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Cabinet received an update on the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and a report on the procurement and Roll-Out of Vaccines, as presented by the Chairman of the Ministers’ Committee on the National COVID-19 Response, Honourable Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Gen. (Retd.) Dr CGDN Chiwenga.

Cabinet is encouraging all those who are not yet vaccinated to do so as the nation is not yet out of the woods. The week under review recorded five deaths compared to one recorded the previous week. There were 17 new admissions, compared to the 26 recorded the previous week with three being in intensive care. As at 17 March 2023, the country’s cumulative cases since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 stood at 264 441, with 258 456 recoveries and 5 677 cumulative deaths. The recovery rate was 98 percent, with 308 active cases having been reported.

Regarding the national vaccination programme, Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that a total of 6 890 028 first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered so far, while 5 109 287 people have received their second dose, and 1 665 662 their third dose. There was a marginal increase in the national vaccination coverage for the first dose to 61.3 percent, from the 61.1 percent which was recorded previously.

Communities are being urged to continue to protect themselves by adhering to Covid-19 public health and social measures.

UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HERITAGE-BASED EDUCATION 5.0

Cabinet received and noted the update on the implementation of Heritage-based Education 5.0 for the Modernisation and Industrialisation of Zimbabwe which was presented by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Prof Amon Murwira.

The nation is being informed that the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development transformed the inherited education system (Education 3.0) to a Heritage-based Education (Education 5.0). Heritage-based Education has five components, namely teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation. This is meant to move the nation forward towards innovation led and knowledge-based economy.  The activities are guided by priority programmes on innovation, science and technology development; and human capital development that produces goods and services. The Ministry’s strategic thrust is the attainment of an upper middle-income economy by 2030 through the “Chimurenga Chepfungwa” and “Nyika inovakwa nevana vayo” initiatives.

The progress registered by the Ministry on the implementation of some of the programmes and projects of national importance is as follows:

Verify Engineering Medical and Industrial Gases

Medical and industrial oxygen, acetilyne gas and liquid nitrogen are being successfully produced in Manicaland. Oxygen is being exported to Mozambique.

Indigenous Fruits Beneficiation Programme

A Mapfura/Amarula beneficiation plant was established at Rutenga in Mwenezi. A cough mixture, COFSOL was also launched in partnership with the National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) and  is readily available in pharmacies.

Geospatial, Aeronautical, and Space Science Capability Programme

The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is responsible for the sending into Orbit of Zimbabwe’s first Satellite (ZIMSAT 1). Work on ZIMSAT 2 is already underway. ZINGSA has produced a revised Agro-Ecological Zones Map, a National Wetlands map as well as high resolution survey maps for improved urban land-use planning and control of settlements in Harare, Karoi and Masvingo.

Number plates production programme

A number plate manufacturing plant called TransTech Solutions was established at the University of Zimbabwe thereby internalising the production of number plates.

Bio-economy programme

Finealt Engineering has successfully refurbished the bio-diesel processing plant in Mutoko. The upgraded plant has the capacity to produce 75 000 litres of bio-diesel per day from the current 30 000 litres.  There is also a programme to commence the local production of cooking oil using sunflower and a national Sunflower Outgrower Scheme has been started.

Textile and Clothing Programme

Clothing and textiles factories were set up at Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe and Great Zimbabwe University, and these are producing personal protective clothing, corporate wear and other types of clothing for schools and institutions.

Innovation Hubs Programme

Innovation Hub infrastructure has been successfully constructed at five State Universities. Under the programme a modern bus terminus was constructed at the UZ, the construction of the Simon Mazorodze Medical School was completed as well the construction and equipping of the Midlands State University National Pathology Research and Diagnostics Centre.

Industrial Parks Programme

Semi-automated manufacturing plants for the local production of industrial and household personal care products, personal protective equipment and allied health products were established at State Universities thereby saving the nation US$12 million in imports.

Agro-Innovation Parks

Agro-Industrialisation and Innovation Parks have been established at seven State universities across the country.

UPDATE REPORT ON THE MOSI-OA-TUNYA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FEASIBILITY STUDY

Cabinet received and noted the Update Report on the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company Feasibility Study on the Development of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, which was presented by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable NM Ndlovu.

Cabinet is informing the nation that Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company (MOTDC) is a special purpose vehicle which was mandated to spearhead the construction of a conference facility which hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in 2013.

In August 2020, Cabinet broadened the mandate of the company to cover tourism infrastructure development in Victoria Falls. The company subsequently entered into a joint venture partnership with Old Mutual Life Assurance Company for financing a feasibility study for the development of backbone infrastructure for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, measuring 1 200 hectares.

The feasibility study appraisal indicated that the development project is viable, with an acceptable profit margin of US$57 696 447.00 which is 15.5 percent and 18.2 percent of gross development value and development cost, respectively.

