MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has called for unity across the African continent.
Below is Chamisa’s full statement :
The attacks against fellow Africans in South Africa are appalling and heartbreaking. We call upon our African brothers and sisters to show a full sense of brotherhood and sisterhood consistent with the timeless wisdom of Ubuntu. Brother against brother or Sister against sister is inimical to Ubuntu.
Extremely disturbing are scenes and sights of violence and horrendous attacks in South Africa. It is time to take decisive action to protect all in South Africa and stop any attacks on fellow Africans. Priority must be given to individual security & stopping of all manner and forms of violence.
While these attacks are routinely described as xenophobic, it is evident that they target black Africans. These are deliberate and systematic attacks based on race and country of origin rather than foreignness alone. The resulting conflict is terrible for our communities because they foment hatred and tensions between people. We need to correctly characterise what is happening in South Africa not as xenophobia but as Afrophobia, as the attacks are not necessarily against foreigners but against fellow black Africans.
The irony is on why an African should be Afrophobic. True, we need to solve the challenges in fellow African countries that have led to many leaving their own countries but the irony remains that Africans would feel unwelcome both in Europe as well as in a fellow African State. If Africans are unsafe in Africa, where else should they go?
While we acknowledge that South Africa, like many other African countries has problems of inequality, joblessness, social service delivery, poverty and illegal immigration. Violence and impunity is not the answer to these problems.
If we allow violence and brutality in society to be used as an instrument to resolve challenges, it inevitably spreads to all facets of life including affecting women and children. Violence in all its ugly forms and manifestations, be it towards women and children, citizens, illegal immigrants or any other human being for that matter is simply unacceptable.
In Africa, we have always been at each other’s throat since we were put on this earth by God
fighting over everything or anything, fighting over borders or boundaries, fighting over water, fighting over food, fighting over political parties, fighting over property, fighting over tribes, fighting over ideology, fighting over faith and religion. Yet we hardly ever engage in a civilized contest over strategy, ideas and thought.
As Africans we need as a matter of urgency to stop violence against each other.
Already, we have seen business being disrupted and commerce being disturbed as truckers that use South African routes fear for their lives. Threats of retaliation against South African drivers and businesses in other parts of the continent demonstrate that this is a vicious cycle in which there is no winner.
More significantly, this violence is concentrated among the poor and vulnerable of our societies. It is the poor killing the poor. Over the years, it has emerged that acts of violence are often caused and are directed by the cruel selfish elites. If we fix our political challenges, there would be no need for circumstances of undue hardships and animosity.
Other nationals are in South Africa principally because politics and leadership ineptitude has made other African countries uninhabitable. They vote with their feet, seeking greener pastures. Yet there, they find hell as they clash with equally vulnerable and happiness-seeking locals. It becomes a running battle between the poor. We can solve this by fixing our messy politics.
This is why we find it incredulous when our brother leaders in the region look aside when our government brutalises citizens. Where do the oppressed go? To the neighbours. That is why we have always said Zimbabwe’s problems are also our neighbours’ domestic challenges. Illegal immigration is a product of nurturing dictatorship in our neighbourhoods.
Time has now come to think seriously about the New Africa we deserve. We must collectively, as Africans, examine critically the utility of maintaining colonial boundaries and borders which give a false sense of division and exceptionalism. The divisions made in Berlin more than 100 years ago still divide us. We need a post-Berlin conference African consensus to shape a New Africa to the satisfaction of our ideals, imaginations, hopes and aspirations.
In the long run, Africa should move towards removing colonial borders, having one passport and establishing a single currency and a single market. We must build our internet exchange points, continent-wide television networks, proper road, rail and flight links. We have started well with a continental free trade area. We dare do more!
The great Kwame Nkrumah famously said, “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa,” The declaration encapsulated the sense of brotherhood that defined the struggles for liberation. We should never lose that spirit, even today as many of our citizens across the continent suffer under brutal regimes.
We urgently need A New Africa where African brotherhood is the common denominator. A New Africa where the African Union plays a more dynamic role in solving African problems and is at the forefront of pushing the African youth development agenda.
A better tomorrow and a NEW AFRICA does not just happen, it must be designed and now is the time to build on these fundamentals and construct: The Africa We want and deserve.
