Monday 24 February 2025 *EVENING NEWS UPDATES* *THE HEADLINES* *Journalist Blessed Mhlanga arrested over Geza interview; accused of transmitting information that incites violence: To appear in court tomorrow* *Journalist Detention Condemned* *Fallout From Takeover Scandal: Nssa & RTG Directors Seek to Restore Confidence After Damaging Allegations Surface!* *Government To Release Findings Of UBH Baby Swap Probe, Says Kwidini* *Coal-Laden NRZ Train Derails In Kadoma After Heavy Rainfall* *Urban Connect Bus Accident Death Toll Climbs To 28* *Health Deputy Minister Blames Staff Sabotage For Equipment Breakdowns In Public Hospitals* *Heavy rains kill 49 people in Zimbabwe, including a newly married couple that died on Valentine’s Day: Govt confirms* *Exploring Royal Queen Seeds and Medical Cannabis: A Guide for Growers and Enthusiasts* *President Mnangagwa launches Beitbridge’s US$3.6 billion industrial park* *'SANDF has been turned into a Mickey Mouse force' - top general speaks out* *Google Should Pay R300-R500 Million Annually To South African Media, Report Says* FOLLOW THIS CHANNEL https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaifFH90QealiZ3Gv21T *THE DETAILS* _*Journalist Blessed Mhlanga arrested over Geza interview; accused of transmitting information that incites violence: To appear in court tomorrow*_ Heart and Soul Television (HSTV) journalist Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested and charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23. The charges relate to Mhlanga granting an interview to Blessed Geza, a staunch opponent of the Mnangagwa 2030 agenda, war veteran, and Zanu PF Central Committee member. Section 164 pertains to “the transmission of information that incites violence or causes damage to property.” Geza had issued press briefings and interviews through HSTV, anchored by Mhlanga, calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign from office immediately, adding that “failure to which the people of Zimbabwe will use the constitution to assist him to step down.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Last week, police issued a statement appealing to the public for information regarding Mhlanga’s whereabouts. Mhlanga denied that he was on the run and stated that he would present himself to the police on Monday. Upon presenting himself to the Harare Central Police State CID Law and Order department, Mhlanga was charged and subsequently detained. Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube posted on his X account on Monday afternoon, informing the public of Mhlanga’s arrest. “I condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga today. Dhara is spending the night in police custody accused of “Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property.” This follows HStvNews broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza. This is punishing Dhara for doing his work as a journalist. Dhara is a principled and courageous journalist who will not be broken by this brazen harassment and intimidation,” Ncube wrote. I condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of @bbmhlanga today. Dhara is spending the night in police custody accused of “Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property.” This follows @HStvNews broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza. _*Journalist Detention Condemned*_ Harare-Alfa Media Holding, HStvNews Production manager, Blessed Mhlanga has been arrested. Mhlanga was arrested this morning after handing himself over to the police in the presence of his Lawyer, Chris Mhike. The arrest of Mhlanga comes not as a surprise to many, with the current political landscape and ongoing tension in the governing, ZANU PF party on the 2030 Agenda. Mhlanga and his production team gave space to the outspoken, and ZANU PF Central Committee member, Blessed Runesu Geza, who demanded the country’s leader and first Secretary of the Party, Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign on allegation of maladministration, corruption and misgovernance. Geza is on the police wanted list and his wife, Roseline Ndaizivei Tawengwa was questioned and later taken by the police, CID Law-and-Order section few days ago. She is being represented by her Lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa. Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Regional and Country Director, Tabani Moyo, told the Post on Sunday Newspaper that Mhlanga was supposed to appear in court today which didn’t happen and he confirmed that he has been put in detention, for how many nights? He doesn’t know. “Yes, indeed we can confirm that journalist with Heart and Soul tv, Blessed Mhlanga, handed himself to the police today in the presence his Lawyer, Chris Mhike, and charged with contravening section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. which is inciting violence through circulating messages online,” said Moyo. He added that as MISA they are yet to understand the status of the case, after highlighting that they would take him to court, but that has since not happened, indications show that this will happen a day which is not today, which by extension mean he will spend a night or nights in detention. “As MISA we always insist that there are professional mechanisms or remedies to parties that have got grievances that they see coming out of the media, firstly they can approach the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) or the Voluntary Media Council (VMCZ), for immediate remedies rather than opting the route of arresting Journalists while they are doing their work,” added Moyo. He further clarified that that as far as MISA is concerned, there