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Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a report on the procurement and rollout of vaccines, as presented by the chairman of the Ministers’ Committee on the National Covid-19 Response, Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Care, Gen (Retd) Dr CGDN Chiwenga.
The nation is being informed that 3 deaths were recorded during the week under review, compared to the 6 recorded the previous week. Similarly, the number of new cases recorded also decreased compared to the number reported last week. However, during the week under review, there were 21 new admissions, compared to the 19 recorded the previous week with 5 being in intensive care unit. The Covid-19 trajectory remains under control though the nation is urged to exercise caution at all times.
Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that a total of 6 836 344 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have so far been administered, while 5 071 179 people have received their second dose, and 1 604 677 their third dose.
There was a marginal increase in the national vaccination coverage for the first dose to 60,8 from the 60,7 which was recorded previously.
The Zimbabwe Covid-19 video documentary “Fighting the Wave: How a Nation United to Fight the Covid-19 Pandemic” was launched successfully on March 2, 2023 by His Excellency the President. The documentary was produced by the Office of the President and Cabinet. For those that missed the première on ZBC on 3 March, the documentary will be screened every other Thursday on ZBC for five times.
Government continues to urge all those that have not yet been inoculated to take advantage of the vaccination programmes in the provinces to get vaccinated as part of the new normal.
UPDATE ON THE CHOLERA OUTBREAK RESPONSE
Cabinet adopted the update on the cholera outbreak response, as presented by Vice President Chiwenga.
Cabinet notes that cholera outbreaks are being reported in a number of SADC countries, including Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa, with Malawi being the most affected. Since February 12, 2023, sixty suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Zimbabwe from Chegutu (58), Mudzi (1), and Mutare (1). Of these five cases have been confirmed by culture test, and as of 6March 2023 there has been no reported death from cholera and no patient has been admitted for the disease.
Considering the high risk of diarrhoeal diseases, especially cholera and typhoid during the rainy season, the Government is accelerating the surveillance and response mechanisms in all provinces. The Government is also instituting processes for the refurbishing and upgrading of sewer and reticulation systems and provision of clean water. Meanwhile, Cabinet enjoins the public to note that Government has taken the following actions in response to the cholera outbreak:
1. The National, Provincial and District Rapid Response Teams as well as the Civil Protection Committee (CPC) have been activated;
2. The National Reference Laboratory is carrying out drug sensitivity tests for any suspected cases of cholera;
3. Acute Water Diarrhoeal (AWD) kits are pre-positioned at cholera hotspots;
4. All districts are on high alert for any outbreaks;
5. Community health workers were sensitised and community awareness is ongoing in all districts;
6. The Cholera Outbreak Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan for 2023-2024, the relevant budget, as well as the country’s cholera and typhoid guidelines have been reviewed and updated; and
7. Vaccination campaigns for vaccine-preventable diseases (measles and polio) are ongoing.
2022 ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 100-DAY CYCLE OF THE SECOND REPUBLIC
Cabinet received and noted the 2022 annual report which was presented by the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Hon Dr Joram Gumbo, on implementation of 100-Day Cycle Projects by the Second Republic.
