Price Puzzle at Game

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

 

Fact. If you buy these items anywhere else you’ll be paying too much! This is the bold claim that frequently graces the Game Stores weekly “specials” paper.

Though the claim looks like subjective opinion rather than fact, these are genuine reductions – up to 40 per cent on some items. The “specials”, agreed at Game Stores headquarters in South Africa, apply to stores throughout the chain in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, and now Zambia, and are valid from Thursday through to Sunday The prices are overprinted on the “specials” catalogue in the local currency of each country.

These discounts are just one of the benefits for Game Stores customers. Many are happy that the company has brought an exciting variety of consumer goods to the Zambian capital, and many praise the company’s commitment to assisting the underprivileged by, for example, adopting orphanages. The K8 billion store employs over 60 permanent and 100 casual (weekend peak) Zambian workers, in an economy where jobs have been scarce in recent years.

On the other hand some aspects of the company’s operations have received a mixed reaction from some shoppers. They criticise the “pile ’em high, sell ’em cheap” marketing strategy as a means of extracting as much money as possible from Lusaka consumers and siphoning it into bank accounts overseas – not necessarily in South Africa. They criticise the overwhelming predominance of South African goods – probably inevitable since they supply standard items in bulk to their stores throughout southern Africa.

And the company’s pricing policy, intended to convey “a highly competitive image”, can be confusing when the catalogue contains inaccurate pricing, perhaps because of South African unfamiliarity with the Zambian currency, or Zambian demand is underestimated, so that an item such as computers is undersupplied and the stock sells out quickly, leaving some shoppers frustrated.

Senior citizens qualify for a card permitting a ten per cent discount on Wednesdays only. This discount applies to all stock, up to a value of K300,000 currently (a maximum discount of K30,000). But the poor pensioner may find that if he buys at 10 per cent discount on Wednesday, the same item is on sale at 20 per cent discount the following day. Again, frustrations. Should he take a gamble and hold off until tomorrow, or buy now and be sure of a bird in the hand?

But probably the most puzzling aspect of the pricing policy is the price guarantee. “We will beat the price of any other dealer who has stock of any item sold by Game.” A bold promise, but not so simple to implement. Quite early the company faced the problem of “grey imports”, notably electronic goods, smuggled in and sold at low prices that reflect the avoidance of the customs duty and VAT which the big retailers have to cope with. Store Manager Saga Moodley admits that he had to “take a loss” on some items because of this problem.

Nevertheless the customer does not always get the best out of this guarantee. Many shoppers are unaware of price differences from store to store, and even if they are, they may not bother to complain. Zambian shoppers don’t like to make a fuss, and some discrepancies may continue for a considerable time without raising comment.

The store’s reaction to complaints is varied. When the Customer Service Department was advised that the price of Bakers Tennis biscuits (200g), at K3,180, was well above Shoprite’s K2,400, the section supervisor was called over and alerted to the problem. But the shelf price remained unchanged until a month later when a letter to the manager resulted in a reduction to K2,380. Though Melisa’s price is still K2,400, Game now sells Tennis at K2,520, Shoprite at K2,600 and Woodburys at K2,500.

The duty manager, when advised that the shelf price of Liquifruit was shown as K3,860, prematurely and inaccurately responded that “that was a special promotional price”. On learning that the Shoprite and Melisa price was K3,600, he replied that if the customer wanted to buy immediately, he should wait until a checker had verified Shoprite’s price. This is not very practical, and the normal shopper’s reaction would not be to wait, but to buy at Shoprite or Melisa instead. A letter to the manager on this topic went unanswered, though again prices were quickly adjusted.

But there are other notable price discrepancies, mainly on food items and small domestic requirements, which are not Game Stores’ main lines. Provita biscuits in Game Stores sell for K8,060 (500g) and K5,120 (250g). In Melisa recently they cost K3,500 and K2,500, while Shoprite had only the 250g packs, at K3,200. The Game Stores price remains the same, Shoprite (250g) has risen to K3,500, but Provita was unavailable at Melisa on the latest check.

Oreo biscuits (200g) selling at K4,000 in Game Stores, were only K2,600 in Shoprite and K2,980 in Woodbury’s (Northmead). Vim 99 scourer (500g) was selling in Game at K2,720, but in Shoprite at K1,100 (Woodbury’s K1,350). Oreo and Vim 99 scourer were unavailable in Game Stores and Shoprite on the latest check, but were K2,950 and K1,350 respectively in Woodbury’s.

Enos Fruit Salts (orange, 100g) sell at K6,060 in Game, but only K3,600 in Shoprite. Timotei herbal conditioner (250g) was K9,460 in Game, but only K5,800 in Shoprite and K5,100 in Woodburys.

The Philips Toastissimo 4-slice toaster is K135,080 in Game, and K138,000 in the new Philips Manda Hill outlet, but Shoprite’s price is K105,000 which may be an aberration in view of their K100,000 price for the 2-slice model.

These discrepancies, among others, are often substantial. Over time, there is obviously some fluctuation in prices and availability.. However Game Stores clearly need to make comprehensive study visits to their competitors, followed by appropriate price adjustments, if they are to avoid giving the impression that they are relying on customer ignorance and lethargy in order to exploit their latest market in Zambia.

 

by David Simpson

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 | No Comments »

Restaurant Review

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

Eating OutJaylin

Finished, at last! The pressure of putting the last issue of the Lowdown together was over and now it was time to unwind, at least for a day or two, before I started thinking about this issue. But, I had a house full of ten-year olds, who all needed to be fed and watered, and I had neither the energy nor the inclination to start thinking about food. So, I needed a restaurant that was not too far away (except where I live, everything is far away). Feeling brain-dead, I also needed a restaurant where I wouldn’t have to tax my small share of braincells too much when deciding what to eat and where I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have to argue with the waiters over bad service. So, out came the last issue of the Lowdown, a quick flick through to the Restaurant page and we settled for the Jaylin. The Jaylin, is one of the older restaurants in Lusaka, started operations during the early 80’s, in what was the dining room of the Lusaka Club under the management of the owner, Jeff Maclean.

The entrance into the restaurant is through the main entrance into the Clubhouse, having parked your vehicle in the spacious carpark. It was pleasing to note that there were numerous security guards patrolling , who all appeared to be awake and alert, and none of whom suffered from SGS (see page 17) . Unfortunately, the entrance does not reflect the atmosphere of the restaurant and anyone going there for the first time, would be fully justified in turning around and going elsewhere, although the guard who mans the entrance desk is always friendly.

Nevertheless, once you get into the restaurant, your doubts about whether this was a good choice are dispelled. Patrons are met by a smiling member of the management and quickly shown to their table, where drinks orders are taken immediately and served promptly. After that, their extensive menu is presented and this is where the problems start – should you have one of their delicious starters, what will tickle your fancy for a main dish – Chinese, Indian, seafood or something from the grill?

For starters, we decided we felt like Prawn Cocktail, but it wasn’t on the menu. What to do? This was no problem at all. Our cocktails, specially prepared, arrived together with the other starters, nicely presented and extremely tasty as well, covered with oodles of dressing,. For the main dish, we deviated from the usual Pepper Steak (they serve delicious Pepper Steaks) and chose a beef curry and sweet and sour pork. For the children, they have a Kid’s menu, and they chose their usual chicken and chips. But before the main course arrived, it was time to sample the salad bar. Whilst this is not extensive, they serve two or three good salads, which are always tasty. Usually, I ladle mayonnaise or mayonnaise-type dressings on my salads (and my other food), but there were none available. Despite this, the salads were delicious and were thoroughly enjoyed. The main courses were served quickly and the curry had the usual accompaniments as well as a selection of Rivonia chutneys. The children decided that they wanted chocolate ice cream after their meal and we rounded the meal off with a couple of French and Russian coffees. Suitably relaxed and having had a reasonably priced, tasty meal, we made our weary way home.

