark red leaves and provide a great contrast to all the green.

Bougainvillea not only give long-lasting colour but they are also very drought resistant. They need a large space but this changes with the colour of the bougainvillea. I do not recommend the small, dark leaved variety with purple flowers. It takes up far too much room and has little appeal. The common red flower is much more attractive and grows vigorously if you have the space. Next in size is probably the pink bougainvillea. The unusual variety with both pink and white flowers is a delight and the copper and orange colours grow well but never overwhelm their patch. Distinctly smaller in size is the delightful white bougainvillea. Take your pick.

Other drought resistant plants are the aloe, kalanchoe, sedum, poinsettia, lavender, nandina, plumbago and vitex. The bottlebrush tree can survive without extra water. Strelitzia, although it loves water, will survive without, and so will agapanthus, osteospermum and lantana.

TIP: Mark and /or label plants that disappear in the dry season e.g. caladiums.

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Tiny Little Monsters

Mosquitoes, estimates suggest, are complicit in the deaths of around half of all the humans who have ever lived; with World Malaria Day coming up this month, it seems appropriate to discuss how not to encourage them.

Beyond reaching for a can of insecticide or a gin and tonic - which are not necessarily much better for your health - there are ways of minimising your nightly bites; a garden stocked with lavender, basil, lemon-thyme, lemon-grass, citronella, chamomile and tarragon is an armoury of repellents, while tarragon’s relative Artemisia annua is a major source of anti-malarial medicines.

Gum-trees, neem and myrrh, if you have the space, also claim repellent properties.

Not green-fingered? Consider adding a pond; mosquitoes breed in any standing water - even deep puddles - but many predatory insects require more permanent water. Dragonflies, damselflies and the (non-biting) elephant mosquito feed voraciously upon mosquitoes and their larvae.

Aedes, never Male mosquitoes, like this pollinators. bite, but are impor tant

According to one 2004 study, the genetic lottery also plays a role; if you’re blood type A you’re only half as likely to get bitten as blood type O. If you do get bitten, don’t despair - most of Lusaka’s mosquitoes are non-malarial Aedes, anyway.

Article by William van Niekerk

Culiseta is a non-descript mosquito that rarely bites humans, feeding instead on birds and reptiles 12

The black-and-white chequer ed Aedes is common around Lusaka hom es. Elsewhere, they can transmit Dengue and Yellow Fever.

Eretmapodites is a large, silver-streaked mosquito with a painful bite. Elsewhere these may transmit yellow fever.

Besides the fact that I’m not one to turn down the offer of a meal, especially when the editor is footing the bill, or to take part in a semi-clandestine operation! I couldn’t resist the opportunity to surreptitiously review the Misty Jazz Restaurant and Café at Levy Junction .

As is the norm, I left booking a table to the last possible moment, however a quick *google-off revealed a very easy to use, quick to load Misty website. Filling in the reservations form is a ten second task. I perused the online wine-list. A minute later an email confirming my table.

8.20pm. Friday. Perfect.

I’ll admit to having a little ‘insider knowledge’ of the Misty, having been there on a number of previous occasions, and knowing that it’s not a particularly cavernous establishment I requested a table near the entrance and a away from the main stage.

Seating and tables in the front row tend to be a little acoustically challenging and the bigband sound system a touch overwhelming.

So overwhelming in fact, that on a previous evening at the Misty, (a date) I’d spent a great deal of the evening looking straight ahead and failing dismally in my attempt(s) to lip read. A combination of my abhorrent lipreading skills and inane nodding in response to a number of lengthy, in depth questions, resulted in my whole-hearted agreement with some fairly inflammatory, quasi-fascist sentiment. Alas, it was not to be.

Arriving at the Misty on Friday, perhaps on the debatable side of fashionably late, our host-waiter was quick to show us to our table and eager to have us seated. Owing to said late arrival (I must note here that bookings are only generally held for 30 minutes and a table over 10 requires a perhead deposit) the band had already tuned up and begun to do their thing, the restaurant was fairly full and the Misty Café / bar next door was in full swing.

Our table, one fairly close to the front... was nicely set and very comfortable, plush winged chairs (a little awkward to manoeuvre) fresh flowers. Very pleasant. The décor, a mix of modern booth brasserie and an incalculable amount of fuax-gilt frames perhaps tries a little too hard in places. Yet, overall you do feel as if you have stepped into a place where someone has spent a great deal of time, energy and money trying to make their customers feel relaxed and a little special. A wine list was at hand immediately which was greatly appreciated, and was promptly handed to the most knowledgeable member of our group.

There are some decent wines on the list, mainly South African and one or two Spanish and Italian table wines, however given the quality and range available in Lusaka it would have been a delight to be pleasantly surprised by an interesting choice or two. Two bottles of an appropriate blended red were selected by our resident council of vino-holics, water glasses were filled and the menu was visually consumed from start to finish.

There are at least some interesting choices on the menu and the diversity of taste amongst our party of six meant that nearly everybody selected something different, there was much discussion regarding who was going to have the roasted pumpkin and sage gnocchi. I lost this particular battle and opted for the grilled Calamari instead.

Our waiter took our varied starter and mains orders quickly and efficiently, making sure he got small details right, a side garden salad

*Google-Off: A Google-off results when a question is asked. to which nobody knows the answer; Such as, ‘How do you book a table at the Misty??’ Everyone races for the nearest portable, inter-weberiffic connected device. First person with a viable / believable answer wins.

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and leave out the fries from the line-fish with lemon and caper sauce, could I have mashed potato instead of the rice with the slow cooked Lamb shank. I could go on.

We are a fussy bunch! I must say that it was refreshingly pleasant to experience a staff member eager to help and accommodate our ‘off the menu requests’ which tends not to be the case in many restaurants in Lusaka.

Whilst we waited for our drinks, the band played a mix of soft, smooth jazz which really set the atmosphere. It was a mightily pleasurable experience to sit and listen to a group of very gifted musicians do their thing.

The pianist on the baby grand was very impressive and well worth a listen.

Our starters arrived all at once just as we’d finished our first glass of wine and our waiter was on the ball yet again, serving the right dishes to the right people, ladies first and ensuring that we all had clean tableware as needed. Dishes are well presented, smelled scrumptious and were plated on piping hot crockery. The two baskets of fresh bread rolls and nice soft butter were a welcome addition.

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Our varied tastes resulted in a multifarious spread, with undoubtedly two stand out dishes. The gnocchi which is light and beautifully presented, and the roasted pork belly on mustard mash, well cooked and full of flavour. Starter portions are a little slim and looked a little lost on the giant plate but were eaten with gusto and were complimented by another glass of red, to cleanse the palette you see?

Soon after our dishes were cleared our main course was in-sight, and again, I can’t compliment the service enough, spot on.

Hot plates, food all served at once and to the right people, what a treat! Again, we’d all chosen something different, the menu I might add is fairly extensive and there seems to be a bit of something for everyone from the carnivores amongst us to the more (insert personal opinion here) ‘animal friendly’ of palette.

The lamb shank was a triumph, falling off the bone, superb really and the giant prawns in garlic and herb infused butter was generous and delicious. There were however a few

stumbling blocks that in all reality couldn’t be forgiven. An order of medium rare beef rump to our resident wine connoisseur was mind bogglingly overdone and side sauces had to be replenished a number of times due in no small part to the most minute items of crockery ever to have been produced.

Cue nine fifteen pm. The music.

I’m not a musical mastermind, however, I feel fairly confident in my abilities to distinguish between genres in a fairly broad sense of the term. What happened for the next forty-five minutes was categorically not jazz. Not by a long shot. I’m not saying that the artist who happened to be on the microphone was bad, he wasn’t.

He was really rather good if I’m entirely honest but the volume of the performance and our proximity to the stage made it reasonably uncomfortable. We were treated to a number of familiar favourites, Tracy Chapman, Bob Marley, Sam Smith, possibly One Direction (I’m not sure, at this point I went to the bathroom) To be fair, there was a fairly up tempo rendition of happy birthday that came close to an approximation of Jazz, however Johnny Hartman it was not.

By ten pm, the last of our energy ebbing away, in no small part due to a long, hot day as well as the wine, we embarked on a last flight of fancy and ordered one of each of the three items on the desert cart and a number of Amarula dom Pedros.

Our desserts, Malva pudding with ice cream, apple tart, with ice cream and something remarkably named ‘death by chocolate, with CHOCOLATE ice cream again arrived

in no time. (Death by Chocolate admittedly caused some concern. Perhaps its just me, but I’m never altogether convinced about being served a slice of death, even if it does involve a generous dollop of cocoa infused goodness.)

After having eaten our fill, sipped our Amarula thingys (not as it turns out a Dom Pedro) and admittedly having sung along to a song or two we asked for the check.

It arrived fairly promptly and our standard game of ‘guess the bill’ saw us all red faced and slightly taken-a- back. Its not cheap, but then again gone too are the days of a three course meal, with wine and service for one hundred and thirty Kwacha. As nobody would volunteer to wash dishes in lieu of the bill and making a run for it was immediately disqualified due to there being six of us we forked over our share, checked it twice, left a generous tip and left.

