Malema said that the session should enable legislators from all over the continent to share their experiences and also advise the AU about the types of programmes and legislations that can be implemented in order to unite the continent.
Mr. Malema described the opening address at the event by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame as a wonderful speech with more emphasis on free trade and free movement of persons in our continent.
“I think it is a very important message because we need to unite the continent. We can only do that if we move freely, if we move goods freely, if we’ve got one currency and, ultimately, we’ve got one continent under one leadership, with institutions that have got biting teeth-particularly on other countries that are engaged in corrupt activities and violation of human rights,” he said.
Asked about the problems facing the continent such as corruption and economic crises, on the sidelines of the gathering, Malema said Africa needs to have a judicial body that will deal with corruption and warned against it.
“We need to ensure we come up with one binding legislature for all African countries to ensure that they comply with anti-corruption programmes,” he said.
He blamed corruption for being at the heart of African underdevelopment and proposed that a judicial body on the continent would hold leaders accountable because many corrupt individuals on the continent go unpunished and, as a result, people think corruption pays.
The modern market was built in Kibeho Sector, Nyaruguru District by Aimable Nzizera, a private entrepreneur contracted by Nyaruguru District after winning a tender to build it at a cost of Rwf840,193,410.
It is said Aimable Nzizera has disappeared with wages for 120 people who worked during the construction of the market, with work completed worth Rwf529,493,460 of the total tender.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that he may be detained.
Some workers who worked at the site who talked to IGIHE say they have approached the District officials who promised to pay them but nothing was done since last December.
Valentine Musabyemariya says she stopped working her gardens to offer her labor at the site, expecting to get more income. She says she would wake up at 3 a.m to get to the construction site on time. She is owed Rwf32,000.
“When the construction of the market stopped, I was owed Rwf32,000. Living far from the construction site, we used to wake up at 3 a.m, so as to get to the site early. We had stopped our daily agriculture works hoping to earn more money,” says Musabyemariya.
The Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Affairs in Nyaruguru District, Janvier Gashema says the contractor disappeared when construction works were incomplete but the District is looking for ways of paying the workers.
“That contractor owes money to many people mostly those who supplied him with construction materials. He has problems with so many people but we just want to resolve our people’s issue,” said Gashema.
“I requested leaders of Kibeho Sector to call for a meeting with those who are owed debts so as to know the amount of money he owes them,” adds Gashema.
He says the contractor was paid money equal to the works he had completed with nothing left to compensate the workers.
Nyaruguru District Market was scheduled to be completed early 2018.
Gaston Hakizimana, Karambo Health Center Director says that they have committed to putting efforts in the initiative.
“It is necessary that when a mother has conceived, she should test and give birth at a health center. We are now going to conduct a special sensitization campaign to encourage mothers to always give birth at health centers because most of them die giving birth. There are those who die as a result of excessive bleeding, while babies succumb to pneumonia,” he noted, adding that on the contrary, when parents give birth at the hospital, those problems cannot take place.
Nemba Hospital director, Dr. Jean Baptiste Habimana says that in collaboration with ‘Impinja Ntizigapfe project’, loosely translated as ‘May Babies Don’t Die’, they committed to eradicating maternal and infant mortality. He adds that so far, they are optimistic for success.
“Every health centre and hospital has taken measures to see why in some cases, there are maternal and infant deaths. That is what we are looking for. In the lessons that we are given, we are with people who are related to the baby and the mother here, we get to exchange ideas that make us make a decision in looking for a solution, and I hope that we shall achieve it,” He said.
Gakenke District Vice-mayor, in charge of Social Affairs Catherine Uwimana says that measures to prevent maternal and infant mortality have been taken. However, she said that some parents have a negative attitude towards being tested where they claim being bewitched.
Today, Gakenke District has two referral hospitals; Ruli and Nemba. The district also has 23 health centers affiliated to the hospitals.
Since 2015, International Computer Driving License (ICDL) has been working with the Government of Rwanda to train Rwandans in ICDL programs to enable them to become digital experts, efficient users of the computer applications in the workplace.
