Latest news with #ZimbabweInternationalTradeFair
The South African
28-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
Durban and Bulawayo explore joint heritage for tourism push
The eThekwini Municipality, which runs the City of Durban, and Zimbabwe's City of Bulawayo are now prioritising the exploration of their shared cultural heritage as a key strategy to invigorate tourism. ADVERTISEMENT This will also see a strengthening of ties in the arts, culture, and business sectors, building upon the foundation of the cities' historical connections to foster continued economic and cultural exchange. The Durban and Bulawayo collaboration Over a decade after signing their Twinning Charter in September 2011, the long-standing partnership between Durban and Bulawayo is entering an exciting new phase. As the City of Bulawayo participated in this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), it invited eThekwini Municipality. In an interview with The South African, Thulani Nzama, the head of the eThekwini Municipality's Business Support, Tourism, and Markets Unit, said his municipality is happy to work closely with the City of Bulawayo. 'Our main purpose is to forge business linkages between the two cities,' he said. ' We want to look at other areas like the arts and culture. These cities usually host similar cultural events. The majority of people in the City of Bulawayo speak the Ndebele language, which is similar to isiZulu. Even if you look at the surnames…in terms of culture, everything looks almost the same.' How the two cities connect historically Nzama historically described how the eThekwini Municipality and the City of Bulawayo share the same history. He noted that the founders of KwaBulawayo originated from KwaZulu and relocated during the Mfecane period. ADVERTISEMENT 'As much as it was war, if you look at it strategically, it was more of expanding the nation. They are still here, speaking the language and sticking to our culture. So it is a matter of saying, 'guys, let's meet and share because this is similar.'' Nzama said the shared history, depicted by the heritage sites like The Battle of Isandlwana and Mzilikazi's grave, will help the cities improve tourism. Nzama said the idea is that if a tourist is visiting for seven days, we can easily package him or her for three days in Durban. He or she can then take a flight to Bulawayo for another three days. Another South African municipality is twinned with Bulawayo The City of Bulawayo also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Polokwane Municipality in October 2012. 'We are twinned with two South African Cities, eThekwini Municipality and Polokwane Municipality, and it is working very well,' said Kholisani Moyo, the Bulawayo City Economic Development officer. 'We have managed to link Bulawayo Polytechnic to the Venda University. They have since signed an MOU, and this year they had their first conference in Victoria Falls. Some research papers were presented during the conference. Both South African and Zimbabwean researchers participated. Next year, the conference will be held in South Africa.' Do you believe in sister-cities? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. ADVERTISEMENT Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Zimbabwe, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) collaborate to combat Antimicrobial resistance
Zimbabwe is taking a holistic stance against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with the government of Zimbabwe emphasizing the critical need for a unified, multi-sectoral approach to address this complex challenge. Speaking at a recent high-level meeting organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) during this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), government and private sector representatives highlighted the multifaceted nature of AMR, describing it as not just a medical issue, but a broader societal, economic, agricultural, and environmental threat. The speakers emphasized that while AMR is a global concern, its solutions must be rooted in local, cross-sector collaboration. "AMR is not something we created on our own," the Deputy Minister of Health, Sleiman Timios Kwidini noted, "but we are certainly contributing to its spread through our own actions." He pointed out critical areas of concern, including improper medication use, self-medication, and shortcuts in medical treatment that contribute to microbial resistance. The importance of partnerships emerged as a central theme. Experts emphasized that combating AMR requires a coordinated effort involving government institutions, academia, communities, private sector entities, healthcare professionals, and international organizations, with FAO being recognized particularly for being instrumental in supporting agricultural practices that minimize antimicrobial resistance. Private sector involvement was highlighted as crucial. Dr Munyaradzi Dzvene explained that public-private partnerships could fund critical research and development, potentially creating new molecules to combat resistant microbes. "Private sector can fund research and development, coming up with new chemicals that can actually combat this problem of antimicrobial resistance," the speaker noted. The government's role was underscored as fundamental in spearheading development of policies and regulatory frameworks, coordinating efforts, providing education, and establishing robust healthcare systems. Officials stressed the need to move to practical, ground-level interventions. "We need to go to the people," the Deputy Minister of Health emphasized, advocating for direct community engagement. Public awareness emerged as a critical strategy. The speakers highlighted the need for targeted education about antimicrobial resistance, utilizing community health workers, digital platforms, schools, and health centers to spread accurate information. "Knowledge is power, and in this case, knowledge saves lives," stated Assistant FAO Representative Programmes, Tendai Munyokoveri. The pharmaceutical industry and agricultural sectors were called upon to adopt responsible practices. This includes reducing unnecessary antimicrobial use in livestock, improving biosecurity, and ensuring responsible sourcing of food products. Dr Zivanai Makoni representing the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe warned about the dangers of counterfeit food and medical products that contribute to resistance. International organizations like the FAO and WHO were recognized for their supportive roles in developing national action plans and providing technical assistance. 