Monday 24 February 2025 *AFTERNOON NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *A defining moment for Mnangagwa* *The President MUST Encourage those persuaders to focus their energies on Diaspora Vote, not a Term Extension* *Zimbabwe’s ARV shortage: A call for urgent action to safeguard health gains* *Crisis meeting over RTG alleged takeover plot* *Triple murder suspect arrested after week on the run* *16 Zimbabweans among dozens arrested in SA’s Pretoria major crime crackdown against illegal foreigners* *Zimbabwe tobacco growers encouraged to prioritize quality* *6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets* *Government To Reintroduce Locum In Public Hospitals – Kwidini* *South African Pastor Bitten By A Snake During Prayer* *Tshabangu Denies Ties To “CCC Blue” And “CCC Green”, Yet His Recalls Stood* *Congo’s president says he’ll create a unity government as violence spreads* *Ukraine leader Zelensky willing to give up presidency in exchange for NATO membership* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*A defining moment for Mnangagwa*_ THE ED2030 brigade took its campaign to Bulawayo on National Youth Day on Friday last week where supporters sang “2030 ndeya Emmerson”, a song which dovetails with plan for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his stay in office to 2030. This will be two years after the end of his second and final term in 2028. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. That the 2030 brigade has taken its shameless plan to public events exposes its desperation. We have also seen the same rent-a-mob singing at the National Heroes Acre during the burial of heroes. The ill-advised 2030 agenda is gaining currency despite the intended beneficiary, Mnangagwa, saying he will "persuade those that want to persuade him” to stay on. There is new regalia emblazoned “Persuaders 4ED”, signalling a well-oiled machinery to attain a constitutional amendment regardless of the consequences. These contradictions in the governing party are bad for the tanking economy. Formal retailers could be breathing their last, weighed down by a punishing tax regime, policies and the growing informalisation that has eaten the formal sector’s lunch. Several companies have entered into corporate rescue to have breathing space as they move to ward off creditors. The economy is in bad shape. The opposition, seen as a government-in-waiting, is supposed to keep the ruling party on its toes. However, it has become a bystander as crises play out. The Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) party has never been the same since its founder Nelson Chamisa quit the party and Sengezo Tshabangu got the carte blanche to recall elected lawmakers. The same Tshabangu recently hectored CCC lawmakers to Mnangagwa’s farm where he appeared to endorse the plan to prolong Mnangagwa’s stay, despite claims to the contrary some days later. The collapsed healthcare system laid bare by the recent fatal accident in Beitbridge, the deteriorating economic environment that is pushing formal retailers to the margins, and a failure to tame the country's number one enemy, corruption, have all manifested because all hands are on the wrong deck — the 2030 push. The crises appear to have been forgotten as the 2030 chorus grows loud. What the 2030 agenda has done is to put the country in perpetual election mode, 18 months after the controversial August 2023 elections. The economy and social sectors have been forgotten as the 2030 cheerleaders plunge headlong with their plan. To them, their plan must sail through, never mind the cost. They are living up to what theorist Tomas Sowell once said about politicians. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems, he wrote. “They are trying to solve their own problems — of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two. Whatever is number three is far behind,” Sowell said. By being the governing party, Zanu PF must put its house in order. This entails censuring those who are pushing the divisive 2030 agenda. The ball is in Mnangagwa’s court to calm loyalists using his dual role of State president and leader of the ruling party. He has spoken four times saying he is not interested in prolonging his stay. It is clear loyalists need more than statements. Newsday _*The President MUST Encourage those persuaders to focus their energies on Diaspora Vote, not a Term Extension*_ The President, a self-proclaimed constitutionalist who knows very well that a constitutional amendment that prolongs a term of office does not benefit the incumbent, should instead persuade his persuaders to focus their energies on expediting the effort to enable Diaspora vote, a target which the President missed in 2023. In 2018, during his maiden visit to the United Nations General Conference, President Mnangagwa told Zimbabweans living in the United States of America that it was his intention to have diaspora based Zimbabweans voting in the 2023 elections. Having missed his target for Diaspora Vote in 2023, President Mnangagwa must now strive to ensure he leaves behind a legacy of accountability and truthfulness when he leaves office in 2028. The faction of Zanu PF that is persuading President Mnangagwa to overstay in power claims that the idea to have President Mnangagwa overstay in power was hatched at the Zanu PF Conference of 2024. The Conference was probably attended by about 