South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats in his annual speech on Thursday, saying South Africa would “not be bullied.”
This was seen as a reaction to Trump’s decision to cut all funding to South Africa over a new law that allows the government to take land without compensation in certain situations.
Trump called the law a “massive human rights violation” and announced on February 3, 2025, that all future U.S. funding to South Africa would be suspended until a full investigation into the law is completed.
Furthermore, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not attend the upcoming G20 meeting in South Africa, scheduled for February 20-21, 2025, because of the land expropriation law.
In his speech, Ramaphosa said that South Africa would stand firm and not be intimidated. He said:
<blockquote>
We are witnessing the rise of nationalism and protectionism, the pursuit of narrow interests and the decline of common cause.
This is the world that we, as a developing economy, must now navigate.But we are not daunted. We will not be deterred. We are a resilient people.
We will not be bullied. We will stand together as a united nation. We will speak with one voice in defence of our national interest, our sovereignty and our constitutional democracy.
</blockquote>
That part of the speech received applause and cheers from members of Parliament and others attending the SONA.

Pindula News

South African President Ramaphosa said no to Trump's threats about cutting funds over land law. Trump called the law a violation, so he stopped funding. Rubio won't go to G20 in South Africa. Ramaphosa won't be scared, he said in a speech. South Africa won't be bullied, they will stay strong and united. People cheered his words.

Ramaphosa Responds To Trump’s Threats, Vows South Africa Won't Be Bullied

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the 10th Parliament to prioritise the finalisation of the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, along with other outstanding legislation from previous sessions.
The government introduced the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill in November 2021, aiming to “counter-terrorism and prohibit political lobbying by non-governmental organizations.”
However, critics argue that the Bill seeks to limit the operations of NGOs in the country and constrict the civic space.
During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the opening of the Second Session of the 10th Parliament on Wednesday, October 2, Mnangagwa stressed the need to expedite the enactment of all Bills pending from previous parliamentary sessions. He said:
<blockquote>
Parliament has an obligation to expedite the enactment of all Bills that, for one reason or another, are outstanding from previous Sessions of the August House.
The list includes Bills relating to: Persons with Disabilities; Administration of Estates Amendment; Civil Aviation Amendment; Death Penalty Abolition; Parks and Wildlife Amendment; Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment; and Mines and Minerals Amendment.
Others are the Medical Services Amendment; and the Insurance and Pensions Amendment. The second category comprises Bills that came to light since my last address, but which Ministries never forwarded to Parliament.
I also challenge Parliamentary Portfolio Committees to be seized with the business of Bills that fall under their respective purviews. All concerned parties must address these anomalies for the collective good of our nation.
As the transformation of the education sector gathers momentum, the introduction of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Bill is expected to enhance the efficiency and good corporate governance of the ZIMSEC Board.
Likewise, the Teaching Professions Council Bill will regulate the conditions of service and produce a code of conduct for all teachers.
Occupational health and safety is critical for the attainment of Vision 2030. The Occupational Safety and Health Bill should be expedited to further align with International Conventions, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
Other Bills due to be considered by this Session include the State Service Pensions Bill establishing the State Service Pensions Fund, while the Public Service Act will be amended to align with the Constitution. The Rural Electrification Fund Act; the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act and the Pipelines Act, will also be amended to be in sync with present realities associated with the growth of the economy.
The Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill will harmonise the administrative functions of the Judiciary and the Executive in the registration process for foreign legal practitioners.
To enhance the fight against the scourge of corruption, the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistle Blowers) Bill, must sail through this Session. Electronic transactions are expanding at a phenomenal pace, as technology evolves.
The drafting of the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill should be speeded up, towards promoting legal certainty and affordability for electronic transactions.
Additional Bills include: the Standards Bill; the Legal Metrology Bill; the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill and the Media Practitioners Bill.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants the Parliament to finish important Bills that are waiting, like the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill. Some people think this Bill is bad because it can limit what NGOs can do. Mnangagwa said other Bills, like ones about education and safety, should also be done quickly. He wants the Parliament to work together to make sure everything is done for the good of the country. They need to pass Bills about pensions, corruption, electronic transactions, and more. Mnangagwa wants everything to be ready so the country can grow and get better.

