1. Table Mountain in Cape Town is believed to be one of the oldest mountains in the world.
2. The world is divided into six floral kingdoms. All these kingdoms encompass several countries, and in some cases, several continents. South Africa, which has a floral kingdom wholly contained within the country, is the one exception. The Cape Floral Kingdom has 9,600 plant species, 70% of which are not found anywhere else in the world.
3. Table Mountain alone has over 1,500 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom.
4. South Africa is the second largest exporter of fruit in the world.
5. South Africa has the longest wine route in the world.
6. Kruger National Park supports the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent.
7. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are tearing down fences between the countries' game parks to create a 13,500 square mile game park, which will become the largest conservation area in the world. It will be bigger than Switzerland, Belgium or Taiwan.
8. South Africa has a penguin colony, which thrives thanks to the cold Antarctic currents on the west coast near the Cape.
9. South Africa is rated 3rd in the world in supplying safe, drinkable tap water.
10. The Palace of the Lost City resort hotel is the largest theme resort hotel in the world as well as the largest building project undertaken in the southern hemisphere.
11. Walt Disney serves South African wine exclusively at its 73-acre Animal Kingdom Lodge in the United States.
12. South Africa has the cheapest electricity in the world.
13. The deepest mine is a gold mine in South Africa. in 1977 the Western Deep Levels Mine reached a depth of 11,749 feet. Most mines descend to about 3,300 feet.
14. South Africa is the only country in the world to voluntarily abandon its nuclear weapons program.
15. South Africa has 19,004 miles of railway track - 80% of Africa's rail infrastructure.
16. South Africa generates two-thirds of Africa's electricity.
17. The Tugela Falls is the second highest waterfall in the world, where the water tumbles down 2,789 feet. First place goes to the Angel Falls in Venezuela at 3,212 feet.
18. Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world - and the largest green one. The Grand Canyon in the U.S. is the biggest, and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia the second, but both are very dry.
19. South Africa is home to the world's smallest succulent plants (less than 0.39 inches) and the largest (the baobab tree).
20. Kimberley may have the biggest man-made hole in the world, but did you know that the southern Free State town of Jagersfontein has the deepest vertical man-made hole?
21. The only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace prizewinners is in Soweto. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both have houses on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
22. South Africa is the world's largest producer of macadamia nuts.
23. South Africa has the third highest level of biodiversity in the world.
24. South Africa is the world's leader in mining and minerals. It has nearly 90% of the platinum metals on earth, 80% of the manganese, 73% of the chrome, 45% of the vanadium and 41% of the gold.
25. South Africa is the first country in Africa to host the prestigious FIFA World Cup (will take place in 2010).
26. South Africa has the oldest meteor scar in the world, just across the Vaal River near Parys, called the Vredefort Dome. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
27. South African grasslands have approximately 30 species per square kilometer, greater than the biodiversity of rainforests.
28. South Africa is the sole producer of the Mercedes Benz C Class, right-hand drive vehicles .
29. General Motors South Africa will be the only manufacturing site outside of the United States to build the Hummer H3 vehicle.
30. South Africa is one of the most generously endowed geographic solar hotspots in the world, soaking up just over half of the world's highest category of solar wattage per square yard of land.
31. South Africa has deserts, mountains, escarpments, plateaus, grasslands, bush, wetlands and subtropical forests.
32. Most of the world's proto-mammalian fossils are found in the Karoo region.
33. Dr. Christiaan Barnard, at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, performed the first human heart transplant in the world in 1967. He was also the first to do a "piggyback" transplant in 1971, and he was the first to do a heart-lung transplant.
34. The vast majority of South African coal exports are shipped through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). With the capacity to export 79.4 mmst annually, RBCT is the world's largest coal export facility.
35. The world's largest diamond was the Cullinan Diamond, found in South Africa in 1905. It weighed 3,106.75 carats uncut. It was cut into the Great Star of Africa, weighing 530.2 carats, the Lesser Star of Africa, which weighs 317.40 carats, and 104 other diamonds of nearly flawless color and clarity. They now form part of the British crown jewels.
36. There are about 280,000 windmills on farms across South Africa, second in number only to Australia.
37. Three of the five fastest land animals live in South Africa - the cheetah (63 miles per hour), the wildebeest, and the lion.