In summary: Atmosphere; relaxed.

Service; outstanding (Ashley our waiter deserves a special mention) Food; all round fairly tasty bar the mindboggling rump.

Entertainment; acoustically challenging (I like that one) Value for money; debatable.

Recommendation; Give it a go.

The Misty: www.the-misty.com | Levy Business Park, Corner of Church and Kabalenga Rd. Lusaka. Open Monday to Sunday, 12:00 – Late. | Reservations on: 0211 324-121 / 22 | info@the-misty.com 15

I’m overhung again. In a garboil, a katzenjammer, a mental and physical brouhaha.

Held hostage by crapulence. It happens rarely these days as with most people the fear and likelihood of bad hangovers increases with age, tempering the reckless drinking that accompanied so much of the last thirty years of my life in Zambia. Kids and hangovers don’t mix, the former requiring infinite patience and the latter, in my case, producing all-consuming intolerance. Wives and hangovers are also incompatible as self-inflicted injuries are given even shorter shrift in my house than genuine life-threatening illnesses, most of which are also classified as malingering when they affect me. Amongst friends the hungover are usually treated with some sympathy, empathy and a wry camaraderie.

Concerning ones relationship with employees the term “Muzungu Malaria” seems to have accompanied most of my working life and my staff know when to let a sleeping dog and/or sore headed bear lie.

Whilst having a highly addictive nature I believe myself to be lucky in not being physiologically inclined to alcohol addiction.

For years I poured my personality out of a bottle believing that without the catalyst of alcohol I would have nothing to bring to the party. I suspect this is still very much true but I don’t really care anymore so am not driven to be entertaining company. For almost two years I remained free of hangovers by the simple expedient of staying always a little drunk and with Powers No1 Malawian cane spirit costing a dollar a bottle there was little danger of a financial deterrent to my hobby.

Apart from bar snacks I only ate solids about once a week happily substituting the missing calories with the Coke in my cane (or as they would say south of the Limpopo the “diesel in my spook”), so whilst becoming more than a tad lardy I never achieved full blown chronic obesity. I would happily start drinking at around 8 am and continue through the day maintaining a good buzz until my more responsible peers would join me for a sundowner. I was nevertheless energised and self motivated and managed

to build up and manage my own small subsistence tourism operation which eventually, with quite a lot of hard work and some lucky breaks, grew into a larger moderately successful one. This of course involved running my own bar and having to sober up enough between binge drinking sessions to maintain a marriage and a business and start a family.

An unfortunate combination of factors which led to many, many godawful hangovers.

The medical term for the harridan hangover is veisalgia; who’d have thought you could share the same bed with her for over thirty years and never think to ask her name!? Wikipedia says “... the causes of a hangover are still poorly understood.”

I find that a little odd as I have a sneaking suspicion that drinking a lot the night before may have something to do with it. Oh I see ... apart from the fact that ethanol is a poison!? The superficial attractions and pratfalls of ingesting ethanol are well known to most and the journey beyond Euphoria, further than Lethargy and Confusion and Stupor to Coma (The Land of Near Permanent Nod) are familiar to some, but the chemistry behind veisalgia is almost as shrouded in mystery as the plethora of false remedies claiming to combat it. Firstly an enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) spitefully breaks the ethanol down into acetaldehyde which is 30 times more toxic than the original ethanol, and then to acetic acid, high concentrations of which in rodents causes headaches. HOW? How do boffins identify headaches in lab rodents ... do the females refuse offers of ratty romance, roll over and give their beaus the cold shoulder?

By causing an imbalance of the NAD+/ NADH redox system, alcoholic beverages make normal bodily functions more difficult.

Consequences of the alcohol induced redox changes in the human body include increased triglyceride production, increased amino acid catabolism, inhibition of the citric acid cycle, lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, 17

This may explain the temporary postponement of symptoms reported in the common “Hair of the Dog” remedy to relieve hangover symptoms. Since methanol metabolism is effectively inhibited by consumption of alcohol, methanol accumulates during drinking and only begins to be metabolized once ethanol has been cleared.

Add to the injurious effects of the above, dehydration, insulin shock (hypoglycaemia) immune system imbalances and then stir into the mix the optional factors of behavioural imbalances, genetic predisposition, smoking and age and the odds for getting off scotch free become slimmer all the time.

The British Medical Journal concludes: “No compelling evidence exists to suggest that any conventional or complementary intervention is effective for preventing or treating alcohol hangover. The most effective way to avoid the symptoms of alcohol induced hangover is to avoid drinking.”

hyperuricemia, disturbance in cortisol and androgen metabolism and increased fibrogenesis. The metabolism of glucose and insulin are also affected. In short a right spanner is thrown into the works. In addition most commercial brands of booze contain congeners which include substances such as amines, amides, acetones, acetaldehydes, polyphenols, methanol, histamines, fusel oil, esters, furfural, and tannins, many but not all of which are toxic. Generally speaking the darker the drink, the more congeners and the worse the hangover.

One of the most potent congeners is methanol which is naturally formed in small quantities during fermentation and which can be accidentally concentrated by improper distillation techniques. Metabolism of methanol produces some extremely toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde and formic acid which may play a role in the severity of hangover.

Ethanol slows the conversion of methanol into its toxic metabolites so that most of the methanol can be excreted harmlessly in the breath and urine without forming its toxic metabolites.

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That’ll have been penned by some smug teetotaller no doubt! But in an attempt to help fellow sufferers here are the “other” best ways to avoid and or deal with a hangover. Alternate a glass of water with every alcoholic drink to pre-empt the dehydration. When your liver is busy metabolising ethanol your sugar levels plummet so load up on carbs and you’ll redress that imbalance and might start to feel some energy again. Greasy food before you start drinking will do you more good than afterwards as it will slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen) DO work with the headache! Exercise won’t really sweat out the alcohol but it WILL burn off some of the extra calories and as long as you don’t let yourself get dehydrated the endorphins will help with the hangover anxiety and depression. Finally “There is no research that shows that sex will make a hangover go away, but maybe it will make the time go faster,” says Joris C. Verster, Ph.D., assistant professor at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “If it makes you happy, go for it.” If your condition makes it possible, would also suggest involving another person, as this will while away even more time.

was a smashing little chap called Charlie who hailed from Lowestoft, of all places, and had, slung from his belt, an enormous shifting spanner, a multifunctional tool designed to handle all sorts of tasks, not least in belabouring recalcitrant surveyors!

He was in charge of a specialist team, many of whom were Zulu drillers etc who, on their days off, would go into the township to demonstrate their prowess in their specialist skills of drinking, fighting and fornication.

The Tube

It was 6.7m in diameter and it was 804 metres long, set, vertically, into the earth behind Kalulushi; the new No 7 Shaft.

Poor hapless surveyor, his job was to make sure that it stayed vertical as it was being sunk, that it maintained its correct diameter and that it did not twist about the place on its way down and this involved some protracted visits in the tube. The working place was the sinking stage, a triple decked platform, 10 metres in length, suspended on ropes from the sinking hoist set up on surface. From this the concrete shuttering was suspended. Two holes in it allowed the kibbles access to the bottom of the shaft where, after blasting, the broken ground could be loaded into them by a mechanical grab mounted underneath the stage. More tubes were affixed to the side of the main tube; a water pipe to bring drilling water down to the face, a compressed air pipe to provide motive power to the drills and the grab; a concrete delivery pipe from the batching plant on surface, two or more ventilation pipes to provide air for all to breathe, drain pipes from the water rings set in the side of the tube to keep all dry and, lastly, the rising main to take all the water out to surface. This last involves a series of small pumps pumping from one to the other up the tube as a single pump could not handle the total head required to get the water out to surface. Against the side of the tube were also racks retaining the power cables, phone lines and bell signal lines that control the movement of the stage, kibbles and all.

The whole operation was carried out by the Cementation Company; the Master Sinker

As described before, 6 brackets had been set close to the rim of the tube in strategic places, through which wires from little winches, each holding 1000 metres of wire, were hung down the sides of the tube with weights on the end to keep them taut. A hook was also placed from which to hang a steel tape. At intervals of 6 metres a series of bolts were set within the shaft concrete lining to which the shaft steelwork would be attached at the equipping stage. This would not be carried out until the sinking was completed at which time the equipping would commence from the bottom of the shaft back up to surface.

Once the tube had gone down over 100 metres the surveyor was called to put in new brackets. The wires were observed, brackets put in, clamping the wire in position, and a series of check measurements carried out to ensure that all was correct. Sounds easy! In fact the erratic nature of the wires meant that finding the correct position to clamp the wire was not easy at all. Eventually, having done all 6 wires, you find that the check measurements do not all tally with requirements and then the guessing game as to which wires were in the right position and which were not began.

