The Voice magazine, April edition 2022 by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 22. NO. 216 April 2022

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

Miss Uloma Onyemma wins Queen of Miss Teen South Holland 2022

Ghana qualifies for World Cup in Qatar

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Uloma Onyemma crowned Miss Teen South Holland 2022

loma Onyemma, 17, emerged victorious among a group of 13 girls who contested in the grand finale of the pageant. Uloma Onyemma is a Creative Business Course student at Breda University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands. The young woman who loves cooking, exercising at the gym to keep her body in shape and works on part time basis in the hospitality industry, said the victory, “is a dream come true.” She is thankful for being able to be around so many inspiring and amazing women within the pageant. Uloma claims that the beauty pageant isn’t only about what’s on the outside but also what’s on the inside. “The whole event stands

for beauty and brains, these young girls are modeled in such a way that other girls and women around the world can look up to them”. The competition according to Miss Uloma, “isn’t about crowing the most beautiful girl rather to encourage these girls to engage in other social activities”. Uloma, who supported Linda Foundation, is a very down to earth person and believes everything is possible if you set your mind to accomplish it. The pageant organisers said votes were only 10% of the outcome but that Uloma’s presentation on the night won her the crown.

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THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thenigerianvoice.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Magazine Designer David Banjoko davosban@gmail.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Amb. Patrick McCaffrey Mildred Kleinbussink

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-governmental organizations and in dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way affiliated to any of these bodies or to any other publishing institution or political interest or group. The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination. The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy.. If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address. On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A

Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)

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NO 216 APRIL 2022

Contents

April edition 2022 - Volume 22. No 216

22-24

40-43 ARTICLES Page 6 - No place for violence and hooliganism in Africa football Page 9 - DR Congo joins EAC Pages 12 & 13 - Global vice versa platform celebrates 1 year Pages 14 & 15 - President Uhuru Kenyatta has treated me unfairly says Dr. William Ruto Page 20 – The Netherlands once again one of the happiest countries in the world Page 21 - Patience Nyange is on the ballot for August 9th elections in Kenya Pages 26 – 28 - Employment agencies need to be regulated (Part 2) Page 31 - Death threats against First Lady of Sierra Leone taken seriously Pages 32 & 33 - The land rights defender of Kenyan peasant women Pages 34 & 35 - Kenya’s President Kenyatta backs his former rival Odinga in polls Page 38 - The Netherlands abolishes Pages 46-47 - How do you nullify two years of sitting at home? Pages 50 and 51 - Why emigrating to the Netherlands is attractive to South Africans Skilled professionals are in high demand. Pages 52 - 54 - The perilous gravel quarries: Female laborers of Malindi speak out Pages 56 & 57 - Gbandi for Senate – His vision and mission Page 58 - Raila eyes talks to cut Kenya’s short term loans cost Page 59 - Lissu praises Samia, plans to return home Pages 60 - 62 - The altruistic Congo activist who overcame death threats Pages 62 & 63 - First Lady of Sierra Leone to become the new face champion of the United Nation’s Educational Plus Program Pages 67- 69 – Sports stories around the world. Pages 70 & 71 - 32 countries ready for Qatar 2022 world Cup

64-67

Happy birthday to our ace designer, David Banjoko

LET US END THE WAR PLEASE

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Editorial

No place for violence and hooliganism in African football

iolence and hooliganism in African football is a major problem just as racism is condemned in European and global football family fraternity. Football is a beautiful game and we hope everyone can keep that way, it is a sport of win and lose, both teams cannot win in a football match, one wins and the other loses and you need to learn to accept this fact and reality. The outcome of the final decider legs of the World Cup qualifier for African teams particularly that of Senegal versus Egypt and Nigeria Versus Ghana leaves bad taste and not of good report of African fans. I would recommend that serious sanctions should be hand out to Nigeria and Senegal for the bad behaviors of their fans. In fact it is just hooliganism and there is no excuse, in the case of Senegal, they won the penalty shootout and despite their victory some fans still went after to attack their star player- Mo Salah for no justified reason. He is doing his job for his nation and there should be no risk or intimidation to his personal life or that of his teammates. After the penalty shootout, he had to be escorted out of the pitch as some fans tried to attack him. I don’t know what he has done to them to deserve such treatment. That of Nigeria versus Ghana ended up in the same shameful behavior of the fans who invaded the pitch and attacked everything on their way including killing a medical official of CAF/FIFA who has nothing to do with the game and the defeat of Nigeria. Those involved should be arrested and treated as criminals, in fact murderers. They have killed a football official for no just reason than they are bad losers. The Nigerian football federation should be held accountable for this 6

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error and lack of protection to avoid pitch invasion after a crucial match of this magnitude. Another sad incident was the use of laser pens on the faces of Egyptian players during the penalty shoot-out particularly on Mohammed Salah. There is no denying that Senegal penalty shootout victory would be overshadowed by the alarming behaviour of a small number of fans shining laser pens in players’ faces. Besides, there have been suggestions from some experts that laser pens can do more than merely distract footballers, potentially harming the health of players in extreme circumstances. An Ophthalmologist and retinal specialist, Dr. Robert Josephburg is an example of one such expert who has spoken about the potential dangers of laser pens being shone at sports people before. “I have been stunned at the power of these things. We are talking about serious damage even if someone is only exposed to it for a few seconds” “We are seeing young kids getting access to these pointers, and sports are an area to worry about, especially if fans are trying to get an advantage for their team. People have to realize this is not fun and games; it is serious stuff. “You are endangering someone’s vision. There can be huge repercussions and a real risk of causing at least temporary and possibly permanent damage to a person’s vision. “If I was a ball player I would be terrified. I only hope Congress acts on this before some real harm is done. The retina is very sensitive and is not made to cope with light of that intensity. These are criminal acts in football and should have no place in the game of football. It has under played the successes of four of the African

coaches who had succeeded to quality their country for the world cup. Kudos to these four coaches, Cameroon’s Rigobert Song Senegal’s Aliou Cisse, Tunisia’s Jalel Kadri and Ghana’s Otto Addo. Our sincere condolence to the people of Zambia, the families of late Dr. Joseph Kabungo, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) doping control officer for the Super Eagles and Black Stars game at the MKO Abiola stadium. He died in a stampede that ensued after the encounter in Abuja, some reports claims he was attacked with dangerous objects. Whatever the circumstances, a life has been loss and there should be consequences to this type of behavior. I pray that the African qualified teams of Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco would be worthy representatives at the world cup 2022. Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief

G A M B I A V O I C E B U S I N E S S S U M M I T / AWA R D S 2 0 2 2

The Voice magazine meets up with First Lady of the Gambia in Dubai

he Voice magazine Global Vice-President, Ambassador Leila Rahhall held a close door meeting with Her Excellency, the First Lady of The Gambia, Mrs. Fatoumatta BahBarrow during her recent working visit to the United Arab Emirates in Dubai. During the short meeting, Her Excellency, Mrs. Bah-Barrow once again confirmed the readiness of the Gambia to play host to the Voice magazine and the Voice Achievers Award 2022 as it plans to hold the event in the Gambia capital, Banjul. She expressed her gratitude that the organizers has chosen her country to host the global event despite offers from other African country including the UAE requesting the event to be brought back for the second year in a roll. She also discussed digitalization, business

on E-Government collaborations, health

Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow after meeting with Amb. Laila Rahhal with her delegates at Dubai, UAE care

delivery, education, investment, industrialization, women empowerment, youth empowerment and tourism as areas of global attraction that the Gambia is ready and willing to exploit during the event in August 2022. They also touched on the area of Agriculture, Logistics covering shipment through and into the port of Banjul.

According to the Voice Global Vice-President, the organization is committed to promoting the potentials and opportunities abound in the Gambia and the rest of the world would see it and tap into it. “ We would ensure that our friends join us to the Gambia where the B2B would provide the needed impetus to kick start business with the Gambia. She called on the Gambians to make good use of this opportunity in promoting the event and participating. “We want our friends to enjoy the Gambia in sure a way that they would return without us. We want the tourism, transport and hospitality industries to benefit from this event from those planned days from 16th to 21st of August 2022. For details, kindly contact our corporate office via: Info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com +31684999548 (WhatsApp) www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com

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Pastor Roel & Ida Van Rooij Senior Pastor 4Pillars Community Church Almere

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DR Congo joins EAC

he Democratic Republic of Congo is officially admitted to the East Africa Community (EAC) last month, adding a 90 million market for the bloc. The EAC Secretary-General Dr. Peter Mathuki, in a letter to ministers in charge of the EAC docket in member states, confirmed that the Heads of State has approved the admission of DRC on March 29. “We are in receipt of a letter dated 18th March from the chairperson of the Council of Ministers informing the Secretariat of the convening of an extraordinary summit on the admission of the DRC into the EAC on 29th, March 2022,” said Dr Mathuki. “The summit was preceded by the 48th Extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers on 25th March 2022. The proposed agenda for the summit was the consideration of the report of the council on the admission of DRC into the EAC.” Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the current chair of the EAC, presided over the summit that also includes President Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, the current chair of the EAC Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda) Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Evariste Ndayishimiye (Burundi) and Salva Kiir of South Sudan. no loss for DRC, and the region. For example, a power Why DR Congo is irresistible The EAC currently has 193 million citizens. DR Congo’s dam at Inga would supply 60,000MW of clean, renewable admission would raise that to 280 million people, spanning energy and forever close the debates and hassle of where the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This large market or not to build hydroelectric dams in East Africa. is to the benefit of all, for the DRC would be able to buy • The mineral resources of DRC and the wider EAC and sell easily to the rest of East Africa, for the benefit of market would make rapid industrialisation of the Congo possible, with skilled manpower from the region also its people. • Harnessing of idle resources viable with benefits and available as a local resource.

