Mazabuka News

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Of Fire Hydrants And First Aid Kits…

Travelling to Siavonga recently, we came across a burnt out bus, the vehicle had been totally destroyed but the trailer remained intact. On the way back we encountered a similar sight – a smouldering pantechnicon parked on the roadside half way down Munali Hills. There was no one in sight in either case and we drove past giving brief thought to how the fires had started and what had become of the occupants. Both visions returned to me in a flash when I had my own brush-with-fire in a vehicle recently.

It all happened suddenly. One minute there was an incredibly acrid smell then a waft of smoke came out from a vent beneath the cubbyhole and the next minute flames started licking out of the vent. There was no way we could pull over onto a verge – the road from the turnpike to Mazabuka Town is virtually verge-less. Apart from a bag of fairly juicy looking tomatoes (!) we had absolutely nothing to put the fire out with and our only choice was to drive very slowly to the nearest homestead where we could find water. It took five very long and tense minutes to get there and by then the front of the car was engulfed in smoke – and the flames were flickering out of the vent at an alarming rate. A wonderfully hospitable and concerned woman came to our rescue from the house close to the road and three buckets of water later we had the fire out and were able to limp home. But… what if we hadn’t found water? The fire would most definitely have spread throughout the vehicle and it would have ended up in a similar state as the bus and pantechnicon – a ghostly grey burnt out wreck!

If we’d had a fire extinguisher in the car (compulsory in many countries) we could have had the fire out before it caused any sort of damage. If the pantechnicon and bus had had fire extinguishers they too would probably be in great shape today.

There is definitely a case for carrying fire-extinguishing equipment in one’s car in this country – especially as there are so few garages and watering holes between towns in Zambia.

And on the subject of carrying items that could make the difference between life and death in a car, how many people carry a first aid kit – rubber gloves, bandages, etc? There’s nothing worse than being first on the scene in an accident and not being able to do anything. Staunching the flow of blood (wearing the gloves) is something that any untrained person can do. Most chemists usually carry the basics and could make up a bag for you to keep in your cubbyhole.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , fire extinguisher, Mazabuka | No Comments »

Northern News

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Those Amazing Waterfalls

If you’re ever in our part of the country- Northern Province that is, there is a trip you should try to undertake. Beware though, it isn’t just a stroll around the countryside but rather an exciting and challenging adventure. So? ….What is it about? ….Where is this bundu –bashing place? Well…right here: Northern Province and its waterfalls!

We decided (“we” being four intrepid girls and one brave guy!) to start our journey from Kasama – where we could do the last minute but necessary shopping (food, drinks, fuel…). We stayed at Thorn Tree Guesthouse and from there went to our first waterfall – Chishimba Falls. They are in fact three waterfalls – each with its own personality. We had planned to spend the day there and brought our picnic and some cold Mosi. After gulping all of this down, off we went to see the Falls. The last of the falls is the most impressive. It drops about forty metres, and there is a good viewpoint halfway down the falls, where you can sit on a huge boulder and literally watch the water falling above your head. The rest of the day was spent bird watching – plenty of birds there – and eventually went back to Thorn Tree for an enjoyable evening.

From then on the real adventure started – we left Kasama, its comfort and convenience for some real exploring. With the two 4X4’s loaded and checked, we headed for Mporokoso, one hundred and eighty kilometres north of Kasama. The road was not perfect, but still in better condition than expected. We reached Mporokoso in less than three hours and from then on we had to drive another eighty kilometres on relatively good dirt road before reaching the second waterfalls – Lumangwe Falls. We were all very excited at the idea of setting up camp for the night. The Falls were not a problem to find and we enjoyed a cold Mosi sitting at the top them. Below and right opposite us was a solid wall of water about one hundred metres wide and forty metres high. Later in the afternoon we were granted an amazing sunset and rainbow at the bottom of the Falls.

The next day started early and after a filling breakfast we were off again – this time to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the trip- Kabweluma Falls. From Lumangwe falls we had two options – walk or drive. Kabweluma falls are situated 8 to 10 km downstream from Lumangwe, and it is an easy two-hour walk. The caretaker at Lumangwe will act as a guide, and it is wise to have him showing you the way through the Miombo woodland. The final approach to the Falls is through a dense forest called “Mushitu”; it is like a miniature rainforest. When you finally reach the end of the Mushitu, you’ll be taken aback by what lays in front of you – there you are perched on top of a slope facing a waterfall of about twenty metres in height and seventy five metres wide that ends in a deep pool. This pool flows over a second rapid, twenty metres below the first. But that is not all, on your right and left are more waterfalls and cataracts giving the “impression of facing a whole half circle of water”. It is not advisable to swim there – the currents are strong and it is difficult to reach the water below the slope.

The second option is to drive! A road has been opened recently from Lumangwe and runs for about five kilometres. It is fairly bad but we took it easy and managed to avoid the many sharp stumps lying on the side of the track. Once again it is advisable to get a guide, as it is quite difficult to find a viewpoint from where you park the vehicle.

We did not have much time to spare, unfortunately, and so we left this amazing place and pressed on. We had to make it to Nsumbu within three days and we had a lot of driving ahead of us.

From Kabweluma we drove towards Kawamba – forty kilometres southwest. After crossing the Kalungwishi river, at the Chimpembe pontoon (open from 6.00 to 18.00 hours) we reached Kawambwa without problems and were pleasantly surprised to hit a superb tarmac road just before Kawambwa Tea Estates. From then on it was just sheer pleasure to drive. In front of us the most amazing sceneries were unfolding – vast plains, rolling hills and endless dambos.

Before reaching Mbereshi we stopped at our forth set of Falls – Ntumbachushi Falls. Those falls are well signposted, and are just off the main road. The Falls are about forty metres high and a second set of falls lie on the right of them. Again, swimming at the bottom of the Falls is not advised, but that doesn’t mean no swimming at all. There is a path at the top of the Falls, which brings you to a sport five hundred metres or so upstream. There you can choose between numerous very deep pools, most of which have miniature falls and cataracts which make the swimming so much fun. It is also a good place to stop for the night. Once again the birds are plentiful and I am sure that the river above the Falls would provide fishermen with a delightful time. Or, you can just wander around and enjoy the beautiful bush of the area – mainly moorland, dotted with patches of Mushitu forests.

