Alick Macheso performing live Veteran sungura musician Alick Macheso  has shared a striking account of his early life, revealing that long before sold-out shows and chart-topping albums, he survived by hunting and selling mice in Dzivaresekwa, Harare. The revelation adds a human chapter to the story of one of Zimbabwe’s most enduring cultural icons and underscores the grit behind his rise. Raised in Shamva before relocating to Dzivaresekwa in the early 1980s, Macheso said the hustle was born of necessity. In peak weeks, he could trap up to 900 mice, selling them across the neighbourhood and nearby communities. “People laughed at me,” he recalled, “but I made a living. I’m grateful I stuck with it and lived the best way possible.” What some mocked became the foundation of resilience that later powered his music career. Faith, Hustle, and the Long Road Up Speaking about his journey, to H-Metro , Macheso credited unwavering faith and perseverance for carrying him from hardship to national acclaim. “From humble beginnings to where I am today is God’s favour,” he said, noting the irony of performing today on the same grounds where he once hunted mice. His message to young people is simple and practical: don’t be ashamed of honest work. “What matters is providing for your family using the gifts God gave you.” That ethos resonates beyond music. Macheso describes himself as multi-skilled and an able fisherman when time allows, underscoring a broader philosophy of talent diversification. “Everyone is gifted differently,” he said. “Develop what you have.” Prayer, Not Platforms While not affiliated with a specific church, Macheso calls himself a prayer warrior, describing spirituality as central to both his personal life and creative longevity. As his career continues to draw crowds and accolades, he says the discipline of prayer keeps him grounded and focused on growth. “I will continue to develop the gift God has given me,” he added. Macheso’s reflections arrive as renewed public interest surrounds his work, including recent moments celebrating his impact on Zimbabwean music culture. ( See our internal features on Zimbabwe’s creative economy and how artists turn talent into sustainable livelihoods .) Alick Macheso early life

Harare International Airport runway and control tower The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion  has rejected a recommendation by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the State to assume legacy debts owed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) , warning that such a move would strain the national budget and undermine funding for essential public services. In written submissions to Parliament, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube  said Treasury lacks the fiscal space to absorb or directly service the aviation regulator’s liabilities, stressing that debt management must follow established frameworks rather than ad hoc transfers. “The principle of fiscal prudence requires that debt management remain aligned with established mechanisms,” Ncube said, adding that taking on CAAZ’s obligations would compromise national development priorities. Mounting Debt Pressures at CAAZ CAAZ has been under sustained financial pressure, with its current liabilities exceeding current assets, an indicator of working capital deficiency and difficulty meeting short-term obligations. According to the PAC, the authority failed to service overdue legacy long-term loans amounting to ZWL18,59 billion, alongside domestic loans of ZWL111 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The committee warned that operations at the aviation regulator were under threat, citing a “going concern” risk stemming from legacy loans that were not transferred during the unbundling of CAAZ into a regulator and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) , which manages airports. PAC further noted that the failure to properly align assets and liabilities during the unbundling process raised questions about the financial and accounting oversight of CAAZ’s accounting officers. Parliament Pushes for State Intervention In its report, the PAC urged CAAZ to engage its parent ministry to facilitate the transfer of legacy loans to ACZ. It went further, recommending that the Treasury consider taking over the debts to stabilise the regulator and safeguard its long-term sustainability. Efforts are reportedly underway to transfer US$48 million in legacy obligations to government an outcome which, if achieved, could resolve the authority’s going concern challenges, according to the committee. Treasury: CAAZ Has Sufficient Revenue Streams Treasury, however, maintains that the unbundling process deliberately ensured CAAZ retained viable revenue streams to meet its obligations. Under the current arrangement, CAAZ collects airspace fees directly, while ACZ is responsible for landing fees and passenger service charges. Crucially, CAAZ also receives 32% of the revenue collected from landing fees and passenger taxes by ACZ. “These arrangements provide CAAZ with sufficient revenue streams to meet its debt obligations,” Ncube said, emphasising that the restructuring was designed to avoid burdening the fiscus while ensuring sustainable debt servicing by both entities. The standoff underscores broader tensions around parastatal debt, aviation infrastructure funding, and fiscal discipline issues explored in our ongoing coverage of Zimbabwe’s aviation challenges and public enterprise reforms. CAAZ legacy debts

