HH Wins and Positive/Negative Test Results. Which?
Big news, an old friend and an erstwhile business partner, Hakainde Hichilema, has just become the president of Zambia after six attempts. He has suffered persecution, prison, torture and threats to his life during his period in opposition. He is a pragmatic businessman who understands the importance of a strong economy and the need for investment. He takes over a shattered and pillaged economy from his predecessor, who was both corrupt and inept. Good luck HH.
“Africa needs businessmen who don’t need to make a living from politics but go into it to help grow African economies. It will be their policies that will help take Africans out of poverty through enterprise.” - Hakainde Hichilema President-Elect of Zambia
As I stated last week, Zimbabwe has been in lockdown, therefore meeting old friends is limited. Late last week my mother-in-law, who was not keen on receiving the Covid-19 vaccine, agreed to both a test and a vaccine as she was made to isolate in her small flat at Nazareth House. She wanted the freedom of movement which had been restricted due to lack of vaccination and testing. Rozanne organised the test immediately and lo and behold, she was positive, meanwhile showing no symptoms. Both Rozanne and I had been in contact with her, so decided to also be tested the following day. Rozanne went into self-isolation as she had actually hugged her mum. Both Rozanne and I were negative but Shirley, my mother-in-law, once again was still positive, without symptoms. Strange, she has serious underlying health issues and smokes like a chimney. Consequently, her carer supervisor Dierdrie Adams took her to the doctor for further testing. This time negative and the doctor declared she definitely has not got Covid-19. While a relief, it leaves more questions than answers. Is this a worldwide phenomenon where testing can be flawed or is this more specific to Zimbabwe? I know there have been false positives, but surely not two in a row if the test procedure is correct. Is it poor testing equipment, laboratory contamination or what? So many people here are also seriously ill with the symptoms of Covid-19 but have tested negative. They get treated anyway, with many people self-medicating. Most people also seem to be taking Ivermectin as a prophylactic and treatment along with zinc, vitamin D and C. People still seem to get Covid-19 even if vaccinated, though not as bad as those unvaccinated. Many here are anti-vaccers who are happy to take ivermectin despite all the warnings on its continued use. People take it without medical consultation. There are many more possible side effects than those documented for the Covid-19 vaccines.
“I found Ivermectin excellent for the control of parasites, including mange in my pigs. I never used it to control a virus.” - Peter McSporran
I am not advocating against Ivermectin, rather wondering why you would reject a proven vaccine while happy to self administer an unproven propalic let alone cure. Zimbabwe has certainly got its act together on vaccination with it being available in Harare as and when you want it at a number of locations. Sadly my special friend Mona Moorcroft lost her son Ian this week to Covid-19 . They were unable to receive vaccine before they returned to Zimbabwe from their home in Chimoio, Mozambique. Mona, in her late seventies with medical challenges fought her way through it. She is a real fighter.
It is the Chinese vaccines mainly being used here, with so many vaccinated people catching Covid-19, this makes people feel it is maybe not so effective against the Delta Variant? Yet another question. True or not? It certainly reduces the need for hospitalisation. South African’s happily fly up to Zimbabwe for vaccination. Of course, Rozanne and I are being very cautious, as we really do not know what is going on in regard to this virus’s spread.
“People can disregard their own safety unless it is a danger to others. In that case, they should consider the others first rather than hold the selfish attitude.” - Peter McSporran
Last week I said the food was expensive here, now I have decided to call it “really expensive”.
The price of an egg or a banana would make your eyes water. In saying that, in conversation with Alison Taylor, wife of Grant she claims in regard to medicinal care and service, Zimbabwe is pretty good. Grant and Allison run a successful milling operation in Catandica, Mozambique so their views on Africa services will be in contrast to us in Europe.
Her views will give some perspective. While at AgDevCo, we funded the establishment of their business. I will include her note to me next week. I also had lunch with my old fishing partner Neville Baker who was positive. He is fortunate to having international health insurance, unlike many. Part of his attraction are his grandchildren who are still in the country. It is a different story for these left alone.
