New ZiG banknotes featuring Zimbabwe’s Big Five wildlife HARARE – A senior official at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has urged citizens to change their perceptions of the country’s local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) , saying public confidence is critical for the nation’s long-term goal of achieving a mono-currency economy. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Chinhoyi this week, RBZ Legal and Corporate Affairs Director Virginia Sithole said Zimbabweans must move beyond negative experiences associated with previous local currencies and give the ZiG a chance. Sithole acknowledged that many citizens had suffered losses due to past currency instability but argued that the current unit has shown signs of improved performance. “As Zimbabweans, the ZiG is a symbol of our national identity and pride. Let us embrace it,” she said. “Yes, I know most people have had unmemorable experiences with previous local currencies, but we need to change that mindset because the ZiG has done so well, resulting in annual inflation tumbling to single digits, a phenomenon that never happened in over 30 years.” New ZiG Banknotes Coming in April The RBZ is currently conducting public outreach meetings across Mashonaland West ahead of the rollout of upgraded ZiG banknotes scheduled for 7 April 2026. The new notes will be issued in 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ZiG denominations and will feature images of Zimbabwe’s Big Five wildlife, alongside enhanced security features and improved durability. Authorities say the upgrade is meant to strengthen confidence in the local currency, reduce counterfeiting, and improve everyday transactions. Sithole stressed that the rollout should not be interpreted as the introduction of a new currency but rather an upgrade to existing notes. “The public must be mindful that we are not introducing a new currency, but improved and upgraded ZiG notes which meet international standards,” she said. “They are more durable, but citizens must improve their handling etiquette to ensure they remain in circulation for the longest possible time.” Officials Cite Macroeconomic Stability RBZ Deputy Director for Economic Research, Modelling and Policy William Kavila said the launch of the upgraded notes coincides with what authorities describe as improved macroeconomic stability. According to Kavila, Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate has dropped to single digits for the first time in three decades, which he said creates favourable conditions for introducing higher-quality currency notes. “The annual inflation rate has hit an all-time low, single digit, for the first time in three decades. Therefore, the timing to invest in more durable notes could not have come at a more opportune moment,” he said. Nationwide Education Campaign Over the next month, the RBZ plans to run a nationwide public education campaign to familiarise citizens with the new notes and their security features. Douglas Chiwiro, Director of Economic Affairs in the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, said local government structures have already been mobilised to support the initiative. District development coordinators will help organise community meetings aimed at encouraging people to adopt the ZiG and increase financial literacy. In remarks delivered on behalf of Marian Chombo, officials said the rollout forms part of broader reforms under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) . Authorities argue that wider use of the local currency would strengthen economic sovereignty by enabling Zimbabwe to manage its fiscal, monetary, and exchange-rate policies more effectively. “The introduction of the upgraded ZiG banknotes is part of a broader economic reform agenda designed to consolidate stability, restore confidence and support sustainable economic growth,” the statement said. ZiG currency Zimbabwe

Mukuru Financial Services branch targeted in Bulawayo armed robbery BULAWAYO – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an intensive investigation into a daring armed robbery at a Mukuru money transfer outlet in Bulawayo, with preliminary findings suggesting the operation may have involved insider assistance. Robbers reportedly made off with more than US$70,000 and R500,000 in a carefully coordinated attack carried out on Wednesday. The suspects, who are still at large, are believed to have disabled the outlet’s alarm system and removed CCTV footage before fleeing the scene. Police say these actions have complicated efforts to immediately identify the perpetrators. ZRP national spokesperson Paul Nyathi said early investigations strongly indicate the criminals had access to sensitive internal information about the outlet’s security systems and cash handling procedures. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations into the disturbing armed robbery which took place yesterday in Bulawayo. It is clear that the suspects had inside information; these criminals had received information from someone possibly within the sector,” Nyathi said. He added that the robbers appeared to have targeted a specific employee who had access to the safe, suggesting the operation was meticulously planned. “The manner in which this robbery was executed shows that they had all the inside information. They targeted an employee who has access to the safe, meaning that everything had been pre-planned,” Nyathi said. Residents Left Stranded The robbery has triggered anxiety among residents who rely on the Mukuru outlet for remittances and financial services, particularly those travelling from surrounding rural areas to collect funds. Some customers who had travelled long distances arrived to find the facility closed following the robbery. One resident said the incident had left many people stranded after travelling from neighbouring districts to access their money. “This is painful because we are now stranded where we usually collect our money. I came all the way from Filabusi to collect my money, only to hear that the place is not operational because armed robbers raided it,” the resident said. Other residents warned that such incidents risk undermining confidence in financial institutions and could send troubling signals to young people. “It is really bad what is happening in Bulawayo. It is sending the wrong message to the younger generation—that you can raid a bank and get away with it,” another resident said. A third resident urged authorities to increase security in the city following the robbery. “We are shocked and scared. It shows that we are no longer safe. The police should intensify patrols in the city and around banks so that we protect residents.” Echoes of Past Robberies The incident has revived memories of the high-profile US$4 million robbery at Ecobank Zimbabwe in 2024, one of the largest bank heists recorded in the country in recent years. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the suspects, while also examining whether individuals within the financial services sector may have assisted in facilitating the robbery. The ZRP has urged members of the public with information that could assist investigations to come forward as efforts intensify to track down those responsible. Bulawayo Mukuru robbery

