Author name: Lastword Musekiwa

Local, Top Stories

DIARRHEA OUTBREAK CLAIMS 7 LIVES

  By Lastword Musekiwa Harare, Zimbabwe – A diarrhea outbreak has swept through Zimbabwe, claiming 7 lives and infecting over 6,500 people in just one week. According to a latest disease surveillance report issued by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the majority of cases were reported in Mashonaland West (1,877) and Mashonaland Central (932) provinces. The ministry said nearly half of the reported cases (2,867) involved children under the age of 5. The deaths were reported from Sally Mugabe Hospital (6) and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospital (1) in Harare Metropolitan Province. The cumulative total for diarrhea cases now stands at 12,483, with 12 reported deaths. Health authorities are urging citizens to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Local

MCAZ ISSUES AN ALERT OVER FALSIFIED RABIES VACCINE

  By Lastword Musekiwa The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued an alert regarding a falsified ABHAYRAB Rabies vaccine circulating in the market through unauthorized sources. In a statement today MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata said the counterfeit vaccine poses a big threat to public health due to its potential lack of efficacy, harmful components, and risk of treatment failure in preventing rabies, a fatal disease. Rukwata said MCAZ has identified the falsified vaccine as “RABIES VACCINE, HUMAN I.P.” or “RABIES VACCINE B.P. ‘Rab’”, with a stated manufacturer of Human Biologicals Institute (A division of Indian Immunologicals Limited) and an incorrect address. He advised all licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, public and private clinics, and hospitals to quarantine any units of the falsified vaccine and submit them for disposal.

Local, Uncategorized

FORMER DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY JUSTIN MUPAMHANGA DIES

  Former Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Justin Mupamhanga has died. Posting on X social media platform today Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana expressed his condolences to the Mupamhanga family, acknowledging his contributions to Zimbabwe’s governance and development. He was a father to Deputy Minister of Youth and legislator for Mt Darwin South Kudakwashe Mupamhanga.

Uncategorized

HARARE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION URGES CITY COUNCIL TO UPGRADE DRAINAGE SYSTEM

  Harare, Zimbabwe – The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has called on the City Council to prioritize the repair and upgrading of the city’s drainage system to mitigate the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases. CHRA Director, Reuben Akili, emphasized the need for urgent action during an interview on CapitalK’s Exchange Program yesterday. He noted that the city’s drainage system has been neglected, leading to severe flooding on major roads, including Julius Nyerere Way, Rezende Street, and Chinhoyi Street. Akili expressed concern that illegal settlers are disproportionately affected by flooding, and that the lack of proper drainage maintenance exacerbates the severity of flooding. He also highlighted the risk of waterborne diseases, which pose a significant threat to public health. The CHRA has urged the City Council to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent future flooding.

Uncategorized

Acting President Chiwenga pays tribute to three late national heroes

By Online Desk Acting President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has paid tribute to three late national heroes Major-General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Chenhamo “Chen” Chakezha Chimutengwende and Ambassador John Shumba Mundura. Speaking during the burial ceremony at the National Heroes Acre in Harare this Wednesday, Acting President Chiwenga expressed condolences to the families of the departed heroes on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the government, ZANU PF party, and his own family.   Acting President Dr. Chiwenga “We gather to lay to rest 3 gallant sons of the soil,” Acting President Chiwenga said, as he began his eulogy. “On behalf of the President, my Commander in Chief, Government, our party ZANU PF, my family and on my own behalf I wish to express my condolences to the three families,” he said. Acting President Chiwenga praised the veterans of the liberation struggle and the ruling party for their presence, acknowledging the media fraternity’s role in sharing the life histories of the late heroes. “To the veterans of the liberation struggle and ruling party we appreciate your presence. We appreciate the media fraternity in outlining the life history of our departed Heroes and distributing the stories in the public domain,” he said. Acting President Chiwenga emphasized the importance of staying true to the nation’s interests, warning against corruption and shady deals that hinder progress towards Vision 2030. “We can only realize Vision2030 by staying away from deeds and misconducts that go against our National interests, these include corruption and shady deals,” he cautioned. He stressed that each generation has a duty to take the nation forward, leaving a wholesome legacy for future generations. “It is the duty of each generation to take our nation forward. Each generation must leave a wholesome legacy for the generation that is coming after them,” Acting President Chiwenga said. The Acting President noted that the late heroes left behind their righteousness, sacrifices, and selfless legacy, rather than material possessions. “No one amongst the three Heroes carries to the world beyond material things but their righteousness, they leave behind their sacrifices and selfless legacy,” he said. Acting President Chiwenga reiterated President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (Our country will be developed by its own people), emphasizing the need for national unity and a collective effort to defend and develop the country. “H.E President Mnangagwa gave us the mantra Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, no one will defend our country besides ourselves,” he said. The Acting President also emphasized the need to shun corruption and shady deals. “A loud and clear no to corruption which sabotages our goal to develop comes from us,” he said. In conclusion, Acting President Chiwenga bid farewell to the late heroes, promising to work hard and defend what they fought for. “To the 3 late Heroes go well sons of the soil. We promise to work hard and defend what you fought for,” he said

