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fortune gems withdrawal THE renowned Zimbabwean academic and political commentator Professor Jonathan Moyo has taken a swipe at South Africa’s handling of the political violence in Mozambique, labelling a statement issued by DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri as poorly conceived and diplomatically reckless. Phiri, a junior official in South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), issued the statement in response to the violence that erupted following Mozambique’s contested election results. He called for “urgent dialogue” to address the unrest, expressing South Africa’s readiness “to assist and work with SADC for a lasting solution.” In the statement, Phiri said, “Following the proclamation of final electoral results by the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, South Africa has noted with concern the ongoing violence and the subsequent disruptive protest in reaction to the announcement. South Africa calls on all parties to commit to an urgent dialogue that will heal the country and set it on a new political and developmental trajectory.” Prof. Moyo, however, criticized the statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting its shortcomings and accusing South Africa of engaging in “poor diplomacy.” He argued that the use of a junior official to comment on a crisis of such magnitude was a misstep, reflecting a lack of seriousness. “The situation in Mozambique is serious and warrants, at the very least, a ministerial statement,” Moyo posted. The former Zimbabwean government minister also took issue with the content of the statement, accusing South Africa of failing to condemn the violence outright. Instead, the statement merely urged “all parties to commit to dialogue,” which Moyo interpreted as a failure to demand an immediate and unconditional end to the unrest. — POVO NO PODER 🇲🇿 (@JerThaPlug) “What does South Africa know that the rest of SADC does not know?” Moyo questioned in his post, further criticising the suggestion that Mozambique’s dialogue should aim to set the country “on a new political and developmental trajectory.” He described this as an attempt to impose a predetermined outcome on Mozambique’s internal affairs, suggesting it might be pushing for a coalition government or a political arrangement resembling South Africa’s. Moyo contrasted the stance with South Africa’s own experience of violent unrest in July 2021, which left over 350 people dead. “When South Africa had its violent political riots... no one in the region prescribed a dialogue with a predetermined outcome to resolve that staggering violence. South Africa will do well to act likewise with regards to the situation in Mozambique,” he wrote. The academic also pointed to SADC’s existing mechanisms, including the Organ Troika currently led by Tanzania, as the appropriate platform for addressing the Mozambican crisis. “Letting a junior official like Phiri speak in the manner he did is poor diplomacy and a dereliction of leadership by his minister. Using a junior official to jump the gun will not silence the guns in Mozambique,” Moyo concluded. The situation in Mozambique remains tense, with opposition parties and civil society groups disputing the election results amid escalating violence. Moyo’s critique underscores the delicate nature of regional diplomacy and the potential consequences of South Africa’s approach to its neighbour’s turmoil.

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TIMMINS - The local services board has started it 2025 budget talks. At the Cochrane District Services Board’s (CDSB) on Nov. 21 meeting, board members were presented with the proposed budget. It includes an overall increase of 2.31 for operating expenditures and 7.5 per cent for capital, for a total hike of 9.82 per cent, or $2.1 million. Each of the member municipalities in the district, including Timmins, pay into the CDSB. The breakdown of what the increase means for municipalities was not included in the presentation. The board deferred the final decision on the budget to a future meeting, but it wasn’t specified it will be approved The budget discussions were centred around managing rising costs, maintaining services, and balancing the needs of municipalities and residents. Board members are waiting for funding announcements that could impact the final numbers, including potential funding for the Wellness Centre of Excellence/HART Hub project, which is not yet included in the budget. RELATED: Funding uncertainties make planning Timmins treatment difficult: Project lead “We serve a significant number of clients,” said Angela Delaurier, director of finance. “We hesitate to suggest dropping any of our services. But maintaining these services requires funding, and that’s the balancing act we have to perform.” Delaurier said the CDSB reviewed multiple budget scenarios before arriving at the current proposal. She noted that a balance had to be struck between rising costs and the expectations of the municipalities the CDSB serves. RELATED: CDSB performing core services preferred by most poll respondents “So what we then arrived at was including a portion of the new MCCSS (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services) funding to arrive at an operating expenditure increase between two and three percent which is in line with what the municipalities were expecting,” Delaurier said. “So that’s what we ended up with, and that is the scenario of operating expenditures that we are running with for both draft one and draft two.” A major source of financial pressure is the housing portfolio, which includes numerous aging buildings in need of significant repairs. Lindsay Cumming, director of housing, detailed the difficulties of maintaining social housing across the district, especially as CDSB prepares to receive its final round of federal funding for housing administration in 2026. “The burden has fallen on the municipalities to administer and maintain social housing units,” Cumming said. “We can argue the fairness of it, but unfortunately, we are not alone in the province in this. At the time, maybe it was a good idea. Buildings were fairly new and there was funding still attached.” Those buildings, some of which were constructed as early as 1962, are now approaching the end of their useful life, Cumming said. She emphasized the urgency of addressing repairs before the cost