As it may be recalled, Cabinet constantly kept the nation updated on the implementation of the 100-Day Cycle projects in 2022, during which a total of 287 projects were implemented across the country’s 10 provinces. The following is a highlight of some of the projects which are already benefiting communities;
• Under Health — Six health posts, namely: Mashamvura in Chivhu; Mutasa in Buhera; Maringazuva, Zvakanaka, Nyamatito and Nyaurungwe in Gokwe North were completed. Twenty five boreholes were drilled, 34 health facilities were installed with solar power and 402 others connected to the internet;
• In Mining — 9 plants are under construction and these will contribute to the attainment of the US$12 billion mining economy. The projects include the Dinson Colliery Coke Oven Battery Construction in Matabeleland North; Lithium Processing Plant at Sabi Star in Manicaland; Mimosa Mining Company Optimisation of the Concentrator Plant in the Midlands; the Rio Zim Murowa 500TPH Greenfields Diamond Plant and Establishment of a Ferrochrome Smelter at Amazon in Midlands; and Tshingshan Iron Ore and Chrome/Coke Value Addition Project in Mashonaland East. The Mimosa and Murowa Diamond Plants are set for commissioning in 2023;
• In the transport sector — a cumulative 24 100 kilometres of road were rehabilitated under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 (ERRP 2);
• In agriculture — in a bid to improve food self-sufficiency, the Government is increasing land under irrigation and procuring agricultural machinery. The initiatives include: 326 hectares were developed under irrigation at Muzvezve and Kanyemba Irrigation Schemes; 350 hectares were cleared for irrigation in the Lowveld irrigated agriculture belt; 98 boreholes drilled for irrigation purposes across the provinces; 429 boreholes were drilled under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Programme; five piped water schemes were completed at Nyamandhlovu, Chitida, Muyambi, Ngomahuru and Gonde; 330 423 kilogrammes of tick grease were distributed to farmers; 162 059 chicks were distributed under the Presidential Poultry Pass-on Programme; and 995 tractors and 14 combine harvesters delivered under the Belarus Farm Mechanisation Facility Phase 2. A total of 78 789 ha was put under wheat in 2022;
• Manufacturing — the projects being implemented in the sector are meant to value-add and beneficiate agriculture and mining products. Projects include the installation of state-of-the-art leather processing plant by Zambezi Tanners in Bulawayo, the New Blending Plant and Granulation Plants at ZimPhos in Harare, and the wheat milling Plant at Mega Market in Manicaland;
• Infrastructure — the flagship project was the Beitbridge Border Post upgrading, which was commissioned in 2022 by His Excellency the President and created over 2 000 jobs for the locals;
• Information, Communication Technology — to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, 914 schools, 105 health institutions and 26 vocational training centres were connected to the internet. ICT laboratories and 31 Community Information Centres were established across the country’s 10 provinces; and
• Under governance — a total of four Magistrates Courts were constructed at Epworth, Chiredzi, Lupane, and Gwanda.
REPORT ON THE CITIZEN SATISFACTION SURVEY AND BASELINE SURVEY ON WORK CULTURE TRANSFORMATION, 2022
Cabinet considered and adopted the report on the citizen satisfaction survey and baseline survey on work culture transformation 2022, as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima.
Cabinet notes that the survey is in line with His Excellency the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa, and the Second Republic’s operational values of servant leadership, citizen-centric interventions emanating from citizen engagement and inclusivity. Given that Government entities have the greatest interface with the people through the public services they provide, there is need to continuously and objectively assess citizens’ satisfaction with the services in order to ensure that expectations are effectively met. The survey is a major milestone in that it serves as a service-level benchmark for Government in spearheading people-centred service delivery.
As such, the study gathered information on citizens’ and employees’ perceptions regarding Zimbabwe’s public service delivery system as well as the current work culture among public servants in accordance with set dimensions. Notably, the survey included gathering information on the behaviours, attitudes and knowledge of public service employees from the poor, vulnerable and marginalised groups such as women, the youth and persons living with disabilities.
Cabinet informs the nation that the study found that the overall Satisfaction Index (level of satisfaction) was 68,47 percent, averaged from citizen and employee satisfaction rates of 67,78 percent and 69,17 percent, respectively. These indices fall within the internationally accepted range of “satisfied”, that is, 60 to 70 percent. This is also against the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)target of 50 percent for 2021, hence the conclusion that citizens and employees are generally satisfied with public service delivery.
Meanwhile, the overall Work Culture Transformation Index was 69.09 percent, with the average work culture transformation scores for the relevant dimensions ranging from 64.92 percent (wellness, inclusivity and gender) to 78.42 percent (work ethics). These ratings were above 60 percent international threshold set by Government and the 50 percent NDS 1 target for “satisfied”, hence the levels are satisfactory. The study indicates that 66 percent of Line Ministries use the telephone, print and electronic media to communicate with citizens. Going forward, Government will continue to deepen and strengthen the use of social media platforms.
In view of the foregoing, members of the public will appreciate that the survey shows that the citizens are generally satisfied with the delivery of public services and have positive perceptions about work culture transformation in the Public Service. The survey resonates with the Second Republic’s mantra “what gets measures, gets done”, and citizens are assured that Government will attend to identified deficiencies.
PROPOSED LOCAL AUTHORITIES’ BUDGET 2023
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo updated Cabinet on the budget performance of Local Authorities in 2022 and on their Budget for 2023.
Local Authority budgets are approved by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works in terms of section 47 of the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 23:19]. Performance of Local Authorities in service delivery has been militated by a number of factors, some of which Central Government is in the process of addressing.