After some 16 hours of work all was established and a return to surface was made. Taking your life in your hands you clamber back into the kibble, acutely aware that a slip would mean oblivion, the bell is rung and a return to surface, out of the stinking hot, wet, depths is made up to just below surface. There you hang waiting for the big safety doors over the mouth of The Tube to be opened. It is now freezing cold and your teeth are chattering. The 19

doors open and you are hoisted up, to be suspended in the air above the doors, awaiting their closure. Dawn in July is not a warm time! The kibble is brought down onto the top of the doors and you climb out, to be greeted by Charlie who has a mug of Cocoa, liberally laced with a fortifying liquid, for you, which is much appreciated.

Subsequent visits are enlivened by a kibble swing! A tape has to be hooked on to the previous tape bracket so that a new one can be put in below. To get to the bracket you have to get the kibble swinging so that you can reach the bracket. The end of the tape is tied with cotton onto a bamboo which is never long enough and the motion of the kibble is somewhat erratic but eventually the tape is hooked on and down you go in the kibble, winding out the steel tape, to the relative safety of the stage. There it is an easy matter to bolt in another tape bracket before proceeding to put in another set of “Steady brackets� for the control wires.

Life on the stage is not for the faint hearted.

The noise is incredible, it is hot and wet.

Now and again something goes wrong and one of the little pumps up the shaft stops and water comes thundering back down the shaft so that the stage floor is knee deep in water despite the gaping holes in the middle. It is a relief, then, to return to surface and so, when nothing happens in response to your call to be pulled up, you are a trifle concerned. The hoist driver is called. He is in tears, everybody is going to be cross with him so we can just stay down below! I then enter into a protracted conversation with him; he is obviously 20

as drunk as a skunk; it is the middle of the night, no one else is around, he is my sole source of communication to the world. Eventually he agrees, as I am a nice forgiving bwana that he will allow me, and only me to come to surface. Into the kibble I get, heart in mouth and then enjoy a terrifying yo yo ride up. All the way I keep thinking of those closed safety doors and what would happen to me if they did not open. The kibble stopped, I hung there for what seemed for ages, the doors were opened, up we went, another wait before the doors were closed and I could alight, to immediately go round to the hoist house, get the driver away from the controls and then get on with organising another driver and rescue the rest of my team. The driver had misjudged me, I was not nice to him at all!

Once we reached the bottom of the shaft we had to do a final survey. All the intervening brackets were loosened off so that the wires could swing freely from their original set points on surface. The weights on the bottom of the wires were put in drums of water to dampen their motion and the final set of steady brackets put in. Once that was done all the intervening brackets were reset to the wires.

The sinking stage was dismantled and an equipping stage made, on which we put a special jig to show where all the bits and pieces of steel should go. Then, once it was all set, we could retreat to work out how we were going to put the concrete tower of a headframe in which the Kopie hoists would sit, up in the air, in the right place, on top of The Tube.

Guide To Little Known Waterfalls Of Zambia - Volume II Book by Quentin Allen & Ilse Mwanza

with Matthew Mandandi & Timmy Kamwi Mutukwa

Review by Gerard Fagan

A few years ago in the backwoods of Zambia I went for a hike with Quentin to scout for new waterfalls. The area that he wanted to explore was the gorge between the Lunsemfwa Power Station and Bell’s Point. The gorge known as Wonder Gorge.

It’s a long drive from Kitwe passing through Piccadilly Circus (a crossroads near Old Mkushi) on the way. We parked the vehicles at the Power Station and hiked down the Gorge, found a sandy beach, pitched tents, and ate an exotic soya and rice supper. The next morning breakfast consisted of left-overs from the night before but with the addition of raisins! With rucksacks on we climbed down the gorge.

It was pretty easy going scrambling over the rocks alert for waterfalls and, in my case, birds. The first obstacle was a huge wall of rock in front of us. No way around except by climbing up the steep sides of the Gorge then across and then down. I cannot remember how many times we had to do the same exercise. When evening came we looked for a camp-site and found only huge boulder after huge boulder. Thus our bed for the night was granite rock. Not a good night’s sleep and to say I was shattered the next day would be an understatement - I could hardly walk. Breakfast was no better than the day before and we started to hike.

Two hundred metres later another wall of rock confronted us; we climbed and descended and ... no waterfalls. I could go no further and simply had to give up.

Quentin duly escorted me back to the car then continued on his expedition. He is made of sterner stuff.

One of Quentin’s contributions to this second waterfall book has been his drive to visit as many waterfalls as possible, many

of them involving arduous treks through the Zambian bush, sometimes with Ilse Mwanza, Steve Robinson, Matthew Mandandi and Timmy Mutukwa. Their efforts are realised in the publication of their second waterfall book which references around 350 little known waterfalls in Zambia together with a brief description, how to get there as well as the GPS co-ordinates. The book is well set up with the waterfalls in each province listed. I especially like the various trip reports which give a real flavour of the excitement felt in the search for unknown waterfalls.

I would urge anyone who is at a loss as to what to do in Zambia - visit a waterfall.

There are so many to choose from! This is a thoroughly enjoyable, interesting, and rewarding reference book.

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This article is written to encourage readers and speakers of English to provide remedial help to adults who want to improve their writing and comprehension skills in the language.

Many of us know that there is no shortcut to bettering English than to read.

A few lessons in the motor skills are one way to stimulate greater interest in reading.

The second purpose of this piece is to kick off the sharing of local knowledge in other life-skills – building a dam, doing your own books, organising play-group, buying land in Mansa – anything relevant to the Zambian environment.

For teaching adults English you do need to have the following tool-kit before you begin: 1 confidence in your own ability in English, 2 an understanding that language learning involves periods when nothing seems to move, 3 reasonable access to internet and printed resources to supplement your English primer, and 4 a willingteacher/willing-learner situation.

If you are thrown in at the deepest end; either your learner is completely illiterate or they cannot understand a word of English, DON’T PANIC. Remember this is a relationship between adults and your learner already has a mother-tongue, and consequently you share the responsibility to bridge the language divide.

A good dictionary or at least the Oxford 3000 list in your learner’s language needs to always be at hand. Take care to pronounce your words clearly but without undue stress, the first challenge is to identify the wordbreaks – helped by writing because this it makes it graphically clear where one word ends and the next begins.

Start with your name, go on to colours, identify objects in your immediate 22

environment and get as quickly as possible to a simple English sentence: Eg. The white cup is on the table…

Language is best learnt through the ears!

When you are with a complete beginner you may feel that you are talking to yourself for a while, however silly it may sound, this is fine and the only way to start, DON’T QUIT. Pictures cut out from gardening and home magazines, and of course we can provide a few old Lowdowns, are helpful teaching aids.

You and your learner should encourage each other in the art of ‘scrap-booking’. Relearn to draw if you are out of practice. Usually a good ice-breaker, especially if your learner is a better artist than you are. A picture is worth a thousand words.

There is no getting away from grammar, measurement, letter-recognition and extending vocabulary. Exercises in all these and for all levels are now available to download almost for free, aside from the cost of printing. Reasonably priced junior school text books are also a good resource to prompt ideas if you get teacher’s block. I endeavoured successfully to spend 25% of my earnings from teaching on books. Three years down the line I have built an enviable collection and also managed to put an appropriately staged ‘reader’ into every one of my learners’ hands.

DO SMILE. This is a win-win situation. Not only are you likely to make a friend for life of your student, but every lesson given is deeper insight for the next. Record details of each lesson (preferably lasting no longer than 90 minutes twice a week) in your teaching diary for future reference.

DO EMAIL: your own experiences, reactions or article on another topic that you would like publish to mel@lowdownzambia.com indicating in the subject line ‘Getting Started’. We request that your article is no longer than 800 words and regret that there is no payment for contributions to this series.

Remnants of Empire: Memory and Northern Rhodesia’s White Diaspora Book by Pamela Shurmer Smith Some years ago, when Pamela Shurmer Smith, an Anthropologist by profession, started off with her research for this book, I wondered how she was going to record the many diverse and varied views of exNorthern Rhodesians in a fair and balanced manner whilst at the same time keeping the book interesting. But Pamela has done an excellent job in weaving together the personal stories of so many people with an unbiased view of the history of our country.

Pamela’s correspondents whilst researching this book were people who were at least ten years old at the time of Independence in 1964 and who left the country to settle elsewhere.

The book brings alive the trauma of having to uproot oneself from one’s long time friends and neighbours, and for many, having no idea what life was going to be like in their new country of residence and whether they would settle and succeed there. After 1964, the cruelty of uprooting oneself was compounded by the restrictions on taking one’s honest and hard earned life savings with one. This was made even worse when currency restrictions were expanded to include personal and household effects. Yes, there were reasons for it but the average Northern Rhodesian had no option but to leave; for him to have to leave his own life savings behind was pure theft on the part of the regime. Some people got some of their money out in anniversary payments every year but many did not. Also when the value of the Kwacha nosedived the pay outs became peanuts in real money.

The residents of Northern Rhodesia were roughly divided into the Government or PA types and the rest. The PA community (the British Colonial Civil Servants) were deliberately transferred from station to station and given 6 months home leave every 3 years to prevent them forming any

Review by Doug Grewar attachment to their host countries. Despite this, many did form strong attachments to Northern Rhodesia.

