Munyaradzi Charangwa NRZ CEO portrait BULAWAYO  — The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has appointed seasoned investment executive Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026, as the parastatal intensifies efforts to recapitalise and modernise the country’s rail network. Board Chairperson Misheck Sibanda announced the appointment during a senior management meeting in Bulawayo, describing Charangwa as a strategic leader with strong credentials in infrastructure investment, capital mobilisation and business turnaround. In a statement, NRZ said Charangwa brings more than two decades of global experience in multi-asset investment management, programme and project execution, and organisational restructuring across emerging and frontier markets. “His expertise spans infrastructure development, capital resource mobilisation, and business performance optimisation, with a focus on emerging markets in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia,” NRZ said. Charangwa previously served as Head of Investments at the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and at Old Mutual, and has also worked as a Government Investment Advisor to NRZ and other state-owned enterprises. He holds a BA (Hons) in Management from the University of Leeds, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Project Management from the University of Huddersfield, and an MSc in Investment Analysis (with Distinction) from the University of Stirling. Charangwa has been tasked with leading efforts to recapitalise NRZ, mobilise investment and overhaul ageing rail infrastructure, rolling stock and operational systems.The railway operator has struggled for years with underinvestment, declining capacity and operational inefficiencies challenges that have reduced its share of freight traffic in favour of road transport. Infrastructure economist Dr Persistence Gwanyanya said the appointment signals a renewed focus on commercial discipline. “NRZ requires strong capital raising capabilities and governance reforms. An investment-focused CEO increases the chances of attracting private sector participation and restoring operational viability,” he said. Sibanda said the new CEO is expected to strengthen governance systems, enforce transparency and tackle corruption within the organisation. “He is expected to deal decisively with corruption, ensure compliance with statutory requirements and implement robust cost-control measures,” Sibanda said. Charangwa will also lead a comprehensive operational review aimed at eliminating inefficiencies while improving service delivery, safety standards and customer satisfaction. Mutapa Investment Fund Deputy Chief Investment Officer Ernest Denhere said NRZ remains a critical asset for Zimbabwe’s economic recovery and regional integration. “Railway infrastructure is a strategic national and regional asset that supports transit trade, logistics and industrial growth along key corridors,” Denhere said. NRZ plays a pivotal role in the North–South Corridor, linking Zimbabwe to regional markets and ports in Southern Africa. Meanwhile, Ainah Dube-Kaguru, who has been serving as acting General Manager for the past year, has been appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She remains the substantive Chief Operations Officer, a position she has held since 2023. NRZ said the combined leadership of Charangwa and Dube-Kaguru is expected to accelerate the organisation’s turnaround strategy and position it for long-term growth. Analysts say successful reform of NRZ could ease pressure on the country’s road network, reduce logistics costs and enhance competitiveness in regional trade. With a renewed leadership team and a clear mandate to attract investment, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the rail operator can deliver a long-awaited transformation. NRZ CEO appointment

Accident Scene Seven people were killed after a speeding haulage truck veered off the road and struck passers-by who had gathered at an accident scene along the Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road on Friday night. The incident occurred around 10 PM on 3 April 2026 in the Mawabeni area, according to Matabeleland South Provincial Civil Protection Committee chairperson, Zachariah Jusah. The fatal incident followed a series of collisions at the same location. “A Nissan March and a Toyota Probox rammed into each other at a bridge in Mawabeni area. Both cars were headed towards Gwanda,” said Jusah. He added that a kombi travelling in the same direction later crashed into the stationary vehicles, leaving six people injured. The earlier accidents drew a crowd of community members and motorists, some attempting to assist while others gathered to observe. Moments later, a haulage truck travelling towards Bulawayo approached the scene at high speed and lost control. “A haulage truck headed towards Bulawayo passed by at high speed and hit people, killing five on the spot while two died on their way to hospital,” Jusah said. Seven people were confirmed dead, while several others were injured and rushed to nearby hospitals. Authorities had not yet released the identities of the victims at the time of publication. Emergency services attended the scene, and investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash. The Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road, a key route linking southern Zimbabwe to South Africa, has long been associated with high traffic volumes and frequent fatal accidents. If you want, I can also add a data box (recent accidents on that highway) or a road safety sidebar to strengthen the story for print. Bulawayo–Beitbridge Road accident

