‘Rwodzi Refutes Claims Auxillia Mnangagwa Benefits from National Clothing Initiative’ Harare, Zimbabwe – Butholezwe Rwodzi, the executive director of the Community Water Alliance, has disputed allegations that Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, is profiting from a national clothing initiative. The claims emerged after the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, which Mnangagwa heads, launched the “Presidential Clothing Initiative” in 2019. The initiative aims to promote local clothing production and empower women in the textile industry. However, critics have accused Mnangagwa of using the initiative for personal gain. They allege that companies linked to her family have received preferential treatment in the awarding of contracts related to the program. Rwodzi dismissed these accusations as “baseless and unfounded.” He stated that the Presidential Clothing Initiative is a transparent and accountable program that has benefited thousands of Zimbabweans. “There is no evidence to support the claims that the First Lady is profiting from this initiative,” Rwodzi said. “The contracts awarded have been based on merit and companies have been subjected to rigorous due diligence.” He pointed out that the initiative has created jobs, boosted the local clothing industry, and increased the availability of affordable clothing for Zimbabweans. “The vast majority of beneficiaries of this program are ordinary citizens, not the First Lady’s family,” Rwodzi added. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has also denied the allegations. In a statement, the ministry said that the Presidential Clothing Initiative is a “non-profit initiative” that does not generate any revenue for the First Lady or her family. The allegations against Mnangagwa have been dismissed by several other organizations and individuals, including the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and the National Business Council of Zimbabwe.Kane Williamson, a prominent figure in New Zealand cricket, has declined a central contract offered by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). This decision implies that he will no longer hold the captaincy of the Black Caps.Kane Williamson, a prominent figure in New Zealand cricket, has declined a central contract offered by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). This decision implies that he will no longer hold the captaincy of the Black Caps. According to Dylan Cleaver, a journalist for The Bounce, NZC proposed a central contract to Williamson, but he opted for an informal arrangement instead. This informal agreement will allow him to pursue more T20 opportunities overseas. As a consequence, Williamson will relinquish the captaincy of New Zealand’s T20 and ODI teams. Cleaver suggests that Williamson is considering a contract in South Africa’s SA20 competition. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink expressed a positive outlook on the situation, stating that Williamson’s commitment to New Zealand remains long-term. Weenink emphasized that Williamson’s decision will allow him to explore opportunities in franchise leagues while also prioritizing time with his family. Weenink highlighted the introduction of flexible terms in player contracts to encourage their longevity in the international game. He noted that such contracts are only offered to players with distinguished international careers. According to Weenink, Williamson is expected to be available for most Test matches, including the potential exception of the game against Afghanistan. Williamson has also indicated his availability for next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Weenink reiterated that players without central contracts cannot captain the Black Caps. Williamson acknowledged his gratitude for the opportunity to captain the team and expressed his desire to continue contributing to the squad. However, Williamson emphasized the importance of his personal life and his wish to spend more time with his family. He stated that his commitment to cricket remained strong, but his priorities had shifted. Williamson’s decision marks the first time since 2016 that he will not hold a captaincy role in any format of the game. Bowler Lockie Ferguson has also indicated his intention to decline a central contract. The announcement follows a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign for the Black Caps, who were eliminated in the first round after losing their opening two matches.First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has refuted claims that she benefits financially from the sale of national attire under her clothing initiative. Speaking at the launch of the Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme in Chimanimani on Thursday, Mnangagwa said the proceeds from the sale of the national attire go towards financing empowerment programs for women and children. “I want to make it clear that I do not benefit financially from the sale of national attire,” Mnangagwa said. “The proceeds from the sale of the attire go towards financing empowerment programs for women and children.” Mnangagwa said she was committed to empowering women and children, adding that the clothing initiative was one of the ways she was doing so. “I am committed to empowering women and children,” Mnangagwa said. “The clothing initiative is one of the ways I am doing so.” Mnangagwa’s clothing initiative has been criticized by some who say it is a way for her to enrich herself. However, Mnangagwa has defended the initiative, saying it is a way to empower women and children.