Our dear South African brothers and sisters, we appreciate your being tired of those you estimate to be foreign, but please help us lobby for intervention of SADC and South Africa to fix Zimbabwe’s politics by helping Zimbabweans resolve the legitimacy and governance crisis caused by the disputed July 2018 Presidential election and on-going poor performance.
When Zimbabwe was stable and thriving we never had these problems of illegal immigration. In fact our South African brothers and sisters were coming to Zimbabwe to seek refuge from apartheid, to learn and do business. That’s the way it should be.
Fixing Zimbabwe will reduce South Africa’s problems. Fixing Zimbabwe will restore its citizens’ dignity and hope. Similarly fixing Somalia, DRC and Nigeria, among other countries, will go a long way in stabilizing Africa and reducing the problem of tensions and hate.
So many people died to free Africa. We can’t have more people dying in a free Africa.
I appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa and South Africa to help Zimbabweans help themselves through a credible and genuine political dialogue to put in place transitional mechanism that will pave way for comprehensive political and economic reforms, a lasting solution to returning Zimbabwe to freedom, legitimacy and democracy.
To our leaders and fellow citizens of SADC, when any country sneezes the whole region catches a cold. A sick and weak Zimbabwe will always be an albatross around the necks of all the other countries in the region and indeed on the continent. Please help us help ourselves.
Lastly, with developments in South Africa, I call for enough mechanisms and measures to be put in place to ensure the security and protection of all Zimbabwean citizens. Section 35(3)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe obliges the state as a peremptory duty and mandatory obligation, to protect citizens wherever they maybe. This right is available to all citizens in and outside Zimbabwe.
New Africa is the way to go
We need a new way, a new dawn on the continent.
Africa must unite on values of freedom democratic values, free fair elections and prosperity for its people. SADC must be a people’s community not a community of its leaders alone. The African Union must be truly an African people’s Union.
We can’t be Africa without Africans.
Building a better Africa for all
Let’s build a great Africa for all
God bless Africa and heal the world!
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President – Movement For Democratic Change
Info News
Best Business Liability Insurance Plans for Small Companies in 2026
Why Business Liability Insurance Is Essential for Modern Businesses
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Running a successful business in today’s economy requires more than just excellent products and customer service. Every company, whether small or large, faces financial risks that can appear unexpectedly. From customer injuries to lawsuits and property damage claims, one legal issue can create major financial problems for a business that lacks proper insurance coverage. This is why business liability insurance has become one of the most important investments for entrepreneurs and growing companies in 2026.
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Business liability insurance protects companies against legal costs, medical expenses, settlements, and damages that may arise during normal operations. Many small business owners mistakenly believe lawsuits only happen to large corporations, but statistics show that small businesses are frequently targeted because they often have fewer legal protections and financial reserves. Even a simple customer accident inside a retail store or office can lead to thousands of dollars in legal expenses.
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Today’s business environment is also becoming more complex due to cybersecurity threats, online transactions, and remote work operations. Companies now need broader protection that covers both physical and digital risks. Modern insurance providers are responding by offering customized commercial insurance solutions designed specifically for different industries such as healthcare, construction, eCommerce, consulting, and technology services.
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Understanding the Different Types of Business Liability Insurance
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One of the most important steps when selecting coverage is understanding the different types of liability insurance available. Many companies require multiple forms of protection to reduce overall business risk effectively.
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General Liability Insurance
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General liability insurance is considered the foundation of business protection. It covers common risks including bodily injury claims, customer accidents, property damage, and advertising-related disputes. For example, if a customer slips and falls inside a business location, general liability insurance can help cover medical expenses and legal fees.
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This type of insurance is especially important for retail stores, restaurants, contractors, and businesses that interact directly with the public. Without adequate coverage, a single lawsuit could severely damage a company financially.
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Professional Liability Insurance
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Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance, protects businesses that provide professional services or advice. Consultants, accountants, real estate agents, healthcare providers, and marketing agencies commonly use this type of coverage.
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If a client claims that poor advice, negligence, or mistakes caused financial losses, professional liability insurance helps cover legal defense costs and settlements. In today’s highly competitive environment, even minor misunderstandings can result in expensive legal disputes.
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Cyber Liability Insurance
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Cybersecurity threats continue increasing globally, making cyber liability insurance one of the fastest-growing insurance sectors. Businesses now store large amounts of customer data online, including payment details, personal information, and confidential business records.