Harare woman convicted for insulting Zodwa Mkandla on TikTok HARARE  – A 25-year-old Harare woman has been sentenced to community service after being convicted of cyberbullying and insulting local businesswoman Zodwa Mkandla on social media. Princess Phiri was found guilty after posting a TikTok video in which she used offensive language directed at Mkandla. According to court proceedings, Phiri referred to Mkandla using derogatory terms, including calling her a prostitute. The court ruled that the video was intended to “intimidate, threaten, humiliate and cause emotional distress” to the complainant. The video also reportedly included insults and threats directed at Mkandla’s daughter. Legal experts say the case highlights the growing enforcement of Zimbabwe’s cyber laws, particularly around harmful online conduct. Phiri was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The remaining six months were commuted to 240 hours of community service, which she will serve under supervision. Authorities have increasingly warned against the misuse of social media platforms such as TikTok, noting a rise in cases involving online harassment, defamation, and threats . Legal analysts say the ruling sends a strong message that digital platforms are not beyond the reach of the law. The case underscores the importance of responsible online behaviour, with courts signalling a zero-tolerance approach to cyberbullying and abusive content. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and respect when posting on social media, as harmful content can result in criminal liability. Cyberbullying Zimbabwe case Zodwa Mkandla

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Ghanaian President John Mahama HARARE  – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned to Zimbabwe following a three-day State Visit to Ghana, where the two nations agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation through a series of strategic agreements. The President arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where he was welcomed by Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi. Speaking on arrival, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and Ghana signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and education. The agreements were formalised during a ceremony co-chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. President Emmerson Mnangagwa highlighted agriculture as a central pillar of the new partnership, noting Ghana’s strengths in the sector. “In particular, in agriculture, they emphasise cooperation. I think they’re very good in agriculture. Our agricultural sector can benefit and perhaps collaborate with their sector,” he said. Analysts say the focus on agriculture aligns with Zimbabwe’s push to improve productivity, value addition, and food security. The President also underscored the longstanding historical relationship between the two countries, dating back to Africa’s liberation struggles. He praised Ghana’s founding leader, Kwame Nkrumah, for supporting independence movements across the continent. “We look at Nkrumah as our liberator, and we continue to regard Ghana as one of the leading African liberators,” Mnangagwa said. During the visit, President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended a State Banquet hosted by President Mahama in Accra, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. Officials say the visit marks a significant step toward enhancing cooperation between the two countries across sectors of mutual interest. The agreements are expected to pave the way for increased trade, knowledge exchange, and investment between Zimbabwe and Ghana , as both countries seek to leverage regional partnerships for economic growth. President Emmerson Mnangagwa Ghana visit

HARARE  – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false a widely circulated statement on the alleged assault of lawyer Douglas Coltart , while confirming that investigations into the incident are ongoing. In a clarification issued on April 3, police said the message being shared on social media platforms did not originate from the organisation and should be disregarded. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) advises the public that it has not issued any statement regarding the alleged assault of Douglas Coltart. The message circulating on social media is therefore false and misleading,” the police said. Despite dismissing the viral statement, police confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged and that investigations are now underway. “The police confirm that a report of the alleged assault has been received and investigations are currently underway,” the ZRP said. Authorities added that updates on the case will only be communicated through official police channels. The alleged assault reportedly occurred at Harare City Sports Centre during a parliamentary public hearing, an event that has drawn significant public attention. The case has sparked debate online, with many calling for swift action from law enforcement. The police clarification follows the circulation of a detailed press statement falsely attributed to the ZRP, which claimed to address the incident and even referenced alleged suspects. The fake statement suggested the case had political implications and could affect the pace of investigations, further fuelling speculation online. However, the ZRP has categorically rejected the document as inauthentic. The police statement, posted on X, triggered mixed reactions from the public. Some users welcomed confirmation that investigations are in progress, while others questioned the pace of action. “Thank you. That’s what we want to hear—that investigations are underway,” one user commented. Others raised concerns about delays in arrests and the lack of detailed updates from authorities. The ZRP reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and urged the public to rely only on verified communication channels for accurate information. Investigations into the alleged assault are continuing. Douglas Coltart assault