The nation is informed that the 2022 Local Authority budget review process reflected non-alignment to the National Vision, non-disclosure of all revenue streams, non-adherence to statutes when budgeting, no valuation rolls, absence of by-laws and that audits were lagging behind.
Regarding actual budget performance in 2022, the Local Authorities collected Z$134.7 billion against a target of Z$173.2 billion, which constitutes 78 percent. Major revenue sources were property tax, 29 percent; service charges, 29 percent; and fees, 10 percent. Devolution was allocated a total of Z$52.5 billion, out of which Z$11.8 billion was disbursed directly to Local Authorities for capital projects. Z$5.3 billion was disbursed for the procurement of fire tenders under the Belarus-Zimbabwe Cooperation.
A total of 88 Local Authority budgets were approved in January 2023 with the exception of estimates of income and expenditure for Binga and Murewa Rural District Councils, Karoi Town Council and Lupane Local Board. Cabinet is emphasising the crucial role played by the public in the budget formulation process to ensure prioritisation of citizen needs. Local Authorities should put in place mechanisms to enable continuous feedback in addressing citizens’ needs. Councils are also expected to effectively take charge of development control through production of master and local plans.
The Councils’ 2023 revenue is estimated at Z$1.1 trillion, with service charges and property taxes constituting the major revenue streams. 40 percent or Z$441 billion of the revenue will be spent on capital projects, with Z$127.6 billion being deployed towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) activities.
It has also been noted that Local Authorities operations are encumbered by the following issues:
• pending labour cases have seriously affected governance in local authorities culminating in poor service delivery;
• unwillingness by ratepayers to pay taxes and the local authorities are owed in excess of Z$162 billion; and
• non-compliance with Central Government policies and legislation.
To overcome the above, Central Government is facilitating rapid and equitable development through the disbursement of Devolution funds to local authorities. A Whole-of-Government Approach will be adopted with Central Government collaborating with local authorities for efficient service delivery and promotion of good governance.
On their part, the number of Councils using the Local Authorities Digital Systems (LADS) as a budgeting tool has increased to 52 from 26. Most Local Authorities has crafted by-laws, an important regulating and revenue raising instrument. Revenue accruing to the Local Authorities is also on the upward trend having increased to 29 percent of national revenue estimates in 2023 from the 11 percent in 2022 and 7 percent in 2021.
VISIT TO SWITZERLAND AND IRAN
Cabinet received and adopted the Report on the visit to Montreux, Switzerland from 23 to 24 February and Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran from 25 to 27 February 2023, which was presented by the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen (Rtd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga.
The Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care attended the 5th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety which was held in Montreux, Switzerland under the theme “Less Harm, Better Care-From Resolution to Implementation.”
Cabinet highlights that during the Summit, the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care presented a detailed overview of the status of Patient Safety and Quality Care in Zimbabwe, within the context of the National Health Strategy and National Development Strategy 1. The Summit adopted the Montreux Charter on Patient Safety, and resolved to expeditiously implement the principles and goals. The 6th Summit on Patient Summit will be held in Chile in 2024.
The nation is further being informed that the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care held several fruitful bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Summit with various key stakeholders who included the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Tedros Adhaom.
The Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care visited the Islamic Republic of Iran to deepen relations and cooperation between the two countries in the field of health focusing on pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, health research, provision of medical education, treatment and health systems management. The visit was made on the backdrop of the 9th Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation which was held from 1 to 6 February, 2023 in Tehran.
The Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care visited several Medical Equipment Exhibitions. He also met his counterpart the Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mohammed Mokhber, the Minister of Health and Medical Education, Prof. Bahram Einollahi; and Pharmaceuticals and Equipment Syndicate Managers.
The Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment, Medical Education (mentorship and training) and Health System Management with his Iranian counterpart. Zimbabwe also undertook to facilitate the setting-up of manufacturing and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment by Iranian companies in the country and facilitate the exchange programmes for professors of medical sciences and take up offers of scholarships.
REPORT ON THE 9TH JOINT PERMANENT COMMISSION ON COOPERATION BETWEEN ZIMBABWE AND IRAN
Cabinet received and adopted the Report on the 9th Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Iran, which was presented by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
Cabinet advises that the 9th Joint Permanent Commission was successfully held in Tehran from the 1st to the 5th of February 2023, in a harmonious and cordial environment, which is typical of the excellent relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Iran. Several areas of cooperation were identified under three Committees, namely:
• the Political and Diplomatic Committee;
• the Committee on Trade, Commerce, Banking, Customs, Investment, Energy, Agricultural Cooperation; and
• the Committee on Transport, Housing, Science, Culture, Health, Judicial and Social Cooperation.
