Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Debra Matabvu

Herald Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday capped 640 Harare Institute of Technology graduates, with the university saying it will continue providing knowledge and skills that offer solutions to the country’s socio-economic needs.

A total of 518 students obtained their first degrees while 122 others were taking postgraduate studies. Of those who graduated yesterday, 106 were from programmes introduced to advance Zimbabwe’s modernisation and industrialisation.

The 13 inaugural programmes included Master of Technology degrees in Telecommunications and Wireless Networks, Electronic Commerce, Data Science and Analytics, Medical Ultrasound, Industrial Biotechnology and Food Processing.

President Mnangagwa also toured three major projects at the institution: The lithium battery production plant, the Future Mobility (Urban Mass Transportation System) Tram, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Case Management System.

In his keynote address, HIT Vice Chancellor Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe said their projects contribute to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda. “These innovations are not abstract theories, they are solutions that will respond to the needs of Zimbabwean communities, industries and families,” he said.

“Your Excellency and Chancellor, this year your university continued with its annual tradition of holding its Technovation Expo under the theme, Designing the Future, celebrating 20 years of commercialisation of research, development and innovation outputs for Zimbabwe’s modernisation and industrialisation.

“The Expo demonstrated your university’s dedication to technological innovation, development and commercialisation and had numerous displays showing cutting-edge research, development and innovation outputs that demonstrate the prowess of how Education 5.0 has been assimilated across our curriculum.”

Prof Kanhukamwe also said the university had incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics into its curriculum to close the AI gap in communities across the country. He added that HIT is re-aligning its strategic plan with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS).

“The artificial intelligence revolution, unlike the other revolutions before it, is ubiquitous as it permeates every facet of human society,” he said.

“Its impact is not selective on whether you are a prophet, medical doctor, engineer or professor. The artificial intelligence industry is set to contribute US$19,9 trillion as cumulative global economic impact by 2030.

“Your Excellency and Chancellor, joining the artificial intelligence race at this point is no longer optional but compulsory, as research has indicated that artificial intelligence is now widening economic inequalities among nations.”

Prof Kanhukamwe added that Zimbabwe has to come to grips with the tectonic forces of artificial intelligence, containing its risks and harnessing its power for good.

“As I put this matter to rest, Your Excellency and Chancellor, we are aware of the imminent launch of the National Development Strategy 2 by the close of the year, and we would like to assure you that we are ready and committed to drive the attainment of Vision 2030 ahead of time. We will be realigning our new strategic plan to the NDS2, putting down what we envisage the future to look like,” he said.

Prof Kanhukamwe also outlined the different projects being implemented as part of efforts to contribute to Zimbabwe’s innovation and technology agenda.

He said this year, the university filed with the Intellectual Property offices five utility models, 10 industrial designs, seven trademarks and 648 software copyrights.

HIT also received certificates of excellence from peer-reviewed international journals, publishers and commendations for its unique proficiency and competency-driven curriculum.

Prof Kanhukamwe further highlighted that the university had created an oxygen-aluminium battery and telepresence robots to support healthcare delivery in underserved areas.

“The oxygen-aluminium battery created by the Advanced Materials Team provides a non-toxic, recyclable and affordable option to other available alternative batteries,” he said.

“This breakthrough positions us as a potential contributor to the global shift towards green energy. Our scientists have also developed artificial intelligence models to detect keratitis from corneal images, offering hope for early detection as well as prevention of blindness.

“Others have created telepresence robots to support healthcare delivery in underserved areas. In agriculture, Your Excellency and Chancellor, our teams are utilising artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to enhance crop productivity and combat food fraud, including the adulteration of soils. Our allied health sciences researchers are also exploring genomic biomarkers for hypertension and diabetes, which will lead to locally tailored treatments.”

With regard to the lithium battery project, Prof Kanhukamwe said HIT planned to scale up production to 90 units a day, resulting in an annual capacity of 18 000 units by 2026 for the Zimbabwean and regional markets.

Among the graduates, six were awarded the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$500 cash prize for best students in each faculty.

Turning to the Urban Mass Transportation System, he said the university is producing 80 to 120-seater tram carriages with the goal of reaching a scaled annual output of 100 units by next year.

