Dokwe Mine By Staff Reporter UK‑listed Ariana Resources and Hong Kong Xinhai Mining Services are finalising technical services agreements to accelerate the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, after Xinhai completed the first tranche of a binding strategic investment. The Chinese mining group acquired a 10.19% stake in Ariana through Tranche 1, delivering AU$8 million (US$5.57 million) in immediate funding to support working capital, metallurgical test work, and the definitive feasibility study (DFS). Under the December binding agreement, Xinhai has committed up to AU$11 million (US$7.66 million) via a mix of equity and technical services to progress Dokwe toward production. Ariana says the strategic investment is designed to accelerate the DFS programme and position Dokwe for rapid development. The partnership grants Xinhai the right, subject to regulatory approvals, to nominate a director to Ariana’s board, signalling a deeper operational and governance role for the Chinese partner. Further tranches of funding are contingent on the achievement of technical and feasibility milestones, aligning investor support with project delivery. The immediate AU$8 million injection is earmarked for critical pre‑development activities: detailed metallurgical test work to refine recoveries and processing routes, expanded resource definition where required, and completion of the DFS, the document that underpins capital estimates, mine design, and financing plans. Ariana emphasised that Xinhai brings global delivery capacity for large‑scale mining projects and already maintains a substantial presence in Zimbabwe, making it a pragmatic partner for advancing Dokwe. Shareholders will consider resolutions related to the strategic investment and future equity issues at Ariana’s general meeting scheduled for 25 February. The company has circulated notices on the ASX and AIM outlining the terms of the binding definitive agreement signed on 22 December 2025. Ariana framed the deal as an opportunity to “build a lasting partnership capable of unlocking the value of the Dokwe Project through the acceleration of the definitive feasibility study programme, with a view to progressing Dokwe to production as swiftly as possible.” Market observers note several potential benefits and risks. On the positive side, the partnership provides immediate funding, technical support, and a pathway to de‑risk the DFS phase, a common bottleneck for junior miners seeking project finance. Xinhai’s technical services could shorten timelines and improve the robustness of metallurgical and processing assumptions, enhancing bankability. The ability to nominate a board director also offers Xinhai influence over strategic decisions, which can align incentives but may raise governance questions for minority shareholders. Risks include execution and integration challenges, regulatory approvals for foreign board representation, and the conditional nature of further funding tranches tied to technical milestones. Ariana will need to demonstrate clear progress against DFS deliverables to unlock subsequent tranches and to attract project financing for construction. Ariana and Xinhai are reportedly negotiating the scope and terms of the Technical Services Agreements that will define deliverables, timelines, and performance metrics for the DFS. If approved by shareholders and regulators, the partnership could materially advance Dokwe from study to development, offering a near‑term pathway to production that would contribute to Zimbabwe’s mining sector growth and local economic activity.