Mnangagwa Urges 10th Parliament To Finalise Pending Bills

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the adoption of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024 was a significant move towards stabilising the domestic currency.
The Zimbabwe Gold currency was launched on April 8, replacing the Zimbabwean dollar, which had depreciated by 80% in the first three months of 2024.
During the opening of the Second Session of the 10th Parliament at the Parliament Building in Mt Hampden this Wednesday, Mnangagwa said that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced greater flexibility in the willing-buyer willing-seller arrangement to encourage foreign currency holders to engage in the forex market. He said:
<blockquote>
Currency stabilisation is at the core of macroeconomic stability. The adoption of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024, was an important step towards stabilising the domestic currency anchored by our gold and precious metal reserves. It remains the duty of all of us to respect and abide by measures and instruments intended to maintain economic stability and tame inflation.
In response to the increased foreign currency pressures, and in a bid to deepen the foreign exchange market, the Reserve Bank allowed for greater flexibility under the willing-buyer willing-seller arrangement.
The increased flexibility on the foreign exchange market is expected to further promote effective price discovery and encourage holders of foreign exchange to participate in the willing-buyer willing-seller market.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also said the government is committed to supporting the currency by allocating 50% of royalties to build reserves.
The President disclosed that foreign currency inflows from exports have risen from US$7 billion in 2023 to US$8 billion in 2024. He added:
<blockquote>
Our country’s banking sector is on sounding footing, with sufficient capital and liquidity buffers, while profitability, asset quality and liquidity matrix have also remained stable.
However, we note with concern the resurgence of parallel market activities driven by speculative tendencies.
Corrective measures are being instituted to protect all Zimbabweans from economic disruptions.
</blockquote>
Launched in April 2024 at an initial rate of ZiG13.50 to US$1, the ZiG was initially presented as a remedy for Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic crisis. However, it has experienced significant devaluation on the black market.
On September 27, the RBZ set the official exchange rate at ZiG24.3 per US$1, up from ZiG14.1 per US$1.
As of October 2, 2024, the official ZiG rate against the US dollar was ZiG25.2 per US$1, according to the central bank’s website.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The President of Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa, says using ZiG gold as currency helps stabilize money. The new currency replaced the old Zimbabwean dollar that lost value. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe allows more flexibility in buying and selling foreign currency. The government supports the currency by saving royalties. More money is coming in from exports. Banks are strong, but the black market is a problem. The official exchange rate for ZiG to US$ went up. The official rate on Oct 2 was ZiG25.2824 per US$1.

ZiG Launch Key To A Stable Domestic Currency - Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today set to open the Second Session of the 10th Parliament, where he will outline the legislative agenda for the upcoming period from October 2024 to October 2025.
The President will also deliver the State of the Nation Address to a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-addresses-nation-today-poised-to-outline-legislative-agenda/">The Herald</a> on Tuesday, Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda said that several bills, including the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, will be part of the legislative agenda. Said Chokuda:
<blockquote>
The State of the Nation Address and the official opening of Parliament is a requirement in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and as a requirement of the Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament and the President of the Senate have made the duly necessary arrangements for His Excellency, the President to address Parliament tomorrow (today).
Our expectation, as usual, is that His Excellency, the President will lay out the legislative agenda for the incoming session from October 2024 to October 2025.
And, basically, that will outline the issues that Parliament would be faced with during that session and that will include some Bills that are currently before Parliament that will need to be rolled over to the next session and any other new legislation that the President will outline.
There are some Bills that we believe will be rolled over into the next Session of Parliament.
I know for a fact that we have the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill which has been referred back to Parliament.
It has now been brought back and has been submitted to Parliament so we are now ready to gazette it at any time, so definitely that one should be one of the Bills that will be coming to Parliament.
We also have several others that are still being attended to by the ministries so, yes there will be quite several Bills that will be rolled over.
</blockquote>
Chokuda said the recently concluded session was the first for the 10th Parliament, where everyone was learning the ropes, adding that Parliament made efforts to equip its members for their roles and is committed to working diligently to pass legislation.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa will speak today to open the new session of Parliament. He will talk about the laws they want to make this year. They will also discuss some bills that were not finished last year. One important bill is about mines and minerals. The Parliament wants to work hard and pass laws to help the country. The last session was a learning time for everyone, but now they are ready to do their best.

