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Wallace Ruzvidzo in ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar

AS he stepped onto the podium to hand over the SADC Chairmanship here yesterday, President Mnangagwa had a spring in his step.

Who would fault him?

He was handing over a better SADC to his Madagascan counterpart President Andry Rajoelina, one set and already primed for a much brighter future.

The President, who took over the reins on August 17 last year, urged the current crop of leaders in the region to defend and continuously improve the international order bequeathed by the region’s founding fathers.

“The future well-being, development and a higher quality of life of all peoples, particularly us in Africa and the global south, depends on a just, inclusive and rules-based multilateral system.

“For the good of both present and future generations, us, the current crop of leaders, have a duty to defend and continuously improve the international order bequeathed to us by our predecessors,” said President Mnangagwa in his keynote address during the opening ceremony of 45th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held here.

The Summit, held under the theme, “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC”, was attended by other Heads of State and Government, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, Botswana’s Duma Boko, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.

Heads of State and Government who did not attend were represented at various levels.

President Mnangagwa said during his tenure, the regional bloc had collectively realised successes in developing institutions that underpin democracy and good governance.

As SADC Chair, the President was officially handed over the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana on behalf of the region, following its full acquisition.

Also in his capacity as Chairman of SADC, the President, accompanied by his Botswana counterpart, Boko, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the 19-hectare SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot, which will play an important role in enhancing the region’s preparedness and response to conflict and humanitarian emergencies.

“Collectively, we realised successes in developing institutions that underpin democracy and good governance,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Together with His Excellency, Advocate Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, we commissioned the construction of our Regional Logistics Depot in Botswana.

“Member states are urged to equally provide the requisite funding to ensure the timely completion of this critical infrastructure.”

SADC, said the outgoing Chairperson, remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring peace in the Eastern parts of the DRC, hence the appointment of a panel of mediators earlier in this month.

The panel comprises former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, and former Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

“We appointed five Former Heads of State to facilitate inclusive dialogue, build trust and peacebuilding initiatives.

“We welcome the outcome of the Joint SADC-EAC Summit held earlier this week and the African-led Peace Process, which reinforces our philosophy of African solutions to African problems,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the Peace Agreements brokered by the USA and Qatar were also welcome as they would complement the African-led processes underway towards peace, stability and development in Eastern DRC.

“The peace and stability prevailing in our region is worth applauding as reflective of our joint obligation to silencing the guns.

“I commend the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ, Her Excellency, Dr Samia Hassan, and the Organ Troika Member States, for their gallant work over the past year, for the realisation of durable consolidating peace and security in our region,” said the President.

In terms of the region’s integration efforts, he said the development of strategic corridors, one-stop border posts and digital infrastructure must remain top priority.

“The integration we envisage heavily depends on our ability to develop infrastructure, which facilitates the free movement of people, capital, goods and services across our borders.

“Major milestones have been recorded in implementing high-impact regional infrastructure projects.

“The full potential of our regional bloc has, regrettably, been largely inhibited by budgetary constraints,” he said.

In this respect, President Mnangagwa said it was imperative that SADC urgently comes up with inventive and sustainable sources of funding.

“In this regard, let us not shy away from tapping into partnerships with the private sector, our Diaspora, and other non-traditional sources.

“The SADC Regional Development Fund is a low-hanging fruit, which, when operationalised, will provide alternative financing for critical infrastructure projects. I am pleased to report that Zimbabwe has ratified the Protocol.

“However, the number of ratifications remains far below the threshold required. The need to expedite internal processes on this matter, within our respective jurisdiction, is essential to drive progress,” he said.

The outgoing SADC Chair said the region’s efforts towards food and nutrition security and the development of agro-based value chains had borne mixed results due to climate change-induced phenomena such as droughts.

He, however, encouraged member states not to be deterred but instead scale up investments in innovative strategies for climate change adaptation, mitigation and resilience.

“I applaud our Incoming Chairperson, His Excellency, Rajoelina, for the timely theme, Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” said President Mnangagwa.

“This rallies us to accelerate our efforts towards an industrialised, resilient region, where citizens have food and nutrition security as well as energy self-sufficiency.”

On the region’s shared natural resources, he said the stewardship exhibited by member states had been encouraging.