Public hearings meeting in Zimbabwe HARARE  – The Parliament of Zimbabwe has announced that written submissions on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3  remain open, even after nationwide public hearings concluded on April 2. The extension allows citizens who were unable to attend the physical consultations to still contribute their views on the proposed constitutional changes. In a statement, Parliament expressed appreciation to Zimbabweans who participated in the outreach meetings, describing the process as peaceful and constructive. “Parliament of Zimbabwe extends appreciation to all Zimbabweans who participated physically during the just-ended CAB3 hearings. The hearings were cordial and peaceful, a testament to a mature democracy and unity in diversity,” the statement read. Members of the public can submit their contributions in writing through two channels: Physical submissions: Old Parliament Building, Harare Email:  bills@parlzim.gov.zw Parliament has encouraged citizens from across the country to take advantage of the extended window to ensure their views are captured in the legislative process. The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 proposes significant changes to Zimbabwe’s governance framework, including provisions affecting electoral processes, terms of office, and judicial appointments. The Bill has sparked widespread debate among political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the general public. Once the submission process is complete, Parliament is expected to compile and analyse the contributions before moving to the next stages of the legislative process. Analysts say written submissions could play a critical role in shaping the final form of the Bill, particularly for citizens who were unable to attend the public hearings. Constitutional Amendment Bill No 3 Zimbabwe

HARARE  – Following a wave of viral "citizen journalism" clips, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)  has officially distanced its officers from the fatal head-on collision that occurred on the Harare–Masvingo Road on April 2, 2026. The accident, which took the lives of Lilian Maranda Mujuru (40)  and her five children, ranging in age from 3 to 15, has become the subject of intense social media scrutiny. In a formal statement released on Friday, ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza  addressed specific audio and video recordings circulating on WhatsApp and X. These clips alleged that ZACC officers had instructed a haulage truck driver to make a sudden turn into a BP service station, directly causing the fatal collision with the Mujuru family's Toyota Corolla. Commissioner Paradza was categorical in his dismissal: “The Commission is aware of a circulating video and audio clip linking its officers to the crash... ZACC has not deployed officers at roadblocks anywhere in the country.” The ZACC statement bolsters an earlier briefing by ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi , who also dismissed insinuations of a joint ZRP-ZACC operation "with the contempt it deserves." Both agencies maintain that the accident was a tragic loss of control by the driver and was not precipitated by law enforcement activity. For the Tynwald North community and the wider nation, the focus remains on mourning the loss of: Nokutenda (15) Makanaka (13) Ronald Junior (11) Rufaro Shalom (7) Kayden (3) The rapid spread of the "BP garage" narrative highlights the challenges authorities face during high-profile tragedies in the digital age. While investigations into the exact mechanics of the crash at the 246km peg are ongoing, officials are urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified content that could cause further distress to the bereaved family. The Southerton Business Times  continues to advocate for road safety and institutional transparency as the nation observes this somber Easter and Independence holiday period. ZACC denial Mujuru accident 2026

The image called Hello World taken from the Orion capsule HARARE  – NASA has unveiled the first high-resolution images of Earth captured by astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission, offering a breathtaking view of the planet as the crew travels toward the Moon. Mission commander  Reid Wiseman took the images after the spacecraft completed a crucial engine burn that placed it on a trajectory toward Earth’s closest celestial neighbour. A rare view of Earth from deep space One of the standout images, titled Hello, World , shows the Atlantic Ocean stretching across the planet, framed by a thin glowing atmosphere as Earth eclipses the Sun. Green auroras are visible at both poles, adding to the dramatic effect. From the spacecraft’s perspective, Earth appears upside down, with the western Sahara and Iberian Peninsula visible on one side and parts of South America on the other. A bright point of light in the distance was identified as the planet Venus. Another image, captured through the Orion spacecraft’s window, shows Earth from afar, highlighting the vastness of space and the planet’s isolation. Journey beyond Earth orbit The images were taken shortly after the crew completed a trans-lunar injection burn , a key manoeuvre that propelled the Orion spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit. The four astronauts aboard are travelling more than 200,000 miles in a looping path that will take them around the far side of the Moon before returning to Earth. This marks the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972 that humans have ventured beyond low-Earth orbit. Capturing the ‘terminator’ and night lights Among the images released is a striking view of the Earth divided between day and night, a boundary known as the terminator. The photograph captures the gradual transition from sunlight to darkness across the planet’s surface. Another image shows Earth almost entirely in darkness, with city lights twinkling across continents, an illustration of human presence visible from deep space. Earth is divided between day and night, a boundary known as the terminator Astronauts are captivated by the view Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen said the crew were “glued to the windows” after completing the burn. “We are getting a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by the Moon,” he told mission control. Wiseman later joked about needing to clean the spacecraft windows, as the crew’s excitement left them smudged while trying to capture the perfect shot. A reminder of Earth’s beauty In a side-by-side comparison with images taken during Apollo 17, NASA highlighted how far space exploration has come over the past five decades. “We’ve come so far in the last 54 years, but one thing hasn’t changed: our home looks gorgeous from space,” the agency said. N ASA published another image showing the Earth in near-complete darkness, with the electric lights of humankind twinkling in the nighttime NASA Artemis II images

