Stanbic Bank’s parent company, Standard Bank Group, has emerged as the most valuable banking brand on the African continent for 2022 in Brand Finance’s annual ranking of the world’s Top 500 Banking Brands, after increasing its brand value by 26% to USD1.583 billion.
This significant increase in brand value has seen Africa’s largest financial services organisation by assets jump 17 places to rank 145th globally.
For a third consecutive year, Standard Bank has also increased its reputation score above the South African banking sector average, according to Brand Finance’s Global Brand Equity Monitor.
Every year, Brand Finance puts 5 000 of the biggest brands to the test and publishes nearly 100 reports, ranking brands across different sectors and countries.
The world’s top 500 most valuable and strongest banking brands are included in the annual Brand Finance Banking 500 ranking. Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank Group Chief Executive, says:
<blockquote>
We’re delighted by our brand’s performance as it spotlights the hard work undertaken over the past few years to radically overhaul our business model and transform experiences for clients.
The Group has invested heavily in disruptive technologies to provide our clients with banking, asset management and insurance solutions to enable them to achieve their unique goals and ambitions.
</blockquote>
In 2019, Standard Bank began a journey that fundamentally redefined its business. As it undertook a future-ready transformation and the expansion into a platform business, it also introduced a comprehensive brand repositioning, the first in 10 years, culminating in the launch of the ‘It Can Be’ brand promise in 2020. Thulani Sibeko, Standard Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, says:
<blockquote>
Our brand positioning aligns with our organisation’s ambition to transform client experiences based on researched client insights.
Our people are inspired and committed to providing solutions and experiences that matter and create value for our clients.
</blockquote>
Recently, Standard Bank reached the 10 million customer mark in South Africa, which Sibeko says has been driven in part by gaining momentum within the mass market. Said Sibeko:
<blockquote>
The introduction of our value banking solution MyMo, for example, has enabled more people to access our brand for the first time.
</blockquote>
He adds that the increase in customer acquisition can also be attributed to the continuous introduction of new and innovative solutions to make the lives of clients easier.
An example is FlexiFuneral, which allows customers to choose their level of benefits and amount of cover. Also recently introduced is Unayo, a digital payments platform that connects the higher and lower ends of the value chain, thereby stimulating economic activity across Africa. Sibeko said:
<blockquote>
We are enormously proud of our treasure chest of innovations and achievements, all of which impact individuals, businesses, or communities.
</blockquote>
The trust that consumers have in the Standard Bank brand continues to serve it well, believes Sibeko. He adds:
<blockquote>
Our clients think of us as a safe bank, and we take the role of financial custodianship extremely seriously, in the systems and processes we implement to safeguard our clients from increasingly sophisticated fraudulent threats.”
We are both proud and honoured to be awarded the title of Africa’s most valuable bank brand. The most successful brands are often the most relevant, and remaining relevant means constantly evolving, and changing with developing client requirements.
This year, Standard Bank will be celebrating its 160th year of enabling individuals and businesses to achieve their ambitions – a testament to our innovation, resilience, commitment and adaptability.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Pindula News

Standard Bank Ranked As Africa’s Most Valuable Banking Brand

Audiences across Africa will have the opportunity to join in on a LinkedIn Live session with the CEO of MultiChoice Africa, Fhulufhelo Badugela, on 16 February at 13:30pm (CAT).
The aim of the 60-minute session is to showcase opportunities for women in the media and technology industries and gain insight from Badugela on her role as CEO. There will also be a short slot open for questions from the audience.
An experienced executive, Badugela holds an Honours Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of Witwatersrand and completed the MultiChoice Group Chairman’s Top Leaders Programme, powered by Harvard University.
She is renowned for being an engaging leader who is driven by a genuine interest in people and their well-being.
Badugela is a proud sponsor of the MultiChoice Group Women’s Forum and has played a huge role in initiating mentorship programmes to shift and empower the representation of women in leadership roles.
It comes as no surprise that breaking down barriers of entry in the workplace, especially for black women, is one of the key issues that will be discussed during her LinkedIn Live session. Other topics include leadership lessons; challenges facing women in the industry; strategies for success; MultiChoice’s gender empowerment initiatives; and advice for women starting out in the media. Said Fhulufhelo Badugela:
<blockquote>
Over the years, my career at the MultiChoice Group has seen me step into diverse roles, which has certainly made for a very interesting journey and helped prepare me for my role as CEO of MultiChoice Africa.
I look forward to the LinkedIn Live session, with the aim of fostering engagement with our followers on the platform and sparking real-time conversations with our professional audience, current employees, and future MultiChoice employees.
</blockquote>
Follow this link to join this session on the 16th of February at 13:30 (CAT): <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/multichoicegroup/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/multichoicegroup/</a>