Germany’s ambassador Christoph Retzlaff outlines Zimbabwe–EU trade growth, German investment levels and progress on BIPPA compensation as key to restoring investor confidence ( image source ) Germany’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Christoph Retzlaff, has highlighted recent developments in bilateral economic relations, including the start of compensation payments to foreign investors affected by the 2000 farm expropriations under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPAs). In an interview, Ambassador Retzlaff framed the compensation process and broader reforms as essential steps toward restoring investor confidence and unlocking foreign direct investment. Retzlaff, who took up his post in late 2025, said his early impressions of Zimbabwe were shaped by the country’s cultural heritage and hospitality, singling out Great Zimbabwe as a standout destination. He described the bilateral trade relationship as growing: EU–Zimbabwe trade reached about €900 million in 2025, with Zimbabwe enjoying a positive trade balance. Trade between Germany and Zimbabwe was €175 million in 2024, and Retzlaff said there is significant untapped potential across multiple sectors. A central theme of the ambassador’s remarks was the importance of stability, transparency and predictability for investment. He argued that German companies are actively seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce dependencies, creating opportunities for African partners. Retzlaff pointed to the upcoming German Africa Business Summit in Accra in October 2026 as a platform to connect German business interests with African markets, and urged Zimbabwe to position itself to attract such interest. ( image source ) On investment flows, Retzlaff said German direct investment in Zimbabwe currently stands at €18 million, concentrated mainly in horticulture and agriculture. He acknowledged this is modest compared with historical levels and stressed that rebuilding investor confidence will require consistent policy signals and improved governance. Germany’s development cooperation portfolio in Zimbabwe totals €9 million, with an annual programme of €4 million focused on renewable energy and good governance. The ambassador confirmed that Zimbabwe began compensation payments in early 2025 under BIPPAs for farmers expropriated in 2000, noting that about 40 German farmers were affected. He described the payments as part of a “Structured Dialogue” led by the African Development Bank and said the government aims to complete compensation by 2028. Retzlaff framed the move as a milestone that could help normalise relations with Western partners and facilitate access to finance and markets. Retzlaff acknowledged macro-political and economic volatility remains a constraint for investors, but he emphasised that German businesses are looking for predictable legal and regulatory frameworks. He encouraged Zimbabwe to pursue reforms that enhance transparency, protect property rights and streamline investment procedures. If such conditions are met, he said, German firms already active across Africa would be more inclined to expand their presence in Zimbabwe. The ambassador’s comments underline a pragmatic approach: compensation and policy clarity are necessary but not sufficient; sustained engagement, institutional reforms and credible implementation will determine whether Zimbabwe can translate recent diplomatic progress into durable investment and trade gains.

ZCBC and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe sign an MoU to train teachers in psycho-spiritual counselling, strengthening safeguarding, mental-health support and holistic care in schools ( image source ) The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and the Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) have formalised a partnership to strengthen safeguarding and holistic formation in the country’s education system through a new programme in psycho-spiritual therapy and counselling. The institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 29 January 2026 at the Africa Synod House in Harare, committing to train teachers as frontline agents of emotional, moral and spiritual care in schools. The MoU was signed by Fr Tryvis Moyo, ZCBC Secretary General, and Prof Ben Nyambo, Vice-Chancellor of CUZ. Speaking at the ceremony, Fr Moyo emphasised the Church’s commitment to safeguarding. “This signing speaks of better things to come,” he said, adding that teachers are central to creating safe environments where children can flourish. Prof Nyambo described the initiative as timely, noting that modern educators are expected to perform roles that extend beyond classroom instruction to include mentorship and pastoral care. The programme is housed within CUZ’s Faculty of Theology, Ethics, Religious Studies and Philosophy and combines academic coursework with community service. It comprises modules designed to build emotional intelligence, counselling skills and ethical frameworks for responding to trauma, behavioural issues and spiritual distress among learners. Course delivery will blend app-based learning, virtual seminars and in-person practicums to ensure accessibility for teachers across Zimbabwe. A distinctive feature of the initiative is its dual focus on formation and self-care. Sr Theresa Nyadombo, Coordinator of the ZCBC Education and Safeguarding Commissions, said teachers enrolled in the programme will themselves receive counselling as part of their formation. “This will help them become healed healers,” she said, explaining that supporting teachers’ wellbeing is essential to sustaining effective pastoral care in schools. ( image source ) CUZ already operates a Psycho-Spiritual Social Support Centre that provides free counselling to students and surrounding communities. Under the new partnership, similar centres are planned for dioceses nationwide, with the Archdiocese of Harare designated as the pilot site. The centres will serve as practical training hubs for teachers and as community resources for mental-health and spiritual support. Programme coordinator Antony Madongorere said the initiative was mandated by the ZCBC and implemented by CUZ as part of the Church’s broader healing mission. He stressed that the training aims to equip teachers with practical tools for safeguarding, early intervention and referral, while fostering a culture of compassion and resilience in schools. Church leaders and education stakeholders described the partnership as a significant step toward integrating pastoral care into formal teacher development. They argued that equipping teachers with psycho-spiritual skills can reduce stigma around mental-health issues, improve child protection outcomes and strengthen family-school links. The MoU signals a strategic alignment between pastoral structures and higher education to address Zimbabwe’s social, emotional and spiritual challenges. If scaled effectively, the programme could become a model for faith-based contributions to national safeguarding and teacher professional development.

