Latest news with #Burger
Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Zimbabwe's farmers push on as land grab compensation flounders
KWEKWE: In a field of paprika plants in the heart of Zimbabwe, fourth-generation farmer Daniel Burger and relative newcomer Miriam Mupambawashe discuss the quality of the crop. Burger, 36, and Mupambawashe, 59, are neighbors and partners in efforts to revive the country's once-flourishing agriculture sector cut down by a ruinous land reform drive in the 2000s. The reform distributed land from the white minority, which still owned most of the best farmland 20 years after independence in 1980, to the black majority. Around 4,000 white-owned farms were confiscated, some with deadly violence. Mupambawashe was among thousands who received land. Though she initially knew little about farming, her small subsistence plot now thrives. Other farms failed or were abandoned, with some new tenants unschooled in agriculture and others—including politicians who were handed land—uninterested. There were food shortages and Zimbabwe soon required international aid. 'There was a bit of a tough period through the 2000s and, unfortunately, I think it sort of refuelled racial tensions to an extent,' Burger told AFP. 'But being so passionate about farming was the motivator for me to move forward,' he said. Good faith Mupambawashe moved to the area from the southern city of Bulawayo, around 200 kilometers away. 'When we first came here in 2001, it was a forest and there was nothing built,' she said. 'Some of the white farmers were angry but we managed to talk to each other in good faith and move forward.' 'They never let us down and said, 'You grabbed the farm, let's see if you can do it'. But instead they brought their own tractors and equipment to come and help, which we felt was a nice gesture.' It was hard in the beginning, especially after irrigation equipment was stolen, and the early failures were 'embarrassing', Mupambawashe said. But today her plot does so well that she only needs to buy in sugar and cooking oil. Burger leases land from her and lends tractors and expertise. His family's land was among the few hundreds that were not seized in the 2000s. Nonetheless, 'For a long time we became wound up in compensation,' said Burger, vice-president of the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) that represents mostly white farmers. 'But it wasn't our purpose. Our purpose was driving agriculture and current agricultural affairs forward,' he said. Compensation frustration This year, some farm owners whose land was confiscated received the first compensation payments after decades of waiting. The process has been complex and divisive. The government committed to compensation as part of an effort to settle arrears and reform the economy in order to be able to regain access to international credit lines cut two decades ago. It announced in 2020 the creation of a fund that would pay out US$3.5 billion for infrastructure on farms but not the land, which it says was taken by force by colonial settlers. Unable to raise cash, the government in 2023 changed the offer to one percent in cash and the remainder in US dollar denominated treasury bonds. In April, the first payments were made to 378 of 780 farmers approved for this scheme. Deon Theron, who represents the Compensation Steering Committee group of former white farmers, says the introduction of the bonds has annulled the original deal and negotiations need to start over. The bonds are 'unsecured' and there is 'limited recourse in the event of non-performance by government,' he told AFP. 'The general feeling amongst the farmers is firstly frustration that after 20-odd years we still have not received anything,' Theron said. But the Property and Farm Compensation Association said its members would take what is on offer. The bonds are under international guarantee, said leader Harry Orphanides, adding that 'digging in' and seeking more from the government would be futile. Tenure Mupambawashe and Burger are encouraged by another major government announcement—the granting of land ownership rights to beneficiaries of the 2000s land reform. The tenure announced late last year replaces 99-year leases and means the new owners can deal with the property as they wish, including putting it up for sale. 'It makes us feel settled,' Mupambawashe said. 'No one could come and tell us to move off the land or take it away from us.' 'It is just going to catapult us forward as a nation and an economy,' Burger said. 'We used to be the breadbasket of Africa and we lost it somewhat. But I just look at where we are now.'- AFP
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Centurion band charts independent path to success
