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Quality sleep is essential for physical, mental and emotional health Hope you had a good night’s sleep. If you didn’t, right now your face is probably tired and longish, eyes red, disoriented but, read on. This week we travel from the avocado plantations to unpack the subject of sleep and its importance. When it comes to resting the body and mind, there is no super human. I tend to agree with Ernest Hemingway when he said, “I love my sleep. My life has a tendency to fall apart when lm awake you know”. A certain researcher found out that rather than sleep taking place in the form of one long, uninterrupted stretch, known as monophasic sleep, our ancestors divided their night into two halves by having a first and second sleep. This explains why grandma would wake us up to pray between midnight and 3am. This pattern was eventually overtaken by inventions like lights which switched on our systems to stay up for longer, thereby sleeping late and flat through to the next day. If our ancestors were to return today, they would be shocked to death by the state of our sleepless generation. Ancestral sleep patterns still exist in some of us who wake up at midnight then sleep again after two or so hours. You can never have too much sleep neither little. Fortunately, whatever the status, our bodies have command centres to deal with our mischief. Sleep is like a human service station, without which we all malfunction. Talking about malfunction due to lack of sleep, military training is designed to boost mental resistance and physical endurance by depriving trainees of sleep. Had anyone warned me about this part, l would never have stepped foot in a military cantonment !! With nowhere to run, and phones out of reach to call mum and dad, I endured sleepless nights, first a day, then a week and before l knew it, three months! We became thirsty and hungry for sleep. One of the days l fell flat whilst holding my AK rifle during parade. Falling flat on our faces became a common occurrence but we survived to laugh at who fell the flattest . Sleep is a very topical subject whose research suggests studies as far back as 450 BC. These studies have motivated engineers, medical professionals, academics and others to foster sleep research and innovation through various platforms like the World Sleep Congress , Annual Sleep conference etc. Such platforms have revolutionised sleep techniques and diagnostics. Sleep is a state of reduced mental and physical activity in which consciousness is altered and certain sensory activity is inhibited. During sleep, there is a marked decrease in muscle activity and interactions with the surrounding environment. According to Dalai Lama, “Sleep is meditation”. Sleep is usually effective when it’s taken regularly and continuously. It must be of good quality and quantity. A consistent schedule helps maintain your circadian rhythm while avoiding disruptors ensures continuity. The right amount of sleep in a a conducive environment will ultimately boost its quality. You do not need an expensive How does sleep enhance our health? Sleep helps with : Improved memory, focus, and learning Better mood and emotional regulation Stronger immune response Balanced appetite and metabolism Reduced risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes Faster muscle recovery and tissue repair Increased energy and daytime alertness Lack of adequate sleep carries a number of health risks which include Cardiovascular: Heart attack, stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, vascular disease. Metabolic: Type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, obesity. Immune System: Weakened ability to fight infections. Increased risk of falls, sleep apnea, and other chronic conditions. Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, substance misuse. Cognitive Function: Poor memory, difficulty learning, reduced attention and focus, impaired judgment. Psychosis: Increased risk of conditions involving psychosis. Accidents: Slower reaction times, higher risk of car crashes and other injuries. Performance: Lower productivity at work or school, impaired daily functioning. Quality of Life: Reduced overall well-being and life quality. Who is at Higher Risk for Insomnia? We generally living in a fast paced world with little time to rest and relax our minds. People with high stress, anxiety, or depression are exposed to sleeplessness. It is also common knowledge that industrialisation has resulted in erratic work patterns. Shift workers or those with irregular schedules are not spared from the scourge of insomnia. More-so, adults with chronic disease and certain medical or neurological conditions usually experience sleep problems. The revellers who down alcoholic beverages are also prone to insomnia because of poor sleep habits Ways to enhance good sleep. 12-Minute Sleep Technique 1. Mindful Breathing (4 mins): Inhale quietly through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Exhale completely through your mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat this cycle, focusing only on the breath. 2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (4 mins): Starting with your toes, tense the muscles for 5 seconds, then completely relax them for 10 seconds. Move up your body, tensing and relaxing your calves, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, shoulders, neck, and face muscles. 3. Visualization (4 mins): Picture a calm, serene place (beach, forest) in vivid detail. Engage your senses: feel the sun, hear the sounds, smell the scents. If your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your peaceful scene. Other Quick Tips Clear Your Mind: Write down worries before bed. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep your room dark and cool. Use light blocking curtains. Avoid Screens: Stop using phones and TVs an hour before sleep. May God deliver us from this evil. Listen to gentle. I usually download soft rain videos from YouTube Stick to a sleep schedule Pay attention to what you eat and drink and sleep 3 hours after dinner Create a restful environment avoid unnecessary clutter in your bedroom Limit daytime naps,it works well eventually Include physical activity in your daily routine. Manage worries.Matthew 6:34 Herbal teas that induce sleep Chamomile: it contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to receptors in your brain to decrease anxiety and initiate sleep; it's a well-known natural sedative and muscle relaxant Valerian root Used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety, it has sedative properties that help you relax. Lavender: Known for its calming aroma and soothing effects, it can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Passion flower: Helps reduce anxiety and improve mood, making it easier to fall asleep. Lemon balm:Reduces anxiety and indigestion, another common cause of sleeplessness, by increasing brain GABA levels. Magnolia Tea:Derived from bark, buds, and stems, it contains honokiol and magnolol, which have sedative effects. Rooibos: This caffeine-free tea promotes relaxation and can improve sleep quality. Make sure to choose caffeine-free herbal options.Steep in hot water for a few minutes before bed. For herbal oils, like lavender, rub under your feet before going to bed. I trust that you have picked a few lessons on the importance of sleep. It’s never too late to adjust. One step towards progress is better than none. Good night 💤😴 This article intends to share with readers research backed benefits of sleep.The information shared is not for meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dr Precious Sibiya , is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor and advocate for natural healing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on Email : precioussibiya2014@gmail.com +263775369467

The Mthwakazi Republic Party has condemned ethnically charged social media attacks on Warriors players Devine Lunga and Marvelous Nakamba following Zimbabwe’s Afcon exit ( image source ) The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has publicly condemned what it describes as ethnically charged attacks directed at Warriors players Devine Lunga and Marvelous Nakamba following Zimbabwe’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations after a 3–2 defeat to South Africa. The loss, which ended Zimbabwe’s campaign at the group stage, triggered a wave of social media commentary accusing the two players of deliberately undermining the national team. Some online users went as far as labelling them “sell-outs,” allegations that MRP leader Mqondisi Moyo said were unfounded and dangerously divisive. “Football is one of the few remaining spaces that can unite people across ethnicity, language and political belief,” Moyo said in a statement. “It is deeply troubling when the outcome of a single match is exploited to advance tribal hostility, historical distortion and political provocation.” Moyo argued that Zimbabwe’s defeat was the result of ordinary football dynamics — tactical decisions, individual brilliance and human error — rather than ethnic allegiance or political intent. He criticised the singling out of Lunga and Nakamba, both of Ndebele origin, saying their treatment reflected broader unresolved tensions rather than legitimate sporting analysis. “No evidence has been presented to suggest that these players deliberately threw the match,” Moyo said. “Until lawful football authorities conclude otherwise, they remain professional athletes who represented their country in good faith.” Warriors Fans were quick to blame Nakamba, Lunga And Arubi For AFCON Exit ( image source ) The controversy intensified after some online commentators drew comparisons between the players and 19th-century Ndebele King Lobengula, invoking a long-standing colonial narrative that portrays the monarch as having “sold out” his people. Moyo described the comparison as historically inaccurate and inflammatory. “King Lobengula did not sell out the Ndebele nation,” he said. “Colonial agreements were extracted through deception and misrepresentation. The ‘sell-out’ narrative was crafted to justify conquest and land dispossession.” He warned that the casual use of such language risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes and escalating social tensions. According to Moyo, history shows that violence often begins with dehumanising speech, particularly when political grievances remain unresolved. The MRP linked the backlash to deeper historical and political issues, noting that Matabeleland and Mashonaland were amalgamated during the colonial period without popular consent. Moyo said that when structural grievances are left unaddressed, symbolic spaces such as sport can become arenas for broader contestation. Despite its political stance advocating self-determination, the MRP stressed that its rejection of tribal hostility is unequivocal. Moyo said that in a hypothetical restored Mthwakazi state, sport would not be ethnicised, athletes would not be profiled, and history would not be weaponised. “Devine Lunga and Marvelous Nakamba are footballers, not symbols of betrayal,” he said. “Football must never become a tribunal for unresolved political grievances.” The statement comes amid broader calls for restraint and unity following Zimbabwe’s Afcon exit, with football analysts and former players also urging supporters to separate sporting disappointment from political and ethnic narratives.