Bulawayo city  councillors In a significant move toward ethical leadership, Bulawayo city councillors have officially signed an integrity pledge aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within local governance. The ceremony, held on Wednesday in the council chambers at City Hall, saw the city’s elected officials sign the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) Integrity Pledge . This milestone follows a period of initial resistance where some councillors in Bulawayo and Gwanda had expressed hesitation, citing a need for further consultation and a deeper understanding of the document's legal implications. From Hesitation to Commitment While senior management at the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and counterparts in the Plumtree Town Council had already committed to the pledge, Bulawayo’s councillors were among the last to do so. After extensive engagements with ZACC officials, the councillors moved forward with the signing, signaling a unified front against graft in the metropolitan province. Ethical Leadership and Vision 2030 Speaking during the ceremony, Tswagai Marovatsanga, the Director of Local Government in Bulawayo, emphasized that the pledge is rooted in Zimbabwe’s constitutional principles. She noted that public officials are mandated to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics. “This integrity pledge is a promise that the stewards of this city will operate with integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical fortitude,” Marovatsanga stated. She further highlighted the link between local governance and national prosperity, noting: Accountability: Ensuring public funds are used solely for the benefit of Bulawayo residents. Economic Goals: Aligning local authority performance with Zimbabwe’s ambition to become an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. Service Delivery: Building trust with citizens to ensure that development goals do not remain mere "vision on paper." The Role of Local Authorities The signing of the pledge is seen as a critical step as Zimbabwe moves toward implementing its next national development plan. By committing to the ZACC framework, the Bulawayo City Council aims to restore public confidence and ensure that service delivery remains the top priority for the city's leadership. Bulawayo councillors integrity pledge

(Wagner) The death of another Zimbabwean national in the Russia-Ukraine war  has ignited fresh fears that Russian recruiters are systematically targeting vulnerable Africans as the conflict enters its fourth year. This latest casualty follows the recent death of Mandla Ncube , who traveled to Russia seeking employment only to perish on the battlefield. New revelations from an investigative report titled "The Business of Despair,"   released on February 11, 2026, by All Eyes on Wagner (AEOW), suggest these are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated recruitment drive. Data Reveals High Mortality Rate for African Recruits The AEOW report, now incorporated into the Swiss NGO INPACT , verified a database of 1,417 African nationals recruited into the Russian army. The findings paint a grim picture of the survival rates for these "economically vulnerable" men: Category Statistic Total African Recruits Identified 1,417 Confirmed Killed in Action (KIA) 316 (approx. 22%) Average Age of Recruits 31 years Average Duration of Service Before Death 6 months Killed within First Month of Deployment 51 individuals Six Zimbabwean nationals are explicitly listed in the database. Among them is Chivise Bryan-Bright (born 03/11/1991), who has been confirmed killed in action. Recruitment Trends (2023–2025) The report indicates that the influx of African soldiers has scaled up significantly as Russia seeks to bolster its manpower: 2023: 177 recruits 2024: 592 recruits 2025: 647 recruits Domestic Outcry and Government Silence The trend has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and liberation war veterans. Zipra hero Mayibongwe Mkandla expressed heartbreak over the situation: “To see young men leaving because there are no jobs and ending up fighting someone else’s war is painful. Once you are there, you are at the mercy of forces beyond you.” Opposition Nationalist Alliance Party (NAP) leader Devine Mhambi Hove  has called for immediate government intervention. “The reports surfacing are a profound tragedy for the Zimbabwean family. We call on the government to break its silence and issue immediate travel warnings,” Hove stated. Academic Melusi Nyathi pointed to the proactive stance taken by South Africa, which successfully negotiated the release of its citizens from Russian combat zones, contrasting it with the perceived silence from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs .  Zimbabweans killed in Russia-Ukraine war

