© GOVERNMENT has ordered Shabanie Mashaba Mines to stop evicting former mine workers, the Daily News can report.

[GoogleAd]

The 78 families which had been targeted for eviction have been occupying the company houses for the past 20 years before the mine properties were sold to Great Zimbabwe University.

The occupants included miners who have reached retirement age and widows and dependents of former workers who argued that the mine owed them salaries from 2009.

While the mine tried to move them to other properties within the mine area, these were reportedly condemned by the Health ministry and as a result, the workers took legal action against the mine.

Mines and Justice ministers Winston Chitando and Ziyambi Ziyambi, respectively, visited the mine a fortnight ago to stop the evictions.

“What was happening is that they were evicting people. We went there with the minister of Mines to appreciate what was happening on the ground. 

“After we assessed the situation we said for now they must not evict the people until the issue was resolved,” said Ziyambi.

Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (Zidamwu) secretary general Justice Chinhema told the Daily News that Chitando and Ziyambi announced to the miners that they had resolved the impasse and ordered the mine to stop the evictions.

“We thank the Member of Parliament (MP) Dumezweni Mawite and President Emmerson Munangagwa for intervening in the matter. 

“We have been fighting management over the planned evictions and we are pleased with the intervention that has seen all evictions being stopped,” he said.

“The president sent ministers Chitando and Ziyambi to announce that the plight of the workers has reached his office and management is advised to stop all evictions.”

Chinhema added that management was also told to make sure all outstanding salaries are paid to the workers. 

“We are now focusing on the payment of the outstanding salaries. We need to see the former workers getting what they worked for and we also expect to see the mine reopening and employing more people in Zvishavane.”

Shabanie Mashaba Mine used to be one of the biggest employers in the Midlands province, with over 2 000 workers before closing down in 2004 due to a number of problems.

However, the government has been working towards resuscitating the asbestos giant.

Last year in October, plans to reopen the mine were at an advanced stage.

[Adz]

© THE Department of Veterinary Services says it has contained the anthrax outbreak that was threatening the country’s national cattle head.

[GoogleAd]

The outbreak, which was reported over a month ago, killed 177 cattle. 

Cases of the disease have been recorded in Bikita, Zvimba, Mahusekwa, Makonde and Marondera, among other areas nationwide.

The department’s chief director, Josphat Nyika, told the Daily News that the vaccination drive had paid off as no reports of further outbreaks had been received in over two weeks now.

“The moment we are notified of an outbreak of the disease, the area is quarantined for 30 days following the last case. 
“Anthrax is an acute disease, so usually if you do not record any causality after seven days, like now it has been over 14 days, it shows that the outbreak has been contained.

“We recorded 177 cattle deaths and we have vaccinated 76 201 in several areas to contain the outbreak.
“Our team has been all over distributing part of the 811 000 doses of the anthrax vaccine we had in stock. We are left with over 100 000 doses that will remain in stock in case of any new outbreaks. 
“But for now we are happy we have not received any new cases as yet, which is a milestone and we are monitoring the situation,” Nyika said.

Anthrax is a serious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, which can be found naturally in soil and can remain alive in contaminated soil for decades.

Zimbabwe usually experiences anthrax outbreaks during the rainy season as rains wash away the top soil, exposing dormant bacteria in the soil.

At least 87 people were reportedly affected as a result of the outbreak. 

While Nyika could not comment on the condition of the affected people, referring questions to the ministry of health, he said: “We are encouraging the public to desist from eating meat, especially from animals that would have died on their own. People should eat meat from registered abattoirs.”

Slaughtering of animals for human consumption is governed by the Public Health Act which requires people to make use of registered abattoirs, but Zimbabwe has numerous reported cases of people who practice home slaughtering, which at times results in cases of human anthrax.

[Adz]

© ZIMBABWE has quietly lifted a ban on imports of genetically modified maize for the first time in 12 years as the southern African nation begins to take action to avert what could be its worst famine.

[GoogleAd]

While genetically modified maize imports from South Africa are being allowed, the grain is carefully quarantined and is milled into mealie meal, the national staple, three officials with knowledge of the situation said, asking not to be identified as an announcement has not been made.

