Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda Harare, Zimbabwe – February 22, 2026 – The Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO) has officially referenced its National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF), a move set to harmonise Zimbabwe’s education and training standards with regional and continental benchmarks. The milestone positions Zimbabwe within a growing network of African countries working toward a unified qualifications system that promotes mobility, comparability, and mutual recognition of credentials. The ACQF initiative supports cooperation among African Union member states to build a trusted continental space for qualifications, benefitting learners, institutions, and employers. Speaking at a strategic convention held in Harare this week, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Simelisizwe Sibanda, described the referencing process as substantive and transformative. “We have referenced our national qualifications framework to the ACQF. This is not a ceremonial exercise. HEXCO must now lead the harmonisation of assessment standards, credit systems and qualification benchmarks with our SADC partners,” Sibanda said. The referencing aligns Zimbabwe’s NQF with continental norms, strengthening comparability with countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Education experts say this is crucial for labour mobility and skills portability, particularly as cross-border trade and regional industrialisation gain momentum under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dr. Rumbidzai Mavhunga, a higher education policy analyst based in Harare, told Southerton Business Times that referencing enhances trust in Zimbabwe’s qualifications. “When frameworks are aligned to continental standards, it increases transparency in level descriptors, credit accumulation, and quality assurance systems. That makes qualifications easier to compare and recognise,” she explained. A key focus of the convention was ensuring HEXCO’s strategic objectives align with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises innovation, skills development, and industrial growth. Officials noted that strengthening assessment credibility and qualification recognition directly supports economic transformation goals. Deputy Minister Sibanda underscored the reputational implications of the reform. “When a Zambian training authority seeks HEXCO support, it is our credibility that travels across the border. Let us ensure it arrives intact,” he said. As part of broader reforms, HEXCO is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) and the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC). The partnership aims to harmonise standards across general, higher, and vocational education sectors to ensure coherence and continental recognition. Participants at the convention welcomed the move, with one vocational training college principal describing it as “a gateway to continental competitiveness for Zimbabwean graduates.” With the ACQF referencing now complete, attention shifts to implementation, ensuring alignment of curricula, assessment methodologies, and credit systems. If effectively executed, analysts say the reform could significantly enhance Zimbabwe’s education brand and unlock new opportunities for learners and skilled professionals across Africa. HEXCO ACQF Zimbabwe qualifications framework

Ali Mohamed Salem of UJTSARIO at National Youth Day celebrations in Zimbabwe Harare, Zimbabwe – February 21, 2026 – The Secretary-General of the Youth Union of Saguia El-Hamra and Rio de Oro (UJTSARIO), Ali Mohamed Salem, participated in Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day commemorations following an official invitation from local youth organizations. The event was presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and drew youth representatives from across the country and the African continent. Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day, observed annually on February 21, coincides with the birthday of the late former President Robert Mugabe and has become a platform for youth engagement, empowerment initiatives, and continental solidarity. According to the Government of Zimbabwe and previous state addresses, the day focuses on innovation, employment creation, and youth inclusion in national development. Salem’s participation reflects growing cooperation between African youth movements and solidarity networks. Speaking on the sidelines of the event at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, a youth delegate from the Zimbabwe Youth Council said, “The presence of Sahrawi youth strengthens the spirit of African unity. Our struggles and aspirations are interconnected.” During the commemorations, Salem joined other visiting delegations in a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa. He conveyed greetings from Brahim Ghali, President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front. Salem reaffirmed what he described as “deep historical ties” between Zimbabwe and the Sahrawi people, and expressed appreciation for Zimbabwe’s long-standing support for Western Sahara’s right to self-determination. Zimbabwe officially recognizes the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a position consistent with resolutions of the African Union, which lists SADR as a member state. Political