Business Reporter

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) yesterday clarified the status of Starlink's operations within the country, asserting that the satellite internet provider is not yet licenced to operate in Zimbabwe.

Staff Reporter

In a move aimed at preserving the sanctity of graves and respecting cultural heritage, Government has reiterated stringent measures regarding construction works in Mt Hampden, particularly in areas surrounding the New Parliament Building.

Following extensive developments in the region, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has issued a directive mandating developers to halt construction and engage archaeologists and other relevant authorities upon encountering human remains or graves.

“As this project is being undertaken, developers have been made aware that should any grave be discovered during construction, the developer should stop and engage an archaeologist and curator of cemeteries who is qualified to categorize the graves and advise on the appropriate action such as exhumation and reburials of those buried in Mt Hampden,” stated the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Responding to allegations raised by one Eugene Majuru in a social media article, accusing developers of destroying graves in Mt Hampden to make way for the Cyber City Development Project, the Ministry emphasized the legal protection afforded to ancient graves under both the National Museum and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) Act and the Cemeteries Act.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage wishes to advise the public and all concerned stakeholders that wide consultations have been conducted with all parties concerned, and some are still ongoing. In doing so, the Ministry is strictly guided by the relevant legislation and traditional customs deserving of such a process.

“For the record, all ancient graves are protected by both the NMMZ Act, Chapter 25:11, and recent graves by the Cemeteries Act, Chapter 5:04. The two acts complement each other legally in the protection of such ancestral places of value,” reaffirmed the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Contrary to assertions made by Majuru regarding alleged inadequate consultations with the Mbari Clan concerning graves in the Mt Hampden area, the Ministry clarified that thorough consultations had indeed taken place with all concerned stakeholders.

In addressing concerns regarding the cemetery in question, the Ministry highlighted the active involvement of relatives in identifying graves and consultations conducted with Chief Zvimba.

“The cemetery in question is mostly composed of the remains of former farm workers. The majority of graves are known, and their relatives have come forward to identify them. The Mount Hampden area falls under Chief Zvimba, whom the Ministry, through NMMZ, has again fully consulted,” added the Ministry.

The Ministry added that the Government remains committed to upholding legal provisions and traditional customs to ensure the preservation of Zimbabwe's rich historical legacy amidst ongoing development endeavours.

Meanwhile, the Ministry underscored the importance of factual information over hearsay in addressing sensitive issues, such as the protection of graves and cultural heritage.

Staff Reporter

Citizens across Zimbabwe are applauding the monumental transformation underway at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA) in Harare, saying that the initiative is a testament to the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the country.

Political Reporter

As the anticipated launch of a new political movement under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa looms on the horizon, tensions are escalating within his inner circle, particularly in Bulawayo Province, where factions are vying for control of the province in a fierce power struggle.

Political Reporter

Controversial former ZANU PF Youth League National Political Commissar and leader of the Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ), Godfrey Tsenengamu, has quit active politics, citing disillusionment with his party's ability to enact meaningful change as the primary reason for his decision.