Currently, mealie meal is in short supply across the nation.
Zimbabwe is battling its worst drought in 40 years and is in the midst of an economic collapse.
This left about eight million people, or more than half the population, in need of food aid.

Aside from South Africa, genetically-modified maize is shunned across sub-Saharan Africa and in Zimbabwe steps are being taken to ensure the grain doesn’t enter national seed stocks.

A logistics team has been sent to South Africa to have oversight of the grain-import exercise, one of the people said.
Plans are also under way to provide special clearance for trucks bringing in grain to avoid delays at southern Africa’s busiest border, Beitbridge, between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Agriculture minister Perrance Shiri and the permanent secretary in the ministry, John Basera, didn’t immediately respond to messages and phone calls seeking comment.
Tafadzwa Musarara, chairperson of the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, also didn’t respond to messages and calls.

“Government weighs its position on genetically modified maize against the nutritional needs of the nation and proceeds guided by that assessment,” said Nick Mangwana, the government’s main spokesperson, without saying whether the ban has been lifted.

The country’s maize harvest is expected to plunge by more than half this season and there is a likely supply deficit of between 800 000 tonnes and one million tonnes.

Weekly imports of white maize, the variety used mainly for human consumption in the country, reached their highest in almost seven years, with 13 688 tonnes imported in week ending January 24.

The millers association on January 22 said it had signed up for a monthly supply of 100 000 tonnes of maize from South Africa. Until now there has been little evidence of sufficient maize imports coming into the country.

Jannie de Villiers, chief executive at Grain SA, said it was possible for genetic maize to be separated and sent straight for processing and Zimbabwe had done this previously.

“Historically, Zimbabwe only imports genetically modified-free maize, not because of food safety concerns, but seed safety concerns. Strategically, they do not want to be dependent on seed from multinational companies,” de Villiers said in an emailed response to questions.

The industry and commerce ministry has 65 registered millers that have signed up for its corn-subsidy programme, which the government rolled out in December last year and is meant to provide affordable maize-meal.

[Adz]

© VICE PRESIDENT Constantino Chiwenga, pictured, has warned illegal gold miners and robbers who are terrorising Zimbabweans using machetes that the government will henceforth deal with them decisively, the Daily News reports.

[GoogleAd]

This comes as the government has been challenged to deploy the full might of the country’s military to protect communities where machete-wielding gangs are running amok with total disdain for the law.

Addressing church leaders and thousands of people who gathered in Harare at the weekend to mark the international day of prayer, the unremitting Chiwenga said machete-wielding gold panners and armed robbers would be dealt with without mercy by the government.

“A united, prosperous, peaceful and secure Zimbabwe is achievable where people can freely worship and carry out their day-to-day activities with a sense of security and belonging.

“While government takes stern measures against those who disturb peace, security and the conduct of business, such as those machete-wielding gangsters and robbers who have emerged, prayers and evangelical crusades can also provide significant complementary support,” Chiwenga said.

The former general — who led the military coup which ended the late former president Robert Mugabe’s long and ruinous rule in November 2017 — spoke days after civil society leaders and a legislator had called on the government to deploy soldiers to end the machete gangs menace.

They said a military deployment should be over and above the ongoing efforts of the police, whose operation has led to the arrest of thousands of machete criminals across the country since late last year.

Independent MP for Norton, Temba Mliswa, said last week that the government should deploy the army to maShurugwi hotspots, in a bid to end the reign of terror by these thugs.

“There is nothing that the army cannot do. They were able to assist us in removing former president Robert Mugabe after 37 years.

“There’s absolutely nothing they cannot do and … they can do it from a constitutional point of view.

“Section 213 of the Constitution talks about the involvement of the army in restoring law and order, but in this situation we have people dying and they (the government) are quiet,” Mliswa told a gathering in the capital on Thursday.

He also challenged State Security minister Owen Ncube to clear his name, which he alleged was being linked to the machete terror gangs in the Midlands.

“I have challenged the minister of State Security to say, but people continuously name you. This is now a State security issue.
“Why don’t you issue a statement and say I have been mentioned in this but I am not involved, anybody with evidence of my involvement must come forward.