analyst Dr. Tendai Moyo of the University of Zimbabwe told Southerton Business Times that Harare’s stance “is rooted in its liberation war history and its broader foreign policy doctrine of supporting anti-colonial and self-determination movements across Africa.” The National Youth Day event also featured cultural performances, entrepreneurship exhibitions, and policy discussions focused on youth-led development. President Mnangagwa reiterated his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing ongoing innovation hubs and skills development programmes aimed at tackling unemployment. Observers noted that the engagement between Zimbabwean and Sahrawi youth aligns with continental frameworks such as the African Youth Charter, which promotes participation of young people in governance and socio-economic transformation. As African nations deepen cooperation through platforms such as the African Union and regional youth networks, the participation of Sahrawi representatives at Zimbabwe’s National Youth Day underscores Harare’s continued diplomatic posture and the enduring narrative of pan-African solidarity. Sahrawi youth Zimbabwe National Youth Day 2026

Floyd Mayweather Jr. announces boxing comeback in Las Vegas Las Vegas – Undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. has officially confirmed he is coming out of retirement and returning to sanctioned professional boxing, reigniting one of the sport’s most iconic careers. Approaching his 49th birthday, the former five-weight world champion released a written statement to ESPN announcing that he will reactivate his flawless 50-0 professional record following a high-profile exhibition bout against heavyweight great Mike Tyson scheduled for Spring 2026. Exhibition First, Then Full Professional Return Mayweather will first step into the ring in a special exhibition clash with Tyson, widely expected to be a global pay-per-view spectacle. While the official date, venue, and broadcast partner are yet to be confirmed, early industry projections suggest the event could rival the financial success of Mayweather’s previous blockbuster exhibitions. Following the Tyson bout, Mayweather will transition fully back into sanctioned competition under a newly signed exclusive promotional agreement with CSI Sports and Fight Sports. The deal grants the companies promotional control over what is being billed as the next phase of his global boxing events. In his statement, Mayweather expressed unwavering confidence in his ability to remain boxing’s biggest commercial draw. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” he said. “From the Tyson event to my professional return, no athlete will generate a bigger global audience or a larger gate.” Commercial Power and Legacy at Stake Industry analysts note that Mayweather remains one of the highest-grossing fighters in boxing history, headlining record-breaking pay-per-view events throughout his career. Sports business analyst Mark Feldman told Southerton Business Times that “even at 49, Mayweather’s brand equity is unmatched. His return will command global sponsorship, premium broadcast rights, and massive gate revenues.” CSI Sports co-founders Richard and Craig Miele reinforced that ambition, stating their partnership aims to deliver “the highest-profile fighters and highest-grossing combat sports events worldwide.” Eyewitness reaction from fans outside Mayweather’s Las Vegas gym reflected similar excitement. “People will tune in no matter what,” said boxing enthusiast Carlos Ramirez. “It’s Mayweather. Undefeated. That storyline alone sells.” The Mayweather vs. Tyson exhibition is slated for Spring 2026, with final logistical details still to be announced. Once complete, Mayweather’s return to sanctioned competition will officially reactivate his perfect 50-0 record, potentially opening the door for title implications or high-profile superfights. For boxing, the comeback represents more than nostalgia, it signals the return of one of the sport’s most bankable and polarising figures to its competitive stage. Floyd Mayweather Jr comeback 2026

Onion roots and bulbs Every day, we thank God for the Garden of Eden with its rich biodiversity. Last week we learnt aboutcayenne pepper and its ability to save life before, during, and aftera stroke! This week we want toexplore the awesome onion. It’s said that long before farming and even writing was invented,wildonions were a staple in the prehistoric diet. In Numbers 11:5, the children of Israel lament the meagre desert diet enforced by the Exodus. Theysaid, “We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers ……and the onionsand the garlic”. Onions were an object of worship symbolising eternity to those who buried themalong with their Pharaohs. The Egyptians saw eternal life in the anatomy of the onion because of itscircle-within-a circle structure. It ’s also reported that in 1864, General Ulysses S. Grant declared in an advisory to the federalgovernment, “I will not move my army without onions!” During World War I and II, soldiers used rawonions to test the seal of their gas masks. Because onions cause significant stinging, if a soldier couldnot smell or feel the effect of the onion, their mask was properly sealed against chemical attacks. Sopowerful was this bulb that it was dotted around military hospitals to prevent the spread of