Gandanzara shrine entrance in Makoni District HARARE  – Tensions are rising at the Gospel of God Church International (1932) headquarters in Gandanzara, Makoni District, after more than 20 armed youths blocked access to the grave of the church’s founder, Johanne Masowe. The group, reportedly wielding machetes, knobkerries, and other weapons, has set up a vigil at the shrine entrance, preventing officials and family members from proceeding with a court-approved exhumation . The late Johanne Masowe, born Peter Jack Masedza, died in 1973 and was buried at the Gandanzara shrine, which later became a sacred headquarters for thousands of followers. His biological sons, Magaga and Rueben Masedza, have been engaged in a long-running legal battle to exhume and rebury his remains at a location accessible to the family. Their lawyers formally notified the church on March 25 that the exhumation would take place on April 2. However, a group led by an individual identified as Saunyama has since mobilised at the shrine, effectively blocking access. A relative, Tawanda Kutsanzira, told The Manica Post  that the youths may have acted after receiving information about the planned exhumation. “No one came to exhume the remains. I think they received information that people were waiting for them, so they decided not to come,” he said. “These youths came from various places, some from as far as Chegutu, to ensure the exhumation does not proceed.” Church leaders have resisted the move, arguing that Masowe personally chose the burial site, which has since become a sacred spiritual centre. The family, however, insists that he should be reburied among relatives, maintaining that their legal rights have been upheld. Legal practitioners Mushangwe and Company Legal Practitioners confirmed that all administrative requirements have been met, including securing a burial order. The matter has been the subject of multiple court rulings. The High Court of Zimbabwe initially granted permission for exhumation under Case No. HCH1769/23, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe under Case No. SCI 12/25. In a letter dated March 10, Provincial Registrar J Munamati confirmed there was no legal objection to the process. “This office has no objection to the exhumation and subsequent reburial of the remains of the late Johane Masowe,” the letter reads. However, authorities stressed that the process must comply with all public health and legal requirements. In its December 2025 ruling, the Supreme Court brought closure to decades of litigation, affirming the family’s right to pursue exhumation through proper administrative channels. The court also ruled that no burial site, including one considered a shrine, is exempt from the Cemeteries Act, reinforcing that all exhumations must follow established legal procedures. With tensions escalating on the ground, it remains unclear when or how the exhumation will proceed. Authorities are yet to intervene directly at the site, where the standoff underscores the deep divide between religious reverence and family rights. Johanne Masowe exhumation

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei  By Editorial Staff TEHRAN  – The ongoing military conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S.-Israeli coalition reached a new diplomatic and military flashpoint this week. Iranian officials have presented evidence of regional complicity in the aggression, while formally denouncing what they term "barbaric" strikes on civilian health and research facilities. On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei  released images of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) downed by Iranian forces over Shiraz. Baqaei asserted that the drone's presence over the historic city serves as "hard evidence" of direct participation by two unnamed regional states. “Clarification is needed by either of the TWO STATES of the region that are the users of this drone!” Baqaei posted on X, suggesting that regional actors are providing active complicity in the U.S.-Israeli air campaign initiated on February 28 following the assassination of Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. In a formal letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Iran’s UN Ambassador Saeed Iravani condemned a deliberate strike on the Pasteur Institute of Iran  on April 2, 2026. Founded in 1920, the institute is the oldest research and public health center in the Middle East. Iravani characterized the attack as a "barbaric assault on fundamental human values" and a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Pasteur Institute of Iran The Iranian mission to the UN specifically cited recent rhetoric from the U.S. President as evidence of criminal intent ( mens rea ). According to the letter, the U.S. executive has publicly threatened to "blow up and completely obliterate" Iran's power plants, oil facilities, and desalination plants, with the stated goal of "bringing them back to the Stone Age." Iravani warned that these statements contemplate the large-scale destruction of infrastructure indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. With the UN Security Council appearing deadlocked, Tehran has signaled its intention to escalate its defensive posture. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iravani stated that Iran has "no alternative but to exercise its inherent right of self-defense." The Iranian Armed Forces have already begun retaliatory operations, utilizing waves of missiles and drones against American and Israeli regional bases. As the theater of war expands, the "unprovoked" nature of the initial campaign continues to draw condemnation from Tehran, which maintains that it will take all "proportionate measures" to safeguard its sovereignty and people. U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran 2026