38. The oldest remains of modern humans were found in Klasies River Cave in the Eastern Cape. They are well over 100,000 years old.
39. In eastern South Africa, scientists have found traces of blue-green algae dating back 3,500 million years. This is some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth.
40. There are more than 2,000 shipwrecks, dating back at least 500 years, off the South African coast. More than one of these, including the Waratah, simply vanished without a trace.
41. The Karoo region is home to some of the best fossils of early dinosaurs.
42. Although Pretoria is considered to be the capital of South Africa, the country actually has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
43. In its eastern part, South Africa entirely surrounds another country - Lesotho, an independent constitutional monarchy.
44. Approximately 900 bird species are found in South Africa alone, which represents 10% of the worlds total bird species.
45. South Africa has the most luxurious train in the world, The Rovos Rail.
46. South Africa has the highest commercial bungi jump in the world (710 feet).
47. Mossel Bay is in the Guinness Book of records as having the second most moderate climate in the world.
48. Pietermaritzburg's city hall is the largest red brick building in the Southern Hemisphere.
49. Hippos are susceptible to sunburn, and spend most of their days with just their noses out of water. Their noses have special flaps that close when submerged, and they can stay under water for 25 minutes.
50. South Africa has the oldest wine industry outside of Europe and the Mediterranean, featuring Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cinsault, Riesling, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage varietals. SOURCE
Friday, 25 October 2013
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Unveiling Top 10 Richest African Musicians
The list of musicians who rake in millions of dollars are usually reserved for international megastars like Beyonce or Kanye West and people who largely hail from the western world. However, there are artistes across Africa whose stars are rapidly rising and they are able to command larger paychecks around the world. Highly influential and each bringing their own unique sound, these artistes represent the richest African musicians, according to Answers Africa. ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM brings you the list.
10. Jose Chameleone
Jose (or Joe) Chameleone is a Ugandan artiste who found his niche blending traditional Ugandan folk music, a bit of rumba and a heavy reggae influence. He sings in English, Swahili and Luganda. His mansion outside of Kampala and four cars (including a Cadillac Escalade and a Benz) are evidence of his success, particularly with his hit, ValuValu. He's been credited with changing the face of music in Uganda, as well as making local music accessible to the rest of the world.
9. Banky W
Born Olubankole Wellington in the U.S, Banky W moved back to Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, where he began singing at an early age. Finding success early in singing competitions, most of his wealth has come from endorsement deals with companies such as Etisalat mobile and Samsung in Nigeria. He also started the Mr Capable Foundation, an education charity that provides tuition scholarships for disadvantaged children.
8. Hugh Masekela
Musical sensation Hugh Masekela is a South African artiste who plays variety of instruments including the trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet, along with singing and composing his own work. He has been highly praised for his work, with everything from a Grammy nomination to the Order of the Ikhamanga by President Jacob Zuma (for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sports in South Africa.) He has graced prestigious festivals across the world. He is perhaps best known for his acapella style singing and collaboration with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the Graceland album and 1987 Graceland tour.
7. 2 Face Idibia
Nigerian singer and songwriter, 2Face Idibia, began his career as a member of the hip hop group, Plantashun Boyz, but went solo in 2004 after the group split. His most popular song, African Queen, took off after being featured in the movie Phat Girlz in 2006, but all of his five albums have been very well received around the world. His wealth comes from various real estate investments across Nigeria, as well as the $80,000 he commands per show.
6. Fally Ipupa
Fally Ipupa, a former member of Quartier Latin International (along with Koffi Olomidé, to be mentioned later), went solo in 2006 and has been incredibly successful, both in his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as internationally. With MTV Africa Music and Kora awards under his belt, he's racked up clothing endorsement deals in Paris as well as high commissions for his shows across the world which are almost always sold out.
5. Salif Keita
Born and raised in Mali, singer and songwriter Salif Keita has been referred to as the "Golden Voice of Africa," with his original take on Afro pop music. Despite his royal heritage (he's directly descended from Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire), he chose a path of music, bucking the Malian caste system. But this means that he was loaded even before his music career took off, explaining his private island and properties across Europe.
