Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: RBZ commits ZiG10m to schools monetary policy challenge – herald

Business Reporter

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has committed ZiG10 million to the inaugural Schools Monetary Policy Challenge (SMPC), an initiative designed to equip secondary school learners with practical knowledge of monetary policy and financial literacy, Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu has announced.

Speaking at the official launch in Harare today, Dr Mushayavanhu said the programme represented a strategic national investment in young people and Zimbabwe’s future, with nearly 50 percent of secondary schools nationwide registered to participate in the first edition.

“This investment echoes our confidence in Zimbabwe’s young people and our belief that financial literacy, economic awareness and leadership development are among the most important investments we can make in the future prosperity of our nation,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.

The Governor described the SMPC as “much more than a competition”, positioning it as a vehicle for nurturing informed citizens, future policymakers and change-makers. The initiative builds on the central bank’s BiG 5 ZiG Education and Awareness Campaign conducted earlier this year, which took economic information directly to communities across the country.

The programme, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, will see learners assume the roles of central bank officials, including Child RBZ Governors and Deputy Governors, tackling practical monetary policy and financial literacy assignments at cluster, district, provincial and national levels.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Torerayi Moyo and Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana were among senior Government officials in attendance.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has also come on board as a partner, giving what the Governor described as a “huge boost” to the programme.

Dr Mushayavanhu said the initiative aligned with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2 by promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment, human capital development and active citizen participation in national development.

“Through the SMPC, we are therefore investing not only in today’s learners but also in tomorrow’s informed citizens, leaders and change-makers,” he said.

The symbolic ZiG10 million cheque presented at the launch represents “an investment in knowledge, opportunity, leadership and the future of Zimbabwe”, the Governor said, adding that every province was represented at the launch, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring no community was left behind.

The Reserve Bank said the programme would deepen its impact through continued partnerships with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and UNICEF.

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Source: Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions suspends SG Marimo – herald

Jimmy Murwira

Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has suspended its secretary-general, Mr Tirivanhu Marimo, over alleged misconduct and relieved him of all official duties with immediate effect.

In a Press statement issued on Thursday, ZCTU President Ms Florence Mucha Taruvinga said the labour federation had informed its affiliates, stakeholders and cooperating partners of the decision.

“The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) would like to notify all affiliates, stakeholders and cooperating partners of the suspension of the ZCTU Secretary General Tirivanhu Marimo over acts of misconduct. Marimo is suspended and relieved of all official duties on behalf of ZCTU,” the statement reads.

The organisation announced that Mr Kudakwashe Munengiwa has been appointed Acting Secretary General pending further developments.

The ZCTU also advised that all official communication with the organisation should be directed through its official email channel during the period of the suspension.

The statement did not disclose the specific allegations of misconduct against Mr Marimo or indicate how long the suspension would remain in effect. It also did not state whether disciplinary proceedings had commenced.

The suspension marks a significant development within Zimbabwe’s largest labour federation, with stakeholders expected to await further communication from the ZCTU leadership regarding the outcome of the matter.

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Source: Zim steps up charm offensive . . . ‘We’ll keep improving ease of doing business’ . . . President commissions modern housing project – herald

Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter

POLICIES aimed at improving the ease of doing business, particularly in infrastructure development, will continue to be strengthened to attract investment, President Mnangagwa has said.

The move, he said, will stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans.

In a speech read on his behalf by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima at the Oxford Properties (OxProp) groundbreaking ceremony at Borrowdale Park in Harare yesterday, the President said improving the ease of doing business and enhancing competitiveness across all sectors of the economy, especially infrastructure development, were critical to socio-economic transformation.

The Borrowdale Park project, which sits on 100 hectares of land, is expected to comprise 700 residential units and will integrate housing, education, healthcare, commercial, sports and recreational facilities within a single mixed-use community.

President Mnangagwa said the Government would continue to engage the private sector, which remains a key partner in the national development agenda.

“Government is ensuring stronger synergies with stakeholders, anchored on responsiveness and dialogue,” he said.

“The private sector is a vital partner in the current national development agenda. Under the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, we reinforce the ease-of-doing business environment to enable mutually beneficial investment.

“These policies have resulted in unparalleled levels of foreign direct investment and local investment into all sectors of our economy.”

Ongoing infrastructure projects and public services standards, the President said, were improving basic social amenities as well as helping to lift more communities out of poverty into a higher quality of life.

