October 2024

Business, Local, Top Stories

ZIMBABWE REAPS WHEAT HARVEST SUCCESS, EYES FULL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

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  By Online Desk Zimbabwe’s wheat production is thriving, with over 350,000 tonnes harvested so far, out of a projected 600,000 tonnes of winter wheat. The achievement solidifies the country’s wheat self-sufficiency levels, which were attained two years ago. In an interview Rural Development Advisory Services Chief Director Leonard Munamati stressed the importance of swift harvesting to avoid losses due to impending rains during a recent wheat field day in Mwenezi, Masvingo Province. His warning comes after communal farmers in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province, suffered significant losses due to violent hailstorms that ravaged their crops last week. Beitbridge, one of the affected areas, is known for being the largest producer of cattle in Zimbabwe, despite being one of the driest regions in the country. The area’s agricultural challenges are compounded by climate change, which affects livelihoods and farming practices.

Local

PARIRENYATWA HOSPITAL RECEIVES CRITICAL CANCER MEDICATION DONATION AMID ZIMBABWE’S CERVICAL CANCER CRISIS

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By Online Desk Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has received a significant boost in its fight against cancer, thanks to a donation of cancer treatment medications from Cancer Serve Trust. The donation is expected to enhance the hospital’s ability to combat the disease, which is now the leading cause of death in Zimbabwe. Clinical Director Dr. Morgan Mhlanga praised Cancer Serve Trust for complementing government efforts in the fight against cancer, specifically targeting cervical cancer. Dr. Nyakabawo, Chairperson of Cancer Serve Trust, emphasized that the donation aims to support disadvantaged women battling cervical cancer. Zimbabwe is grappling with an alarming cervical cancer crisis, ranking among the top five countries with the highest incidence rates globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 61 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. To address this crisis, Zimbabwe has introduced various initiatives, including: – HPV Vaccination Program: Introduced in 2018, targeting girls aged 10-14 years. – Cervical Cancer Screening: Over 200 sites conducting Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIAC) and 60 sites performing HPV tests. – Community-based Screening: Village Health Workers trained to provide screening services.

Business, Local

ZIMBABWE SET TO BENEFIT FROM UN WATER CONVENTION

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  By Online Desk Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos has hailed Zimbabwe’s potential membership in the United Nations Water Convention as a major boost for the country’s water management efforts. Speaking at the 10th Meeting of Parties (MOP10) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Haritatos emphasized that joining the convention would enhance cooperation within Africa and help address water challenges exacerbated by climate change. The UN Water Convention aims to promote sustainable management of shared water resources, facilitating cooperation among countries to protect and preserve transboundary waters. This year’s MOP10 focused on “Our Waters, Our Future: Transboundary Water Cooperation to Power Climate Resilience.”

Business, Local

ZIMBABWE GOVERNMENT VOWS TO RESTORE MARKET ORDER, COMBAT INFLATION

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  By Online Desk Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring order and organized commerce in the market, aimed at promoting sanity and stability. In a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy Minister Raj Modi at a strategic plan workshop in Mutare today, Minister Ndlovu emphasized the need for businesses to operate within established laws and industry standards. The move comes as the government seeks to counteract the distortions and manipulations by some unscrupulous businesses, which have been fuelling inflation. To achieve this goal, Zimbabwe will soon launch the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) for 2024-2025. “(ZIRGP) 2024-2025 was crafted to serve as a transitional framework to align the industrial policy with the National Development Strategy 2 (2026-2030), in line with Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Integrated Results-Based Management (IRBM),” Minister Ndlovu explained. “ZIRGP will address the immediate challenges in the manufacturing and commercial sectors while laying a solid foundation for accelerated industrial development under ZNIDP 2 to achieve Vision 2030 aspirations,” he added. The government’s efforts aim to promote a stable and equitable market environment, supporting local businesses and incentivizing investments.