4. Koffi Olomidé
Along with fellow Congolese star, Fally Ipupa, Koffi Olomidé formed Quartier Latin as lead singer and vocalist before launching his solo career. Dubbing his style of music as tchatcho, he considers it a blend of soukous music (dance music that originated from African rumba music). He's notorious for taking on controversial subjects in his lyrics, which has led him to be widely praised and criticised worldwide. Raking in over 100,000 Euros per show, Olomidé is extremely popular across Africa and the world. One of his albums is listed in Robert Dimery's book, "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die."
3. D'Banj
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, D'Banj aka the Koko Master, has been killing it in his country, Nigeria and around the world since 2007, and was the first African artiste who signed with the music label GOODMusic, owned by Kanye West. The recipient of countless awards, D'Banj is known for his unique sound of dance music and afro beats. He is involved in a variety of investments including a nightclub in Nigeria, brands such as Koko water, and was given his own reality show, "Koko Mansion." He also rakes millions in shows and brand endorsements.
2. P-Square
P-Square is made up of identical twins, Peter and Paul Okoye, who began singing and dancing together back in their small Catholic high school in Jos, Nigeria. After forming the group in 2005, their music developed a devoted following, particularly in South Africa, and each album outsold the previous one. They were named Artistes of the Year at the 2010 Kora Awards and now bring in more than $150,000 per show. Best of all, their shared home is worth more than $3 million and has been dubbed "Squareville." Talk about product placement!
1. Youssou N'dour
Not surprisingly, YoussouN'dour brings it home in the No. 1 spot. This Senegalese singer is widely considered the most famous singer alive in Senegal and much of Africa. His style of music is known as mbalax, a mix of Senegalese traditional music in the Serer language and various styles from around the world including Cuban rumba, hip hop, jazz and soul. With millions around the world in his fan base, he is now the owner of the biggest media house in Senegal (complete with radio and TV stations) and was appointed tourism and culture minister in 2012. More importantly, before K'naan had "Waving Flag" in 2010, N'dour was responsible for the 1998 FIFA World Cup national anthem, "La Cour des Grands," along with Axelle Red.
10. Jose Chameleone
Jose (or Joe) Chameleone is a Ugandan artiste who found his niche blending traditional Ugandan folk music, a bit of rumba and a heavy reggae influence. He sings in English, Swahili and Luganda. His mansion outside of Kampala and four cars (including a Cadillac Escalade and a Benz) are evidence of his success, particularly with his hit, ValuValu. He's been credited with changing the face of music in Uganda, as well as making local music accessible to the rest of the world.
9. Banky W
Born Olubankole Wellington in the U.S, Banky W moved back to Nigeria and grew up in Lagos, where he began singing at an early age. Finding success early in singing competitions, most of his wealth has come from endorsement deals with companies such as Etisalat mobile and Samsung in Nigeria. He also started the Mr Capable Foundation, an education charity that provides tuition scholarships for disadvantaged children.
8. Hugh Masekela
Musical sensation Hugh Masekela is a South African artiste who plays variety of instruments including the trumpet, flugelhorn and cornet, along with singing and composing his own work. He has been highly praised for his work, with everything from a Grammy nomination to the Order of the Ikhamanga by President Jacob Zuma (for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sports in South Africa.) He has graced prestigious festivals across the world. He is perhaps best known for his acapella style singing and collaboration with Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the Graceland album and 1987 Graceland tour.
7. 2 Face Idibia
Nigerian singer and songwriter, 2Face Idibia, began his career as a member of the hip hop group, Plantashun Boyz, but went solo in 2004 after the group split. His most popular song, African Queen, took off after being featured in the movie Phat Girlz in 2006, but all of his five albums have been very well received around the world. His wealth comes from various real estate investments across Nigeria, as well as the $80,000 he commands per show.
6. Fally Ipupa
Fally Ipupa, a former member of Quartier Latin International (along with Koffi Olomidé, to be mentioned later), went solo in 2006 and has been incredibly successful, both in his home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as internationally. With MTV Africa Music and Kora awards under his belt, he's racked up clothing endorsement deals in Paris as well as high commissions for his shows across the world which are almost always sold out.
