Friday 28 February 2025 *EVENING 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* *Journalist Blessed Mhlanga denied bail, faces 5-year prison sentence… “We own the police, we own the courts, we own the military….the regime brags* *A NOTE FROM PRISON: Jailed HStv journalist Mhlanga issues strong warning to those behind his arrest, persecution* *Blessed Mhlanga’s Lawyer Says He’s Appealing* *Trevor Ncube: I Am The One Who Should be Brought Before the Courts, Not Blessed Mhlanga* *Harare deploys new police unit against vendors* *MPs exempted from paying city parking, tollgate fees; opposition rubbishes new benefits* *Elisabeth Valerio Pioneers Affordable Private Education With Gallus Academy* *Trump cuts USAID funding for HIV and AIDS organisations in South Africa with immediate effect and permanently* *Coal for Now, Green for Later: Zimbabwe’s Climate Plan Submitted to the UN* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Journalist Blessed Mhlanga denied bail, faces 5-year prison sentence… “We own the police, we own the courts, we own the military….the regime brags*_ In a move that has ignited a firestorm of condemnation both locally and internationally, Harare magistrate Farai Gwitima has denied bail to Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, remanding him in custody until March 14. The decision, which carries the potential for a five-year prison sentence, has been decried as a blatant attack on press freedom and a chilling example of the Mnangagwa administration’s tightening grip on dissent. The charges against Mhlanga stem from interviews he allegedly conducted with Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government and its “Mnangagwa 2030” agenda. Geza, now in hiding and wanted by the police on charges of incitement, undermining the authority of the President, and theft, had used the platform to call for Mnangagwa’s resignation over alleged corruption and incompetence. Police arrested Mhlanga on Monday after he handed himself over following visits by law enforcement agents to HSTV offices. The State alleges that Mhlanga broadcast content from a press conference addressed by Geza, in which the war veteran called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign over alleged grand corruption and other misdeeds. AMH are the publishers of NewsDay, The Standard, and Zimbabwe Independent. The arrest and subsequent denial of bail have sparked national outrage, with media organisations and rights groups condemning the actions as a direct assault on the constitutional rights of journalists and the public’s right to access information. In denying Mhlanga bail, Magistrate Gwitima sided with the State’s argument that the journalist was likely to interfere with witnesses if released. He further asserted that Mhlanga’s release would pose a threat to national security, claiming that the disseminated messages were likely to incite violence and breach the peace. “What clearly emerges is that a disseminated message will incite violence. Any interpretation to the contrary is incorrect. Accordingly, the release of the accused will put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security,” Magistrate Gwitima stated. “In the circumstances, it is the court’s finding that the state has managed to give compelling reasons justifying the continued detention of the accused person. Accordingly, bail is denied.” He added, “What is an issue is not that applicant gathered and disseminated information. It is that information which he gathered which was intended to incite public violence,” the magistrate said. The magistrate also stated that, “It is a delicate discretion.” Gwatima added that the likelihood that an accused will abscond or interfere with investigations should be strongly supported. “Turning to the present application, it is my considered view that grounds 3, 4, and 5…his position at work, if granted bail, he is likely to interfere. Of critical importance, some of the witnesses have not been recorded hence, his release will jeopardise investigations.” Trevor Ncube, publisher of Alpha Media Holdings, delivered a scathing rebuke of the Mnangagwa administration following the bail denial. “It is saddening, it is heartbreaking, but it was to be expected,” Ncube told reporters outside the court. “The real surprise would have been if the court had seriously applied itself to the case before it.” Ncube decried what he called the “selective application of the law” in Zimbabwe, asserting that Mhlanga was simply practicing his profession, a right constitutionally protected. “Blessed did not say any of the things he is accused of saying. He is not HSTV or AMH—he is simply a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected,” Ncube said. In a particularly damning statement, Ncube accused the judiciary of operating under President Mnangagwa’s direct control. “President Mnangagwa owns the courts. They have said they own the military, they own the police, and they will do as they please. What we saw today is not justice. It is not fair, and it is not supported by our Constitution,” he declared. Ncube warned that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, placing journalists at increased risk. “It is clear that under these circumstances, you do this job at your own risk. The courts will not protect you; they will side with the regime. But this should not make us afraid. We must continue to do what is right—by the law, by our Constitution, and by the public,” he urged. He also linked the case to Zimbabwe’s broader business environment, arguing that a fair legal system