The non-PA community was divided into the commercial / trading, the mining and the farming communities. Most of the miners came from South Africa and Southern Rhodesia and would work a few years on the mines before returning to their farms down south. After a few bad seasons on the farms they would return to the Copperbelt to save up some money to enable them to continue farming. They had little interest in Northern Rhodesia or its peoples and were only there to make money. In a way one could call these temporary sojourners the forerunners of the ‘expatriates’ who came after independence. Even so many of them did form an attachment to the affluent and relaxed Copperbelt lifestyle.

Among the non-PA group and mainly in the trading and farming communities were the ‘settlers’, the real Northern Rhodesians, who actually thought that they were going to live in Northern Rhodesia / Zambia forever and who were prepared to adapt to changing conditions and live under an African dominated government. These settlers or at least the ones who had to leave NRZ were the ones who felt the loss most poignantly because they lost not only a comfortable lifestyle and their properties and assets and in some cases their families, but most importantly they lost their dreams. They suffered something similar to what is today called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Time eases the pain but many will take the mental scars to their graves.

The emigrants had a wide variety of success in their new lives after leaving Northern Rhodesia / Zambia from Neville Isdell who became head of the giant Coca-Cola organisation to the chap who ended up penniless sleeping in a New Zealand garden shed. Most however returned to the western humdrum life of wage slavery as university 23

bursars, teachers, policemen or lawyers with only their memories of a life in the sun to brighten their dull lives. I had always thought of Neville Isdell as some sort of a pen pusher but this book showed me that he was a tough guy, a real go-getter. After University in Cape Town he got a job managing the Coca-Cola depot in Mufulira. There were 2 trucks but only 1 driver. Neville asked for another driver to be hired but Coca-Cola refused. Neville took lessons for a heavy duty driving license and drove the truck himself for a year. He doubled the sales of the branch and was promoted to Kitwe and that was the start of his rise to fame. He was prepared to get stuck in a make things happen. That is the downfall of Africa today; we have a glut of impractical over-educated people who can talk the talk but cannot walk the walk and make things happen.

There were a couple a cases where people were deliberately robbed of their benefits by their employers. Some colonial civil servants who after long years of service for Her Majesty’s Government transferred to the Federal Civil Service, thinking it was just another branch of the colonial administration. These people were refused pensions by the British government when Federation broke up. One chap who had worked for 40 year for Barclays Bank in Zambia was transferred to Southern Rhodesia before UDI. Shortly after UDI he reached pensionable age and applied to Head Office in England. They told him that as he lived in a rebel colony he had lost his pension. Perfidious Albion indeed!

The book is generally sad and nostalgic but the saddest story was that of Heather Hunt who was born in Broken Hill hospital in 24

1939. She married Des and they built up a farm near Broken Hill from scratch, even making the bricks themselves. After Des’ death Heather stayed on until July 2014 when she moved to the UK at 75 years old. She had no children left in Zambia to take over the farm and look after her in her old age so she had to sell the farm. I really feel for Heather. I hope she finds some happiness in the years that remain for her.

What a crying shame after sticking it out through thick and thin in Northern Rhodesia / Zambia that she has had to leave.

Pamela Shurmer Smith was brought up in Broken Hill / Kabwe, attended Jean Rennie (now Kabulonga Girls School) and graduated with a B.Sc (Econ) at the University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (now the University of Zimbabwe). She then completed an M. Phil at University College, London. Her fieldwork was carried out in Chief Kalaba’s Village in Luapula Province, collecting the data for a thesis on the relationship between the subsistence and cash economy. Pamela retired in 2004 from lecturing at the University of Portsmouth.

Since retiring, apart from writing Remnants of Empire, she has taken up part-time lectureships at several British Universities, as well as visiting fellowships at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch and the National University of Singapore. After leaving Zambia in 1966, on her first trip back in 2007, she felt more at home than ever and now visits as often as possible.

Remnants of Empire is published locally by Gadsden Publishers and is available from local bookshops; direct from the author through www.remnantsofempire.com or from Amazon. A Kindle version is also available.

Ride (& run!) for Wildlife It is almost that time of year again where large numbers of cyclists descend upon Kasanka National Park’s New Mulembo Airstrip like a passing flock of Abdim’s Storks. A popular event on northern Zambia’s social calendar, the ‘Challenge’ brings serious mountain-bikers, keen cyclists and keen supporters together over the Africa Freedom Day long-weekend to participate in a fun event aimed at raising funds for wildlife conservation. This year marks the fifth annual Kasanka Challenge.

Not everybody is comfortable on a kitted out mountain-bike, repeating the mantra ‘speed, speed, more speed’ whilst zigzagging down Hippo-paths and dodging Duikers. Therefore, KTL is expanding the event and encouraging keen runners to come and participate in a Half Marathon and a 10 kilometre Fun Run as well!

Whether you are an aspiring Olympic athlete or a social-runner more concerned with the ice-cold refreshments at the finish-

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line, join them for a weekend of active fun benefiting a worthy cause!

This year’s event will be held over the Africa Freedom Day long-weekend from the 23 to 25 May. A Cycling (and running!)

Village, Challenge HQ, will once again be erected for the purpose of hosting our guests, with ample space and shade to pitch your tent, bush-toilets, hot showers and all the trimmings to make your stay as comfortable as possible! A fully-stocked and licensed bar will supply you with the frosty beverage of your choice, whilst delicious meals may be purchased from their on-site restaurant. Self-guided gamedrives, Sundowner Cycles, a local ‘Njinga Race’ and scenic flights over the Park are all excellent ways to explore Kasanka’s

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wonderful wilderness alongside the festivities and we encourage all to take full advantage!

Visit www.zambiaraces.com for race details and specifics. For enquiries, special arrangements, group deals, transportation requirements (their Overland Truck seats 24 and will be mobile!) or to simply book your spot, email challenge@kasanka.com or contact the event coordinator directly on bastiaan@kasanka.com The Kasanka Trust are working hard to make this year’s Kasanka Challenge an even bigger success than before and they are counting on YOU to make up the numbers.

See you there!

Show Me A Hero

by Robert Makola

A Radio Man to the Hilt This month, we chronicle the life of one of the unsung heroes in Zambia’s history: Cosmo Mlongoti.

Cosmo Mlongoti was born on 5 October, 1934, at Pemba, Southern Province, where his father, Edwin, worked as a government clerk. Starting school rather late, he went to Chilenje Lower School where he did his lower primary education between 1946 and 1948, and then moved on to Mapanza Mission School for his Standard 5 and Standard 6 Lower and Upper. Munali, the only secondary school in Lusaka then, was calling. He arrived there in 1954 and completed his Form 2 two years later.

Then disaster struck: his father, Edwin, died, and he could not go further in his education. He then got a job as a traveler salesman with Edgecombes Education Supplies, selling education materials for the company which was based in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia’s second largest city. In 1957, with Mlongoti’s help, the company opened a branch in Lusaka, but it closed down after a year because of low demand for education materials. Casual jobs followed, including fish mongering in the Kafue Flats and Sinazongwe.

Then the big break into broadcasting came.

“In 1958, I linked up with Alick Nkhata, who was working with the Federal Broadcasting Corporation. He enticed me to join the FBC and I agreed,” Mlongoti told The Lowdown in an interview, recalling the events as if it was only yesterday. Thus commenced the broadcasting career for Cosmo Mlongoti, which would last 12 years until he resigned from Zambia Broadcasting Services in 1970.

This was a century after Scottish physicist James Marxwell forecasted the presence of radio waves, Heinrich Hertz showed the projection of swift variation of the electric current into space and Italian discoverer Guglielmo Marconi demonstrated radio communication’s feasibility through radio waves. But Cosmo Mlongoti grasped the values, principles and practice of radio broadcasting with such dexterity and

Cosmo Mlongoti interviews Brian Waites, the winner of the 1972 Zambia Open. speed that he soon established himself in the special world of radio broadcasting.

In his early days, Mlongoti learnt that radio differed from other mainstream media such as the press or even television. Whereas for the press one has to compose full and comprehensive sentences, and in television you have to provide sync between the precise reporting and the vision on the screen, radio demanded more expressive writing using short but sensible reportage because the listener is not looking at you.

“The process of becoming an announcer was tough and seriously regulated. First, one had to go through auditioning for voice and pronunciation in both English and vernacular. Secondly, you had to undergo tests for translations to show understanding and meaning and, finally, what people take for granted: the handling of the microphone,” he said. Then you went through a strict probationary period of three months, after which you were interviewed by a panel of three very experienced broadcasters. You would never see the inside of the studio for live broadcasting if you didn’t pass this interview!

As a continuity announcer, you were limited to programme announcements, after which you graduated to translating 27

English news into your mother language and reading and taping the news before transmission. Production management would then subject you to another rigorous test on the standard of translations, reading ability such as diction, emphasis and other qualities. This cycle took about six months for one to become a fully fledged broadcaster. Translation of commercials and reading them turned out to be a great challenge to many broadcasters of the time.