5. Salif Keita
Born and raised in Mali, singer and songwriter Salif Keita has been referred to as the "Golden Voice of Africa," with his original take on Afro pop music. Despite his royal heritage (he's directly descended from Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire), he chose a path of music, bucking the Malian caste system. But this means that he was loaded even before his music career took off, explaining his private island and properties across Europe.
4. Koffi Olomidé
Along with fellow Congolese star, Fally Ipupa, Koffi Olomidé formed Quartier Latin as lead singer and vocalist before launching his solo career. Dubbing his style of music as tchatcho, he considers it a blend of soukous music (dance music that originated from African rumba music). He's notorious for taking on controversial subjects in his lyrics, which has led him to be widely praised and criticised worldwide. Raking in over 100,000 Euros per show, Olomidé is extremely popular across Africa and the world. One of his albums is listed in Robert Dimery's book, "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die."
3. D'Banj
Dapo Daniel Oyebanjo, D'Banj aka the Koko Master, has been killing it in his country, Nigeria and around the world since 2007, and was the first African artiste who signed with the music label GOODMusic, owned by Kanye West. The recipient of countless awards, D'Banj is known for his unique sound of dance music and afro beats. He is involved in a variety of investments including a nightclub in Nigeria, brands such as Koko water, and was given his own reality show, "Koko Mansion." He also rakes millions in shows and brand endorsements.
2. P-Square
P-Square is made up of identical twins, Peter and Paul Okoye, who began singing and dancing together back in their small Catholic high school in Jos, Nigeria. After forming the group in 2005, their music developed a devoted following, particularly in South Africa, and each album outsold the previous one. They were named Artistes of the Year at the 2010 Kora Awards and now bring in more than $150,000 per show. Best of all, their shared home is worth more than $3 million and has been dubbed "Squareville." Talk about product placement!
1. Youssou N'dour
Not surprisingly, YoussouN'dour brings it home in the No. 1 spot. This Senegalese singer is widely considered the most famous singer alive in Senegal and much of Africa. His style of music is known as mbalax, a mix of Senegalese traditional music in the Serer language and various styles from around the world including Cuban rumba, hip hop, jazz and soul. With millions around the world in his fan base, he is now the owner of the biggest media house in Senegal (complete with radio and TV stations) and was appointed tourism and culture minister in 2012. More importantly, before K'naan had "Waving Flag" in 2010, N'dour was responsible for the 1998 FIFA World Cup national anthem, "La Cour des Grands," along with Axelle Red.
Zimbabwe: D'Banj to Head for Harare
Lagos. — The "Oliver Twist" hitmaker will be the second artist from Nigeria after P Square who performed at the festival last year.
D'Bnaj will share the stage with Zimbabwean acts among them the reggae/dancehall star Winky D, King Shaddy and Guspy Warrior.
Uganda's best Bebe Cool will be representing East Africa in a concert that has been dubbed "Battle of Africa."
B'Banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a church dignitary mother who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State. Due to his father's profession he moved several times within Nigeria and later moved to England.
D'Banj was expected to follow his father's military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School at age eleven. However, he resisted the system and dis-enrolled from the school after three years. While at the Military school he was a member of the elite drum corp of the Nigerian Army. From the Nigerian Military School he proceeded to another military owned institution Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta where he completed his secondary school education.
D'banj was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at age seventeen. With his love for music being greater than his parents' military aspirations, he struggled for his parents' approval; this can be best heard through an album track, All Da Way from his debut album.
As a tribute to his mentor Fela, D'banj brings Afro-beat to life and into the 21st century with breathless enthusiasm as well as a good dose of humour. His songs are based on his life, often hilarious but with a deeper meaning which documents the struggle of a young Nigerian trying to achieve his dreams. He performs in Yoruba, English and Pidgin English.
D'banj's debut album, "No Long Thing", was released in 2005, yielding several singles, with Tongolo as the lead single. This proved to be his breakthrough single and a hit. It also provided his "Koko Master" persona, with the term, koko, taking on a variety of meanings.
D'banj's debut success led to collaborations with other artists, this includes Dare Art-Alade's album track, "Escalade Part 2" and Ikechukwu's album. D'Banj's single koko was used by the PDP (ruling political party in Nigeria) as its campaign theme for the 2007 general elections.