was crucial to the country’s credibility. “The application of the law must reflect fairness and justice. What happened today is a bad reflection on our country,” Ncube said. The ongoing detention of Mhlanga has been marked by controversy from the outset. Initially scheduled for Thursday, the bail ruling was postponed to today due to the bereavement of Magistrate Gwitima. The decision to make Mhlanga wear prison garb ahead of the bail ruling has sparked outrage and accusations of selective justice. Critics have pointed out that other high-profile figures, such as journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and politician Job Sikhala, were allowed to wear their own clothes while in remand. Abel Runga, speaking to Change Radio before the postponement, described Mhlanga’s treatment as a case of selective justice. “Blessed Mhlanga should not be treated like a convicted prisoner, especially since the state’s case against him is weak,” Runga said. He also argued that the arrest was an attack on constitutional provisions, particularly Section 61 (freedom of expression), Section 62 (right to access information), and Section 141 (protecting public participation in law-making processes). Toneo, a local media personality, has even called for a media blackout in protest of Mhlanga’s detention, stating, “If they don’t give Blessed Mhlanga bail, my media house will stop publishing or posting news for 14 days.” The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also weighed in on the matter, calling on Zimbabwean authorities to immediately release Mhlanga. “It is absolutely shameful that Blessed Mhlanga has been thrown behind bars simply because he gave voice to a war veteran’s criticism of Zimbabwe’s government,” said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, Muthoki Mumo, in Nairobi. “Zimbabwean authorities should free Mhlanga unconditionally and respond to their citizens’ concerns, rather than punishing the messenger.” Mhlanga, who works with the privately owned Heart and Soul TV, had previously reported that three armed men came to his office searching for him on February 17, soon after which the police phoned him to ask him to come in for questioning. On February 21, the police issued a statement seeking information about Mhlanga’s whereabouts. Mhlanga responded to the police summons on February 24 and was subsequently arrested. According to the Zimbabwe chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights network, and Mhlanga’s lawyer Chris Mhike, he faces two counts of transmission of data messages “inciting violence or damage to property” under the 2021 Cyber and Data Protection Act. If found guilty, Mhlanga could face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to US$700. Prosecutors had opposed Mhlanga’s bail application, arguing that he was a flight risk, Mhike told CPJ. Mhlanga was previously assaulted and arrested in 2022 while covering the attempted arrest of an opposition politician, highlighting a pattern of harassment against journalists in Zimbabwe. The denial of bail to Blessed Mhlanga has not only raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in Zimbabwe but has also cast a dark shadow over the country’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights and the rule of law. _*A NOTE FROM PRISON: Jailed HStv journalist Mhlanga issues strong warning to those behind his arrest, persecution*_ Heart and Soul TV journalist Blessed hlanga has warned those behind his persecution that the sun will indeed set for them. “To those behind my persecution including prosecution, aiding and abating injustice, I wish to say the sun will set . “It won’t last forever” — Mhlanga writes from jail. In a letter leaked from prison and has been read by one of his lawyers, Douglas Coltart _*Blessed Mhlanga’s Lawyer Says He’s Appealing*_ Blessed Mhlanga @bbmhlanga ‘s lawyer says “…. this has been the decision of the court which we must all respect, while we respect the court’s decision, we must make it clear that we strongly disagree with the conclusions and the determination made by the court. Accordingly, we have been instructed to appeal this decision as soon as possible, despite the shock of this ruling or this finding blessed, remains strong and resolute and remains committed to the cause of press freedom. He’s particularly disappointed with the fact that the continued detention will disrupt his current studies at the University of Zimbabwe, the task of placing the appeal before a higher court, hopefully for a better result, starts now. That is the position. …the task of placing the appeal before a higher court, hopefully for a better result, starts now. That is the position… What is your comment on the basis? So you, for those of you who are in court, you recall that it was a very lengthy ruling. The judgment is yet to be presented to us in its formal format. We’ll obviously need to study that judgment in great detail, and have detailed submissions as to the veracity and strength and acceptability or otherwise of the grounds upon which they lost denied. Obviously, it is on the basis of our interpretation of the ruling that will formulate the specific grounds of appeal in the higher court. So basically, the court found that blessed being a senior reporter has the potential of….” _*Trevor Ncube: I Am The One Who Should be Brought Before the Courts, Not Blessed Mhlanga*_ “We are confident in due time, Blessed is going to be allowed to enjoy the freedom that all of us are currently enjoying,” says @TrevorNcube. He continues: “I think fundamentally important is