PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa's government has been thrown into disarray after a number of ministers and senior bureaucrats were placed in isolation in the past week after either contracting the highly infectious Covid-19 or coming into contact with infected persons.
In terms of World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines on the control and management of the pandemic, which had as of yesterday claimed 97 lives from 4 395 infections around the country, any infected person should be placed in quarantine until they recover while anyone who has come into contact with an infected individual should be quarantined for at least 14 days until they test negative.
The development comes just a week after the death of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement minister Perrance Shiri last week on Wednesday.
Shiri succumbed to Covid-19.
Coronavirus cases have surged dramatically in the country in the past month amid a shambolic health delivery system brought to its knees by poor state funding and an ongoing strike by doctors and nurses at public hospitals.
Information at hand indicates that a number of ministers and officials who came into contact with Shiri during the last days of his life are now in isolation at home.
Officials said Mnangagwa, at the start of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, asked anyone who had been in contact with Shiri to go into self-isolation pending testing.
This came after it had been revealed that Shiri, an energetic former military chief, had held several meetings in the few days leading to his demise, including with serving army chiefs.
"He (Mnangagwa) made it very clear that he expected anyone who could have been in contact with Shiri to self-isolate at home and avoid spreading the virus," a top official said.
Among those absent at the meeting, sources said, were Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando and Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe who reportedly met with shiri before his death.
"They did not attend the cabinet meeting. They were in contact with Shiri a few days before he died," the source said.
Women's Affairs minister sithembiso Nyoni took over Mutsvangwa's usual role of addressing the post-cabinet press conference on Wednesday morning.
The Information minister's husband, Chris Mutsvangwa, is also said to be one of those who has gone into quarantine as he was also a contact of Shiri. He even missed Zanu-PF's politburo meeting on Wednesday last week.
Sources also said deputy Defence minister Victor Matemadanda, who is also the Zanu-PF national political commissar, is also in isolation.
However, he said: "I'm not in quarantine, I am not sick. Those who are saying I'm sick will be shamed."
Contacted for comment, Mutsvangwa said: "I am absolutely fine. My husband is fine. The issue is that everyone is just taking precautionary measures and you should also be doing that."
Kazembe said yesterday was his 13th day in self-isolation and would be out today.
"Yes that's correct. I decided to self-quarantine as a precaution. We had a meeting with the late retired Air Chief Marshal shiri on Thursday 23 July. Prior to that, I obviously met him frequently. I decided to self-quarantine. so far everything is okay, the results are good and I'm very fit, but I just did not want to take chances. since then I have been working from home," Kazembe said.
"I urge fellow Zimbabweans to take this pandemic seriously and act responsibly. together we can win this war against this invisible enemy."
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement is now virtually crippled after co-deputy ministers Vangelis Haritatos and Douglas Karoro have also gone into self-isolation, while a total of 40 employees at the ministry's Ngungunyana Building offices tested positive for Covid-19. The building has since been shut down.
"Both deputy ministers and some very senior officials at the ministry are now in isolation. some have contracted the virus, but others are doing it as a matter of precaution," a government source said yesterday.
Haritatos said: "I am following very strict WHO guidelines in order to protect my family and those who work close to me. It was an extremely difficult decision given that now that we have lost our commander in the late Minister shiri that the workload has increased ever so much, but it was certainly a must.
"After I come out of self-isolation ... I need to continue the vision of our late minister of making Zimbabwe food and nutrition self-sufficient and the breadbasket of Africa once again."
Karoro and Chitando were not reachable and had not responded to enquiries sent to them at the time of going to print.
Youth, Arts, sport and Recreation deputy minister Tino Machakaire is also in isolation after contracting the virus.
The youthful Wedza south legislator made the announcement on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
"I have also tested positive for Covid-19 and I have since self-isolated. In times of a pandemic, privacy concerns must be balanced with efforts to protect others. I have decided to be responsible and I am appealing to everyone l have been in contact with recently to go and get tested, self isolate and seek necessary help," he wrote.
"This is a painful journey; it separates you from your loved ones. self-isolation is not easy at all. The kids want to play with you, but you can't entertain them. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being. I do not wish this for anyone. For those who are already affected, let's continue to pray together and hope for a better tomorrow. Our health will soon be restored."
