The country has sufficient seed in stock to meet demand: Cabinet

Cabinet received an update on maize and tobacco marketing, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.

The nation is informed that as at December 10, 2023, the Grain Marketing Board had in stock a total of 235 095  tonnes of grain, comprising 188 353  tonnes of maize and 46 742  tonnes of traditional grains. At the prevailing monthly consumption rate of 23 000  tonnes per month, the available grain will last 10.2 months.

Regarding wheat, the country’s current stocks stand at 242 508  tonnes, which are sufficient to provide 11.5 months cover at a monthly drawdown rate of 21 000  tonnes.

Cabinet highlights that the GMB has a 46,8 percent market share of maize, 7,3 percent of soya bean, 41,3  percent sunflower, wheat 46 percent, 63,6 percent of traditional grains, translating to 39,4 percent share of the total marketed crop. A total of 313 719  tonnes, comprising 186 341  tonnes of maize, 121 549  tonnes of wheat and 5 829  tonnes of wheat flour were imported by the private sector between April 1 and December 3, 2023. A cumulative 1 710,0  tonnes of maize at an average price of US$310 per  tonne, 262,98  tonnes of soya beans at an average price of US$500 per  tonne, and 234,82  tonnes of wheat at an average price of US$400 per  tonne have been marketed through the Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX). A total of 31 warehouses have been registered under the Warehouse Receipt System.

On tobacco marketing, the nation is informed that 227,5 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$1,196 billion have been exported at an average price of US$5,26 per kg. In comparison, 182 million kilogrammes worth US$880,677 million were exported during the same period last year at US$4,83 per kg.

Meanwhile, a total of 85,295  tonnes of graded cotton have been delivered across the nation as at December 6, 2023, compared to 55,927  tonnes at the same time in 2022. COTTCO has received 69,419  tonnes of seed cotton so far.

UPDATE ON THE 2023/2024 SUMMER CROPPING SEASON

Cabinet adopted the update on the 2023/2024 summer cropping season, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.

The Government highlights that rainfall is expected throughout the country during the course of the week. Farmers are therefore advised that the rainfall season has started and is likely to be short.

A total of 2 877 000 hectares is targeted to be planted to summer crops this season as follows:

 Maize, 1 782 000 hectares; Sorghum, 350 000 hectares;  Pearl millet, 200 000 hectares; 

 Soya beans, 60 000 hectares;

 Sunflower, 160 000 hectares;

 Sugar beans, 55 000 hectares; and

 Cotton, 270 000 hectares.

Of the total hectarage, 867 500 hectares will be financed by the Climate Proofed Presidential Inputs Supply Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), and the rest by CBZ, AFC, NMB and other banks; and by the private sector and individual farmers. As at December 10,  2023 and due to late commencement of the rainfall season, about 95 156 hectares had been planted, compared to 465 707 hectares at the same time last year.

The country has sufficient seed in stock to meet demand, with 40,8 percent of the available maize seed being of the early to ultra-early maturity varieties. Significant progress has been recorded in farmer training and in the preparation of Pfumvudza/Intwasa plots. Farmers have generally reacted positively to climate-proofing interventions during this El Nino year, with 87 percent of the targeted 11.85 million plots having been prepared.

In terms of livestock Government has instituted immediate remedial measures including borehole drilling, hay bailing and enhanced disease management, to alleviate the poor livestock condition in the drier provinces. The worst affected provinces are Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Masvingo.

SITUATION

Cabinet noted the Update on the Country’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Situation, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, as the Chairman of the National Action Committee on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

The public is informed that the WASH National Action Committee superintends over the subcommittees of Rural WASH, Urban WASH and Water Resources Management. In order to engender a whole-of-society approach to sector programming, a WASH Sector Working Group brings together Government, donors, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and the media.

According to the latest Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) Rural Livelihood Report, access to improved drinking water has increased from 72 percent in 2020 to 78,4 percent in 2023, and access to basic water services also correspondingly rose from 57 percent to 60,3 percent. Seventy-six percent of boreholes and deep wells in rural areas are functional.

Cabinet notes that open defecation has fallen from 30 percent in 2020 to 28,6 percent in 2023, despite access to improved sanitation having fallen from 65 percent to 61,1 percent. Government is putting in place measures to address the low basic hygiene (that is handwashing with soap and safe water) in both rural and urban areas. Measures are also being instituted to address general WASH sector challenges, such as aged and dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate financing.

