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Repeated ZIMRA and police checks along the Beitbridge–Harare corridor, plus rising border fees, are undermining trade despite the upgraded border post ( image source ) The modernised Beitbridge Border Post was built as a public-private partnership to unclog the main artery between Zimbabwe and South Africa, with investors and operators promising faster clearances and improved facilities after a multi-million-dollar upgrade completed under a concession model. Despite the upgrade, cross-border traders say inland enforcement practices are eroding those gains: traders and transporters report repeated roadside inspections by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and police along the Beitbridge–Harare corridor, adding time and cost to journeys that already face long queues at the port of entry. Local advocacy groups and community leaders have pressed the government and the border operator to act. Crossborders for Economic Development (Crossborders 4ED) says it has reached a preliminary agreement with authorities to review user fees and operational procedures at Beitbridge to reduce the burden on small traders and light transporters. The border operator Zimborders publishes a schedule that shows fees ranging from US$6 for motorcycles to US$119 for heavy goods vehicles, with intermediate tariffs for light vehicles and coaches; traders say these charges, plus repeated inland checks, push informal margins into loss-making territory. Traders and civil-society leaders argue the problem is not only the headline tolls but duplicated enforcement. “Once cargo has been thoroughly checked at Beitbridge, there is no need for further inland searches,” said David Masomere, chairperson of Crossborders 4ED, describing the current system as “unnecessarily punitive” for small entrepreneurs who rely on fast turnarounds. “Once cargo has been thoroughly checked at Beitbridge, there is no need for further inland searches.” — David Masomere, Crossborders 4ED. Drivers and transport operators give mixed reports on the modernised port’s performance. While many praise the new infrastructure, some say the benefits are offset by the time lost to roadside stops. Truck driver Godfrey Kuzvidza told state media that the upgraded post has improved throughput—handling more than 27,000 trucks a month and a record 28,800 in July—but he also acknowledged that inland checks can still slow deliveries and raise costs for drivers and owners. Streamlining enforcement would protect the gains from the upgrade and help informal cross-border trade—a vital source of livelihoods in border districts—without weakening customs controls. Practical steps include single-window inspections, clearer protocols for inland checkpoints, and a transparent review of user fees tied to service levels at the port. For now, traders await the promised review of fees and procedures while continuing to move goods across the corridor that remains central to Zimbabwe’s informal and formal trade networks. The outcome will determine whether Beitbridge becomes a durable trade corridor or a bottleneck that simply shifts costs inland.

Sungura veteran Gift Amuli is emerging as a strong contender for ZIMURA chairperson, with artists calling for creator-led leadership, reform and transparency ( image source ) Newly elected ZIMURA board member and Sungura veteran Gift Amuli has quickly become one of the names gaining traction in conversations about who should chair the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association. His reputation as a seasoned artist, his grassroots following, and his decade-spanning music career have prompted growing calls within the sector for an artist-led era at the country’s largest music rights body. “Artists need one of their own to lead this institution—someone who knows our struggles from inside the industry, not from behind a desk,” said a Harare-based producer who supported Amuli’s candidacy. Amuli was voted into the new ZIMURA board during an election widely interpreted as a push for renewal. After years of royalty disputes, communication breakdowns and recurring allegations of opaque operations, members demanded leadership that could reconnect ZIMURA to the real needs of creators. “People voted for change and Amuli symbolises that change,” said a veteran session guitarist. “We don’t just need administrators; we need leaders who understand why royalties matter to a musician feeding a family.” ZIMURA’s role in Zimbabwe’s creative economy is central: it licenses music use, collects royalties and distributes earnings to creators. Whoever chairs the board must balance rigorous governance with deep stakeholder trust—a combination that positions Amuli as a credible contender. Amuli’s artistic credentials are not symbolic; they are structural. With more than 20 years in the music industry, known popularly as Case, he has navigated the full spectrum of Zimbabwe’s performance landscape from township halls to national festivals. “He has lived the challenges that younger artists are facing today, especially unpaid royalties and event under-declarations,” noted a Bulawayo promoter. “That experience makes his advocacy more authentic than