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Cabinet received a report on the probable impact of Cyclone Freddy which was presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo.
The nation is informed that Cabinet noted that Cyclone Freddy has hit Madagascar and its proceeding to Mozambique whereupon it will also affect neighbouring countries, inclusive of Zimbabwe. The provinces to be most affected include the following: Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Central and Harare Metropolitan. Weather experts are predicting that it may cause damages along its path.
In view of this cyclone information, the Government, through its agencies, has taken due alert and has put in place the following measures:
• Setting up of evacuation establishments;
• Deploying aid and medical supplies in Government offices in potentially vulnerable districts;
• Boarding schools to remain open but suspend lessons in the affected areas on Friday to reduce the movement of pupils and should gather students in buildings or dormitories with secure roofs or spaces where they can get cover if the roof is blown off; and
• Day scholars in affected areas can have Friday off to reduce student movement.
In addition, Cabinet had directed as follows:
• That SMES and artisanal miners should avoid going underground;
• That citizens should avoid crossing flooded rivers;
• Public transport operators should operate during day time; and
• That all local authorities stand warned against settling people in wetlands, waterways, river basins and other undesignated sites.
Cabinet would like to assure the nation that all these measures are meant to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The public will be kept abreast of all developments on the matter.
ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE Covid-19 PANDEMIC AND REPORT ON THE PROCUREMENT AND ROLL-OUT OF VACCINES
Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development, and Acting Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira.
A total of 308 new cases were recorded during the week, compared to 551 the previous week. There were three new deaths recorded during the week compared to zero the previous week.
Regarding the national vaccination programme, the nation is being informed that, vaccination campaigns targeting people aged 12 years and above are being intensified in all provinces including schools. In view of the few new cases recorded each week, the need for vigilance still remains. Cabinet therefore resolved as follows:
That provincial teams must continue to strengthen the ongoing vaccination campaign and ensure that all stakeholders including community leaders are on board;
That enforcement of existing Covid-19 regulations especially on vaccination must continue; and
That communities must continue to protect themselves by adhering to all recommended Public Health and Social Measures.
REPORT ON THE FIRST ROUND CROP, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES ASSESSMENT SURVEY
Cabinet received and adopted the report on the First Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Survey, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
Cabinet advises that the 2022/2023 summer season rainfall was marked by a normal start in the northern and central parts of the country, while the southern parts experienced an uneven start. Incessant rains were received in most parts of the country during the month of January 2023, except for some parts of Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North provinces, which generally remained dry with very little rainfall and planting activity.
Cabinet wishes to inform the public that the results of the first crop assessment are pointing to the realisation of a successful crop production season. This is attributable to visionary leadership of the Second Republic under His Excellency, the President Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa and the focused pursuit of the set goals of attaining national food self-sufficiency. This was done under the following programmes:
1. Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, targeting smallholder farmers under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme;
2. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS), which provides support for large-scale farmers;
3. Contract farming schemes by private sector agro-value chain players;
4. Self (private) financing;
5. Presidential Cotton Scheme;
6. Presidential Rural Development Programme;
7. Presidential Blitz Tick Grease Scheme;
8. Presidential Community Fisheries Scheme;
9. Presidential Poultry Scheme;
10. Presidential Goat Scheme; and
11. Vision 2030 Accelerator Model.
The success of the 2022/2023 season was due to timeous distribution of inputs in particular basal fertilisers, while the distribution of top dressing is ongoing.
The area planted under maize increased by 3 percent from 1 903 668 hectares in the 2021/2022 season to 1 962 576 hectares during the 2022/2023 season. Cabinet notes that the area planted is the highest since 2010.
Regarding horticulture, there is a general increase in area planted for most horticultural crops. For example, the area under Irish potatoes increased by 3 percent, Blueberry planted area increased by 54 percent, while sugarcane recorded a 7 percent increase.
In the livestock sector, the Livestock and Fisheries Assessment indicates that livestock is generally in good condition across the country due to improved grazing pastures. Livestock water supply is adequate, while dipping is available in 67 percent of the country’s rural wards. The national beef cattle herd grew by 2 percent from 5 509 983 to 5 542 400 in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while the national dairy herd increased by 11,3 percent. Presidential livestock programmes have recorded the following progress:
• A total of 1 979 farmers benefited from forage input packs under the smallholder Presidential Silage Programme, while 766 334 stock owners benefited under the Tick Grease Blitz Programme;
• Goats and chicken have been distributed under the Presidential programme.