MultiChoice Africa CEO, Fhulufhelo Badugela, To Speak Live On LinkedIn

Stanbic Bank is committed to playing its part in assisting Zimbabweans in the diaspora to build and own houses back home through its mortgage finance facility tailor-made for people living abroad.
The facility called “Diaspora Home Loans” is part of a wider mortgage finance plan by the leading financial services institution whose goal is to ensure that Zimbabweans at home and abroad enjoy the basic human right of having a roof over their heads.
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Head of Client Solutions, Tich Zuze said the leading financial services institution is committed to contributing towards ensuring that Zimbabweans in the diaspora build or purchase a house back home through its Diaspora Home Loans facility.
“We have established a well thought out Diaspora Home Loans facility through which Zimbabweans living abroad can acquire completed houses, construct new properties, undertake property improvements and equity release,” said Zuze.
He said the Diaspora Home Loans package has flexible terms and conditions and is backed up by Stanbic’s Home Loans desk which is available to attend to them in need.
“Stanbic is aware that a house is one of the most important investments anyone can make and the Diaspora Home Loans facility plays a pivotal role in ensuring Zimbabweans in the diaspora enjoy a sense of belonging and achievement in the knowledge that they have a house back home,” said Zuze.
For one to be eligible for the Diaspora Home Loans facility they need to provide the usual Know Your Clients (KYC) documents together with proof that one has a secure job in the diaspora such as a stamped letter of introduction from employer- confirming salary, retirement age, and contract of employment which should be long enough to cover loan term and certified 6 months bank statements through which salary is paid.
The applicant of the diaspora home loan would also need to provide a local address to which Stanbic Bank will serve documents and or notices and service of process when need arise.
Other documents include a completed Home Loan application form and having a minimum of 24 months duration of employment with the same employer while proof of extra income is an advantage. 
The comprehensive list of the requirements are accessible via the bank’s website and one can visit any Stanbic branch to get further assistance.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Stanbic Bank Targets Diasporans To Build Houses Back Home

The Statutory Instrument (SI) published this year does not have room for self sponsorship when it comes to cotton farming. Every cotton farmer has to be contracted.
Contract farming sounds enticing because the farmer is told he/she will get free inputs but it’s not free but a loan.
You repay the inputs when you deliver the cotton. However, the loan comes with unfair conditions to the farmer.
The farmer is not allowed to sell his cotton to any other buyer besides the one who gave him the loan. Here comes the problem; it is the buyer who decides on the cotton price.
The farmer does not have a voice in deciding the cotton price. Secondly, the farmer does not have recourse even if the cotton buyer decides not to pay him.
The farmer cannot reclaim his harvest from the buyer in the event that the loan giver decides not to pay him for cotton like what Cottco is doing now. 
Cottco is taking cotton from farmers without paying the farmers’ crops. Cottco did not pay cotton farmers last year and this year it’s the same thing. This year Cottco has paid only 10 USD per 200kg bale of cotton. Can you imagine?
Cotton farming has enslaved Gokwe farmers. They are working for Cottco for free while Cottco managers are counting profits every year and getting promotions for “working very hard” while our parents are wallowing in poverty as if they are not working.
Cottco is taking the advantage of a contract farming Statutory Instrument that was designed to protect the merchant and impoverish the farmer.
Contract farming is evil, it is exploitative and enriches one who hasn’t worked, it is pure robbery by the government and other cotton merchants.
The solution is there. If I was a policymaker, I would make sure that there are three players when it comes to cotton farming and marketing; (1) The cotton farming funder or financier (2) The cotton farmer and (3) The cotton buyer.
The law must clearly stipulate that the cotton buyer must not loan anything to the farmer. The law must also stipulate that the cotton buyer must deduct the Cotton financier’s funds first and surrender such funds to the financier before paying the farmer.
The farmer must be left free to sell his crop to any cotton buyer who offers more money and one who pays on time.
Our MP Karikoga instead of praising Cottco must be mobilising his counterparts from other Gokwe constituencies to rally behind the above-outlined cotton regulations and influence the Minister of Agriculture to enact such a good law.
Etiwel Mutero is an archivist and a political commentator.+263773614293 etiwelm02@gmail.com
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