A dispute in Gokwe over unpaid school fees escalates after reports of cattle seizures from parents, prompting community outcry, legal concerns and calls for fair, transparent recovery methods ( image source ) Dusty roads and anxious households in Gokwe have become the backdrop to a bitter dispute over unpaid school fees that has exposed deepening economic strain and social tensions in rural Midlands. The controversy erupted after reports that cattle were being seized from parents to recover outstanding fees, and a leaked audio clip alleging that aides to Chief Misheck Njelele were involved in the collections intensified public alarm. In the circulated recording, villagers described heavy-handed debt-recovery tactics. One woman alleged that debt collectors summoned parents to the chief’s court, handcuffed them and confiscated cattle without proper legal authority. Others claimed cattle were taken and handed over to the chief, with some suggesting animals were later sold to middlemen. Voices in the audio questioned the legality and morality of the practice, arguing that many families are simply unable to meet fees amid rising poverty and large household sizes. The dispute centres on schools such as Mapfumo Primary School, established in 1956 and enrolling about 1,200 pupils, which the chief says is owed more than US$65,000. Chief Njelele defended his actions, saying he is protecting education standards and acting in the best interests of schools that face chronic arrears. He denied profiting from collections and said most cases were resolved when parents paid in cash and retrieved their animals. The chief also cited a directive from the Ministry of Education urging schools to engage parents through debt collectors rather than withholding results. Chief Njelele dismissed allegations of intimidation as exaggerated and suggested some complaints were driven by hidden agendas aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He said the matter is being handled by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Gokwe and pledged transparency, proposing media-accompanied tours of future recovery exercises to demonstrate proper procedure. ( image source ) Police in the Midlands, however, say they have not received formal reports of illegal cattle seizures and urged anyone with evidence to come forward so investigations can proceed. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said authorities would act impartially if complaints are lodged. The episode highlights structural pressures on rural schools that rely heavily on parental fees while government disbursements under the Basic Education Assistance Module remain delayed. Education officials warn that persistent arrears undermine school operations, teacher morale and learning outcomes. Parents, meanwhile, argue that punitive recovery methods compound hardship and risk alienating communities. Stakeholders call for a balanced approach: transparent debt-recovery mechanisms that respect legal safeguards, targeted social support for the poorest families, and improved communication between schools, chiefs and law enforcement. Without coordinated interventions, the Gokwe dispute risks deepening social fractures and disrupting children’s education in a region already grappling with economic insecurity.

Trial of AMH editors and Alpha Media Holdings postponed to 25 February 2026 as defence seeks High Court review over charges linked to a satirical column ( image source ) The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) and senior editors Kholwani Nyathi and Faith Zaba has been postponed to 25 February 2026 by Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, pending the outcome of a High Court review. The two editors and the media house face charges of allegedly insulting or undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa through a satirical Muckraker column titled “When you become a mafia state” published in June 2025. The defence team, led by lawyers Chris Mhike and Alec Muchadehama, had applied for the charges to be quashed, arguing that they were vague, disclosed no offence at law, and infringed constitutional protections of freedom of expression. However, magistrate Apolonia Marutya ruled last month that the State had adequately outlined the alleged roles of the accused and that disputed issues should be tested during trial. ( image source ) Marutya rejected the argument that the charges were defective for lacking a specific complainant, holding that the “Office of the President” could be treated as a juristic person. She found that the charges were neither embarrassing nor prejudicial to the accused. Prosecutors allege the article undermined the authority of the president, with Zaba charged for causing publication in her capacity as editor and AMH charged as the publishing entity. The defence maintains that Muckraker is a satirical opinion column protected under constitutional guarantees of free expression and that the president was not explicitly mentioned in the article. They further argue that investigators misidentified the target of the satire, referencing previous cases in which similar charges against opposition figures were dismissed. Muchadehama has filed for a High Court review of Marutya’s ruling and indicated that, if unsuccessful, the matter could be escalated to the Constitutional Court.

