Thursday, October 15

Ukabatwa Ne Musombodhiya or Kambwa 5yrs Chikurubhi

The Zimbabwean government has officially banned the production and distribution of illicit alcoholic brews, commonly known as “musombodhiya” or “kambwa,” through a new legal instrument aimed at curbing substance abuse in the country.

The prohibition was enacted under Statutory Instrument 62 of 2025, an amendment to the Harmful Liquids Act, and was issued by the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe. The notice, titled Harmful Liquids Act (Amendment of Schedule to Act) Notice, 2025, adds to the existing list of banned substances under the Act.

According to the statutory instrument, “The Schedule to the Act is amended by the insertion after item 9 (‘Nipa’) of the following item: ‘Any unregulated, unauthorised or illegally produced alcoholic beverages containing ethanol, colloquially referred to by such names as kambwa, musombodhiya or by any other name whatsoever.’”

 

The move follows mounting pressure from citizens and civil society groups demanding stronger measures against the production and consumption of illegal brews and harmful substances such as methamphetamine, also known locally as guka, mutoriro, or dombo.

In response to the broader crisis of drug and alcohol abuse—particularly among the youth—the government has established an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate nationwide efforts. This includes plans for the construction of rehabilitation centres and the implementation of preventive and recovery programs.

Stakeholders have welcomed the ban but stressed the importance of addressing root causes. Calls have grown louder for the government to roll out income-generating projects for unemployed youth, as widespread idleness has been linked to increased substance abuse.

 

The government’s latest action is part of a growing strategy to combat Zimbabwe’s escalating public health and social crisis linked to drug and alcohol misuse.

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Cloud Computing Services Helping Businesses Scale Efficiently

The Growing Importance of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has transformed modern business operations across nearly every industry. Instead of relying solely on expensive physical servers and in-house IT infrastructure, companies now use cloud-based services for data storage, software applications, cybersecurity, and remote collaboration.

Businesses of all sizes are adopting cloud technology because it offers flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. Startups can launch operations faster without major hardware investments, while large corporations can scale resources instantly based on demand. In 2026, cloud computing continues driving digital transformation worldwide.

Cloud services allow employees to access systems, files, and applications securely from almost anywhere. This flexibility has become increasingly important as remote work and hybrid business models remain common across many industries.

Key Benefits of Cloud Solutions

One major advantage of cloud computing is cost reduction. Traditional IT infrastructure often requires expensive equipment purchases, maintenance, upgrades, and dedicated staff. Cloud providers handle much of this responsibility, allowing businesses to reduce operational costs.

Scalability is another important benefit. Companies can quickly increase or reduce computing resources depending on business needs. Seasonal businesses, online retailers, and rapidly growing startups especially benefit from this flexibility.

Cloud computing also improves disaster recovery and business continuity. Data backups stored in secure cloud environments help businesses recover quickly from cyberattacks, hardware failures, or natural disasters.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Modern cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity systems designed to protect sensitive information. Advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, threat monitoring, and automated updates help businesses reduce security risks.

Despite these protections, companies must still follow strong cybersecurity practices internally. Employee training, password management, and access control policies remain critical for preventing breaches and unauthorized access.

As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, businesses increasingly combine cloud services with cyber liability insurance to strengthen overall risk management strategies.

Final Thoughts

Cloud computing services continue reshaping how businesses operate and grow. Lower costs, improved flexibility, stronger collaboration, and enhanced cybersecurity make cloud technology essential for modern organizations.

Companies that invest strategically in cloud infrastructure position themselves for greater efficiency, innovation, and long-term competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

How to Lose Weight Fast Safely: Realistic Steps That Support Long-Term Success

How to Lose Weight Fast Safely

Everyone wants fast results. That is normal.

But when it comes to weight loss, “fast” should never mean dangerous. Starvation diets, detox teas, extreme workouts, and miracle pills may sound tempting, but they often lead to frustration, fatigue, and weight regain.

The better approach is simple: create a clear plan that helps you lose weight safely while building habits you can maintain.

Healthy weight loss usually comes from better food choices, regular physical activity, enough sleep, stress management, and consistency. The CDC includes all of these as part of a healthy weight loss lifestyle.

Can You Lose Weight Fast and Keep It Off?

You can make progress quickly at the beginning, especially if you reduce sugary drinks, improve portions, increase protein, and walk more.

However, keeping weight off requires long-term behavior change.

Mayo Clinic warns that many fad diets and quick-fix plans promise easy results, but lasting weight loss depends on lifestyle changes such as balanced eating and more movement.

So yes, you can start strong. But you need a plan that does not collapse after two weeks.

Step 1: Remove Liquid Calories

This is one of the fastest and easiest changes.

Liquid calories do not fill you up the same way solid food does. If you drink soda, juice, sweet tea, alcohol, or high-calorie coffee drinks, cutting back can make a major difference.

Better options:

Water
Sparkling water
Unsweetened tea
Black coffee
Water with lemon
Zero-sugar drinks in moderation

This one habit can help create a calorie deficit without making you feel like you are eating much less.