The Evils of Contract Cotton Farming | OPINION

Community-Based organisation (CBO), Summit Care Trust will be spearheading a Suicide Prevention Campaign starting tomorrow as a way of commemorating Suicide Prevention month which falls in the month of September.
The campaign comes as Zimbabwe’s suicide rate for 2019 was 14.10, a 0.71% increase from 2018. In the years 2020 and 2021 there is anecdotal evidence highlight an increase in suicide cases.
Summit Care Trust Mental Health Advocate, Tanatswa Chikaura said the campaign is crucial as it seeks to open up awareness about suicide and how to find ways of preventing the cases from rising.
“While Suicide Prevention should be an everyday topic, the month of September gives us an opportunity to dedicate time and have honest conversations about Mental Health.”
“Suicide is often deemed a taboo topic, therefore we would like to raise awareness on the stigmatization surrounding it, as well as to spread important information that can help people affected with suicidal thoughts and those that have lost their loved ones to the scourge,” said Chikaura.
She said the aim of the month-long Suicide Prevention Campaign is to ensure that Zimbabwean citizens have the important tool kit that will help them prevent suicide and seek help.
Throughout the month of September, Summit Care Trust will highlight the “YOU MATTER” theme by focusing on four areas: Community Awareness, Health Awareness, Family Awareness and Education Awareness.
The Trust will broadcast conversations with various stakeholders on the risk factors of suicide, navigating mental health crisis, suicide prevention, bullying in educational institutions and the role of sports, arts and culture in young people’s mental health.
“We will also facilitate Focus Group Discussions in Harare South, as well as zoom workshops on Suicide Awareness and Prevention. In addition, we will have graphic information that people can share on their social media platforms with the #YOUMATTER. Your mental health condition is important,” she said.
Chikaura said at the core of the awareness campaign was the message that there is no shame in seeking help.
There is a need to conscientise people facing challenges that they can share their situations with friends, family members or professionals for support.
People are experiencing mental health conditions due to various factors. In Zimbabwe, suicide has been on the rise among young people.
Suicidal thoughts, just like mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race. Usually, suicidal thoughts stem from various mental health conditions. Suicide affects not only the victim but the victim’s family and friends. The thought of losing a loved one, coupled with the stigmatization has a strong psychological effect.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Summit Care Trust Spearheading Suicide Prevention Campaign

When two University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students found out they wouldn’t be going back to campus anytime soon due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent control measures, they decided to create a Social Networking and Dating site dubbed <a href="https://www.intarez.com/">www.intaRez.com</a>
The social platform draws its name from the well-known college lingo, particularly UZ used to describe a period where inter hostel visitations are permitted for different purposes ranging discussions, assignment collaboration and also perhaps a time that some students make use of for intimacy purposes.
intaRez was launched by fourth-year Journalism and Media student, Tafadzwa Shoko and Michelle R Chibango a 3rd-year Audiology student, with the intention of bridging the gap that arose due to the mandatory lockdown induced measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
intaRez allows users to easily connect with people nearby making it so much easy to break the ice, with less anxiety that is often experienced in physical meetups.
Among other fantastic features that this new platform offers, is the ability of people to share files, music, videos – you name it.
It also allows users to create pages, groups, find jobs on offer, sell their products, raise campaigning funds. Well, if you have a gadget intaRez is a platform to visit.
Co-founder of the Social Network and Dating, Shoko said the platform was a culmination of the realisation of a gap that existed between various social groups of students, and since then Tafadzwa has been driven to provide an initiative that decreases the gap
“When I started university, I realised there was a big division between the countryside students, ghetto students and the uptown students. It was very hard to get to know people. A lot of people won’t walk over to each other physically to start a conversation in the library, cafeteria, lecture, or wherever they are.”
“So my colleague and I saw an opportunity and we came up with the idea of a Social Networking and Dating platform which allows users to see others nearby, and start a conversation if they’re interested in chatting with each other, ” said Shoko.
Although the site was originally launched with the intention of facilitating social networking among college students and the alumni, the good part of it is that it is, however, not limited to the outside world as those who are not students can also enjoy the platform, for example, amablesser.
Co-founder Michelle, who is passionate about everything tech expressed her vision of seeing the site growing beyond College students and beyond Zimbabwean borders.
“Our main focus is for the site to become successful among college students, here in Zimbabwe where it has only recently been launched,” she said.
“We look forward to it taking off well and becoming a big thing. But our focus, for now, is to make it popular in Zimbabwe,” she added
Tafadzwa and Michelle have been promoting the website with the help of school mates, and friends. “We’ve only just started approaching more people and asking people to visit and explore the site. A few days after breaking the news about the site, we’ve had over 1000 users in Zimbabwe signing up already.”
“The more the users we have and the more the support we get, the better the site becomes. The whole idea of the site is to have many people from various parts of the country registered on the site.”
“Amid the coronavirus pandemic, colleges, universities, and workplaces started shutting down en masse and strict regulations were introduced we realized there were little local options available for those who wanted to find love, do business, chat with their friends and those who want to make new friends until the idea of coming up with a Social Networking and Dating site downed on us” added the duo who are optimistic of their website blowing off.
Apart from the Social Networking platform, Michelle and Tafadzwa also run popular news site <a href="https://iafrica24.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">iAfrica24</a>.