the fact that there wasn’t any indication that the court realizes that you’re dealing with freedom of expression and press freedom, and that Blessed @bbmhlanga did not say any of the stuff that he is alleged to have said, I mean, and Blessed is not @NewsDayZimbabwe @AMH. Blessed is not AMH. He’s just a journalist practicing his profession, which is constitutionally protected, just like you guys are doing here, broadcasting to the public at home. You can’t be accused of inciting the public for broadcasting what I’m saying right now; I am the one who should be brought before the courts, not the journalists who transmit the information. So I’m disappointed in that, in that regard, but this is reality that we are in right now. Unfortunately, President Mnangagwa owns the courts. They have said they own the military, they own the police, they will do as they please. We will continue; I mean, I’m sure the lawyers will do what is right, but what we saw happening today is not fair; It is not justice, and our Constitution does not support what has just taken place here. Thank you, good people. “ Question: But is it safe now for journalists to interview someone who’s being accused? “Well, I think the it’s clear to me that all of you, under the current circumstances, having seen what you’ve seen out there. You do this job at your own risk, because the court is not going to protect you. The court is going to sign rather than journalists on behalf of the public. Doing this on behalf of the public, your role is to inform you are conveyor belts in a way. Of course, you you, you’re supposed to to come in and control the quality of what you broadcast. But what we saw happening today says none of you is safe because you are going to- they will come for you for what you’ve written. They’ll come for you for what you’ve broadcast. But should that be should that make us afraid? No, it should not make us afraid. We should still continue to do what is right by law, what is right by our Constitution, and what the public expects us to do Question: What does this mean in terms of…? “very very bad. So what is important to realize is the link between and the application of the law in a manner that is transparent, in a manner that shows that there’s fairness, that there’s justification of the law in our country, the innocent and the weak are subjected in a selective manner,” concludes @TrevorNcube By A Correspondent | In a closely watched legal battle, Magistrate Farai Gwatima today ruled against granting bail to the accused, Mhlanga, citing compelling reasons provided by the prosecution. The magistrate emphasized that the prosecution’s responsibility in bail applications is to demonstrate the existence of compelling reasons why the accused should not be released. Gwatima praised both the State and defense for their exemplary conduct during the proceedings, describing their behavior as “refreshing and amazing.” He noted that this professionalism allowed the legal process to proceed smoothly without unnecessary legal obstacles. State’s Arguments Against Bail The prosecution, led by Ruvimbo Matyatya, argued that Mhlanga posed a significant risk of interfering with witnesses, many of whom are his juniors. Matyatya pointed out that some witness statements were yet to be recorded, increasing the likelihood of interference if Mhlanga were released. Additionally, the State raised concerns that some of the machinery used in the alleged offense had not been recovered. There was a fear that Mhlanga could reoffend using the same tools if granted bail. However, the prosecution did acknowledge that Mhlanga had voluntarily surrendered to the police and had not attempted to flee. Defense’s Counterarguments Rejected The defense, led by Mhike, argued that the prosecution’s submissions lacked merit. He noted that the witnesses’ identities were not disclosed and denied allegations that Mhlanga had incited violence. Despite these arguments, Magistrate Gwatima upheld the State’s position. He stated, “What is an issue is not that the applicant gathered and disseminated information. It is that the information which he gathered was intended to incite public violence.” Balancing Constitutional Rights and Public Safety In his ruling, Gwatima stressed the delicate balance between upholding constitutional rights and maintaining public safety. “The admission to bail has been elevated to a constitutional right. But our Constitution is not novel,” he remarked, adding that the right to bail is not absolute. He warned against denying bail on “flimsy reasons” but noted that the court must weigh the interests of the accused against potential risks to public safety and the administration of justice. “It is a delicate discretion,” he said, emphasizing the need for strong evidence to support claims that an accused might abscond or interfere with investigations. Key Reasons for Bail Denial The magistrate identified specific concerns in this case, particularly Mhlanga’s position at work, which could enable him to interfere with witnesses. The fact that some witnesses had not yet retired from their roles added to the risk that investigations could be jeopardized. Gwatima concluded, “What clearly emerges is that the disseminated message will incite violence. Any interpretation to the contrary is incorrect. Accordingly, the release of the accused will put the nation in unrest and undermine peace and security.” Conclusion: Bail Denied In light of the compelling reasons presented by the State, Magistrate Gwatima ruled that Mhlanga’s continued detention was justified. “Accordingly, bail