Local

New line of medicinal cannabis product launched in Zimbabwe

By Lastword Musekiwa Ivory Medical, a pioneering healthcare company has officially launched its medicinal cannabis product line, CannaQure in Harare today. Speaking during the launch, Ivory Medical General Manager Nash Kadzinga said: “These products, rich in cannabinoids, mainly Cannabidiol (CBD), have been developed to provide alternative solutions that complement traditional medicine, delivering enhanced wellness and symptom relief,”. “All CannaQure products are meticulously formulated and adhere to strict safety and quality standards as required by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe,” added Kadzinga. Speaking at the same event Cannabis Industry Association of Zimbabwe president Dr. Zorodzai Maroveke said: “Today, we stand at the forefront of an evolving field that promises new treatments and opens doors for economic growth, scientific research, and potential job creation within our communities. “By embracing the potential of medical cannabis, we are investing not just in health but also in the future of Zimbabwe.” Dr. Maroveke hailed Ivory Medical for pioneering the project which she says will inspire other stakeholders to develop similar products. “I commend Ivory Medical for its dedication, vision, and pioneering spirit. Their efforts reflect our country’s commitment to innovation and progress, and I am sure their work will inspire other stakeholders to contribute to a vibrant, responsible medicinal cannabis sector.” The CannaQure product line offers a range of cannabis-based therapeutic products designed to support those suffering from conditions such as chronic pain, stress, sleep challenges, and more.

International

US Presidential Election Heats Up

  By Online Desk Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican rival Donald Trump are vying for the presidency. Trump has secured North Carolina and Georgia, according to AP projections. Both candidates are performing well in expected strongholds. Republicans are poised to regain Senate control after flipping key seats. Donald Trump is set to speak in Florida shortly.  

Business, Local

Government Concerned About Smuggled and Counterfeit Goods

By Staff Reporter  Government has expressed concern over the rising tide of smuggled and counterfeit goods flooding the market, posing serious health and safety risks to consumers. Addressing journalists during a closed door meeting with the newly established Local Content Steering Committee for the manufacturing sector in Harare recently, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said these illicit goods not only harm citizens but also undermine legitimate businesses, leading to significant financial losses and damaging the economy. The Local Content Strategy Steering Committee (LCSSC) is tasked with overseeing the development and implementation of policies and strategies to boost local participation in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector. This initiative aims to promote the use of local inputs, goods, and services, ultimately increasing economic growth and reducing reliance on imports.

Business, Local

ZIMBABWE ACHIEVES RECORD-BREAKING WINTER WHEAT HARVEST

  By Online Desk Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere has credited proper planning and enhanced government support for Zimbabwe’s record-breaking winter wheat harvest. Speaking during a post-cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Dr. Muswere said the 2024 winter wheat season has so far yielded more than 500 000 metric tonnes. Zimbabwe has made significant strides in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, cementing its position as a leader in the industry. The Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (2023-2025) and the Presidential Rural Horticulture Scheme are just a few examples of programs that have contributed to this success.

Business, Local, Top Stories

Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Optimistic About Economic Prospects

  By Online Desk Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube is optimistic about the country’s economic prospects, forecasting steady growth for next year. In an interview with Zimpapers Radio News, ahead of launching a Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector Programme (LEAPS) yesterday, Professor Ncube said the 2025 budget will prioritize supporting the economy’s recovery from the El Nino-induced drought. The theme for the budget is ‘Building Resilience for Deepening Economic Transformation.

Scroll to Top