The nation is being informed that kapenta production has drastically increased.
The assessment indicates that bream is the most farmed fish species at 90 percent, followed by trout (7 percent) and catfish (3 percent). Catfish production increased by 22 percent between 2021 and 2022.
Cabinet invites the public to note that the production levels outlined were achieved under deliberate Government programmes, notably those under the outcome-based and impact-oriented Rural Development 8.0.
UPDATE ON THE 2023 FOOD DEFICIT MITIGATION PROGRAMME
Cabinet received and noted an update on the 2023 Food Deficit Mitigation Programme as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Professor Paul Mavima.
The nation is being informed that Government is jointly implementing the food distribution programme with the World Food Programme (WFP). Government is covering 52 districts, while WFP is in 8 districts. Distribution of grain gained momentum during the peak hunger period which started in January amid distress calls for food assistance that are being received. In view of the requests, Cabinet has approved that the distribution cycle, that was expected to end in March 2023 be extended to May 2023. This was due to inconsistent weather patterns attributed to climate change, some areas have experience prolonged dry spells while other have wet spells resulting in water logging.
Cabinet wishes to inform the public that the cumulative distribution since January 2023 now stands at 29 479,38 tonnes.
As the peak-hunger period is characterised by severe food shortages among households, Cabinet has directed that GMB should avail grain timeously to the needy households, as there is enough grain in the country.
THE IMPLEMENTATION MODEL, THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND KEY APPOINTMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE NEW CITY AT MT HAMPDEN
Cabinet received and approved recommendations on the Implementation Model, the Organisational Structure and Key Appointments for the Development and Management of the New City at Mt. Hampden as presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable July Moyo.
The nation is being informed that the implementation of Phase II of the masterplan for the New City at Mt Hampden is on course. This is on the backdrop of commissioning of the New Parliament Building by his Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa in November 2022. Cabinet approved the implementation model and organisational structure which has three layers comprising the Cabinet, the New City Board and the New City Development Corporation (NCDORP). The New City Board will comprise ministers who have a critical role to contribute during the development of the New City. The board will be accountable to His Excellency the President and to Cabinet.
The New City Development Corporation will be a formally registered institution capable of entering into contractual arrangements for the development of infrastructure, will implement construction projects and administer the New City for a period on fifteen years.
Its chief executive officer will serve as an administrative head of the corporation, and will be backed by consultants for each of the key operational areas.
The nation is further informed that it will be the prerogative of His Excellency the President to appoint Anchor Investors of his choice, who will invest a minimum of US$1,5 billion and a maximum of US$2,878 billion in the New City. The implementation model does not exert a burden on the fiscus. This model on developing and managing the New City in Mt Hampden will go a long way in assisting the nation to implement the many other urban developments that are emerging across the country including Manhize, Kanyemba, Masuwe and Mahuwe (Invictus-Oil and Gas Town).
PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE 1ST 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2023
Cabinet considered and adopted the Priority Projects for the 1st 100-Day Cycle of 2023 as presented by the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes, Honourable Jorum Gumbo.
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that a total of 171 projects were submitted for implementation under the 1st 100-Day Cycle of 2023. The Cycle commenced on 1 February, 2023 and will end on 11 May, 2023.
The priority projects were selected according to criteria which included capacity to contribute to the attainment of National Development Strategy 1: 2021-2025, impact on the livelihoods of the citizenry; scope for rapid implementation; and availability of resources.
The highest number of the projects fall in the Infrastructure and Utilities category, which is critical in the enhancement of productivity and socio-economic growth. Of the 171 projects that were submitted, a total of 115 projects were ongoing, and the rest were new. The nation will be kept informed of progress in the implementation of the projects.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF TÜRKIYE ON CO-OPERATION IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY
Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Türkiye on co-operation in the field of energy as presented by Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The nation is being informed that the Government seeks to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Türkiye as part of the National Energy Policy in ensuring reliability and security as well as cost-effectiveness of energy services. The MOU will, among other areas, cover construction and management of renewable energy and other power plants; electricity distribution and transmission; and rehabilitation of power systems and plants.
Cabinet advises that the bi-lateral co-operation between the two countries has the potential to increase access to electricity in Zimbabwe thereby enabling growth of the economy.