D'banj's sophomore album "Rundown Funk U Up" which was released in 2006, yielded several singles including the club single, Tongolo (Remix) and the lead single, "Why Me?" This proved to be another hit. MTV Base.
D'banj is a founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace. -- The Herald Entertainment.
D'Bnaj will share the stage with Zimbabwean acts among them the reggae/dancehall star Winky D, King Shaddy and Guspy Warrior.
Uganda's best Bebe Cool will be representing East Africa in a concert that has been dubbed "Battle of Africa."
B'Banj was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria to a military officer who commanded an artillery regiment and a church dignitary mother who hailed from Shagamu in Ogun State. Due to his father's profession he moved several times within Nigeria and later moved to England.
D'Banj was expected to follow his father's military career and was enrolled to the Nigerian Military School at age eleven. However, he resisted the system and dis-enrolled from the school after three years. While at the Military school he was a member of the elite drum corp of the Nigerian Army. From the Nigerian Military School he proceeded to another military owned institution Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ibara, Abeokuta where he completed his secondary school education.
D'banj was introduced to the harmonica by his late older brother, Femi Oyebanjo, who died in a plane crash at age seventeen. With his love for music being greater than his parents' military aspirations, he struggled for his parents' approval; this can be best heard through an album track, All Da Way from his debut album.
As a tribute to his mentor Fela, D'banj brings Afro-beat to life and into the 21st century with breathless enthusiasm as well as a good dose of humour. His songs are based on his life, often hilarious but with a deeper meaning which documents the struggle of a young Nigerian trying to achieve his dreams. He performs in Yoruba, English and Pidgin English.
D'banj's debut album, "No Long Thing", was released in 2005, yielding several singles, with Tongolo as the lead single. This proved to be his breakthrough single and a hit. It also provided his "Koko Master" persona, with the term, koko, taking on a variety of meanings.
D'banj's debut success led to collaborations with other artists, this includes Dare Art-Alade's album track, "Escalade Part 2" and Ikechukwu's album. D'Banj's single koko was used by the PDP (ruling political party in Nigeria) as its campaign theme for the 2007 general elections.
D'banj's sophomore album "Rundown Funk U Up" which was released in 2006, yielded several singles including the club single, Tongolo (Remix) and the lead single, "Why Me?" This proved to be another hit. MTV Base.
D'banj is a founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria's first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace. -- The Herald Entertainment.
Tuku, Guspy Warrior and Macheso head to Masvingo
From George Maponga in Masvingo
Masvingo will tomorrow night reverberate to the music of Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso and Guspy Warrior when they share the stage at Mucheke Stadium.
The gig is likely to draw a huge crowd as it will be the first time that Tuku, Macheso and Guspy Warrior share the stage in the country’s oldest city.
Organised by Jazz 105, Baker’s Inn, Regency Ritz Night Club and Colour Cell, Mucheke Stadium is likely to turn into an all-night theatre of dance and music as the gig caters for all age groups and tastes.
Tuku is likely to keep his legion of fans on their feet with songs such as “Ziwere” and “Watitsvata” often called “Pata Pata” among other popular hits.
Guspy Warrior is also expected to give a good account of himself with his hit song “Ita Seunononga” which has become an anthem.
King of sungura Macheso promises a great show with hits such as “Tafadzwa”, “Macharangwanda” and “Shedia” among others.
One of the show promoters, Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105, said tomorrow’s gig was a celebratory party for Tuku who turned 61 on September 22.
Hozheri said they decided to take the Tuku celebratory party outside Harare for the first time.
“We are promising fans an all-night music fête that caters for different age groups as evidenced by the line-up of musicians that are going to perform.
“This show is a celebratory party for Tuku after a recent gig that was held in Harare to honour him for his contribution to the music industry.
“We decided to take the celebrations out of Harare and, of course, we chose to start in Masvingo,’’ he said.
Hozheri said Mucheke Stadium was the ideal venue for the mega show.
“This is going to be a show to remember because we are expecting many people from all age groups and we are promising a good show.
“Security arrangements have already been put in place to make sure that music lovers and their cars are secure.
“There is also going to be full bar and catering,’’ he said.
