Godfrey Koti: Spearheading ZTA’s publicity campaign

By Byron Mutingwende Under the stewardship of the results oriented Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Dr Karikoga Kaseke, the institution is enjoying a positive turn in fortunes spearheaded by the aggressive marketing prowess of its newly appointed Head of Corporate Affairs, Godfrey ‘Chief’ Koti. Koti is a young, vibrant and hardworking broadcaster, digital…

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Avoid Green House Gas emission-intensive investments: Agricultural expert

There should be a deliberate move to avoid Green House Gas emission-intensive investments through economically viable low-emission development options, a senior Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) official has said. Gabriele Ranieri, the Officer in Charge of the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa made the remarks at the Sustainable Land Management and Climate-Smart Agro-ecology in…

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UN welcomes peace pledge by political parties

The United Nations has welcomed the move by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) of bringing together the principals of the political parties to pledge for peace ahead of the election on 30 July 2018. Bishow Parajuli, the UN Resident Coordinator said the move embeds the principles of peace as a constitutional value. The…

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Residents call for protection and conservation of wetlands

By Byron Mutingwende   “We are appalled by the construction of a filling station on a wetland in Kambuzuma. The construction further compromises water delivery and is a clear violation of our environmental rights,” fumed Joseph Kahari, the Secretary for Governance of the Blue Agenda Trust.   The Parliament of Zimbabwe has produced a report…

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ERC to conduct independent audit of the 2018 Final Voters’ Roll

Harare – 25 June 2018 – The Election Resource Centre (ERC), in collaboration with its partners, is conducting an independent audit of the “Final Voters’ Roll” that will be used for the 2018 Harmonised Elections. This follows release of the “Final Voters’ Roll” by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), on 15 June 2018, in a secure…

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The German Government contributes additional €15 Million to Zimbabwe’s Education

Harare, 25 June 2018 – The German Government, through KfW Development Bank, contributed €15million to the second phase of the Education Development Fund (EDF) to improve access to quality education for Zimbabwe’s children. A specific focus of the funding lies on strengthening the resilience of schools to external shocks. German contribution to the EDF Germany has been…

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Impact of illicit financial flows on socio economic development

By Davison Kaiyo While the “Zimbabwe is open for business” mantra is good in attracting foreign investors the government of Zimbabwe need to step up efforts to curtail illicit financial flows (IFFs) by enforcing anti avoidance provisions especially towards aggressive tax planning structures in line with the current transfer-pricing framework that was introduced into the…

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Community knowledge is greater than expert knowledge

By Charles Dhewa While it is true that community knowledge is broader and deeper, most African farming communities hesitate to make decisions without consulting an extension officer.  The need to cross-check and verify facts through an extension officer can be counter-productive if it causes farmers to stop experimenting and learning from their innovations. Surveys by eMKambo over…

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EU deploys an Election Observation Mission to the Republic of Zimbabwe

Following an invitation by the Zimbabwean authorities, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Zimbabwe to observe the harmonised elections, scheduled for 30 July 2018. This is a further demonstration of the European Union’s long-term commitment to support credible, transparent and inclusive elections worldwide. Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs…

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ZLHR analyses Electoral Amendment Act and outstanding reforms

By Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights The 2013 Constitution provides for the overall framework for the conduct of elections in Zimbabwe, which must be managed by an independent Zimbabwe Election Commission that is subject to the Constitution and the other laws. The Constitution also provides for political rights – the right to vote and the…

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David Mascott Country School: offering exclusive learning facilities

By Byron Mutingwende   David Mascott Primary School goes a step further in offering quality education to infants and primary school learners.   Located in the pristine area of Norton within a serene environment in the Mashonaland West Province, the school offers the best facilities in moulding a whole person in as far as education…

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Private sector urged to foster CSR for sustainable development

By Byron Mutingwende The private sector has been urged to foster corporate social responsibility (CSR) so as to spearhead sustainable development. In his address to private sector players on 22 June 2018 at a meeting on promoting sustainable development, Bishow Parajuli, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe urged the business community to play…

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World Cup boosts Econet’s data usage through the popular Kwesé iflix service

The Fifa 2018 World Cup tournament has been a boon for the uptake of Kwesé iflix, Econet Media’s recently launched video-on-demand service, which offers top sports and entertainment content on mobile phones, tablets and other multimedia platforms, everywhere – on the go. The service, which was launched in Zimbabwe a little over three weeks ago,…

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Youths claim spaces to participate in sustainable development

By Byron Mutingwende   Young people who constitute the bulk of the Zimbabwean population are calling for spaces to fully participate in issues of sustainable development.   Speaking at a discussion series organised by the Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) in Harare on 21 June 2018, Nyasha Sengai, the Director of Source International and…

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PAP newly elected Bureau heads to the 31st AU Summit in Mauritania

H.E. Hon. Roger Nkodo Dang, President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) will lead the new Bureau to the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Summit, scheduled to take place from 25 June to 02 July 2018 in Nouakchott, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The new…

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IRI, NDI Deploy Long Term Observers Across Zimbabwe to Observe Preparations for Elections

The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), as part of their joint Zimbabwe International Electoral Observation Mission, will deploy 14 long-term observers beginning on June 22, covering all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe in the period leading to the July 30, 2018 elections, on election day and in the post-election period. “Elections…

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Political parties financing: a bone of contention in Zimbabwe

By Byron Mutingwende   The financing of political parties is becoming a bone of contention as Zimbabwe slowly trudges towards the harmonised elections on 30 July 2018.   Speaking at the meeting to discuss the matter on 21 June 2018, Frank Mpahlo, the Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) Programme Officer said in view of the financial…

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UNICEF commends Zimbabwe’s commitment to uphold Children’s Rights