President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC: Excited to join the EAC

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Global Vice Versa platform celebrates 1 year Anniversary

ice Versa Global celebrated one-year anniversary in Kenya. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young journalists from the Global South who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view. When Marc Broere muted this idea probably he wasn’t sure it would explode the way it has become. Young journalists from Kenya and Uganda teamed up to start the global platform which is fats growing and reaching other African writers and bloggers, so the platform is getting better and better. Last month, the team gathered together in Nairobi, Kenya to celebrate one year success of telling their stories. Marc Broere, the Editor-inChief of Vice Versa magazine, the initiator of

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the project was in Kenya for the event and the deputy Ambassador of The Netherlands to Kenya, Mr. Joris Van Bommel graced the occasion with other invitees. We are looking forward to future partnerships for development as the platform has contributed articles published on their global platform to the Voice magazine for our worldwide readers in the past year. We appreciate all at the Vice Versa global platform. It is with great pride that they present Vice Versa Global’s own website, which has been officially launched. https://www.viceversaglobal.com/ An impression of the party can be viewed here through the pictures supplied to us by Vic Versa global platform. Thank you all for the great work.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has treated me unfairly says Dr. William Ruto

eputy President Dr. William Ruto has lamented that President Uhuru Kenyatta wrongly judged him as someone who could not protect his interests while outside of government. Speaking in Murang’a County where he took his Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Dr. Ruto said the President is his friend and there was no way he could betray that friendship even when he retires. “We been through many challenges together including facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) with him. We faced Mr. Raila Odinga opposition together in 2002, 2013 and twice in 2017. I also consider myself to be his friend. It was a mistake to alienate me for Mr Odinga,” he said. “My greatest shock was that, even if he felt I was not fit to succeed him, 14

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certainly by settling on Mr. Odinga who had so far given us all sorts of political problems was the epitome of fine betrayal,” he said. The Deputy President assured President Kenyatta that if he wins in the August 9 polls, he would protect his legacy and that of his family. However, his brigade accused the President and his strategists of capturing the national economy to a point that it is controlled by cartels and brokers. They said the end result has been an economy that is

be liberalized and taxation brackets be commensurate with earnings. Above all, we will ensure indigenous companies are protected from unfair competition by multinationals,” he said. Amani National Congress Party leader Musalia Mudavadi accused the Uhuru administration of excluding Dr. Ruto from his constitutional mandate of deputising the President. “The systematic alienation of Dr. Ruto from seat of power was for purposes of consolidating economic

exclusionist where it favours only the rich. Dr. Ruto said the exclusionist nature of the economy has seen the gap between the rich and the poor widen, with the middle-class now bearing the “cruel effects of taxation.” Dr. Ruto said he would sail through despite the odds and continue to deliver the national economy from the “exclusive club capture” and hand it over to Kenyans where all will enjoy equal opportunity. “My government will ensure that tenders can be bided for and won competitively, export and import licences

opportunities to an exclusive club. They have borrowed Sh8 trillion and intending to go on until they hit Sh12 trillion by August 9. That is money that has gone to selected few but which will be paid for with interest by all of us,” he said. Mr. Mudavadi said “these people around the president calling others thieves are the true reflection of how thieves look like both by birth, occupation and practice.” Written by Mwangi Muiruri

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YOUR COPY NOW.... Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword

BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out…… Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values. Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted. Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;

partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute. He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands. The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage. You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes. Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned. This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that

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image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly. Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com

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Happy birthday to me and my clan. April is a special month for us in my family.

Omari Iruh on 1st April 2022

Risper Isioma Membo on 11th April 2022

Pastor Elvis Iruh on 9th April 2022

Mama Suzie Moyem on 28th April 2022 Aged: 86 years old

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Victor Iruh on 16th April 2022

Luke Omorojie on 26th April 2022

BOOKS PRESENTATION By Pastor Michael Umerah John-Mllis 1. BOOK ONE: EVERYMAN WANTS REBECCA by Michael Umerah John-Ellis, Details: “Ten Steps To Successful Marriage Union” Uncovering:- Understanding Marriage. ×How to find and attract your dream spouse, establish true love at first impression, and remain treasured by your spouse. **** 2. BOOK TWO: GOD HATES POVERTY by Michael Umerah John-Ellis The book teaches you ways to banish poverty from your life. It expands for you to understand and take advantage of the God’s provided power for wealth, so you can maximize your life. ***** 3. BOOK THREE: THE RIGHT FAMILY by Michael Umerah JohnEllis It shows ways of rediscovering the marriage Union as was divinely envisaged; in concept, wisdom and beauty of God. ****

4. BOOK FOUR: THE LAST OIL by Michael Umerah John-Ellis It is about how to start divine or circular assignments and see them to successful completion. The book uncovers how to properly enter your calling or dream assignments, and the importance of preparatory trading for a successful and fulfilling practice of assignments. **** 5. BOOK FIVE: SPIRIT OF PROPHECY by Michael Umerah John-Ellis It is a complete topical compendium for the Christian empowerment. The book expounds to teach on what Prophecy is and not, the levels of Prophecy, how prophecies come for the advantage believers, and proper ministerial representation of God as his/her mouthpiece and employer. All books are published on www.amazon.com For your reading pleasure as hard copy or Kindle edition and downloads, Contact +2348032265077 or +2347086368336. E-Mail: michaeljohnellis@gmail.com

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Patience Nyange is on the ballot for August 9th elections in Kenya

fter several months of political journey and canvassing for support, it is now official that Ms. Patience Nyange, an award recipient at the last Voice Achievers Award in Dubai on 19th September 2021 would be vying to become the elected Governor of her county in Kenya. Before press time, it became official that she has been given the ticket as gubernatorial candidate for Taita Taveta Count elections where she would contest under the ticket of NARC Kenya. The certificate of returns of her nomination was handed over to her by the current Governor of Kitui, Her Excellency, Hon. Governor Charity Ngilu. With this development, it has put to rest on which ticket Patience would vie for the office of Governor “We have worked hard and the right party has blessed us and given us the go ahead” says Patience Nyange. This is a wonderful time to be alive. Women are supporting each other and growing a new generation of women leaders. She further said, I will grow through this journey by being in the shoulders of Her Excellency Hon. Governor Charity Ngilu of Kitui County. We are taking our county to another level. Also worthy to mention is that Right Honorable Riala Odinga popularly called Baba, already being addressed as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya has blessed the endorsement of Patience Nyange for the office of Governor. In the words of Patience, she promises, “I will deliver for Taita Taveta County”. She called on all her supporters to start work now as the journey is still far away but it is possible because she dear to belief. We at the Voice Achievers award congratulate Patience Nyange for this great step as she remains a worthy Ambassador of the award that she deserved last year with the recognition.

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‘NGOs will one day go away, governments will stay’

hese are difficult times for Burkina Faso: it is struggling with terrorism, the climate and the pandemic. Nevertheless, Juste Nansi (IRC) is still determined to realize sustainable water systems. In a crisis, the development sector should also not react ad hoc, but should strengthen governments to tackle water issues, he says. Why drinking water, washing water and sanitation are so important? Juste Nansi, who has been working in the WASH sector in Burkina Faso for fifteen years, can give countless examples, but the most illustrative is his own childhood. ‘Every day,’ he says, ‘after school I walked the kilometer to the nearest water pump with a large plastic barrel on my head. A job that required a lot of energy and sometimes kept me away from my homework for whole afternoons. At night I had to fall asleep in the pungent smell of our toilet, which was right next to my sleeping place. There was no money for another solution.’ It is not without reason that water and sanitation are a human right, the country director of IRC Burkina Faso (International Water and Sanitation Center) wants to make clear with this example: ‘They are a crucial part of a healthy and dignified daily life. A daily life that is still out of reach for many Burkinese. Of the 20 million people, 53 percent are without access to clean drinking water, 81 percent do not have access to basic hygiene such as water to wash their hands and 78 percent do without solid toilets that prevent the spread of disease; the WASH situation of Burkina Faso is so dire. If the country is to achieve the goal of full access to sustainable water management and sanitation for all, much remains to be done in the coming years – and this while the once relatively peaceful West African country is now battling terrorist violence and an unprecedented humanitarian situation. emergency. In just five years, 1.4 million Burkinese have been displaced and more than three million people need urgent help. Safe drinking water is still the exception rather than the rule in this situation, Nansi knows. But that does not mean, in his view, that one should continue to try to improve the water situation. So he works imperturbably to provide every household, every school, every care institution and every workplace in Burkina Faso with access to reliable and affordable drinking water. ‘Not by installing a water pump or well,’ he emphasizes, ‘but by strengthening the capacity of the local and national government in terms of drinking water supply.’ The WASH figures for Burkina Faso are alarming: more than

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By Sarah Haaij

Mr. Juste Nansi half of the people do not yet have access to clean water or sanitation. What effect is the current security crisis having? Nansi: ‘The deteriorating security situation is in any case not beneficial. Since 2016, the country has been plagued by terrorist attacks and we – as a population – have to watch our government struggle to cope with the violence. Security has declined and one and a half million people have been displaced in their own country. At least 2,000 schools have already been closed. Two thousand schools, just think of that! The situation is really critical. ‘If we look at the WASH figures, we see that they have remained more or less the same for the last five years. The situation has not deteriorated yet, but it is certainly not going in the right direction. Moreover, new problems are now emerging: people who have fled leave behind investments in water infrastructure in their villages. At the same time, the displaced persons are increasing the pressure on the water supplies in the villages where they are received. In those

