MCAZ Director General, Mr. Richard T. Rukwata Harare, Zimbabwe- The Health Professions Authority Zimbabwe (HPAZ)  has launched a nationwide crackdown on beauty salons, wellness spas, and "unregistered boutiques" offering invasive medical treatments. HPAZ Secretary General Clotilda Chimbwanda warned that the authority is invoking the Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19)  to prosecute operators who are misrepresenting their qualifications and endangering public health. The authority highlighted a growing trend where non-medical staff are performing procedures that involve breaking the skin or administering chemical substances. Procedures strictly reserved for licensed health facilities include: Surgical Enhancements: Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL), liposuction, tummy tucks, and breast augmentations. Injectables: Botox, dermal fillers, IV vitamin infusions, and injection-based fat reduction (lipolysis). Advanced Skin Treatments: Deep chemical peels and microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). The HPAZ has clarified that "medical acts" performed outside a registered health institution are criminal offenses under the following sections of the Act: Section 99: Mandates that no person shall carry on a health institution unless it is registered with the HPA. Section 121: Prohibits anyone from practicing as a health professional or performing related procedures unless registered. Section 126: Makes it a criminal offense to misrepresent qualifications or perform duties reserved for licensed professionals. To avoid botched procedures and permanent scarring, Chimbwanda urged the public to perform a three-step credential check before undergoing any treatment: Display Check: Look for the HPA Registration Certificate, which must be prominently displayed in the facility's reception area. Practitioner Check: Ask to see a current Practicing Certificate from the relevant medical council (e.g., Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe). The "Refusal" Red Flag: If a facility refuses to show its credentials, it is likely illegal. Citizens are encouraged to report such suspicious activity immediately to the authorities. HPAZ Zimbabwe cosmetic procedure warning

IRGC military personnel during the operation Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has carried out a retaliatory strike targeting oil facilities it claims are linked to the United States, marking a further escalation in tensions across the Middle East. In a statement reported by Tasnim News Agency , the IRGC said the operation formed part of what it described as the “63rd wave” of its ongoing military campaign, dubbed Operation True Promise 4 . The force said the strikes were conducted in response to what it called attacks on Iran’s own energy infrastructure, accusing its adversaries of attempting to suppress internal dissent and destabilise the country. “The necessity to defend Iran's infrastructure has compelled the IRGC to target energy facilities linked to the United States and American stakeholders,” the statement said. The IRGC claimed that multiple oil-related sites associated with US interests in the region were set ablaze, though it did not provide independent verification or specific locations. The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with the situation increasingly raising fears of a broader regional conflict. In its statement, the IRGC warned that further attacks on Iran’s infrastructure would trigger more severe retaliation, potentially targeting additional energy assets belonging to its adversaries and their allies. Iranian officials have maintained that they do not seek to escalate conflict into the economic domain, particularly where it could affect neighbouring countries. However, the latest remarks suggest a shift toward targeting energy infrastructure as part of military strategy. The claims also come against the backdrop of reports of ongoing hostilities, including missile and drone exchanges involving Iranian forces and US- and Israeli-linked targets in the region. Independent verification of the IRGC’s claims remains limited, and there has been no immediate confirmation from US authorities regarding the reported strikes. Analysts warn that any sustained targeting of oil infrastructure could have significant implications for global energy markets, given the strategic importance of the Middle East in global oil supply chains . The situation remains fluid, with observers closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation or potential diplomatic intervention. IRGC strike oil facilities

Zimparks rangers and cadet rangers monitoring wildlife movement The Beitbridge Rural District Council (BRDC) has engaged professional hunters to help manage escalating human-elephant conflict affecting communities across the district. The move comes as elephant incursions become increasingly frequent in areas near major water sources, particularly along the Umzingwane River, Shashe River, Bubi River, and Limpopo River. Communities in Shashe, Dite, Lukange, Whunga, Mpande, Tshambombela, Tongwe and Tshikwalakwala are among the hardest hit, with residents reporting repeated crop destruction and growing threats to livelihoods. BRDC chief executive officer Kiliboni Mbedzi said the council is working with multiple stakeholders to mitigate the situation and promote safer coexistence between people and wildlife. “As the local authority, we have engaged professional hunters working with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and safari operators to mitigate the effects in all the affected areas,” Mbedzi said. She noted that response efforts are ongoing despite limited resources, with authorities attending to distress calls from affected communities. “The herd is migrant, and it’s hard for us to be everywhere all the time, but we remain committed to finding sustainable solutions,” she added. Authorities say the elephants are moving through the district in search of food and water, a pattern that often brings them into direct contact with rural settlements. In addition to deploying professional hunters, BRDC and its partners are implementing a range of mitigation measures. These include the use of chilli-based deterrents and beehive fences, which are widely used in southern Africa to keep elephants away from crops. Plans are also underway to establish wildlife corridors aimed at reducing encounters by guiding animal movement away from densely populated areas. Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in districts bordering conservation areas and transboundary ecosystems linked to the Limpopo basin. Mbedzi urged residents to remain vigilant and report elephant sightings promptly to authorities to allow for quicker response times. The council says it will continue working with Zimparks and other stakeholders to protect both communities and wildlife, while exploring long-term solutions to reduce conflict and safeguard rural livelihoods. Beitbridge elephant conflict

