Quarantine centres: a cause for concern

By Habakkuk Trust Inmates currently in quarantine facilities and those that have since been released from holding have raised fears that living conditions at the centres provide a haven for COVID-19 cross infections.  Quarantine centres have become the epicentre of COVID-19 infections in Zimbabwe, contributing over 70% of the country’s new infections. Infections hit a…

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ARC Webinar: COVID-19 and its impact on Health, Livelihoods and Food Security

Impacts of the current COVID-19 global pandemic to Africa could be devastating to livelihoods, health and food security. Despite the upsurge in humanitarian measures to support vulnerable people on the continent, the compounded effects of health and food security crises are placing a heavy burden on African economies. It is in this context that African…

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Kuchengetana Relief Kitchen brings smiles to the less privileged in Chitungwiza

By Ronnie Chisamba An ordinary Mount Pleasant mother has brought smiles to many residents in Chitungwiza and the surrounding areas by providing food and other necessities during the ongoing Covid-19  induced countrywide lockdown. Samantha Shingirai Murozoki (35), a  married mother of 2 has brought smiles to the less fortunate in the community of the satellite…

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Cassava Smartech launches Akello Digital Classroom to help students learn from home

Diversified digital services group Cassava Smartech has launched Akello Digital Classroom, a platform that offers Zimbabwean students, from Primary level to High School, access to online Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) curriculum lessons for all subjects. Cassava Smartech announced that all interested Zimbabwean students will have free access to live online lessons for the next…

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COVID-19: UNESCO Offers ResiliArt Illustration Contest

At least thirty emerging and established creatives are in the running for UNESCO’s ResiliArt Illustration Contest prizes. Worth a whopping USD$1700, the prizes are spread across four categories- including an Audience Appreciation Award. Open to talent from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the contest is a part of UNESCO’s…

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Strive Masiyiwa Buys Back Mascom Botswana For USD$300 Million

African and global philanthropists team up to manufacture COVID-19 medical equipment in Africa

African and global philanthropists have teamed up to help African nations secure urgently needed ventilators, breathing support devices and other medical equipment, in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Strive Masiyiwa, co-founder of Higherlife Foundation, who has recently been appointed as an African Union Special Envoy to mobilise the private sector response to COVID-19, is…

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ZOCC files urgent chamber application over media accreditation

By Sean Moyo – ZOCC Spokesperson The Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC),  has filed an urgent chamber application to challenge the recently promulgated new accreditation criteria by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC). The new regulations would see accreditation criteria altered and split into different categories, some of which would disadvantage online content creators as they…

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GOAL Zimbabwe supports over 243,000 children with lifesaving nutrition intervention

By Anyway Yotamu GOAL Zimbabwe, through funding from ECHO and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has launched a lifesaving nutrition programme which will reach almost a quarter of a million children under the age of five years for the next 12 months. The Nutrition Emergency Response for Early Detection and…

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DMWA Resources endorses Equal by 30 Campaign

DMWA Resources (www.DMWAResources.com), a pan-African energy marketing & investment holding, endorses the gender equity campaign, Equal by 30, which aims to encourage women in the clean energy sector to access equal pay, equal leadership and equal opportunities. Alongside 6 partner organisations, DMWA increases the total of signatories to 144, including 118 organisations, 13 partners and…

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Masiyiwa speaks on his role as African Union Special Envoy

Businessman Strive Masiyiwa has spoken about his new role as the ‘African Union’s Special Envoy to Coordinate the Africa Private Sector Initiative for the Procurement of PPEs and other Essential Supplies’.  Masiyiwa was recently appointed to the role by the African Union through its Chairperson, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Masiyiwa wrote: #Update on my…

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Betty Kaseke Foundation brings hope to vulnerable people during COVID-19

The Betty Kaseke Foundation – a humanitarian nonprofit organization formed with a vision of addressing the needs of the vulnerable members of the  Zimbabwean community is supporting the elderly, the orphans, the disabled and vulnerable women with clothing, sanitary wear and even with income-generating projects. Dr. Betty Kaseke has been conferred with an honorary degree…

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African Risk Capacity Augments its Operations with 2 New Non-Executive Directors

The African Risk Capacity Limited (ARC Ltd) has appointed two new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs), Mr. Jurgen Meisch and Mr. Phillip Pettersen, to join its Board of Directors to bring independent strategic guidance and oversight to its operations. The new directors joined a group of other industry experts led by Mr. Abdoulie Janneh and Dr Frannie…

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Masiyiwa completes solar power project in Matabeleland

Pan-African businessman and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa has, through his ‘Re-Imagine Rural’ initiative, completed a 100KW solar power project at Ndolwane in Bulilimamangwe district near Zimbabwe’s border town of Plumtree, in the country’s south western province of Matabeleland South. Breaking the news on his popular Facebook blog, Masiyiwa wrote: There is a place in rural Zimbabwe…

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Food aid transport fee, a burden to the vulnerable