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Cyber liability coverage helps businesses recover from data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacking incidents. Coverage often includes legal support, customer notification expenses, forensic investigations, and reputation management services. As cybercrime becomes more advanced, many businesses now consider cyber insurance just as important as traditional liability protection.
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Factors Businesses Should Consider Before Choosing a Policy
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Selecting the right insurance policy requires careful comparison and planning. Many business owners focus only on monthly premium costs, but several other factors are equally important when evaluating coverage options.
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Coverage Limits
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Coverage limits determine the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a claim. Businesses should ensure their limits are high enough to protect against worst-case scenarios. Companies operating in high-risk industries may require larger coverage amounts to avoid financial exposure.
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Deductibles
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Deductibles represent the amount a business must pay before insurance coverage begins. Policies with lower deductibles often have higher monthly premiums, while higher deductibles reduce monthly costs but increase out-of-pocket expenses during claims.
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Industry-Specific Risks
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Every industry faces different risks. A construction company may need strong worker injury and property damage protection, while an online business may prioritize cybersecurity and data protection coverage. Understanding industry-specific risks helps companies select the most effective insurance plan.
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Insurance Provider Reputation
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Businesses should research insurance providers carefully before purchasing coverage. Reading customer reviews, evaluating claim response times, and checking financial strength ratings can help companies avoid unreliable insurers. Fast claims processing and excellent customer support are extremely important during emergencies.
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Benefits of Bundled Commercial Insurance Packages
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Many insurance providers now offer bundled commercial insurance packages designed to simplify business protection. These packages combine multiple policies into one plan, often reducing overall costs while improving convenience.
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For example, a business owner may combine:
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rn - General liability insurance
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rn - Commercial auto insurance
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Bundled packages allow businesses to manage all insurance needs under one provider while reducing administrative complexity. Some insurers also offer discounts for businesses that bundle multiple policies together.
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How Insurance Helps Businesses Grow Safely
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Strong insurance protection does more than reduce financial risk. It also helps businesses grow confidently. Investors, lenders, and business partners often prefer working with insured companies because proper coverage demonstrates professionalism and responsible management.
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Some clients and government contracts even require businesses to carry minimum liability insurance before agreements can be signed. Having proper coverage can therefore create additional growth opportunities and improve business credibility.
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Insurance also provides peace of mind for business owners and employees. Knowing the company has financial protection during unexpected situations allows management teams to focus more on innovation, customer service, and long-term expansion strategies.
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Final Thoughts
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Business liability insurance remains one of the smartest investments companies can make in 2026. With legal risks, cybersecurity threats, and financial uncertainties continuing to rise, businesses must take proactive steps to protect their operations and future growth.
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Choosing the right combination of general liability, professional liability, and cyber liability insurance can help businesses avoid devastating financial losses while building long-term stability. By carefully comparing providers, understanding coverage options, and reviewing policies regularly, companies can create strong protection strategies that support both security and business success.
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Space Exploration and the Search for Life Beyond Earth
Space exploration has fascinated humanity for generations, inspiring scientific discoveries and technological innovation. Governments and private companies are investing billions of dollars into missions designed to explore the Moon, Mars, and distant regions of the universe. Advances in rocket technology, satellite systems, and astronomy are expanding human understanding of space and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
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One major goal of modern space programs is establishing long-term human presence on other planets. Space agencies such as NASA and private companies are developing technologies that could allow astronauts to live and work on Mars in the future. Scientists believe Mars may contain evidence of ancient water systems and potentially microbial life forms that existed billions of years ago.
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Space exploration also contributes significantly to technological advancement on Earth. Satellite technology supports communication systems, weather forecasting, navigation services, and disaster management worldwide. Medical research conducted in space environments has also improved healthcare technologies and scientific understanding of human biology.
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However, space exploration faces major challenges including high costs, radiation exposure, and the difficulty of sustaining human life in extreme environments. Long-duration missions require advanced life support systems, reliable energy sources, and protection from cosmic radiation.
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Despite these challenges, interest in space exploration continues growing globally. Scientists believe future discoveries could provide valuable information about planetary systems, the origins of the universe, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Space exploration represents one of humanity’s greatest scientific and technological ambitions.
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