Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Equipment firm calls for fair competition – herald

Mukudzei Chingwere

Senior Reporter

FOREIGN construction companies have been accused of leasing out equipment after completing projects with a local firm calling for practical action to ensure a level playing field in the industry.

One of the companies toured by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga at the just-ended Mine Entra exhibition in Bulawayo, National Cranes and Equipment, said some foreign firms were not just gaining an unfair advantage by leasing out equipment after completing their projects, but were often operating under different tax obligations from local companies.

It claimed that the practice undermined local investment and hampers the growth of indigenous firms that have spent years building their fleets, skills base and operation systems.

National Cranes and Equipment works with mines and engineers on specialised projects in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

It won the Best Exhibitor Award at the recently concluded Mine Entra in Bulawayo, where its towering cranes attracted widespread attention from visitors and exhibitors alike.

Managing director Dr Eric Mandeya said foreign companies that enter Zimbabwe for specific construction projects should be subjected to the same regulatory and tax framework as local operators if they choose to remain in the equipment leasing business.

“Some foreign firms come in for construction purposes and, for a certain project, they bring their own equipment,” said Dr Mandeya.

“After the project is done, they then lease out their equipment. If they want to be in the business of leasing out equipment, they should do so clearly so that they are subjected to the same taxes.”

Dr Mandeya said his company remained committed to competing fairly and had invested significantly in capacity, safety and service delivery across the country.

“We thank the Second Republic’s policies that have helped grow local companies,” he said.

“I think the success of local companies should be credited to the Second Republic. I am happy that we have many local companies doing very well.

“You can even see by the nature of their exhibitions here. What makes us happier in this industry is the deliberate policies by the Government to give big projects to local companies; look what is happening in the construction sector, major road construction projects are being undertaken by local companies.”

The company also supplies spider cranes – compact lifting machines designed for precision work in restricted spaces.

The equipment is widely used in glazing, railway contracting and domestic lifting projects where conventional cranes may not be suitable.

The spider cranes can be manoeuvred into difficult locations, including narrow access points and residential properties, making them ideal for cladding, glazing and building refurbishment.

Beyond supporting mining operations, National Cranes and Equipment believes it is well positioned to contribute to the modernisation of urban infrastructure through the construction and outfitting of high-rise buildings and other large developments.

The company says its fleet and technical expertise can support the growing demand for specialised lifting and access solutions as Zimbabwe’s construction sector continues to expand driven by favourable policies.

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Source: Pick n Pay clamping customer cars: when loyalty is met with harassment

The post Pick n Pay clamping customer cars: when loyalty is met with harassment appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: IFRC seeks extra US$400 000 to support returnees – herald

Theseus Mauruki Shambare

Herald Correspondent

THE International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is mobilising an additional US$400 000 to strengthen Zimbabwe’s response to citizens returning from South Africa, as authorities intensify efforts to support those affected by xenophobia and undocumented migration.

The announcement was made by IFRC secretary general Mr Jagan Chapagain after meeting Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe in Harare on Friday, shortly after paying a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mr Chapagain is on an official visit to Zimbabwe, during which he is meeting several Cabinet Ministers whose portfolios are linked to humanitarian response, disaster risk management, health and community resilience, as the global humanitarian organisation seeks to deepen its partnership with the Government.

The proposed funding comes on top of the US$264 000 that the IFRC recently availed through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to support the repatriation and reintegration of returning Zimbabweans.

Minister Garwe said the latest support had strengthened Government’s efforts to receive returnees in a dignified and orderly manner.

“Currently, Zimbabwe Red Cross Society is fully deployed at the Beitbridge Border Post and other reception centres, supporting the repatriation of Zimbabweans from the Republic of South Africa,” he said.

“We are working very closely and well coordinated, and we fully appreciate what our partners are doing, including the Red Cross.”

He said Government was grateful for the recently released US$264 000, which would help transport returnees from reception centres to their final destinations while supporting reintegration programmes.

“The US$264 000 that we received a fortnight ago will go a long way in ensuring that returnees reach their final destinations,” said Minister Garwe.

“It is not only supporting transport, but other programmes and projects that we need to ensure they are reintegrated into communities without any hassles.”

Mr Chapagain said the IFRC was already working to secure additional resources to reinforce the ongoing operation.

He said: “We are currently working on an additional US$400 000 to support the Zimbabwe Red Cross so they can complement your efforts in that field.”

“We will continue to look for opportunities to bring additional resources for this very important work.”

Mr Chapagain said the IFRC had also shifted its global migration strategy towards addressing the root causes of migration through investments in livelihoods and job creation.

He said the organisation was encouraging development partners to channel more resources into communities before migration occurred rather than spending billions of dollars responding after people had already been displaced.

“If we spend even 20 per cent of that money before on job creation and livelihood creation in the communities where migrants actually come from, I believe we can reduce the migration pressure,” he said.