ICDL provides knowledge and skills in using a computer and its applications.
ICDL Africa is a subsidiary of ICDL Foundation headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda and is responsible for the management and growth of the ICDL programme throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
ICDL Africa works directly with Governments across the continent to advocate for an international standard in digital skills among citizens in education and the workforce.
The Market Development Executive at ICDL Africa, Alice Umurerwa said that Rwanda, through Ministry of Information Technology & Communications chose seven modules that citizens can train in although the trainees can opt to learn more.
She said: “ICDL Africa office in Rwanda was established in 2015 before which the sub-Saharan African activities were being coordinated from South Africa. ICDL certificate guarantees candidates are equipped with computer skills and knowledge, being digitally competent, to successfully use computers in the workplace or for their day to day activities.”
She stated that ICDL together with its partners has experienced and knowledgeable trainers and that the skills learnt enhance the candidates’ productivity.
The skills learnt are not limited to office productivity but also helps the general population in terms of business development and sustainability plus always remaining secure while using the computers.
Ms. Umurerwa said that “we would be pleased to see the skills learnt through the programme empower and change the lives of Rwandans.”
The ICDL programme consists of a variety of modules that cover a wide range of digital skills. The modules are divided into four categories which include Introductory, Base, Intermediate and Advanced, covering the various levels of Digital Proficiency.
For the past 10 years, ICDL Africa has established a network of Accredited Test Centers (ATC) who offer both training and testing in the ICDL modules, to individuals and organizations in both the public and the private sector.
ICDL Africa has a network of 15 Accredited Tests Centers (ATC) in Rwanda among them Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and University of Tourism and Business (UTB).
The Coordinator of the ICDL Programme in the University of Business and Tourism (UTB), Asher Emmanuel said that ICDL programme is in line with the government’s digital talent policy which seeks a digitally literate workforce and population in general.
“In September 2017, we signed an agreement with ICDL Africa to be an institution that provides ICDL training, testing, and certification. Eight lecturers at the university were trained and they are playing a major role in facilitating training to the student population. We held an awareness campaign with the students about that programme and they are all willing to take the programme. Starting with 2018/2019 academic year, every student at UTB is required to train and certify in ICDL,” he said.
He emphasized that “Someone who trained in ICDL programme is able to do their research and work quickly which is the focus of the institution.”
UTB will offer certificates to at least 50 students who will have completed the seven modules that the university has set as the minimum in December this year.
ICDL Africa and the government of Rwanda through the former Ministry of Youth and ICT signed an MoU to certify 85,000 employees of central and local government and the public across Rwanda.
In January 2016 a pilot project was started for a period of nine months to train Civil Servants starting with the Security Sector.
The training was funded by the government through the National Capacity Building Secretariat. 146 candidates were trained, tested, and graduated in 4 base modules and 3 intermediate modules as per the MoU.
In 2018, Rwanda Revenue Authority became an accredited Test center and they target to train all their workforce in ICDL. A group of 40 staff members have been trained and certified in seven modules. The institution is focused to have in-house training for their staff and that is why they certified 20 of the staff trained to be trainers.
ICDL also operates globally throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Mukashema, a senior 2 student told IGIHE that she has been saving since 2016 when she was in P6. She has now saved Rwf240,000.
“I found out that I used to spend a lot of money per day. So, I started saving. My mother would give me Rwf100 to buy myself a doughnut and kept it. Now, I have Rwf240,000,” she says.
Mukashema says that if she were to complete her ordinary level studies and lack means to continue, she would use her savings to pursue her advanced level studies.
She says that at times she grows crops for sale and saves the earnings.
She also belongs to a local dancing troupe from which she earns and saves. Mukashema’s mother Marie Rose Nyiransengimana says that apart from the savings, her daughter also rears two billy goats and three rabbits worth Rwf50,000 also bought with her savings.
“When I give her Rwf100 to buy a doughnut, she keeps it on her account. Thanks to her savings, she can now buy her own shoes and clothes on her own,” she says.