Advance tickets for the show will go on sale beginning tomorrow morning at Regency Flamboyant and Chevron hotels, The Ritz Night Club and Coloursell Store in the city. THE HERALD
Masvingo will tomorrow night reverberate to the music of Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso and Guspy Warrior when they share the stage at Mucheke Stadium.
The gig is likely to draw a huge crowd as it will be the first time that Tuku, Macheso and Guspy Warrior share the stage in the country’s oldest city.
Organised by Jazz 105, Baker’s Inn, Regency Ritz Night Club and Colour Cell, Mucheke Stadium is likely to turn into an all-night theatre of dance and music as the gig caters for all age groups and tastes.
Tuku is likely to keep his legion of fans on their feet with songs such as “Ziwere” and “Watitsvata” often called “Pata Pata” among other popular hits.
Guspy Warrior is also expected to give a good account of himself with his hit song “Ita Seunononga” which has become an anthem.
King of sungura Macheso promises a great show with hits such as “Tafadzwa”, “Macharangwanda” and “Shedia” among others.
One of the show promoters, Josh Hozheri of Jazz 105, said tomorrow’s gig was a celebratory party for Tuku who turned 61 on September 22.
Hozheri said they decided to take the Tuku celebratory party outside Harare for the first time.
“We are promising fans an all-night music fête that caters for different age groups as evidenced by the line-up of musicians that are going to perform.
“This show is a celebratory party for Tuku after a recent gig that was held in Harare to honour him for his contribution to the music industry.
“We decided to take the celebrations out of Harare and, of course, we chose to start in Masvingo,’’ he said.
Hozheri said Mucheke Stadium was the ideal venue for the mega show.
“This is going to be a show to remember because we are expecting many people from all age groups and we are promising a good show.
“Security arrangements have already been put in place to make sure that music lovers and their cars are secure.
“There is also going to be full bar and catering,’’ he said.
Advance tickets for the show will go on sale beginning tomorrow morning at Regency Flamboyant and Chevron hotels, The Ritz Night Club and Coloursell Store in the city. THE HERALD
Zimbabwe warns Mozambique's Renamo not to resume war
Zimbabwe has urged rebels in Mozambique not to fight, after an opposition group with military and political wings withdrew from a 1992 peace deal.
Zimbabwe's Deputy Foreign Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa told the BBC that he would not countenance a return to civil war in Mozambique.
The Renamo movement, thought to have about 1,000 fighters as well as 51 MPs, ended the peace accord on Monday.
Mozambique's 1976-1992 civil war led to about a million deaths.
Mr Mutsvangwa said Renamo should rejoin the political process, not threaten regional stability.
He told the BBC's Focus on Africa radio programme that Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama should "never, never" return to violence.
"Southern Africa will not countenance this. We simply do not need this in this region at this juncture," he said.
He added that regional body Sadc (Southern African Development Community) would consider sending troops to help the government if the security situation deteriorated.
"It will be misguided for Renamo to bring instability and expect Zimbabwe to watch," he said.
Move back from brink
Renamo pulled out of the peace accord after government forces captured Mr Dhlakama's base in the Gorongosa mountains in central Mozambique on Monday, forcing him to flee.
Rebel fighters retaliated by opening fire on a police station in the town of Maringue, about 35km (20 miles) from the base, state-run Radio Mozambique reported.
The US has urged the two sides to "move back from the brink".
"We are encouraging the two parties to take visible and decisive steps to de-escalate the current tense environment," said US state department spokeswoman Marie Harf.
Mozambique's economy has been booming in recent years, with the discovery of a major offshore gas field in 2011.
Mozambican mediator Lourenco do Rosario said he had held talks with Renamo to ease tension.
He said Renamo leaders had told him they did not want to return to war.
Renamo MPs attended a parliamentary session on Wednesday, despite pulling out of the peace accord.
"We are continuing our work as usual," senior Renamo MP Vicente Ululu told the BBC.
Renamo's 51 MPs make it the largest opposition party.
Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza, who is touring the central region, called on Mr Dhlakama to resume dialogue with the government.
Mr Ululu said he did not believe the president was serious about talks.
Renamo was supported by South Africa's former white-minority regime during the civil war that raged after Mozambique's independence in 1975.
After Robert Mugabe came to power in Zimbabwe, he backed Mozambique's Frelimo government.
