By Staff Reporter — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Thousands of visitors to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, are expected to sample Zimbabwean rabbit meat at the Victoria Falls Food & Wine Festival (October 8–11), as the country positions rabbit production as a flagship agricultural and culinary product for Africa and global markets. Festival organisers and industry leaders say the event will spotlight rabbit meat’s health benefits, sustainability, and export potential while promoting Zimbabwe’s rabbit value chain. “This festival gives us a powerful opportunity to introduce rabbit meat to an international audience while marketing Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry, which is one of the most organised and developed in Africa,” said Regis Nyamakanga, president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association, placing the product at the centre of the festival’s trade and tourism agenda. Nyamakanga highlighted rabbit meat’s efficient production cycle and suitability for modern consumer trends. Festival organiser Patrick Musonza confirmed strong international participation and framed the event as a vehicle for economic diplomacy. “We have confirmation from more than 10 African countries participating in the 2026 edition of the festival,” Musonza said. “The theme ‘Flavours of Africa: Innovation, Sustainability and Cultural Exchange’ positions food as a driver of economic growth, cultural diplomacy and regional integration.” Rabbit meat is promoted at the festival as a healthy, low‑fat protein and a sustainable alternative livestock option that requires less land and feed than larger animals. Chefs and producers will present live cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions that emphasise rabbit’s culinary versatility and nutritional profile, targeting both domestic consumers and export buyers from the UK, EU, and regional markets. Subheads and programming will use long‑tail phrases such as health benefits of rabbit meat Zimbabwe, sustainable protein alternatives Victoria Falls, and export potential for rabbit meat from Zimbabwe to guide content and search relevance. Organisers say the festival aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy by promoting value addition, agro‑industrialisation, youth participation, and tourism growth. Musonza explained how the festival supports export‑led development and job creation: “Through food, wine, culture and the creative economy, the festival supports Agenda 2063’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and people‑driven Africa, while advancing Zimbabwe’s NDS priorities on tourism growth, agricultural value chains, job creation and export‑led development.” The multi‑day programme will include chef showcases, food exhibitions, wine tastings, cultural performances, and curated experiences designed to attract culinary tourists to Victoria Falls and to create market linkages for rabbit producers across Matabeleland North and national value chains. Nyamakanga emphasised that Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry is organised and ready to scale: breeders are restructuring value chains, improving standards, and exploring export certification to meet international food‑safety requirements. The festival will host business‑to‑business sessions for producers, exporters, and buyers to discuss certification, cold‑chain logistics, and regional market access. Set against the backdrop of Victoria Falls, the festival aims to blend culinary innovation with cultural exchange. Attendees can expect live demonstrations by leading chefs, fashion showcases, and performances that celebrate African flavours and traditions. Organisers encourage local producers from surrounding districts to participate in trade fairs and buyer meetings to maximise the festival’s economic impact.

Geo-Pomona   By Talent Chimutambgi   For years, mountains of uncollected refuse had become an ugly and dangerous signature of many Zimbabwean towns. From high-density suburbs to bustling marketplaces, garbage is piled endlessly, blocking roads, choking drainage systems, and turning residential areas into breeding grounds for disease. Ratepayers watched helplessly as local authorities, constrained by limited resources and operational challenges, failed to provide consistent refuse collection services, leaving communities exposed to recurring outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and malaria. It is against this grim backdrop that Geo Pomona Waste Management has emerged as a timely and transformative intervention, restoring dignity, safety, and cleanliness to urban life. What began as a focused waste management programme in Harare has since expanded steadily, spreading across the country to other towns and cities where refuse collection had all but collapsed. Before this intervention, uncollected rubbish had become a permanent feature in many neighbourhoods, with residents forced to dump waste at undesignated sites due to the absence of safe disposal points. In some areas, garbage had accumulated for years, normalising squalor and exposing children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups to serious health risks. Pools of stagnant water trapped in refuse dumps provided ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the threat of malaria, while decomposing waste contaminated water sources and the general environment. Geo Pomona Waste Management’s entry into the sector marked a decisive break from this cycle of neglect. The company rolled out large, strategically positioned refuse bins across townships, central