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Check FAQAbout Farai
Farai Shawn Matiashe is an award-winning journalist based in Mutare, Zimbabwe who writes for various international media outlets including Aljazeera (Qatar), CNN International (UK) the Thomson Reuters Foundation (UK), Vice World News (UK), The Africa Report (France), Euronews (UK) and Quartz Africa (USA). Farai, who has reported from more than five countries across Europe, Africa and Americas, is passionate about rural reporting where he covers climate change, health, renewable energy, business, women and gender, science-technology and agriculture stories. He mainly focuses on stories that impact marginalised groups including women, youths, indigenous people and people with disabilities. Farai’s articles are solution-driven and go beyond just raising red flags in communities. He is a fellow of the United Nations Foundation 2022, Young African Journalists' Accelerator Program 2021, International Women's Media Foundation Global Health Reporting Initiative 2021 and Falling Walls Science Journalists Fellowship 2022. Farai is a National Geographic Society Grantee.
English
Climate Change
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Beekeeping Brings Hope to Rural Zimbabwe
Beekeeping is providing a source of hope and economic opportunity in rural Zimbabwe, particularly in the Chimanimani area. Tanyaradzwa Kanangira, a beekeeper with 48 hives, demonstrates the process of managing bees and harvesting honey. The practice is seen as a sustainable way to support livelihoods in the region.
Malawi: Loss and Damage Fund - Delays Leave Countries Waiting and Wondering
Vulnerable countries like Malawi are still uncertain about the operational details of the Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP28. Cyclone Freddy's devastation in Malawi has left thousands in poverty, with the government estimating a need for $700 million for rebuilding. Despite pledges totaling $662 million from various countries, the fund's accessibility and operational mechanisms remain unclear. Delays in setting up the fund's board and unresolved issues about its host and application process have further postponed aid. Malawians continue to face hardships as they await the much-needed financial support.
Loss and Damage Fund: Delays leave countries waiting and wondering
Vulnerable countries like Malawi are still uncertain about the operational details of the Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP28. Cyclone Freddy's devastation in Malawi has left many in extreme poverty, with the government estimating a need for $700 million for rebuilding. Despite pledges totaling $662 million from various countries, the fund's accessibility and operational mechanisms remain unclear. Delays in setting up the fund's board and unresolved issues about its host and application process have further postponed aid. Malawians continue to face poverty and vulnerability, awaiting the much-needed financial support.
Fraudsters exploit Zimbabweans seeking UK health and care jobs
Zimbabwean individuals seeking healthcare jobs in the UK are being exploited by fraudulent schemes promising job placements. Victims, including Eunice Sinoya, have lost significant amounts of money to scams involving bogus courses and fake certificates. The demand for nurse aide qualifications has surged due to Zimbabwe's economic crisis and high demand for healthcare workers in the UK. Fraudsters have taken advantage of this situation, leading to numerous reports of scams in Harare and Bulawayo. Despite the proliferation of legitimate courses by organizations like the Red Cross, many small institutes have emerged, some of which are involved in fraudulent activities. The Zimbabwean government is also implicated in creating bottlenecks for nurses seeking to work abroad, further complicating the situation.
Zimbabwe’s surging Internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
Zimbabwe's escalating internet costs, driven by significant price hikes from major providers like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne, are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. The high costs, exacerbated by the country's inflation, have led to reduced access to essential services and online business opportunities. Digital rights advocates and organizations like MISA Zimbabwe are campaigning for more affordable internet access, highlighting the growing digital divide. Despite these efforts, the government and telecom regulators have yet to provide a viable solution, leaving many struggling to cope with the financial burden.
Zimbabweans offered fake courses for UK health and care jobs
Zimbabwean individuals, including professionals, are being scammed by fraudulent institutions promising jobs in the UK's care sector. Victims, like Eunice Sinoya, have lost significant amounts of money, selling assets to pay for bogus courses and sponsorships. The demand for nurse aide courses has surged due to Zimbabwe's economic crisis and high demand for healthcare workers in the UK. However, this has also led to an increase in fraudulent activities. Police are investigating, but many victims are left in dire situations, struggling to recover their losses.