From the early days when the restaurant first opened, the Jaylin is still popular. Having arrived early, just after 7, it was full by 8, with people waiting for tables, so you would be well advised to make reservations (Telephone 252-206, closed on Monday), both at lunchtime and in the evenings. You will also be assured of seeing old friends who like us, wanted a good, nothing-fancy meal.

 

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 , | No Comments »

Security Guard Syndrome

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

The Lowdown research term has been very busy over the past few months, researching a new phenomenon that has hit Lusaka, or as our research has subsequently shown, has hit the whole of Zambia – SGS.

Just what are the symptoms of SGS? Our research has shown that this affliction only manifests itself in certain sectors of the population and affects only their behaviour during working hours. Readers will definitely be familiar with them and all would have met at least one person who they will recognise as suffering from this syndrome:

  • The compulsion to wait until a driver has parked his or her vehicle, got out of it, locked it and started walking away from it before the victim tells the driver that the vehicle is parked in a no parking zone. The driver should be a minimum of five metres away from the vehicle and should already have placed the car keys in a handbag or pocket;
  • The ability to see clear signs saying ‘No Parking’ which non-sufferers are not able to see. It also appears that these signs are mobile and change position from day to day or even from hour to hour;
  • The need, when a vehicle pulls up outside a gate which the sufferer is supposed to open, to walk to the vehicle and ask the occupant if he wishes to enter the gate, even though it is quite clear that the gate should be opened so that the vehicle can proceed;
  • The necessity to return to the guardhouse to fetch the log book in which details of vehicles and people entering the premises are recorded. SGS sufferers find it impossible to approach the vehicle with the book in hand;
  • An addiction to open right-hand side gates rather than gates on the left. Occasionally they are able to overcome this addiction and open the gate on the left, but this is only if the vehicle has parked in front of the gate on the right. Our research has suggested that they obtain pleasure from watching vehicles being reversed and repositioned;
  • When gates are locked, the sufferer is unable to carry the key with him. This is so as to necessitate a walk to fetch the said key;

After extensive interviews with randomly selected members of the public, we have also found that this syndrome has been around for quite some time, but it has only now been named – Security Guard Syndrome or as it is more commonly referred to by its acronym, SGS (and you thought this was a review of Societe Generale de Surveillance).

Victims are mostly males, although females can also be affected, and the symptoms only become apparent when they reach an age at which they can enter employment, and then only if their job title is that of ‘Security Guard’ or something similar. The symptoms are particularly visible when they don a dark coloured uniform, which is usually black or navy blue, and most times than not, has epaulettes. This uniform is often accompanied by a peaked hat and heavy duty boots, which seem to intensify the symptoms.

There is no danger of SGS spreading to other sectors of the population, although it has been found to be highly contagious when entering the guarding sector of the economy. However, even if one has not contracted the disease, one is severely affected by it, on a daily basis. The effects on the general populace when in the presence of an SGS victim are raised blood pressure and the urge to verbally abuse the victim (which if not controlled can mutate into an urge to physically abuse him). As with most illnesses, there is a cost to the economy of the country and this cost is the number of hours lost every day whilst the general public observe the SGS sufferer first hand.

SGS has not yet reached epidemic proportions in Zambia, but if the necessary treatment is not administered soon, it could well get out of hand. This treatment comprises two distinct medications. In the first case, the person who should administer this treatment should be the employers of those testing positive for SGS. The medication has been around for some time and is marketed under the name of Training . It is not difficult or time-consuming to administer and victims usually start to respond after the first dose. The number of doses will depend on the severity of the disease and may have to be administered a number of times, often after a period of a few months and in some cases up to a year later, as relapses are not uncommon. Training is also available as a vaccination to prevent infection of those who have not yet contracted the disease, but who may be exposed to it. After the initial treatment by the employer, the sufferer can undertake his own treatment. This is an ongoing treatment which must be taken daily and is known as Mindshift. This is available at no cost to the sufferer. Both forms of treatment have been found to be highly successful and if administered correctly, it is expected that SGS will disappear completely.

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 , | No Comments »

Setting Limits

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

Speed limits on our roads have, in recent months, become an annoying factor which we have to contend with in our daily travels. Everywhere one travels in Zambia, speed-measuring equipment is in evidence and seems to pop up at the most unlikely places. The one that seems to cause the most annoyance is near Maplehurst Farm, south of Kabwe, on the Great North Road (Yes, there is a small sign there reducing the maximum speed to 60 kph). Many motorists have asked why the speed limit has been reduced at this spot, which is on the main trunk road and in the middle of what appears to be nowhere. However, this reduction is fully justified as many fatal accidents have happened on this stretch of road. In recent years, engineering of roads has been cited as a factor which affects road safety, and the spot outside Maplehurst Farm seems to be a good example of an engineering fault.

So what really, apart from design faults, is the reason for speed limits? The answer given is always “road safety”, but is this a misconception? We think so.

In Scotland during 1977, due to the fuel crisis, the speed limit on single-carriageway roads in rural areas was reduced to 50 mph (80 kph). When this temporary limit was increased to 60 mph (100 kph), there was no recorded increase in the occurrence of accidents nation-wide. Scottish Police believe that the current limit of 60 mph, at night, driving on unlit roads with dipped headlights, is a reasonable speed limit as it compares well with being able to stop in the distance within which the road is illuminated by your headlights. During daylight with good conditions and light traffic on long straight roads, it is absurd. Yet in Zambia, on some very good roads and with very much lighter traffic volumes, the speed limit is the same (100 kph), a law which is probably 35 years out of date.

Even worse are our dual carriageways and the particular one in question is the Great North Road, south of Lusaka. The speed limit on the first section of the road is 50 kph – probably a hangover from the days when this section of the road was a single carriageway and nobody has thought to upgrade it. Yet, the speed limit on the dual carriageway section of Independence Avenue is 65 kph! In developed countries the speed limit on such roads, in built-up areas, is 100 kph!

The choice of the speed at which you travel is made subconsciously. If you see children possibly about to step into the road ahead, you do not look at your speedometer – you look at the children! Use of such speeds are determined by temporary conditions – that same shopping street will be deserted at 5 in the morning, and there will be no children outside the school at 9 am. To suggest that a blanket speed limit in urban areas improves road safety is patently absurd. Accidents are caused, not by speed, but by inattention. Forcing drivers to travel at a lethargic speed will cause them to become so bored that attention will lapse, and accidents will increase as a result. An unjustifiable limit only serves to bring speed limits into total disrepute and the increasing enforcement of unreasonable limits will alienate law-abiding drivers, and further diminish public confidence in the police. But, set the limit at a reasonable level, and the vast majority of drivers will comply, as there is no correlation between speed enforcement and traffic safety improvement. Fatality rates on the German Autobahn, which has minimal speed enforcement, are virtually identical to the US Interstate system, on which millions of speeding tickets are issued.

