The Pan-African Parliament held a three-day media capacity-building workshop for journalists in the Southern African Region from 16 to 18 May 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. The exercise was the second media training by the Pan-African Parliament and was a targeted effort to address the visibility challenges encountered by the PAP in South Africa…
Harare – Zimbabwe has ratified the Disability Rights Treaty, a protocol that is the first Pan-African human rights treaty that specifically addresses forms of discrimination affecting people with disabilities in the continent. In a statement, Sightsavers, an international organisation that works in more than 30 countries to prevent avoidable blindness and fight for the rights…
Writes Lloyd Rabaya The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for committing various crimes against Palestinian civilians since October 8, last year. In a statement, Khan argued that the duo has criminal responsibility for war crimes against…
The Pan-African Parliament, the legislative arm of the African Union (AU), engaged in public hearings in Nairobi, Kenya, in collaboration with the AU Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), with grassroots organizations from the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Western Regions. The purpose is to finalize the Legal Framework pertaining to the draft Model Law on Gender…
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union, is scheduled to hold a three-day training workshop tailored for journalists in the Southern Africa region. The workshop will take place from the 16th to the 18th of May 2024 in Cape Town. The purpose of the training aligns with the broader objectives of…
When considering recalls, the Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN), has urged lawmakers and politicians to place the citizens at the centre of representative democracy. These sentiments were shared in a ZESN-published Position Paper on Recalls, Subsequent By-elections, and Lessons Learnt which seeks to examine democratic accountability and governance. The paper also facilitates debates on the…
In his address to the Thirty-third Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) running in Vienna, Austria from 13 to 17 May 2024, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi, said Zimbabwe is committed to upholding crime prevention, strengthening criminal justice and promoting the rule…
Writes Elvis Dumba Banket – The government will not force businesses to transact in the newly introduced local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) but will allow market forces to determine the utilisation of the local currency. This was said by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon Ziyambi Ziyambi Hon Ziyambi said the government…
By Veritas There is consensus among NGOs that this is not a good law for Zimbabwe for several reasons. In this document, we set out the reasons in ten simple points. The Bill claims to counter PVOs supporting terrorism or illegal money laundering. But this problem does not exist There is no evidence from past…
With Africa losing US$4 billion annually to cybercrime, the aggressors of the digital realm are gaining the upper hand. GITEX AFRICA 2024 (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest tech and startup exhibition, taking place from 29-31 May in Marrakech, Morocco, provides a platform for leaders and executives of Africa’s tech ecosystem to share insights on cybersecurity’s crucial…
The Southern African Editors Forum (SAEF) has noted with serious concern, the Zimbabwe Cabinet principles on the amendment of the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Act and the proposed Media Practitioners Bill that are meant to effect media co-regulation and professionalise the media in Zimbabwe. SAEF is of the view that the cabinet principles, if applied…
Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob F. N. Mudenda’s delegation wound up its Parliamentary benchmarking visit to Mozambique on the 3rd May 2024, by visiting the Nwadjahane Village, Mandlakazi District, in the Gaza Province. This is the birthplace and memorial shrine dedicated to the late Dr. Eduardo Chivambo Mondlane, the luminary Founding Father of…
Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary delegation to Mozambique led by Speaker, Hon Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda met the Mozambique National Assembly Chairpersons and Mozambican President, His Excellency, Felipe Jacinto Nyusi, at State House. The bilateral visit of Speaker Mudenda and his delegation was crowned by its meeting with Mozambican President, His Excellency, Felipe Jacinto Nyusi, at State…
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe yesterday in Harare convened the World Press Freedom Day Commemoration – a day celebrated globally on 3 May, whereupon stakeholders reiterated the key role that the media plays in amplifying environmental stewardship. The universal theme for this year is: “: A Press for the Planet: Journalism in…
The Parliament of Zimbabwe is on a visit to Mozambique to strengthen existing cordial political and economic bilateral relations, explore possible areas of cooperation as well as share Parliamentary best practices between the two sister Republics and legislatures. Hon Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, arrived in Maputo, Mozambique on Monday,…
To reaffirm its position as the beacon of political, social, and economic engagement, the Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament met the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation yesterday. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led a delegation for a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Naledi Pandor, Minister of International…
The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, is leading a PAP delegation to a pre-budget retreat ahead of the 2025 Budget Retreat for the Joint Sitting of the Sub-Committees of GSCBFAM, Programs and Conferences, and F15 Technical Experts at the African Union (AU) Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Accompanying the President…
