Kelvin Chikumbirike brings handcrafted marimba and mbira music to life at Gava Restaurant, blending Zimbabwean tradition with Afro-fusion and contemporary sound ( image source ) Soft marimba melodies greet guests at the entrance of Gava Restaurant, where artisan-musician Kelvin Chikumbirike has quietly become the venue’s signature sound for the past six years. His performances create an immediate sense of atmosphere, blending calm, rhythm and cultural familiarity for diners and audiences alike. Chikumbirike handcrafts marimbas and mbiras from recycled saligna wood, engraving distinctive designs on frames and keys. His instruments have found homes with local bands, schools and international visitors, valued for both their tonal quality and visual appeal. “I have been playing marimba here at the entrance to Gavas for the past six years and I also teach interested persons manufacturing and playing marimbas,” he said. Beyond setting the mood for lunchtime diners and headline performances, Chikumbirike plays an active role in skills transfer. He teaches instrument making and performance to students and musicians, ensuring that marimba craftsmanship and musical knowledge are shared rather than confined to a single space. His introductory performances have preceded shows by artistes including Mwenje Mathole, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, The New Soul Train, Mannex, Transit Crew, Alexio Kawara and Aggabu Nyabinde. His work also bridges traditional Zimbabwean music with contemporary genres. By weaving mbira and marimba tonal cycles into jazz improvisation and Afro-fusion grooves, Chikumbirike introduces ancestral resonance into modern arrangements, allowing indigenous instruments to interact seamlessly with bass guitars, horns and drum kits. Beyond the restaurant setting, he organises informal gatherings that bring together musicians, students and art lovers. He hopes to grow these sessions into an annual festival dedicated to marimba and mbira music. For Chikumbirike, influence is built not through spectacle but through consistency, craftsmanship and the conviction that Zimbabwe’s indigenous sounds can shape both local entertainment and global musical innovation.

GMB urges farmers to use its grain swap facility to improve household food security, promote agro-ecological farming and support Zimbabwe’s strategic grain reserves ( image source ) The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has urged farmers to make full use of its grain swap facility, a government-backed initiative designed to strengthen household food security by allowing farmers to exchange crops suited to their agro-ecological zones for grains that are harder to produce locally. Speaking at the GMB Masvingo Depot, GMB Operations Director Patrick Muzvimbiri said the programme supports the Government’s agro-ecological tailoring strategy, which encourages farmers in drier regions four and five to prioritise traditional grains, while those in higher rainfall areas focus on maize production. Under the scheme, households are permitted to swap one 50kg bag of grain per month on a bag-for-bag basis strictly for household consumption. Muzvimbiri said the facility ensures families can still access preferred staple grains regardless of regional climatic limitations. He cautioned, however, that the programme is not intended for commercial trading, stressing that it is a food security intervention aimed at stabilising household nutrition. ( image source ) He also announced a major expansion of national grain storage infrastructure, revealing plans to increase silo capacity by an additional 784,000 metric tonnes from the current 750,000 metric tonnes. This will raise total national storage capacity to over 1.5 million metric tonnes. The expansion will see the number of silos nationwide grow from 12 to 26, with upgrades planned across all provinces to reinforce the strategic grain reserve. Highlighting early gains from agro-ecological tailoring, Muzvimbiri cited Makambwe in Chiredzi, which recorded a 25,000-tonne sorghum surplus this season, the highest in the country. He urged farmers, particularly those who had been reluctant to move away from maize production, to embrace crops suited to their natural regions and to utilise the grain swap facility to protect household food security.

