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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Zimbabwe tightens Mpox surveillance

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  By Online Desk Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora has announced that Zimbabwe will intensify its Mpox surveillance efforts following the successful containment of two reported cases last Sunday. In an interview with Zimpapers Radio News, Dr. Mombeshora said authorities have ramped up monitoring and screening systems at the country’s ports of entry to prevent further transmission.

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Castle Lager National Braai Fest 2024 Attracts Thousands

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  By Lastword Musekiwa Thousands of meat, beer, and music lovers gathered at the Old Hararians Sports Club over the weekend for the 2024 Castle Lager National Braai Fest. Now in its ninth year, courtesy of Delta Corporation through its flagship brand Castle Lager, the festival celebrates Zimbabwe’s braai culture through live music performances, fostering community unity among meat enthusiasts, music lovers, families, friends, and the media. The crowd was treated to energetic performances by local music sensation Winky D, the main act, supported by Master H, Saintfloew, and South African talented dancer and singer Kamo Mphela. Fresh from releasing his latest album, Saintfloew kicked off the festival with an energetic performance, warming up the crowd that had been entertained by DJs. His latest album, Trap YeVafundisi, is making waves in the music scene, and his live performance did not disappoint. Chitungwiza-bred chanter Master H, who continues to rise in his career, followed. The “Nawanadem” hitmaker thanked Delta Beverages for continuously supporting arts in Zimbabwe through various initiatives. Master H’s catalog of songs, including “Dhadzi,” “Zviri Mumoyo,” and “Nawanadem,” drew cheers from the crowd as they sang along. Although she started her performance slightly late, South African dancing sensation Kamo Mphela delivered a polished and captivating show, showcasing her renowned dancing skills. Her stage presence and communication with the audience were unmatched. Her hits, including “Dalie,” “Nkulunkulu,” “iPiano,” “Meneme,” and “Sbwl,” had the crowd dancing and singing along. Dancehall sensation Winky D, popularly known as the “Ninja President,” closed the event, mesmerizing the crowd with his signature blend of energy and charisma. His set was packed with sing-along tracks, and he left the audience clamoring for more. Winky D proved why he remains one of the most sought-after entertainers in the country. As a testament to its commitment to promoting local talent, Delta Corporation has established itself as one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most dedicated arts benefactors. Through various initiatives, Delta provides a platform for artists to showcase their skills, entertaining thousands and fostering a vibrant cultural landscape. Some of the initiatives include: Carling Black Label DJ Clash, a platform for DJs to demonstrate their skills; Chibuku Neshamwari Dance Festival, celebrating traditional dance and culture; Castle Tankard, Zimbabwe’s premier horse racing event and Chibuku Road to Fame, empowering emerging artists.

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Zimbabwe launches Tourism Month celebrations

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  By Lastword Musekiwa Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi has launched the Tourism Month celebrations in Harare today, marking the beginning of a month-long series of events leading up to the World Tourism Day main celebrations on September 27. This year’s theme is “Tourism and Peace,” and the ministry has organized a range of activities to promote the sector’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange. Speaking at the launch Minister Barbara Rwodzi highlighted the significance of the tourism sector in Zimbabwe’s economy, citing a 27% increase in international arrivals and a 24% rise in tourism receipts in the first half of 2024. “The celebrations are coming on the background of renewed global tourism recovery with Zimbabwe also experiencing significant growth over the 2023/2024 period. “The first half of the year saw the country’s tourism sector demonstrating significant growth, with international arrivals increasing by 27% to 751,483, up from 592,567 in the same period in 2023. “Correspondingly, tourism receipts saw a 24% rise, reaching US$493 million compared to US$398 million in the first half of 2023. “The sector continues to be a vital contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, accounting for approximately 5.7% of GDP and 3.5% of national employment, underscoring its pivotal role in driving economic development and job creation,” she said. Minister Rwodzi also highlited the importance of the Tourism Month stating that it seeks to raise awareness about the significance of tourism in Zimbabwe and promote the sector’s contribution to the country’s economic development, job creation, and cultural exchange. “Zimbabwe dubbed the Month of September as the Tourism Month to raise awareness on the importance of Tourism by organising a number of activities that build-up to the main World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September. “The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is “Tourism and Peace”. “The 1st of September marks the beginning of the 2024 World Tourism Month. Among the events for the month is the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo which will be held in Bulawayo during the period 11 to 13 September. “This event is bringing in both local and international communities to come and showcase their products. Side events will also be taking place during the period such as, MICE Master class, Tourism investment forum, Tourism scholastic, gastronomy hub, among others. “This will be followed by a Tourism Symposium to be held at Lupane State University on 19 September where papers will be presented on how Tourism contributes to national and global Peace. After the Symposium there will be a Sport tournament on the 21 September in Gokwe Kabuyani Constituency aimed at promoting Sports Tourism. “The Tourism Month will be concluded by the World Tourism Day Main Celebrations on the 27th of September 2024 at Gandavaroyi Gorge, in Gokwe Gumunyu Constituency, a hidden gem in Midlands Province,” she added. The Tourism Month celebrations are expected to attract local and international tourists, as well as stakeholders in the tourism industry, and provide a platform for networking, learning, and showcasing Zimbabwe’s tourism products and services. The main celebrations will be hosted in Midlands Province this year.

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Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana sign multi-billion dollar port deal

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  By Online Desk  President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his two counterparts, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi and Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi will today preside over the signing of the tripartite agreement on the Techobanine deep water Port in Maputo. The project is budgeted at US$6,5 billion for the construction of the deep-water port in Matutuine district, and a 1 700km railway line linking Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Its implementation has been under discussion since around 2011, with stalling having been attributed to lack of funding. Zimbabwean Ambassador to Mozambique Victor Matemadanda said the three leaders will put pen to paper while also discussing the way forward. Ambassador Matemadanda said following tomorrow’s signing and discussions, progress would start on the implementation of the project. Discussions for the railway line and electricity projects are already in progress

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Government releases 154 million ZiG towards vulnerable persons in urban areas.

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By Online Desk Treasury says it has released 154 million ZiG to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare for disbursements towards vulnerable persons in urban areas. The money will be available for withdrawal in two weeks’ time, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Simon Masanga said yesterday. Currently Government is finalising the registration of vulnerable urban dwellers who have not been spared by the devastating effects of the El Nino induced drought. Apart from availing cash to vulnerable families, the Government has also kickstarted the food-for-work programme countrywide—and local authorities will be engaged to spotlight works that need to be carried out at a community level. Mr Masanga said the elderly and child-headed families are exempt from the public works programme, adding that they will instead receive money or grain for free. In a recent interview Minister July Moyo indicated that there is enough food on the ground and people should not panic, adding that the private sector is also importing cereals.

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National Health Insurance Bill to be tabled before Parliament

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  Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora says the National Health Insurance Bill will be tabled before Parliament soon as the Government moves to ensure universal access to basic health services. He said this during question time in the National Assembly yesterday while responding to questions from legislators on what the Government was doing to improve maternal healthcare. Dr Mombeshora said the aim of the Government is to ensure that every Zimbabwe has access to basic healthcare at public institutions. About 10 percent of Zimbabweans have health insurance cover, according to Global Press Journal, leaving the majority exposed to cash expenditure to access healthcare services. On the issue of maternal health, Dr Mombeshora said the Government has embarked on various initiatives to ensure the safety of pregnant women. Government is also buying equipment for women who give birth through Caesarean Section, targeting district hospitals that serve rural communities. Recently, 10 anaesthetic machines were bought for such institutions.

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