Ouattara Mariettou, Director of Water, Sanitation and Public Hygiene, of Banfora Municipality in Burkina Faso, presents the municipality’s progress towards its WASH targets at the annual review meeting. places the situation is deteriorating day by day.’ Fifteen years ago you started in the WASH sector. Bottomup, as you say yourself, in the communities. There you helped with projects to dig wells, install pumps and provide information. What did you learn there? ‘During those years I was introduced to all the challenges that arise when you start working with WASH interventions at a community level. For me, that real-world experience culminated in one important and simple lesson: Nothing we (as development workers) do in the community can survive if it’s not integrated into public water systems. In other words: the public authorities, the local and national authorities, have to manage the water systems. That is also exactly what we stand for at IRC.’ Many NGOs want to work from the bottom up and that is why they go directly to the communities. According to you, government structures are often skipped. Why is it important to do that differently? ‘ In my career I have seen so many projects where hand water pumps are installed. The hand pump breaks and then there is no one to fix it. The local population, made totally dependent, is waiting for another NGO to come along to help. And, yes: that is a classic development example, yet we see that cycle again and again here in Burkina Faso. ‘If you ignore the public sector as an organisation, you also deprive the population of the opportunity to take the next

step, to switch from a hand pump to a water connection, for example. You deprive people of the opportunity to climb the public service ladder. ‘What should the water organizations do? Encouraging government agencies to do their job. Governments must assume those public services, such as water supply, and continue to perform them in perpetuity. We NGOs will eventually leave; it is the governments that stay. This idea must permeate the aid organizations, but also the authorities themselves. Many local governments have had help for so long that they have forgotten that they have to take responsibility when it comes to water supply.’ Can the local authorities in Burkina Faso do that? ‘For it to work, the structures have to be strong enough. Decentralization is a relatively new process in Burkina Faso, less than fifteen years old – which means that local governments are still quite weak. Often there is a lack of resources or expertise to organize something like water supply. They are financially dependent on the national government, so we also have to lobby at that level and work on understanding sustainable WASH policy.’ But if those local structures are not there yet, then you can’t leave the water supply to them, can you? That ‘s what you hear a lot of organizations say: ‘Local government is weak, so let’s do it ourselves.’ But I say: then we have to help build those public systems. Help national

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government and communities build strong local governments and structures to build the public sector. It is a process that we as NGOs can support.’ That might mean a different range of tasks for many NGOs? “That’s right, but we’re not supposed to work in those communities forever, is it? If water supply is our priority, then we will have to help build the systems that can manage water supply before we build the water points for the people. ‘As far as I’m concerned, all NGOs and donors should therefore shift their focus. Yes, that requires a different way of working: supporting public systems may not be everyone’s expertise, but I would encourage those organizations to partner with entities that do have the expertise in-house, such as IRC. If one organization goes to the communities, the other can help strengthen public structures to make the process sustainable.’ How do you do that, support local and national governments to implement WASH policy? ‘That concerns support during the entire process: from planning, financing, implementation and all parties involved, to supervision and maintenance. Think of the training of civil servants or the setting up of monitoring systems. ‘For example, at the district level in Burkina Faso there is a serious shortage of experts who specialize in the management of WASH services – most local authorities cannot afford a WASH expert. We provide support in sharing expertise and in applying for funds for that expertise from the national government.’ Because if development actors fail to support those public sectors, what will be the consequence? ‘I can already see it happening, then Burkina Faso may soon achieve the sixth sustainable goal – with water for everyone – and all the NGOs will of course be clapping: “ We did it !” When they leave a year later, the water situation deteriorates again rapidly.’ That’s why, you say, national WASH plans are so important. Can you give an example of a project at that level that you are proud of? ‘Thanks in part to our work, Burkina Faso was the first West African country to have a roadmap ready at the start of the sustainable development goals to achieve the water goals. In

it we made a case for a greater realization that the way WASH has been approached all these years, with the installation of hand pumps, would not achieve its goals. With hand pumps you are not going to provide people with twenty liters of water per day, the supply and quality are too unreliable. You need reliable water networks. ‘That may sound obvious, but if you consider that these water pumps have been seen as a solution here for forty years – then such a change really takes time. Together with other water partners, we convinced the government to look at the system and to attach campaigns and budgets to it. I’m proud of that.’ Counterterrorism is currently the number one priority for the government. For that reason, you find that many government funds are flowing towards security. The comprehensive national WASH investment plans jointly drawn up by all water actors to ensure that the sixth goal is achieved has also been delayed. So far, the government has actually invested less than half of the agreed WASH funds, you said earlier. How do you view the future? “We did not expect the security situation to deteriorate so much. Our government has limited budgets and the security threat comes at the expense of other sectors. That does not mean that nothing is happening, but as mentioned, no progress is being made in the WASH area, there is stagnation. And if the government does not manage to relax the situation quickly, it will be difficult to achieve the sixth target.’ Wouldn’t it be better to provide direct aid to the communities in this crisis situation, rather than focus on strengthening the public sector? ‘I do not think so. Look at the countries in Europe: you don’t have to call external NGOs to come and help during this corona crisis, do you? There are existing systems to deal with the crisis, which is exactly what we also want and need. ‘At the moment, one hundred percent of the water aid for internal refugees in Burkina Faso is carried out by NGOs. A hundred percent! No national action plan is in place. And, yes, of course we have to provide immediate assistance and save lives, but we also have to look at long-term disaster management systems. Water supply is a first necessity and is therefore part of it.’

The Netherlands once again one of the happiest countries in the world By Victoria Séveno

fter a slight dip in 2020, the 2022 World Happiness Report sees the Netherlands reclaim its spot as the fifth happiest country in the world, beating the likes of Sweden, New Zealand, and Germany. 2022 marks the 10th annual edition of the World Happiness Report - the ranking of 146 countries across the globe according to how happy their citizens perceive themselves to be. This year has the theme “Happiness, benevolence, and trust during COVID-19 and beyond,” and - unsurprisingly explores the long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on overall wellbeing and mental health using data from 2019, 2020, and 2021. The ranking is compiled using data from the Gallup World Poll, in which respondents are asked to evaluate the happiness of their own lives on a scale of one to 10. All countries involved in the ranking are then awarded an overall average score out of 10, which is in turn compared to the benchmark set by the imaginary country Dystopia - home to the world’s least-happy people. For the fifth year in a row, 2022 sees Finland claim the coveted top spot, with a score significantly ahead of the other countries in the top 10. Rounding out the top five are Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and, of course, the Netherlands. The Netherlands as the world’s fifth happiest country The Netherlands saw its position dip slightly in 2020, but since 2021, the country has been able to reclaim and hang on to its fifth-place position. This year sees the country achieve a

score of 7,415 out of 10. Interestingly, researchers found that 97,6 percent of respondents from the Netherlands felt at peace with their life, while 86,9 percent felt the various aspects of their lives were in balance. The report looked into how COVID-19 affected the emotions of each country, and found that the citizens and residents of the Netherlands experienced a notable rise in feelings of anxiety and sadness in the five weeks following the outbreak of the virus. The top 10 happiest countries in the world According to the 2022 report, the 10 happiest countries in the world are: 1. Finland (7,821) 2. Denmark (7,636) 3. Iceland (7,55) 4. Switzerland (7,512) 5. The Netherlands (7,415) 6. Luxembourg (7,404) 7. Sweden (7,384) 8. Norway (7,365)

The countries occupying the bottom spots in this year’s ranking are Zimbabwe, Lebanon, and Afghanistan.

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Employment agencies need to be regulated (Part 2)

or many Africans who have secured the opportunity to fly abroad, deportation is the last thing they would ever want to happen to them. Unfortunately their laws dictate that if you do not secure employment within a given time frame, you’re deported. On the second part in our Africans Living Abroad series, Nsimo Nyo, continues to narrate her ordeal with rogue agencies and agents and the sad reality of people resorting to unlawful vices just to stay and survive there. When we travel abroad, we become some sort of heroes to our families who look up to us to bail them out in times of need. We can’t burst that bubble by revealing the painful and sad reality that some of us undergo. It got to a point where I wanted to call home and just scream my pain to my mother but I imagined the anxiety it would cause her. The thought of her eldest child who is thousands of miles

to get more aggressive in our job search. We resolved to walk into different offices, malls and hotels to ask for any jobs that were available. Unfortunately most of them didn’t have any vacancies while others were not hiring Africans. In some companies, we could not meet the manager or human resource manager without an appointment. We also approached some agents to connect us to jobs, after which we would pay them with our first salary. These ones blatantly asked for one of two things; either cash or sex. Unlawful Occupations “Yes, if you don’t have cash to pay for the job, then come spend a night with me. The job will be on your desk the following day,” one of them told us. This is why many girls have turned into prostitution in Dubai. They have gotten used to sleeping with men to get what they want, including money. It affects all girls, regardless of nationality, who

away feeling lost would devastate her. So, I opted to share my pain with a friend who used to give me a listening ear and the encouragement that I needed. I was still with the girl we had traveled together with, whom I was now treating like my younger sister. We tried to reach the agency via her number, but they ignored that too. Time was quickly running out on us so we decided

come here in the hopes of changing their lives only to be met with disappointment. Agents and agencies have been and are still doing this. Some of their male victims end up getting involved in illegal businesses to survive. I remember a day when at around midnight the police surrounded our building because they had been tipped that some people were selling liquor illegally. One of the

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“

“ I won’t say jobs were completely unavailable in Dubai. I will say it was not yet my time. I know of people who didn’t struggle a lot to get employed quickly, luck was on their side. ”.

culprits who was in his early 20s jumped through a window on the fourth floor trying to escape, only to hit is head on the ground and die. He chose to risk dying over getting deported. Sadly that is a risk that most of them are willing to take. That was traumatizing and I still have flashes of his disfigured head. I thought about his family back in Uganda; the pain they must have faced on learning about the unfortunate event. I literally felt their pain. I pray his soul found peace. Barista Course In the course of my job search, I came to learn that my Ugandan teaching certificate wasn’t going to be considered here. These schools wanted UAE certified documents, which would take time which I didn’t have. I only had a three month visa so I needed to get a job before it expired. A short course of around two weeks was what I needed to increase my chances of securing employment. A friend advised me to study barista as it was one of the commonest jobs on the market. I went for this course with the sole intention of getting a job easily but trust me, by the end of the first week, I was so in love with specialty coffee. I felt like I’d brewed coffee all my life.

