By Githinji Gitahi, Lolem Ngong, George Kimathi It starts and ends with the communities. Communities will drive the success or failure of the COVID-19 vaccine trials and immunization uptake. Scientists, policymakers, and public health experts must start involving communities now as discussions and plans progress toward finding a vaccine — not after the scientific breakthrough but before. In recent decades,…
By Anyway Yotamu Doctors have vowed to continue with their strike and said the government should just meet its end of the bargain to avert the looming crisis, rather than plead with them to return to work without personal protective equipment (PPEs). Norman Matara, the Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights Secretary-General told Spiked Online Media….
Businesses in Zimbabwe have been encouraged to embrace holistic and collective crisis communication approaches in order to mitigate the impact of COVID19 in the wake of a spike in infections recorded in workplaces across the country. Speaking at a virtual Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations (ZIPR) Masterclass held on Thursday as parts of efforts to…
By Anyway Yotamu The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic that started in a Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019 has disrupted life across the world with most governments putting measures like travel restrictions, border closures, and stay-at-home orders while curfews have been implemented to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. The new normal that…
By Nimrod Ushe Wood carvings galleries along the Masvingo-Beit Bridge Highway are among the places where wooden art is exhibited in great sizes and styles. Most of the artists use their creative genius and imagination to craft some of the best Zimbabwean curios. This week, the Spiked Online Media team toured Mubatiwemaoko and Tokwe…
New research from the Tufts Global Development and Environment Institute finds the billion-dollar Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa is not living up to its promises By Stacy Malkan Massive investments spent promoting and subsidizing commercial seeds and agrichemicals across Africa have failed to fulfill their purpose of alleviating hunger and lifting small-scale farmers…
All the main telecommunication companies (telcos) – both mobile and fixed – are set to adjust their tariff upwards today (the beginning of August) or have already done so. This follows their regulator Potraz’s consent that they charge for their services in both local and foreign currency at a price point for the local currency…
As investigations continue to absolve the National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) board of any wrongdoing, the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission has come under fire for “arresting in order to investigate.” According to the recently established Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10.31) that is administered by the Office of the President and cabinet (OPC) Corporate Governance…
By Veritas Trade unions, political groupings and civil society organisations have called on the public to take to the streets on the 31st July to protest against economic mismanagement and public corruption. Some of the calls for protests have been couched in intemperate language, and so have threats by members of the Government and ruling…
As COVID-19 cases gain traction in Zimbabwe with infections over 2000, Zimbabweans must be responsible and avoid events with the potential to fuel up Covid-19 during the lockdown, philanthropist, and former Kuwadzana legislator, Dr. Betty Nhambu Kaseke has said. The former legislator expressed worry over today’s (31 July 2020) planned demonstrations’ potential to escalate the…
By Nimrod Ushe The Curfew Tower is a national monument located at the corner of Robert Mugabe Street and Leopold Takawira Street in the Masvingo metropolitan. The structure is a tall, small square building that was erected by the British South Africa Company (BSAC ) in the 1890s, when Fort Victoria (Masvingo) was established. …
PAP intensifies consultations on the impact of the pandemic in Africa The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has reiterated that respect for human rights across the spectrum including economic, social, civil and political rights, will be critical to a successful public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa. The call was made at the occasion of…
Zimbabwe’s music producers have a unique role to play in the creation of the country’s musical library, especially in ensuring product quality that is equal to the best in Africa and the rest of the world. One man who is up to that challenge is Mono Mukundu, a seasoned professional who is keen to see…
The Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) opened its new office on 1 July 2020 at the Country Club, Newlands in Harare as part of enhancing its service delivery, improve the ambiance, and corporate appeal to its stakeholders and partners, Mufaro Chivonivoni the ZGA President said. “The move was necessitated by the need to ensure that we…
Dr. Gift Machengete, the Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has given an interesting insight into the ethical dimensions of information and knowledge societies while speaking at the 10th virtual high-level policy session of the World Summit on the Information Society yesterday. Below, Spiked Online Media shares Dr. Machengete’s astute…