mostlyrespiratory infections. Sometimes called ‘The Father of Medicine’, Charaka was the Kashmiri sage who gathered ancientwisdom in the Charaka Samhita, which became a founding text of Ayurveda, the Hindu alternativemedicine still practiced today. As early as the sixth century, this famous medical treatise celebrated theonion as medicine- a diuretic good for the heart, the eyes, and the joints. Tenants, you gotta listen to this! During the Middle Ages, onions were so important that peopleused to pay their rent with onions. For those who hate Valentine’s Day, onions back then were givenas gifts. Unfortunately, we cannot travel back in time! In first-century Greece, onions were used to fortify athletes for the Olympic Games. The athleteswere required to consume pounded onions, drink onion juice, and rub onions all over their bodies before any competition.I recall during COVID, we used the onion more than we did prescription medication. My son would get so irritated when I put onions under his feet before bed when he had a cold. That ritual worked wonders he would be in school the following morning. Had it not been for God's gift of onions, COVIDfatalities would certainly have been worse. The reason why we cry when cutting onions is that onions are filled with tiny enzymes andsulphur rich compounds. This reaction produces a gas that reaches our eyes, which dissolves a thinlayer of moisture covering our eyeballs. Our eyes have tear glands that act as a defence mechanism. So when irritation is detected, our tear glands get to work, thereby producing tears. If onions arechilled first, the amount of sulfur is reduced, meaning fewer tears. So next time you seriously needsomething from a stingy person, just cut onions, and the tears will speak for you. Onion family Nutritional value and health benefits of onions Onion nutritional value The multi-purpose character of onions In case of an earache or a cold, heating raw onions, extracting their juice, and putting 4-4 drops in the ear or nose gives instant relief. If one gets chicken pox, then it can be cured by grinding 2-3 black peppers in a teaspoon of onion, taken 2-3 times daily with no side effects. During our childhood, having a boil used to be a nightmare! The pain of physically extracting pus from the ripened boil was excruciating. We must certainly claim compensation for that trauma. Had our parents known that eating raw onion and tying it on boils relieves pain instantly, and the boil ripens with pus coming out easily. Our air is filled with bacterial particles and viruses. And rituals like tying 8-10 onions in a bundle, hanging it outside the house was said to help children from many types of bacteria and viruses spread through the air. This one baffled me! With the advent of extreme heat due to global warming, onions are an amazing solution. One can avoid the fear of a heat wave when walking in the sun by keeping an onion in the pocket or simply tying it around the neck. If you or a loved one has a cold, putting onions under your feet and wearing socks clears the mucus and restores good health! Onions regulate blood sugar levels. The nutrients in onions support a healthy immune system For excellent digestive health, choose onions. Due to their rich fiber content, onions aid digestion and help prevent constipation. For mostly old folk battling with weak bones, onions increase bone density Detoxification is an essential ritual once or twice a month. Compounds in onions support the body’s natural detoxification. Antioxidants neutralise free radicals, protecting our cells from damage. Onions are rich in antioxidants. Some studies suggest that onions may have cancer-fighting properties Onions reduce inflammation. A vegetable bursting with nutrients and vitamins is the onion. Hair grows fast when the scalp is massaged with onion juice. Onion when soaked in water overnight, have immense benefits on liver and skin too Regular consumption of onions reduces atherosclerosis. If you have sleep problems, one raw onion daily will see you snoring in no time! If you love indulging in throw-ins, make onions your best friend, as they are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Life was never meant to be so painful with God’s gift of nature. He never meant for us to go under knives in surgery or have needles pricking us. We owe it to ourselves to live healthy lives and choose nature as our best medicine ! There are so many more uses of this amazing vegetable, also called allium cuppa! It’s not just a health plug but a solution to many life problems. When it comes to boils and difficult-to-heal wounds, never again subject yourself or your family to unnecessary pain and suffering. Apply a clean slice of onion and let it heal. And if you have a cold or fever, it's sure to rest in peace if you follow the ritual as guided! Next time you feel sick, get into the kitchen and explore the unending benefits of the onion. Disclaimer : This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, ortreatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding amedical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because ofsomething you have read here. Dr. Precious Sibiya is a certified Wellness Practitioner, stroke survivor, and advocate for naturalhealing and lifestyle. Contact her for more Wellness insights on Email: precioussibiya2014@gmail.com +263775369467 awesome onion health benefits