I would go for classes in the morning, walk around cafés searching for jobs in the afternoon, go for Zumba (my fun family) in the evening and apply for jobs online at night. That was my daily routine. Not forgetting praying of course; every time was prayer time. I would occasionally go for dates, just for fun. I’m sorry but I wasn’t in the right state emotionally to jump into a relationship in a new country. I have a feeling I was the prettiest new girl in town and the men had noticed but I was so busy so I turned down most of them. Isn’t it strange how time flies when you have a deadline? Of the one month of accommodation that the agency had paid for, we only had two days left and with no sign of employment yet. I didn’t want to end up sleeping in the park or the streets, having witnessed the sad state of the girls who were living in those conditions. Neither did I ever dream of going into overstay or giving up on my dream. Help from Home With my back on the wall, I decided to confide in my sister and inform her what was actually happening. She promised not to divulge to the rest of the family and to also face the agency on my behalf and if need be, press charges. I felt like a huge weight had been taken off my shoulder since I now had someone back at home who would physically confront the agency. She wasted no time in confronting them at their office, demanding they either do something about our situation or she would report them to the authorities. To calm her down, they apologized and assured her that they would send my job commission money the following day. They did send the money, just a portion though, which helped us to pay for a second month of accommodation. The struggle to achieve the dream I had when I decided to travel to Dubai was still on. If only I could get the chance to face an interviewer, I was sure I would step out that room with a job. I was very confident in my www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

capabilities, the problem was lacking the platform to prove it. By then I had completed my barista classes so I’d go to school to teach other students. I volunteered because I had fallen hopelessly in love with the art, plus the fact that teaching is my profession. So, it was fun doing it. I won’t say jobs were completely unavailable in Dubai. I will say it was not yet my time. I know of people who didn’t struggle a lot to get employed quickly, luck was on their side. Others were more unlucky in that their agencies never even paid for a one month accommodation. They ended up sleeping on the streets from the very first day they arrived in Dubai, while others weren’t even picked up from the airport, remaining stranded unable to reach the person that was meant to pick them up. The Struggle Continues Imagine not knowing which direction to take or where to go in a new country. Some con agencies don’t even process

travel documents for their clients, they simply take their money and shift offices. There have been cases of girls being lured with the promise of descent jobs, only to land there and have their passports confiscated and then they’re forced into prostitution. I’ve seen and heard of better and 28

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worse scenarios than mine. It has now been two months of my job search in Dubai with only one month left until my visa expires. That means that I must find a job in at most a week. Apparently, employers prefer giving jobs to people left with at least a month or two left on their visa. It’s preferable to them because they need time to evaluate the worker’s performance before investing in their visa renewal. The longer I take without getting a job the lower the chances of ever getting a job here. I wouldn’t be panicking if I had money for a visa renewal, but I don’t. I’m scared to the bone but still hopeful that I won’t fail. I can’t let myself or my family down. How does the job search end? Will Nsima find one or will she be forced to return to Uganda? You can read it soon in the next episode.

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President Julius Bio asking his people for a second tenure

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Death threats against First Lady of Sierra Leone taken seriously By Modu Sesay

he Secretariat and Executive of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) have listened to an audio published on Friday 18th March 2022 from overseas by a notorious person using the nomenclature of ‘Adebayor’ and in which direct death threats are made to kill Her Excellency First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio. The SLPP has restrained itself from giving relevance to threats of this Adebayor miscreant over the years, but we believe this particular latest threat against the life of the country’s venerable First Lady, is also a threat on the well-being of her husband who is our Leader and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio. Any threat against the First Family should

be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. We therefore call on the Security Forces to thoroughly investigate this particular audio. We further urge the relevant authorities to activate international collaboration in enforcing the recently enacted Cyber Security and Crime Act, which gives cross-border powers to legally handle such threats delivered through social media. The SLPP will also explore all diplomatic and other means to bring Adebayor the culprit to face the full penalty of the law – locally and internationally. Meanwhile, we appeal to our supporters to remain peaceful and law abiding and not chose the path of revenge or retaliatory threats. We admonish them to continue with messages about the development strides of this Government and this President for an emphatic victory in next year’s Elections. It is that resounding victory which they have sensed that has thrown Adebayor and his supportive ilk into the criminal madness of making Death Threats against our venerable First Lady. Such Death Threats will not be tolerated.

Any threat against the First Family should be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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Congratulations to Queen Deli Matsebula on your birthday. God bless your new age in Jesus Christ name. Amen www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Kenya’s President Kenyatta backs his former rival Odinga in polls

he move comes weeks after the two leaders’ parties joined forces ahead of a general election in August. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has endorsed his former archrival for the country’s top job, weeks after their parties joined forces ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections in August. “We have chosen Raila Odinga, without any opposition, to be the fifth president of Kenya,” Kenyatta told a cheering crowd of thousands in the capital Nairobi. The announcement brings together two of Kenya’s top political dynasties, who have a long history of opposing each other at the ballot box.

Last month, Kenyatta’s Jubilee party announced that it would join the Azimio la Umoja (Quest for Unity) coalition headed by Odinga. From rivals to political partners On Saturday, Kenyatta declared his backing for the veteran opposition leader, saying: “We don’t have any doubt that we have a team captain in Raila Amolo Odinga.” Odinga, 77, responded, saying the pair’s journey from bitter electoral rivals to political partners “has been the most unlikely in the history of our country.” “I accept the nomination with absolute gratitude and dedication to our people,” he added. At a rally later in the day, the duo, both wearing matching blue caps, danced to a song by Odinga with the lyrics: “Leo ni leo. Inawezekana” (Today is the day. It is possible). The announcement came after Kenyatta’s previously anointed successor William Ruto, who also intends to contest the presidential election, was sacked from Jubilee. Ruto, 54, was initially anointed by Kenyatta as his successor but found himself marginalised after the 2018 pact between the president and his former foe. Ruto has positioned himself as a leader looking to upend the status quo and stand up for the “hustlers” trying to survive in a country ruled by “dynasties” President Uhuru Kenyatta now calls Baba his big brother and ready to hand over the – a reference to the Kenyatta mantle of leadership to him come August 2022. and Odinga families which have dominated politics for But in 2018, Kenyatta and Odinga stunned the country decades. when they shook hands and declared a truce after post- ‘State-backed vote-rigging’ election violence in 2017 left dozens of people dead. The East African powerhouse has traditionally been ruled 34

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by presidents from the dominant Kikuyu tribe like Kenyatta or the Kalenjin tribe like Ruto. This year’s contest is shaping up to be a two-horse race between Ruto and Odinga, who belongs to the Luo tribe. A former political prisoner and prime minister, Odinga has secured the support of at least 26 parties, which are now part of the Azimio la Umoja coalition. But his image as a fiery anti-establishment leader has taken a knock following “the handshake” with Kenyatta. The duo has unsuccessfully tried to introduce sweeping constitutional changes, claiming that the reforms would help to end repeated cycles of election violence. Although Ruto has said he will accept the election results, he has also brought up the possibility of “statebacked vote-rigging”. During a visit to the United States last week, Ruto said: “The biggest issue on the ballot is the democracy of our nation and whether we truly have the opportunity to make free choices devoid of blackmail, threats and

intimidation.” “The only concern that many Kenyans have is the intrusion by agencies to try and manipulate decisions of people at different levels.” Both Kenyatta and Ruto had been indicted by the International Criminal Court on crimes against humanity charges for their alleged role in orchestrating post-poll violence in 2007 that cost more than 1,100 lives. The cases later collapsed, with former ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda saying a relentless campaign of victim and witness intimidation made a trial impossible. The reforms pursued by Kenyatta and Odinga proposed expanding the executive and parliament to more evenly divide the spoils of victory. But they were seen by critics as a way to enable Kenyatta – a two-term president who cannot run again – to remain in power by establishing the post of prime minister. The government has appealed a court ruling that rejected the proposals and said Kenyatta could even be sued in a civil court for launching the process.

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The Netherlands abolishes Entry Rules for All Travellers since end March 2022

he Dutch government has announced that the country will no longer apply COVID-19 restrictions for incoming travellers. Through an official statement, the government of the Netherlands has disclosed that starting from March 23, European Union/Schengen Area travellers will no longer be required to present one of the certificates that is part of the Digital COVID Pass – a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate – upon entry. Moreover, the same has noted that the entry rules will also be dropped for non-EU travellers, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

“For people travelling to the Netherlands from within the EU/ Schengen, the obligation to have a test, recovery or vaccination certificate will expire from March 23. There are also no entry measures for EU citizens who travel to the Netherlands from countries outside the EU/Schengen,” the statement of the Dutch government reads. This means that everyone will soon be able to enter the Netherlands without having to meet entry rules. Nonetheless, the authorities are still to come out with additional information by the beginning of the next week. Apart from abolishing the entry rules, the Dutch Minister of Health Ernst Kuipers has

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announced that the Netherlands will also drop its remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions on March 23. The Minister said that the requirement to wear a face mask when accessing public transport would be dropped. In addition, the same noted that the 1G rule would also be abolished, meaning that as soon as the new rules start being effective, no one will no longer be required to undergo testing before attending different public places and events. “From Wednesday, March 23, 2022, the public can also enter these locations without Testing for Access. There are then no more locations where the corona admission ticket is valid,” the authorities said. - Advertisement The government explained that the decision to remove the remaining COVID-19 measures had been taken after evaluating the current situation and concluding that the virus no longer causes serious health implications. However, even though the remaining measures will be dropped, the authorities have recommended that everyone washes hands regularly, stays at home if experiencing any symptoms and receive a booster shot. The data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the Netherlands has reported 442,546 new infection cases in the last seven days. During the same period, the country has also registered 104 deaths. As for the vaccination, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reveals that 82.7 of the entire adult population in the Netherlands has completed primary vaccination, and another 64.0 per cent have received an additional vaccine dose.

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President Samia’s eight leading women in her first year By BEATRICE MATERU

amia Suluhu Hassan may have been the unlikely president of Tanzania, having taken over after the death of John Pombe Magufuli, but since her swearing-in on March 19, 2021, nothing about her words and actions are unlikely.

economic empowerment and financial inclusion by “not leaving women behind” explaining “women being 51 percent of the population, no country can develop without including women, who are known to be entrepreneurial and business-minded people.”

She’s been steadfast in her short political career as a non-conforming thinker, pro-women, open to the rest of the world and all the opportunities it presents, but also very calculating in her political manoeuvres both in Tanzania and abroad.

Analysts say an inclusive gender-balanced government will not only promote general equality and women empowerment but is also important in decision-making processes since the opinions tend to be varied, far-reaching and therefore impacting more people for good.

