BY TAFADZWA MHLANGA/VANESSA GONYE

SEED Co Limited posted a 24% reduction in its sales volumes for the nine months ended December 31, 2019, reflecting Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic challenges and drought.
The reduction in sales volumes saw the group register a reduced profit of $309 million for the period, down from US$23,2 million ($414,35 million, based on current forex rates) in the comparative 2018 period, a decrease of nearly 25,5%.

“The reduction in sales volumes, in both the third quarter and the nine months to December 31, 2019, was mainly due to: low onset of the season and unfavourable weather forecasts which discouraged farmers from purchasing seed,” Seed Co company secretary Terrence Chimanya said in a statement accompanying its results for the period under review.

“… negative impact low disposable incomes on consumer demand; reduced government uptake of our seed; fuel shortages affecting land preparation by farmers for the current summer season; and electricity and water shortages incapacitation wheat farmers from growing crops under irrigation last winter”.

The company reported that the challenges it was experiencing had resulted in the firm continually implementing measures to preserve value.

However, amid the challenges, the company managed to secure funding to pay for all seed deliveries from growers and funded the processing of the seed in preparation for the selling season.

“Striking a balance between cost containment and continuing in business (operating and retaining skills) profitably is now part of the company’s challenging daily routine,” Chimanya said.

“Going forward, preserving capital remains a challenge as the board and management is seized with the Zimbabwean context. The company will also bank on its regional associate investment, Seed Co International Limited, for real capital preservation and earnings.”

Seed Co announced that it was also continuing with its major project of constructing a flagship artificial maize seed drying plant at the company’s Stapleford Complex, just outside Harare, with all the equipment being received from Denmark.

“The outlook remains highly unpredictable due to the current harsh economic environment. The company’s sales volumes are expected to close the current financial year lower than the prior year due to challenges mentioned above,” Chimanya said.

“However, the company remain profitable despite the following; adoption of the new standard on leases by the company this reporting year (IFRS) and the adoption of the IAS 29 (Financial reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies).”

Meanwhile, plant breeders have been urged to find solutions for agricultural practices and systems that are suitable for different regions, soil types and climates as the country faces another drought.

Speaking at the just-ended Zimbabwe Plant Breeders Association congress at the University of Zimbabwe, Seed Co regional managing director (southern cluster) Denias Zaranyika said with all the advances in agriculture, breeding methods and food systems, hunger was still an enemy that must be fought, subdued and eliminated.

“Standing at the frontline of this battle to end hunger are yourselves, plant breeders. This congress is coming at the back of newer and further advancements in plant genetics which when used in breeding, help support higher production and cultivation of crops resistant to pests, pathogens and drought,” he said.

Zaranyika said the use of knowledge in seed genetics to make selections allowed plant breeders to reach conclusions on both the appropriate parent materials and the resultant cultivars that were suited to the prevailing growing conditions of particular agro-ecological areas.

He said with the significant rise in population, various agricultural performance indicators provide evidence of relative decline in agricultural production, highlighted by the huge number of the people that are food insecure as well as increases in food prices and an increased need for food imports.

“Most of our people live in rural areas where the main source of income is the sale of agricultural produce which accounts for a significant 48,4%. Cropping is largely rain fed making rural farming more vulnerable to the vagaries of climate change which significantly impairs agriculture leading to food insecurity, water scarcity, health challenges and ultimately constraining economic growth and development prospects,” Zaranyika said.

“There is no doubt in my mind that the onerous responsibility to ensure a food secure nation rests on you, our plant breeding experts. I want to urge you to intensify collaborations, international exchanges and visits.”

By Brenna Matendere

ZIMBABWE Land Commission (ZLC) Midlands regional director Lincon Kausiyo (45) has been taken to the court to face criminal abuse of office charges after he allegedly grabbed a vast tract of land which was in dispute.

Kausiyo appeared before Gweru magistrate Thomas Gurajena on Thursday last week and was remanded out of custody on free bail to Thursday for trial.

He faced two charges – violation of the Mines and Minerals Act and criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in section 174 (1) (A) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutor Constance Madzudzu told the court that Kausiyo of 44 Cliffton Park, Gweru is ZLC regional director stationed at Gweru Government Complex.

Allegations are that sometime in 2002, a farmer, Leonard Gotora (44) residing at plot number lot 45 Wildbeast Block Gweru, reported to the Gweru lands office a land boundary dispute between him and a miner, the late Anna Majasi. The land boundary dispute was never resolved and it was outstanding until 2016.