But even as some of the infected individuals openly revealed their health status, Information permanent secretary Nick Mangwana professed ignorance about the quarantine of cabinet ministers.
"I am not aware of any cabinet minister in either quarantine or isolation," Mangwana said. "Cabinet ministers are being tested regularly for the protection of the President, their colleagues, ministry officials and their families."
The Parliament of Zimbabwe suspended business two days before Shiri's death after eight legislators tested positive, resorting to holding virtual sessions. The former Air Force commander, who died at 61, had recently attended a number of sessions in parliament where he interacted with various legislators from across the political divide.
This week, Harare south National Assembly representative Tongai Mnangagwa publicly announced via Twitter handle that he had tested positive for Covid-19. He encouraged those he had come in contact with to be tested.
The ruling Zanu-PF party has also announced that 26 of its employees at its national headquarters have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Sources also said Shiri, who still enjoyed deep loyalties within the army despite having been retired nearly three years ago, attended a meeting of military commanders at the Zimbabwe National Army headquarters in Harare on July 15, which was meant to devise strategies for containing street protests that had been scheduled for July 31.
A number of them, including the now late army spokesperson Colonel Overson Mugwisi, who attended the meeting are reported to have tested positive for Covid-19.
Mugwisi died in a military hospital at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks on Friday morning.
"Mugiwisi already had flu-like symptoms by the time of Shiri's death. They had a meeting earlier as they planned on how to contain the demonstrations of July 31. So, subsequently, he went for a Covid-19 test in the afternoon of July 29. The results came the next day when his condition had seriously deteriorated as he also had a heart problem," a family source said
Info News
High-Yield Savings Accounts: Where to Invest Safely and Grow Your Money
If you’re looking for a safe place to grow your money without taking big risks, a high-yield savings account is one of the smartest options available today. Unlike traditional savings accounts that offer very low interest, high-yield accounts provide better returns while still keeping your money easily accessible. For many people, they strike the perfect balance between security and growth.
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In today’s uncertain economy, more individuals are moving their money into high-interest savings accounts to protect their cash while earning passive income. Whether you’re building an emergency fund, saving for a home, or just trying to make your money work harder, understanding how these accounts work can help you make better financial decisions.
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What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?
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A high-yield savings account is a type of bank account that offers a higher interest rate compared to standard savings accounts. These accounts are typically offered by online banks, which can afford to pay better rates because they have lower operating costs than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
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The interest you earn is usually expressed as APY (annual percentage yield), which shows how much your money can grow over time. Even a small difference in APY can significantly impact your savings in the long run.
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Why More People Are Choosing High-Yield Savings Accounts
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One of the biggest reasons people switch to high-yield savings accounts is simple: better returns without added risk. Unlike stocks or crypto investments, your money is not exposed to market volatility.
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Another major benefit is liquidity. You can access your money when you need it, making these accounts ideal for emergency funds or short-term savings goals.
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There’s also peace of mind. Most high-yield savings accounts in the U.S. are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which protects your deposits up to certain limits. This means your money remains safe even if the bank faces issues.
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How Much Can You Earn?
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The amount you earn depends on the interest rate and how much you deposit. Compared to traditional accounts that may offer almost no interest, high-yield accounts can provide significantly better returns over time.
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For example, keeping a steady balance in a high-yield account allows your money to grow through compound interest—meaning you earn interest not just on your initial deposit, but also on the interest you’ve already earned.
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While it won’t make you rich overnight, it’s one of the safest ways to grow your savings consistently.
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What to Look for in a High-Yield Savings Account
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Not all accounts are the same, so it’s important to compare your options carefully. Here are a few key things to consider:
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1. Interest Rate (APY)
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Look for competitive rates, but also check if they are variable or fixed.
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2. Fees
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Some accounts charge monthly maintenance fees that can eat into your earnings. Ideally, choose a no-fee account.
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3. Minimum Balance Requirements
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Some banks require a minimum deposit to open or maintain the account.
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4. Accessibility
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Make sure the account allows easy transfers and withdrawals when needed.
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5. Bank Reputation
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Choose a trusted bank with strong customer reviews and reliable service.