Two UZ Students Launch ‘Facebook Like’ Social, Dating Website

Masiyiwa reflects on the significance of first female, black U.S. Vice President
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Strive Masiyiwa, a father of five daughters, says the historical swearing-in of the first female and black US Vice President Kamala Harris is a great inspiration for millions of girls and women across the world.
Masiyiwa, the founder and chairman of the pan-African Econet Group, writes:
<blockquote>
There are people who will want you to believe that it is not a big deal that a woman of colour is becoming Vice President of the United States.
It’s a REALLY BIG DEAL FOR ME, and here is why:
I am a father of five daughters, and from the moment each one of them took their first breath, I have wanted them to be successful in life. I want them to be whatever their God-given talents and grace will allow them to achieve.
But I have always known that there are barriers which must be removed for them to get there – precisely because they are woman, and also because they are black.
Each time someone out there removes a barrier that my children face, I rejoice!
How can I not rejoice because a woman and one of colour has reached this level?
When she is sworn in later this afternoon (January 20, 2021), I will sit with each of my daughters, and we will watch. And so will millions of black Americans who will see this day as a miracle. And many little girls will dream, and dream!
When my daughters were little, they would shout encouragement about each other with these words:
“Go Joanna, Go! You are a champion! Girls can do anything!” (Joanna was the smallest of them, and she got to Yale University!).
So let’s all shout: “Go, Kamala, Go! You are a champion! Girls can do anything!”
Let us encourage others so that we too might draw encouragement.
END
</blockquote>

Masiyiwa Reflects On The Significance Of First Female, Black U.S. Vice President

Stanbic Bank has appointed its Chief Financial Officer, Solomon Nyanhongo as Chief Executive (CE) with effect from 1 January 2021.
Nyanhongo takes over from Joshua Tapambgwa who leaves after 18 illustrious years with the leading financial services institution.
The Board Chairman of the Standard Bank Group subsidiary, Gregory Sebborn welcomed Nyanhongo to the helm of the institution and was looking forward to his astute management skills to carry the organisation forward. Said Sebborn:
<blockquote>
Please join us in congratulating Solomon as he assumes his challenging new position and we look forward to him continuing to drive growth and innovation in the Bank for the benefit of its many and varied customers.
</blockquote>
Nyanhongo joined the bank in 2003 as a Senior Manager, Finance. He was then appointed Head of Finance in 2009 and subsequently Chief Financial Officer in the same year, a position he has held till his recent appointment.
Nyanhongo is a Chartered Accountant who also holds various qualifications, amongst which is a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Nottingham Trent University (UK) Bachelor of Accounting Science (Honours) from University of South Africa (UNISA) and an Honours Accounting degree from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
Sebborn had kind words for Tapambgwa who he described as an astute, dedicated team player. He said:
<blockquote>
Tapambgwa will forever leave an indelible mark on Stanbic Bank as he helped steer the ship during turbulent times for the economy at large but in particular the banking sector.
</blockquote>
Nyanhongo said he was looking forward to his new challenge with excitement and was raring to go. He said:
<blockquote>
Stanbic Bank is a big institution and being appointed to take it forward is a challenge I welcome with both hands.
Having worked closely with Josh (Tapambgwa) and observing how he rode all challenges we faced will hold me in good stead going forward.
Tapambgwa leaves the institution in fine fettle and I am committed to taking it even further as we move into the era of the “new normal” which calls for innovation as the world embraces digitization and the menacing COVID 19.
</blockquote>