is denied,” he declared, bringing the intense courtroom drama to a close. This ruling is expected to generate significant public discourse, with implications for how future bail applications involving allegations of incitement and public safety risks are handled. More updates to follow as the story develops. _*Harare deploys new police unit against vendors*_ 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. “We have created a special unit in our municipal police, that is going to be enforcing anti-litter by-laws,” Mafume said. “Certainly, in other countries, you don’t roast maize in the middle of town and so forth. “These are the things that we are going to be planning back on with the special units of the police to make sure that the areas are clean.” Mafume said the municipality was committed to ensuring that informal traders are allocated safe and proper vending spaces. “We need to have some streets where we do not permit anyone to sell anything in the market or anywhere and then other streets we can agree, after consultation with the informal sector and the residents, where we can allow them to be able to do the same implementation for designated areas, so that we can establish policies,” he said. Combined Harare Residents Association director Ruben Akili said council was to blame for lawlessness in the city centre because of its failure to provide alternative vending spaces. “The local authority probably spends more on enforcing rather than constructing markets,” Akili said. “It is very important that resources are channelled towards building markets in areas where these people can be allowed to do their work.” With companies closing shop and job scarcity, the majority of Zimbabweans are resorting to informal trading to feed their families. There are no statistics on the number of informal traders in the capital, but estimates point to several thousands. Newsday _*MPs exempted from paying city parking, tollgate fees; opposition rubbishes new benefits*_ The speaker of the National Assembly and Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, on Wednesday announced that the Members of Parliament (MPs) will no longer be required to pay parking fees in Harare’s Central Business District. Each MP is entitled to exempt two vehicles from parking fees, which are pegged at US$1 per hour in Harare. “I also wish to inform the House that the Administration of Parliament has reached an agreement with the City Parking to exempt two vehicles belonging to each of the Members of Parliament from paying parking fees in the Harare Central Business District. “You are therefore requested to submit copies of registration of the two vehicles to the Human Capital Department in office No. 340 on the Third Floor in order to finalise the arrangements,” said Mudenda. In addition to the parking privileges, MPs will also get free tollgate passage on selected express tollgate lanes. “I wish to inform the House that ZINARA has introduced express lanes to Government exempted vehicles at selected tollgates; starting with a pilot programme at Skyline, Dema and Eskbank tollgates. The infrastructure has been established featuring extra wide detour lanes designated as ‘Express Lanes’. To use the express lane, vehicles must be equipped with an e-tag which will be scanned by the system. Once detected, the boom banner will automatically open. ”Please note that express lanes will not have a cashier on duty. In line with this, the ZINARA team will visit the new Parliament Building on the 26th of February and 5th March 2025 from 0900 hours to 1600 hours for the installation of the e-tags. “All Members of Parliament are encouraged to bring their two exempted vehicles along with their registration books for this installation exercise. Kindly note that failure to have electronic tags installed on exempt vehicles may cause significant inconvenience when passing through the tollgates. For more information, please visit Human Capital Department in office No. 340,” said Mudenda. The leader of the opposition Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) Linda Masarira rubbished the new benefits for MPs, saying they already have enough benefits. “The recent revelation that Zimbabwean Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators now enjoy free tollgate passage, free parking, and the registration of two vehicles exempt from toll fees is yet another blatant display of elite privilege in a country where millions struggle to afford basic necessities. This new perk, added to their long list of extravagant benefits, is a direct insult to the suffering masses. “While ordinary Zimbabweans are burdened with high transport costs, poor wages, and relentless economic hardships, our lawmakers continue to prioritize their own comfort over the needs of the people who elected them,” said Masarira on X. _*Elisabeth Valerio Pioneers Affordable Private Education With Gallus Academy*_ Opposition politician Elisabeth Valerio is constructing Gallus Academy, a private school at Magoli Village in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province. The official ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction for this innovative and affordable primary school, the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, was set for Friday, 28 February. The Pan-African Gallus Academy will offer world-class education to students from third to seventh grade, drawing learners from across the African continent. The school aims to promote academic excellence in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises Human Capital