Telecommunication companies operating in the country must have breathed a heavy sigh of relief last week after regulator Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) allowed them to charge tariffs that are not only based in foreign currency, but also adjusted in line with the ruling foreign currency exchange rate. While Potraz said the…
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trusts (ZNOART) has said it is deeply concerned by corruption perpetrated by officials in urban councils. The corruption has been exposed and has become public knowledge. The listed criminal anomalies include the selling and allocation of stands, car sales, home industries, wetlands invasions a lot more. The…
The African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re) (www.Africa-RE.com), the premier reinsurance group in Africa, has announced the disbursement of the sum of US$ 3.3 million to assist stakeholders in the ongoing fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in the continent. The announcement was made after the approval of the 2019 final accounts of Africa Re by the General…
By Anyway Yotamu Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) is set to take all its employees for COVID-19 mandatory testing. Speaking to this publication, ZINARA spokesperson Mr. Tendai Mugabe said, “As ZINARA, we are making arrangements to test all employees. Those found positive will be automatically quarantined. As a preventive measure, we are rigorously enforcing social…
The European Union has further increased its support towards the most vulnerable in Zimbabwe by providing an additional EUR 14.2 million (approximately USD 16.63 million) to help support people in need dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, extreme weather conditions – such as persistent drought in the region – and other crises. Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner…
The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa has said Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume were not arrested for exposing corruption but for using their social media accounts to incite Zimbabweans to violently overthrow the Government. “Even though Hopewell Chin’ono writes about corruption he is not unique in this regard. All the Newspapers…
By Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has wreaked havoc in all spheres of society the world over. Globally, COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths have risen to 15 012 731 with 619 150 respectively as of 23 July 2020, World Health Organisation (WHO). In Africa, the cumulative cases as…
Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services officially opened the Chinotimba Community Information Centre in Victoria Falls today. “I am highly honoured to preside over the official launch of Chinotimba Community Information Centre (CIC), here in Matabeleland North Province. Whilst Chinotimba CIC has been operating, it had not been officially handed…
More and more brands are looking to digital research as a means of unlocking the insights they require to reach the African consumer. However, despite huge amounts of digital data and exponential increases in respondents, market research is not yet effectively leveraging the digital revolution. A recent survey indicates only 5% of research in RSA,…
The African Union (AU) Special Envoy for COVID-19, Strive Masiyiwa has announced the arrival of COVID-19 Test Laboratories in Zimbabwe. Masiyiwa wrote: A few weeks ago someone made a presentation to me on a new Technology for T-Testing. I immediately spotted its potential to help African countries at borders and airports. It can also help…
By Anyway Yotamu The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development has recommended the closure of at least five tollgates that are operating before completion to ensure accountability and transparency. The Committee has embarked on a countrywide assessment of tollgates and Vehicle Inspection Department depots to evaluate the implementation of funded projects. Speaking after…
Speaking during the virtual World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, Dr. Jenfan Mufwere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said the digital economy offers opportunities for increased productivity even amidst global challenges like COVID-19. Dr. Muswera was among the High-Level Panel Policy Session 7 Speakers at the WSIS 2020 Forum that…
Maverick politician and astute businessman, Joseph Makamba Busha, who is the President of FreeZim Congress Party said instead of setting up the Victoria Falls Securities Exchange (VFEX), Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube should concentrate on serious matters around building a strong economy. “The Minister of Finance Hon. Mthuli Ncube proposes to start up the Victoria Falls…
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved a loan of approximately R5 billion ($288 million) to the government of South Africa, as the country battles one of the largest COVID-19 caseloads in the world. South Africa confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on 5 March 2020 and is currently the…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition Transform Zimbabwe party leader Jacob Ngarivhume on Wednesday 22 July 2020 appeared before judicial officers at Harare Magistrates Court answering to charges of inciting people to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government through unconstitutional means. Chin’ono appeared before Magistrate Ngoni Nduna answering to charges of incitement to…