BAZ acting chief executive officer Matthias Chakanyuka  expressed grave concern over the resurgence of unauthorized advertisements The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a stern directive to all broadcasters to immediately cease airing advertisements for unverified healing services and products. This major crackdown targets unlicensed medical practitioners, herbalists, and "rogue" spiritual healers who have been using airwaves to deceive the public with unsubstantiated claims. The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ)  announced that all health-related advertisements must now obtain formal approval from the Ministry of Health and Child Care  before they can be broadcast. Protecting the Vulnerable from "Charlatans" BAZ acting chief executive officer Matthias Chakanyuka  expressed grave concern over the resurgence of unauthorized advertisements. He noted that many individuals, including self-proclaimed faith healers and traditional herbalists, are making bold claims about their ability to cure chronic diseases without any scientific or medical oversight. “We have noted with grave concern the resurgence of unauthorised advertisements... by individuals making claims they cannot substantiate,” Chakanyuka stated. He emphasized that these advertisements often target vulnerable citizens, leading to "adverse effects and other forms of prejudice" after using unregulated products. Stiff Penalties for Non-Compliant Broadcasters The directive applies to all forms of medicine, traditional, herbal, or conventional, as well as spiritual and faith-based healing. Broadcasters have been warned that providing a platform to unlicensed individuals constitutes a serious breach of the law. Key Requirements for Broadcasters: Verification: Radio and TV stations must verify that every health-related ad has a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Health. Non-Discrimination: The rule applies equally to all categories to ensure no "charlatan" is allowed to deceive the public. Statutory Penalties: Failure to comply will result in the "full application of statutory penalties," which can include heavy fines or the suspension of broadcasting licenses. The Danger of Unregulated Healing The crackdown follows reports of citizens suffering serious health complications after abandoning conventional medical treatment in favor of unverified "miracle cures." By requiring Ministry of Health approval, the government aims to ensure that only safe, verified, and ethical health services are promoted to the Zimbabwean public. BAZ ban unverified healing ads

Fuel Tankers Harare, Zimbabwe- Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Zhemu Soda , has assured the nation that Zimbabwe holds sufficient fuel reserves to meet demand for the next three months, seeking to ease fears of potential shortages caused by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Soda, who also serves as the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services , revealed that current stocks of diesel, petrol, and Jet A1 are stable. However, he conceded that the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services revealed that the current geopolitical crisis has already begun to disrupt global supply routes, leading to inevitable price hikes. ZERA Announces Immediate Price Hikes Hours after the Minister’s parliamentary briefing, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announced a significant increase in fuel prices . The regulatory body noted that prices would have been even higher had the government not intervened to reduce certain levies. New Fuel Price Comparison (USD per Litre): Fuel Type Old Price New Price Increase Diesel $1.52 $1.77 +$0.25 Petrol $1.56 $1.71 +$0.15 Note: ZERA stated that without government cushioning, Diesel would have hit $1.90 and Petrol $1.81. Strategic Reserves and SADC Alternatives Minister Soda emphasized that the government is monitoring stocks currently in transit between Zimbabwe and the port of Beira, as well as ships docking in Mozambique. “It shows we have some stocks that can take us for the next two to three months,” Soda said. “If the conflict extends, we will be able to get fuel for our operations... including LPG gas.” The Minister also indicated a shift in procurement strategy, stating that Zimbabwe will now actively scout for fuel products within the SADC region  to mitigate the risks of closed international maritime routes. The Price of Global Instability Soda warned that as long as international supply routes remain disrupted by the war, prices will continue to be volatile. “Prices are a function of supply and demand. For as long as our supply routes are disrupted, obviously, the prices will respond,” he noted. The new fuel prices take immediate effect and are scheduled for review in two weeks. Zimbabwe fuel price increase 2026

