One of the biggest international news is the ongoing search for the missing submersible or submarine which went missing in the Atlantic Ocean near the Titanic accident scene. The submarine was on a tour of the Titanic wreckage and as of to date the submarine is left with 40 hours of oxygen supply.

A massive rescue operation is underway but had been delayed led by the US Coast Guard, Canada and France. We hope they will be able to rescue the submarine crew alive.

Rescue efforts hampered by foggy weather but fortunately the skies are clearing and the first task is to identify the location of the submarine. Other things being equal-this should be an easy process given the deployment of resources that include planes, ships, and drones. However given the expansive nature of the area of search-time could run out before the 40 hour oxygen supplies run out.

The main challenge becomes location of submarines in distress during bad weather conditions. Ideally signals from the submarines could help locate the submarine anchored 3 km below the sea level but it is not as easy hence the headline news coverage.

Proposed Solutions

In addition to existing tech advancement that helps in locating submarines in distress. An addition could be a floating chute or torpedo that shoots up to the surface in order to help rescue missions. A submarine in distress should shoot the chute up the sea water so that it can float on the ocean surface like a parachute. Additions such as fitting the chute with GPS module could help make search planes locate it faster and save lives! Take note that the chute is not for bringing cabin crew to the surface as that needs complicated operations. The chute more of a locator for search teams.

The chute tied to the submarine and is shot with torpedo power to the surface where it will become a floater which is easily viewed from the air with the GPS locator helping in speedy rescues.

Similarly the same innovation could be used on planes so that we will not a repeat of the Malaysian Plane Flight MH 370. The plane which mysteriously disappeared on March 8, 2014 has not been found to date.

Of course the author is from the accountancy profession and therefore no engineering background. Therefore basically an accountant delving into uncharted waters territory of submarines. But who knows–perhaps this could be a great contribution to the safety of cabin crew on submarines as well as curbing the repeat of Flight MH 370

In 2021 we have compiled a short book on the history of Ponzi schemes in Zimbabwe and the book is accessible through our Forum Resources. The short book covered the first Ponzi Scheme which came in the 1990s and given names such as Money Clubs. The money clubs mushroomed especially in Harare and Bulawayo with many thronging down town offices before their collapse with substantial funds lost.

The second biggest Ponzi Scheme came around 2014/5 and crossed the borders from South Africa to Zimbabwe showing the vulnerability of the country to International Ponzi Schemes. It was called MMM and was orchestrated through local payment systems. Typical of all Ponzi Schemes which have short legs and short life spans, it crashed with an estimated US$30 million of investor funds lost.

One would think the string of Ponzi Schemes coming and burning many fingures, Zimbabweans would learn from the adage ‘Once bitten twice shy?’ Well, not in Zimbabwe where Beven Capital was to emerge 2/3 years later and running for a record 3 years before collapsing with amounts similar to MMM being lost.

Did we see the end of Ponzi Schemes with Beven Capital? Not really as 3 years after the demise of Beven, a scheme similar to MMM is in town and trending. All voices of reason being muted as Zimbos scramble to invest in the Ponzi Scheme covered by TechZim. Millions being invested by Ponzi Hunters quenching their appetite for risky investments whose end most know of. The Ponzi Scheme owners are even daring by appearing on local television and newspapers. They are also going around the country and opening offices in broad daylight.

When is the latest Ponzi Scheme going to collapse? Our estimated date is before the 2023 elections. The Ponzi Scheme likely to peak around July before collapsing around early to mid August. It cannot straddle the elections. The vexing question is why are Ponzi Schemes allowed free-play in the economy? Perhaps there is an unwritten positive impact? Or part of financial literacy practical education?

Whatever the positive spin to Ponzi Scheme could be, our advice is work hard and create real sustainable wealth. The e-creation of wealth through Ponzi Schemes is not only risky for direct investors but also to innocent investors oblivious of the chicanery behind the scheme.