National
Zimbabwe’s climate crisis: President Mnangagwa calls for action
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
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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