While the Government continues to review licensing and payment fees in the construction sector, local authorities and relevant departments were directed by President Mnangagwa to overhaul building by-laws and regulations enacted during the colonial era.

“We thus continue to review licensing and payment fees for the construction industry. These reforms will remove bottlenecks, bureaucratic red tape and reduce costs in the built environment sector,” he said.

“I challenge the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities and responsible agencies to speedily overhaul the model building bylaws of 1977.

“The environment where such pieces of legislation were crafted no longer exists. Laws and regulations should reflect the current opportunities and realities.”

President Mnangagwa said urban and rural local authorities should respond to changing preferences among residents while taking into account climate change and evolving technology.

“Furthermore, urban and rural local authorities should swiftly respond to the changing preferences of the modern clientele.

“Their flexibility in the adoption of design aspects and building models that address contemporary trends and concerns is of critical importance.

“These include matters related to climate change, quality service delivery, eco-friendly green spaces, technological needs, as well as facilities that enhance health and well-being,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged the City of Harare to take a cue from OxProp by improving service delivery, expanding social amenities and planning ahead for the needs of a growing metropolitan population.

The private sector was also to partner with the Government through public-private partnership models to accelerate the modernisation of road infrastructure and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths.

“With regards to the Borrowdale Park development and others in the surrounding area, I challenge Oxford Properties and their counterpart developers to deliberately plan for the establishment of working spaces and markets.

“These must cater for youth and women entrepreneurs who will provide auxiliary services to your residents. The overall employment and empowerment needs of our people should not be overlooked,” said the President.

He challenged financial institutions and funding partners to develop innovative and affordable housing finance and mortgage products to expand home ownership.

President Mnangagwa added that the country should leverage its shareholding in Shelter Afrique Development Bank to access long-term housing finance and boost the national housing stock.

He commended OxProp for undertaking the project, saying such housing models not only allow for better management of rapid urban growth, congestion and pollution, but also promote employment creation.

As the country moves towards Vision 2030, the development of modern, well-planned and sustainable human settlements with world-class social amenities would remain a national priority, said President Mnangagwa.

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Source: Zim steps up charm offensive . . . ‘We’ll keep improving ease of doing business’ . . . President commissions modern housing project – herald

Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter

POLICIES aimed at improving the ease of doing business, particularly in infrastructure development, will continue to be strengthened to attract investment, President Mnangagwa has said.

The move, he said, will stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for Zimbabweans.

In a speech read on his behalf by National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Professor Paul Mavima at the Oxford Properties (OxProp) groundbreaking ceremony at Borrowdale Park in Harare yesterday, the President said improving the ease of doing business and enhancing competitiveness across all sectors of the economy, especially infrastructure development, were critical to socio-economic transformation.

The Borrowdale Park project, which sits on 100 hectares of land, is expected to comprise 700 residential units and will integrate housing, education, healthcare, commercial, sports and recreational facilities within a single mixed-use community.

President Mnangagwa said the Government would continue to engage the private sector, which remains a key partner in the national development agenda.

“Government is ensuring stronger synergies with stakeholders, anchored on responsiveness and dialogue,” he said.

“The private sector is a vital partner in the current national development agenda. Under the Zimbabwe is open for business mantra, we reinforce the ease-of-doing business environment to enable mutually beneficial investment.

“These policies have resulted in unparalleled levels of foreign direct investment and local investment into all sectors of our economy.”

Ongoing infrastructure projects and public services standards, the President said, were improving basic social amenities as well as helping to lift more communities out of poverty into a higher quality of life.

While the Government continues to review licensing and payment fees in the construction sector, local authorities and relevant departments were directed by President Mnangagwa to overhaul building by-laws and regulations enacted during the colonial era.

“We thus continue to review licensing and payment fees for the construction industry. These reforms will remove bottlenecks, bureaucratic red tape and reduce costs in the built environment sector,” he said.

“I challenge the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities and responsible agencies to speedily overhaul the model building bylaws of 1977.

“The environment where such pieces of legislation were crafted no longer exists. Laws and regulations should reflect the current opportunities and realities.”

President Mnangagwa said urban and rural local authorities should respond to changing preferences among residents while taking into account climate change and evolving technology.

“Furthermore, urban and rural local authorities should swiftly respond to the changing preferences of the modern clientele.

“Their flexibility in the adoption of design aspects and building models that address contemporary trends and concerns is of critical importance.