anything we’ve seen from past chairpersons.” Because he has personally confronted the failings of royalty tracking systems, outdated licensing structures and uneven enforcement, Amuli carries an insider’s understanding of where reforms must begin. His public visibility also carries strategic value. A ZIMURA chairperson who commands national attention can amplify reform discussions, attract media scrutiny, and mobilise membership pressure for transparency. Supporters argue that Amuli brings three critical strengths. Many creators believe an artist-chair would represent their experiences more accurately than a purely administrative leader. “We need someone who speaks our language—literally and figuratively,” said an upcoming rapper from Mbare. Amuli’s presence in growth points, rural concerts and indoor venues has given him a constituency far wider than elite Harare circles. As one DJ put it, “When Amuli talks about royalties, people listen. That’s leadership currency.” Still, industry experts stress that popularity is not enough. A former ZIMURA administrator explained, “Chairing the board requires discipline—financial transparency, strategic planning, and the courage to publish uncomfortable truths about royalty income. If Amuli shows that discipline, he will be a formidable chair.” If he aims for the chairpersonship, he must demonstrate: • commitment to quarterly financial reporting; • support for digital royalty tracking and automated cue sheets; • professional collaboration with legal and technical officers; • a roadmap for timely, predictable royalty payouts; • conflict–resolution skills to stabilise ZIMURA’s often polarised membership. Many in the sector believe that appointing a practising artist as chair would mark a decisive shift toward transparency and creator-centred governance. “We’ve tried everything else—maybe it’s time musicians themselves lead the fight for fair royalties,” said a Chitungwiza-based bass guitarist. Gift Amuli represents a credible, grounded and widely respected option for ZIMURA chairperson. His artistic legitimacy, public profile and grassroots constituency give him a unique advantage—provided he backs them with strong governance, reform-driven leadership and transparent administration. If he pairs lived experience with principled management, Amuli could usher ZIMURA into an unprecedented artist-centred era of accountability, modernisation and trust.

UZ Wolves and Black Mambas lead the PVL title race as Zimbabwean volleyball teams gear up for a high-stakes championship weekend and Zone 6 prep ( image source ) With the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season reaching its decisive climax, teams and supporters are gearing up for a blockbuster championship weekend promising thrills, upsets, and high-stakes battles on the courts. Quarter-finals and semi-finals are scheduled for tomorrow at the University of Zimbabwe courts, before the action shifts to Sunrise Sports Club on Sunday for the men’s and women’s finals, along with the third-place playoff in the morning. All eyes are on the UZ Wolves men’s team, who enter the knockout stages as overwhelming favourites. The Wolves have been the standout side of the season, maintaining an unbeaten run with 33 sets won and only six lost across 11 matches. That dominant form has translated into 32 log points and a top-of-the-table finish, securing them a direct path into the finals. Their momentum was strengthened further by their triumph at the Harare Championships last weekend, reinforcing their status as the team to beat. The women’s division, however, has its own powerhouse: the Black Mambas, who completed the regular season with a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 matches. Their consistency, depth, and tactical discipline have turned them into one of the league’s most feared sides. Earlier this year, both the men’s UZ Wolves and women’s Black Mambas underlined their pedigree at the MNL Zim Open Championships, clinching titles in their respective categories—a performance that now amplifies expectations heading into the PVL finals. In the women’s quarter-finals, the Black Mambas will open their playoff campaign against eighth-seeded Southern Aces, while the UZ Wolves men face Chimoio in their quarter-final matchup. The knockout bracket leaves little room for error; teams know that a single dip in intensity could be the difference between glory and elimination. Fans attending the venues will pay US$3 for standard entry, while a US$5 premium ticket comes with a complimentary Volleyball TV annual subscription code—a move organisers say is aimed at growing the sport’s digital audience. This year’s championship carries even greater weight as teams look to wrap up the domestic season on a high ahead of the Zone 6 Club Championship, scheduled for Polokwane, South Africa, from December 9–22, 2025. Coaches and players frame this weekend as both a finale and a springboard toward regional competition. Additional Fixtures Men: Crocs v Black Rhinos; CUT v Shalom; Ruwa v Black Mambas Women: Harare City v Black Rhinos; UZ Wolves v Vipers; Raven Claw v CUT With form, rivalry, and silverware on the line, the PVL championship weekend is set for an electrifying finish.