Zimbabwe: CCC’s Chamisa mulls parliament exit strategy
Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe's opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is considering a withdrawal from the political sphere due to continuous attacks from the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). The ruling party, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is accused of trying to create a one-party state by undermining the opposition through recalls and election manipulation. Some CCC members have proposed withdrawing from Parliament, a move that is debated within the party. Political analysts and CCC spokesperson Promise Mkwananzi offer differing views on the potential impact of such a strategy. The opposition's presence in Parliament is seen as crucial for democracy, but the legitimacy of the current Parliament is questioned.
Zimbabwe's surging internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
In Zimbabwe, surging internet costs are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. Joyce Kapvumfuti's catering business suffered due to being unable to afford data, which is essential for her online advertising. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne have both increased data prices by 100%, with 1GB now averaging $3.54, amidst an unofficial annual inflation rate of about 1,000%. This has led to a digital divide, with internet access becoming a luxury. Campaigners and organizations like MISA Zimbabwe are demanding government and regulator Potraz to take action to reduce prices. The #DataMustFallZW campaign has gained traction, advocating for more affordable internet. Despite the outcry, Potraz maintains that the price hikes are necessary to balance service affordability with operator viability.
Zimbabwe’s surging internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
In Zimbabwe, surging internet costs are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. Joyce Kapvumfuti, a small catering business owner, has seen a significant drop in orders due to being unable to afford internet data. Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne have both increased data prices, with 1GB now averaging $3.54, amidst an unofficial annual inflation rate of about 1,000%. Digital rights advocates and organizations like Misa Zimbabwe are calling for government and regulatory action to reduce prices and address the widening digital divide. Despite lower internet penetration rates compared to neighboring countries, Potraz, the telecom regulator, defends the price hikes as necessary for balancing service affordability and operator viability. The #DataMustFallZW campaign has gained traction on social media, demanding more accessible pricing for low-income individuals.
Zimbabwe’s internet costs surge, putting small firms out of business
Zimbabwe's soaring internet costs, driven by significant price hikes from major mobile operators Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne, are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. The high costs, exacerbated by the country's inflation, have led to a digital divide, making internet access a luxury for many. Digital rights advocates and organizations like Misa Zimbabwe are campaigning for more affordable data prices, while the telecoms regulator Potraz defends the increases as necessary for operator viability. The situation is causing economic strain on households and limiting access to essential services and opportunities.
Zimbabwe’s surging internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
Zimbabwe's escalating internet costs, driven by significant price hikes from major providers like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne, are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. The high costs, exacerbated by inflation and exchange rate issues, have led to reduced internet access, affecting business operations, education, and daily life. Advocacy groups and digital rights campaigners are calling for government intervention to lower prices and address the growing digital divide. Despite these efforts, the situation remains challenging, with no immediate solutions in sight.
Fraudsters exploit Zimbabweans seeking UK health and care jobs
Zimbabwe's economic crisis has led to a surge in demand for nurse aide courses as a pathway to jobs in the UK, but this has also created opportunities for fraudsters. Many Zimbabweans, including professionals, have been scammed by fake courses and false promises of sponsorship for UK jobs. Victims have lost significant amounts of money, and police are investigating numerous cases. The UK has seen a rise in health and care worker visas granted to Zimbabweans, but the desperation to escape economic hardship has made many vulnerable to exploitation.
She Says She Killed Her Attempted Rapist in Self Defence. Now She’s on Trial For Murder
A 19-year-old Zimbabwean woman, Tariro Matutsa, is on trial for murder after killing a man, Sure Tsuro, who she claims attempted to rape her. The case has sparked a national debate on the adequacy of self-defence laws and the treatment of rape victims by the justice system. Prominent women's rights organizations and legal defence groups are supporting Matutsa, arguing that she acted in self-defence. The High Court in Harare granted her bail, and the case highlights the need for reforms to ensure equal treatment under the law for both women and men.
Zimbabwe’s surging internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
Zimbabwe's escalating internet costs are severely impacting small businesses and individuals, with data prices doubling in October 2023. Small business owners like Joyce Kapvumfuti and Kuda Chisvo are struggling to maintain their online operations, while students like Tafadzwa Chaitezvi face challenges accessing educational resources. The price hikes by major operators Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne have sparked demands from digital rights activists and organizations like Misa Zimbabwe for government intervention to reduce costs and address the growing digital divide. Despite these calls, the regulator Potraz justifies the increases as necessary for balancing service affordability and operator viability.
