BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As the country grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for urgent action to build resilience and drive economic transformation.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference (ZEDCON) 2024 in Victoria Falls, Mnangagwa emphasized the need for homegrown solutions to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate.

“The infusing of aspects around in this year’s conference theme is appropriate given that this phenomenon is a major challenge of our time,” he said.

“Climate change and natural disasters are exerting major risks that adaptation and mitigation programs protecting the economies and the citizens from chaos of today and tomorrow

It is therefore our collective responsibility to promote homegrown solutions for mitigation and adaptation in order to foster concesus and includivity.”

Zimbabwe has been plagued by floods, including the devastating Cyclone Idai, and is currently reeling from the El Nino effect, which has left over seven million people facing dire food shortages.

The country’s economy is on the brink, and the need for action has never been more pressing, Mnangagwa says.

George Guvamatanga, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion, echoed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the need for adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with the impacts of climate change.

“We must tap into international green finance packages, utilize water bodies for irrigation, and invest in water harvesting to ensure food security,” he urged.

Households were also encouraged to invest in water harvesting that can be channeled towards agriculture and other household and economic activities while government was challenged to increase support towards social protection programs which involves resource allocation towards sovereign insurance and incentivize farmers to invest in individual insurance to guard against the impacts of climate change.

Speakers also urged government to give agricultural inputs tailored made with ecological zones and maize to be planted in the appropriate regions which receives adequate rainfall above 500 milliliters per year.

As the conference continues, discussions will focus on climate change and micro-economic issues, public expenditure policies, and private sector initiatives to support development under climate change.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

With only two weeks left in the firearms amnesty period, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is sounding the alarm over the low number of surrendered guns amidst a surge in armed robberies.

“The public is urged to take advantage of this opportunity to surrender firearms and ammunition voluntarily, without fear of questioning or arrest,” said Commissioner Paul Nyathi

“We are concerned that unregistered firearms and ammunition are in the wrong hands and are being used to commit criminal acts.”

Since the amnesty began on September 1, a paltry eight firearms have been handed over to the authorities, a figure that raises concerns about the prevalence of unregistered weapons in the wrong hands.

“We will continue to conduct physical checks and verifications on all residential and business premises suspected to be harbouring illegal firearms,” Commissioner Nyathi warned. ”

After the expiry of the amnesty period, a nationwide operation will be conducted and arrests will be made for illegal possession of firearms or ammunition.”

The ZRP has called on individuals, companies, and organizations to surrender firearms and ammunition by September 30 to ensure public safety.

“We implore the public to cooperate and voluntarily surrender firearms and ammunition,” Commissioner Nyathi emphasized. “Let us work together to ensure public safety.”

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

On Thursday, Zimbabwe’s parliament engaged in a lengthy debate regarding the country’s response to cancer.

The discussion centered on a motion to enhance cancer awareness programs and modernize cancer treatment equipment at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hospitals.

The debate was sparked by Thokozani Khupe’s motion, which emphasized the need for collective action to address the growing threat of cancer in Zimbabwe.

Joseph Mapiki expressed support for the motion, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing the issue. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, including awareness campaigns, research into traditional medicines, and investment in modern technology. He also stressed the importance of prevention, citing the need for a compulsory law promoting the consumption of small grains and a levy on sugary foods.

Perseviarance Zhou raised a point of order, questioning the validity of Mapiki’s statement regarding the use of herbs by women to maintain their “virginity.”

The Speaker acknowledged the difficulty in ruling on the matter, noting that while some concoctions may have negative effects, research has shown that certain traditional medicines can cause cervical cancer.

Spencer Tshuma emphasized the need for collective effort in addressing cancer, highlighting the devastating impact of the disease on individuals and families. He stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, citing the need for investment in modern equipment and trained personnel. He also emphasized the need for a multisectoral approach, involving government, NGOs, and private players.

Miriam Matinenga emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns, particularly in rural areas. He suggested that chiefs and traditional leaders play a crucial role in disseminating information about cancer and its effects.

Mail Nkomo expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his support of Khupe’s treatment and emphasized the need for a unified approach to addressing cancer. She highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns, citing the success of HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives. She proposed that the Ministry of Health and Child Care, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, develop a comprehensive campaign strategy to educate the public about cancer.

Did you know? Cancer is now acknowledged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Zimbabwe with over 7  500 new cancer cases and over 2 500 deaths being recorded per year, according to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.

The debate highlighted the critical need for a collective and comprehensive approach to address the growing threat of cancer in Zimbabwe. It emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns, research, investment in modern technology, and a multisectoral approach to prevent and treat cancer effectively.