What you may have missed October 1-5

Poverty declines- Poverty has declined significantly since the formation of the inclusive government in 2009, a report released by Afrobarometer today said. “Following the disputed and highly flawed 2008 election, a government of national unity was put into place,” the survey stated. “The previous opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, gained control of the Ministry of Finance. One apparent result of this ‘peace dividend’ was a rapid fall in lived poverty…”

Boost for farmers
The government today said it will supply farmers with $161 million worth of free seed and fertilizer to improve food security. “This is a demonstration of support to agriculture, which is the backbone of our economy,” Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa said. “It is unfortunate though that because of elections, which came late, and the formation of the new government, which came late, we were not able to go into this matter earlier.”

Stuck with IMF Plan
Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa today said Zimbabwe will stick to an International Monetary Fund monitoring programme that could pave way for the country to clear its debts and open doors for new loans to revive its economy. “We are committed to the programme,” he said.

Grace’s son
First Lady Grace Mugabe’s son from her first marriage, Russell Goreraza, was today reported to have taken control of Tolrose Gold Mine in Kadoma. He is reported to have bought some shares from Patterson Timba “who was embroiled in a protracted legal wrangle with Jameson Rushwaya over the ownership of the mine”.

Farmers welcome facility
Farmers have welcomed the almost US$1 billion facility unveiled by the government and private sector towards crop and livestock production in the 2013-14 season. The government has promised US$161 million support. The Bankers Association of Zimbabwe will mobilise S$620 million while CBZ bank will pump in US$100 million.

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