What factors need to be taken into account when setting speed limits? The size of the road and whether it is in a rural or urban area is the first factor. Other factors include traffic volumes, pedestrian traffic and design of the road. It should be based on scientifically established speed management practices, but recognition must be given to the fact that most modern cars are perfectly capable of travelling safely, in good conditions, at much higher speeds that our Law provides for.

Many of us lead busy lives and time is very precious. Lower speed limits effectively prevent you from travelling as often, or as far as you would with a reasonable speed limit. A general reduction in speed limits represents nothing less than the theft of personal time, and consequently a restriction on personal freedom.

Claims that speed limits are set at a certain level because of road safety are a total lie. The real cause of most accidents – bad driving – has, up until now, been totally ignored. However, this has now been recognised by the National Road Safety Council who, in co-operation with the World Bank, will shortly be launching the Global Road Safety Partnership initiative in Zambia.

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 , | No Comments »

Mazabuka News

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

Coming Up

National Polo X Championships at Lubombo on September 2 and 3. This is a great annual event with teams from all around the country. Camping facilities will be available and meals served throughout the weekend. Dennis Bolton will be doing his DJ stint on the Saturday night. Make this a weekend to remember!

 

Mazabuka Club’s Outdoor Cooking Competition.

The Outdoor Cooking Competition of the year … is being held on Saturday 16 September. This year there’ll be three different categories – Professionals (ANYone who cooks for a living); Amateur adults; and kids (under 12). So get your teams organised NOW. There’ll be a charge of K10,000 for non-member teams, which should consist of a maximum of four people (remember the fewer per team, the more prizes!) Each team has to prepare and cook two courses (either a starter and main or main and dessert). Judging will start at around 6.30 p.m. If you’d like to enter phone Glenda on 704-485 or Carina on 251-895 or 097-771-178.

 

St. Pauls Training Centre S – Holiday Courses.

St. Paul’s training centre in Mazabuka is a hive of industry during term time with its three full time courses in tailoring, metal work and carpentry. Because of this, they have decided to open the centre up during the school holidays for anyone wishing to do crash courses in these three very useful subjects. Sadly, response has, so far been poor, and they may not have enough people to start on the metal work or carpentry course. This surely is an ideal opportunity for school leavers without jobs to come forward and try their hand at something technical and useful.

 

Buzzing Rhodes Park

Many Lusaka residents drive past it every day, but few enter it – one of Lusaka’s older suburbs – Rhodes Park. Forming a triangle between the Great East Road, Church Road and Addis Ababa Drive, this suburb is home to many small businesses, all of them with something different to offer. We took a look around and this is what we found.

Turning into Bwinjimfumu Road from Church Road, on our immediate right was a park, now fenced in, but when I was a kid, it was a pleasant place to relax and admire the plants or to play on the swings and jungle gyms. We called it Froggy Park because of a statue of a frog in the fishpond. It is now used as a venue for weddings and other celebrations. On to the four-way stop at the junction of Bwinjimfumu and Parirenyatwa Roads. Lusaka’s drivers still don’t seem to know what to do at these stops. It’s really very simple – you give way to the vehicle on your right, and the first vehicle to arrive there is the one that other drivers give way to. The next vehicle to cross is the one on the right of the vehicle that has just gone. The secret of course is that only one vehicle crosses and not all the vehicles behind it. They wait until it has gone full circle, in an anti-clockwise direction, before it is their turn. Obviously, for it to work, drivers do need to show some degree of courtesy to other road users, but if you are unsure of whether to go or not, edge forward, but do look out for those dangerous drivers who don’t even slow down.

A right turn into Parirenyatwa and a left into Joseph Mwilwa Road, and we were in the heart of the suburb, with no less than seven places to visit. First up on the right is Pilcher Graphics, one of the older design studios and promoters of art in Lusaka. On the same property is BC Farms where you can buy your fresh fruit and vegetables as well as other home-made titbits. Also in the same premises is Gallery Gear where you can take your film for developing or have your picture framed.

Next door is Jane Taylor where you can spend a relaxing afternoon having aromatherapy or reflexology, but we had to give it a miss this time as we had work to do – Rhodes Park had to be discovered today, but we’ll be back for that afternoon which we owe ourselves.

From there it was on to Serendipity, the as yet unopened home furnishings business of Carey Page and Val Heath. Both Carey and Val were in the thick of things, rushing about trying to get everything in place for the opening on Saturday 16 September.

Opposite Serendipity is Mercury Couriers, where you can send off your urgent documents by courier or letters for posting abroad or if you’re lucky they will have received a letter or parcel for you, but there was nothing for us today, but maybe next time.

Further down on the same side of the road is Burco Business Solutions, suppliers of computer hardware and software and also offering training, repairs and technical support.

From there into Omelo Mumba Road and the first stop on the left, travelling away from the Great East Road, is Airwaves Avocet where you can book an air charter for your business trip or your weekend. We dreamed of exotic destinations, but time was running out and Rhodes Park was still waiting.

In the same premises we considered a pedicure for our aching feet at Bliss Hair and Beauty Spa, but we’ll make our next visit longer so that we can have the works – manicure, massage, facial and wax.

By this time, it was midday and Chit Chat, a little further up was just in the right spot for lunch. This ever-popular restaurant serves a good variety of pastas, salads and other interesting meals. It also has an outdoor play area for the little ones, so if you have young children, it’s an ideal place because you are really able to relax. On the same premises is Something Special which, as their advert says, has something for every occasion.

From there, it was on to Salon Xper-tease, where Graham (of Jesus Christ Superstar fame) and the girls are able to do amazing things when you’re having a bad-hair day.

If you are arranging a conference or want to promote your business or buy a trophy, then Image Promotions is for you. Lee-Anne Singh will step right in and run your conference for you or arrange for those corporate gifts with your company name and logo. With telephones and doors opening and closing, the office was buzzing with activity – the job at hand was the arrangements for the Mines 2000 Forum which is being held in Lusaka during October

From Image Promotions we backtracked down to Chigalika Road which runs into Lagos Road, past the Aylmer May Cemetery on our left. Restoration work on the Chapel is still ongoing, but the Cemetery is looking much improved. Well done to this group of volunteers. Then left into Lubuto Road, through the avenue of Khaya nyasica trees, and another left into Matandani Crescent to The Bureau, where colour separations are done for the Lowdown’s cover every month. Readers of the hardcopy need no introduction to their work. Likewise the next business we visited, Adworks McCann-Erickson on Lubuto Road, who design the cover of the Lowdown every month.

Last stop was Gerritz Home Catering, where owner Gerritz Pelchen was putting together some of his mouthwatering meals for a wedding.

After that, we were ready to wend our weary way home, with promises to go back again soon to this suburb, teeming with small and medium businesses run by enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

Pirate Parrots

Any day of the week you can buy a parrot on-route to Chisamba along the Great North Road. Take your pick. A nice big Cape Parrot ( Poicephalus robustus) or a pair of smaller Meyers Parrots ( Poicephalus meyeri). Stop and the bird “sellers” come running. Prices range from K15,000 –K30,000 per bird.

Most of these birds are in a poor way. They have been confined to little wire cages and fed a dry diet. They are dangled in front of fast moving cars and trucks and many are in a serious state of shock. Most have had their wing feathers pulled not clipped. If they survive the shock, 99% of these birds do not tame or talk and many, without correct management will not fly again.

