Category: zimbabwe

Trust Freddy Herald Correspondent

THE deputy director of Road Services in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ernest Shenje, has been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over an alleged US$1 million fradulent claim for compensation for a property affected by the construction of the Mbudzi Interchange in Harare.

In a brief statement announcing of the arrest yesterday, ZACC said the alleged fraudulent claim in compensation was for US$1 003 417.

“The accused, working in cahoots with one Levy Idana (who is still at large) and some lawyers, manufactured a fraudulent agreement of sale purporting that Levy Idana was the owner of Subdivision A of Subdivision B of Delft of Hopely which was in the name of John Maloney.”

ZACC said Shenje went on to facilitate the processing, working together with other Ministry officials. As a result of their fraudulent claim, Idana was allegedly paid US$200 000.

Shenje is expected to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today.

The Mbudzi Interchange occupies a significantly larger area than the roundabout it replaces and so the Government had to buy out property owners in the immediate vicinity of the interchange and some of its access roads.

This involved using the laid down compensation procedures of independent valuations, normally involving three separate valuations, and then taking over the needed property at the independent valuation. While the property owners had no option but to sell out, the law does guarantee them full compensation for urban land.

Rumbidzayi Zinyuke Senior Health Reporter

GOVERNMENT will today receive the third batch of 294 000 oral cholera vaccines (OCV), bringing the total number of vaccine doses available in the country to 892 000.

This comes as Government prepares to begin the rollout of the vaccination campaign in cholera hotspots on Monday.

The OCV campaign is part of the measures being rolled out in response to the current outbreak which has affected more than 20 000 people and claimed 454 lives since its onset in February last year.

Zimbabwe was allocated 2,3 million oral cholera vaccine doses from the international co-ordinating group on vaccine provision and the initial tranche of 892 000 doses is now in place.

Speaking after receiving a consignment of cholera medicines and supplies worth US$265 000 from UNICEF in Harare yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said all was set for the rollout of the vaccination campaign.

“We are waiting for the last batch and we are hoping that by tomorrow we will receive the third batch of 294 000 doses to make them 892 000. We should start our vaccination campaign from January 29 up to February 2. But we are expecting 2,3 million doses so we will be vaccinating as they come. The second tranche of another 894 000 doses will be coming and we dispatch it as well until the 2, 3 million doses are completed,” he said.

Dr Mombeshora said the campaign would initially target hotspots, mainly Manicaland, Masvingo, Harare, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland West provinces.

He expressed appreciation for the support from UNICEF and other partners in the preparations for the OCV campaign as well as in providing the medication and supplies needed in the fight against cholera.

“What you have given us today is quite substantial and will go a long way in helping us combat the cholera epidemic. As you know, Zimbabwe has had a protracted cholera outbreak since February 2023. This is almost a year now. By 24 January this year, the country had recorded a cumulative number of cases of 20 446 and 452 cholera deaths,” said Dr Mombeshora.

The country’s case fatality rate (CRF) currently stands at 2,2 percent but the World Health Organisation recommends a CFR of less than one percent in a cholera outbreak.

The Minister said the medicines donated by UNICEF would be instrumental in reducing the CFR to acceptable levels.

Among the supplies received by Government yesterday were antibiotics, oral rehydration salts, infusion giving sets, and other commodities used in the treatment of the diarrhoeal disease.

“Amongst the reported cholera cases, 31 percent were under 15 years of age, while 14 percent were children under the age of five. And as we can see today, most of the commodities that we have received will cater for the children, vulnerable people and these commodities will go a long way in reducing the mortality in children,” added Dr Mombeshora.

To date, 60 out of the 63 districts in Zimbabwe have reported cholera cases and the major contributors to the outbreak have been identified as poor water supplies, sanitation, and hygiene.

Part of the measures that have already been implemented include the drilling of additional boreholes, distribution of aqua tablets and water guards in affected communities as well as clean-up campaigns in Harare and Chitungwiza.

In the long term, there are plans to construct more dams around cities, especially Harare, to improve the supply of clean water to the city.

