ZIMBABWE – KMAUPDATES

Jul102020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

AFRICA: Zimbabwe Fires Health Minister for Alleged Embezzlement

AFRICA, ZIMBABWE

Dr Obadiah Moyo, Zimbabwe's Minister of Health and Childcare, has been fired following his involvement in a US$60-million deal for the procurement of Covid-19 medical supplies by Drax International, a company allegedly linked to the first family. A statement issued on 7 July by the Chief Secretary to the president and cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, reads: "Please be advised that his excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa has removed Dr Obediah Moyo [sic] from the office of Cabinet Minister with immediate effect... for conduct inappropriate for a government Minister." Dr Moyo is currently out on bail of Zim$50,000 (US$2000). Dr Moyo is expected to appear in court on 31 July 2020. After he was arrested on Friday 19 June over allegations of attempting to embezzle government funds by awar...

Jul62020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 update, 4th July 2020

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, ZIMBABWE

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 5, 2020/ -- Highlights of the situation report Seventy-three (73) cases tested positive for COVID-19. These include returnees from South Africa (55), Botswana (3), Mozambique (3), USA (2), Australia (1), Zambia (1) and 8 local cases who are isolated.Two of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases, investigations are underway to establish the source of infection for the other (6) cases.We regret to report a facility death of a female aged 21, from Harare Province, who tested positive with no history of travel and had co-morbidities.New recoveries were reported by Midlands Province (4) and Mashonaland East Province (1).2247 RDT screening tests and 733 PCR diagnostic tests were done. The cumulative number of tests done to date is 78465 (45620 RDT and 32...

Jul12020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

AFRICA: Zimbabwe cuts off mobile money transactions during economic crisis.

AFRICA, Business, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe has suspended trading on the stock exchange as well as all mobile phone monetary transactions. Zimbabwe stock exchange chief executive officer Justin Bgoni said on Sunday, June 28, that trading was suspended until further notice. In a statement on Friday, the government halted these activities with immediate effect citing criminality and economic sabotage. They blame the stock exchange for fuelling the collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar and housing fake counters. Meanwhile, the decision to suspend mobile payments will hit the economy hard. Mobile money is widely used as a form of payment of goods and services. According to central bank data more than 80 per cent of all transactions are conducted on phones due to a shortage of banknotes. The government states that all mob...

Jun242020 by Kayongo Brian TimothyNo Comments

BUSINESS: Zimbabwe fuel prices increase by 152%

AFRICA, Business, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe’s fuel prices will go up by as much as 152% on Wednesday, the energy regulator said, after the government removed a fixed exchange rate in place since March. The last time the southern African country saw a similar steep rise in fuel prices, in January 2019, violent protests broke out, leaving as many as 17 people dead after a crackdown by the security forces. Zimbabwe is already going through its worst economic crisis in a decade, marked by high inflation, food and medical shortages. The price of petrol will go up to 71.62 Zimbabwe dollars (U.S. $1.25) per litre, from 28.96 Zimbabwe dollars previously, the regulator announced on Tuesday night. The diesel price will now be 62.77 Zimbabwe dollars from 24.93 Zimbabwe dollars. Zimbabwe began weekly foreign currency aucti...

May192020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Zimbabwe extends Coronavirus lockdown ‘indefinitely’

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended a nationwide lockdown meant to control the spread of coronavirus, though the restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks. In a live broadcast on Saturday, Mnangagwa said the measure would remain in place "for an indefinite period", adding that "the country needs to ease out of the lockdown in a strategic and gradual manner". He said informal street markets, where millions of Zimbabweans make a living, would remain shut while the government consulted health specialists on how to reopen them safely. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa But businesses such as manufacturers, supermarkets and banks, which have been allowed to continue operating, will see their operating hours extended from a maximum of six hours to more than...

May162020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

Zimbabwe: African Development Bank approves $13.7 million to strengthen health system, boost anti-COVID-19 efforts

AFRICA, Banking, CORONAVIRUS, Covid 19 Donations, ZIMBABWE

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank has approved a $13.7 million grant to finance the COVID-19 response in Zimbabwe. The funds will provide an immediate lifeline for targeted frontline responders and health personnel and boost the country’s Global Health Security Index in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Approval for the grant was made on May 13, after a request from the Zimbabwe Government. The funds, from the African Development Fund (ADF) 14 Transition Support Facility, will go to Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 Response Project (CRP), which aims to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a country which is facing many economic and social challenges. The CRP will focus on 15 high-density urban suburbs in Harare the capital, satellite townships and target...

