by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, protests
HARARE, Mar. 24 (LIFEHACKLive) – Archbishop Andby Makururu, who leads Johanne the Fifth of Africa, has stated that the nation should concentrate on moving forward rather than participating in the scheduled protests set for March 31st. These demonstrations aim to oppose President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration.
Makururu dismissed the protests as being against progress.
On Monday, he shared these comments during an interview with LIFEHACKLive conducted in the capital city.
The outspoken war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza has demanded nationwide demonstrations on March 31, urging Mnangagwa to step down due to his inability to lead the nation effectively.
Geza recently made an appearance on social media wearing military fatigues and urging for demonstrations.
Nevertheless, Makururu, who has spearheaded national prayer gatherings before, emphasized the importance of keeping peace within the nation.
“We don’t require these protests in our nation. Instead, let’s concentrate on developing our country. Let’s prioritize Vision 2030,” he stated.
These demonstrators are considered looters. I generally think of Zimbabweans as diligent individuals globally. We ought to collaborate with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to realize our Vision 2030.
Makururu encouraged the nation to concentrate on achieving Vision 2030, further stating that Mnangagwa was chosen by God to lead the country: “Why protest against him then? Such a scenario seems unlikely.”
He stated, “I consistently worry about individuals who criticize such a visionary leader as President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
The police are on high alert as they anticipate the protests, and Zanu PF supporters have vowed to suppress them.
Makururu has been spotted multiple times with Mnangagwa at the State House.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | journalism, journalists, news, news media, politics
The renowned veteran journalist Geoffrey Nyarota, who passed away on March 22, 2025, was widely recognized across Zimbabwe and throughout the Southern African region and farther abroad.
Similar to how Okonkwo’s reputation was built in Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart,” his renown was grounded in substantial accomplishments within journalism.
As a journalist, Nyarota gained recognition in the late 1980s after serving as the editor of The Chronicle. He exposed a corruption scandal implicating high-ranking government figures such as ministers. These officials were alleged to have abused their positions to buy vehicles from Willowvale Motor Industries through governmental channels before selling these vehicles at a profit.
This led to the formation of the Sandura Commission, headed by High Court Judge Justice Wilson Sandura, which resulted in the scandal becoming infamous as the Willowgate Scandal.
As the inaugural chairperson of MISA Zimbabwe, Nyarota strived to adhere to the principles outlined in the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press.
The Declaration characterizes an independent press as one that operates without being influenced by governmental, political, or economic pressures, and is free from control over resources and infrastructure necessary for producing and distributing newspapers, magazines, and journals.
Regarding this, Nyarota, who received multiple prestigious international journalism accolades throughout his distinguished career, served as the inaugural editor of the groundbreaking Daily News.
So far, MISA Zimbabwe functions as the regional hub for MISA Regional and serves as a key thinker on issues like media freedom, freedom of expression, and access to information. This has been influenced by the significant strides made by individuals such as Nyarota.
His existence was fraught with challenges and hardships, yet it also left lasting impacts, demonstrated by the multiple books he authored reflecting his dedication to investigative reporting.
Nyati, who was widely recognized through his clan name, also presided over the government’s Information Media Panel of Inquiry (IMPI).
The IMPI report serves as an evolving and essential reference for actions required to ensure a democratic media landscape in Zimbabwe, where the press functions autonomously and performs its oversight duties without interference.
In an article marking MISA Zimbabwe’s 25th anniversary, Nyarota described the increased efforts to regulate the press (known as media capture) as “short-sighted” and a “violation” of the principles outlined in the Windhoek Declaration.
Efforts at media control, particularly those involving blatant corruption, should not just be strongly opposed but completely eradicated.
MISA needs to address these challenges by developing tactics to prevent any detrimental media manipulation.
One effective approach could involve instilling in journalists the habit of conducting impactful investigative reporting along with adhering to ethical standards.
Nyarota dozed, dreamed, breathed, and embraced journalism.
Cris Chinaka: Chairman of the MISA Zimbabwe Board of Trustees
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Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | donald trump, politics, politics and government, politics and law, trump administration
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PODCAST: Catch up on all the top stories, from President Trump revoking Biden’s pardon powers to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s surprising announcement about new statues.
Donald Trump
wants the judge who tried to prevent him
deportation flights of illegal immigrant gang members
to have his license revoked and be barred from practicing law.
The president currently charges that District Court Judge James Boasberg is engaging in politically driven acts against him through judicial rulings.
In his Truth Social post on Monday morning, he shared a linked article indicating that Boasberg participated in a legal conference where many of the sponsors and speakers had explicitly demonstrated anti-Trump viewpoints, which are notably at odds with the President’s immigration policy positions.
