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BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE A TOP official in the Health and Child Care ministry, Portia Manangazira appeared in court yesterday charged with criminal abuse of office after she illegally facilitated the recruitment and training of 28 family members as community health workers. She also allegedly authorised the procurement of goods amounting to US$280 529 without following due process. Manangazira (52), who is the principal director of epidemiology and disease control, was remanded in custody to today for bail ruling by Harare magistrate Bianca Makwande. She was represented by Harrison Nkomo. Former Health minister Obadiah Moyo was also arrested and later fired on corruption charges last year and the matter is still before the courts. The State alleges that sometime in July last year, Manangazira requested for funding to recruit and train voluntary community workers to assist in raising awareness on COVID-19. An allocation of US$796 675 was availed by the Africa Centre for Disease Control through the African Field Epidemiology Network,a non-governmental organisation to fund the line items and services meant to be used at training workshops for 800 community health workers. It is also alleged that between July 2020 and last month, she identified 1 000 health community workers meant to be deployed throughout the country on a COVID-19 awareness campaign, without involving provincial and district medical directors and officers. The State alleges that the health workers were paid US$600 each for a period of three months and preliminary investigations revealed that 28 of the recruits were related to Manangazira. It is also alleged that between July 16, 2020 and last month, Manangazira acted unlawfully and contrary to or inconsistent with her duties as a public officer and authorised the procurement of goods and services amounting to US$280 529 without following due processes after she showed favour to selected suppliers. Manangazira is also accused of sanctioning the payment of facilitation fees amounting to US$8 835 to undeserving Health ministry staff. She also faces another charge of authorising the issuance of 3 290 litres of fuel coupons to privately-owned vehicles not registered with the ministry. Lancelot Mutsokoti appeared for the State. Follow Desmond on Twitter @DChingarande1
Critics have called it a stunt to invite sympathy. Yet Amuriat says campaigning without shoes is a protest and that those who do not get its symbolism are missing a point.
Uganda is due to hold a general election on January 14. Amuriat and another opposition candidate, Bobi Wine have had their rallies violently dispersed by security forces or been arrested.
In mid-November, scores of people were killed as security forces attempted to quell protests against the arrest and detention of Bobi Wine.
Police has accused the candidates of addressing huge gatherings in contravention of regulations on COVID-19 prevention.
Swollen feet
In an interview with one of the dailies in Uganda, Amuriat said his feet hurt a lot and has to pour cold water on them in between campaign stops for some relief.
Doctors have cautioned him on the potential danger of contracting tetanus from cuts to his feet.
Yet Amuriat remains adamant. He says by refusing to wear shoes, he’s standing in solidarity with people whose wealth and opportunities have been stolen by the country’s longtime ruler Yoweri Museveni.
JUST IN: FDC presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat has been arrested at the border of Rubirizi and Bushenyi districts. The reason for his arrest is yet to be known📹 @MukhayeD#MonitorUpdates#UGDecides2021 pic.twitter.com/xopK4FMoD0
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) December 4, 2020
Museveni, in power since 1986 is seeking a new term. In 2017, he changed the constitution to remove age limits that would have stopped him from seeking re-election.
FDC is Uganda’s largest opposition party. In 3 previous elections, the party fronted veteran activist and retired army colonel Kizza Besigye for president.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala has cautioned pupils to avoid superspreader events, saying they had the potential to cause widespread Covid-19 infections.
The 2020-2021 NBA season is scheduled to begin on December 22. So the NBA is taking precautions to prevent coronavirus outbreaks. According to CNN, NBA players and staff will not be allowed to visit bars or clubs during the season. “While at home, players, coaches, and staff who work closely with them will not be allowed to enter bars, clubs, live entertainment venues, […]
The post NBA’s New COVID-19 Policy Prohibits Players From Attending Bars & Clubs first appeared on The Florida Star | The Georgia Star.
Energy innovation in Israel’s Negev Desert. Photo courtesy of DeserTech Israel’s Negev desert has long attracted scientists, environmentalists and solar energy-tech enthusiasts seeking Israel’s know-how on combatting desertification. A new initiative, DeserTech, aims to transform [...]
[Monitor] A section of the youth and veteran leaders from Bugisu sub region have urged government to scale up the skiling programs targeting the population that is yet to exploit the growing market for products generated from both the farming and crafts industry.
“A Cassimy Kinda Christmas” Available Everywhere Now After the year that we’ve all been through it’s safe to say the holidays can’t come soon enough. That was the inspiration behind TV News Anchor, Evrod Cassimy’s new Christmas EP. “It’s been a hard year for everyone. From racial unrest to my own personal battle with the … Continued
The post Evrod Cassimy Releases New Christmas EP appeared first on The Michigan Chronicle.
[Monitor] Budaka District in Bukedi Sub-region has registered about 5,016 gender-based violence (GBV) cases in a less than nine months.
[Monitor] The Ministry of Health is recruiting 164 specialists to reinforce manpower at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Mulago National Referral Hospital as the number of severe cases rise.