is no complainant that they are aware of, and this might be a matter that the police themselves they are interested in, and there is a Media, Police section plan, which is at our disposal to utilize, if need be, rather than opting to arresting Journalist before investigations are in full swing. “We continue to monitor the case,” exclaimed Moyo. Mhlanga was summoned by the police, law and order section twice and positively responded and went to Harare Central Police Station, the police said they were interested in an old case which involved his wife and former Minister, Terrence Mukupe. The second time he also handed himself over to the police, and the police said they didn’t have anything of interest for him. Besides interviewing Geza, Mhlanga also interview Jealousy Mawarire, an assumption that he could have been arrested for interviewing Mawarire. Political analysts, civic society groups and netizens have condemned the arrest of the journalists and coded it as a political arrest. Owner of the Alfa Media Holdings, Trevor Ncube wrote on his social platform page on X that he condemned the arrest and detention of Mhlanga today. “Dhara is spending the night in police custody accused of “Transmission of data message inciting violence or damage to property.” He went further and said, “This follows HStvNews broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza. This is punishing Dhara for doing his work as a journalist. Ncube described Mhlanga as a principled and courageous journalist who will not be broken by brazen harassment and intimidation. Post on Sunday _*Fallout From Takeover Scandal: Nssa & RTG Directors Seek to Restore Confidence After Damaging Allegations Surface!*_ NATIONAL Social Security Authority (Nssa) and Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) directors and management executives are set to meet today to deal with the plot to take over the tourism and hospitality giant through destabilisation and manipulation of the company and its share price to knock down its value for the taking, The News Hawks has reported. Public Service, Labour and Social ministry sources told The NewsHawks the meeting will include Nssa and RTG board members and senior managers. “There is a meeting set for today between Nssa and RTG directors and executives to discuss the clandestine bid to take over the tourism company at an undervalued price through manipulation of its internal issues, processes and stock market dynamics to create a negative sentiment to enable cheap buying of a controlling stake,” a ministry official said. This comes as Nssa chairman Emmanuel Fundira’s plan to swoop on RTG shares at a cheap price is now unravelling as authorities intervene to stop the calculated corporate raiding conspiracy. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Public Service minister Edgar Moyo says he is closely monitoring the situation after The NewsHawks’ exposé. The NewsHawks reported last week Fundira is manoeuvring with a former RTG senior employee Paula January and his business partners to seize control of the hospitality company through an engineered and manipulated shares-buying scheme. Although Fundira and Paula January claimed not to know each other and be aware of what is happening at RTG, evidence shows they do and are working together on the issue. The NewsHawks has documents and audios showing the two’s collaboration to knock down the share price to facilitate their plan. As a result, they reported RTG company’s executives to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) over their fat salaries and benefits to create an internal storm to plummet its shares and buy them cheap. Nssa is the major shareholder in RTG, with a 91,6% equity in the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE)-listed company. Nssa, a statutory pension fund, is however planning to offload 56% of its shares, over time, hence plot to devalue its shares to accumulate them cheaply through manipulative buying. ZHL Capital, which is part of ZimRe Holdings, is Nssa’s financial advisory firm in the disposal of its 56%. Nssa is talking to several potential buyers locally and internationally, but Fundira and his business allies have been using insider information ahead of the disposal to position themselves for a clandestine takeover. Fundira has been working closely with Paula January to destabilise the company and achieve their objective. The NewsHawks went through documents and listened to audios where Paula January is heard informing people that Zacc would investigate RTG executives, well before the actual investigation started. She also revealed she had RTG executives’ salaries, allowances and gratuity payment details in her possession, including the exact amounts. In one part of the revealing audio, she is heard talking to someone saying, “Fundira, Fundira, Fundira” as she scrolls down her emails to find the information and figures. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Paula January resigned from RTG in a huff after the hotelier launched an internal investigation into a suspicious child drowning incident at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre in 2019 where she was the general manager. The NewsHawks’ story first published this past week exposed Fundira’s strategy to take control of RTG, attendant conflict of interest and dirty tactics employed, forcing him to go into a damage limitation exercise to manage the fallout. Fundira has been scrambling reach out to Moyo, and Nssa and RTG executives to deal with the disclosures. Ministry sources say as a result Fundira will today meet RTG and Nssa directors and executives for a crisis management engagement. The firefighting meeting will seek to amicably resolve issues, while ensuring Fundira is stopped in his tracks. The NewsHawks also understands that Moyo is concerned by the situation and has sought to understand the goings-on at RTG and Nssa. Moyo is still new at the ministry, having been appointed only last month. In an interview, Moyo confirmed he was “watching closely” what was going on at Nssa and its hospitality asset, RTG. “We are watching the space,” Moyo told NewsHawks. “We are watching very closely, but we don’t want to micro-manage the situation. We are checking what is going-on and we are getting information from the board because Nssa has a full board. “Since Nssa falls under our ministry, we are checking and watching the space, but we want to fully understand the situation and not to rush into decisions. Remember, I am only two months into the ministry, so I don’t want to rush.” Fundira, who is deeply intertwined in hospitality activities, is conflicted as former African Sun chair with residual interest on the one hand; and current chair of Nssa which controls RTG on the other. African Sun, which was ZSE-listed until 2023, is now listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. It runs 10 hotels. Fundira is a leading safari industry operator and has tourism assets in South Africa and has indirect interest in African Sun business affairs. In addition, he is heavily invested in the hospitality and tourism industry. Fundira owns and is chief executive of Astoc Leisure Group. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Furthermore, he is also the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe president and past chairperson of the Zimbabwe Council of Tourism. Upon taking over Nssa, he signed an agreement not to be involved in hospitality issues as RTG is a competitor to African Sun. He is however meddling in hospitality affairs in violation of the agreement. Zacc has launched an investigation into alleged money laundering against RTG and its executives at his behest through Paula January. The allegations basically involve a series of payments in salaries, gratuities, allowances and bonuses, some of them backdated due to lagging remunerations caused by the Covid -19 global pandemic and cashflows constraints. The anti-corruption body has obtained a search and seizure warrant, authorising its officers to seize payroll records, employment contracts, and other financial documents related to top RTG executives. RTG has been cooperating with Zacc through the board, but is challenging the warrant which it sees as a witch-hunting exercise driven by external forces with ulterior motives and vested interest. Market watchers say Fundira and Paula January instigated the investigations through behind-the-scenes manoeuvres to create internal turmoil within RTG and fuel negative market sentiment to erode share value to facilitate a cheap takeover. The destabilisation will help knock down stock value, aiding and abetting the planned incremental process of buying of Nssa shares put on public offer. Manipulation of share prices to undervalue stock and take over a company is illegal in Zimbabwe and many other countries. Corporate raiders however still find ways to drive down and undervalue shares to take over companies at cheap prices. Nssa has diversified interests in banking, finance, real estate, hospitality and housing sectors. Fundira came in at a time RTG was seeking to expand by, among other things, acquiring Montclaire Hotel in Nyanga. Nssa, through its subsidiary National Building Society, is however stalling the acquisition by delaying to guarantee the availability of cash despite promising to do so. The group is also seeking external investors, but the timing of the Zacc investigation is seen as an external attempt to scuttle plans. Because of his interests in the tourism industry, the Office of The President and Cabinet specifically barred the Nssa chair from involving himself in Nssa’s tourism interests, including at RTG. He signed a subsidiary agreement with Nssa on that. His appointment letter dated 21 August 2023, states “Dr Fundira should recuse himself from any Nssa decisions that have a bearing on the tourism sector where he has vast personal interests.” But audios suggest Fundira has been supplying Paula January with sensitive information, including payroll details in pursuit of his agenda, now doomed to fail. – The News Hawks _*Government To Release Findings Of UBH Baby Swap Probe, Says Kwidini*_ Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, said the investigation into the baby swap incident at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) is ongoing, and the government will release the findings once complete. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Speaking after a tour of UBH last Thursday, Kwidini said that the ministry is thoroughly addressing the issue and will leave no stone unturned. He added that while the families have been reunited, the incident is unacceptable and must never be repeated. Said Kwidini: That matter is still under investigation, but I can assure the nation that the findings will be made public. If charges are to be brought against anyone found guilty, they will be. And if it is proven that it was simply a mistake without ill intent, the public will also be informed. It must be clear that this matter will not be swept under the carpet. Kwidini did not confirm whether the nurse involved is still working or has been suspended pending the investigation. A mother who gave birth to a baby boy late last year was shocked when a nurse handed her a baby girl instead. The nurse suggested the confusion might be due to anaesthesia