The Sands of Time-The Syrian End Game (Part 4)

The Sands of Time- The Search for the Illusive Higgs Boson

African GDP 2011

The continent’s impressive growth looks likely to continue

We would like to acknowledge the source of this image economist.com 

Samsung Launches New Phone London 2012

The electronic giant Samsung have launched a new product. however, whether the announcement related to a much anticipated forthcoming phone or to a range of new devices we shall find out on 3rd May 2012. The launch at London’s Earl’s Court will, nonetheless will big.  Samsung could have opted to launch the product at the Mobile World Congress.

The details of the device have not be released but it is anticipated that it will be a successor to the popular SII phone, although the name has not been released. It could even be a number of products or similar products.

Unconfirmed rumours include a slight increase to the screen size of the product, enlarging the SII’s 4.3” screen to 4.6”, bringing it into line with Samsung’s current flagship the Galaxy Nexus. An improved camera, possibly up to 16megapixels, is also a possibility, and wireless charging has also been mentioned as a possibility. It will be the first device to use a quad-core processor. 

Transport Technolgy Cairo to Cape town in 1Hr

Here is an interesting concept worth salivating over for the next few decades. Image technology such as this. Check this out.

THE SYRIAN STALEMATE - PART 3 IN THE SAND OF TIME SERIES ON SYRIA

This is the third installment in the Sand of Times Series focusing on Syria. It is my professional opinion on the current state of affairs in Syria.  I am more than happy to provide you with Parts 1 and 2 on your request.

The Sands of Time - The Syrian Stalemate-Part 3

The Collapse of the Euro if it happens

The collapse of the Euro if it happens will be bad for Europe and for everyone at least in the interim. However, it plays squarely in the hands of emerging economies..and definitely signals the final shift towards China as the country sitting side by side with the US at the 'economic high table' surrounded by European countries armed with a proverbial economic begging bowl with India, Russia and Brazil with a wide grin as permanent invitees to economic power table. The collapse of the Euro on the hand could be the best thing for Europe as it will finally bring to end a misconceived economic experiment (Euro) without political integration. Europeans expected monetary union without political integration and will ...i.e the Euro is good in principle but I am suprised it lasted this long given the economic, social and political disparities that exist in the Euro Zone area and the wide EU. When this happen we shall see Old Europe i.e German ,the UK, France emerge less battered compared to Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, Albania, Croatia, Poland, etc..countries that did not join the Euro will definitely feel vindicated though not immune from the fallout. Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, Finland with the exception of Iceland (would need to revisit some economic data on Iceland and I would love to hear what Icelandic comrades think). ...the old alliances will resurface as European major economic powers fight for 'clean economic air to breath'. A whole new scramble for new alliances and resources will begin...expect the the full circle here..more like a dejavu or a worst case scenario a nightmare. The fall of the Euro will impact alot of things from immigration to political relations to financial rules to regulations. Here are some important questions: 1. Are African leaders and decision makers learning from what is happening in the Euro-zone given the fact that they have sounded the idea of a common currency? 2. What would be Africa's economic position post Euro i.e would Africa be affected and in what way? 3. What would be the position of the IMF and World bank post Euro given that alot effort to stem the contagion has the blessing of the European central bank (ECB), IMF and WB? 4. Would the failure of Euro go down in history as the spectacular failure of the IMF and World bank?

Mining in Africa benefits and Challenges

There is no other continent that is truly endowed with the abundance of natural resources like Africa (90% of all known metals are found in Africa). The continent is a major producer of several metals including Diamonds, Gold, Uranium, Manganese, Bauxite, Nickel, Cobalt, etc.  

Copper wires

However, Africa does not benefit from her abundant natural resource at a significant level to impact economic development and remove most of her population out of poverty.  Africa has about 35% of the planet's mineral reserves, including 50% of gold, 70% cobalt and 92% of the world's platinum group metals.

