Pomona City development by WestProp Holdings in Harare, Zimbabwe HARARE — Property developer WestProp Holdings has turned the month of love into a business opportunity, unveiling a Valentine’s Day promotion on the final 12 residential stands at its flagship Pomona City development. The limited-time offer, which runs until February 14, allows buyers to secure a stand with a 10% deposit and spread the balance over five years, a move that reflects how developers are adapting to Zimbabwe’s tight liquidity environment through flexible payment models. Industry analysts say such arrangements are increasingly the norm as developers seek to sustain demand while households and investors remain cautious about upfront capital. A Seasonal Strategy With a Property Twist February promotions have become something of a tradition for WestProp, with this year’s Valentine’s campaign deliberately framed to appeal to families and long-term investors rather than short-term speculators. WestProp chief executive officer Ken Sharpe said the campaign was inspired by the broader symbolism of Valentine’s Day commitment, legacy, and long-term thinking. “Love is about giving, building, and creating lasting legacies. This offer is our way of sharing that love with our community,” Sharpe said. He added that the promotion encourages buyers to think beyond conventional Valentine’s Day gestures. “Imagine celebrating Valentine’s Day not only with flowers and chocolates, but with the promise of a home, a legacy, and a foundation for generations to come,” he said. Responding to Market Realities The offer comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s property market is navigating reduced disposable incomes, high construction costs, and cautious investor sentiment. Developers have increasingly leaned on extended payment terms to maintain sales momentum without significantly discounting land values. By limiting the promotion to the remaining 12 stands, WestProp is also leveraging scarcity, a common strategy in premium real estate developments to drive urgency. Pomona City, located north of Harare, is one of the company’s most high-profile projects and has been marketed as a mixed-use urban hub, combining residential, commercial, retail, and lifestyle spaces in a single master-planned environment. A Flagship Development WestProp describes Pomona City as a cornerstone of its broader vision to modernise Zimbabwe’s urban landscape and position the country as a regional destination for real estate investment. The development is designed around a live–work–shop concept, with supporting infrastructure aimed at reducing commuting times and improving quality of life. “With Pomona City, WestProp is building long-term value for families and investors while contributing to confidence in Zimbabwe’s property market,” the company said. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the promotion adds a softer, lifestyle-driven narrative to what remains a fundamentally strategic business move, converting remaining inventory into committed, long-term buyers in a challenging economic climate. WestProp Pomona City; Pomona City stands for sale; WestProp Valentine’s offer; Zimbabwe property market; Harare real estate investment; flexible property payment plans

The Zimbabwe Council of Copyrights (Zicco) has started 2026 with a clear focus on governance, operational alignment, and enhancing benefits for artistes. This fresh start comes after the organisation’s annual general meeting in Bulawayo last year, which brought in new board members ready to steer Zicco toward a more effective and artist-centered future. ZICCO BOARD New Board Orientation and Strategic Engagement The 2026 operations began with a strategic board meeting that served as an orientation for the newly elected members. Chaired by Thabiso Moyo, the board met with Willie Mushayi, the chief registrar from the Department of Deeds, Companies, and Intellectual Property. Mushayi emphasized the importance of good governance, professionalism, ethical conduct, harmony, and strict adherence to the law. Moyo described the meeting as critical for setting the tone for the year. She highlighted that many board members are new, having been elected in line with Zicco’s constitution, which mandates annual elections. This engagement was essential to ensure everyone understands how to operate properly within the music industry’s legal and administrative framework. Priorities for 2026: Governance and Artist Benefits The board’s main focus for the year includes resolving outstanding issues from 2025 and improving the disbursement of royalties to artists. Moyo pointed out specific projects such as the ongoing initiative in Nyabira and nationwide roadshows aimed at strengthening Zicco’s presence and support for artists across Zimbabwe. Key priorities include: Clearing unresolved matters from the previous year Enhancing royalty payments to ensure artistes receive fair compensation Expanding outreach through roadshows to educate and engage with artists nationwide Positioning Zicco as the leading music collective management organisation (CMO) in Zimbabwe These steps reflect a commitment to transparency and efficiency, which are vital for building trust with artists and industry stakeholders. Veteran Musician’s Perspective Board member and veteran musician Chase Skuza also shared insights on the board’s direction. His involvement brings valuable experience and a deep understanding of artists’ needs. Skuza supports the board’s focus on governance and artist benefits, emphasizing that a well-run organisation can significantly improve the livelihoods of Zimbabwean musicians. Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Music Industry Zicco’s 2026 agenda shows a clear path toward strengthening the organisation’s role in protecting copyrights and supporting artistes. By prioritizing governance and operational clarity, the board aims to create a more reliable and artist-friendly environment. This approach will help ensure that musicians receive the royalties they deserve and that Zicco remains a trusted partner in Zimbabwe’s music industry. The board’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and artist engagement sets a positive example for other copyright organisations. As the year progresses, stakeholders can expect more initiatives that benefit artistes and promote sustainable growth in the creative sector. The focus on governance and artist benefits is not just about compliance but about building a foundation for long-term success. Zicco’s leadership understands that a strong, ethical organisation is essential for nurturing talent and protecting creative rights. ZICCO Board; Strong governance; new board; veteran musician; 2026

Wreckage at Mufusire Uphill following a fatal crash that killed three members of a bridal party A Kenyan truck driver has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Zimbabwean court following a horrific crash at the notorious Mufusire Uphill in Headlands that killed three members of a bridal party and left a young woman seriously injured. Ibrahim Albashire Adanw was convicted of culpable homicide after driving his truck into the wrong lane and colliding head-on with a Nissan Note on December 23, a day meant to mark the beginning of wedding celebrations. The victims, Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25), Taurai Kaseke (30), and Ngoni Mutsoka (28) died instantly at the scene. Simango’s 22-year-old sister, Caroline, survived but sustained serious injuries. Simango had been travelling to Ruwa to formally meet his fiancée’s family for a traditional roora (bride price) ceremony, accompanied by his church deacon, best friend, and sister. The journey ended in tragedy along one of Zimbabwe’s most dangerous stretches of road. Guilty Plea Reversed, Then Conviction Adanw initially pleaded guilty when he first appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbara Mateko. However, after hiring lawyer Tendai Bvuma, he applied to change his plea to not guilty, arguing that his original admission had not been fully informed. The move shocked the victims’ families, who are still grappling with their loss. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa opposed the plea reversal, telling the court that Adanw had freely admitted the key facts surrounding the crash. Magistrate Mateko nevertheless allowed the matter to proceed to a full trial. Court Details Reckless Driving During the trial, Mutukwa outlined how the crash occurred. “On December 23, at around 8 am, the accused was driving a white Benz truck (AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare,” she told the court. “Upon approaching the 120km peg, he encroached into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a Nissan Note (ACH 0831).” She said Adanw had been overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, driving at excessive speed, and failed to take evasive action despite the danger being clear. Post-mortem reports showed that all three victims died from severe head injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. Although Adanw expressed remorse before trial and his employer assisted with burial costs, the court found his negligence to be severe. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. The ruling brings a measure of closure for grieving families but also renews concern over deadly accidents at Mufusire Uphill, a known accident black spot. Mufusire Uphill accident; Kenyan truck driver jailed Zimbabwe; Headlands road accident, Zimbabwe culpable homicide case; bridal party crash Zimbabwe; Rusape court news; Zimbabwe road accidents