UNICEF country representative Dr Tajudeen Oyewale said the commodities would assist in closing the gap in supplies for the cholera response, improving case management, and reducing the number of lives that might have been lost to cholera.

“UNICEF applauds the Government of Zimbabwe and the Minister of Health and Child Care for the unrelenting efforts to implement the whole of Government and whole of society approach to fight the cholera outbreak. UNICEF will continue to support the Government as we work together with our partners to put an end to this disease, treat infected people, prevent the disease from spreading, and an end to this outbreak,” he said.

Health Resilience Fund co-chair and Ireland Embassy in Zimbabwe programme manager Mr Dumisile Msimanga said US$3 million had been set aside for the cholera response from the US$90 million pooled to fund different health programmes in Zimbabwe over the next three years.

The Health Resilience Fund is a pooled health fund that seeks to contribute towards supporting maternal health, child health, nutrition, and building resilient and sustainable health systems that can withstand shocks. It is funded by the European Union, the Governments of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance while UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO are the technical partners of the Fund.

Mr Msimanga said the commodities procured were meant to help the Government and people of Zimbabwe respond to the cholera outbreak.

“Feedback from our partners WHO and UNICEF, is that this budget is providing much-needed support in terms of cholera treatment centres, gathering data to guide decision making and working within communities to prevent further spread of the disease. More can still be done to strengthen co-ordination, and we are counting on the Ministry’s leadership in this regard. This will go a long way in improving the allocative efficiency of the limited resources at hand,” he said.

Mr Msimanga said the current cholera outbreak was a reminder of the need for preparedness and strengthening the resilience of the health systems, especially community health.

Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent

Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited (Zimpapers) yesterday announced the appointment of seven new non-executive members to its board of directors.

The new members are: Mrs Doreen Sibanda, Dr Alexander Rusero, Dr Gift Machengete, Mr George Chisoko, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, Ms Rutendo Mangudya and Mr Phillip Mbano.

In a statement, Zimpapers company secretary Mrs Daphine Tomana said the appointments were effective from January 9, 2024.

Mrs Sibanda is a publisher, skilled writer, and cultural expert with over 25 years experience in several institutions, including non-profit art organisations.

She served as the executive director of the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe from 2004 to 2020 and is currently a consultant at Mutupo Contemporary (Pvt) Ltd.

Mrs Sibanda has served on several boards including those for Great Zimbabwe University, NMB Bank, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Women’s University in Africa and POTRAZ, where she eventually became the chairperson.

She previously served on the Zimpapers board from February 2014 until August 2019.

Mrs Sibanda holds a Certificate of Education, Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education.

Dr Rusero is a senior lecturer of international relations, politics and journalism with 17 years teaching and researching experience. He is currently the head of the department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Africa University.

Dr Rusero previously served as a senior lecturer at Harare Polytechnic’s School of Journalism and Media Studies. He served as lecturer in politics, international relations and governance at Great Zimbabwe University.

Dr Rusero was the lead researcher of international relations and diplomacy for the first-ever Africa Fact Book project jointly commissioned by the African Union and the Government of Zimbabwe.

He is the author of 13 texts and more than 40 book chapters and journal articles.

Dr Rusero was the lead researcher for the inaugural 2023 Elections Reporting and Peace Journalism Manual that was commissioned by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. He holds a PhD in International Relations.

Dr Machengete is an economist, administrator, and turnaround strategist with 40 years of experience in public service, 10 years of which as a senior diplomat, 15 years as a senior Government official and 7 years as a director general. He is currently the director general of Potraz since December 2016.

Dr Machengete has served on several boards and councils, including the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, the Grain Marketing Board, Chimanimani Logistics, and Sino Zimbabwe.

He served as the chairman of the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute governing council and is past chairman of the Communications Regulators’ Association for Southern Africa.

Dr Machegete is currently a board member of the Innovation Alliance of the International Telecommunications Union.

He holds a BSC Economics Degree, a Masters in Business Administration and Doctorate of Business Administration, among other qualifications.