Gold bars

Variety of precious stones

Africa is well endowed with fossil fuels and gas resources. However, knowledge about the quantities of these resources is limited and a comprehensive, country-based assessment still remains a challenge. However, new discoveries of oil and gas resources on the continent continue to emerge and present unique economic opportunities. However, the exploration and exploitation of these resources are yet to benefit the populations.  Nigeria, for instance, has been exploiting oil resources for the last 50 years and is now the world’s fourth largest oil exporter. Yet, its human and physical capital development is assessed to be 400 percent lower than it would have been if the oil revenues had flown into public funds, and if such funds had been utilized in the public interest to generate economic opportunities for all.  This is often in stark contrast to Middle Eastern oil producing countries such as Oman, Kuwait, etc.

Oil Refinery

Metal Market trading

The increase in exploration and mine development in Africa has been primarily focused on Copper, Gold and Diamond exploration, now Iron, Manganese. Most African governments have failed to focus on turning mineral raw materials and crude oil into finished products. They export copper cathode only to import copper wires, they export crude oil only to import refined oil which defies logic and conventional wisdom. This ignorant act only benefits the countries that turn raw materials into finished products in terms of jobs and revenues.  There is also an issue of location in terms of trade of mineral commodities, For example, major mineral markets and exchanges are in countries that do not produce Copper, Iron, Manganese or Diamonds.  Thus, the non mineral producing countries through self-interest unethically control both the market and production of finished products.  African countries that produce ores are often left at the mess of the volatile metal markets despite the tremendous abundance and potential for base metal and industrial mineral deposits.  

Music and Music Videos from Africa

Africa is a vast continent, with vast cultures and each with subcultures.  The continent is wonderfully diverse not only in terms of colour of people, geography, number of spoken languages and dialects but also in the differences in music genres, musical instruments, range of sounds, etc.  For example, in every African country music tastes even differ along village, tribal and town lines.  There are no other words to describe African music apart from saying it is pure magic.  The beauty of African music is the stories, the tales and the messages contained in them that are often sang in ways that give that uniquely beautiful African experience that you can only get by listening to traditional and contemporary African music.  Furthermore, the way in which Africans dance to music differs from other parts of the world and this is definitely and distinctively an essential part of African life.  In other words, singing and dancing has always been a community and family thing in Africa.  This is my attempt to showcase a variety of music from across ‘all’ genres as part of our African visual cultural discourse.  For friends of Africa and followers on this blog welcome to the discourse on African music and culture and enjoy the music.  May I point out that this is not an exhaustive list of all music genres from Africa or the definitive representation of all best videos from Africa.  This is purely my taste and admittedly part of nostalgia. There is no particular order or preference the numbering is just keeping tabs of videos I have posted. Should you be interested please feel free to contribute what you think and comment on the videos and suggest what you think I need to add. 

1. JOLIE DETTA AND LUAMBO 

Here is one from 1986 A collaboration between Luambo Franco and the emerging star Jolie Detta. 

This album is commonly known as 'Massu' due to the big hit song from the album which made its singer Jolie Detta a reluctant star. This is one of the finest LPs released by Franco and the Jolie Detta's sublime vocals.

2. MALAIKA

One of the most successful singing bands in African history is Malaika. Their first album went multi-platinum which has never been equaled in South African History. They are world-class vocalists who continually take their Kwaito beat to the top of musical charts, and their legendary live performances wow audiences. This is the song called Muntuza (2Bob) from their 2005 album Vuthelani.

3. NAMELESS

It all began when a man by the name of David Mathenge tried to compete in a Kenyan radio contest but could not think of a name for himself.  So, to be named or to remain “Nameless” was the big question?  Since then he had produced an endless stream of hits, one successful year after another and so on and on. You have to  admit that an artist is gifted when blatant people such as Jamali  have the audacity to steal his song and it still becomes a hit.  This is David's 2008 hit titled Salari

4. ZANGALEWA.  

5. Nameless:  Title track Coming Home great song 

6. Mbilia Bell - NAZA in the 80s this song bird took the continent by storm. One of the best singers the  
   continent has  ever produced. 