Once a raid by game rangers and police in Chisamba raked in over 120 birds cooped up in a hut, 20-25 stuffed in a tiny cage. The catchers have a “Joker” bird that they tie, by the leg, to a stake on the ground and cover the ground around him with bird lime, a sticky substance made from the parasitic fig tree. The “joker” screams and shouts at the top of his voice and the caring gregarious flocks of Meyers come to investigate the commotion. They get themselves stuck to the ground and are caught, hopefully biting the hell out of their captors. Their pin feathers are ruthlessly pulled out and they are thrown in mud huts, sometimes hundreds of them to one hut where they are pulled out two by two for sale on the road. Look closely in the cages and you will see one “fresh” bird and one “mankey” bird. After a few days on the roadside, the birds either die or are swooped for fresher ones!

Buy these birds and you are guilty of purchasing a protected species. Get caught and you have committed a serious offence. Under Section 35 of The National Parks and Wildlife (Protected Animals) Order Schedule 2, these birds are a protected animal and you would under the Wildlife Act be guilty of buying a protected animal and under Section 129 (1995).

The law states:

“129. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) any person who is convicted of an offence under this Act which involves being in possession of, or selling, buying, importing or exporting, any protected animal or meat or any trophy of a protected animal, in contravention of this act, shall be liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment without the option of a fine for a term not exceeding seven years.

So, for the vast numbers of truck drivers who are apparently buying these birds and hiding them in their cool boxes for export to SA where they fetch good prices….. I hope you get caught. For those of you who stop and buy these birds out of ignorance….be forewarned. For those of you who have already bought these birds…. get them to the re-hab aviary in Chisamba where they will be taught to fly again and released. If you are brave enough to stop and confiscate these birds, good for you but hand them over to the authorities. If you have to hold them for a few days…give them lots of fruit, fresh maize, some sunflower and nuts and good fresh water.

 

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 , | No Comments »

Give Your Mutt A Cut

Written By: The Lowdown - Sep• 30•00

Mutt Cuts is a small business which caters for the grooming requirements of pet dogs. It was started by Siobhan Watson in May 1997 after taking a grooming course in South Africa. Since then it has had 353 different dogs through it’s doors of 38 different breeds ranging from Chihuahuas to Saint Bernards. In all it has carried out 1,700 different grooming sessions. It has to pay tribute to its longest standing client a maltese poodle cross, namely Muffin Franks, who has been for grooming 48 times.

A log is kept with details of all muttley clients. Each dog is referred to by its own name along with the owners surname. There are therefore some side splitting combinations: Fluffy Patel, Chewy McLeod, Scooter Adams, Toto Mwanakatwe, Chuchu Casilli, Fudgie Marsh, Happy Joyeux, Spooky Patterson, Fuzzy Friend, Geza Van Blerk, Scruffy Mouritzen, Wacky Franks, Droopy Joshi! Siobhan herself is not much better with animals called Diesel, Widgit, Doogles, Shitey and Cockeye Watson (and I thought my boxer, Slobodan Chalcraft, was bad).

Grooming involves removal of parasites and of hair and dirt from the ears and between the pads of the feet, brushing out the dogs coat, clipping of the nails, washing, dipping, and hair styling. (Mutt Cuts is also trained to do the show cuts of the different breeds). It is vital for your dog’s health and well-being to be groomed regularly. Grooming charges range from US$ 9 to US$ 20 depending on the size of the dog and the type of coat.

Mutt Cuts also sells grooming products and Doggie coats from time to time, engraves and sells custom-made dog and cat tags, and on behalf of Cold Chain Ltd, sells pedigree chum pet food. It also sends out 200 newsletters every 2 months informing clients (the human ones) of items of information relating to pets – Vet Clinic and Animal Welfare Numbers, new pet food for sale, animals looking for homes and people looking for animals plus any other items of interest relating to pets.

Mutt Cuts operates Monday to Friday from 8 am and is situated on the Leopards Hill Road next to the American International School, Lusaka. For appointments call 260-313.

Posted in 2000, 2000-09 , | No Comments »

Restaurant Review

Written By: The Lowdown - Aug• 31•00

Eating OutMr Pete’s Steakhouse

 

For the last month, numerous promises had been made to meet for lunch but no date had been set. Suddenly it was Friday, and my friend of many years was leaving Zambia the next day. Having been tied up in meetings all morning and with preparation still to be done for a meeting on Saturday morning, which restaurant was suitable for a fairly quick meal and where could we take the children as well?

The answer of course was Mr Pete’s.

Way back in 1975, the only restaurants that existed in Lusaka were at the hotels or clubs. That is, until Mr Pete’s Steakhouse opened in Northmead, where your steak was cooked on a charcoal grill in full view of diners and the chef was allocated a few beers a night because of the heat from the fire. It was Lusaka’s Original Steakhouse. Now situated in Panganani Road, the food is still prepared on a charcoal grill, but this is now behind an enormous window.

Over the years, one was always assured of a good steak at Pete’s and this is still the case, with every steak cooked exactly to order, whether it be well-done or in a state that a good vet could get going again. Meals are served with chips, garlic sauce, chilli sauce and green tomato chutney.

They have recently increased their menu to include seafood and other delights for the Epicurean, all prepared by their chef, Santos, but the old favourites like Tandoori chicken and spareribs are still available. Tandoori chicken, cooked to their own special recipe and spare ribs both take about 30 minutes to cook, but the wait is certainly worthwhile. Meals are served on cast iron platters, and in many restaurants this can create a problem for those who like their steak rare, as if the plates are over-heated, the meat continues cooking at the table. At Mr Pete’s this is not a problem as the plates are heated to the correct temperature.

Their salad bar has a good variety of salads and prices are reasonable with meals and drinks for five costing less than K 120,000 The décor has recently been redone. The walls are still wood panelled, but a new floor has been laid, lightening up the room considerably. Mr Pete’s has long been a favourite place at lunch, as it is central for those who work in the CBD or in the industrial areas and parking is fairly easy. Also, it doesn’t fall under the area covered by the LCC parking fees and there is a security guard who keeps an eye on vehicles.

The menu is written on a chalkboard and this did present a problem as it was not easily viewed by all diners. However, with the additions to their menu, they will shortly be producing printed ones. John, the headwaiter, is still with them – it must be at least 15 years since he started as a junior waiter – and he greets you each time with a pleasant smile. The service is efficient and fast, except that problems can occur if John is off for the day.

Not having been to Mr Pete’s for about 18 months, it was pleasing to see that the quality and service is still of a good standard, not that I expected anything else from The Original Steakhouse!

 

Posted in 2000, 2000-08 , , | No Comments »

Zacariah Phiri and his Recently Acquired Device for Annoying Roadusers

Written By: The Lowdown - Aug• 31•00

He finally got me! Zacariah Phiri, with what I thought was his Recently Acquired Device for Annoying Road Users (RADAR). But then I discovered it wasn’t a RADAR at all and it was suggested that it might possibly be a Locally Accepted System of Embezzling Revenue (LASER), but it wasn’t that either. It was in fact a camera speed measuring system or CSMS (Cops Swindling Members of Society).

On the day in question, I was tearing along the Kafue Road at the lightning speed of 84 kph, a frightening 4 km over the speed limit, when my rubber hit Zacariah Phiri’s three rubbers laid out across the road. Being a law abiding citizen, I turned off the road as directed, parked my vehicle so as not to obstruct other vehicles, undid my seat belt and proceeded to supply the information requested, in answer to the charge of breaking the speed limit.

