Zambia’s President Michael Sata recently warned that high food prices could spark the riots that toppled a previous government. He also put pressure on millers to keep prices down.
Banda confident of growth
Malawi’s President Joyce Banda has assured the International Monetary Fund that her country would not backtrack on reforms to help its economy recover. Visiting IMF managing director, Christine Lagarde, urged the country to “stick to reforms for continued cooperation with the IMF”, which last year gave Malawi a three-year $157-million loan to help fix its broken down economy.
Journo assault outrageous
The Community to Protect Journalists has challenged Malawian authorities to act on the reported assault of a radio journalist allegedly punched by a business leader. The CPJ described as “outrageous that someone would assault a reporter because he objected to being asked a question”.
SA Farm workers strike
Thousands of South African farm workers in the Western Cape’s wine region said they would go take industrial action this week to push for higher wages. Two workers were recently killed in clashes with police and vineyards were damaged. The predominantly black seasonal workers suspended their strikes in December, after violence saw the vineyards and warehouses set on fire.
Mandela recovers
Former SA President, Nelson Mandela, has recovered from a recurring lung infection and surgery to remove gallstones. A statement from the Presidency said the former statesman had made steady progress clinically and was continuing to improve at his Houghton home.
Swazi women on warpath
Swaziland women have decided to fight discriminatory laws they say are at odds with the essential roles they play in their families and in their country’s economy. They will also simultaneously embark on a programme to promote their rights and welfare, as they seek to achieve recognition as “the ones who keep this society going”, according to activist, Cynthia Simelane.
Swazi student leader harrassed
Popular Swaziland student leader, Maxwell Dlamini, was early this week arrested by police and detained for four hours, on allegations that he did not stick to his bail conditions. Pro-democracy supporters claimed police harassment on the student leader, who faces charges of being in possession of explosives two years ago. He was released on bail last February.
Post published in: Africa News