‘They ought to revoke his license!’ Trump insisted, asserting that the judge was nearly as detrimental as the one who oversaw yet another ‘phoney case against me.’
Trump described the recent event as a ‘mistrial.’
A federal judge attempted to halt at the final moment the departure of two aircraft from the United States carrying undocumented gang members destined for imprisonment in El Salvador.
However, the aircraft were already airborne when Judge Boasenberg’s directive was issued, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt states that he lacked authority over international waters to compel them to return.
Trump used the AlienEnemiesAct to facilitate the deportation flights.
He supported the decision to expel the 200 individuals referred to as ‘monsters.’
connected with gangs involved in kidnappings, extortions, and hit jobs.
‘These were bad people. That was a bad group of, as I say, hombres,’ he told reporters earlier this month.
When questioned regarding the application of the contentious AlienEnemiesAct beyond times of war, Trump asserted, “We’re currently in a state of war since President Biden permitted millions of individuals—many of whom are criminals, including some at very high levels—to enter.”
They released prisoners from jails in other countries—it’s an invasion involving criminals.
Read more
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, football clubs, politics, soccer, sports
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Activist and academic Fred Ogola has responded to claims that he orchestrated the anti-Ruto protests during the Kenya versus Gabon game.
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Previously, in another video, Ogola encouraged Kenyan supporters to organize a collective demonstration during the match.
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In an interview with LIFEHACK.co.ke, he insists the focus should be on addressing Kenyans’ economic grievances rather than identifying organisers of the protests
The LIFEHACK.co.ke correspondent Ivan Mboto boasts more than three years of expertise in covering political and contemporary issues within Kenya.
Fred Ogala, an esteemed scholar and advocate, has addressed allegations that he was behind the anti-Ruto protests that shook Nyayo Stadium during the Harambee Stars versus Gabon game on Sunday, March 23rd.
A popular video prior to the match showed Ogola encouraging soccer supporters to participate in a symbolic demonstration. He can be seen directing them to begin their chant at the 6th minute and 25th second of the encounter.
He pointed out that this particular timing held great significance, representing what he called the erosion of Kenya’s newfound independence for those advocating for an inclusive administration following the discussions led by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
“When it reaches the sixth minute, 25th second, start shouting until the stadium gets wild. Why? Because that is the day that our independence after impeaching Parliament was taken by the broad-based government proponents,” he was heard saying.
In comparing it to Spain, Ogola mentioned the custom where Catalans demonstrate their opposition to the Spanish government during El Clásico matches.
He shared that during his five-year stay in Barcelona, every time Real Madrid played against Barcelona, at exactly 17 minutes and 14 seconds into the game, supporters would create a commotion to mark the year 1714 when Catalans lost their autonomy to Spain.
Was Fred Ogola responsible for the anti-Ruto slogans at Nyayo Stadium?
Speaking to
LIFEHACK.co.ke
Ogola refuted assertions that he alone was accountable for the chants, asserting that millions of Kenyans hold comparable views regarding President William Ruto’s leadership.
Regarding the claims that I was one of the organizers behind the chants, allow me to state that numerous individuals, possibly as high as 53 million Kenyans, share this viewpoint. Thus, whether or not I organized them doesn’t really matter. What truly matters is that people believe the president ought to step down,” he stated.
He explained that his purpose was solely to demonstrate how these demonstrations can occur during games, based on his five-year residency in Barcelona.
“I saw people using social forums to express their feelings, and I am happy Kenyans came out in large numbers to do so,” he added.
Ogola likewise downplayed efforts aimed at pinpointing the organizers, encouraging people instead to tackle the urgent economic issues confronting Kenyan citizens.
If they claim it’s about me, then who organized the event in Naivasha?” he questioned. “Instead of focusing on who the organizers are, they should address the core issues at hand. Kenyans face severe economic challenges such as unemployment, excessive taxation, high living costs, and insufficient employment opportunities, yet the president is providing purely political solutions to these problems.
He encouraged Ruto to carefully consider the underlying causes of increasing dissatisfaction among Kenyans.
“If solving the issue isn’t possible, the cries of ‘Ruto must leave’ will persist, regardless of whether I was involved or not. Instead of searching for who did what and who organized what, he should address these concerns,” he stated.
LIFEHACK.co.ke
.
Supporters burst into Nyayo Stadium to watch the Kenya versus Gabon game.
As reported elsewhere, enthusiastic supporters rushed into Nyayo National Stadium, causing damage to one of the entrances before the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon. Despite drawing large crowds due to its significance, all the tickets were snapped up by Saturday night.
Due to the restricted number of seats, numerous fans who didn’t have tickets tried to enter, leading to pandemonium at the venue. Footage uploaded by reporter Seth Olale depicted throngs pushing their way into the stands.
