National Heroes Day commemorations to be held in all provinces, districts

Cabinet was briefed on the 2023 National Heroes Day Commemorations and Defence Forces Day Celebrations by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon Kazembe Kazembe, on behalf of the Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on State Occasions and National Monuments.

The 2023 National Heroes will be held at the National Heroes’ Acre on Monday 14 August, 2023, under the theme “Remembering Our Heroes — Nyika Inovakwa Nevene vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo”. Preparations for the event are well on course, with adequate logistical arrangements for the mobilisation and transportation of members of the public to and from the venue having been made. The event will be presided over by His Excellency the President, and all the 196 heroes and heroines’ families have been invited. In line with the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralisation ethos, provinces and districts will be allocated buses for the transportation of the public. Each of the rural provinces will be allocated 5 buses, while each district will get one. Harare Metropolitan Province will have 50 buses and Bulawayo Metropolitan province 15.

Entertainment during the Heroes Day commemoration event will be provided by Maungira Enharira, Heavenly Praises Choir and Vatumwa VaMwari. The Zimbabwe Republic Police Band will also be on stand-by. A Heroes Gala will be held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape Town, Manicaland Province on the night of 14 August 2023 with 23 artistes. The proposed artistes include the following: Sulumani Chimbetu; Cheso Boys; the Police Band; Nicholas Zachariah; Dorcas Moyo; Agatha Murudzwa; Chief Hwenje; Ma-nine; Bio Mudimba; DJ Fantan; Mathias Mhere; Iyasa; Michael Mahendere; Enzo Ishall; Mambo Duterere; Tambaoga; Romeo Gasa; and Mark Ngwazi.

As the nation may recall, the day will also see three citizens and one organisation being honoured for their outstanding achievements in service of the nation, namely: Dr Sikhulile Moyo, Ambassador Mary Mubi, Dr Agnes Mahomva, and the Angel of Hope Foundation.

The 2023 Defence Forces Day will be celebrated on 15 August, 2023 at the National Sports Stadium under the theme “Brick by Brick, Stone Upon Stone — Zimbabwe Defence Forces: Creating a Conducive Environment for the Attainment of Vision 2030”. As a service to the nation during peace times, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are undertaking numerous community assistance projects throughout the country. These projects will be officially handed over during the Community Assistance Week. There will also be a medical outreach programme during which general medical consultations will be conducted free of charge at the ZDF project to be handed-over by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs.

There will be a variety of entertainment on the day, which includes military displays comprising parachute drops, commando flood rescue simulation and taekwondo as well as military hardware exhibitions outside the National Sports Stadium featuring artillery, mounted and mechanised equipment. Musical entertainment will be provided by Alick Macheso and Chillspot Records stable in the morning. An invitation has been extended to the Malawi Defence Forces to send a team that will contest for the Defence Forces Trophy against the Zimbabwe Defence Forces select soccer team.

The nation is also being advised that the National Heroes Day commemorations will also be held in all the other country’s provinces and districts, but the Defence Forces Day celebrations will be limited to the provinces.

UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE 2 OF THE ENHANCED EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

Cabinet received and adopted the Update on the Enhanced Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management Programme, as presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, on behalf of the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care.

Government is pleased to inform the nation that construction of the Dzivarasekwa flats is complete and beneficiaries will soon take up occupancy. Construction of the flats was prioritised to accommodate displaced households under the programme to regularise dysfunctional, illegal and irregular settlements, including those on wetlands and flood-prone areas. Other blocks of flats are being constructed at the Highfields and Senga former Messengers’ Camps.

Meanwhile, 17 of the 37 housing units for flood victims in Nsungwale, in Binga District of Matabeleland North Province have been completed. The remaining 20 have been roofed, and are set to be complete by 31 August, 2023.

Under the mapping of settlements against approved layout plans sub-programme, Cabinet advises that the Zimbabwe National Geo-Spatial Agency (ZINGSA) has completed the targeted mapping of all the settlements in Epworth, Harare South and Caledonia in Harare Metropolitan Province, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, and Gimboki in Mutare. Title deeds have already been issued to some beneficiaries in Epworth, while in Caledonia 1 800 beneficiaries have been shortlisted for issuance of title deeds.

Progress recorded on Phase 2 of the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP 2) includes the following, among others:

92.6 km of road length have been constructed, re-constructed or rehabilitated;
1 218.5 km have been gravelled and re-gravelled;
4 556.7 km have been pot-hole patched;
2 282 drainage structures were constructed; and
Bush and verge clearing was done on 3 860 km of road length.

The Government has continued to provide funds to ensure continuation of flagship projects such as Cowdray Park and the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. On a related matter, the blitz maintenance of roads leading to polling stations is on course to meet targets to ensure that they are accessible ahead of the polling date, 23 August 2023.

On the wetlands management programme, the nation is advised that awareness campaigns carried out by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) have resulted in voluntary requests from landowners for ecological assessments of their properties, particularly in Harare Metropolitan Province. The respective land users were advised of the appropriate protective measures to apply on utilisation.

