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ZIMURA faces a deepening governance crisis as three board members disown an unauthorized statement on the controversial Avondale property sale, raising questions of transparency and accountability ( image source ) A deepening governance crisis has emerged at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), after three serving board members publicly disassociated themselves from a “Public Notice” issued on 12 January 2026 concerning the controversial sale of the association’s Avondale property. In a joint statement dated 13 January 2026, board members Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli rejected the notice, describing it as unauthorized, procedurally flawed and reflective of broader governance failures within the organisation. The dispute arises amid growing scrutiny over the sale of ZIMURA’s Avondale flats, an asset historically regarded by members as part of the association’s long-term security and revenue base. According to the joint statement, the 12 January notice was issued in violation of ZIMURA’s internal governance structures. The board members argue that all official communication is, by formal board resolution, the responsibility of the Communications, PR and Strategy Committee. That committee is chaired by Mpofu, who is also ZIMURA’s designated official spokesperson, with Garakara serving as deputy. “The notice was issued without the committee’s knowledge or consent,” the statement reads, characterising the move as a clear breach of operating procedures and board mandates. Beyond the content of the notice, the board members raised alarm over what they describe as the unauthorized use of ZIMURA’s official letterhead and digital platforms. They are calling for an immediate investigation into who approved the release of the statement, as well as a full audit of the association’s social media and communication credentials. “It is imperative to establish accountability,” the statement said, warning that those responsible for disseminating unverified or unauthorised policy positions could be liable for misrepresentation. At the heart of the controversy is a conflict-of-interest allegation linked to the Avondale property sale. While the disputed public notice reportedly cited constitutional provisions granting the board authority to dispose of assets, the dissenting board members argue that this legal framing sidesteps the ethical questions raised by the membership. Specifically, they allege that concerns remain unresolved over whether a sitting board member participated in the transaction through an estate agency where they are employed. “To date, those who participated in the transaction have failed to provide a direct response,” the statement said, accusing them of relying on legal technicalities rather than addressing ethical accountability. The board members also rejected what they described as a narrative suggesting that ZIMURA operates beyond public or regulatory oversight. “While ZIMURA is a private association, it is not exempt from transparency obligations or the oversight of relevant regulatory and government bodies,” the statement said. They further condemned what they characterised as attempts to intimidate stakeholders and journalists through threats of litigation, warning that such tactics undermine trust and damage the organisation’s credibility. In a notable move, the board members explicitly invited continued media scrutiny. “Investigative journalism is a vital pillar of accountability,” the statement read. “We welcome rigorous questioning of our operations, financial dealings and governance.” The statement concludes with a sharp assessment of ZIMURA’s internal culture, suggesting that efforts to introduce transparency and professionalism are being resisted. “As new board members, we believe we were elected to replace a culture of defensiveness with professional transparency,” they said. “We refuse to be complicit in practices that ignore stakeholder concerns and regulatory accountability.” The signatories are: • Dereck Mpofu, Chair of Communications, PR and Strategy & Official Spokesperson • Joseph Garakara, Deputy Chair of Communications & Board Member • Gift Amuli, Chair of Licensing, Documentation and Membership ZIMURA has not yet issued a unified board response to the latest statement. As pressure mounts from members, regulators and the public, analysts say the unfolding dispute highlights broader challenges facing collective management organisations in balancing asset management, governance integrity and member trust. Southerton Business Times will continue to follow developments in this story.