from her Caesarean section. Suspicious, the mother sought DNA testing at a private lab and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), which confirmed that the baby girl was not hers. She had been told that another woman, who was due for the same procedure, had been discharged before her. With the support of her family, who remembered her scan results showing a baby boy, the mother confronted the hospital. Staff located the other woman, but her husband refused to cooperate, insisting the baby girl was his. The police were called, and the couple was brought to Bulawayo. After further DNA testing with NUST, it was confirmed that the babies had been switched. _*Coal-Laden NRZ Train Derails In Kadoma After Heavy Rainfall*_ A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) goods train, transporting coal, derailed at Jangano near Kadoma on Sunday. The incident occurred after Kadoma experienced heavy rainfall on Saturday night, which led to the accumulation of mud at a level crossing. The mud build-up covered the tracks, which ultimately caused the train to derail. According to NRZ, the wet weather conditions, combined with the mud blocking the tracks, created unsafe conditions for the train, leading to the derailment. The train’s load remained intact and no one was injured in the derailment. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. NRZ workers have been on site to assess the damage and begin the process of clearing the tracks. Crews have also been working to remove the derailed train and restore normal operations. NRZ said: Our recovery team has managed to move the derailed wagons from the derailment site with their contents (coal) intact to the station. The team is now simultaneously busy with aligning the tracks and re-railing of the locomotive. Kadoma experienced heavy rains (115mm in less than 12 hours) on Saturday night, this resulted in mud accumulating at the level crossing thus covering the tracks which then caused the train to derail. Fortunately, no one was injured due to this derailment. Commenting on the incident, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono said the country’s rail system has become “rotten” after decades of neglect and mismanagement. He wrote on X: I am no longer surprised when I hear stories of train derailments in Zimbabwe, like this one near Kadoma today. The railway system is rotten, yet it used to be better than the British railway system in the 1960s. As you can see, it no longer has railway sleepers, a basic necessity for basic railway systems for them to be safe. I wonder what goes through the heads of our political leaders in government, they drive million-dollar Maybach limousines yet the railway system that is supposed to drive business is broken like this. It is as embarrassing as it is tragic! Thank God nobody died in this accident. No country prospers without a decent railway network. You can chant as many slogans as you want and bootlick the president as much as you like, but without a modern railway system, you are a banana republic! _*Urban Connect Bus Accident Death Toll Climbs To 28*_ THE death toll in the accident involving an Urban Connect bus and a haulage truck along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway has risen to 28, police has said. The accident killed 17 people on the spot, while seven others died upon admission at Beitbridge Hospital, and four more later died while receiving treatment bringing the total death toll to 28. poster The tragic accident occurred two weeks ago near Lutumba tollgate when a Beitbridge-bound Urban Connect bus collided with a truck transporting magnesium to Chirundu. In a statement Monday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said two bodies remain unknown. “Reference is made to the ZRP press statement released on 21 February 2024 on a fatal road traffic accident which occurred on 13 February 2024 at the 262-kilometre peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, Lutumba. “The death toll has risen to 28. “Two victims, a man and woman, are yet to be identified,” ZRP said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The crash was allegedly a result of reckless driving, as witnesses claimed the Urban Connect driver was speeding. The government last week suspended Urban Connect Holdings Pvt Ltd operating license for six months saying the bus did not have a valid passenger insurance policy or route permit, and its driver had not met the re-test requirement, violating multiple transport regulations. _*Health Deputy Minister Blames Staff Sabotage For Equipment Breakdowns In Public Hospitals*_ Health and Childcare Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini accused hospital staff of deliberately sabotaging hospital machinery to force repairs, allowing them to work at private hospitals for extra cash. Kwidini made these remarks during a tour of the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) last week. He also announced that the government plans to reintroduce locum in all public hospitals to motivate health workers to stay in the public sector. He said: Some of the problems that we see in hospitals, such as mechanical faults are caused by our people because they would want to ground the systems in the institutions and to go and practice in the private sector where they can get more money. I have seen our chemistry machines in labs and most of them have technical faults and these technical faults are not the manufacturers’ problem or the age but it is because of our people who are working on those machines. They are creating those faults so that they can take these specimens to the private where they practise as