Mr Chisoko is a media and communication practitioner whose broad professional experience span over 20 years in the areas of media, communication, marketing and public relations. He served as a senior assistant editor of The Herald from 2009 to 2017 having joined Zimpapers in 2001.

He is currently the director for media in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

Mr Chisoko holds a National Diploma in Mass Communication, a BComm (Hons) in Marketing Management, a Master in Business Leadership (MBL), and is a PhD candidate in Strategic Management.

Eng Mushanawani has over 25 years of experience in the information, communication, technology industry, and financial technology.

He is the current group chief executive officer of NetOne Cellular Private Limited since December 2021.

Mr Mushanawani joined NetOne in 2015 as the chief information technology officer and rose to become the acting chief executive officer.

He was the IT manager for Telecel Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2015 and the technical manager for Zimsurf from 1996 to 1998.

Eng Mushanawani holds a Bachelor of Technology degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Ms Mangudya is a supply chain professional with a strong background in finance.

She comes from an entrepreneurial background where she has pioneered new companies in the food and allied industries. Ms Mangudya has experience in financial services, logistics, manufacturing, and FMCG sectors.

She holds a Masters in Banking and International Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics.

Ms Mangudya is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and holds an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.

Mr Mbano is a legal practitioner with over 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors.

He is the founding partner of Mbano Gasva and Partners and currently the firm’s consultant.

Mr Mbano has exposure in commercial law and dispute resolution and is also a governance expert currently attached to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree and post-grad qualifications in Governance and Human Rights.

Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

ISAAC Mpofu underlined his status as one of the leading athletes in the country after scooping the 2023 National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe Athlete of the Year Award at a ceremony held in Harare yesterday.

The long-distance runner also claimed the Senior Men Athlete of the Year gong ahead of United States-based sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Bradley Makuvire.

“I am happy, I am grateful. That’s a big motivation for the coming events especially the Olympic Games.

“I think these awards must be done yearly because they are an inspiration both to senior and upcoming athletes.

“If they (young athletes) see these awards being done every year, imagine as a young athlete it can inspire you to say let me do this so that I can get that award. So it’s a big motivation to us,” said Mpofu.

The awards returned after being shelved for more than 20 years.

Mpofu participated at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary last August and finished on position 15 in 2hours 11minutes 33seconds.

Earlier in the year he competed at the Boston Marathon where he made the top 20, when crossing the finish line on position 19, in 2hours 14minutes 8seconds.

In December he clocked 2hours 7minutes 39seconds at the Valencia Marathon.

Mpofu is one of the two athletes from Zimbabwe that have already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Senior Women Athlete of the Year award went to United States-based Vimbayi Maisvorewa ahead of Ashley Miller and Faith Nyathi.

Takunda Mhete and Kimberly Kachambwa won the Junior Men of the Year and Junior Women of the Year awards respectively.

Kachambwa said she was excited with the recognition and is looking forward to an exciting future.

“I feel excited and I am very thankful because I wouldn’t have done it without God and then without the coaches and the assistance from my school as well.

“I hope that I keep on training so that I can be one of the best athletes in Zimbabwe,” said Kachambwa.

For Kachambwa, some of the major highlights include winning a silver medal in discus at the Confederation of African Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 Championships in Zambia, last year.

Mhete, who won a bronze medal in triple jump at the continental meet in the Under-20 was pleased with the award.

“It means a lot to me and also to my coach.

“I mean we have really worked hard over the past, about nine and for me to be able to win this it’s good to be able to get recognition for the months and hours that not just myself but my coach and I have also put in and the people that support me. So it does mean a lot to me,” said Mhete.

All the winners received trophies and a book written by Robert Mutsauki titled “My Life and Footprint, volume one.”

Baldmin Holdings were the main sponsors of the awards.

NAAZ president Tendayi Tagara said they are hoping to improve the event in the future.

“We want to thank Baldmin Holdings for supporting the event. they made sure that all the trophies are available. They also made sure there is a token of appreciation for all the runners.

“All the athletes received some token of appreciation in terms of cash, it’s not that big but that’s the philosophy we want. We want to incentivise our athletes. We started small but October this year we have agreed that we want to make it big and better,” said Tagara.