Development. Denzel Mhepo, Project Coordinator for Gallus Academy, said: We are committed to creating job opportunities for residents and enhancing the educational landscape in Matabeleland North. We also commit to providing scholarships for some economically disadvantaged students in our area who otherwise would not be able to afford to attend private school. Community leaders, educators, and stakeholders who support education in the Hwange region were expected to grace the groundbreaking ceremony. _*Trump cuts USAID funding for HIV and AIDS organisations in South Africa with immediate effect and permanently*_ Overnight, the landscape of South Africa’s battle against HIV/Aids was irrevocably altered. Organisations reliant on funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), channelled through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), awoke to the devastating news: their grants had been terminated, effective immediately. The move, orchestrated by the Trump administration, has ignited a firestorm of condemnation from health experts, activists, and civil society, who warn of catastrophic consequences for vulnerable populations and the potential unraveling of years of hard-won gains. Pepfar, a lifeline for countries grappling with high HIV infection rates, has been instrumental in South Africa’s fight against the epidemic since its inception in 2003. The country has received approximately $8 billion (about R145 billion) in aid, with a significant portion, $439 537 828 (about R8.1 billion), earmarked for the current US financial year (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025). USAID supports 44 health projects across South Africa, and the abrupt cessation of funding extends beyond Pepfar-supported initiatives, encompassing USAID-funded district health projects as well. The Anova Health Institute, a leading recipient of Pepfar funding in South Africa, has been particularly hard hit, losing all its funding. A senior official confirmed to Bhekisisa that Anova played a crucial role in HIV testing and treatment provision in understaffed government clinics. The impact is widespread, affecting not only HIV programmes but also TB programmes funded through USAID, which have also received termination letters. The Accelerating Programme Achievements to Control the Epidemic (Apace), a collaborative effort involving prominent non-profits such as the Wits Reproductive Health Institute, Broadreach Healthcare, and Right to Care, has also been targeted. Apace projects have been vital in HIV testing, treatment initiation for those testing positive, preventive anti-HIV pill distribution for high-risk individuals, increased access to HIV treatment for children, and TB testing and treatment for people with HIV. While the full extent of the funding cuts remains unclear, Bhekisisa has confirmed that projects focusing on key populations, including LGBTQI+ groups, and those working with orphans and vulnerable children, have been instructed to cease operations immediately. Reports from Pepfar-funded projects in Kenya and Malawi suggest that similar termination letters have been issued in those countries, raising concerns about a broader regional impact. Adding insult to injury, some organisations received emails with attached letters signed off with the chillingly ironic phrase, “thank you for partnering with USAID and God Bless America.” The termination letters themselves offer a glimpse into the rationale behind the drastic measures: “Dear Implementing Partner, This award is being terminated for convenience and the interests of the U.S. Government pursuant to a directive from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his capacity as the Acting Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (“the Agency” or “USAID”) and/or Peter W. Marocco, who is performing the duties and functions of both Deputy Administrators for USAID. Secretary Rubio and PTDO Deputy Administrator Marocco have determined your award is not aligned with Agency priorities and made a determination that continuing this program is not in the national interest. The decision to terminate this individual award is a policy determination vested in the Acting Administrator and the person performing the duties and functions of the Deputy Administrator. I have been delegated authority to issue this termination notice. Detailed instructions will follow, and a formal modification/amendment to memorialize this action is forthcoming. Immediately cease all activities, terminate all subawards and contracts, and avoid incurring any additional obligations chargeable to the award beyond those unavoidable costs associated with this Termination Notice. Immediately provide similar instructions to all subrecipients and contractors. Kindly confirm receipt of this Termination Notice via electronic email response to the sender.” The abruptness of the decision is further underscored by the fact that USAID-funded projects in South Africa were recently asked to apply for 90-day limited waivers, excluding HIV prevention activities but including most treatment programmes. They were required to resubmit work plans and adjusted budgets, only to receive termination letters instead. While Pepfar projects receiving funds through the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are still operational, many report having only enough funding to operate until the end of March. A Chorus of Condemnation: South African Health Experts Respond The sudden cuts have been met with widespread condemnation from health experts and activists in South