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Stakeholders embrace Zimbabwe’s first campus radio station

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Stakeholders embrace Zimbabwe’s first campus radio station

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Masvingo, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe now has its first campus radio station which is situated at the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).

Many have welcomed the move from the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) which is responsible for the issuing of broadcasting licenses.

Vivian Marara-Zhangazha the director of Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) said the inaugural GZU campus radio station was a good call in the development of the media realm.

 “This is a great development as this will ensure information sharing and participation amongst students. Additionally, broadcast media students will be able to undertake both theory and practical studio broadcasting lessons in preparation for entrance into the mainstream industry.

The hope is that despite the campus radio being part of a state institution, students will be allowed to exercise editorial independence in the operations of the station, which is one of the basic tenants of the media so as to further academic freedom at the institution,” said the ZACRAS director.

Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (ZICOSU) president Pijiwest Nhamburo, also welcomed the move by BAZ, “there is more joy in witnessing development taking place in our own time and seeing it with our own eyes and as a student, I take this as a great honor to the students community since its a record breaking initiative that has been launched for the first time in one of our institutions of higher learning and we hope this be found in every province of Zimbabwe.

Moreover, since 1980 information dissemination has been a problem between the Institution administrations and the key stakeholders who happen to be the students in matters of urgency and need and having campus radio is a milestone achievement for our leaners and administrators as it eases communication barriers between the two layers hence, the necessity of campus radio stations.

It is now incumbent upon institutions to take this seriously and invest in these radio stations for them to have easy communication within their campuses and beyond.

Income generating through conducting adverts for companies and harnessing talent and converting knowledge into formidable skill for our students in media field is also of paramount importance.”

MDC Alliance’s Youth league castigates heavy handedness of armed forces

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MDC Alliance’s Youth league castigates heavy handedness of armed forces

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Harare, Zimbabwe – The MDC Alliance’s Youth league has castigated the nature in which members of the armed forces are dealing with some of their members.

This comes in the wake of Joana Mamombe, Cicilia Chimbiru and Netsai Marova who are facing charges of violating COVID-19 regulations when they organized a demonstration in Warren Park on the 13th of May. The trio who are currently out on bail will stand trial on the 13th of next month. 

“Youth Assembly national vice chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri, deputy Organ, Netsai Marova and national secretary for Policy and Research, Joana Mamombe have been tossed  around back and forth between hospital beds and police cells since their abduction from police custody on the fateful 13 May 2020.

The latest arrest and detention of the unwell trio is another daring move by the illegitimate regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa on defenseless citizens.

It is clear that Mnangagwa’s reckless, corrupt and extravagant military dictatorship is itching for a showdown with civilians.

The worst disregard to human emotions by any dictatorship is abuse of women and Emmerson Mnangagwa is doing exactly that.

Surely Emmerson has chosen a wrong and dangerous path, as an Assembly, we want to make it clear that we are not going to take the latest abuse of our female comrades lightly.

We demand for the immediate release of our comrades or else we release our anger,” said Stephen Chuma, MDC Alliance Youth league’s national spokesperson.

Daunting process hindering community radio stations in Zimbabwe

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Daunting process hindering community radio stations in Zimbabwe

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) is not happy with the way in which the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) is handling the ongoing applications for community radio stations’ licensing.

Vivian Marara-Zhangazha, director of ZACRAS said some of their members were complaining about the daunting application process.

“Some of the applicants have  indicated that the application process is daunting, BAZ has only one payment option for application fees which is through bank transfer, when some of the applicants went to the BAZ office to submit their applications, they had not done bank transfers into the BAZ account under the assumption that they could either swipe or pay through Ecocash upon getting to the BAZ offices.

However, this was not the case when they got to the BAZ offices and hence, they could not submit the application pending payment of the application fees.

Since they are not technocrats, putting together a three year cash forecast, technical specifications and program schedules has proved to be difficult,” said the ZACRAS director.

To date, BAZ has only received two applicants, “only two applications from Beitbridge and Plumtree have been received and the other one from Chiredzi which we have failed to categorise but we are assisting them in ensuring their papers are in order. We are not happy with the response, probably it’s the mentality that it’s difficult to obtain the licence,” said Joice Kubukai, BAZ’s legal officer.

Regardless, the ZACRAS director said BAZ should expect more applicants in the coming days, “we will definitely see more applications not only from ZACRAS members but from across the board.”

ZACRAS has eight of it’s members who are vying for community radio licenses however, for them to be able to be considered by BAZ they have to submit their applications  before the 1st of August 2020.