7. Brenda Fassie - Vulindlela one of Brenda's popular tracks. She will forever be remembered as one of 

    the best singer/songwriters, outrageous, wild and definitely one of the best. 

8: Sarafina - The compilation of music  This is definitely one of the best musicals done on apartheid

Economic growth

Economic Challenges

Larry Elliott writes about the continents economic challenges:

"...At the level of the firm, productivity tends to be weak because of a lack of investment in both physical and human capital. In countries such as Ghana, there is evidence of micro-financing initiatives to provide seed-corn capital for individual traders, but it is still early days. At the second level, governments need to think strategically about what their priorities are. The drive for universal primary education is welcome but there has been no similar expansion of secondary, let alone tertiary, education. The regional challenge is pretty straightforward. Africa needs three or four powerhouses - one in each part of the continent - to drag the rest along. South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are the potential hubs for regional markets in which countries can exploit economies of scale and the potential to trade. Trade barriers within Africa are as serious an impediment to development as are unfair global trade rules..."

Education Challenges Africa

There are several challenges in educating today’s Africa. In Africa the dropout rate is exceptionally high, particularly for girls who are forced to care for parents with AIDS and manage the household.  How a child performs in school can be an indicator of their overall well-being and children not enrolled in school are more vulnerable to neglect and abuse.  Senior schools charge fees and all schools require uniforms, which orphans cannot afford. There are charities like ASAP provides access to pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary education in order to yield healthy, self-reliant young adults who contribute back to the community.  Our trained child care workers monitor the children’s attendance and progress and advocate for child rights in school, conducting strategic planning meetings with the Department of Education. Here is a vital perspective  from ASAP an international NGO perspective that provides vital services in South Africa please support them wherever possible 

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Early Childhood Development Centres care for orphans and vulnerable children under the age of 6 in stimulating learning environments. ASAP provides the centres and staff with infrastructure and grant assistance, as well as learning materials, toys, and food garden supplies.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

Since 2003, through our School to School program, ASAP has supported thousands of orphans and vulnerable children with school fees, learning materials, school uniforms, shoes, sports fees and fees for computer classes.  Childcare workers enrol and monitor the children’s progress.

HIGHER EDUCATION

ASAP provides youth with access to technical college for skills development. Students volunteer time back to their community-based organization, becoming peer educators and encouraging young people to work hard in school and go on to higher learning.

SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Only 8% of public ordinary schools have functioning libraries and most of those are schools which charge fees and pay for the libraries themselves.  Installing libraries in the local village schools where we work, provides these isolated children with a chance to read in both their mother-tongue and English, thus laying a foundation of literacy.

(AFRICAN SOLUTIONS TO AFRICAN PROBLEMS - ASAP)
 

Ideas and Suggestions

Do you have an idea on how to improve life in Africa or topic to contribute or share or an African experience? If so, we would love you to share it!  Africa 21^st Century blog is place to informally submit your best ideas on how we can improve all aspects of Africa life from politics, business, economy, product innovations to investment and technology. 

Feel free to suggest how ideas and suggestions you have could be implemented if possible. Change often begins with a single idea.  There is no such a thing as a silly or stupid idea. This blog is also a place where you can discover and vote on other people’s ideas, as well as communicate with us and other blog fans on how to bring great ideas to life. You can submit as many times as possible and feel free to share this blog with others

So do you have an idea or suggestion that could change Africa?  Africa despite her abundant natural resources the continent remains the poorest. We change this if we all decide to work together for the good of mankind.  Your ideas and suggestions on Africa could equally change the world you live in be it Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Arctic and the Antarctic.  We are living at a critical point in history and time has come for all us who consider this a global village to help out and in the process help ourselves.