“I am encouraged by the progress we have made in the stewardship of our shared natural resources,” President Mnangagwa said.

“The SADC Trans-Frontier Conservation Areas International Conference and Summit was held in Harare this May.

“The gathering provided us with an opportunity to reaffirm our combined commitment to the sustainable utilisation of our God-given resources for the benefit of local communities.”

The mid-point review of SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Plan, said President Mnangagwa, was coming at a time when the world is witnessing unprecedented geo-strategic tensions and global economic policy uncertainties.

Notwithstanding the uncertainties, SADC had managed to lay foundations in some areas, he added.

“We express gratitude to the Executive Secretary for his Report on the performance of our region over the past five years. which shows areas where we have laid a firm foundation in advancing our vision,” said the President.

“The Report also highlights the unprecedented threats facing our Region, and most importantly, suggests areas that require our introspection and concerted efforts. The Mid-Term Review, which is underway, must be leveraged for this purpose”.

Under his tenure, events such as the SADC Industrialisation Week have now become an annual occurrence, providing platforms for networking, towards enhanced industrialisation, trade and investment.

President Mnangagwa said it was alarming that intra-regional trade remained relatively low, nonetheless.

“Regrettably, our exports continue to be driven by primary products, and intra-regional trade remains far less than our business with other regions,” he said.

“Our prosperity is inevitably tied to the success of our neighbours and to that of our region as a whole, and the continent.”

President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to member states, the SADC Secretariat, African union Commission, United Nations and International Cooperating Partners for the support they accorded him during his Chairmanship.

“This event marks the end of Zimbabwe’s Chairmanship. On behalf of the people and Government, I express our gratitude to you, my brothers and sisters, the African union Commission and the United Nations, and International Cooperating Partners, for the partnership and support you rendered to my Government and indeed to me, during the past year.

“It has truly been a privilege to serve our region, and to work with you all.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr Magosi, and his team for their dedication to the achievement of our shared objectives,” he said.

The President also singled out the Namibian President, who was attending the Summit for the first time as Head of State.

“It is my pleasure to welcome, Her Excellency, Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is joining our Summit, as Head of State and Government of our sister Republic, Namibia.

“I am confident that her astute leadership and experience will provide valuable insights in shaping the strategic direction of our regional organisation,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also took time to pay tribute to former Presidents of Namibia and Zambia, Dr Sam Nujoma and Dr Edgar Lungu, who passed on this year.

“This year, we sadly lost one of our Founding Fathers, a revolutionary, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Nujoma, former President of the Republic of Namibia.

“We also lost a revered Statesman, His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, former President of the Republic of Zambia.

“May their enduring legacies bring solace and inspiration to their families and the SADC region.

“May their souls continue to rest in peace,” said the President.

The outgoing SADC Chairperson also expressed gratitude to SADC for standing with Zimbabwe in calling for the unequivocal removal of Western imposed unilateral coercive measures.

“These are indeed a hindrance to the prosperity of the entire SADC region. Zimbabwe remains open and ready to engage and re-engage with all progressive members of the international community,” he said.

“As the SADC region, we firmly believe in the cardinal principles of the United Nations Charter with regard to sovereign equality and territorial integrity of nations being sacrosanct.

“Unilateralism and coercion, among other inexcusable violations of international law, cannot be allowed to become the norm within the comity of nations.”

President Mnangagwa wished his counterpart President Rajoelina a successful tenure as SADC Chair.

“As I hand over the mantle to my dear brother, His Excellency Rajoelina, I would like to wish him every success in the discharge of his responsibilities,” he said.

“I also wish His Excellency, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, success in the execution of this important mandate. I am confident in your leadership towards advancing our regional integration agenda.”

In his acceptance speech, President Rajoelina pledged to build on his predecessor’s successes.

“It is time to industrialise more, to better connect our economies and to strengthen our collective autonomy,” he said.

Also in attendance at the summit were Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) Mr George Charamba, Zimbabwean Ambassadors to Madagascar and Botswana David Hamadziripi and Henry Mukonoweshuro and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza, among other senior Government officials.

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT has gazetted the Public Service Amendment Bill that compels civil servants to resign from public service upon assuming political office and also provides that female employees shall be granted ninety-eight (98) days of maternity leave on full pay.

The Bill will also compel Public Service Commissioners to declare their assets and ban industrial action by those providing health services.