Harare has been ranked among the world’s safer cities in the latest Numbeo Crime Index ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe’s capital has been ranked among the world’s safer cities in the latest Numbeo Crime Index, a positioning that officials say could bolster the city’s appeal to investors and tourists despite persistent governance challenges. Numbeo’s survey places Harare 67th out of 400 global cities, with an overall Crime Index of 60.7 and a Safety Index of 39.3. The index, which aggregates public perceptions of property and violent crime, shows a mixed picture. While the risk of being attacked when walking alone at night is relatively low, corruption and bribery scored 88.01, making it the highest perceived threat in the city. City officials welcomed the ranking as a positive signal for the local economy. Tourism and investment promotion agencies said the data can be used to reassure potential visitors and business partners, but cautioned that perception must be matched by visible reforms. “Rankings like this are useful, but they must be backed by action on corruption and improved public services,” a municipal official said, noting that sustained reductions in bribery and graft would be essential to convert perception gains into long-term investor confidence. Regional context in the Numbeo report highlights several South African cities among the most dangerous globally, while Lagos also features high on the list of risk-heavy urban centres. Analysts said Harare’s relative standing offers an opportunity for targeted marketing, but urged authorities to publish complementary crime statistics and anti-corruption metrics to provide a fuller, evidence-based picture. Civil society groups welcomed the spotlight on corruption, saying the high bribery score undermines public trust and economic competitiveness. They urged the Government to prioritise transparency in procurement and strengthen anti-corruption enforcement to protect both residents and investors.

The Mutapa Investment Fund has received a qualified audit opinion ( image source ) HARARE — The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) has been issued a qualified audit opinion by Grant Thornton, which flagged significant breaches of international accounting standards in the Fund’s first financial statements covering the period from 19 September 2023 to 31 December 2024. Grant Thornton said MIF failed to comply with IFRS 9 and IFRS 13 by not measuring investments at fair value on initial recognition after the Fund assumed control of numerous state-owned enterprises under Statutory Instruments 156 of 2023 and 51 of 2024. Auditors warned that because fair values were not determined at the dates the assets vested, the carrying amounts of investments and the capital contribution recorded in the financial statements are misstated, and the extent of the misstatement could not be determined. Grant Thornton flagged breaches of IFRS standards relating to asset valuation, currency translation and the use of unaudited financial data ( image source ) The audit also raised concerns about the valuation methodology applied to unquoted subsidiaries and associates. Grant Thornton noted that the Fund relied on unaudited financial information to value entities with an aggregate reported worth of more than US$11.4 billion. Auditors said they were unable to verify whether appropriate adjustments had been applied to that data, creating further uncertainty over the accuracy of the reported investment values. A further breach was identified under IAS 21 after MIF translated Zimbabwe dollar (ZWG) financial information into United States dollars (USD) without first restating the ZWG statements for hyperinflation, as required by IAS 29. Auditors said some entities were translated using exchange rates they deemed inappropriate and that they could not determine the adjustments necessary to correct the misstated values. Despite these qualifications, Grant Thornton confirmed that, apart from the matters described, the financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe Act. The report underscores the scale and complexity of consolidating dozens of state-owned enterprises into a single sovereign investment vehicle and signals significant work ahead to harmonise accounting policies, perform fair-value assessments and restate hyperinflation-affected records. Observers say the findings will increase pressure on MIF to publish a clear remediation plan, commission independent valuations, and strengthen disclosure and governance practices in order to restore investor and public confidence.