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe headquarters in Harare The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has moved to calm market concerns following the government’s decision to pay local suppliers exclusively in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. On March 13, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that all payments to local contractors and suppliers would now be made in ZiG, a policy shift aimed at strengthening demand for the domestic currency. The move triggered anxiety among businesses and analysts, who warned it could force suppliers to source US dollars on the parallel market, potentially fuelling exchange rate volatility and inflationary pressures. However, in a statement issued on March 17, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the policy does not signal the end of Zimbabwe’s multicurrency system. “The stance taken by Government to pay its local suppliers and contractors exclusively in ZiG does not signal the end of the multicurrency system,” Mushayavanhu said. He added that suppliers would continue to access foreign currency through the Willing-Buyer Willing-Seller (WBWS) interbank foreign exchange market to meet legitimate import requirements. “The Reserve Bank guarantees the consistent supply of foreign currency to the WBWS foreign exchange market,” he said, noting that the country has sufficient reserves to meet bona fide demand. According to the central bank, Zimbabwe recorded foreign currency receipts of up to US$16 billion in 2025, which has supported the build-up of strategic reserves and improved liquidity in the formal market. The RBZ also pointed to recent inflation data as evidence of growing stability. Official figures show inflation stood at 4.1% in January and eased to 3.85% in February 2026, suggesting that price and exchange rate expectations are stabilising. Mushayavanhu said the introduction of the National Standard Price List (NSPL) for public procurement would help anchor pricing in ZiG and drive wider adoption of the currency across the economy. “The implementation of the NSPL will go a long way in promoting demand and increased use of ZiG,” he said, describing it as a key step toward eventual de-dollarisation. Authorities insist that any transition to a fully local currency regime will only occur once specific economic conditions, including sustained stability and broad market confidence, have been met. For now, the RBZ maintains that businesses receiving ZiG payments will not be disadvantaged, as long as they can reliably access foreign exchange through formal channels. The policy forms part of broader efforts by the government to re-establish the dominance of the local currency while maintaining macroeconomic stability in a historically volatile monetary environment. ZiG currency Zimbabwe

Harare Civil Court building, where the protection order was granted A Harare teacher has been granted a protection order by the Harare Civil Court following a distressing incident in which her former husband allegedly stormed her classroom and dumped her personal belongings in front of pupils. Patricia Yusufu successfully applied for the order against her ex-husband, Charles Mike, after he failed to attend the hearing, resulting in a default ruling. In her application, Yusufu detailed what she described as a humiliating and traumatic encounter. She told the court that the pair had been customarily married before their union ended on April 2, 2025, under strained circumstances. “Our customary union ended when he forcibly removed me from our home after I refused to relinquish my personal vehicle, which he intended to sell unlawfully,” she said, adding that traditional rites to formally dissolve the marriage were later completed. Yusufu said the incident occurred while she was teaching, when Mike allegedly entered the classroom accompanied by several individuals carrying sacks filled with her belongings. “They began shouting accusations at me, labelling me a prostitute and claiming I had a boyfriend,” she said. “These allegations are entirely false and shocking to hear from a former husband.” According to her testimony, the group emptied the sacks onto the classroom floor, scattering her clothes in full view of students, colleagues, and parents who were present at the school. “This degrading act left me traumatised, distressed, and seriously defamed,” she said. The court granted the protection order, which is designed to prevent further harassment or contact, citing the respondent’s absence and the seriousness of the allegations presented. However, the case is not yet fully settled. Mike has since filed an application seeking to rescind the default judgment , a legal process that could reopen the matter if granted by the court. The dispute comes against the backdrop of a contentious separation between the two. Court records indicate that Yusufu was previously convicted of stealing US$5,200 from Mike. She completed 170 hours of community service at a local hospital and repaid the money in full. Legal experts note that protection orders in Zimbabwe are commonly issued in cases involving harassment, intimidation, or emotional abuse, and can be granted even in the respondent’s absence if the court is satisfied that the applicant faces potential harm. The case underscores growing concerns around domestic disputes spilling into workplaces, particularly in sensitive environments such as schools. Harare teacher protection order