A guide: Transitioning to a new way of work

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A guide: Transitioning to a new way of work

Changing the way your business works can be a daunting prospect, especially in a world that appears to be changing as rapidly as the business environment right now. The current health climate has changed much and planning the way your company will operate during and after Coronavirus – and beyond – is critical. Taking calculated steps is individual to each business depending on the field or industry, but there are some key factors to generally be aware of.

The first is that you may be required to transition into a more digital way of working. Moving resources and data online, for example, storing them in the cloud or holding meetings via video call, is likely to become far more normal in the future. Reducing storage space and travel costs is not only economically effective, but it is also a massive step to building your company’s online presence. Having workers more used to functioning online could be the first step to creating your business’s full online wing, for instance, selling products online or delving into the potential of online marketing. If these are systems you have in place already, there could still be further steps into digital working that you could take, such as automated communications. All of these internet-based methods will help prepare your business for smooth operating should further unexpected events come along.

If your business remains physically based, then you will need to consider how to transition into new methods of dealing with customers. Limiting the number of customers or clients in your store or office at once takes planning – such as having a member of staff permanently posted at the entrance – and should not be done carelessly. Meeting social distancing guidelines is essential to keeping staff and customers happy and healthy.

Implementing these changes could be emotionally and physically difficult for your staff. Finding out what they think about the way your business is changing is essential. Conduct a thorough change management process and find out how their emotions have altered during the transition, encouraging a safe new environment and showing your team you care about them.

Your staff may also be affected by a change in working hours. The United Kingdom government has considered suspending Sunday trading laws and alterations in working hours such as this could be seen around the world. Ensure that all your staff are content with the new working system by communicating and engaging with them throughout the transitional period. In some cases, staff may need to be retrained to best operate under new systems or procedures, and time and care should be taken to do this to the best of the company’s ability. Periods such as the current one is uncertain and concerning as they are, without staff feeling like they are unprepared for the new way of working.

Finally, in the changing and transitioning of your business, ensure you are giving time and effort to planning even further ahead. Subsequent waves of Coronavirus are possible and, the next time it comes, businesses should be better equipped to deal with them.

European Union aids Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with US$22 million

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European Union aids Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with US$22 million

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Kinshasa, DRC – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to receive US$22 million in humanitarian aid from the European Union to help fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the central African country is not only battling against COVID-19 but also against a new wave of Ebola and a measles pandemic which has already claimed over 6 000 lives since 2019.

UNICEF warns that the country is also threatened by a potential resurgence of polio, chickenpox, yellow fever, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and meningitis.

“The measures needed to slow COVID-19 are having an impact on the overall measles response, including transporting vaccines, assembling dedicated teams, and launching vaccination campaigns.

Every delay and every obstacle increases the risk of the measles epidemic continuing to spread, killing more children,” said Emmanuel Lampaert, DRC’s coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

DRC has recorded over 4 000 COVID-19 cases and 90 deaths. Unknown militia also seem to be worsening the situation as they continue to destabilize the progress being made by burning houses and health care services.

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Africa

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Qatar Airways resumes flights to Africa

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Airways will be resuming its flights to Africa starting with Tanzania from the 16th of June after almost four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline’s officials said that resumption of the airline on June 16 will be the first direct passenger schedule flight from Hamad International Airport to Africa since suspension of flights in March this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a bid to ensure safety and security of travelers, the airline said that it has further enhanced its onboard safety measures for passengers and cabin crew.

The airline has implemented several changes, including the introduction of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits for cabin crew while onboard as well as a modified service that reduces interactions between the passengers and the crew inflight.

“Our wide network of flights during these challenging times has ensured we are kept up to date with the latest in international airport procedures and implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board our aircraft and in Hamad International Airport,” said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive.

There will be three flights per week, available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays connecting Doha and Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam.

The airline further said that it will not charge any fare differences for travel completed before December 31, 2020, after which fare rules will apply. All tickets booked for travel up to December 31, 2020 will be valid for 2 years from the date of issuance.

Former President Joyce Banda declares Malawi COVID-19 free

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Former President Joyce Banda declares Malawi COVID-19 free

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Lilongwe, Malawi – Malawians will be headed for fresh Presidential polls come June 23 following the nullification of the 2019 Presidential polls by the country’s Constitutional Court earlier on this year.

Although the goverment is disagreeing with the motion Malawi’s Parliamentarians have agreed that 23 June is the date for fresh elections.

Malawi’s President Peter Mutharika, is seemingly not happy with the new date rather insisting that it be furthered a bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Malawi’s controversial former President Joyce Banda, has rubbished the claims that the country is gripped with COVID-19.

“We are hearing in the news that there is a Coronavirus outbreak in the world, we thank God for favoring our country as we don’t have it here, they are faking it,” said the former President.

