Regional Human Capital Operations Manager – Human Capital x2 (Harare)

SAP Support Analyst (F1) – ICT: LEVEL 9 (Harare)

ABAP Developer: Level 9 (Harare)

Procurement Manager: D5 (Harare)

Financial Accountant (Harare)

Sales Consultant (Kadoma)

Cervical Cancer & Clinical Service Mentor Nurse

Laboratory Technician (Harare)

Spport Driver (Harare)

Food Security and Livelihoods Head of Department (Harare)

Accountant (Harare)

Accounting Assistants x3 (Harare)

Communications Intern (Harare)

Corporate Legal Counsel (Kamativi)

Company Secretary (Harare)

Marketing Manager (Harare)

Sales Manager (Harare)

Procurement Manager (D5)

Director Policy and Market Development (Harare)

Assistant Valuer Grade 7

Town Planner Grade 10

Till Operator x2 (Bindura)

Ambulance Technician (Bindura)

Business Development Manager

Intellectual Property Manager

Chief Research Officer (Bindura)

Teaching Assistant: Banking and Finance (Bindura)

Technical Assistant: Natural Resource Management (Bindura)

Administrator (Bindura)

Faculties Manager (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Veterinary Pathobiology x4 (Harare)

Staff Development Fellow: Department of Construction & Civil Engineering (Harare)

Officer: Student Residential and Logistical Services (Harare)

Student Development Officers (Harare)

Information Manager (Harare)

Graphic Designer x2 (Harare)

Marketing Officer (Harare)

Technical/Copy Editor x2 (Harare)

Proofreader x2 (Harare)

Typesetter x2 (Harare)

Acquisitions Editors x2 (Harare)

General Hand (Harare)

Locum Pharmacists (Mutare & Ngezi)

Drivers x2 (Harare Campus)

Graphic Designer (Gweru)

Drivers (Harare Campus)

Artisan Supervisor – Fleet Maintenance (Gweru)

Transport and Logistics Officer - Tracking (Gweru)

SHEQ Intern/ Attaché (Bulawayo)

Nutrition Officer (Mutare)

Team Leader (Mutare)

Project Field Officer (Mutare)

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (Mutare)

Assistant Accountant-Retail (Harare)

Trainee Risk Officer (Harare)

Sales Manager (Bulawayo)

The Government has decentralised the deployment of teachers after parents, educationists, activists and politicians criticised the deployment of non-Ndebele-speaking teachers in Matabeleland, reported the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200027304/govt-responds-to-deployment-of-non-ndebele-teachers">Southern Eye</a>.
Some commentators have blamed the deployment of non-Ndebele-speaking teachers in Matabeleland for the low pass rate in the region.
In 2022, the Silobela community protested against the deployment of non-Ndebele-speaking early childhood development (ECD) teachers.
The Member of Parliament for Nkayi North, Sithembiso Nyoni (ZANU PF), said the government has since decentralised the deployment of teachers.
Speaking during a virtual discussion organised by the Nkayi Community Parliament on Tuesday, Nyoni, who is the Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister, said:
<blockquote>
The recruitment of teachers is now localised. This is one of the issues that we fought for. What is left for us to fight for is that the head of Public Service in Nkayi and the head of the Education Department in Nkayi must work together and agree on the deployment.
I even engaged the permanent secretary of (Primary and Secondary) Education … The permanent secretary said it is up to us here to employ teachers from Nkayi.
Now the ball is in our court. We must make sure that the two departments recruit teachers who have local language capabilities. We have even submitted the list of teachers who are qualified for them.
We will have to make a follow-up to see if they have recruited them. The central government has since decentralised, it is up to us how we recruit the teachers.
</blockquote>
The deployment of Shona-speaking teachers in all parts of the country has dominated Parliament over the years and at one time, parents pushed for the removal of teachers who did not speak the local language.
The government has previously said only teachers who speak the local language should take ECD classes.
Last week, Binga South legislator Fanuel Cumanzala(CCC) complained in the National Assembly over the deployment of non-Tonga-speaking teachers in Binga District.
He said there were qualified Tonga-speaking teachers who did not have jobs yet the Ministry of Education deployed non-Tonga-speaking teachers to Binga.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Govt Responds To Nkayi Community Parliament Over Deployment Of Non-Ndebele Teachers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has re-assigned Sithembiso Nyoni from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to head the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
Mangaliso Ndlovu, who was the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, is now the Minister of Industry and Commerce.
In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya announced that the re-assignments are with immediate effect.
Rushwaya said the President did the reassignment in terms of Subsection 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
No reasons were given for the changes.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Swaps Cabinet Ministers