Pedros' Flame Grilled Chicken South African fast-food chain Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken is set to create approximately 300 jobs in Zimbabwe as it rolls out an initial 10 outlets by February next year. Founded in 2019, Pedros has expanded rapidly and now operates more than 210 stores across South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Kenya. The brand is entering the Zimbabwean market through a strategic partnership with Canary Wharf Zimbabwe (CWZ). First Phase Focused on Harare Executive Head of Delegation Bernard Muneri said the first phase of the expansion will focus on Harare to streamline logistics and strengthen supply chain management. “We are looking at opening about 10 stores within the next year, starting in Harare,” Muneri said. “Each store will employ between 30 and 35 people, which means roughly 300 jobs in the first phase alone.” The jobs are expected to span operations, customer service, kitchen staff, logistics, and management roles, providing a boost to Zimbabwe’s retail and food services employment sector. Local Sourcing a Priority Muneri emphasised that the company will prioritise local sourcing, particularly from Zimbabwean poultry farmers. He confirmed that Pedros will not import chicken products, aligning with its regional model of supporting domestic agricultural value chains. International Stores Department representative Sean Rowe said local procurement is central to the brand’s expansion strategy. “All our fresh products, such as chicken and vegetables, are sourced locally in the countries we operate in,” Rowe said. The approach is expected to create downstream benefits for Zimbabwe’s poultry, horticulture, and packaging industries. Zimbabwe Seen as Growth Market New Development Executive Peter Erasmus described Zimbabwe as an attractive investment destination, citing improvements in the business environment and rising demand within the fast-food sector. He noted that landlords are already offering prime retail space in shopping malls and food courts, reflecting confidence in the brand’s market entry. CWZ chief executive Cleopas Mugomba said the partnership would stimulate employment creation, skills transfer, and technology exchange, while strengthening local agriculture and manufacturing linkages. With Zimbabwe’s expanding urban consumer base and fast-growing food delivery culture, Pedros believes it is well-positioned to compete in the country’s grilled chicken segment, traditionally dominated by established regional brands. The initial rollout in Harare is expected to set the stage for further expansion into other major cities if the first phase proves successful. Pedros Zimbabwe jobs

Benjani Mwaruwaru Bulawayo giants Highlanders F.C. could head to Botswana this week for a proposed six-day pre-season training camp, with the trip subject to final clearance from the relevant authorities. Sources close to the club say Bosso are finalising plans for a short camp outside Zimbabwe as part of preparations for the 2026 campaign. While an earlier proposal had identified Malawi as the preferred destination, Botswana has since emerged as the likely venue pending completion of travel and regulatory paperwork. Efforts to obtain official comment were unsuccessful, but insiders confirm the club is engaging key stakeholders, including the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC), to secure the necessary approvals. “The team is expected to travel to Botswana, but everything is subject to the paperwork being finalised. The club is working closely with the relevant authorities to make sure the trip sails through. It is likely to be a six-day training camp, with practice matches against local Botswana teams lined up,” said a source within Highlanders. A Fresh Start After 2025 Struggles If the tour materialises, it will represent a marked departure from last season’s troubled build-up, which many within the club blamed for their disastrous 2025 campaign. Highlanders endured a chaotic pre-season last year under then-coach Kelvin Kaindu, who publicly expressed frustration over preparations before his eventual departure. The instability translated into poor performances on the pitch. Bosso flirted with relegation for much of the season and only secured safety on the final day of the 2025 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League campaign, finishing a disappointing 11th, one of the club’s lowest finishes in recent years. Benjani Era Signals New Optimism Now under the guidance of Zimbabwean football legend Benjani Mwaruwari, optimism is returning to the Highlanders faithful. Mwaruwari, whose professional playing career spanned South Africa and England, has been tasked with restoring stability, discipline, and competitiveness at the historic Bulawayo club. His appointment is widely viewed as a strategic reset aimed at long-term rebuilding. The new technical team’s efforts have been bolstered by fresh financial backing, including a reported US$1 million injection from businessman Wicknell Chivhayo , a prominent Zimbabwean businessman Why the Botswana Camp Matters Should authorities approve, the Botswana camp will offer Mwaruwari and his staff a controlled environment to: Build squad cohesion Assess new signings Implement tactical systems Strengthen team bonding away from home distractions Pre-season camps outside Zimbabwe have historically provided PSL clubs with valuable competitive exposure through friendly matches and high-intensity training blocks. For now, however, Highlanders’ travel plans remain in limbo as the club awaits final clearance. If approved, the Botswana trip could mark the first tangible step in Bosso’s bid to reclaim its stature in Zimbabwean football. Highlanders Plan Botswana Pre-Season Camp