Without much enthusiasm we left this little paradise in the direction of Nchelenge, on the edge of Lake Mweru. The road to Nchelenge is tar as well. At Nchelenge, we bought some fish, a “must” really, plonked them in the fridge and pressed on towards Mununga. After Nchelenge the tar stops and the bad “dirt” starts. We decided to carry on all the way to Kundabwika Falls rather than stopping at the Lake as our deadline for reaching Nsumbu was approaching. About fifteen kilometres past the turn off to Kaputa, we found the sign “Hydro”, which is merely a piece of metal nailed onto a tree that can easily be missed. We reached the end of the road and set up camp beside some beautiful cataracts. Ahead of those cataracts lay a deep, wide river, still as glass, with clear reflections of the trees opposite. Again a beautiful spot for fishermen and birdwatchers.

The next day we set off on some exploring, which is essential to see the main Falls. Following the main stream down river we found ourselves perched at the top of a twenty five metres wide wall of water, but we ran out of time and decided to skip the walk down to the bottom of the Falls- that will have to be left for next time!

From then on our trip was mainly driving but it does not need to be. We drove the very rocky ninety kilometres to Kaputa and then headed towards Nsumbu on a bad dirt road. But we did not care at this point – the beautiful scenery made it all worthwhile.

Nsumbu lies on the western side of Lake Tanganyika and is a small fishing village without electricity, the last Zambian settlements before the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We stayed the night at the Wildlife Camp in the Nsumbu National Park.

From then on we had two options – drive back to Kasama through Mporokoso or drive back through Nsumbu Game Park to Mbala. We went for the adventure once more and ended up heading to Mbala.

The road through the game park is bad and slow going but absolutely worth it! The trip would be even more pleasant if equipped with the right tyres – hard and tough to puncture!!!! The first thirty kilometres to Nkamba Bay took four hours! From Nkamba bay to Mbala is about ninety kilometres and it took us over ten hours, with the first ten kilometres to the Lufubu River being the most demanding. One of our vehicles was not equipped with the earlier mentioned good tyres, so we had to get out of the car and pointing to all the stumps and sharp rocks we slowly made our way down a the escarpment. We reached the river at last, which marks the border of the game park. Crossing the river was exciting, as the waters were still high. The last time someone attempted the road was six or seven weeks before us – so not much traffic there! Good job we did not break down or run out of spare tyres, but we did manage to use every single of the five spares that we took with us – and yes gentlemen, we change them ourselves!

We finally reached Mbala, where we spent the night before heading for the Lake Tanganyika, for a few days of rest to take in and think over the whole trip. We found the perfect spot – a deserted sandy beach called Mishembe – or better known as “Luke’s, Beach” where we were allowed to put up our tents and camp for a small fee.

Watching the sun going down over the water, cold Mosi in hand, I think we all realised how lucky we were to visit and drive through this most beautiful and remote part of Zambia.

By Stephanie Gabriel

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , Chishimba, Kabweluma, Kasama, Lake Mweru, Lake Tanganyika, Lumangwe, Mbala, Mpulungu, Northern province, Ntumbachusi, waterfalls, Zambia | No Comments »

More Zambians Making It To The Big Time

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

More and more Zambian’s are making it to the big time. On the music scene is Hil St Soul (pronounced Hil Street Soul) Zambian-born Hilary Mwelwa, who is doing it with help from her writer/producer partner Victor Redwood-Sawyerr.

Earlier this year Hilary invited club goers and radio listeners in the UK to turn on, tune in and shock out to the laid-back urban soundtrack of the debut double-header single Strictly A Vibe Thang and Feel Good Factor. The single rocketed straight in at No 1 in the Blues and Soul Hip list and at No 2 in the Music Week Urban chart.

Hilary, who lives in North London, has written for and sung with the likes of Incognito, Fierce and Femi Fem (Young Disciples). She follows the success of the singles Strictly A Vibe Thang and There For Me with the debut Hil St Soul album Soul Organic. The album jumped straight to the No 1 position on the prestigious Blues & Soul Hip List chart upon its release in early October.

The Hil St Soul sound crosses the street-core/mainstream divide without creative compromise. The thirteen tracks on the album cover a range of black music flavours from nu classic soul to hip-hop, gospel to Latin, up-tempo funk to jazzy. “And we chose the ‘organic’ title to convey that it’s natural back-to-basics music with virtually no samples,” says Hilary. In addition to twelve original compositions, a cover of the Stevie Wonder/Aretha Franklin Sixties classic Until You Come Back To Me is included.

On the silver screen is Thandie Newton, who was born in Zambia in 1972 of a Zimbabwean mother and British father. At the age of eleven, she enrolled in London’s Art Educational School where she studied modern dance. However, a back injury forced her out of dance. This led to her auditioning for and receiving her first role in John Duigan’s “Flirting”. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and her then boy friend. However receiving no work because of her British accent, she returned to England where she went to Cambridge to study and received a degree in anthropology. However, between semesters she continued her acting and became noticed in demand for future film roles.

1998 proved to be a good year for Thandie. First, she married screenwriter/director Oliver Parker, whom she met while working on a BBC tele-drama. Next, she was cast in two important films – Besieged, a film by world-renown director Bernardo Bertolucci, and Beloved, the much-anticipated movie version of Toni Morrison’s acclaimed novel, also starring Oprah Winfrey. While neither film was tremendously successful at the box office, they offered an ideal showcase for Thandie’s remarkable talent. As far as box office success goes, Thandie has that now, with the release of Mission Impossible 2, where she co-stars with Tom Cruise.

When casting for the Charlie’s Angels movie was underway, one name that kept being mentioned was that of Thandie Newton. Despite not having much commercial success on her record, the producers clearly believed in her talent. In the end, a delayed shoot for Mission Impossible 2 ruined Newton’s chances of being an angel, but the mere fact of being considered demonstrates just how far Thandie has come, and just how far she will soon go.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , Hil St Soul, Thandiwe Newton | No Comments »

On Safari To Find The Lesser Spotted Zambian Driving Licence

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

I first called at the Road Traffic Commission (RTC), and asked them what I had to do to get the licence. I presented them with my UK licence, my international licence, and my advanced driving licences. I was told that the licence would cost K 60, 000. Fair enough, but was then told that to be privileged to have a rare sighting of the licence I would have to take my driving test (another K30,000). I asked how long my UK licence would cover me for. The reply was 90 days from my first entry to Zambia. I then asked what vehicle I would need to do the test. I was told any vehicle, just come along and someone would take me out on the roads. As I have been in the country for more than 90 days I enquired how I would get the vehicle to the RTC to do the test, as my UK licence was no longer valid. I could not get an answer. Catch 22 situation. I decided that to continue to question would be futile so I said that I would make further enquires and departed.

