Headlines

Gender Links gives a thumbs up to new SA Cabinet

Gender Links (GL) has welcomed the 50/50 cabinet and change in women’s minister announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, but says he missed the opportunity to appoint a woman deputy President and restructure the women’s ministry. Announcing his long-awaited cabinet following the 8 May elections, President Ramaphosa proudly announced that South Africa has achieved…

Read More

Small consistent incomes are better than random high yields

By Charles Dhewa Rural households that receive regular small incomes tend to have a better standard of living than those earning a once-off payment from a single commodity like cotton, cocoa or tobacco. Levels of malnutrition and poverty are often higher among communities that depend on high yielding mono-crops than those surviving on diverse agricultural…

Read More

Biodiversity decline hampering tourism

By Tatenda Mujeyi and Byron Mutingwende The decline in biodiversity initiated by malpractices in administering natural resources and ecosystem management is hampering the realisation of maximum potential tourism returns. The remarks were echoed by most speakers at the belated World Biodiversity Day commemorations hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Harare last Thursday….

Read More

Zim Court acquits Biti’s aides for “border jumping”

By Kumbirai Mafunda Karoi Magistrate Sam Chitumwa on Friday 31 May 2019 acquitted three aides of human rights lawyer and opposition political party leader Hon. Tendai Biti, who had been on trial for allegedly violating the country’s immigration laws. Biti’s lawyer Nqobizitha Mahole Mlilo and two of the opposition legislator’s aides Clever Rambanepasi, and Tawanda…

Read More

Human rights campaigners endure more jail time awaiting freedom bid verdict

By Kumbirai Mafunda Four human rights defenders (HRDs) who were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government will endure more jail time after a High Court Judge deferred delivery of his ruling on their bail application to next week. The four HRDs namely George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura and Frank Nyasha…

Read More

Mupfumira officially opens Mutarazi Falls – Place for Adrenalin fanatics

Certainly the best view comes after the hardest climb. This is the story at Mtarazi Falls Sky Walk and Zip line on the northern part of the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe which was officially opened this Friday by the Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Prisca Mupfumira. Mutarazi  Falls is a 762m tiered…

Read More

PRAZ enhancing Transparency and Accountability

By Tatenda Mujeyi The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) is meant to foster transparency and accountability, the CEO, Mr Nyasha Chizu said at a breakfast meeting organised by Transparency International Zimbabwe in Harare today. PRAZ emphasised its establishment was a reflection of government’s commitment to effectively institute accountability and transparency on the procurement process….

Read More

Proper information management promotes good governance, transparency

By Byron Mutingwende   Information is a fundamental asset and managing it is critical for ensuring evidence and accountability, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Sekai Nzenza has said.   She made the remarks at a meeting organised by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) held under the theme “Evidence-based…

Read More

Cyclone Idai effects from a gender perspective: Preliminary report by Oxfam, ZGC

By Byron Mutingwende   The Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) in partnership with Oxfam Zimbabwe have provided a preliminary report after visiting Manicaland province, Chimanimani from the 19th to the 25th of May 2019 with an objective to appreciate the effects of Cyclone Idai from a gender perspective.   Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, the ZGC Chairperson briefed journalists about…

Read More

Econet, Yara Launch Generation Africa in Bid to Promote Youth Entrepreneurship to Africa

Telecommunications company Econet and a global nutrition leader, Yara International ASA have launched “Generation Africa”, a partnership initiative to inspire young African entrepreneurs to join the agri-food sector for its viable business opportunities. Generation Africa will reach thousands of young people through its “GoGettaz” competition, which will award US$100,000 in prize money to two exceptional business…

Read More

Amnesty International Zimbabwe suspended amid fraud allegations

The International Board of Amnesty International has taken the unprecedented step of suspending Amnesty International Zimbabwe (AIZ) from the global movement and placing it under administration following evidence of fraud and serious financial misconduct. According to Robert Shivambu, Amnesty International Media Manager for Southern Africa, an extensive forensic audit was conducted in late 2018 which…

Read More

DStv launches PBS KIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance children’s entertainment

High-quality educational content for young viewers is the focus of PBS Kids, a new channel for children that has recently launched on DStv. The channel results from a partnership between PBS Distribution and MultiChoice Africa to bring PBS Kids to DStv platforms across sub-Saharan Africa, according to MultiChoice Zimbabwe publicity and public relations manager Liz…

Read More

European Tourism Ministers meet in Croatia to Advance Development, Innovation and Partnerships

Innovation, partnerships and managing rising tourist numbers have been top of the agenda at the 64th Meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Commission for Europe, held in Zagreb, Croatia this week (27-30 May).  Croatia was unanimously chosen to host the annual meeting of the tourism ministers of UNWTO Member States in Europe. The…

Read More

USAID launches farmer-to-farmer program in Zimbabwe

The five-year USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer Program (2018-2023) launched on May 30. At a launch event held at Africa Synod House, representatives of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Zimbabwe, a Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer, and implementing organization Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening agriculture and resilience in Zimbabwe….