Willovale Road Rehabilitation HARARE  — Zimbabwe’s industrial heartland is poised for a fresh economic surge as the rehabilitation of Willowvale Road and its newly constructed traffic circle is officially commissioned on Monday, 23 February 2026, by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Felix Mhona. The strategically vital corridor linking Willowvale, Harare Drive, and Simon Mazorodze Road has long been a thorn in the side of logistics operators, commuters, and local residents due to crushing congestion and deteriorating surfaces. Its restoration unlocks a major “missing link” in the capital’s arterial network. Boosting Business and Commuter Productivity For manufacturers, transport firms, and family-run enterprises anchored around Willowvale, the reopening represents a critical win. Years of traffic snarls, deep potholes, and gridlocked intersections escalated operational costs through vehicle wear-and-tear and productivity losses. The newly laid asphalt, widened lanes, and traffic circle at the Chinzou Roundabout now promise to: Cut logistics turnaround times — especially for haulage vehicles transporting goods toward Harare’s CBD or the Beitbridge-bound highways. Improve commuter experience — reducing travel times for residents in Highfield, Glen Norah, Southerton, and Glen View. Support safer urban mobility — by integrating modern signage and bridge enhancements over the Mukuvisi River. Urban infrastructure and mobility experts widely recognise road quality as a key determinant of economic competitiveness. Improved corridors such as Willowvale Road directly enhance Zimbabwe’s Ease of Doing Business  metrics by lowering logistics friction and unlocking value for the manufacturing sector. A Milestone Under the National Development Strategy 2 This commissioning is more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. It is one of the first major milestones under Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2: 2026–2030), the government’s blueprint for accelerating socioeconomic transformation toward a prosperous upper-middle-income society by 2030. NDS2 emphasises infrastructure as a core pillar, prioritising transport corridors, utilities, and urban services as enablers of inclusive growth and structural transformation. Infrastructure projects like Willowvale Road reflect a shift from reactive maintenance to building a “modern, resilient infrastructure backbone,” a key theme echoed across national planning documents aimed at integrating stakeholders, including the private sector, into the delivery chain. The government’s intent to leverage internal capacity, including domestic asphalt production and local contracting firms, also underscores a commitment to value-for-money outcomes and sustainable project roll-outs. Private Sector: Time to Match Pace with Productivity As Hon. Mhona prepares to symbolically “cross the Rubicon” at the reshaped Chinzou Roundabout tomorrow, the message to industry is unmistakable: the infrastructure foundation is now in place. What remains is for enterprises across Harare’s industrial belt to harness this improved connectivity, scale operations, and translate mobility gains into real economic output. The official opening will be hosted at the Southerton Police Station robots at "Chinzou"- Simon Mazorodze Road Roundabout. Also expected to attend are the ZanupF PCC members. Cde Goodwills Masimirembwa, the ZanuPF Harare Provincial Chairman, will also be there. Willowvale Road reopening Harare industrial growth .

Sanitary pads UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE —  A new peer‑reviewed study by researchers at the University of the Free State (UFS) has detected endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in every sanitary pad and panty liner sampled, raising concerns about long‑term exposure from everyday menstrual products. The research tested 16 pad brands and seven panty‑liner brands for 20 EDCs, including phthalates, parabens , and bisphenols. The team, led by PhD candidate Janine Blignaut with senior input from Prof Deon Visser, used chromatographic analysis to quantify chemical residues and model potential exposure from routine use. The study found at least two EDCs in every product tested; phthalates appeared in all panty liners and about half the pads, bisphenols were present in all pads and most liners, and parabens were widespread. “Our study highlights a concerning reality regarding the safety of menstrual products,” Prof Visser said. EDCs, often termed xenoestrogens, can mimic or interfere with hormonal signalling. Scientific literature links excess estrogenic activity to breast cancer risk, fertility problems, early puberty, ovulation disorders, and thyroid disruption. Given that pads and liners contact sensitive skin and mucosa repeatedly over decades, the potential for cumulative exposure is a public‑health concern, the authors warn. Zimbabwe imports an estimated 86–89% of its sanitary products from South Africa, making the findings directly relevant to local consumers. Reliance on imported pads valued at about US$37.4 million in 2022 means many Zimbabwean women may be exposed to the same chemical profiles identified in the UFS study. Public‑health advocates say this underscores the need for national regulatory review and consumer guidance. The researchers call for greater transparency in product labelling, regulatory testing standards for menstrual products, and expanded biomonitoring to assess body burdens of EDCs. Health experts recommend practical steps for consumers: favour certified or organic alternatives where available, rotate product types, and support local initiatives to develop safer menstrual options. Media coverage of the study has already prompted public debate and calls for policy action. sanitary pads endocrine disrupting chemicals study 2026