Nelson Chamisa speaking during an interview following the launch of Agenda 2026 Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says he never left politics, only the spotlight. Speaking to South African broadcaster eNCA, Chamisa revealed that he had been working quietly behind the scenes before last week’s launch of “Agenda 2026”, a broad-based citizens’ movement he hopes will propel him back into State House at the next general election. But his re-emergence has reignited a difficult question for Zimbabwe’s opposition base: is this a genuine long-term strategy for change or a political comeback born of necessity after abandoning supporters at their most vulnerable moment? Quiet Diplomacy, Loud Timing Chamisa told eNCA that since the disputed 2023 elections, he has been engaging regional and international actors, including SADC, the African Union, and “heads of state,” while also holding low-profile meetings with citizens on the ground. “We’ve been engaging with SADC… the African Union and globally,” Chamisa said, adding that Zimbabwe’s election dispute remains unresolved despite the passage of time. On paper, this sounds like seasoned diplomacy. In reality, critics argue it raises uncomfortable optics. While activists were being arrested, CCC structures dismantled, and supporters left leaderless, Chamisa retreated from public political life without a clear succession plan or accountability framework. For many in the opposition grassroots, the silence felt less like a strategy and more like abandonment. The Protest Paradox Chamisa also distanced himself from street protests, warning that demonstrations often lead to imprisonment, a statement that has angered some activists who believe civil resistance remains one of the few tools left to citizens. “Zimbabweans have always demanded change,” he said, noting that many are currently jailed for expressing themselves. The contradiction is hard to miss. While Chamisa acknowledges repression, he simultaneously offers no clear alternative form of mass mobilisation beyond “organising” and international engagement approaches that, historically, have yielded statements of concern but little structural change. This has fuelled scepticism that Agenda 2026 is less a movement and more a rebranding exercise designed to buy time, rebuild donor confidence, and reposition Chamisa as the default opposition figure without confronting past failures. Broke, Burnt, or Being Careful? Another question hovering over Agenda 2026 is whether it reflects strategic patience or political exhaustion. Chamisa’s CCC collapsed amid internal sabotage, legal warfare, and state pressure, but also amid leadership decisions that centralised power and left the party institutionally fragile. Since then, the opposition space has fragmented, funding has dried up, and voter morale has dipped sharply. Is Chamisa genuinely rebuilding from the ground up, or is Agenda 2026 a low-cost holding pattern, keeping his name alive while avoiding the risks of confrontation? Supporters argue that his cautious tone reflects political maturity in a hostile environment. Critics counter that leadership is tested precisely in moments of risk, not retreat. A Movement or a Moment? Chamisa insists that Zimbabweans “voted for change” and still demand it. That may be true. But voters are also asking harder questions now about leadership consistency, accountability, and sacrifice. Agenda 2026 will ultimately be judged not by diplomatic meetings or polished interviews, but by whether it reconnects with abandoned structures, protects supporters on the ground, and offers a credible pathway to power beyond slogans. For now, Chamisa is back. Whether his people are still with him is the unanswered question. Nelson Chamisa Agenda 2026; Chamisa returns to politics; Zimbabwe opposition analysis; CCC crisis; Zimbabwe elections dispute; SADC Zimbabwe politics; African Union Zimbabwe

Commuters boarding kombis in Harare CBD as public transport fares rise to US$2. By Staff Reporter Residents of Harare and surrounding towns are feeling the pinch after public transport fares quietly jumped, with some local routes now costing up to US$2, double the long-standing US$1 fare. What started as a temporary increase during recent heavy rains, supposedly to cover traffic delays, now appears to have become the new normal for daily commuters. Passengers travelling to traditionally “short routes” such as Highfield, Budiriro, and Glen Norah say they are now being charged between US$1,50 and US$2, while trips to Chitungwiza, once capped at US$1,50, are going for as much as US$2,50. “I thought it was just because of the rains,” said one commuter in the CBD. “But the rains stopped, and the prices stayed.” Big Money at Ranks, Little Order on the Ground The fare hikes come amid reports that kombi rank operators are collecting more than US$300 000 per week from over 3 000 registered transport operators operating at Harare’s bus terminuses. Transport analysts say that the level of revenue should be enough to maintain ranks, improve facilities, and ensure proper supervision. Yet, on the ground, touts still run the show, collecting extra fees and often dictating fares. At council-run ranks, operators officially pay US$2 per day to the local authority. But drivers say that is just the beginning. When fares are US$1, touts reportedly demand US$3 per trip. When fares rise to US$1,50, the take jumps to US$5 or US$6 per load, cutting deeply into drivers’ earnings costs that are ultimately passed on to passengers. Roads, Fines, and Unrealistic Targets Transport experts also blame the poor