Among other outcomes, Zimbabwe and Iran agreed to convene a Joint Commercial and Industrial Committee, in order to boost trade and commerce between the Sister Republics. Two Memoranda of Understanding in the economic sector, which were submitted by Iran are under consideration, while the two countries’ respective chambers of commerce undertook to cooperate at private sector level. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was concluded between ZIMTRADE and the Iran Trade Promotion Organisation. Furthermore, both sides are willing to exchange media content, with two MoUs in the information and broadcasting sector now under consideration.
In the transportation sector, Iran expressed its readiness to supply rail equipment to Zimbabwe and a draft MoU submitted by Zimbabwe is under consideration. Meanwhile, in the scientific and cultural area, the two States agreed to conduct joint research in nanotechnology, biotechnology, information and communication technology, and introducing the Persian Language in Zimbabwe’s educational institutions for research purposes.
Zimbabwe will host the next (10th) Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Iran.
REPORT ON THE 40TH VIRTUAL SESSION OF THE AFRICAN UNION DEVELOPMENT AGENCY-NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT (AUDA-NEPAD) HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ORIENTATION COMMITTEE
Cabinet noted the Report on the 40th Virtual Session of the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, as presented by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa virtually attended the Orientation Committee, held on 15 February, 2023, which was chaired by the Rwandan President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, as Chairperson of the AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government. In his statement, President Kagame highlighted mechanisms that could revive African economies under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) New Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the Debt Service Suspension Initiative, as outlined at the G20 Summit which he attended. He underscored the need for sustainable and predictable financing of AUDA-NEPAD in order to reduce dependency on development partners.
The Committee also received Statements from the following:
1. the then African Union Chairperson and President of Senegal, His Excellency Macky Sall;
2. AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Nards Bakele Thomas; and
3. the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares.
His Excellency Macky Sall noted that despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa’s growth rate surpassed all other economies. On her part, the AUDA-NEPAD CEO evaluated the First Ten Year Implementation Plan of the Agenda 2023 which, among others, appreciated the interventions made in enhancing Member States’ capacities in the health sector. She also presented the outcomes of the Second Dakar Financing Summit on behalf of the then AU Chairperson. Meanwhile, the Spanish Minister, who attended as a Special Guest announced, among others, that Spain would allocate 70 million Euros for cooperation programmes with African countries in Gender Equality and Food Security.
Cabinet informs the nation that Summit elected the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El Sisi, as the incoming Chairperson of AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee. The Northern Region was undertaking regional consultations on its representative, while the Republic of South Africa, representing the Southern Region, had expressed interest in the First Vice Presidency post.
REPORT ON THE HIGH-LEVEL VALIDATION OF AFRICAN GOVERNANCE REPORT 2023
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the High-Level Validation of African Governance Report 2023 on Unconstitutional Changes of governments, which was held virtually on the 7th of February 2023. The Report was presented by Honourable Professor Murwira, as the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Cabinet highlights that the Report was a direct response to concerns expressed by the African Union Assembly in February 2022 over the resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes in Governments (UCGs) on the continent. The Report, which was compiled by the African Peer Review Mechanism, in collaboration with the African Governance Architecture, was validated by the virtual Meeting.
The main agenda of the Validation Meeting was the presentation of Targeted Review Reports of Lesotho, Chad, Comoros, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Sudan. The Report identified the root causes of Unconstitutional Changes in Governments, shared best practices, lessons learnt and recommendations to prevent cases of UCGs in future.
Highlights of recommendations include the following:
1. that the process to review the 1991 Lesotho Constitution be expedited;
2. that Sierra Leone finalizes the Constitutional review in order to address noted gaps in the law;
3. that the Government of Chad supports regional Governments to take all the necessary measures to disarm civilians and combat the proliferation and illegal possession of weapons;
4. that the Republic of Guinea implement reforms to guarantee the separation of powers as provided for by the Constitution;
5. that the Comoros institutes a framework for dialogue between its citizens and observe the supremacy of the Constitution; and
6. that the Government of Sudan revive the national peace and reconciliation process as well as build capacity for elections.
Online Reporter