“What has the national security done about this? There are people who actually mention the president in this,” Mliswa said.
“It’s the responsibility of the minister of State Security to protect the image of the president by confirming whether the president is involved or not.

“I am convinced that these criminals are working with law enforcement agents and it’s becoming very difficult to address their issue,” he added.

In his address to church leaders, Chiwenga said with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in charge, there was no reason to panic because he would ensure that the country would remain peaceful.
“To this effect he (Mnangagwa) has a vision for the country to become an empowered upper middle income society by 2030.

“I am convinced that through the hard work of the people of Zimbabwe, guided by their leaders, we will be enjoying a high quality of life by 2030,” he said.

This comes as the government has launched a crackdown against machete-wielding gangs across the country’s mining belts — following a surge in grisly crimes which came to the fore late last year after a policeman was killed in a barbaric attack in Kadoma.

It also comes at a time when cases of indiscipline within the security sector are worryingly on the increase — with military commanders said to be threatening to deal decisively with all rogue members who bring the image of the armed forces into disrepute.    

Last week, police said they had arrested three members of the Presidential Guard, as well as a former ZBC staffer — Musorowegomo Mukosi (41) — over recent violence in Mt Darwin, after the accused allegedly attempted to grab a gold mine there.

Blessmore Tembo (32), Gilbert Charuma (31) and Liberty Munemo (31) were named as the nabbed members of the Presidential Guard — after the trio and Mukosi were accused of bludgeoning 15 villagers at the gold-rich Chin Mine in the district.
The men have since appeared in court and have been remanded out of custody.

The arrest of these soldiers and others before that has brought to the fore the growing incidence of increasing indiscipline in the army in particular, as the country’s economic challenges continue to bite.

Speaking at a recent prize-giving ceremony at Five Brigade, Major-General Hlanganani Dube also pointed out that the rate of indiscipline in the army was of great concern.

“I strongly feel obliged to express the command element’s concern over repeated acts of indiscipline by some of our members.

“We continue to experience an increase in the number of members involved in crimes committed both within and outside the organisation.

“Such acts of indiscipline must end immediately,” Dube said then.
“Severe punishments will always be applied for any deviation from our set standards.

“The ZNA (Zimbabwe National Army) will always strive for the best in the aspect of discipline to maintain its reputation which is envied by many in the region and beyond,” he said further.
Initially, machete-related crimes were linked to illegal gold panners only, but have since the turn of the year also involved robbers who have adopted the same primitive criminal methods to rob people of their valuables in their homes.

Meanwhile, police say the on-going Operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere (illegal gold mining should end) has so far led to the arrest of more than 2 000 machete criminals.

[Adz]

© HIGHLY-RATED midfielder Innocent Mucheneka says CAPS United’s professional approach to the game was “fundamental” in his choice to leave Chicken Inn ahead of the 2020 Castle Lager Premiership season.

[GoogleAd]

The 28-year-old ended a three-year stay with the Gamecocks last month after penning a one-year deal with the Green Machine as part of the team’s extensive re-building exercise.

Mucheneka is the marquee signing for Makepekepe during the off season after the club also brought in Tatenda Tumba, Leroy Mavunga, Tatenda Munditi, Munyaradzi Diro-Nyenye, Ismael Wadi, Tinashe Balakasi, James Marufu, Wallace Magalane, Enock Karembo and Carlos Mavhurume.

The other new arrivals at United are Brandon Mpofu, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Author Musiiwa, Tulani Joseph and Tichaona Gandiwa as coach Darlington Dodo has assembled a completely new team.

Mucheneka, a 2018 Soccer Star of the Year finalist, who led the Gamecocks to a second place finish last season behind eventual winners FC Platinum, is hoping CAPS can be the right place to take his career to dizzy heights.

“First of all, I want to thank Chicken Inn for the past amazing three seasons I spent with them. 

“They have been a great club and I’m really grateful for all we have achieved together and I feel this was probably the right time for me to look for a new challenge,” Mucheneka told the Daily News yesterday.
“It was not an easy decision to make but in the end I had to move. 

