National

“CSOs need an enabling environment to thrive

Published

1 month ago

November 7, 2024

Arts Secretary Nicholas Moyo (second from left) flanked by East Africa Philanthropy Network Director, Evans Okinyi (left), Stigmata Tenga APN Director, Tendai Murisa of Sivio Institute and Justice Rutenga APN Board Chair

BY STAFF REPORTER

Civic society organizations (CSOs) need enabling policies to thrive and effectively partner government for development and colloborations on initiatives that address Africa’s pressing needs, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts, Sports and Culture Nicholas Moyo has said.

Moyo made these remarks while officially opening the African Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly in Victoria Falls. The APN Assembly, which brings together over two hundred African philanthropy and grant making organizations from over twenty (20) countries is running from the 4th to the 8th of November in the resort town.

“This Assembly provides us with a platform to explore innovative ideas and solutions that work best for our people – as Africans,” said Moyo.

“Our challenges – be they economic inequalities, social injustices, or environmental concerns are interconnected. We must work together to confront these issues head-on, prioritizing the most vulnerable among us.”

“In achieving this, you require enabling policies and operating environments that the African governments are committed to provide through the implementation of the Agenda 263,” he said.

Moyo’s remarks come at a time that the Zimbabwe’s parliament has just passed amendments to the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act setting out a new regulatory framework for CSOs in Zimbabwe, a concern raised by Tendai Murisa the Executive Director of Sivio Institute, one of the Assembly’s organizers.

“Some organizations working within the civic space are facing closure should the Bill become law. It is our hope that the new law will not affect philanthropy work in Zimbabwe as these organizations merely compliment the government’s development agenda,” he said.

The Executive Director of APN Stigma Tenga said the Assembly’s objectives are to examine the relationship between philanthropy policy and practice.

“Our deliberations will reflect on African philanthropy’s potential to drive systemic change, and examine how actors could work together to celebrate and own indigenous practices as distinctly African and thus relevant to reshaping future philanthropy, as well as reimagine practices for contemporary application,” she said.

The 2024 APN Assembly is running under the theme collective freedom from collective struggles.

National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

National

Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

National

Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

Published

1 week ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.