ZPS MANAGEMENT HARARE —  President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a sweeping amnesty order that will see thousands of convicts freed from Zimbabwe’s prisons, the Government Gazette published yesterday confirmed. Clemency Order No 1 of 2026 grants full remission to several categories of inmates while setting out exclusions and conditions for eligibility. The Gazette states that full remission is granted to female inmates and all child offenders under 18 years. Age will be verified using birth certificates or dental age estimation, where necessary. The President also pardoned inmates serving sentences of 48 months or less, and those certified terminally ill by a correctional or government medical officer, with instructions for the Department of Correctional Services to coordinate post‑release treatment with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare. Additional beneficiaries include inmates serving time at Open Prisons, prisoners aged 60 years and above who have served at least one-third of their sentence, and those serving life imprisonment who have completed 20 years, including time served under a death sentence before commutation or sentences altered to life on appeal or review. People with disabilities are also covered where a medical officer certifies they are visually impaired or physically unable to be cared for in a correctional facility. The order grants an additional one‑quarter remission of the effective term to inmates sentenced to more than 48 months who have served at least one-third of their sentence as of the date the Clemency Order was gazetted, provided they are not convicted of specified offences. To qualify for any remission, inmates must have served the required portion of their sentence and must not be convicted of excluded crimes. The Gazette lists a range of specified offences excluded from the amnesty, including murder, treason, rape and other sexual offences, carjacking, robbery and armed robbery, public violence, and trafficking in persons. Also excluded are unlawful possession of firearms and breaches of several statutes such as the Electricity Act, Postal and Telecommunications Act, Public Order and Security Act, Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Railways Act, and Copper Control Act, as well as conspiracy, incitement, or attempts to commit these offences. Previous beneficiaries of amnesty, those sentenced by court-martial, and inmates with records of escaping lawful custody are also ineligible. The Clemency Order directs the Department of Correctional Services to implement releases and to liaise with social welfare and health authorities to ensure continuity of care for medically vulnerable inmates. Authorities will need to verify eligibility, process documentation, and manage reintegration support for released persons. Mnangagwa Clemency Order 2026

Chinese bamboo sapling in fertile soil The bamboo theory of business intelligence is a story of patience and persistence, a story of resilience, focus, and endurance in the face of adversity and impossibility. Like any plant, the growth of the Chinese Bamboo Tree requires nurturing through water, fertile soil, and sunshine. In its first year, though, we see no visible signs of growth in spite of providing all of these things. In the second year (again), there is no growth above the soil. The third and fourth year…still show no signs of anything happening. Our patience is tested, and we begin to wonder if our efforts caring for and watering the tree will ever be rewarded. We start to doubt ourselves and question the value of our efforts. Inevitably, we contemplate quitting. Then the Eureka moment finally arrives in the fifth year. The Bamboo Tree amazingly and dramatically grows 80 feet tall in just six weeks! But think for a moment, does the Chinese Bamboo tree really grow 80 feet in six weeks? Did the Chinese Bamboo tree lie dormant for four years only to grow exponentially in the fifth? Or, was the little tree growing underground, developing a root system strong enough to support its potential for outward growth in the fifth year and beyond? The answer is (of course) obvious. Had the tree not developed a strong, unseen, yet robust foundation, it could not have sustained its life as it grew. The same principle is true for business life. People who patiently toil towards worthwhile dreams and goals, building strong character while overcoming adversity and challenge, grow a strong internal foundation to handle success. Meanwhile, get-rich-quick lottery winners usually are unable to sustain unearned sudden wealth. They haven’t become the person they need to be to support such success. Had the Chinese Bamboo tree farmer dug up his little seed every year to see if it was growing, he would have stunted the tree’s growth. In other words, the actions caused by self-doubt would’ve halted the miracle from ever taking shape and caused him to go backwards. The Bamboo Rule: A Metaphor for Patience and Growth Lessons from the Bamboo Tree Metaphor Success Doesn’t Come Right Away: The first success lesson you should learn from the bamboo tree story is that success does not come right away. When you have put in the hard work and dedicated a lot of your time to your goals and dreams, it does not mean that you will get to see the result immediately. As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day.’ Do you work out and exercise in the gym for a day and expect to lose all the fat on your body? Not at all, you will not expect that. So what makes you expect that success will come to you right away? Therefore, expect to take longer to achieve your goals, especially your worthy goals that will change your life forever. Success Requires a Stronger Foundation: The bamboo tree can never grow to 80 feet tall if it does not grow its roots deep into the ground for the first few years. And the same applies to your life. Spend time building a strong foundation. This is especially important if your goals are big and your dreams are beyond your current level. The problem with most people who fail to achieve their goals is that they never improve themselves. They never commit to the principle of constant and never-ending improvement. They never commit to deliberate practice. Increase & Improve your Level for Success: First, you must raise your level in both your knowledge and your character before you can achieve a better result in life. Imagine if you are at level 3 and your problem or obstacle is at level 5, it will be a big problem for you. However, things will be different when you level up. Just like playing games, when you level up, you become better. You raise your level to level 7. And now you will look at a level 5 problem as a small problem. Always remember this, the size of the problems doesn’t matter; what truly matters is the size of you. Success is about your Consistency: Without consistently watering, nurturing, and giving enough sunshine to the bamboo tree, it can never grow. What happens if you nurture and water it the first month, and then do nothing for the next two months, only to decide to continue at it again? It will never experience full growth, and you may even kill it. And this is exactly how most people treat their goals and dreams. They think about them and work on them in the beginning, but eventually, they lose steam and never do it again. Don’t Forget to Nurture Your Dreams: A lot of people forget to nurture their dreams. They are good at planning, but when it is time to work, they either choose to procrastinate or forget about what they need to get done. And when they remember that they needed to execute a task, it will be too late, and they will usually say, “Tomorrow!” Businessperson climbing steps labelled patience, consistency, foundation   Believe without Doubt: Another important lesson you must learn from the bamboo tree story is that you need to believe in yourself and your dreams without a doubt. You should believe in yourself and your potential, at the same time, work towards your dreams. A lot of people fail to do this when they put in their effort and time, but never get to see the results. Successful people such as Aliko Dangote, Sir Richard Branson, and Bill Gates have underscored the fact that success is not easy because if it were easy, everyone would be successful. And because it is hard and requires tremendous effort, especially in the early stage, you must proceed with absolute belief without any shadow of doubt. Patience & Consistency will eventually pay off: One of the most profound lessons you can learn from the bamboo tree story is none other than this, being patient and persistent. Success will never come to you that fast, and you will need to have the patience to go through the hard work in order to produce the result you desire. And this is exactly where most people fail. Most people don’t have the patience. The bamboo theory teaches us that there is a need for patience and painstaking effort for success to happen. Success doesn’t come overnight. Behind the scenes are doubts, dedication, perseverance, and ultimately hard work. Patience & Consistence will eventually pay off: One of the most profound lessons you can learn from the bamboo tree story is none other than this, being patient and persistent. Success will never come to you that fast, and you will need to have the patience to go through the hard work in order to produce the result you desire. And this is exactly where most people fail. Most people don’t have the patience. The bamboo theory teaches us that there is a need for patience and painstaking effort for success to happen. Success doesn’t come overnight. Behind the scenes are doubts, dedication, perseverance and ultimately hard work. Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management (New Mumbai), and UNISA. 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: +263774868896, Phone: +263718925350, Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk . Chinese bamboo business concept