“I would say CAPS United’s professional approach was the major reason I chose them.
“They are a professional team and I’m ready for the new challenge.

“I want to use this opportunity as a stepping stone for a great future. It is my hope that we will be able to fight for titles and other available trophies with CAPS United.

“I have seen a lot of players being sold from CAPS United to bigger leagues outside the country and I hope to follow in that direction.”

Mucheneka had developed into one of key players for the Gamecocks, having joined from Hwange in 2017, and his arrival at the Green Machine has triggered excitement amongst the team’s fans as the team undergoes a massive rebuilding exercise.

After surrendering the title to FC Platinum on the last day last season, and coupled with losing some of the best players to Zambian teams, the Green Machine have been busy on the transfer market, strengthening the team ahead of the 2020 season.

Makepekepe lost reigning Soccer Star of the Year Joel Ngodzo, who signed for Buildcon FC while striker Dominic Chungwa went to Lumwana Radiants.

CAPS also sacrificed some of the players who were deemed bad apples after leading a revolt at the tail end of the campaign.

[Adz]

© MARITZBURG United’s Zimbabwe winger Gabriel Nyoni has been praised for his sportsmanship after his hearty apology to Cape Town United goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh on Friday night.

[GoogleAd]

Nyoni was shown a straight red card five minutes before the break when he planted a boot into Leeuwenburgh’s face during an Absa Premiership match at the Harry Gwala Stadium.

The Zimbabwean had been released by a through ball from Daylon Claasen and with the scores at 0-0, Nyoni stretched his leg hoping to get there first.

It was an ill-timed decision and the referee had no option but to send the Maritzburg winger off.

There was a 10-minute stoppage as medics attended to Leeuwenburgh, who had taken a serious blow to his nose.
In the end, the Cape Town goalkeeper had to be replaced by Sage Stephens as he could not finish the game.

After the game, Nyoni made it a point to visit the Cape Town changing room to offer his apologies to Leeuwenburgh and the rest of his teammates.

“I pray and wish Peter Leeuwenburgh a quick recovery. I apologise for my misjudgment on the pitch which led to his injury and am sorry that he couldn't finish the match because of it. I also extend my apologies to his family, friends and Club,” Nyoni wrote on Twitter.
Respected South African sports broadcaster Robert Marawa commended Nyoni’s action.
“Speedy recovery Peter...And you Nyoni will continue to fly like the bird that you are. Class,” he wrote.

SuperSport broadcaster Mpho Letsholonyane, who is married to former Kaizer Chiefs star Reneilwe, was also impressed with Nyoni’s conduct in the aftermath of the sending off.  

“It was a genuine mistake on your part. No malice intended...Speedy recovery to Peter. Keep your head up. Some lessons are tough but we grow from them,” she wrote.

After the sending off, the Team of Choice, who had been the dominant side, had to switch gear and it was no surprise when Cape Town took the lead nine minutes after the break. Thabo Nodada tapped in from close range after he was left unmarked to meet Bradley Ralani’s cross and beat United goalkeeper Richard Ofori.

Despite being a man down, the Team of Choice refused to crumble as they finally got back into the game courtesy of Jeremy Brockie’s equaliser 17 minutes from time.

The draw saw United remain in sixth place on the log with 27 points from 20 games to trail leaders Kaizer Chiefs by 18 points.  
Maritzburg coach Eric Tinkler was pleased with how his team responded following Nyoni’s red card.

“I thought we didn’t take our chances. Our transitions in the first half were very brilliant, I think we should have taken the lead in the first 20-30 minutes,” Tinkler said.

“We were always threatening from the diagonals and the balls from the wings but we didn’t put the ball in the back of the next.
“I think the game completely changed when Gabriel got sent off. 
“We had to go into defensive mode, we had to change the system but I’m very proud of my boys.

“They worked their socks off tonight which is something I asked and I requested and they gave it to me tonight so they can be very proud of themselves to come back after going 1-0 down and still showed the character.”

[Adz]

© EROTIC dancer Zoey Sifelani, pictured, says she is happy with the way her Tuesday weekly Ladies Night programme is shaping up.