locum practitioners. UBH Chief Medical Officer William Busuman urged the government to implement measures that will attract doctors to work in public institutions. Said Busuman (via Southern Eye): We want the government to reintroduce issues to do with locum for health practitioners so that they come back to public hospitals. If we have the locum funds or on-call funds, there will not be any workers who will be found in private hospitals. It is a way that we saw that may reduce a lot of challenges in the hospital. _*Heavy rains kill 49 people in Zimbabwe, including a newly married couple that died on Valentine’s Day: Govt confirms*_ Zimbabwe is grappling with the devastating consequences of extreme weather, as heavy rains continue to lash the country, claiming the lives of at least 49 people since the start of the rainy season. Authorities are forecasting further downpours across all ten provinces until tomorrow, raising fears of more flash floods and landslides. The Department of Civil Protection (DCP) chief director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, warned of the impending danger. “Weather advisory forecasted heavy rains across all the country’s 10 provinces starting from February 19 to 24, 2025. The downpours have the potential to cause flash flooding, riverine flooding, landslides, mudslides and lightning, posing danger to communities, especially those in low-lying areas.” The relentless rains have already caused widespread destruction to both private property and public infrastructure, with damages estimated to exceed US$330,000. Roads, bridges, shops, and even a church have been severely affected. In addition, nearly a thousand homes (992) and over a hundred schools (139) have sustained damage, further exacerbating the crisis. The DCP has recorded numerous incidents of drowning resulting from flash flooding. One tragic case involved a 50-year-old man from Shurugwi, who drowned in the Mutevekwi River on February 16. His body was recovered two days later by the police sub-aqua unit, a stark reminder of the dangers posed by swollen rivers. The town of Kwekwe was particularly hard hit by a devastating flash flood on February 18. “A devastating flash flood struck Kwekwe on February 18, 2025, causing widespread destruction to households in Mbizo and surrounding areas,” Mr Nkomo explained. “The floodwaters inundated homes, resulting in significant property damage. The aftermath also poses additional threats to wooden structures. An assessment is currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage, including the number of households and properties affected.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. In Buhera district, tragedy struck when two five-year-old children from Mudinzwa village drowned in a stream. Their bodies were later recovered by the police, adding to the growing list of fatalities. Rescue operations have been underway across the country. In Chipinge, on February 16, fifteen people found themselves stranded on Lisungwe island due to flooding while farming. A coordinated effort involving the district civil protection unit, Mahenye Chilo Gorge Lodge, and the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, resulted in the successful rescue of thirteen individuals over two days. However, the situation remains precarious as two people reportedly refused evacuation and remain on the island. “Law enforcement has been engaged to intervene on the issue of the two who remained on the island,” Mr Nkomo confirmed, highlighting the challenges faced by rescue teams. Mhondoro has also experienced its share of hardship. On February 13, heavy rainfall left 13 households homeless in Mubaira Ward 1. Just three days later, on February 16, a shaft mine collapsed at Magodo Mine in the same district, trapping ten miners underground. While five miners managed to escape, rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining five, with officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development at the site. The extreme weather has brought heartbreak to families across the nation. In Beitbridge, a newly married couple tragically lost their lives on Valentine’s Day when their house in Tshaswingo village collapsed due to the heavy rains. “This incident was attributed by heavy rains that weakened the structure of their house,” said Mr Nkomo, underscoring the devastating impact of the downpours. Local authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to seek safer shelter at evacuation centres as heavy rains continue to pose a significant risk. The call for vigilance is echoed nationwide. The loss of young lives is particularly poignant. “On February 17, 2025, tragedy struck at Donkwedonkwe Primary School in Matobo when a female ECD (early childhood development) learner, Promise Ncube, was swept away by a flooded stream and sadly lost her life,” Mr Nkomo revealed, a heartbreaking illustration of the dangers facing vulnerable communities. _*Exploring Royal Queen Seeds and Medical Cannabis: A Guide for Growers and Enthusiasts*_ Cannabis cultivation has seen significant advancements over the years, with a growing focus on high-quality genetics and specialised strains. Among the many seed banks available today, Royal Queen Seeds has earned a strong reputation for offering premium-quality cannabis seeds suited for different growing environments and purposes. In addition to recreational use, medical cannabis has gained significant interest due to its potential properties. With advancements in breeding and strain selection, growers now have access to a wide variety of seeds specifically designed for different needs. This article explores the role of Royal Queen Seeds in the cannabis industry and provides insight into the various strains commonly associated with medical cannabis. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The Role of Royal Queen Seeds in Cannabis Cultivation Royal Queen Seeds is a well-known seed bank that has developed a wide range of high-quality cannabis strains, offering options for both beginners and experienced growers. With a focus on strong genetics and reliable performance, their seeds cater to different cultivation styles, whether indoors, outdoors, or greenhouse growing. What Makes Royal Queen Seeds Popular? - High-Quality Genetics – Their seeds come from carefully selected parent plants, ensuring stability, high yields, and strong resistance to pests and diseases. - Variety of Strains – They offer feminised, autoflowering, and high-CBD strains, providing growers with diverse options depending on their needs. - Suitable for Different Climates – With a focus on adaptability, many of their strains perform well in various environments, making them a good choice for growers in different regions. - Ease of Cultivation – Their catalogue includes beginner-friendly strains that require minimal maintenance while still producing impressive yields. For those looking to cultivate medical cannabis, Royal Queen Seeds offers a variety of strains with specific cannabinoid profiles that may be suited for different uses. Understanding Medical Cannabis and Strain Selection Medical cannabis refers to strains that have been selected for their specific properties. While cannabis has been used for centuries, modern breeding techniques have allowed growers to focus on producing plants with tailored cannabinoid content. Types of Medical Cannabis Strains Different cannabis strains offer unique cannabinoid profiles, with varying levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The ratio of these compounds can influence the plant’s properties and potential applications. 1. High-CBD Strains CBD-dominant strains have gained popularity due to their non-intoxicating effects. These strains contain higher levels of cannabidiol and lower amounts of THC. Many growers seek high-CBD strains for their unique properties. Popular high-CBD strains from Royal Queen Seeds include: - Solomatic CBD – A strain with a high CBD-to-THC ratio, making it a great choice for those seeking a mild, non-intoxicating experience. - Medical Mass – A hybrid strain bred for a balanced CBD and THC content, offering a gentle effect. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. 2. Balanced THC and CBD Strains Some strains contain equal amounts of THC and CBD, providing a more balanced experience. These strains are often preferred by those looking for moderate effects without being too overwhelming. Notable strains include: - Royal Highness – A sativa-dominant hybrid with a nearly equal THC-to-CBD ratio. - Painkiller XL – Known for its balanced cannabinoid content and smooth-growing characteristics. 3. High-THC Strains For those looking for strains with a higher THC content, Royal Queen Seeds also offers a range of potent varieties. While these strains are popular among recreational users, they are also cultivated by those interested in exploring cannabis’ full spectrum of properties. Some of the most well-known high-THC strains include: - Royal Gorilla – A powerful hybrid with high THC content, known for its strong effects. - Amnesia Haze – A classic sativa with uplifting and energising properties. Growing Medical Cannabis: Factors to Consider When cultivating medical cannabis, selecting the right strain is just the first step. Growers should also consider several factors to ensure the best results. 1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing - Indoor Cultivation – Offers more control over environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity. This is ideal for those growing high-CBD or specific hybrid strains. - Outdoor Cultivation – Works well for robust strains that can thrive in natural conditions. Some Royal Queen Seeds strains are specifically bred for outdoor resilience. 2. Autoflowering vs. Photoperiod Strains - Autoflowering Strains – Flower automatically without needing changes in the light cycle. These are perfect for beginner growers or those looking for quick harvests. - Photoperiod Strains – Require light cycle changes to trigger flowering, offering more control over the vegetative stage for those wanting to optimise yields. 3. Climate Adaptability - Some strains are better suited for warm, dry environments, while others thrive in cooler conditions. Royal Queen Seeds provides detailed strain descriptions, helping growers choose the right variety for their specific climate. Final Thoughts The world of medical cannabis continues to expand, and growers now have more options than ever when selecting strains that meet their needs. Royal Queen Seeds has established itself as a trusted name in cannabis cultivation, offering a diverse range of high-quality strains suitable for different growing conditions and preferences. By selecting the right seeds and considering key factors such as strain type, growing environment, and cannabinoid content, cultivators can enjoy a rewarding experience in growing medical cannabis. Whether opting for high-CBD, balanced hybrid, or THC-rich strains, the key to a successful grow lies in understanding the genetics and tailoring cultivation techniques to achieve the best results. _*President Mnangagwa launches Beitbridge’s US$3.6 billion industrial park*_ President Mnangagwa has officiated at the groundbreaking and plaque unveiling ceremony of the US$3.6 billion Palm River Energy Metallurgical Special Economic Zone project in Beitbridge. The landmark project, which shows growing investor confidence in the Second Republic, has the potential to significantly transform the economy of the Matabeleland region and the country at large. Palm River is a multi-faceted project that will encompass mining, power generation, coke production, and steel manufacturing. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. With its focus on energy, mining, and value addition, the project has the potential to transform the Matabeleland region into a hub of industrial activity and economic growth. The President and his delegation toured the industrial park. Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando and Chinese embassy officials were part of the delegation. Several players in the mining sector and Beitbridge community leaders were also present. The project, which is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s mining and energy sectors, was set up following discussions between the company’s chairman and President Mnangagwa. It will ultimately produce stainless steel, and is being implemented in phases. The project covers an area of 5,163 hectares and will be constructed in five phases over 12 years. The first phase of construction will be done in two years, with a total investment of US$237 million. In 2018, President Mnangagwa declared Beitbridge a Special Economic Zone as part of the Second Republic’s broader strategy to attract investment. The SEZ model aims to enhance foreign direct investment, improve local business competitiveness, and drive economic growth. Herald _*’SANDF has been turned into a Mickey Mouse force' - top general speaks out*_ “South African borders are porous because you, the politicians, have decided you want a Mickey Mouse defence force," SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Lieutenant-General Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha said. Speaking at the funeral of Staff Sergeant Ishmael Molahlehi held in the Free State over the weekend, Maphaha warned the government that borders were not protected, leaving many vulnerable. He stressed that South Africa was seen a 'big brother' in Africa given its position in the world as a global player and also a leader in Africa in terms of economic and geopolitics. "You cannot be a big brother if you are unable to wield a stick that will make people afraid," he said. His scathing comments highlight the difficulties facing the military both at home and abroad at a time when the SANDF is dealing with the terrible loss of 14 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Honour, responsibility, and sacrifice are qualities that the late Molahlehi embodied throughout his life, and members of the SANDF were strongly urged to uphold them throughout the service. Other slain soldiers funerals took place at the weekend. Maphaha said that the SANDF was mandated to protect and defend the country, adding that any home will display its character by the level of security it places around it. "What we give to the SANDF should symbolise that. How many of you will build an expensive and beautiful house and not fence it and protect it? I don't think any of you will do that," he said. He urged politicians to take into consideration the importance of equipping the troops with the necessary resources to protect the country. This comes as many complain about the SANDF not being ready to defend the country. _*Google Should Pay R300-R500 Million Annually To South African Media, Report Says*_ Google should pay South African media houses between R300 to R500 million annually over 3-5 years to compensate for lost revenue and address the imbalance in shared value, according to the Competition Commission’s Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report released on Monday. The report called for action against search engines like Google and social media platforms like Meta. The MDPMI was established to investigate potential barriers to competition in the South African media landscape. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Paula Fray, a panel member, explained that while Google generates R800 to R900 million from South African news content, it also undermines around R160 to R200 million in potential value for local media. Fray said: Our assessment is that the imbalance in the share of total value is around R300 to R500 million annually. The inquiry found that Google’s algorithm is biased, disadvantaging South African media in favour of international outlets. It also revealed that most South Africans use social media, such as X, TikTok, Meta, and YouTube, as their primary news source. The report noted that Meta and X have deprioritised South African posts with links, reducing referral traffic and that South African news outlets are struggling to monetise views on YouTube. James Hodge, MDPMI chairperson, called for South Africa to impose a 5-10% digital levy on social media and AI companies to compensate local media for lost revenue. He also stressed the need for search engines to restore referral traffic and adjust algorithms to reduce bias toward foreign platforms. Hodge recommended that Google share anonymised user data, provide SEO assistance, and pay South African media houses between R300 to R500 million annually over 3-5 years. He urged Meta to stop deprioritising news on Facebook and increase referral traffic by at least 100%. Hodge also said there is a need for Meta and X to stop deprioritising news posts with links, and for YouTube to help media outlets, including SABC, better monetise their content by increasing the revenue share to 70% and promoting higher-value direct sales.