What kind of environment had Cosmo Mlongoti cast himself into? Broadcasting in Northern Rhodesia, and eventually Zambia, had undergone many changes at both corporate and policy level. For 10 years between 1943 and 1953, the institution was called the Central African Broadcasting Service (CABS.) It was run and supervised by the colonial authorities who sent officers from the Central Office of Information in London, the head office of the British Government’s public relations unit, to manage it.

African broadcasters at the time included Edward Kateka, Edwin Muyisa, Alick Nkhata, Cyrus Ntini, Arthur Chaita, Jacob Zulu, Asaf Mvula, Joseph Chileshe, Derek Witle, Len Miles, Edward Lubinda, whose son, Mutafela, later worked for ZNBC, and Edwin Mlongoti, Cosmo’s father.

With the formation of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, several institutions in the three territories were merged. CABS became the Federal Broadcasting Corporation which was supervised by the Federal Government.

The 1982 Zambia Open Organising Committee with President Kenneth Kaunda on the steps of State House.

Ten years on, when the Federation collapsed, the FBC in Zambia was renamed as the Northern Rhodesia Broadcasting Service (NRBS). A year later in 1963, the name was changed to the Northern Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation (NRBC).

Zambia gained its independence in 1964 and, in 1965, the broadcaster became known as the Zambia Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC.) Further changes were in 1967/68 when it became the Zambia Broadcasting Services (ZBS), finally being re-named as the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) in 1974, the name it has retained since then.

In 1967, the Government decided to buy RTV. With qualified personnel a major challenge in running the television service, a few members of staff were transferred from radio to television. This offered an opportunity for Mlongoti not to remain boxed in the “saucepan radio” forever. He moved into the more exciting box: the television set!

That year, the Government of the newly independent state, not wanting to remain behind in the fast moving communication technology arena, opened the first television studio in Lusaka. Mlongoti was moved from Kitwe to Lusaka to join Alex Brown who had been seconded from Independent Television in the UK. The duo established a makeshift television studio in what used to be a maintenance workshop for Radio Zambia.

Cosmo Mlongoti digs the ball out of the famous (or is it infamous!) rough at Chainama Hills Golf Club during a competition in 1971.

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Mlongoti went for further training to Shepherds Bush, UK, for a course in television production, which included

script writing, studio management involving lighting, stage setting, make-up and field news gathering. Early personnel in the television set up were Neb Jere and Kenneth Chibesakunda in the Kitwe studios, and Mlongoti and Charles Muyamwa in Lusaka.

After leaving broadcasting, Mlongoti was appointed into the foreign service in the United States. While there, in 1976, he was awarded the status of “free man of the city” of Michigan, in recognition of his diplomatic work and for winning a diplomatic golf tournament at which he beat a large field of diplomats accredited to the USA. While pursuing his broadcasting career, Mlongoti found a suitable distraction outside working hours: golf. Early in the 1960’s, he had been “converted” to the game and became one of the early local amateurs in the country. With David Phiri among his other contemporaries since independence, Mlongoti won several honours, including the accolade of “best amateur” at the Zambia Open Golf Tournament at Lusaka Golf Club in 1987. Golfing Advisory: Don’t take a side bet with him! Now an octogenarian of 81, Cosmo still hits the ball like a young man! Did you ask me to show you a hero? I show you Cosmo Mlongoti!

Cosmo Mlongoti is conferred with the status of “free man of the city” of Michigan, United States, in 1976.

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The Choice Is Yours by Kim Otteby From an early age I was fascinated by nutrition. In my teenage years, although I refused to read any form of novels, you would catch me reading my mothers health and nutrition books. I then proceeded to try to implement everything that I had read in the household. For instance, I banned water at the dinner table, because that would interfere with digestion. Kids at school looked at me strangely when I showed them my lunch box. Instead of the traditional peanut butter sandwich, I would have things like mashed banana mixed with avocado and crushed raw garlic. I even tried convincing my parents to buy a health retreat in Sweden!

I guess what really fascinated me about nutrition, is that it has such a huge impact on our body. And it still amazes me to this day, how little people pay attention to what they eat. Most people focus more on what tastes good than whether a food is healthy or not. At the end of the day, your body is made up of what you ate in the past. If you ate healthy, life giving foods, you will have

(MA, BSC Nutr. Med)

ended up with a strong, healthy body that is resilient against illness. If however, like most people, nutritional value was not ranked high on your criteria when choosing what food to eat, chances are that you have a weakened body – acid tissues, inflammation, toxic colon, low immunity, and so on.

Indeed, these are things that we see every day at the Umoyo Health Clinic. They have become the norm.

The number of people with Hypertension (High BP) and Diabetes (Type II), is increasing at an alarming rate in Zambia.

Both these illnesses are Diet related. That means that you can completely avoid these diseases by eating the right foods that our bodies were created to eat. Yet, we still look at these illnesses as though we had nothing to do with it, like we were just one of the unlucky ones. At some point, we as a society have to pull the wool from our eyes. Instead of spending billions on drugs to “manage” these conditions, why not address the real issue. We are killing ourselves with the foods that we eat.

Researchers conservatively estimate that 85% of all cancers are due to diet and lifestyle (some researchers believe the figure is closer to 95%). That means that the vast majority of cancer is preventable just by changing what we eat and how we live. Many of us still believe that cancer is down to our genes (often this is what media has portrayed). Yes, genes can play a part, but it is a VERY small part. Furthermore, just because you have a certain gene does not mean that you are going to get cancer.

Whether a gene is “turned on” or not, depends once again on what you eat. We are back to square one – Diet.

So next time you put food in your mouth, just stop for a second and ask yourself whether it is going to help build a strong healthy body with a clear vibrant mind, or whether it will contribute to further degeneration and accelerated again. The choice is yours.

Umoyo Natural Health | 0966 800-600 Attend our free weekly ‘Reclaim Your Health Talk’ Thurs, 10am, Great East Road | Sat, Woodlands.

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2015 - 2024: International Decade for People of African Descent 2015: International Year of Light and Lightbased Technologies 2015: International Year of Soils Friday 20 March - Thursday 2 April: ‘Red Handed Too’ Painting Exhibition by Chipika Simanwe. Venue: The Spice, off Chaholi Road.

Adults only. Tickets: K150. All proceeds will go to Lusaka Children’s charities. For the first time in Zambia from The Royal Conservation of Scotland will perform songs from The Lion King, Frozen, Cats, Wicked, Les Miserables and other shows.

Get your tickets today. INFO: 0962 219-605, www.showstopperszambia.weebly.com

Friday 3 April: Public Holiday. Good Friday

Saturday 11 April: Showstoppers.

Venue: Tiyende Pamodzi Theatre, American International School. Time: 2pm. Tickets: Adults K150. Children K50.

All proceeds will go to Lusaka Children’s charities. Details - see above.

Saturday 4 April: International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

Sunday 12 April: International Day of Human Space Flight

Sunday 5 April: Public Holiday. Easter Sunday

Wednesday 15 April: The Lowdown May Edition Deadline.

Monday 6 April: International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

Saturday 18 April: The Lusaka Book Club is reading ‘We Are Not Ourselves’ by Matthew Thomas. Next month is ‘When Nietzsche Wept’ by Irvin D. Yalom. INFO: 0979 454765.

Thursday 2 April: World Autism Awareness Day

Tuesday 7 April: Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide Tuesday 7 April: World Health Day [WHO] Thursday 9 April - Wednesday 6 May: Art Exhibition ‘Due To Public Demand’ by Lawrence Yombwe and Adam Mwansa.

Venue: Ababa House.

Friday 10 April: Waterfalls Precinct Gourmet Market. Venue: Portico Restaurant, Lusaka Showgrounds. Time: Monthly, Second Friday, 7pm. A community event where you can buy and sell authentic food. A platform for local farmers, organic merchants, bakers, butchers, artisan producers and more. INFO: 0969 442-753 oscar@waterfallsprecinct.com Friday 10 April: Showstoppers.

Venue: Tiyende Pamodzi Theatre, American International School. Time: 7.45pm.

Saturday 18 April: Nature Trails for Conservation. Raising funds for Game Rangers International. Time: Monthly, Third Saturday, 8am - 11am. Venue: Lilayi Lodge.

Come and enjoy 2.5km, 5.5km or 10km trails. Children and bicycles welcome.

Price: Adults K30 | Children K10. INFO: sarah@gamerangersinternational.org Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 April: The Woodlands Autumn Equestrian Show.

INFO: zambia.nf@gmail.com or www.zambiahorsesociety.com Wednesday 22 April: International Mother Earth Day Thursday 23 April: World Book and Copyright Day 31

Thursday 23 April: English Language Day Saturday 25 April: World Malaria Day Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 April: Choma Polocrosse Club Annual Tournament.

