Months of heavy rains in Malawi are threatening to undo any gains that farmers may have made after a prolonged dry spell. At least 9,000 households have been affected since October 2012, according to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs. The flooding caused three deaths and significant damage to property and crops early this week.
Angola’s budget
The Angolan government’s propaganda machinery recently hailed the country’s US$69 billion 2013 budget as its greatest ever. The State Budget Bill, approved by the National Assembly last week, allocated 33.5% to the social sector, which includes health, education, housing, environment and social protection.
Zambia praises China
The Zambian government recently praised China’s continued support to its Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka. China donated specialist assistance in medical equipment and human resources. Defence Deputy Minister, Davies Mwila, said China had been helpful not only to Maina Soko Military Hospital, but also to Zambia in general.
Bushmen arrested
Botswana’s paramilitary police recently arrested three Bushmen children, in the latest signs of a new government policy to intimidate those who have returned to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The children were jailed last week for being in possession of antelope meat. All have since been released, but further reports of harassment and intimidation have surfaced.
Swazi censorship threat
Swaziland’s Senate president, Gelane Zwane, recently insulted journalists for attending a meeting to which they were invited. He allegedly uttered rude words in the direction of journalists in the native SiSwati language and threatened to ban those who published details of the meeting from covering the 2013 State Opening of Parliament, slated for next month.
SA flood rescue
South Africa early this week resumed an operation to rescue those who were left stranded after the Limpopo River burst its banks. 334 people were rescued by helicopters early this week, after flooding left hundreds marooned.
Post published in: Africa News