I was told by my Zambian scout, guide and taxi driver that taking the test is not right, especially for someone who trains people to pass the advanced training test, and with thirty years of driving experience, so the search went on to another place. Deeper and deeper we delved into the bureaucratic maze.

The next place was a large hall, smaller but not unlike the Busanga Plain. My scout was with me so I felt safe and would not get lost. There were twenty or more counters with tribespeople sitting behind them, twiddling their thumbs. Was this a special ritual? Some had a small rectangular black object pressed to their ear, and were talking. I went to one counter and asked for the licence section. I was told to go to the third one from this one. I counted one, two, three, and found no one there. I went to the previous counter (the second from my first encounter). Had I found the right one? I said that I was on a mission to convert my UK licence to a Zambian licence. I was told this was the wrong place. I replied that I was told to come here (lying through my teeth). The assistant went to fetch another. I told the same story. I was then told that I could purchase a provisional licence. I did this to keep the peace, but they could not decipher my UK licence and gave me the wrong categories of entitlement. I pointed this out, corrected the error, paid my fee and left. Was I getting nearer to finding the illusive driving licence?

I then decided to delve further into the bureaucratic bush and told my safari guide to take me to the Central Police Station to see if they had records of sightings. At the Traffic Section I was told to go to the Police Headquarters. So off we went. At the HQ I was ushered to a small dark office. The shelves were covered with piles of paper. I was asked by one assistant what I wanted, whereby I told them the same story about being sent here (I was) to get a sighting of the Zambian driving licence and have my UK licence converted. I was told that this was the Interpol Office for checking cars’ validity when they enter the country. Wow, I am delving deep here, but enjoying this journey through the bureaucratic maze. Eventually they told me that I would have to go the RTC. The circle had finally closed and the catch 22 situation took hold. My quest failed this time, but I will continue on my journey to find the rarely sighted Zambian driving licence. Someone to whom I am more qualified than they are shall probably test me. Will I ever be legal on these roads? Watch this space.

Name and address supplied.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , drivers licence | No Comments »

Kwacha Slide Causes Panic

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Suddenly, during January, the poor health of the Zambian Kwacha created what was almost a panic in Government. President Chiluba warned the business community that it must take steps to reverse the decline of the currency, and at a meeting at State House he put forward measures which he expected them to follow.

The measures included limiting the right to quote prices in dollars to authorised foreign exchange dealers such as bureaux d’change (before this announcement, Multichoice, hotels, internet service providers and other types of business were routinely quoting in dollars). A maximum spread of 2 per cent between buying and selling prices was to be maintained. Applicants for a bureaux licence would have to demonstrate possession of US$10,000, while new bureaux would have to pay a non-refundable fee of US$1,000 and an annual renewal fee of US$2,000. Payments for exports were to be receipted locally, and 75 per cent of the amount received was to be deposited with local banks within 180 days. Foreign exchange demand deposits were to be limited to 25 per cent of total foreign exchange deposits, and offshore forex holdings to 5 per cent of total forex holdings. The effect of these measures was not immediately known, as the business community was awaiting the formalisation of the measures before commenting in detail.

Meanwhile the Bank of Zambia took precipitate action to protect the Kwacha, by injecting US$12.5 million into the system during a single week in mid-January. The effect of this move was more obvious – the exchange rate of the kwacha to the Dollar improved from over K4500 to under K4000 overnight.

Problem solved – or was it? The one thing the business community, and particularly the foreign investor, find hard to stomach is a wildly fluctuating exchange rate. It makes planning impossible, since you cannot tell in advance what price you may have to pay for your imports when they arrive (the landed cost includes customs duties and other taxes payable to ZRA in kwacha). Moreover the sudden appearance on the market of such huge amounts of dollars must raise questions as to why the Bank of Zambia had been hoarding forex while pressure on the dollar continued to rise.

At the same time there were many aspects of the measures announced by Finance Minister, Dr Katele Kalumba, which were not understood by investors, one big one being what happens if a company wants to fold up and move out of Zambia. Can they take the whole of their capital with them, or do they have to retain 75 per cent in Zambia, and if the latter, for how long. Obviously it would have been desirable to make full consultations with the business community and address all its problems and queries before the full package was announced.

It could be argued that there was no time to do this, but that simply indicates poor planning by the government. The situation should be monitored on a daily basis, and adjustments made accordingly. A committee is said to have been in place at the Ministry of Finance for several months to look into just this problem. Why was it caught napping? The availability of forex over the counter at commercial banks has been declining for some time, with a limit of US$5,000 placed on such transactions and delays of several days in complying with customer requirements.

The question of unclear sections of the measures was brought up at the routine meeting of managing directors of commercial banks with the Bank of Zambia on 22 January, and clarifications were offered. These were to be followed by published guidelines, but at the time of going to press these guidelines had not been made public.

One local company, Zambian Skyways, announced that it was cutting fares by 20 per cent on its Lusaka Ndola route as a result of the sudden appreciation of the kwacha. This move seems to have overlooked the possibility of a further depreciation if the Bank of Zambia failed to sustain its interventions and pressure on the dollar began to rise again.

Business people who use the route regularly were again subjected to confusion. The depreciation seemed bound to return since restricted access to the dollar created increased demand. A thriving parallel market is already in operation. The only solution to the problem, say some analysts, is increased production for export. But again we are lagging behind other countries in the region – no export processing zones have yet been established despite years of talk.

Once again, the government should take more account, on a continuing basis, of the needs and suggestions of those who have expertise in running businesses, and in particular the commercial banks.

by David Simpson

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , Kwacha | No Comments »

Opportunity 2001

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Many people have been looking toward to 2001 with uncertainty and anxiety, mainly because it is an election year. But 2001 may well turn out to be the year of opportunity for business people in Lusaka with two major events – the Solar Eclipse on 21 June, followed closely by the Organisation of African Unity Summit from 2 to 11 July.

Preparations have begun, although possibly a bit late, on work for the Summit and there are business opportunities a-plenty. Lusaka City Council has also started work on cleaning up the city, although why this can be done all the time is beyond me.

