Okay. This is about to be a LONG post because I’m hella passionate about this project. Let’s go.
This was my heartfelt attempt at recreating the average Zimbabwean rural compound/homestead, complete with the new house that usually accompanies the traditional huts.
To clarify: nowadays, most of the Zimbabwean population lives in modern cities with modern homes. Had to put this out there to shut down the silly misconception that we still live in mud huts and that we’re stuck in the past or whatever. We keep these rural homes and communities as a way to honour and cherish our roots.
Moving on,
I used a minimal amount of cc (which is why the decorations are a bit sparse in some places) because I found most of what I needed in the vanilla game, plus I just didn’t want to spend too long looking for extra props. I needed to get this done while I still had the vision.
This lot is going to be part of my custom vacation world that I named Kumusha, which is what we say to refer to our ancestral homeland in Shona, my native language. It’s all part of an even bigger hood that I want to model after what I grew up around in Harare. They won’t be exact replicas but they’ll be heavily inspired.
I’ve always adored my identity as a Zimbabwean girl. Moving abroad has deepened my desire to represent my culture and my nation as best as I can, because I don’t see a lot of that positive representation going for us on a more global front. I know for a fact that I’m not the only Zimbabwean who enjoys the Sims thoroughly, so I hope that eventually these efforts will call others who are like me and provide a sense of kinship and familiarity.
I hope to soon share my vision through gameplay videos, but for now I’m just happy to do that here. Of course any non-Zimbabwean simmers who like this sort of thing are welcome to embrace the vision too :)
Zimbabwe’s ‘White Gold’! Critical Minerals Law Favors China
Harare has Africa’s largest lithium reserves and Beijing is poised to benefit, despite an export ban.
— By Nosmot Gbadamosi | Foreign Policy | August 16th, 2023
A foreman looks on as an earth mover works on the slippery road at Arcadia Mine on Jan. 11, 2022 in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe. Tafadzwa Ufumeli/Getty Images
The world’s clean-energy transition will be impossible without African minerals—and a degree of resource nationalism from African countries is benefiting China, which has for decades invested in the African Green-Energy Market and accounts for 59 percent of the world’s lithium refining. Chinese companies run the majority of Zimbabwe’s mines and are better positioned to expand domestic processing there.
Lithium, often referred to as “White Gold,” is essential to producing Solar Panels and the Rechargeable Batteries that power electric vehicles; and in 2022, demand pushed prices up by more than 100 percent. Africa could supply a fifth of the world’s lithium needs by 2030, but to best serve citizens, African leaders are demanding that miners go beyond extraction and add value by locally processing the raw mineral.
Last December, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, which has Africa’s Largest Lithium Reserves, imposed a ban on raw lithium ore exports, requiring companies to set up plants in the country and process ore into concentrates before export in order to boost local jobs and revenue. Those seeking to export and not process domestically would need to provide proof of exceptional circumstances and receive written permission to export raw lithium ore.
Zimbabwe’s ban, called the Base Minerals Export Control Act, will stop the country losing billions in mineral proceeds to foreign companies, officials said. Namibia 🇳🇦 has followed suit; and in 2020 around 42 percent of African nations, excluding those in North Africa, had implemented restrictions on raw exports, including the Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩, Ghana 🇬🇭, and Nigeria 🇳🇬.
Traditionally, “mining companies after extraction enjoy all the benefits [while] leaving communities in their catchment areas to bear the brunt of life-threatening dangers associated with their operations,” Edmond Kombat, research and finance director of Ghana’s 🇬🇭 Institute for Energy Security, told ESI Africa. “It is time to stop that practice.”
However, China, which controls the world’s critical minerals supply chain, is ideally placed to reap benefits in these situations, because several Chinese owned companies have recently completed processing plants in the country. Chinese-owned Companies have Spent more than $1 Billion acquiring and developing lithium projects in Zimbabwe, which in contrast has seen Very Little Western investment.
Last month, Chinese minerals giant Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt opened a $300 million lithium processing plant at its Arcadia Mine in Zimbabwe, which it bought last year from Australia-based Prospect Resources for $422 million. The plant currently has the capacity to process around 450,000 metric tons of lithium concentrate annually. Under Zimbabwean law the refined lithium can then be exported for further processing into battery-grade lithium outside Zimbabwe.
In May, another Chinese company, Chengxin Lithium Group, commissioned a lithium concentrator to produce 300,000 metric tons per year at the Sabi Star mine in eastern Zimbabwe. And China’s Sinomine Resource Group said last month it had completed a $300 million lithium plant, after it bought Bikita Minerals, one of Africa’s oldest lithium mines, for $180 million.
Zimbabwe hopes to satisfy 20 percent of the world’s total lithium demand when it fully exploits its known lithium resources. “If we continue exporting raw lithium we will go nowhere,” Deputy Mines Minister Polite Kambamura told Bloomberg last year. “We want to see lithium batteries being developed in the country.”