Abandoned Land Cruiser Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Limpopo have foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser worth more than R1.5 million into Zimbabwe, just two days after it was reported stolen in Gauteng. The operation was conducted under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo. According to SANDF spokesperson Moses Semono , troops from the 1st South African Tank Regiment intercepted the vehicle on February 8, 2026, as it attempted to cross the swollen Limpopo River. The Toyota Land Cruiser, valued at R1,513,300, was allegedly being smuggled across the river when soldiers moved in. “Upon seeing our soldiers, the occupants swam to the other side, and our soldiers had to guard the vehicle until the 17th of February 2026, when the capability became available to pull the vehicle from the river,” Semono said. Subsequent verification by the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Boksburg on February 6, 2026. Second Vehicle Seized at Border In a related operation, SANDF members confiscated a Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 at Gumbu, along the South Africa–Zimbabwe border. Stolen vehicles, including Toyota Fortuner and Nissan Patrol, recovered in and around Limpopo Both vehicles were handed over to SAPS for further investigation. Firearm Discovered at Beitbridge In a separate incident at the Beitbridge Border Post, SANDF officers discovered an abandoned bag containing a 9mm Retax-X-Pro pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition. Semono confirmed that the Local Criminal Record Centre of SAPS was called in to process the firearm and take over the investigation. Ongoing Border Security Operations The interceptions form part of ongoing border safeguarding operations aimed at curbing vehicle smuggling, illicit cross-border movement, and organised crime along the Limpopo frontier, a known hotspot for stolen vehicle trafficking. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tightening border controls and strengthening collaboration between SANDF and SAPS to combat cross-border crime. SANDF Stops R1.5m Land Cruiser Smuggling

French ambassador Paul-Bertrand Barets The French International School of Harare is set to host more than 600 students from over 40 schools nationwide for a major French song contest scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2026. A total of 660 learners from 44 schools are expected to participate in the two-day event, accompanied by 88 French teachers. Now in its third edition, the competition has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s leading platforms for promoting the French language and strengthening cultural exchange. School head Laetitia Cibrario said preparations were at an advanced stage to welcome participants from both primary and secondary institutions. “The French International School of Harare is preparing to welcome, in one month, 660 students from 44 schools across the country for our French songs contest. So this contest is the third edition of the French songs contest,” Cibrario said. “This major two-day event will also bring together the 88 French teachers accompanying the participants.” Strengthening Franco-Zimbabwean Cultural Ties Cibrario said the initiative aligns with broader cultural cooperation between France and Zimbabwe, particularly under the Zim FLE programme led by the Embassy of France in Zimbabwe. “This initiative is fully in line with Franco-Zimbabwean cultural co-operation and the Zim FLE programme, which aims to strengthen the presence and teaching of French in Zimbabwe,” she said. The contest will be split into two segments, with primary schools competing on March 19 and secondary schools performing on March 20. Winners will receive prizes in the presence of invited dignitaries. “. . . it is really part of cultural co-operation between France and Zimbabwe. So on March 19, we will have the primary schools and on the 20th, the secondary schools. It's a partnership with local schools, private for most of them,” Cibrario added. National Platform for French Learners Up to 15 students will take to the stage before a distinguished jury made up of ambassadors and diplomats from French-speaking nations. The event will be graced by the French ambassador to Zimbabwe, Paul-Bertrand Barets , alongside representatives from countries including Greece, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, Canada, and Egypt. Cibrario described the contest as a celebration of creativity and linguistic excellence. “The contest promises a moment of sharing, creativity and recognition of the dynamism of French learners across the country,” she said. The 2026 edition marks the first time the school is hosting the event on such a broad national scale, reflecting growing interest in French language education in Zimbabwe. French song contest Harare 2026