In terms of water security, Cabinet notes that while dam storage levels continue to decline due to the delayed onset of rains, the current national storage level of 74,4 percent is, nonetheless, higher than the 54,4 percent expected at this time of the year. 

There has been increased electricity supply resulting in ZINWA’s pumping stations’ capacity increasing to 68 percent during November 2023.

A key highlight in terms of urban water supply, is the establishment of the Harare Technical Committee to increase water production, reduce non-revenue water, and to improve sanitation. A similar Committee has also been formed for Bulawayo.

UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL CHOLERA OUTBREAK RESPONSE

The Minister Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation, Science and Development, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, as Acting Minister of Health and Child Care updated Cabinet on the Cholera outbreak situation and the response thereto.

The nation is informed that as at December 6, 2023, Zimbabwe’s cumulative suspected cholera cases were 10 633, with 10 203 recoveries. The Minister of Health and Child Care is set to conduct a field visit to Manicaland Province this week to assess the situation and assist in solving the challenges on the ground. A number of measures with the World Health Organisation (WHO) are being accelerated as the Minister of Health and Child Care has received a huge consignment of cholera response commodities consisting of point of use water chlorination tablets, Intra-Venous fluids and various complete cholera treatment camps, cholera beds, non-food items, mobile toilets, tents and antibiotics from WHO. These commodities will be deployed to all the affected districts and prepositioned to other hot spots yet to report cases making them ready to respond to the outbreak.

REPORT ON THE THIRD IOO-DAY CYCLE PROJECTS OF 2023

Cabinet received a report on progress made in the implementation of the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) Third 100-Day Cycle Priority Projects for 2023, as presented by the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Honourable Lovemore Matuke.

Cabinet highlights the following achievements for projects under RIDA:

i) under Road maintenance and rehabilitation, surfacing of the Kwekwe-Mvuma Road in Kwekwe District is 100 percent complete, while the Nyakasikana-Karanda Road in Rushinga District is 61 percent complete.

ii) Significant progress has been made regarding bridge construction for example, Gunguhwe Bridge in Gokwe North District is 100 percent complete; Somgolo Bridge in Lupane District is 90 percent complete; Nzoumvunda Bridge in Muzarabani District is 90 percent complete, while Muhume Bridge in Murehwa District is 80 percent complete.

iii) Construction of Halisupi pipe drift in Gwanda is 96 percent complete.

iv) Rehabilitation of Mashoko Irrigation in Bikita District is 50 percent complete while rehabilitation of Pfakanye Dam in Mangwe District is 50 percent complete.

v) Drilling of boreholes in all provinces is 46 percent complete, while maintenance of boreholes has surpassed the target of maintaining 1 000 boreholes by 2 percent giving a total of 1 021 maintained boreholes.

AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MOZAMBIQUE, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIMPOPO WATERCOURSE COMMISSION

Cabinet considered and approved the Amendment to the Agreement between the Republic of Botswana, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe, which was presented by the Minister of Skills Audit, Honourable Dr Paul Mavima, as the Acting Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

The public is informed that the Agreement will make the Council of Ministers the principal decision-making organ for the Limpopo Watercourse Commission so as to improve the governance structure of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission. 

This initiative will also foster closer cooperation for judicious, sustainable and co-ordinated management, protection and utilisation of shared watercourse in line with 2 000 Revised SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourse.

AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE ON THE SUPPLY OF TREATED WATER FROM BEITBRIDGE WATER TREATMENT WORKS IN ZIMBABWE TO MUSINA TOWN

Cabinet approved the Amendment to the Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe on the Supply of Treated Water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina Town, which was presented by the Minister of Skills Audit, Honourable Dr Paul Mavima, as the Acting Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

The Agreement will facilitate the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina Town in the Republic of South Africa at agreed terms and conditions and provide a framework for any such arrangements amongst the designated Competent Authorities.

Benefits of this Agreement include the following:

i) improved water resources co-operation and governance;

ii) improved livelihoods for the people of Zimbabwe due to generation of the much-needed foreign currency; 

iii) strengthened relations and cooperation with the Republic of South Africa; 

iv) prevention of significant harm in the two riparian States through joint efforts in management of water resources of the Limpopo watercourse;

v) improved management of water treatment, water supply and sanitation systems in Beitbridge Town due to foreign currency income; and 

vi) equitable and reasonable utilisation of transboundary water resources.