A drone identified at Wadi Seidna military base was 6.5m long and had a wingspan of 10m ( image source ) The United Arab Emirates has been implicated in covert arms transfers to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through a network of cargo flights and re-exported Chinese weaponry, a flow investigators say has fuelled atrocities on the ground. Abu Dhabi’s role is documented in a confidential United Nations expert report that tracked a pattern of military-linked cargo flights from Emirati airbases to Chad—a staging ground for weapons and materiel bound for Sudan—creating what investigators call a “regional air bridge” into the conflict zone. The flights, often using large transport aircraft, were routed to Chadian airfields close to the Sudanese border, where cargo could be moved overland into RSF-held territory. Open-source investigators and regional reporters have since corroborated the UN findings, noting a surge in flights between Ras Al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi and Chadian hubs such as Amdjarass and N’Djamena that appear designed to avoid scrutiny. Analysts say the pattern points to deliberate logistics planning: airlift to Chad, overland transfer, then distribution inside Sudan—a route that circumvents direct flights into Sudan and complicates enforcement of the UN arms embargo. A photo posted on X by @SudanSena geolocated by the BBC to Port Sudan airport suggested a weapons shipment ( image source ) Watchdog groups have pushed the probe further, linking Emirati-registered companies and business figures to recruitment networks and private security firms that supplied fighters and logistics to the RSF, including alleged recruitment of foreign mercenaries and the movement of personnel and equipment across borders. Corporate records and leaked documents reviewed by investigators show how private contractors and shell companies can mask the origin and destination of military cargo. Human-rights investigators have also identified Chinese-manufactured weapons—including guided bombs and heavy howitzers—in RSF arsenals and traced their likely re-export through the UAE, a finding that suggests the Emirates acted as a transit and re-export hub for sophisticated systems in breach of the embargo. Amnesty International’s forensic analysis of battlefield imagery and weapons fragments concluded that some systems were almost certainly re-exported via the UAE and later used in attacks that killed civilians. A PAX drones expert suggested this photo shows a Zajil 3 drone ( image source ) For survivors and aid workers the logistics debate is not abstract. A displaced teacher in North Darfur described convoys arriving with new weaponry and drones that changed the character of attacks, making bombardment more precise and deadly; aid agencies report that the arrival of heavier systems has coincided with escalations in civilian casualties and mass displacement. These field accounts underscore how supply chains translate directly into lives lost and communities uprooted. U.S. and Western intelligence reporting has echoed these concerns, noting an uptick in materiel—including drones and heavy weapons—flowing to the RSF in recent months and prompting calls in some capitals to reassess military cooperation with the UAE. The accumulation of UN, NGO and intelligence findings raises urgent questions for policymakers: will Emirati authorities open transparent audits of cargo manifests and corporate registrations, and will international bodies follow the financial and logistical trails to hold intermediaries to account? “Stopping the planes is only the start; the real test is whether states will follow the money and the paperwork,” one sanctions expert told investigators.