Renamo has contested elections since the end of the civil war, but has failed to dislodge Frelimo from power
Mozambique is due to hold local elections in November, and presidential and parliamentary elections next year.
Renamo has complained that the Frelimo government is determined to hold on to power and has failed to create conditions for free and fair elections.
Frelimo denies the allegations and says Renamo does not have support among voters. SOURCE
Zimbabwe's Deputy Foreign Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa told the BBC that he would not countenance a return to civil war in Mozambique.
The Renamo movement, thought to have about 1,000 fighters as well as 51 MPs, ended the peace accord on Monday.
Mozambique's 1976-1992 civil war led to about a million deaths.
Mr Mutsvangwa said Renamo should rejoin the political process, not threaten regional stability.
He told the BBC's Focus on Africa radio programme that Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama should "never, never" return to violence.
"Southern Africa will not countenance this. We simply do not need this in this region at this juncture," he said.
He added that regional body Sadc (Southern African Development Community) would consider sending troops to help the government if the security situation deteriorated.
"It will be misguided for Renamo to bring instability and expect Zimbabwe to watch," he said.
Move back from brink
Renamo pulled out of the peace accord after government forces captured Mr Dhlakama's base in the Gorongosa mountains in central Mozambique on Monday, forcing him to flee.
Rebel fighters retaliated by opening fire on a police station in the town of Maringue, about 35km (20 miles) from the base, state-run Radio Mozambique reported.
The US has urged the two sides to "move back from the brink".
"We are encouraging the two parties to take visible and decisive steps to de-escalate the current tense environment," said US state department spokeswoman Marie Harf.
Mozambique's economy has been booming in recent years, with the discovery of a major offshore gas field in 2011.
Mozambican mediator Lourenco do Rosario said he had held talks with Renamo to ease tension.
He said Renamo leaders had told him they did not want to return to war.
Renamo MPs attended a parliamentary session on Wednesday, despite pulling out of the peace accord.
"We are continuing our work as usual," senior Renamo MP Vicente Ululu told the BBC.
Renamo's 51 MPs make it the largest opposition party.
Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza, who is touring the central region, called on Mr Dhlakama to resume dialogue with the government.
Mr Ululu said he did not believe the president was serious about talks.
Renamo was supported by South Africa's former white-minority regime during the civil war that raged after Mozambique's independence in 1975.
After Robert Mugabe came to power in Zimbabwe, he backed Mozambique's Frelimo government.
Renamo has contested elections since the end of the civil war, but has failed to dislodge Frelimo from power
Mozambique is due to hold local elections in November, and presidential and parliamentary elections next year.
Renamo has complained that the Frelimo government is determined to hold on to power and has failed to create conditions for free and fair elections.
Frelimo denies the allegations and says Renamo does not have support among voters. SOURCE
Zimbabwe bank told to pay back funds seized by the state
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s fragile banking sector is bracing itself for a string of costly claims from clients after the country’s top court last week ordered Standard Chartered to reimburse $45,000 seized from a client’s account by the state in 2007.
The claim was brought by Chinese-owned firm China Shougang International, whose funds are among $400m seized on the order of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The funds were seized to prevent economic collapse.
The supreme court’s ruling, economic and political observers said on Monday, was likely to be a catalyst for a flurry of approaches by individuals, companies and nongovernmental organisations to the courts to seek reimbursement of their foreign currency.
Economist John Robertson said the ruling was disturbing, and if not challenged might set a bad precedent whereby all banks that had their accounts raided by the central bank could be sued by clients.
Justice Vernanda Ziyambi, in his ruling, indicated that Standard Chartered had transferred the depositor’s funds at its "own peril" and had an obligation to pay up upon its client’s request.
"The payments to the RBZ were made at its (Standard Chartered’s) own risk and did not affect its obligation in law to pay its debt to the respondent (China Shougang) on demand."
The supreme court further pointed out that Standard Chartered had not provided any evidence to show that it could not afford to reimburse its client — with the court finding that it had the capacity to reimburse the client.
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president George Guvamatanga said the court order had created "uncertainty" in the banking sector, while an executive at MBCA bank, a subsidiary of South Africa’s Nedbank, said the case was creating a "trying time" for the sector.