business districts, and high-traffic public spaces, ensuring that residents once again had access to safe and convenient waste disposal facilities. These bins are not merely symbolic installations; they are collected and serviced regularly by a visible fleet of refuse collection vehicles that now move consistently through residential and commercial areas. Beyond refuse collection, the company has also deployed teams of street sweepers who work daily across towns to ensure that cleanliness is sustained. These personnel can be seen sweeping streets, pavements, and public spaces every day, reinforcing a culture of cleanliness and ensuring that the clean environment dwells with the people rather than being a once-off exercise. Their constant presence has transformed the outlook of many urban spaces, turning once filthy streets into orderly and hygienic environments. The impact of this intervention has been immediate and striking. Streets that were once clogged with waste are now passable and clean. Residential areas previously associated with foul odours and health hazards are regaining their dignity and appeal. Residents, long accustomed to broken promises, are openly celebrating what many describe as a long-overdue milestone. Cleanliness, once thought an impossible luxury, has become a daily reality. This transformation has come at a critical moment for the nation. Geo Pomona’s initiative aligns seamlessly with Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda, particularly Vision 2030, which seeks to propel the country towards an Upper Middle-Income Economy. Central to this vision, as articulated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is the creation of clean, orderly, and healthy cities that support productivity, tourism, and investment. The company’s work also complements the Presidential Clean-Up Programme, conducted every first Friday of each month, which calls on citizens to take collective responsibility for their environment. While the clean-up campaign emphasises community participation, Geo Pomona has provided the critical operational backbone, the infrastructure, manpower, machinery, and technical expertise required to ensure that waste is not only collected, but properly managed continuously. Of particular note is Geo Pomona’s advanced waste management technology. The company boasts one of the most sophisticated waste processing machines on the continent, if not the only one of its kind in Africa. This technological capacity has attracted attention beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, drawing interest from across the Sadc region and positioning the country as an emerging reference point in modern and sustainable waste management practices. What makes this development even more compelling is that problems long regarded as perennial and therefore unsolvable have proven surmountable with the right intervention. Where despair once reigned, optimism now thrives. Residents speak of renewed pride in their neighbourhoods and a restored sense of civic responsibility, encouraged by the visible results of effective service delivery and daily maintenance. Recycling Site Geo Pomona Waste Management has demonstrated that clean cities are not an abstract aspiration but an achievable goal. By stepping in where systems had faltered, the company has not only cleared garbage but has also uplifted communities that endured years of neglect. In doing so, it has helped reclaim public spaces, protect public health, and advance the national vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Zimbabwe. As the programme continues to spread to more towns, one lesson stands out clearly: with innovation, commitment and sustained action, even the most entrenched urban challenges can be overcome. Zimbabwe’s cleanliness story is being rewritten, and Geo Pomona Waste Management is firmly holding the pen. Building on Phase 1's successes, where waste targets at Pomona Landfill were smashed through stakeholder donations of tipper trucks, compactors, and loaders, Phase 2 consolidated gains by targeting high-risk hotspots. Phase 3, launched in early 2025 at Glen View, with Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable Garwe praised Geo Pomona's Phase 1 and 2 contributions, crediting joint operations for exceeding landfill quotas and transforming squalor into order. Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Tawengwa warned that unmanaged waste breeds pests and repels investors. The phase targets suburb-wide timeous collections, illegal dump clearances, and behavioral change campaigns ensuring "Chenesa 3 mindset" where residents internalize hygiene as routine. Impacts are tangible and transformative. Once-impassable streets now bustle freely; foul odors have vanished from neighborhoods; and vulnerable groups breathe easier without disease threats. Residents voice renewed pride: "We've waited years for this," says a Glen View vendor, as children play safely in swept yards. Beyond refuse, Geo Pomona educates communities on segregation and recycling, fostering long-term stewardship. Complementing the monthly Presidential Clean-Up Programme, where citizens tidy every first Friday, Geo Pomona supplies the backbone: machinery, manpower, and monitoring tech for continuous, not episodic, results. As Operation Chenesa Guta rolls out nationally, with Geo Pomona gearing for Harare-wide primacy, Zimbabwe's urban renaissance accelerates. Long-deemed intractable, waste woes now yield to innovation, commitment, and leadership, rewriting the nation's story from squalor to sanitation. Clean cities aren't a dream; they're Zimbabwe's new reality.