OK Zimbabwe faces a potential collapse after a US$25 million loss and a 52% revenue drop, as informal traders dominate urban markets and economic instability deepens pressure on formal retailers ( image source ) HARARE – November 11, 2025 — OK Zimbabwe Limited, one of the country’s largest retail chains, is teetering on the brink of collapse following a reported US$25 million loss and a 52% drop in revenue for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. The company’s chairman, Herbert Nkala, acknowledged the severity of the crisis, stating that recovery “will take some time to return to normal operations.” The group’s revenue fell to US$245 million, down sharply from the previous year despite an average inflation rate of 15.21%. Analysts say the figures reflect deeper structural issues in Zimbabwe’s formal retail sector, which is increasingly being outpaced by informal traders offering lower prices and more flexible payment options. “The informal sector is eating into our margins. We simply can’t compete on price or agility,” said a senior OK store manager in Harare, speaking on condition of anonymity. The rise of informal cross-border traders — especially active at Beitbridge and Chirundu — has reshaped consumer purchasing habits. These traders import goods from South Africa and Zambia, often bypassing formal customs processes, enabling them to sell products cheaply. According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), informal trade now accounts for over 60% of consumer goods transactions in urban centers. “Formal retailers are being squeezed out,” said CZR president Denford Mutashu. “We need policy reform that levels the playing field.” OK Zimbabwe’s challenges are intensified by supply chain disruptions, exchange rate instability, and persistent liquidity shortages. The fluctuating Zimbabwe dollar continues to complicate inventory planning for retailers dependent on imported goods. “We’ve had to close several stores due to unsustainable operating costs,” Nkala confirmed. “The market has shifted, and we must adapt or perish.” The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has not yet announced any formal rescue package, though insiders suggest that discussions are underway to provide tax relief and foreign currency access to struggling retailers. Economist Dr. Prosper Chitambara says the crisis signals wider macroeconomic fragility. “Retail is a bellwether for consumer confidence. OK’s collapse signals distress in household incomes and purchasing power.” With the festive season approaching, OK Zimbabwe faces a crucial test. Failure to stabilize operations could see the company lose what remains of its market share to fast-moving informal competitors.

The UAE’s media campaign on Sudan faces scrutiny as investigations link Dubai-based firms to RSF conflict-gold networks, raising questions of accountability and reform ( image source ) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a well-funded media campaign including diplomatic statements, paid social-media posts and high-profile outreach to recast its role in the conflict in Sudan as primarily humanitarian. Yet that messaging is colliding with increasingly detailed investigative findings tying Dubai-based firms and markets to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the conflict-gold trade fueling Sudan’s war economy. On the ground in Darfur, survivors and aid workers say no amount of polished videos can erase what they have seen. After the fall of El-Fasher, anti-government forces besieged the city, reportedly killing hundreds and forcing thousands to flee in desperation. One displaced mother told aid workers she had to leave with only the clothes on her back after men with guns stormed her compound. Local hospitals were overwhelmed, and neighbourhoods were emptied in the face of the violence. “The tragedy unfolding in El-Fasher is not a surprise; it is the direct result of the international community’s inaction,” said Sudan’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva. UAE alleged drone strikes on Port Sudan ( image source ) Behind the humanitarian rhetoric, investigative groups trace a chilling second story: a sprawling network of companies based in the UAE helping the RSF monetize gold, deliver weapons and support military operations. The think-tank The Sentry reports that businessmen tied to the RSF set up jewellery firms, consultancies and trading houses in Dubai to facilitate the export of smuggled gold from Darfur and western Sudan, turn it into cash and invest in the war effort. One case cited by The Sentry involved a Dubai-based firm, Aoun Commercial Brokers, linked to the RSF’s procurement of hundreds of “technicals”—pickup trucks mounted with machine-guns—through UAE trade networks. While the UAE denies direct military backing of the RSF, and emphasises that its media campaign highlights humanitarian assistance and calls for cease-fires, critics say the timing and substance of the campaign reveal diversion rather than reform. The UAE’s narrative glosses over the trade-and-conflict link, sidestepping core allegations of complicity in war-economy financing even as public scrutiny expands. The campaign’s effectiveness is undermined by mounting data: According to Swiss-based NGO Swissaid, the UAE imported nearly 90% of Sudan’s official gold exports in the first half of 2025, while illicit exports largely controlled by armed groups like the RSF may be four times larger. Journalists and investigators now ask two critical questions: Will the UAE conduct transparent audits of gold-import flows and corporate registrations linked to conflict gold? And will international enforcement bodies—the United Nations, EU and US sanction authorities—trace those flows and hold enablers to account? Until these questions are addressed, the UAE’s media blitz threatens to be remembered not as a shift in policy but as damage control. Meanwhile, the people of Darfur continue to suffer, their lives and future overshadowed by financial networks and political manoeuvres. The core challenge remains: persuasive communications cannot erase the human cost, nor the business networks that sustain conflict. For Sudan’s civilians, more than words are required—accountability and reform are essential.