of maintaining these units becomes unsustainable. She used the 16-unit Winnipeg Street project in Kapuskasing as an example. “Winnipeg project alone is projecting $876,000 in the next five years in repairs needed, mechanical, electrical, fire alarm systems. It would take 828 years to save if we base it on the $1,000 per unit per year, which we know is not realistic or feasible. But it’s going to reach a critical point that if an increased investment is going, units won’t be habitable and will need to be closed down,” she said. The 24 senior housing units in Smooth Rock Falls need a projected $585,000 in repairs over the next five years, Cumming said. “Cracks in the centre blocks, HVAC, baseboards, heaters, sprinkler systems. What happens to Smooth Rock Falls if we can’t keep these buildings in good repair? That’s the only housing that Smooth Rock Falls has,” she said. The CDSB’s budget faces increased costs in virtually every department. While some services, such as children’s services, are seeing slight reductions in expenditure, overall costs are rising due to inflation, higher labour and construction material costs and the reduction in federal funding, Delaurier said. She pointed out that interest rates, while beneficial for mortgages, are negatively affecting interest revenue. “We’re expecting a reduction in federal funding and in interest revenue that’s due to the interest rates that are decreasing, as we can see,” Delaurier said. “So good for our mortgages, not good for our interest revenue.” As a result of these pressures, the CDSB revised its capital request for 2025. Originally, the board had requested a 132 per cent increase in capital funding to address urgent building repairs. However, after discussions with the audit and housing committees, this request was reduced to a 49 per cent increase, with some external projects deferred. “We reduced it to a 49 percent increase,” Delaurier said. “We did that by removing all external work, so any outdoor work, and we did remove a couple of other capital items.” Despite the reductions, Delaurier emphasized that repairs are still necessary to maintain the safety and habitability of the CDSB’s housing stock. While the budget proposal aims to balance expenditures, it also acknowledges that delaying essential repairs poses a significant risk, Cumming said. “Small issues like cracks and curving or fencing can escalate into larger structural problems and more expensive repairs. Neglected maintenance can also increase the likelihood of accidents or injuries,” she said. “So in the drafts, from option one down to the last option, we’ve reduced anything external fencing, parking lots, and curbs. They’re not necessary if you’re looking in view of having a home to house someone, but there is liability and risk that’s associated with those items as well, and the further we push them off, the more likelihood that it’s going to increase the cost down the road.” Cumming also pointed out that the limited funding available for repairs, combined with the aging housing stock, means that the CDSB will need to request more funding from municipalities to prevent further deterioration. “Unfortunately, the cost of construction materials and labour has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “These combined factors make it necessary to request more funding to cover the heightened expenses involved in keeping the facilities in good condition, ensuring that they are there to serve the community effectively.”Ghana has taken a significant step towards promoting Pan-African unity by approving visa-free travel for citizens of all African countries. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the policy on Wednesday, December 18, fulfilling a promise he made earlier this year. The move is expected to strengthen efforts towards greater economic and cultural integration across the continent. The policy, which will allow holders of African passports to enter Ghana without a visa, is set to come into effect on January 1, 2025, pending final arrangements by the Ghana Immigration Service. This makes Ghana the fifth African country to implement such a policy, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. The decision aligns with the African Union’s agenda of enabling the free movement of people, goods, and services as part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, which aims to create the largest single market in the world. In January 2024, at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in Ghana, President Akufo-Addo pledged his commitment to visa-free travel for Africans. Addressing delegates, he highlighted the importance of mobility for economic integration and unity on the continent. “The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans entering our country, and the process has begun,” he announced at the time. The Africa Prosperity Dialogues, which brings together over 2,000 business executives, political leaders, and other stakeholders, served as a platform for the President to reaffirm Ghana’s role in championing Pan-African ideals. The policy approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Ministry of the Interior, which have initiated the necessary steps to ensure its implementation. The policy is expected to address longstanding frustrations faced by African business leaders and travelers. Nigerian industrialist and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has often voiced concerns about the challenges of moving across the continent, citing the need to apply for dozens of visas to conduct business. Writing in the Financial Times, journalist Aanu Adeoye described visa restrictions as a major barrier to trade and cultural exchange in Africa, adding that simplifying travel is critical for the continent’s growth. Ghana’s leadership in this area has been welcomed as a step forward, especially as the country is home to the AfCFTA Secretariat and has a rich history of Pan-African advocacy, championed by its first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. While other parts of the continent, including Ethiopia, have been criticized for restrictive immigration policies, Ghana’s decision positions it as a leader in advancing the African Union’s vision of a borderless Africa. By implementing this visa-free policy, Ghana is not only fostering closer ties among African nations but also reinforcing its role in driving the continent’s integration and growth agenda.