Silent Walls, a nationwide initiative by the Shepherds Foundation and AutoWorld Zimbabwe, aims to document and preserve Zimbabwe’s endangered architectural heritage through photography, exhibitions, and digital archives ( image source ) A new year-long heritage initiative is seeking to document and preserve Zimbabwe’s endangered architectural legacy, as cultural organisations increasingly turn to private-sector partnerships to safeguard national history. The Shepherds Foundation, in partnership with AutoWorld Zimbabwe, has launched Silent Walls, a nationwide photographic documentation project capturing historic structures ranging from indigenous architecture and colonial-era buildings to sites central to the liberation struggle. The project, which has been underway for more than 13 months, has already documented dozens of sites across the country amid growing concern over neglect, urban pressure, and the gradual loss of historically significant buildings. As part of efforts to anchor the initiative within national heritage frameworks, the Shepherds Foundation has formally invited the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) to join the project as a core collaborative partner. According to the foundation, the collaboration would strengthen the credibility, educational reach, and long-term impact of Silent Walls, while aligning the initiative with national monument preservation standards. “The built environment is one of the most vulnerable forms of heritage,” the foundation said. “Once a structure is altered or demolished, that history is permanently lost. This project is about recording, protecting, and elevating Zimbabwe’s architectural story before it disappears.” Unlike traditional heritage documentation projects, Silent Walls is designed to sit at the intersection of culture, education, and the creative economy. The initiative will culminate in a comprehensive photographic book and catalogue, alongside travelling exhibitions to be staged across Zimbabwe. The Shepherds Foundation has proposed that NMMZ play a consultative role in the curation and review of the final catalogue, ensuring historical accuracy and alignment with national heritage policies. NMMZ has also been invited to contribute a foreword to the publication. ( image source ) Beyond documentation, the project introduces a commercial dimension through the planned creation of limited-edition collectible artworks derived from the photographed sites. These works are intended to function both as public engagement tools and as a sustainable fundraising mechanism to support heritage advocacy. Cultural economists note that such hybrid models combining heritage preservation with creative enterprise are increasingly being adopted across Africa as governments face budgetary constraints. “Heritage projects that generate economic value tend to have greater longevity,” said a Harare-based cultural policy analyst. “They attract private capital, international interest, and youth participation.” A key feature of Silent Walls is its decentralised exhibition model. The project intends to use regional museum sites as unconventional exhibition venues, deliberately moving heritage discourse beyond major urban centres. By situating exhibitions within community spaces, the initiative aims to attract new audiences and encourage local ownership of heritage preservation efforts. The project also includes a strong educational component. Plans are underway to develop study guides and digital learning materials that could be distributed to schools and universities, integrating architectural heritage into formal learning pathways. Representatives from NMMZ have been invited to participate as guest speakers at exhibition openings, reinforcing the link between community engagement and institutional expertise. In a move aligned with international best practice, the Shepherds Foundation has committed to digitising the full collection of high-resolution images and historical research generated by Silent Walls. A complete digital archive will be deposited with NMMZ for permanent national records and future academic use, ensuring long-term accessibility and preservation. Digital heritage archives are increasingly recognised as essential tools for research, conservation planning, and international collaboration, particularly in countries where physical structures face environmental and economic threats. The Shepherds Foundation has proposed launching the Silent Walls publication during the International Literature Festival in November 2026, a move expected to position Zimbabwe’s architectural heritage within global cultural conversations. Analysts say the initiative reflects a broader shift in how heritage is framed not only as cultural memory, but as an economic and diplomatic asset. “As countries compete for cultural relevance and tourism investment, documenting and presenting heritage professionally becomes a strategic priority,” said a heritage consultant familiar with regional projects. If formalised, the partnership between the Shepherds Foundation and NMMZ would represent a notable example of public–private collaboration in Zimbabwe’s cultural sector, combining institutional authority with creative innovation. Currently, Silent Walls stands as a timely reminder that preservation is not just about the past, but about how history is positioned within the future economy.