Albert Nyathi, Former Zimura Board Chairperson By Staff Reporter | Southerton Business Times HARARE  — Zimbabwe’s music industry is tuning up for a very different kind of performance this week. Instead of guitars and microphones, musicians are preparing placards and petitions as they plan a peaceful demonstration demanding accountability at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA). The march, scheduled for Thursday, will begin at Belgravia Shopping Centre and proceed to the ZIMURA offices. Organisers have branded it the “March for Accountability”, saying it is driven by long-standing frustration over governance, transparency, and royalties. Why Are Musicians Marching? At the centre of the protest are concerns raised by a group of musicians and former board members who say ZIMURA has drifted away from its core mandate, collecting and fairly distributing royalties to artists. Leading the call are Derek Mpofu, Gift Amuli, and Joseph Garakara, who dispute the legitimacy of a recent ZIMURA board restructuring. They argue that the process violated the association’s constitution and have challenged the changes through public statements and legal channels. DEREK MPOFU They are joined by Philip Chipfumbu, whose removal from the board has also been questioned, and fellow musicians, including Fred Finto, who have used social media platforms to mobilise artists and explain the issues in plain language. Industry Groups Join In In a rare moment of unity, the Zimbabwe Union of Musicians (ZIMU), led by Edith WeUtonga, has publicly supported the demonstration. ZIMU says its members are tired of what they describe as poor communication, unclear leadership structures, and royalty payments that do not reflect the money reportedly collected on behalf of artists. Edith WeUtonga “We cannot continue to accept situations where artists receive payouts that do not match the value of their work,” WeUtonga has said in previous public engagements. Key Issues Being Raised Musicians say their demands are simple and practical: Leadership clarity: Questions remain around the appointment and authority of ZIMURA’s executive leadership, matters that have been raised in court and public forums. Property transactions: Artists want transparency regarding the disposal of ZIMURA-owned properties, including flats in Avondale. Royalties: Many musicians say they receive payouts as low as single-digit dollar amounts, despite reports of hundreds of thousands of dollars being collected annually. For artists, the issue is not just money, it is trust. A Turning Point for the Industry? ZIMURA plays a critical role in Zimbabwe’s creative economy, especially as the country pushes digital monetisation under National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Without a trusted collecting society, artists risk being locked out of meaningful earnings both locally and internationally. “This is not about fighting,” said one artist involved in the mobilisation. “It’s about fixing the system so that musicians can survive.” As the march approaches, all eyes will be on whether dialogue follows the demonstration or whether the standoff deepens. Southerton Business Times will cover developments as they unfold.

Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga, leader of the Zimbabwe Intercessors Movement and a prominent organiser of last year’s protests against Zimbabwe hosting the SADC Summit, has formally joined the ruling Zanu‑PF party, announcing his defection at a press conference in Harare, Zimbabwe alongside his wife, Sandra. “I am joining Zanu‑PF after witnessing the significant development initiatives undertaken by the Government,” Nyamakanga said. “Remaining in the opposition without contributing to progress seems unproductive. My wish is to have a one‑party state to ensure meaningful development in the country.” His remarks were met with public welcome from party officials who framed the move as evidence of Zanu‑PF’s broadening appeal. Party leaders welcome defection and promise integration in Harare structures Harare provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa welcomed the bishop’s decision, urging Nyamakanga to bring his followers into the party fold. “Harare was once a stronghold for the opposition, but we say, ‘Welcome home. Zanu‑PF is a place for everyone,’” Masimirembwa said at the provincial offices in Harare. Zanu‑PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Taurai Kandishaya attributed the defection to the perceived successes of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying the party was attracting members from opposition ranks. “We are happy that the opposition is seeing the light. They are joining Zanu‑PF in their numbers,” Kandishaya said. Harare provincial Political Commissar Voyage Dambuza stressed the need to formalise new memberships. “We are going to make a follow‑up to ensure that those new members are registered in their respective cell structures. This is how we grow as a party. We embrace everyone,” he said, outlining plans to integrate defectors into local party units across Harare. Broader trend of defections and outreach to diverse groups Political analysts say Nyamakanga’s move fits a wider pattern of opposition figures crossing to the ruling party. However, some observers caution that defections do not always translate into mass shifts in voter allegiance. On the same day, Zanu‑PF’s Harare provincial offices also welcomed a group of former footballers and coaches who publicly joined the party, a development that party officials highlighted as evidence of Zanu‑PF’s appeal to diverse segments of society. The bishop’s defection is likely to be discussed in both political and religious circles in Harare and beyond, given his profile as a faith leader and organiser of high‑profile protests. Zanu‑PF officials said they would follow up with community outreach and membership drives to consolidate recent gains.