REPORT ON THE 14TH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA CONSORTIUM FOR MONITORING EDUCATIONAL QUALITY ASSEMBLY OF MINISTERS

Cabinet considered and noted the Report on the 14th Session of the Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality Assembly of Ministers, as reported by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Honourable T. Moyo. The Assembly was held in Lusaka on the 2nd of November, 2023.

Cabinet advises that Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SEACMEQ) projects are large-scale cross-national research studies carried out in the Consortium’s members States to assess the conditions of schooling and performance levels of learners and teachers in the areas of literacy, numeracy and basic health. The Consortium has successfully implemented three such projects over 5 to 6-year periods, and a fourth project is currently being implemented.

Cabinet is pleased to advise that Honourable Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, was selected as Chairperson of the Consortium’s Management Committee.

REPORT ON HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT’s ATTENDANCE AT KUSI IDEAS FESTIVAL SUMMIT: GABORONE BOTSWANA: 7 DECEMBER 2023

Cabinet received the Report on His Excellency the President’s Attendance at the Kusi Ideas Festival Summit, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Dr Frederick Makamure Shava.

The nation is informed that His Excellency the President, Cde ED. Mnangagwa, led a delegation to the Kusi Ideas Festival Summit on 7 December, 2023 at the invitation of his counterpart from Botswana, President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi. 

The Kusi Ideas Festival is aimed at establishing a Pan-African marketplace for exchanging ideas, seizing opportunities, and fostering innovations that catalyse and propel Africa’s development on the twenty-first century global stage.

In his intervention during the Deliberations of the Presidential Roundtable entitled: The Journey to 2063: Presidential Perspectives, His Excellency, the President observed that Africa had the world’s most arable and fertile lands and the onus was on its people to derive maximum benefit from exploring the resource. 

He gave an overview of the measures the Government of Zimbabwe was deploying as part of efforts to ensuring food security including, among others, the 52:19 model. 

Regarding Peace and security in Africa, His Excellency the President condemned underhand tactics by some powerful countries that purport to enhance peace, human rights and democracy aspirations, while clandestinely funding conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government, for their own self-interest. 

He also condemned the use of unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool by some states, to coerce and enforce their will over sovereign states, including Zimbabwe and Cuba.

On another note, His Excellency the President and President Masisi of Botswana converged on the need for the people of the two nations to be able to move freely between the two countries, using national identity documents only. This initiative is in fulfilment of the ongoing desire and intention by the African continent for deeper integration towards addressing the challenges which the continent encountered in its development aspirations

10.0 UPDATE ON DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON DRUG

AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Cabinet received and approved the Report by the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse covering the period 30 October to 23

November 2023, as presented by the Minister of Defence and Chairperson of the National Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse, Honourable O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The nation is informed that the National Committee continued to intensify the fight against the scourge of Drugs and Substance Abuse through its pillars, namely: the Supply Reduction; Demand Reduction; Harm Reduction, Treatment and Rehabilitation; Psycho-Social Support and Community Re-Integration; Media and Information pillars.

Under the Supply Reduction Pillar, a total of 1 559 people, comprising 112 suppliers and 1 447 end-users, were arrested during the review period, representing an increase of 1 165 from the arrests last reported. A total of nine hotspot areas were identified, while nine bases were destroyed in Harare and Beitbridge, respectively, with Z$352 528 150 worth of drugs confiscated. A total of 30 drug suppliers were convicted, bringing the cumulative convictions since January 2023 to 809. Going forward, Cabinet agreed that all drug supplier should not be given the option of a fine but go to court in order to ensure that stiffer penalties are meted.

The Resource Mobilisation Pillar has scheduled meetings for high-level stakeholder engagements with churches, traditional leaders, the private sector and development partners to raise the required resources. The

Media and Communication Pillar is extensively covering drug and substance abuse issues nation-wide to conscientize communities on the vice. The Legal and Policy Pillar has consulted key stakeholders in the fight against drug and substance abuse to gather inputs and come up with proposals on amendments of laws and policies governing drug and substance abuse programming. The Ministry of Health and Child Care is already working on principles for the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act [Chapter 15:02].

Cabinet noted that the national drug and substance abuse response is on track and continues to be strengthened. It is a science-driven initiative based on multi-sectoral or whole-of-society approaches.

 THANK YOU