In 2016, the school located in Gihango Sector started encouraging students to save money in groups in a bid to reduce the number of students who drop out of school owing to lack of basic materials.
They formed groups in the “Mfite Icyerekezo” initiative, loosely translated into English as “I have a vision.”
The teacher in charge of this initiative Marie France Usanase told IGIHE that they have different ways of saving. For instance, she noted a student may bring Rwf5000 per week.
“If you count from last year, for instance, you’ll find out that a student who saved Rwf5000 per week would have saved Rwf500, 000.” She said.
However, she noted that at times the students may have problems and decide to withdraw the money or buy domestic animals.
The school has 12 saving groups for ordinary level students, one comprised of between 25 and 30 members.
Groupe Scolaire Congo Nil Headteacher Priest Paul Maniragaba reveals to IGIHE that since this initiative was created, students have not been dropping out of school.
He adds that even when a student does not have the money to buy something they need, teachers may lend them some money and pay back later.
The school authority posits that this initiative may be a sustainable solution to children that abandon school and serve as an example to other schools.
The school counts 25 students including 16 who dropped out of school in 2017 while this year, 4 other students dropped out while 12 among those who had dropped out last year returned thanks to the savings initiative.
The team with sophisticated equipment with which they will use to treat about 500 patients, will be carrying out the exercise for the second time in a week dedicated to treating digestive diseases starting Monday to Friday, October 26, 2018. It is organized by the Rwanda Society for Endoscopy (RSE).
The RSE director general, Dr. Vincent Dusabejambo said that the number of patients to be treated is bound to increase this time because previously, a team of 12 specialists treated 240 patients compared to the current team of 23.
“Last time, there were 12 specialists. This year we have got a team of 23 as well as nurses and physicians who are experts in manipulating medical equipment in gastroenterology. We were able to treat 240 patients, and this year we expect that number to double to between 400 and 500 patients during this week,” he said.
He further said that hospitals in Rwanda benefit a lot from the stakeholders both in accessing sophisticated equipment and training their fellow physicians in Rwanda about diagnosing a variety of gastric disorders, cancers and diseases of the pancreas and biliary system.
Meanwhile, Dusabejambo also said that all the specialists leave all their equipment in Rwanda. He says that when they were last in Rwanda, the team left equipment worth roughly US$250. This time around, they came with medical equipment worth US$350 plus other expensive machines that are used in that field. He noted that all this is aimed at giving Rwandans access to modern medical services during the week.
Prof. Steve Bensen, head of the team remarked that he was pleased with Rwanda’s performance in the health sector where he last led the team last year, motivating him to bring the experts again this year.
“Last year, the diseases treatment week was well completed and we committed ourselves to make it our own. But for example last year, we did not train to the extent we had wanted to. This year, we will take two days training doctors. We will also increase the number of patients we will treat because we have got more equipment, he said.
The cooperative was comprised of members who contributed Rwf25,000 to launch a simple cassava processing plant which later closed under unclear circumstances.
The problems were revealed in discussions organized by Pax Press, a network of journalists promoting peace, human rights, and democracy in Rwanda, and brought together authorities and residents.
Authorities urged the residents to be vigilant in controlling the functioning of the cooperative and not to withstand anyone that puts their resources to waste.
Elina Mukankusi, one of the farmers and member of the cooperative said; “The plant is not functional yet on its commencement, we were required to pay Rwf25,000 for membership. We don’t know how the closure came about.”
Jeannette Akingeneye, also a cooperative said that the problem they have been facing is that the plant closed when those who had supplied it with cassava had not been paid yet.
“They don’t know when they will get their money and who will pay them. We asked about it and they told us that the cooperative manager went missing.”
Urugangazi new manager Jean Marie Vianney Munan also confirms that the first manager went missing.
“We used to pay the residents who supplied cassava in groups. No one would supply cassava on their own. So, no group complained that any of its members were not paid. Those who have the problem may ask about in their respective groups. We received no problem from anyone that wasn’t paid.” He explained.