Mnangagwa To Open Second Session Of 10th Parliament Today

Obert Masaraure, president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday should address the government’s plans to combat corruption, recover stolen public funds, release all political prisoners, and uphold the Constitution.
The SONA will be delivered in the context of a currency crisis, rising living costs amid low disposable incomes, and widespread hunger, among other pressing issues facing Zimbabweans. Said Masaraure (via <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200033069/mnangagwas-sona-headache">NewsDay)</a>:
<blockquote>
SONA (must) articulate current levels of corruption, how Zimbabwe is losing out, how to eliminate political interference from the fight against corruption, seizing assets and property procured from proceeds of corruption and strengthening State institutions to impartially deal with corruption.
A message on release of all political prisoners, steps towards enhancing judicial independence, an end to police brutality… adherence to the Constitution, scrapping of repressive laws and democratisation of the ballot.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa is set to open the Second Session of the 10th Parliament today, where he will outline the legislative agenda and deliver his State of the Nation Address to a joint session of the National Assembly and Senate.
On Friday, the government was compelled to devalue the rapidly declining Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which had been in circulation for only five months, after it lost value against major currencies.
This decision resulted in reduced salaries and profit margins for businesses, evoking memories of the 2008 economic crisis that led to the abandonment of the local currency.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will give a speech soon. People want him to talk about stopping corruption, freeing political prisoners, and following the rules. The country is facing problems like not having enough money, high prices, and many people going hungry. The government had to make the currency worth less because it was losing value. This made salaries and profits lower for businesses. The speech will also talk about making the courts fair, stopping police violence, and making the country more democratic.

Mnangagwa SONA Should Address Corruption, Release Of Political Prisoners - Masaraure

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Wednesday next week deliver a state of the nation address (SONA).
This was revealed by Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda in an Extraordinary Government Gazette on Friday. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
It is hereby notified, for public information, that His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will — (a) in terms of section 140(1) of the Constitution, address a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly on Wednesday October 2, 2024, at 1400 hours, during which he will set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the Second Session of the Tenth Parliament; and (b) in terms of section 140(4) of the Constitution, deliver the State of the Nation Address.
</blockquote>
The State of the Nation Address comes at a time when the economic environment is deteriorating, marked by rising prices, the devaluation of the local currency, and ongoing electricity shortages.
On Friday, September 27, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) adjusted the ZiG exchange rate from 14.1 ZiG per dollar to 24.3 ZiG per dollar.
This decision has sparked outrage among Zimbabweans, including those affiliated with the ruling ZANU PF party, who have condemned the move.
Kudzai Mutisi, a ZANU PF sympathiser and economic commentator, argued that the government’s understanding of “gold backing” was flawed, saying merely holding reserves without deploying them to stabilise the currency was ineffective. He tweeted:
<blockquote>
Filling a vault with gold and saying it’s backing a currency won’t create stability.
</blockquote>
Matigari aptly summarised, “We must be honest with ourselves on the predicament of the ZiG… This is playing with people’s lives.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will speak to everyone in Zimbabwe to tell them what the government will do next. The country is struggling with high prices, the value of their money dropping, and not enough electricity. Changes made by the Reserve Bank upset people, even those from the ruling party. They say the government needs to use the gold they have to help the money stay strong. People are worried about their lives and want the government to be truthful about the problems with the currency.

Mnangagwa To Deliver SONA On 02 October

ZANU PF Proportional Representation legislator Getrude Chibagu said that her wish is to carry President Emmerson Mnangagwa on her back like a baby “because he is doing a very good job”.
Speaking in the National Assembly recently during the debate of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) speech, Chibagu said Mnangagwa drilled boreholes for people in Mbire District and this has transformed their lives. She said:
<blockquote>
Mr. Speaker, as I am speaking, if it was possible to carry an old person like a baby, I would carry His Excellency President Mnangagwa on my back because he is doing a very good job, working very hard and supporting every Zimbabwean.
So, what would you want? You find young people taking mutoriro, they are destroying themselves, but we need to work very hard, we need to farm our land.
You hear people like Kanyemba-Bhonzo who broadcast at ZBC, he comes from our area Kanyemba and this is a very good thing. In this august House, there is a need for us to value development, emulating His Excellency.
I will not say much but my plea is that as Zimbabweans, let us work hard and develop our nation.
</blockquote>
According to <a href="https://openparly.com/i-wish-to-carry-president-mnangagwa-on-my-back-like-a-baby-says-honourable-chibagu/">Open Parly</a>, Chibagu once spent the entire term without saying anything in Parliament.
Chibagu is serving her 3rd term in Parliament. She was a Senator (2008-2013) and then elected to National Assembly (Women’s Quota) from 2023 to 2018 and then from 2018 to 2023.