Fifty-three countries have confirmed their attendance at the Summit and each delegation will consist of an average of fifty people. Is maths is not your strong subject, that is an influx of two thousand, six hundred and fifty people. Add to that the press and other interested people of between four and five hundred, so you’re looking at more than three thousand people. These people need to be accommodated, fed, watered, transported and entertained. They will also need courier, Internet and telephone services and will also want to spend some of their excess Kwachas on souvenirs and gifts to take back home.

At this time, it looks as if Lusaka has accommodation through the hotels and lodges for one thousand, five hundred people, so opportunities do exist for people to accommodate visitors in their own homes or if you were planning to set up a guesthouse, do it now. This is over and above the OAU Village that is being built behind the Hotel Intercontinental to accommodate the Heads of State.

Vehicles are needed for the Ministers that will be attending the Summit and possibilities exist for leasing of vehicles, but so as to avoid any problems, all the vehicles allocated to Ministers need to be the same, not only the make, but the colour as well. Cars and buses are also needed for other members of the delegations, all on twenty-four hour call. It has been suggested though that if you are in the car hire business, you should only hire cars with drivers rather than self-drive.

Cell phones are no longer a luxury, and those in this line of business would do well to make phones available for lease. The question of course is whether our telephone infrastructure can handle this – we all know how difficult it is to get through to cell phones now.

The Summit will be held at Mulungushi Conference Centre, where catering and fast food outlets will be required, also on a twenty-four hour basis. Provision is also being made for businesses to lease exhibition space there.

Of course, these people are not going to be working all the time, and will need to be entertained, so bands, theatres and night clubs or anybody witanything unique should get moving with their plans.

Co-ordination is being done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and if you require any further information, this is where you would find it.

Lusaka Lowdown will be printing an extra thick edition that month, to inform our visitors of where they can go and what they can do and where they can spend their money. In addition to that, a minimum of five copies will be given, free, to each delegation, so let us have the information of events so that it can be included.

This opportunity is not only knocking, it’s leaning on the doorbell, and it is up to us to open the door.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 | No Comments »

Nsolo Gallery Exhibition

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Nsolo Gallery will be having an art exhibition during Valentine’s week. On show and for sale will be the works of a few artists, and jewellery manufactured at the Gemstone and Jewellery Manufacturing Company Ltd. The Focus of this exhibition is really to broaden perspectives. There are no guidelines except to explore different ideas, and old ones from the “New Millennium” viewpoint.

Nsolo Gallery is located on the premises of what used to be the Polo Grill, along Nangwenya Road. Although it is usually open from 9am till 5 pm Mondays to Fridays, and 10 till 1pm on Saturdays, for the week of the 11th to 18th February, the gallery will be open until 6 pm on weekdays and 4 pm on the two Saturdays. The opening which is at 5:30 pm on Friday the 10th is by invitation only.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , exhibition | No Comments »

An Out Of Africa Experience

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

The overwhelming feeling that one gets when holidaying on the Cape Peninsular is that it can’t be part of Africa. In fact it probably shouldn’t have been part of Africa. The Cape Peninsular sticks out like a stray toe, that could very well have been lopped off several million years ago if the rumblings from below had been a bit more severe. But fortunately it still is in Africa and is probably one of the most wonderful spots for a holiday to suit all tastes.

We recently spent a week in Fishhoek, which is one small town away from Cape Point. We stayed at Skellies View, an apartment overlooking False Bay … and the whales. There was almost always one at least (Southern Right whales usually) rolling around languidly in the sea a few hundred metres from our balcony. Skellies is run by an ex Kenyan couple, Ann and Keith McAdam. They’re wonderful hosts and love having Zambians to stay. Their rates are very reasonable – for a family of five we paid R380 a day for the apartment (for further information, contact them on email klmcadam@iafrica.co.za). We hired a car while we were there, but we could have simply taken the train. It’s always on time and runs frequently. It’s advisable to travel first class or on the buffet car (a mere R15 return from Fishhoek to Cape Town, which is an hour away). The only time we really needed a car was to visit friends off the train route and .…. the Great White sharks off Gans Bay, near Hermanus. A visit to the sanctuary of this truly remarkable creature was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Ever since Jaws, Peter Benchley’s novel, and the movie that was subsequently made from it, the Great White has been the most feared creature in the ocean. Countless numbers of people must have been put off a refreshing dip in the sea because of the “lurking danger beneath.” The fact is that in the last one hundred years only seventy-four people have mistakenly been eaten by Great Whites. I say mistakenly because they are not really partial to humans and usually bite them by mistake. Fur seal’s are their favourite, so perhaps, if it’s furry things that they like, hairy chested men should take note, they could be a likely second choice.

There are several cage diving operations in Gans Bay. Our captain for the trip (and the owner of the operation) was Brian MacFarlane, who also runs a guesthouse in Hermanus, conveniently situated on the edge of a golf course and known as the 19th Hole.

The boats head out, usually fairly early in the morning, to Seal Island about half an hour away from the mainland, and home to a colony of about 84,000 fur seals.

Unfortunately on the day that we went out to sea for our visit to the G.W’s there was a howling gale blowing and the water was incredibly choppy, so we didn’t get to go down in the cage to get a close up view. We weren’t terribly disappointed however (some of us were darn right relieved) because we didn’t have to wait long to view the first of several of these giant predators up close. We trolled a plastic seal behind the boat and threw “chum” (fish offal) in the water around us to attract the sharks and waited with bated breath for the first arrival. We didn’t have to wait long. Suddenly, the water erupted. A magnificently massive creature torpedoed through the surface – white beneath and gunmetal grey above, with the seal decoy in its jaws. The shark flipped over, hit the water with a tremendous splash and disappeared. The sheer power of the attack is what was so fascinating. Some weren’t quite as aggressive and one could almost reach down and stroke them as they swam cautiously up to the boat to take a ragged toothed mouthful of the “chum”. Just seeing this notorious but apparently fragile creature up close was enough for all of us.

For those interested in a more sedate holiday, there’s the wine route to explore (by car), the Waterfront to visit – a train ride from anywhere on the Peninsular and then a bus from the station; a trip to Cape Point (by car); and lunch or an evening meal at any of the endless but wonderful restaurants, where arguably the most delicious item on the menu is freshly caught line fish. Children ranging in age from 4 to 20 can spend time – and free you for a shopping trip in Gardens in Cape Town – at the now famous Rutanga Junction – a sort of mini Disney World.

