Opinion

The key role played by the media in shaping public perception on COVID-19 in Sierra Leone

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 17:40:02 +0000

The key role played by the media in shaping public perception on COVID-19 in Sierra Leone admin Fri, 11/13/2020 - 17:40

Friday, November 13, 2020

Original Publisher

Local – Sierra Leone Concord Times

Original Article

The key role played by the media in shaping public perception on COVID-19 in Si…

November 13, 2020

By Ibrahim Tarawallie

Sierra Leone has been grappling with various health emergencies for the past six years. With one of the poorest health infrastructures in Africa, the country was at first devastated by the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola Virus in 2014, which killed 3,956 people. Like Ebola, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all facets of life in the country. Comparatively though, the infection rate of COVID-19 in the country is relatively low: 2,383 confirmed cases and 74 deaths as at Sunday November 8, 2020, compared to 14,124 confirmed cases and 3,956 deaths for Ebola. One of the contributors to the low infection rate of the Coronavirus is the significant role played by the media in creating awareness about the virus among the population.

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists

To enhance government’s capability in terms of effecting behavioral change leading to the general acceptability of the existence of COVID-19, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) strongly collaborated with the government in the fight against the pandemic.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of SLAJ, narrated the role played by his association in the fight against the pandemic.

“Before we even had the index case, and when news broke out of the pandemic spreading widely in countries, we were proactive enough to join the government in preparing the minds of the people that the virus was real and it was coming to Sierra Leone, and that it was just a matter of time,” he said.

He said a SLAJ Coronavirus Response Committee was established with a mandate to liaise with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for expert information on the virus so that journalists could have knowledge about the virus as well as understand the preventive measures.

SLAJ also established a national simulcast program on radio and TV, which was a clearing house for all information about the virus to dispel misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories about COVID-19.

According to Nasralla, the program was used as a platform to talk directly to the people and convince them about the existence of the virus, as well as proffering prevention mechanisms and measures to combat the spread.

“Beyond that, this program continued after we had our index case. During the lockdowns, the media was the source of all information and we collaborated with the Independent Radio Network (IRN) and other media groups to speak with one voice,” Nasralla noted.

The SLAJ president said people all over the country relied on the media for accurate information on the virus and also about what the government was doing, especially in areas such as care and prevention.

Despite not undertaking any survey to gauge the contribution of the media in the fight, Nasralla stated that the feedback from various sections of the society, including from the government and development partners, was positive as people seemed to have appreciated the message of prevention and compliance with health measures.

He encouraged his fellow journalists to observe all safety measures while reporting public health emergencies like the current COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that when the pandemic started, they issued out safety guidelines together with the Sierra Leone Reporters’ Union on how media houses should protect their members and guests coming into their radio and TV stations.

“We also provided information tips to journalists going out to get news on the virus, which is what we called self-preservation,” he added.

Coordinating the fight

When the pandemic broke out in Sierra Leone on 31 March 2020, the government set up a task force that was charged with coordinating the fight against the disease. The National Coronavirus Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC) is headed by the Minister of Defence, Brig. (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh, who served as the National Coordinator.

Communication Pillar Lead at NaCOVERC, Harold Thomas, said there were five strategies adopted to pass on critical information to the public on the pandemic, namely: Risk Communication plans and mechanisms, public communication, internal and partner communication and coordination, rumour management, and coordination and engagement with effected or targeted communities.

He however could not immediately provide details of the impact of the said strategies on the behaviour of the public towards the virus.

Traditional media remains key

With the advent of social media characterized by misinformation, the traditional media played a key role in creating balance amid the abundance of information being put out to the public. The public largely relied on the traditional media as sources of credible information about the pandemic.

Mabinty Aziza Mansaray, a student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management, said she trusted news coming from radio and television covering the Coronavirus pandemic in Sierra Leone.

“At first, I doubted the reality of the virus but when I started getting information on it from radio and television, I started taking measures to prevent myself and family from contracting the virus,” she said.