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Trust Freddy

Herald Correspondent

THE country’s healthcare sector is set for a major uplift following a €4.3 million funding commitment from the European Union to establish a new National Public Health Institute.

The pledge was announced yesterday when a joint delegation from the World Health Organisation and the EU paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora at his offices in Harare.

The delegation, led by Dr Desta Tiruneh, WHO’s representative for Zimbabwe and Ms Anna Cichocka, the EU’s Head of Cooperation, held a closed-door meeting with Minister Mombeshora to discuss the details of the new initiative.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister Mombeshora stated that the Government is ready to work with the EU.

“We have just had a very important meeting, which was a courtesy call but brought good news to us as a country and also as Minister of Health and Child Care.

“Issues at stake concerned the establishment of a National Public Health Institute and we’ve got WHO here and members from the European Union. The good news is that members of the European Union have provided funds to help us establish the National Public Health Institute to the tune of about €4.3 million.”

The new institute is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats. He also revealed that Dr Raiva Simbi, director of Laboratory Services in his Ministry, had been appointed as the co-ordinator of the project.

“We will be working with this team to ensure that we operationalise the National Public Health Institute. It’s a very important institute that will help us shape our policy.”

EU’s Head of Cooperation, Ms Cichocka, noted the positive steps undertaken by the Ministry of Health.

“We are very happy to start this collaboration. We see already concrete actions being taken by the Ministry of Health and the hard work put in by our partners at WHO.”

Dr Tiruneh stated that the NPHI is a “very important addition” that will strengthen the country’s preparedness for health emergencies and major health challenges.

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Blessings Chidakwa

Herald Reporter

A WAVE of jubilation swept through the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare, where recovering youths were reconnected with their parents and guardians in scenes filled with emotion and gratitude.

It was a deeply emotional reunion which afforded families a chance to witness first-hand the progress of their children, who are now showing perfect signs of renewed confidence, strength and purpose.

The compound echoed with cries not of anguish, but of thanksgiving as families of the second intake welcomed back children they once feared were lost to addiction. Some quietly wept, others sobbed openly, while a few burst into spontaneous song and dance.

The reunion was characterised by sharing meals, catching up and enjoying lighter moments.

For the recovering youths, the occasion was an opportunity to demonstrate how far they had progressed, physically restored, emotionally steadier and spiritually renewed.

Others even self-confessed their past mistakes, exposing drug dens to law enforcement agents, while also pledging to help other victims find their way to recovery.

As drugs have no place in Zimbabwe since time immemorial, most drug survivors confessed to having started using them in some neighbouring countries.

Every reunion began with apologies. Survivors, deeply remorseful, sought forgiveness, kneeling before their parents and guardians for the hurt they had caused in darker days.

Indeed, drugs know no social status or class. Some of the touching moments included a third-year university dropout from a local university and pastors whose children are also battling addiction, having been admitted to the rehabilitation centre.

One was given an opportunity to share a sermon during the interaction.

Also among the moving scenes was a young recovering mother reunited with her two daughters, and two elderly brothers, aged 39 and 33, who are both admitted and were visited by their younger sister.

Amid the hugs, laughter, tears and high emotion stood Mother Zimbabwe, the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, moving from family to family, interacting, listening, consoling and embracing each testimony of pain and redemption. Mother Zimbabwe absorbed every whispered word, every trembling hug, with compassion. The First Lady offered words of encouragement to the parents, urging them to nurture their children with patience as they reintegrate into family life.

“When they return home, support them with love, even when they stumble. Please avoid reminding them of their past, but guide them gently as they walk a new path. When you left them here, your faces were heavy with sorrow, hoping for the best for them. Today, your smiles radiate pride and joy,” she said.  As for the drug survivors, Mother Zimbabwe urged them to avoid returning to their old habits.

“Never, ever return to your old habits which hurt your families, parents, guardians or siblings. Some have travelled from far places, others left their busy work just to be with you, so never disappoint them again.

“The majority confessed to taking drugs in some neighbouring countries, but please start building yourselves up once again now,” she said.

Parents described the transformation as nothing short of miraculous as their children walked tall, speaking of gratitude, rediscovered purpose and dreams once abandoned.

Before the reunions, families received counselling from centre staff to help them rebuild bonds with their children.