She has advocated for inclusivity, meaning bringing more women on board in public positions of power, pushing the gender agenda with a clear purpose of harnessing the best from the pool of leaders Tanzania has nurtured; as well as seeking policies or changing them to be just to women and girls.

But the general sentiment on Samia’s government is that she should go beyond Cabinet appointments and seek change in all sectors if she is to change the male-dominated narrative. To her credit, President Samia has appointed several women in the central government administration as Regional Commissioners and deputies.

In her second Cabinet reshuffle in June 2021, she retained all four female ministers from the Magufuli administration, moved them around and added four new fresh faces to bring the total number of women to eight, in a team of 22 -- the highest for the country since Independence at 34.3 percent – but still trailing Kigali’s 55 percent representation, and ahead of Kenya’s 33.3.

She said this will change the status quo and focus on bringing participatory development to economically empower women.

In her first major national meeting with women community leaders, to mark the International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2021, President Samia talked of pushing for 40

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Today, President Samia’s Cabinet features eight powerful women handling crucial dockets. Making a comeback to the Cabinet after two decades, Dr Tax, is a woman of firsts, with her appointment in January demystifying the notion that this ministry is a preserve of men.

A PhD in Philosophy and International Development from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Finance from the University of Dar es Salaam, she was Tanzania’s minister for Finance

istry of Industry, Trade and Investment, at a time of world economic uncertainty and national interests torn between development projects and external borrowing and debt. She is in charge of Tanzania’s economic transformation into an industrialised country, attractive to investors and trade partners both regionally and internationally. With President Samia’s push for women’s economic empowerment, this ministry is expected to break biases against women entrepreneurs when it comes to opportunities and employment in order to create an equal playing field. In her first year in parliament between 2015 and 2020, she was the deputy minister for Finance and Planning. She is a PhD holder from the University of Agder, Norway.

Jenista Mhagama: Minister of State in the President’s Office Good Governance and Public Services from 1991 to 2002. Later in 2008, she served as permanent secretary in the ministry of East African Co-operation, and later expanded her scope when she was appointed the first woman executive secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 2013, taking her leadership skills regional.

This is her second stint in this docket, having been appointed first by Magufuli and was the focus of local and international media in 2020 as the country battled the Covid-19 pandemic amid government denial of the existence of the virus.

In March 2021 Magufuli moved her to the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government where she served until President Samia’s Cabinet reshuffle saw her back to the Health docket. She ventured into politics in 2007 and was appointed to the parliamentary special seat in 2010 by then-president Jakaya Kikwete. She served as deputy and full minister in the ministry of Community Development, Gender and

At her swearing-in in Dodoma, President Samia said that “her vast experience from her previous position at SADC is why I appointed her. She is well informed about security issues in the region.” She could be new to Cabinet but not to public service. Mulamula is a career diplomat who brings 35 years of experience in public service and diplomacy to President Samia’s government. In June 2021, she was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation, the second woman to serve in this docket after Dr Asha-Rose Migiro. A distinguished diplomat, Mulamula has served as Tanzanian ambassador to the United States; first executive secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region between 2006 and 2011 and later as Permanent Secretary in the same ministry in 2015, during Magufuli’s first term. Between 2012 and 2013, she was Special Advisor to then-president Jakaya Kikwete on all diplomatic matters. A first time Cabinet member, she is one of President Samia’s revelations and was appointed to the crucial min-

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula: Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Co-operation Children and Vice President’s Office and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs where she was a deputy minister. And later was appointed to Cabinet as Magufuli’s minister for State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment). Continued on Page 42 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued on Page 41

Prof Joyce Ndalichako is a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta in Canada. She was a senior lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam when she was nominated to parliament and appointed minister for Education in 2015 by Magufuli. She joined elective politics in 2020 and won the Kasulu Urban Constituency in Kigoma and was reappointed into the same ministerial position.

tional Training in president Kikwete’s administration from January 2014 and January 2015. A Cabinet reshuffled saw her become the minister for State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Co-ordination and Parliamentary Affairs).

President Samia retained her in the same docket until January 2022 when she was moved to her current docket.

Prof Joyce Ndalichako: Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister Policy, Parliament, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Dr Dorothy Gwajima: Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups Jenista Joakim Mhagama joined politics in 1987 serving in a variety of roles in women and youth wings of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi. She served as Deputy Minister for Education and Voca-

Ummy Mwalimu: Minister for Health

In 2000 she was appointed to a special seat member of parliament until 2005 when she beat former Finance minister Simon Mbilinyi in the Peramiho constituency seat. A vibrant MP, she stirred up debates and raised many questions in Bunge.

Dr Ashatu Kijaji: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

She served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment, Youth and People with Physical Disabilities) in Magufuli’s government before moving to the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for parliamentary, labour and the disabled, which she held for more than five years. She studied entrepreneurship and earned a certificate from

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Pindi Chana: Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy and Parliamentary Affairs

the International Labor Organisation (ILO) in Turin. She is a trained teacher and taught for six years between 1991 and 1997. She is best remembered as the Health minister who sold Magufuli’s herbs and steam treatment for Covid-19, disregarding conventional medicine and vaccination. When President Samia retained her in the Health docket in her first Cabinet reshuffle, there were murmurs of disapproval. A graduate of the Nizhniy Novgorod Medical Academy in Russia, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine. She was nominated MP in 2005 by Magufuli and appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government.

Dr Stergomena Tax: Minister for Defence and National Service

Magufuli spoke highly of her work ethic. In 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, he appointed her to Cabinet as Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, where she served until January 2022 when President Samia moved her to the newly created Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare. Pindi Hazara Chana started out as a special seat member of parliament in 2010, and then as Deputy Minister of Community Development, Gender and Children between 2014 and 2016. She was later posted as Tanzania High Commissioner to Kenya, serving from 2017 to 2019, also representing the country in South Sudan, Seychelles, Somalia and Eritrea from Nairobi. Her tenure in parliament was marked by her concern and addressing issues pertaining to women and children, health and clean water supply for rural and urban women.

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Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please....... It is a well known fact that Nigerian Christians are under severe persecution particularly in the Northern part of the country. They continued to be attacked, properties destroyed, thousands of people dead, many more displaced, farm lands destroyed, children left homeless, orphans and desolate in a nation of plenty of resources. A government unable to protect his people. We have received a request from an organization helping these persecuted Christians to get some type or relief. They are calling on us on the Diaspora to support and help through our kind donations. The organization is coordinating assistances, see the flyers published below for details of how you can support their efforts. We approve the flyers so you can send support directly or contact them for clarification or more information. God bless you all. TV Management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg52LK6cJlw&feature=youtu.be

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The Deaf Youth Washing Bay of Aydel I t will take a concerted effort from the global village to completely eradicate discrimination against people living with disabilities. It is time to look beyond their disability and focus more on their skills and capabilities. In Aydel Uganda, a group of deaf individuals came together and resolved to start a car wash business that is quickly becoming the talk of town. As you make your way along the streets of Lira, you will not fail to notice a conspicuous sign that reads ‘Deaf Youth Washing Bay’ plastered on one of the posts. This piqued my interest and I was very curious to find out how the Lira community was promoting disability inclusion On arrival at the washing bay I met Mr. Hamza Oteng, the

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sign language interpreter and a 20 year old Ogwal Ivan who was washing a motorcycle (bodaboda). Ivan is hard of hearing, something which caused him to drop out of school because it made him feel like an outsider. But that doesn’t mean that he is illiterate, despite the fact that he dropped out at primary four, he is able to read and write, aside from the fact that he is very proficient in counting money. Motivation and Mobilization The inspiration behind starting up the car wash was a love for building employee confidence, disability inclusion and to create a strong movement where PWDs are judged by their abilities and work. People with disabilities usually miss out on job opportunities because the society presupposes that they are not capable of delivering on the task given perfectly. This pushed the Aydel populace to create jobs for deaf youth in the area and to ensure that no deaf person is left behind. This has helped them to easily

access and share developmental ideas. The chairperson of the group, Mr. Olwa Osma, heard some information about the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), which prompted him to start looking for deaf youth in the neighborhood. He moved from door to door impressing upon them to come together and form a group that skills men with disability to fight poverty. Luckily most of them bought the idea; they were ten in number. The Benefits The advantage of working as a group is that it creates a strong output since opportunities are given equally to all group members. The question that always comes up from the community is how the group benefits from the project and the impact to their individual lives. Well, the members hope to start small businesses alongside their car wash project. Every individual is expected to save a portion of their income every Saturday. The savings are kept as capital that will be used to start up individual workshops/businesses to improve their standards of living in the community. You may be wondering, how do the clients normally react when they realize that their attendants are disabled? It’s normal human nature to judge something that is different and unique. However, the people who use the washing bay get pleasantly

surprised when they find out that their deaf attendants are very good at lip reading. This enables them to understand their clients very well and to be in a better position to fulfil their needs. Clients are always advised to be patient with them for the best outcome possible. Communication being the center piece of any business, the youth use local sign language and exchange writings as a way of communicating. This has helped them to learn how to interact with their clients. We should all borrow a leaf from the Aydel community and create disability inclusive job opportunities. The ball is now firmly in our court, the time for empty rhetoric has passed, it is time to act. Story and photos by Martha Nalukenge

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Dutch agree financial support for Ukrainians, scrap work permits

krainian refugees in the Netherlands are to be given €60 per person per week to help pay for their daily needs if they live in communal accommodation, and up to €135 if they are living with host families, the government has decided. ‘That money is being given directly to the Ukrainians,’ welfare minister Carola Schouten said on Friday, after the weekly cabinet meeting. ‘If they are staying with a host family, then the money will help pay for the costs.’ Nevertheless, the minister warned, it will take a little time for local councils to organise the payments. The system will run for at least two months and will be reassessed after that time, she said. Ministers have also agreed that Ukrainian nationals who want to work can do so immediately, and that a work permit, requested by employers, will no longer be needed after April 1. ‘I have personally spoken to people who

do wish to work and who have the skills, but we must give these people the time to settle and adjust first,’ said economic affairs minister Karien van Gennip said. ‘Then I would say to us Dutch, these people have been through a lot,’ she said. ‘And if they do work, involve them in your social lives. Invite them round and talk to them.’ Registration So far 7,200 Ukrainian refugees have registered as being in the Netherlands, although the total is likely to be higher. Dutch refugee organisation Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland and the Red Cross have launched an English-language website gathering together information for Ukrainian nationals who have fled the war and come to the Netherlands. Refugeehelp.nl is aimed at both Ukrainians and people who want to help the relief effort and includes information about housing, schools and work as well as what to do with pets.