Local cement production has reached 2.6 million tonnes, against a demand of 1.6 million, the Minister of Industry and Commerce Sithembiso Nyoni has said.
Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Nyoni said local cement manufacturers are now producing above optimal levels resulting in the stockpiling of the product. She said:
<blockquote>
Cabinet notes that the local industry is now producing above optimal levels.
… companies are producing a combined 160 500 metric tonnes per month against the installed capacity of 241 000 metric tonnes per month.
Depressed local demand has resulted in the companies stockpiling cement and reducing production. The cabinet advises the nation that there is now adequate cement on the market.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s four main cement producers are PPC Zimbabwe, Khaya Cement and Sino Zimbabwe Cement.
Last year, the government approved the importation of cement. That was after the country experienced an acute shortage of the product which resulted in prices being hiked by over 100%.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cement Production Exceeding Local Demand - Cabinet

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, called on industrialists to lead in guiding the government’s policies and measures to revive Bulawayo’s industries. The minister emphasized that the industry leaders should provide input on the necessary steps to ensure the industry’s success. <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/?p=19066">ZBC News</a> cites Nyoni as saying:
<blockquote>
In the New Year we want to have a new thrust on how the industry should perform, but the leaders of industry are industrialists. They should tell us what they want for the industry to strive.
</blockquote>
Resuscitation of Bulawayo industries has been on the cards for far too long. Business leaders believe that the city can regain its former glory as an industrial hub by embracing new business models and leveraging modern technology.
Mr. Mackenzie Dongo, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Matabeleland Chapter, emphasised the importance of establishing new industries that align with modern development plans. This approach would involve adopting a new small and efficient business model and supporting startups through funding. Dongo said:
<blockquote>
We have got an option of drawing up new industries which are in line with modern developmental plans.
</blockquote>
Mr. Morris Mpala, a Business Analyst, echoed the need to embrace innovative business ideas and models. He emphasized the importance of supporting and funding startups to drive economic growth. He said:
<blockquote>
We need to have a new small lean business model. We need to now embrace new business and we need to look at startups and fund them.
</blockquote>
Bulawayo used to be a thriving industrial hub, but it declined over time, and many industries shifted to the capital city, Harare. This centralisation led to an overwhelming situation in Harare, as it couldn’t support the influx of people who migrated from other towns in search of work and other opportunities. Since companies in Harare couldn’t employ everyone, many skilled individuals left the country, resulting in a brain drain.
The neglect of Bulawayo has also intensified tensions between people from Matabeleland (where Bulawayo is located) and Mashonaland. People from Matabeleland feel that authorities purposely neglected Bulawayo and concentrated development and resources in Mashonaland. These tensions stem from the perception that Bulawayo was intentionally left underdeveloped so that it relies heavily on Mashonaland for support. This has created a sense of inequality and frustration among the people of Matabeleland.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Industrialists Must Guide Govt On Policies And Measures To Revive Bulawayo Industries - Minister