Nyanza District Mayor, Erasme Ntazinda urged residents not to close their eyes while their assets are not well managed.
“There are things that we have just known such as a group whose members say that they have not been paid yet, and we are going to follow up that problem. I once again remind residents, cooperative members not to wait until things get worse and complain. We urge them to follow up the functioning of the cooperative they belong to on a daily basis,” he said.
Muhanga FC who finished second in the Second Division League to qualify for a promotion to the first division defeated Police FC 2-1 in a game staged at Muhanga Stadium in Muhanga District on Sunday.
Yannick Bizimana and Aime Ntirushwa scored for the hosts while Eric Ngendahimana netted a consolation goal for the visitors who finished six in the last season.
The 2018/19 Azam Rwanda Premier League (ARPL), Rwanda’s national football league division, sponsored by Azam TV, kicked off on Friday, October 19, 2018, when APR FC, the incumbent champions were handed the 2017/18 trophy before beating Amagaju FC 2-0 at Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo.
APR FC won the league title in July this year with 66 points but the crowning ceremony had to be postponed due to the regional club and continental national team engagements, and Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) opted to hand-over the 17th trophy title on the opening day of the season.
Muhadjir Hakizimana, the reigning ARPL best player and left winger Dominique Savio Nshuti scored for the military side to start the title-defending campaign on a high note.
The action continued on Saturday, October 20, when Rayon Sports traveled to Rubavu District and beat Ettincelles 1-0.
Burundian born forward Bonfils Caleb Bimenyimana scored for the ARPL 2017/18 winners with Brazilian Roberto Oliveira Goncalves do Carmo as the head coach for his first full season since joining the eight-time champions in May replacing Belgian Ivan Minnaert who has joined Libyan side Al-Itihad as head coach.
In other games on Saturday, Espoir FC traveled from Rusizi District in West to Northern Province to hold Gicumbi FC to a goalless draw in a game at Gicumbi Stadium while Kirehe Football Club was beaten home 0-2 by SC Kiyovu whose goals were netted by their skipper Alexis Ngirimana and Innocent Habyarimana.
Huye based Mukura Victory Sports defeated Sunrise FC away from Nyagatare District 1-0 in a game that saw the hosts reduced to ten men as Alexis Nkomezi was sent off for a second yellow card he was shown for fouling Espoir’s Mamadou Mbazumutima in the 59th minute.
Hussein Ciza was the only player on the score sheet as he netted for the hosts in the 17th minute of the game that was played at Huye Stadium in South.
While Muhanga FC gave Police FC Zambian coach Albert Mphande a tough season start on Sunday, the Kigali City sponsored side, AS Kigali could not get the three points against visitors Musanze FC with their clash ending in a 1-1 draw.
Assisted by Ugandan born Mohammed Med, Japhet Imurora netted for the visitors five minutes before halftime and Jean Claude Ndarusanze, the last season top scorer, equalized only 80 seconds after the start of second half of the game that Juma Masudi, AS Kigali new coach watched in the stands before he starts his job on Monday.
At Umuganda Stadium, home in Rubavu District, Marines FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Bugesera FC who got an equalizer by Djihad Rucogoza who scored to make it 1-1 in the second half after the hosts had opened the scores through Benjamin Tuyishime who converted a well-taken penalty in the 26th minute to give his side a halftime lead.
The Azam Rwanda Premier League 2018/19 match day two will continue on Friday, October 26 when Police FC host Espoir FC at Kicukir Stadium while SC Kiyovu clash with Marines FC at Umumena Stadium.
On Saturday, October 27, title defenders APR FC will travel to North for a tie against Musanze FC while AS Kigali clash with Kirehe FC at Nyakarambi Stadium.
Rayon Sports will face Mukura VS at Kigali Stadium three months after Mukura defeated them 3-1 on penalties to win Peace Cup 2018 and qualified to the CAF Confederation Cup 2018 while AS Kigali visit Kirehe FC at Nyakarambi Stadium among big matches.