A mother of a 25-year-old girl from Sunningdale said she witnessed the “magnificent work of God” upon seeing her daughter.

“I don’t remember the last time I had a conversation with my child. For the first time, we managed to interact well. She is glowing like never before,” she said.

“I was always between a rock and a hard place but now all is well. I thank the First Lady. People would refer me to several rehabilitation centres, but I had no money. Thanks to our First Lady, I got help free of charge.”

It was also emotional for the man of the cloth, narrating how he tried to deal with his son to no avail.

“Before coming here, I used to take my child to medical facilities to get help, also supplement with prayers, but the problem persisted. However, I am short of words for what I witnessed today.

“My son is a changed person whom I can now relate to with ease. We thank our God-sent First Lady. We should continue to pray for her so that the Almighty continues to use her,” he said.

A grandmother also wept as she narrated how she raised the child of her son, who passed on together with his wife.

“He started drugs while in Form 4, being violent, always beating me up. He would also bang doors regardless of the time, even at midnight. I nearly thought of abandoning my house.

“When I met him today, he was a reformed person. I was taken aback seeing him apologise to me, even mentioning his plans to revive his poultry project,” she said.

As for the drug survivors, it was all thanks to the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre for their remarkable transformation.

A girl who used to take crystal meth, mbanje and bronco, being a hairdresser, bared it all.

“Each cent I used to make, I would spend on drugs. I had nothing else to think of; that was all I wanted in life. When I was high, I would harass my parents. Now I am a changed person, having been taught good morals, including household chores and even how to be a responsible woman,” she said.

A 42-year-old father of three from Rusape, who was lured to the centre after being promised a job, said that while the journey was tough during his early days, it was worth it.

“In my first two weeks, I would struggle to cope. Drugs had destroyed my life. I even failed to bathe, and injuries were the new norm as I would be hurt on a daily basis when high.

“I also had no appetite, spending the whole day without eating anything, but now I have regained my appetite,” he said.

A drug victim from Old Highfields flats, a mother who used to take bronclear and mbanje, also shared her ordeal.

“I would hallucinate, beating up people, such that even my marriage collapsed. I had lost feelings for my man, even in bed. When I was enrolled, I had spent several days without bathing.

“Our First Lady embraced us like that, showing us the true love of a mother. She hugged us regardless of our status. She has been providing all our needs, including clothing, food and shelter, free of charge,” she said.

Just like fellow drug survivors, she said she had no appetite during her first days, even refusing to eat, but now she asks for more.

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The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says the country’s banking system is stable and secure, further assuring that there will be no loss of value beyond 2030 in line post post-dollarisation.

The RBZ recently said the roadmap for the transition from the current multicurrency regime to a domestic monetary system will ensure business continuity by 2030.

Authorties are putting in place a strong foundation to anchor the transition and post dollarisation era, which started with the introduction of a gold backed currency early last year, which has ushered in durable stability and predictability in the market.

RBZ deputy governor Dr Innocent Matshe, speaking at the Old Mutual Zimbabwe Better Future Summit 2025, emphasised that no value will be lost beyond 2030 and all the banks are adequately capitalised.

“All contracts denominated in foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, will be settled in those currencies, while local contracts will be settled in local currency.

“Currently, banks have a capital adequacy ratio well above the required standards, ensuring that banks have sufficient capital to meet their obligations,” he said.

Zimbabwe is presently operating under a multicurrency regime dominated by the US dollar and Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), legally provisioned to run until 2030, by which time the country should have strong fundamentals to support a stable domestic unit.

The country officially adopted a US dollar-denominated multicurrency system in 2009 after hyperinflation decimated the value of the then-local currency, the Zimbabwe dollar.

Dr Matshe emphasised the RBZ’s commitment to facilitating payments and ensuring that the banking system operates smoothly.

“The central bank is working to ensure that payment systems are efficient and reliable, allowing individuals and businesses to conduct transactions with confidence,” he said. – Herald

A Mutare woman was caught in a compromising position with another man, resulting in a heated confrontation that allegedly drove the woman to attempt to commit suicide by ingesting poison. Fortunately, Abigail Button’s suicide attempt was unsuccessful, and was rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, where the medical staff saved her life. The dramatic events unfolded before Chief