AIR ZIMBABWE By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe Air Zimbabwe says it aims to resume direct long‑haul services between Harare International and London Gatwick by June 2026, marking an attempt to restore a route the national carrier last operated in 2012. The announcement came as the airline’s owner, the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), outlined a fleet restructuring plan intended to revive domestic, regional, and international operations. Speaking at a public lecture in Harare, John Panonetsa Mangudya, CEO of the MIF, said the airline is negotiating to lease a Boeing widebody for long‑haul routes and that “good progress has been made.” He described the Harare–UK link as “one of the most lucrative in Africa” and argued a direct service would also revive time‑sensitive exports such as horticulture. “In the past, we used to export our horticulture, and by morning it would be on shelves in the UK,” Mangudya said. The plan comes amid a major caveat: Air Zimbabwe remains banned from operating commercial flights to, from, and within the United Kingdom and the European Union because it does not meet international safety standards. The carrier’s last Gatwick service used a single B767‑200ER before financial troubles and aircraft impoundments forced suspension of the route. Mangudya said the government has authorised the sale of two Boeing 777s acquired from Malaysia Airlines but never placed into service. Proceeds from those disposals, he said, will be used to pay deposits for newer, smaller aircraft intended for domestic operations. “The government has given us authority to sell the Boeing 777s, and the proceeds will be used to pay a deposit for new, smaller aircraft for domestic flights,” he told the audience. Under a five‑year strategic turnaround, Air Zimbabwe plans to acquire six new aircraft over three years at an estimated cost of USD 775.5 million. The proposed three‑tier procurement would include two domestic aircraft (USD 49 million each), two regional jets (USD 101 million each), and two long‑haul widebodies (USD 225 million each) to restore international services. The carrier currently wet‑leases an ATR42‑500 from Kenya’s Renegade Air for domestic and regional operations; none of Air Zimbabwe’s in‑house fleet, including two E145s, a B737‑200, and the B767‑200ER, is presently in service. Industry observers say the ambition to return to Gatwick will hinge on meeting stringent safety and regulatory requirements imposed by the UK and EU aviation authorities. Restoring international services will require not only newer aircraft but demonstrable improvements in maintenance, safety oversight, and regulatory compliance. Air Zimbabwe and the MIF say the National Treasury backs the fleet overhaul. Ch-aviation and other industry outlets have been contacted for comment as stakeholders weigh the feasibility of the carrier’s timetable and the broader implications for Zimbabwe’s connectivity and export logistics.

Courtney Walsh By Sports Desk | Southerton Business Times Zimbabwe’s push at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been given a timely lift with the arrival of West Indies fast-bowling great Courtney Walsh, who has joined the Chevrons as a specialist bowling consultant during their training camp in Sri Lanka. For a team preparing to battle heavyweights in unfamiliar conditions, the presence of one of cricket’s most respected figures is more than symbolic. It is strategic. Walsh, a towering figure of the game who mastered subcontinental pitches during his storied career, has been working closely with Zimbabwe’s bowlers, helping them adjust their lengths, variations, and match awareness ahead of a demanding Group B campaign that includes Australia, Ireland, and hosts Sri Lanka. Inside Zimbabwe’s World Cup Camp Speaking from Sri Lanka, head coach Justin Sammons said the team has already benefited from Walsh’s influence, both before their departure and during the current camp. “It’s been great having Courtney over the last few weeks,” Sammons said. “He’s really getting to know the bowlers now, and for them to get to know him, which is cool.” Sammons described Walsh as more than a technical coach, urging players to draw from his experience of elite international cricket. “He’s a great sounding board. I hope the guys are asking as many questions as possible. This isn’t just about Sri Lanka — it’s about their careers moving forward.” Why Walsh Matters in Subcontinental Conditions The T20 World Cup will be played on slower, spin-friendly pitches where discipline, deception, and game intelligence often outweigh raw pace. Walsh’s experience navigating those environments has become central to Zimbabwe’s preparations. His sessions have focused on execution under pressure, smarter use of variations, and