May72020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavius – Zimbabwe: UAE Sends Medical Aid to Zimbabwe in Fight Against COVID-19

AFRICA, ASIA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, INTERNATIONAL, UAE, ZIMBABWE

The United Arab Emirates today sent an aid plane containing 7.7 metric tons of medical supplies to Zimbabwe to bolster the country’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. The aid will assist more than 7,700 medical professionals as they work to combat the virus. Commenting on the aid delivery, His Excellency Dr. Jassim Mohammed Mubarak Al Qasimi, UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, stated: “The UAE is honored to play a part in the tireless efforts of countries working to contain COVID-19. This medical aid will assist healthcare professionals in Zimbabwe with their immediate needs, ensuring they may serve on the front lines while equipped with the necessary protection.” “The UAE considers Zimbabwe a vital pa...

Apr292020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavirus: Zimbabwe rated as one of the world’s top global food crises in new United Nations report

AFRICA, UNITED NATIONS, ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe is also one of 10 countries where fewer than 20% of children between 6-23 months received a minimally adequate diet further compromising their lifelong quality of life Zimbabwe remains in the grip of severe food insecurity, with millions of people already requiring humanitarian assistance due to prolonged drought, climate-related shocks, economic deterioration and the situation set to worsen as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, according to the new Global Food Crisis Report Forecast (GFCRF). The joint report, released by the European Union, FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, USAID and WFP anticipates a worsening food insecurity situation in 2020 with an estimated 4.3 million rural Zimbabweans, including children, are in need of urgent action. On top of environmental factors, this is main...

Apr272020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Update

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, ZIMBABWE

cumulative total of 2,719,897 confirmed cases and 187,705 deaths were reported from more than 210 countries/territories globally. To date, Zimbabwe now has thirty-one confirmed eases. including two recoveries and four deaths. Of the PCR tests done in Harare today, three were positive for COVID-19 and all the PCR tests done in Bulawayo today were negative for COVID-19. Two Of the three cases confirmed today were due to local transmission. All the three cases are stable and not in hospital. More details on these cases to follow. The Ministry continues to be on HIGHalert to the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to remind the nation that, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to practise good personal hygiene and exercise social distancing...

Apr72020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavirus – Africa: Stronger partnerships crucial for successful implementation of SDGs in light of COVID-19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, ZIMBABWE

The Bureau of the Sixth Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) has met and adopted an action plan establishing key priorities for implementing key messages from the forum that was held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in February. Chaired by chaired Zimbabwe’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Mr. Paul Mavima, this was the Bureau’s first meeting since the adoption of the Victoria Falls Declaration on the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development in Africa. The Decade of Action calls for accelerating sustainable solutions to all the world’s biggest challenges, ranging from poverty and gender to climate change, inequality and closing the finance gap. Zimbabwe’s Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Mr. Paul Mavim...

Apr72020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavirus: Zimbabwe now has 10 confirmed cases, including one death

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, ZIMBABWE

HARARE, Zimbabwe, -- The Ministry of Health reported yesterday that the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested 13 samples. One of these tested positive for COVID-19. Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe now has 10 confirmed cases, including one death. The tenth patient is a 24-year-old-female resident of Harare who arrived from the United Kingdom two weeks ago. The local Rapid Response Team visited her home after receiving an alert call to assess the family, and samples were taken for COVID-19 testing. She is clinically stable and under self-isolation at home. Mr. Obadiah Moyo, Zimbabwe's Health Minister The Ministry also reported that all the 9 cases alive to date are being managed and recovering under self-isolation at home. The local health care workers continue to mon...

Mar282020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, ZIMBABWE

The Ministry would like to report that today the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested 65 samples. Two of these tested positive for COVID-19. More details on these cases to be given later. Among the 65 samples tested today, was the repeat test for the sample from the individual whom we reported previously as having received an inconclusive. result. Today, he tested Negative for COVID-19. Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including one death. The Ministry would also like to advise the nation that the third case we reported yesterday was today admitted for treatment under isolation at Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases Hospital. He remains in a stable condition and is assisting our teams in intensified surveillance through contact tracing ...

Mar242020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Zimbabwe President sets up new measures to combat Covid-19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, Politics, ZIMBABWE

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care has notified the nation about the new measures that were set up by His Excellency, President Emerson Mnangagwa as the country continues its battle against Covid-19. The Ministry announced that one of the only two positive cases confirmed so far died today on the 24th of March 2020. The National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested a total of 15 suspected cases and contacts of the positive cases. All tested negative for COVID-19. According to WHO, to date, more than 340 000 have been infected globally and more than 14 000 people have died. It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just 4 days for the third 100,000 cases. The Ministry continues to be on hi...

Mar242020 by ShafiqNo Comments

Nigeria and Zimbabwe confirm their first deaths of Covid-19

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, Nigeria, ZIMBABWE

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed the first Covid-19 death in Nigeria. The victim is a 67-year-old man who had recently returned to Nigeria following medical treatment in the UK. He had pre-existing medical conditions including cancer and diabetes. According to John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre Nigeria has so far reported 36 cases, out of them two patients have recovered. The NCDC said it had confirmed five new cases of coronavirus on Monday bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 36 with 25 cases in Lagos. Zimbabwe have also reported their first COVID-19 death on Monday. Obediah Moyo, the Zimbabwe Health Minister Obediah Moyo, the Zimbabwe Health Minister said on Monday that they had registered their first death fr...

