By Taurai Mazwi

Government has resolved to produce reading material in all 16 indigenous languages including sign language and braille, to enable everyoneto have access to information regarding Covid19 issues.

This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa while presenting the eleventh Cabinet Decision Matrix yesterday.

She said, “Of particular note is the reproduction of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials into 16 indigenous languages including sign language and braille. Cabinet agreed that the reproduction and distribution of IEC materials in the 16 Indigenous languages, inclusive of sign language and braille be commenced,” she said.

Zimbabwe has got two call centres. One is administered by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and their toll free number is 2019. People can call free of charge to report cases of Covid19. They can also make inquiries related to the pandemic. The call attendants are conversant in English, Shona and Ndebele and can answer questions using the 3 languages.

The Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services also has a second similar call centre, whose toll free line is 2023. The Ministry of Health and Child Care deals with clinical issues, whilst the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services call centre deals with non-clinical issues related to Covid19.

Government leaves no one behind in the fight against the spread of Covid19.

Minister Mutsvangwa went on to highlight how cabinet was grateful to citizens and corporates for the support they have rendered so far toward the fight against the spread of Covid19.

“Cabinet expressed utmost gratitude to citizens, the corporate sector and cooperating partners for the support rendered both in cash and kind towards the fight against Covid19. A total of ZW$21 390 733.04, US$47 million, R356 100 has been received to date, while pledges totalling ZW$1 242 160 were made.

“On its part, Government has disbursed ZW$591 million to date towards the same cause,” she said.