“I believe messages coming from the various media outlets helped Sierra Leoneans to understand what to do to keep themselves safe from the virus.”

She added that the media had been very instrumental because it did not only provide the platform for people leading the response to share useful information about the virus, but that the journalists themselves became the true harbingers of credible information.

“Journalists carried out public education during the Ebola outbreak and they are playing a similar role during this current Coronavirus pandemic,” she said.

Sierra Leone

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FBC Bank Launches Noku, Digital Banking Assistant on Whatsapp

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 11:10:01 +0000

FBC Bank Launches Noku, Digital Banking Assistant on Whatsapp admin Mon, 10/05/2020 - 11:10

Monday, October 5, 2020

Original Publisher

The Zimbabwe Independent

Original Article

FBC Bank Launches Noku, Digital Banking Assistant on Whatsapp

FBC Bank has announced the launch of Noku, a smart Digital Assistant who has been equipped with the capability of assisting clients with executing banking and insurance services on Whatsapp at any time of the day…24/7. Noku also allows anyone to open an FBC Instant Account or Mobile Moola wallet on WhatsApp without visiting a physical branch.

Existing FBC account-holders who are registered for Mobile Moola can start banking with Noku on Whatsapp by aving the number 0776 670 211 on their smartphones as a phone contact. Once Noku’s contact is saved ,one can
initiate a conversation with Noku in the same way they do when chatting with a friend or relative on whatsapp. One can start the conversation with Noku with any greeting message of their choice such as ‘Greetings’, ‘Hi’, ‘Whatsapp’, Etaa’, ‘Maswera sei?’ or ‘Ndeipi’ to start banking or insuring with Noku.
Noku, can serve clients with the following services:

Banking

Balance Enquiry
Mini Statement
Bill Payments
Internal Transfers
Zipit to Other Banks
Zipit to Cell
Mobile Banking Pin change
Block Card Functionality
Beneficiary Management
Insurance Services
Third party insurance
Third party and Zinara licence
Zinara licence only

Announcing the development, Roy Nyakunuwa(Acting Head- FBC Group
Marketing) said, “ FBC Bank is dedicated towards supporting sustainable
digital processes and creative innovations for driving the delivery of superb
service across click-only or digital banking channels. The bank takes pride in
utilising state-of-the art banking systems to offer exceptionally convenient
services to our valued clients. It is against this background that we have seen it
fit to develop Noku which is our gift to FBC Clients in line with our new
promise … You Matter Most ”
“ Noku is an extension of our mobile financal platform which is available on
the (*220#) platform. We launched Noku with a crystal-clear objective of
improving customer experience by allowing clients to transact on
Whatsapp. Noku enables customers to make use of the familiar Whatsapp
chat, which is more interactive and personal” added Roy Nyakunuwa.
FBC clients will enjoy the following benefits when banking or insuring with
Noku:
Instant access to banking and insurance services without the need to
visit a physical branch.
No need to download an additional application, client can use the
everyday chat messenger (WhatsApp)
Providing Banking Services on the preferred channel
Whatsapp is a cost effective communication channel
Can be used using social media bundles, Wi-Fi, and mobile data
Customer focused user experience
24/7 availability

FBC is a diversified and innovative financial services provider using technology to offer top-notch financial services to he market. The institution has driven simplicity by automating the account opening process for everyone
using a popular and user-friendly platform such as Whatsapp.

Issued on 17 September 2020

Roy Nyakunuwa- Acting Head of FBC Group Marketing
Group Marketing Division
FBC Centre, 45 Nelson Mandela Avenue
Harare, Zimbabwe
Phone : +263 242 707057/704608/783206
Cell : +263 731 306 861
Email : public.relations@fbc.co.zw
Website : www.fbc.co.zw

The post FBC Bank Launches Noku, Digital Banking Assistant on Whatsapp appeared first on The Zimbabwe Independent.