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Changes abound for ISU footballOn another busy wrestling weekend, the unique format of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport returns for a 12th edition, headlined by the namesake taking on MVP. It will be the current AEW manager’s first action since July 2022 when he was still in WWE. Barnett is 2-1 in Bloodsport his year and is coming off a victory over Bad Dude Tito in July. WWE NXT will be represented as Charlie Dempsey returns for action against Akira, Myles Borne battles Royce Isaacs, and Karmen Petrovic goes one-on-one with Sumie Sakai. In a clash of former TNA champions, former World Champion Josh Alexander battles past rival and former X-Division titleholder “Speedball” Mike Bailey. TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich will battle fellow roster member Lei Ying Lee while another TNA star — Jody Threat — battles Death Riders enforcer Marina Shafir. In a clash of tag team partners, Kevin Ku and Dominic Garrini of Violence is Forever. ********** According to Dave Meltzer’s Daily Update , Akira will be off today’s Bloodsport XII show with an injury that he suffered last night in Illinois. Tracy Williams has been announced as Akira’s replacement; Williams will now take on Charlie Dempsey instead. Big “BLOOD-SPORT!” chant from the crowd at the top of the show. The ring announcer ran down Bloodsport rules before each of tonight’s wrestlers walked out to the ring, one by one. And we got one more “BLOOD-SPORT!” chant after everyone on the card was announced and lined up in the ring. Lou Nixon (1–1) defeated Calvin Tankman (2–4) via TKO The crowd gave Tankman a “WELCOME BACK!” and a “TANKMAN!” chant. Right out of the gate, Tankman leveled Nixon with a massive Avalanche that sent the Brit out of the ropeless ring. Nixon was back in the ring quickly trading kicks and palm strikes with the larger Tankman. Tankman slammed Nixon to the mat before Nixon locked Tankman in an ankle lock. Tankman punched his way out of the hold. Nixon later caught Tankman with a running elbow that he followed up with a few stomps for the TKO win. Nixon picks up his first-ever win in Bloodsport. Matt Makowski (2–3) vs. David Modzmanashvili (0–0)What to know about ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah

Looking for cheap ways to keep the kids entertained over school break? For travelers in the know, there’s a free vacation activity that’s hiding in plain sight. I don’t know about you, but anytime I get an inside view to a destination without the customized tour price, I gleefully take the wander win. A year or two ago, I was introduced to a new avocation I can enjoy anywhere in the world. It’s called geocaching, and it’s just about the most affordable way to enhance any travel outing I’ve ever seen. If you need a hobby the entire family can get behind, at any time of year and in any climate, look no further. From Antarctica to Ann Arbor, you’ve got options. All you need is a pen, a talent for finding hidden containers, and possibly a trinket or two to trade if you so choose. After that, it’s lather, rinse and repeat for affordable family fun on tap. Exploration With containers hidden around the world at historical locations, famous landmarks, scenic vistas and more, exploration is built into the geocaching equation. Game participants can explore their immediate local area, a bucket list destination, and nearly anywhere in between. The metaphorical magic behind this modern treasure hunt is provided by a company called Groundspeak, which manages score totals, event calendars, and container location data for members worldwide. Their headquarters in Seattle is a popular pit stop for long-time players. At the visitor center, you can find a cache, earn a souvenir, tour the geocaching museum and more. Economy As travel activities go, the affordability of geocaching is tough to beat. While premium accounts and paid apps are certainly available for more hard-core enthusiasts, the basic membership and smartphone software are free. Also, though exchanging inexpensive trinkets can be part of the cache-finding fun, it isn’t mandatory. You can simply search out a cache, and log the find. The economy of geocaching can apply to travelers of any budget. On the pricier end, certain caches can only be accessed with a passport and a trip abroad. Even then, I find it more affordable and fun to explore on foot while caching. On a recent extended trip to Europe, my logged locations included a castle, a Roman bridge and a quaint mountain village. The money I