By Simbarashe Namusi The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced the coming introduction of higher-quality ZiG banknotes with stronger paper, cleaner print, and longer durability in circulation. Technically, that sounds reassuring. A country’s currency should look respectable. Money carries national identity. But across shops, kombis and WhatsApp groups, the reaction has not been excitement. It has been a quieter question. Will the new notes last in the wallet or only in the pocket? Because in Zimbabwe, durability has never been the real concern. Value has. Zimbabweans Don’t Hold Money — They Escape It In most economies, money stores value. In Zimbabwe, money stores urgency. The moment people receive local currency, they begin calculating an exit strategy. Groceries, fuel, airtime, stock, USD conversion, anything that turns cash into something that will still matter tomorrow. A vendor does not first ask whether the note is genuine. They ask whether the price must change. A commuter does not inspect security features. They check the exchange rate. The supermarket shelf has become a savings account with edible interest. So when authorities promise stronger paper, the public listens for stronger purchasing power. The Confidence Question Was Already Answered Zimbabweans will use the currency. But usage is not the same as trust. Prices may be displayed in ZiG, yet calculations happen in USD. Informal traders monitor the parallel rate before accepting payment. Businesses adjust prices not only when stock changes, but when expectations change. The economy operates with a currency that it is still psychologically hedging against. That gap between circulation and confidence is the real challenge. A tougher note does not close it. Memory Matters More Than Design Zimbabwe has had impressive banknotes with advanced security features, high-quality print, and international standards. It also had money that lost value faster than it aged. That experience permanently changed how citizens judge currency. Zimbabweans no longer evaluate money by appearance. They evaluate it by the time survived without regret. If holding it feels risky, confidence does not exist regardless of design quality. Zimbabwean Currency from Colonization to Date What People Actually Want Not prettier money. Not stronger money. Predictable money. Money that can sit in a wallet for two weeks without strategic spending. Money that allows budgeting beyond tomorrow. Money that does not demand immediate conversion into goods. In stable economies, people plan purchases. In Zimbabwe, people plan escape routes. Until that changes, improvements in note durability sound cosmetic. The Real Test The success of the new ZiG notes will not be determined by texture, colour, or fibre strength. It will be determined by behaviour. If people keep them, confidence exists. If people rush to convert them, it does not. Zimbabweans are not waiting to see whether the money tears. They are waiting to see whether it keeps its promise. Zimbabweans are not waiting to see whether the money tears. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe ZiG bank notes durability 2026

Minister Zhemu Soda HARARE  – In a decisive move to restore public confidence in the formal banking sector, the Cabinet has approved a comprehensive overhaul of the financial services fee structure. The reforms aim to eliminate "hidden costs," dismantle overlapping regulatory hurdles, and encourage millions of Zimbabweans to transition from cash-based savings to formal accounts. Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Hon. Zhemu Soda , emphasized that the current cost of doing business within the financial sector was unjustifiably high due to duplicated permits and excessive levies. “Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high levies and fees,” Minister Soda confirmed. The new measures target the "pain points" of small-scale depositors and micro-entrepreneurs: Service Category New Policy / Cap Account Maintenance Scrapped or reduced for balances below US$100 Small Transactions Lowered charges for all transactions under US$5 Cash Deposits Zero fees for both USD and ZiG accounts Cash Withdrawals Strictly capped at 2% Account Opening To be reviewed downward across all institutions For years, high transaction costs often exceeding the value of the transaction itself have fueled the informal market. By removing cash deposit fees and capping withdrawals, the government is making it more "affordable" to keep money within the banking system. This move is expected to: Increase Bank Deposits: Encouraging the informal sector to deposit surplus cash without fear of immediate erosion via fees. Boost ZiG Adoption: By lowering barriers to ZiG accounts, the government is incentivizing the use of the local currency for daily micro-transactions. Enhance Liquidity: Reducing "hidden costs" ensures that more money stays in the pockets of consumers, stimulating domestic demand. While commercial banks may see a short-term dip in "non-interest income," analysts at the Southerton Business Times  suggest that the increased volume of depositors and transactions will eventually lead to a more sustainable and liquid financial ecosystem. The "volume-over-margin" approach is a necessary pivot for a 2026 economy striving for Vision 2030  status. Zimbabwe bank fee cuts 2026