10,000 people. We are confident that President Mnangagwa is smart enough to know that 10,000 people cannot make a decision that is binding to the over 16 million Zimbabweans living in the country, and an estimated four million Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora. The minority should not be allowed to ruin it for the majority. A National President presides over the whole country, not only his political party. If Zanu PF wants President Mnangagwa as Party President until 2030, that is their choice, but by constitution, he cannot stay beyond ten years when the constitution is amended during his term as Zimbabwe’s President. President Mnangagwa knows too well that even if the Constitution was amended, he cannot constitutionally benefit, so we expect him to uphold that provision and tell the persuaders that their wish is impossible. The next elections should be held any time between June and September 2028, more than three years away. A good President should be able to complete the targets he has been working on for eight years (2017 – 2025) by then. If the argument is about completing Vision 2030 as those who want President Mnangagwa to overstay in power claim, let them be reminded that the late President Mugabe was the first to embrace Vision 2030 for Zimbabwe, but he was forced to resign. If the late President Mugabe was not allowed to complete his term in order to complete vision 2030, why should President Mnangagwa have his term extended when he is only continuing the work that President Mugabe started? Whoever succeeds President Mnangagwa, whether from Zanu PF or any other political party will have the mandate to complete Vision 2030. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The Diaspora Zimbabweans play a pivotal role in the national economy. Every Parliamentarian who read the country’s 2025 National Budget presented in Parliament towards the end of 2024 will know that According to the Zimbabwe 2025 National Budget, diaspora remittances are projected to reach approximately US$2.51 billion in 2025, playing a key role in sustaining the country’s current account surplus and significantly contributing to the national economy. Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, highlighted the crucial role of remittances in household livelihoods and economic stability. President Mnangagwa has previously described Zimbabweans in the Diaspora as “equal to, and just as important and as deserving” as the Zimbabweans living in Zimbabwe. In his opening address at the first meeting of the 2025 Cabinet Year at State House on 17 February, President Mnangagwa said “all Zimbabweans, including those in the Diaspora, should be well catered for”. Catering for the Zimbabweans in the Diaspora should include offering them their democratic right to vote as the President explained to Zimbabweans living in the United States of America in 2018. If President Mnangagwa is the listening President that he says he is, he should investigate some of the people in the party who are luring him to do what he has said is unconstitutional. It is unconstitutional for a sitting President to benefit from a term extension resulting from a constitutional amendment made when they are already in office. The Diaspora Vote Initiative will make an effort to engage President Mnangagwa, parliamentarians from across the political divide to encourage them to make the right priorities. Diaspora Vote should take precedence over imposing an unwilling President onto the people of Zimbabwe. Padmore Kufa, Spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Diaspora Vote Initiative _*Zimbabwe’s ARV shortage: A call for urgent action to safeguard health gains*_ IN a recent statement, the Health and Child Care minister revealed that Zimbabwe has enough antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to last for the next six months. At first glance, this may seem like good news. However, the reality is much more concerning. A six-month stockpile is not enough to secure long-term access to life-saving HIV treatment for the millions of Zimbabweans living with HIV. If action is not taken now, the progress Zimbabwe has made in the fight against HIV/Aids over the past few decades could be at risk. The hard-earned progress at risk Since the first case of HIV was diagnosed in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, the country has made significant progress in battling the epidemic. Through the combined efforts of government, local health organisations, international partners and the commitment of health professionals, Zimbabwe has been able to provide treatment to over one million people living with HIV. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Over the years, the prevalence rate has dropped and Zimbabwe was widely praised for its robust HIV prevention and treatment programmes. But now, this progress is at risk. The announcement that Zimbabwe’s ARV supply will only last for six months signals a critical gap in the country’s ability to maintain the treatment that millions of Zimbabweans depend on. If the supply runs out or faces significant disruptions, it could lead to serious health risks. People may miss doses, face drug resistance and potentially see the return of Aids-related deaths — issues the country has worked so hard to control. The challenges behind the shortage Zimbabwe faces several key challenges when it comes to maintaining a steady supply of ARVs. These challenges are both financial and logistical, compounded by several external and internal factors. The country’s ongoing economic challenges, including inflation, foreign currency shortage and limited domestic revenue, make it difficult to maintain a consistent supply of ARVs. International funding, once a vital source of support for Zimbabwe’s HIV/Aids programmes, is also drying up. A significant reduction in US funding has created a funding gap that government must address. Without increased financial support from domestic sources, the country's healthcare system faces serious threats to its sustainability. In addition, there are distribution challenges that exacerbate the problem, particularly in rural and remote areas. Places like Gokwe Nembudzia, which are far from major towns, suffer from poor road infrastructure and limited transportation options. This makes it difficult for people in these areas to access treatment on time and when there are supply shortages, these communities often bear the brunt of the problem. With a poor road network and few accessible health centres, people in hard-to-reach areas risk being left out. The solution: Local manufacturing There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Zimbabwe has the potential to meet its ARV needs through local manufacturing, which reduces the country’s reliance on imports and secure a steady, cost-effective supply of medicines. Varichem Pharmaceuticals, a local pharmaceutical company, already can produce ARVs. But for this capacity to be fully realised, the company requires approximately US$3 million to retool its facilities to meet demand. Investing in local production has numerous benefits for Zimbabwe. First, it will reduce the country’s dependency on imports, which are subject to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. This will also save the country the much-needed foreign currency, which is in short supply due to the on-going economic crisis. Second, supporting local manufacturing creates jobs, boost the local economy and contribute to long-term sustainability. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. At a time when Zimbabwe’s unemployment rate is high, investing in local production can offer economic relief while addressing an urgent public health need. By committing to the expansion of local pharmaceutical production, the government can secure the future supply of ARVs while strengthening Zimbabwe’s health infrastructure. The Role of the National Aids Council and other stakeholders While the Health and Child Care ministry has made great strides in managing the country’s HIV response, it is clear that the work cannot be done alone. A more co-ordinated approach is needed. The National Aids Council (Nac), which co-ordinates HIV/Aids programmes across the country, must work alongside local governments, health professionals, and civil society organisations to ensure that ARVs continue to reach those who need them most. The Finance ministry must also take its share of responsibility. As the country faces a decline in international funding, it is crucial that Zimbabwe looks inward and begins to allocate more resources to its healthcare system. Zimbabwe is yet to meet the Abuja Declaration, which calls for African governments to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets to healthcare. The country’s failure to do so leaves its health programmes vulnerable to external shocks, as we are currently witnessing with the ARV supply issue. By prioritising healthcare in the national budget, the Finance ministry can help to ensure Zimbabwe has the resources to meet both short-term and long-term health needs. This will also allow the government to improve infrastructure, strengthen health systems and protect vulnerable populations from health crises. A wake-up call for Africa Zimbabwe’s situation is a wake-up call for many African governments. As the global funding landscape changes and donor support decreases, African countries must take ownership of their health systems and invest more in domestic healthcare. This is not just important for HIV/Aids programmes but for the entire healthcare system, including the fight against diseases like tuberculosis and malaria. The withdrawal of funding from international donors should catalyse African nations to fulfil their commitments to health. Health should be a priority alongside other critical sectors, such as agriculture and education if countries are to achieve sustainable development and improve the lives of their citizens. Improving access in remote areas. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. One of the major challenges Zimbabwe faces is ensuring access to ARVs in remote areas. While cities like Harare and Bulawayo have better access to treatment, rural areas continue to struggle due to poor road networks and limited healthcare facilities. Health services need to be expanded in these areas, with improved transportation, mobile clinics and support for community health workers who can deliver medications directly to patients. Government must work closely with local communities to improve healthcare delivery and ensure those living in rural areas are not left out in the national fight against HIV/Aids. Moving forward: Urgent action needed While the current stockpile of ARVs may be enough to last for six months, the long-term sustainability of the country’s HIV/Aids programme is uncertain. To prevent a crisis, government must act quickly and decisively. First, it must prioritise local production of ARVs by supporting companies like Varichem to scale up production. Second, it must ensure that the healthcare budget is increased to secure consistent funding for HIV/Aids programmes. Lastly, improving access to treatment, especially in rural areas, must be a priority. Zimbabwe’s success in fighting HIV/Aids is something to be proud of, but that success is fragile. Without immediate action, the gains of the past decades could be lost. Government, in partnership with key stakeholders, must ensure the country is prepared to face the future without compromising the health and lives of its citizens. Time to act The health of Zimbabwe’s citizens, particularly those living with HIV, is too important to leave to chance. With the right investments in local manufacturing, improved access and sustained funding, Zimbabwe can continue its fight against HIV/Aids. The time to act is now. If government acts swiftly, the country can secure its future, protect the health of its people and ensure that the progress made over the past few decades is not undone. Newsday _*Crisis meeting over RTG alleged takeover plot*_ Directors and senior executives from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) are set to meet today in an urgent bid to address a suspected plot to manipulate the hospitality giant's share price for a takeover. According to sources within the Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare Ministry, the meeting will include NSSA and RTG board members, as concerns grow over alleged efforts to devalue RTG's stock to facilitate a cheap acquisition. "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," a ministry official revealed. At the center of the storm is NSSA chairman Emmanuel Fundira, whose alleged bid to acquire a controlling stake in RTG has triggered intervention from authorities. Reports indicate that Fundira, in collaboration with former RTG executive Paula January and business associates, has been working to destabilize the company to drive down its share value. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Public Service Minister Edgar Moyo has confirmed he is closely monitoring the developments. "We are watching very closely, but we don't want to micro-manage the situation. We are checking what is going on and getting information from the board," Moyo told The NewsHawks. Fundira has been accused of supplying confidential RTG payroll and remuneration details to January, which were then allegedly used to instigate an anti-corruption probe against the company's executives. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has since launched an investigation into RTG over alleged financial irregularities, including salary structures, gratuities, and allowances. Fundira, a key player in Zimbabwe's tourism industry, is also facing scrutiny over a possible conflict of interest. As a former chairman of African Sun, RTG's competitor, and a prominent safari operator, he had signed an agreement barring him from engaging in NSSA's tourism interests. However, leaked audio recordings reportedly suggest that he has been actively involved in RTG affairs in violation of this agreement. NSSA, the majority shareholder in RTG with a 91.6% stake, is in the process of offloading 56% of its shares. ZHL Capital, part of ZimRe Holdings, has been assigned as its financial advisor in the transaction. However, concerns have emerged that Fundira and his associates have been using insider information to position themselves ahead of the planned disposal. The unfolding crisis has also affected RTG's expansion plans, including the acquisition of Montclaire Hotel in Nyanga. Sources indicate that NSSA, through its subsidiary National Building Society, has been stalling financing for the deal, raising further speculation about internal power struggles. The NSSA-RTG meeting is expected to address these tensions, with authorities seeking to prevent the alleged corporate raiding scheme. The outcome of the discussions could determine the future of RTG's leadership and the integrity of Zimbabwe's corporate governance landscape. _*Triple murder suspect arrested after week on the run*_ AFTER spending a week on the run, a fugitive triple murder suspect was finally arrested Sunday in dramatic fashion in Hurungwe district of Mashonaland West province. Trymore Tore (37), who had earlier been mistakenly reported as having been arrested following the gruesome killing of his wife, niece and village head, was surrounded by villagers at a homestead where he had sought food and water. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. According to sources, the villagers swamped the suspect, who armed himself with a knife before attempting suicide by slitting his own throat. He was later disarmed and taken to Karoi Hospital where is reportedly receiving treatment under police guard. Images of a bloodied Tore were awash on social media with villagers expressing relief that his reign of terror had been brought to an end. The gruesome murders have sent shockwaves in the Chundu chieftainship of Hurungwe district. Police say their preliminary investigations have established that Tore and his wife had longstanding domestic issues, which now deceased village head, Kuwesu Masawu (56) tried to resolve as mediator. According to the police, bodies of the three victims were found on February 17, 2025, at Mubairecheni Village, Chundu, Hurungwe. “The first victim who is the suspect’s wife, Moline Chibayanzara (21), was found dead in a pit latrine with multiple injuries on the head. “The body was wrapped in a blue blanket,” police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement. The second victim, a 17-year-old female juvenile, who is the suspect’s niece was discovered about 60 metres from Tore’s homestead with a swollen head and a cut on the forehead. “The body was covered with tree branches and a knife was recovered beside the body.” The third victim Musawu, who was the village head, was discovered buried in a shallow grave behind the suspect’s house with a decapitated head and a deep cut on the neck. According to police, Tore and his wife were allegedly heard by villagers embroiled in a heated verbal exchange over an undisclosed matter at their homestead on February 15, 2025. Masawu was last spotted alive on February 16, 2025, proceeding to the suspect’s homestead to mediate a dispute between the couple, while the second victim was also last seen on her way to the suspect’s homestead to watch television. At the weekend, prior to Tore’s capture, police had launched an appeal to the general public to come forward with information on his whereabouts, thereby allaying earlier claims that suspect had been accounted for. “Police correct earlier report that Trymore Tore was arrested. This information was not correct and may the public be guided accordingly,” police provincial spokesperson, Inspector Ian Kohwera said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*16 Zimbabweans among dozens arrested in SA’s Pretoria major crime crackdown against illegal foreigners*_ The City of Tshwane’s weekly “Reclaim our City” crime operations have led to the arrest of 61 illegal immigrants in Sunnyside, Pretoria. Sixteen of the apprehended illegal immigrants are from Zimbabwe, four are Nigerian, nine Mozambicans, five Ethiopians and Ugandans, one Senegalese and 21 Malawians. poster Three other people were nabbed for knowingly employing and harbouring illegal foreigners. According to Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya, the operations targeted areas such as Sunnyside, Pretoria West and Pretoria Central as part of her administration’s efforts to combat crime. The crackdown operation was successful through the joint partnership of law enforcement from several departments, including the Gauteng Traffic Police, the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department in Tshwane. “We are grateful to the provincial government for showing support for the city’s efforts to rid the Pretoria CBD of crime. “The operation exerted the necessary impact as proof that intergovernmental partnerships with role players can help strengthen the arm of the law,” said Moya. The operation was not all gloomy, as a Tshwane Metro Police officer helped a pregnant woman deliver a healthy baby boy. Moya revealed that the city issued 20 health compliance notices under Section 56, totalling R133 000 fines. Additionally, one fine was issued for failing to provide building plans, three were for failing to register second-hand goods, and one fine was for failure to keep record of second-hand goods. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The operation also saw the closure of a bet-exchange business located at the corner of Robert Sobukwe and Troye Streets, including a takeaway store for not complying to health regulations. Law enforcement further confiscated 26 perishable goods, followed by 11 taxis for violating the National Land Transport Act of 2009, and a total of 108 560ml of liquor was seized and taken to the Pretoria West SAPS. Officials visited 24 spaza shops, one liquor outlet, two second-hand good shops, and seven drug hotspots. The operation also involved searching 456 people and 109 vehicles, and one liquor outlet was shut down. Twenty-nine vehicles were tested, while authorities searched 10 bad buildings, 44 street traders, and 34 premises. _*Zimbabwe tobacco growers encouraged to prioritize quality*_ Predicting a significant increase in global flavor-grade tobacco supply for 2025, Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is urging growers to focus on quality by investing in an energy-efficient curing infrastructure, adopting precision farming techniques, and implementing improved agronomic practices. For the 2025 season, Zimbabwe saw a 2.75% increase in hectares planted, which combined with improved rainfall distribution and better agronomic practices, puts the projected national output between 280 million and 300 million kg depending on the weather. Last year’s output of 231.7 million kg of flue-cured Virginia tobacco was a 13.1% increase from 2023. The anticipated increase in Zimbabwe combined with projections that Brazil’s output will increase from 461.8 million kg in 2024 to at least 650 million kg in 2025 has experts predicting downward pressure on tobacco prices, particularly for middle to low-end grades. Tapiwa Masedza, the factory coordinator for the Tian Ze Tobacco Company, said the global demand for tobacco remains robust, with many companies struggling to meet supply orders due to last year’s reduced crop size. That combined with China’s need for top-end grades gives hope that prices will remain stable for premium leaf, however low- to medium-end grades prices are expected to drop. “While the anticipated increase in production is a testament to the sector’s resilience and growth, the potential price pressures underscore the need for strategic planning and investment in quality improvement,” Masedza said. “Mixing grades in bales, excessive moisture, and moldy tobacco can lead to discounts or rejections, ultimately affecting profitability.