International, Sports

TEN HAG DEPARTS: Manchester United Sacks Manager After Two Seasons

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By Online Desk Manchester United has officially parted ways with Erik ten Hag, their men’s first-team manager since April 2022. During his tenure, Ten Hag led the team to two impressive domestic trophy wins: the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024. The club expressed gratitude for Ten Hag’s contributions and wished him well for the future. Following his departure, Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim head coach, working alongside the current coaching team until a permanent replacement is found. Earlier this year, there were rumors of Ten Hag’s potential exit, particularly after Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League with a negative goal difference. However, Ten Hag had also hinted at uncertainty about his future after admitting to having “confrontational conversations” with the club’s management. Despite the ups and downs, Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United will be remembered for the two domestic trophies he brought to the club.

Local, Regional, Top Stories

Climate and Health Africa Conference unveils stellar lineup of keynote speakers

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  By Online Desk The highly anticipated first International Climate and Health Africa Conference has announced its lineup of keynote speakers for the three day event which kicks off in Harare this Tuesday. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver the official opening keynote address. President Emmerson Mnangagwa Dr. Fortunate Machingura, Chair of the inaugural International Climate and Health Africa Conference and Lecturer at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK), will give opening remarks while Professor Stanley Luchters, Co-Chair of the Conference and Professor at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK) and Ghent University (Belgium), will address the conference.                 Dr. Fortunate Machingura Dr. Modi Mwatsama who is Head of Capacity and Field Development – Climate and Health at Wellcome Trust (UK), will share insights on climate and health while Dr. Joseph Waogodo Cabore who is the Director of Programme Management at WHO AFRO (Congo), will discuss WHO’s efforts in climate and health. Dr. Modi Mwatsamwa Dr. Joseph Waogodo Cabore Other key note speakers include Senegalese Health Minister Dr. Ibrahim Sy who will discuss leveraging Africa’s leadership and advocacy for climate change and health; Zimbabwe’s Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni will also address the conference while Dr. Douglas Mombeshora Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care and Chairperson of the SADC Ministerial Committee on Health, will welcome delegates. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora More key speakers include: Dr. Lul Pout Riek, Regional Director, Africa CDC, Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Center (Ethiopia), who will represent the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Dr. Adelheid Onyango, WHO AFRO UHP Director (Congo), who will summarize key action points and the way forward; Dr. Judy Omumbo, Science for Africa Foundation (Kenya), who will share conference summary and reflections; Professor Gueladio Cisse, Adjunct Professor University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly (UPGC) and Senior Scientist at the Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques (CSRS), Côte d’Ivoire, who will present the Harare Climate and Health Africa Declaration. Dr. Lul Pout Riek, Regional Director, Africa CDC, Southern Africa Regional Coordinating Center (Ethiopia), will endorse the declaration on behalf of the African Union. Other notable speakers include: Mr. Samson Chidiya, PEPFAR Climate and Health Cluster, Zimbabwe. Dr. Brad Newsome, Program Director, Division of International Training and Research (DITR), Fogarty International Center, NIH. Dr. Mickey Chopra, Global Solutions Lead for Service Delivery, Health, Nutrition, and Population, World Bank Dr. Martin Muchangi, Director for Population Health and Environment, AMREF Health Africa, Kenya Dr. Patrick Gitonga, Health and Climate Senior Specialist, Green Climate Fund. The conference aims to cultivate resilience in health through unified, equitable strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation in Africa. It marks Africa’s pivotal entry into the global discourse at the intersection of the climate crisis and health.

Local

ZIMBABWE SCHOOL EXAMS PROGRESS SMOOTHLY DESPITE MINOR HITCHES

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By Online Desk The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says the ongoing O’ and A’ level Zimbabwe school examinations are progressing smoothly, despite minor disturbances at some centers. In an interview with Zimpapers Radio, Taungana Ndoro, the Ministry’s Communications and Advocacy Director, expressed optimism that the examinations will conclude successfully. This comes as thousands of students sit for the critical exams, which will determine their future academic and career prospects. The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has implemented measures to ensure the exams run smoothly, including enhanced security and monitoring systems.