'These organizations help countries like Zimbabwe develop comprehensive strategies to address AMR across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors,' said academic Joshua Mbanga. Public and private healthcare professionals were urged to collaborate more closely to manage patient treatments more effectively using good prescribing practices. The speakers emphasized the importance of proper diagnosis including use of laboratory services, appropriate prescribing habits, and completion of treatment courses. The meeting highlighted Zimbabwe's commitment to a "One Health" approach, recognizing that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected. This holistic perspective requires coordination between, veterinary services, environmental agencies, agriculture and health ministries. Challenges were candidly discussed, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the spread of misinformation through social media. However, the overall tone remained optimistic, with speakers emphasizing collective responsibility and the potential for meaningful change. "If we go outside and preach one gospel, our efforts will move faster," Masculinities&Gender specialist, Owen Nyamwanza said, underlining the importance of unified messaging and collaborative action. As Zimbabwe continues to develop its national strategy against antimicrobial resistance, the message is clear: success will require unprecedented cooperation between government, private sector, international organizations, healthcare professionals, and local communities. The fight against AMR is not just a medical challenge, but a comprehensive societal effort that demands commitment, education, and innovative partnerships. With continued focus and collaborative action, Zimbabwe aims to mitigate the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and protect public health, by adopting the whole of government approach in the fight against AMR. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) exhibits at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is one of the largest inter-regional annual trade fairs in sub-Saharan Africa. The ZITF provides governments, private sector, development partners, research, academia and the public a multi-international expo platform for trade exchange opportunities in the region. Themed, "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape," this 65th blue sapphire edition of ZITF will be held from 21 - 26, April 2025 in Bulawayo. As a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) leading international efforts to defeat hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization joins the Government of Zimbabwe, UN Country Team, Team Europe and other development partners in exhibiting and participating at this year's ZITF. 'This year, FAO will be hosting a series of side events and networking dialogues that complement the main exhibition, offering deeper insights, and discussions surrounding key themes and innovations implemented under the FAO Country Programming Framework 2022 – 2026. These events will go a long way in increasing knowledge and understanding the role of FAO in Zimbabwe,' said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.' Through participation at the ZITF, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. The dialogues and networking sessions on various thematic issues framed under FAO's key programme priorities will enhance stakeholder experience and provide a platform for interaction, learning, and collaboration. All side events and networking dialogues are structured through expert-led discussions and participatory conversations around project thematic focus areas, challenges, and opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences to align FAO programming through expert-led and realistic interventions. The main objective of these side events is to enhancing FAO visibility while fostering networking and promoting knowledge sharing through presentations of project best practices to strategic key stakeholders, development partners and the public attending the ZITF,' said Tendai Munyokoveri, Assistant FAO Representative – Programmes. At this international platform, FAO will also join the UN country team in exhibiting under the One UN umbrella with the objective to increase knowledge and understanding of UN Zimbabwe agency contribution to the development of the country and its contribution to fulfilling the SDG targets through implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the Common Agenda for peace, people, planet and prosperity. FAO will exhibit under the PLANET PILLAR which focuses on environmental protection, climate resilience and natural resources management. At the 65th edition of the ZITF, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, highlighted the transformative potential of businesses in agricultural development and food systems. He emphasized that food systems encompass crucial public policy decisions influencing dietary habits and the sustainability of local communities. Mr. Kallon stressed the importance of engaging businesses, youth, and communities in the food security and agriculture sector. He noted this area as vital, available, and opportune sector for growth that are critical for strengthening local food systems, sustaining community nutrition, and offering rewarding employment opportunities to Zimbabwe's vibrant youth population. Addressing the challenges faced by developing nations, including Zimbabwe, Mr. Kallon said, "A lot is weighed against developing countries' ability to shape food systems. In many cases, the essential financial and value chain systems are absent and must be constructed from the ground up." This highlights the urgent need for cohesive efforts in building resilient food systems that can drive economic growth and lift entire communities out of recurrent hunger and poverty. As Zimbabwe moves forward, the collaborative efforts of businesses, policymakers, youth, women and local communities will be pivotal in transforming food systems, fostering climate resilience, and achieving sustainable development goals. At the end of the ZITF, FAO will pull together resources to follow up on commitments and pathways of collaboration based on emerging issues from these dialogues while pushing the FAO development agenda with strategic partners in Zimbabwe. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
