Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: ‘Zim values religious freedom’ – herald

Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S Constitution values freedom of conscience and religion, among other rights, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said.

The Speaker said this in his address to the second Inter-Parliamentary Union Interfaith Dialogue in Rome, Italy organised by the IPU, Italian Parliament and the Religions of Peace last week.

The dialogue is running under the theme: “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future”.

“Zimbabwe’s Constitution of 2013, enacted by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, in article 60, elevates freedom of conscience, religion, thought and belief as a fundamental right, creating what legal scholars dub a “positive liberty framework”, one that not merely prohibits interference, but actively anchors religious expression.

“This constitutional provision guarantees every citizen “the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the right to practice, propagate, and give expression to their faith or belief.

“Thus, this provision recognises the communal and evangelical dimensions that give many faiths their standing,” Advocate Mudenda said.

The Speaker added that in Section 56, the Constitution fortifies the prohibition of discrimination based on religion or belief.

He said the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission buttresses religious freedom and its attendant tenets.

“That is why Zimbabwe is a proud signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose Article 18 proclaims that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’ apart from the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” he said.

The Speaker said Zimbabwe has also acceded to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights whose Article 8 protects freedom of conscience and religion grounded on African values and traditions of the Ubuntu philosophy.”

“That is why Zimbabwe is an interfaith country that is inclusive of all lawful religious persuasions under the banner of the Ecumenical Zimbabwe Council of Churches. Accordingly, there is no hatred based on religion or belief in Zimbabwe, which canvasses polarisation, dehumanisation or weaponisation of religion or belief,” he added.

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Source: Parastatal transparency key to development: Mhona – herald

Lovemore Kadzura

Mutare Bureau

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has implored departments, agencies and parastatals under his ministry to embrace good corporate governance to effectively fulfil their mandates.

Speaking at the 2025 oversight meeting for the ministry’s public entities corporate governance in Mutare, Minister Mhona said accountability was crucial to achieve set targets.

He stressed the importance of ethical behaviour, echoing the sentiments of President Mnangagwa and highlighted that national interest should always be prioritised.

It was essential, he said, to avoid underhand activities that could hinder progress in infrastructure development.

“Our duty is to implement what is expected of us under Section 33 (4) of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act, ensuring stability and sustainability through accountability,” he said.

The ministry was enhancing the image and capabilities of public entities, ensuring compliance with corporate governance principles. This was vital for delivering statutory mandates and efficient service to the public.

He commended the Government’s recognition of corporate governance’s importance, citing significant milestones in transport management, including the Trabablas Interchange and the approval of the Road Accident Fund Principles by Cabinet.

Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza praised the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for its efforts in improving the road and transport network in the province.

He mentioned key projects like the Chipinge-Mt Selinda Road and Birchenough Bridge-Murambinda as examples of modernisation under the Second Republic.

“The realisation of improved economic growth lies in an efficient and robust transport system,” he said, urging the ministry to expedite ongoing projects.

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Source: Zim, SA approve tourists only border crossing – herald

Ivan Zhakata

ZIMBABWE and South Africa have approved the launch of a tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park through the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor.

The pilot project, announced in a joint media statement by the two countries’ Ministries of Home Affairs, will run from May 1 to November 30, 2025.

The seasonal access point will allow pre-scheduled movement of tourists using 4×4 vehicles between the two national parks as part of efforts to boost regional eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which spans Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.

The pilot facility was approved by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber through the Border Management Authority and Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.

“This pilot crossing reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-led tourism,” said Minister Kazembe.

“It is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote biodiversity protection and drive community-based economic growth.”

The crossing will operate twice a week from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and is limited to travellers with pre-booked accommodation within the GLTFCA.

A minimum of four nights is required, two in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved facilities) and two in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.

Travellers must register with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and South African National Parks (SANParks) and complete immigration exemption forms at least 14 days before travel.

The forms will be submitted to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration and the Border Management Authority in South Africa for processing.

Border checks will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe. Travellers will undergo identity verification, passport checks, vehicle inspections and health screening. Yellow fever certificates will be required for travellers from affected countries or those in transit through affected areas for over 12 hours.

Movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products and unauthorised items will not be permitted.

Personal-use medicine will only be allowed with a valid prescription and must not exceed required quantities.

“This is a game-changer for cross-border tourism in Southern Africa,” said Minister Schreiber.

“The crossing provides a new model for facilitating regulated, sustainable and low-impact travel across conservation areas.”

The authorities said strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including adherence to speed limits, waste disposal regulations and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travellers will only be allowed entry and exit on scheduled dates, and must exit the receiving country through an official international border within visa limits.

The pilot project is intended to test feasibility and demand for cross-border tourism access.

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Source: Let us unite to tackle drugs menace among youths: Minister – herald

Remember Deketeke

Herald Reporter

The Government has called for urgent action to address mental health and substance abuse issues among children and youth, highlighting the threat these challenges pose to the nation’s future.

Speaking at the Guta RaMwari convention in Harare yesterday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle the crisis.

Minister Mutsvangwa expressed deep concern over the increasing number of youths engaging in drug and substance abuse, which she said jeopardises their education, health, and long-term prospects.

“Mental health must be prioritised, especially among children. We are now witnessing an alarming number of young people falling into drug and substance abuse, putting their lives and futures at serious risk.”

She urged families, schools, churches, and communities to strengthen early intervention strategies and provide psychosocial support to vulnerable children and teenagers.

The minister also stressed the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality, with a special focus on the challenges faced by girls.

“We must continue to promote education for all children, particularly the girl child, who still faces numerous social and economic barriers. Education is the most powerful tool to fight poverty, build confidence and empower women to shape Zimbabwe’s future,” she said.

In addition to mental health and education, Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted the importance of supporting women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their digital skills and access to innovation.

“Let us empower women in business and help them adapt to digital advancements. This will drive income generation, self-sufficiency and broader economic growth,” she said.

Speaking at the same event, Guta RaMwari leader, Mr Ngaite Jefris Zimunya, emphasised the church’s role in combating societal ills such as drug abuse through moral guidance and community support.

“The church remains a pillar in addressing challenges like substance abuse. Our teachings promote discipline, resilience and a strong moral foundation,” he said.

Retired Major General Charles Tarumbwa, the church’s Harare provincial leader, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of Government-church collaboration in fostering national development.

“The partnership between the Government and the church is vital. Together, we can promote unity, peace and shared values that uplift our communities,” he said.

The Guta RaMwari convention, which drew congregants from across Zimbabwe, focused on spiritual renewal, youth empowerment and social responsibility. The discussions reinforced the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.

The Government is taking measures such as expanding mental health services for youth and strengthening educational access, particularly for girls to combat the drug abuse scourge.

Apart from that boosting women’s economic participation through small to medium enterprises support is another intervention that is critical is tackling the vice.

Enhancing partnerships between Government, faith groups and communities to foster sustainable development is also fundamental to confronting challenges wrought by drug abuse.

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