Our busy days were rounded off by simply relaxing with a glass of chilled South African wine (a sacrilege to drink anything else in this part of the world), and watching the whales wallowing from the balcony while the sun cast a glorious golden glow over the bay. A perfect family holiday, not too far from home!

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 | No Comments »

The Right To Reply

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

After reading your review on Voodoo Lounge in your own magazine, I feel that it is time somebody stood up and questioned your credentials and the motives of your magazine. You may be an editor, but are you a professional critic? Kindly inform us of where and when you obtained your degree/diploma/qualification as a restaurant and cuisine critic.

I personally believe that criticism should be welcome especially if it is constructive. Your Magazine should focus more on promoting existing and upcoming restaurants and other enterprises rather than recklessly plundering them. It takes a lot of money, guts, time, and bone-wearing hard work to get a restaurant (and any business) up and running. It is not only illegal but also unfair for you (without consulting with the proprietors), to damagingly publish unqualified and incorrect information based on your own evidently ignorant and careless misconceptions.

Below is my point-by-point response to your criticism:

The table, at which you were seated, is at the far end of the dinning hall and the kitchen is at the opposite far end. We fail to see how kitchen traffic affected you. In any case, you will agree that even in the most modern restaurants, at least one or two tables will be near the kitchen or service door. These tables will witness in and out traffic because architecture has not yet come up with designs that allow overhead routes for waiters and waitresses.

You were given temporary menus with hand-written prices as our original menus were still being printed and not because our prices keep fluctuating with the US Dollar as you SO WRONGLY ASSUMED. As a matter of fact our prices have not changed since we opened.

You seem very quick to criticize the Zambian Staff over their command of The English Language, and yet you misquoted and misinterpreted most of what the owner, Dina said to you as listed below:

DINA’S WORDS: “The seafood platter and a lot of the Cajun food on the menu have coconut in them”.

HEATHER” S UNDERSTANDING: “Lebanese food is cooked in coconut batter”

Had you really studied the menu (as you claim to have done), you would have read clearly that the SEAFOOD PLATTER consists of Fish fillet pieces, Prawn, Calamari, Mussels, Crab sticks. There is NO MENTION of smoked salmon. (Where did you get that from???) You asked what the fish fillet was, and the reply was it was either trout, hake or Salmon; meaning of course fillet hake, trout fillet or salmon fillet. So yes, you heard wrong. There was never any mention of smoked salmon.

Ordering Shashlik Sauce did not cause any confusion. What did cause a slight confusion was the order of food – Starters, Meza, Main course. Since Meza is a starter selection that is usually nibbled on while waiting for main meals.

As for Meza, Halloumi is not made at the restaurant. It is bought from Shoprite where I assume you also buy yours. What exactly is your idea of Halloumi? The way it is served in our restaurant is authentically Lebanese. Maybe you were expecting a more well known Greek version?

Kibbi Balls: you were served a proper portion of six not four as you claim. These are made of Lamb, Burglur, and Walnuts – items that are either expensive, scare or both hence the price. Our menu, which has both expensive and low cost items, clearly states all prices and customers are free to pick items that suit their pockets. For this reason we do not expect the final food bill to shock anyone unless their motive is malicious.

We accept that the Calamari may have been overcooked, although we have only ever had compliments from other guests at the restaurant. We also apologise sincerely for not sending chicken wings through a mix-up in the kitchen. You should however, have brought it to our attention when your food order was brought to your table and we would have very gladly rectified that.

Fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese are complimentary with the Meza, which is something rare in most restaurants. You conveniently did not mention that your pickle platter (also a complimentary with Lebanese Meza included Olives – not exactly cheap commodities.

Shashlik sauce is prepared at the restaurant and I would be very interested if you could please send me the chilli sauce from the local producers that think it is.

The seafood platter which comes in parts, consists of a handful of calamari strips (NEVER LESS than 8 strips), Four King Prawns, Eight to ten fish fillet balls, Eight crumbed-crabsticks, Four to six mussels, Rice, chips, sweet potatoes/plantains, Vegetables of the day

In my opinion, this sounds like a more than filling meal for two average people. As for the price, I think K70,000 for that amount of seafood IS EXTREMELY reasonable in Zambia.

The price of ginger ale cannot be compared to the price at Shoprite: this is a restaurant and we have overheads to keep up with. All our drinks are priced almost the same as in most restaurants in town.

It is unfortunate that you claim (for lack of a better word) that cappuccino was returned by your table: You were served one cappuccino as witnessed by the waitress who served your table. Voodoo Lounge has built quite a reputation for it excellent coffees.

Final food bill. K309,000. For four people, who ordered starters then Meza followed by main meals (the most expensive – i.e. Lamb and Seafood) I feel is very reasonable. Converted into US Dollars, you paid US$ 75.00 between you inclusive of your drinks. That is US$19.00 per person. Where exactly would you pay so little for Lamb and Seafood. NB. All the meat used in Meza is Lamb.

In concluding, I would like to say that it is indeed very sad that you came into our restaurant with a vindictive motive and hence either failed or pretended not to enjoy what we have worked so hard to offer people that appreciate good food and service in a well set atmosphere. You made no mention of the interesting décor in the restaurant, which seems to have caught the eyes and admiration of many visitors and guests. Other outstanding features deliberately omitted are the garden atmosphere where children can play, the swimming pool area, the games room with a pool table and television

The two and a half pages you so generously misused in plundering Voodoo Lounge could have been better used in promoting the place and giving some constructive criticism that would benefit both Management and customers.

I DEMAND that you publish this response in the next issue of your magazine with relevant apologies for publishing your article without getting permission from Voodoo Lounge Management or even allowing us to read through the article before taking it to print. Failure to meet my DEMAND will leave me with no option but to seek legal action against you for loss of business and damages incurred by The Voodoo Lounge due to your publishing inaccurate and damaging materials

Dina Baydoun

The management of Voodoo Lounge have brought to our attention that we omitted to inform our readers of the outdoor facilities available, for which we apologise. As it was raining on our arrival and departure, we failed to notice them. The gist of our article was raised with one of the partners (a friend for the last thirty odd years) ten days prior to going to print. Ed

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , Right to Reply | No Comments »

In Need Of A Good Clean

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

The rains, which have really hit Lusaka during the last couple of weeks, make keeping your car clean quite a challenge. We visited the site of Zambia’s first Wap car wash, which will be opening in February.