A Mbare family has been left homeless after an alleged unauthorized sale of their ancestral home by a sibling ( image source ) A family long associated with 57 Sanyanga Street in Mbare has been left homeless after one of the siblings allegedly sold the ancestral property without the knowledge or consent of other family members, residents and relatives have said. Alice Guswaguswa Zvomuya, 58, said the family was evicted on 24 December 2025 after being informed that the house no longer belonged to them. The property, located near Stodart Hall, had been home to members of the Guswaguswa Zvomuya family for decades. “Our father, Fidelis Zvomuya Guswaguswa, came from Seke, and our late mother, Theresa Tigere, left us seven children,” she said. “At the time, three of us were living in this house while the others had moved out. Suddenly one of our brothers sold the house without our knowledge and even forged the names of the rest of us.” Only two daughters and one son were living in the home when the eviction took place. The family is now relying on relatives and friends for shelter, while some members are sleeping on the streets, she added. The eviction has had immediate consequences for children in the household. She said some children and grandchildren are now struggling to attend school after being forced to relocate to different areas. The family is appealing for assistance to recover the property so that it can benefit all siblings rather than being controlled by one individual. Attempts to reach the brother alleged to have sold the house were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was unreachable at the time of publication. Community leaders in Mbare expressed outrage over the incident and called for a swift investigation into the sale and alleged forgery. Legal experts said disputes over family property are common and often require urgent court intervention to prevent further displacement.

A Zimbabwean man, Mhlanguli Brian Moyo, has been named as the victim of a fatal two-vehicle crash on the N22 in County Kerry, with Gardaí appealing for witnesses ( image source ) A man who died following a two-vehicle collision on the N22 near Dromadeesirt has been identified as Mhlanguli Brian Moyo, 45, a Zimbabwean national. The crash occurred at about 6.40pm on Saturday. Emergency services pronounced Moyo dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, a man in his 30s, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to University Hospital Kerry for treatment. No other injuries were reported. In a statement released through Amai Malawi Ireland, Moyo’s family paid tribute, saying the Association of Malawians would work with the Zimbabwean community to coordinate arrangements following his death. His wife, Fishani Kumwenda, also shared a message on social media, writing: “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” Gardaí have appealed for witnesses and requested that any road users with camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, who were travelling on the N22 near Dromadeesirt between 6:20pm and 6:50pm on 10 January make the material available to investigators. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 6671160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has backed Manicaland’s nomination of Paul Tungwarara to the party’s central committee amid a dispute over internal procedures ( image source ) Zanu PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has voiced support for the Manicaland provincial leadership’s nomination of Paul Tungwarara, an investment adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to the party’s central committee, a move that has exposed tensions over provincial autonomy and national party control. Manicaland’s provincial leadership nominated Tungwarara late last year to replace Dorothy Mabika, who was elected provincial chairwoman. The nomination was subsequently challenged by national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who wrote to the province stating that the process breached party procedure. Speaking at the launch of the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Fund in Marange, Mutsvangwa defended the provincial choice and said he saw no reason why Tungwarara should not be co-opted to the central committee. “As Manicaland, you did a meeting to choose a central committee member and you chose comrade Tungwarara and I am happy that you did so united,” he said, adding that the matter was now before the politburo. Paul Tungwarara ( image source ) Mutsvangwa praised Tungwarara’s business record and his role as a presidential adviser, highlighting his involvement in empowerment initiatives aligned with Vision 2030. At the same event, Tungwarara urged aspirants not to use personal wealth to buy influence and expressed strong support for the President’s development agenda. The empowerment fund launch saw three constituencies — Mutare North, Mutare West and Mutare South — each receive US$25,000. The gathering was attended by senior party figures including Manicaland provincial chair Tawanda Mukodza, politburo member Mike Madiro, and Women’s Affairs minister Monica Mutsvangwa. The dispute underscores ongoing debates within Zanu PF over the balance between provincial decision-making and central oversight as the party prepares for future internal appointments.