Venue: Momba Farm Polocrosse Pitch, Choma. Full camping facilities plus 3 lodges nearby. Showers toilets etc. Full catering pm 24/04 - am 27/04. Around 70 horses and riders. Enjoy a weekend in the country, lovely surrounds and ideal for bird watchers. For those staying at the Bruce-Miller chalets game watching can be arranged. For those staying at Musuku Lodge some important bird life available plus game.

Sat night entertainment with excellent DJ. Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 April: Enduro (motocross) and Eventing (equestrian) Combined Event, hosted by the Mazabuka Equestrian Centre. (See Article) Sunday 26 April: World Intellectual Property Day [WIPO] Tuesday 28 April: World Day for Safety and Health at Work Wednesday 29 April: Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare Thursday 30 April: International Jazz Day Friday 1 May: Public Holiday. Labour Day Sunday 3 May: World Press Freedom Day Friday 8 May: - Saturday 9 May: Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War Sunday 10 May: - Monday 11 May: World Migratory Bird Day Wednesday 13 May: Vesak, the Day of the Full Moon Friday 15 May: International Day of Families Friday 15 May: The Lowdown June Edition Deadline.

Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May: 5th Annual Kasanka Challenge. Ride & Run for Wildlife.

Venue: Kasanka National Park. Hosted by the Kasanka Trust. Bike, run, or just enjoy the beautiful landscape of Kasanka National Park while supporting and raising 32

awareness for wildlife conservation in our unique corner of Zambia! Cycling Races include: 44km Challenge; K500 | 22km Chase; K500 | 3km Bush Hopper (Kids); K250 | 10km Njinga Race (Locals). Running Races include: 21km Half Marathon; K500 | 10km Fun-Run; K400. Accommodation Options: Fully Equipped Event Campsite or the Park’s lodges and campsites at self catering rates. Participants and spectators of the event are required to book for the whole weekend (2 nights). Entry fees include two nights camping, one supper, one breakfast, a T-shirt, and goodiebag. Spectators: K250 (camping only).

Round Trip transport available from Lusaka to Kasanka. INFO / Registration (by 23/04): challenge@kasanka.com or 0978 928-993 Monday 25 May: Public Holiday. Africa Freedom Day Friday 29 - Saturday 30 May: Lilayi Lodge.

Wine Weekend hosted by the acclaimed Catherine Marshall of Elgin Winery.

Saturday 30 May: EleFest. Venue: Lusaka Showgrounds. Time: 10am - 2am (31/05).

Tip-toeing the tight rope between wildlife inspired euphoria and expression, audience involvement will be key at the EleFest 2015.

Festival goers will be taken on a musical journey from cool, soothing day-time tones to an anthemic, energy charged evening and night. Don’t think for a moment that it’s all music and madness either as the event will be spliced and spiced with a range of entertainment including some very intellectual fare, such as poetry, comedy, crafts and skills workshops to keep you amused. All proceeds will go to conservation in Zambia through Game Rangers International. EleFest 2015 will be organised by a team of friends and volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time or creative skills please contact us! INFO: 097 5615149 ‘Craft Markets & Markets’ Dutch Reformed Craft Market. Venue: Dutch Reformed Church, Kabulonga. Time: Last Saturday of the month.

Foxdale Court Farmer’s Market: Venue: Foxdale Court, 609 Zambezi Rd, Roma.

Time: Sundays; 7am - 5pm. Locally grown

fruit, vegetables, cut flowers, plants, fresh and dried vegetables. Support your small scale farmers. INFO: 0973 315-185, 0211 295-793, info@foxdalecourt.com, www.foxdalecourt.com St Columba’s Craft Market. Venue: St Columba’s Presbyterian Church, Nangwenya Rd. Time: First Saturday of the month. Come buy and sell, all welcome. Proceeds to church projects and community.

Konzani Gardens Market Day. Venue: Plot 7053/M Lusaka West. Buy and Sell vegetables, chickens, eggs, clothes, toys, books, paintings. Time: Monthly, Last Saturday, 9am on. Stands: K20. INFO: 0976 549-777, konzanigardens@gmail.com ‘Business Associations & Community’ The Association of 41 Clubs of Zambia.

Meetings: First Wednesday of the month, (except Chingola - first Friday). Lusaka: No 1 Kunzubo Guest Lodge, Zambezi Rd, Roma, 6pm; Kitwe: No 2, The Ravens Country Club, 6pm; Ndola: No 3, Table Hall, Ndola,

7pm; Chingola: No 4, Golf Club, 6.30pm.

All ex-tablers welcome INFO: 0955 791414.

Chishawasha Children’s Home has a regular stall at the Dutch Reform Church Craft Market. Available are hand-made crafts and quality second-hand books. Don’t miss this opportunity to support Zambian orphans.

INFO: 0211 214557, philplusm@gmail.com Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSA).

Meetings: Last Tuesday of the month.

Members and spouses from diplomatic / international missions, honorary consulates & expatriate community accredited to Zambia are all welcome. INFO: soraya.king@hotmail.com HI Alumni. Lusaka Chapter. Time: Monthly third Saturday, 8am - 9am. Venue: Ndeke Hotel, Longacres. INFO: 0977 774-168, 0977 792-424 InterNations: Expatriates, expand your social and business network, join the largest fastest growing online community, mingle with other expats at our monthly 33

events. Activities include lunch groups, dinner groups, Sunday afternoon coffee groups, photo walk groups etc. INFO: ireen.shalom@gmail.com or emmswood@gmail.com or sarahe@tinytimandfriends.org International Women’s Club. Meetings: First Wednesday of the month. Venue: Poolside, Southern Sun Ridgeway. New members welcome.

Lusaka District Business Association.

Meetings: Last Wednesday of the month.

Venue: ZCSMBA offices, Showgrounds.

Time: 2pm. A member of the Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Associations (ZCWMBA). Come and enhance your business integrity. An ideal forum for sharing business knowledge, ideas, skills etc.

Rotary Club Meetings. Mondays: RC of Nkwazi; Barclays Bank Sports Club; 6pm.

Tuesdays: RC of Lusaka; Holiday Inn; 12.30pm. Wednesdays: RC of Maluba; Radisson Blu; 12.30pm. Thursdays: RC of Lusaka Central; Taj Pamodzi Hotel; 12.30pm. Fridays: RC of Pamodzi; Taj Pamodzi Hotel; 12.30pm. Saturdays: RC of Kusinta; The Courtyard Hotel; 9am.

Stuttering Association of Zambia. Meetings: Monthly, Second Saturday. Time: 2.30pm.

Persons who stutter or stammer, spouses of people who stutter, parents of children who stutter, speech therapists and anyone with an interest are welcome to join.

INFO: 0977 863-363, 0977 841-576, stutteringz@gmail.com Zambezi Toastmasters. Would you like to improve your public speaking? Venue: Lusaka Hotel. Time: Twice Monthly (Second and fourth Thursdays, 6.15pm - 8pm). Toastmasters in an international organisation that builds communication and leadership skills. INFO: 0978 390464, 0979 454-765, or like ‘Zambezi Toastmasters’ on Facebook.

Zambian Women’s Institute: Meetings: Every Wednesday morning. Venue: Longacres (next to the Red Cross Building).

INFO: 0977 419-005, 0977 760-375, reginafinni@gmail.com 34

‘Faith-Based Updated’ South City Church: Venue: Baobab College Hall, Sunday 9am | Zebra Crossings Cafe, Sunday 10.30am | Chisamba Congregation Starting 3 May. INFO: 0978 289-998, info@southcitychurch.net, www.southcitychurch.net Zambia Messianic Fellowship: Venue: 34285 Shantubu Rd, Rock-field, Lusaka.

Sabbath meeting. Time: Saturday 10.30am - 12.30pm. INFO: 0977 858-061 zmf@microlink.zm | www.zamf.org ‘Four-Footed, Feathered and Environment’ BirdWatch Zambian (formerly Zambia Ornithological Society) meets once a month for a bird walk in the countryside. BWZ members, their families and friends head to the woods and wetlands around Lusaka and beyond. Walks are led by experienced birdwatchers who guide both newcomers and long-term birders through a morning of observation and exploration. INFO: 0977 485-446, www.birdwatchzambia.org Dog Training. Venue: Showgrounds, Lusaka & District Kennel Club. Sundays. Learn to teach your dog good manners, general obedience and some seriously impressive tricks! Bring along your dog with his lead, collar and valid rabies certificate (and some patience) and join us for some fun dog training! INFO: 0962 001-686 lusakakennelclub@gmail.com Lilayi Elephant Nursery (Game Rangers International). Elephant viewing times: daily 11.30am - 1.30pm, all year. Venue: Lilayi Elephant Nursery, Lilayi Rd, 6km off Kafue Rd. Watch the elephants feeding and playing from the viewing platform. No fee, donations gratefully accepted. INFO: www.gamerangersinternational.org 0975 615-149, sarah@gamerangersinternational.org Lusaka Animal Welfare Society (LAWS).

