National

Zimbabwe’s climate crisis: President Mnangagwa calls for action

Published

10 months ago

September 17, 2024

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.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

4 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

5 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.