Zimbabwe’s ZiG 841.4 million arts allocation for 2026 signals opportunity for creatives ( image source ) In November, one number caused a stir: ZiG 841.4 million. That is the amount Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube allocated to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for 2026. It sounds huge. It sounds promising. It also sounds confusing if you are a poet in Plumtree, a DJ in Mutare, or a sculptor in Binga. So, let’s be clear upfront. No, the government is not about to WhatsApp you and say, “Hi First Farai, come collect your cash.” But yes, that number matters. A lot. Think of the budget not as money dropping from the sky, but as a map. If you know how to read it, you can see where the doors are opening and where they are quietly closing. Under the government’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the arts now sit inside a broader priority basket called “Job Creation, Youth Entrepreneurship, Creative Industry and Culture.” That is good news, as it means the arts are officially recognised as an economic sector. However, historically a significant portion of this ministry’s budget has gone towards sports infrastructure, including stadium construction, renovations and large capital projects. That pattern has not changed. What has changed, and what matters, is the introduction of a clear line item for the Creative Industry. In government language, this signals formal recognition of the sector. Equally important is what sits outside the ministry. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment received approximately ZiG 1.7 billion. This matters because most creatives are under the age of 35. Funding for creative businesses, innovation hubs, training programmes and loans is largely housed there. Anyone making money, or attempting to make money, from art, music, fashion, film or design is effectively a youth entrepreneur, regardless of whether they embrace the label. Government funding moves through systems rather than sentiment. For 2026, three key access points are worth watching closely. First are provincial arts grants. Through devolution, more resources are now directed to provinces, with National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) provincial offices expected to identify and support local talent. This shift presents opportunities for creatives outside Harare, particularly community-based dance groups, craft collectives and visual artists. Second are community halls and youth centres. The recreation component of the budget is focused on physical spaces. Renovated community halls and revived youth centres become rehearsal venues, performance spaces and, crucially, evidence of consistent artistic activity. Third is what can be described as the donor bridge. International donors closely track government budgets. When the state signals support for the creative economy, organisations such as the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe and EU-supported programmes often follow with grants ranging from US$1,000 to US$60,000. These programmes typically prioritise digital creativity, youth employment and cultural heritage, all of which align directly with NDS2. Ultimately, the ZiG 841 million allocation is not a gift, but fuel. Government has filled the tank, but creatives still need an engine, a licence and a clear direction. This requires moving from informal practice to recognised economic participation. It means being registered, compliant and visible to local NACZ offices, not only to online audiences. The practical advice is simple. Visit your provincial National Arts Council office. Ask about the Arts Development Fund. Find out what documentation is required. Ensure your group or project formally exists. When funding begins to move in 2026, it will favour creatives who can demonstrate their role in the economy, not only their cultural relevance. Through this column, The Creative Compass, the focus will remain on translating policy into practical steps, funding access, compliance basics, market strategies and institutional navigation. For more, readers can email the writer at mdarawengozha@gmail.com or WhatsApp +263 772 113 605.

The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality in Zimbabwe through gender-responsive trade, diplomacy and inclusive development initiatives ( image source ) The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Zimbabwe to advance women’s empowerment, gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls through international and multilateral platforms. Speaking yesterday, UN assistant secretary-general and UN Women deputy executive director for Normative Support, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, said the global body remained committed to supporting Zimbabwe as it aligns its foreign affairs, trade and development agenda with international efforts to advance gender equality, women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth. Responding to questions on how UN Women could support Zimbabwe’s foreign affairs and international trade agenda, Gumbonzvanda highlighted the importance of gender-responsive diplomacy and trade policy, particularly initiatives that expand women’s access to global markets. She cited Zimbabwe’s advocacy for women’s economic empowerment through international trade frameworks such as the Next She Exporter Incubation Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at enabling women-owned businesses to access international markets. The programme is spearheaded by Zimbabwe’s trade development and promotion organisation. Gumbonzvanda said enabling women to earn income, secure livelihoods and access markets was central to achieving meaningful gender equality. She noted that Zimbabwean products were increasingly demonstrating how trade could be leveraged to promote women’s empowerment globally. “Whether it’s the Zimbabwean blueberries I saw in Senegal, the United States, Singapore or emerging products like Mapfura wine, which is being produced here in Zimbabwe, it’s about trading what we have and ensuring women benefit from those opportunities,” she said. Gumbonzvanda also stressed the importance of women’s participation in peace-building processes at all levels, noting that this aligned with the 50-50 gender equality commitment under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Women must be part of peace committees locally, nationally and globally,” she said. She further emphasised the need to empower girls and women to recognise that poverty is not permanent and that circumstances can change with access to opportunity. “What we need are strong families, strong communities that do not normalise abuse and strong institutions that deliver education, healthcare and employment. Marriage should never be viewed as an escape from poverty but as a choice rooted in love and dignity,” Gumbonzvanda said. “UN Women has a powerful mandate for equality for girls and boys while empowering girls. Zimbabwe’s leadership, both at home and on the global stage, is essential to advancing peace, human rights and development for all.”