Stanbic Appoints Nyanhongo As New Chief Executive

Zimbabwean journalist and documentary filmmaker, Hopewell Chin’ono has said he is fighting for a better Zimbabwe for today’s youth because it is possible for them to lead decent lives. We present his statement below.
<blockquote>Why do I fight for a better Zimbabwe for today’s youth?
I bought my first property in Chisipite when I was 29 years of age.
It was through a CABS mortgage.
Today a doctor, lawyer, engineer or journalist can’t buy the same US$500k property, because there is no money in the economy due to LOOTING, plunder and misgovernance.
So I find it weird when some youths fight me for trying to let them see that their future is being destroyed, and that if things are fixed, they too could live anywhere they want.
That is why I fight against corruption, it is because I know the both sides of life, and I want those on the other side of the railway line to also be able to cross the tracks.
It can be done because I and many others are living proof of it, but you won’t be able to do it unless we have a proper economy.
Why don’t we have a proper economy? The ZANUPF looting, the corruption, the plunder and the incompetence.
You won’t be able to get the chances I got in life unless you are part of the looters.
Now is that the kind of Zimbabwe that you want where your education counts for nothing, and where the youth celebrate tax dodgers and crooks instead of hard work.
The only way today’s youth are going to be able to live in a luxury property in Chisipite is if there is investment in Zimbabwe that allowed banks to offer mortgages.
Investors both local and foreign won’t come unless the government respects the rule of law, implements political and economic reforms and stops the looting and the plunder!
Now is it a crime for me to say these things so that today’s youth also get the same chances that I got?
It is not normal in any decent society to buy your home cash, it only happens in banana republics.
Homes are bought through mortgages, ask yourself why there are no mortgages today for professionals, then you will understand my fight against corruption!
#NoToCorruption #NoToLooters
</blockquote>

Chin'ono: Why Do I Fight For A Better Zimbabwe For Today’s Youth?

The 14th edition of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon that was held virtually in various cities across the world on Sunday has been described as a great success by event organisers and athletes.
This was the first time since 2006 that the marathon – now one of Africa’s top sporting events – was held virtually, as runners complied with social distancing measures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Organisers of the event, which is believed to have attracted 5 000 runners from across 60 countries around the world, said they were overwhelmed by the response at a time other major sporting events have either been cancelled or moved to 2021 due to COVID-19. Race director John Addington said:
<blockquote>
We would like to say a massive thank you to our amazing naming rights sponsors, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, who made this first-ever virtual race possible.
</blockquote>
Econet has over the past six years supported the popular annual event and this year had to bend over backwards to ensure the marathon – traditionally held in June – continued despite the effects of the pandemic.
Econet not only delivered the sporting kits to locally registered runners, the digital lifestyle network also awarded the first 1 000 registered runners with smartwatches, trainers, running pouches and water bottles. 33-year-old Munyaradzi Philemon Tagwireyi, an athlete from Cartel Runmates said:
<blockquote>
We had an awesome time in Gweru participating in the marathon.
</blockquote>
Tagwirei said his team was grateful to Econet, for providing support from registration, regalia distribution and attending to various pre-registration queries.
Makanaka Msipa, 22, from Harare, could not hide her excitement after she participated in the historic virtual marathon. She said:
<blockquote>
I felt the physical presence of other athletes when I checked the leader board and I saw one leading with 3.5kms. At one point I felt like giving up, then realised I wasn’t the only one competing, and this gave me hope and new strength.
</blockquote>
Blessed Simbarashe Marima, 24, from Makoni district in Manicaland said he was looking forward to the final results. He said:
<blockquote>
I would like to thank Econet Zimbabwe for giving us an opportunity to participate, and to show ‘the beast’ in us.
This was my first time to participate in the marathon and I finished the 21km race within 2 hours and 18 minutes. I am eager to get the results soon because I am confident that I was one of the best runners of the day.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Addington said his organisation was still collating the data from those who participated and uploaded their finishing time and will be announcing the marathon winners and prizes in the coming weeks. He said:
<blockquote>
Participants should visit our website www.vicfallsmarathon.com to both download their official finish certificates in the results section and to view their Virtual Goody Bag offering for various vouchers and discounts that they can redeem when they join us for the physical race on the 4th of July 2021.
</blockquote>
Dr Douglas Mboweni, the Econet Group Chief Executive Officer, said the successful hosting of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon underlined his organization’s commitment to wellness and a healthy lifestyle in all seasons of life. He said:
<blockquote>
We could have easily postponed the event to next year due to COVID-19, but life doesn’t stop because of pandemics and the need to live and maintain healthy lifestyles continues.
</blockquote>