Wash City is conveniently located near O’Hagan’s, on the corner of Manda Hill Shopping Centre. A good spot to leave your vehicle for a shampoo and shine- or a plain wash and wax, while you shop. Attendants trained to run the Wap wash, and to give your car a valet, will personally handle each vehicle.

And just what is a valet- you may ask. Well, a full valet is the cleaning of the interior of your vehicle. This can be wet or dry; a wet valet is a complete shampoo of the seats and carpets, and a dry valet is a dry foam clean of all the seats and carpets. In both cases all trim and dash are cleaned and conditioned.

Your car will be cleaned according to your specifications, but at Wash City, no part of your vehicle need be neglected. It will be worth your while stopping by and finding out about their engine steam cleaning and their Cyclo Polish, which is a revolutionary polishing system which enhances the original body shine and colour, removing fine scratches.

The owners of this new carwash also run “ Wills Windscreen Centre” located at the Agip Filling Station on the Great East Road. Although they will also clean your vehicle, they specialise in windscreen repairs. Their ability to treat cracked windscreens can save you the expense of replacing it. They also provide a professional guaranteed window tinting service on cars and buildings – worth looking into.

So rain or no rain, potholes or no potholes, at least you can ensure that your ride looks its very best.

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 | No Comments »

Readers Have Their Say

Written By: The Lowdown - Feb• 01•01

Go West

The call of “Go west” in the early days of the Americas was a call of hope to prospectors young and old for fame and fortune. To the Zambian angler it is the lure of one’s mistress to the male angler or lover to the female angler, the mighty Zambezi River. For over twenty years I have sampled the delights the visits to the mistress has brought and felt the pull of her charms when one has to leave her bed. The many charms she possesses for the angler are abundant in the form of the mighty tigerfish and the tasty bream as well as the beauty of the thousands of birds that flock her banks. She has, as a lover has a way of drawing one back and tearing your heart apart as you prepare to leave her side. This year I felt cheated, the feeling one has been used and abused for the sake of an extra buck. The cheap hangover made me feel relieved to flee her side.

Perhaps the luxury of Barotse Safaris run by Barry Myers and Attie Krause was part of the charm that has lured me back to my mistress. An extremely well run operation with outstanding service as well as good boats, well-stocked bar and tasty food lured me back for five consecutive years.

Then came my brother on his annual sojourn from the colds of Scotland and with lesser budget we opted for the cheaper neighbours Senanga Safaris. The trip was prepared for the second year after having a good angling expedition there last year and we booked the waterfront cottage as we did last year.

Customer service simply does exist as it does next door. One may feel that if one pays more one gets more but my opinion is why should we accept a low standard with a poor attitude and have to pay for it. Sure there will always be the slight hiccups and hitches but incompetence is unforgivable.

Firstly one pays for the luxury of DSTV and one would expect that for paying for the service one has the option of channels available. Anglers being keen sportsmen normally associate with a popular channel named Supersport and any request to change to this channel from Hallmark were begrudgingly carried out and reverted on the stroke of full time. I still await the final session of the third test between the West Indies and England.

Having paid for the service it should be maintained. When a mini bus driving in a resident’s only area rips the cable apart, surely it should be repaired? After asking for the third time we repaired it ourselves and watched Mel Gibson in black and white beat his way to the recouping of his outstanding $70,000.

When the TV starts rolling and one is told that the technician is being sent for, should one wait two days? Could the manager’s TV not sufficed? No, the attraction of Hallmark proved too strong and we still await the arrival of the technician.

Secondly, when one pays for laundry one does not expect to find a neatly piled stack of washing in the laundry basket that has not been attended to.

Thirdly, money would have been better spent refurbishing the many skeletons of boats that mar the bankside of the lodge or purchasing a boat that would bring in some form of extra income and assist clients that have broken down upriver. We paddled for five hours without the slightest concern of our hosts. The problem? A faulty starter that had been repaired by guess who? The lodge’s repairman!

Fourthly, a noisy waterfront bar situated right next to the cottage does not appease tired anglers. The occupants of the bar too had illegal wares openly on offer and abetting prostitution is an offence. Were it not for our own security the docksiders would have been a greater menace than they were. Rumba music blaring nightly from the bar will not have me coming back for more. A lady of dubious background who tried to sample the delights of our dinner in a drunken state ridiculed us for not understanding the Lozi culture of sharing.

Fifthly, the cottage was searing hot as all windows were shut. Open them and one risks a mosquito infestation as the gauze has either been ripped off or missing. Close them and you have the sauna. The single mossie net did not reach the bed nor cover it adequately. A fan would be a good investment should gauze be short.

Sixthly, the management would do well to attend to the need of its angling guests. Early morning departure means the bar should have the orders ready. One should not have to send ones staff to find the bearers of the keys.

Seventhly, the solicitation of precious stones assumed to be diamonds is an offence unless one is licenced to do so. Guests with fishing rods boats and tackle make unlikely buyers of such wares.

Lastly, the customer is always correct. An unhappy customer is worth ten customers lost. We left extremely disgruntled as no attempt was made to address any complaint.

Qui Nangler

(Attempts to obtain a comment from Senanga Safaris have failed so far. Ed.)

Posted in 2001, 2001-02 , Readers Letters, Senanga | No Comments »

So Just Where Do Our Petro-Kwachas Go?

Written By: The Lowdown - Jan• 31•01

Motorists throughout Zambia are still reeling from the sudden increases in the cost of fuel, both petrol and diesel, and the domino effect throughout the entire Zambian economy. Confusion abounds about the reason for this – is it because the fuel is being imported as a finished product rather than being refined at Indeni, is it taxation, is it the road levy, is it because of the depreciating Kwacha? In an attempt to gain some understanding of the fuel pricing structure, we attended a workshop, arranged by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, on petroleum pricing and also carried out some additional research. The result was that we were more confused than when we started, but here it is.