All the provisions are meant to ensure compliance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Clause 20 of the Bill emphasises the need to comply with the Constitution, which says a member of the civil service must resign within 30 days of assuming political office as a Member of Parliament or a councillor.

It reads as follows: “Any member seeking election to Parliament and Local Authorities shall be subjected to the provisions of section 129(h) and 278(1) of the Constitution, respectively.”

Section 129 (h) of the Constitution reads as follows: “The seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant (h) if the Member was a public officer or a member or employee of a statutory body, a government-controlled entity, a provincial or metropolitan council or a local authority on the date he or she was declared as a Member of Parliament, and he or she fails to relinquish that office, membership or employment within thirty (30) days after that date.”

Clause 22 precludes those providing essential services from embarking on industrial action.

It reads as follows: “Subject to this Act, members of the Public Service have the right to participate in collective job action unless they are employed in any department, service or section of the Public Service that has been declared to be an essential service.”

Clause Three defines essential services relating to public service as referring to any department, section or part of the Public Service, which, when interrupted, would endanger, immediately, the life, personal safety or health of any person.

The Clause is expected to put an end to perennial industrial action that was embarked upon in the past by health service providers in institutions that have resulted in the deaths of many patients and disruption of services.

Major referral hospitals have in the past been paralysed after health workers embarked on a collective job action, ignoring calls from the Government to pursue dialogue instead of endangering the lives of innocent patients who have a right in terms of the Constitution, to medical attention.

Clause 23 of the Bill stipulates that a female employee shall be granted ninety-eight (98) days maternity leave on full pay.

Before the Public Service Amendment Bill, Zimbabwean civil servants were entitled to 98 days of fully paid maternity leave, as per the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], after serving for at least one year.

The new Bill, now approved by Cabinet and expected to be tabled in Parliament, seeks to enhance this further by removing the qualifying service period and the limit on the number of times maternity leave can be taken.

Harmony Agere

Outgoing European union Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, has hailed his tenure as a period of significant progress in EU-Zimbabwe relations, marked by deepened economic cooperation and robust trade growth.

In an exclusive interview with Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) this morning, Ambassador von Kirchmann expressed a deep emotional attachment to Zimbabwe, describing the country and its people as having left an indelible mark on him and his family.

“Home is not a place, it’s what people make you feel,” he said, reflecting on his travels across the country.

Since his appointment in October 2022, Ambassador von Kirchmann has overseen renewed EU-Zimbabwe engagement, strengthening trade, investment and dialogue.

“Relations are better than before,” he remarked.

“We built bridges, especially in the economic and trade sectors.”

During his tenure, trade between Zimbabwe and the EU surged by 30 percent, while foreign direct investment from EU Member States jumped by 90 percent.

Zimbabwean exports to the EU reached €255 million in 2024, with the EU emerging as the largest buyer of horticultural products such as avocados and blueberries.

Imports from the EU, mostly machinery, totalled €538 million, reflecting a healthy and complementary trade relationship.

Ambassador von Kirchmann also pointed to successful initiatives like the EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum, which drew nearly 70 European companies, resulting in US$7 million in trade deals.

The European Investment Bank has also extended $100 million in capital to local companies, with a remarkable zero percent default rate.

Beyond trade, the Ambassador highlighted growth and sustainability efforts under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, including €250 million for climate-smart agriculture and support for renewable energy and women’s empowerment initiatives.

Infrastructure development projects such as the Kariba Dam rehabilitation also featured prominently.

At policy level, Ambassador von Kirchmann praised the Government-led debt resolution process and partnership dialogues, saying they are critical in unlocking sovereign lending and further integration.

“This goes beyond finances. It’s about normalisation and working together,” he noted.

On regional cooperation, he emphasised the importance of EU-SADC and EU-AU engagements, especially in addressing transnational challenges such as climate change and regional security.

Zimbabwe’s SADC chairmanship over the past year paved the way for greater visibility and dialogue, including a landmark visit by Poland’s foreign minister.

As Zimbabwe shifts from aid dependency to mutual partnerships, Ambassador von Kirchmann underscored the EU’s evolving approach.

“We’re moving to a model where trade comes first, followed by investment, with aid supporting the foundation,” he explained.