state of Harare’s roads for pushing fares higher. Deep potholes are damaging suspensions, tyres, and rims, forcing drivers into frequent and costly repairs. Fewer trips mean less income, even on busy days. Meanwhile, increased enforcement has added pressure. ZIMRA now requires monthly tax payments for commuter omnibuses and taxis, while the police and Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) issue fines ranging from US$5 to US$30 per offence. Drivers say a single fine can wipe out an entire day’s earnings. Another major driver of fare increases is the daily target system imposed by vehicle owners. Operators of newer kombis reportedly demand up to US$140 per day, while older vehicles have targets of around US$110. Drivers argue that a sustainable target should be between US$50 and, US$80, anything higher, they say, makes fare hikes inevitable. For commuters already stretched by rising living costs, the question is no longer whether fares will go up but how much higher they can go before the system breaks. Harare Commuters; Kombi Fares; Residents of Harare; fare hikes

Close-up of street food being prepared in an urban setting, illustrating the intersection of culture and commerce. [Illustrative photo] The aroma of roasted liver wafts through the hustle and bustle of Harare’s First Street. Under ordinary circumstances, it would stir appetite and nostalgia, a reminder of the city’s vibrant street food culture. This time, however, the smell carries discomfort. The liver is being roasted on an open flame at the entrance of a leading retail store, smoke drifting into shopfronts as pedestrians squeeze past. It is a small, familiar scene that speaks to a much bigger urban question: how does Zimbabwe balance hustle culture with civic order? In today’s Zimbabwe, the hustle is not a lifestyle choice; it is survival. As formal employment opportunities shrink and household incomes remain under pressure, the informal economy has become the backbone of everyday life. Street vendors, mobile food traders, backyard manufacturers, and pop-up service providers are not operating on the fringes, they are central to how the city functions. Hustling has evolved into both an economic strategy and a cultural identity, a marker of resilience in hard times. But cities are shared spaces. And when hustle expands without structure, it begins to collide with public safety, hygiene, accessibility, and basic urban order. The roasting of liver at a shop entrance is not merely an aesthetic issue. Open flames near commercial buildings present fire hazards. Unregulated food handling raises legitimate public health concerns. Congested pavements make movement difficult for the elderly, people with disabilities, and parents with young children. Retailers, already operating in a tough economic climate, are forced to contend with blocked entrances, smoke, and litter. This is where the debate often becomes polarised. Any attempt to regulate informal traders is framed as an attack on livelihoods, while calls for order are interpreted as elitist or out of touch. On the other end of the spectrum are those who argue that disorder must be crushed through raids, confiscations, and fines. Zimbabwe has tried both approaches before, and neither has delivered lasting solutions. Force-heavy crackdowns do not eliminate informal trading; they simply displace it. Vendors chased from one street resurface on the next. Confiscated wares are replaced within days. The result is a cycle of confrontation, resentment, and deepening informality, with little improvement to urban order. Yet turning a blind eye to chaos is equally untenable. Cities cannot function on improvisation alone. Without agreed-upon rules, shared spaces quickly become contested spaces, and it is often ordinary citizens, pedestrians, consumers, and small businesses who bear the cost. The real challenge, then, is not choosing between hustle and order, but designing a city where the two can coexist. That begins with acknowledging reality. Informal trading is not a temporary inconvenience waiting to disappear once the economy recovers. It is structural. Urban planning that treats vendors as a nuisance rather than stakeholders is planning that no longer reflects lived realities. City centres require deliberately designed vending zones, managed food courts, and flexible trading spaces equipped with water, waste disposal, and fire-safe infrastructure. Pushing vendors to distant, low-traffic areas only guarantees their return to prohibited zones. Local authorities also need to rethink their role. Managing a complex urban economy requires more than enforcement. Affordable registration systems, clear operating guidelines, basic health and safety training, and consistent application of by-laws can foster compliance. When rules are transparent and predictable, they are easier to respect. Hustlers, too, carry responsibility. Survival does not justify recklessness. Trading at building entrances, blocking walkways, or ignoring hygiene standards undermines public trust and strengthens calls for harsh