The Office of the President and Cabinet has voided provincial river-rehabilitation deals, ordered a crackdown on illegal mining, and directed enforcement of SI 188 of 2024 nationwide ( image source ) HARARE — The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has ordered all provinces to immediately enforce Statutory Instrument 188 of 2024, effectively cancelling controversial private river-rehabilitation agreements and tightening control over alluvial mining operations. In a directive to Secretaries for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the OPC declared that existing agreements between provincial authorities and private river-rehabilitation companies are null and void, stating that SI 188 does not permit such contracts without explicit Cabinet approval. Provinces have been instructed to terminate the arrangements with immediate effect. The directive outlines enforcement measures that include the arrest and removal of illegal miners, confiscation of equipment and the establishment of an Interministerial Committee to coordinate river-rehabilitation efforts nationwide. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) will lead pilot rehabilitation projects, after which provinces may form Provincial River Rehabilitation Committees — but only with Cabinet authorisation. ( image source ) Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland have been specifically instructed to submit reports detailing how and why private contractors were appointed. Deadlines for submission range between 23 and 26 February 2026. The move follows controversy surrounding Prevail Group of Companies, owned by businessman Paul Tungwarara, which reportedly secured exclusive river-rehabilitation rights in Mazowe. The development is seen as a significant setback for Tungwarara, who has recently attracted political attention after publicly criticising senior ZANU-PF figures and alleging that some party financiers were positioning themselves for post-Mnangagwa leadership dynamics. Tungwarara’s public rallies in Manicaland, where he distributed cash through an Empowerment Fund, were criticised by party officials as divisive. ZANU-PF Youth League representatives Taurai Kandishaya and Tino Machakaire described his remarks as inflammatory and damaging to party unity.

ZANU PF says it is nearing completion of processes to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, with Cabinet and Parliament stages next ( image source ) CHINHOYI — ZANU PF says its internal process to amend the Constitution in line with Resolution Number One — a proposal aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office to 2030 — is nearing completion, with formal government procedures expected to begin next month. Party Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, told delegates at the party’s first Mashonaland West Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on Saturday that the amendment principles will be submitted to Cabinet when it resumes sitting in February, following the President’s return from annual leave. If Cabinet approves the principles, Ziyambi said a Constitutional Amendment Bill will be drafted and tabled in Parliament. Should it secure the required legislative support, the bill would then be sent to the President for assent, completing the formal constitutional process. ( image source ) Ziyambi framed the proposal as procedurally lawful, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s Constitution provides mechanisms for amendment. He said the move stems from a party resolution rather than an individual initiative. “The Constitution of Zimbabwe allows for changes and amendments, and that is exactly what we are following,” he said, adding that once lawfully passed, the President would be constitutionally required to sign the bill into law. He acknowledged that the proposal may face opposition but criticised what he described as selective constitutionalism among detractors. Ziyambi also urged party members to maintain internal unity and discipline, warning that factional disputes weaken organisational effectiveness. He cautioned against the misuse of senior leaders’ names for personal leverage. Provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka told the meeting that Mashonaland West structures were prepared for an upcoming Cell Verification Day and expressed confidence ahead of the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election set for 21 February. The vacancy followed the death of a Citizens Coalition for Change councillor. ZANU PF selected Gift Konjana, a former MDC Alliance candidate who joined the ruling party in 2023, as its candidate. The next phase of the process involves Cabinet consideration, legislative drafting, parliamentary debate and voting. Observers say attention will focus on the bill’s wording, the parliamentary arithmetic required for constitutional change, and any legal or political challenges that could emerge as the proposal moves through formal channels.