New rules stipulate that a 5 percent royalty rate will be payable on lithium exported, due half in cash and half in processed final products so that the country can build cash reserves it could use for government-backed borrowing.
U.S. sanctions on Zimbabwe 🇿🇼, imposed since 2001, have impacted the country’s access to borrowing and investment, leaving few options but China. Last year, Zimbabwean Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube claimed the country has lost more than $42 billion in revenue as a result of Western sanctions. The Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency reportedly received 160 lithium investment applications from investors based in China in the first half of 2023 compared to just five from the United States.
Even among Zimbabwe’s regional peers, U.S. companies have been left on the backfoot. Nigeria Rejected Elon Musk’s Tesla in favor of Beijing-based Ming Xin Mineral Separation to build Nigeria’s first lithium processing plant in Kaduna State, in the country’s northwest region. Nigerian officials reportedly rejected Tesla’s proposal because it did not align with the country’s new policies. “Our new mining policy demands that you add some value to raw mineral ores, including lithium, before you export,” Ayodeji Adeyemi, special assistant to Nigeria’s mines and steel development minister, told Rest of World.
For decades, African economists complained that foreign companies extracted minerals without benefit to citizens. In 2015, Zimbabwean researchers estimated the country had lost $12 billion due to illegal trade involving multinational companies in China 🇨🇳, Canada 🇨🇦, the United States 🇺🇸, and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 —enough money to pay off Zimbabwe’s foreign debt.
Africa holds more than 40 Percent of Global Reserves of Key Minerals for batteries and hydrogen technologies. Yet it’s predicted that, by 2030, more than 80 percent of the world’s poor will live in Africa, and about 75 percent of them in resource-rich countries.
It makes sense for African Nations to step up efforts to increase quality jobs. “The United States and Europe must ensure that the partnerships they are building in Africa are mutually beneficial and non-extractive,” Theophile Pouget-Abadie and Rachel Rizzo recently wrote in Foreign Policy. “Otherwise, they will run headlong into the walls erected by an increasingly dominant Beijing.”
Washington in January signed a memorandum of understanding to help the Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩 and Zambia 🇿🇲 develop an electric battery supply chain. But China is going beyond this in terms of thinking about what African nations need. Beijing, for example, with support from the United Nations 🇺🇳 Development Program, is facilitating a joint research center in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 to fast-track access to renewable energy in the country.
Experts warn that more African countries banning critical raw minerals exports will impede global decarbonization. Zimbabwe’s ban is perceived as unrealistic because the country lacks skilled workers. Some countries (Kenya 🇰🇪, Tanzania 🇹🇿, and Zambia 🇿🇲) have implemented policies requiring mining companies to train locals, according to a recent World Bank report. The report suggests national export bans alone can make countries worse off because investors simply move their business elsewhere, but that training requirements could ensure retention of investment and the creation of a skilled workforce.
EnnYe 💝💝 .. #skirtstyle #africanprintskirt #odetosummer #endofsummervibes #casualfridayoutfit #slitskirts #californiagirl #calivibes #ennyethnicstyle #ennye #dressedbyennye #proudlyafrican #proudlyzimbabwean🇿🇼 #forever263 #comestylewithus .. How this skirt was designed: We had multiple small pieces of leftover fabric that we had no idea what to do with. Other design ideas ended up needing more fabric, or the design would not fit the print. .. Out of ideas and not wanting to waste any of our fabric, the heritage skirt was born. Depending on the size of the leftover pieces of fabric the skirts are either midi or mini. .. The design is so flattering on any figure and what makes them even more appealing is that we only make a few in any print because the leftover fabric is limited. Kinda like a de facto limited edition capsule collection 💕💕 (at Brentwood, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cknp0GiL_4Y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
#GCO has come up with a grand plan to plant at least one🌱tree for every newborn🤹baby.#NyamakateprimaryschoolUnit #zimbabwe🇿🇼 planted🌱trees in the yard of 10 houses on 26/09/2022.#TYAGIVolunteers Davison chawasarira child's parents were present at the time. #onetreeforonechild🌴 #greenearthforthechildren🌴 (at Zimbabwe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjACdSphT7S/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
by type, I don't mean which specific flag is your favourite, but which general design you personally like the most (regardless of dragons and other symbols that automatically increase their coolness, obviously. or the countries they represent.)
not all the world's flags are here because there are too many for the character limit. in case you're wondering, the most prevalent design is 3 horizontal stripes!