Zimbabwe’s push to unlock digital monetisation for content creators raises questions around financial reform, platform risk, data trust and the appropriate role of the state in the creator economy ( image source ) Government efforts to unlock digital monetisation opportunities for Zimbabwean content creators have entered the national policy arena, following a detailed public explanation by Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana on the barriers preventing local creators from earning on global platforms. Mangwana outlined what he described as three critical “keys” to monetisation: removal of platform geo-restrictions, access to international payment gateways, and verification recognition for Zimbabwean documents. His comments followed ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera’s engagements with global technology firms, including Meta and Google. The intervention marks a notable shift, bringing the technical realities of the creator economy into formal policy discourse. For years, Zimbabwean digital creators have operated on the margins, relying on workarounds such as VPNs, diaspora accounts and offshore intermediaries to access advertising revenue. Mangwana’s diagnosis of the problem has been widely accepted within the tech community. However, analysts caution that the proposed solution—high-level state intervention—raises important questions about risk perception, regulatory reform and the appropriate role of government. Global platforms do not exclude countries arbitrarily. Access decisions are based on compliance, financial stability and regulatory risk. As such, when the Zimbabwean government seeks to negotiate access, it is effectively seeking endorsement of its financial and legal systems. The challenge becomes particularly acute around payment gateways. Platforms such as PayPal and Wise prioritise low-risk, automated settlement environments. Zimbabwe’s complex exchange controls and currency volatility remain structural deterrents that diplomacy alone cannot resolve. Analysts argue that meaningful progress will require domestic financial reforms that create predictable, frictionless pathways for cross-border payments. Without this, negotiations risk addressing symptoms rather than causes. Equally sensitive is the issue of verification. While recognising national identity documents is essential for fraud prevention, creators have expressed concern that closer integration with state databases could facilitate surveillance or future taxation without adequate safeguards. ( image source ) Trust, observers say, will depend on transparency. Creators need clarity on what data is shared, how it is used, and whether verification processes will remain strictly commercial rather than regulatory or political. There is also concern about the state positioning itself as an intermediary between creators and platforms. The global digital economy thrives on decentralisation, and critics warn against licensing regimes or administrative bottlenecks that could undermine creator autonomy. Many in the sector argue that creators themselves should be included in negotiations. Zimbabwean developers, YouTubers and influencers have spent years navigating platform rules and understand operational friction points better than policy briefs. Beyond monetisation, structural issues remain. Affordable high-speed internet, reliable electricity and enforceable intellectual property rights are prerequisites for sustainable digital production. Monetisation is the endpoint, not the foundation. Nonetheless, observers acknowledge a positive shift in tone. The state increasingly frames the internet not solely as a regulatory challenge but as an economic resource. If negotiations reduce barriers without introducing new controls, they could materially expand opportunities for young Zimbabweans. Whether this moment results in genuine access or symbolic engagement will depend on implementation, reform and sustained dialogue with the very creators the policy aims to support.