Looking ahead, he urged continuity and ambition.

“Let’s hit the $1 billion mark in trade and see progress on debt clearance. That’s the next milestone,” said the Ambassador.

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

Two men, including a police officer, appeared in court on Tuesday facing charges of abuse of office as a public officer and impersonation of a police officer, respectively.

Elisha Magwaza (38) and Collen Muzuva (33) appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo.

The complainant in the case is the State, represented by Terence Chinyamunjiko, a police officer stationed at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) General Headquarters’ Internal Investigations Department.

Magwaza is a police constable stationed at ZRP Mbare while Muzuva is unemployed. On July 28, around 11:30 am, Chinyamunjiko and a team of officers from ZRP PGHQ Internal Investigations, including Chief Inspector Gunhe, Chief Inspector Mupangai, Assistant Inspector Mutemaringa, and Assistant Inspector Demba, were conducting surveillance along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.

At Thuli Service Station, the team noticed four men and three women waiting for transport.  They observed a Toyota Hilux with registration number AFN 5372, branded Econet on its door panels, stopping to pick up passengers.

A female passenger boarded the car and sat on the front seat while two of the men also jumped into the vehicle.

The vehicle drove off and later dropped off the female passenger. The officers, suspecting foul play, pursued the vehicle but failed to catch up with it.

The team’s suspicion grew when the remaining two men, including Constable Magwaza, appeared busy on their cellphones, seemingly coordinating with their counterparts.

Moments later, the same Toyota Hilux reappeared from Bishop Gaul Avenue and turned into Bulawayo Road, dropping off Magwaza and Muzuva.

The officers intercepted the Toyota Hilux at Marimba Shopping Centre and interviewed the driver, Amos Siyani, who revealed that the two accused persons had extorted US$150 from him after accusing him of committing a traffic offence.

Siyani explained that the accused initially demanded US$230 but later settled for US$150, which he had withdrawn from his Ecocash account.

The informant and the surveillance team returned to Thuli Service Station and found the suspects at their alleged “hunting ground”.

The officers parked their vehicle, approached the suspects and managed to apprehend Magwaza and Muzuva.

Business Reporter

Zimbabwe’s largest media group, Zimpapers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, is set to host a 2025 Tobacco Conference this Friday, aimed at fostering discussions on enhanced beneficiation and value addition of the crop.

The initiative follows the country’s milestone achievement of producing approximately 350 million kilogrammes of tobacco, significantly surpassing the 300 million kg target set under the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (2021-2025).

With this success, focus is now firmly shifting towards beneficiation and value addition to maximise revenue retention within the country.

The one-day event, to be held at Cresta Lodge in Harare, brings together key stakeholders to chart a new course for Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.

The conference will feature prominent keynote addresses from the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Dr Anxious Masuka and his Industry and Commerce counterpart, Mangaliso Ndlovu.

Structured to foster in-depth discussions, the conference will include presentations from stakeholder experts and dynamic panel discussions.

Some discussions will centre on enhancing beneficiation and value addition, particularly through cut rag and cigarette manufacturing, alongside exploring innovative financing mechanisms to overcome investment barriers.

The agenda also includes sessions on global market shifts, empowering farmers through value-added products, leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), maximising yields and strengthening risk mitigation strategies for farmers.

The conference is expected to lay the groundwork for strategic investments and policy reforms designed to bolster the competitiveness and long-term viability of Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector.

Currently, Zimbabwe exports the bulk of its tobacco unprocessed, meaning it loses significant potential value.

Beneficiation and value addition, a core theme of the conference, are crucial to realising greater value, creating jobs and empowering farmers through potentially better prices for their green leaf once it is processed domestically.

“Having achieved a remarkable milestone in tobacco production, the focus must now decisively shift to beneficiation,” Zimpapers Business Hub and Events editor Hebert Zharare said.

“This conference is a critical step in Zimbabwe’s national strategy to unlock the full economic potential of our tobacco.

“By moving beyond raw exports into value-added products, we are not just increasing revenue; we are building local industries, creating sustainable jobs and empowering our farmers to secure a more prosperous future for themselves and the nation.”

The conference is part of a broader initiative by Zimpapers, the country’s leading integrated media group, which has expanded its role beyond traditional news dissemination to actively convene platforms for discussions on critical national development issues.