When Indeni is operating, the supply chain of the finished product starts with importation of the crude product, which arrives in Dar Es Salaam, by ship, from the country of supply. This is offloaded at the single point mooring facility which is owned and operated by Tanzania Harbour Authority (THA). The crude product is pumped from the ship directly into the Tazama oil pipeline. THA is paid a flat fee per tonne for use of the facility. The level of this fee was not made available. What we can say, though, is that during a recent discussion with a senior official of THA we were told that if a shipper phoned him and asked for a price to use their facilities for the movement of say 50,000 tonnes of cargo, he would first have to do his own calculations. These would then be submitted to a pricing committee, who would in turn make their own recommendations. They would then have to wait for the next meeting of the Board of Directors of THA, who would then approve the price to be charged, by which time the shipper has sent his goods elsewhere. This is an indication of bureaucracy at the Port, which surely translates into increased costs throughout the supply chain and will definitely have an effect on our fuel price. Tazama is paid a flat fee for pumping the crude product. This flat fee was also not made available. In addition, a factor of 0.8% is allowed for losses in the pipeline.

After passing through Tazama, the crude product reaches Indeni, who are also paid a flat fee for refining the crude product and I need not add, that this flat fee was also not made available. A factor of 6.5% is allowed for internal consumption (product that is used in the refining process) and losses at Indeni. What has helped to confuse the issues (in my mind, at least) is that Indeni cannot process raw crude, but imports what is called ‘co-mingled crude’, a product that has already had gasoil, kerosene and condensers added to it. Try as we might, we have not been able to verify exactly what co-mingled crude is and what it costs on the world market. What is interesting however, is that a barrel of 42 gallons of crude oil results in a processing gain of 2.2 gallons, an additional 5.3% volume. The question is whether a factor of 6.5% for internal consumption and losses is reasonable or not?

After refining, fuel is then handled by Zambia National Oil Company (ZNOC), who are also paid a terminal fee at a flat rate per litre for this, which is between 0.16% and 0.25%, depending on the product. Based on annual fuel sales and the current cost of fuel, ZNOC’s annual income would be in the region of K 2.06 billion or K 4 per litre of fuel. Whether this is a reasonable income or not can only be ascertained after a thorough look at their functions, staffing levels etc. The main duty of ZNOC is to arrange for the procurement of crude oil and to store and distribute the fuel after it has been refined, so, in theory, they should only require a minimal number of staff. On the bright side, a decision has been made to open up the procurement process meaning that ZNOC will no longer be the only company involved in the importation of feedstock. Implementation has not yet commenced, as a mechanism is being worked out to ensure that security of supply is not compromised and that quality of product is maintained.

From ZNOC, the fuel is then handled by the oil marketing companies, who arrange for the transportation of the fuel to the gas stations. The amount included in the price build-up for transport is K 0.23 per litre, for each kilometre transported. Thus for fuel in Lusaka, the transport factor is K 72.15 per litre regardless of which product it is. The question which must be asked, of course, is whether the transporters are paid this amount or whether they receive less than the stipulated amount. When I phoned my friendly fuel transporter for an answer to this, he was away, so I couldn’t get a definite answer, but I do know that a few years ago, the oil marketing companies were allocated K 115 for transport, but only paid the transporters K 90. The oil marketing companies are allowed a mark up of between five and seven percent. Currently, they get K 207 and K193.20 for each litre of petrol and diesel respectively.

Next in line are the gas stations, who also have a mark up of between five and seven percent or K 207 and K 165.60 for petrol and diesel respectively. Included in the expenses of the gas stations are salaries for attendants and rentals to the oil marketing companies for the premises which the retailers occupy. Finally, the fuel reaches our tanks.

But, this is not all. What about the other items which are included in the fuel price. First, there is duty on the product that is imported. Duty rates are 5 percent on crude products and 25% on finished products. With Indeni being out of commission, I understand that Government reduced the duty rate to 5% to give some relief, not only to the consumer, but more importantly to industry. The next addition is excise duty at 45%, which is K 694.43 for each litre of petrol and K 704.21 for each litre of diesel. As a percentage of the pump price, excise duties equate to 19.91 percent on petrol and 20.34 percent on diesel. After this is the road levy, which is 15% of the wholesale price of fuel or K 231.47 and K 234.73 per litre for petrol and diesel respectively, or 6.64 percent and 6.78 percent of the pump price. When one considers the importance of maintenance of the road network (for each Kwacha spent on maintaining roads, vehicle operating costs are reduced by between K 3 and K 4), one needs to ask whether it is equitable for the oil marketing companies and the retailers to have the same income per litre as the income which accrues to the roads. Next up is the Energy Regulation Board who receive a fixed fee of K5 per litre, roughly equivalent to K 2,5 billion per annum and this is only from the fuel sector. They also have an income from licencing fuel transporters and I am sure, from the electricity and water sectors. Finally, the last thing to be added is Vat at 17.5% or K 519.24 for petrol and K 515.59 for diesel, in Lusaka.

The above brings to light a number of anomalies, but there are more. For instance, what is included in the wholesale price of crude? How much does it cost us directly from the supplier? How much does each of the players (THA, Tazama, Indeni and ZNOC) make along the way and are Tazama, Indeni and ZNOC, as three separate entities necessary? Could their functions not be carried out by one organisation and the cost saving passed on to the motorist? Is the current procurement system through ZNOC efficient and transparent? Whilst it is a well known fact that fuel is one of the easiest items to tax, for a landlocked, developing country with very little rail infrastructure, is it the best system of taxation or is it stifling the development of our economy? Taking into account that Indeni is an old refinery and too small to benefit from the economies of scale, should we even consider refining our own fuel or should we be looking at alternative ways of getting it? Even as we write this article, Indeni still seems to be an on-off affair and all the while, the World Bank are pressing for the closure of a number of smaller refineries (Indeni included) in sub-Saharan Africa or for them to be converted to storage facilities.

Unfortunately, all the facts and figures (although there weren’t that many available) supplied at the workshop were based on Indeni being operational. No information was available on what the situation was then, with fuel being imported as a finished product, by road, from South Africa. If these had been available, comparisons could have been made, conclusions drawn and possible solutions found. But when only part of the information is available, it is inevitable that the wrong conclusions are drawn and it is only through stakeholders having full access to all the information, that we will be able to find a solution to the problem of escalating fuel costs.

Posted in 2001, 2001-01 , fuel, fuel prices, Indeni, petro-Kwachas | No Comments »

Getting To Print

Written By: The Lowdown - Jan• 31•01

Each month as I finish putting the Lowdown together, I feel deflated and apprehensive, when I should be delighted that the job is almost complete and I can relax for a day or two before I have to start on the next issue. The reason for this is quite simply that I dread the drive down Kabelenga Road to the printers.