Varakashi4ED has welcomed the decision to host Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence celebrations in Matobo ( image source ) Varakashi4ED has described the decision to host Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Day celebrations in Matobo District, Matabeleland South, as a historic honour for the region. Matobo will host the national celebrations on 18 April 2026, a development that has sparked excitement across the province. “The move highlights the Second Republic’s decentralisation thrust, taking national events and development closer to the people while recognising Matobo’s key role in the liberation struggle,” Varakashi4ED said in a statement on X. The group said Matobo’s deep historical and spiritual significance made it a fitting venue for the national milestone. The district is home to the Njelele Shrine, sites linked to the 1893 and 1896 uprisings, and the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Nkomo. ( image source ) Varakashi4ED said Government had already begun infrastructure upgrades ahead of the celebrations, including road rehabilitation, the drilling of more than 40 boreholes, and progress on stadium works. “The celebrations are expected to boost the local economy, create opportunities for businesses and creatives, and anchor long-term growth through plans for a cultural centre in Maphisa,” the group said. They added that preparations had fostered unity and optimism within local communities, describing Zim@46 in Matobo as “not just a celebration, but a catalyst for inclusive development and national unity”.

More than 50 schoolchildren were stranded in Beitbridge after an anti-smuggling task force wrongly seized a bus hired to transport them to school, sparking outrage from parents ( image source ) More than 50 schoolchildren were left stranded in Beitbridge on Monday after an anti-smuggling task force commandeered a bus transporting them to school in Chivi, Masvingo province, on suspicion of smuggling. The bus, owned by a Beitbridge-based transporter, had been hired by parents to ferry 55 pupils to Chibi High School. It was carrying the pupils, all dressed in school uniform, accompanied by a parent and three crew members. According to the crew, the bus departed Beitbridge at around 6am but was stopped an hour later at Bubi, approximately 100 kilometres north of Beitbridge. The vehicle had already passed through another roadblock about a kilometre earlier. Apart from the children’s luggage, the Vicky Logistics bus was not carrying any other goods, except for a spare wheel. A crew member said the anti-smuggling task force team leader, identified as Honest Bote, inspected the luggage compartment and alleged that the bus was carrying undeclared goods. “We told him it was children’s tuck. There were no adults on board apart from the parent escorting the pupils,” the crew member said. Bote reportedly boarded the bus and saw the pupils, some of whom were travelling to boarding school for the first time. Despite this, he allegedly ordered the bus to return to Beitbridge. “He said he did not mind and instructed us to go back to Beitbridge, which we did. We then opted to go to the police station so that the bus could be searched in the presence of police,” the crew member said. Bote later defended his actions, telling NewsDay Live that the reporter should visit the scene for clarification. “For you to know why we stopped it, come to the ground. Come over and I will explain to you,” he said. ( image source ) Beitbridge police superintendent Philisani Ndebele later communicated with parents, saying Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) officials would issue a letter confirming that the bus had not originated from the border. “We are sorry about the inconvenience caused in the line of duty,” Ndebele said. It later emerged that Bote had instructed police to release the bus without conducting a search after realising the error. As a result of the incident, the bus travelled an additional 200 kilometres, incurring unbudgeted fuel costs and double toll fees. Parents, some of whom braved heavy rains to comfort their distressed children, expressed outrage over the incident. “Are these the people tasked with advising the leadership who make such poor decisions? How does an officer fail to tell the difference between schoolchildren and adults? What message has he sent to the children?” said one parent. Another parent described the officers’ conduct as shocking. “How does someone accuse schoolchildren of smuggling? Does this person have children? Does he realise the damage done to the image of the President? He must be fired. This is irresponsible,” the parent said. The anti-smuggling task force was introduced in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when international travel was restricted. At the time, Beitbridge residents began smuggling beer and cigarettes into South Africa, where the sale of such products had been temporarily banned.