Cabinet wishes to highlight that the total area so far assessed and recommended for gazetting as ecologically sensitive areas have been identified in Bulawayo, Gweru, Chinhoyi, Beitbridge, Masvingo, Mutare, Chegutu, Gwanda, and Bindura. Assessment is ongoing across the whole of the country. Meanwhile, monitoring of wetlands for any violations continues to be strengthened as well as restoration of wetlands.

Regarding the prosecution of land and ppace barons, and finalisation of the Economic Empowerment Bill, the public is informed that the number of dockets opened for land baron cases has increased to 270 from the 188 dockets reported in March 2023. The total number of arrests has risen to 367, compared to the 347 previously reported, while cases pending trial stand at 89, up from 77. Finalised cases increased to 137 from the 68 reported in March 2023. Concerning amendment of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act, Cabinet advises that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has prepared the relevant draft Bill. The Bill will soon be presented to stakeholders as part of the consultative process.

Under Housing Cooperatives and the Provision of Workspaces for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Cabinet notes that the Great Zimbabwe University has submitted a draft report on the Review of the Cooperative Model in Zimbabwe, which is being validated. The provision of decent workspaces to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has begun to pick up momentum, as indicated by progress at the following projects: Mutapa Factory Shells, Gweru; Gwanda Vendor Marts, Gwanda Urban; Chiredzi SME Centre; Masvingo Safe Market; and Chikomba SME Hub.

THE ZIMBABWE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE (ZimVAC) 2023 RURAL LIVELIHOODS ASSESSEMENT REPORT

The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fishereies, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, presented the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) 2023 Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report, which was adopted by Cabinet.

The public is informed that the Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report provides an annual update on livelihoods in Zimbabwe’s rural areas in order to inform policy formulation and evidence-based programming of required interventions. The surveys assist the country to evaluate its performance against set targets and aspirations, including commitments made in national and international food frameworks such as the National Development Strategy 1: 2020-2025, the Food and Nutrition Policy, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Assessment found that resilience-building initiatives in the agriculture sector ensured that there was a 59 percent increase in food crops production in 2023 compared to the previous season. Thus Zimbabwe’s food security is guaranteed until the next agricultural production season, thereby enabling rural communities to withstand systematic and particular shocks they experienced, such as Cyclone Freddy and late onset of rains. Government also proactively took effective market-based mitigatory measures to combat price increases experienced in the economy.

Regarding Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the assessment found that about 83 percent of rural households are accessing water within a distance of one (1) kilometre (km). About 61 percent of rural households had access to improved sanitation. New technologies will be adopted to speed up the construction of toilets in the more needy areas.

The report also established that the provision of health-related services is performing well, with most households in all provinces travelling less than 5 km to the nearest health facility, and having access to health information, nutrition information and services of Village Health Workers. Seventy-three percent of the sampled households confirmed having access to a primary school within a 5 km radius.

Other highlights of the Rural Livelihoods Assessment Report are as follows:

In terms of Social Protection, Government was the major source of support in rural areas, while assistance from the United Nations (UN) and/or Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) decreased between 2022 and 2023;
Agriculture support services were well-provided, with 81 percent of rural households having received extension visits and 91 percent receiving agricultural training;
Household average monthly incomes, food production and consumption of acceptable diets increased between 2022 and 2023, as did the number of breast-fed children and those receiving Vitamin A supplementation; and
Only a small percentage of rural households will be food insecure during the peak hunger period (January to March 2024), for which the country has sufficient food stocks to cover. This is a significant decrease from the 56 percent recorded in 2020 to just about 26 percent in 2024.

Cabinet notes that the Assessment Report commends the Government of Zimbabwe for implementing the necessary progressive policies and creating a conducive environment which resulted in the following improvements to rural livelihoods:

more stable environment;
greater household economic emancipation;
enhanced food access;
enhanced water supply and agricultural production; and
reduced prevalence of food insecurity.

Going forward, given the fact the Zimbabwe is food secure, incomes are rising, the economy is stable and growing, and the country is capable of taking care of emergencies and vulnerabilities, the term “vulnerability” will be dropped as it no longer applies. Continued use of the term shifts focus away from assessing the impact of the developmental, empowerment and livelihood upliftment programmes which are underway and, henceforth, the title be will become “Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee”. In short, ZimVAC is now ZimLAC.

REPORT ON THE RUSSIA-AFRICA SUMMIT

Cabinet received and noted a report on the 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit held in St Petersburg, Russia from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Frederick Shava.

The 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit was held in St. Petersburg, Russia from 27 to 28 July 2023. His Excellency the President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, attended the Summit and was accompanied by seven Government Ministers. The 2nd Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Summit provided an important platform for Zimbabwe to strengthen ties with Russia. The Summit was also attended by 17 Heads of State and 49 African countries were represented.

The nation is informed that the Summit noted the need for Africa to diversify its economies as well as provide sustainable development. Africa, which is well-endowed with natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas and a youth and dynamic workforce, should take advantage of these resources to propel economic growth and create employment.

