Rescue Effort Saves Trapped Miners at Redwing Mine in Zimbabwe

Rescue Effort Saves Trapped Miners At Redwing Mine In Zimbabwe

In a remarkable display of bravery and perseverance, rescuers successfully extracted all 15 subsistence mine workers who were trapped underground in a collapsed shaft at Redwing mine in Zimbabwe. The incident occurred on Thursday, leaving the miners in a dire situation until their eventual rescue on Sunday, as reported by government spokesperson Nick Mangwana.

Located approximately 270 km east of the capital city Harare, the Redwing mine experienced a ground collapse, leading to the entrapment of the workers. The rescue operation faced significant challenges due to unstable ground conditions, causing delays in reaching the trapped miners. Metallon Gold, the owner of Redwing mine, cited the unstable ground as a contributing factor to the rescue operation’s complexity.

However, despite the hurdles, the relentless efforts of the rescuers paid off, and all the miners were successfully brought to safety. A video shared on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, by government spokesperson Nick Mangwana showcased the heartwarming moment when the mud-covered workers emerged from the mine shaft and were greeted by a jubilant crowd at the mine site.

Redwing mine has been the site of subsistence mining activities carried out by miners engaging in unsanctioned work since the mine was placed under corporate rescue in 2020, according to Metallon Gold. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by these miners who often work in precarious conditions with limited safety measures.

The successful rescue operation not only highlights the dedication and expertise of the rescue teams involved but also underscores the value of collaboration and swift action in such situations. The government, mine owners, and the rescue teams worked together to ensure the safety of the trapped miners, showcasing the importance of a coordinated response.

As investigations into the cause of the collapse are likely to follow, it is crucial for authorities to address the issue of subsistence mining and work towards improving safety measures in these informal mining operations. The incident serves as a wake-up call to prioritize the welfare and safety of all miners, regardless of their working status.

The successful rescue at Redwing mine is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the determination to save lives. The rescued miners can now begin the process of recovery and healing, while industry stakeholders must reflect on the incident and take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

 

Source: VOA

Severe Drought Threatens Zimbabwe’s Food Security as Maize Harvest Expected to Halve in 2024

Severe Drought Threatens Zimbabwe's Food Security As Maize Harvest Expected To Halve In 2024

In a concerning announcement made on Wednesday, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, revealed that the country’s staple maize harvest is predicted to plummet to 1.1 million tons in 2024. This drastic reduction, attributed to an El Nino-induced drought, highlights an impending grain deficit that poses a significant risk to food security in impoverished households.

With an annual requirement of approximately 1.8 million tons of maize for human consumption, Zimbabwe had projected a maize harvest of 2.3 million tons in 2023. However, the United States Agency for International Development’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) has cautioned that governments, donors, and humanitarian organisations should brace themselves for elevated food assistance needs in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar throughout 2024 and early 2025, as El Nino disrupts agriculture in these regions.

El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon characterised by unusually warm surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific, leads to global weather pattern alterations. It is expected to severely impact crop yields during the upcoming 2023/24 farming season. Farmers in Zimbabwe, already grappling with frequent droughts alongside a protracted economic crisis, have encountered difficulties in planting the staple grain due to high temperatures and dry conditions associated with El Nino.

According to Zimbabwe’s cabinet, by December 10th, only 95,156 hectares of land had been cultivated with summer crops, primarily grains. This represents a stark decline from the 465,707 hectares planted by the same time last year.

During a World Bank briefing on Zimbabwe’s 2024 economic prospects held in Harare, Minister Ncube projected a 4.9% contraction in the country’s agriculture sector next year due to the El Nino-induced drought. He remarked, “Maize is the most impacted, with estimated output plummeting to 1.1 million metric tonnes.”

Last month, Minister Ncube had already warned that Zimbabwe’s economic growth would decelerate to 3.5% in 2024, aligning with the World Bank’s forecasts, down from 5.5% in 2023. This downward revision is primarily attributable to the adverse effects of the impending drought.

The combination of dwindling maize harvests, a struggling economy, and the potential threat of food insecurity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of the impending crisis. The Zimbabwean government, along with international partners, must mobilise resources and support to ensure the availability of adequate food supplies and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable communities.

 

Source: News24 SA

 

Zimbabwe Introduces Stringent Measures to Combat Deadly Cholera Outbreak

Zimbabwe Introduces Stringent Measures To Combat Deadly Cholera Outbreak

Amidst a deadly cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe, the government has implemented new measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease. The capital city, Harare, has been placed under a state of emergency, with over 1,200 laboratory-confirmed cases reported across ten provinces in the country.

To address the crisis, the Zimbabwean government has established 46 cholera treatment camps and multiple oral re-hydration points, ensuring that essential services are easily accessible to affected individuals. Hand washing stations and sanitation devices will be installed in public areas to minimise the risk of person-to-person transmission. Furthermore, the government plans to train and deploy approximately 300 healthcare personnel who will conduct door-to-door campaigns to educate the public about cholera.

Acting Health Minister Amon Murwira emphasised the importance of community engagement and collaboration in tackling the outbreak. Various initiatives, such as community dialogues, inter-faith discussions, and stakeholder sensitisation programs, have been scheduled for districts with high cholera incidence rates.

In addition, the government has taken steps to ensure the provision of safe water in affected urban areas. Water tracking systems will be implemented immediately, while water quality monitoring will be conducted across all regions. The supervision of burials in cholera-affected areas will be strengthened, and restrictions on gatherings in such locations will be intensified, according to Information Minister Jenfan Muswere.

The Zimbabwean authorities are taking these stringent measures to curb the spread of cholera and protect public health. Cholera is a highly contagious waterborne disease that can cause severe illness and death if left untreated. By prioritising public awareness, access to treatment, and sanitation practices, the government aims to mitigate the impact of the outbreak and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.

 

Source: CGTN Africa

Zimbabwe Explores Incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Health Sector

Zimbabwe is actively working towards integrating traditional Chinese medicine into its health sector, according to a cabinet minister. During a bilateral meeting with China’s vice minister of the National Health Commission, Douglas Mombeshora, Zimbabwe’s Health minister, expressed efforts to familiarize themselves with traditional Chinese medicine.

Mombeshora highlighted the positive impact of Chinese doctors practicing acupuncture in Zimbabwe, which had benefited patients. The country is currently in the process of regulating traditional medicine practices and aims to cooperate with China in various areas to achieve shared goals.

The Health minister commended the People’s Republic of China for its support in implementing various projects in Zimbabwe, particularly in the health sector. He specifically mentioned the construction of the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse, which is one of the largest warehouses in the southern African region. The project, funded by a Chinese grant of US$22 million, was completed and handed over to the government of Zimbabwe.

During the meeting, China’s vice minister, Yu Xuejun, acknowledged Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining strong relations between the two countries. He mentioned that China has been sending medical teams to Zimbabwe since 1985. Yu expressed his appreciation for the outstanding service provided by members of the Chinese medical teams and expressed a desire for further discussions to strengthen relations, particularly in the health sector.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the international Inter-ministerial Conference on South-South and Triangular Cooperation in Population and Development, held in Victoria Falls. The conference brought together representatives from over 30 countries, and it was set to be officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

 

Source: Newsday Zimbabwe