PHD Ministries founder Walter Magaya has been remanded in custody ahead of a 16–19 February trial in Harare on four rape charges involving alleged incidents between 2016 and 2023 ( image source ) HARARE — Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya was remanded in custody on Monday and will remain detained until 16 February, when he is scheduled to stand trial on four counts of rape. The trial is set to run on a continuous roll from 16 to 19 February before Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi. Magaya did not oppose being remanded. The State resisted bail, arguing the charges fall under the Third Schedule of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, which requires bail applications for such offences to be handled by the High Court. Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari, assisted by Tendai Shonhai, told the court that the prosecution will provide trial papers to the defence by 11 February. Magaya is represented by lawyers Admire Rubaya and Everson Chatambudza. Rubaya indicated the defence would approach the High Court for bail “as soon as possible.” He also raised procedural complaints regarding the arrest, alleging that witnesses were not made available and suggesting the re-arrest was designed to keep his client in custody. Prosecutors rejected those claims, saying the arrest followed the completion of investigations and was based on reasonable suspicion. ( image source ) The State says there are four complainants, all alleged to have been congregants of Magaya, with accusations spanning 2016 to 2023 under differing circumstances. • Count One: A 24-year-old Harare woman allegedly invited to church-related activities in July 2020 was later sexually assaulted at a hotel. She reportedly disclosed the incident to a family member and later reported it to police. • Count Two: A 22-year-old woman from Chegutu allegedly travelled to Harare for prayers in 2023, was accommodated at a hotel and sexually assaulted. A medical examination was reportedly conducted. • Count Three: A 32-year-old Harare woman, said to have known Magaya as her pastor, allegedly accepted an employment-related offer in 2016 and was lured to a Borrowdale property where she was sexually assaulted. Medical evidence is expected. • Count Four: A 21-year-old woman from Chegutu who assisted with marketing a church book allegedly met Magaya at a hotel suite and was sexually assaulted. She reportedly informed relatives and later police, and underwent medical examination. The State maintains the encounters were non-consensual and that Magaya had no right to sexual intercourse with the complainants without consent. Prosecutors say medical and other supporting evidence will be presented during trial proceedings. Magaya remains in custody pending a High Court bail application and the scheduled trial dates.

ZERA set Zimbabwe’s petrol ceiling at US$1.57 per litre, but some stations are reportedly charging US$1.59, raising consumer concerns and calls for stronger enforcement ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) set a maximum petrol price of US$1.57 per litre earlier this month to cushion consumers from global fuel price volatility, but field observations indicate some fuel stations may be charging US$1.59, exceeding the official ceiling. Major fuel brands including Zuva, Engen, Redan and Total have largely complied with the cap at high-traffic sites. However, reports of overcharging have raised concerns among motorists and consumer watchdogs, who say even minor deviations weaken public trust and compromise the integrity of regulated pricing. Consumer advocates stress that a price ceiling only works when enforcement is visible and consistent. They are calling on ZERA to step up monitoring and take decisive action against non-compliant retailers. While it is unclear whether the higher prices stem from pricing errors, rounding issues or deliberate margin adjustments, the ceiling is designed as an absolute maximum, not a guideline. Market analysts highlight enforcement challenges facing the regulator. The fuel retail sector is geographically dispersed, making real-time inspections difficult. Rapid price adjustments at station level and limited consumer reporting mechanisms may also allow temporary breaches to go unchecked. ( image source ) Civil-society groups are urging ZERA to clarify enforcement procedures, conduct targeted inspections and establish accessible complaint channels such as a hotline or digital reporting platform. Transparency advocates recommend the publication of periodic compliance reports detailing inspections, violations and penalties. Retailers say they operate within a complex cost environment shaped by exchange-rate pressures, international price movements and local distribution expenses. Some industry voices have called for a review of the pricing formula to better reflect operational realities while still protecting consumers. ZERA has not yet publicly addressed the specific reports of petrol being sold at US$1.59 per litre. Observers say the regulator’s response will be critical: firm enforcement would reinforce the credibility of the price cap, while inaction could encourage further non-compliance. For motorists and businesses, even a two-cent difference accumulates over time, making the issue both practical and symbolic. Consumers are encouraged to compare prices between stations and report suspected breaches as authorities work to ensure the ceiling achieves its intended consumer-protection role.