[GoogleAd]

Zoey and her dancers have since the beginning of this year been the lead cast at Harare’s City Sports Bar where they have come up with various themes for their Tuesday slot.

She said though she commenced the programme at the beginning of the year when the entertainment business across the circuit was low, she was impressed with the way revellers responded.

“It has been a good start and we are hoping to fill the place as we go, I am happy so far because our audience has been very supportive.

“Every week we bring in a fresh idea, a new concept and our fans are enjoying it. We are aided by talented DJs who have been blending in very well.”

Tomorrow, Zoey will host another programme at the venue and promises revellers a few surprises. 

“We always have some surprises and tomorrow is not an exception. We have something lined-up for our audiences.” 

[Adz]
 

© UMAHLEKISA Comedy Club will mid this month hold the inaugural Men’s Conference for three days.

[GoogleAd]

Dubbed Umahlekisa Men’s Conference, the event is set to kick off on Valentine’s Day until February 16 at a venue in the  Matobo Hills.

One of the organisers, Ntandoyenkosi Moyo, yesterday said the event, the first of its kind in the city, will see various activities specifically meant for men taking place.

“There will be lot of activities taking place, tips on car care, health care issues, sexual care issues for men, bedroom tips, there will be entertainment. There will be competitions, rock climbing and all things that make up the modern men. 
“We have also invited investment experts to talk about how men can invest their monies and care for their families. 

“We have also invited people to talk about gender-based violence so that men can be well equipped when they encounter them on the domestic front,” Moyo said.

Moyo,  a popular comedian,  added: “We have organised some humour therapy to deal with the stress that they face at work. It’s all about the overall wellness and mental strength of men.”

He said the event was deliberately mooted to start on Valentine’s Day to equip men with tips that will refresh their marital affair and relationships.

“Reservations are being made at USD$100, which covers accommodation, transport, meals, drinks and activities. 

“The venue is at Matopos, which will be a surprise to attendants; we are not accepting walk-ins during the conference as that will disrupt the activities,” he said.

[Adz]

© AN exciting line-up has been availed for the Nigerian Burna Boy headlined gig set for Hellenic Sports Club in April although there are concerns that the entry fees are too high.

[GoogleAd]

Winky D, Jah Prayzah, Suluman Chimbetu, Enzo Ishall, songstresses Ammara Brown and Tammy Moyo have been included.

These are part of the entertainers voted by the public to be included after organisers Kayse Connect decided to let them choose.

The gig has been pegged at US$35 ordinary ticket and US$100 for the VIP section and this has resulted in an outcry from people on various social media platforms who see the charges as exorbitant in the Zimbabwean set-up.

Kayse Connect boss Elton Kurima said he was aware of the outcry but they had to come up with a figure that would allow them to stay in business.

“This is not the final list of entertainers as there is room for additions. We had to consider the people’s suggestions and came up with the list. We are aware of the outcry by people on social media about the pricing but we had to come up with a figure to ensure that we break even,” he said.

Kurima said the next two weeks will determine the position on pricing.

“If we are to get a partner, things will change and this will be determined in the next two weeks. As it stands the pricing remains. We are looking at a line-up of big entertainers in the country and Africa and there are a lot of expenses in coming up with a show of that magnitude,” he said.

Kayse Connect are building their reputation as entertainment providers and last year they brought Nigerian chanter Patoranking. 

So far this year they have staged a mammoth gospel event at the Harare International Conference Centre.

[Adz]

© AUSTRIA-based award-winning Maskandi musician-cum producer Vusa Mkhaya has revealed that he will be releasing an international album this year.

[GoogleAd]

The Bulawayo-born musician hinted that this would be a busy year in his career. 

“We have a new video Abalalanga coming up and a new album to be released worldwide in June or July. 

“I can’t say much about the album now because of the contractual agreement but from March onwards I will be able to talk about it,” Mkhaya told the Daily News from his base in Vienna.
He added: “The year 2020 will be a busy one as I will promote the new album and at the same time continue with my touring schedule.”

