dyton mupawaenda
We publish here the 25th post-Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, in Harare yesterday.
Cabinet received and noted an Update on the Repatriation and Reintegration of Zimbabwean Nationals from the Republic of South Africa, as presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
The repatriation and re-integration of Zimbabwean nationals from South Africa continues, with a total of 36 940 returnees having been repatriated through Government arrangements, while 79 730 have self-repatriated, bringing the total number of returnees to over 115 000.
Additionally, a cumulative total of 870 self-repatriations was recorded through the Botswana entry points.
A total of 38 057 returnees have registered through the Skills Registration Process, with some local companies expressing interest in utilising the skills data for their employment needs.
Cabinet noted with concern the loss of employment benefits, pensions, and unpaid dues for the returnees, which matter will be pursued through bilateral arrangements.
The Beitbridge Reception Centre Clinic has attended to 2 147 returnees, comprising 851 males, 1 296 females and 575 children under the age of 15.
The most common conditions treated are upper-respiratory tract infections, diarrhoeal diseases and headaches.
On logistics, 512 bus trips have been undertaken from the Beitbridge Reception Centre to various destinations in the country.
More trucks are being mobilised for the transportation of household goods and business equipment.
Treasury has since released an additional US$2 million towards coordination of the repatriation exercise, bringing cumulative disbursements to US$3,4 million.
The United Nations Agencies have mobilised approximately US$564 000, while the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provided US$264 000 for hygiene promotion and transport support.
Government, working closely with Harare Metropolitan Province and other partners, is establishing a reception centre at an appropriate place in Harare to assist returnees directed to Harare.
2.0 PROPOSED 2026 HONOURS AND AWARDS
In the build-up to the Heroes Day Commemorations, Cabinet considered and approved the Report on Proposed Honours and Awards for 2026 as presented by Honourable Daniel Garwe the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, on behalf of the Honourable Vice President Col. (Rtd) Dr Mohadi, Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Honours and Awards, and Place Names.
The nation is being informed that the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for the conferment of Honours and Awards as national recognition and the immortalisation of individuals who have made significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s national development.
The 2026 Honours and Awards Conferment Ceremony will take place on 11th of August 2026, during the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day Celebrations.
The nation is being informed that Cabinet approved the conferment of a total of 50 000 Independence medals to Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, through the respective Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution across the country.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to recognise and honour those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our beloved Motherland Zimbabwe.
3.0 UPDATE REPORT ON THE PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS RAMPANT AND ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES WITHIN BINDURA MUNICIPALITY AND BINDURA RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL
Cabinet considered the Update Report on the Proposed Interventions to Address Rampant and Illegal Mining Activities within Bindura Municipality and Bindura Rural District Council, as presented the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
The expansion of mining operations within urban and peri-urban areas without adequate planning and inter-agency coordination is increasingly generating severe environmental, social and infrastructural challenges.
An assessment undertaken at Bindura Municipality and Bindura District Council has confirmed extensive illegal and unregulated mining activities occurring within residential areas, public infrastructure corridors and land designated for future urban expansion.
This has resulted in the destruction of rail and road infrastructure, pollution of water sources, and an increase in diseases such as silicosis, tuberculosis, drug and substance abuse, and sexually transmitted infections.
Accordingly, Cabinet resolved to adopt a Whole-of-Government approach and to appoint a Task Force to deal with the problem at the national level.
Government will also review the penalties and fines to make them more punitive for offenders and strictly enforce the law.
4.0 BINDURA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE EDUCATION CHANGE OF NAME
Cabinet considered and approved the change of the current name of the Bindura University of Science Education to “Bindura University of Science, Innovation and Technology”, as presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Dr Frederick Shava.
The new name, Bindura University of Science, Innovation and Technology, therefore, sufficiently projects the three pillars that define the institution’s present and future strategic trajectory, which are Science, Innovation and Technology.
5.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURE
Cabinet considered and approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, as the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The Memorandum seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture through sharing, technology transfer, research, facilitation of trade and investment.
Additionally, the cooperation will strengthen preparedness and response to transboundary animal and plant pests and diseases through enhanced surveillance systems, harmonised sanitary and phytosanitary measures, promote agricultural trade, efficient movement of inputs and the development of regional value chain and market access.
6.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA’s WEATHER SERVICES ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF METEOROLOGY
Cabinet considered and approved Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of South Africa’s Weather Services on Cooperation in the Field of Meteorology, as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The MoU seeks to establish cooperation between the parties towards achievement of common goals including: promoting the science of meteorology and its application in socio-economic development; as well as development and maintenance of meteorological infrastructure.
7.0 THE AGREEMENT AMENDING THE SADC PROTOCOL ON THE CONTROL OF FIRE ARMS, AMMUNITION AND OTHER RELATED MATERIALS IN THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY REGION
Cabinet considered and approved The Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on the Control of Fire Arms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials in the Southern African Development Community Region, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The agreement amends the SADC Protocol on Control of Fire Arms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials which came into force on November 8, 2004, in order to strengthen response to contemporary challenges regarding the control of firearms, ammunition and related materials, including possession, transfer and disposal of firearms, ammunition and related materials.
8.0 MUNICIPAL POLICE AND COURTS BILL, 2026
Cabinet considered and approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill which was presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The public is informed that in line with the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] and the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13], Local Authorities are empowered to formulate and enforce regulation of matters falling within their jurisdiction.
In order to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and access to justice, local authorities require coordinated structures and strengthened municipal enforcement of by-laws to address issues of non-compliance, including apprehension of offenders of by-laws, investigation and prosecution of such offenses. The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain, dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention.
Additionally, the Bill provides for the creation of municipal courts; definition of the courts’ jurisdiction; including over municipal by-laws, minor offenses, traffic violations; and the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law.
Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes.
9.0 SPORT AND COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL
Cabinet considered and approved the Sport and Recreation Commission (Amendment) Bill, as presented by the Minister of Justice, legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
The Bill seeks to amend the Sport and Recreation Commission Act [Chapter 25:15] and align it with the Constitution and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]
10.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA ON DIPLOMATIC COOPERATION AND CONSULTATIONS
Cabinet considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Serbia aimed at establishing Political Consultation Mechanisms on matters relating to political relations and the exchange of views on issues of mutual interest. The Parties will collaborate in areas including political, economic, energy, culture, technology, global and regional issues.
11.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ZIMBABWE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Cabinet considered and approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the Zimbabwe Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Diplomatic Academy of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
The Memorandum seeks to establish a framework for cooperation between the two Parties in order to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance diplomatic training and promote joint research and academic exchanges.
I THANK YOU!
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