My side of the conversation went like this:
“No, I am not required to pay the fine now. I have seven days in which to pay it.”
“I’m sorry, I have not seen any S.I. (Statutory Instrument) issued under Cap 464 that requires that fines for speeding be paid immediately.”
“According to Cap 464 you can’t impound my vehicle unless it is defective. Please inspect it, and if you find anything wrong with it, then go ahead and impound it.”
“No, that sign doesn’t say I should pay the fine now. It says that ‘if I pay a fine, I should obtain an official receipt’.”
“Please may I see the calibration certificate for the machine”
“I’ll be back shortly, as soon as I have been down to the machine to see the certificate.”

 After a short drive to Zacariah Phiri who was sitting under the trees, the conversation continued.
“Good afternoon, please may I see the calibration certificate for this machine”
“What is the serial number of this machine?”
“I am confused. The number on the machine says 1314, but the serial number according to the certificate says 622”
“Are you sure that they issued one certificate for a number of machines? I am not an expert, but from what I know about the Assize Act and calibration certificates, each machine should have its own certificate, because the variances may differ from machine to machine”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll just write down the details of this certificate.”

Another short trip up the road back to where Zacariah Phiri was. My conversation took up from where it left off.
“Why is there no carbon paper behind this form?”
“But surely I must have a copy of the document, so that I know what you have charged me with. It is also supposed to tell me how much the fine is and that if I don’t pay the fine or want to defend it, I should attend Court on a specific date and time”
“Well, surely it’s not my fault that you don’t have the necessary forms”
“No, I am not going to pay the fine now, because I am not required to pay it immediately. I can either defend this in Court or I can pay an Admission of Guilt fine”
“No, you can’t impound my car as it is not defective”
“Sorry, it is my right to be able to defend this charge in Court if I so wish”
“No, I am neither denying nor admitting the charge. I merely want what is my legal right and if you do not have the correct forms to charge me, you should find another form so that you can charge me and I will go to a Police Station and pay the fine.”
“It is my legal right to be correctly charged and all I want are my legal rights!”

About an hour later, I left Zacariah Phiri with a form, not the correct one, but a form, instructing me to pay the fine. After that, my fingers got working and the suppliers of the machines in South Africa confirmed that:
* they had calibrated 6 machines for Zacariah Phiri in February;
* the serial numbers of the machines were in sequence from 617 to 622;
* each machine has its own calibration certificate;
* the calibration certificates are valid for one year;
* the variance was approximately 2 percent or 2 kilometres, which ever is the greatest;
* there should be 1.5 metres between the pneumatic lines laid across the road (I stopped and measured these at a later date and they were correctly spaced);
* the machines can produce a photograph, which shows the vehicle, and two numbers, which are the initial reading and a subsequent reading.

On the day that I stopped to measure the distance between the pneumatic lines, I again confirmed the serial number of the machine in use and it was the same machine. In most places, the Law provides for an allowance of 10 percent on the recorded speed. This ensures that motorists are treated with a measure of fairness, especially where they are making an effort to comply with the Laws, but may have a slight variance on their speedometer reading. More importantly, it ensures that the enforcement agency is covered for any malfunctioning of their measuring equipment. Not in Zambia! I have lost count of the number of people charged for travelling one kilometre over the speed limit.

In addition to this, the fine is K67,500 whether one is travelling three kilometres or thirty kilometres over the speed limit. Our Law needs to be updated to take care of these anomalies. If this is not done, motorists will blatantly disregard the speed limits and travel at excessive speeds, which will result in an increase in road accidents, and the resultant fatalities, injuries and other costs. Please don’t misunderstand me – I fully and actively support Law enforcement. It is the only way to prevent anarchy, but it must be done in accordance with the Laws that exist.

On a daily basis, motorists are being intimidated by Zacariah Phiri. This will only stop when motorists know their legal rights and insist that Zacariah Phiri gives them their legal rights. If Zacariah Phiri tries to intimidate you, get as much information as you can, including asking him (or her) for his name and number (which he is obliged by law to give you, although it seems common for them to refuse). Immediately contact the District Traffic Officer (DTO) at Lusaka Central Police Station (or the Police Station in the area) and make a report on what happened. If we do not make this effort, the situation will continue and we will have only ourselves to blame.

In conclusion, I must take my hat off to the officer who dealt with me. He was polite, pleasant and did not try to intimidate me or feed me with an incorrect interpretation of the Law. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said for the two ladies there. It was they who attempted to intimidate and misinform me.

Posted in 2000, 2000-08 | No Comments »

Livingstone News

Written By: The Lowdown - Aug• 31•00

Light at the end of the Tunnel
Many Livingstone tourist businesses have relied on ‘borrowing’ clients from Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe. Some businesses actually advertised themselves on the Zimbabwe page in the Getaway magazine in order to get clients to come to Zambia. Now, of course, all that has changed. There are very few tourists in Vic Falls Town and Zimbabwe is bad news to most tourists. Livingstone now has to stand alone and it is struggling. But, in the long run, it will be good for Livingstone.

Philip Couvaras of Sun International is very concerned about how Zambia, and Livingstone in particular, markets itself. He says that Zambia should not only portray itself with pictures of the lone canoeist or a mud hut. Zambia is much more special than that. At recent Travel shows in the region the Zambia stands have been busy and this proves that tourism in Zambia has a bright future as long as businesses can come up with the right product.

Here in Livingstone, the runway at the airport has been resurfaced and can now take international flights again. There are plans to revamp the airport buildings too – they have already been given a coat of paint. The Livingstone Council has been adamant that all shops in town clean up their premises before they can be given a Trading Licence – and it has worked. Livingstone has a fresh look about it and we are beginning to feel proud of our town. Once Sun International is operating the hotel, there will be plenty of much-needed quality accommodation for visitors and Sun is marketing Livingstone as a top destination. So, although there is little business in town there is lots of optimism for the future. And that is not all …

The Livingstone Museum
J Desmond Clark, Professor Emeritus of Paleaoarchaeology at the University of California, Berkeley, was the Director of the Livingstone Museum from 1937 to 1961. In April he was sent a newspaper cutting from a British newspaper which described the heavy rains and the subsequent roof collapse at the Livingstone Museum. He was obviously very concerned and alerted the International Federation of Library Associations. Through his investigations, it was found out that the European Union had appropriated US$200,000 for the Livingstone Museum. There are now emails flying all over the world as the International community tries to have this money made available quickly, to be used for the repairs and upgrading of the museum. It is reported that the money is already here and that the Zambian Government is about to sign the deal. Vincent Katanekwa, the Director of the Livingstone Museum, is very happy about the funding and hopes that it will get to the museum before the next rainy season. The library has been moved to the ground floor and the books are not in danger of being damaged but so much space is unusable as they wait for the next rains to come.

 

Livingstone Museum 001

 

 

Railway Museum
Another much-needed sponsorship for Livingstone is from NORAD who are assisting in the development of the National Heritage Conservation Commission. Funding which is due to arrive shortly will go to the Railway Museum which is in desperate need of repair. The Railway Museum is housed in the old Zambezi Sawmills Loco Sheds. The buildings are made of timber and some of the walls are about to collapse.

