Chris Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's War Veterans Liberation Struggle Affairs minister and Zanu PF member, criticized Western nations and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for allegedly attempting to influence the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC). Mutsvangwa emphasized that SADC is a product of Southern African liberation movements and should not be controlled by external forces or individual leaders. He rejected the SADC election observer mission's negative report on Zimbabwe's elections and praised South Africa for sending its own observer mission. A virtual meeting convened by Hichilema, which included discussions on Zimbabwe's elections and the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was also mentioned.

The National 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence was launched in Hauna, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, with calls for increased national budget allocation for preventing violence against women and girls. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Zimbabwe, emphasized the need for urgent financial support, international cooperation, and resources for women's rights organizations to achieve gender equality and combat GBV. Despite laws against GBV, enforcement challenges and discriminatory social norms persist, with significant economic impacts. The UN's Spotlight Initiative, funded by the EU, has reached over two million people and engaged 50,000 individuals in prevention efforts. President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's commitment to ending GBV was highlighted, and the UN pledged continued support to the Women and Gender Minister Monica Mutsvangwa to accelerate progress on gender equality.

Job Sikhala, an official of the Citizens Coalition for Change, has been in pretrial detention for 482 days at Chikurubi Maximum Prison and is now seriously ill. He has high blood pressure and is passing blood-stained stool. Dr. Kondo examined him and recommended a colonoscopy, prescribing medication for his condition. Sikhala, who is facing charges of inciting violence, has been denied bail multiple times, with his detention being described as politically motivated by CSOs, the international community, and the opposition.

Switzerland has initiated a new bilateral cooperation programme with Zimbabwe, coinciding with the 175th anniversary of its Federal Constitution. The programme, spanning from 2023 to 2026 and valued at over $60 million, aims to support Zimbabwe in food security, health, social protection, disaster risk reduction, and governance. Swiss Ambassador Stephane Rey highlighted the programme's focus on smallholder farmers, market access, health services, democratic governance, and human rights. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation will implement the programme, which aligns with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy and addresses climate change, youth unemployment, and economic resilience. The programme also includes support for the arts and culture sector in Zimbabwe. Switzerland's development cooperation with Zimbabwe began in 1994 and has contributed over $100 million to the country's socio-economic development.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police, through spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, has warned against socially and economically destabilizing activities, assuring that the police are prepared to maintain order. The security situation in Zimbabwe is described as peaceful, with the police ready to support the Second Republic's developmental projects under the National Development Strategy 1. Crime statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency indicate an increase in crimes against public safety and state security, with 65,173 such cases recorded in the third quarter of 2023. This increase follows political tensions from the contested August 2023 elections.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved the appointment of members to the Health Service Commission in Zimbabwe, aimed at improving the country's health delivery system. The announcement was made by Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Willard Manungo. Vincent Hungwe is appointed as the chairperson, with Abigail Rugare Kangwende as the deputy. The commission includes experienced professionals such as Brigadier General (Rtd) Gerald Gwinji, Edward Makondo, Engelbert Mbengwa, Josephine Mwakutuya, and Mercy Sibongile Gwaunza, each bringing a wealth of experience from various backgrounds in health, law, and human resources.

The Zimbabwean government has launched 'Operation Chenesa Harare' to tackle a cholera outbreak, with 15,571 suspected cases, 1,871 confirmed cases, and 67 confirmed deaths as of January 5, 2024. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora announced the operation, which includes garbage collection and water purification efforts. The City Council of Harare has been criticized for failing to manage waste and provide clean water. The Environmental Management Agency and Civil Protection Unit are assisting in the cleanup, with significant amounts of garbage already removed. The government is also working to improve the water supply by providing chemicals for water purification.

The Zimbabwean government has launched 'Chenesa Harare', an operation to clean up Harare and improve sanitation in response to a spike in cholera cases. As of January 5, 2024, there were 15,571 suspected and 1,871 confirmed cholera cases, with 67 confirmed and 280 suspected deaths. The Health Minister, Douglas Mombeshora, announced that the government would collect garbage and provide funds for water purification chemicals. The City Council was criticized for failing to manage waste and provide clean water. The Environmental Management Agency and Civil Protection Unit are assisting in the cleanup, which aims to remove all garbage within a week.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba, during the opening of the 2024 legal year, emphasized the importance of lawful conduct among judges and magistrates, warning that the Judiciary Service Commission will enforce disciplinary measures against those violating constitutional provisions. He stressed the role of the judiciary in maintaining public confidence through adherence to fairness, equality, impartiality, and legality, and noted the regrettable loss of judicial officers over the years due to misconduct.