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Why emigrating to the Netherlands is attractive to South Africans Skilled professionals are in high demand.

ith various countries closing their borders since the inception of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Netherlands has emerged as one of the new frontrunners as a destination for emigrating South African to further their careers. Not only is the Netherlands attractive in terms of their work / life balance, but the Dutch government offers enticing

Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the economy growth rose to 4.8% for 2021. With the economy growing at such an exponential rate during a pandemic, the Netherlands has now been facing a different type of dilemma, job vacancies are now outnumbering the number of unemployed people. This means that there are roughly 123 vacancies to 100 unemployed people according to the CBS.

tax incentives for highly skilled migrants, especially in the financial, engineering and information technology (IT) fields. Skilled South African professionals are in high demand. Highly skilled South African professionals are seen as assets to foreign employers. South Africans should not be hesitant to apply for international vacancies, especially in the Netherlands. Why Netherlands? Covid-19 and its far-reaching effects has not deterred the economic growth of the Netherlands. According to the

One of the major success stories, that shows that the Netherlands is the global hub for tech, is that Dutch company ASML recently sold their advanced chipmaking tool to Intel for more than $340 million with even more orders being placed by other companies. This in turn will create many more job opportunities for highly skilled migrants in the financial, engineering and IT arenas. It is not just the growing pool of vacancies that’s attractive for South Africans. The Dutch work/life balance is another contributing factor to why the Netherlands is seen as an emerging hub for skilled migrants. The Dutch put a lot of

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emphasis on ‘family/leisure time’ and working hours are fewer than in most European countries. Most Dutch professionals work on average 35 hours per week where a few of those days can be used for remote working. The Dutch government has invested a lot in providing enticing attractions with regards to research and development (R&D) tax incentives that is offered and boasts a strong digital infrastructure that is renowned for their openness to multidisciplinary thinking. The Netherlands is seen as the gateway to the European R&D arena with 10 unique campuses or “incubators” that each specializes in a host of applications that include agrifood, artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Tax benefits There is also a 30% tax ruling that is another attractive incentive for expats. This ruling is aimed at highly skilled migrants that have expertise in areas that are not easily found in the Netherlands. What the 30% ruling entails is that an employer may compensate you for ‘extraterritorial costs’ equivalent to 30% of gross salary untaxed. But there are certain specifications that highly skilled migrants need to meet before they can qualify for this incentive. According to the Dutch Tax Administration, employees must meet the following conditions: • The employee is in paid employment. • The employee has specific expertise that is not or hardly found in the Dutch labour market. • The employee was recruited outside of the Netherlands. • The employee is in possession of a valid decision from the government. Exiting South Africa correctly Once the highly skilled South African has found employment in the Netherlands, important steps need to be taken to ensure that they remain tax compliant with

Sars. “The first important question that needs to be asked is whether one is going to emigrate with the intention to permanently stay in the Netherlands, or if that person will come back to reside in South Africa. And the second vital factor is whether the person will be an employee or independent contractor. These are criteria that will determine what exemption or route you can take in terms of tax residency and foreign income”, says Victoria Lancefield, general manager for tax residency & financial emigration at Tax Consulting SA. All South African tax residents need to submit tax returns to Sars on an annual basis to declare their South African or foreign income, if foreign income was made then the taxpayer needs to claim an exemption on foreign earnings. Foreign earnings will be taxed on the surplus of R1.25 million at the marginal income tax rate which could be as high as 45%. Even if the tax resident qualifies for an exemption, a tax return needs to be submitted. Tax residents need to understand that even if they cease their South African citizenship, their tax residency will remain because citizenship falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Home Affairs and tax residency falls under the jurisdiction of Sars, the two do not align. What are your options? Certain processes are needed to formally cease tax residency so that Sars does not come knocking on your door. Victoria Lancefield states that, “there are two options available to South Africans thinking about emigrating. They can either undergo the financial emigration process if they are emigrating with the intention of not coming back to reside in South Africa, or they can apply the double tax agreement (DTA) between two countries. The DTA route is undertaken when the professional has the intention of coming back to reside in South Africa in the future”. It can be an arduous process to start the financial emigration or DTA process and that is why it is important for one to consult a professional and experienced tax practitioners and tax attorneys to help them alleviate the tax burden while they get ready to move overseas to further their careers. By Rob Ridout, from Job Search International.

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The perilous gravel quarries: Female laborers of Malindi speak out

hey have decided to venture into a blistering and strenuous labor just to fend for their families for lack of better options that can put food on the table. Majority of these women are widowed or single mothers who have children in school, and this is their only way of ensuring they give their children a better life. Depicting the real strength of a woman, they have deconstructed the narrative that a man is the sole provider of the family. text and pictures: Cynthia Omondi At Muyeye located on the outskirts of the coastal town of Malindi, I come across women working at a gravel quarry site. A quick headcount showed a total of 15 women, though they usually range from 30 to 40, some with their toddlers right inside the site. The norm here is toiling under the hot sun for 10 hours a day hammering rocks into smaller rocks, sieving and packaging them for a potential buyer. For each bag they fill with gravel, they earn around Ksh.20 to Ksh.50, which is way too little compared to the time and energy consumed. The labor exposes them to particulates that can cause lung damage and respiratory illnesses. It’s a back-breaking work but it is the only option they have left since all other opportunities, along with their hopes, have dried up. Subsistence farming and fishing used to be the residents’ primary means of survival. However in recent years harvests have been failing due to lack of adequate rain, with fish stocks also gradually dwindling, leaving many in need of food aid. I manage to speak to three of the women and here is their story. Halua Kazungu (Single Mother) She joined the quarry hustle three and a half years ago. Before that, she used to work as a house-help but the pay was not enough to cater for her expenses. “Before learning about this quarry I used to work as a house-help, but my salary was too little to sustain me and my four children. My first born dropped out in form two since I could no longer afford her fees, something that really broke my heart, so I decided to look for a better option. The Ksh.3000 I was getting as a house-help per month could barely take us through two weeks.

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When I started here, I was a bit skeptical at first but with time, I came to realize it is better than my previous job since here I’d get money on a weekly basis. It’s very difficult work I must say because it requires one to be here very early in the morning. I always leave my place, Sabasaba in Muyeye, by 6 am and by 7 am I’m here. I have managed to keep my other children in school and my prayer is that they finish school, get good jobs and hopefully get me out of here,” she narrates full of emotions. The forty two year old mother of four however laments on the dangers and risks of the work. “My health is slowly deteriorating because of this work due to the fact that we work without any form of protective gear, with the heavy dust causing us chest problems. Personally speaking, I visit the hospital quite often and was even advised to look for another means of survival. But when you look around there is completely nothing that you can do, so I’m always forced to come back here because no matter how little it is, at least I know my children will not go hungry,” she explains. Halua also points out on how difficult breaking the stones actually is, leading to her consistent backaches. Her wish is to get a better job or hustle, preferably a small hotel for a startup, since this is what she is passionate about. Her dream is to one day get out of this ‘death trap’ as she called it. Elizabeth Sidi (Widow) From her appearance, I estimated she could be in her late sixties, even though I couldn’t ascertain it since she doesn’t know her age. “My daughter, I never went to school. I do not

know how to read neither do I know how old I am,” she begins. She tells me the only way I can know her age is by checking her identification card (I.D) which unfortunately she doesn’t have on her at this time. “God never blessed me with children and after my husband passed on, I chose to come back to my parents’ home. I am an only child and therefore, I have no one to take care of me. I tried farming but crops dried up due to lack of rain so I resolved to join the women here in the quarry to at least fend for myself. It is very difficult work, especially for me as an old woman, and the pay is very little but it is all I can rely on lest I die of hunger,” she tells me. Elizabeth has developed chest problems that has made her to rely on drugs on a daily basis, which she carries with her even to the site. She is thankful that she is able to put food on the table and even assist a few of her nieces and nephews, through her cousins, to keep their children in school. “In today’s era, people strive to be independent, that is why I equally decided to take care of myself and save my own soul from anguish,” she concluded. Mercy Katana (Single Mother)

Resting under a tree away from the scotching sun and exhausted, I meet up with Mercy. A forty nine year old mother of eight. At this particular time, she has already hammered five packs of the gravel, which she estimates to be around ksh.250 if she sells at the normal price. Sadly she has not received any buyer yet and it looks like on this day she will be going back home empty handed. She has worked at this very site for as long as she can remember. “Relying on a monthly salary was tough for me. What would my children eat before end month? When one receives their salary, which is normally way too little, it’s usually depleted even before the month ends. This has been my work for years, and this is how I manage to keep my family going, buy food, clothing, housing, school, you name it. School specifically has been my main reason to be here because my desire is to see my children educated, even if it is just the basic primary education,” she tells me. Mercy equally laments on how strenuous the work is, yet the buyers take advantage of their vulnerability and will always bargain so as to buy the gravel at a throw away price. “Many a times the buyers