Mahwindi4ED pays school fees for 150 vulnerable pupils in Mutare’s Sakubva and Dangamvura suburbs ( image source ) A ZANU-PF affiliate, Mahwindi for Economic Development (Mahwindi4ED), has paid school fees for 150 vulnerable learners across 10 government primary schools in Mutare, easing immediate financial pressure on struggling families in the high-density suburbs of Sakubva and Dangamvura. The payments, made on Friday by the organisation’s Manicaland chapter, covered 15 pupils at each school and totalled more than US$8,000. Beneficiaries in Sakubva were drawn from Zamba, Sakubva, Dangare, Chisamba and Mutanda primary schools, while Dangamvura recipients came from Rujeko, Sheni, Gimboki, Dangamvura and Chirovakanwe primary schools. The initiative was led by former Mutare Central MP Esau Mupfumi, ZANU-PF Mutare district coordinating committee secretary for education Shepherd Jojo, Mahwindi4ED adviser Jealous Mukorera and the organisation’s chairperson Herman Nyika. Mahwindi4ED officials said the programme responds to rising school dropouts and drug abuse among children who are unable to attend classes because of unpaid fees. Jealous Mukorera told NewsDay the group mobilised resources after recognising that unpaid fees were pushing some children into risky behaviours. “As Mahwindi for Economic Development, we managed to raise money and have paid school fees for 150 schoolchildren. Since we are still starting, we are going to grow bigger in the coming school terms,” Mukorera said. ( video source ) Organisers emphasised that the intervention is intended to be the start of a broader support programme. Herman Nyika said future phases will include the provision of stationery and other learning materials, and that the group is open to working with other stakeholders to expand impact. School heads who received the assistance on behalf of learners expressed gratitude, noting the payments will help keep vulnerable pupils in class and reduce the risk of dropouts. Mahwindi4ED leaders also addressed allegations that the group is violent, dismissing the claims as mischaracterisations. Mukorera said the organisation’s work is centred on community support and development and that the name Mahwindi should not be conflated with violent behaviour. “We are not violent; it is just a name people gave us. We help people and we are ready to assist communities in line with Vision 2030,” he said. Community advocates welcomed the immediate relief but urged that such interventions be complemented by systemic measures to reduce school fees burdens and improve social protection. Education stakeholders noted that one-off fee payments are valuable but that sustainable solutions require coordinated action from government, local authorities, NGOs and community groups to address the root causes of school non-attendance. The Mahwindi4ED initiative highlights how local civic actors and political affiliates can mobilise resources quickly to meet urgent needs. Observers say the challenge will be to scale such efforts and ensure transparency, targeting and long-term support so that short-term relief translates into sustained educational outcomes for vulnerable children.

A practical 5-step guide for Zimbabwean artists to formalise their work, access funding, protect their brand, and align with NDS2 as creativity becomes a structured, bankable industry ( image source ) Last week we took a detour into the ZIMURA soap opera. Necessary, yes but this week we’re climbing back onto the NDS2 horse before it gallops off without us. Let’s talk about a word that makes many creatives itch, formalisation. For decades, being a “starving artist” was worn like a struggle medal. You lived for the craft, avoided paperwork, and hoped inspiration would somehow pay school fees. But Zimbabwe in 2026 has moved on. Talent still opens doors but paperwork opens bank accounts. If you want access to State-backed funding, corporate sponsorships, export markets, or even decent royalty systems, you can’t operate as a ghost. Whether you’re a sculptor in Tengenenge, a rapper in Mbare, or a fashion designer in Bulawayo, the message is the same: art is now an industry. Step 1: Choose Your Business “Body” You don’t need a glass office in Borrowdale to be legit. Most creatives opt for a Private Business Corporation (PBC) affordable, simple, and ideal for solo artists or small groups. Many visual artists supplying galleries like Village Unhu operate this way. A Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) suits larger