From Kwekwe to Cape Town and beyond, Zimbabwean artist King Ashwet’s journey spans music, acting, and radio ( image source ) Born in 1976 in the mining town of Kwekwe, Ashwet Phiri, known to the music world as King Ashwet, has spent a lifetime chasing the rhythm that first stirred in him as a child. His story is one of persistence, creative adventure, and cultural pride — a journey that began in the dusty schoolyards of the 1980s and has since crossed continents, airwaves, and generations. King Ashwet’s musical path started early, his young voice echoing through primary school halls during talent shows that hinted at the destiny ahead. His first major public breakthrough came in 1993 when he participated in Star Brite, Zimbabwe’s pioneering televised talent show. The program, later aired on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Television (ZTV) in 1994, introduced the nation to a new voice — soulful, raw, and full of promise. In the years that followed, Ashwet collaborated with notable artists such as ManSoulJah and Pace in Gweru, refining his sound and deepening his connection to reggae, roots, and fusion rhythms that define his artistry. But his most historic contribution came in 2005, when he teamed up with William Hillman, a gifted drummer who would later play with Andy Brown’s celebrated band The Storm. Together, they created what became known as Zimbabwe’s first riddim — the Kwekwe Riddim — a groundbreaking project that laid the foundation for the country’s digital reggae evolution. Ashwet’s musical pilgrimage has been nothing short of global. From the studios of Cape Town to the coastal rhythms of Costa Rica and the heart of Jamaica, his sound has absorbed textures of diverse cultures while staying rooted in his Zimbabwean identity. Now back home, he continues to record and collaborate, infusing new life into the local scene with his unique blend of reggae, soul, and social consciousness. But King Ashwet is more than a musician — he is a storyteller across mediums. As an actor, he has appeared in local productions that mirror Zimbabwe’s evolving cultural landscape. As a disc jockey, he has kept dance floors alive in local nightclubs, performed at Bush Radio in Cape Town, and hosted reggae sessions on Mambokadzi Dream Radio, an online station broadcasting from Botswana, where he continues to present from Zimbabwe. His radio presence bridges nations, uniting listeners through rhythm and reflection. Online, his music reaches a growing global audience. His songs — including “Roots,” “Hosanna (feat. General Waspy),” and “When Life Is Low” — can be streamed on Apple Music, JioSaavn, and Shazam. His Singles Collection showcases the depth of his artistry, blending spirituality, struggle, and hope into melodies that speak to the soul. Through it all, King Ashwet remains a symbol of creative endurance — a man who never stopped singing, no matter where life led him. From Kwekwe’s humble beginnings to the world’s digital stages, his journey is a testament to what it means to follow the music within and let it lead you home. Discover King Ashwet: 🎵 [ JioSaavn – “Roots” ] 🎵 [ Shazam – “When Life Is Low” ] 🌐 [ Facebook – King Ashwet Official ] 🌐 [ Facebook – Ashwet Phiri ]

The IMF says Zimbabwe’s 2025 economic rebound is stronger than expected, driven by gold exports, agricultural recovery, and easing inflation ( image source ) HARARE – November 11, 2025 — Zimbabwe’s economy is rebounding faster than anticipated in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which cited higher gold prices, agricultural recovery, and easing inflation as key drivers. The IMF mission, led by Wojciech Maliszewski, concluded its visit to Harare on November 5, noting that the country’s macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly compared to projections made earlier this year. “Zimbabwe’s economic recovery in 2025 is stronger than previously anticipated,” Maliszewski said in a statement. “Agriculture and mining are leading the charge.” Gold exports surged in Q3 2025, buoyed by global prices exceeding US$2,000 per ounce. Zimbabwe, which ranks among Africa’s top gold producers, has benefited from increased output at mines in Kadoma and Mazowe. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector rebounded following improved rainfall and government input support programs. Maize and tobacco yields rose by 18% and 12% respectively, according to the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. Annual inflation dropped to 9.8% in October 2025, down from 21.4% in January. The Zimbabwe dollar has remained relatively stable against the US dollar, aided by tighter monetary policy and increased foreign currency inflows from exports. “We’re seeing real gains in price stability,” said Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe economist Tapiwa Mudzonga. “This is critical for restoring consumer and investor confidence.” Despite the positive outlook, the IMF cautioned against fiscal slippage. It urged the government to align the 2026 budget with sustainable financing sources and improve expenditure management. “The rebound is fragile. Without fiscal discipline, gains could be reversed,” Maliszewski warned. Local businesses are cautiously optimistic. “We’re seeing more foot traffic and better liquidity,” said Rumbidzai Moyo, owner of a manufacturing firm in Southerton. “But we need consistent policy and access to affordable credit.” The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) echoed this sentiment, calling for reforms to ease the cost of doing business and attract foreign investment. If current trends hold, Zimbabwe could post GDP growth above 4.5% in 2025, exceeding IMF forecasts. However, risks remain, including global commodity volatility and domestic political uncertainty ahead of the 2028 elections.

Zimbabwean innovator John Arufandika was honoured with the Emerging Technologies Impact Award at The List Awards 2025 for developing a regional AI language model that champions African innovation, language inclusion, and digital transformation The List Awards were held at a glittering ceremony in Harare earlier this November. Organized by Identities Media Holdings, the awards are now in their second edition and celebrate “Unsung Heroes” — individuals whose quiet, consistent work is reshaping communities and industries across Zimbabwe and the wider Southern and Eastern African region. The 2025 ceremony, themed “Impact, Excellence, and the Spirit of Hunhu/Ubuntu,” brought together achievers from diverse fields including business, climate action, human rights, storytelling, and technology. The event spotlighted innovation that uplifts and connects African societies. One of the winners, John Arufandika, stood before a packed audience of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to accept one of the night’s most coveted honours — the Emerging Technologies Impact Award. The award recognized Arufandika’s groundbreaking work in developing a large language model tailored for Southern Africa, a milestone achievement that places him among the continent’s leading voices in artificial intelligence. For Arufandika, the award represents more than personal recognition — it’s a symbol of Africa’s growing voice in the global technology landscape. His team’s development of a regional large language model aims to democratize AI access by integrating local languages, dialects, and cultural contexts often ignored by Western AI systems. The project has already drawn attention from technology think tanks and publications such as TechCabal and Cabanga Group, which have praised it as a transformative step toward “shaping African AI for Africans.” In his acceptance remarks, Arufandika reflected on the collaborative spirit behind his success: “Standing tall and grateful. Honored to be recognized at The List Awards celebrating impact, excellence, and the spirit of Hunhu/Ubuntu. A heartfelt thank you to my amazing team for your dedication and to everyone who took the time to vote and support this journey. Your belief made this moment possible.” The audience — including business leaders, artists, and development advocates — responded with a standing ovation, recognizing both his achievement and the broader significance of homegrown innovation in the age of artificial intelligence. The Emerging Technologies Impact Award was one of several Pan-African categories, alongside Artist Impact and Role Model Impact, that sought to honour individuals driving progress beyond national borders. Zimbabwean honorees were also celebrated in fields such as Humanitarian Impact, Climate and Environment, and Social Impact. Arufandika’s recognition underscores a critical shift in Africa’s technological narrative — from being consumers of imported innovation to becoming creators of systems that understand and serve local needs. His AI project, trained to process regional data and language nuances, could have far-reaching implications for education, business, and governance across the continent. As Africa accelerates toward a digitally driven future, visionaries like John Arufandika embody the continent’s potential to define its own path in the tech revolution. His win at The List Awards 2025 stands not just as a personal triumph, but as a symbol of a new era — one in which African minds are building technologies that reflect African realities.