Thebephatshwa Air Base Gaborone, Botswana / Harare, Zimbabwe- The Government of Botswana has issued a definitive rebuff to long-standing reports suggesting the presence of a United States military base  on its soil. In a high-level clarification aimed at quelling regional unease, officials labeled the claims as "misinformation" that risks undermining the delicate balance of SADC regional stability. At the center of the controversy is Thebephatshwa Air Base , a sophisticated facility that has frequently been the subject of international speculation. Minister of State President for Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, was unequivocal in asserting national ownership. Sovereign Control: The minister stated that the base is "owned, operated, and controlled entirely" by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) . National Interests: The facility is designated for emergency response, international peacekeeping missions, and the maintenance of the BDF’s military readiness. Foreign Cooperation: While the government did not deny technical cooperation or training exercises with international partners, it maintained that such activities do not constitute a "foreign base." The timing of this denial is significant. As global tensions escalate particularly regarding the Middle East conflict rumors of foreign military outposts in Africa have surged. Government spokesperson Tuduetso Mokgosi warned that these unverified claims are not harmless "public discourse" but potentially destabilizing "misinformation." "Misinformation, particularly when amplified across borders, has the potential to create unnecessary misunderstanding... between neighbouring countries." Tuduetso Mokgosi, Government Spokesperson For neighbors such as Zimbabwe and South Africa, the presence of a permanent US military installation in Botswana has historically been a strategic concern. By reinforcing its stance on transparency and accountability, Gaborone aims to reassure its peers that its defense posture remains strictly aligned with the principles of national sovereignty and regional non-alignment. Botswana US military base denial

Water infrastructure pipes HARARE —   Zimbabwe’s local authorities  have been identified as the worst‑performing sector in the government’s 2025 performance contracts , weighed down by structural and operational challenges that continue to undermine service delivery. The findings were announced Monday as part of the annual performance review system introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021 to strengthen accountability and assess the effectiveness of senior public officials. Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya  said overall government performance had improved, but local authorities remained the weakest link. Urban councils: Only 22% of mayors and council chairpersons met their targets, while 68% fell below target but within variance. Ten percent performed below both benchmarks. Average rating: 3.44, up from 3.31 in 2024. Rural councils: 23% met targets, 74% fell below target but within variance, and 3% fell below both benchmarks. Average rating: 3.66, slightly down from 3.74 in 2024. Town clerks/CEOs: 22% met targets, 70% fell below target but within variance, and 8% fell below both thresholds. Rural district council chairpersons: 28% met targets, 63% fell below target but within variance, and 9% fell short of both measures. The evaluation highlighted systemic problems: Poor revenue collection and widespread non‑payment of rates. Non‑revenue water losses are estimated at 45%. Ageing water and sewer infrastructure. Shortages of equipment and machinery. President Mnangagwa said the performance contracts system was designed to enhance accountability and improve service delivery. “The 2026 Performance Contracts represent a key milestone in our public administration and governance journey. It reflects our unwavering commitment and resilience in delivering public services efficiently as we march forward towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said. Analysts argue that despite marginal improvements across sectors, the continued underperformance of local authorities underscores the need for deeper reforms  to address inefficiencies at the grassroots level. Zimbabwe local authorities performance 2025