operations think production houses like Nash TV or established fashion labels such as Tapfuma Munenge. It costs more, but banks and international partners take it seriously. Step 2: Reserve Your Name Your name is your brand. Ask Winky D or Jah Prayzah brand protection is non-negotiable. Reserving your name with the Registrar of Companies locks it down and prevents “brand hijacking.” Once approved, you have 30 days to complete registration. Miss it, and someone else might scoop “YourName Arts” before you blink. Step 3: Get Your ZIMRA Tax Clearance (ITF263) This is the paperwork artists fear unnecessarily. Without a valid ITF263, any corporate client is legally required to withhold 30% of your payment. That’s not punishment it’s compliance. Artists like Ammara Brown and Tamy Moyo didn’t land brand deals by winging it. With tax clearance, you look professional, bankable, and ready for serious contracts. Step 4: Open a Business Bank Account NDS2 prioritises digital trade, exports, and formal financing. You can’t receive foreign royalties, apply for EmpowerBank loans, or access grants through a personal EcoCash line. Whether you’re an author like Tsitsi Dangarembga publishing internationally, or a sculptor exporting stone to Europe, a business account is essential. Step 5: Register with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) NACZ registration isn’t cosmetic it’s strategic. It’s how artists get considered for NAMA, access training, receive endorsement letters for visas, and plug into international festivals. Dance groups like Iyasa and theatre outfits like Rooftop Promotions didn’t grow by staying informal. The Bottom Line Formalisation isn’t about surveillance it’s about protection and access. A registered entity separates your art from your personal life. If the business stumbles, your house doesn’t automatically go with it. Under NDS2, creativity isn’t a hobby it’s economic infrastructure. Stop being invisible. Pick up the paperwork. The new paintbrush is a pen and it pays far better. Get Involved:  For insights on translating policy into profit, email the writer at mdarawengozha@gmail.com  or WhatsApp +263 772 113 605 .

Creative Business Academy for Africa launches its 2026 “IMPACT: Ecosystem Template” programme, expanding into music, film and fashion to incubate Africa’s next generation of creative-industry professionals ( image source ) Harare — The Creative Business Academy for Africa (CBAfA), formerly the Music Business Academy for Africa, has unveiled its 2026 programme under the theme “IMPACT: An Ecosystem Template,” signalling a strategic expansion beyond music into film and fashion to accelerate the continent’s creative economy. The Academy’s 2026 cohort will operate as a real-world business incubator, equipping participants with practical skills, industry networks and entrepreneurial experience across four integrated streams: Music Business, Film for Music, Fashion in Music and Talent Development. Operating under the Creative Talent Foundation, the Academy says the new model transforms classroom learning into a simulated industry environment where students assume defined roles within cross-sector creative companies. Over the course of the year, participants will collaborate to produce marketable outputs including EP projects, a student magazine, a podcast series and a live concert — providing tangible proof of concept and portfolio assets for emerging professionals. Godwin Tom, Founder of CBAfA and Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Africa, framed the expansion as a maturation of the Academy’s mission. “Our original goal was to build a skilled workforce, but I’ve realised our purpose runs deeper. We are here to shape individuals with character, vision, network and competence who can truly transform Africa,” he said. The curriculum, developed with input from Professor Carlos Chirinos of New York University’s Music Business Programme, comprises 14 modules and more than 100 contact hours, delivered through an app-based learning management system, virtual sessions and an active WhatsApp community to ensure accessibility nationwide. ( image source ) Since its inception, CBAfA has trained over 1,500 alumni, many of whom now hold roles at major labels and publishing houses or run successful enterprises in publishing, management and PR. The 2026 edition aims to build on that track record by deepening cross-disciplinary collaboration and creating commercially viable ventures that can scale. Registration for the 2026 