ZANU-PF has released a statement explaining how internal party vacancies should be properly filled through co-option, based on Sections 554 and 555 of the Party Constitution.

This comes after two earlier circulars (numbers 0634 and 0635) were mistakenly sent out and have now been officially withdrawn. In a new directive signed by the Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde P.A. Chinamasa, all party structures—including District Coordinating Committees (DCCs)—have been told to follow the correct constitutional procedures when carrying out co-options.

Key Provisions and Guidelines:

• Three-Month Deadline: Any vacant position must be filled within three months through co-option.
• Start with Consensus: The organ must first try to agree on one replacement. If two candidates are suggested and no agreement is reached, a vote must be held. The person with the most votes wins, as long as enough members are present.
• Same District Rule: The person chosen must come from the same district as the one being replaced.
• Organ Dissolution Rule: If one-third or more of the positions in any organ (except the Central Committee) become vacant, the whole organ will be dissolved.
• Flexible Role Assignment: The person co-opted does not have to take over the same position. They can be given other duties as long as fairness and proper representation are maintained.
• Observers Only: Members from other party organs can attend co-option meetings, but only to observe. They cannot speak, vote, or interfere in any way.

DCC-Specific Rules:

Only official DCC members listed in Article 13, Sections 144 (1) to 144 (25), can take part in co-option. For Women’s Affairs, Youth Affairs, or War Veterans Affairs, the vacancy must be filled by someone from the same wing within the district.

Enforcement:

Provincial leaders must make sure co-option meetings are held quickly when a vacancy occurs and that all procedures are followed correctly. Meeting minutes and results must be sent to the National Political Commissar’s office within seven days.

Cde Chinamasa made it clear that these rules will not apply to past actions. They only apply to future co-option processes. If these procedures are not followed, any such co-option will be considered invalid.

By: Bright F. Zindove

Richmond Landfill (Ngozi mine) is situated in the northern fringes of the city of Bulawayo, between Richmond and Cowdray Park Suburbs. The dumpsite is home to more than 400 households. 

Residents residing near the site and surrounding suburb are making a living from the dumpsite. Early in the morning, from my backyard view, men, women and children can be seen going to work, at Ngozi Mine, some carrying big bags for packaging whatever they could scavenge for resale and recycling. This illustrates that the dumpsite is a place of ‘opportunity’ and people are making a living out of it, through refuse collection and recycling ♻️. 

Environmental and health wise, one can say the site is a ticking time bomb. Residents from surrounding areas wake-up in a cloud of smoke. They inhale hazardous carbons from Ngozi Mine, and this exposes them to respiratory disease. Some of these disease may affect them in the coming years. 

In accordance with the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the air quality in Zimbabwe is considered moderately unsafe. Most recent data indicate the country’s annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is almost double the recommended maximum of 10 µg/m3.

A double-edged sword indeed, which needs a peculiar solution from all stakeholders; residents, city father’s, non governmental organisations, media and government. The intervention should be a world class recycling factory, which is going to be a source of ‘opportunity’ and ‘defender of pollution.’ 

Disclaimer: These are the views of the writer and not the institution. 

By Enia Dube

In a significant move to harness the country’s abundant solar energy potential, Zimbabwe has introduced comprehensive green energy regulations. These guidelines guarantee the safety and quality of solar energy systems, paving the way for a sustainable future.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has developed the framework, which outlines stringent standards for solar equipment manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. This ensures that solar energy systems meet international quality benchmarks, safeguarding consumers and promoting environmentally friendly practices. 

Mandatory certification for solar equipment manufacturers and installers is now required, ensuring that only qualified professionals handle solar energy systems. Compliance with international safety standards, specifically IEC 61730, is also mandatory. Regular inspections and testing of solar energy systems will be conducted to enforce adherence to these standards. 

Public awareness campaigns will also be implemented to educate consumers on safe solar energy practices, empowering them to make informed decisions when investing in solar energy solutions. 

ZERA’s CEO, emphasized the importance of these regulations, stating, “Zimbabwe is committed to renewable energy, and these regulations will protect consumers while promoting sustainable growth.”

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the regulations, recognizing the benefits of a standardized solar energy sector. “Safety and quality are paramount in solar energy. These regulations will boost investor confidence and drive growth,” he added. 

As Zimbabwe strives to increase its renewable energy mix to 35% by 2030, these regulations demonstrate the government’s dedication to a sustainable future. With the new regulations in place, Zimbabwe is poised to become a leader in Africa’s solar energy revolution, shining a light on the country’s commitment to a greener tomorrow.