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Front page 1

Stereotype of prehistoric people

‘Olduvai Gorge not cradle of mankind’

Indian scholar questions Africa-origin theory

An Indian scholar and explorer has punched holes in the theory that man originated from the Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania and from there spread out to colonise the world.

Akhil Bakshi who led a multi-disciplinary Gondwanaland Expedition from the Indian Himalaya to Cape Agulhus, the southernmost tip of Africa, has questioned early theories with regard to the cradle of mankind, according to last week’s communiqué to the media.

The 25,200km expedition comprising geologists, botanist, zoologist, anthropologist and medical doctor, traversed several areas of great importance in the evolution of life on earth. In May 2006, the expedition drove across Tanzania - entering from Isabania border with Kenya, traversing Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater and from there to Singida and out into Malawi.

Front page 2

Tourist industry feels pinch of financial crisis

Members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) have called on the government to reduce entry fees that discourage many tourists from making Tanzania their destination.

Speaking to this newspaper at different times, the operators explained the world financial crisis compounded with Tanzania’s high migration and park entry fees are making many tourists choose more affordable destinations in the region.

The members made the call when 30 of them from the northern circuit were meeting in Arusha to reflect on the financial crisis and its effects on the tourist market.

Front page 3

Worst financial crisis hits EAC
Member states fail to pay contributions
·February staff salaries hang in the balance

When leaders the East African Community member-states comprising Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi are talking tough about forging a common market and subsequently a federation, their actions do not match their words.

East African Community established in 1996 is already facing deep financial crisis following failure by member states to remit their contributions to the secretariat in Arusha.

Reliable sources say if the funds are not remitted as soon as possible the secretariat may fail to meet operational costs at the secretariat, run some projects and even be unable to pay staff salaries for February.