Hundreds of Africans are being lured into the Russia–Ukraine war through fake job offers, with rights groups warning of human trafficking and mercenary networks ( image source ) HARARE / CAPE TOWN — When a group of 17 South African men sent desperate voice notes home from eastern Ukraine in early November, claiming they had been “tricked into a war,” the story jolted Pretoria into action. Promised construction or security work, they say they were instead pressed into frontline combat for Russian forces and now cannot leave. President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered an urgent probe to establish how the men were recruited, who financed their travel, and whether South African intermediaries or foreign networks violated anti-mercenary laws. Relatives say they have received only sporadic messages since deployment and fear reprisals if the men attempt to flee. Analysts and diplomats warn that the South African case is part of a wider continental trend. Across Africa, young men from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe have reported being lured by online job adverts or social-media posts offering “security work” or “logistics support” abroad—only to end up on the Russian side of the front lines. Ukraine’s foreign ministry says at least 1,400 Africans from 36 countries have been recruited, willingly or otherwise, into Russian-linked military formations. Kyiv has condemned the practice as “a cynical abuse of poverty and unemployment,” urging African governments to clamp down on recruitment intermediaries. ( image source ) “Tomorrow, they want us to go on a suicide mission,” one African recruit said in a recorded plea shared with aid workers. “I’m going to drop the gun so I don’t have to go.” Investigations by rights groups suggest a networked ecosystem of fake job agencies, visa brokers, and private military contractors exploiting weak regulation and high youth unemployment. In many cases, recruiters arrange legitimate-looking travel documents before transferring recruits to Russian training bases or occupied territories. Once inside, passports are confiscated, and escape becomes nearly impossible. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and regional watchdogs warn that such schemes amount to human trafficking under armed-conflict conditions—breaching both the UN Mercenary Convention and African Union protocols on recruitment of combatants. Governments across the continent are scrambling to respond. South Africa’s foreign ministry says it is coordinating with both Russian and Ukrainian authorities to verify the men’s whereabouts and secure their release. Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya have issued new travel advisories warning citizens against “employment opportunities” in conflict zones. Diplomatic observers say the episode exposes a broader vulnerability: the intersection of Africa’s youth unemployment crisis with global proxy wars. ( image source ) Experts say the priority is twofold — to shield citizens from predatory recruiters through strict licensing and awareness campaigns, and to pursue accountability for trafficking networks operating across borders. A continental intelligence task force, supported by Interpol and the AU Peace and Security Council, has been proposed to map and disrupt the flow of recruits. Until such measures take root, families from Pretoria to Accra will continue waiting for word from sons who left chasing jobs and found themselves trapped in someone else’s war.

From Kwekwe to Cape Town, Zimbabwean drummer and vocalist Simba Saini has recorded over 124 albums, blending sungura, jazz, and Afro-fusion to keep Zimbabwe’s music alive across borders ( image source ) From Kwekwe to Cape Town, Zimbabwe-born drummer, vocalist, and band leader Simba Saini has crafted a remarkable musical journey that spans continents, genres, and hundreds of albums. Known affectionately as “Samanyanga,” Saini blends traditional Shona sensibilities with groove-driven jazz rhythms and an unrelenting creative spirit — building a catalogue few can match. Now based in Cape Town, he says he has contributed to more than 124 albums as a drummer and vocalist. “I have recorded 124 albums with different artistes in my music career as a drummer, including two of my own albums — Huruyadzo and Misodzi yaAmai,” he told The Herald. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Saini honed his craft in the country’s vibrant live-music circuit, performing with legendary bands such as The Four Brothers, Jabavu Drive, Summer Breeze, and Vijana Sounds. His early exposure to sungura, jazz, gospel, and pop formed the foundation of his versatile style. “It was like I was at a university where I graduated to be my own artist,” he reflected. In 2005, Saini migrated to South Africa, settling in Cape Town with little more than determination. “I had no instrument when I left Kwekwe. All I had was hope and determination,” he told NewsDay. He later formed Afristorm, a cross-cultural band of Zimbabwean and South African musicians, performing as both drummer and lead vocalist. Despite early challenges finding band members — especially guitarists — Saini pushed forward, releasing Huruyadzo and Misodzi yaAmai, alongside dozens of collaborative recordings. Songs like Amai and Kuchemera Rudo became audience favourites, celebrated for their emotional depth and universal appeal. Collaborations with producers Keith Ferguson and Marcus Housel helped him reach full-house audiences and grow a loyal diaspora following across Southern Africa. “My market target was not just Zimbabweans. I played venues where we rarely find them, but every time we held shows, we recorded full houses.” Saini describes his music as genre-fluid, moving seamlessly between sungura, jazz, and Afro-fusion. His artistry reflects both his Zimbabwean roots and his South African evolution. “Every song that I play is totally different from the other,” he said. With over 124 albums to his credit, Saini stands as one of Zimbabwe’s most prolific drummers — a rare blend of background musician, band leader, and cross-border cultural ambassador. His upcoming third album, Rwendo – The Journey (2025), is expected to broaden his global footprint even further. Beyond performance, Saini is committed to representing Zimbabwean creativity abroad. “I have managed to keep Zimbabwean music alive across the borders. I’m entertaining full houses in Cape Town, making sure our people here don’t miss home as far as music is concerned.” Despite his South African base, he continues to perform in both countries, maintaining strong ties with Zimbabwe’s creative ecosystem. “Music has changed my life for the better. It has placed me on a good level since music is often associated with poverty,” he reflected. For Saini, music is both an artistic mission and a cultural duty — to ensure Zimbabwe’s rhythms and stories travel beyond borders. “The future is bright for Zim. I’m also expecting collaborations with a South African artiste,” he said. Simba Saini’s story is one of resilience, versatility, and vision — proving that a drummer from Kwekwe can command Cape Town’s stages while keeping Zimbabwe’s heartbeat alive in every note. Reporter Contact: imbuwamubiana@gmail.com

A Chinese mining company in Buhera has defended exhuming and reburying 22 graves at its Sabi Star lithium site A Chinese mining company operating in Buhera, Max Mind Investments, has defended the exhumation and reburial of 22 graves from its Sabi Star lithium project site, saying the process was carried out “lawfully, respectfully, and under district supervision.” The company’s statement follows widespread outrage on social media after activist Farai Maguwu alleged that ancestral graves were desecrated to make way for mine expansion. In a written response, Max Mind said the exhumations were conducted with the participation of family representatives, traditional leaders, and Buhera District authorities. It added that all remains were reinterred “with love and care” at a designated cemetery. “These were laid to rest with love and care, but the social media post caused alarm and misrepresentation,” the company stated, noting that all families received relocation allowances and that cultural rites were observed. District officials confirmed that the local health department, police, and traditional leadership attended the exhumations, which took place between August and September 2025. Buhera District Development Coordinator Washington Madzinga said the process was “documented and supervised” but acknowledged that the episode had “reopened community concerns over consultation and compensation in the fast-growing lithium corridor.” Community members around Mukwasi and Sabi villages said the issue reflected broader unease about the pace and manner of mineral development in rural Manicaland. “People were not properly informed; the spirit of the ancestors should have been appeased,” said one villager, speaking on condition of anonymity. Civil society advocates have since called for stronger environmental and social impact oversight, citing growing tension between investors and communities in areas hosting lithium and granite projects. Mining analysts note that Zimbabwe’s lithium rush, driven by global demand for electric vehicle batteries, has drawn dozens of new operators—some facing criticism over poor labour, environmental, and cultural-heritage standards. Experts from the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) say the Buhera controversy underscores the need for a clear national framework on cultural-heritage protection in mining zones. “Corporate social responsibility is not just about building schools; it’s about respecting the dead and the living,” ZELA director Mutuso Dhliwayo told Southerton Business Times. “These were laid to rest with love and care, but the social media post caused alarm,” the company reiterated in its statement.