Mar122020 by ShafiqNo Comments

AFRICA: The U.S has sanctioned 2 Zimbabwean officials for human rights abuses.

AFRICA, USA, ZIMBABWE

WASHINGTON D.C – The United States has designated two Zimbabwean officials Anselem Sanyatwe and Owen Ncube for their role in human rights abuses related to political repression. “These designations demonstrate continued U.S. commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abuses.” the US said, urging the Government of Zimbabwe to immediately end state-sponsored violence including against peaceful protesters, civil society, labor leaders and members of the opposition. Zimbabwe has been asked to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations and abuse. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated Sanyatwe and Ncube pursuant to Executive Order 13469, which reinforces the Department of State’s...

Mar102020 by ShafiqNo Comments

ZIMBABWE: Suspected coronavirus patient escapes from hospital.

AFRICA, CORONAVIRUS, HEALTH, ZIMBABWE

A Thai national suspected of having coronavirus has escaped from a hospital in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, state-owned Herald newspaper reported on Monday. The outlet in a tweet said the patient had escaped from the Wilkins Infections Disease Hospital where he was scheduled to undergo testing, “authorities are looking for the Thai national,” the newspaper added. The escapee is reported to have been referred to the Wilkins Hospital from a local hospital where he had reported sick. The facility hosts Zimbabwe’s coronavirus isolation center. The southern African country has no confirmed case of the deadly virus. Neighbouring South Africa as at March 9 had recorded seven cases. It is the only country in the region to be affected. A suspected coronavirus patient has escape...

Mar62020 by ShafiqNo Comments

WORLD: The U.S has postponed Zimbabwe sanctions citing political suppression.

AFRICA, FEATURE STORIES, USA, ZIMBABWE

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended by one year sanctions against Zimbabwe saying that the new government’s policies continue to pose an “unusual and extraordinary” threat to U.S. foreign policy. The renewal comes despite calls by African leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, for the sanctions to be lifted to give the country a chance to recover from its economic crisis. According to Trump administration officials the sanctions will remain until the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa changes Zimbabwe’s laws restricting media freedom and allowing protests. According to U.S. officials, there are 141 entities and individuals in Zimbabwe, including Mnangagwa and long-time former president Robert Mugabe, currently under U.S. sanctions. Mnangagwa...

Mar52020 by ShafiqNo Comments

AFRICA: Zimbabwe bread prices rise.

AFRICA, Business, ECONOMY, ZIMBABWE

A snap survey we conducted this Thursday has suggested that bread price has been increased from an average of $21 for a standard loaf to $25. When the prices were reviewed up last week from $18 to $20 or $21, National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president, Dennis Wallah, said attributed the increase to an increased production cost. Wallah said that flour is not subsidised hence market forces were at play. The country, since last year had limited quantities of flour in its reserves following a poor agriculture season. The increase can also be attributed to a recent increase in fuel prices since bread prices, like those of other commodities, usually go up in response to fuel prices.

Mar32020 by ShafiqNo Comments

AFRICA: Zimbabwe Minister courts Africa MPs over sanctions.

AFRICA, ZIMBABWE

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA: “We are counting on you in helping us make Zimbabwe great again,” said Zimbabwe’s number two top diplomat in a passionate appeal to the Pan African Parliament (PAP) on sanctions against his country. Citing the continued untold sorrow and deterioration of the well-being of his countrymen, Dr David Musabayana, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, told the continental legislators on Monday, 02 March 2020 that they had incurred losses of about US$42 billion over the 18 years that the sanctions have been at play. Between 2002 and 2003, the European Union and the United States of America imposed economic sanctions against the Southern African country over what they referred to as government excesses, including the contentious land reform ...

Feb252020 by ShafiqNo Comments

New O-Level Curriculum- what was the Fuss?

AFRICA, African stars, AGRICULTURE, AUSTRALIA, Banking, BASKETBALL, EDUCATION, ZIMBABWE

Parliament of Uganda last week was a hive of eyebrow- raising moments and some calculated gaffes; two intruders crashed into parliament proceeding in acts erstwhile enthusiasts of ‘Taichi Movies’ will fondly reminisce! While, what appeared an unending O-Level curriculum hurricane was skillfully settled by the markswoman- The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga who with every passing day is proving adept at allowing her will succeed. For the curriculum, the wishful objections were shrewdly sucked away. So, what was the Fuss; Are we ready? Is the Curriculum workable? Questions and objections that earlier came out. Yet, as we speak, Senior One Students from Nyakasura Boarding Secondary School in Fort Portal, Kabarole district are producing Coff...