Donate K100 to become a member of the only organization in Lusaka that takes care of abandoned or neglected domestic animals. You also get a LAWS key ring and 20% off all LAWS functions. INFO: 0966 005-297 (0966 00LAWS)

Nature Trails for Conservation. Raising funds for Game Rangers International.

Time: Monthly, Third Saturday, 8am - 11am.

Venue: Lilayi Lodge. Come and enjoy 2.5km, 5.5km or 10km trails. Children and bicycles welcome. Price: Adults K30 | Children K10.

INFO: sarah@gamerangersinternational.org Wildlife & Environment Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ) Lusaka Branch.

Meets once a month for ecological talks and lectures led by experienced conservationists.

Last Thursday of every month. Venue: Gerritz Restaurant, 26 Chaholi Rd, Rhodes Park. Time: 6pm to 8pm. Free for WECSZ members while others may attend paying a token K20. Membership forms, publications are available at the meeting. INFO: Patrick or Maldrine at the Wildlife Association Office, Longacres. 0211 264-432, money@coppernet.zm ‘Health and Sporting’ 12 Step: Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA).

Time: Saturday, 4pm to 5.30pm - 17:30 Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Upper Room, East Wing), Ridgeway. A program for men

and women, who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes. We meet to share our experience and recovery in an atmosphere of mutual respect. INFO: 0967 980-229, aca.lusaka@gmail.com 12 Step: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Lusaka.

Time: Monday, 5.30pm - SHARPZ, 220C Mutandwa Rd, Roma. | Tuesday, 12:30pm – Kalemba Hall. | Friday, 5.30pm - Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Upper Room, East Wing), Ridgeway. INFO: 0973 154-222, 0954 210446 12 Step: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Livingstone. INFO: 0962 804-137 12 Step: Al-Anon. Time: Wednesday, 5.30pm to 6.30pm - SHARPZ, 220C, Mutandwa Rd, Roma. A group for relatives and friends of alcoholics where they can come together to share their experiences, strength and hope. INFO: 0977 697-628, 0966 621-806, lusakaafg@gmail.com 12 Step: Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) Women’s Support Group. Time: Thursday 5.45pm to 7pm - SHARPZ, 220c Mutandwa 35

Rd, Roma. A fellowship that helps women learn to look after ourselves, share experiences, strength and hope. INFO: 0962 213-708, coda.lusaka@gmail.com Aerobics by a Personal Trainer: Venue: Kaingo Leisure, Barclays Sports Complex, Club Rd (Showgrounds). Time: Tuesdays, Thursdays 6pm - 7pm. K25 / session. INFO: 0977 174-140.

Aikido Classes: Beginners welcome.

Venue: Central Sports Club, Longacres.

Time: Monday, Wednesday 5pm – 6.30pm.

Price: K20 / month INFO: 0972 260549, chisangakaluba@yahoo.com (1 Dan ITAF China).

Ashtanga and Pre-Natal Yoga classes. In the comfort of your home. Individual classes: K300 per class. Group sessions: K100 per person, per session. Contact: 0978 507-986, 0966 507-986.

Beginner Belly Dancing. Venue: Shakespeare Court, Leopards Hill Rd. Time: Wednesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm.

Saturdays 10am - 11am. Cost: K50 - Small classes designed to give all women the opportunity to learn. No previous dance experience required. INFO: elisabeth@shimmyglisten.com Beginners Polocrosse. Venue: Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club. Time: Tuesdays.

Introducing riders of any skill level to Polocrosse. Age 12+. The clinic will give you an easy, no pressure, leg up to start you playing. INFO: 0965 801-256 Bump, Birth & Beyond Special Events.

Time: Fridays. Venue: 4145 Nkanchibaya Rd, Rhodes Park. INFO: 0974 148-856, bbbzambia@gmail.com Chilanga Hackers Golf Society welcomes golfers of all abilities to join in the fun of convivial golf and interesting social activities in a pleasant atmosphere with emphasis on friendship and enjoyment.

INFO: 0211 290-818 (evenings), 0977 790900, seawing@coppernet.zm Children’s Playgroups and educational activities. Baby groups, toddler and pre-school. From 0 - 7 yrs. INFO: kidsclub.lusaka@gmail.com 36

Counsellor / Therapist: For handling Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Drug or Alcohol abuse, quit smoking, etc - using Hypnotherapy and NLP. INFO: 0955 999727, priyabala@microlink.zm Cricket. Venue: Lusaka South Country Club, Mukwa Rd, Lilayi. Country & Districts cricket. Home and away matches, Kids coaching, tours and T20 tournaments.

Time: Practice Wednesdays, Fridays 5pm.

Kids coaching, Saturdays. INFO: 0977 860797, 0966 437-808, 0966 751-643.

Daily Children’s Playgroup. Venue: Bump Birth & Beyond, 4145 Nkanchibaya Rd, Rhodes Park. Daily Educational activities and children’s playgroups, music classes, arts & crafts, ballet and more! Ages: 0 to 6. INFO: 0974 148-856, bbbzambia@gmail.com, kidsclub.lusaka@gmail.com Dynamic Diabetes Support Group. Time: 2pm - 4pm, Fourth Saturday Monthly.

Venue: Umoyo Centre, Great East Rd. A safe place where those who are Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic can meet and share their experiences and learn about new medical research, as well as alternative therapies.

Different endocrinologists and specialists will be brought in as speakers. Diet, recipes, exercise, stress, symptoms and treatments will be discussed. INFO: 0978 028-146 Inside Story. Ante-Natal Classes, Postnatal care and baby massage classes.

INFO: 0977 446-054 / 0211 274-985, margotbham@gmail.com Karate & Weapons Training. Venue: Lusaka Showgrounds. Luke 5th Dan. 0977 314-511 / 0978 710-102, lukphiri@yahoo.com Lusaka Dolphins at Lusaka Amateur Swimming Club. Venue: Olympic Pool.

Group training for competitive swimmers; ‘learn to swim’ for non swimmers; or ‘swim at my own pace’. INFO: 0966 761-547 Lusaka Hash House Harriers. Time: Saturdays, 3pm. Meet new friends and join us for a run or walk in the bush. INFO: lusakahash@zambia.co.zm, G2S 0971 946937, CM 0977 159-935, Thickette: 0978 532-744, or visit our facebook page.

Martial Arts. Karate Classes. Weapon classes for brown and black belts. Monthly self defence classes. INFO: Raymond (7th Dan) 0977 783-537, shihanray@hotmail.com Mazabuka Tennis Club. Ladies tennis every Tuesday morning at 07:45. Mixed tennis every Saturday afternoon at 16:00.

Meditation. Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Meditation Centre. Opposite Northmead shops. Monday - Saturday 5.30pm and Sundays 2pm. Free introductory courses. INFO: 0211 250-685 / 254-518 bkrymc@zamnet.zm Motorbike Lessons Best of Bikes Academy.

Venue: Central Park, Cairo Rd. Time: Sundays 9am. Learn to ride a motorbike safely in a controlled space, with experienced instructors. INFO: 0211 236912/3, 0964 584-778, 0973 584-778 Mountain Biking Club Leopards Hill.

Open to adults for Saturday morning fun mountain bike in the bush. INFO: mtblusaka@gmail.com

Optimyze Kare Health. Time: Last Thursday of the month; 5pm. Advice on all aspects of health (fitness, diseases, nutrition, mental health, beauty, lifestyle and wellness, and different alternative and complementary therapies) addresses by professional speakers. The purpose is to teach you to be ‘whole’ naturally. INFO: 0955 / 0966 847777, optimyse@gmail.com Polo X. Venue: Lusaka South Country club, Mukwa Rd, Lilayi. All skill levels welcome.

INFO: 0979 505-152.

Running Group. Time: Sunday 6.30am.

Trail & road. Mixed running ability.

Options to modify distance (between 10 - 17 km). INFO: 0977 801-463, c_ngoma@yahoo.com Salsa Dance Classes. Mondays and Fridays 6.30pm Intercontinental Hotel. Thursdays 6.30pm Melsim Lodge, Alick Nkhata Rd Cost: K30. INFO: 0979 400-538 Self-Defence (Short Courses): Practical, easy to learn for youths, women or security personnel. Children & adult Karate Classes 37

May

You can now read The Lowdown online for free at www.lowdownzambia.com. Join our email list and we'll keep you informed. http://eepurl.com/bcr2f1

also offered. The instructor is the All Japan Martial Arts Federation - Zambia President & Chief Representative. INFO: 0977 783537, shihanray@hotmail.com Skydive Zambia (ZUSC): Special offer on Tandem dives, no prior training required.

INFO: antoinettedurand46@gmail.com, 0966 622-516, rowles.dave3@gmail.com, 0977 790-500, edmund@skytrailszambia.com Soccer For Kids: Little Eagles Soccer.

Time: Saturday / Sunday 9.30am. Ages 3 - 12: Barclays Sports Club. Ages 6 12: Bump, Birth and Beyond Zambia.

Outdoor soccer-based fun for kids. INFO: littleeagles@zambia.co.zm, 0976 135-788, 0950 265-989.

Social Bowls. Venue: Central Sports Club.