Retired General Mapuranga criticises Temba Mliswa amid growing tensions over Mnangagwa’s alleged 2030 term extension plan. Retired Lieutenant General Winston Sigauke Mapuranga has issued a sharp rebuke of former Norton MP Temba Mliswa , warning against what he described as “misinterpreting proximity to power” amid escalating tensions over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged push to extend his rule to 2030. In a strongly worded public statement, Mapuranga dismissed Mliswa’s criticism of retired military officers opposing the proposed extension, accusing him of overstepping into matters of military doctrine and command. “You are a politician… your familiarity with soldiers does not make you a soldier,” Mapuranga said. “Your proximity to power does not qualify you to lecture men who spent their entire adult lives in uniform.” The exchange comes as divisions deepen within political and military circles over constitutional changes linked to Mnangagwa’s tenure. A petition submitted to Parliament by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena has intensified scrutiny of the proposed reforms. The petition, reportedly backed by war veterans and former commanders, argues the changes would undermine constitutional safeguards and the ideals of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. At the centre of the dispute is the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill , whose principles have reportedly received Cabinet approval. The measure seeks to extend the president’s tenure beyond current term limits and lengthen the lifespan of Parliament proposals, critics say, which contravene the Constitution. Mapuranga stressed that military allegiance is grounded in constitutional duty rather than political loyalty. “A soldier’s oath is to Zimbabwe and its Constitution not to any individual,” he said, adding that retired officers retain the right to speak on national issues. He also rejected claims that retired officers could be silenced through their association with the Reserve Force, after Mliswa reportedly referenced their continued ties to military structures. “The Reserve Force exists to serve the Republic. It is not a mechanism for intimidating retired officers,” Mapuranga said. The retired general further accused Mliswa of veiled intimidation, warning that invoking the possibility of recall amounted to political coercion. “Threatening retired generals with recall is not loyalty… it is the behaviour of a bully,” he said. Mliswa has consistently defended the proposed extension, arguing it would ensure policy continuity and stability. He has also criticised dissenting voices within Zanu-PF and former military ranks, framing them as part of a system they once upheld. However, legal experts and critics point to constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 91 and 328, which limit presidential terms and bar incumbents from benefiting from amendments that extend their tenure. The dispute underscores widening fractures within ZANU-PF, with factions emerging around internal positions seen as paving the way for extending Mnangagwa’s presidency. Zimbabwe’s military legacy continues to shape the debate, particularly following its decisive role in the 2017 Zimbabwe coup d'état that ushered Mnangagwa into power. As Parliament prepares for public consultations on the proposed amendment, concerns persist that the process could proceed without a referendum, a move analysts warn could heighten political tensions in an already polarised environment. Mapuranga Mliswa clash Zimbabwe constitutional amendment

Fuel tanker truck transporting diesel in Zimbabwe The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices for March 2026, citing rising global cost pressures and supply chain disruptions. In a notice issued on Wednesday, March 18, ZERA said diesel prices have risen from US$1.77 to US$2.05 per litre, while petrol has jumped from US$1.71 to US$2.17 per litre. The latest adjustment comes as authorities move to prevent supply shortages and arbitrage in the domestic market. “Cost pressures are piling up and these require that prices be reviewed… to avoid fuel shortages and arbitrage,” ZERA said in a statement. The regulator added that Zimbabwe currently holds more than three months’ worth of fuel stocks across the supply chain, including reserves linked to the Beira corridor and inland storage facilities. Despite the price hike, government officials sought to reassure the public that fuel supply remains stable. Authorities are also working with oil traders to diversify supply routes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting traditional supply lines . “Government is opening up supply routes not affected by the current conflict in the Middle East,” ZERA noted. In a significant policy shift, the government has approved the importation of diesel by road with immediate effect, adding to existing pipeline and rail delivery systems. The move is expected to improve distribution, particularly to remote areas that often face supply constraints. State-linked energy firms, including Petrotrade and National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe , will play a key role in ensuring fuel reaches all service stations nationwide. ZERA said efforts are being made to cushion key sectors from the full impact of rising fuel costs, particularly diesel-dependent industries such as mining, agriculture, transport and logistics. “The price of diesel has been set with a view to mitigate the impact on key sectors,” the authority said, adding that without government intervention, diesel prices could have reached as high as US$2.20 per litre. Fuel pricing in Zimbabwe is typically reviewed every two weeks, reflecting changes in international oil prices, exchange rate movements and logistical costs. The latest increase is likely to have a ripple effect across the economy, with transport costs, food prices and production expenses expected to rise in the coming weeks. Zimbabwe fuel prices 2026

Jacob Mudenda ZANU-PF’s provincial leadership has been urged to create and maintain a comprehensive database of qualified party members for deployment into key State institutions, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and ideological alignment within government structures. The directive was issued by the party’s secretary-general, Jacob Mudenda , while addressing delegates at a provincial outreach programme held at Bulawayo Polytechnic. Mudenda, who was accompanied by ZANU-PF national political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and Bulawayo provincial chairperson Jabulani Sibanda, said provinces must take a more strategic approach in identifying and grooming individuals for public service roles. “Provinces must play a deliberate and strategic role in cadre development and placement into national institutions,” Mudenda said. He called on party structures to ensure that loyal, competent, and ideologically aligned members are channelled into key sectors, including the police, intelligence services, defence forces, national parks, as well as teacher and nursing training institutions. “We must ask ourselves what we are doing to ensure that loyal, competent, and ideologically grounded cadres are being recruited into Government and State agencies,” he said. Mudenda emphasised the need for a structured system to track potential candidates, including their academic qualifications, professional skills, and readiness for deployment. “This ensures that the State is continuously served by patriotic, disciplined and capable citizens who are ideologically grounded, understand and will defend the ruling party and its programmes,” he added. The remarks come as ZANU-PF intensifies efforts to consolidate its structures and extend its influence across key sectors of the economy and public service. Beyond cadre deployment, Mudenda also urged provincial leaders to support academically gifted but underprivileged students. He called for mechanisms to help such individuals access further education, positioning them as a future pool of skilled personnel for national development. The outreach programme forms part of the party’s broader mobilisation and capacity-building strategy at the provincial level, as it seeks to strengthen internal systems and align governance structures with party priorities. ZANU-PF cadre deployment