‘Econet Victoria Falls Marathon A Great Success’ – Organizers, Athletes

The virtual Econet Victoria Falls Marathon kicked off on Saturday 12 December 2020 in numerous cities across Africa and the world.
Organizers say this year’s historic event, which is being held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, is expected to attract more than 5 000 athletes from Zimbabwe and over 60 countries.
Race Director John Addison said the race this year could not have been possible without the generous support of the main sponsor, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, which he said was critical in organising running gear and various prizes for the first 1 000 to register, among other things. He said:
<blockquote>
This is an incredible shout out to our main sponsor Econet, and also all the other sponsors who committed to this event.
Hopefully, these over 5 000 participants will turn into growth in tourism and the economy, both in the Vic Falls and the region, and help take us all into a post-COVID-19 future in 2021.
</blockquote>
Addison said his organisation was also incredibly proud of the money they have raised through a number of participants via the GivenGain platform, for the company’s four charities as well as through the percentage contribution from each of the runners’ entry fees. Addison added:
<blockquote>
Through these initiatives, we have managed to bring in just under US$3 000 so far. This is also a reminder though that people can continue to donate till the end of December. Let this be the season of giving.
</blockquote>
Both local and international runners are participating in three categories of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which are a full 42km marathon, a 21km half-marathon and the popular 7,5km family fun run. Runners will be using their favourite routes from wherever they are.
After completing the race, athletes record the finishing time and upload it on the race website to get certificates of participation, which they can print out.
Econet Wireless Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Mboweni said he was happy his company was continuing to put Zimbabwe on the world map by sponsoring this historic event. He said:
<blockquote>
As Econet, we continue to look for opportunities that enhance Zimbabwe’s economic growth. By sponsoring this marathon we are playing our part in marketing the country as a safe and attractive tourism destination.
We hope that we will have more people visit Zimbabwe next year and contribute to tourism growth by participating in the next edition of the marathon.
</blockquote>
Speaking ahead of the marathon, Dr Mboweni reminded local runners in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Chitungwiza, Kariba and Victoria Falls to be on the lookout for refreshment point that will be placed at strategic route points. He said:
<blockquote>
Racing time is open as it is a virtual race, but we are encouraging people to start early in the morning to avoid the high afternoon temperatures.
We will also have our MARS ambulance services on standby in selected towns, to cater to those who might require emergency medical assistance
</blockquote>

Econet Vic Falls Marathon Kicks Off

Higherlife Foundation, a philanthropic organisation founded by Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa in 1996, has commenced the handover of maternal health medical equipment to seven hospitals in Zimbabwe.
Through a generous investment from ELMA Philanthropies, Higherlife Foundation on Thursday 10 December commenced the handover of maternal health medical equipment to seven hospitals in Zimbabwe.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of essential maternal and neonatal health services and severely eroded the steady gains that Zimbabwe had made in improving mortality rates. Over the next year, without intervention, maternal and neonatal mortality rates could increase by 48% and 30% respectively. Dr Kennedy Mubaiwa, Higherlife Foundation CEO said:
<blockquote>When we heard about the state of our maternity wards, we knew we had to respond. Through the generous support of our close partner ELMA Philanthropies, who funded the project, we can invest in saving the lives of the most vulnerable of our communities, new-born babies and their mothers.
ELMA Philanthropies’ response for which we are truly grateful, has proven to us that as Zimbabweans, we do not walk alone, there are like-minded organisations and partners who are willing, not only to empathise with us but also to invest in us.</blockquote>
The equipment handover is part of the Foundation’s work to create a safe working environment in maternity wards and to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the targeted institutions by addressing the shortages of equipment that lead to incorrect risk assessments, diagnosis, and treatment.
This handover will see 925 Blood Pressure Machines, 55 Glucometers, 110 Infrared Thermometers and 54 Fetal Dopplers distributed to maternity departments at Sally Mugabe Hospital, Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, Chitungwiza Hospital, Mpilo Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Manicaland Provincial Hospital and Midlands Provincial Hospital.
In addition to the initial placement, the Foundation intends to supply the hospitals with more large-scale, high-tech equipment early next year. In order to strengthen health systems, build technical capacity and improve service delivery, Higherlife Foundation will also provide training for health facility personnel. Dr Mubaiwa added:
<blockquote>The comprehensive training will utilise a blended learning approach of both in-person and online training courses to broaden the knowledge, expertise and competence of doctors, midwives, nurses, and auxiliary staff in the maternity wards.
This investment is an expression of our deep sense of appreciation for all medical personnel who spend the greater part of their lives and careers saving Zimbabwean lives and helping our communities to thrive.</blockquote>
Higherlife Foundation is guided by their “Vision 2050” – to see Zimbabwe become an upper-middle-income economy by 2050.
A key component of achieving this vision is building healthy, thriving, and resilient communities that are at the centre of the Foundation’s interventions in health.