During that period, Gotora made numerous follow ups with the lands office about the long-outstanding dispute. The matter was taken up by Kausiyo whose duties as ZLC regional director involved settling such disputes.

However, instead of resolving the dispute, Kausiyo allegedly proceeded to the site and removed the beacons marking the boundary and occupied the piece of the farm himself.
The land he grabbed measured 17,5 hectares.

The court heard that Kausiyo had no lawful right to grab and occupy the disputed land.

He was supposed to settle the impasse and deliver a judgment on who between the two rightfully owned the land.

The value of the removed beacons which had been put by the miner to mark the boundary of her claim was $700 and they were recovered by the police.

BY WINSTONE ANTONIO

ORGANISERS of the 10th edition of the prestigious Miss Zambia-Zimbabwe beauty pageant yesterday said preparations of the pageant to be held under the theme Unveiling Undeniable Natural Beauty set for April 4 in Zambia were gathering momentum as the scouting process was on course.

Miss Zambia-Zimbabwe is meant to create a platform for models from both countries to share ideas, create links, friendships and cultural synergies.

The pageant failed to take place last year and was deferred to this year due to circumstances beyond the organisers control.

Pageant director and Size 4 Modelling Agency founder Wilbert Rukato yesterday said the pageant had slots for 40 contestants, the first 10 having already been selected.

“We are geared for this year’s edition of the Miss Zambia-Zimbabwe beauty pageant that will be held in Zambia and feature about a bevy of 40 beauties, 20 from each country who will showcase their magnificent looks and intelligence on the ramp,” he said.

“We are happy with our preparations of the pageant which are going on smoothly and so far we have selected the first 10 Zimbabwean models, one from Hwange, three from Victoria Falls, three from Bulawayo, one from Domboshava, one from Chitungwiza and one from Harare.”

Rukato is on record saying that the pageant was not a charity work focused event neither was their approach aimed at promoting any other cause than that of participating models and modelling as a whole.

“The Miss Zambia-Zimbabwe is a pageant with a noticeable difference. The pageant is wholly focused on launching the modelling career of the participating models especially the winner and her runner ups,” he said in a recent interview.

Some of the models, who have won the pageant, include Francina Katuruza and Charity Chaukira.

BY CHARLES LAITON

SOCIALITE Olinda Nyaradzo Nkomo (nee Chapel) has approached the High Court seeking an order for a decree of divorce with her musician husband, Njabulo Mayibongwe Nkomo — popularly known as Tytan — arguing that their union was just a marriage of convenience.

Through her lawyers, AB and David Legal Practitioners, Olinda said when her husband first proposed to her, she was not aware that he simply wanted marriage in order for him to use it as a conduit to acquire immigration papers to enable him to reside in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland.

Olinda further said at the time of the couple’s marriage, on June 29, 2018, Tytan well knew that she had permanent immigration status which would enable him to permanently reside in that country.

“At the time that the marriage was entered into, defendant (Tytan) intended it to be a marriage of convenience and a conduit for the sole purpose of the acquisition of immigration papers entitling defendant to remain and reside permanently in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island and by virtue of plaintiff’s (Olinda) immigration status in that country,” Olinda said.

Olinda further said when she exchanged vows with Tytan, there was no valid matrimonial union as there was no meeting of minds but mere misrepresentation.

“Defendant fraudulently misrepresented to plaintiff into entering into the marriage believing it to be for love when in actual fact the defendant intended the marriage to be entered into for the purpose of his acquisition of immigration papers,” she said.

The socialite also said despite the marriage being for convenience, the couple, however, was blessed with a baby girl born on April 8, 2019.

“It is just and equitable that custody of the minor child be awarded to the plaintiff with the defendant getting reasonable access. It is just and equitable that the defendant pays maintenance for the minor child until she reaches the age of majority,” Olinda said without mentioning the figure which Tytan should pay for the child’s upkeep.
The matter is still pending.

BY CHELSEA MUSAFARE

TALENTED Zimdancehall artiste, Qounfuzed, said his forthcoming video was designed to be a soundtrack for couples in love and a dedication to women he was involved with.

Born McDonald Sheldon, the artiste who is one of the first Zimdancehall chanters to shoot to the limelight, said the new track, Sasa, would drop later this month.