Centurion band Vabond has been forging ahead since its explosive debut on the South African music scene last year, after winning Best Alternative Single at the Afri Indie Awards for the track 'Roll the Dice'. LISTEN: In just over a year, this seasoned five-piece has shifted gears from being the new kid on the block to a serious contender, carving out a unique space in South Africa's rock landscape. Now, the band is focused on completing its highly anticipated debut album, which is expected to be released soon. Guitarist and founding member Andre Liebenberg, also known as 'The Traveller', recently told Rekord that the band has poured its heart into crafting something truly special. 'We're focusing more on the album than performances right now. Once it's ready, we're planning a big launch,' he said. He added that the band has also submitted new music for the next Afri Indie Awards cycle. The band's journey began just over a year ago when Liebenberg and drummer Jimmy Burger started jamming together in late December 2023. By January 2024, guitarist Steve Doble had joined, followed by vocalists Philip Marensky and Brad Cunningham, completing the five-piece lineup. Liebenberg stated that it was evident from their initial rehearsal that they were on a unique path. Since its formation, Vabond has been making waves despite some notable challenges. 'One of the biggest things we've had to navigate is doing all this without the support of a major record label,' Liebenberg said. 'Getting our name and music out there has mostly been up to us.' He said much of their promotional work has been spearheaded by Burger, whose understanding of social media and branding has helped the band gain traction. Despite operating independently, Vabond has maintained a strong work ethic and a clear artistic vision. Liebenberg explained that winning awards hasn't changed how the group approaches its music. 'We've always held ourselves to a high standard. For me, it's about honest music and striving for excellence, whether it's with the band or my solo work.' He noted that the band's creative process is a true collaboration, with members contributing lyrics, themes, musical structures, and riffs. Each member brings something different to the table. 'I often handle musical structures and ideas, while someone like Burger might come with a full lyric concept.' One of the group's defining features is their dual lead vocalists, Marensky and Cunningham, a duo that has added richness to their sound and set them apart from other rock outfits. Liebenberg shared how their bilingual song 'Staan op en Sing' (Stand Up and Sing/Shout) became a radio hit, reaching #1 on Lekker FM's Top 20 for several weeks. 'We're a bunch of older guys doing a classic rock sound, and the South African music scene has responded really well to that,' he said. He noted that, while they're not the first Afrikaans rock band, they have a distinct flavour due to their age, experience, and commitment to quality musicianship. Age has been a quiet strength for the band. The members range from 40 to 55 years old and bring decades of musical experience. 'The biggest thing we have learnt about the industry is to always leave your ego behind. That's probably something young musicians can learn from us.' Liebenberg added that this humility and unity have proven crucial to their rapid progress. Looking ahead, the band has ambitious plans for 2025, including playing at major music festivals and touring to promote their debut album. 'We're not aiming for pub gigs. We want the festival stages, the big venues where bands really belong,' he said. The group is also exploring collaborations, with one of their upcoming songs currently in production. 'We're open to working with more artists. The local music scene is tight-knit, and everybody knows each other, which makes collaboration exciting,' said Liebenberg. He also shared a simple but powerful message with their fans. 'You've got one life: live it. Rock out. Have fun. But don't sacrifice excellence,' he said. 'A lot of modern music trades skill for popularity. We want to prove you can still make intelligent, well-crafted music and enjoy every minute of it.' Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Texas Map Shows Cities Where Sea Level Rise is Accelerating
Several coastal cities in Texas are facing rising sea levels that could impact infrastructure and homes, according to new data. Research from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science has revealed that some of the highest sea level rises in the United States are along the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S.'s coastline is densely populated and will be vulnerable to more frequent and intense flooding, coastal erosion, and the loss of critical infrastructure as sea levels continue to rise. In particular, Texas has many cities and towns located along the Gulf Coast. These sea level changes will profoundly impact life in some of the country's largest cities and could even lead to the displacement of communities. The 2024 sea level analysis, based on 55 years of data from tide gauges across 36 U.S. coastal communities, uses historical measurements at specific locations, meaning each city has a specific sea level increase. According to the data, mapped by Newsweek, three cities in Texas reported high sea level rises in 2024. Rockport saw the highest recorded rise, at 7.1 millimeters a year, while Galveston saw a rise of 6.8 millimeters. Port Isabel, meanwhile, recorded a sea level rise rate of 5.2 millimeters a year. All three cities are heavily exposed to the Gulf. However, other cities along the Gulf coastline in different states reported significantly lower sea level rises. In Florida, cities like Pensacola and Cedar Key reported increases of less than 4 millimeters per