With over 20 years in the music industry, having toured the world extensively with the Acappella group Insingizi and having won numerous international music awards, Mkhaya feels this year will propel his career to greater heights.

Mkhaya is known for his music expertly infused with traditional Ndebele sounds, folk storytelling, Afro-jazz and contemporary soft rock influences which tackles the socio, political and economic situations that Zimbabweans, including those in the diaspora, have gone through in the last decade.

His rich African sound coupled with powerful vocals, traditional drums, and acoustic guitars has made him a darling of many. 
Some of his powerful videos include Manyanyatha and Diaspora. He is also known for such popular tracks as Lalela, Siyeza, Uthando, Bayakhala, Naisiyai, Abalalanga and Zhiya, among others. 

Mkhaya moved to Austria in 1997, then under Insingizi when they as a group decided to further their music knowledge and enrol at a music conservatory in Graz, Austria. Since then despite going solo he has remained a force to reckon with.

[Adz]

© LOCAL comedians continue to explore issues that affect people on a daily basis, bringing humour to their followers as amplified by The People’s Bus, a programme spearheaded by comedians under the Bustop TV flagship and shared on their social media platforms.

[GoogleAd]

This comes as a reminder to many of the once popular and yesteryear comic Ganyau Express which was produced from a bus.

Comediennes Gonyeti and Magi and guest comedian Victor ‘Doc Vikela’ Mpofu lead the discussions with the people.  
So far they are on the third episode touching on several subjects on a weekly basis and in different suburbs and the programme is gaining popularity judging by people’s response.  

“This is a weekly talk show exploring various subjects. We will have three hosts; Magi, Gonyeti and a guest, Doc Vikela,” producer Luckie Aaroni told the Daily News.

So far they have explored the issue of civil servants salaries, getting different views from their passengers. Episode two explored the currency issue with residents from Caledonia sharing how coins were being rejected. The third episode looked at the sensitive issue of abortion, with people sharing varying views on the subject.

Comedians continue to touch on different subjects including politics, feasting on what political actors would have done or said.
Last year other comedians had skits calling for unity of the main political rivals.

[Adz]

© SUNGURA maestro Alick Macheso, pictured, says his duet with Freeman, Ngaibake was popular because it had clean lyrics.
The song has so far clinched several accolades and become one of the most popular songs in showbiz circles.

[GoogleAd]

Speaking to the Daily News on the sidelines of Selmor Mtukudzi’s album launch at the Harare Showgrounds on Friday, the singer said the song’s popularity has helped him connect with the younger generation of music listeners and has set an example that clean lyrics sell.

“We just went into the studio to make a song and the response was overwhelming, yakabva yangobaka. Getting into other genres helps to connect with the younger generation of music lovers,” he said.

The singer said he is open to working with other dancehall musicians provided they come up with clean lyrics. He said family friendly music should be encouraged.

“If anyone approaches me, I will be open to working with them but there are a lot of considerations. Clean lyrics are a must. A number of singers think dirty lyrics define music but that is not so. Ngaibake showed that there are many subjects that one can sing about and they are all clean,” he said.

Speaking on his 2020 plans, the singer said a new album will be coming on his birthday in June and will be accompanied with a new video. He has since begun performing some of the new songs at his live shows.

He said videos are a tricky area which needs careful planning as they have potential to ruin a project.

“Videos need careful planning, from the script to the outfits people wear. Ruining one thing can make the project sour,” he said.
“New music is on its way and it will definitely be in June on my birthday and if everything goes according to plan, a new video will also be out on the day. We will be going back to some of the albums, picking songs and making videos for them,” he added.

[Adz]

© FOOD processing entity Victoria Foods, which is under judicial management, will settle its international creditors by the close of the 2020 financial year, its parent company CFI Holdings has said.

[GoogleAd]

Once a milling giant, Victoria Foods was placed under judicial management in 2016 and is mulling imminent exit before the close of the financial year.

“The local pre-judicial management obligations have been resolved. Your group’s focus will be ensuring that Crest Poultry Group, which recently exited judicial management, is adequately capitalised and strengthened and Victoria Foods creditors’ obligations will be resolved before the end of the financial year end 2020,” CFI acting group chairperson Itai Pasi said.
Pasi said its poultry division, Crest Poultry Group, which has been under judicial management since 2016, exited shortly after the reporting period in January 2020.