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has engaged key stakeholders, including the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe and the Grain Marketing Board, to discuss the supply of maize meal in the country. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Sithembiso .G. G. Nyoni, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, assured the nation that the Grain Millers and the Grain Marketing Board have committed to supplying sufficient maize meal through various distribution outlets, including formal retailers. Additionally, ZIMRA, the customs authority, has pledged to facilitate the clearance of imported maize at ports of entry and exit. However, the minister does not provide specific details or an assessment of the current state of maize supply. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h3>PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HON. MINISTER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ON THE STATUS OF SUPPLY OF MAIZE MEAL IN THE COUNTRY</h3>
1. As we celebrate the festive season and the ushering of the New Year 2024, I am delighted that in line with the whole-of government approach, we have managed to continue with our robust engagements with the private sector.
2. In an effort to enhance consumer welfare, the Ministry continues to monitor the prices and availability of 14 basic commodities which are cooking oil, mealie-meal, bathing soap, beef, bread, chicken, eggs, flour, fresh milk, laundry soap, rice, salt, sugar, and washing powder. The aim is to ensure that the consumer has access to basic products at affordable prices.
3. On 3 January 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce held robust engagements with key stakeholders, including various Government Agencies and the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe. The purpose was to deliberate on the maize supply situation, a basic commodity which is required by the nation.
4. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce therefore, wishes to advise the nation that the Grain Millers have committed to supply the country with adequate maize meal through the various distribution outlets, including the formal retailers. In addition, the Grain Marketing Board has also committed to avail and distribute maize to the millers through its various depots countrywide. In terms of imported maize, ZIMRA has committed to operate special routes to fast track the clearance at the various ports of entry and exit.
5. The Ministry also had an opportunity to meet the major wholesalers and retailers and similar commitments were made to ensure availability of basic commodities on the shelves, particularly roller meal for easy accessibility by consumers.
6. The Ministry will continue to monitor the supply situation and appraise the nation accordingly.
7. Let me applaud the local industry, both the manufacturers and the retailers for their continued support to Government policies to ensure consistent availability of basic commodities on the market.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe faces food shortages because of the El Nino effect, a natural climate pattern that makes the weather hotter and reduces rainfall in southern Africa and other places. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said in November 2023 that the El Nino event will continue until at least April 2024. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Industry And Commerce Minister Update On Status Of Maize Meal Supply

Statement by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Sithembiso Nyoni after her meeting with business member organisations (BMOs) to discuss basic commodities prices and the market supply situation during the upcoming festive season: 15 December 2023.
<blockquote>
1. I have just concluded a meeting with the relevant Business Member Organizations (BMOs) to discuss the prices and market supply situation of basic commodities, ahead of the upcoming festive season.
2. As we all know, traditionally the holiday season is a period with hyper activities where businesses world over stock up with various goods, in anticipation of increased spending as consumers buy various gifts for their loved ones.
3. In attendance at the meeting were:
<ul>
<li>The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe;</li>
<li>The National Bakers Association;</li>
<li>The Oil Expressors Association of Zimbabwe;</li>
<li>The Zimbabwe Retailers Association;</li>
<li>The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers;</li>
<li>Zimbabwe Sugar Sales; and</li>
<li>The Zimbabwe Sugar Association.</li>
</ul>
4. As a Ministry, we had observed an emerging trend, of increases in the prices of basic commodities during this week, wherein laundry soap has gone up 16%; cooking oil by 13%; bread by 12%; and mealie-meal by 9%. It was pleasing to note that the price of sugar has remained constant.
5. As the ministry responsible for commerce and Industry, we have the onus to get to the bottom of this and nip any negative developments in the bud. We have witnessed and enjoyed price stability for a very long time now, ever since the Treasury and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe instituted a tight Monetary Control Regime and this must be maintained, to promote consumer welfare.
6. By the same token, we also witnessed and enjoyed a normal supply of basic commodities on the market, with no shortages and crises, as previously happened in yesteryear. We are grateful to the business players that have joined hands with the ministry to ensure that we do not allow any price increases, particularly at this point, when families will be celebrating Christmas and the New Year, indeed a time when basic commodities should be not be found wanting on the market!
7. We also agreed that the business community should trade fairly and desist from profiteering and from creating artificial shortages.
8. I am very happy to report that I had a very fruitful dialogue with the BMOs’, to whom I am grateful for their quick response. Ever since I took office as Minister of Industry and Commerce, I have enjoyed a very good and progressive working relationship with the respective BMOs in both the industry and commerce sectors.
9. Let me assure the nation that industry has enough stocks of basic commodities and that business will immediately work on modalities to ensure that there will not be any sharp price increases.
Let me take this opportunity to wish the nation of Zimbabwe a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2024.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Industry And Commerce Minister Meets Business Member Organisations