The Heads of State agreed to deepen cooperation between Russia and Africa in areas of politics, security, economics, science and technology, culture and the humanitarian sphere. Subsequently, the Heads of State signed Declarations on Cooperation in the Field of International Information Security, on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space; and on Strengthening Cooperation in the fight against Terrorism. The Heads of State also signed the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan 2023 – 2026 which outlines priorities of Russia-Africa partnership in line with African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”.

Russia pledged to deepen trade with Africa considering the continent’s potential since it has an impressive Gross Domestic Product growth and growing population. President Putin emphasized the importance of uninterrupted food supply to African countries for socio-economic development and political stability.

The nation is informed that His Excellency the President, as First Secretary of the ruling ZANU PF party participated in a panel discussion titled “Cross-Party Cooperation on Strengthening International Security in the Face of Geopolitical Instability”. His Excellency highlighted the role played by Russia in Africa’s fight against imperialism and colonialism. The panelists called for reforms in global institutions, such as the United Nations to avoid situations in which decisions are made by a single country.

His Excellency the President held a bilateral meeting with President Putin, who donated 50 000 metric tonnes of grain and 30 000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to Zimbabwe. President Putin was grateful to Zimbabwe for its support and friendship. He also pledged Russia’s support in Zimbabwe’s bid for the following matters: 1. a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027 – 2028; and 2. on the request to join the BRICS New Development Bank.

As is his custom when he travels abroad, the President also had the opportunity to meet with Zimbabwean nationals in the Russian Federation. He also met the Russian Private Sector players including the Uralchem Fertiliser Company and ALROSA Diamond Company.

The nation is being informed that during the Summit, the following Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed:

Cooperation in the Field of Culture;
Cooperation in the Fields of Development of Modern Infrastructure;
Cooperation in the Field of International Information Security;
Cooperation in the Field of the Use of Nuclear Energy for Peaceful Purposes; and
Cooperation in the Field of Mass Media.

These legal instruments should contribute to job creation, technology transfer and economic development in the country.

His Excellency the President also toured the exhibitions which were running on the sidelines of the Summit. In particular, he visited the ROSTEC Stand. ROSTEC is a Russian helicopter company, which has previously supplied helicopters to the country. The President also visited the Zimbabwe Stand which was manned by ZIMTRADE, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Museum of African Liberation.

The next session of the Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled for 2026.

NATIONAL FAREWELL SERVICE FOR THE LATE ARCHBISHOP PROF. EZEKIEL HANDINAWANGU GUTI

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe reported on the preparations for the burial of the late national hero, Archbishop Ezekiel Guti. Following declaration of the Hero status, as per standard practice the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage convened the Inter-Ministerial Committee to engage the Guti family and plan for the management of the funeral and burial.

As the nation may recall, the Guti family and ZAOGA Forward in Faith Church declared a 30-day mourning period from 5 July to 5 August 2023. Accordingly, the body of the late national hero will lie in state for 3 days, from 2 to 4 August at the African Multination for Christ College (AMFCC) in Amalinda, Harare. An all night vigil will be held on 4 August at the City Sports Centre. The 5th of August has been reserved for processes in accordance with Government practice.

The National Farewell Service for the late Archbishop Guti will be held on 5 August 2023 at the National Sports Stadium. His Excellency the President will view the late national hero’s body in addition to addressing mourners. Thereafter the late Archbishop Guti will be interred during a private burial on a date to be decided by the family. Honours usually given to a Hero will be accorded to the late Apostle.

REPORT ON OPERATION CLEAN UP HARARE METROPOLITAN PROVINCE

Cabinet received and adopted the Report on Operation Clean Up Harare Metropolitan Province, as presented by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable N.M. Ndlovu.

Cabinet wishes to highlight that, following the failure of the opposition-run Harare City Council to collect garbage, heaps of solid waste have accumulated around the City, and Central Government has intervened to reverse the trend. The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry through the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) commenced clearing of waste dumps in six suburbs and the Central Business District soon after the Cabinet directive for Government intervention issued on 6th June 2023. A total of 560 metric tonnes have been removed from the CBD and residential areas and taken to Pomona Waste Management site under the Operation.

To further enhance solid waste removal in the City, His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa, signed the State of Disaster Declaration on Emergency Solid Waste Management on 22 July 2023, with a target to achieve a clean Harare Metropolitan Province in three months’ time. Accordingly, Government will avail the necessary support to achieve the target and to ensure that remedial action is implemented in the Metroplitan Province’s three Local Authorities to efficiently undertake solid waste management during the period of the Declaration.

At the end of this Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry will give a more detailed statement on the matter.

ESTABLISHMENT OF GOLD CENTRES

Cabinet is pleased to announce that Government has released funds for the operationalisation of three Gold Centres at Makaha in Mashonaland East Province, Mukaradzi in Mashonaland Central Province and Penhalonga in Manicaland Province. This will go a long way in ensuring that that gold produced by artisanal miners is efficiently mobilised thus increasing revenues accruing to Government as part of the process towards the attainment of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023.