Hyde Park suburb in Johannesburg, where the alleged shooting took place. Johannesburg , South Africa — Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and his co-accused Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze are expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Thursday to face additional criminal charges linked to a shooting incident at a private residence in Hyde Park. The two men were previously charged with attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors have now added two more charges: pointing a firearm and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act. The new developments come after allegations that the pair shot a 23-year-old gardener at the Mugabe family residence in the upscale Johannesburg suburb of Hyde Park on 19 February. According to court documents and media reports, the victim, believed to be employed at the residence, was shot in the back during the alleged incident. He sustained injuries and was taken for medical treatment. Details about his current condition have not been widely disclosed. South African authorities have not yet released full details about what led to the shooting. However, the case has attracted significant attention in both South Africa and Zimbabwe due to the high-profile family involved. The additional charge related to the Immigration Act has raised questions about Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe’s legal status in South Africa . Authorities are yet to clarify how he entered the country or whether he holds valid documentation permitting him to stay there. Legal experts say immigration-related charges could complicate the case further, depending on the findings of investigators and the outcome of court proceedings. Both Mugabe and Matonhodze are expected to formally apply for bail during Thursday’s court appearance. The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court will determine whether the two men can be released pending trial or remain in custody. Bail hearings in South Africa typically consider several factors, including the seriousness of the alleged offences, the strength of the prosecution’s case, and whether the accused poses a flight risk. The case has also drawn public interest because Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is part of the family of Zimbabwe’s late longtime leader, Robert Mugabe, who ruled the country for nearly four decades before being removed from power in 2017. If bail is granted, the case will proceed through South Africa’s criminal justice system, where prosecutors will need to present evidence supporting the charges. Further court dates are expected to be set following the bail hearing as the investigation and prosecution continue. Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe; shooting case; Hyde Park; Johannesburg; Alexandra Magistrate Court; Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze

Tobacco bales at auction floor Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe have threatened to withdraw their crops from auction floors after prices reportedly plunged on the opening day of the 2026 marketing season. The 2026 tobacco marketing season officially began on Wednesday, 4 March, with the first bale selling for US$4.60 per kilogramme, slightly lower than the US$4.65 recorded at the start of last year’s auction. Despite the relatively strong opening price, many farmers say actual buying prices quickly dropped, prompting anger among growers who had travelled long distances to deliver their crop. Videos circulating online show farmers complaining that some buyers were offering as little as US$1 per kilogram, far below the opening price announced earlier in the day. Growers accused buyers of using the initial price as a marketing tactic designed to attract farmers to the auction floors before lowering bids once trading began. The sharp fall in prices triggered protests among farmers, who argued that the sudden decline was unfair even if supply levels were higher than expected this season. By the end of the trading day, some farmers said prices had reportedly dropped to around US$1 per kilogram, with a few claiming they had been offered as little as US$0.50 per kilogram for their tobacco. Producers warned that such prices would make it difficult for them to cover the cost of production, including labour, inputs, and transport to the auction floors. Many farmers said the low prices would not even cover t he cost of returning to their farms after delivering their crop. Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important agricultural exports and a key source of foreign currency for the economy. However, farmers have repeatedly raised concerns over pricing transparency and the costs associated with producing the crop, including fertiliser, fuel, and labour. Some growers say they may consider withdrawing their tobacco from the market if prices do not improve, warning that the situation could undermine confidence in the auction system. Authorities and industry stakeholders are expected to monitor the situation closely as the marketing season progresses. Zimbabwe tobacco farmers protest; tobacco marketing season; tobacco prices 2026

