1.0 UPDATE ON THE FOOD DEFICIT MITIGATION PROGRAMME
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the Food Deficit Mitigation Programme, as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo. The 4th Blitz Food Distribution exercise is underway and will continue to cushion the most vulnerable food-insecure households as they await harvest of their produce. Nationally, a cumulative total of 45 513.23 metric tonnes of grain has been distributed to the communities in need under the exercise. In addition, the cumulative distribution under the Zunde raMambo/Isiphala SeNkosi stands at 4 372.51 metric tonnes of grain. Processes are underway to replenish grain stocks allocated to the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the Cash-for-Cereal Programme continues.
2.0 WATER SECURITY UPDATE AND PREPAREDNESS FOR THE 2025 WINTER PLAN
Cabinet received the Water Security Update and Preparedness for the 2025 Winter Plan, as presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Honourable Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka. Page 2 of 7 In order to effectively support the 2025 Winter Plan a total of 151 major dams were monitored across the country to verify existing irrigation capacities. As at 13 March 2025, dams across the country’s ten provinces are 88.5% full. The average national levels are above the 82% recorded during the same time last season. The 2025 Winter Cereal Production target for three major crops is 135 250 hectares, with wheat on 120 000 hectares, barley on 6 500 hectares, and Irish potatoes on 8 750 hectares.
The Wheat Plan aims to produce 600 000 metric tonnes, surpassing the national annual requirement of 360 000 metric tonnes. Additionally, barley and potato production are expected to rise to 39 000 and 263 250 metric tonnes, respectively. To ensure the Plan’s success, Government will closely monitor 21 critical enablers, including power, water, seed, fertiliser, and fuel; financial support enablers comprising farmer payments, finance, and insurance; operational efficiency enablers comprising mechanization, coordination and contract farming; risk management enablers comprising migratory pests, land issues, security, and veld fire management; as well as other enablers such as capacity-building, the policy regulatory environment, soil management, marketing, and monitoring and evaluation. A whole of Government and indeed, a whole of sector approach, will be used to achieve the set target.
3.0 UPDATE ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE MEETING OF SADC MINISTERS OF EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR AND SOCIAL PARTNERS: 24 TO 28 MARCH 2025: VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Cabinet received an update on the Preparations for the Meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Employment and Labour and Social Partners, which will be held from 24 to 28 March 2025, at Elephant Hills Hotel, in Victoria Falls, as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo. The objective of the Meeting is to enable the Ministers of Labour and Employment and Social Partners in the SADC region to take stock of the implementation of Employment and Labour Sector Programmes, and to decide on issues of strategic relevance to the region.
The Meeting is also expected to discuss signature and ratification status of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour; Declaration of the promotion of Decent Works and the Elimination of Forced Labour in the fisheries sector in the SADC region; and Development of the Revised Regional Technical and Vocational Education and Training. Cabinet assures the Nation that Preparations for the Meeting are progressing well.
4.0 PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PUBLIC ASSETS AMENDMENT BILL, 2025
Cabinet considered and approved the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill, 2025, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill seeks to fortify the existing Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23] by addressing gaps and challenges that hinder its alignment with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Among other key amendments, the Bill introduces the restriction of employees and their relatives from participating in the procurement of disposed assets, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest and undue influence. This move aims to promote transparency, fairness, and accountability in public procurement processes for ease of doing business while facilitating the country’s road to rapid industrialisation in pursuit of Vision 2030. The Amendment generally ensures better management in the procurement and disposal of public assets.
5.0 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE AND THE REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT PERMANENT COMMISSION ON COOPERATION
Cabinet considered and approved the Memoranda of Understanding between the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Republic of Nicaragua on the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
The Agreement aims to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation by promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. The Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cooperation across various sectors, including Economic Cooperation, Scientific and Technological Advancements, Environmental Protection, Education, and Cultural Exchange.
6.0 THE CONVENTION ESTABLISHING THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MEDIATION
Cabinet considered and approved the signing of the Convention Establishing the International Organisation for Mediation, which was presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, as Chairperson of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation. Zimbabwe is continuously increasing its participation in regional and international organisations that champion peace and human well-being.
Accordingly, it is desirable for Zimbabwe to become a party to the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). Spearheaded by the People’s Republic of China, the IOMed will be the first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. The Page 6 of 7 IOMed plays a crucial role in implementing the peaceful resolution of international disputes, as stipulated in the United Nations Charter, and offers a new option for countries to resolve disputes peacefully.
7.0 REPORT ON THE SADC EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT: 13 MARCH 2025
Cabinet received and noted the Report on the Virtual Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, which was held on 13th March 2025, as presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor dr. Amon Murwira. The Extraordinary Summit was chaired by the Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. The Summit was attended by the following countries: Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Zambia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius Angola and Seychelles.
The Summit received an update on the latest security situation in the DRC from the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Further to the decision for a phased withdrawal of the SADC Mission in DRC, the Summit reaffirmed SADC’s unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as ensuring sustainable peace and security.
The Summit recognised the efforts of the East African Community and Southern Africa Development Community in dealing with the situation in DRC and reiterated the call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire; the cessation of hostilities; and the protection of free movement of civilians seeking safety. It also urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian principles, to desist from attacking civilian infrastructure, and to guarantee unhindered humanitarian support access.