The match that concluded with a 2-1 loss for the home side was Harambee Stars’ inaugural competitive home game since they beat Rwanda in 2021.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | celebrities, politics, politics and government, popular culture, social issues
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LISTEN: Trump, Zelensky, the surge of Europe’s Far Right, and what lies ahead for NATO – tune into Alas Vine & Hitchens on your preferred podcast platform.
Keir Starmer
has cautioned that Brits cannot ‘simply ignore’ young men being influenced by ‘harmful’ role models.
The Prime Minister, who has a teenager son, expressed similar concerns shared by numerous parents, stating his worry and highlighting the increasing acknowledgment of an issue that requires attention.
He proposed that athletes could serve as ‘role models’ in tackling these problems—while emphasizing that educators and other individuals within the community also play crucial roles.
Nevertheless, the leader dismissed the notion of appointing a ‘minister for men,’ stating that this was ‘not the solution.’
The intervention followed the ex-England football team manager.
Gareth Southgate
many young men are resorting to ‘manipulative and toxic influencers’ due to the absence of positive male role models.
Sir Keir told
BBC
On Radio 5 Live, he addressed Sir Gareth regarding the matter.
“I’m concerned about this situation because I have a 16-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter,” he stated.
‘The discussion has unexpectedly gained momentum for a specific reason: many parents and individuals working with youth in schools or other settings believe there might be an issue with boys and young men that requires our attention.’
During his talk earlier this month, Sir Gareth mentioned that ‘heartless’ online influencers deceive young men into believing women are opposed to them.
He cautioned about young men retreating into the digital sphere, hesitant to communicate or share their feelings, as traditional community interactions and guidance diminish.
He stated that a ‘vacuum’ in guidance has led many influencers to fill this space by ‘deceptively convincing young men that success is defined solely by wealth or domination.’
The problem has similarly been tackled in the Netflix series “Adolescence,” mentioned by Sir Keir, whom he stated he was viewing with his kids.
The Prime Minister proposed that football players and athletes could serve as role models for boys and young men, though he acknowledged that there should also be inspiring individuals within local communities.
Asked who the British male role models were, Sir Keir told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘I always go to sport for this. Footballers, athletes, I think they are role models.
However, I believe that if you genuinely inquire with a younger individual, they are more prone to mention someone from their school, such as a teacher, or perhaps a sports coach, for example.
Therefore, we must ensure that – typically fathers might look up to a sports idol as an example – I believe young individuals are more inclined to seek inspiration from someone nearer to them, such as within their school or local community.
And I believe that’s where we need to focus our efforts.
He dismissed the notion of establishing a ‘minister for men,’ stating, ‘I believe that isn’t the solution.’
He stated: “I believe this is an opportunity to attentively listen to what Gareth Southgate has to say and react accordingly, and that is precisely what I intend to do.”
‘I’ve communicated with Gareth Southgate; I wish to engage in an additional conversation with him. We have already had some preliminary discussions on this matter.’
But I believe it’s crucial that we take on this challenge and understand it for what it truly is.
Read more
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, journalism, news, news media, politics
The dismantling of Voice of America signals a concerning trend regarding press freedom. However, pro-democracy media initiatives throughout Africa initially experienced these challenges when the White House reduced USAID financing, causing numerous media organizations to struggle.
When the White House enacted an executive order aimed at dismantling pro-democracy media organizations such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, it sent shockwaves through regions ranging from Prague to Addis Ababa instead of broadcasting radio signals.
“Over the last four decades, VOA has served as a primary source of information regarding Ethiopia’s critical political and societal matters. Should the radio station cease operations, significant backlash is inevitable,” remarks Endalekachew Haile Michael, a U.S.-based media analyst, further stating that
Trump administration’s
A stance against media institutions erodes the United States’ “exemplary standing in terms of press freedom globally.”
For audiences such as Alemayehu Geberheywet, VOA served not only as a source for daily news but also as a platform broadcasting numerous educational programs. Ever since the start of the socialist regime in Ethiopia, VOA has been considered the voice of the people.
The Voice of America started broadcasting in 1942 primarily to combat Nazi propaganda. Later, during the Cold War, it shifted focus to oppose communist ideologies. It extended its reach into Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. In the period following the Cold War, VOA gained recognition for providing credible information in nations where media freedoms were limited.
In reaction to the reductions implemented by the US,
Broadcasters such as LIFEHACK from Europe and France Médias Monde (FMM)
There have been calls for initiatives to address the gap created by the diminishing U.S.-funded global radio and television communications.
U.S. cuts have already jolted Africa’s media scene.
But for African media, the gutting of the VOA, which operated across 13 African nations, came as just the latest blow to pro-democracy media.