“Resolution schemes of foreign creditors are, however, still under way. The board anticipates resolution of the same before year end of the first quarter for 2020.

“The group raised a $42,5 million loan to fund payment of Crest Poultry Group’s scheme creditors and moderate working capital funding required to re-launch the business now under the group’s control.

“The board equally looks forward to the exit of Victoria Foods from judicial management before the close of the 2020 financial year,” Pasi added.

CFI Holdings Limited, however, in the year ended September 30, 2019, registered a profit of 143,3 percent from $20,2 million to $43,2 million, attributable to increase in merchandise volumes in retail and enhanced cost containment efforts.

“Entities under judicial management posted a profit before tax of $144 million against losses of $4,1 million incurred in the prior year…”

Its retail division Farm and City also recorded a turnover increase of 29,1 percent.

Stalap Investments, an investment vehicle owned by Zimre Holdings, is now the largest shareholder in CFI Holdings Limited with a 40 percent stake.

[Adz]

© WHILE miners have said the sector’s US$12 billion target by 2023 is achievable, the current shortage of power will likely undermine progress, resulting in the country losing millions in foreign currency earnings, a Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) report has revealed.

[GoogleAd]

Zimbabwe is aiming for a fourfold mineral revenue increase.

“The challenge to achieving what has been set in the roadmap is the worst ever power crisis, with households and industries (including mining operations) being cut off for up to 18 hours daily. Currently only about a third of Zimbabwe’s power requirements are being generated due to ageing equipment at its thermal plants and water shortages at hydro units,” reads the report.

Zimbabwe is battling its worst ever power crisis which has seen mineral output severely affected compared to other years.
Gold export earnings fell by 28 percent to US$946m, dropping by over 27,6 tonnes in 2019 from US$1,33bn to about 33,2 tonnes in 2018.

The Chamber of Mines Zimbabwe in its latest state of the mining industry report published late last year painted a gloomy picture of the country’s mining sector, saying a decline in output was inevitable due to challenges such as policy inconsistencies, inflation and power shortages.

Due to the challenges faced by the sector, last year alone key minerals such as gold, platinum, diamonds, chrome, nickel and coal experienced declined output.

“It is feared that if this is not resolved soon the country will lose millions in forex earnings which it desperately needs to re-build its economy, already affected by political events in the country for over a decade.

“Zimbabwe has also lost several miners in accidents which critics say could have been avoided if the country had prioritised the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. The country is under fire for not including this sector in its mining legal framework,” the report notes.

At the same time the reduction of forex retention levels by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to 55 percent from 70 percent in 2018 also created arbitrage opportunities for miners who are smuggling minerals such as gold to South Africa and beyond, which will also result in the loss of millions in potential revenue.

[Adz]

© ZIMBABWE’S second largest cotton firm, Southern Cotton Company (SCC) is optimistic of higher yields this year as the recent rains are expected revive plants that had started to show signs of moisture stress.

[GoogleAd]

Although cotton is naturally a drought tolerant crop, most cotton farmers feared huge losses as their fields were adversely affected by the prolonged dry spell that hit most parts of the country.
However, good rains have been experienced recently throughout the country. 

“We had received reports that the plants were almost dying and farmers had lost all hope. So the rains really came at a very critical time,” SCC managing director Caos Nzenze told the Daily News in an interview.

“As you know the cotton plant is different from other crops like maize as it is very resilient so after such rains the plants are already looking better. The reports we have been getting show that we are back on track.

“There might be some slight damage from the previous dry spell but we expect farmers to get at least half a tonne per hectare and that’s about between 25 000 to 30 000 tonnes of cotton seed. We hope the rains last till late February,” he added.

SCC in the 2019/2020 farming season distributed inputs to farmers covering round 60 000 hectares of farming land and is expecting between 25 000 to 30 000 tonnes of cotton seed, a huge leap from the 5 500 tonnes realised last season.

[Adz]