Step 2: Build Every Meal Around Protein

Protein helps control hunger and supports muscle during weight loss.

Try to include protein at every meal.

Good options:

Eggs
Chicken
Fish
Turkey
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Lean beef
Beans
Lentils
Tofu
Protein shakes when useful

A high-protein breakfast may help reduce cravings later in the day.

Step 3: Eat More High-Volume Foods

High-volume foods help you eat more food for fewer calories.

These include:

Leafy greens
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cucumber
Zucchini
Cauliflower
Berries
Melons
Soups
Salads
Lean proteins

The goal is to fill your plate without overloading calories.

For example, a large chicken salad with vegetables may be more filling than a small fast-food meal with the same or more calories.

Step 4: Walk Every Day

Walking is underrated.

You do not need a gym membership to start losing weight. A daily walk can help burn calories, improve mood, and build consistency.

Start with what you can do:

10 minutes after meals
20 minutes in the morning
30 minutes after work
Short walks throughout the day

The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week.

That can be as simple as brisk walking 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

Step 5: Add Strength Training

Strength training helps protect muscle while losing weight.

You do not need heavy weights at first. Bodyweight exercises can work.

Beginner exercises:

Squats
Wall push-ups
Glute bridges
Step-ups
Rows with resistance bands
Planks
Chair sit-to-stands

Start with 2 days per week. As you get stronger, increase gradually.

Step 6: Control Carbs Without Cutting Them Completely

Carbs are not automatically bad. The type and portion matter.

Better carbs include:

Oats
Sweet potatoes
Brown rice
Quinoa
Beans
Lentils
Fruit
Whole-grain bread

Limit refined carbs such as pastries, candy, sugary cereal, and oversized white bread portions.

A balanced plate works better for most people than extreme restriction.

Step 7: Plan Your Meals Before You Get Hungry

Most poor food choices happen when you are hungry and unprepared.

Meal planning does not need to be complicated.

Try this:

Choose 2 breakfast options
Choose 3 lunch options
Choose 3 dinner options
Keep protein ready
Wash and cut vegetables
Prepare healthy snacks

Simple options:

Boiled eggs
Greek yogurt
Grilled chicken
Tuna packets
Fruit
Salad kits
Frozen vegetables
Pre-cooked rice
Beans

When good food is easy, better choices become automatic.

Step 8: Sleep More

Poor sleep can make weight loss harder. It may increase cravings, reduce motivation, and make workouts feel more difficult.

Try to improve sleep by:

Keeping a regular bedtime
Reducing late caffeine
Limiting screens before bed
Keeping the room cool
Avoiding heavy late-night meals
Creating a wind-down routine

Sleep is not optional. It is part of the weight loss plan.

Step 9: Manage Stress Eating

Stress eating is one of the biggest reasons people struggle.

Food can become comfort, distraction, or reward. That does not make you weak. It makes you human.

Try replacing stress eating with:

Walking
Calling someone
Drinking tea
Journaling
Stretching
Deep breathing
Taking a shower
Leaving the kitchen for 10 minutes

You do not need to eliminate emotional eating overnight. You need better responses over time.

Step 10: Track Progress the Right Way

The scale is useful, but it is not the only measurement.

Track:

Body weight
Waist measurement
Progress photos
Energy level
Steps
Workout consistency
Clothing fit
Sleep quality
Cravings
Mood

Weight can fluctuate because of water, salt, hormones, digestion, and stress. Do not panic over one bad weigh-in.

Look at trends.

Fast Weight Loss Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these:

Skipping meals all day then overeating at night
Cutting calories too low
Using detox teas or unsafe supplements
Doing extreme workouts without recovery
Removing entire food groups without a reason
Expecting perfect progress
Giving up after one bad meal
Ignoring sleep and stress

The faster the plan burns you out, the less useful it is.

A Simple 7-Day Weight Loss Kickstart Plan

Daily Goals

Drink mostly water
Eat protein at every meal
Walk at least 20 to 30 minutes
Eat vegetables twice daily
Avoid sugary drinks
Sleep 7 to 9 hours if possible
Track meals or portions

Example Day

Breakfast: Eggs with vegetables and fruit
Lunch: Chicken salad with beans or quinoa
Snack: Greek yogurt
Dinner: Fish, vegetables, and sweet potato
Exercise: 30-minute walk
Evening: Herbal tea instead of snacks

Repeat simple meals. Weight loss does not require fancy cooking.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Speak with a health care professional before starting a weight loss plan if you:

Have diabetes
Have heart disease
Have high blood pressure
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Take prescription medications
Have a history of eating disorders
Have unexplained weight changes
Are considering weight loss medication

Medical guidance is especially important if you want to lose a significant amount of weight.

Final Thoughts

You can lose weight safely without starving yourself.

Start with the basics: drink fewer calories, eat more protein, increase vegetables, walk daily, strength train, sleep better, and manage stress.

Fast weight loss is exciting, but sustainable weight loss is better.

The goal is not just to lose weight for a month. The goal is to become the kind of person who can keep the weight off.