Earlier, reductions in funding to USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and other international aid initiatives—which operated across most African countries and extended their support beyond just humanitarian efforts—had indirect effects on various aspects of the media sector, including training programs, fact-checking units, and publishing activities. In total, in 2024, out of $41 billion allocated to Sub-Saharan Africa, the U.S. contributed $12.7 billion. Additionally, African countries received benefits from globally funded American programs aimed at combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Nancy Booker, a journalism and media communications professor at the Nairobi campus of Aga Khan University, shared with LIFEHACK: “For an extended period, numerous community-driven or emerging African media outlets have depended significantly on financial support from donors. Currently, we are witnessing considerable instability.”
Simon Allison, from the South African independent outlet The Continent—which wasn’t impacted by the reduction in U.S. assistance—characterized the scenario as an “extinction-level event for numerous media organizations.”
“Even those that do not depend on U.S. assistance are finding it tough, particularly in South Africa. In my view, no media outlet is flourishing or generating substantial profits,” he stated to LIFEHACK.
Several media sector insiders talked to LIFEHACK anonymously due to the ongoing evaluation of their program financing. Nancy Booker highlighted that the funding reductions have had repercussions extending to initiatives outside the purview of the US government.
“Not just the national agencies, but also our bilateral cooperation efforts face increasing pressure to cease their activities,” she stated to LIFEHACK.
Not long ago, The Namibian, a local newspaper, received communication from the U.S. Embassy located in Windhoek concerning their ongoing advertisements within the paper. According to reports, the embassy reportedly reached out to inquire whether The Namibian has ties with organizations such as the Associated Press, The New York Times, and Reuters—publications that were once frequently condemned by former President Donald Trump.
The leader of a Tanzanian media outlet, requesting confidentiality, mentioned that financial support for media operations is merely part of a broader system supported by donors that has suddenly collapsed.
As it turns out, this isn’t an isolated incident,” they shared with LIFEHACK.
When the largest global financier announces that they are no longer concerned with issues related to climate or the environment, as well as topics like inclusivity, diversity, and equality, it establishes the priorities for other groups.
A significant concern has also been the loss of jobs for journalists, their families, and enterprises associated with NGOs funded by donors.
“Across many African nations, individuals who achieve prosperity within their communities often discover that they must support between 50 to 100 people. This can happen because organizations shut down and employees lose jobs thought to be stable,” they explained to LIFEHACK.
A strategic mistake?
The disbandment of the Voice of America along with reductions in funding for aid programs that backed independent media outlets has faced severe criticism both within the United States and across the continent. Regarding Ethiopian journalism, Endalekachew Haile Michael pointed out that the initial impact would be “the loss of fact-driven reporting.” He also highlighted another issue: the U.S. has willingly surrendered its soft power influence. As a result, nations like China, Russia, and those from the Middle East are now advancing their own media platforms.
Although the White House defended the action by stating that taxpayers were no longer footing the bill for extreme ideologies, internal opponents criticized the reductions as being perilous.
press freedom
, and a tactical error.
Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi stated, “The only individuals celebrating this are opponents and autocrats globally, particularly those with non-existent press freedoms.”
The state-owned newspaper Global Times published in an opinion piece, “the exclusive control over information by certain conventional Western media outlets is crumbling.”
Trump frequently criticizes media reports about himself and has expressed doubt over financing the Voice of America due to its “firewall,” which guarantees its editorial autonomy. Nancy Booker from Nairobi warns that dismissing critical press outlets within the U.S. could set an example for authorities elsewhere who might disregard unfavorable news coverage in their own countries.
She stated to LIFEHACK, ‘The United States has served as an example for numerous aspects, including governance.’
A few of our leaders might believe that this is how we address the media and journalism.
The way forward
For many years, the availability of funds from donors contributed significantly to enhancing journalism capabilities in areas such as training, verification, and human rights coverage.
Allison from South Africa stated to LIFEHACK: “While it’s generally a positive notion for everyone to reduce dependency on donor funding, the abrupt nature of the U.S. decision surprised numerous media outlets.”
There isn’t much room for alternative solutions due to the urgent requirement for rapid adaptations, compounded by local and national governments lacking sufficient funds.
Allison stated that they are focusing on expanding local philanthropy efforts, putting more effort into persuading advertisers of the importance of maintaining their business relationships with independent media outlets and presenting them with ethical reasons for doing so.
Certain observers like Allison and Nancy Booker think that even though there might be present shocks, these reductions have the potential to ignite an initiative for African media financing that doesn’t depend on external donations.
“Allison suggests that if we can convince viewers we deserve financial support, we might achieve a far more stable future,” he states.
Author: Cai Nebe