Walter Mzembi’s family has dismissed social media claims that the former minister died in custody ( image source ) HARARE — Family members and close associates of former Tourism and Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi have dismissed social media reports claiming he died in detention, saying the former cabinet minister is alive but enduring difficult conditions in custody. A relative described the death reports as “malicious and irresponsible,” saying the rumours were circulating without regard for the impact on Mzembi’s children and wider family. “That’s fake news circulating on social media by unscrupulous individuals who lie about people’s lives,” the family member said, adding: “Mzembi is alive, but obviously his situation is extremely difficult and has had a negative impact on his health. He is, however, soldiering on.” Mzembi was arrested on 13 June 2025 shortly after returning to Zimbabwe from a seven-year self-imposed exile. He remains in remand prison after both the magistrates’ court and the High Court denied bail, citing a risk that he could abscond given his prior absence from the country. They confirmed he is alive and in high spirits but facing difficult conditions as legal proceedings continue ( image source ) The outstanding warrants relate to corruption and abuse of office allegations, including the alleged misappropriation of television sets reportedly worth about US$2 million intended for public viewing during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the alleged misuse of US$1.6 million earmarked for the 2013 UNWTO General Assembly jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Speculation about Mzembi’s health has circulated since his detention, with some sources claiming he may be critically ill and possibly suffering a recurrence of colon cancer. The family has not confirmed those medical claims, saying only that incarceration has adversely affected his health. At the time of publication, neither the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service nor the Ministry of Justice had issued a comment on the social media reports or on Mzembi’s medical condition. Legal observers and rights groups have urged that any health concerns be addressed transparently and that due process be respected as the criminal proceedings continue.

Bulawayo City Council distributed over 225,000 male condoms in September and October 2025 while reaching more than 130,000 people through health education campaigns ( image source ) BULAWAYO — The Bulawayo City Council’s Health Promotion Unit reported the distribution of 225,820 male condoms across the city during September and October 2025, compared with 13,548 female condoms over the same period, according to the unit’s October report. Distribution data showed that 131,820 male condoms were issued in September and 94,000 in October, while female condom distribution stood at 6,543 in September and 7,005 in October. The figures were presented by Director of Health Services Edwin Mzingwane on 6 November. The report also highlighted an intensive schedule of health education activities. The unit conducted 2,948 health education sessions in September and 2,919 in October, reaching 71,047 people in September and 60,844 in October. Social and Behaviour Change Communication initiatives included eight radio infomercials aired on Skyz Metro and Khulumani FM, focusing on the Measles Rubella Campaign, Vitamin A supplementation, routine immunisation, breast cancer awareness and mental health. This highlights progress and ongoing gaps in female condom uptake ( image source ) Community outreach efforts included public announcements on the Measles Rubella Campaign and suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, alongside the development of information materials for service providers and residents. Bulawayo Metropolitan Province participated in the nationwide Measles/Rubella follow-up campaign from 6–10 October 2025, integrating catch-up routine immunisations and Vitamin A supplementation. The campaign targeted children aged 9–59 months for measles-rubella vaccination and children aged 6–59 months for Vitamin A, with the aim of closing immunity gaps and preventing disease outbreaks. Health officials said the combined distribution and education drive reflects a dual approach of supplying prevention commodities while reinforcing public awareness. However, they also acknowledged the persistent disparity between male and female condom uptake. Observers noted that increasing access to and acceptance of female condoms remains a priority for reproductive health programming, particularly to expand options for women’s protection and autonomy.