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit – Inclusive Internet Index 2020, over 800 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are unconnected to the internet Today Facebook (www.Facebook.com) released findings from The Impact of Facebook’s Connectivity Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa (https://bit.ly/2ORXiwd), a study conducted by Analysys Mason that highlights how Facebook investments in infrastructure and connectivity across the region…
In this role, Nyimpini will lead GE’s growth in the region and drive alignment across its Power, Healthcare, Aviation and Renewable Energy businesses Nyimpini will lead GE’s (www.GE.com) growth in the region and drive alignment across its Power, Healthcare, Aviation and Renewable Energy businesses; An accomplished business leaderwith a career spanning 23 years. General Electric…
By Kumbirai Mafunda Zimbabwean police on Monday 20 July 2020 arrested journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition Transform Zimbabwe party leader Jacob Ngarivhume for allegedly inciting people to revolt against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration during some planned anti-government protests called for at the end of the month. Chin’ono was arrested by some armed Zimbabwe Republic Police…
By Charles Dhewa In much of Africa there is an age-old assumption that agriculture has to be driven by extension. This is visible in how much of the support from governments and development agencies tend to focus mainly on production while neglecting other value chain nodes such as logistics and markets. More importantly, agriculture has…
By Nimrod Ushe (Arts and Culture Correspondent) Peresu Chikono is one of the prominent Zimbabwean traditional dancers of his time. Born in 1938, at Chikuku in Bikita, he stood as one of the Chinyambera traditional dance shining stars. The traditional dance guru has performed his exuberant dances overseas, at a regional level and locally at…
Community Information Centres are key infrastructure that enables local communities to have access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) services, Minister Jenfan Muswere told delegates at the launch of the Sanyati Community Information Centre today. The launch comes as the Government has identified ICTs as one of the pillars and cornerstones for economic development. “The Government…
By Bernard Marr The enormous amount of data being generated every day is changing our world, and has given rise to a term most of us are now familiar with: big data. The sheer volume of data available is just one of the many challenges in working with big data. But perhaps the biggest data threat…
UN Environment Programme Ebola, SARS, Zika, HIV/AIDS, West Nile fever and now COVID-19. These are some of the highest-profile diseases to emerge in the last several decades. And while they emerged in different parts of the world, they have one thing in common. They are what scientists call “zoonotic diseases,” infections that jump between animals…
Supply chain platform secures lifesaving COVID-19 treatment for 1 million Africans Expands to include African hospitals and Caribbean Community countries Following a successful launch of the Africa Medical Supplies Platform by the Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa on the 18th of June…
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Africa’s foremost multilateral trade finance institution, announces that the global credit ratings agency Moody’s, on 14 July affirmed the Bank’s long-term credit rating at Baa1, with a stable outlook. The agency determines its rating for supranationals based on three criteria: capital adequacy, liquidity, and funding and strength of member support. Moody’s notes…
Religious leaders and NGOs in association with the United Nations around the globe have raised their voices on the need to correct inappropriate persecution and human rights violations against a South Korea religious group, Shincheonji Church of Jesus. From Southern Africa, fourteen (14) religious leaders from the Christian, Islam, Hindu, the Church of Scientology, Hare…
By Dr. Tapiwa Mashakada The government presented its mid-year economic and budget review on Thursday 16 July 2020 against high expectations from a nation on its edge. Because of the economic hardships, Zimbabweans were expecting some good news to make them at least smile. I was in Parliament listening very attentively. My take is that…
The Education Coalition Of Zimbabwe (ECOZI, Every Child In School – ECIS and the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC) are in support of and commend the cabinet decision to defer the reopening of schools for examination classes scheduled for July 28 in light of the rising number of confirmed Covid-19 infections. The…
Potential beaus, queue up quickly to join her once-in-a-lifetime quest for love! She was the first to step out of the limousine, onto the red carpet, and into the mansion in The Bachelor SA Season 2. She was the first to wow the #BachelorNation with her larger-than-life, what-you-see-is-what-you-get personality and big smile; and the first to kiss…
Life is unpredictable. And the best strategy to overcome irrepressible situations is to plan for a financially secure life. Financial security means having resources to support your standard of living today and in the unforeseeable future. But, your future is no different from your family’s. Your financial goals will secure their future too. Do you…
