Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

THE SILENT PITS OF HARARE: THREE LIVES LOST TO BUDIRIRO’S SEWER TRAP HARARE – The sun had barely begun to set over Budiriro 3 this past weekend when the routine of a suburban Saturday was shattered by yet another discovery that has laid bare the lethal consequences of municipal neglect. What began as a desperate […]

The post Shocking discovery: 3 more dead bodies discovered in Budiriro sewer pool, Mayor Mafume orders immediate investigation (WATCH VIDEO) first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

PRETORIA – In a disturbing escalation of anti-migrant sentiment, hundreds of foreign nationals have been forced to abandon their homes in South Africa, seeking refuge in mountains and community halls as violent mobs target them. This harrowing exodus comes amidst a backdrop of rising xenophobia and a newly announced crackdown on illegal immigration by President […]

The post Chased like dogs as Ramaphosa unveils crackdown: Zimbabweans flee to mountains as South African xenophobia gets deadly first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

On a cold morning in August 2011, Zimbabwe awoke to news that would forever cast a shadow over its political landscape. General Solomon Tapfumaneyi Mujuru, a revered liberation war hero and the nation’s first black army commander, had perished in a mysterious fire at his farmhouse in Beatrice. The official narrative quickly emerged: an accidental […]

The post The Army General Who Knew Too Much: Did Solomon Mujuru Carry Zanu PF’s Darkest Secrets to the Grave? first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

Source: Minister Kambamura hails milestone in leadership, public service – herald

Mutare Bureau

MINES and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura on Saturday graduated with a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Governance from Africa University.

Minister Kambamura described the achievement as a significant milestone that has strengthened his understanding of leadership, governance and public service.

He was among 698 graduates from 21 African countries who were conferred with various qualifications during Africa University’s 32nd graduation ceremony held in Mutare.

In an interview after being capped, Minister Kambamura said his studies had broadened his appreciation of policy formulation, governance systems and Africa’s collective development aspirations.

He said the programme had equipped him with knowledge that continues to be relevant in Government, particularly in translating public policies into benefits for citizens.

“The programme deepened my understanding of leadership and governance, while also providing valuable insights into how policies are formulated, implemented and reviewed. These are important lessons for anyone serving in public office,” he said.

Commenting on calls for graduates to become entrepreneurs and innovators, Minister Kambamura said young people should strive to become employers rather than remaining job seekers throughout their lives.

However, he emphasised the importance of gaining practical experience before venturing into business.

“Work experience remains important because it allows young professionals to understand how industries operate, learn practical skills and gain confidence. That experience can then be used to build successful enterprises and create opportunities for others,” he said.

The graduation ceremony also saw university leaders and Government representatives challenge graduates to become drivers of Africa’s transformation through innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving.

A total of 568 students graduated with undergraduate degrees, while 125 attained master’s degrees and five were awarded doctoral qualifications.

Women accounted for 54,6 percent of the graduating class, reflecting the institution’s continued efforts to promote access and inclusion in higher education.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Permanent Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education chief executive officer Prof Peter Dzvimbo assured graduates that their qualifications met international standards.

“You should be confident that the education you have received here is of the highest quality and relevance,” he said.

The post Minister Kambamura hails milestone in leadership, public service  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Blitz targets illegal clinics, medicine dealers – herald

Herald Reporter

A nationwide crackdown on unregistered health facilities and illegal medicine dealers has been launched.

This follows a surge in cases of prescription drugs being sold through unauthorised channels and healthcare services being provided by unqualified individuals, raising serious concerns over patient safety and public health.

The Health Professions Authority (HPA) and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) on Friday announced intensified surveillance and inspection exercises across all provinces, warning that offenders will face prosecution and the full force of the law.

The move follows recent inspections that uncovered a growing number of unregistered facilities illegally dispensing prescription medicines and offering healthcare services without the requisite licences.

Health experts say increasing demand for healthcare services, drug shortages in some areas and the proliferation of informal businesses have contributed to the rise of illegal healthcare operators.

The trend has raised concerns about patient exposure to misdiagnosis, unsafe treatment practices and substandard medicines.

In a joint statement, HPA secretary-general Mrs Clotilda Chimbwanda and MCAZ director-general Mr Richard Rukwata said the illegal activities pose a significant threat to public health and undermine efforts to ensure safe, effective and regulated healthcare delivery.

“The HPA and MCAZ wish to jointly warn the public against the illegal operation of unlicensed health facilities, illicit distribution of prescription medicines, and the unsafe dispensing of medicines by unqualified individuals,” they said.

Recent inspections revealed that some unregistered facilities were selling prescription medicines, including anti-hypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-infective, antimicrobial and antiparasitic drugs.

Among the medicines identified as being sold through unauthorised channels are phenobarbital, carbamazepine, fluconazole, tramadol, glibenclamide, praziquantel, co-trimoxazole, metronidazole, doxycycline and clotrimazole.

Mrs Chimbwanda and Mr Rukwata stressed that prescription medicines should only be dispensed by licensed pharmaceutical personnel operating from registered pharmacies and upon presentation of a valid prescription.

They warned that self-medication and the purchase of medicines from unauthorised sources expose patients to incorrect dosing, harmful drug interactions, counterfeit or substandard medicines, treatment failure and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

The regulators said the illegal sale and distribution of prescription medicines, as well as the operation of unregistered health facilities, constitute serious violations of Zimbabwe’s health laws.

Under the Health Professions Act, it is an offence to establish or operate a health institution without registration and approval from the relevant authorities.

The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act also prohibits the sale, distribution and dispensing of medicines by unlicensed persons or from unlicensed premises.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over individuals masquerading as qualified healthcare professionals and offering diagnosis, prescription and treatment services without the necessary qualifications or regulatory approval.

Mrs Chimbwanda and Mr Rukwata said enhanced surveillance and inspection exercises were already underway throughout the country.

“Enhanced surveillance and inspections are underway across all provinces. Offenders will face prosecution and the full force of the law,” they said.

The two regulators urged the public to seek medical treatment and pharmaceutical services only from registered healthcare professionals and licensed institutions.

Patients were advised to verify the credentials of healthcare providers by checking for valid practising certificates, HPA premises registration certificates and MCAZ licences for dispensing personnel and pharmacy premises.

The post Blitz targets illegal clinics, medicine dealers  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.