Costing your Art By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times In last week’s column, "The Innovation Hub Harvest,"  we explored how you can utilize high-end university gear to move your production from "bedroom quality" to "global standards." We’ve covered the paperwork , the global digital passports , and the funding tricks . But here is the million-ZiG question: Once you’ve used that fancy Innovation Hub camera or that grant-funded studio to create a masterpiece, how much do you charge for it? If you are a sculptor in Harare, a wedding photographer in Gweru, or a ghostwriter in Mount Selinda, chances are you are accidentally subsidizing your clients. In the NDS2 era, "pricing by vibes" is the quickest way to stay broke. If we are to reach "Upper Middle-Income Status" by 2030, we have to start pricing like an industry, not a hobby. The "Volunteer" Trap: Are You Actually Making Money? Most Zimbabwean creatives price their work based on what they think the customer is willing to pay. This is a trap. If you sell a beat for $50, but you spent $20 on data, $10 on electricity (thanks, ZESA), and 10 hours of your life producing it, you’ve earned less than $2 an hour. You aren't an entrepreneur; you are a volunteer with a very expensive hobby. To align with the Industrialization pillar of NDS2, we must move toward Cost-Plus Pricing. The Formula: (Hourly Rate × Time) + Materials + Overheads + Profit Margin = Your Price. If you are a fine artist in Chipinge, don't just charge for the canvas. Charge for the years it took you to learn how to paint that well. Your "Hourly Rate" should reflect your expertise. A professional creative pricing formula on a chalkboard showing Labor, Materials, Overhead, and Profit Margin Value-Based Pricing: The Mbare vs. Borrowdale Factor Under NDS2, the government is pushing for Value Addition. This means your price shouldn't just be about how hard you worked, but how much value you provided. Think about it this way: A logo for a tuckshop in Mbare helps that shop look "okay." A logo for a corporate headquarters in Harare helps that company win million-dollar contracts. Even if both logos took you five hours to design, the value provided to the corporate client is higher. Therefore, the price must be higher. Don't feel guilty about charging a "Premium" when your work meets the global standards we discussed in our ISRC and digital trade guide . High-quality work produced at an Innovation Hub deserves a high-quality price tag. Overcoming the "Local Discount" Fever We often hear the phrase, "Brother, help me out, things are tough."  While community is important, NDS2 is about Commercial Viability. When you underprice your work, you don't just hurt yourself; you hurt the entire creative ecosystem in Zimbabwe. You make it harder for the next artist in Mount Selinda to demand a fair wage because the client will say, "But the guy in Harare does it for half that price!" Professionalism starts with a rate card. Having a formal price list (part of your formalized business structure ) s ignals to the client that you are a serious practitioner, not a desperate amateur. The Bottom Line: Your Time is a Finite Resource The NDS2 roadmap isn't just about big government projects; it’s about you getting paid what you are worth. Whether you are carving stone, writing code, or filming documentaries, stop apologizing for your price. If your art is good enough to be exported (which it is!), it is good enough to be priced competitively. Respect the craft, respect the costs, and for heaven's sake, respect your time. Pricing for creative services

Binga DRC In a district where hunger forces thousands of children out of school, and most households lack basic sanitation, a luxury four‑bedroom house with a jacuzzi is nearing completion on the shores of Lake Kariba, built at public expense for the long‑serving chief executive of one of Zimbabwe’s poorest rural authorities. An investigation by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) reveals Binga Rural District Council has spent close to US$200,000 constructing a so‑called “grace‑and‑favour” residence for CEO Joshua Muzamba, despite a government directive (Circular CX154) barring local authorities from building personal homes for senior officials. The property sits on a two‑acre stand valued at more than US$40,000, allocated free of charge in an exclusive peninsula neighbourhood about six kilometres from Binga town. The house features four bedrooms, three en-suites, two garages, and a jacuzzi, a level of luxury sharply at odds with the district’s stark realities. Lakeside house under construction in Binga ZimStat data show 73% of households in Binga have no toilets, and education ministry figures indicate thousands of pupils drop out or attend irregularly because of hunger and distance to schools. Yet council funds have been channelled into the high‑end residence while basic services remain underfunded. Neither Muzamba nor the council responded to repeated requests for comment. The Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe (ARDCZ), chaired by Muzamba, passed a resolution permitting construction of houses for senior officials after 10 years of service, a move critics say sidesteps central government policy. Past audits and police inquiries have flagged governance weaknesses at Binga RDC, including under‑receipting, unrecorded bank transfers, and unsigned council minutes. Residents say little meaningful corrective action followed. Local MP Fanuel Cumanzala described the CEO as a dominant figure operating with little internal resistance, alleging that councillors fear challenging him. Critics also point to alleged nepotism in hiring and council resolutions that shift costs onto ratepayers. The Auditor‑General has warned that diverting capital funds to executive residences risks undermining service delivery; similar practices were flagged in other councils in 2022. For many in Binga, the lakeside mansion has become a potent symbol of inequality and contested governance: a public‑funded lakeside home with a jacuzzi in a district where children go hungry and families lack toilets. Binga RDC CEO mansion