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. TIMB is trying to help insulate local farmers from potential subdued prices resulting from excess supply with a new pricing system, expected to be implemented April 5. The system will determine the following day’s minimum price based on the average price of all tobacco sold — both at auction and through contracts — across all grades. _*6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets*_ Global risks are rising, and many companies are struggling with how to adapt. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report makes it clear that challenges like escalating global tensions and conflicts, climate change, economic instability and supply chain disruptions are interconnected and build on one another. And they’re here to stay. Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump’s tariff threats are creating more unpredictability in global trade. Companies – mostly medium sized and large companies – have no choice but to constantly adjust their strategies. For several companies in emerging markets, this way of thinking is second nature. Firms often operate in environments with fragile institutions, volatile currencies, unreliable infrastructure and political instability. They have become used to designing strategies with turbulence in mind. Instead of assuming every piece of global supply chains will fall into place as planned, and just-in-time strategies will always deliver, these companies have diversified and distributed their operations across multiple regions. They have been quick to build flexible, global supply chains, ensuring that if one part of the supply chain is disrupted, other regions can pick up the slack. While this may seem like common sense, many companies are still finding it difficult to reorganise and adapt to a less predictable and reliable world. So, how can companies look to build resilience and operate in uncertainty? By taking inspiration from those that have long navigated instability. Over the past 17 years of teaching global strategic management, I’ve developed and taught case studies on numerous companies in developing countries that have successfully adapted and reworked their strategies in times of uncertainty. Many of these examples – from Embraer in Brazil, to Haier in China – are featured in my book, Global Strategic Management (Fifth Edition), with more to come in the upcoming sixth edition. Based on these insights, I explore six key lessons companies can learn from firms in emerging markets. Six ways resilient firms adapt to disruption 1. Learn, humbly, and adapt at lightning speed. Companies in emerging markets have always had to be more adaptable. They are fast learners and quick to pivot, starting from the understanding that things may not always go as planned. As a result, they design their operations to be resilient from the start. They anticipate disruptions rather than wait for them to happen. A classic example of this is M-Pesa. The mobile payments platform was first launched in Kenya in 2007. Initially it aimed to provide microloans to people without bank accounts. However, when users began using it for money transfers and bill payments, the company quickly adapted to meet this new demand. This ability to learn fast and change direction helped M-Pesa become a leader in mobile payments. It now serves as a global benchmark for success in the industry. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Humility is essential for this kind of swift and effective adaptation. Companies that often face tough, unpredictable conditions tend to approach challenges with a humble mindset. Instead of assuming they have all the answers, they remain open to learning and adjusting. 2. Lean on local partnerships. When entering unfamiliar or unpredictable markets, firms often approach operations with a transactional mindset – focusing on short-term, one-off exchanges – rather than forming deep partnerships with local stakeholders. This limits their ability to understand and deal with political or social disruptions. Natura & Co, the Brazilian cosmetics giant, offers helpful lessons. It has long focused on localising production and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers. Its focus is in the Amazon region, where it works with local communities to sustainably harvest raw materials like açaí (purple berries from South American palm trees) and Brazil nut oil. This approach: - reduces reliance on distant sources - increases flexibility, allowing the company to quickly adapt to regional challenges - builds trust which in turn stabilises supply chains and helps firms gain on-the-ground intelligence. 