Conflicting statements from ZIMURA leaders over 2025 royalty figures spark transparency concerns, raising questions about governance, financial reporting and trust within Zimbabwe’s music rights body HARARE — A fresh wave of scrutiny has engulfed the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA) after conflicting public statements by senior officials about the organisation’s 2025 royalty collections triggered a credibility crisis and renewed questions about transparency and governance. The controversy began during an appearance on the Ollah7 Podcast, where ZIMURA Deputy Director Henry Makombe stated that the organisation collected approximately US$475,650 in royalties in 2025. Board chair Goodchild Gwenzi was present and appeared to endorse the figure. The statement was delivered as a clear and definitive account of annual collections. However, days later during an interview on Earground, Gwenzi was asked to confirm the same figure. He did not verify the amount and said he was unsure, creating confusion over the official position. The conflicting responses from two senior leaders of the same institution raised public concerns about record-keeping accuracy and internal alignment on financial reporting. The issue escalated further on ZTN’s The Chase, where Makombe was expected to address the discrepancies. He withdrew shortly before recording, citing concerns about the panel composition. Gospel musician Tembalani remained on the programme and called for dialogue and patience, positioning himself as a mediator between artists and management. His stance drew mixed reactions, particularly against reports that some musicians receive annual royalties as low as US$8. Another unresolved question relates to the status of Chipfumbu, reportedly dismissed from ZIMURA, whose name is said to still appear on official registration documents filed after his removal. No formal clarification has been issued regarding this matter. Publicly referenced historical figures also present an uneven picture. Reported collections include ZWL $1.2 million in 2019, ZWL $2.3 million in 2020, ZWL $3–4 million between 2021 and 2022, and varying figures for 2023–2024 depending on the platform cited. No recent audited financial statements have been released to reconcile the discrepancies. Governance analysts note that royalty collection bodies depend heavily on trust, transparency and consistent reporting. In the absence of audited figures and unified communication, artists and stakeholders continue to question the reliability of the numbers being presented. Until an official, audited account is provided, the debate over ZIMURA’s finances is likely to persist.

NRZ confirms successful salvage of export ferrochrome after the Odzi derailment and says rail line repairs are underway, with traffic expected to resume by Saturday ( image source ) The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has confirmed the successful recovery of export ferrochrome from wagons involved in Wednesday’s train derailment at Odzi in Mutare, minimising cargo losses along a key freight route. In a statement, NRZ said salvage operations were completed by midday on 29 January. Later that afternoon, a train carrying ballast and fines arrived at the site, allowing immediate repairs to begin on the damaged section of track. Replacement rails, sleepers and other materials were already on site, with realignment works underway. ( video source ) The rail operator reported that it was on schedule to reopen the line to traffic by Saturday afternoon, restoring movement in both directions. NRZ apologised to customers and stakeholders for the disruption and said efforts were focused on resuming normal service as quickly as possible. The derailment temporarily interrupted freight operations on an important export corridor, but NRZ said its recovery teams moved swiftly to secure cargo and stabilise the site. The incident once again underscores the pressures facing Zimbabwe’s rail network, which continues to contend with ageing infrastructure and years of underinvestment. For ferrochrome producers, the salvage is particularly significant. Ferrochrome is a major export used in stainless steel production and a key source of foreign currency earnings, making the protection and timely movement of such cargo critical to the mining and export value chain.

