Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson
The African Manner began the new year on a rather slow start but our work did not stop. Our team was on the ground, observing events as they occurred, one after another, day after day. We witnessed a lot of drama unfold, from politics and economics to sports and entertainment, it was a combination of tears of joy and tears of sorrow as history was made in the first four months of 2022.
POLITICS
As usual, the Republic of South Africa made the first major political headlines in January when their Parliament building was gutted by fire. While the South Africans were busy extinguishing their fire, the Sudanese took to the streets to protest. The demonstrations forced Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to resign in January, leaving the army in full control.
Back in South Africa, the Zondo Commission finally completed its inquiries and submitted a report to President Ramaphosa who is yet to release it. Meanwhile, African political drama will be incomplete without the involvement of Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa fired his state security minister, Owen Ncube. He was shown the exit door because of "conduct inappropriate for a minister of government" read part of the statement issued by the chief secretary to the president and cabinet, Misheck Sibanda.
Nelson Chamisa made headlines on January 25, when he launched a new political party; Citizens Coalition for Change, (CCC). Chamisa dumped the MDC colors and adopted yellow. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and the war in Ukraine has triggered the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. President Zelensiky's heroic leadership role will go down in memory lane as one of the best in contemporary history.
A dark cloud turned over the Mahoka family in the month of love, when veteran politician, Sarah Mahoka died in a car crash. The ex-lawmaker and Hurungwe East legislator died on the spot after sustaining serious injuries. Another African veteran breathed his last on March 11, this time it was the former President of Zambia, Rupiah Banda. He was 85.
Zimbabwe went to the polls on March 26. The yellow movement made history by winning 19 seats in the National Assembly and several local government seats in the by-elections. On the other hand, patriotic Zimbabweans are attacking popular journalist, Hopewell Chin'ono for being disloyal and embarrassing Zimbabwe on foreign soil.
The star of the first-quarter of 2022 is Justice Jackson! On April 7, the U.S Senate voted to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman Supreme Court justice, with 3 GOP Senators joining Democrats to vote in favor of her confirmation. The confirmation marks a historic milestone for the federal judiciary.
Everything starts and ends with South Africa. This time on a very sad note. Operation Dudula has been ongoing in the country with the Afrophobia operation targeting black foreigners especially Zimbabweans. Its unfortunate that Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean was burnt to death in Diepslot, Johannesburg because he didn't have a passport. May his soul rest in peace.
ECONOMY
Economists have found out that global economic growth will be 1.1% lower and inflation just short of 21/2% higher than if the Russian invasion had not taken place. The conflict is a major blow to the global economy. The war has affected commodity pricing especially fuel in all parts of the world.
ENTERTAINMENT
South African musician, Kelly Khumalo made the first entertainment headlines when her pictures of her doing ritual acts circulated on social media. Who would forget the "green wedding" that took Zimbabwe by storm. Popular socialite and fashion guru, Daniella Simba Allen and her affluent Nigerian husband, Ego, held a Lobola celebration party in Harare. One of the biggest celebrity events in the first quarter, with Davido and other celebrities gracing the occasion.
The love drama ended in tears for former ZBC news anchor, Lee Ann Bernard whose one month relationship came to an end on social media. This was after it was revealed that his partner was cheating on his wife. Anyway, more tears dropped in the entertainment sector as the music industry was robbed of a legendary musician in the name of Zex Manatsa. Big Brother South Africa returned to the small screen, while Ricky Rick passed on in February. He was 34.
Will Smith made headlines, but this time around it was for the wrong reasons. He slapped Chris Rock on his face on stage after the comedian made a joke about Will's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith during the Oscars. Will Smith has since publicly apologized to Chris.
Black Coffee
The entertainment spotlight belongs to South Africa's Dj Black Coffee who made history by winning the Best Dance/Electronic Music Album award during the 64th Annual Edition of the Grammys
SPORTS
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals took center stage in January. Mohammed Salah and Sadio Manè squared off in the final that was won by Senagal. Tennis superstar, Novak Djokovic was barred from staying in Australia for the Australian Open. The World No. 1 tennis player is not vaccinated because he is sceptical about the Covid-19 vaccine.
Back in Zimbabwe, Brendon Taylor became another cricket culprit after Heath Streak. This time, the former national captain exposed his darker side on Twitter. Taylor said he was blackmailed and forced into spot-fixing by an Indian businessman and regrets taking drugs.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has affected international geopolitics and economics as well as entertainment and sports. Russian businessman and owner of Chelsea Football Club, Abranovich was sanctioned by the UK government. The sale of the club is now on hold and activities such as selling new tickets and signing players have been restricted.
A lot more might have occurred from January up to date, the good, the bad and the ugly. The African Manner has shared some of the major highlights. We love history for its teachings and it is important to document history as it unfolds.
@stajicesimmz