saved on packaged tours paid for two high-speed train tickets to Paris. If your vacation fund dictates a more modest getaway, there is plenty of adventure for you as well. Simply pull up the app on your phone to see what hides are available in your local area. These hidden stashes can be found on hiking trails, during an afternoon road trip or even at places you walk past on a regular basis. Efficiency Those who travel with hobby supplies in tow know firsthand that every bit of luggage space counts. Geocaching can be done with nothing more than a pen and a mobile phone. I try to find purse room for a small plastic bag stocked with a few extra log sheets, a small pair of tweezers and a couple of tiny trade items such as stickers, charms or mini erasers. It takes up less space than a pack of gum and lets me participate at a deeper level. Another way this game is incredibly space efficient? Souvenirs. In addition to trip memories and the electronic record of your overall game score, geocaching allows you to earn free digital souvenirs designed to represent the way in which they’re won. There are fun ones for completing specific challenges, visiting different states and countries, and attending special gatherings. There’s even one for finding a hidden code in some of NASA’s equipment footage from Mars! Since you can view these souvenirs from your phone, there’s no need to worry about finding room in your bag or lugging around extra weight. Events Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, long-term life on the road can feel isolating. This is especially true when you are only in a place for a short time, making it a challenge to form connections through traditional means. As geocaching has evolved, it has come to include not just physical caches, but events where members get together for any number of activities. Travelers can search out preplanned event caches at their selected destination, or schedule their own pop-up adventure for locals to attend. These meet-ups can focus on a range of interests from kayaking to a picnic spot, to poetry writing at a coffee shop, or going to a museum. I’ve even hosted a postcard making experience at one of my favorite beer joints. Attending and logging in at these social sessions counts as a cache find in your overall game total. Extras Events aren’t your only option for thinking outside the traditional container box. Adventure Lab caches are a great way to experience a new city as a geocacher. As with traditional and event caches, these vary widely. Expect anything from self-directed public art tours and searching out historical markers, to tips for finding favorite local swimming holes and suggested selfie spots. Other options include virtual and Earth caches, which are designed to help you learn specific things about the area. Typically, I’ve been required to submit photos or question answers as proof of completion. If you have a tiny bit of room in your trip bag, travel bugs are another neat geocaching extra. Typically a small novelty item attached to a coded tracking tag, a travel bug is registered in the app to a member, and placed in a cache. From there, another player can pick it up and take it to another hidden container for the next player to move along. All locations are documented in the system, so it’s a nifty way for folks to follow the journey of their item. Containers with room to house these trackable items tend to be a bit larger, and are often categorized as travel bug hotels. These are some of the more unique container caches out there. Hidden in locked urban junction boxes that require a code, secret compartments of little free libraries or even large containers in the woods, they can be a significant memory maker, especially for youngsters. If all this sounds like something you’d like to try, information for finding, making and hiding caches is available online. Geocaching.com , Groundspeak’s main user website for the hobby, offers a deep dive into everything a new player needs to know. Bottom line? Geocaching’s worldwide reach and affordability make it a budget travel win. Whether you want to see and save in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, or search out local options for family fun, this international scavenger-style hunt has something to offer. ________ (Lifestyle and travel expert @MyschaTheriault blends thrift and luxury to live well for less around the world.) ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Boston Bruins Alumni to play Berlin Senior Sabres at arena

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