regulation. Civic responsibility is not anti-hustle; it is what allows hustle to exist sustainably within dense urban environments. Consumers are not passive actors either. Demand for convenience and low prices fuels informal trading. Where and how people choose to buy shapes the behaviour of the urban economy. Conscious consumption can encourage safer and more organised trading practices. Above all, dialogue must replace confrontation. Vendors, retailers, residents, and city officials rarely share the same table, yet they compete daily for the same limited space. Platforms for consultation can help define no-go areas, agree on operating hours, and resolve legitimate grievances before they harden into conflict. Order imposed without consultation invites resistance; order built through participation earns buy-in. Zimbabwean cities should not be forced to choose between vibrancy and functionality. A city can be alive with hustle and still be safe, clean, and accessible. The smell of roasted liver should evoke culture and commerce, not concern. The balance lies in recognising that hustle signals economic life, while order reflects civic maturity. Zimbabwe needs both, and the future of its cities depends on getting that balance right. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert

African recruit in Russian military uniform during Ukraine war, CNN investigation reveals alleged deception and frontline deployment. By Staff Reporter Hundreds of African men are being drawn into Russia’s war in Ukraine after being promised civilian jobs, good pay, and a better life, only to find themselves wearing military uniforms and sent to the frontlines with little training, according to a new CNN investigation. What was advertised as construction work, factory jobs, or technical employment has, for many, turned into a one-way ticket to a battlefield. CNN reports that African recruits are allegedly given as little as three weeks of basic military training before being deployed into active combat zones in Ukraine, one of the most dangerous theatres of war in the world. In one disturbing video obtained by the broadcaster, an African man wearing a Russian military uniform is seen with a landmine strapped to his chest, being ordered to advance toward Ukrainian positions. A Russian-speaking commander can be heard using a racist slur, describing the man as a “can opener,” a human tool meant to trigger explosions and expose enemy bunkers. The footage has sparked outrage and renewed concern over how foreign fighters, particularly Africans, are being treated inside the Russian military. “African Men Are Being Taken to the Frontlines” CNN reporter Larry Madowo highlighted the case of Anne Njeri Ndarua, a Kenyan mother who has not heard directly from her son, Francis, since October 2023. Francis, a trained electrical engineer, had travelled to Russia after being promised civilian employment. Instead, his family says he was forced to sign a military contract and sent to fight in Ukraine. Recently, Anne received a video from an unknown Kenyan number. In it, her son delivers a chilling warning: “Be careful, you guys, because people are being taken there, and you end up being taken to the military. And you are taken in front-line battle. There are true killings.” Francis’s story is not unique. CNN spoke to more than a dozen African fighters currently on the frontlines, many of whom said they were made to sign Russian-language military contracts without translators or legal advice. Several claim they were misled, pressured, or outright coerced. CNN Alleges Racism, Unpaid Salaries, and No Way Out According to those interviewed, African recruits face racism from commanders, unpaid wages, and conditions that make escape nearly impossible. Nearly all described feeling trapped. Exact numbers remain unclear, but Africans fighting for Russia now come from multiple countries across the continent. Ironically, while some men are desperately trying to flee, others continue to post social media videos glamorising life in the Russian army, encouraging fellow Africans to join. In one such clip, an African fighter claims his salary could support a family back home for two to three years, a powerful message in countries battling unemployment and economic hardship. Recruitment adverts reviewed by CNN promise sign-on bonuses of up to US$13,000, monthly salaries of US$3,500, and even Russian citizenship after one year of service. “I Still Carry Shrapnel in My Body” One of the few who made it out is Patrick Kwoba, who escaped and returned to Nairobi after being injured in a Ukrainian drone ambush. Kwoba told CNN that shrapnel tore through his clothing, burning his legs and buttocks. His food backpack and armour vest saved his life, but fragments of metal remain lodged in his body. While recovering, he fled to the Kenyan embassy in Moscow and never returned to the frontlines. For families across Africa, his survival offers hope but also raises painful questions about how many others are still trapped in a war they never agreed to fight. African Man; Russia; Ukraine Frontlines; CNN; Nairobi; Racism