Mercy Katana resting after crushing stones under the hot sun

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Continued on Page 53 insist on buying at an extremely low price because they know we do not have other options and we are desperate for the money. Which is true, we are, and when I think of my children and their welfare, I’m forced to sell it at a loss, as long as I will get a few shillings to cater to my basic needs.” She recalls some of the fatal incidents that have occurred at that specific site. “I have witnessed three deaths ever since I started working here, but there is a specific one that I will never forget. A woman with her two children were buried alive when the walls of the pit caved in as she dug deep for gravel. Tensions ran high after and at some point I felt like we would be banned from coming here. Actually, of late we have been having people from Halua Kazungu carrying a pack of gravel out of the site the municipal council questioning us, to a point where we were chased. But we do not have alternatives, I can’t stand seeing be conducted and the precautions to be taken. For women like my children go hungry and that is why I keep on coming back Halua, Sidi and Katana, they should be assisted by either the here,” she disclosed to me. national or county government to acquire the necessary tools This deadly occupation is already arduous and complex, so and safety gears needed to work in such environments since they have no other source of livelihood. The President of the Republic of Kenya H.E Uhuru Kenyatta just declared drought a national disaster. Many parts of the country have been hit hard, including coastal Kenya. The mining that is happening at Muyeye, among numerous others globally, are one of the major causes of the climate change that is being witnessed lately across the globe. If nothing is done to such mines, where environmental degradation is happening, then the effects of climate change are bound to worsen. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue to top it up with no special equipment or protective gear, about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. is courting disaster. Sadly this same narrative plays out in https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ different parts of the country where quarries are found. It’s https://twitter.com/globalviceversa high time that the government stepped in and sort this mess https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/ out once and for all by directing how mining activities should

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ECONOMY

Raila eyes talks to cut Kenya’s short term loans cost

pposition leader Raila Odinga will renegotiate short term commercial loans with punitive interest rates to cushion Kenya’s economy from collapsing, should he win the presidential poll on August 9. Mr Odinga said seeking favourable terms for such loans will help the country service the debts while at the same time having money to invest into the economy. “We have two categories of loans but the short-term commercial debts with shorter times of repayment and higher interest rates are the ones that are punitive and we intend to find a way of renegotiating the repayment rates,” said Mr Odinga. He was speaking during a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) MPs at the House of Commons led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s trade envoy to Kenya Ms Theodora Clarke. “This will allow the economy not to focus only on paying the debts but also continue investing,” he added. The ODM party leader said the economy has received a beating

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from the Covid-19 pandemic and what Kenya currently needs is an economic renaissance to get it back on its feet. • Mr Odinga said seeking favourable terms for such loans will help the country service the debts while at the same time having money to invest into the economy. • He was speaking during a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) MPs at the House of Commons led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s trade envoy to Kenya Ms Theodora Clarke. • The ODM party leader said the economy has received a beating from the Covid-19 pandemic and what Kenya currently needs is an economic renaissance to get it back on its feet.

Lissu praises Samia, plans to return home By Alex Nelson Malanga

ar es Salaam. A firebrand Tanzanian opposition figure, Mr Tundu Lissu, is set to return home sooner rather than later after being satisfied with the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Mr Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017 in Dodoma, lives in Belgium in a self-imposed exile. Speaking in an interview with a local television--- Start

TV on Saturday, the opposition leader said he would return home soon because he is optimistic that the Head of State will give him assurance of his security. Mr Lissu, who is the Chadema vice chairman, has spent most of his time in Belgium since 2017, showered praise on President Hassan for taking the nation to the right direction. “As for now, we are no longer counting years before I return home. We are not counting months. We are not counting weeks,” said Mr Lissu. In his meeting with President Hassan in Brussels last month, Mr Lissu said he had requested her to stand out

publicly and assure him his security. Noting that those who involved in the assassination attempt were still unknown and no one was arrested, he questioned about how he would be sure of his security. “President Samia promised to work on my issue (security assurance) and I am positive she will do so,” said the exiled opposition leader. “She has a lot to do on her table. I don’t think she has ignored my request.” He said the President was a good listener and there was every sign that she is committed to building a country which respects principles of democracy and justice. This could be attested to his meeting with Mr Lissu in Brussels, and religious leaders whom in their togetherness requested her to use her influence to drop the terrorism and economic sabotage case that Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe and his three coaccused were facing. In his meeting with the President, Mr Lissu also raised concerns about his fate and that of other opposition politicians who fled Tanzania to seek asylum abroad, after their lives were put in danger during the fifth phase regime. On what Mr Lissu attributed to pressure from political leaders, religious leaders, other countries and the public at large, Mr Mbowe and his three co-accused were earlier this month released after spending eight months in remand. He also commended President Hassan for aiding him to get a new passport after losing his old one in Germany. “There is light at the end of tunnel in Tanzania’s politics, thanks to President Hassan’s U-turn in the way she is handling things,” said Mr Lissu. However, he said, for the President to keep the momentum going, she should need support from the opposition political parties. “She has started well, but she still has a long way to go for her to do better, she needs our support,” said Mr Lissu, noting that a new constitution will be a solution to the challenges related to the lack of good governance. He detailed that the President needed encouragement and much-needed support so that she could be able to build a country that respects principles of good democracy.

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The altruistic Congo activist who overcame death threats

hen Jacques Issongo saw young men of LUCHA devoted to fighting for social justice and accountability in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he felt a call within that prompted him to join the movement. A movement that has brought significant change in the DRC while on the other hand, has cost him his job and family. He has faced countless physical assaults and arbitrary arrests as a result of his involvement with LUCHA.

Rights Defenders, an organization that values activists and all human rights defenders. About LUCHA Since its colonization in 1885, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been plagued with violence, conflict and underdevelopment. Although the country has not officially relapsed into civil war since 2003, it has experienced an extremely negative post-war peace. Since 2008, armed groups have proliferated in the country. Today, around

Jacques Issongo: Making a difference in his work as human rights activist I met up with Jacques at the African Human Rights Network (AHRN) headquarters in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. Here, he came for two reasons. “I travelled to Dar es Salaam, one, to attend the annual workshop of Young African Defenders in Action since I am a member. Two, to relax my body from the beatings I have received in my home country of Congo. We conducted a peaceful protest against the heavy taxes that were imposed by the government on all phone users since this is exploitation. In return we were intimidated through beatings,” he told me during our interview. His trip was facilitated by the African Human 60

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70 different armed groups operate in its troubled Eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. A small youth-led movement emerged in Goma in 2012 that encouraged Congolese citizens to fight for the promotion and respect of human rights. It called itself LUCHA, a portmanteau of the French phrase Lutte pour le changement (‘struggle for change’). LUCHA sought to use peaceful protests to hold the government to account and agitate for change – particularly with regard to improving the dignity of the people through service delivery and social justice. In 2016, they protested against President Kabila’s decision

to postpone democratic elections. Ever since, they have been fighting for democracy though the price of protest has proved to be really high. “In the most extreme case, I was forced to flee my residence for the forest for a month or two. This happened in 2018, after I had left prison in December of 2017. We were protesting against then President Kabila under a campaign dubbed #ByeByeKabila. I became ‘wanted’ in Kananga, the capital city of the Kasai-Central Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is painful and hard living in hiding as I was. I had to change cities to keep myself safe. Living in fear forced my wife to leave with our baby and they have never come back since. Nevertheless I have no regrets,” he narrated fiercely. Jacques disclosed to me how at one point he was wanted dead. “I really can’t tell what their intentions were, all I know is that a reporter told me to hide. He said the police had been ordered to maim my legs with bullets. They had planned to shoot me.” The Significant Changes Despite the harsh injustices, Jacques together with other LUCHA activists have remained dedicated to spreading awareness about poor service delivery and governance practices, and holding the government to account. “I am proud that right now I can confidently identify myself as a LUCHA. Some years back around 2015, I couldn’t even

wear a LUCHA T-shirt. We were all living in fear as much as we were fighting so hard to bring change. Our greatest success was when our protests finally led to Kabila being voted out after 18 years. Congo had a new president. We have been able to hold several dialogues with government authorities. Even though we are still not yet where we intend to be, there is great progress,” he told me while showing the writings on his LUCHA T-shirt. ‘Congo is big and demands greatness from all of us – Patrice E. Lumumba’ read the t-shirt he had on. Patrice Lumumba was a great Congolese politician and an independent leader who played a significant role in the transformation of his country. Jacques desires to see more of such leaders in his country who will lead the people of Congo independently and selflessly. “I have personally sacrificed my life for the betterment of my country’s people. I lost my job as an assistant professor in a university and on top of that lost my family. But, I have never regretted nor looked back since my efforts have benefited millions of other Congolese. I believe someday we shall equally have leaders who will value us and lead the country with the dignity it deserves,” he said full of hope. Young African Defenders in Action (YADA) His passion for humanity landed him in the Young African Defenders in Action, a leading pan-Africanist youth

Jacques, second from the right, together with other YADA members Continued on Page 62

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network dedicated to promote and protect human rights and encourage youth groups to avoid violence. It connects and supports young defenders from different African countries working for a better Africa. “We are currently having a two week workshop that consists of young defenders working on community projects, to share experiences on our daily activities and current challenges in Africa,” he said. According to Jacques, the workshop was very fruitful and of great benefit to him as they were able to learn from each other’s experiences. They realized that they are tackling similar problems across the continent and if they work

Jacques writings on his LUCHA T-Shirt together with combined synergies, change is bound to

Jacques during on to the protests

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happen. By the end of the workshop, he was elected as the coordinator of YADA through voting. “As human rights defenders, we have a great responsibility for Africa, especially for my country Congo. Our endless protests are a fight for change and equality but most people do not realize that. It is a very difficult fight and all we can ask for is support. Let us speak in unison and demand what is rightfully ours,” he concluded. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/?_ rdc=1&_rdr https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/

Congratulations to Her Excellency, Queen Nwanne Campo on behalf of The Voice magazine publications www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

The 15 year old conservationist following in the footsteps of Wangari Maathai By Eunice Mwaura

t only 15, Rahmina Paulette is proving to be quite the rare gem. Her initiatives that are geared towards environmental conservation have earned her accolades internationally. Vice Versa Global caught up with the next Wangari Maathai as she lets us in on what inspired her to start her organization, the challenges she’s faced so far and what the future holds.

rolled in an environmental club because of her unconscious habit of picking plastic waste. She enjoys boat riding and vividly recounts a time when she and her mother wanted to take a ride across Lake Victoria. It became apparent to them that they couldn’t because the lake had been ‘carpeted’ by the green weed (water hyacinth) that has clogged up the waterway.