ZANU PF MP Says Her Wish Is To Carry Mnangagwa On Her Back

The Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda has said the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden is still in the hands of the Chinese government and has not yet been handed over to Zimbabwe.
This week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and officially opened the 5th Session of the 9th Parliament of Zimbabwe from the new building.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube also presented the 2023 National Budget from the same building on Thursday.
Independent MP, Temba Mliswa (Norton) recently criticised Parliament over its failure to take legislators on a tour of the new Parliament building before the presentation of SONA and the national budget.
However, Mudenda told legislators in the National Assembly, that they had to ask for special permission to use the building for SONA and budget presentation from the Chinese government.
He said Parliament could not secure space at Rainbow Towers Hotel’s Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) for SONA. Said Mudenda:
<blockquote>
I also have to inform the House that the new Parliament building has not yet been officially handed over to the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
A special request was made to hold the Official Opening of the Fifth Session of the 9th Parliament and State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the new Building, which was deemed a suitable venue for the occasion and the Chinese acceded to the request.
Honourable Members will be taken for a familiarisation tour once the handover has been done and Honourable Members will be informed accordingly.
</blockquote>
Mliswa also suggested that traditional leaders should be engaged to conduct rituals at the building before it is used. | <a href="https://openparly.com/new-parliament-still-owned-by-china-we-only-asked-to-use-it-for-sona-budget/">Open Parly</a>

"Zimbabwe's New Parliament Building Still Owned By China"

The New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden will on Wednesday host President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament.
The development was confirmed by the clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda in a statement on Friday.
He added that Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube will also present his 2023 national budget at the New Parliament building next Thursday. He said:
<blockquote>
Parliament of Zimbabwe would like to advise the nation, all clients and stakeholders of the State of the Nation Address and the Official Opening of the 5th Session of the Ninth Parliament by His Excellency, the President, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa on 23rd November at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Harare.
This is a historic and momentous occasion where the last session of Parliament will be officially opened, before the next general elections.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, The Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube will present the 2023 National Budget to the National Assembly on 24th November 2022 at the New Parliament Building. Presentation of the Budget will commence at 14.30hrs
</blockquote>
Chokuda said that the two events will be broadcast LIVE on mainstream media, as well as on the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s social media platforms.
He said the public will also be able to follow proceedings on giant screens that will be mounted in the Africa Unity Square.
The New Parliament Building was built by Shanghai Construction Group (SCG) and fully funded by the Chinese government as “a gift to the people of Zimbabwe”.
The US$140 million 650-seat structure comprises a six-storey office complex and a four-storey building housing the National Assembly and Senate.

New Parliament Building To Host Mnangagwa's SONA

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officially open the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament this Thursday, <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/president-to-deliver-sona-tomorrow/">ZBC News reports.</a>
The President will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in which he will set a legislative agenda for the session.
The third session was adjourned on the 16th of September.
Bills expected to be debated during the session include legislation to regulate Non-Governmental Organisations, the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment bill; and legislation to criminalise child-related crimes.

Mnangagwa To Deliver SONA On Thursday

Norton Legislator Temba Mliswa has congratulated Thokozani Khupe <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/10/07/khupe-sworn-in-as-member-of-parliament/">who recently bounced back in parliament</a> and urged her to be “mature” and not walk away when the president is in parliament, Newsday reports.
Speaking to Khupe who the MDC Alliance has desribed as an extension of the ruling party, Mliswa made reference to next week’s <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-president-to-deliver-state-of-the-nation-address-next-thursday/">State of the Nation Address</a> and said:
<blockquote>I would like to congratulate Khupe and other MPs. May I say to them; I hope you shall serve national interests and not walk out when the head of State is here. I know Khupe is a seasoned politician who is mature. I hope she leads in that manner.
I think we are here for national interests and a lot of time has been wasted resulting in this Parliament losing credibility because of us not putting national interests first. The President remains the head of State and Parliament is one of the institutions. I am hoping that during the State of the Nation Address (Sona), you shall be exemplary in showing the nation that national interests bind us</blockquote>
MDC Alliance legislators who have denied to acknowledge the legitimacy of President Mnangagwa following 2018’s disputed elections have always walked away from parliament whenever president Mnangagwa is present.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/10/show-maturity-mliswa-tells-khupe/">Newsday </a>

I Hope You Will Not Walk Out When ED Is Here - Mliswa Congratulates "Seasoned Mature" Khupe

Members of Parliament belonging to opposition MDC have walked out of Parliament when president Emmerson Mnangagwa started delivering his State of the Nation Address.
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