Masked teenager speaking to reporters   BULAWAYO —  A 14‑year‑old Form One pupil has apologised after admitting she staged the abduction of two‑year‑old Asanda Charisma Ndlovu from a busy Bulawayo shopping centre earlier this week. Baby Asanda was taken from Meikles Market on Tuesday and found safe on Thursday at a business premises on the corner of Herbert Chitepo Street and 3rd Avenue. How the abduction unfolded The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told reporters on Friday that she entered the mall posing as a customer and approached a stall run by Nesisa Mpofu, the child’s mother. In a confession shown to journalists with her face masked, the suspect said she lifted the crying toddler to calm her and then left the market with the child. “Mumba asked me if I have a child, and I said yes. So he asked me to bring the baby. That’s when I went to Meikles,” she said, referring to her 36‑year‑old boyfriend, identified only as Mumba. The teenager said she had told Mumba she already had a child and staged the kidnapping to convince him. She said she did not use a disguise beyond pulling a hoodie over her head and that she intended to return the toddler after showing her to Mumba. The teenager said the child was fed rice, hot chips and corn puff snacks during the two days she was missing. “I’m really sorry. I made a mistake. I’m asking for forgiveness,” she told reporters. Recovery and community response According to the account given to the police, the teenager took the child to Mumba’s Trenance residence and remained there until Thursday morning. She later returned to the city centre and left the toddler at a block of flats with several businesses, asking a man in an office to look after the child briefly while the father came to collect her. Alarmed, the man locked the teenager inside the office with another woman and rushed to Meikles Market to alert security; police were called soon after. Baby Asanda was recovered unharmed, and the two‑day search ended without physical harm to the child. The man who detained the teenager later told police he was concerned that a stranger would leave a toddler in his care. Meikles Market management said they would be implementing measures to strengthen safety protocols and ensure that incidents like this do not happen again. Legal process and welfare considerations The teenager is expected to appear before a juvenile court, where the matter will be handled under laws protecting minors. Authorities have not released details of any charges pending the court process. The child’s mother and market vendors have expressed relief at the safe recovery and called for improved child‑safety measures in busy public spaces. Meikles Market kidnapping Bulawayo 2026

Accident scene [illustrative] BEITBRIDGE —  Two people were burned beyond recognition, and two others sustained serious burns after two commercial trucks collided head‑on and caught fire on Thursday evening, police confirmed. The crash occurred at about 8:00 pm on the Beitbridge‑Harare Highway near the Joko resettlement area, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, the police officer commanding Beitbridge District, told reporters on Friday morning. What happened According to Chief Superintendent Ncube, one of the trucks was travelling from Harare towards Beitbridge and was empty except for the driver. The other vehicle was carrying a load of maize and had three occupants, including the driver and two passengers. “Indications are that one of the trucks, which was empty, was travelling from Harare towards Beitbridge with only the driver,” Ncube said. “The second truck was carrying a load of maize and had three people, including two passengers. Upon reaching the Joko area, the driver who was heading towards Beitbridge tried to avoid hitting a cow that was on the road and encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic, resulting in a head‑on collision. As a result, the two vehicles caught fire and the driver and one passenger were burnt beyond recognition. Another passenger and the driver of the second truck sustained serious burns.” Emergency responders extinguished the blaze and rushed the two injured survivors to Beitbridge Hospital, where they are reported to be in serious condition. The bodies of the two deceased were taken to the mortuary pending post‑mortem examinations. Possible cause and road safety concerns Police say preliminary indications point to an attempt to avoid a stray cow on the roadway as the immediate cause of the collision. The incident highlights ongoing road‑safety risks on major highways where livestock and pedestrians may stray onto fast‑moving traffic corridors, particularly after dark. Authorities urged motorists to exercise caution on rural stretches of the highway and called on local communities to strengthen measures that prevent animals from wandering onto main roads. Investigations and next steps The Beitbridge traffic police have opened an investigation into the crash. Forensic teams are expected to examine the scene, inspect vehicle conditions, and interview witnesses to establish a full sequence of events. The results of the post‑mortems and the police inquiry will determine whether any criminal charges or traffic citations will follow. Beitbridge Harare Highway truck collision 2026