It has often been said that age is nothing but a number. Perhaps no one personifies this saying quite like the young, resilient and ambitious Rahmina Paulette. At only 15 years, she has already been recognized globally and awarded numerous times due to her efforts in conserving the environment. And by her own words, she is just getting started. She believes that the battle to achieving a clean and sustainable environment is not yet won. Activities that lead to environmental degradation are still a menace not only in her home town of Kisumu, but in other parts of the world as well.

“I remember the fishermen warning us against taking the boat ride because the probability of getting stuck was high,” she recalled.

Her efforts in the environmental activism landscape haven’t gone unnoticed. You may even call her the next Wangari Maathai due to her solemn and unwavering passion of conserving the environment and planting trees. At such a tender age she wears many hats. Not only is she an environmental champion, but she is also a wildlife conservationist, commercial model and the chief executive officer of an organisation that recycles hyacinth from Lake Victoria into eco-friendly products. But how did she start? The Boat Ride That Defined Her Course “I have always been passionate about environmental welfare from a very young age,” she says. At 6 years of age, her mother had taken note of her daughter’s passion and had her en-

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Lake Victoria’s Threat For the past two decades Lake Victoria, which is the largest

fresh water lake and is shared by three countries; Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, has been invaded by hyacinth. Statistics from a research carried out in 2019 show that it covers around 17,000 hectares of the lake on the Kenyan side only. This has threatened the economic wellbeing of the residents of Kisumu and its environs who rely on fishing as their main economic activity. This is because the weed impedes boat navigation and poses the risk of stifling aquatic life through water deoxygenation. “I was very much concerned with this occurrence and my interest was piqued. I was curious and determined to find out what could be done to save Lake Victoria from choking?” she remarked. “I spent days on end researching on the water hyacinth problem plaguing the lake and probable solutions and discovered that hyacinth could be recycled. I received a lot of support from my mother and a mentor who nurtured me until I was able to make the products,” she points out. This birthed Rahmina Paulette Eco-products, of which she is the chief executive officer. At Rahmina Paulette Eco-Products, she has been making eco-friendly products like bags, cards, bookmarks, table coasters, bands and chairs. “The most exciting project that is in the pipeline is the making of dining tables,” she revealed. With that disclosure, her face lit up, bringing out the bubbly personality of the 15-year-old. Rahmina Paulette Eco-Products has not only played the

role of sensitizing the masses on the importance of conservation. It has also been able to create jobs for the women who make the hairbands and the youth and fishermen who harvest the hyacinth for her organisation. Challenges Encountered “However, the course has not been easy for this is not the only environmental challenge plaguing Kisumu,” she says. In a bid to improve the city through development projects, they have seen the loss of biodiversity, deforestation, charcoal burning and grabbing of riparian land. Just recently, Lake Victoria claimed back its stolen land when its water levels rose, which resulted in a lot of flooding and displacement of people from their homes. “Trying to change perceptions is also a major challenge. There’s a time we conducted a clean-up exercise in one of the informal settlements of Kisumu. While there, the residents assumed that we were being paid by the government to do so, yet that wasn’t the case. Some poured water on us while others said they would continue polluting just the same, clean-up exercise or not. Those are just some of the things that really discourage us but we remain resilient because we are doing this for the environment and for the future.” Kisumu Environmental Champs Her take is that change can only be sustainable if peoContinued on Page 66 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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ple are conscious of the adverse effects of pollution and environmental degradation. Lack of public awareness on the issue is a major contributor to deterioration of the environment. She believes that to be able to achieve sustainable change and for the difference to be visible, the masses must be educated on the negative effects of pollution. This

engaging in risky behaviour. To curb this she came up with the idea of establishing the foundation in an effort to engage them in constructive activities. The group focuses on environmental conservation, wildlife conservation and climate change awareness. They are actively involved in regular clean-ups and tree planting around the county. This has enabled her to engage more young people and introduce them to a culture of environmental preservation which has seen her receive global recognition. She just recently received the award for Top African Conservation Leaders, which was an award for 100 outstanding people trying to make an impact on environmental sustainability, creating awareness and making a change in the society. Change Starts With Us

Late President John Magufuli was regarded as tough and uncompromising

The youth are now sharing a voice because collectively they are creating awareness and propelling change by engaging in these activities. This is happening not only in Kisumu, but in the rest of the world as well. “We should join hands with environmentalists in Kenya and everywhere else in the world to make a difference because if we don’t educate the young people, we will not be able to make this world a better place,” she said. “Change starts with us for us and by us. I would love for Africa to be clean and plastic free so as to reduce pollution. I would love to breathe in clean air which is not filled with carbon emissions. I would love to see sustainable environmental change on our continent. We need to make a change right now for we are the future,” she concluded. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa

is the difference she is trying to make with Kisumu Environmental Champs. When the schools were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a lot of young people started 66

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The best goalkeeper in the world football is African

douard Mendy: “I was 22 and my contract with AS Cherbourg expired. My agent told that I had offers to join other clubs. Later, I tried to contact him but he never replied. I didn’t hear from him except a text wishing me good luck for the future. I was unemployed. I decided to stop, but with the support of my parents and my family members, I decided to give football another try. I joined Le Havre and I played with them for a year without a salary. Then I was selected to be the 3rd keeper for Marseille.” Today, Mendy turns 30 years old and he is The best Goalkeeper in the world. Proudly African from Senegal, winners of many world medals, the Champions league medal, Club world cup, African cup and still many trophies ahead of him Congratulations to Mendy.

Usyk-AJ 2 in progress Oleksandr Usyk has confirmed he will rematch Anthony Joshua next, with the world title fight set to take place in June. Usyk was contractually obliged to give Joshua a rematch after beating the Brit last September to become the IBF, WBO and WBA heavyweight champion After Russia invaded Ukraine, Usyk returned home to join the local territorial defence force in Kyiv and there was uncertainty as to whether the rematch would go ahead, with Joshua considering interim opponents. It was then announced that Usyk had been given special permission from Ukraine’s sports minister to leave the country and cross the border to Poland to train for the rematch with Joshua. Usyk took to Instagram to tell his followers that he would be taking the Joshua fight, with the caption: “I decided to start preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua, a large number of my friends support me, all the rest of the good and peace, Thank God for everything.”

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President Barrow Hails Scorpions

resident Adama Barrow received the Scorpions, the national football team, at the State House earlier to congratulate them on their outstanding performance in the (AFCON) competition in Cameroon few months back. While congratulating the team on their achievement, the President pledged his government’s continued support to assure the squad’s best performance in future tournaments. He also praised former players, adding that The Gambia has always had good football players, but it is these present players who have finally made it to the AFCON. He called on the players to keep up the good spirit which has engulfed the

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whole country and continue to strive for football excellence. During the Voice magazine visit to the country, the football fiesta in Cameroon is still being talked about and they are full of praises for the National team. People spoken to called on the government to invest in building an international stadium of the standard of their neighbour, Senegal so that more youths can take to football at the grass root and in few years’ time, the dividend would be feasible for all to see.

Bolton Wanderers star Amadou Bakayoko set for Sierra Leone debut

MADOU Bakayoko has shrugged off a minor calf injury to take his place with the Sierra Leone squad during the international break. The in-form striker had been a doubt for his country after picking up a minor muscular strain at the Mornflake Stadium. But the Leone Stars have released pictures of eight foreign-based players who have linked-up with the squad at their training camp in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of three friendlies against Togo, Liberia and the Republic of Congo. Bakayoko is one of 10 new call-ups to the squad made by Manchester-born coach John Keister in preparation for qualification for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

Keister, a former Shrewsbury and Walsall player, is looking to strengthen a side that qualified for the AFCON for the first time since 1996 this year, earning credible draws against Algeria and the Ivory Coast in the group stage and missing the chance to qualify for the next round after a late penalty miss against Equatorial Guinea. Among the new names is ex-Swansea, Liverpool and England defender, Steve Caulker, who is currently playing in Turkey. Keister said expectations on the team rose unrealistically during the January and February tournament in Cameroon but his main focus is now on qualifying for 2023 with a new-look side. “I think as a country, with the group that we had, we overachieved in a short space of time,” Keister told the press. “I worked so hard, but I found myself in an environment where I don’t think people appreciate that. “It wasn’t meant to be. Expectations became very high. We achieved too early, but it’s a good problem that we have to deal with. “We want to qualify again. I think it’s important that we develop, and we prepare right.” Former Wanderer Medo Kamara featured for Sierra Leone at the AFCON but is now looking for a new club side and has not been selected for the threegame stint in Turkey.

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32 countries ready for Qatar 2022 World Cup

he draw for the 2022 World Cup took place late last month in Doha Doha, Qatar, as the group stage for the 32 nations is announced. Of the 32 teams involved, only 29 have been confirmed, as two intercontinental playoff matches will take place in June, while in Europe one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine will book their place at the tournament, too. Group A Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal & The Netherlands Group B England, Iran, USA & European playoff Group C Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico & Poland Group D France, Intercontinental playoff 1, Denmark & Tunisia

Group E Spain, Intercontinental playoff 2, Germany & Japan Group F Belgium, Canada, Croatia & Morocco Group G Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland & Cameroon Group H Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay & South Korea The likes of Italy, Colombia, Austria, Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt, Sweden and Norway have all missed out on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, so that means Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and some of football’s biggest stars will have to watch on as some of their club teammates take part. Eight former players and managers helped to conduct the draws. They included Cafu (Brazil),

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Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Tim Cahill (Australia), Adel Ahmed MalAllah (Qatar), Ali Daei (Iran), Bora Milutinovic (Serbia/Mexico) and Rabah Madjer (Algeria). The song ‘Hayya Hayya (Better Together)’ is the first to be released from the multi-song World Cup official soundtrack. The current favourite to win the World Cup, according to Sky Bet, is Brazil, with France, England, Spain and Germany rounding out the top five. Perhaps surprisingly, Lionel Messi’s Argentina is currently the sixth favourite to lift the famous

trophy. The United States men’s national team failed to qualify for the last World Cup, but they have booked their place in the 2022 edition. England is one of the favourites to go on and lift the trophy for the first time since 1966. The latest FIFA world rankings have been announced, with Brazil returning to the No.1 spot for the first time in five years. Mexico have also risen three places and now find themselves in the top 10.