An SDA Church elder warns against linking the denomination to political controversy after a social media caption sparked speculation over Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s alleged ambitions ( image source ) HARARE — A Seventh-day Adventist Church elder has urged the denomination to distance itself from political controversy after a social media caption referring to businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as “HE” sparked speculation about his alleged presidential ambitions. Elder Thabani Mpofu said the caption, copied from a WhatsApp status, was seized upon by political opponents and then awkwardly linked to the church by some of Tagwirei’s associates, who claimed “HE” stood for “Head Elder.” Mpofu described that explanation as “false, childish and abortive” and warned against dragging the church into partisan disputes. “The political gain to be had from that unguarded moment was obvious and easily seized,” Mpofu said in a statement that circulated widely on social media. He criticised Tagwirei’s team for failing to respond politically and instead invoking the church, a move Mpofu said risked exposing the denomination to unnecessary attacks. Mpofu called on Tagwirei to instruct his associates to stop using the church as political cover and urged the SDA leadership to protect the institution’s reputation. “If he will not distance his political manoeuvres from the church, then the church must act to protect its reputation,” he said. The elder warned that conflating religious identity with political ambition could make the church a target and undermine its spiritual mission. He urged clear separation between individual political activity and institutional church identity, saying the SDA should not be used as a political base. The controversy highlights the sensitivity of religious institutions being drawn into political narratives and the reputational risks that can follow when private social media posts are amplified in the public sphere. Church leaders and members have been urged to maintain institutional neutrality while individuals exercise their civic rights.

Zimbabwean football clubs continue to face financial, infrastructural and administrative challenges that limit consistent success in CAF competitions despite strong local talent ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwean football clubs continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to compete consistently in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions, despite a steady supply of local talent and occasional flashes of promise. Historically, clubs such as Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United have featured in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, sometimes advancing past preliminary rounds. But regular deep runs have been rare, and the gap between Zimbabwean sides and Africa’s elite has widened as better-funded teams from North and West Africa consolidate dominance. Qualification and early exits remain a major hurdle. Zimbabwean clubs typically enter at preliminary stages where a single tough draw against teams from South Africa, Egypt, Morocco or Tunisia can end a campaign. Early eliminations reduce exposure, prize money and coefficient points, making it harder for clubs to build momentum across seasons. Financial constraints are central to the problem. Many clubs operate on tight budgets, relying on local sponsorships vulnerable to economic shocks. Limited resources affect player retention, squad depth and preparation. Travel, accommodation and compliance with CAF licensing requirements add further strain, particularly for clubs without institutional backing. Infrastructure shortfalls also undermine competitiveness. Stricter CAF standards for stadiums and broadcast facilities have forced some Zimbabwean teams to play “home” fixtures in neighbouring countries, eroding home advantage and increasing costs. The loss of local matchday revenue and weakened fan engagement further compounds the challenge. Youth development remains a bright spot. Zimbabwe continues to produce technically gifted players who attract overseas interest, but early migration and underfunded academies mean clubs rarely benefit from players’ peak years. Strengthening retention pathways and investing in academies could help clubs convert talent into sustained continental performance. ( image source ) Administratively, progress toward professionalisation has been uneven. Governance setbacks and broader economic pressures have hindered league development and club stability. Observers say CAF’s reforms, including enhanced club licensing and competition restructuring, could incentivise improvements, but meaningful change will require coordinated action across governance, finance and development. For now, Zimbabwean clubs show resilience rather than decline. Participation in CAF competitions continues, but turning potential into consistent success will demand sustained investment, better infrastructure and stronger institutional support.