"We are all in a difficult space; an injury to one is an injury to all. The court order should have been extended to the RBZ, because banks were complying with a directive from the central bank," said the executive, who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the press.
It is unclear if Standard Chartered will approach Zimbabwe’s constitutional court to try to overturn the Supreme Court ruling.
Mr Robertson warned that other banks may be sued by clients. "In 2009, the RBZ admitted that it owed depositors over $1bn and you can imagine if all the people who (are) owed this money approach the courts," he said.
The RBZ is locked in a case with Trojan Mine, in which a court ruled in June that the RBZ must return $1m to Trojan it seized in 2009.
In its judgment, the court said the RBZ should not hide "behind the proverbial finger" and must pay up. The RBZ, however, filed an appeal with the supreme court earlier this month, arguing it was immune from prosecution under the General Laws Amendment Act.
Political observers said the central bank had now moved to protect itself from prosecution, aware of public anger over its unilateral seizures and fears of a can of worms being opened as multiple firms drag it to the courts over missing funds.
Trevor Maisiri, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, questioned the RBZ’s capacity to repay the funds. "However, the responsibility to return the money lies with the institution that used up the money. The repayment … cannot be transferred to individual banks who were merely complying with the RBZ instruction to pass on that money to it," Mr Maisiri said.
"In fact, during that time the RBZ had an imposing and overriding excess control of banks and simply used unilateral means to mop up that money from banks…. Responsibility to repay must primarily be of the RBZ, knowing exactly how and where it applied that money." SOURCE
The claim was brought by Chinese-owned firm China Shougang International, whose funds are among $400m seized on the order of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The funds were seized to prevent economic collapse.
The supreme court’s ruling, economic and political observers said on Monday, was likely to be a catalyst for a flurry of approaches by individuals, companies and nongovernmental organisations to the courts to seek reimbursement of their foreign currency.
Economist John Robertson said the ruling was disturbing, and if not challenged might set a bad precedent whereby all banks that had their accounts raided by the central bank could be sued by clients.
Justice Vernanda Ziyambi, in his ruling, indicated that Standard Chartered had transferred the depositor’s funds at its "own peril" and had an obligation to pay up upon its client’s request.
"The payments to the RBZ were made at its (Standard Chartered’s) own risk and did not affect its obligation in law to pay its debt to the respondent (China Shougang) on demand."
The supreme court further pointed out that Standard Chartered had not provided any evidence to show that it could not afford to reimburse its client — with the court finding that it had the capacity to reimburse the client.
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president George Guvamatanga said the court order had created "uncertainty" in the banking sector, while an executive at MBCA bank, a subsidiary of South Africa’s Nedbank, said the case was creating a "trying time" for the sector.
"We are all in a difficult space; an injury to one is an injury to all. The court order should have been extended to the RBZ, because banks were complying with a directive from the central bank," said the executive, who asked not to be named as he is not authorised to speak to the press.
It is unclear if Standard Chartered will approach Zimbabwe’s constitutional court to try to overturn the Supreme Court ruling.
Mr Robertson warned that other banks may be sued by clients. "In 2009, the RBZ admitted that it owed depositors over $1bn and you can imagine if all the people who (are) owed this money approach the courts," he said.
The RBZ is locked in a case with Trojan Mine, in which a court ruled in June that the RBZ must return $1m to Trojan it seized in 2009.
In its judgment, the court said the RBZ should not hide "behind the proverbial finger" and must pay up. The RBZ, however, filed an appeal with the supreme court earlier this month, arguing it was immune from prosecution under the General Laws Amendment Act.
Political observers said the central bank had now moved to protect itself from prosecution, aware of public anger over its unilateral seizures and fears of a can of worms being opened as multiple firms drag it to the courts over missing funds.
Trevor Maisiri, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, questioned the RBZ’s capacity to repay the funds. "However, the responsibility to return the money lies with the institution that used up the money. The repayment … cannot be transferred to individual banks who were merely complying with the RBZ instruction to pass on that money to it," Mr Maisiri said.
"In fact, during that time the RBZ had an imposing and overriding excess control of banks and simply used unilateral means to mop up that money from banks…. Responsibility to repay must primarily be of the RBZ, knowing exactly how and where it applied that money." SOURCE
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