understanding batters’ tendencies, skills that could prove decisive in tight World Cup contests. “Courtney’s knowledge of the game is something we can’t ignore,” Sammons added. “We’re making the most of his presence, and I’m confident it will pay dividends.” Confidence Boost on the Field Zimbabwe’s preparations were underlined by a positive warm-up performance against the Netherlands, where the Chevrons posted 178 for 9, powered by Ryan Burl’s unbeaten 50 off 31 balls. Contributions from Dion Myers (32), Tadiwanashe Marumani (28), and captain Sikandar Raza (20) laid a solid platform before the bowlers took charge. Richard Ngarava claimed three wickets, while Graeme Cremer and Wellington Masakadza picked up two apiece as Zimbabwe sealed a 29-run victory. A Squad Blending Youth and Experience Led by Raza, the squad blends seasoned internationals with emerging talent. Young batters Brian Bennett and Marumani bring energy at the top, while the return of Brendan Taylor and Cremer adds stability and experience. The pace pairing of Blessing Muzarabani and Ngarava remains central to Zimbabwe’s bowling plans. With Walsh now embedded in the camp, belief is quietly growing. Zimbabwe open their Group B campaign against Oman, before facing Australia, Ireland, and Sri Lanka, a stretch that will test both skill and nerve. But for a team long accustomed to punching above its weight, the presence of a legend in the nets has shifted the mood. With Australia, Ireland, and hosts Sri Lanka standing between the Chevrons and progress, Zimbabwe’s margin for error is slim. But with experience like Walsh’s now embedded in the camp, belief inside the dressing room is quietly growing. Sometimes, belief begins with who is standing beside you. Zimbabwe ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Squad Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Brendan Taylor. Zimbabwe Cricket Courtney Walsh T20 World Cup Sikandar Raza Chevrons

Avondale Stone artifacts By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times If you are a sculptor chiselling stone in Harare, a novelist writing with a solar light in the misty hills of Mount Selinda, or a comedian recording skits on your phone in Chipinge, here is the good news: the world is no longer “out there.” It is already in your pocket. Under Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), the government has made a clear pivot toward a digital-first economy. For artists, this shift quietly changes everything. It means your next song, book, painting, or video does not have to stop at the border post. It can travel legally, visibly, and profitably across the globe. But as we established in our previous column, “Paperwork is the New Paintbrush,”  talent alone is no longer enough. In 2026, to sell your art beyond the border, you need more than inspiration. You need a digital identity that global platforms can recognise, trust, and pay. The 15% Digital Services Tax: The Entry Fee to the Global Market Before you upload your next track, vlog, or digital artwork, it helps to understand the landscape you are stepping into. Zimbabwe, like many countries, is aligning itself with international digital trade rules. One visible result is the 15% Digital Services Tax (DST). This tax applies mainly to foreign-owned platforms, such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, Shopify, and YouTube, that earn revenue from Zimbabwean users. Some creators worry this makes the digital world more expensive. In reality, it signals something important: Zimbabwe is formally recognising the digital space as a legitimate marketplace. That matters because markets need rules before money can flow safely. For artists, the lesson is simple. If you are informal, your earnings can disappear into a legal grey zone. If you are formal, registered, and traceable, your royalties, sales, and ad revenue have a clear path back home. Your Art Needs a Digital Passport Under NDS2, the big idea is value addition. This means turning raw creativity into a properly tagged digital asset, something that can be tracked, traded, and protected. Think of it as giving your work a passport. 1. Authors and Fine Artists: ISBNs and Digital Certificates If you are a writer in Mount Selinda, your equivalent of a musical ISRC is an ISBN. Without it, your book does not exist to Amazon, global bookstores, or libraries. For fine artists, the world is moving toward digital certificates of authenticity and even NFTs. These tools ensure that if your painting is resold in London or Cape Town, your authorship and resale rights are preserved. 