Funnily enough, I have found I have readopted the African driving skills, or lack of, fairly quickly.
“While driving in Africa, the road ahead is important. What is going on 360° around you is just as important, if not more so. Not just to get to your destination, but also for survival. To maximize your life’s endeavours, you should have a ‘driving in Africa’ attitude to life.” - Peter McSporran
The world seems to be more concerned with gender or race issues than people's lives and livelihoods. Politicians, with the support of the press, are being intimidated by a few crazy people, mostly in social media, while parts of the world are burning, through war and fire. Meanwhile, individual lives, even a country's population, are not seemingly that important. Most of the West's adventures into the Middle East and further afield have been ill-advised in my humble opinion. In saying that, to walk away without having some transitional plan or safety net for loyal indigenous workers, especially after the loss of so much life on both sides caused by their instigation, sends shudders down my spine. What about those that served the cause, confident of support, who are now exposed to brutal repercussions? Do any of these politicians think of them? Even worse are the inane statements on the matter from world leaders as far away as the Whitehouse and Wellington, NZ. For sure, we are ruled by fools.
“People are only of interest to politicians when they want your vote. Once taken, you soon become a nuisance to be ignored, not an asset in their eyes”. - Peter McSporran
I do hope HH is a man of his word and he sticks to his promises of representing all Zambians. Until now, I have had no reason to doubt him. Very excited to see the developments in Zambia under his governance.
Morag’s Wedding in Umtali
Umtali in January 1972 was enveloped by green everywhere. The rains were extremely kind that year. In fact within the first week, as a newcomer, I thought it never stopped raining there. I was used to continuous rain coming from the West Coast of Scotland, not these torrential tropical storms of Africa. The Pearce Commission moved on after unsettling everyone with the recently designated city, Umtali, having got this title the year before my arrival, returning to normal. The streets, like Harare, were lined with trees. In fact, although it was designated a city, it really was only a small town serving the farmers, foresters and a few miners. Of course, it was also the administrative centre for the Eastern Highlands. A beautiful tranquil place in those days. The following day, after arrival everyone was in a tizz getting ready for the wedding on the Saturday. John Ross, my sister's future father-in-law, took me off into the town to show me around. His first stop was Meikles Store for a toast with anchovy paste and tea. Not coffee in those days, although it was being grown in the country. We were surrounded by ladies having morning tea in their floral dresses. Few married women worked outside the home in those days leaving that to the single girls and men while they enjoyed their morning teas and afternoon tennis. Of course, there was also the garden and book clubs. Little did they know they would become front line home defenders while their husbands fought the war away from home. After some shopping and a quick beer at the Motor Club we set off home to Fern Valley which was very rural. No security in those days, you could walk out onto the verandah and look out towards the Bvumba Mountains with no fences in sight. Not even a hint of demarcation on the boundary of the garden wherever that was.
The preparation for the wedding must have gone well and after the church service at Umtali Boys Chapel, where Lindsay my future brother-in-law was educated, we set off to the reception at the Cecil Hotel, a lot different to the monstrosity of the Manica Hotel which now stands in its place. The Cecil, with its broad verandahs and smokey bar, was my first introduction to Rhodesian hospitality. The party progressed into the night, long after the reception was closed. I was also introduced to the Rhodesian Front, which so many Rhodesians were proud of. This was not the political party that ran the country, but rather the beer belly appearance much in evidence amongst the guests. It took me many years to develop mine, only after army service, but develop, it surely did. It took cancer to get rid of it, many spurts of limited exercise over the years had proved futile in its absorption.