#trending #viral @jlawsonmusicgroup2018 #recordingartist @iamjameseland (Mood) is now on the #icon @djclue @desertstormradio we are #working #salute to @ntg2627 and @promodivatip #hiphop #hiphopmusic #hiphopculture #hiphopartist #zimbabwe #zimbabwe🇿🇼 #standup https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_QyAbL7mP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
Bryan K featuring Tamy Moyo and Kayflow glorify the goodness of God in this heartfelt song titled, “Hakuna.”
If you’re looking for a heartfelt Christian song glorifying God, then this song is for you. The song, “Hakuna” was released on 25 September 2023. As mentioned by Innocent Veremu on the Zimsphere Website, Bryan K has always been vocal about his Christian beliefs and how they influence his music. Moreover, the song is inspired by the Gospel hymn that Bryan K grew up singing in church, which translates to “There is no one like Jesus.” Therefore, the beat is emotional showcasing the artist's lyrical prowess with Bryan K’s catchy chorus, Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Kayflow’s heartfelt lyricism. From my point of view, the song is heavily premised on Psalms 42:5 GNT, “Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my saviour, and my God.”
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The music video begins by showing Bryan K singing the chorus accompanied by a hint of drums playing in the background. Moreover, it is interesting that the FLASH MOB DANCING GROUP (UFIC YOUTH) are dancing throughout the chorus that glorifies God. For instance, in the lyrics, Bryan K said:
I have searched everywhere / There is no one like You / There is no one like You / There is none / I’ve been around / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none / I have travelled everywhere / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none / I have travelled everywhere / There is no one like you / There is no one like you / There is none.
Bryan K’s deep vocals highlight his Christian beliefs of having faith in God and since the chorus sets the tone throughout the track, Tamy Moyo follows suit with her soulful vocals highlighting the goodness of God. For instance, she said:
I’ve been looking so honestly / None can compare Your Majesty / No one like You Lord / None in this whole world/ Hakuna mumwe akaita semi / Saka ndichikudai nemoyo wangu wose / You never left me whenever I was broken / You will listen with your arms wide open (with Your arms wide open) Hukuru wenyu Mwari / I can’t describe it / Hukuru wenyu Mwari / I can't imagine / Ndatsvaga ndashaiwa / Your love is bigger love is greater / Ndafamba famba ndichiona / Pasi rose Hakuna / yeah
Tamy Moyo’s verse is premised in 1 Peter 5:6-7 GNT “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him because he cares for you.” She is thanking God for always being there for her when she was broken. First, she said, “Saka ndichikudai nemoyo wangu wose, " meaning “So I love you with all my heart.” In other words, no matter what challenges she faces, she can always rely on God because his love is greater than anything. Second, she said, “Hukuru wenyu mwari, " meaning “Your greatness God.” In other words, she is in awe of His greatness who loves her for who she is and will always be by her side. To add to the heartfelt vocals, the song then progresses to showcase Bryan K’s catchy chorus to highlight the goodness of God.
To finalise the track, Kayflow comes in with his lyricism highlighting the greatness of God. Before he starts rapping, he starts singing when he says:
Whatever it is / Lord, you come and open the way / You never ignore it / No matter who they come from behind / You will protect me forever / Whatever it is / Lord, you come and open the way / You never ignore it / No matter who they come from behind / You will protect me forever / I have searched for myself / I have searched for you / There is none there is none / Like you (like you) / I have searched for you / There is none there is none / Like you.
It just highlights Psalms 86:8-10 which says, “There is no god like you, O Lord, not one has done what you have done. All the nations that you have created will come and bow down to you; they will praise your greatness. You are mighty and do wonderful things; you alone are God.” From my point of view, Kayflow also seems inspired by his Christian beliefs as he goes on further to rap in the lyrics below:
I’m on a vibe see / NdinaJesu, I was lost / But he found me / Now I’m walking in the valley / Of the shadow of death / It cannot touch me / Blessed is the man on a search / To seek his loving / Ndafamba ndatsvaga / Ndashaya / Hakuna / Akaita semi / Manna mapakira / I was really hungry / Needed food for the soul / Mukauya mukandipa / Now I’m good ndiri bho
With his lyricism, this time he highlights the goodness of Jesus Christ who protects him wherever he goes. Moreover, from my point of view, it points out Psalms 23, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.”
Towards the end of the music video, ends with Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Bryan K’s catchy chorus. They presented the goodness of God with their artistry with a beat that stayed consistent from start to finish. Moreover, with a mixture of a hint of drums, a violin and a moderate piano sound, the song was heartfelt to listen to. The music was also produced by Bryan K and Nasper Incoming.
In a nutshell, the song, “Hakuna” highlighted Bryan K’s catchy chorus, Tamy Moyo’s soulful vocals and Kayflow’s heartfelt lyricism. Each artist was given a chance to showcase their lyrical prowess and songwriting skills. Their vocals were on point, the music production and the music video were intriguing to watch as well. Therefore, I rate the track 10/10.