Qounfuzed told NewsDay Life & Style that the video was done with a high level of creativity.

“I am currently learning to improve my video filming and editing skills as well as taking music engineering lessons, something that I never thought I would need. I am at a stage where I am just enjoying, exploring and learning the music industry in all aspects,” he said.

Inspired by reggae and hip-hop music, the artiste, who has been on a mission to re-invent himself both personally and musically, said Sasa had a mature feel with the theme of love.

“It is a story based on a couple having problems, arguments which are mainly caused by friends, social media and lifestyle. I really want to thank every woman that I have been involved with both socially and affectionately as most of the experiences I have shared with them have played a part in my music compositions,” he said.

The artiste, who has appeared at most Zimdancehall shows in Harare and the United Kingdom, said music education was essential.

“I had pulled back a bit as I was trying to find new inspiration but I am back now with a whole different vision, thanks to growth. I am growing everyday, learning new strategies and skills in order to improve my sound,” he said.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI

THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has sold 78% of its exhibition space, as preparations for this year’s edition of the trade showcase gather pace, an official has said.

The multi-sectorial trade showcase, set to run from April 21 to 25, will be held under the theme Augmenting Trade and Investment towards a Shared Economic Vision.

The theme, according to organisers, builds on the engagement and re-engagement thrust that the country is pursuing, which is developing relationships with everyone.

“The marketing and promotion campaign, which was officially launched in November last year, has gained traction, with a total of 231 direct exhibitors having heeded the call to book exhibition space,” ZITF Company marketing and public relations manager Stella Nkomo said recently.

In terms of space taken, 38 882 square metres of the available
49 631 square metres of exhibition space has been taken up.

Last year, about 816 direct and indirect exhibitors participated at the show.

In relation to local participation, 46% of exhibitors were from Harare down from 47% in 2018, while Bulawayo-based companies recorded significant increase, from 29% in 2018 to 34%.

Representation from other cities around the country shrunk to 15% from 19%.

Nkomo said trade shows were a particularly useful place for small and medium-sized businesses to develop leads and generate sales.

“We, therefore, urge all current and potential customers to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the premier engagement platform between and among trading and co-operating partners, potential investors, international and local businesspeople,” she said.

Notable events that will take place at the show include the ZITF International Business Conference, which is organised in conjunction with the National Economic Consultative forum on April 22 and the official opening ceremony on April 24.

The ZITF Company is collaborating with the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries to host the manufacturers’ conference on April 23, while the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce will host their annual business luncheon on the same day.

The third ZITF Innovators Forum will be taking place from April 21 to 23 under the theme Industrialisation, Modernisation through Innovation.

The event, whose highlights are an Innovations Pitch Day and a Hackathon, aims to encourage innovators to demonstrate creative use of information communication technologies to solve real-life business challenges.

ZITF will this year host its inaugural Diplomats Forum, which aims to promote Zimbabwe’s bilateral relationships with the international community as part of Vision 2030.

Nkomo said the event would see a high-level government representation hosting foreign diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe as well as delegations from their host countries to showcase the breadth and quality of investment opportunities available in Zimbabwe.

BY TAFADZWA MHLANGA

ONE of Zimbabwe’s leading energy companies, Zuva Petroleum, has donated classroom furniture to five schools affected by Cyclone Idai to help normalise education for the victims of the natural disaster.

Cyclone Idai struck eastern Zimbabwe in March last year, killing 340 people in the country, with hundreds of people missing and leaving thousands others affected, mainly in the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts.

Schools in the district were the hardest hit and one year on, many are yet to recover.

officer, Zwelithini Mlotshwa, said: “Young people are at a disadvantage as they plan their families and participate in commerce. They may find themselves overwhelmed when attempting to meet the challenges life presents. To be sure, good education makes good citizens. It is the pathway towards the prosperous, productive life and good citizenship we wish for all young Zimbabweans.

“Our donation of classroom furniture to the following schools: Tonhorai, Hot springs, Ndima, Charleswood and Gwindingwe Primary schools is in recognition of the power of education to restore hope in the face of adversity.”

Charleswood Primary School head Godfrey Mandega expressed gratitude and excitement, saying the donation would help boost the children’s eagerness to learn.

“Before this donation, some children were sitting on the ground, with books on their laps. We are really happy and I know the children will be very happy to receive the furniture. I hear each school will receive 30 desks and 30 chairs,” Mandega said.