Daily life continues in the city of Al-Hilaliya despite widespread destruction, as residents say the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), fighting the Sudanese army, kept the city under siege for nearly two months, looted homes, and even poisoned water wells in Al Hilaliya, Al Jazirah state of Sudan, on January 20, 2026. Muhammed Emin Canik/Anadolu/Getty Images Location: Geneva / El Fasher- A devastating "campaign of destruction" carried out by Sudanese rebels against non-Arab communities in El Fasher  shows the "hallmarks of genocide," according to a landmark report released Thursday by UN-backed human rights experts. The findings provide the most damning evidence to date of ethnically targeted mass killings in Sudan’s western region of Darfur . The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) , following an 18-month siege, allegedly overran the city on October 26, 2024, imposing conditions "calculated to bring about the physical destruction" of the Zaghawa and Fur communities. The Massacre in Numbers The takeover of El Fasher, previously the Sudanese army’s final stronghold in Darfur, resulted in a catastrophic loss of life. UN officials provided the following statistics regarding the onslaught: Statistic Figure Total Residents Before October Strike 260,000 Percentage of Residents Who Fled Alive 40% (approx. 104,000) Killed Between Oct 25 – Oct 27 Over 6,000 Killed at Abu Shouk Displacement Camp At least 300 Total Deaths in Sudan Conflict (Estimate) Over 40,000* *Note: Aid groups suggest the true death toll may be many times higher due to unrecorded casualties. Genocide Criteria Met The UN-backed fact-finding mission, chaired by former Tanzanian Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, assessed the RSF’s actions against the 1948 Genocide Convention . While only one of five criteria is required for a genocide determination, the team found evidence for three: Killing members of a group: Systematic executions of Zaghawa and Fur individuals. Causing serious bodily or mental harm:  Widespread sexual violence and torture . Deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction: Imposing a siege that left residents malnourished and exhausted before the final attack. The report documented chilling testimonies from survivors, with RSF fighters reportedly stating, "We want to eliminate anything black from Darfur,"  and specifically seeking out members of the Zaghawa tribe for execution while sparing those perceived as Arab. The Road to Accountability The RSF, which evolved from the notorious Janjaweed militias of the early 2000s, has expanded its influence despite international condemnation. While RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has acknowledged "abuses," he continues to dispute the scale. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has faced ongoing allegations from UN experts regarding its support for the RSF—allegations the UAE continues to deny. The fact-finding team warns that as the conflict spreads, the international community must move beyond "taking note" and toward active protection of civilians to prevent further ethnic cleansing. Sudan genocide report El Fasher

Derna, Libya-Emergency response teams in eastern Libya are currently engaged in a somber recovery operation after a migrant vessel capsized off the coast near Derna, specifically in the waters between Al-Tamimi and Umm Al-Razm. The incident, which occurred on March 1, 2026, serves as another harrowing reminder of the lethal risks associated with the Central Mediterranean migration route. The Recovery Operation Saleh Jumaa Al-Mahjoub, a member of the Libyan Red Crescent , confirmed that emergency teams from the Umm Al-Razm and Derna branches have recovered several bodies from the shoreline. While initial reports indicated a recovery of 12 bodies in the Qasr Al-Akhyar and Ghanima areas, local authorities are still working to verify the total number of passengers who were aboard the unseaworthy vessel. Search and rescue operations remain active, though hopes of finding survivors are fading. Those rescued from similar recent incidents have been taken to shelter centers, such as the one in Martouba, where the Red Crescent’s migration teams provide medical and psychological support. The Deadliest Start to a Year This tragedy follows a string of maritime disasters that have made 2026 one of the deadliest years on record for the Mediterranean. February 2026: A separate boat carrying 55 people capsized near Zuwara, leaving 53 dead or missing, including two infants. January 2026: Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM)  reveals that at least 375 migrants died or went missing in January alone, the deadliest start to a year since 2014. Humanitarian Outcry Humanitarian groups continue to warn that the official death toll recorded at over 2,100 in 2025 and already exceeding 600 in early 2026, is likely an undercount.  Many "invisible shipwrecks" occur without distress signals, leaving no record of the lives lost. Smuggling networks continue to exploit vulnerable asylum seekers, often launching overcrowded rubber dinghies during extreme weather conditions, such as the recent Cyclone Harry, which battered the region with violent storms and high seas. Migrant boat capsized Libya 2026

Emmanuel Macron's televised address French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered France’s flagship aircraft carrier to deploy to the Mediterranean as tensions escalate in the Middle East. In a televised address on Tuesday, Macron said he had directed the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group to move toward the region in response to growing threats to key global shipping routes. “I have ordered the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, its air assets, and its escort of frigates to set course for the Mediterranean,” Macron said. The deployment comes as global energy markets react to the widening conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Macron said the move aims to help secure maritime routes critical to Europe’s economy. According to the French president, shipping lanes have come under increasing threat following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while routes through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also at risk due to the expanding conflict. “We have taken the initiative to build a coalition in order to pool the necessary resources, including military ones, so that traffic can be restored and secured in these sea lanes that are essential to the global economy,” Macron said. France is also reinforcing its presence in the eastern Mediterranean. Macron confirmed that a French frigate and air defence assets are being deployed to Cyprus. The move comes a day after Iranian-made drones reportedly struck the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri on the island. Macron added that French forces had intercepted and shot down drones to protect the airspace of allied Gulf states. While criticising the escalation, Macron said Iran “bears primary responsibility” for the crisis, but also called for an end to the military strikes as soon as possible. “The United States of America and Israel have decided to launch military operations conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of,” he said. Iran has responded by targeting Israel, Gulf states, and United States facilities across the Middle East, while also threatening shipping traffic in the region. Macron noted that France has defence agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which could be affected by retaliatory actions from Tehran. Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot  said France had deployed Rafale fighter jets over the UAE to secure French air and naval installations. France maintains about 900 military personnel at bases in the UAE, including Rafale aircraft stationed at Al-Dhafra near Abu Dhabi. The country also has about 700 troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon  (UNIFIL). Macron said two French bases had sustained limited strikes, causing material damage since the conflict began. Macron aircraft carrier deployment; Charles de Gaulle; Mediterranean; Middle East conflict; Strait of Hormuz