Railways 009

 

Mukuni Park
We are lucky in Livingstone to have the headquarters of the National Heritage Commission. They work tirelessly to protect Zambia’s heritage and they keep a special eye on Livingstone. Donald Chikumbi, the Director for the Southwest Region, has taken a keen interest on Livingstone’s Mukuni Park which has recently been sold by the Council to Stocks & Stocks for the development of a Shopping Complex (similar to Manda Hill). In a letter to Stocks & Stocks, Donald has pointed out to them that Mukuni Park is a heritage site and is thus protected by law. He states that Mukuni Park is the only protected historical garden in Zambia. Stocks & Stocks are therefore required to seek permission from the Commission for any planned development. National Heritage is very much against the development of the Park. Donald says that it is an integral part of Livingstone’s history. The first commercial and residential plots in Livingstone surrounded the Park (then called Barotse Centre) and were sold in 1905. He says that when the British South Africa Company planned the original Livingstone centre they understood the need for green areas in the township. The Barotse Centre was a place to walk, a place to meet friends, a place where children could play and it added beauty to the centre of the town. He feels that we must not destroy the historical aspect of Livingstone and that there is plenty of space available in Livingstone for modern developments of this kind.

Livingstone Festival of Light
Remember the Livingstone Festival of Lightwhich takes place from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August.

livingstone35

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A Bridge, Not Too Far

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 31•00

It had been a cold couple of days in Lusaka and I was relieved to be sent off to check out a new camp on the Luangwa River, and pleasantly warm it was.

Here’s the nice part – not a ten-hour drive across bad roads, but two and half hours of easy driving in my Corolla. The road winds picturesquely through the escarpment dividing the Zambezi and Luano Valley and finally drops down to the Luangwa River. The police at the roadblocks were friendly enough when I said I was going to Bridge Camp, although I suspect it was partly my good humour that helped.

A huge open-air market with a range of foods, pubs, basketwork, fish and cloth marks the turnoff to Luangwa town (formerly Feira), which is on the confluence of the Zambezi and Luangwa Rivers. Three kilometres of good dirt road brought me to the big bend on which Bridge Camp is built, not noticeable at first, as the nine chalets are hidden in the thickly wooded hillside with campsite and self-catering chalets on the road level. The stone lodge consists of kitchen, bathroom, and two large sitting and dining areas on a hill overlooking the river. Some lawns are well established and there is evidence of new developments, both building and gardening, going on during the weekdays. I noticed a playground for smaller children with a slide, swing, trampoline and sand heap, set out under shady trees.

The friendly camp manager Misheke Jere and cook Sunday Zulu met me on arrival. Misheke gave me a choice of four stone and thatch chalets with double or single beds with or without kid’s cots. All the chalets are slightly different in style. The main ablution block has two showers, with hot water, and two flushing toilets. Two more ablution blocks have been recently completed, each with another shower and flush toilet. On my tour around, I was shown “The Swing”, discretely hidden away, above the chalets. Its appeal was irresistible, and I found myself, like Tarzan, launching out eight metres above the camp. Fantastic feeling, but definitely not for the faint-hearted or young children. A full assault course, across the stream, is also on the cards.

Dugout on the river

Half an hour later, I went to check out the bar up at the main lodge. The view of the river is magnificent, and I justified having my first icy cold Mosi a little before sundowner time. Bar prices are reasonable, K2,500 for a Mosi, K1,500 for soft drinks, K4,000 a tot of whisky, and K2,000 a tot for gin, vodka and other spirits. A bottle of wine is K25,000 or you can buy by the glass.

As the sun disappeared behind the hills, the generator was started up. The lodge and chalets are fully wired with solar lighting, always comforting to know that there is a light, even after the generator has been switched off. My fellow guests began congregating at the bar, a pleasant mix of folks. An overland truck also pulled into the campsite, but was completely self- contained and they kept to themselves, although the driver did sneak away to join us at the bar for a beer or two.

Dinner was announced at 19.30. A three-course meal – soup and croutons, followed by cannelloni, prepared with pasta made by Sunday, with chicken curry and rice as an alternative, loads of veggies and salads. Just as we thought we couldn’t have managed another mouthful, dessert arrived – fresh fruit salad, cake, custard, cream or condensed milk – the owner Rolf Shenton’s particular favourite. Good value for US$12 per person.

Tea and coffee followed, and after a few more drinks, we all retired. I was very comfortable in my gauzed chalet and safe from any mosquitoes under a net.

Bridge Camp’s ‘cat-canoes’

Early the next morning early, we went out on the boats. Rolf has custom built his unique boats by joining two Canadian canoes with a central deck, and calls them “cat-canoes”. These boats give one a feeling of safety as they are more stable than ordinary canoes, and not as cramped. We motored up to the bridge, and then gently and quietly floated back to camp, spotting a variety of birds, water monitors, small crocs and plenty of evidence of hippo although we never saw one.   A two-hour round trip costs US$5 per person.

Breakfast was another table-laden affair, starting with cereals, then on to bacon, eggs, tomato, toast, tea and coffee. A full breakfast costs US$ 5 per person. I had already made my plans for the rest of the morning  – a good book on the lawns in the shade overlooking the river cooling off in the little plunge pool next to the verandah.

Lulled into a doze by the silence, broken only by a resident flock of red hornbills, the rest of the morning sped by, and it was time to eat again. The bar is open all the time, and as it was Saturday, I decided it was definitely time for some more Mosi refreshment. Lunch was another meal of gigantic proportions, again excellent value at U$8 per person, and after my coffee, I rolled off down the hill to my chalet for a siesta.

As the afternoon began to cool down, we decided that we should try our hand at some fishing from the bank. To date a total of nine different species have been caught and Rolf tempted us with an offer of one free night’s accommodation to anyone who could catch all nine species in one day. The challenge was on! Much conversation ensued about lines, bait, hooks, and although, we failed to catch many of the required nine fish, a good time was had by all.

After another good feed the following morning, I was feeling very sedentary, and thought I’d take a hike in the hills behind the camp. Gathering up some other guests, water bottles and walking shoes, we set off. It is quite easy walking with not much long grass, but quite rocky, and we managed to work up quite a sweat. Various birds were seen and it was great to have a good long walk in beautiful surroundings.

Back to camp, a quick dip in the pool, shower, yet another plateful of lunch and it was time to settle my bill (prices are in dollars but Misheke gave me a rate of K3,000 for a dollar so I happily paid in Kwacha) and hit the road home. A great relaxing social weekend, close to Lusaka at very reasonable prices – try it sometime soon.

Bridge across the Luangwa River, upstream from Bridge Camp

Bridge Camp was opened in October 1999, but only opened to the general public in April after the first guests, Phonix, finished the last section of the tar down to the river. Bridge Camp also offers two-day boat trips down to the Zambezi confluence and guided hikes up the Lunsemfwa River to the gorges. Various day hikes in the hills offer climbing opportunities and great views. Impala, kudu, klipspringer, baboon and an impressive array of birds and butterflies can been seen. Game scouts accompany hikers on longer hikes. Other tours to Mpata Gorge can be arranged.

Bridge Camp is not a plush, luxury camp, but all the basic necessities are available, and at US$ 40 per person per day for accommodation and meals, it is extremely good value for money.

Bookings can be made through Changa Changa Adventures

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From The Editor

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 01•00

We’re almost there – this is the last item to do for this issue and we seem to have got over most of the hitches we had last month, technical and otherwise. I would like to apologise for an error in the June issue, when I credited The Studio for design of the front cover. This should have been The Bureau.

