LOCAL NEWS

Staff Reporter

In a move aimed at preserving the sanctity of graves and respecting cultural heritage, Government has reiterated stringent measures regarding construction works in Mt Hampden, particularly in areas surrounding the New Parliament Building.

Following extensive developments in the region, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has issued a directive mandating developers to halt construction and engage archaeologists and other relevant authorities upon encountering human remains or graves.

“As this project is being undertaken, developers have been made aware that should any grave be discovered during construction, the developer should stop and engage an archaeologist and curator of cemeteries who is qualified to categorize the graves and advise on the appropriate action such as exhumation and reburials of those buried in Mt Hampden,” stated the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Responding to allegations raised by one Eugene Majuru in a social media article, accusing developers of destroying graves in Mt Hampden to make way for the Cyber City Development Project, the Ministry emphasized the legal protection afforded to ancient graves under both the National Museum and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) Act and the Cemeteries Act.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to advise the public and all concerned stakeholders that wide consultations have been conducted with all parties concerned, and some are still ongoing. In doing so, the Ministry is strictly guided by the relevant legislation and traditional customs deserving of such a process.

“For the record, all ancient graves are protected by both the NMMZ Act, Chapter 25:11, and recent graves by the Cemeteries Act, Chapter 5:04. The two acts complement each other legally in the protection of such ancestral places of value,” reaffirmed the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Contrary to assertions made by Majuru regarding alleged inadequate consultations with the Mbari Clan concerning graves in the Mt Hampden area, the Ministry clarified that thorough consultations had indeed taken place with all concerned stakeholders.

In addressing concerns regarding the cemetery in question, the Ministry highlighted the active involvement of relatives in identifying graves and consultations conducted with Chief Zvimba.

“The cemetery in question is mostly composed of the remains of former farm workers. The majority of graves are known, and their relatives have come forward to identify them. The Mount Hampden area falls under Chief Zvimba, whom the Ministry, through NMMZ, has again fully consulted,” added the Ministry.

The Ministry added that the Government remains committed to upholding legal provisions and traditional customs to ensure the preservation of Zimbabwe's rich historical legacy amidst ongoing development endeavours.

Meanwhile, the Ministry underscored the importance of factual information over hearsay in addressing sensitive issues, such as the protection of graves and cultural heritage.

Staff Reporter

Citizens across Zimbabwe are applauding the monumental transformation underway at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) in Harare, saying that the initiative is a testament to the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the country.

Political Reporter

As the anticipated launch of a new political movement under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa looms on the horizon, tensions are escalating within his inner circle, particularly in Bulawayo Province, where factions are vying for control of the province in a fierce power struggle.

Political Reporter

Controversial former ZANU PF Youth League National Political Commissar and leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ), Godfrey Tsenengamu, has quit active politics, citing disillusionment with his party's ability to enact meaningful change as the primary reason for his decision.

Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will head to Mashonaland Central Province on April 6, 2024, to lead victory celebrations following his resounding triumph in last year's polls.

Staff Reporter

In a concerted effort to mitigate the effects of the El Nino-induced drought and safeguard food security, Government has unveiled a series of measures aimed at ensuring that no citizen succumbs to hunger.

…as it mourns 13 Zimbabweans who perished in SA road accident

Staff Reporter

In the wake of a tragic accident involving a Simlex Transport and Logistics bus that claimed the lives of 13 Zimbabweans lives and left 12 injured in South Africa this Sunday, Government has announced that it remains resolute in its commitment to bolstering road safety.

Government has also swiftly moved in and suspended the operations of the bus company in line with the Road Motor Transportation Act.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, outlined the Government's commitment to ensuring road safety.

"The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, on its part, is making efforts to engage the bus company to establish the compliance status of the vehicle and its driver.

“The nation will be kept informed of the corrective measures that the Ministry will take in the matter in order to demonstrate and consolidate its commitment to improved road safety and security. The Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa is working with authorities who are still investigating the cause of the accident."

Meanwhile, in a press statement yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, announced the suspension of the bus operator.

On behalf of Government Minister Mhona expressed profound sadness over the incident.

"It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I have received news on the tragic accident involving a Simlex Transport and Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd. bus. Our prayers are also with those who survived and the injured as they continue to receive treatment and care."

“The accident is yet another call to all transport operators, motorists and members of the public to adhere to road traffic rules and exercise caution on the road.

“It is concerning to note that our investigations have revealed that the operator was not authorised to provide the services, thus I have directed the Commissioner of Road Motor Transportation to implement relevant provisions of the Road Motor Transportation Act including among others, suspension of operations until the operator is fully compliant with all the relevant regulatory and policy frameworks,” said Minister Mhona.

As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of its citizens, efforts towards enhancing road safety measures remain paramount to preventing such tragedies in the future.

The fatal collision occurred when a Simlex bus collided with a commercial truck on the Hex River Pass, approximately 140 kilometres before Cape Town.

The bus, which was travelling from Harare to Cape Town, got involved in the accident in a notoriously winding section of the road.

Reports indicate that the bus driver attempted to avoid the collision but tragically lost his life in the process.

Staff Reporter

Government has announced that the 100-day cycle projects will continue to bear fruit as a total of 493 projects aligned with Vision 2030 have been implemented for the year 2023.

Staff Reporter 

Zimbabwe remains committed to adhering to the best practices in the diamond sector and open to learning and adapting to the requirements of this dynamic industry.

Staff Reporter

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is set to officially open the tobacco sales floors, with farmers across the country anticipating improved prices this year.

Despite facing challenges due to erratic rainfall patterns, tobacco growers remain optimistic about the prospects for this season. Farmers are buoyed by the robust demand for Zimbabwean tobacco on the global market.