year, and even Key West, which is located on an island separated from the Florida mainland, reported just 3.6 millimeters, roughly half that of Rockport. Piper Wallingford, Climate Resilience Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, told Newsweek: "Rising sea levels that we see today are primarily caused by warmer temperatures associated with climate change. As the planet warms, the oceans are undergoing thermal expansion, where warm water takes up more space than cooler water. "Warmer global temperatures are also causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt, adding additional water to the oceans. Local conditions like topography and erosion can lead to faster or slower rates compared to the global average, but overall sea level rise is expected to accelerate in the next century as further greenhouse gas emissions create feedback loops." If sea levels continue to rise, urban areas may need to consider drastic measures to prevent flooding and other disruptions to city life. Related Articles Elon Musk's Starbase City Warns Residents Over Property RightsCensors Allowed to Remove Books From Libraries, Court Rules'Trump Burger' Gets Scathing Reviews From Food Critics: 'Bland'More Property Tax Relief Coming For Texans 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Zimbabwe's farmers push on as land grab compensation flounders
Burger, 36, and Mupambawashe, 59, are neighbours and partners in efforts to revive the country's once-flourishing agriculture sector cut down by a ruinous land reform drive in the 2000s. The reform distributed land from the white minority, which still owned most of the best farmland 20 years after independence in 1980, to the black majority. Around 4,000 white-owned farms were confiscated, some with deadly violence. Mupambawashe was among thousands who received land. Though she initially knew little about farming, her small subsistence plot now thrives. Other farms failed or were abandoned, with some new tenants unschooled in agriculture and others — including politicians who were handed land — uninterested. There were food shortages and Zimbabwe soon required international aid. 'There was a bit of a tough period through the 2000s and, unfortunately, I think it sort of refuelled racial tensions to an extent,' Burger told AFP. 'But being so passionate about farming was the motivator for me to move forward,' he said. Good faith Mupambawashe moved to the area from the southern city of Bulawayo, around 200 kilometres (125 miles) away. 'When we first came here in 2001, it was a forest and there was nothing built,' she said. 'Some of the white farmers were angry but we managed to talk to each other in good faith and move forward.' 'They never let us down and said, 'You grabbed the farm, let's see if you can do it'. But instead they brought their own tractors and equipment to come and help, which we felt was a nice gesture.' It was hard in the beginning, especially after irrigation equipment was stolen, and the early failures were 'embarrassing', Mupambawashe said. But today her plot does so well that she only needs to buy in sugar and cooking oil. Burger leases land from her and lends tractors and expertise. His family's land was among the few hundreds that were not seized in the 2000s. Nonetheless, 'For a long time we became wound up in compensation,' said Burger, vice-president of the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) that represents mostly white farmers. 'But it wasn't our purpose. Our purpose was driving agriculture and current agricultural affairs forward,' he said. Compensation frustration This year, some farm owners whose land was confiscated received the first compensation payments after decades of waiting. The process has been complex and divisive. The government committed to compensation as part of an effort to settle arrears and reform the economy in order to be able to regain access to international credit lines cut two decades ago. It announced in 2020 the creation of a fund that would pay out US$3.5 billion for infrastructure on farms but not the land, which it says was taken by force by colonial settlers. Unable to raise cash, the government in 2023 changed the offer to one percent in cash and the remainder in US dollar denominated treasury bonds. In April, the first payments were made to 378 of 780 farmers approved for this scheme. Deon Theron, who represents the Compensation Steering Committee group of former white farmers, says the introduction of the bonds has annulled the original deal and negotiations need to start over. The bonds are 'unsecured' and there is 'limited recourse in the event of non-performance by government,' he told AFP. 'The general feeling amongst the farmers is firstly frustration that after 20-odd years we still have not received anything,' Theron said. But the Property and Farm Compensation Association said its members would take what is on offer. The bonds are under international guarantee, said leader Harry Orphanides, adding that 'digging in' and seeking more from the government would be futile. Tenure Mupambawashe and Burger are encouraged by another major government announcement — the granting of land ownership rights to beneficiaries of the 2000s land reform. The tenure announced late last year replaces 99-year leases and means the new owners can deal with the property as they wish, including putting it up for sale. 'It makes us feel settled,' Mupambawashe said. 'No one could come and tell us to move off the land or take it away from us.' 'It is just going to catapult us forward as a nation and an economy,' Burger said. 'We used to be the breadbasket of Africa and we lost it somewhat. But I just look at where we are now.' © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Int'l Business Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Zimbabwe's Farmers Push On As Land Grab Compensation Flounders