Former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi appears in the High Court as Justice Benjamin Chikowero prepares to rule on a discharge application. By Staff Reporter | Southerton Business Times HARARE  — The High Court will on February 17 decide whether former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi should be discharged at the close of the State’s case, a ruling that could bring his criminal abuse of office trial to an early end. The decision, to be delivered by Justice Benjamin Chikowero, follows the State’s closure of its case after calling four witnesses, including a senior investigator from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). Mzembi is accused of unlawfully facilitating the donation of government-owned public viewing screens to three churches without Treasury approval while serving as a minister. What the State alleges Testifying before the court, ZACC investigating officer Eric Chacha told the judge that Mzembi breached public procurement and asset management rules when screens purchased with State funds were transferred to: Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, led by Walter Magaya United Family International Church (UFIC), led by Emmanuel Makandiwa Zion Christian Church (ZCC), led by Nehemiah Mutendi Chacha said Treasury had approved the purchase of the screens and had authorised some to be loaned to government institutions, but not to churches. “Investigations revealed there was no Treasury concurrence at the time these screens were loaned to the churches,” Chacha told the court. Following his testimony, prosecutor Beaven Muravanhema formally closed the State’s case, arguing that sufficient evidence had been placed before the court to demonstrate impropriety. Defence seeks early exit Mzembi’s legal team, led by Emmanuel Samundombe and Killian Mandiki, immediately applied for his discharge at the close of the State’s case, insisting prosecutors had failed to establish a prima facie case. Samundombe told the court that the evidence presented did not justify requiring Mzembi to testify. “The evidence presented does not warrant placement of the accused person to his defence,” he said. “Put simply, he should not be asked to say his side of the story because the State’s evidence does not substantiate the allegations.” The defence also signalled plans to apply for bail pending the ruling, arguing that the evidence heard so far does not support claims that Mzembi poses a flight risk. “Most of the issues that were being speculated around these allegations are not very accurate,” Samundombe said. What happens next Justice Chikowero’s ruling will determine whether: Mzembi is discharged and acquitted at this stage, or The trial proceeds, requiring him to present his defence and call witnesses A discharge would mean the court found the State’s evidence insufficient on its own, without even hearing from the accused. Explainer: What Does ‘Discharge at Close of State Case’ Mean? In Zimbabwean criminal law, an accused person can be cleared before testifying if the court finds that the prosecution has failed to present enough evidence to justify a defence. If granted: The accused is acquitted immediately The defence does not have to present evidence If denied: The accused must take the stand or call witnesses The trial continues to its next phase Walter Mzembi trial, High Court rules on Mzembi case, Walter Mzembi abuse of off ice

ZIMRA By Staff Reporter | Southerton Business Times HARARE  — The High Court has blocked the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) from collecting US$7.1 million in disputed mining royalties from Zimbabwe Platinum Mines (Zimplats), ruling that the law did not allow royalties to be charged on matte and concentrate exports before 2022. In a judgment with major implications for the mining sector, Justice Rodgers Manyangadze ruled that Zimplats, a subsidiary of South Africa’s Impala Platinum (Implats), is not liable to pay royalties on matte and concentrate exported between June 2018 and December 2021. ZIMRA had assessed the miner for alleged underpayments amounting to ZWL2.03 billion, arguing that royalties should have been calculated on the gross value of refined platinum, even though the company exported intermediate products. The court rejected that argument, saying the law at the time made a clear distinction between fully refined minerals and mineral-bearing products such as matte and concentrate, and crucially, set no royalty rates for the latter. “The Finance Act does not provide calculation for mineral-bearing products. It only provides calculation for minerals,” Justice Manyangadze ruled. He added that matte and concentrate “cannot attract the same royalties as minerals that have gone through the refinery process.” Why the law mattered At the centre of the case was how Zimbabwe’s Finance Act was worded before amendments that took effect on January 1, 2022. During the disputed period, the law prescribed royalty rates only for minerals that had already been fully processed. Justice