Businesses encouraged to embrace crisis communication to mitigate the impact of COVID19

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…

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Appreciating art and craft: The highway woodcarving galleries

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…

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Gates Foundation’s ‘Failing’ Green Revolution in Africa: New Report

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…

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The COVID-19 Lockdown and the Right to Protest

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…

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Let’s guard against fuelling the spread of COVID-19: Dr. Betty Kaseke

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…

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The Masvingo Tower gives residents a constant reminder of the curfew

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.  …

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Nexus between Human Rights and Covid-19

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…

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Uphold ethics in the management of the knowledge society: Dr. Machengete

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…

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Telecoms industry set to offer better service from USD-indexed tariff adjustments

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…

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ZNOART condemns deepening corruption in municipalities

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…

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Africa Re to Disburse US$ 3.3 million for the Fight Against Covid-19 in Africa

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…

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COVID-19 mandatory testing for all ZINARA employees

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…

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EU provides over USD 16.5 million for the most vulnerable in Zimbabwe

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…

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The Extended Lockdown: Implications on Social Protection from a Gender Perspective

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…

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Chinotimba Community Information Centre officially opened in Victoria Falls

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…

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Digital research is best positioned to understand African consumers

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,…

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The government should close incomplete tollgates: Parliament

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…

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The digital economy offers opportunities for increased productivity: Dr. Jenfan Muswere

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…

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Joseph Busha rubbishes proposal for setting up Victoria Falls Securities Exchange

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…

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SA: AfDB approves first-ever crisis response budget support of R5 billion to fight COVID-19

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…

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Facebook’s Connectivity Investments to grow Africa’s Economy by $57 Billion in the Next Five Years

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…

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Nyimpini Mabunda Appointed CEO for General Electric in Southern Africa

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…

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To what extent should African agriculture continue to be extension-driven?

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…

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Chinyambera: The Enduring Traditional Dance in Bikita

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…

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Sanyati Information Centre launched to give communities access to ICTs

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…

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COVID-19: New report examines how to prevent future pandemics

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…

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COVID-19: Africa Medical Supplies Platform experiences surge in the use by AU member states

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…

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Moody’s Affirms Afreximbank’s Credit Rating at Baa1

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…

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Religious Leaders Speak Out Against South Korea’s Scapegoating of Church after Members Test Positive for COVID-19

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…

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ECOZI, ECIS, ZNCWC welcome decision to defer the opening of schools

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…

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ZTA commends tourism recovery efforts in the midst of COVID-19

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has commended the Ministries of Health and Child Care; Local Government; Finance and Economic Development; Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry; the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe as well as Government at large for their efforts and commitment towards the recovery of the Tourism Industry. The authority reminded operators in…

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Government to regularise informal settlements: Minister Garwe

By Anyway Yotamu With the current housing backlog standing at nearly 2, 5 million people on the waiting list, Government is redesigning all informal housing settlements in urban and peri-urban areas in a move meant to sanctify the illegal structures and give ownership to the occupiers. Informal housing settlements do not have water reticulation systems…

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Vaccinations drop due to COVID-19 outbreak: WHO and UNICEF

By Anyway Yotamu The levels of childhood immunizations against dangerous diseases such as measles, tetanus, and diphtheria have dropped alarmingly during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting millions of children at risk, United Nations agencies said on Wednesday the 15th of July 2020. “The avoidable suffering and death caused by children missing out on routine immunisations could…

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Turkey pledges to promote democracy and fight terrorism

His Excellency, Mr. Hakan Kivanc, the Ambassador of Turkey to Zimbabwe has reiterated his country’s commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting democracy worldwide. The Ambassador made the remarks on the occasion of the 15 July Feto Coup Attempt Briefing Meeting today Wednesday 15 July 2020 at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Harare. “For us,…

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Mandela Mile Asks World To Step Up! With Virtual Party Honoring Nelson Mandela #forKofi

With the world on lockdown, Mandela Mile unites global leaders and Afro Nation artists for music and conversation with 3D audio technology Mandela Mile (https://MandelaMile.global/), the annual commemoration and global leadership challenge, will cap off international Mandela Day festivities with an online party on Sunday, 19 July 2020 from Midnight until 2:00 AM in Johannesburg, South…

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TelOne Network Operations Centre to improve business efficiency

The TelOne National Operations Centre officially launched in Harare today by the Minister of ICTs, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Dr. Jenfan Muswere will ensure that service delivery to end-users becomes more efficient while businesses and individuals can now work with less disruption for guaranteed business into the future. Dr. Muswere made the remarks while…

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Overcoming The Biggest Barriers To Cloud Computing?

By Bernard Marr During the current coronavirus pandemic, cloud computing is playing an increasingly prominent part in many of our lives. From how we stay entertained, to socialising with friends and doing business, it’s fair to say that when things eventually return to normal many people will have a far greater appreciation of cloud and…

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Twelve African leaders selected for Facebook Community Accelerator Programme

Awarding up to $3 million, selected community leaders will receive up to $30,000 in funding As part of its focus in bringing people together and building communities, Facebook (www.Facebook.com) today announced the 12 African community leaders who have been selected to join Facebook’s Community Accelerator (https://bit.ly/2Wj59Hp), a six-month programme that aims to equip communities with the training,…

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Glytime Foods penetrates the regional market

By Anyway Yotamu Glytime Foods has made it into the regional markets despite financial challenges faced by the business community in the country, by securing a contract to supply its products into neighboring Zambia. The company specialises in the manufacturing of honey and healthy cereals. Speaking during a media tour organised by ZimTrade in Harare…

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