In a field of paprika plants in the heart of Zimbabwe, fourth-generation farmer Daniel Burger and relative newcomer Miriam Mupambawashe discuss the quality of the crop. Burger, 36, and Mupambawashe, 59, are neighbours and partners in efforts to revive the country's once-flourishing agriculture sector cut down by a ruinous land reform drive in the 2000s. The reform distributed land from the white minority, which still owned most of the best farmland 20 years after independence in 1980, to the black majority. Around 4,000 white-owned farms were confiscated, some with deadly violence. Mupambawashe was among thousands who received land. Though she initially knew little about farming, her small subsistence plot now thrives. Other farms failed or were abandoned, with some new tenants unschooled in agriculture and others -- including politicians who were handed land -- uninterested. There were food shortages and Zimbabwe soon required international aid. "There was a bit of a tough period through the 2000s and, unfortunately, I think it sort of refuelled racial tensions to an extent," Burger told AFP. "But being so passionate about farming was the motivator for me to move forward," he said. Mupambawashe moved to the area from the southern city of Bulawayo, around 200 kilometres (125 miles) away. "When we first came here in 2001, it was a forest and there was nothing built," she said. "Some of the white farmers were angry but we managed to talk to each other in good faith and move forward." "They never let us down and said, 'You grabbed the farm, let's see if you can do it'. But instead they brought their own tractors and equipment to come and help, which we felt was a nice gesture." It was hard in the beginning, especially after irrigation equipment was stolen, and the early failures were "embarrassing", Mupambawashe said. But today her plot does so well that she only needs to buy in sugar and cooking oil. Burger leases land from her and lends tractors and expertise. His family's land was among the few hundreds that were not seized in the 2000s. Nonetheless, "For a long time we became wound up in compensation," said Burger, vice-president of the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) that represents mostly white farmers. "But it wasn't our purpose. Our purpose was driving agriculture and current agricultural affairs forward," he said. This year, some farm owners whose land was confiscated received the first compensation payments after decades of waiting. The process has been complex and divisive. The government committed to compensation as part of an effort to settle arrears and reform the economy in order to be able to regain access to international credit lines cut two decades ago. It announced in 2020 the creation of a fund that would pay out US$3.5 billion for infrastructure on farms but not the land, which it says was taken by force by colonial settlers. Unable to raise cash, the government in 2023 changed the offer to one percent in cash and the remainder in US dollar denominated treasury bonds. In April, the first payments were made to 378 of 780 farmers approved for this scheme. Deon Theron, who represents the Compensation Steering Committee group of former white farmers, says the introduction of the bonds has annulled the original deal and negotiations need to start over. The bonds are "unsecured" and there is "limited recourse in the event of non-performance by government," he told AFP. "The general feeling amongst the farmers is firstly frustration that after 20-odd years we still have not received anything," Theron said. But the Property and Farm Compensation Association said its members would take what is on offer. The bonds are under international guarantee, said leader Harry Orphanides, adding that "digging in" and seeking more from the government would be futile. Mupambawashe and Burger are encouraged by another major government announcement -- the granting of land ownership rights to beneficiaries of the 2000s land reform. The tenure announced late last year replaces 99-year leases and means the new owners can deal with the property as they wish, including putting it up for sale. "It makes us feel settled," Mupambawashe said. "No one could come and tell us to move off the land or take it away from us." "It is just going to catapult us forward as a nation and an economy," Burger said. "We used to be the breadbasket of Africa and we lost it somewhat. But I just look at where we are now." Miriam Mupambawashe and Daniel Burger are farmers and neighbours in Zimbabwe's Midlands province AFP Farmer Daniel Burger wants Zimbabwe to reestablish its former glory as an agricultural powerhouse AFP
