adminPresident censures Cabinet Ministers
Harare Bureau
President Mugabe on Thursday shocked some Cabinet ministers when he roundly criticised them for unconvincingly answering questions raised during the launch of Government’s Broad Based Women’s Economic Empowerment Framework.
Daring poachers wreak havoc
Masvingo correspondentDARING poachers are on the loose in Masvingo amid reports that the province has so far lost 11 rhinos this year.
Mixed feelings over final draft constitution
Harare Bureau
OBSERVERS have expressed mixed feelings towards the final draft constitution with some saying Zanu-PF’s strong nationalistic positions are dominant.
Scrapping maternity fees not sustainable: Stamps
Midlands Correspondent
THE Government’s decision to scrap maternity fees at State-run hospitals and clinics is a blunder that the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare has come up with as the move is not sustainable, former Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr Timothy Stamps said.
Syria rebels seize key border crossings
Syrian opposition fighters have taken control of a number of border crossings with Iraq and Turkey, as state television said the country’s intelligence chief, who sustained injuries during Wednesday’s attack, had died.Editorial Comment: President Mugabe spot on
We couldn’t agree more with President Mugabe’s advice that Africa should pursue African solutions to African problems failing which we should engage the UN system, as inviting outsiders would only bring misery and destruction.Every little thing counts
Egpha JokomoI went to boarding school at a very early age. From my pocket money I would set aside some to take back home. The savings were very small but I always made sure I reserve part of it for my
Govt probes immunisation side effects
Paidamoyo Chipunza Health Reporter
SEVERE side effects that developed in a number of children who were immunised during the just ended immunisation campaign have prompted Government to embark on a thorough investigation.
Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Health and Child Welfare Minister Dr Henry Madzorera said they were compiling a comprehensive report on the actual number of children who reacted negatively to the immunisation jabs.
The report is expected to be complete within a few weeks.
“My ministry will as per protocol convene meetings with the relevant specialists and in due course provide a comprehensive update of all the adverse events, type and nature and extend and establish casualty once information on the vaccines, batch numbers and other parameters has been received from the vaccinating centres,” said Minister Madzorera.
About two million children countrywide between the ages of zero and 59 months received measles, polio and Vitamin A supplementation between 18 and 27 June — a campaign Government described as successful.
“A number of severe adverse events were reported during this campaign and the Ministry has held discussions with the Expanded Programme on Immunisation team and partners, pending a comprehensive report from the field teams,” Dr Madzorera said.
‘Cops have no right to impound vehicles’
Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter
POLICE have no right to impound vehicles from motorists without money to pay spot fines, a Cabinet minister has said.
Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the public had the right to sue the police if their windscreens were smashed for no legitimate reasons.
The minister was responding to questions in Senate on Thursday.
Mzilikazi Senator Matson Hlalo (MDC-T) had asked Minister Chinamasa if spot fines were legal and whether it was proper for police to impound vehicles for those motorists without money on them.
Gwabalanda Senator Agness Sibanda (MDC-T) had also asked if it was proper for police to smash kombi windscreens.
In his response, Minister Chinamasa said his ministry encouraged police to impose spot fines on petty offences to avoid congesting the magistrate courts.
“Spot fines are legal and constitutional, but we must understand that a spot fine is an admission of guilt.
“When you are in a situation where you are alleged to have speeded and you admit it you are made to pay a spot fine.
“The ticket that you sign actually says you are admitting to the offence,” said Minister Chinamasa.
He said a motorist with no money could insist that they be allowed to pay at the nearest police station when they would have secured the money.
President chides ministers
Sydney Kawadza Assistant News Editor
PRESIDENT Mugabe on Thursday shocked some Cabinet ministers when he roundly criticised them for unconvincingly answering questions raised during the launch of Government’s Broad Based Women’s Economic Empowerment Framework.
He warned the ministers that they faced difficulties in the forthcoming elections if they continued to be evasive to questions raised by the people.
President Mugabe was unimpressed with the ministers’ responses during the session and made it clear he was not convinced.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made, Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere, Minister Walter Mzembi (Tourism and Hospitality Industry), Minister Sithembiso Nyoni (Small and Medium Enterprises Development) and Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Mike Bimha answered questions during the meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara asked the questions and some of the ministers openly said they were not prepared for them.
However, the ministers who were dominantly Zanu-PF could be commended for biting the bullet, as the MDC formations did not attend the meeting.
Also scheduled to respond to some questions were Finance Minister Tendai Biti who was expected to present Government’s position on resource mobilisation while Economic Planning and Investment Promotions Minister Tapiwa Mashakada did not show up.