2. Filmmakers and Content Creators: ISAN and Monetisation Filmmakers use the ISAN (International Standard Audiovisual Number) to track films and documentaries worldwide. For everyday creators YouTubers, skit comedians, vloggers there is encouraging news. The Zimbabwean government has opened discussions with Google and Meta to unlock direct monetisation for local creators. Under NDS2, the Ministry of ICT has also earmarked US$10 million to support content creation and scaling. In short, the door is opening, but only for creators who are properly registered. 3. Musicians: The ISRC Code For musicians, the International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) remains the most important digital fingerprint. This 12-character code ensures that when someone streams your song in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the money knows where to go back to your registered business. The Bottom Line: Don’t Be an Invisible Creator NDS2 has laid down the bridge, but artists must still cross it properly equipped. From Harare’s studios to Mount Selinda’s writing desks, the opportunity to sell art beyond the border is real. But visibility matters. If Sha Sha can win a BET Award and local animators can land Netflix deals, it is not by luck. Their creative paperwork is as strong as their talent. Register with ZIPO, formalise your business, secure your digital codes, and step onto the global stage with confidence. The world is already listening. Make sure it knows how to pay you. Percy Nhara is a musician, veteran broadcaster, and ethnomusicologist focusing on the intersection of creative arts and economic policy. For insights on turning policy into profit, email mdarawengozha@gmail.com  or WhatsApp +263 772 113 605. 📺 Related video:   Zimbabwe opens talks with Google and Meta on digital content monetisation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_84C-uoYqM ✅ Short Explainer Box Quick Guide: How to Sell Your Art Online Under NDS2You don’t need to be “techy” to earn online. You just need three things: 1. Register Yourself or Your Group Open a simple business or trust and register your work with ZIPO. This proves the art is yours. 2. Get a Digital CodeMusic: ISRCBooks: ISBNFilm & video: ISANThese codes help platforms track your work and pay you correctly. 3. Use Approved PlatformsUpload through recognised platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Amazon or Facebook. Government talks with Google and Meta are making this easier for Zimbabwean creators.Remember: No registration = no payment trail.

HIGH COURT OF ZIMBABWE By Staff Reporter HARARE — A regional magistrate on Tuesday sentenced businessman Washington Ferera (41) to seven years in prison for perjury after finding that he deliberately misled the High Court by presenting a fake and backdated agreement of sale in a land transaction worth millions of dollars. Regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje convicted Ferera of perjury with intent to deceive the High Court, suspending one year of the sentence on condition of good behaviour. Ferera had pleaded not guilty during the trial, but the court ruled that his defence was unconvincing and riddled with inconsistencies, particularly regarding the timeline of the alleged offence. In delivering judgment, Magistrate Mambanje said the State had successfully proved that Ferera knowingly participated in a fraudulent scheme designed to unlawfully secure ownership of land. The court accepted the testimony of Norman Mugiya, a State witness, whom Mambanje described as credible and reliable. Mugiya testified that Ferera and his wife, who remains at large, instructed him to process backdated title deeds to facilitate the land acquisition. Prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze told the court that between January and March 2018, Ferera and Scholastic Muringai, acting with intent to deceive the High Court, signed a fake agreement of sale for Lot 358 of Prospect, measuring 25.1499 hectares. The property was allegedly sold to Schomet Industrial Holdings, with Ferera purporting to act on behalf of the seller while Muringai represented the supposed buyer. The State established that the fraudulent agreement was later used to mislead the High Court and other authorities, resulting in the transfer of title deeds from Schomet Industrial Holdings to Maride Investments Trust through a court order without the production of the original title deeds. Further evidence showed that Muringai attached the backdated agreement to her founding affidavit in High Court case HC2670/2018, which formed the basis for the court’s decision. As a result of the misrepresentation, Schomet Industrial Holdings was exposed to a potential prejudice amounting to US$4.2 million, the court heard. In aggravation, the magistrate noted that Ferera’s actions undermined the integrity of the judicial process and involved deliberate dishonesty aimed at manipulating court procedures for personal gain. Authorities are still pursuing Ferera’s wife in connection with the matter.