 

Agriculture

Mining

Zambia's sweet bitter moment

Zambia’s bitter sweet moment

The outcome of AFCON 2012 final could not have been predicted but again this is the reason why football is the greatest sport on earth and arguably the beautiful game.  The final was reminiscent of an English cup tie often fiercely contested between the pretender and the favourite.  For many Zambians, the final was a carefully planned, well marshalled and orchestrated safari hunting expedition in Libreville.  It was a complete demolition of an African football giant an event that can only be described from the Zambian perspective as a massacre in Libreville.  On paper, the Ivory Coast football team had the manpower and the reputation to maul Zambia to football smithereens.  The Elephants huffed and puffed but came up against a well determined, disciplined and attack-minded Zambian side.  

To reach the final, Zambia went past Senegal, co-host Equatorial Guinea and Libya in group stages, Sudan in the quarters and Ghana in the semis.  Zambians needed to remain consistent, disciplined and efficient while sticking to the game plan.  Their final opponents Ivory Coast went through all tournament stages undefeated and without conceding a goal. Thus, right from the start, the Zambians were up against it based on those daunting statistics.  In their passage to the final, Zambians methodically and efficiently dimmed the black stars and in the process re wrote the script which meant the much talked about possible final between Ivory Coast and Ghana was just another pipe dream.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG

First and foremost let me welcome you and thank you for stopping by. This blog is about you and about your thoughts and opinions on anything and everything to do with your world and in particular Africa in the 21st century. Feel free to contribute on anything from politics, technology, business, investment to culture and on anything and everything you care discuss and share.  Do your ideas and opinions about Africa and your world matter? YES Without a doubt.  Not only your ideas but your abilities, talents, skills which all can make a difference right now and allow me to say you are a force for positive change and your opinions, ideas and abilities matter. Without opinions and ideas there would be no Arab spring, medical advancement, no cars, no trains, no planes, no computers, no internet and no development.  More importantly there would be no civilisation and no recorded human history.  It is sharing ideas and opinion that change the world and blogging in the 21st century is part of that.  Therefore, I am inviting you to help make a difference and contribute to this blog.  

This is your blog, your ideas and your opinions. I am simply the editor or the guardian of this blog and lets use our right to free speech.  Every idea is valuable and in fact some of the ideas that have changed the world that we live in today are those that were once considered too simple. Be bold and dare to believe to trust that sharing is the key to positive development and social change in the world today. The most resilient thing on the planet today is an idea and an idea only becomes a force for change when it is shared with others.   Let us showcase our ideas, concepts, opinions, plans and strategies and points of views.  This blog is about social, political, technology and development challenges our societies, communities and in particular Africa faces in the 21st century. 

Syria

POLITICS

This is Part 1 of 4 in the SANDS of TIME series on Middle Eastern geopolitics with specific reference to Syria. Why Syria? It is the country with a rich history and traditions, strategically located with a very colourful political history. It is one of the few places on earth to be continuously inhabited by human beings and one of the few places that is at the cross road of major world religions. What happens in Syria has the potential to affect negatively or positively the entire Middle East.  By no means is this an exhaustive study of Syria's rich history, cultures, peoples and politics. In fact, what is presented here is a brief but nevertheless an important discuss designed to generate some positive debate from the perspective of an observer. I have attempted to give an insight on her relations with the international community in particular Israel, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, EU, USA and Lebanon.  Part 2 (The SAND of TIME series: The Domino Players) will discuss the major players with various stakes in Syrian politics

Environment Challenges

Energy concerns

Rural Health

Food security

Africa innovation

Education in Africa

Africa is a priority for all and fundamental not only to Africa’s development but global growth and advancement.  Thus most governments throughout the world despite many other pressing concerns in principle keep education high on the agenda of their development plans.  The goal of this section is to generate debate on issues that will help focus on improving the quality of education on the Africa continent including the communities where we live. If you have expertise, the experience and the desire you are most welcome to share anything or any idea on policy, reform and rebuilding educational systems throughout the world. You can use this section to participate in the debate or if you have a specific idea you can use the ideas section. This is the platform for you and your community. Let us help promote literacy and education programs for all.  We shall cover all aspects from basic, secondary, technical, higher, distance including education on HIV/AIDS and any other training.

"Education is a fundamental human right"