Writes Equality Now Statement by Equality Now during the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC). Maseru, Lesotho on 15 April 2024 – Equality Now, an international Human rights organisation (with observer status No. OBS/029/2018), founded in 1992, working for the protection and promotion…
The transport and infrastructural development sectors play a key role in the industrialization and modernization of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob F. N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament has said. The Speaker made the remarks at the Induction Workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development held at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre from 12-15…
Writes Muchimba Faro Unpacking the Persons With Disabilities Bill (H.B. 2, 2023) before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, at the New Parliament Building recently, Dr Christina Peta, the Director of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare said the Bill seeks to compel the…
Writes Muchimba Faro Speaking during a debate of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NRPC) report in the National Assembly in Mt Hampden yesterday, Gutu South Member of the House of Assembly who is also the ruling party ZANU (PF) Chief Whip, Honourable Pupurai Togarepi told Members of Parliament to stop pretending to hate each…
Members of Parliament have proposed to amend the constitution to pave the way for a Disability Commission so that People with Disabilities (PWDs) issues in the country are adequately addressed. This came out clearly during this year’s access to Information Communication Technology (ICTs) by People with Disabilities Indaba organised by Signs of Hope Trust held…
The Embassy of Sweden in Zimbabwe’s partnerships are driven by the strategic imperative to create space for the pursuit of new strategic areas, particularly within Economic Empowerment and Environment and Climate Change. The remarks, through a press release, come as the Embassy has been made aware of an article circulating published by The Mirror, 28…
President-elect of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), Chief Fortune Z. Charumbira has said it is now time to put behind unnecessary fights for positions and bring together all stakeholders to revive the continental legislative body in pursuit of sustainable development. Chief Charumbira was re-elected as President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) at the recently concluded…
Following defeat by Hon Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira in the bid to represent the Pan African Parliament (PAP)’s Southern Region Caucus, Hon Miles Sampa, a legislator from Zambia, working with his erstwhile comrade, Hon Ashebir Gayo of Ethiopia, made frantic efforts to block today’s candidate for the top post of the continental legislative body in…
Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of Parliament, and Hon. Mabel Memory Chinomona, President of the Senate are currently in Geneva, Switzerland attending the 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) being held under the theme “Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges for peace and understanding”. The spring edition of the IPU Assembly has drawn over…
Pan African Parliament Presidential hopeful, Miles Sampa was left with egg on the face after a South African High Court in Gauteng on Thursday, dismissed the suit filed by a member of Botswana delegation to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Christian Greeff against the Clerk of the PAP, Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo and the Chairperson of the Southern Region…
Zambia’ Matero Member of Parliament from the Patriotic Front, and Pan African Parliament (PAP) Committee and Public Accounts (CAPA) Committee Chairman, Miles Sampa, who has developed cold feet in the face of imminent defeat by Chief Fortune Charumbira for the presidency of the continental lawmaking body, has approached the High Court of South Africa, through…
Harare – The government of Zimbabwe has been hailed for mainstreaming disability issues through the gazetting of the Persons with Disabilities Bill which will go a long way in upholding the principle of aiding meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all facets of life. Ms. Fiona Adolu, a representative from the United Nations (UN)…
By Lloyd Rabaya Epworth, a dormitory town in south-eastern Harare, is one of the towns with high crime rates, poverty, and squalor. With a population of above 200 000 people according to the 2022 national housing census, the town is also a harbour of child pregnancies, prostitution, drug and substance abuse, unemployment and poor service…
As part of benchmarking visits to Nordic and Baltic countries, Hon Jacob F. N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe’s delegation started its engagement in Latvia on 6th March 2024 with a Meeting with H.E. Ms. Daiga Mierina, Speaker of the Parliament of Latvia. The Hon. Speaker of Latvia warmly welcomed Speaker Mudenda’s delegation. The…
By Lloyd Rabaya Zimbabwe’s health and education service delivery is under scrutiny as the key sectors continue deteriorating, with rural populations suffering the most. Notwithstanding the deficit of the facilities nationwide, other issues were raised at a two-day Zimbabwe Coalition for Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) State of Local Authority Service delivery (Education and Health) workshop…
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, is in Stockholm, Sweden where he is leading a Parliamentary delegation undertaking Benchmarking visits to Sweden, Latvia, and Finland from 4th to 11th March 2024. Speaker Mudenda was received at the airport by the Zimbabwean Ambassador to Sweden, Her Excellency, Ms Priscilla Misihairambwi-Mushonga. The Hon….