Business, Local, Top Stories

ZIMBABWE BRACES FOR LA NINA RAINS, ASSURES PUBLIC SAFETY

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By Online Desk As the 2024/2025 rain season approaches, Zimbabwean authorities have reassured the nation that evacuation centres are in place to ensure public safety amid predictions of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding driven by the La Nina weather phenomenon. In an interview with Zimpapers Radio News, Civil Protection Department Chief Director Nathan Nkomo emphasized the importance of vigilance, particularly in flood-prone communities, as the rainfall begins. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that increased precipitation poses a risk of flash flooding in prone areas. Last week, Beitbridge already experienced losses due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, government is tackling the worsening water crisis in Chitungwiza, triggered by the decommissioning of the Prince Edward Water Plant by the Harare City Council in August due to climate change effects. At the Chitungwiza Water Indaba, Acting Director of Works Talent Mashinga announced plans to upgrade boreholes and utilize mobile water kiosks to enhance water efficiency. Chitungwiza’s water crisis has plagued residents with dry taps for extended periods, caused by leakages, aging infrastructure, and inadequate funding. Residents hope the government’s efforts will bring a lasting solution to their water woes, particularly considering the city’s history of water-borne diseases.

Business, Top Stories

Climate and Health Africa Conference set to kick off in Harare

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By Lastword Musekiwa The first edition of the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC 2024) is slated to begin tomorrow in Harare, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from across the continent. Organized by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Ministry of Health and Childcare the inaugural conference aims to find solutions to the devastating health impacts of climate change in Africa. At least 40 policymakers from over 30 African countries, mainly from Health and Environment ministries, will be in attendance. “The CHAC 2024 will incorporate cutting-edge research evidence into understanding climate-health mechanisms, the health impacts, effective adaptation and mitigation intervention strategies, equitable climate research, and discuss how to effectively translate research into policy,” said organizers. The conference seeks to tackle the urgent need to address the detrimental health impacts of climate change on health and wellbeing in Africa, where the burden of climate-sensitive diseases is disproportionately high, and adaptive capacities are limited. Key outcomes of CHAC 2024 will include: – Scientific publications – A comprehensive African Health and Climate Declaration – Action plan blueprints for implementation – Announcement of new partnerships and funding commitments The conference will also witness the meeting of The Climate and Health Africa Network for Collaboration and Engagement (CHANCE), aimed at promoting networking, research, learning, policy development, and financing related to climate change and health in Africa. CHANCE facilitates stakeholder interactions, knowledge exchange, information sharing, collaboration on climate and health research, dissemination of best practices through case studies (including mitigation and adaptation measures), advocacy coordination, evidence-based policy development for Africa, and provision of technical assistance to enhance access to climate financing. The CHAC 2024 Scientific Program Committee is chaired by Dr Fortunate Machingura, a social anthropologist focused on climate health and policy and lecturer at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Additionally, she guides the Climate, Environment, and Health Department at CeSHHAR Zimbabwe. Some of the Scientific Program Committee members include Stanley Luchters, Executive Director (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, and Professor in Population Health and Environment at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM);  Modi Mwatsama, Head Capacity & Field Development Climate & Health at the Wellcome Trust; Henry Mwandumba, Director Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme in Blantyre, Malawi and Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.

Business, Top Stories

Zimbabwe businesses defy monetary authorities, refuse local currency

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By Online Desk The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has raised concern over businesses refusing to accept local currency the Zimbabwe Gold (Zig) as payment for goods and services, despite monetary authorities’ regulations. In an interview with Zimpapers Radio News, CCZ Chief Executive Officer Commissioner Rosemary Mpofu warned that such actions are illegal it undermine the country’s economic stability. Following a recent adjustment of the local currency exchange rate to the United States Dollar from 1:13.60 to 1:24.90, some businesses have been refusing transactions in local currency, opting for higher rates to force consumers to use foreign currency Commissioner Mpofu said the CCZ will take action against businesses flouting monetary regulations, urging consumers to report any incidents. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining economic stability, urging businesses to comply with regulations.

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