Daring the odds is key! As an entrepreneur or hustler, you’ve probably heard the phrase “opportunity knocks”, but then what happens when it doesn’t? William Arthur Ward is on record for saying that opportunities are like sunrises — if you wait too long, you miss them. Similarly, Jack Ma asserts that you can’t wait for opportunities; you’ve got to go out and make them happen. Frederick Douglass further argues that opportunities are within every man’s reach, on every hand, and every moment. Here in Zimbabwe, where the economy is dynamic, fluid and ever-changing, waiting for opportunities to come to you can be a recipe for stagnation. Instead, you have to be the radical entrepreneur or hustler who takes matters into their own hands and builds a door. You have to create your own opportunities, even if it means taking the road not yet travelled before. Identify Gaps, Create Opportunities. If you look around you, you’ll see gaps in the market, unmet needs and untapped potential. Identify these gaps and create opportunities. Ask yourself: What problems do people face in my community? What products or services are in short supply? How can I innovate or disrupt existing industries? This is how platforms such as InDrive and Uber took the transport market by storm — by addressing glaring travel gaps that needed replacing. Network, Network, Network. Build relationships with people from different industries, backgrounds and areas of expertise. Attend seminars, exhibitions, shows and conferences, or join online business groups. Engage with thought leaders and trendsetters to expand your exposure and access new opportunities. Develop a Unique Skillset. Acquire in-demand skills, particularly short micro-credentials, such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, coding or data analysis. These skills increase your value to potential partners or clients. Many of these competencies can be self-taught using platforms such as YouTube. Take Calculated Risks. Do not be afraid to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Failure is not an endpoint but a stepping stone to success. Collaborate and Partner. Find like-minded entrepreneurs or businesses to collaborate with. Pool resources, share expertise and build something bigger than you could achieve alone. Stay Informed and Adapt. Keep up-to-date with industry trends, news and innovations. Adapt quickly to changes and pivot when necessary to remain relevant. Leverage Social Media. Use platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote your business, share your expertise and connect with potential clients. Start Small, Scale Fast. Do not wait for perfection. Start with a minimum viable product and refine it as you grow. Customer-Centric Approach. Focus on solving real problems for your customers, and they will become your biggest advocates and brand ambassadors. In Zimbabwe, entrepreneurs like yourself are building doors and creating opportunities every day. By being proactive, innovative and adaptable, you can do the same. The question remains: what door or doors will you build today? Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management (New Mumbai) and UNISA, among others. He is the SADC Investments Advisor to Dr Farzam Kamalabadi, Founder of Future Trends Group and Special Presidential Envoy on Business and International Relations, Government of Botswana. He has written several books, including Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking, Spotting Business Opportunities and Big Picture Thinking (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). He has just assumed the Presidency of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263 774 868 896, Phone: +263 718 925 350, Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk.

South Africa’s Hawks say their investigation into the R1,1 billion Zimbabwe election procurement payments remains active ( image source ) JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) has confirmed that its probe into the R1,1 billion (about US$67,25 million) Zimbabwe election procurement scandal remains active, despite public claims in Zimbabwe that the matter had been closed. The investigation focuses on payments made by Zimbabwe’s Treasury to South African firm Ren Form CC for the supply of election materials during Zimbabwe’s 2023 general elections, transactions later flagged by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) as suspicious. The Hawks’ stance contrasts with earlier statements by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), which said it had found no evidence linking businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the payments. However, Hawks national spokesperson Thandi Mbambo said decisions taken in another jurisdiction do not bind South African investigators. She confirmed that the Hawks are analysing suspicious transaction reports compiled by the FIC and shared with multiple agencies, including the South African Revenue Service, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit. Persons of interest, she said, would only be formally identified once sufficient evidence has been gathered. ( image source ) The controversy centres on the procurement of election materials by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), which awarded the contract to Ren Form CC. Questions have persisted over the absence of a competitive tender process. The FIC later flagged Ren Form CC for allegedly inflating invoices and transferring substantial sums to several companies, including Intratrek Holdings, Dolintel Trading Enterprise, Edenbreeze, Asibambane Platinum Group and Agile Venture Capital, triggering money-laundering concerns under South African law. Sources in Pretoria said they have received no official communication confirming that Zimbabwean investigations into Chivayo were concluded. Zacc has not responded to requests for clarification on whether it communicated its findings to South African authorities, while Ren Form CC and Zec had not commented at the time of publication. The case highlights the challenges of cross-border financial investigations involving public procurement and election financing, with the Hawks’ confirmation ensuring the matter remains legally and politically unresolved.