The Government has given companies and individuals the green light to import 100 bags of cement (5 tonnes) and 100 bags of fertiliser (5 tonnes) duty-free with immediate effect until 31 December 2023.
In a Press statement issued this Wednesday, 08 November, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sithembiso Nyoni, said the move is aimed at alleviating the shortage of the products in the market.
She, however, said those intending to import the products above 5 tonnes will require import licences from her Ministry. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>
Following the Cabinet update on the supply situation of cement and fertilizer, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will have an administrative arrangement with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to alleviate the shortages in the market.
The arrangement will allow the importation of 100x50kg bags (5MT) of cement and 100x50kg bags (5MT) of fertilizer.
This arrangement will be implemented with immediate effect.
Companies or individuals will be allowed to import fertiliser and cement of the quantities shown above up to 31 December 2023 without the requirement of an import licence.
Quantities above this will require import licences from the Ministry.
This does not apply to commercial imports.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is experiencing an acute shortage of both fertiliser and cement which has resulted in prices shooting through the roof.
The shortage of fertiliser is negatively affecting a booming construction industry while the unavailability of fertiliser threatens the success of the 2023/24 summer cropping season.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Allows Cement, Fertiliser Imports Of Up To 5 Tonnes Duty-free

The Government says it will address current distortions in the supply chain of products whereby manufacturers bypass wholesalers and directly supply goods to retailers and informal traders, <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/manufacturers-under-fire-for-bypassing-wholesalers/">reported The Herald</a>.
Speaking during a tour of National Foods Holdings on Wednesday, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Sithembiso Nyoni, said manufacturers are “killing” wholesalers and fomenting chaos in the market. She said:
<blockquote>
We are putting order in the commerce sector by ensuring that manufacturers deliver to wholesalers and these are accessed by retail (operators) rather than what is happening now, whereby companies are delivering to the informal sector.
That is distorting that value chain. If we do not address that, we are killing the wholesalers and bringing chaos to the market.
National Foods understands this, and together we will correct this and ensure we address the distortions that are happening right now.
</blockquote>
Manufacturers are reportedly selling products to informal traders such as tuckshops and those that sell from vehicles, who pay in US dollars.
One of the country’s biggest retail chains, OK Zimbabwe, recently claimed that large-scale retailers in Zimbabwe are struggling to remain viable due to competition from tuckshops.
Manufacturers and suppliers now sell their goods directly to informal traders who pay in USD upfront.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Orders Manufacturers To Stop Supplying Products To Tuckshops

Monica Mutsvangwa has been moved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa from the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development. She replaces Dr Sithembiso Nyoni who is now the Minister of Industry and Commerce.
<h3>Performance in General:</h3>
Mutsvangwa was in the spotlight this year when she failed to respond to basic questions during an interview with <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Newzroom Afrika</a> about the state of the country’s economy and the recently passed <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Criminal Law</a> (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, also known as the Patriotic Bill.
During the interview, the minister appeared to have difficulty explaining the details of the bill and what it entails. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-263616-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mutsvangwa-PB.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mutsvangwa-PB.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mutsvangwa-PB.mp4</a></video></div>
The bill seeks to amend the country’s <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">criminal code</a> and introduce <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">new</a> offences related to undermining the authority of the government, among other things. 
The Bill makes it a crime to participate in any meeting where sanctions or trade boycotts against Zimbabwe are considered or planned, regardless of whether the sanctions are targeted or general.
Similarly, it is a crime to attend a meeting where there is talk of military intervention or the overthrow of the constitutional government in Zimbabwe.
If someone raises these issues at a meeting and you then promote or encourage them, you may be charged with a crime, even if you did not know the agenda beforehand. Punishments for offenders are not specified in the Bill.
Mutsvangwa’s failure to provide a clear explanation of the acronym ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission) further raised eyebrows. During an interview with Sophie Mokoena, the International News Editor of SABC News, Mutsvangwa mistakenly referred to ZACC as the “Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Cooperation” and eventually settled for “Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Company.” This incident sparked doubts about her suitability for the position of government spokesperson, as it indicated a lack of understanding regarding a crucial government institution. Many individuals began questioning her suitability for the role in light of this episode.
<h3>Performance Review:</h3>
According to reports, Mutsvangwa was among the ministers who fell short of their targets since last year when they signed performance contracts. The progress of each leader is being monitored and guided by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the country’s economic blueprint. Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, local authority CEOs, and CEOs of State-owned enterprises all signed performance contracts under the Integrated Results-Based Management System. President Mnangagwa introduced these contracts to promote a culture of high performance among office bearers. The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) stated that the contracts will be evaluated based on delivery, effectiveness, management, and implementation.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Monica Mutsvangwa Moved From The Ministry Of Information