Zimbabwe rain-related deaths rise to 109 as heavy floods destroy homes, damage schools and strain emergency response, with thousands of households affected nationwide ( image source ) The death toll from rain-related incidents in Zimbabwe has risen to 109, up from 79 last week, as sustained heavy rains continue to affect large parts of the country. The latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) situation report shows 8,295 households affected, 334 homes destroyed and 236 schools damaged, placing infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services under severe pressure. Manicaland recorded the highest number of fatalities at 36, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Matabeleland South with 16. Harare Metropolitan Province reported the largest number of affected households at 5,093, highlighting the vulnerability of urban areas to flash flooding and drainage failures. The CPU said roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes and farm dams have sustained extensive damage, disrupting access to education and healthcare in several districts. Deaths have been attributed to lightning strikes, drowning and collapsing infrastructure, with emergency response efforts strained by the scale and frequency of incidents. In one of the deadliest recent events, nine people drowned in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, when their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe Resettlement Area. Local CPU committees provided maize assistance to affected families, but officials said relief needs far exceed available resources. In Beitbridge District, heavy rains between 11 and 16 January affected at least 114 people, destroying food stocks, clothing and household items. Authorities linked much of the destruction to fragile rural infrastructure and unreinforced mud housing prone to collapse during prolonged rainfall. ( image source ) The CPU has called for intensified public education on rainfall hazards through social media, mainstream media and community radio, and urged the urgent mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items for displaced families. Funding gaps remain significant. The 2025/26 National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan requires US$96.17 million; so far, US$3 million has been received. Provinces have been allocated US$30,000 each for emergency response and 50 metric tonnes of maize per province. Zimbabwe is also coordinating regional humanitarian assistance under ZimAid, supporting Malawi and Mozambique following severe flooding. Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi recently handed over 300 metric tonnes of grain and other supplies to Mozambique, while the first consignment to Malawi has been dispatched. ( image source ) With the rainy season ongoing, the CPU urged communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers, take safety precautions and report emergencies quickly. The extent of damage and limited resources highlight the urgent need for immediate relief as well as long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems and community preparedness.

Andy Muridzo publicly apologises to former mentor Jah Prayzah through a new song, ending years of tension and signalling reconciliation welcomed across Zimbabwe’s music industry ( image source ) AFRO-fusion artist Andy Muridzo has issued a public apology to his former mentor Jah Prayzah, ending years of public criticism and drawing widespread praise across Zimbabwe’s music industry. The reconciliation follows a prolonged period of tension that began after Muridzo left Jah Prayzah’s Military Touch band in 2017 and later escalated into repeated verbal attacks and public jibes. Muridzo delivered the apology through a new song that doubles as a public plea, an approach observers describe as both creative and symbolic. ( Video Source ) Muridzo’s exit from Military Touch marked a major turning point in his career. While Jah Prayzah strengthened his position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading musicians, Muridzo’s path proved more uneven, with fewer commercial highs. Commentators say the contrast in fortunes contributed to lingering resentment that played out publicly over the years. In the apology track, Muridzo asks fans and the nation to support his effort to make amends and to recognise the value of mentorship and mutual respect in the arts. Jah Prayzah responded promptly on social media, accepting the apology and assuring Muridzo that there are no hard feelings. He encouraged his former protégé to embrace his talent and continue pursuing his musical ambitions. The exchange was warm and forward-looking, with both artists signalling a willingness to move on. Industry insiders say Jah Prayzah’s tone helped ease tensions and set a constructive example. ( image source ) Music commentators and cultural stakeholders have welcomed the reconciliation as a positive moment for the sector. Public feuds between established stars and former protégés can strain professional networks, divide audiences and distract from creative output. By using music itself as the medium of apology, Muridzo not only acknowledged past mistakes but also demonstrated how artistic expression can support healing. The episode also highlights the role of mentorship in Zimbabwean music. Senior artists often help emerging performers gain exposure, build industry links and access platforms. When such relationships fracture, the consequences can be both personal and professional. This reconciliation underscores the importance of repairing mentorship ties and resolving disputes in ways that strengthen the creative community. Attention now turns to whether the renewed goodwill could lead to collaboration, joint performances or mentorship initiatives. For Muridzo, the gesture may help restore industry relationships and visibility; for Jah Prayzah, the response reinforces his standing as a senior figure willing to extend grace. For the wider sector, the moment serves as a reminder that humility and reconciliation can contribute to a healthier creative ecosystem.