Mbizi Police Post’s nomination as a National Monument highlights Zimbabwe’s push toward township-based heritage tourism ( image source ) HARARE — As Zimbabwe seeks to diversify its tourism offering beyond wildlife and resort destinations, heritage sites embedded within urban townships are gaining renewed strategic attention. The nomination of Mbizi Police Post in Highfields for National Monument status illustrates how liberation heritage is increasingly being positioned as an economic and developmental asset. Policy planners involved in the process describe Mbizi as a potential pilot for “township heritage tourism,” an approach that integrates heritage institutions, local authorities and surrounding communities to generate inclusive economic value. The model aligns the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and municipal stakeholders around historically significant sites located within lived urban spaces rather than isolated conservation zones. Mbizi Police Post occupies a strategic position in old Highfields, a suburb long associated with political mobilisation, cultural expression and nationalist leadership. The area is already home to sites such as Cyril Jennings Hall, which hosted key political meetings during the liberation era. Heritage specialists argue that linking Mbizi with these landmarks into a coherent heritage route could strengthen domestic tourism, educational visits and diaspora engagement. Development objectives outlined in the nomination dossier, seen by Southerton Business Times, place strong emphasis on community participation. Proposed activities include guided tours, heritage exhibitions, on-site education programmes and youth-led interpretation initiatives. If implemented, these could create small-scale enterprise opportunities in guiding, crafts, performance and hospitality within Highfields itself. The dossier also frames heritage preservation as a youth empowerment tool. By situating liberation history within everyday township environments, planners aim to deepen historical awareness while creating employment pathways linked to culture and tourism. Officials involved argue that this approach supports national priorities around youth development, identity formation and social cohesion. Significant investment will, however, be required to realise this potential. While the main administrative building remains structurally sound, the former detention cell complex has deteriorated, with damaged floors, broken plumbing and missing fittings. Sections of the perimeter fence have also collapsed, raising concerns around security and controlled visitor access. Once gazetted as a National Monument, Mbizi Police Post would be listed on the Northern Region Historic Buildings Register and fall under NMMZ oversight. Any alterations would require formal approval, a framework intended to balance commercial use with the protection of historical integrity while allowing adaptive reuse for tourism and education. Comparative assessments place Mbizi alongside former detention centres such as Chikurubi and WhaWha prisons, which are widely recognised for their historical importance. What distinguishes Mbizi is its location within a residential township, making it a practical test case for community-anchored heritage tourism. As Zimbabwe’s tourism strategy increasingly emphasises cultural depth and authenticity, Mbizi Police Post offers an opportunity to convert difficult history into structured economic participation. The challenge now lies in moving from nomination to investment, and from remembrance to sustainable value creation.

Zimbabwe government grants Prevail exclusive rights to a river rehabilitation pilot in Mazowe ( image source ) HARARE — The Government has granted Prevail Group of Companies, owned by businessman Paul Tungwarara, exclusive rights to carry out river rehabilitation works on the Muroodzi River in Mazowe, effectively suspending other river rehabilitation activities across the country, documents seen by Southerton Business Times show. A Cabinet directive circulated to provincial ministers authorises Prevail to implement the Muroodzi project as a prototype while the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife develops national guidelines. The directive further instructs that no other company be awarded river rehabilitation contracts pending the gazetting of a Statutory Instrument to operationalise the Polluter Pays Principle. According to the directive, all alluvial mining and river ecosystem rehabilitation programmes are suspended until further notice, with Prevail designated as the sole firm cleared to work on the Muroodzi prototype. Provincial ministers were explicitly told not to award any river rehabilitation contracts outside the approved pilot until further guidance is issued. The move has raised concern among environmental services firms and market analysts, who argue that the directive effectively excludes competitors and risks creating a de facto monopoly in a sector that has attracted growing private interest. “This is a de facto monopoly,” an executive at an environmental services firm said. “If government wants a pilot project, it should be competitively