Sithembiso Nyoni, a legislator for Nkayi North has urged traditional leaders in Matabeleland North province to engage President Emmerson Mnangagwa to quicken the construction of the 158km Bulawayo-Nkayi Road.
Speaking during a virtual debate hosted by the Nkayi Community Parliament, Nyoni who is also Zimbabwe’s Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, expressed her concern over the lack of progress made in rehabilitating the road, which has been under construction since 1993.
Nyoni stated that she had met with Chief Mtshane Khumalo, the deputy president of the Chiefs Council, to discuss the matter and requested that traditional leaders engage with the President to understand the reasons for the delay in completing the project. <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200014540/mp-ropes-in-chiefs-in-road-rehab-campaign">Southern Eye</a> cites her as saying:
<blockquote>
The Nkayi-Bulawayo Road is troubling us all. It needs us all to see what we can do about it. I remember the President at some point saying he wanted that Nkayi-Bulawayo Road to be a priority, then we were let down by the contractors.
I had to sit down with the chiefs. I sat down with (Chiefs Council deputy president) Chief Mtshane Khumalo.
I said to him, chiefs are responsible for the development of the whole country. Nkayi- Bulawayo Road is a problem for us. It passes through your chiefdom and in other chiefdoms in Nkayi. So we request that as chiefs, you even go to the President to understand what is holding the project.
What the community should know is that we are all concerned about the project and all efforts are being made for the project to be a success.
</blockquote>
In March 2023, work resumed on the road after the Government disbursed funds for the project. The rehabilitation of the road is part of the Government’s five-year economic master plan, the National Development Strategy, which aims to develop sound road infrastructure.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has allocated a budget for the rehabilitation of 15km of the road annually, and more than 40km has been covered so far, according to State-run media. The road’s completion will facilitate transportation and trade between Bubi, Nkayi, and Kwekwe districts, and is viewed as an essential enabler towards achieving the set targets under the National Development Strategy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

MP Urges Traditional Leaders To Engage Mnangagwa To Quicken Road Construction

At least 220 minors were raped in the country between January and September 2022, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni has revealed.
Nyoni released the statistics on Friday at the national commemorations of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Maramba Primary School in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District, Mashonaland East province. She said:
<blockquote>
Statistics from the police show that during the period of January to September 2022 a total of 435 rape cases were reported and of these, 58% involved minors. This figure is too high to be ignored.
In addition, a total of 959 sexual violence cases and 1 038 domestic violence cases were reported during the same period.
These are figures of reported cases, but we are fully aware that so many similar cases go unreported all in the name of preserving the family name.
During the course of the year, we have also witnessed very shocking cases of sexual abuse of children.
These experiences have pained us, and we need to say a big “no” to gender-based violence (GBV) to preserve and save human life and the future of our children, especially girls.
</blockquote>
Nyoni noted that in the majority of cases, parents and guardians are the perpetrators or facilitators of the abuse. She said:
<blockquote>
The recent spike in child sexual abuse cases, some of which result in minors falling pregnant and then dying while giving birth is disturbing.
What is more disheartening to note is that in the majority of these cases, parents and guardians who are expected to be protecting these minors, are being found either as perpetrators or as facilitators of the abuse and even concealing these issues to protect the perpetrators.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Women Resource Centre and Network executive director Dorothy Hove said there should be stiffer penalties for offenders that will act as a deterrent. She said:
<blockquote>
What angers me when it comes to the rights and abuses of children is that the justice system is failing us.
It’s up to the justice system to just say today we are putting a stop to the abuse of children.
The component of the justice system is that there are legal provisions and sentences that are pre-set for perpetrators against violence and against children but we are saying can they be reviewed to be a bit stiffer because they are not stiff enough to deter them from wanting to commit a crime. 
Why not consider maybe life sentencing or 40 years with a lot of hard work to accept that what they did was wrong?
</blockquote>
This comes as an eight-year-old girl from Bindura was allegedly raped by two 17-year-old brothers. She is now six months pregnant. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004124/220-minors-raped-inside-9-months">NewsDay</a>