Baldmin Holdings managing director and founder Costar Takawira said they would want to see the level of competition improving.

“As a former athlete I took it upon myself to say in order for us to have better competition in the country we have introduce some incentives…So when Mr Tagara approached us we said its fine, we are willing to sponsor the programme, so that at least we recognise our athletes, give them something that would motivate them so that at the end of the day our competition increases,” said Takawira.

The national association also honoured coaches and technical officials.

Claris Gwata walked away with the Technical Official of the Year award and Silas Muringani got the Coach of the Year.

 Winners

Athlete of the Year: Isaac Mpofu.

Senior Men Athlete of the Year:

1. Isaac Mpofu, 2. Tapiwanashe Makarawu, 3. Bradley Makuvire.

Senior Women Athlete of the Year:

Vimbayi Maisvorewa, 2. Ashley Miller, 3. Faith Nyathi

Junior Men Athlete of the Year:

1. Takunda Mhete, 2. Samuel Dauti, 3. Shawn Katsidzira.

Junior Women Athlete of the Year:

1. Kimberly Kachambwa, 2. Nontokozo Ncube, 3. Samkeliso Ndebele.

Technical Official of Year:

1. Claris Gwata, 2. Apinos Chiwara, 3. Ottilia Kurebwaseka.

Coach of the Year:

1. Brenda Leipe, 2. Silas Muringani, 3. Cuthbert Nyasango.

Best Province:

1. Bulawayo, 2. Harare, 3. Manicaland.

Gibson Nyikadzino Herald Correspondent

Trade cooperation in goods and services between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom registered a nearly US$185 million increase in 2023, compared to 2022, as current total trade exchanges between the two countries stand at US $595 million, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade has reported.

Investment statistics also show that there was an increase in foreign direct investment from the UK in Zimbabwe to US$68 million or 145,5 percent higher in 2021 than in 2020.

The US$185 million trade increase and US$68 million investment increase came as the two countries are enhancing bilateral cordiality following years of political acrimony since 2002, as Government now focuses on economic diplomacy as an anchor for re-engagement.

The data presented was for the 12 months ending November 2023 and Zimbabwe’s top five exports to the UK included beverages and tobacco at US$135 million, vegetables and fruit at US$5,8 million, jewellery at US$760 000, coffee, tea and cocoa at US$600 000 and works of art at US$190 000.

From the UK, Zimbabwe imported specialised machinery, telecommunications and sound equipment among others.

Read the report: “Total UK exports to Zimbabwe amounted to US$258 million in the four quarters to the end of 2023 (an increase of 86,2 percent or US $120 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of 2022). Total UK imports from Zimbabwe amounted to US$338 million in the four quarters to the end of 2023 (an increase of 23.1 percent or US$63 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of 2022).”

The normalisation of relations between Zimbabwe and the UK happens at a time British Conservative politician and chairman of the Westminster Africa Business Group Mr Laurence Robertson met President Mnangagwa to discuss trade and investment opportunities in the country.

British Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Pete Vowles yesterday said it was “very good” Mr Robertson had lead a business delegation to Harare “to strengthen business links between the UK and Africa.”

In explaining what hindered more trade exchanges, the UK noted it was “affected by lockdown and other measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Economists and trade investment analysts yesterday called for strategic trade cooperation highlighting that while there is a projected lower agricultural output in 2024, Government should enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the economy in key sectors like agriculture to boost trade.

Economist Dr Prosper Chitambara said Zimbabwe should avoid having a trade deficit with any country but work towards refining key sectors.

“While we are expecting both agricultural and production output to be lower, that could affect trade. However, we need to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of our economy in key sectors, agriculture being one of them.

“That is done through key enablers to bring business through infrastructure financing, energy and enhance productivity of producers of farmers. By doing so it means we benefit from trade relations. We do not want a deficit with any country but rather a favourable trade balance,” said Dr Chitambara.

Economist Mr Brains Muchemwa underscored the need for Government to engage in strategic trade with all countries but in favour of Zimbabwe.