Zimbabwe's internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
Zimbabwe's surging internet costs are severely impacting small businesses and individuals, with data prices significantly higher than neighboring countries. The October price hike by Econet has led to demands from digital rights and anti-poverty campaigners for government intervention. The Potraz telecoms regulator has dismissed external findings on data costs, maintaining that prices are below the regional average. The high costs are exacerbating the digital divide, making internet access a luxury for many. Campaigns like #DataMustFallZW are pushing for more affordable internet, but no immediate solutions are in sight.
Zimbabwe’s surging internet costs wreak havoc on small businesses
Zimbabwe's escalating internet costs, driven by significant price hikes from major providers like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and NetOne, are severely impacting small businesses and individuals. The high costs, exacerbated by inflation and exchange rate issues, have led to reduced internet access, affecting business operations, education, and daily life. Digital rights advocates and organizations are calling for government intervention to address the digital divide and make internet access more affordable. Despite these efforts, the regulatory body Potraz maintains that the price increases are necessary for balancing service affordability and operator viability.
UK faces care worker crisis as new visa rules deter migrants
The UK faces a potential shortage of care workers as new visa rules prevent migrants from bringing their families, leading many to cancel their plans to move. The restrictions, aimed at reducing migration and preventing system abuse, have been criticized by care workers and experts for undermining family unity and exacerbating staff shortages. Zimbabwean care workers, who have been significantly contributing to the UK's healthcare sector, are now considering other countries with more favorable migration policies.
The Vice-President Resigned Over a Sex Scandal. Now Women Want Real Reform
Zimbabwe’s vice-president Kembo Mohadi resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations involving state security agents. His resignation, a rare political move in Zimbabwe, followed leaked calls suggesting misuse of government resources for sexual encounters. Women-led organizations pressured for his resignation and called for further investigations. Activists see this as a step towards addressing the abuse of women by men in power, highlighting the need for legal frameworks like a Sexual Harassment Act. Despite the scandal, Mohadi retains his position in the ruling Zanu PF party, exposing weaknesses in Zimbabwe's criminal justice system regarding sexual consent and harassment.
Zimbabwe's Growing Water Crisis Is Complicating Its COVID-19 Response
Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, is facing a severe water crisis exacerbated by a two-year drought and poor infrastructure, complicating efforts to combat COVID-19. Residents have limited access to clean water, relying on community boreholes and open wells, increasing the risk of virus transmission. NGOs like GOAL Zimbabwe and the United Nations Education Fund are establishing hand-washing stations to mitigate the crisis, but long-term solutions are needed. The situation is similarly dire in Bulawayo, where residents have gone months without running water. Local authorities and NGOs emphasize the need for sustainable water management to address the ongoing crisis.
Zimbabwe farmers turn to smart solutions to fight climate change
In Lupane, Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers like Linda Ncube have faced severe challenges due to drought, impacting their crops and livestock. The Tshongokwe Irrigation Scheme, a community farm, has been affected by a dried-up dam, leading to poor harvests and a need for food assistance. In response, the community joined the Sizimele-Action for Resilience Building in Zimbabwe project, supported by NGOs and the UNDP, to implement climate-smart agriculture. This includes solar-powered boreholes, drip irrigation, and a weather station for early warnings and forecasts. These measures have allowed farmers to grow drought-tolerant crops, improve water and nutrient efficiency, and better predict weather conditions. The farmers also formed a marketing team and secured deals with private companies, improving their livelihoods and contributing to food security.
Zimbabwe's Power Outages Increase Risks for Pregnant Women
The article discusses the severe challenges faced by pregnant women in Zimbabwe due to regular power outages, particularly during childbirth. Women, like Mitchell Matarause, are forced to deliver babies by candlelight or with the aid of cellphones, as the state-owned Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has implemented 18-hour load shedding. This situation is exacerbated by the high cost of fuel for generators, making it unsustainable for hospitals to rely on them. The maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe is alarmingly high, with 651 deaths per 100,000 live births. In response to the crisis, NGOs like We Care Solar and the UNDP are collaborating with the government to install solar power systems in clinics and hospitals. These solar solutions, including the 'solar suitcase', are providing reliable lighting and electricity to healthcare facilities, aiming to reduce the reliance on unstable power sources and improve maternal healthcare outcomes.
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