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  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.”

  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.

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.

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.