Update leads:
- Eased lockdown: Marginalised groups feel left out
- Government bans alluvial and river bed mining
- Illegal drinking spots creating public disorder
Thecountry has recorded 7453 confirmed cases, 5635 recoveries leaving 1596 active cases and 222 deaths as at 10 September 2020. Mat-South has contributed a total of 756 cases to the overall positive cases.
The number of Covid-19 deaths that are still being recorded is worrying. This week the country has so far recorded 14 deaths. The number of tests being done is also very low considering the population of the country. Government needs to scale up on testing.
Eased lockdown: Marginalised groups feel left out
Cabinet this week approved the reopening of both domestic and international flights effective 10September and 1October respectively.
Mat-South youths have raised their concerns over this decision to open up domestic and international flights by the government. Youths argue that there is still restricted freedom of movement between towns and cities and yet the opening of flights will only favor the rich and the elite. For them, the reopening of domestic and international flights is not only unfair to towards disadvantaged groups but also shows that the needs and grievances of the locals are not considered. Only the rich and politicians` needs are catered for.
Youths also pointed out that the reopening of international flights is too soon as it may invite a second wave outbreak that has been experienced by some countries. If a second wave outbreak was to face the country, it will be a disaster since the country has no capacity to deal with a second wave when it is already struggling to control the current wave.
Those who earn a living from cross border trading have also raised their worries on when the borders will be opened since flights only cater for the rich, and they can only afford road transport.
Government bans alluvial and river bed mining
Residents from Matabeleland South Province in Insiza and Umzingwane Districts breathe a sigh of relief after the government’s decision to ban alluvial and river bed mining.
Chinese miners who have been practicing alluvial in Insiza and Umzingwane had created a rift between the villagers who were against this practice and the stakeholders who seemed to be in support of the Chinese despite the objections from the local community.
Villagers are of the view that alluvial mining result in siltation of rivers and dams and this causes serious water problems for both humans and the livestock in the area. This becomes a huge challenge to the Province that is prone to drought and the recent low rains make the water situation even more serious.
With the rivers already running dry due to low rains the Mat-South residents applaud the government move to ban alluvial and riverbed mining, especially at a time they had already started having challenges with the Chinese.
It is sad to note that the government has been giving special grants to the Chinese for mining activities while they are causing havoc in local communities, with local authorities being cohesively used to facilitate the operations at the expense of the local populace. Locals’ concern is hardly listened to, despite being on the receiving end of environmental and social negatives that come with these operations. However, some Mat South residents believe the banning of alluvial mining worsens the challenges that are already being faced by people such as unemployment. For them, alluvial mining is a form of employment through which they can get income to survive.
On another note young men and women in Mat-South that are into artisanal and small scale mining have raised concerns over the reviewing of mining operation citing that they are likely to lose their mine claims when they reviewing begins. They worry that they might not be able to afford their mining claims as result of new license charges.
Concerns over local drinking spots
Drinking spots in Gwanda town are now causing social ills to local communities. Recently a man and woman were axed in an illegal drinking spot known as a Shabben in Phakama. There is need for the local authorities to bring sanity into the communities and close down these illegal drinking spots as they are also exposing the youths to social ills like prostitution and abuse of drugs.
Activities
This week CYDT held one civic education training in Matobo, human rights monitoring and reporting training in Beitbridge, constitutional literacy training and youth engagement forum in Gwanda.
In Matobo 30 youths were equipped with information and knowledge on how they can mobilize each other to lobby for full adoption of youth key asks. Youths argued that policy makers do not prioritise on issues that positively impact on the livelihoods of young people hence youths are always found wanting
The Gwanda meeting availed youths in Gwanda ward one of Gwanda rural the opportunity to discuss their 2021 local authority budget priorities with their ward Councilor Stanford Nkala.
In Beitbridge 30 youths were trained on human rights monitoring and reporting. The youth were of the view that human rights abuses and violations are increasing everyday therefore it is imperative that they become the human rights monitors in their local communities
Remember to follow these tips proposed by the WHO to prevent getting infected with COVID-19;
- clean your hands more often using alcohol based hand rub or soap and water
- Maintain social distancing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Contact emergency COVID-19 numbers near you, if experiencing any symptoms related to the pandemic
Social Distancing Tips
- Shop alone, do not shop in groups
- Stay/Stand two metres away from other customers (especially in mealie meal queues)
TOGETHER WE CAN DEFEAT COVID-19!
Dial 2019 if suspecting any COVID-19 Symptoms!
STAY SAFE!!!!!!!!!!
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