As a new CEO, Sanday will be running all programs of EPD and implementing its new strategic plan while working closely with the board to craft, create a strategic pathway of the organization.
He comes with vast knowledge, skills and experience in the energy sector and business value creation in Rwanda. Since 2016 he joined EPD as project manager of Shell Foundation partnership, where he participates greatly in the off-grid policy formation, building traction with various stakeholders affiliated with the sector and advocacy of the energy sector. This has resulted in him gaining more experience in the sector and management of the association.
From 2011-2014, he served as a senior officer in Rwanda Development Board RDB as an Asset and Business management senior officer. Sanday was in charge of the privatization and M&E unit for Government assets where he gained experience in business and corporate value management practices.
He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management in California, USA and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, USA and Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Hannibal La Grange College.
Sanday will play a vital role in realizing EPD’s vision of universal energy access to all homes in Rwanda and he believes that achieving such target in Rwanda requires a viable, vibrant and innovative private sector.
As an independent professional association, EPD coordinates constructive dialogue between the public and private Rwandan renewable energy sectors. By sharing information and advocating for a positive working environment for the private sector, they are supporting Rwanda’s government Electrification Goal of bringing 100% electrification by 2024.
EPD works with different stakeholders such as; The Private sector Federation of Rwanda “PSF”, Government of Rwanda “Ministry of Infrastructure”, “Rwanda Development Board” and “Rwanda Energy Group (REG/EDCL)”, International Development agencies such as Power Africa, DFID, EnDEV, GIZ, and more. All the above work together to address critical issues in the Energy sector and pave a way forward through which the sector can grow and thrive.
EPD has a membership of more than 100 private enterprises in multiple energy sectors including solar, hydro, LPG gas, biomass, biogas, methane gas and more.
EPD is one of the 5 associations composing the Chamber of Industry under the Private Sector Federation (PSF) of Rwanda. EPD focuses on advocacy of its members, encouraging collaboration and partnership for the development of the energy sector in Rwanda.
Mostly aged between 7 and 16, some of them are seen at quarry sites still dressed in their school uniforms engaged in different activities at the quarries.
Local residents say that most of the children have abandoned school while they (children) say they only go to quarries after attending school.
When journalists asked them why they abandon school for mine work , one of them aged 7 said it is because of hunger that they have chosen to look for odd jobs to get money they can use to buy food. They say they do not find enough to eat at home.
“What do you do when you come home back from school and find that there is nothing to eat?” one of the children IGIHE talked to was wondering.
Another said; “I study in P3. I went to school in the morning and when I returned, I found no food at home. So, I decided to come here to look for money,” he said.
However, because they are not able to extract minerals, the children choose to filter the remains.
They all say that none of them goes back without at least Rwf2000 at the end of the day.
The parents say that most of the children that work in quarries are those who became disobedient to their parents.
They also say that the children attend the quarries in the evenings, get drunk and are a threat to their security.
“We have a problem of small children who have abandoned school for mining but what is even so saddening is that they waste the money they earn by buying doughnuts and drugs after which in the evening, they disturb security,” one resident said.
Remera Sector Executive Secretary Marcelline Mukamana told IGIHE that authorities are aware of this challenge and they are looking for a sustainable solution.
“We know that problem but we thought that only adults work in quarries. They are doing it illegally. We usually send DASSO local security guards to prohibit and warn residents from that exercise because they don’t have the right to do it,” she said.
She further says that the quarries were previously exploited by ROKA Rwanda– the leading ore mining, processing and exporting company in the country, but their contract expired and there has not been another company to take over yet. This is why local residents started trespassing on the quarries, she explained.
However, she said that in collaboration with the District, there are two companies that have submitted bids for the quarry and may start exploiting it soon.
As for children that abandon school for Mining, Mukamana said they often work in quarries when they are back from school but the authority is going to do its best to solve the problem in collaboration with parents.
Rwandan law stipulates that any child below 17 years of age is prohibited from working in quarries.