Mr Chapagain said the IFRC would continue working through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and the Government of Zimbabwe to strengthen humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness, resilience and long-term development interventions for vulnerable communities during the remainder of his visit and beyond.

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Source: CJ Gwaunza cracks down on sexual harassment – herald

Fidelis Munyoro

Chief Court Reporter

THE room fell noticeably quieter as Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza departed from the traditional themes of judicial training and turned to a subject that has long lingered in whispers within institutions of power.

Standing before Zimbabwe’s judges at the End of the Second Term Judges’ Symposium in Gweru at the weekend, the country’s new head of the Judiciary confronted sexual harassment and abuse of authority in workplaces.

“There is one aspect of conduct that I must address directly and firmly,” she declared, her words cutting through the formal atmosphere that had characterised much of the gathering.

“Judicial authority is not confined to the courtroom. It also shapes the daily working environment of those assigned to our offices.”

Chief Justice Gwaunza spoke candidly about the imbalance of power that exists between judges and the clerks, researchers, secretaries, drivers and other staff who work closely with them.

“The judicial workplace carries an inherent imbalance of authority,” she said. “Every judge must recognise and manage that imbalance responsibly.”

She revealed that allegations of inappropriate conduct involving judges had already reached the attention of the Judicial Service Commission.

“Allegations of improper conduct by judges towards members of staff, including clerks and researchers, have been brought to the attention of the Commission. This is a matter of serious concern.”

Rather than treating the issue as a private disciplinary matter, the Chief Justice used the national judicial gathering to send an unmistakable institutional message.

“Let there be no ambiguity,” she said. “Sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct are fundamentally inconsistent with the dignity, integrity and values of judicial office.

“They constitute an abuse of authority and a breach of the trust placed in the Judiciary.

“Such conduct cannot be excused, minimised or tolerated.”

Her remarks represented one of the strongest public condemnations yet of workplace misconduct from the leadership of the country’s judiciary.

She announced that the JSC was developing a comprehensive sexual harassment policy that would establish confidential reporting mechanisms, protect complainants against victimisation and provide appropriate corrective action.

Yet, she cautioned that policy alone would never substitute personal responsibility.

“While the policy will provide an institutional framework, it will not replace the need for self-restraint,” she said.

“Every person within the workplace must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of rank or position.”

It was one of several moments during the address where Chief Justice Gwaunza returned repeatedly to the central idea that judicial office is ultimately about service rather than privilege.

The keynote address, delivered under the theme; “Reinforcing the Core Skills and Values for Quality and Effective Justice Delivery,” outlined what she described as a roadmap for a judiciary capable of delivering world-class justice.

Although it was her first symposium since assuming office as Chief Justice, she made it clear she was building on existing foundations rather than signalling a dramatic departure.

“What I bring to this role is not a desire to undo the foundation that has been built, but a commitment to carry it forward with renewed purpose,” she said.

Throughout the address, she emphasised that legal knowledge alone was insufficient to produce quality justice.

She reminded judges that no member of the bench arrives fully equipped for judicial office.

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Source: Govt Warns Against Illegal Drug Rehabilitation Centres ⋆ Pindula News

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has warned that the Government will not tolerate individuals who exploit vulnerable families by running illegal drug rehabilitation centres.

Speaking at the Mashonaland Central provincial drug and substance abuse interface meeting, he said anyone was free to set up a rehabilitation centre as long as they followed due process.

“People are free to establish rehabilitation centres, but they must follow the procedures,” Kazembe said.

“They have to apply for registration. The Ministry of Health is responsible for inspecting the premises and licensing those who meet the required standards.

“Those taking advantage of vulnerable people, charging huge amounts of money and even abusing patients, like what we witnessed in Shamva, will not be tolerated. The law will take its course and those responsible will be held accountable.”

This follows the closure of an unlicensed facility in Shamva. Lancos Rehabilitation Centre was shut down on 21 July this year after inspectors uncovered what authorities described as gross violations of health and human rights standards.

Its owner, Lancos Kuuyangepi, 30, was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison for illegally running the facility.

Inspectors found the centre was operating without a licence in overcrowded conditions, with poor hygiene and sanitation, inadequate food, untreated injuries among patients, allegations of abuse and forced labour, and unsafe detoxification procedures.

Kazembe said the Government plans to establish a Drug and Substance Abuse Control Agency under the Drug and Substance Abuse Bill, which is currently before Parliament.

The proposed agency will be the country’s specialist body tasked with coordinating the national response to drug and substance abuse.

He said it will be headed by a Director General, assisted by two deputies responsible for enforcement and social services.

The enforcement division will focus on intelligence gathering, dismantling drug syndicates, arresting traffickers and strengthening law enforcement operations, while the social services division will oversee prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, demand reduction and the reintegration of recovering users into their communities.

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