INSIDE POLITICS
The African Manner was watching closely on all the political events that occured in 2020, from the Islamist insurgency in Mozambique, the military coup in Mali, the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, Belarus protests, the U.S elections and Brexit.
Racism is America's original sin. The killings of George Floyd sparked the #BlackLivesMatter protets in the United States and beyond. China, Zimbabwe and Iran seized on Floyd's death as evidence of U.S hypocrisy on human rights issues.
Out of all the places in the world, a landmark peace agreement was signed in the Middle East, between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel in what is known as the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement . Other countries later joined the agreement, including Sudan and Morocco while Saudi Arabia is expected to follow suit soon.
The accords were very significant but however they just did not address the core issues in the Middle East peacemaking efforts. The Palestinian leadership rejected the accords because Palestine was not mentioned in the accords. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue in 2021.
Who would forget the Twitter hashtags: #ZANU PFmustgo, #ZimbabweLivesMatter and subsequently #AfricanLivesMatter. All these tags were a run up to the 31st July demonstrations that successfully never saw the light of day.
Europe's last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko claimed he won 80 percent of the Belarus vote, thereby entitling him to a sixth term in office. In response, the EU, UK and the U.S imposed sanctions and called for a re-election. Russia supports Lukashenko although his security forces have begun to split. If all this continue, Belarus could become an even bigger story in 2021.
There were elections in many countries in 2020, but the world's attention was directed to the U.S presidential election. Safe to say, when America sneezes, the entire globe catches a cold.
U.S Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris is the 2020 political superstar for this blogger, the first woman to be elected to the White House. The Democrats victory against the Republicans stood the test of time this year - outstanding performance from the political formation.
Meanwhile, in the same month, Mali found herself in the middle of a coup d'ètat. President Keita did not resign willingly. The coup plotters were clever, they followed Zimbabwe's strategy; pushing the president to resign rather than executing him or forcing him into exile. A political attempt to deflect criticism.
One cannot talk about politics and not mention the Economic Freedom Fighters also known as the Red sea. The fighters attacked Clicks outlets across South Africa after a controversial racist advertisement went viral on social media.
The Clicks protest was a 10-year revolution fought and won in four days noted the EFF commissar, Dr. Ndlozi. Clicks had to be held accountable for their racist actions. As a way to show remorse, Clicks donated sanitizers, sanitary pads, masks and awarded scholarships to five black female students to pursue studies in pharmaceutical research.
The #EndSARS campaign that initially started in 2017, was revitalised this year, following more abuse from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) a notorious unit of the Nigerian police force. The slogan calls for the disbanding of the squad. The movement has since expanded to include demands for good governance.
After four and a half years in European politics, the UK and the EU finally came to terms on a Brexit free trade deal. Yesterday, the UK MPs passed the Brexit trade deal by 521 votes to 73. Everything that the British public was promised during the 2016 referendum was delivered noted Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Just before this Blogger thought the Brexit transition period would be the final episode of 2020, the Movement for Democratic Change -Tsvangirai (MDC-T) party led by Dr. Khupe gave us something to talk about; capping the year with a chaotic extraordinary congress.
Thokozani Khupe fired her long-time tried, tested and trusted lieutenant and party Secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, during the polling night where both democratic changers were contesting for the top job. Not only that, Dr. Khupe went on to nullify the election midway, citing extraordinary rigging.
Here are some of the notable politicians we kissed goodbye in 2020: former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died in February at the age of 91 after holding power for 30 years until his ouster in 2011. Retired Air Marshal Perrance "Bigboy" Shiri succumbed to Covid-19 in July while serving as the Cabinet Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement in Zimbabwe.
Eswathini Prime Minister, Ambrose Dlamini died just four weeks after he tested positive for Coronavirus. American politician, statesman and civil rights activist, John Robert Lewis passed on in July at the age of 80, while former Republican presidential candidate and television host, Herman Cain contracted Covid-19 and died on July, 30.
South Africa's ambassador to Denmark and the youngest daughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, Her Excellency Zindzi Mandela died on July, 13 at the age of 59. The U.S Supreme Court judge, Justice Ruth Ginsburg died in September after battling metastatic pancreatic cancer. She was 87.
BUSINESS RECAP
The year has been tough for almost all business leaders around the world. Companies were focused mainly on managing the Covid-19 risk and maximizing returns, while at the same time adhering to government policies and regulations.
The International Monetary Fund projected a -4.9 percent global growth for 2020, with a massive economic recession, unemployment, climate change, automation of jobs, rise in digital currencies, rising inequality and debt.
Warren Buffet says, "Only when the tide goes out do you discover whose been swimming naked". While some business were struggling in 2020, others were thriving - turning massive challenges into meaningful change.
This was true for a number of internet-based companies, those related to online entertainment, online shopping, online education, food delivery and solutions for remote work. Private enterprise and family businesses were quick to respond and adjust more than others given their agility and ingenuity.
Industries providing healthcare and medication did well during the course of the year. People also changed their consumption patterns. The demand for takeaway, snacks and alcohol increased as well as cleaning products as people spent more time at home.
Covid-19 has crushed so many markets, leaving many investors vulnerable (naked/ broke). No one expected this disruption, the travel industry was deeply affected as consumers stayed at home, 80 percent of hotel rooms were empty and airlines cut their workforce by 90 percent.
Back home, 2020 ushered in new financial management tools; the Foreign Currency Auction Trading System, replaced the fixed exchange rate, while the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) replaced the Transitional Stabilization Program (TSP). In the absence of tourists, the resort town of Victoria Falls was awarded a city status after a stock exchange was launched.