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High-Yield Savings vs Other Investment Options
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High-yield savings accounts are often compared to other ways of growing money. While they don’t offer the high returns of stocks or real estate, they provide unmatched safety.
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Stocks: Higher returns but higher risk
rnCrypto: Very volatile and unpredictable
rnReal Estate: Long-term growth but requires large capital
rnSavings Accounts: Low risk, steady growth
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For many people, a high-yield savings account is a foundation—something you use alongside other investments.
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Best Uses for a High-Yield Savings Account
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These accounts are ideal for specific financial goals:
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Emergency funds
rnShort-term savings (vacations, large purchases)
rnDown payment for a home
rnBackup cash for unexpected expenses
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Because your money is safe and accessible, it’s perfect for situations where you don’t want to take risks.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
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One common mistake is leaving money in a low-interest account without realizing better options exist. Over time, this can cost you a significant amount in lost earnings.
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Another mistake is chasing the highest rate without checking fees or conditions. A slightly lower rate with no fees can sometimes be a better deal.
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Also, avoid treating a savings account like a checking account. Frequent withdrawals can limit your growth and may come with restrictions.
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How to Get Started
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Opening a high-yield savings account is simple. Most banks allow you to apply online in just a few minutes. You’ll need basic information such as your ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
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Once your account is set up, consider automating transfers from your checking account. This helps you build your savings consistently without thinking about it.
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Final Thoughts
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A high-yield savings account is one of the easiest and safest ways to grow your money. It won’t replace high-risk investments, but it plays an important role in any smart financial strategy.
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By choosing the right account, staying consistent with your savings, and avoiding unnecessary fees, you can build a strong financial foundation over time. In a world full of risky options, sometimes the smartest move is the one that protects your money while still helping it grow.
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Financial professionals recommend using FDIC-insured banks, trusted financial institutions, and certified financial planning strategies when choosing savings accounts to ensure safety, reliability, and steady long-term growth.
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Global Cost of Living Crisis: How Families Around the World Are Adapting to Rising Prices
The rising cost of living continues to affect millions of families across the world as inflation, housing costs, and food prices place pressure on household budgets. From the United States and Canada to Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, many people are searching for ways to manage increasing expenses while maintaining financial stability.
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One of the biggest challenges facing households is the rising cost of food and transportation. Fuel price increases have affected supply chains globally, leading to higher prices for groceries, public transport, and imported goods. Families in both developed and developing countries are adjusting spending habits by reducing unnecessary purchases, cooking meals at home, and seeking additional income opportunities online.
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Housing affordability has also become a major issue in many cities around the world. Rent prices and mortgage costs continue to rise as demand for housing outpaces supply. Young adults and middle-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase homes or secure affordable rental properties. Financial experts recommend budgeting carefully, improving credit scores, and comparing loan options before making major financial commitments.
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The global job market is also evolving as more people seek remote work opportunities and digital income streams. Freelancing, online businesses, content creation, and remote technology jobs are becoming popular alternatives for individuals seeking financial flexibility. In countries across Africa, mobile technology and digital payments are helping entrepreneurs build businesses and reach customers internationally.
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Financial literacy has become more important than ever during the economic slowdown. Experts encourage individuals to create emergency savings funds, reduce high-interest debt, and avoid unnecessary financial risks. Many banks and financial institutions are also offering budgeting tools and savings programs designed to help consumers manage expenses more effectively.
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Technology is playing a major role in helping people adapt to economic pressures. Price comparison apps, digital banking services, and online marketplaces are helping consumers save money and access more affordable products. Social media platforms are also being used to share financial advice, business ideas, and money-saving strategies across different countries and communities.
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Despite current economic challenges, analysts believe innovation and entrepreneurship will continue driving growth opportunities in emerging markets. African economies in particular are experiencing increased investment in technology, renewable energy, and digital commerce. Young entrepreneurs across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are building businesses that reach global audiences through online platforms.
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Economists predict that inflation and living costs may remain a major topic worldwide throughout the coming years. However, experts believe individuals who focus on financial planning, digital skills, and long-term investment strategies will be better positioned to navigate future economic uncertainty successfully.
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