Parliament of Zimbabwe session in progress Zvimba South MP Taurai Dexter Malinganiso has criticised local musicians Hulengende and Malloti Rose , accusing them of promoting drug and substance abuse and using explicit language that undermines social values. Raising the matter in the Parliament of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Malinganiso said the conduct of some artists, influencers and socialites is contributing to moral decline among young people. “I rise to present a matter of profound national importance which speaks not only to governance but to the moral fabric and social direction of our nation,” he told lawmakers. He singled out the two artists, alleging they use their platforms to normalise drug use and inappropriate behaviour, particularly on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. “We are witnessing an alarming trend whereby certain individuals… are openly promoting and normalising drug and substance abuse,” Malinganiso said, adding that the use of explicit vernacular language further erodes societal norms. The legislator also expressed concern over the public display and alleged glorification of illegal substances, including cannabis, warning that such actions contravene Zimbabwe’s laws. He highlighted what he described as a growing trend in the misuse of prescription medicines such as Broncleer, Codeine and Benylin, which are increasingly being abused recreationally. “Shockingly, instances where such conduct is performed in the presence of children… are normalising deviant behaviour within the domestic space,” he said. Malinganiso further alleged that some public figures have distributed illegal substances during live broadcasts, citing an incident where a fan was given a marijuana plant. “MPs must be clear. Parliament is not only a custodian of economic and political discourse, but also a guardian of the nation’s moral compass,” he said. He warned that failure to act could entrench a culture of indiscipline and lawlessness among young people, with long-term social consequences. The lawmaker called for stronger enforcement of drug and cyber laws, tighter monitoring of online content, and tougher penalties for those found promoting substance abuse. The remarks come amid increasing concern from authorities over drug use in Zimbabwe, particularly among youths, and the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping behaviour and cultural trends. MP Taurai Malinganiso Zimbabwe drug abuse Parliament Zimbabwe debate

Tomato harvesting in a greenhouse The Zimbabwean government has approved a wage increase for workers in the horticulture sub-sector , with earnings backdated to May 1, 2025, under a new statutory instrument. The adjustment was formalised through Statutory Instrument 48 of 2026 , issued in terms of the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) , governing employment conditions across sectors. According to the agreement registered by the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry , the minimum wage for horticulture workers has been increased from US$94 to US$99 per month. The new wage structure will be paid as 80% in US dollars and 20% in local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) converted at the prevailing interbank exchange rate on the date of payment. Employers with sufficient capacity are permitted to pay 100% in US dollars. The revised wages apply across 10 job grades, ranging from A1 to C2. The lowest-paid workers (Grade A1) will now earn US$99, up from US$94, while those in the highest category (C2) will see their salaries rise from US$186 to US$196. Other grades received increases of between US$5 and US$10. In addition to basic pay adjustments, several allowances have also been reviewed upward. Accommodation allowances increased from US$38 to US$42 per month, backdated to February 2025. Fuel and light allowances rose modestly by US$2 each, bringing them to US$13 and US$9, respectively. Transport, travel, and subsistence costs will continue to be covered by employers, in line with existing industry agreements. The statutory instrument also provides flexibility for struggling businesses. Employers who are unable to meet the new wage thresholds can apply for partial or full exemption through the National Employment Council within 14 days of the agreement, subject to justification. Meanwhile, workers assigned specialised or higher-risk duties, including handling dogs or firearms, will receive an additional 5% allowance on top of their monthly wages. The wage review reflects ongoing efforts to adjust earnings in line with cost-of-living pressures, while balancing the operational realities faced by employers in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Horticulture remains a key component of the country’s agricultural industry, contributing to both domestic food supply and export earnings, and employing thousands of workers across farms and agro-processing operations. Zimbabwe horticulture wages