Africa, who accuse the Trump administration of jeopardising the lives of millions and undermining decades of progress in the fight against HIV/Aids. A common thread in their responses is a call for the South African government to step up and provide leadership in the face of this crisis. Yvette Raphael, co-founder and co-director of Advocacy for Prevention of HIV and Aids (APHA), minced no words: “We are deeply concerned about the bad decision to end USAID. The Trump administration has declared war on the right to health globally. The South African government must take this as an opportunity to expedite universal access to healthcare and meet its obligations to our people.” Sibongile Tshabalala, chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign, echoed this sentiment, stating: “The NGO sector in South Africa woke to a letter from USAID terminating grants. It is so painful that these terminations mean death to poor people of the world. Key and vulnerable populations are the most affected. These terminations happen at a time when the whole world is bewildered by these outrageous decisions by the Trump administration. “While the Trump administration is fighting for a land Bill that has nothing to do with them and making noise about human rights violations, they are inadvertently committing genocide that will be remembered for years to come. It is time for the world to speak up and call the Trump administration out for these unfair decisions. We need our government to step up at this moment in time, we need to hold their feet to the fire. The government must act swiftly and come up with a plan to save lives.” Linda-Gail Bekker, CEO of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, expressed her dismay succinctly: “Saving dollars and spending lives – no words! We now really need to hear the plans from our country health departments how the chaos will be filled urgently.” An HIV clinician, speaking anonymously, who has worked with the health department for 17 years, issued a stark warning: “Government has to cease the inaction and their seeming return to the behaviour we saw during the worst years of Aids denialism, where politicians let their own opinions impact hundreds of thousands of lives. This cannot be allowed to happen again. “Eight million South Africans rely on the government’s antiretroviral HIV treatment programme and although Pepfar-funded organisations may only account [along with the health department’s Pepfar funds] for 17% of the budget, what they do with that 17% is so critical. Without it, and without an urgent plan to fill the gap, there is no doubt deaths will increase, people will suffer, babies will get infected and die and the monitoring of the programme and its ability to improve and react will become utterly non-existent. The SA government must now also be held to account to step in as we have seen with Nigeria and other African countries.” Fatima Hassan, founder of the Health Justice Initiative, criticised the government’s lack of urgency and communication: “One expects a greater sense of urgency and better communication from the health ministry and other departments including the presidency in this time of crisis. They are downplaying the financial and human impact in South Africa, and that will not take us forward. “As civil society we wrote in early February to the government, asking for its urgent plan, we got no response. We wrote again, and a month later we still await its urgent plan, which shockingly, we learnt from media reports that an assessment is being outsourced to Deloitte and will take a month or longer while right now there is a crisis! We spent decades fighting and litigating for the human right to receive proper healthcare services for HIV especially. This is all going up in smoke because of the impact of the Trump administration’s ideological executive orders and actions and its own defiance of court orders in the US — and because our government has no urgent plan to absorb staff, programmes, patients and communities. The impact is there for all to see — and frankly, one circular from the national health department which is not even being fully implemented, will not mitigate the chaos. Government should answer — where is the money and where is the plan?” Kholi Buthelezi, director of Sisonke, highlighted the devastating impact on vulnerable populations: “Sex workers are at increased risk for a range of health issues, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), TB, HIV, and violence-related injuries. In South Africa, access to regular health screenings, education, and preventive care should be a basic right, not a privilege. When a major funding partner like USAID pulls its support, the ripple effects are felt throughout the entire ecosystem of services designed to support these individuals. This is why the government must step up now.” An anonymous HIV prevention programme implementer in Gauteng painted a grim picture of the consequences: “Cutting USAID funding for health and education programmes in South Africa isn’t just about budgets – it’s about people. It’s about sex workers who no longer have a safe place to get HIV prevention services, LGBTI+ communities losing the support they fought so hard for and thousands now facing a future without the healthcare and education they rely on to survive. “These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. They are lives, futures, and communities being abandoned. The reality is heart breaking: People will suffer, people will die, and decades of progress will be undone. This is not just a funding