BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Members of Parliament pressed Government ministers on pressing issues affecting farmers and rural communities during oral questions at the beginning of yesterday’s parliamentary sitting, according to the Hansard record released from the Parliament of Zimbabwe.

MP Kudakwashe Mananzva raised concerns about delays in the distribution of critical fertiliser following reports that Ammonium Nitrate (AN) had not yet reached farmers despite good rains this season.

“This year we received good rains and we received fertiliser compound D but we did not receive the Ammonium Nitrate (AN). What is the Government policy to make sure that people receive their AN fertiliser in time?” the MP asked, prompting an immediate response from the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

In reply, Minister Ziyambi acknowledged logistical challenges facing distribution agencies but stressed that efforts were underway to address the delays. “They experienced some delays in terms of transportation,” he said, adding that authorities had pledged to ensure AN fertiliser was disbursed and that “when the rains recommence, farmers will continue farming and we will make sure farmers will receive their fertilisers.” He concluded with a pledge to “fight to make sure that all fertilisers are disbursed in time,” reflecting Government’s commitment to agricultural support.

In the same session, Patrick Sagandira, the elected Member of Parliament for Makoni Central, raised concern about the spread of livestock diseases affecting cattle in the wake of heavy rains, with particular reference to January disease, which devastates herds during the rainy season. 

Sagandira asked: “What is the Government policy in making sure that farmers get medication for their livestock, especially the January disease?”

Minister Ziyambi reiterated Government advice on preventative measures rather than direct treatment. “To avoid January disease… every week, farmers are expected to spray the cattle or there must be dip tanks,” he said, noting that the Ministry had distributed “some tick grease to farmers in the rural areas” to help curb infestations and disease transmission.

Turning to critical infrastructure,Tendai Pinduka questioned the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, on Government policy regarding rural roads, many of which have been damaged by recent rainfall.

“Most of the roads, especially those in rural areas, have been eroded by rainfall,” Pinduka said, asking when fuel allocations for road rehabilitation would be released to councils.

Minister Mhona explained that responsibilities for road maintenance are divided among authorities, with rural district councils and agencies like RIDA responsible for specific networks. He stressed that Government, through the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) and the Emergency Roads Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2), would support councils.

“We are pleading with the Rural District Councils that they must give us names of the roads and the kilometres that need to be rehabilitated,” he told MPs, adding that monitoring would ensure fuel disbursed was used for its intended purpose.

Supplementary questions further highlighted concerns about damaged bridges critical for access to schools and clinics. In response, Minister Mhona stressed the importance of collaboration between provincial engineers, councils and the Ministry to ensure “bridges can be rehabilitated swiftly.”

On frustration from MPs about failure to access fuel due to prior reporting shortfalls, the Minister said the Ministry had found solutions in some cases, including allocating further fuel while addressing accountability concerns.

Finally, questions arose about deteriorating town roads. Minister Mhona clarified that urban road networks fall under local authority jurisdiction, but reaffirmed Government commitment through ERRP2 to step in when needed, stating that “no place and no one is going to be left behind.”

BY STAFF REPORTER

War veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, who rose to national prominence after publicly calling for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has died in exile in South Africa, his family has announced.

In a statement released on Friday, the Geza family said he died on Thursday morning at a cardiac hospital in South Africa after a battle with cancer.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our hero Cde Blessed Runesu Geza, popularly known as Cde Bombshell,” the family said.

Geza, a liberation war veteran, gained a large following in recent years through his outspoken criticism of the government and his calls for political accountability, positioning himself as a vocal figure within Zimbabwe’s increasingly polarised political landscape.

The family said Geza “touched many lives with his fight for justice to ensure that all Zimbabweans realise their aspirations,” and urged the public to remain strong during what it described as a trying moment.

They also cautioned Zimbabweans against fundraising initiatives linked to his death, warning that some individuals may seek to “cash in” on the tragedy.

“We encourage Zimbabweans to ignore any call for GoFundMe towards his funeral,” the statement said.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalised and will be communicated in due course, the family added. They said a designated family spokesperson would be announced to handle all official communication.

Geza had been living outside Zimbabwe at the time of his death, having relocated to South Africa amid heightened political tensions.

BY NOSIZO MPOFU

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a new national initiative to promote and reward academic excellence across Zimbabwe’s education system, Minister Torerayi Moyo has announced.

In a post on X, Minister Moyo said the programme will recognise and award the top 10 best-performing schools in each province, based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level.

“The recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners,” said Moyo. He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and quality education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

In addition to provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations. These schools will be honoured on 20 March 2026.

According to the minister, the recognised institutions will serve as “beacons of excellence and inspiration,” setting benchmarks for quality education and academic performance across the country.

Minister Moyo also called on individuals, corporates, well-wishers and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships, awards, grants and other forms of assistance.

“This support will go a long way in motivating our hardworking teachers and headmasters,” he said.

Those interested in supporting the programme have been advised to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Head Office through official communication channels.