STAR FM By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe A Harare human trafficking case unfolded over the weekend when two women were remanded at Harare Regional Magistrates Court after prosecutors alleged they lured children from Mount Selinda, Chipinge, to Harare under the pretext of school enrolment and then forced them to work as unpaid street vendors on Samora Machel Avenue. “We have reasonable grounds to believe the accused recruited and transported minors for exploitative labour,” a prosecutor told the court in Harare. A police spokesperson confirmed the investigation is ongoing, adding: “Our priority is the welfare of the children; we are working with child‑welfare agencies to secure their safety.” A representative from a child‑protection agency in Harare said the children are receiving medical and psychosocial support. Allegations of recruitment from Mount Selinda Chipinge and forced vending on Samora Machel Avenue Prosecutors allege Chantel Hlatwayo (21) and her aunt Sibongile Hlatwayo (64) recruited minors — all under 15 — from Mount Selinda in Chipinge by promising school placements in Harare. Upon arrival, the children were reportedly compelled to sell goods along Samora Machel Avenue, with proceeds allegedly appropriated by the accused. Court documents say family ties and community trust were exploited to facilitate the scheme. How the case came to light and the immediate child‑welfare response in Harare The matter surfaced publicly after Chantel Hlatwayo appeared on the Star FM programme Tilda Live on 27 January 2026, prompting complaints and a police probe. Child‑welfare officials in Harare have intervened: children identified in the case are being assessed and placed under protective care while social services coordinate reunification efforts with guardians in Chipinge, where appropriate. Legal framework and next steps for the Harare human trafficking prosecution The charges fall under Zimbabwe’s anti‑trafficking and child protection laws, which criminalise the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of minors for labour. If convicted, the accused face significant penalties. The two women were remanded in custody pending a bail application expected later this week; prosecutors said they will present further evidence as investigations continue in both Harare and Chipinge

2026 National World Wetlands Day commemorations at Ditchwe Wetland in Makonde District By Staff Reporter — Makonde, Zimbabwe 2026 National World Wetlands Day commemorations at Ditchwe Wetland in Makonde District In a speech read on her behalf, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu cited the Global Wetland Outlook 2025, noting that 64 percent of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900 and that losses are occurring three times faster than deforestation. “Wetlands purify water, regulate floods, recharge groundwater, store carbon, support biodiversity, and sustain livelihoods,” the speech said, adding that although wetlands cover only about six percent of the Earth’s surface, they support nearly 40 percent of all plant and animal species. Zimbabwe, the minister warned, is not immune. National assessments show only 17.63 percent of the country’s wetlands remain pristine, while 55.65 percent are moderately degraded and 26.72 percent severely degraded. Officials linked the rising incidence of flash floods in urban centres such as Harare and Chitungwiza to wetland loss driven by illegal construction and land conversion. The commemorations, held under the global theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” highlighted indigenous practices that conserved wetlands long before modern laws. “Long before wetlands were defined scientifically, our communities understood them as matoro, mapani, zvitubu, masensa, and amaxhaphozi sacred spaces governed by cultural norms and taboos,” Ndlovu said, stressing that ancestral knowledge remains relevant and effective. Zimbabwe’s role on the international stage adds urgency. As president of COP15 to the Convention on Wetlands, following last year’s summit in Victoria Falls, the country is expected to lead by example in integrating traditional knowledge into wetland governance. The government pointed to a policy framework that includes the Environmental Management Act, the National Wetlands Policy, a Wetlands Masterplan, and stakeholder management guidelines. Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and with support from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe has backed 92 community‑led wetland restoration projects covering 31,082 hectares, supporting livelihoods in farming, fisheries, beekeeping and water harvesting. Success stories cited at Ditchwe include restoration efforts at Ntunjambila and Gulathi wetlands in Matobo and Mazvihwa wetlands in Zvishavane, where traditional leadership and cultural norms helped revive degraded areas. Looking ahead, Zimbabwe has committed to restoring 250,000 hectares of degraded wetlands and designating five new Ramsar Sites by 2030, adding to the seven already listed. Government officials urged collective action: when a wetland is protected, they said, a source of life is preserved for future generations. The message was clear, blending satellite monitoring, GIS, and climate modelling with sacred‑site protection and community stewardship offers the best path to safeguard wetlands as living cultural landscapes that sustain livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience.

