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NO LEGAL GAP IN ZIMBABWE GOLD CURRENCY, RESERVE BANK CLARIFIES

  By Online Desk The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has moved to dispel concerns over the legality of the Zimbabwe Gold currency (ZiG), reaffirming its status as the country’s legal tender. In a statement yesterday RBZ said the lapse of Presidential Temporary Powers that established the ZiG does not create a gap in the law. Instead, currency reform measures can only be revoked by another legal instrument. “The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe wishes to advise the public and all stakeholders that there is no gap at law regarding the Zimbabwe Gold currency. “The Zimbabwe Gold currency, (ZiG) was established through Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) proclaimed under S.I 60 of 2024, which constitutes a onetime act of currency reform. Currency reform measures by their nature do not lapse simply because the instrument that introduced the reforms has lapsed. “The lapsing of the Presidential Temporary Powers that established the currency does not, therefore, create a gap in the law. “Legally, currency reform measures are only revoked by another legal instrument,” said the Central Bank. RBZ added that: “Meanwhile, it should be noted that The Finance Act which has since been gazetted into law, simply declares the provisions of S.I 60 of 2024 and is not meant to validate them. “Thus, ZiG remains the country’s legal tender, and the Reserve Bank will continue to consolidate its use and stability.”

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ZIMBABWE REAPS WHEAT HARVEST SUCCESS, EYES FULL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

  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.

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Climate and Health Africa Conference unveils stellar lineup of keynote speakers

  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 BRACES FOR LA NINA RAINS, ASSURES PUBLIC SAFETY

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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Climate and Health Africa Conference set to kick off in Harare

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.

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Zimbabwe businesses defy monetary authorities, refuse local currency

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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Zimbabwe tightens Mpox surveillance

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

  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.

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

  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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