Read More

NANGO irked by continued shrinkage of civic space

The National Association of Non Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has noted with great concern the continued arrests of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) officials and sternly condemned efforts to inhibit operations of civil society by Government.   The association argued that the shrinking of civic space is exacerbating by day and this is against the expectations of…

Read More

SAfAIDS spearheading campaign on ending unsafe abortion in SADC

By Byron Mutingwende   The Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) is advocating for SADC Member States to scale up prevention of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions among sexually active adolescents.   To do this the organisation is employing a number of strategies including developing and rolling out a regional campaign in…

Read More

Menstrual hygiene a critical health consideration

By Tatenda Mujeyi Menstrual hygiene is a critical health consideration that every society has to prioritise for society’s development. The remarks were universally echoed by speakers at the commemoration of the World Menstrual Hygiene day in Harare yesterday. Standards are being implemented to see to it that the complete range of sanitary products meets world…

Read More

UN team, Ambassadors assess relief impact in Cyclone Idai affected areas

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in liaison with the Government organised a field visit to Chimanimani from 28 to 29 May 2019 for Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe that include Australia, Germany, India, Portugal, South Africa, United Kingdom, and representatives of Embassies of Ireland and Japan.   The objective of the field mission was to assess…

Read More

Kwesé Free Sports to broadcast Castle Africa 5-a-side football across the continent

Castle Lager, South Africa’s most loved and iconic brand, has joined forces with pan-African sports and entertainment channel, Kwesé Free Sports, to deliver the second edition of Africa’s Premier Social Football League, Africa 5-a-side (Africa 5s), to football fans across the continent.   The partnership will afford football loving fans across the continent an opportunity…

Read More

ZESA Power Outages Crippling Businesses, Communities

By Tatenda Mujeyi The load shedding measures introduced by the power utility, ZESA, have left communities crippled as they can no longer go through their daily business efficiently. The load shedding measures which have seen most neighbourhoods accessing electricity for 12 hours a day commenced last month following announcement that the water levels at Kariba…

Read More

CSO leaders detained, pro-democracy campaigners launch freedom bid at High Court

By Kumbirai Muafunda Two civil society leaders were on Tuesday 28 May 2019 arrested upon arrival at Robert Mugabe International Airport and immediately detained at Harare Central Police Station amid indications that Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers want to charge them with subverting constitutional government. Rita Nyampinga, the Director of Female Prisoners Support Trust and…

Read More

Zimbabwe to lose about US$100 million as Astro Mobile sets up manufacturing plant in Zambia

By Byron Mutingwende   In a move perceived by many as counter-productive, Zimbabwe is set to lose close to US$100 million worth of exports annually after Astro Mobile failed to get support to set up a manufacturing plant in the country but was instead welcomed in Zambia.   “The move by the government to put…

Read More

CABS implicated in unfair labour practices

By Tatenda Mujeyi The Central African  Building Society (CABS)  has been implicated in a case of unfair labour practices by the Zimbabwe  Bankers Allied Workers Union following  the expulsion of ZIBAWU workers committee Chairperson Pikirai Guvheya. Pikirai Guvheya is alleged to have been fired following allegations of failing to follow banking procedures, charges that ZIBAWU feels…

Read More

MultiChoice Talent Factory Networking Portal Introduces Instant Messaging Feature

The feature allows connected portal members to interact directly with each other Additional features have been added to the MultiChoice Talent Factory portal, an increasingly popular open platform for sharing information of value and interest to film-making operatives across the African continent. Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the portal…

Read More

Switzerland, FAO hand over 14 rehabilitated irrigation schemes in Masvingo

Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have handed over 14 rehabilitated irrigation schemes to 1’519 smallholder farmers in Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe. This marks the conclusion of the Smallholder Irrigation Programme (SIP) which was funded by the SDC to the tune of CHF 6…

Read More

Africa Takes Lead to Ban Plastic Bags in Bid to Tackle Pollution

Tourists visiting Tanzania are being urged to remove plastic bags from their luggage after the East African nation implemented a ban aimed at tackling pollution and protecting the environment. As of June 1, travelers to Tanzania will have to pack very carefully. The country announced the implementation of the second phase of its plastic bag ban on May 16. Visitors are advised to avoid packing…

Read More

African Parliamentarians to increase immunisation rates and advance universal health coverage

Pan-African Parliament to establish African Parliamentarian Caucus on Immunisation The Pan-African Parliament has adopted a resolution on the establishment of an African Parliamentarian Caucus on Immunisation, to drive forward the body’s commitment to ensuring that all children across the continent have access to the vaccines they need. “Expanding access to immunisation will help lay the…

Read More

Step up partnerships to end sexual exploitation in varsities: Parajuli

Sexual exploitation is prevalent at universities in Zimbabwe, amid calls by various stakeholders to step up partnerships to address the problem.   This emerged at a dialogue supported by the Embassies of Sweden and Canada that brought together 10 Universities that was held on Friday 24 May 2019 at the University of Zimbabwe Sport Pavilion….

Read More

Environmental Lawyers Launch High Court Application On Trade In Wild Elephants

The People and Earth Solidarity Law Network (PESLawyers) has launched an application for an interdict with the High Court on Zimbabwe’s trade in wild elephants. The lawyers have since served the court papers on the respondents who are the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), The Director-General of Zimparks (in his official capacity) and…

Read More