Masiyiwa's Higher Foundation Handover Maternal Medical Equipment

THE Construction Industry Pension Fund (CIPF) has spruced up its ZW$7 million Housing Scheme in Stoneridge, 20 km South-East of Harare by planting Cyprus trees in commemoration of National Tree Planting Day.
CIPF Board of Trustees’ Chairperson Dr Israel Murefu said in his speech read by Mrs Mpofu, a Board member of CIPF, the event was in sync with Government’s quest to plant, care for and conserve trees in recognition of the importance of National Tree Planting Day which falls annually on the first Saturday of December.
Dr Murefu said the event also signifies the Fund’s commemoration of the successful completion of the ZW$7 million Housing Scheme which saw over 800 stand-owners, both the Fund’s members and non-members become proud homeowners.
 “The Stoneridge Housing Development is a huge milestone for the Fund which has not only fulfilled the government goal of housing for all but has changed the face of the suburb by adding order and value,” said Murefu.
He said the Fund planted the trees in recognition of the fact that the tree population at the Housing site was destroyed prior to CIPF acquiring the land due to the farming activities taking place then.
Murefu added that the Fund was aware that the approved development permit allowed for buffer zones which carry vegetation to sustain the environment and that the Housing development is exposed to wind due to the absence of trees or an alternative windbreak.
The trees will give life as they give oxygen and ambience through beautifying the environment as well as help soil conservation through prevention of erosion.  
“Over and above all this, CIPF wants to add value to this development as part of its policy on responsible investing in line with the SDGs. 
As CIPF we value the communities we work with and it is with pleasure that we give back to this community through this tree planting initiative,” said Murefu.
The tree planting event was very significant as it ensures sustainability in the management and utilisation of the forestry resources for the benefit of the communities and the nation at large. 
Lack of knowledge by the communities has resulted in deforestation remaining the largest threat to the country’s tree population. 
While this year’s national tree planting day is  Saturday 5 December 2020, the Fund commemorated on Friday 4 December 2020 to enable its stakeholders who graced the event to join tree planting activities in their different home communities. 
Representatives from the Fund’s key stakeholders which include the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ); Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA); Zimbabwe Construction and Allied Trade Workers Union (ZCATWU); National Employment Council for the Construction Industry Zimbabwe (NECCIZ); CIPF Board Members; Forestry Commission;  residents of Stoneridge; CIPF CEO, Management and staff attended the event.
Murefu said the Fund chose the Cyprus trees because they have numerous desirable elements such as being an effective windbreak as well as its ability to beautify the area with their lush green colour.
Cyprus trees have low maintenance and will grow naturally without much post-planting care. 
The Tree Planting event was scheduled to coincide with the onset of the rainy season so the rains would provide enough watering to give the plants a kick start for growing naturally.
“The Stoneridge Housing Development has been a pilot project which we look at with pride. I commend the residents for creating a beautiful palace out of it. It is my hope that you will continue to look after the trees we are planting today as they are now your trees within your community,” said Murefu.
He urged the residents to plant more trees within this community bearing in mind that trees are life adding that CIPF will continue to work closely with the residents in furthering the development of the area. 
The Housing Scheme kicked off in 2016 when the Fund acquired a 34.445 hectares piece of land in Stoneridge with the specific aim of building houses for its members. The Project had a total of 863 stands. 
The scheme has seen 4-roomed and 5- roomed houses built and members becoming proud homeowners while 210 jobs on-site and hundreds of others created through related downstream activities.

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