Many of the independent schools will be closed during July and August and I can hear parents asking what they are going to do to keep the kids busy for almost two months. You can relax; there are a number of events being arranged for them. These are listed in the Wots Happening pages. In addition, we have two reviews of places to stay – Bridge Camp and the Luangwa Valley. So if you can get away for a couple of days, why not try them.

Just by chance, I discovered that Sakeji School in the North-Western Province will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary this month. Not many Lusakans have ever heard of Sakeji School and certainly very few have travelled there. But if you are a past student, they would love to have you attend their Reunion.

This month I have included an article on the maintenance and repair of our roads. I can hear my friends saying ‘I wondered how long it would take until she started writing about this?’. Roads, road safety, traffic and overloading are my favourite subjects, but I shall try to restrain myself so as not to bore you.

We are often guilty of complaining and moaning about things that are not right in Lusaka and in Zambia as a whole. Yet, there is so much going on and so much of it is positive. I have been truly amazed by the bits of information that cross my desk. The Wots Happening pages have been expanded to include events in August – I believe this will help you to plan which events you are going to attend.

Another example of the good things in Zambia are our local producers, which we tend to overlook because of all the beautifully packed, imported products that are available and which seem to fill up all the shelves. This month, we have highlighted one of our local success stories under Build Zambia, Buy Zambian. If we want Zambia to prosper, we need to support our local industries that are producing comparable (and often, better) products. If you manufacture consumer goods locally, please contact us, so that we can review your products.

At the end of this month, we shall again be moving offices and I hope that this will be the last in a long time. Unfortunately, I do not have the new telephone numbers yet, so if you need to contact us, please call us on 701397.

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Mazabuka News

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 01•00

New in Maz…..

Konkola Hypermarket! Fifty years ago, Ahmed Suleman Bhagoo founded a small general grocery store in Konkola , a small settlement south of Mazabuka. Were he alive today, he would be well satisfied with his family’s achievements in Mazabuka. A Hypermarket that rivals any of the very smart up-market supermarkets anywhere in the developing world was recently opened in Mazabuka, and in memory of their forbear who felt confident enough in the future of this country, the Bhagoo family have named this huge multi-purpose shopping  complex Konkola. They have echoed his confidence in the region, and in Zambia. Konkola is the brainchild of Ahmed’s grandson, Mohammed, who was understandably bursting with enthusiasm and pride when he showed us round the new Konkola just before it opened officially  A great deal of thought has gone into the complex which boasts a bakery, butchery, pharmacy, greengrocer’s, general groceries and a fast food cafe. It is all very “customer friendly”, and  exudes  class – from the well chosen logo which incorporates sugar cane and bags of wheat and maize (agriculture being the main industry in the area), to the scanners and security screens at the till points. Konkola management hope to support the local farming community by purchasing fresh produce from them whenever possible. It will also, of course, be a boon from an employment point of view, directly employing over a hundred people from the community. We wish the Bhagoo family all the very best with their  exciting new venture. It’s great to see Zambians with such confidence in their home town – and country!

Coming Up!

The Musikili School Art Exhibition

Hot on the heels of the tremendously successful Golf Day fund raiser, Musikili school are proud to present their annual Art Exhibition. Once again it’s being held in the Hellenic Hall on Kafue Road, and this year it will take place on Friday, July 14. Viewing starts at 17.00, and there’s a silent auction at 19.20. Paintings and craft  from  the cream of the local  and regional art world will be on display, and as usual a superb selection of cocktail snacks and wine will be served while discerning buyers view the exhibits. All welcome!

Fabric Painting Classes

Sarah Alexander is holding classes in fabric painting on a date to be advised during the month of July. Cost: K10,000 per session (approx. 2 hrs) , with two or three sessions planned. Fabric, stencils, paint and brushes will be provided, and all one needs to bring is a water soluble pen/marker. For further information, contact Sarah on 032 30666 or 30144 ext 2253.

Polo

Mazabuka Open

Although not as well supported be spectators this year, saw some first class polo, and a taste of great things to come for the rest of the season. Six teams took part in the tournament, and the winners, after a lapse last year, were, once again the Lonrho team who sneaked home to beat  Amanita in a very exciting finish. Amanita did, however, win the Polo scurry (a type of relay event).   Excellent meals were provided during the three day event, by  the team from Madhatters & Co.

Coming Up

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July – Zambia/Zimbabwe match in Lusaka.

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July –  Leopards Hill Polocrosse.

Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August – Lubombo Open

Outdoor Cooking Competition – We’ve postponed this to later in the year. Dateto be advised.

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Readers Have Their Say

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 01•00

I hope you will publish this contribution on rates used when calculating Dollar amounts to be charged to VISA card users.

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY  As the Kwacha loses value against the Dollar, it has become necessary to carry substantial heaps of money to do shopping. One way around this is by using a Barclays’ Connect Card or a VISA card. This is not only advantageous for the customer but for the shopkeeper as well, no chance of being robbed of that money. In the case of VISA there is the added advantage of cheap Dollars: K2820 per Dollar instead of K2950 (at this moment in time), 4.6% extra income. Even if a small percentage goes to VISA this is still a good deal. By receiving the money some time after the paying date there is also the real possibility of getting more Kwacha than at the day of the transaction.

Many shopkeepers are satisfied with these benefits, e.g. Shoprite and The Book Cellar. Some want more, a bit more (e.g. Game, K2800 per Dollar), or a lot more, for instance when buying CD’s in Sounds at Manda Hill. That prices of CD’s are relatively high is understandable because of transport to Zambia and a Dollar rate of K2950 (at least) in order to recover forex. A few CD’s thus quickly exceed the available money in the pocket, but luckily VISA is accepted. ‘Can you sign sir?’ (shocked) ‘I think you miscalculated.’ (confident) ‘No sir, I used a calculator.’

(suspicious) ‘What rate are you using?’ (barely audible)‘Two, seven, one, five.’ (loud voice) ‘You mean 2715?’ (bit embarrassed) ‘Ehhh, yes sir, that’s what we do here.’ (indignant) ‘Why don’t you use the bank rate?’

(plain) ‘It is the manager who decides on the rate.’ This ridiculous rate is not announced anywhere in the shop. The manager’s wife being around explained that it takes two months to receive the money, so they need to add a bit extra. ‘A bit extra?’ – another 3.9% extra profit. Which bank adds 3.9% to a Dollar account over a period of two months? Of course it is possible to return all CD’s to the shelves but with the whole family in eager anticipation and after spending half an hour looking around, this is not an easy decision.

This practice creates an unexpectedly large hole in the wallet. Why do some shopkeepers have a need to squeeze their customers, while others dealing with the same VISA do not? Is VISA aware how much their card users are put at a disadvantage in such places? Do they approve if they know? Can a greedy shopkeeper use any rate that pops up in his greedy mind? It seems there are no rules on what rates must be used and customers are at the mercy of shopkeepers. Some treat their customers respectably; others treat them like dirt.

I remember when ‘The Lowdown’ started reviewing restaurants in Lusaka. This quickly improved quality and service available. A comparison of rates used in shops, restaurants and hotels where VISA (and similar cards) is accepted seems a project worth undertaking. It will reveal shopkeepers and managers attitudes to their customers. It can also warn the general public which places to avoid, or enter only when armed with bags of cash.

Carl Beel, Kitwe

 

Congratulations. Your first edition as Editor of the Lusaka Lowdown was both informative and relevant. Your article on the cost of education in Zambia was well-researched and offered constructive solutions to parents who are desperately trying to keep their children home, whilst trying to cope with the financially crippling education costs which leave them with very few alternatives.