cut – it’s a betrayal of the very people these programmes were meant to protect. And yet, from the national health department, there is silence. No communication, no coordination, no urgency – just a deafening void where leadership should be. The very institutions meant to protect the most vulnerable have offered no plan, no reassurance, no voice. How long must communities wait in fear? How many clinics must close before those in power acknowledge the crisis? This silence is complicity, and it is costing lives.” Kate Rees, a public health specialist, described the immediate impact on healthcare workers and patients: “Our programmes have been officially terminated. Thousands of dedicated healthcare workers across South Africa have been retrenched. I am especially concerned for the community health workers and data capturers, who are financially vulnerable and won’t be easily absorbed into the health system. Despite their years of commitment, these healthcare workers have been abandoned with almost no notice. For patients and communities, critical services have already been impacted – including following up on positive HIV tests for babies, following up on possible meningitis cases, and caring for the most vulnerable pregnant women whose babies are now at risk of contracting HIV.” Another public health specialist, speaking anonymously, expressed the sheer devastation felt by those working in the field: “This is absolutely shattering, heartbreaking, and incomprehensible. The termination letters issued by the US state department in the last 24 hours mark the abrupt and devastating end to years – decades – of investment in lifesaving programmes that have transformed communities, saved countless lives, and built essential infrastructure for health, education, and development. “The intellectual capital, expertise, and dedication poured into these programmes have simply been erased by bureaucratic decisions made overnight. How do you quantify the loss of a child’s access to malaria treatment? A mother’s TB medication? A community’s clean water project? The people – the patients, the frontline workers, the programme recipients who relied on these services for survival – are now left stranded, abandoned by a system that once promised progress and partnership. Every contract cancelled is not just a number; it represents a life, a community, a future now in jeopardy. The sheer disregard for the impact on millions of vulnerable people is unfathomable, and the ripple effects of these decisions will be felt for generations to come.” The sudden withdrawal of USAID funding has thrown South Africa’s HIV/Aids response into turmoil. The immediate consequences include programme closures, job losses, and disruptions in essential services for vulnerable populations. The long-term effects could be even more devastating, potentially reversing years of progress in reducing HIV infections, improving treatment access, and preventing Aids-related deaths. The South African government now faces a critical challenge: to develop and implement an urgent plan to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts and ensure that the country’s HIV/Aids response remains on track. The lives of millions of South Africans depend on it. _*Coal for Now, Green for Later: Zimbabwe’s Climate Plan Submitted to the UN*_ Being the good boys and girls that we are in Zimbabwe, we were the only African country to submit its 2035 climate plan (Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)) on time to meet a UN deadline of February 10. You can’t help but fear the worst when there is talk of climate plans because there is significant pressure to go green, even when it hurts an economy, at least in the short term. However, I think I like the plan that our country submitted. It rightly played the lip service game and talked up plans to go green but also highlighted immediate concerns that will mean relying on coal and gas even more in the next few years. Zimbabwe’s climate plan, as submitted to the United Nations, tries to balance energy security with emissions reduction. Key points related to electricity generation include: Increased Coal Use in the Short Term: Due to severe droughts affecting hydropower output, Zimbabwe plans to refurbish the Hwange coal power station and construct a new 720 MW coal plant to address immediate power shortages. Transition to Gas Power: The plan includes shifting towards natural gas as an alternative to coal in the medium term, aiming to reduce carbon intensity while maintaining energy reliability. Renewable Energy Integration: Zimbabwe intends to expand solar and wind energy projects, though progress is limited by inadequate funding and infrastructure challenges. The Kariba hydro plant, which typically provides about 40% of Zimbabwe’s electricity, is currently operating at a reduced capacity of 185 MW due to insufficient water supply. Emissions Reduction Target: The country aims for a 40% per capita emissions reduction by 2035 compared to a business-as-usual scenario, with energy sector emissions expected to peak in 2026 before declining. So, yeah, the plan reflects Zimbabwe’s challenge of securing reliable electricity while gradually transitioning to cleaner energy sources, constrained by economic and funding limitations. If the global prefects want us to go green quicker, they will have to fund those efforts. We are too broke to do it ourselves for now, and so ‘in coal we trust.’ I’m willing to fight any climate activist in a boxing ring who advocates shunning coal in Zim when these blackouts are killing us.