cohort is open until 27 February 2026, with the programme commencing on 7 February and culminating in graduation in November 2026. A songwriting, production and artist-development camp is scheduled for April–May. Prospective students can register via the online form or contact the Zimbabwe country partner, Tamuka Chigeda, for guidance. CBAfA is calling on corporates, NGOs and philanthropic partners to sponsor places through its Beneficiaries Fund. Organisers say sponsorships will broaden access for talented but financially constrained candidates and help build the infrastructure of Africa’s creative industries. How to Join: For Students: Register via the online form or contact the Zimbabwe partner to secure a place in the 2026 cohort. For Sponsors/Partners: Reach out to support the Beneficiaries Fund and align with African creative-industry development. Media Contact: Tamuka Chigeda Country Partner, Zimbabwe devanepr@gmail.com +263 71 933 8263

Education Minister Torerayi Moyo dismisses viral claims of a 100% ZIMSEC exam-fee hike for 2026 ( image source ) Harare — Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has publicly dismissed viral social-media reports claiming that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) increased public examination fees for 2026 by 100 percent. In a statement issued today, Minister Moyo said fees for Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6 public examinations scheduled for November 2026 remain unchanged from 2025 and that the government’s 55 percent subsidy for eligible candidates is still in place. “I wish to inform the nation that the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council examination fees for 2026 have not been increased by 100% as purported on social media. It is a fabrication,” Minister Moyo said, urging the public to rely on official channels for accurate information. He clarified that the subsidy arrangement, which reduces the cost burden for candidates in government schools, has been maintained and that fees have not changed over the past five years. The minister also addressed confusion surrounding the June 2026 examination window, noting that candidates sitting those exams are typically private or repeat candidates and therefore do not qualify for the 55 percent government subsidy. “Candidates sitting the June public examinations will not qualify for the 55% government subsidy, as most are private or repeat candidates and do not fall within the scheme’s eligibility criteria,” he explained. ( image source ) Education stakeholders welcomed the clarification but urged ZIMSEC and the ministry to improve communication to prevent misinformation from spreading. School administrators said clear, timely notices are essential to reassure parents and learners and to allow schools to plan for payments and logistics. Parent-teacher associations called for continued transparency on fee structures and for targeted support to vulnerable families. The minister’s statement follows a period of heightened public sensitivity about education costs, with some communities reporting difficulties meeting school and examination fees. While the government’s subsidy reduces the direct cost for many candidates, education advocates say broader measures — including targeted bursaries and strengthened social-protection mechanisms — are needed to ensure equitable access to examinations and to reduce dropout risks. ZIMSEC has not issued a separate statement at the time of publication. The ministry encouraged members of the public to consult official ministry and ZIMSEC channels for authoritative updates and to report misleading posts to platform administrators.

An analysis of the “Chamisa–Madhuku model” examines whether episodic mobilisation and rebranding in Zimbabwean opposition politics undermine long-term institution-building and sustainable political change ( image source ) The comparison between Nelson Chamisa and Lovemore Madhuku has moved from rhetorical shorthand to a substantive line of inquiry for analysts of Zimbabwean opposition politics. Critics argue both figures exemplify a political model that privileges episodic mobilisation, media visibility and donor engagement over durable institution-building. Framed this way, the “Madhuku strategy” — a term once used derisively by Robert Mugabe to describe headline-driven activism — becomes a useful lens for assessing contemporary opposition tactics. Observers who advance this critique say Chamisa’s trajectory illustrates a pattern of