“These include matters related to climate change, quality service delivery, eco-friendly green spaces, technological needs, as well as facilities that enhance health and well-being,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged the City of Harare to take a cue from OxProp by improving service delivery, expanding social amenities and planning ahead for the needs of a growing metropolitan population.

The private sector was also to partner with the Government through public-private partnership models to accelerate the modernisation of road infrastructure and create employment opportunities, particularly for women and youths.

“With regards to the Borrowdale Park development and others in the surrounding area, I challenge Oxford Properties and their counterpart developers to deliberately plan for the establishment of working spaces and markets.

“These must cater for youth and women entrepreneurs who will provide auxiliary services to your residents. The overall employment and empowerment needs of our people should not be overlooked,” said the President.

He challenged financial institutions and funding partners to develop innovative and affordable housing finance and mortgage products to expand home ownership.

President Mnangagwa added that the country should leverage its shareholding in Shelter Afrique Development Bank to access long-term housing finance and boost the national housing stock.

He commended OxProp for undertaking the project, saying such housing models not only allow for better management of rapid urban growth, congestion and pollution, but also promote employment creation.

As the country moves towards Vision 2030, the development of modern, well-planned and sustainable human settlements with world-class social amenities would remain a national priority, said President Mnangagwa.

The post Zim steps up charm offensive . . . ‘We’ll keep improving ease of doing business’ . . . President commissions modern housing project appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: UK murder: Tshuma arrested in SA – herald

Bongani Ndlovu-Bulawayo Bureau

WANTED fugitive Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, who fled the United Kingdom after allegedly killing his wife and two daughters, has reportedly been arrested in South Africa.

According to SABC News, Tshuma, 45, was arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Organised Crime Unit working together with Interpol in Kensington, Johannesburg.

Tshuma has been the subject of an international manhunt after UK authorities named him as the prime suspect in connection with the death of his wife, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma, and their daughters, Natalie and Nala, whose bodies were discovered at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, last week.

The report said Tshuma had fled the United Kingdom before the bodies were discovered, prompting British authorities to seek international assistance in tracing him.

Further details surrounding his arrest and possible extradition to the United Kingdom were not immediately available.

Meanwhile, the family of Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (née Khumalo) and her two daughters has described the three lives lost in the United Kingdom as “precious flowers” whose future was taken away too soon.

Nothabo (42), Natalie (15) and Nala (5) were found dead in their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, earlier this week, in a case that triggered an international search for Tshuma in connection with the deaths.

Bedfordshire Police had appealed for information on Tshuma’s whereabouts after he disappeared following the incident, with British authorities saying they believe he travelled to Zimbabwe.

In a moving tribute yesterday, the family described Nothabo as a woman of strength, warmth and grace, whose greatest joy was being a mother to her two daughters.

“Words cannot begin to express the depth of our emptiness and sorrow in the face of this tragic and senseless loss of life. Three precious lives were taken far too soon, our flowers prematurely robbed of their chance to blossom,” the family said.

It described Nothabo as an intelligent, confident and dedicated professional whose commitment to her work was matched only by her devotion to her children and family.

“Nothabo was a ray of sunlight. Anyone who knew her will agree that she possessed a rare ability to light up a room with her calming presence, warmth and grace.

“She was an intelligent, confident, consummate professional whose commitment to her work was matched only by her devotion to her children and family,” said the family.

They described her as an “imbokodo” — an immovable rock — whose memory would continue to live on in their hearts.

“We will carry this ‘rock’ in our hearts always, remembering a life whose promise, beauty and potential were needlessly cut short,” they said.

Natalie was remembered as a gentle and thoughtful young woman who was on the threshold of adulthood.

“An avid reader with a deep sense of loyalty, she was a fiercely intelligent young woman with a kind heart who touched all those around her,” the family said.

Five-year-old Nala was described as a joyful child whose laughter and energy brought happiness to those around her.

“Nala was a vibrant bundle of life and joy, full of curiosity, laughter and boundless energy; she brought light wherever she went. Her smile could brighten the darkest day, and her absence leaves a void that words cannot adequately describe.”

The family said they were mourning not only the three lives lost but also the dreams and memories that would never be realised.

“Nothabo, Natalie, Nala — Rest in Peace,” the family said.

Mourners are gathered at the family home in Gwabalanda, Bulawayo. The search for Tshuma had intensified after the family engaged Matrix Private Investigations to assist in tracing him.

The firm’s chief executive officer and secretary, Mr Tafadzwa Chidawa, said investigators were pursuing what he described as an “intelligent person” who appeared to have carefully calculated his movements while evading capture.

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