UNICEF Zimbabwe has commended the Government of Zimbabwe and the leadership of the main opposition party, MDC Alliance, for remembering the Day of the African Child; for committing to its theme to “Leave no Child Behind in African Development” and to ensure that all children in Zimbabwe get access to quality basic social services.  …

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Climate-friendly initiatives and actions essential for tourism, says UNWTO

The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, called for the tourism sector to take more action to combat climate change and biodiversity loss during the 30th joint meeting of its Commissions for South Asia and Asia-Pacific in Fiji (18-20 June 2018). Adding his voice to that of the host country, Mr. Pololikashvili…

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EcoCash launches dedicated wallet for business payments

HARARE, Wednesday 20 June18 – Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money service EcoCash today unveiled a dedicated wallet for business payments. The business wallet, which represents the first time in Africa that an enterprise transactions service has been integrated onto a mobile money platform, will offer EcoCash merchants, agents, payroll wallet holders and billers full control of…

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Turkish organisation puts smiles on Zim families

By Thabani Dube Harare – At least 1,250 needy families in the marginalised areas of Hopley, Dzivarasekwa Extension, Norton, Stapleford and Mahusekwa (Thompson Farm) recently received food hampers from a Turkey based organisation, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). TIKA did the programme in the country in conjunction with two local organisations; Supreme Council of…

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Questions around voters’ roll, polling centres and audit in Zimbabwe

By Farai Chirimumimba Once again, Zimbabwe is witnessing an intense period stemming from the availability of the voters’ roll that has been a subject of debate in recent weeks with different interpretations of section 21 (4) by several legal minds. Whether one supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa or his main rival Nelson Chamisa, one thing is…

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Role of election observers ahead of harmonised elections

By Harry Ruka Mazhindu Ever since the 1990s, international observation of elections has become widespread that refusing observers is an indirect admission of fraud as was the case in Zimbabwe between 2002-2013 presidential, parliamentary and subsequent general elections. However, observers opinions despite usually varied can almost do nothing to impact on the outcome of an…

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VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a tourist destination in India and GCC region

In a move to enhance destination awareness and foster market visibility, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a preferred tourism destination in both India and GCC region, through a collaborative relationship.  The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on…

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US $25 Million project to improve family health in Zimbabwe

By Byron Mutingwende   The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the five-year $25 million Mhuri/Imuli Project that will provide technical assistance for integrated maternal newborn child health and family planning to the ministry of health and child care (MOHCC).   In his remarks at the launch, David Parirenyatwa, the minister of…

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FFWPU rededicates 4000 couples in marriage

By Byron Mutingwende   In a bid to strengthen and honour the institution of marriage, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) Zimbabwe Chapter rededicated 4 000 couples at a colourful event held in Harare recently.   Speaking about the event, Archbishop Johanes Ndanga, the President of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe…

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Outcry over partisan village heads in Murehwa

By ZimRights VILLAGE heads in Murehwa North constituency, Mashonaland East, continue to manipulate social welfare programs such as food aid meant for the vulnerable to force villagers to support the ruling party Zanu-Pf ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections scheduled for July 30. These reports emerged when the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) held a workshop to…

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MSF: Disembarkation of 629 people on board the Aquarius cannot be delayed further

By MSF Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is urging European Member States to facilitate the immediate disembarkation of 629 people rescued over the weekend in Mediterranean and now aboard Aquarius, a dedicated search and rescue vessel run by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with MSF. Aquarius remains in international waters off Malta and Italy, the countries with…

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Making a case for 25 % Young women’s Quota in Zimbabwe

By Institute for Young Women Development We write with a heavy heart in such devastating times being witnessed in the country. Recent and ongoing developments in our political sphere has set us 10 years back where representation and leadership of women was less than 10% in elective politics in Zimbabwe.   Owing to women’s rights…

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AIZ, ZACRAS insist on compelling need to licence community radios

By Byron Mutingwende   There is a compelling need to license community radio stations, Amnesty International Zimbabwe (AIZ) and the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) have said.   The calls emerged at the launch of the project spearheaded by the two organisations to advocate for the licensing of community radio stations as a…

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ZEC should improve transparency and accountability: ERC

By Byron Mutingwende   The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) should improve on transparency and accountability in order for it to pass the test of a credible, fair and transparent electoral management body.   This emerged at the launch of the fourth edition of the Election Reform Barometer produced by the Election Resource Centre (ERC) in…

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Address menstruation challenges: Stakeholders urged

Byron Mutingwende   Challenges faced by women and girls regarding menstruation should be addressed as an important component of the adolescent sexual and reproductive health, stakeholders were urged.   The call was made on 6 June 2018 at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) compound during the “Brown Bag” discussion series held under the theme,…

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African Tourism Ministers Stress the Importance of Correct Tourism Measurement for Improved Policy

“Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development”, was the theme of this year’s seminar in the context of the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa (Abuja, Nigeria, 4-6 June). The meeting included a ministerial dialogue on the importance of tourism statistics under the topic “Better measure, better manage”. Commission for Africa attracted 18 tourism ministers…

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Devolution Has Worked In Other Countries

By Dumisani O. Nkomo It has been widely and wildly postulated that devolution of power is divisive, unviable economically and impractical in small countries. In this instalment I would like to argue that devolution of power is a system of government which has been implemented successfully in African, European and Asian countries big and small…

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Safeguard brings automated traffic barrier spikes to Zimbabwe

Safeguard Security’s Engineering division has introduced to the Zimbabwe market high security automated retractable traffic barrier spikes, which can be used for traffic control, preferably in conjunction with a traffic boom.   The spikes can be raised or lowered by means of a remote control or be synchronised with an automated boom, so that when…

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