220 Minors Raped Inside 9 Months - Minister Nyoni

Zimbabwe recorded about 5 000 teenage pregnancies and about 2 000 child marriages between January and February 2021.
This was revealed by Women Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni while presenting her report on the level of public service delivery related to sexual and gender-based violence during the Covid-19 pandemic in Parliament on Thursday.
Teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Zimbabwe reportedly <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/26/number-of-school-girls-falling-pregnant-spikes/">surged since the imposition of lockdown restrictions last year.</a>
Minister Nyoni told Parliamentarians that between January and February 5, 2021, there were 4 959 officially known teenage pregnancies as well as 1 774 child marriages countrywide. Minister Nyoni said:
<blockquote>A total of 4 959 got impregnated in such a short period and this means that nearly 5 000 of our girls risk losing their educational opportunity if they do not pursue re-admission.
Most worrying is the 1 774 who are in matrimonial union before their 18th birthday.
They have lost opportunities and have also become vulnerable to other forms of violence, assault, which include economic and emotional abuse.</blockquote>
She also observed that her ministry is putting a cocktail of measures meant to address gender-based violence (GBV).
Nyoni indicated that her ministry received a set of draft principles for the Sexual Harassment Bill and Gender Equality Bill from the Zimbabwe Gender Commission. She added:
<blockquote>The Bills are expected to criminalise the offence of sexual harassment and provide frameworks for gender equality. As part of the law development process, consultations are very critical and the ministry is at an advanced stage in organising consultative meetings with law based women’s organisations at national and regional levels.</blockquote>
Her remarks coincide with a case in which a Chitungwiza woman was arrested for having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old boy.
Some members of the public responded with fury to reports that women cannot be arrested for rape as per Zimbabwean laws but can be charged with sexual indecency.
The lady in question has since been released on ZW$10 000 bail to the chagrin of members of the public who were arguing that the case could have been different if the perpetrator was a male.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/5-000-zim-teenagers-fall-pregnant-in-one-month/">NewZimbabwe</a>

Zimbabwe Records 5K Teenage Pregnancies, 2k Child Marriages

The government of Zimbabwe has disqualified businesses who are wantonly increasing prices of their commodities for cushioning facilities.
This was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni who also that the government was putting in place SMEs and informal sectors’ cushioning facility that was announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently. She said:
<blockquote>We are saying all rural and urban retail shops that are fond of wantonly increasing prices of commodities should not bother to apply for the cushioning facility, as their applications will be rejected forthwith.</blockquote>
Her remarks come when some businesses are taking advantage of the 21-day national lockdown to increase prices of their commodities since they have little competition.
The majority of local companies have closed in adherence to the lockdown regulations and the few who are operational are taking advantage of that.
The government intends to cushion businesses since the closure of borders and the lockdown resulted in their businesses going down as they can no longer purchase commodities to restock.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/govt-shuts-doors-on-errant-businesses/">The Sunday News</a>

Govt Disqualifies "Disobedient Businesses" For Cushioning Facility

Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank before the end of this month.
The bank will have its flagship branch at Trust Towers Building and a branch network across the country. The Herald reports the bank will open next Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) authorised its operations and issued it with a licence. Nyoni said the bank will be inclusive. Said Nyoni:
<blockquote>I wish to make it abundantly clear that in tandem with the national policy of financial inclusion and the Ministry’s mandate of gender mainstreaming, the bank will avail its services to all Zimbabweans. I wish to inform the nation that my Ministry, together with the bank and key stakeholders, has begun preparing for the launch of the bank to be done this month.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/womens-bank-opens-tuesday/">Herald</a>

Mnangagwa To Officially Open Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank

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