Monday, June 15

Strive Masiyiwa “I Don’t Own Econet Telecomm”

Masiyiwa says he is oftentimes shocked when even the media who should know better, feed into the incorrect public narrative that he owns Econet when in actual fact he does not even have 50% shareholding

Telecomm mogul Strive Masiyiwa says contrary to public sentiment, he does not actually own Econet, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telephony operator.The billionaire Econet Wireless founder and Executive Chairperson says he is just one of the tens of thousands of investors in Econet, a publicly listed tech giant.

”I have never personally held more than 50%, since Econet was listed. So I actually don’t own the company. I’m simply the largest single shareholder,” writes Masiyiwa on his widely followed Facebook page.Masiyiwa adds that even though Econet employs over 5,000 people, he has never met 98% of them, including some very senior managers at the company.

Masiyiwa says he is oftentimes shocked when even the media who should know better, feed into the incorrect public narrative that he owns Econet when in actual fact he does not even have 50% shareholding.“(But) you will still find even media people saying of a public listed entity ‘the Strive Masiyiwa-owned business’. And some will even ask me to intervene on things I have no idea about, and should not be expected to know.

“They never shook away the BigMan idea developed when they were young,” he says, adding that this was not unique to Zimbabwe, but common across Africa.“Many of us simply struggle to see institutions and corporate structures, and only see a person.When I was a child there were two types of African business people: a “BigMan” was someone who had started with a small shop in the village, and then expanded it into a supermarket (usually in the nearest big town).

As I got older the BigMan had ventured into operating buses and Keke (kombi, matatu).“Strive, if you want to make money one day, you must go into the WhiteMan’s business”, my uncle counseled me at the age of 14. “The WhiteMan makes money from mining and farming, using our natural resources.

”“When I started my career, new areas of entrepreneurship had opened up. We could now get government tenders as long as our own kinsmen were in control. It was a simple compact: Vote our own guys in and they will help us get to the feeding trough!“Moving Africa forward requires us to dramatically change our mindset both as entrepreneurs, and also in popular culture that shapes how our people perceive entrepreneurs. Our teachers must be challenged to show our kids what is true entrepreneurship. Our policymakers must be focused on developing policies that encourage entrepreneurship in every sphere of our economy.

“In entrepreneurship, there is no such thing as “value addition”. That is an outdated concept. We need to replace that expression with “innovation and entrepreneurship”.Masiyiwa is a Forbes global influencer and uses his huge Facebook followership of over 3.9 million fans to project his pan African business ideas. He also regularly mentors young enterpreneurs and is Zimbabwe’s first billionaire in US dollar terms

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Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Civilization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative technologies in human history. From healthcare and education to banking and transportation, AI systems are changing how people live, work, and communicate. Businesses worldwide are investing heavily in machine learning, automation, robotics, and data analysis technologies designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Experts believe artificial intelligence will continue reshaping industries over the next several decades, making it one of the most important topics in modern society.

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One of the biggest advantages of artificial intelligence is its ability to process enormous amounts of information quickly and accurately. In healthcare, AI-powered systems assist doctors with medical diagnoses, patient monitoring, and drug development. Hospitals use machine learning tools to identify diseases earlier and improve treatment outcomes. In education, AI-driven learning platforms personalize lessons for students based on their strengths and weaknesses, helping improve academic performance.

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The business sector has also experienced major changes due to AI innovation. Companies use artificial intelligence to automate customer service, detect fraud, improve cybersecurity, and optimize marketing campaigns. Online shopping platforms rely on AI algorithms to recommend products to customers based on browsing history and preferences. Social media companies also use machine learning systems to personalize content and advertisements for users worldwide.

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Despite its advantages, artificial intelligence raises serious concerns about privacy, job displacement, and ethical responsibility. Many workers fear automation could replace traditional jobs, especially in manufacturing and administrative sectors. Experts argue that governments and educational institutions must invest in digital skills training to prepare workers for future employment opportunities. Responsible AI development and proper regulation will play a critical role in ensuring that technology benefits society while minimizing risks.

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Assisted Living Costs: How Families Can Plan For Senior Care

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Assisted living costs vary based on location, facility type, room size, care needs, and services included. Some communities charge a base monthly fee, while others add costs for medication management, bathing assistance, memory care, transportation, or special medical needs.

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Families should ask what is included in the monthly price. Meals, housekeeping, laundry, utilities, activities, and basic care may be included, but higher levels of care may cost extra.

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Memory care is usually more expensive than standard assisted living because it provides specialized support for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

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Medicare usually does not pay for long-term assisted living room and board. Medicaid may help in some states for eligible individuals, but rules vary. Long-term care insurance may also help if the policy includes assisted living benefits.

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Families may pay through retirement savings, pensions, Social Security, home sale proceeds, long-term care insurance, or family contributions.

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Before choosing a facility, visit in person. Pay attention to cleanliness, staff attitude, safety, food quality, resident activities, and how residents are treated.

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Ask about staffing levels, emergency procedures, medication policies, move-out rules, price increases, and care assessments.

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Planning early can reduce stress. Waiting until a crisis happens may limit choices and increase pressure.

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Assisted living is not just about cost. It is about safety, dignity, comfort, and quality of life. The right community can help seniors stay independent while getting the support they need.

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Families should compare options carefully and choose a place that fits both care needs and budget.

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