Zimbabwe and Turkmenistan Take Bilateral Relations a Step Further through Parliamentary Diplomacy ASHGABAT, February 24 — Turkmenistan and Zimbabwe have signed a Protocol on bilateral political consultations between their respective Foreign Ministries, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two nations. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, the agreement was formalised in Ashgabat during high-level political consultations. The document was signed by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serdar Muhammetdurdyyev, and Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, who led a delegation to the Turkmen capital for the talks. Focus on Political and Diplomatic Dialogue During the discussions, both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and explored prospects for expanding cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing political and diplomatic dialogue through structured and regular consultations between the two foreign ministries. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting high-level engagements and strengthening inter-parliamentary relations as part of broader diplomatic cooperation. The newly signed protocol establishes a formal framework for continued dialogue, creating a mechanism for consistent diplomatic engagement and policy coordination on matters of mutual interest. Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation Beyond political ties, the two countries examined opportunities to deepen trade and economic relations. Officials highlighted significant potential for collaboration in key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and the textile industry. Both sides underscored the importance of fostering stronger connections between their respective business communities. Proposed measures include organising joint business forums, facilitating participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and encouraging private sector partnerships. Observers note that enhanced economic cooperation could unlock new markets and diversify trade relations for both countries. Cultural and Humanitarian Exchange In addition to political and economic engagement, the discussions addressed cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields. The delegations expressed shared interest in expanding partnerships in education, sports, and tourism. Plans to organise reciprocal cultural events and promote direct institutional linkages were also discussed, reflecting a broader push to strengthen people-to-people ties. The signing of the protocol signals a renewed momentum in Turkmenistan–Zimbabwe relations, with both governments positioning the agreement as a foundation for sustained diplomatic engagement and multi-sector collaboration. Turkmenistan Zimbabwe bilateral protocol

Milcah Maigurira SEO Title:  Dzimbahwe Institute Petitions NACZ for Traditional Music Category at 24th Nama Awards Meta Description:  The Dzimbahwe Institute of Heritage and Culture has urged NACZ and Nama to introduce a standalone traditional music category ahead of the 24th awards in Harare. Slug:  dzimbahwe-institute-petitions-nacz-traditional-music-nama The Dzimbahwe Institute of Heritage and Culture has formally petitioned the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) secretariat to introduce a standalone traditional music category, arguing that the move is critical to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s indigenous artistic heritage. The petition comes ahead of the 24th NAMA awards ceremony scheduled for Saturday at the Harare International Conference Centre, one of the country’s premier event venues. Institute executive director Milcah Maigurira confirmed that a formal submission was lodged ahead of this year’s ceremony. She described the initiative as “born out of deep respect” for Nama and its long-standing role in shaping and reflecting Zimbabwe’s artistic identity. “For years, we have observed that while Nama celebrates contemporary and urban art forms extensively, the foundation of our nation’s cultural identity specifically traditional music and heritage arts is consistently relegated to the sidelines,” Maigurira said. She noted that there is currently no dedicated competitive category exclusively recognising traditional music forms and indigenous instruments such as the mbira, marimba, hosho, and ngoma. According to the institute, grouping diverse heritage expressions into broader categories limits visibility, prestige, and opportunities for practitioners. “We are simply requesting that Nama elevates traditional music to a distinct and competitive category with the same prestige and resources as other genres,” she added. In a letter addressed to NACZ and seen by Southerton Business Times, the institute outlined several motivations behind the proposal. These include formally recognising master musicians and instrument makers, incentivising youth participation in indigenous arts, and affirming the centrality of traditional culture in Zimbabwe’s evolving creative economy. The letter argues that establishing a “Best Traditional Music” category would align Nama more closely with its mandate of promoting and preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. The institute has also offered its technical expertise in developing criteria, judging frameworks, and eligibility guidelines for the proposed award. Maigurira said the petition further seeks clarity on the criteria and processes used to introduce new award categories. She stressed that the campaign is rooted in equitable representation rather than preferential treatment. “This is not a request for preference, but a call for fairness in recognising art forms that define who we are as a people,” she said. The proposal has garnered support from sections of the arts community. Members of the Barikira B Kreative Group described the initiative as timely within ongoing debates on cultural preservation. Mbira player and broadcaster Shumbakadzi also backed the call, noting that she has long advocated for greater recognition of Zimbabwean traditional music on major award platforms. At the time of publication, NACZ and Nama organisers had not publicly responded to the submission. The development has intensified debate among cultural stakeholders over how national arts platforms balance contemporary trends with heritage preservation. Traditional music category Nama

Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison   HARARE —  A 21‑year‑old man from Mufakose was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison after a Harare magistrate found him guilty of raping a two‑year‑old child. Magistrate Noel Mupeiwa presided over the case and ruled that the defence had failed to rebut what the court described as overwhelming evidence presented by the State. The accused, a family friend of the victim, was arrested following an incident at the complainant’s home on January 7. Prosecution account and medical evidence According to the State, represented by Cecilia Mashingaidze, the accused visited the complainant’s parents and sat in the same room as the toddler and her stepbrother. The child’s mother, who was in the kitchen at the time, heard the toddler screaming and rushed to check. The child continued to cry but did not immediately disclose what had happened. Police were notified, and the minor was referred for a medical examination. The subsequent clinical assessment confirmed that the child had been sexually abused. At a police interview, the complainant’s stepbrother identified the accused as the person who had molested the toddler. Court findings and sentence Magistrate Mupeiwa found the evidence presented by the prosecution credible and concluded the defence case was weak. The court convicted the accused and imposed a custodial sentence of 20 years at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. The judgment emphasised the seriousness of sexual offences against minors and the need for robust legal responses to protect vulnerable children. The court record shows the State also relied on witness testimony and the medical report in securing the conviction. Community impact and legal context The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of young children in domestic settings and the role of prompt reporting and medical examination in securing convictions. Child protection agencies and legal practitioners often stress the importance of immediate medical care and forensic documentation in cases of sexual abuse involving minors. Legal experts note that sentences for sexual offences involving children reflect both the gravity of the crime and the courts’ deterrent objectives. Victim‑support services and social workers typically play a role in post‑conviction care for affected families. Mufakose man jailed for 20 years rape two-year-old

President Emmerson Mnangagwa BULAWAYO —  President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Friday that Zimbabwe will move beyond supplying raw minerals and accelerate local beneficiation and processing to spur industrialisation and economic growth. Speaking at an annual exporters’ conference in Bulawayo, the President urged exporters to develop value‑added products and build global brands rooted in Zimbabwe’s natural resources and skills base. Policy shift: from raw exports to value‑added production “In the mining sector, our policy is unequivocal,” President Mnangagwa told delegates. “Zimbabwe is no longer satisfied with being a supplier of raw minerals. Under my administration, focus is on local processing, diversifying downstream industries, technology transfer and stronger linkages across the economy.”  He said the government’s thrust is to strengthen an export‑led growth model by increasing processed exports and integrating more Zimbabwean firms into global value chains. Strategic priorities for exporters The President urged exporters to scale up production and transform local products into internationally recognised brands. He emphasised that export growth should leverage the country’s endowments, including gold, platinum group metals, lithium, and chrome, while building skills, adopting new technologies, and encouraging private‑sector investment in downstream industries. “Zimbabwe must, therefore, continue to grow by producing and processing more, toward increased export volumes,” President Mnangagwa said, calling for stronger public‑private collaboration to expand the industrial base and attract technology transfer. Economic rationale and expected outcomes Officials argue that local beneficiation will capture greater value from mineral wealth, create jobs, broaden the manufacturing base, and reduce vulnerability to commodity price swings. By processing minerals domestically and developing downstream industries, Zimbabwe aims to increase export earnings, stimulate investment in manufacturing, and generate higher‑skilled employment. The President framed the policy as part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy, deepen industrial linkages, and position Zimbabwean firms for entry into regional and global markets. Implementation challenges and next steps Achieving large‑scale beneficiation will require investment in processing facilities, reliable energy supply, skills development, regulatory clarity, and incentives that attract private and foreign capital. Stakeholders at the conference discussed measures to improve export competitiveness, including logistics, quality standards, access to finance, and targeted industrial policy to support value‑chain development. Mnangagwa’s remarks signal a renewed push by the government to prioritise downstream industrial projects and to align mining policy with national industrialisation objectives. President Emmerson Mnangagwa local beneficiation 2026