Temple says he thinks he might have been exposed to the virus after spending time with family in Louisiana.
By NICK PERRY Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — There were no clear signs that an attack last year on two New Zealand mosques was imminent, but police should have done a better job vetting the lone gunman when he applied for a gun license, and intelligence agencies should have focused more on threats such as white supremacism, according to a new report. Among 44 recommendations, the report released Tuesday says the government should establish a new national intelligence agency. The report details how the attacker, white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, was able to live a solitary, almost ghostlike existence […]
The post Report finds lapses ahead of New Zealand mosque attack appeared first on Black News Channel.
BY SHARON SIBINDI SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean Amapiano star Sha Sha and entrepreneur Tatenda Mungofa were the biggest winners as they scooped two gongs each at this year’s sixth edition of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) South Africa held in Johannesburg on Sunday. The awards recognise the leading lights in the Zimbabwean communities whose contributions have changed societies both locally and abroad. Sha Sha born Charmaine Shamiso Mapambiro won the Outstanding Achievement in Music and Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment awards while Mungofa walked away with the Male Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Innovation Award respectively. The ZAA international chairman Conrad Mwanza in a statement said the global COVID-19 pandemic did not dampen the spirit to host the awards. “It is very heart-warming and beautiful to gather here today (Sunday) as one people and celebrate all that we have done in such a difficult year. Our annual dinner gala was postponed from April due to COVID-19-induced lockdowns, but that did not dampen the will to succeed for our people and today we gather to celebrate each other,” he said. “What we are seeing is an example of Zimbabwean resilience and excellence in difficult times… Zimbabwe needs more people and organisations like these as we work towards the common goal, a big thank you to our sponsors and partners for this amazing event.” Other winners on the night were Plan My Wedding South Africa founder Chelsea Evans, musician Nox Guni who got an Honorary Award for Services to Music, Mukuru.com, Sony ATV artists and repertoire (A&R) manager Munya Chanetsa as well as EFC champion Themba Gorimbo. South African filmmaker and legendary actor Thapelo Mokoena, who received the Chairman’s Honorary Friend of Zimbabwe Award, paid tribute to the natural beauty and friendly nature of Zimbabwe. “I have always said to my brother Conrad Mwanza, Zimbabwe is like the love I never experienced. I call it the land of the living. When I first moved to Joburg I stayed at an apartment with a friend Terrence Springer who grew up at a farm near Lake Kariba who always told me stories about Zimbabwe and how beautiful it was,” he said. “It was always my desire to visit and I recently experienced the beauty firsthand. Through those stories I have always wanted to make a film about Zimbabwe.” The awards were sponsored by life assurance firm Zororo Phumulani and recognised recipients in categories such as business, entrepreneurship, media, sport, entertainment and community, among other categories. Top actress and socialite Mbo Mahocs, was the host at the event that was also graced by Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi. Guests were entertained by Bekezela and rising star Lolo Skai. This year will see the inaugural ZAA Botswana edition which will be held at the Zimbabwean Embassy in Gaborone on December 11 and this becomes ZAA's second annual edition on the continent after South Africa. Follow Sharon on Twitter @SibindiSharon
As President-elect Joe Biden and Vice president-elect Kamala Harris continue to staff their incoming administration, plans are underway for the nation’s 59th inauguration. The inaugural ceremonies are slated to take […]
The post Plans Are Underway For Inauguration Of Joe Biden And Kamala Harris appeared first on Essence.
… who would be the first African American secretary of defense.
But … , doctors struggle to sell Black Americans on the vaccine.
“Fewer … than half of Black Americans say they would get a … at best, with many Black Americans … saying they want more …
The Hoa Binh Group launched the Dolce Hanoi Golden Lake Hotel - the first gold-plated hotel in Hanoi - earlier this year.
Manchester United star Paul Pogba is \"unhappy\" at Manchester United and should leave in the next transfer window, his agent Mino Raiola said in an interview with Italian media.
The French midfielder of Guinean descent was at one point the world's most expensive player.
Raiola said the World Cup-winning France midfielder, 27, needs a \"change of scene\" after struggling to establish himself under United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
\"Paul's unhappy at Manchester United, he can't express himself any more as he would like to and as we expect of him,\" Raiola told Italian newspaper Tuttosport.
He has to change teams, he needs a change of scene. His contract is up in a year-and-a-half, in the summer of 2022, but I think the best solution for all sides is a transfer in the next window.\"
Pogba returned from a spell at Juventus for a then world-record fee of $118 million in 2016.
\"The club... knows it risks losing him for nothing, as at the moment the player has no intention of extending his contract,\" Raiola said.
It is not known where he will go next but Pogba has also expressed his desire to play for Real Madrid one day, particularly if that means playing under the orders of Zinedine Zidane.
The midfielder's superb strike in Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham was his first goal in eight Premier League appearances this season.
Consultant neurosurgeon Dr Roger Hunter has blasted government officials and his medical colleagues for creating mass hysteria over COVID-19, which he has described as a winter virus that thrives in cold climates. But infectious disease expert Dr...