By Habakkuk Trust Rural communities in Matabeleland have expressed concerns over the transport costs incurred in receiving food handouts from Social Welfare. According to reports obtained from Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Teams, beneficiaries of the food aid are required to pay costs towards the transportation of maize. Despite the declaration of drought as a national disaster,…

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PESLawyers petition Parliament for wildlife trade transparency

The effects of COVID-19 pandemic on communities and conservation efforts in Zimbabwe

By Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association Introduction The tourism sector is one of the most affected industries by the COVID-19 pandemic which is an unprecedented global health and socioeconomic crisis.  Globally, this sector is accredited for its immense contribution to GDP, job creation, infrastructure development and wildlife conservation efforts. In the first quarter of 2020, the…

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PAP to commemorate Africa Day with Civil Society and Diaspora

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will commemorate Africa Day on Monday, 25 May by hosting virtual engagements with Civil Society Organizations and Africans in the diaspora. Held under the overarching African Union theme of 2020 “Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions for Africa’s Development,” the   fora are expected to define the role of the both the Civil Society…

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MultiChoice Partners One Africa Global Foundation on COVID-19 Hope For Africa Concert

As a further support mechanism in the fight against Covid-19, MultiChoice has partnered with the One Africa Global Foundation to host a continent-wide broadcast of the Covid-19 Hope For Africa Concert later this month, an event that will feature Zimbabwean participation. Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the concert would…

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Public mobilises COVID-19 funds, donate PPE to hospitals for frontline healthcare workers

The Econet group yesterday handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) worth $730 738 to two of the country’s major COVID-19 referral hospitals, with three more hospitals scheduled to receive their consignments early next week. The money was raised by the public in response to an appeal made by the group for donations towards the fight…

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Zimbabwe to get 1 000 ‘oxygen helmets’ as Masiyiwa steps up COVID-19 support

Businessman Strive Masiyiwa has ordered 5 000 oxygen ventilators to help in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, saying he plans to ship batches of 1 000 ventilators each to Zimbabwe, Sudan, and Eritrea. Masiyiwa wrote: I have ordered 5 000 of these Oxygen Ventilators! A few weeks ago someone sent me this news clip: http://video.foxnews.com/v/6146589876001/…

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Selmor Mtukudzi joins the continent’s A-team for an Africa Day music concert

Celebrated Afro-Jazz musician, Selmor Mtukudzi, joins renowned African musicians for a two hour concert celebrating Africa Day and raising awareness on the impact of COVID 19 on the continent. Dubbed WAN Show and scheduled for May 25, the concert features a host of African musicians based in the continent and the diaspora. Some of the…

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Post-COVID Tourism Recovery consultations begin

… As domestic tourism takes centre stage Zimbabwe’s tourism sector yesterday met in Harare to craft a post-COVID-19 tourism recovery strategy. The discussion hinged on prioritizing the domestic market and product diversification. Addressing the meeting, Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndholvu emphasized the need to have a three-phased approach that starts…

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ZC donates COVID-19 essentials to children’s home

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has disinfected Chinyaradzo Children’s Home premises and donated hygiene essentials and some medication to support the orphanage’s COVID-19 fight. The essentials were presented to the Harare home by a ZC delegation led by acting managing director Givemore Makoni and including director of cricket Hamilton Masakadza as well as Zimbabwe limited-overs captain Chamu…

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Econet reopens shops and service centres countrywide

Urges patience as customers flock to get service after 6 weeks lockdown Econet Wireless has begun reopening its shops following the lifting of some COVID-19 Coronavirus lockdown restrictions. But the company cautioned customers to be patient as it ramps up processes in and around its shops to balance quick service turnaround and ensuring public safety. …

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Jedidiah Trust seeks to grow from the grassroots

In pursuit of seeking sustainable partnerships with stakeholders in its quest to have a national presence, Jedidiah Trsust has approached Norton Town Council and the Senators in Mashonaland West Province to find ways of establishing a mutual working pact. “On Friday the 15th of May 2020, we had an introductory meeting with Norton Town Council…

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African countries get new tool to predict climate-related disasters

A new weather forecasting system in Africa allows meteorologists to track approaching storms in real time, potentially saving lives from climate-related disasters, scientists said on Monday.  The technology is already used in developed countries but was not available until recently in most of sub-Saharan Africa, according to scientists behind the project at the University of…

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Rediscovering the value of indigenous knowledge through COVID-19

By Charles Dhewa By restricting movement between rural and urban areas, there is no doubt that lockdowns in African countries have weakened domestic trade and social fabrics that sustain most low-income economies. Contrary to views from policymakers, African economies are not sustained by international trade but domestic commerce and social capital. COVID19-induced lockdowns have made…

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Machakaire unpacks Youth Fund to Bulilima East youths

Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation Deputy Minister Tino Machakaire recently announced that Government will continue disbursing start-up relief funds to youths and urged those that have not received the funds to register. Addressing youths at Dingimuzi Hall in Plumtree over the weekend, the Guest of Honor at the Plumtree Youth Dialogue,  Deputy Minister Machakaire said…

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ICTs keep the world focused on SDGs, connected amidst COVID-19

Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and courier Services, Jenfan Muswere has paid tribute to the important role ICTs play in keeping the world on track towards achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and coping with the coronavirus pandemic. He made the remarks today (17 May 2020) on the celebration of the World Telecommunication and Information…

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Masiyiwa urges multi-stakeholder collaboration in fighting COVID-19 in Africa

Businessman Strive Masiyiwa has urged Africans to adopt what he calls the ‘ITTIT’ formula to fighting the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus epidemic as governments across the continent gradually ease national lockdown restrictions imposed to reign-in the spread of the disease. Writing on his popular Facebook blog following his appointment by the African Union as…

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Chitungwiza residents get 2 boreholes from United Family International Church

By Joyce Mukucha and Nyasha Mutena As a way of ending water woes which have bedeviled the town of Chitungwiza for decades, the United Family Interdenominational Church(UFIC) International’s founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has handed over a benevolent donation of two community boreholes. Addressing residents of Unit J and several officials from the Ministry of Health…

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Kadoma Water Woes Hinder Progress In The Fight Against Coronavirus

By Ronnie Chisamba in Kadoma The Kadoma Progressive Residents Association has voiced its concerns over the critical shortage of water and pointed out that the crisis presents a stumbling block in the fight against the deadly coronavirus, popularly known as COVID-19. The residents association recently made the statement through its Chairperson, Mr. Wilbert Batanai Murambiwa…

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COVID-19 has its problems but identify opportunities, Minister Ndhlovu tells youths

Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu has urged youths to identify opportunities that came with the Coronavirus pandemic and start doing business. Addressing youths in his constituency at Dingimuzi Hall in Plumtree on Thursday, Minister Ndhlovu, said despite the challenges facing the country youths should look at what solutions they can…

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COVID-19 response must target African agriculture and the rural poor

By Olusegun Obasanjo and Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe Africa has so far escaped the worst health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the continent looks like it could be the worst hit from the economic fallout of the crisis: 80 million Africans could be pushed into extreme poverty if action is not taken. And disruptions in…

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Court victory for Chinhoyi vendors

By Kumbirai Mafunda High Court Judge Justice Jacob Manzunzu on Monday 11 May 2020 orderedChinhoyi Municipality to stop demolishing vending stalls and repair a shade that was damaged by its employees as they pulled down structures owned by some informal traders. Justice Manzunzu granted the order to stop the demolition of any vending stalls and…

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Old Mutual Zimbabwe donates PPE to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital

Old Mutual yesterday delivered a consignment of Personal Protective Equipment for health workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, keeping its promise to commit $3.5 million towards Zimbabwe’s fight against COVID-19. This is the second such donation, following a similar handover at Thorngrove Hospital in Bulawayo last month as part of the #BusinessFightingCovid-19 initiative….

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Econet & Cassava group imports 100 000 COVID-19 test kits, targets corporates & vulnerable groups for testing

The Econet Group has imported 100 000 COVID-19 test kits for use in testing critical target groups such as essential services staff and the elderly and vulnerable, as Zimbabwe enters its seventh week under a national lockdown imposed by the government in efforts to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. Announcing the development, the…

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COVID-19 shows symbiotic relationships between formal and informal economies

By Charles Dhewa Among other revelations, COVID-19 has shown the extent to which formal and informal African economies do not work in isolation but are more like Siamese twins. African economies are structured in such a way that there are no distinct supply chains that can be locked down without affecting entire ecosystems. For instance,…

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United States provides additional US$2.5 million in response to Cyclone Idai

USAID Announces New Program to Combat Food Insecurity in Zimbabwe

USAID/Zimbabwe announces a new Feed the Future activity, Fostering Agribusiness for Resilient Markets (FARM).  The US$19.8 million, five-year contract with Chemonics International will commence in the next few months and will focus its efforts in Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces. FARM builds on the work of Feed the Future Zimbabwe-Crop Development, Feed the Future-Livestock Development, and USAID’s…

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COVID-19 Related Deaths At Tobacco Factory In Indonesia Are Latest Example of Prioritizing Profits Over Workers

Global tobacco industry watchdog STOP (Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products) and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) are urging caution following a rash of reports that tobacco industry practices may be putting their workers at risk for COVID-19. The alert comes amid news that two factory workers have died from COVID-19 and dozens of others tested positive at HM Sampoerna, a…

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The Cultural and Social Challenges to Slowing the Pandemic in Africa

By Chris Macoloo When the outbreak of the coronavirus was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, it is arguable whether African governments took the threat seriously. Since this was a new virus, most African governments thought that it would be confined to China. Even after most Western countries prohibited planes from certain cities in Asia…

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