repeated rebranding and organisational flux. From the Movement for Democratic Change and its later permutations, through the MDC-Alliance and the Citizens Coalition for Change, to more recent, less formal civic initiatives, Chamisa’s political formations have often been described as fluid rather than institutional. Critics contend that such fluidity can enable rapid mobilisation and international visibility but also undermines internal accountability, continuity of local structures and long-term capacity to contest state power at scale. Those making the comparison with Madhuku point to a shared emphasis on episodic campaigns that attract international attention and funding. Madhuku’s National Constitutional Assembly, while influential in civic education and constitutional debate, was also criticised by some for evolving into a vehicle centred on its leader’s profile. Similarly, critics of Chamisa argue that repeated organisational resets can create a cycle in which supporters are mobilised emotionally and financially, only to be redirected into new formations when tactical or legal pressures arise. Supporters of Chamisa reject the analogy as reductive. They argue that Zimbabwe’s political environment — marked by legal restrictions, state repression and contested electoral processes — constrains conventional party development. From this perspective, adaptive branding and decentralised mobilisation are pragmatic responses to a hostile operating environment. Proponents also emphasise Chamisa’s capacity to galvanise youth engagement and diaspora activism, arguing that visibility and narrative control are essential in a media landscape where state actors dominate traditional channels. ( image source ) Analysts note trade-offs. Episodic mobilisation can sustain momentum and international solidarity, but without investment in local party structures, candidate development and grassroots governance, it may struggle to convert protest into electoral victory or institutional reform. The central question for opposition strategists is whether short-term visibility can be translated into durable organisational capacity that survives legal challenges, co-optation and donor fatigue. Ultimately, the Chamisa–Madhuku comparison surfaces a broader debate about opposition strategy in constrained democracies: is the priority to maximise immediate pressure and international sympathy, or to invest in the slow, unglamorous work of building resilient institutions? The answer will shape not only leadership reputations but the prospects for sustained political change in Zimbabwe

A South African study finds blood contamination and Hepatitis B DNA on barber clippers, warning of infection risks in clean-shave haircuts and highlighting urgent hygiene and vaccination needs for Zimbabwe ( image source ) A University of Cape Town study led by Professor Nonhlanhla Khumalo found widespread blood contamination on barber clippers and detectable Hepatitis B (HBV) DNA, highlighting a real transmission risk in clean-shave haircuts common across southern Africa. Published in the South African Medical Journal (November 2025), the study sampled one clipper from each of 50 barbers after clean-shave haircuts and tested rinses for haemoglobin beta (a blood marker), HIV and HBV using PCR methods. Forty-two percent of clippers were positive for haemoglobin beta, confirming blood contamination; 8% tested positive for HBV, and two samples yielded HBV DNA on qualitative PCR. Although HIV was not detected on the sampled clippers, the researchers emphasised that HBV DNA levels were sufficient to pose a transmission risk, and that “invisible bleeding” micro-injuries not noticed by barbers or clients can enable blood-to-tool-to-blood exposure. The study also reported an association between visible haircut bleeding and higher HIV prevalence among men in the cohort, with an odds ratio of 2.51, underscoring bleeding as a marker of exposure risk. ( image source ) Many Zimbabwean barbershops use similar clean-shave techniques and informal hygiene practices. Key interventions should include mandatory barber training on sterilisation, routine disinfection of clippers (or single-use guards), public awareness campaigns about bleeding risks, and expanded HBV vaccination and screening in high-risk communities. Regulators and health ministries are urged to prioritise practical, low-cost measures — clipper disinfection protocols, visible hygiene signage in shops, and accessible vaccination — to reduce transmission risk.

