WEEKLY NEWS ROUND-UP

Monday

AFRICAN Union chairperson, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, has taken the fight against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Sudan to G20 countries, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank among other international organisations.

The leader is calling for unconditional lifting of the restrictions to allow Harare to wage an effective battle against Covid-19.

President Ramaphosa told the G20 countries and multilateral institutions that it was not prudent to have sanctions against Zimbabwe and Sudan at a time when the world should join hands to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Tuesday

A 12-member Chinese medical team of experts in management of Covid-19 arrived in the country recently with a consignment of test kits and protective gear to help Zimbabwe respond effectively to the pandemic.

The team was received at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana and Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Guo Shaochun

The medical team is from Hunan Province in south central China, which borders

Wednesday

THIRTY conventional buses were inspected and 24 certified fit by the Central Mechanical and Equipment Department ( CMED) in Harare following the recent invitation by Government for private commuter omnibus operators to join the Zupco franchise if they want to operate during the lockdown period and beyond. The exercise is also ongoing in other parts of the country.

Thursday

President Mnangagwa has conferred liberation hero status to the late prominent Masvingo bus operator Cde Tanda Tavaruva, in recognition of his contribution to the country before and after independence.

ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Cde Obert Mpofu in a letter to Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira dated May 12 confirmed the honour and revealed that the Tavaruva family would get financial assistance to bury the liberation hero.

Friday

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduced new $10 and $20 banknotes that will start circulating on Tuesday and the first week of June, respectively.

In a statement this last week, RBZ announced that features of the banknotes would be publicised prior to their circulation.