procured and independently evaluated.” ( image source ) Prevail’s expanding footprint in state-funded projects has already drawn scrutiny. The company has been associated with high-profile contracts including refurbishment works at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the Presidential Borehole Scheme, the Mt Hampden Cyber City development, and construction projects at State House and Zimbabwe House. In September 2025, a parliamentary portfolio committee accused Prevail International of underperformance after inspections in Chivi District found several village business units and boreholes incomplete or non-functional. Former Finance minister Tendai Biti criticised the river rehabilitation directive for what he described as a lack of transparency and parliamentary oversight. “Parliament must stand up to such issues. Civil society and citizens must also speak out,” Biti said, warning that opaque procurement processes undermine public confidence and service delivery. The controversy comes against the backdrop of repeated warnings by acting President Constantino Chiwenga about economic capture by a small, politically connected elite. Chiwenga has publicly called for clean governance, accountability and the protection of public resources from abuse. Government officials maintain that the forthcoming Polluter Pays Principle framework will compel miners responsible for environmental degradation to fund rehabilitation efforts. Analysts caution, however, that the credibility of any such programme will depend on transparency, competitive procurement and demonstrable environmental outcomes, rather than exclusive mandates granted to a single firm. Questions sent to Paul Tungwarara, Mines and Mining Development minister Polite Kambamura, permanent secretary Pfwungwa Kunaka and Environment minister Evelyn Ndhlovu had not been answered at the time of publication. Observers say the next critical steps should include a clear timeline for the statutory framework, publication of procurement criteria for the prototype project, and independent monitoring to ensure the pilot delivers measurable environmental benefits without entrenching single-firm dominance.

An OAFLAD programme in Chipinge is supporting vulnerable girls and young mothers through cash stipends, health education and skills training ( image source ) CHIPINGE — In a cramped room at Checheche Growth Point, 16-year-old Chipo nurses a nine-month-old baby while carrying a second pregnancy at five months. Her story reflects the harsh realities facing many vulnerable girls in Chipinge district, where poverty, early motherhood and limited options have driven some into transactional sex as a means of survival. Chipo’s experience came to light during a media tour organised by the National Aids Council (NAC) in partnership with the Organisation of African First Ladies on Development (OAFLAD), led locally by First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa. The OAFLAD programme targets young mothers and women engaged in transactional sex, offering small cash stipends, health education and skills training aimed at reducing vulnerability and restoring dignity. “I was a mess,” Chipo said. “I was into sex work to feed my baby and care for my sick mother. OAFLAD took me under their wing. They gave me hope and support and helped me see that I am worth fighting for.” ( image source ) Officials say Checheche has become a hotspot for risky survival strategies among adolescent girls, driven by economic hardship and limited access to education and livelihoods. NAC youth officer for Chipinge, Yolanda Gwizo, said poverty has pushed many girls into unsafe sexual relationships, contributing to high rates of teenage pregnancy and exposure to HIV and other infections. Under the programme, beneficiaries receive a monthly cash transfer of US$10, alongside regular health education sessions focused on HIV prevention and reproductive health. The initiative also links participants to social services and works with traditional leaders, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, education authorities and the police to strengthen child protection and referral systems. Another beneficiary, Privilege (15), said she became the main provider for her family after losing both parents. Transactional sex, she said, became a way to keep her younger siblings in school. “I never wanted this, but there was no one else to help us,” she said. Community leaders and health officials welcomed the OAFLAD intervention but cautioned that short-term assistance must be complemented by sustainable economic solutions. Headman Zamuchiya called for expanded livelihood projects, improved access to reproductive health services and stronger school retention programmes to address the root causes of vulnerability. Experts say broader youth empowerment initiatives, vocational training and family-level economic support will be critical to reducing reliance on transactional sex and protecting adolescent girls from exploitation. For beneficiaries like Chipo and Privilege, the programme has provided immediate relief and a tentative path toward stability, even as longer-term solutions remain essential.