LOCAL NEWS

Staff Reporter

In the wake of ZANU-PF's triumph in last year’s Harmonized General Elections, Zimbabwe has experienced an unprecedented wave of development under the leadership of President Ed Mnangagwa.

Staff Reporter

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a moment to honour the remarkable achievements of women globally in various spheres of life. During this month, amidst the festivities and reflections, it's imperative to spotlight the resilience and unwavering commitment of Dr Amai Mnangagwa, the First Lady of Zimbabwe, who persists in her philanthropic endeavours despite facing unjust sanctions.

Staff Reporter

ZANU PF Shamva North legislator Isaac Chinodakufa has orchestrated the installation of a new ZESA transformer at Mushowani Growth Point, ending a dark era that lasted over a year due to vandalism.

Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa will today oversee the signing of Performance-Based Contracts (PBCs) by Cabinet Ministers and heads of public sector agencies in a move aimed at fostering a culture of efficiency, accountability, and good governance within the public sector.

Staff Reporter

The Second Republic's developmental initiatives have garnered widespread acclaim, even from former government critics.

Business Reporter

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) yesterday clarified the status of Starlink's operations within the country, asserting that the satellite internet provider is not yet licenced to operate in Zimbabwe.

Staff Reporter

Zimbabwean citizens have urged Government to take action as cases of scams orchestrated by unscrupulous travel agents over international jobs continue to rise, fleecing unsuspecting citizens of their hard earned money.

Staff Reporter

The ruling ZANU PF party today strongly warned its officials to desist from releasing press statements ostensibly on behalf the party without prior consultation and authorisation from the Party Headquarters’ relevant departments.

Staff Reporter

President Mnangagwa today firmly rejected the unilateral diamond trade restrictions imposed by certain market players on African countries.

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.