The case against three police officers accused of killing Nateniël Julies has been postponed again in the Protea Magistrate’s Court.
By SAMUEL PETREQUIN Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) — Germany's Europe minister said Tuesday that further delaying the European Union's landmark 1.82 trillion-euro ($2.21 trillion) long-term budget and coronavirus recovery package would be 'irresponsible' as diplomats envisage a solution without Poland and Hungary, the two EU states holding up the measure. Speaking ahead of a video conference of European affairs ministers, Michael Roth said the stimulus is crucial for many European countries whose economies have been devastated by the pandemic. But Poland and Hungary, who agreed on the deal in July, are now vetoing the package because of a mechanism that […]
The post Pressure mounts on Hungary, Poland to unlock EU stimulus appeared first on Black News Channel.
BY LIFE & STYLE REPORTER LOCAL fashion house Trend-Zone Designer Wear, on Sunday hosted 30 University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students for the inaugural edition of their female students inspiration event themed She is Defined set to be an annual event. The event, which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, sought to empower the young ladies to be confident, well-groomed and focused on their life goals. Speaking at the event, Trend-Zone Designer Wear managing director Florence Rupapa said she understood the plight of the students and was hoping they would be empowered through the initiative. “I am a university graduate and I know the pressures that come with being a young lady at university. Your situation is even worse because the economic environment is generally difficult. So with this She is Defined initiative, we will be hosting female students annually for inspiration at the same time donating some goods for your upkeep and welfare,” she said. Rupapa’s sentiments were echoed by journalist and communications specialist Beatrice Tonhodzayi who also spoke on the need for the young women to stand up for their rights in the face of rampant abuse of women. “The environment you are operating in is generally difficult and I want to challenge you to be focused and value your worth. During our time at university we would get government pay-outs for our upkeep, but that is not the situation now. That is the reason for you to be wise and more diligent in your pursuit of goals,” she said. Other speakers at the event were George Munengwa of ProAir Group who spoke on entrepreneurship while Enrico Maverick of Maverick Foundation spoke on the importance of self-actualisation and leadership. The students were treated to early Christmas gifts in the form of food and drinks, heels, body lotion and sanitary wear courtesy of Trend-Zone Designer Wear in partnership with the Maverick Foundation. “The gifts are just, but a small gesture. Our main focus is to equip and psyche the students for success. I believe in the power of mindset shift and as Trend-Zone Designer Wear we will continue engaging partners for more such noble events,” Rupapa said. Guests at the event were entertained by rising musician Anita Jackson.
The SIU said it will be looking at documents, contracts and allocations going as far back as 2014 at National Lotteries Commission offices.
By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden is back in Houston after missing the start of Rockets training camp and was going through the NBA's COVID-19 testing protocols on Tuesday. Coach Stephen Silas said after Houston's practice that the disgruntled superstar had arrived in the city and was getting tested but didn't have much information beyond that. 'That's pretty much all I know right now,' he said. 'It's kind of some moving parts to it, I assume. But him getting tested in Houston is good for everybody.' Silas said he hadn't spoken to Harden and had […]
The post Harden in Houston for COVID tests after missing camp's start appeared first on Black News Channel.
A parliament brawl broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo Monday with ministers overturning desks and throwing chairs after President Felix Tshisekedi moved to scrap the ruling coalition.
Tshisekedi announced on Sunday he planned to form a new coalition, in which ministers loyal to his predecessor Joseph Kabila command more than 300 seats in the 500-member parliament.
He said he may have to dissolve parliament and hold a fresh election if he could not form a new coalition.
\"The present majority has crumbled and a new majority is required,\" he said, adding that if he failed to form a new coalition, fresh elections would be the solution \"using the constitutional prerogatives that have been invested in me to come back to you, a sovereign people, and ask for a majority\".
In 2019 Tshisekedi took over from Joseph Kabila, who was in office for 18 years. But he need to forge a coalition with the pro-Kabila FCC, which has prevented much-needed reform.
In October, Tshisekedi revealed there had been discord over major issues with the FCC-dominated government.
These included national security, the management of state assets, the independence of the judiciary and the organisation of elections.
Parliament said the plenary session had been deferred to another date, denouncing the \"destruction\" of furniture and \"the presence of armed bodyguards inside the assembly.\"
Tshisekedi meanwhile held emergency talks with pro-Kabila Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga on Monday afternoon.
The FCC said on Monday that Tshisekedi's declaration was \"a flagrant and intentional breach of the constitution\".
It said it would ask Kabila to give \"his version of events\", and asked the \"people to remain mobilised against an attempt to hijack its will freely expressed at the ballot box\".
Last week, the FCC accused Tshisekedi supporters of trying to bribe deputies to switch parties. The president's supporters then sought the resignation of the pro-Kabila speaker of the lower house.
The growing tensions have sparked international alarm with the African Union calling on the country's leaders to \"work resolutely and sincerely for national harmony and to preserve peace and stability\".
Three police officers, accused of murdering 16-year-old Nathaniel Julies appeared in the Protea Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the closing address at the ANC NEC meeting.
