_In the Press 28 FEB 2025:_ *Harare MPs granted free parking in CBD and express lanes at toll gates; DNA tests reveal majority of Zimbabwean men raising non-biological children* _Official (ZiG): Z$26.44 per USD_ _Innscor In-store Rate: Z$32.40 per USD_ _Slice, KFC, Eat'n'Lick – Z$32, Z$33.5, Z$29_ _Black Market – Z$36_ _Annual Inflation: 538%_ 📈 Key Stats: _Registered Vehicles: 1,470,955 in Zimbabwe_ _Petrol Stations: 1,085 in 2024, up from 299 in 2012_ _Zimbabwe Gold Production (2024): 36.48 tonnes, surpassing the 35-tonne target._ _Power Outages (2024): Averaged 18 hours/day in some regions._ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VazsRoJ65yD96wtt3k0D Members of Parliament will enjoy express lanes at selected toll gates as part of a pilot project for exempted government officials. Speaking in the National Assembly, Mudenda announced that the pilot project will begin at Skyline, Dema, and Eskbank toll gates. He explained that vehicles must have an e-tag to use the express lane, which the system will scan. Once detected, the boom barrier will automatically open. _*— Agencies*_ Members of Parliament are now exempt from paying parking fees in Harare’s Central Business District. This follows an agreement between Parliament and City Parking, the company that collects parking fees for the City of Harare. Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, announced that Parliament has reached an agreement with City Parking to allow two vehicles per Member of Parliament to park for free in the CBD. _*— Open Parly*_ An official at St. Peter’s Kubatana Industrial Training College, run by the Roman Catholic Church, has threatened journalists reporting on an alleged sexual harassment scandal involving students and teachers. At least three cases have reportedly been overlooked in the past year, with the latest involving lecturer Kudakwashe Jongwe. A parent described meetings with Principal Mr. Gatsi, who is accused of protecting teachers involved in the exploitation of students. In response, Acting Principal Mlambo warned NewZimbabwe to retract the report, claiming the Roman Catholic Church could take action against the journalist. _*— NewZimbabwe*_ The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has appointed an investigation team to look into allegations against councillors and senior management at Gweru City Council. The investigation, set to span 10 days, is authorised under Section 311 (1) of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15). The team will be chaired by K. Ncube, Chief Director of Local Authorities, with members including E. Njoma (Deputy Director: Public Works), B. Manwa (Financial Advisor), and KG Chakabva (PAO: Local Authorities), who will serve as the secretary. _*— Pindula*_ The City of Harare has warned against illegal structures springing up across the city and vowed to demolish unauthorised developments. The rise of informal businesses has led to an increase in new constructions and the conversion of old buildings into retail spaces. Large commercial properties are being repurposed into shopping malls with subdivided units for multiple operators. While this has proven profitable for property owners, concerns about the legality of these developments are growing, with some lacking approval from city authorities. _*— Business Times*_ THE City of Harare has created a new municipal police unit tasked with raiding illegal traders and arresting litterbugs in the central business district. This emerged during a meeting held at Town House yesterday, where mayor Jacob Mafume said council wanted to restore order in the city. _*— NewsDay*_ Botswana has secured a landmark 10-year diamond sales agreement with De Beers, increasing its share of revenue from the Debswana joint venture. Under the agreement, Botswana's share will rise from 25% to 30% in the first five years and to 40% in the subsequent five years, with an option for a five-year extension that could split sales equally at 50% each. In return, De Beers has received a 25-year extension of its mining licenses in Botswana, allowing operations to continue from 2029 to 2054, thus ensuring a long-term future for its mining activities in the country. _*— Agencies*_ Recent data from Global DNA Zimbabwe has revealed that an alarming 72% of paternity tests conducted in the country yield negative results, indicating that most presumed fathers are not biologically related to the children they are raising. This trend raises critical questions about trust and family dynamics, as more men unknowingly raise children who are not theirs. Partners Chiriseri from Global DNA Zimbabwe highlighted that many men discover they are not the biological fathers of their children through these tests. _*— Health Times*_ Follow this channel ✅ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VazsRoJ65yD96wtt3k0D