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Whistle blowing essential to democracy

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 13:50:01 +0000

Whistle blowing essential to democracy

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 13:50

Friday, June 17, 2022

Original Publisher

iWitness News

Original Article

Whistle blowing essential to democracy

By *Jomo Sanga Thomas (“Plain Talk” June 17, 2022) The news that two brothers from the wealthy Gupta family were...

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Hiring the best job candidates

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 08:20:01 +0000

Hiring the best job candidates

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admin Thu, 02/24/2022 - 08:20

Friday, February 11, 2022

Original Publisher

The Zimbabwe Independent

Original Article

Hiring the best job candidates

Based on my experience as an Occupational Psychologists, I have put together what I consider to be the best articles to guide you when looking for the best talent to hire.

The post Hiring the best job candidates appeared first on The Zimbabwe Independent.

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UK: Locardia Chidanyika on her work to empower Africans in the North East

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:40:01 +0000

UK: Locardia Chidanyika on her work to empower Africans in the North East

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admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 22:40

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Original Publisher

Diaspora Archives - NewZimbabwe.com

Original Article

UK: Locardia Chidanyika on her work to empower Africans in the North East

darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk

In the latest of a series of features based on a list of inspiring North East women put together by Middlesbrough Soroptimists, Jan Hunter speaks to the founder of a network set up to empower other Black Africans

“YOU educate a woman; you educate a nation,” says Locardia Chidanyika, founder and director of Women Today, who arrived in this country from a small town in Zimbabwe 18 years ago. She saw confusion and difficulties for families who had moved to the UK, who were experiencing a clash of cultures, and she was determined to help. She wanted to give a voice to Black African women on Teesside who were suffering, and to empower the younger generation through education.

“I came to this country and was made welcome. I found love and support and freedom here,” she says. “And I wanted to give something back. I had a happy childhood in Zimbabwe, but in the culture I grew up with, women are subservient to men, and are regarded as second-class citizens. Girls are seen as baby-making machines, therefore education for them is not important. Although things are improving in my country, around me there was general abuse towards women, and children were beaten by their parents, as a form of discipline. It was only when I got my education in the UK that I found out this was not normal; it was wrong.”

Locardia graduated with BSc Honours in Public Health and Well-Being and also gained MSc in Health Sciences, Public Health, from Teesside University. As a mother, she felt the whole family had to learn the language and the culture of the UK, and she had to let her children live the western way, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to integrate properly. By being a part of the community, they would all lead happier lives.

However, all around her she saw clashes. Social services were splitting up families as some children were showing signs of beatings, which was a normal pattern of discipline for African children.

“Also, some women have no idea what services are available for them such as smear tests and breast examinations. Public health and education are free and available to them and their children, and I wanted to spread the word,” says Locardia.” There was such a need for change, and my qualifications allowed me to understand what I had to do. I wanted to use my skills to help the community, and I got to know the right people and agencies that can help.

Locardia Chidanyika, founder and director of Women Today

Women Today began in a church Locardia attended in Middlesbrough, with the help of her pastor. Many of the women who came to her for support were migrants, and frightened refugees. Some couldn’t speak the language and were bewildered by the culture, so they were given instant help and support. They had much in common with Locardia and knew that she understood.

“There has to be a balance of remembering and being proud of where you came from, but also embracing the culture of the country you are now living in, and abiding by the law of the land,” she says. “I had to learn quickly about my new country, for my children’s sake. I had to adjust. I didn’t want to lose my children.”

Some of the sessions she runs are on women’s health, mental health, education, different cultures, women’s rights and services available in the UK. During the pandemic, she organised the delivery of food, as well as toiletries and sanitary products, to more than 300 households, extending her kindness to the elderly, people who lived alone, and who needed medication. With her team, she held regular Zoom meetings to help with mental health issues and fear, and also to help victims of domestic abuse, which was on the rise.