Manyangadze relied heavily on a Supreme Court precedent, ZIMRA v ZIMASCO (SC 79/13) , which held that chrome concentrates and ferrochrome could not be taxed before royalty rates were clearly set. That ruling, he said, was binding. “In matters of taxation, no tax or royalty can be imposed without clear and express statutory authority,” the Supreme Court held — a principle the judge said was decisive in the Zimplats case. ZIMRA’s retroactive argument fails ZIMRA attempted to rely on a 2025 amendment to the Finance Act, which retrospectively expanded the definition of “mineral” to include mineral-bearing products dating back to 2010. The court dismissed the move, warning that definitions alone do not create a tax obligation. “As no rate had been fixed for such products at the relevant time, the retrospective amendment cannot impose an obligation that did not previously exist,” the court ruled. As a result, ZIMRA’s assessed royalty shortfalls and penalties fall away entirely. Zimplats was represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu, while Samuel Banda appeared for ZIMRA. What This Means for Miners If you exported matte or concentrate before January 2022, this ruling is significant. The High Court has confirmed that: Royalties cannot be charged unless the law clearly sets a rate Intermediate products were not taxable under the pre-2022 law Retrospective legal changes cannot create new debts However, miners should note that the law changed in 2022, and mineral-bearing products are now expressly covered. High Court mining royalties Zimbabwe; ZIMRA loses royalty case; Zimbabwe mining royalties judgment; Zimplats ZIMRA court ruling

Dynamos squad rebuild ahead of the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League season HARARE  — Dynamos Football Club has fired the starting gun on a bold new chapter after completing the signing of former DRC youth international Isaac Landu, the headline act in a sweeping rebuild at the Harare giants. The arrival of Landu signals a clear break from the past for the Glamour Boys, who are rebuilding almost from scratch following a damaging off-season exodus that stripped the club of much of its senior core. Dynamos were forced into the market after months of unrest culminating in the departure of key figures from the squad that won a third straight Chibuku Super Cup last season. From the roster that featured prominently in 2024, only just over a dozen players remain. Among those who have moved on are former captain Emmanuel Jalai, vice-captain Temptation Chiwunga, goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, and regular starters Vusa Ngwenya and Felix Hammond departures left major gaps across the pitch. With leadership needed, midfielder Shadreck Nyahwa is widely tipped to take over the captaincy. Despite strong speculation linking him with a move to Hardrock, Nyahwa returned to training this week and appears set to see out his contract, which runs until December 31. Other familiar faces staying put include goalkeeper Tatenda Makoni, Clive Mandivei, Leeroy Mavunga, Junior Perezo, and Jairosi Kasondo, providing a small but important backbone of continuity. However, it is the scale of the new recruitment drive that has supporters buzzing. A club source confirmed that the rebuild is nearing completion, with more than 20 players signed, many after undergoing extensive trials. “In terms of talent, we believe we’ve assembled a very competitive squad capable of challenging this season,” the source said. The spotlight, though, will be firmly on Isaac Landu, a centre-back who reportedly captained the DRC Under-21 national side last year. Despite the high-profile billing, Landu remains something of a mystery, with little publicly available information on his club career a situation that has only fuelled curiosity among fans. He will be joined by a long list of new faces, including Perfect Chikwende, Trevor Mavhunga, Jordan Pedra, Collin Mujuru, Stanley Billiat, Barnabas Mtuche, Mandlenkosi Mlilo, Anotidaishe Gwatidzo, Philip Gweva, Junior Mutenheri, Courage Bera, and Witness Shave. Former Chicken Inn winger Callum Brown is also on trial as he seeks to earn a place in the final squad. The rebuilt Dynamos side will face an early test when they meet arch-rivals Highlanders in a charity match on February 15 in Bulawayo, before taking on league champions Scottland FC in the Castle Challenge Cup curtain-raiser. Off the pitch, change is equally dramatic. Genesis Mangombe has returned as head coach, while Vincent Chawonza is back as executive chairman. Chawonza has already promised a commercial reboot, with a new kit and sponsors expected to be unveiled soon. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, DeMbare fans will be hoping this overhaul delivers more than optimism and restores the club’s status as a genuine force in Zimbabwean football. Dynamos; Isaac Landu; Dynamos rebuild Zimbabwe; Dynamos transfer news