( image source ) Zimbabwe’s public discourse follows a familiar cycle. A remark goes viral, a symbolic issue ignites outrage, or a minor controversy dominates social media and talk shows. For days or weeks, the country is consumed. Then attention shifts, leaving little changed. Meanwhile, the fundamentals — productivity, service delivery, policy coherence and competitiveness — continue to struggle for sustained attention. This tendency is often described as “majoring in the minor.” The phrase may sound dismissive, but the consequences are real, particularly for business confidence and economic planning. The issue is not whether minor controversies matter at all, but whether they consistently crowd out attention to what matters most. From a business perspective, the imbalance is costly. Zimbabwe’s economic challenges are well known: currency volatility, limited access to affordable capital, infrastructure constraints and high unemployment. These factors shape pricing decisions, investment timelines and survival strategies for enterprises across sectors. Yet rigorous, continuous public engagement around solutions to these challenges is rare. Instead, national energy is frequently absorbed by debates that generate emotion but require little structural change. Economic performance is influenced not only by policy, but by the seriousness of the conversation surrounding policy. Investors observe more than official pronouncements. They watch how a country debates its priorities, how quickly attention shifts, and whether difficult issues receive sustained scrutiny. When noise dominates discourse, uncertainty deepens — and uncertainty is the enemy of investment. There are clear incentives behind this pattern. Minor controversies are safer than structural debates. It is easier to mobilise public emotion around symbols, personalities or isolated incidents than around fiscal discipline, productivity, procurement reform or state-owned enterprise efficiency. Structural issues inevitably raise uncomfortable questions about accountability and trade-offs. The minor offers intensity without consequence. There is also a social dimension. In an environment where many citizens feel excluded from meaningful economic decision-making, symbolic debates feel accessible. Commenting on a viral issue provides a sense of participation and relevance. Structural reform, by contrast, appears technical, slow and distant. Majoring in the minor becomes a way to engage when deeper levers feel out of reach. This does not mean that all “minor” issues are trivial. Culture, dignity and representation matter in any society. Small incidents often reveal deeper tensions — inequality, institutional mistrust or generational frustration. The problem arises when these signals become endpoints rather than gateways to deeper discussion. Outrage replaces analysis, and attention moves on before fundamentals are addressed. For business, the cost of this pattern accumulates quietly. Companies operate under real constraints and real timelines. They must manage inflation, exchange rate risk, regulatory uncertainty and fragile consumer confidence. Long-term planning depends on predictability and seriousness of intent. When national discourse rarely sustains focus on economic fundamentals, reform pressure weakens. Delay becomes normal. Over time, postponement hardens into policy. The media environment reinforces this drift. In the attention economy, what travels fastest is often what matters least. Social media rewards immediacy and emotion, not depth or continuity. Yet business journalism carries a different responsibility. It must repeatedly foreground issues of growth, productivity, innovation and governance, even when these lack spectacle or instant engagement. The challenge, therefore, is not passion but prioritisation. A healthy national conversation can accommodate cultural debate while maintaining relentless focus on economic fundamentals. Zimbabwe’s difficulty lies in keeping the major issues major. Ultimately, the question is not whether Zimbabweans major in the minor. It is why the pattern persists, who benefits from distraction, and what remains unresolved while attention is elsewhere. Distraction is rarely accidental, and delay has economic consequences. For a country seeking sustainable growth, business confidence and meaningful job creation, learning to major in the major may be one of the most important reforms of all — not legislated, but practiced daily in how national attention is allocated. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity

Zimura vice-chair First Batani defends his election and rejects past allegations as governance disputes deepen over board elections, asset sales and leadership legitimacy ( image source ) HARARE — Newly elected Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura) vice-chairperson First Batani, popularly known as First Farai, has strongly defended his leadership position, dismissing criticism of his election as malicious, agenda-driven and rooted in personal vendettas rather than legitimate governance concerns. Batani also rejected revived allegations connected to an alleged funeral contributions embezzlement case from more than a decade ago. He described the accusations as an attempt to tarnish his reputation rather than seek accountability. “People bringing up an issue from 15 years ago are cowards who are peddling lies,” Batani said, arguing that Zimura remains a professionally run collective management organisation governed by law and constitutional processes. He maintained that both his election and that of chairperson Alexio “Goodchild” Gwenzi complied with quorum requirements and Zimura’s constitution, despite objections from a faction of directors. Batani accused Dereck Mpofu, Gift Amuli and Joseph Garakara of boycotting the elections and later launching a public relations campaign after failing to secure leadership positions. “In my capacity as acting chairperson, I personally invited them to attend the elections. They gave different excuses, then later emerged holding press conferences attacking us,” he said. ( image source ) Addressing claims that he sidelined Amuli from the vice-chair role, Batani said Amuli had been contesting the chairpersonship and that the initial vote ended in a stalemate. On the controversial sale of Zimura’s Avondale flats and allegations involving director Polisile Ncube-Chimhini, Batani insisted procedures were followed and documentation exists. “The sale was done properly, and documents are available,” he said, adding that the alleged forgery case remains before the courts. However, governance analysts argue Batani’s confrontational stance risks reinforcing perceptions that internal power struggles are overshadowing broader issues around transparency, asset disposals and leadership legitimacy. The dispute has escalated, with Zimura dismissing Mpofu, Amuli and Garakara — a move the trio has rejected as unlawful. In a 22 January statement, the three directors described the recent board elections as a “phantom process” and accused the new leadership of colluding with the secretariat to consolidate power and block investigations into asset sales and financial governance. While current leaders insist all actions are lawful, the standoff has exposed deep divisions within the artists’ rights body, with observers warning the conflict now centres on whether Zimura ultimately serves musicians or those who control its structures.

UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo criticises Wicknell Chivayo and Fadzayi Mahere after backlash over CNN remarks about cutting ties with Zimbabwe ( image source ) Zimbabwean-born UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has sparked a heated public exchange after criticising businessman Wicknell Chivayo and former MP Fadzayi Mahere, following backlash over remarks he made during a recent CNN interview. In the interview, Gorimbo said he had severed ties with both his family and Zimbabwe, and disclosed plans to be cremated with his ashes scattered in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, saying he no longer feels connected to his country of birth. The comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing strong reactions. Chivayo responded online with a dismissive post, prompting Gorimbo to issue a lengthy rebuttal in which he accused the businessman of seeking attention and questioned his credibility. “You can bully other Zimbabweans and buy them, but not me,” Gorimbo wrote, adding that serious entrepreneurs do not focus on social-media disputes. Gorimbo also criticised Fadzayi Mahere after she posted that she would “pick Zimbabwe over and over again,” which he interpreted as an indirect response to his stance. In a strongly worded reaction, Gorimbo accused Mahere of benefiting from the same political system she criticises and questioned her impact during her short tenure as Member of Parliament for Mt Pleasant, which ended within months amid internal disputes in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Highlighting his own contributions, Gorimbo pointed to community projects including the drilling of a borehole in his home village. He contrasted this with what he described as performative activism, framing his position as one grounded in lived hardship rather than political rhetoric. Gorimbo remains a significant figure in Zimbabwean sport as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight, holding a professional MMA record of 14 wins and 6 losses. His journey from poverty in Bikita, Masvingo — where he lost both parents by age 13 — to international recognition has been widely publicised. A notable moment in his story came when actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gifted him a house after learning he had only US$7 before one of his fights. Despite his sporting achievements, Gorimbo’s recent statements have reignited debate around identity, belonging and the responsibilities of public figures toward their countries of origin.