ZESN Long-Term Observer Report on Monitoring Responses to COVID-19

By Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) INTRODUCTION During the month of May, a new variant of COVID-19, the Indian Variant B.1.617, was detected in Kwekwe. Subsequent to this, the government imposed a two-week lockdown covering the entire district: the City of Kwekwe, Redcliff town, and the surrounding farming areas in Kwekwe Rural District Council. Measures…

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ECA considers setting up Agro-industrial Park for Zambia and Zimbabwe

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA’s) is mooting the establishment of an agro-industrial park (AIP) for Zambia and Zimbabwe. This emerged during the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa’s virtual validation session for a study assessing the feasibility of establishing and managing a common Agro-Industrial Park (AIP) between the two countries held on Monday. An…

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IOM and FCDO assisting Government to support Informal Cross-Border Traders to do business safely

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is this week conducting a visit to Chirundu and part of the Supporting Informal Cross-border Traders in Southern Africa to do Business Safely during the COVID-19 Pandemic project. Informal Cross Border Trade which accounts for up to 40% of total intra-SADC trade, with an estimated value of US$17.6 billion…

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SASA! Faith Initiative driving the GBV, HIV eradication agenda

“Whenever the time comes for me to get married, I will join the church because that’s the place where honest, straightforward girls who will be ready to get into holy matrimony are found. There are also isolated cases of gender-based violence (GBV) within churches because of the availability of faith counsellors,” Dylan Sibanda told colleagues…

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HRT concerned by Acting Mayor’s appeal on garbage collection and the beautification of the City

By Harare Residents Trust (HRT) The appeal by the Acting Mayor, Councillor Stewart Mutizwa has been received with mixed reactions by residents of Harare who feel that his appeal lacked sincerity and practical application. The City of Harare has to institutionalise accountability and be transparent in everything it does. Those who criticize the appeal argue…

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CICs positioning ICTs to promote an inclusive, digital-enabled society

Community Information Centres (CICs)  are helping to overcome the age, income and gender divide in pursuit of promoting an inclusive society, Dr Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services has said. He made the remarks at the official opening of the Brunapeg CIC in Matebeleland South Province yesterday. Throughout…

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WHO validates Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use and issues interim policy recommendations

World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday 1 June 2021 validated the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving countries, funders, procuring agencies and communities the assurance that it meets international standards for safety, efficacy and manufacturing. The vaccine is produced by the Beijing-based pharmaceutical company Sinovac. “The world desperately needs multiple COVID-19 vaccines to address…

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Allowing water shortages is ridiculous: CWA

By Clemence Muchedzi   Community Water Alliance (CWA) – an organization that advocates water governance issues said allowing rampant water shortages on the part of responsible authorities in the country is ridiculous and should be a thing of the past. The sentiments come following complaints by residents of Mufakose over water shortages in the community….

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IOM and USAID in field visit to Chimanimani project sites

Officials representing the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Chimanimani district authorities, and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) recently conducted a field visit to Chimanimani to assess project activities under the Enhancing Multi-Sectoral Assistance to Cyclone Idai Affected Populations in Zimbabwe project.  …

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YETIN dishes out empowerment projects for artists

By Chimeno Azriel A newly registered trust, the Youth Empowerment Through Innovation ( YETIN) is set to help and uplift upcoming and seasoned artists through various projects. The Trust under the directorship of Gugulethu Moyo, seeks to inspire and help youthful artists to grow. Speaking during the interview with this publication, Gugulethu spoke of her…

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Children’s Republic Association advances the rights of vulnerable children

By Clemence Muchedzi The Children’s Republic Association is advocating the rights of vulnerable children living on the streets has called the societies to stand for the less privileged. The Founder of the organization, Chiedza Nyanyiwa said, “The vision of Children’s Republic Association is a society in which laws and policies are protective of underprivileged children….

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The Africa Green Waste and Energy Expo and Conference 10th Edition rolls to life

The Africa Green Waste and Energy Expo and Conference 2021 kicks off in Harare today with this year’s edition described as crucial since it reflects on a milestone development agenda that coincides with the 10th Anniversary.   This year’s edition is running under the theme; ‘CIRCULAR ECONOMY: ‘I CREATE!” with the main event being hosted…

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Cassava Smartech partners with the Anglican Church

Members set to benefit from insurance cover, farming technology & logistics support MUTARE – Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland aimed at supporting the church with insurance, farming solutions, and logistics services, among other things. The move is expected to see thousands of members…

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Chinese Embassy donation to Zimbabwe strengthens two countries’ bilateral relations

On May 19, the Chinese Embassy and Huawei donated some supplies to the Angel of Hope Foundation on the launch ceremony of the seeds for futures. Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, the First Lady of Zimbabwe and patron of the Zimbabwe Seeds for the Future, Mrs.Wang, the wife of Chinese ambassador, counsellor for economic and trade cooperation,…

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Zimbabwe Government must embrace youthful talent

By Nicholas Ncube Zimbabwe is a land of talented and enterprising young people who shine in whatever part of the world or endeavour they find themself in. Zimbabwe has produced talent such as the flying elephant Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu, Leeroy Gopal, Oliver Mutukudzi, Marvelous Nakamba, Fanyana Dube, Edwin Hama, Danai Gurira, Tongai Chirisa, Busi…

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No! to the Proposed Partial Privatisation of the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB): ZIMCODD

The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) is calling upon the Government of Zimbabwe to reverse ongoing measures to partially privatize the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB).   The coalition argues that privatization of the POSB is not in the nation’s best interests. The People’s Own Savings Bank is the only savings bank in…

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MSF: UN member states must commit to increasing access to drugs and tests for people with cryptococcal meningitis

MSF, others launch strategic framework to end deaths from HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis by 2030 In advance of an upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and its global partners released a strategic framework outlining the actions countries need to take to end deaths from cryptococcal meningitis (CM) by 2030….