A roadmap to restore normalcy at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has been set in motion following recommendations of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council with Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira tipped to retain the presidency of the continental legislative body in elections earmarked for this month. Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, Acting President of the…
By Lloyd Rabaya The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has cried foul over the current socio-economic state that hinders them from running smoothly. According to the Zimbabwean constitution, “The State must take all practical measures to promote free and compulsory basic education for children and higher and tertiary education.” Yearly, the government allocates…
By Lloyd Rabaya The post-budget expenditure tracking workshop between the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) and Parliament of Zimbabwe has kicked off in Kadoma today. The workshop is scrutinising the much-criticised 2024 National budget which was presented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube, while mainly focusing on education…
OWN CORRESPONDENT Harare businessman Tendai Mashamhanda will file an urgent chamber application against the Sherriff’s order for him to vacate his US$1.5 million mansion in Harare after Supreme Court judge Justice Chinembiri Bhunu dismissed a case in which he opposed being evicted before a determination of his court The eviction order signed by M Kapesa,…
Joseph Panganai Kugara, a member of the Kwekwe Mining Association, an affiliate of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has approached the High Court to order Henrietta Rushwaya to quit her role as the ZMF President. Kugara approached the Masvingo High Court under Case number HCMSC89/24. The Zimbabwe Miners Federation is the first respondent. Henrietta Rushwaya…
Writes Lovemore Chazingwa The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Zimbabwe has expressed profound gratitude and, at the same time, humbled by the bold move South Africa took on the ongoing onslaught by Israel on the Palestinian people. Palestine Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency (H.E) Dr Tamer Almassri revealed this in a solicited interview…
The African Union’s Executive Council decision on the situation at the PAP effectively poured cold water on Hon. Ashebir W. Gayo’s plan to prolong his hold on power at the Pan African Parliament (PAP). The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) on Wednesday transmitted some aspects of the Executive Council decision on the situation…
By Lloyd Rabaya The Government of Zimbabwe has, over the years, not made much progress in meeting the set targets of ratified global policies. This came out at an engagement meeting between Parliament Portfolio Committee (PPC) on Health and Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) yesterday. The most popular of the policies is the…
Tendai Mashamhanda, son of businessman Alex Mashamhanda popularly known as Mashwede, has brought to the fore judicial corruption pitting Chief Justice Luke Malaba in a US$1,5 million involving opposition-aligned lawyers Tendai Biti and Advocate Thabani Mpofu. A letter availed to a local publication dated February 9 2024 addressed to the JSC Chairperson, Zimbabwe Human Rights…
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has been educated to the effect that the Constitution of Zimbabwe does not limit the President of the National Council of Chiefs to be elected as the deputy president of the institution after serving two terms. Some sections of the local media had reported that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)…
Regional Caucuses of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) have written a letter of complaint to His Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Headquarters, and brought to his attention the unabated and flagrant disrespect of the AU Policy Organs as well as the sustained defilement of his directives, the PAP…
Own Correspondent Responding to a move by Zimbabwe’s cabinet to back the abolition of the death penalty, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, said: “Zimbabwe has taken the right step towards ending this abhorrent and inhuman form of punishment that has no place in our world. “Now that the…