3. Make room for redundant infrastructure. Firms often delay investments in redundant infrastructure until after a crisis exposes vulnerabilities. For instance, firms may rely on a single data centre or power grid, assuming infrastructure reliability. For companies like MTN Group, a telecommunications giant based in South Africa, redundancy is a necessity, not a luxury. Investing in backup power solutions and alternative communication links is essential to ensure MTN can maintain services during frequent power outages. In critical sectors like telecommunications and technology, parallel networks, alternative energy sources and backup systems ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of infrastructure failures, climate risks or other unforeseen disturbances. 4. In unstable environments, build your own stability. In unpredictable markets, companies have to take matters into their own hands to ensure their operations run smoothly. They fill “institutional voids” common in such markets by forming diversified business groups. These provide critical support, such as internal financing, talent development and logistical infrastructure, to work around the challenges of their operating environments. The Tata Group, which operates across multiple industries from steel to software, is perhaps the most prominent example of this. Another great example is MercadoLibre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce platform, which faced the challenge of fragmented transport networks that made 24- or 48-hour deliveries near impossible. The only way to improve delivery speed was for the company to build its own logistics network. By doing so, it gained greater control over its supply chain, improved its ability to scale and greatly improved delivery reliability. 5. Localise production, sustainably. Localised production reduces reliance on complex, long-distance global supply chains and helps minimise the environmental impact of transportation. When production and sourcing are local, companies are able to cut emissions and are less vulnerable to external shocks, as they are not reliant on the smooth functioning of distant suppliers or transport routes. Dilmah Tea took this hands-on approach by owning tea gardens, factories and packaging facilities in Sri Lanka. The company controls every step of the process, ensuring high-quality, single-origin Ceylon tea while cutting costs and emissions. This localised approach minimises dependence on external suppliers, protecting them from problems that can arise in global supply chains, like delays or shortages. 6. Empower employees to be agile and responsive to change. Giving employees greater responsibility can make a big difference in how well a company handles unexpected changes. Chinese home appliances and electronics company Haier took this to the next level by famously transforming into an organisation of thousands of micro-enterprises, each responsible for decision-making, resource management and profit generation. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This decentralised approach allows teams to swiftly adapt their strategies when disruptions arise. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, Haier maintained operational efficiency by enabling employees at local and product levels to make rapid, informed decisions. By staying close to users and gathering constant feedback, Haier’s micro-enterprises are able to anticipate potential disruptions before they become major threats and develop products and services that satisfy evolving needs. While it might not always be possible to completely shift power to individual teams, when people have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they can respond quickly to new challenges and come up with creative solutions. Anticipation and adaptation The challenges that seem new and overwhelming are simply part of the daily reality for those in emerging economies. For decades, companies in these regions have been anticipating and adapting. As risks grow and intertwine, companies can learn from the resilience built by businesses in emerging markets. It all begins with a shift in mindset – recognising these challenges as the new reality and accelerating our own pace of learning and adaptation accordingly. _*Government To Reintroduce Locum In Public Hospitals – Kwidini*_ Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini says the government plans to reintroduce locum funds in all public hospitals to motivate health workers to remain in the public sector. During a tour of the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) last week, Kwidini said that the funds would provide additional income for nurses, doctors, and laboratory scientists, encouraging them to stay at work and perform locum duties. Said Kwidini (via Southern Eye): It was also reducing the turnaround time for our patients in the hospital because everyone would be attended to in time. _*South African Pastor Bitten By A Snake During Prayer*_ A 27-year-old South African man, believed to be a pastor, was bitten by a Black Mamba while praying beside a river in Hazelmere, KwaZulu-Natal, early Saturday morning. According to IOL, at around 6:30 AM, a concerned citizen called the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre for urgent medical assistance. The man said that he had been praying when a large black snake bit him on the left foot. He believed it to be a Black Mamba and showed signs of neurotoxic poisoning, including significant swelling at the bite site. After moving a short distance away from the river, he sought help from security guards, who then contacted RUSA. Paramedics arrived promptly, treated his symptoms, and transported him to a medical facility for further care. What to do if you are bitten by a snake. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The African Snakebite Institute (ASI), says many myths about snakebites, like sucking out the venom or killing the snake to bring to the hospital, should be avoided. While snakebites can happen while sleeping, most occur when someone accidentally steps on a snake, usually below the knee. ASI offers useful advice on how to handle snake bites: Keeping calm is crucial. Ensure the snake is no longer in the immediate area, as a second bite can complicate the situation. Panicking can increase your heart rate, causing the venom to spread faster Avoid applying tight bands around the bite site, as these can be harmful. These can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling. There is no benefit to cutting the bite or trying to suck out the venom — snake venom cannot be removed this way. Transport the victim to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. Keep the bitten limb still and at or below heart level to slow the spread of venom. Do not take the snake to the hospital. Doctors don’t need to see the snake that bit you. However, taking a clear photo of the snake may help them identify the type of venom and the symptoms to monitor. _*Tshabangu Denies Ties To “CCC Blue” And “CCC Green”, Yet His Recalls Stood*_ Sengezo Tshabangu, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) senator, has denied ever being a member of the faction led by Welshman Ncube. Tshabangu said this following his dismissal from the party last week after a misconduct charge during a disciplinary hearing held by Ncube’s CCC faction. He was expelled for making unilateral changes to the party’s leadership in Parliament. Although Tshabangu attended the disciplinary hearing, he claims he did so under protest and insists that he has never been part of Ncube’s faction. He also said he does not align with either of the two factions within CCC: CCC Blue, which supports former party leader Nelson Chamisa, and CCC Green, aligned with Ncube. Tshabangu further argued that his position as a Senator is not connected to Ncube’s faction. He said according to the CCC’s constitution, the terms for the party’s leadership expired on May 27, 2024, leaving the party without a sitting president. In a statement, Tshabangu’s spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, claimed that Tshabangu has never been a member of CCC Green or affiliated with its structures. Mlilo also argued that Tshabangu was neither nominated nor deployed as a Senator by Ncube’s faction and has never attended any of its meetings. Mlilo accused Ncube of trying to gain control of CCC’s financial resources under the Political Parties (Finance) Act. According to The Standard, despite Tshabangu’s claims of being promised millions of dollars for taking control of the CCC, he has yet to receive any funds. The government has indicated that the disbursement of party funds will be delayed until the factions resolve their leadership dispute. _*Congo’s president says he’ll create a unity government as violence spreads*_ Congo’s president says he is going to launch a unity government as violence spreads across the country’s east and pressure mounts over his handling of the crisis. In some of his first statements since Rwandan-backed rebels captured major cities in eastern Congo, President Felix Tshisekedi told a meeting of the Sacred Union of the Nation ruling coalition on Saturday not to be distracted by internal quarrels. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “I lost the battle and not the war. I must reach out to everyone including the opposition. There will be a government of national unity,” said Tshisekedi. He didn’t give more details on what that would entail or when it would happen. M23 rebels — the most prominent of more than 100 armed groups vying for control and influence in eastern Congo — have swept through the region seizing key cities, killing some 3,000 people. In a lightning three-week offensive, the M23 took control of eastern Congo’s main city Goma and seized the second largest city, Bukavu. The rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to U.N. experts, and at times have vowed to march as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, over 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away. _*Ukraine leader Zelensky willing to give up presidency in exchange for NATO membership*_ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday he would be willing to resign from his post in exchange for peace in Ukraine or NATO membership. “If it is peace for Ukraine, and if you really want me to leave my post, I’m ready,” Zelenskyy said in Ukrainian. “Alternatively, I can trade this for NATO membership, if such conditions exist, immediately, so we don’t have lengthy discussions. I’m focusing on Ukraine’s security today, not in 20 years. And I don’t intend to stay in power for decades.” Zelenskyy’s offer is a major concession amid an ongoing public dispute with President Donald Trump, which escalated last week when Trump suggested that the Ukrainian president was responsible for starting the war. In reality, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, initiating the current land war. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.