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Novartis reaches milestone delivery of 1 billion courses of antimalarial treatment

Novartis continues to invest in research and development for next-generation antimalarials to combat the threat of artemisinin resistance Novartis (www.Novartis.com) has delivered 1 billion courses of antimalarial treatment, including 430 million pediatric treatments, largely at no profit since 1999; With other innovations, the Novartis artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) contributed to reduce malaria deaths by nearly…

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AUDA-NEPAD and Ecobank Group partnership moves to finance phase under the 100,000 MSMEs Initiative

2.0 million USD to be extended to qualifying MSMEs The African Union Development Agency NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) (https://bit.ly/3w9P1aI) and the Ecobank Group (www.Ecobank.com) its strategic partner on the development of the 100,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Initiative, are set to launch the financing component as from 27 May 2021. AUDA-NEPAD launched the 100,000 MSMEs Programme…

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Jabu’s Homecoming: Zimnat reveals importance of a funeral assurance plan

Through WhatsApp, Zimnat Life Assurance reveals the importance of investing in a funeral assurance plan through an exhilarating drama titled Jabu’s Homecoming. Adonis Ncube, who acts as Jabu in the awe-inspiring drama as a Zimbabwean living and working in South Africa, captures the audience’s attention when he suddenly dies without any funeral assurance plan. His…

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Merck Foundation marks “World Hypertension Day 2021”

Today, Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks World Hypertension Day 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, through their long-term commitment towards building Cardiovascular, Diabetes, and Endocrinology care capacity in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.   Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation…

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Impressive ICT uptake as Zimbabwe marks 2021 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Today, Zimbabwe boasts of impressive information communication technology (ICT) uptake as it joins other nations to celebrate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), 2021, whose theme is “Accelerating Digital Transformation in challenging times”. In his keynote address to mark this important day, Hon Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier…

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VaChirenda Centre of Hope Foundation uplifts women in Seke

By Desire Tshuma The VaChirenda Centre of Hope Foundation has again done another community responsibility in Seke and Beatrice through training women and girls in various skills to make them economically self-reliant. Recently, the VaChirenda Centre of Hope Foundation has conducted a four-day training workshop in Seke and Beatrice targeting underprivileged women and girls. The…

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Key Affected Population Model worthwhile in addressing HIV, SGBV among sex workers

The Key Affected Population Model being implemented by the National AIDS Council (NAC) is reaping huge dividends in as far as engaging sex workers in responding to HIV and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) is concerned. With the impacts of the COVID-19-induced lockdown wreaking economic havoc among the clientele of sex workers, the situation has gone…

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ZELA petitions Parliament to stop machete violence and criminality in the gold sector

By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) ZELA APPEARING BEFORE THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES ON MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT AND DEFENCE, HOME AFFAIRS AND SECURITY SERVICES   1.0             ABOUT ZIMBABWE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ASSOCIATION (ZELA) AND ASM WORK We are a public interest environmental law group that seeks to promote equitable, just, and sustainable environmental and natural…

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Prevent veld fire to avert threat to the biophysical, social and economic environment

Stakeholders have been urged to prevent veld fires whose impacts are multifaceted and a threat to the biophysical, social and economic environment because of their trail of destruction that cuts across all sectors of the economy. Wildfires constitute 10% of the world’s emissions and nearly half of this is related to Southern Africa. In Southern…

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Zimnat makes life better for children with disability

Zimnat recently assisted St Christopher’s Children with Disability Centre in Hatcliffe. This was through the provision of clothing, shoes, and accessories. The timing coincides with the start of the winter season making the donation timely for keeping the parents and children warm. The gesture is part of Zimnat’s continued support for the communities through various…

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The African Union and the African Risk Capacity Group launch the Gender and Disaster Risk Management Platform

To ensure the integration of gender equality and women empowerment issues in the disaster risk management (DRM) landscape, the African Union (AU) and the African Risk Capacity (ARC), have launched the Gender and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) platform. The new platform is expected to contribute to the development and management of knowledge on the issues…

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ICT knowledge a basic need necessary for driving productivity

Knowledge in the use of information communication technology is now a basic need and an essential skill for productivity, Dr. Jenfan Muswere the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has said. The Minister, in his keynote speech, while officially launching the Maranda Containerized Village Information Centre (CVIC) at Maranda in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province…

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Volunteers for Vulnerable Children providing safe spaces

By Clemence Muchedzi Volunteers for Vulnerable children – a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged and neglected children has called for the building of safe communities that protect children and support their personal development.   Project Officer of the organization Allen Chimombe said it is their dream to reunify all the children living and working in…

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In Zimbabwe, we need another dictionary to define the term “Development”

By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo Zambian President, Edgar Lungu has commissioned more than five hospitals in less than six months. Apparently, he has decongested Lusaka city by Commissioning four flyovers in less than a year. Forget about the Karanda footbridge, it’s none of your business. We have another footbridge around Inyathi area in Matebeleland, which was…

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Review of the Parks and Wildlife Act to foster natural resources conservation

Environment and tourism stakeholders had a consultative meeting in Harare yesterday to gather views on the review of the Parks and Wildlife Act [Chapter 20:14] to ensure that the Act meets the current needs of society whilst at the same time addressing a myriad of contemporary sector challenges. In his keynote address, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu,…

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Food Relief Hampers: Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) reaches out to communities

Cognisant of the fact that following COVID-19-induced hardships, most families in Zimbabwe are facing hunger and starvation, the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) is extending its giving hand by distributing food hampers to deserving families across the country.   Speaking during the food distribution exercise in Chitungwiza on Monday 3 May 2021, Mr Can…

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