The following day, the Ross’s took me across the border to Villa de Manica in Mozambique. No border control, just drive through past The Little Swallow Chinese restaurant, then at the Forbes Border Post. Following a swim at the public baths, an Olympic size swimming pool, Piscina Olimpica de Manica, virtually in the middle of nowhere. I did notice though, a lot of Rhodesians could be seen fraternising with the ladies of ‘colour’ around the pool, this would have been a “no-no”, not seen on the other side of the border. Not illegal, society dictates. We then went on to have lunch with a Portuguese family, who owned a store and a large home on the main street of Villa da Manica, just up from the Flamingo Cafe which is still there. I have no recollection of their surname, but the lady of the house was Maria. She and her family became refugees when Frelimo took over a few years later. Lunch consisted of prawns and of course Piri Piri chicken. On returning to Fern Valley, I headed straight to the toilet where I stayed for the next four days. Was it a bad prawn or the Piri Piri? Meanwhile, it did not stop raining.
Property Rights
This week, I will touch on the importance of bona fide title deeds in supporting property rights and their importance for investors and lenders alike. The Zimbabwean economy collapsed when the farmers lost their property rights, the ripple effect ran through the whole economy scaring lenders, eroding production, jeopardizing the banking sector, while ensuring no new investments. It even led to private homes being sold at huge discounts as the owners felt vulnerable. These discount prices were enhanced by job losses and emigration, including the loss of mostly professional and skilled people. Billions were written on the country’s balance sheet.
Zambia in recent years has recognised property rights, albeit camouflaged by quasi-state ownership. Prior to the Sata and Lunga era, massive investment in mining, agriculture and services businesses took place. Manufacturing lagged but was slowly growing especially in the food industry. Hopefully, HH will get the economy and investment back on track.
Why do I say bona fide title deeds? In Africa, unfortunately, due to corruption coupled with poor record-keeping, a title cannot always be taken at face value. To ensure a title's credibility in many countries takes time, maybe even public notices to ensure the ownership is as is recorded. Only use reputable agents and lawyers in your search. Importantly, you have to ensure there are no legacy issues. Unfortunately, land may be sold under the umbrella of a company. You need to ensure they have no legacy issues, not only tax, gratuities, other debts or legal claims but also environmental. A strange thing probably unique to Africa, even if you buy a property if there are any resident workers on that property, the legal system may confer their responsibility on you including gratuities and housing. I am not just talking about squatters. If there are squatters, or if being more politically correct describes these people as settlers on the proposed property, my view is avoid it at all costs, unless you have very deep pockets. If it is a large project, international lenders require very high standards, not only in the resettlement of these people but in the preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) which normally has to be undertaken by some recognised international consultancy firm, rather than a local, knowledgeable person or company au fait both the culture and history behind why those people may be there. Sometimes these international companies even fail to visit the site, blaming their fear for their own security. I have experienced this, while locally, we have easily gained access. Needless to say, they still produce expensive reports mostly in the form of “copy and paste.”
“To measure the importance of this idea properly, its worldwide dimensions have to be recognised. The idea of individual property rights formed the foundation upon which the economy of every prosperous country in the world has been built.
Giving land a commercial and market value is this idea’s core feature. Land with a market value also has collateral value, so money can be loaned to every landowner who can work well enough to pay back the lender. This unlocks the imagination and resourcefulness of borrowers. Those with the best ideas and the ability to put them to work then transform every country that offers protection to property rights.” - John Robertson, The Economist
Most of the rural population in Africa have no access to title. It is normally held in the Government's name, either administered by local authority or traditional tribal leaders. They, therefore, have no collateral to borrow money nor incentive to improve, both in infrastructure and environmentally as it does not belong to them. You cannot invest in them as the risk is deemed too great. You can offer grants which destroy the incentive to become commercial.
“When you have the control of untitled land in Africa, you have huge power over those that have access to it for shelter, food and income. Payment for access can be in cash, kind, body, favour or votes.” - Peter McSporran
In summary, I say it does not matter if you are a large industrial corporation or a smallholder farmer for the security of your business with the opportunity to develop and grow you, need a secure bona fide land title.
“To achieve a Green Revolution, African farmers must have access to land and security of tenure. They also need access to markets, technology and improved infrastructure.” - Ban Ki Moon
Disclaimer: Copyright Peter McSporran. The content in this blog represents my personal views and does not reflect corporate entities.
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