Zimbabwe News
S3x work now the most source of income in Harare
High unemployment and the increasing cost of living are fuelling a rise in sex work in Zimbabwe.
It is now the most mentioned source of income in Harare, according to a survey by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, in partnership with the National Aids Council (NAC) and the ministry of health and childcare.
The survey was conducted in Harare, Bulawayo, Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central.
“In Harare the most often-mentioned source of income was sex work. Sex work was the third-most often-mentioned source of income in Mashonaland Central and the fourth in Mashonaland West. Bulawayo and Mashonaland Central had the highest number of participants reporting not to be earning any money,” the report, released late last month, said.
“Participants engaging in transactional sex in the past six months had suffered from some form of sexual violence, being forced into having either penetrative sex or oral sex. About a third of those engaging in transactional sex have had anal sex,” it added.
Sex work is a criminal offence, leaving the country’s estimated 45,000 sex workers unprotected by the law and exposed to danger.
In Harare’s Avenues area, a well-known red-light district, women flooded the streets looking for clients this week.
Nelly, 34, who asked that her surname not be revealed, said: “I entered sex work when l was 22.
“Abject poverty and lack of opportunities forced me into this profession. Homeless, without any money and nothing to eat, a friend took me in and introduced me to sex work.
“It’s hard. I am stigmatised by family and society. I am also subjected to harassment by the police. I charge US$10 for 30 minutes or US$20 for a full hour. In one night I sleep with at least five men.
Sexual violence
“In most cases I encounter sexual violence. I have been raped and stabbed, and my body is full of bruises from physical violence. I also got pregnant and now I have a child to look after.
“Because I have a child to feed and bills to pay, it has become difficult to leave the industry, but at the same time l did not feel safe doing sex work.”
According to UNAids, Zimbabwean sex workers “face violence from the police, clients and partners, increasing their risk of acquiring HIV.
“Prevalence of HIV among sex workers in the country is high, estimated at 42.2%. Sex workers also face stigma and discrimination from healthcare workers.”
Monalisa, 22, dropped out of school when she became pregnant. Sex work was a means of survival to feed her children.
“The first time I started sex work, I traded sex for food to feed my two children. As time progresses you realise transactional sex is not only about money, it’s also about food.
“With the cost of living soaring and high prices, often I sleep with men for food – just a few groceries like sugar, cooking oil, mealie meal and some meat. The money in sex work is just too little. Charging US$10 for sex is not enough to put food on the table.
“And the industry is very dangerous. Some clients want to take drugs while with me and often male clients refuse to use condoms because they say it reduces their pleasure. Even though I charge more – US$40 – for unprotected sex it’s still a risk,” she said.
Financial hardships
Hazel Zemura, director of All Women Advocacy, a grassroots organisation led by sex workers and with more than 3,000 members aged between 18 and 53, said the country’s financial hardships meant “a lot of women have been forced into transactional sex”.
“There is also an increase in the number of women forced to turn to what is known as survival sex work, undertaken to meet immediate needs such as financial, accommodation or food,” she said.
“We are campaigning for the decriminalisation of sex work. It is illegal to solicit clients, live on the earnings of sex work and facilitate and procure sex work. All this makes sex workers vulnerable to violence and victimisation, and reluctant to report this to the police for fear of criminalisation.”
Poverty and an inability to afford tuition, accommodation and food have also forced many university students into the industry.
Tatenda, 23, a second-year student, said transactional sex paid her bills.
“I live off campus, renting a room with two other girls. We need to buy food, pay the rent and have transport money.
“My parents are struggling. They manage to pay for tuition fees and send a little extra for food, but it’s not enough.
“So I engage in transactional sex with older men to pay my rent and buy food. Other students are doing it as well, because if you don’t, you will starve,” she said.
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.
Some parts of the country such as the capital, Harare, are experiencing shortages of sugar supplies at retail shops with the informal sector struggling to restock.
A snap survey yesterday confirmed that sugar was in short supply at most shelves, including at smaller retailers in Harare.
Retailers that spoke to NewsDay claimed that this was due to supply bottlenecks at sugar manufacturer Hippo Valley Estates (Hippo).
The retailers were demanding customers buy goods worth US$100 to make them eligible to buy sugar while others simply demanded a dollar or more for each pack of 10 units on top of the marked price.
Tongaat Hulett chief executive Aiden Mhere, however, quickly dispelled such claims saying his company was adequately stocked, while production is going on smoothly.
Mhere said there was enough sugar on the market, with some of it being exported.
“I am on leave for a week now, but I can assure you that there are no supply bottlenecks whatsoever. We have no problem on our end other than that the possibility that some players, particularly the smaller ones, are unable to pay for deliveries, and we can’t continue to supply people who are not paying,” Mhere told NewsDay.
“There are no supply bottlenecks that I know for sure and you can even contact my colleagues from the office.”
Hippo Valley chief operating officer Sylvester Mangani said the company had huge stocks of sugar and was able to meet demand.
However, he said there were some players that were unable to restock.
“Remember there was an influx of imports after duty on basics was lifted. Now that we are back to normal, some players can’t afford to re-stock. Informal retailers pay cash upfront and are, therefore, likely experiencing cashflow challenges,” Mangani said.
In its latest annual report for 2022, Hippo Valley said although local demand for sugar remained strong as industry recovered from the impacts of COVID-19, the sugar industry was engaging authorities to ensure an even competitive playing field against cheap imports of sugar originating from surplus producers, who enjoy duty protection in their host countries.
The Zimbabwe Sugar Industry has a single marketing desk administered by Zimbabwe Sugar Sales (Private) Limited.
The company’s share of total industry sugar sales volumes of 394 000 tonnes for the year ended March 31, 2022 was 53,2%.
Total industry sugar sales into the domestic market for the year at 356 000 tonnes were 10% higher than the previous year, driven by strong domestic demand.
Industry export sales, however, decreased by 67% to 38 000 tonnes following redirection of supply to the local market in view of the increased demand.
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