Harare skyline. By Simbarashe Namusi Harare is a city that wants acceleration. Every week, someone is multiplying money. Every month, someone unveils the “next Dubai.” Every day, someone is promising extraordinary returns guaranteed. And almost every day, someone is quietly absorbing a loss. “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” has stopped being a proverb. In this city, it is financial policy advice. Scroll through WhatsApp groups, and you will find the language of urgency: limited slots, exclusive opportunity, early adopters only. From pyramid schemes to forex clubs, crypto collectives, and housing cooperatives that never lay a single brick, the script barely changes. The branding evolves. The mathematics does not. It would be convenient to blame greed. But greed is an incomplete explanation. What looks like recklessness is often exhaustion. Zimbabwe’s formal economy has narrowed opportunities for years. Stable jobs are scarce. Salaries shrink before the month ends. Some have liquidated pensions, sold cattle, or pooled funeral savings for WhatsApp promises dressed up as “financial freedom.” When the official route to security feels blocked, a shortcut can sound rational. Desperation does not eliminate risk. It only lowers resistance to it. The lifecycle of these ventures is painfully familiar. Early participants receive payouts and testify loudly. Screenshots circulate. Church groups and office corridors become marketing channels. Skeptics are dismissed as negative or jealous. Momentum builds on belief rather than fundamentals. Then the structure buckles. Administrators disappear. Excuses multiply. Silence follows. Losses are whispered about in tones reserved for bereavement. A new promise emerges. Smartphone with WhatsApp messages Harare does not lack memory. It lacks insulation from need. There is also a cultural layer we avoid confronting. We celebrate outcomes without interrogating process. A sudden lifestyle upgrade earns admiration . A new vehicle commands respect. Few ask how. Fewer want to know. We applaud results we do not understand and resent questions we cannot answer. Visible success has become proof enough. In that environment, questioning becomes antisocial. Doubt sounds like sabotage. And so illusions travel faster than caution. When collapse comes, the damage is not only financial. Friendships fracture. Families accuse each other. Congregations split after collective investments evaporate. Trust this. Each failed scheme leaves behind a residue of suspicion that outlives the money. Legitimate ventures then struggle because too many citizens have been burned by something that once sounded sophisticated. This is not merely a story of personal miscalculation. It is also structural. Where regulatory enforcement is inconsistent, fraud becomes predictable. Where financial literacy is uneven, manipulation is efficient. Where economic pressure is constant, magical thinking becomes a survival strategy. In such an ecosystem, certainty sells better than honesty. But structure does not remove responsibility. The questions remain disarmingly simple. How are these returns generated? Is the model sustainable without a continuous flow of new entrants? Who carries the risk when growth slows? If the answers are vague, defensive, or wrapped in motivational language instead of financial clarity, the warning is already visible. The hardest truth is unfashionable, sustainable wealth is slow. It compounds quietly. It rarely announces itself. It rarely multiplies overnight without multiplying danger alongside it . There is nothing glamorous about discipline, and nothing viral about patience. But that is where durability lives. Harare does not suffer from a shortage of ambition. It suffers from a surplus of shortcuts. We want breakthrough without buildup, visibility without verification, reward without interrogation. We want to escape the system without understanding the cost of bypassing it. A city that refuses to audit its dreams will keep paying tuition for believing them. If it is too good to be true, it probably is. In Harare, hope compounds faster than wisdom, and that is proving to be our most expensive investment of all. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing in his personal capacity. Harare investment schemes; Zimbabwe; pyramid schemes; forex scams; crypto scams; financial fraud