Cabinet is informing the nation that project implementation shall be rolled out in two phases. Phase One entails construction of bulk water supply systems for the entire Masuwe Special Economic Zone and development of internal water, sanitation, roads and storm water drains at an estimated total cost of US$120 million. Phase Two will witness the development of the remaining 930 hectares at approximately US$85 million. The overall estimated project implementation period is 24 months. Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company moved to Victoria Falls in April 2022, and this is expected to accelerate project implementation and to promote tourism development in the greater Victoria Falls area.

The nation is further being informed that Old Mutual Life Assurance Company will construct a 4-star hotel with a 5 000-seater conference facility; medical tourism facilities; a golf estate and a shopping mall on land which Government will allocate. The project will comply with all relevant environmental statutes, including the use of solar to provide clean energy.

The Masuwe area has been declared a Special Economic Zone in order to ensure that the project raises funds for self-financing. A Master Plan will be developed in order to guide implementation of the project. Government will maintain a shareholding on every portion of the land earmarked for development projects in Victoria Falls.

REPORT ON PREPARATIONS FOR ZIMBABWE’S PARTICIPATION AT EXPO 2025: OSAKA, JAPAN

Cabinet received and approved the report on preparations for Zimbabwe’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, which was presented by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Hon. Professor A. Murwira.

Cabinet is informing the nation that after the highly successful Expo 2020 Dubai,  Zimbabwe will participate at the Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan from 13 April to 13 October, 2025. The six months expo will run under the theme “Designing Future Society for our Lives”, and is expected to attract approximately 28 million visitors. Government has appointed Mr. Allan Majuru, the Chief Executive Officer of ZimTrade as the Commissioner General for Expo 2025 Osaka.

Zimbabwe has been allocated an 80m2 stand for its exhibition, meetings and commercial activities. The country will use the opportunity as follows: to promote the Brand Zimbabwe campaign and showcase its social and cultural diversity; to promote Zimbabwe’s trade and investment opportunities as well as tourist attractions; to benchmark Zimbabwe’s innovations, products and processes against international best practices; and to re-engage with the international community.

A National Coordinating Committee has been tasked to oversee preparations for Expo 2025 Osaka. The private sector is represented by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe, the Small and Medium Enterprises Association, and the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe, among other business associations. Participants from the private sector are being encouraged to sponsor their participation, and to profile their investment projects, develop robust digital marketing platforms and enhance product and service visibility. A robust communication and publicity strategy will be developed to ensure adequate information dissemination and raise awareness of the Expo 2025 prior to, during and after the Expo.

ZIMBABWE’S DISASTER ASSISTANCE PLAN FOR MALAWI FOLLOWING THE 2023 CYCLONE FREDDY DISASTER

His Excellency the President, Cde E.D. Mnangagwa led Cabinet in crafting a plan to render humanitarian assistance to Malawi following the recent devastation by Cyclone Freddy. The cyclone claimed over 300 lives and caused extensive damage to homes and social services infrastructure. Thousands of victims suffered injury and displacement, while the affected areas were rendered impassable.

In response to the appeal for assistance by Malawian President His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera to his fellow SADC Heads of State and Government, Cabinet has constituted a Disaster Relief Committee led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to draw up a comprehensive assistance package for disaster-stricken Malawi. The Committee will liaise with the Government of Malawi on modalities for conveying the relief package.

Cabinet has directed that the mobilization of relief assistance should commence immediately and include 10 000 metric tonnes of mealie meal; cooking oil; blankets;  clothing; construction material for cabins; sanitisers, detergents, bath soaps, stationery and other learning materials. To widen the scope of donations to Malawi, Government is encouraging the private sector, national institutions and citizens to donate generously to this worthy cause.

REPORT ON THE GLOBE AND PHOENIX PRIMARY SCHOOL DISASTER IN KWEKWE: 16 MARCH 2023

Cabinet received a report on the Globe and Phoenix Primary School Disaster which occurred in Kwekwe on 16 March 2023. The report was presented by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. July Moyo.

Cabinet is informing the nation that in the wake of the disaster, the Department of Civil Protection ensured that all affected learners were assisted accordingly, and all learning activities at the school were suspended for two days.  In addition,  Government has provided tents and set up temporary classrooms at Sally Mugabe/Russel Primary School grounds to accommodate the 1 500 learners. Kwekwe City Council is identifying a site for the construction of a new school. Government has released funds for drone mapping and a geological survey for Kwekwe City Council in order to ensure the safety of all citizens and businesses. Geotechnical surveys will be conducted for all mining towns and communities facing similar situations.

7.0  MEETING BETWEEN THE MINSTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE INDIAN MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND EDUCATION

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira informed Cabinet that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Honourable Dr. Fredrick Shava had held a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs and Education of India on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries which was recently held in Doha, Qatar.

The Ministers agreed on a mutual support arrangement in the respective campaigns for non-permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.  They also discussed bi-lateral cooperation matters and an offer to Zimbabwe for membership in the new Development Bank (formerly BRICS Bank).