She further accused the government of embezzling COVID-19 funds for their own personal upkeep.

“We are therefore demanding all the funds which have been pumped into Malawi in the name of COVID-19 to the rightful owners and be used for development projects,” said Banda.

To date, Malawi has recorded over 400 COVID-19 cases and 4 deaths. Earlier on this week, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli also claimed that the East African country is now COVID-19 free largely due to “answered prayers.”

Tanzania’s main opposition leader assaulted by unknown assailants

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Tanzania’s main opposition leader assaulted by unknown assailants

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Dodoma, Tanzania – Freeman Mbowe, leader of Tanzania’s main opposition political party, Chadema, was on Tuesday night attacked at his house by unknown assailants.

Mbowe has a fractured right leg due to the assault, although the police are still investigating the incident members of Chadema are already pointing fingers at Tanzania’s President John Magufuli for having a hand in the incident.

“Unknown people surrounded him and assaulted him before he started taking the stairs. Though these people had carried firearms, they didn’t use them,” said Chadema’s Secretary-General John Mnyika.

In recent months, Mbowe accused Magufuli of being in a state of denial over the COVID-19 pandemic and warned that his government was hiding information about the real scale of the crisis.

On Tuesday, Magufuli declared the East African country COVID-19 free due to prayers by citizens, although Magufuli is stating that Tanzania is now COVID-19 free, the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 database states otherwise citing more than 500 COVID-19 cases.

Zambia postpones International Trade Fair indefinitely

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Zambia postpones International Trade Fair indefinitely

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Ndola, Zambia – The Zambian government has postponed the 2020 Zambia International Trade Fair which was scheduled to take place in Ndola from the 1st to the 7th of July due to COVID-19.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Christopher Yaluma stated that the decision was arrived at after consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

“The world is currently facing unprecedented public health emergencies arising from the COVID-19 and has adversely affected the global economy and our way of life in our communities.

In order to mitigate the adverse impact of this unprecedented global health pandemic, most governments in countries affected have resorted to imposing partial or complete lockdown measures whose immediate economic effects include reduced business performance.

The lockdown measures imposed to control the spread and pace of COVID-19 pandemic has caused instantaneous stress on the Zambian economy and most sectors are affected in a varied way. Notably, the tourism, mining, manufacturing, construction as well as the wholesale and retail trade sectors are expected to record sluggish growth relative to the previous year owing to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

In view of the above-mentioned, the government through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry regrets to inform all partners, exhibitors, sponsors and both foreign and local visitors of the postponement of 2020 Zambia International Trade Fair, which was scheduled to take place from the 1st to the 7th of July under the theme, Promoting Value-Addition for Sustainable Growth in the city of Ndola on the Copperbelt Province.

The decision was reached after consultations with the relevant stakeholders and taking into consideration that the outbreak of COVID- 19 pandemic has led to a rise in concerns from potential participating companies who have been negatively affected by the sudden slow-down of economic activities,” said the Minster.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) slams reopening of schools

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Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) slams reopening of schools

Daniel Itai – The Zimbabwe Daily

Harare, Zimbabwe – The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has dismissed the proposed reopening of schools by the government on the 28th of July 2020.

“The Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) earlier on  announced that June examinations will be conducted beginning on 30 June. The Minister of Information Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa later announced that schools will open on 28 July for candidates for 2020 public examinations.

It should be noted that 66 000 candidates are sitting for 2020 June examinations. 9 900 teachers will be needed to invigilate the examinations.

On opening schools 136 000 teachers and almost 5 million learners will be admitted in our schools.

The teacher compliment will  have to be boosted by 90 000 teachers to achieve social distancing in our classrooms and plug the gap of staff shortage.

ARTUZ jointly authored petitions with 6 other Teacher Unions on 2 May, 26 May and 8 June 2020. On the three occassions we sought to impress upon government on measures that should be undertaken for safe schools opening.

On 29 May we made submissions to Parliament portfolio committeee on education making recommendations on conditions that should be met for safe opening of schools.

Our recommendations were taken on board by the committee as demonstrated by the motion moved for debate by Committee Chairperson Hon. Misihairambwi Mushonga on 4 June 2020. The ensuing debate was one sided with all parliamentarians agreeing that schools should remain closed until safety measures have been instituted.

It was therefore a shock for us when ZIMSEC announced dates for June examinations and we were further shocked when the Minister of Information announced dates for reopening schools,” read a statement from ARTUZ.

Although Zimbabwe is still sitting on less than 300 COVID-19 cases and four deaths many still think it’s immature for government to consider the reopening of schools.

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