Zimbabwe's Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora announced the country's readiness to host the International Conference on Aids and STIs in Africa (ICASA) from December 4 to 9, 2023. The government has ensured that systems for security, banking, accommodation, and transportation are in place for the event. High-level meetings will precede the conference, including one hosted by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa focusing on the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission. Zimbabwe's National Aids Trust Fund, a homegrown initiative, has been commended for its contribution to funding AIDS responses.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa opened the First Session of the 10th Parliament of Zimbabwe, emphasizing the need to complete outstanding bills, including the controversial Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Bill. The bill, criticized by civic groups for undermining freedoms and allowing government control over civil society, is among several pieces of legislation to be addressed. Mnangagwa also called for the repeal of obsolete laws and the introduction of new bills such as the Persons with Disability Bill and the Administration of Estates Amendment Bill. The legislative agenda includes amendments to the Water Act and the Parks and Wildlife Act, as well as the establishment of a Human-Wildlife Conflict Relief Fund. Other notable bills include the Climate Change bill and various economic and industry-related bills. Mnangagwa also highlighted the need for the National Heroes Act amendment and the inclusion of recommendations from the Chidyausiku Commission of Inquiry Report in the War Victims Compensation Act amendment.

Monica Mutsvangwa, Zimbabwe's Women Affairs minister, emphasized her commitment to addressing gender inequality and ensuring women and girls have equal access to resources. During an engagement with women's groups in Harare, she acknowledged the challenges faced by women, including gender-based violence and unequal opportunities. Mutsvangwa highlighted the 2013 constitution's advancements in women's rights and mentioned legal reforms such as the Labour Amendment Act of 2023 and the Domestic Violence Act. She called for collaborative efforts to tackle issues like climate change and the impacts of COVID-19, which disproportionately affect women and girls.

The article by Anna Chibamu discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on gender inequalities in Zimbabwe, particularly in relation to unpaid labor and violence against women and girls. The Zimbabwe Spotlight Initiative reports that the pandemic has hindered progress towards achieving gender equality by 2030, a goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The pandemic has led to an increase in domestic violence and teenage pregnancies. Women's Affairs minister Sithembiso Nyoni reported a significant number of rapes of girls under 18 in late 2020. The Spotlight Initiative, supported by the UN and the EU, emphasizes the urgency of addressing gender-based violence and achieving gender equality, especially as women play a crucial role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative targets 11 million beneficiaries and involves multiple UN agencies, the government, and other partners.

EU ambassador to Zimbabwe, Timo Olkkonen, expressed concerns over the potential impact of new legislation on political liberties and freedom of speech in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the MISA Zimbabwe World Press Freedom Day event, he acknowledged the government's progress in access to information and freedom of association but warned against the proposed Patriotic Bill, which could undermine these advances. The Bill aims to restrict citizens from communicating messages that could harm Zimbabwe's image internationally. Olkkonen also praised the appointment of commissioners to the Zimbabwe Media Commission and the licensing of new media outlets. He advocated for media self-regulation and cautioned against overregulation in the electronic media and cyberspace that could impede freedoms.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Shaochun Guo, assured that China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people with underlying conditions during a virtual press conference organized by Zimbabwe's Health Ministry and UNFPA. The conference followed China's donation of $1.2 million in equipment and sanitary wear for Cyclone Idai victims. Zimbabwe has begun inoculating frontline workers with 200,000 doses received last month and expects an additional 200,000 doses soon. Over 36,000 people have been vaccinated, but there is a low uptake among frontline workers, partly because WHO has not yet approved Sinopharm. Health Ministry official Wenceslas Nyamayaro emphasized the vaccine's safety, noting that a third of the selected individuals have been vaccinated.

The European Union in Zimbabwe has voiced concerns over the pre-trial detention of political opponents, journalists, and activists amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, highlighting the risks posed by overcrowded and unhygienic prison conditions. The EU's statement follows the arrests and detention of MDC Alliance's Job Sikhala, Fadzayi Mahere, and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono. The Dutch Embassy in Harare also expressed concerns about the fairness and rule of law in these arrests. Amnesty International Southern Africa has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees, citing a pattern of harassment against those demanding human rights and transparency in Zimbabwe.