A South African government handout photo shows the-then Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairman, South African President Jacob Zuma (L), hugging Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on June 20, 2009 in Johannesburg.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
Herald Reporter
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma and his Zambian counterpart Rupiah Banda, have once again called for the lifting of illegal Western sanctions on Zimbabwe, saying the discredited embargo is an obstacle to finding a lasting solution to the country’s problems.
Media reports from South Africa yesterday said President Zuma made the call after meeting President Banda in Pretoria.
President Banda chairs the Sadc Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, which also comprises President Zuma and Mozambi-que’s President Armando Guebuza.
President Zuma said the illegal sanctions were not aiding political healing in Zimbabwe.
"We call on the globe to lift sanctions. It will be helpful. They are inhibiting our progress.
"President Robert Mugabe wants a resolution to Zimbabwe’s problems, and all parties in Zimbabwe are looking forward to the elections," he said.
President Banda said the Sadc Troika would meet to discuss Zimbabwe in January.
President Banda is on a two-day State visit to South Africa.
The sanctions have stalled the full implementation of the Global political agreement with Zanu-PF pointing out that nothing has been done by way of ending the sanctions as agreed by the three parties.
The European Union, the United States, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand imposed the sanctions nearly a decade ago when Zimbabwe embarked on its revolutionary land reform programme.
The reforms have seen about 300 000 black families benefiting from land formerly held by just 6 000 white farmers.
Sadc, the Sadc Parliamentary Forum, the Pan African Parliament, Comesa, the African Union and the Non-Aligned Move-ment among other progressive countries and organisations have all condemned the sanctions.
Herald rules the roost
By Hellen Mubvumbi
It’s official — The Herald is the best newspaper brand in Zimbabwe.
The daily scooped the print media award for 2010 at the Superbrand of the Year Awards ceremony held in Harare on Thursday night.
The event was hosted by the Marketers’ Association of Zimbabwe to honour the country’s most preferred brands.
Superbrand of the Year Awards is an annual event that seeks to recognise and reward the outstanding brands in Zimbabwe.
"It is in the spirit of strong brands resulting in strong companies and ultimately a strong economy that MAZ has launched this concept this year. A Superbrand is a brand that has the ability to create, maintain, protect and enhance products and services, resulting in brand equity," said MAZ executive secretary Mr Gillian Rusike.
The Herald scooped the print media sectoral award.
But it was Econet Wireless that ruled the roost when it won the national Superbrand Award of the Year followed by Coca-Cola and Spar in second and third place respectively.
Delta Corporation shone brilliantly as it saw its beverages emerging favoured brands among them Castle Lager, Chibuku and Lion Lager.
Econet also scooped the top award in the information communication technology sector.
About 87 brands were vying for the Superbrand of the Year Award.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Minister of State in her office, Sylvester Nguni, Vice President Joice Mujuru said the establishment of competitive brands had positive ripple effects on the broader economic landscape.
"Marketing is not only relevant to individual companies but to the economy as a whole.
"As members of MAZ we expect you to take your business across borders.
"That way you will be marketing Zimbabwe.
"If one company excels in the export market, it is a plus for the economy as a whole, which is why we appreciate the need for companies to effectively and strategically market themselves," VP Mujuru said.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi emphasised the need for Zimbabwean companies to be in sync with international consumer and marketing trends.
"Without a powerful and positive reputation or national brand, Zimbabwe cannot consistently compete for consumers, tourists, investors, quality immigrants and the respect and attention of the countries and the world’s media," he said.
MAZ president Mr Godfrey Dube said they would be working closely with Government and industry to promote implementation of professional marketing strategies and ethics in business operational systems.
The Top 10 Superbrands
1. Econet 6. Pilsener
2. Coca-cola 7. Omo
3. Spar 8. Chibuku
4. Castle 9. Lion Lager
5. Toyota 10. Cascade
Sectoral Winners
Health — MARS; Print Media — Herald; FMCG — Coca-Cola; ICT — Econet; Real Estate and Property Evaluation — CBRE; Transport and Logistics — Pioneer; Motor Industries — Toyota; Retail — Spar; Hospitality — African Sun; Agriculture — Seed Co; Finances and Insurance — First Mutual Banking — Stanbic.
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