Bowling section. Time: Saturdays. 2pm. New bowlers welcome.

Social Cricket and Polocrosse. Time: Thursday. Venue: Leopards Hill Polocrosse Club. New members welcome. All experience levels welcome. Family, friendly environment. INFO: 0963 881-149 Swimming Teacher. All Ages. Venue: Swedish Embassy School. INFO: 0955/0977 328115 Tennis Section, Lusaka Club. Invites players of all ability levels to join in social tennis.

Venue: Lusaka Club. Time: Saturdays, 1pm - 6pm. Cost: K20 for court use, balls, coffee and snacks. Last Saturday of the month: Half Price Social Tennis; K10. You can be signed in for up to 3 sessions by members thereafter you have the option of joining the club. INFO: 0977 964-121, lusakatennis@yahoo.com Touch Rugby. Venue: Gymkhana Club, Showgrounds Time: Monday and Thursday 6pm. All welcome (Male & Female) INFO: 0965 126-200 Ultimate Frisbee. Venue: Lusaka Gymkhana Club; Wednesdays 5.30pm - 7.30pm | American International School; Sundays 9.30am - 11.30am. Everyone welcome.

INFO: 0973 370-973.

Umoyo Natural Health | Great East Rd near Munali Roundabout | Live Blood Analysis

Test - daily - K300 | Zumba - Mondays to Fridays, 6pm - 7pm | Baobab Shots Wednesday Mornings - K15 each | ‘Reclaim Your Health’ Talk - Thursdays, 10am - Free & free samples | Fit Club - Full Body Fitness - Mondays to Thursdays, 5pm to 6pm or 6.30pm to 7.30pm | Therapeutic Yoga Mondays to Saturdays, 9am. INFO: 0966 800-600 Umoyo Natural Health | Woodlands Shopping Centre | Live Blood Analysis Test - daily - K300. ‘Reclaim Your Health’ Talk Thursdays, 4pm. INFO: 0967 800-313 Umoyo Natural Health | Weightloss Wednesdays! Visit one of our Shops for 5% off all Herbex Weight Loss Products every Wednesday! Locations: Arcades Shopping Centre, Foxdale Court, Woodlands Shopping Centre and at Umoyo Health Clinic on Great East Rd near Munali Roundabout Yoga with Iyengar slant. Mats available.

Contact for location and times. INFO: 0966 728-911, towani@kuthuta.com Zambian Cancer Society. Venue: Independence Avenue. Time: Last Friday of the month. 6pm - 7pm. Female cancer survivors support group. Support offered via telephone or email. 0955 226-237, info@zambiancancersociety.org Zambia Taekwon-Do Association. Venue: Municipal Sports Club. Time: Saturday, Sunday: 10am. Tuesday, Thursday: 5.30pm.

INFO: 0211 254-090.

ZOCA Dance: Looking for dance classes for yourself or your kids? ZOCA dance fitness is a fantastic and fun way to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You will groove to popular African and Caribbean beats to get in shape! 3 convenient locations.

ZocaMAX classes are great for toning and sculpting. Classes for Kids 3-12 years old too.

INFO/Schedule: www.zocadance.com, 0967 795-816, zocadance@gmail.com Zumba Keep Fit: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Venue: Alliance Française of Lusaka. Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Entrance: K30 per session, K150 per month. INFO: 0976 100-727 or register at reception.

This is a shortened version of What’s Happening. For the full version, please visit www.lowdownzambia.com

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Small Ads; 01 - 20 words: K40 / 21 - 40 words: K80 / 41 - 60 words: K120 | Property Prowl: K400 Deadline: 10th of the month preceding publication

Carpenter available to do odd jobs around the house, make furniture and repair broken furniture. Can also do tiling and roofing.

Contact 0974 347-255 Centricia Lodge - Kasama | Are you travelling to Kasama and need excellent, affordable accommodation? Join us at Centricia Lodge, located in the residential area of Mukulumpe. We offer state-ofthe-art accommodation with en suite bathrooms, DSTV, bar fridge, kettle, comfortable workstation for business travelers, a lush relaxing garden in which you can enjoy our tasty braaied signature T-bone. For reservations; 0976 702-063/ 0963 708-306

50kg bag for K25. More than 10 bags free delivery in Lusaka. Shaun 0976 030-311.

Employment Sought: Cashier / Counsellor (HIV / Aids) / Office Cleaner / Bursar / Office Orderly. Please call 0971 189-724 Employment Sought: Cleaner. Did not complete school. Mother of 6. Please call 0962 845-432 or 0974 555-764.

Employment Sought: Cleaner. Female, Completed Secondary School in 2012.

Please Call 0971 778-825 or 0974 341-393.

Employment Sought: Cleaner / Messenger.

Female aged 25. Please call 0953 854-420 or 0979 145-921

Citrus Tree Trimming. Improve the health of your citrus and other trees. Contact 0966 747-990

Employment Sought: Driver / Farm Manager. Please call 0967 780-181.

Compost & Manure: Quality guaranteed!

Compost: 25kg bag for K45. Manure: in

Employment Sought: Guard / Gardener.

Please call 0954 413-977 or 0967 031-748.

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Employment Sought: Office Orderly / Office Cleaner / Counsellor (HIV / Aids) Cashier / Bursar. Please call 0962 559-905.

at nearby Flatdogs camp. Contact jakedamotta@gmail.com 0211 213-841 jake@buckskinmoon.com 0977 897-779

For Hire: NemboFantasy Component Venue. For a ‘so far and yet so near’ experience on North Eastern outskirts of Lusaka. Food and drinks venue; swimming pool venue; conferencing plus venue; country health walks plus venue; DIY villagescape also available for self-catering weekly stay. For enquiries, viewing appointments or bookings contact 0955 906-541 or 0955 906-542 or nembofantasy@gmail.com

Mukambi Safari Lodge is a comfortable 270km (3 hour) drive from Lusaka and the closest lodge to Lusaka in Kafue National Park, the biggest National Park in Africa. Elephant, hippo, all the big cats and antelope are common sightings at Mukambi. Please visit our website www.mukambi.com or call reservations on 0974 424-013 or email reservations@mukambi.com for our unbeatable rates for residents!

For Rent (Expat Leaving): In Shimabala.

Four bedroomed executive styled stone farmhouse. 1km off main road, 14km from Baobab College. Contains two bathrooms, four bedrooms, large lounge, entertainment bar area, two large covered verandas with ceramic tiles throughout. Two storerooms and other stone buildings within the large private garden with family sized swimming pool. Call Dave 0966 540-164

Need Landscaping, Digital landscaping design, manure, compost, maintenance of private offices and parks. Design-a-gardens.

Karin Monge 0977 716-954.

For Rent: Roma Properties. Beautifully built 3 bedroomed open plan stand alone house, with tidy garden, swimming pool, maid quarters, garage and store rooms. Newly built 3 bedroomed apartments with private gardens in a 24hr secure complex furnished or unfurnished. All next to LICS school and 5 min drive from all major shopping malls.

Contact 0211 295-040 / 0977 936-505 / 0966 777-333.

Luangwa Valley Private House for Rent | Jake and Gillie’s Valley Retreat. Large family home (8 adults, 4-6 kids) five minutes from Park Gate in Mfuwe. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, large upstairs area, nursery, self contained cottage. Great Wildlife, Swimming pool, ZESCO, furnished, equipped and staffed. Activities, a-lacarte restaurant available by arrangement

North Kafue National Park. Mayukuyuku Bush Camp offers full board, and camping. Excellent game viewing and fishing. Access for two-wheel drive vehicles, 4 hours from Lusaka on good roads. www.kafuecamps.com | info@kafuecamps.com Pet Travel - Import, Export and Microchipping. Pet Parlour - For all your grooming needs. Pet Boarding - In our country kennels. Contact 0211 265-197 / 0968 883-284 / petvetzambia@gmail.com Showgrounds Vet Clinic - Dr. Lisa Oparaocha | For Veterinary / Grooming: 0977 770-940, showgroundsvet@gmail.com | For Pet Shop (Spoiled Pets): 0967 764825, esuesta@yahoo.com Therapeutic Counselling: Relationship issues, crisis, abuse, anxiety, life changes? A safe confidential place to explore the way forward. Available services include face to face, skype, email, house visits. Contact: 0975 240-592

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PHDS 31865/15

FOR BOOKINGS +260 (0) 212 312 810 reservations@phchingola.co.zm proteahotels.com/chingola

AFFORDABLE LUXURY IN THE HEART OF THE COPPERBELT.

FROM *K650 SINGLE PER NIGHT

INCLUDING BREAKFAST

IDEALLY LOCATED IN THE COPPERBELT. Protea Hotel Chingola is located in the most picturesque of the Copperbelt towns, situated just 5 km from the Konkola Copper Mines. The hotel offers affordable luxury with 40 well-appointed, air-conditioned en-suite rooms. Conference and banqueting facilities are available for up to 120 delegates and GUESTS can unwind after a long day with sundowners on the terrace.

Terms and conditions apply.