Locardia is known by many as an inspiring woman who has a caring and informal approach to helping others. She encourages those she meets to make positive changes in their lives and take ownership. She holds social events for all cultures, where African food is cooked and served and the community can mix and get to know each other. She is so highly thought of, because of her knowledge, compassion and empathy, that she is often called on to work with the police and other agencies.

In the early days of Women Today, she decided to take the organisation out of the church building, so as not to discourage non-Christians from seeking help. From this small beginning, Women Today has now reached Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, the Congo and the US. Locardia received the BBC Tees Radio 50’s Star Award in 2021 and a Civic Community Award from Middlesbrough College in 2019, which recognised the help she and her team have given to the community for improving education and capabilities.

“To me relationships are about love and being nice to each other,” she says. “I could see how women were struggling and I would have many sleepless nights, and would often weep, because of their struggles. I am trying to stop absorbing people’s difficulties and making them my own, but it’s hard. I am also aware that there is racism, but all too often the media focuses on the bad. I have found nothing but kindness and friendliness in this country that I love.”

The post UK: Locardia Chidanyika on her work to empower Africans in the North East appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.

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Lessons For Diaspora On How To Protect Property In Zimbabwe

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:40:01 +0000

Lessons For Diaspora On How To Protect Property In Zimbabwe

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admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 22:40

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Original Publisher

Diaspora Archives - NewZimbabwe.com

Original Article

Lessons For Diaspora On How To Protect Property In Zimbabwe

IF YOU own a vacant or an unoccupied property in Zimbabwe my suggestion is to verify if you still own that property.

The Zimbabwean property market is being dominated by absent buyers, due to over four million Zimbabweans who are now scattered all over the world.

Zimbabwe’s fraudsters have found a niche in the market and are now using technology for identity theft and then executing the title deed fraud.

Title deed fraud occurs when someone steals your identity, forges your name on a title deed, and takes title to your property.

While it may seem that it should be a simple matter to get your home back after becoming a victim of deed fraud, nothing in the law is very simple. The costs involved are high and it is a very stressful process.

In Zimbabwe, forged deeds and fraudulent title transfers are happening far more often than ordinary people believe. Title deed fraud is not a new idea but has been amplified by the use of new technology.

This problem has been around for decades, most commonly with vacant properties and especially involving deceased property owners, but is now on the increase due to areas with large numbers of vacant, unoccupied properties leaving property owners and investors at risk.

How does this happen?

Here’s how it goes down: the fraudster obtains a copy of your title deed from the deeds office. Remember, a Zimbabwean title deed consists of the name of the property owner, and their national identity number.

They use these details to embed them on a fake national identity (ID) card which is then produced as proof of ownership to an estate agent.

The agent’s lawyer will verify the owner of the property with the deed office when there is a request for a sale. The details of the deed and the ID details will of course be found to be identical.

Using the same ID the fraudster opens a bank account which, will receive the proceeds of the loot when a transaction is executed.

With the duplicate national ID and bank account now set up in the owners’ name, this is then used to sell the house. When the property is then sold to the new owner by the person impersonating the actual owner, the property title deed at the deeds offices is then updated making them the new legal owner.

This is done without the owner of the property even knowing.

There are probably some corrupt real estate agents, lawyers, and employees at the deeds office who are participants in these criminal activities.

Who is at risk?

If you own or are in the process of buying a property you could potentially be targeted, but some homeowners are more at risk than others.

You are more at risk of title deed fraud if:

– Your property is left vacant

– Your property is rented out

– You live overseas

– Your property does not have a mortgage against it

– Your identity has been stolen before

– Your property is not registered with the deeds office.

Some fraudsters are able to forge documents, commit fraud, steal the title deed to your property, sell the property to someone else and reap the proceeds.

They sometimes use their fraudulent ownership to access a lending tool and extract the home’s equity, leaving you in debt.

There is no better time to check if you still own your property than now title deed fraudsters are on the increase.

The post Lessons For Diaspora On How To Protect Property In Zimbabwe appeared first on NewZimbabwe.com.