Maxwell Sibanda By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe The Maxwell Sibanda poetry collection Verses on Epitaph Ode to a Fallen African Scribe by Canada‑based writer Snyman Sibanda has been released to mark the fifth anniversary of the late Daily News assistant editor Maxwell Sibanda, who died on 22 February 2021. “I poured my grief on paper and honoured a family hero, someone who inspired me to love the written word,” Snyman Sibanda said, describing the collection as both a personal tribute and a public memorial. Book details and structure Title: Verses on Epitaph Ode to a Fallen African Scribe Author: Snyman Sibanda Subject: Tribute to Maxwell Sibanda; journalism; grief; Zimbabwean social themes Format: Poetry collection; 23 poems divided into two sections the first dedicated to Maxwell, the second exploring broader societal and personal themes Publication and availability: Released to coincide with Maxwell Sibanda’s fifth death anniversary; available on Amazon Location relevance: Themes and references rooted in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwean media landscape Writing process and poetic style behind the tribute Snyman described his approach as free‑style poetry, prioritising raw emotion over formal constraints. “I believe in free‑style poetry where words just come, no artificial addition, not bothered by issues of assonance, alliteration, or repetition to make the poem rhyme,” he said. For the author, writing became an emotional outlet after Maxwell’s death on 22 February 2021, helping him process grief while preserving his brother’s memory. Themes: journalism, grief, and a life well lived The poems aim to reveal the human side of journalists, their courage, pain, and the enduring power of their work. Snyman said the collection addresses grief and celebrates a life that influenced many: “This book’s publication coincides with Max’s fifth death anniversary. It’s intended as a tribute to his works and the impact he had on our lives. He touched and influenced a lot of lives.” The poems also reflect on broader societal issues drawn from Zimbabwean experience and personal reflection. Availability and legacy for Zimbabwean letters Verses on Epitaph is available on Amazon, and Snyman hopes the book will introduce Maxwell’s legacy to new readers in Zimbabwe and the diaspora while contributing to contemporary Zimbabwean poetry. He said the collection stands as both a personal act of remembrance and a public record of a journalist whose work outlived him.

ZESA PYLONS By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe’s state power utility Zesa Holdings is being rebundled nearly three decades after its 1997 unbundling, a policy reversal the government says is intended to improve operational efficiency and coordination across generation, transmission and distribution. John Mangudya, CEO of the Mutapa Investment Fund, told a Zimpapers public lecture in Harare that the Cabinet‑backed consolidation is now being finalised. Background and rationale for rebundling Zesa Holdings in Harare Zesa was first unbundled in 1997 and restructured further under the Electricity Act of 2002, creating separate subsidiaries including the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) for generation, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) for transmission and distribution, and Powertel for telecommunications. Policymakers at the time argued that separation would boost efficiency, transparency, and private sector participation. Mangudya said those goals have not been realised in practice. “The unbundled structure has proved costly and inefficient, with overlapping functions, high administrative costs, and coordination challenges undermining the intended efficiencies,” he said in Harare, explaining the decision to reintegrate the entities. Implementation timeline and expected outcomes for the rebundled utility Cabinet began reversing the unbundling between 2018 and 2021; Mangudya said the rebundling process is now reaching its final stages. The government expects a centralised Zesa Holdings to reduce overheads, improve coordination of maintenance and investment, and strengthen service delivery amid chronic power shortages and ageing infrastructure. Officials say further details on governance, the future roles of ZPC, ZETDC, and Powertel, and transitional arrangements will be announced in due course. The rebundling aims to align operational responsibilities under a single management and to streamline procurement, maintenance, and capital investment decisions. Regional context and policy implications for Zimbabwe Zimbabwe joins other countries that have revisited earlier power‑sector liberalisation after mixed results, particularly where state capacity and fiscal constraints limit private investment. Observers say success will depend on clear governance arrangements, transparent financial management, and demonstrable improvements in maintenance and reliability. The government and MIF have framed the move as pragmatic rather than ideological: rebundling is presented as a corrective step to restore the original objective of improved efficiency and reliable electricity supply for households and industry across Zimbabwe.