Heavy trucks turning into the premises of a clearing agent whose offices and warehouse were situated on this road caused the initial damage to Kabelenga Road. They have since moved to other premises, but the damage remains.

In November 1999, the Counselor for that area called a meeting of all the businesses on Kabelenga Road, and explained that the road was due for rehabilitation by JICA this year, but that if everyone paid their rates immediately, then these funds would be used to carry out interim repairs. He even offered a reduction in rates.

In an attempt to make the road passable, Lewis Construction arranged to fill in the holes with building rubble. United Panel Beaters donated drums which could be used as bins for the rubbish that was accumulating there, which to this day are still awaiting collection by the Council, despite numerous phone calls to remind them. To assist even further, Di Golson, of Lewis Construction, accompanied the Council officials whilst they were collecting the payments due to them. That is where the Council’s efforts stopped.

Telephone calls have been made to the Counselor concerned, messages left for him with his staff, but all to no avail. It is as if the initial meeting was never held or perhaps it is as Charles De Gaulle once said ‘As a politician never believes what he says, he is surprised when others believe him’.

However, something is being done. A contract, funded by the National Roads Board, has been issued for the drainage to be sorted out, but the work has been delayed because of the rapid depreciation of the Kwacha and an adjustment must now be made to the contract sum. But, the road has not been included in the roads to be rehabilitated by JICA, because it did not meet their criteria, which is based on social and economic factors and on the volume of traffic. Whether traffic volumes should be used for assessing which roads to repair remains unanswered – if a road is in bad condition, people don’t use it, but fix it, and you wonder where all the traffic came from.

Although Kabelenga Road will not be repaired, 60.7 kilometres of Lusaka’s roads will be repaired under JICA Grant Aid. At this stage, it is anybody’s guess whether Kabelenga Road will ever be repaired. What is certain is that those businesses along that road may not be able to pay their rates in the future because their clients won’t be able to reach their premises and they will all slowly but surely cease trading.

Posted in 2001, 2001-01 , Lusaka, potholes, roads | No Comments »

Our Trip To Treetops

Written By: The Lowdown - Jan• 31•01

The following article has been compiled using excerpts from diaries of students of Baobab College who visited Treetops schools camp during last October. This was the first trip for a group of ten to twelve year olds.

“Before the trip I was so excited that I could not sleep! I stayed up the whole night. I got dressed at 5 am and I jumped on my Dad’s bed and woke him up. Dad started to shout at me because it was too early.

At 7.30 am we all gathered at school. Some of us were a little nervous because this was the first time that we had ever gone into the bush. The drive to the Kafue from Lusaka took about 4 hours. We stopped to have a snack under a shady tree. Our teacher showed us some elephant dung. It wasn’t fresh but it gave us the feeling that we had finally arrived in the bush!

After we had crossed the Kafue Hook Bridge we turned right into a dirt road leading north. The ride became bumpy and the Tsetse flies were having a feast! We then saw a Cheetah close to the side of the road. That was pretty amazing! We continued with our journey, only stopping once more to have a drink at Lufupa. As we rounded a final bend we saw a huge Baobab tree that could only be Konde Kamwale. There, underneath its huge branches was the classroom. We had finally arrived.

After supper we all went to our dorms. Mr Muyamwa had told us the camp rules and had said that animals often visited the camp at night. We were so excited that we couldn’t sleep. Instead we told stories and made such a noise that Mr Jones came out of his chalet to tell us off. As he came out of his door he almost ran into a hippo! He was not very amused.

On Monday we were put into two groups. One group went for a walking safari with an armed guard called Patson while the others went on a drive. The walkers went to visit a hippo pool. They counted over eighty hippo in the water and even saw a hippo fight! On the way they visited a traditional fishing weir. Patson told them that each weir could catch up to five tons of fish in a season! The walkers had to be on the lookout for lion because they saw fresh spoor in their trail.

On Tuesday everyone had to get up at 4.30 am to prepare for a day trip to the Busanga Plain. We could not believe how lucky we were. By the time we had returned to camp at 11.30 pm we had seen three separate sightings of lion, including a pride of five snoozing in a tree five metres off the ground! We had also watched a pack of wild dogs playing cops and robbers with a herd of wildebeest. In the afternoon we had an art class under the Baobab tree. After an early supper some of us went on a night drive to try to add our to species count. The rest of us stayed in camp swapping stories around the campfire.

Wednesday was orienteering day. Once again we were split into groups and the walkers were given a lesson on how to use a compass. They were also shown how to navigate by using the sun. First we had to walk into the bush with Patson and the teachers. We walked for about forty minutes and were thoroughly lost when Mr. Jones stopped us. He made us get into single file. The leader was given a compass and was given two minutes to navigate before passing it on to the next in line. We were told to find the river. Sometimes our line set off in totally unexpected directions but nobody seemed to mind! After about an hour and a half, Patson pretended to be lost. He wanted us to go east but we went west. Louann led us to the river. We are never going to listen to our teachers again.

Thursday was our last chance to visit the beautiful Busanga Plains. We did not see the variety of game on the drive that we did on our last one, but it was still special. The herds of Lechwe ducking their heads as they ran were a wonderful sight. In the evening we told stories around the campfire and Mr Bymolen showed us some of his magic tricks. Those that had the energy went on a last night drive whilst the rest of us took to our beds. Our last night was much quieter than our first!

On Friday we said our goodbyes to Treetops and to all the staff who had helped to make our visit a wonderful week to remember.

We all hope that Treetops will continue to pass a little of its magic on to others for a long time, way into the future.”

By Year Seven Students At Baobab College

Posted in 2001, 2001-01 , Baobab, Baobab College, Kafue Game Paek, wildlife, Zambia | No Comments »

Always Check The Date

Written By: The Lowdown - Jan• 31•01

We had a call from one of our readers recently who had noticed that the sell-by-date on the imported Vienna sausages being sold by one of our major supermarkets was long past. This reader brought it to the attention of the management who duly removed all those sausages from the refrigerator. However, on her next visit to the same supermarket, she noticed that none of the Vienna sausages had any labels indicating the sell-by-date. One concludes that they had simply been removed and the returned to the refrigerator. Please inspect the sell-by-dates on foodstuff or other items have a limited shelf life and perhaps suppliers could look for a way of stamping the sell-by-date on to the packaging which is not as easily removed as the little stickers.

Posted in 2001, 2001-01 | No Comments »

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Those Amazing Waterfalls

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