ARTS NEWS
Zimbabwe's local online drama, Wadiwa Wepamoyo caught the hearts of many Zimbos at the beginning of the year. Characters such as Man Tawa and Noku reminded folks about how crazy teenage love can be. Biko was the fan favourite with some of his signature phrases captivating viewers. Thumbs up to the award-winning actor, director and Wadiwa Wepamoyo producer Ben Mahaka.
Master KG is the slay king of 2020. According to Master Master KG, "Music doesn't need a visa to travel". Whatever his catch phrase 'wanitwa mos' means, the 24 year old from Limpopo stole the show this year. The hit song 'Jerusalema' by Master KG featuring the voice of Nomcebo Zikode won the hearts of millions of people around the world. The likes of Christiano Ronaldo and Janet Jackson took up the Jerusalema dance challenge.
The royal queen of amapiano, Shamiso ShaSha Mpambiro won the Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act at the 2020 Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards. ShaSha was nominated together with some of the finest new voices on the globe who included Rema (Nigeria), Celeste (UK), Hatik (France) and Stacy (France).
Social media platforms became the new playground in 2020 especially during the lockdown period. Everyone turned to either platforms such as Instagram, Twitter or Tik tok to keep them entertained. The late flamboyant businessman Genius Kadungure better known as Ginimbi made an attempt to spice up the national lockdown and decided to hold a twerking competition on Instagram.
For the competition, Ginimbi offered the winner R5000 in cash, just for a live twerking session. Ginimbi followed in the footsteps of U.S rapper Tory Lanez and Nigerian producer, Kiddominant who have held similar competitions on their Instagram Lives before.
Unfortunately, before his untimely death, Ginimbi traded blows on social media with Prophet Passion Java. The pair was involved in a war of popularity. Ginimbi said Java was living a fake lifestyle, with hired cars and the house he shows off on social media does not belong to him. As if this was enough, soon after Ginimbi's death, Passion Java went on to exchange blows with journalist, Hopewell Chino'no on Twitter.
Here are notable personalities we lost in the arts sector: Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman died at the age of 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Trailblazing country musician, Charley Pride died on December, 12 at the age of 86 after contracting Coronavirus.
Radio and television commentator, Zororo Makamba's death from Covid-19 was the first to be recorded in Zimbabwe. Apart from Makamba, the nation lost quite a number of celebrated artistes from the big screen, theatre, to music, dance and socialites.
Afro-jazz musician, Prince Musarurwa succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 32, while writer and poet, David Mungoshi died at the age of 71 after battling with gout. On September 26, popular drummer Delroy "Scara" Muripakwenda died at the age of 26 after succumbing to heart disease.
Bulawayo based rapper, Cal Vin Nhliziyo (35) died after he was involved in a hit and run accident. In another accident, this time not in Luveve but in Borrowdale, Ginimbi, Michelle "Moana" Amuli and other two passengers were involved in a horrific head-on collision and died on the spot.
After suffering from stomach cancer, veteran comedian and actor, Lazarus "Gringo" Boora died on November 9, he was 47. On December, 6 another veteran died, this time it was due to Covid-19. Zmbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) diplomatic corresponded, Janet Munyaka died at the age of 48 at St. Annes Hospital in Harare.
SPORTS
Sporting events such as the Tokyo Olympics were affected. Conferences and expos were also called off. Cultural establishments including galleries and museums were abruptly affected as well.
The 18-time All-star who won five NBA titles and spent his entire career with Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant was among nine people who died in a helicopter crash. After grieving at Bryant's passing in January, Lakers celebrated their 4-2 victory against the Miami Heat in October to win their 17th NBA title.
One of the world's greatest footballers from Argentina Diego Maradona died in November at the age of 60 after succumbing to heart failure. Maradona took career stage at the 1986 World cup with a memorable performance against England. Maradona will be remembered for his iconic goal that he later described as the "Hand of God".
COVID-19
The Covid-19 outbreak is part of the long list of global catastrophes that have occurred in the past and are likely to occur in the future. Dangerous viruses will emerge after Covid-19 and it is up to you and I to prepare and be ready to dampen the effects.
The business etiquette and social norms that we have known for generations were re-written in 2020. The web to web firm handshake was replaced with an elbow to elbow greeting style. The traditional boardroom meetings were transferred to online platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
By the time this article was published, the world had recorded 82 million Covid-19 cases, 46.3 million recoveries and 1.79 million deaths, this is according to the Johns Hopkins University. Top two countries that handled Covid-19 better than others include New Zealand and Taiwan and surprisingly both countries are led by female prime ministers.
The discussion however has not focused on whether there will be an outbreak, but when new outbreaks will happen. As the global population increases, and the human-wildlife interaction grows, it is likely that the transfer of new viruses to the human population will occur.
Hats off to all the frontline workers that sacrificed a lot this year and went on to put their lives on the line just to serve you and I. Here are some of the topical phrases in 2020:
Lockdown restrictions, Wear your mask, Sanitize, Social distancing, Frontline workers, Curfews, Quarantine centres, Cases, Deaths, Temperature testing and Covid-19.
A PROSPEROUS 2021 AHEAD
A brighter outlook lies ahead but recovery will be gradual. Vaccine deployment has begun in some parts of the world, but better cooperation and support in distribution would strengthen confidence and lower uncertainty.
Successfully navigating the Covid-19 challenges does not guarantee a promising future. Once we get through this pandemic, we will emerge in a totally different world compared to the one before the outbreak.
The world awaits the post-Trump era. A woman will be second in command in the most powerful country on the planet come January 20. The African Continental Free Trade Area takes off on January 1 and the exciting English Premier League will continue next year.
We are hopeful and optimistic about 2021, until then, Compliments of the New Year to you!!