Kariba Dam aerial view  — infrastructure priority under the EU Global Gateway Strategy HARARE —  Katrin Hagemann, Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe, has reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening ties with Harare, highlighting priorities that include arrears clearance, debt restructuring, and expanded trade and investment links. Speaking at her first media engagement in Harare, Ambassador Hagemann described the EU as a steadfast and reliable partner and said recent diplomatic steps, including the EU Council’s decision to lift certain restrictive measures while maintaining the arms embargo, reflect growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s engagement with international partners. Hagemann said the EU will prioritise economic stability and private‑sector growth, noting that only about 200 Zimbabwean companies currently export to the EU despite duty‑free, quota‑free access to all 27 Member States. She urged improvements in stability, predictability, and governance to attract investment and reach the symbolic milestone of US$1 billion in bilateral trade. “We look forward to continued engagement that delivers tangible benefits for both Zimbabwe and the EU,” Hagemann said, stressing that trade expansion must be underpinned by reforms that encourage private‑sector participation and investor confidence. The Ambassador highlighted renewed momentum in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance and Debt Restructuring, describing it as essential for Zimbabwe’s re‑engagement with international financial institutions. Hagemann said the EU will continue to support technical and policy work that enables Zimbabwe to clear arrears and access concessional financing. She noted her role co‑chairing the Governance Track alongside the Ministry of Justice and emphasised that governance reforms are central to unlocking broader financial and development support. Beyond macroeconomic issues, Hagemann outlined the EU’s broad development portfolio in Zimbabwe, which includes agriculture, climate action, biodiversity, governance, health, and women and youth empowerment. She pointed to infrastructure initiatives under the Global Gateway Strategy, including support for the rehabilitation of the Kariba Dam, as critical to energy security and economic recovery. Hagemann said she intends to engage directly with communities across Zimbabwe to better understand local priorities. She reiterated the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine and reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. “I want to listen, to learn and to understand the hopes and aspirations that drive Zimbabweans forward,” she said. EU partnership Zimbabwe 2026

Walter Magaya HARARE —  In a significant legal setback for Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) leader Walter Magaya, the High Court has ordered him to repay US$3 million to an Israeli investor, rejecting his bid to rely on Zimbabwe’s exchange control rules to void the debt. The judgment in case HC 621/23 dismissed Magaya’s attempt to convert the obligation into local currency and to characterise the loan as unlawful under exchange control regulations. The funds were advanced through Ambassador Ronny Levi Musan, who acted for the Israeli investor in a mining investment transaction. Court reasoning and interest award Delivering the ruling, Justice Maxwell Takuva found that Magaya had not proved the alleged illegality of the transaction. The court held that the Exchange Control Regulations apply only to Zimbabwean residents and that Magaya was estopped from claiming illegality because he had prescribed the payment method and benefited from it. The judgment emphasised public‑policy concerns, noting that the law is “averse to unjust enrichment.” The High Court ordered Magaya to repay the US$3,000,000 plus 3% monthly compounded interest from July 2022. The court further authorised execution against Magaya’s immovable property to satisfy the judgment debt. A passage of the judgment reads: “The defendant (Magaya) failed to prove illegality and has not shown any violation of Zimbabwean law by the plaintiff. Exchange Control Regulations apply only to Zimbabwean residents. The defendant is estopped from claiming illegality as he prescribed the payment method and benefited from it. Public Policy is averse to unjust enrichment, preventing the defendant from profiting unjustly from US$3000000.00. In the result, it is ordered that the preliminary point raised be and is hereby dismissed for lack of merit.” Legal arguments and counsel Magaya’s legal team, led by Advocate Garikai Sithole, argued that the debt was tainted by exchange control breaches and therefore unenforceable in foreign currency. The court rejected that line of defence, siding instead with Advocate Tazorora Musarurwa, who warned that allowing such technical defences would deter foreign investment and undermine contractual certainty. Implications and next steps The ruling exposes Magaya to immediate enforcement action, including possible sale of immovable assets to satisfy the judgment. Legal observers say the decision reinforces the principle that contractual terms agreed by parties, including payment currency and method, will generally be upheld unless clear illegality is established. Magaya may seek leave to appeal the High Court decision; any further challenge would be heard by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, creditors and foreign investors will likely view the judgment as a precedent supporting the enforcement of cross‑border commercial agreements in Zimbabwean courts. Walter Magaya repay US$3 million 2026