ACCESSION TO THE CONVENTION ON THE SUPPRESSION OF UNLAWFUL ACTS RELATING TO INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION
Cabinet considered and approved the Accession to the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Aviation as presented by Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The objective of the Beijing Convention of 2018 is to modernise the legal framework for civil security. The Convention criminalises a number of acts, both new and emerging, and strengthens the capacity of States to prevent commission of these offences. The States are also capacitated to prosecute and punish offenders.
ACCESSION TO THE CONVENTION ON THE UNIFICATION OF CERTAIN RULES FOR INTERNATIONAL CARRIAGE BY AIR
Cabinet considered and assented to the Convention on the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air as presented by Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the Convention provides for uniformity and predictability of rules relating to the international carriage of passengers, baggage and cargo. The Convention also protects the interests of passengers through the introduction of a two-tier liability system, and facilitates swift recovery of proven damages. The use of electronically produced and simplified documents should result in operational savings and bring about efficiency to Air carriers. In addition, the Convention will require that each air carrier is part to a mandatory insurance scheme which will be sufficient to cover its liabilities.
RATIFICATION OF THE PROTOCOL TO AMENDMENTS TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION
Cabinet considered and approved the Ratification of the Protocol to Amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Articles 50(a) and 56 as presented by Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The nation is being informed that Cabinet resolved to ratify the amendments to the Convention on Civil Aviation which provide for the increase in size of the Council and the Air Navigation Commission. The Air Navigation Commission membership will be increased to 21 from the current 19, while membership of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council will increase to 40, up from the current 36. The amendments have been necessitated by the increase in the membership of International Civil Aviation Organisation.
REPORT ON H.E THE PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO SENEGAL
Cabinet received and noted a report on His Excellency the President’s participation at the Dakar II Feed Africa Summit from 25 – 27 January 2023, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Fredrick Shava.
The nation is being informed that the Summit was co-hosted by the Government of Senegal and the African Development Bank. It was attended by Presidents of Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia who emphasised the need for Africa to feed itself through Agricultural transformation. The African Development Bank committed US$10 billion to support the Food and Agriculture Production for the next 5 years.
In his presentation, His Excellency the President outlined Zimbabwe’s agricultural revolution under the Second Republic and how the country has managed to restore self-sufficiency, particularly in wheat production. He also outlined the steps Government has taken to incentivise smallholder farmers to increase production. His Excellency chaired the Country Compact on Zimbabwe, and the presentation on Zimbabwe’s Agriculture Sector, its performance, contribution to GDP, gaps and challenges was well received by development partners including Canada, the United Kingdom, USAID, the AfDB and the Islamic Bank, which expressed interest in further engagements.
The nation is informed that His Excellency the President held bilateral talks with his counterparts, the Presidents of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Cde, Filipe J. Nyusi, the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr William Ruto and the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema.
REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION IN THE SECOND UNITED STATES – AFRICA LEADERS’ SUMMIT
Cabinet received and noted a report on Zimbabwe’s participation at the second United States – Africa Leaders’ Summit as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Fredrick Shava.
The nation is being informed that the Summit was attended by 45 African Heads of State/Government and Zimbabwe was one of the four countries that was represented at the Ministerial level. African Heads of State emphasised the importance of community-based approaches to security, governance and stability. They identified climate change as one of the key factors that are exerting pressure on limited resources in African countries. Poverty and unfair distribution of wealth were also of major concern. They called on the United States of America to invest in climate change mitigation. The leaders also stressed the importance of partnering the USA in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Ebola, Malaria, Cholera and other diseases. The American administration committed to invest at least US$55 billion in Africa over three years.
The nation is informed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as head of the Zimbabwe delegation, held a number of meetings with officials of the Biden Administration where bilateral issues were discussed. The Minister also held meetings with the African Development Bank’s Director General for Southern Africa and with the Chief Executive Officer of Recovered Energy Resources, who expressed willingness to invest in Zimbabwe.
REPORT ON DAVOS, SWITZERLAND
Cabinet received a report on the Annual World Economic Forum held in Davos as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Fredrick Shava.
The nation is being informed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs led the Zimbabwean delegation to the World Economic Forum, whose theme was “Co-operation in a Fragmented World.” In its presentation at the Form, the Zimbabwean delegation emphasised the need to promote value addition and beneficiation of such minerals as lithium, platinum group of minerals and rare-earth minerals. This resonated well with fellow African countries. The delegation also held bilateral meetings with a number of delegations from other countries, and discussed issues of mutual interest.
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