Outrage grows in Chitungwiza over a reported US$147,000 mayoral vehicle purchase, as residents question governance, transparency and spending priorities amid salary arrears and failing services ( image source ) A storm of public criticism has engulfed Chitungwiza municipality after reports that the mayor’s office acquired a high-end vehicle estimated at US$147,000. The purchase has provoked questions about fiscal priorities in a municipality grappling with salary arrears, failing service delivery and deteriorating infrastructure. Residents and civic groups say the timing and cost are tone-deaf. Chitungwiza faces persistent challenges: irregular refuse collection, pothole-ridden roads and intermittent water supply. For many community members, the controversy is not about the principle of providing an official vehicle for the mayor but about the model chosen and the opportunity cost of such expenditure in a cash-strapped council. Local activists argue a pragmatic, fuel-efficient vehicle would better serve municipal needs and reduce long-term maintenance burdens. “A car that is expensive to service and consumes high volumes of fuel is a poor fit for a council with limited resources,” said a community representative. Critics also warn of resale difficulties and the risk that servicing at authorised dealerships will divert scarce funds from frontline services. ( image source ) The Chitungwiza Progressive Residents Association has framed the purchase as symptomatic of deeper governance failures. Its secretary-general highlighted eight months of unpaid municipal salaries and alleged that procurement decisions lack transparency and adequate oversight. The Residents Trust has raised legal questions, claiming the council resolution authorising a mayoral vehicle may have been intended for a previous officeholder, a point that, if substantiated, could provide grounds for judicial review. Municipal officials have not publicly clarified procurement details or released a cost-benefit analysis. The absence of an official explanation has fuelled speculation and eroded public trust. Governance experts say best practice requires transparent tendering, clear asset-management plans and community consultation when high-value items are procured by cash-strapped local authorities. The controversy also underscores political dynamics at local level. Councillors reportedly said they were unaware of the purchase, suggesting possible lapses in internal controls or communication. For residents, the episode reinforces perceptions that municipal leadership is disconnected from everyday hardships. Moving forward, accountability measures could include an independent audit of the procurement process, publication of the vehicle’s acquisition paperwork and a council debate open to the public. Such steps would help restore confidence and clarify whether the purchase was justified or an avoidable misallocation of public resources. The Chitungwiza episode is a reminder that visible symbols of status can become lightning rods when basic services fail. For local leaders, the lesson is stark: in times of fiscal strain, procurement decisions must be defensible, transparent and aligned with the immediate needs of the communities they serve.

Thomas Mapfumo will return to Zimbabwe in April 2026 for a final homecoming performance, marking an emotional farewell by the Chimurenga music icon and national cultural legend ( image source ) Dr Thomas Tafirenyika Muchadura Mukanya Mapfumo — the Lion of Zimbabwe and a towering figure in Chimurenga music — has announced he will return to Zimbabwe in April 2026 for a special curtain-call performance expected to be his final live appearance in the country. The announcement follows Mapfumo’s formal retirement from live performances in August 2025 and has been greeted with anticipation and emotion by fans and cultural commentators. Mapfumo, who has lived in Oregon for more than two decades, is widely regarded as the father of Chimurenga music — a genre that fused traditional Shona rhythms with electric instrumentation and became the soundtrack of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Over a career spanning decades, his songs — from early anthems to later protest pieces such as Pfumvu Paruzevha and Corruption — combined musical innovation with fearless social and political commentary, earning him a place among Africa’s most influential musicians. His last major homecoming concert, a sold-out show at Glamis Arena in Harare on 28 April 2018, was a landmark event that marked his return after years in self-imposed exile. That performance, which featured a rare shared stage with the late Oliver “Tuku” Mutukudzi, was widely remembered for its emotional intensity and symbolic resonance. The planned April 2026 concert is being framed as a final homecoming — a cultural moment that will allow Zimbabweans to celebrate Mapfumo’s legacy in person. Organisers say the exact date and venue will be announced in due course and that preparations are under way to ensure the event honours Mapfumo’s stature while accommodating the thousands of fans expected to attend. Promoters and cultural custodians are mindful of the logistical and security demands of staging a high-profile concert and have indicated they will work with relevant authorities and heritage bodies to preserve the dignity of the occasion. ( video source ) For many Zimbabweans, Mapfumo’s music is inseparable from national memory. His songs chronicled the hopes and frustrations of ordinary people and provided a platform for critique when public discourse was constrained. As such, the curtain-call performance is likely to be more than a concert: it will be a national moment of reflection on music, memory and the role of artists in public life. Fans and cultural institutions have already begun planning tributes and archival projects to coincide with the homecoming, and veteran musicians have expressed a desire to participate in a programme that honours Mapfumo’s influence. While Mapfumo has signalled that he will step back from live performance, his recordings and the musicians he inspired will continue to shape Zimbabwean music for generations. As the country awaits formal details, the announcement has rekindled conversations about cultural preservation, the social role of music and the importance of marking the careers of artists who have helped define national identity. For many, April 2026 will be an opportunity to say thank you to the Lion of Zimbabwe and to witness, perhaps for the last time, a living legend on home soil.