The information given on the Wimbledon Tournament made fascinating reading. With the final stages of the French Open coming to an end most of us look forward to Wimbledon and will somewhat appreciate the comfort of our favourite armchair as well as the convenience of watching it at home. The article was interesting and positive and made the reader feel better off than the poor bum queuing for hours without the guarantee of a good seat.

I am an avid reader and read everything and anything. If I want to hear about corruption, greed, poverty, natural as well as man-made disasters, crime, the deterioration of the economy etc., etc. I just need to turn on the television and focus on the variety of news channels available to get my fill. The new Lowdown offers light reading and entertainment, as well as being a great source of information.

A true heroine and icon of these modern times is Jane Raphaely (editor of SA Cosmopolitan/Femina/House and Leisure magazines) who I had the privilege of meeting in Cape Town. When I congratulated her on the success of twenty years of brilliant journalism, she told me just one vital word ….. HOPE! She said an editor is only truly successful when she can offer her readers hope!

By exposing the plight of the disabled in Charity Chase hope was given to the sufferers as well as informing the reader that there are still people out there willing to help.

Your mission of increasing this editorial to the broader Zambian community is long overdue and very welcome. Perhaps a survey would be in order to obtain the views of the entire population and not the previously targeted ‘expatriate few’. This can only add to the success of your magazine.

Finally, my best wishes go to you and your staff. I wish you only the best in the exciting step you have decided to take.

Karin, Lusaka

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The Livingstone Festival of Light

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 01•00

Livingstone, home to the adventure sports – bunji jumping, white water rafting, abseiling and boogie boarding, is now also celebrating its cultural heritage. Experience the coming alive of this usually sleepy town as it is overrun with local and international street theatre, bands, craft sellers and hordes of visitors. Theatre, music, art, craft, photographic exhibitions and football tournaments are just some of the wide variety of cultural events on offer at this year’s festival of the arts in Livingstone from 25 to 27 August.

The 1999 festival saw some of Zambia’s hottest acts being welcomed by the crowds. The favourites who are expected return to the stage in August include B-Sharp, No Parking Band and the acclaimed acapela group Amashiwi. A pumped up and improved street theatre program will bring the streets alive. The Children’s Steel Band, the Kafue Acro group, and Fountain of Hope are just some of the colourful street acts which will spill out along Mosi-oa-Tunya Road.

Adding to this year’s highlights are some international performers. British performance artists Anne Bean, who was born in Livingstone, bring an “adventure in music, sculpture and performance to dazzle the eyes, astonish the ears and stimulate the imagination of viewers with unorthodox magic.” Anne is a two-time winner of the Time Out Dance and Performance Award for her long standing contribution to live arts. She will also present a thermal imaging video installation work entitled “Radiant Fields”, based on writings from her childhood in Livingstone. Award-winning South African actors Andrew Buckland and Lionel Newton present their hit success “The Wellbeing” which has just received rave reviews at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) and in Stockholm. South African street theatre artistes Ellis Pearson and Bheki Mkwane will present “Skadonk”; Nicholas Ellenbogen’s Theatre for Africa will present a variety of their community theatre acts, developed in the Luangwa Valley and dealing with conservation issues. South African performance artists BDI will perform their unforgettable shows which astound audiences with their music, dance, UV and light shows. Drum Zone will perform a two-hour drum circle, and The Labyrinth, present a journey through sound and light. South African bands THC, ‘Love Animals’, ‘Band of Pan’ and ‘Asazi’ are also lined up for the programme. Transformation Farm will be setting up a trance tent with solar-powered sound.

On the local music scene Daddy Zemus is sure to woo the crowds with his top hits from the newly released “Chibaba” album. Other stars include the enigmatic Maureen Lilanda, Impact, B-Sharp, and the Lima Jazz Band. On the reggae front, groups Muvi Posse and Burning Youth will add a special groove, as will Kalindula Star, Pontiano Kaiche. For more alternative sounds the acapela group, City Prophets, and the Kalambo Hit Parade are not to be missed.

A new introduction to the festival is a series of children’s art Workshops involving painting, stone carving, basket making and printing techniques.

The craft market displays a variety of local handiwork, food stalls and bars and an Art Exhibition will be held in the town centre.

For art and music lovers the Livingstone festival promises a refreshing expose of quality performance. The setting is enhanced by its strategic location near one of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls, straddling the Zambezi River. For a weekend to remember don’t miss out on the cultural event of the year!

Please note that this programme is subject to change.

 

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Sakeji School celebrates its 75th Anniversary.

Written By: The Lowdown - Jul• 01•00

Sakeji School this month celebrates its’ 75th Anniversary. The school, which takes its name from the Sakeji River, a tributary of the Zambezi, is about 70 km north of Mwinilunga and about 600 km from Kitwe. It was founded in 1925 by Dr and Mrs Walter Fisher, initially so that missionaries in that area would not have to send their children away to school, and currently enrolled at the school are four of their great-great grandchildren. It is built on a low hill overlooking the Sakeji River, which provides not only hydro-electricity for the school but also a pleasant recreational environment for the 90 or so students, between the ages of 6 and 13, enroled at the school.

The Anniversary activities will take place from Wednesday 19 July until Saturday 22 July. The guests of honour will be Mrs Joy Molyneux (nee Gammon) and David and Pauline Foster. Mrs Molyneux was the first pupil enrolled at Sakeji in 1925 and is now in her 80s. She will be travelling from the UK for the event, accompanied by one of her sons, Gordon, who was also a student at Sakeji. David Foster was the Headmaster of the school between 1975 and 1994 and he and his wife will also be travelling from the UK to attend the Anniversary celebrations.

Former pupils and staff members from Europe, North American, New Zealand and, of course, Zambia and other parts of Africa, representing each decade of the school’s history, are expected during this week.

Planning of the Reunion started at least a year ago and those attending will be staying at the school, whether in tents or the main school buildings, during this period. The Principal, Matthew Raymond, has asked that local visitors bring tents and camping equipment, so that overseas visitors can be accommodated indoors, but if you plan to attend these celebrations, please register in advance with the school or with one of the persons assisting with co-ordination.

The activities commence on Wednesday with the official opening of the Administration building, followed by the Annual Dry Season Concert. On Thursday, a Service of Thanksgiving will be held, followed by a tour of the school and trips to places on interest in the area and then the showing of some Sakeji films, and singing, as well as skits and reminiscences by guests. Friday’s activities will be much the same and the Reunion will come to an end on Saturday after final devotions and lunch. In between the formal activities, there will be time for guests to meet informally and renew their friendships with their former classmates.

Sakeji souvenirs will be on sale throughout the Anniversary and anyone having memorabilia or wishing to contribute a paragraph or so of their memories are invited to do so, and these may be included in the  anniversary booklet.

If you are a former pupil and have not already made arrangements to attend the Anniversary, its’ not too late to do so now. The school which I attended celebrated its’ 100th birthday whilst I was still a student there and it was something I would not have missed. One had a feeling of being a part of something worthwhile – a part of a long-established tradition and a part of the country’s history. So take the time and pay a visit to your Alma Mater.

Sakeji, we wish you well and look forward to celebrating the next milestone in 2025. May you go from strength to strength.

For further information, contact: Sakeji School,  Satellite Tel:  +873-761-338668 (a only),  Satellite fax: +873-761-338669

 

 

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