Queen Nadia TV Zimbabwe Facebook influencer By Staff Reporter A Zimbabwean social media personality known as Queen Nadia TV has ignited fierce debate online, drawing millions of followers and transforming controversy into commercial success. Her official Facebook page has become one of the fastest-growing platforms in the country, fuelled by provocative, tightly edited videos that push the limits of social media rules without fully crossing them. The strategy appears deliberate and highly effective. Queen Nadia’s content relies more on suggestion than exposure. In short clips, she teases movement and posture, revealing just enough to trigger curiosity while staying within Facebook’s moderation grey zones. It is a style reminiscent of what the late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti once described as “open and close,” showing just enough for those “with eyes to see”. The approach has paid off handsomely. Just days after reopening her Facebook page, Queen Nadia’s following surged to nearly three million followers, growing by thousands within minutes. During the writing of this article, her follower count visibly jumped again, a clear indicator of the velocity at which users are flocking to her page. Online, her platform has become a hive of activity. Male followers dominate the comment sections, openly celebrating her posts, while critics, many of them women, accuse her of promoting content they believe undermines moral standards or negatively influences young girls. Supporters, however, argue that she is simply exploiting the same digital economy that rewards outrage, attention, and engagement, and doing so more honestly than most. During a recent live interaction, Queen Nadia invited followers to ask her questions. When asked how many direct messages she receives per hour, she responded simply, “Many.” Asked whether her family had objected to her content, she said they had not. When criticised for allegedly setting a bad example, her response was blunt: “So?” She also confirmed she has one child. Hours later, in a dramatic twist, Queen Nadia posted a video titled “To all my fans, I can’t live without you”, suggesting she might change her content. “I saw a lot of comments. A lot of people are asking questions,” she said. “So, guys, I come as your child. I want to change my content. I promise I am not going to do this. I’m changing everything.” The video attracted over 35,000 reactions within hours. Ironically, many fans flooded the comments pleading with her not to stop, insisting they had “enough data” to keep watching. Whether the promise marks a genuine shift or simply another engagement tactic remains to be seen. What is clear is that Queen Nadia has mastered the mechanics of attention in the digital age, where controversy converts to clicks, clicks convert to currency, and morality debates only drive the numbers higher. In Zimbabwe’s fast-evolving influencer economy, Queen Nadia TV is no longer just trending. She is cashing in.

WhatsApp By Staff Reporter Bulawayo, Zimbabwe  — A Bulawayo man is facing potential criminal charges after allegedly posting intimate videos and photographs of his wife on his WhatsApp status, in what legal experts describe as a serious violation of Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act. The man is accused of sharing the material after obtaining videos allegedly showing his wife having an affair with her manager at a well-known fast-food outlet where she works. While the alleged infidelity has stirred public debate, lawyers warn that the husband’s response may have crossed several legal red lines. According to legal experts, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or videos, commonly referred to as revenge porn , is a criminal offence under the Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07), regardless of the circumstances or emotional distress involved. Revenge Porn Is a Crime — Even in Marriage The law prohibits the sending, posting, or distribution of intimate content through WhatsApp, social media platforms, or any electronic means without the subject’s consent. This includes WhatsApp statuses, family groups, and “close friends” chats. Legal practitioners stress that the Act is designed to protect privacy, dignity, and bodily autonomy, even in cases that provoke public outrage. “Infidelity does not suspend the law,” said Bulawayo-based lawyer Welshman Ncube. “The moment intimate images are shared without consent, a criminal offence has been committed.” Under the Act, intimate content includes images or videos depicting nudity, exposed private body parts, or sexual acts. A conviction carries a Level 10 fine of up to US$700, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both. Multiple Legal Risks for the Husband Another Bulawayo lawyer, Matshobane Ncube, warned that the husband’s legal problems may have begun even earlier. “If the husband accessed his wife’s phone without permission, that alone could constitute unlawful access to a computer system,” he said, referring to Section 163A (1) (c) of the Act. That offence attracts a Level 14 fine of up to US$5,000 or imprisonment of up to five years. Legal experts say the wife may pursue multiple remedies, including: Criminal charges for unlawful sharing of intimate material Civil claims for defamation and emotional distress Divorce proceedings Charges for unlawful access to electronic devices The case has reignited debate around digital privacy, marital conflict, and revenge porn laws in Zimbabwe, underscoring that emotional reactions do not excuse criminal conduct.