Sharpe Business Academy is engaging US universities as it seeks to align its programmes with Ivy League standards, positioning itself as a premium, globally competitive business education hub in Zimbabwe ( image source ) A business academy founded by property mogul Ken Sharpe is engaging American universities as it seeks to align its programmes with Ivy League standards, positioning itself as a premium business education hub in Zimbabwe. Sharpe Business Academy (SBA), which was launched 18 months ago, has secured local accreditation from the Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO) and is now in discussions with United States universities as part of efforts to enhance international exposure and competitiveness, chief executive officer Rutendo Mudzamiri has said. The initiative comes amid growing demand for globally competitive, skills-based education as travel barriers and tighter visa regimes limit opportunities for Zimbabweans seeking tertiary education abroad. SBA is pitching itself as a locally accessible alternative that blends international case studies, entrepreneurship training and practical business skills. The Ivy League comprises some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania. “We love the premium Ivy League standard. We are saying Ivy-standard because what we are offering is based on exposure to what we have had from Harvard, Stanford, Princeton or other international institutions we have worked with,” Mudzamiri said. “To further strengthen what we are doing as Sharpe Business Academy, we have reached out to some of these universities. We are open to partnerships bringing visiting scholars, hosting students, and potentially running some of their programmes in Zimbabwe. We are working towards that.” Mudzamiri, who studied in the United States and Germany, said several Zimbabweans educated at top global universities, including Sharpe himself, were well placed to transfer that expertise locally. “We are bringing that standard here. We are confident and proud that this is what we are offering as an institution,” she said, adding that SBA uses Harvard Business School case studies. “We are giving the best. We are the Harvard that Africa never had in terms of the Ivy League standards we are offering.” She said many students were unable to afford or access education in the United States due to high costs and immigration restrictions, making credible local alternatives increasingly relevant. “A lot of students cannot travel to the United States to be at Harvard, Princeton or Stanford. We are saying we have exposure. Mr Sharpe has gone to Harvard and some of our team members studied at some of the best universities in the world. We are bringing that back to Zimbabwe making it affordable and accessible.” SBA’s expansion drive comes as the United States rolls out tighter immigration restrictions affecting citizens from several countries, including Zimbabwe. Education experts say partnerships with top American universities could open pathways for local students seeking internationally recognised qualifications. Dr Rutendo Mudzamiri ( image source ) Mudzamiri said more than 200 students have graduated from SBA since its launch, with US$52 000 in seed capital invested in six top-performing students. “This is how Mr and Mrs Sharpe are giving back to entrepreneurs. They are staying true to their foundation and vision this is not about profit, but about mentorship, investment, time and resources,” she said. SBA boasts alumni in more than eight countries, with some former students pledging to sponsor future participants an endorsement, Mudzamiri said, of the academy’s programmes. “It shows people believe in our product and the future of the academy,” she said, noting that the flagship entrepreneurship programme has attracted over 2 400 sign-ups. The 12-month programme, accredited by HEXCO, targets emerging and established entrepreneurs as well as executives. “It attracts people who want to understand not just how to make money, but how to keep it through better accounting, sales, marketing and stewardship,” Mudzamiri said. She said the academy’s distinguishing feature was that applicants submit business plans upon entry. “We work with those plans to measure and track success while developing practical skills in the subjects we offer.” SBA plans to launch 12 executive programmes this year. Mudzamiri said the academy was designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the real economy, where graduates often struggle to translate knowledge into practice. She praised the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development for enforcing strict accreditation standards. “You don’t just get accredited without meeting requirements. The ministry is very strict on compliance, and that protects the quality of education,” she said.