Chitungwiza South MP Maxwell Mavhunga warns that worsening damage on Seke Road has become a public safety crisis, urging urgent emergency repairs amid heavy rains ( image source ) Maxwell Mavhunga, the Member of Parliament for Chitungwiza South, has warned that the deteriorating condition of Seke Road has escalated into a public safety crisis, after persistent rains transformed potholes into deep gullies that are disrupting traffic and endangering motorists. In a statement issued yesterday, Mavhunga said the highway — a critical link between Harare and Chitungwiza — is now riddled with severe road damage that forces vehicles to slow down abruptly, significantly increasing travel times and raising the risk of accidents. He said the situation has worsened due to continuous rainfall. “We have taken note of the severe situation on the condition of Seke Road, which has been exacerbated by the incessant rains,” he said. Mavhunga revealed that his office has engaged the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, requesting the deployment of a technical team to conduct an on-site assessment and prioritise urgent remedial works. While acknowledging that permanent repairs are difficult under current weather conditions, he stressed that the scale of deterioration demands immediate interim solutions. “An emergency situation also demands an emergency solution,” he said. ( image source ) Beyond vehicle damage, the MP warned that the expanding gullies pose broader risks, including traffic accidents and increased vulnerability to criminal activity, particularly during night-time travel when visibility is reduced. He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and called on the Transport ministry to act swiftly to avert potential loss of life and property. Seke Road is used daily by thousands of commuters and public transport operators, and residents have repeatedly called for sustained rehabilitation of the route. Concerns typically intensify during the rainy season, when road conditions deteriorate rapidly. Officials from the Transport ministry were not immediately available for comment at the time of publication.

The search is on for Africa’s most impactful change-makers, with nominations officially open for the 2026 CADAV Philanthropic Awards. The prestigious ceremony is dedicated to celebrating visionary individuals and organisations transforming the continent through selfless giving and social impact. Scheduled for February 2026 at the Bulawayo Standard Hotel, the awards provide a high-profile platform for recognising excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and private humanitarian initiatives. At a time when sustainable development is increasingly critical, the CADAV Philanthropic Awards aim to spotlight the vital role played by private resources in advancing the public good. Organisers are inviting nominations from the public, non-governmental organisations and the private sector for individuals and institutions that have demonstrated measurable and lasting impact across African communities. Award categories span individual excellence, sectoral contribution and long-term legacy. These include Outstanding Philanthropist and Youth Philanthropy awards, as well as sector-focused recognitions in education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and technology for social impact. Additional honours will recognise excellence in disaster relief and lifetime achievement, celebrating resilience and sustained commitment to humanitarian service. The deadline for submissions is 10 February 2026. Nominations should include a detailed profile outlining the nominee’s work, impact and contribution to social change. Submissions can be sent via email to lotmantleofpaul@gmail.com. Further inquiries can be directed to Dr Lot Mudhimburanwa (D.Hum) on +263 781 443 662.

Zanu PF Central Committee member and former Chiredzi West MP Farai Msikavanhu has died at 64 following surgery complications, party officials confirm ( image source ) Farai Msikavanhu, a member of Zanu PF’s Central Committee and former Member of Parliament for Chiredzi West, has died in Harare at the age of 64, party officials have confirmed. Msikavanhu passed away on Wednesday morning from suspected complications following throat surgery he underwent late last year, according to Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa. The ruling party described his death as a significant loss to both Masvingo province and the broader party structure. “Zanu PF Masvingo province has been robbed of a strong and reliable cadre who was deeply committed to the party’s revolutionary ideals,” Mavhenyengwa said. Former Chiredzi district development coordinator Lovemore Chisema also paid tribute, describing Msikavanhu as a development-oriented leader. Chisema said he had been “gutted” by the news, noting that he had spoken to Msikavanhu just a day before his death. Msikavanhu served as Member of Parliament for Chiredzi West from 2018 to 2023 and was actively involved in community development initiatives during his tenure. Beyond politics, he was a prominent sugarcane farmer in the Mkwasine and Triangle areas, where his company, Puwevhu Enterprises, was a major employer. Before entering full-time politics and farming, Msikavanhu worked as Agriculture Planning Director at Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe, later retiring to focus on agricultural entrepreneurship and public service. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

The trial of former minister Walter Mzembi has been postponed to 28 January 2026 as he faces US$2 million theft charges linked to the 2010 FIFA World Cup ( image source ) The trial of former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi failed to commence yesterday after High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero postponed the matter to 28 January 2026. Mzembi is facing charges of theft of trust property involving US$2 million, allegedly committed during his tenure as Tourism minister. Prosecutors allege that he misappropriated television sets procured for fan parks during the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa. The former Cabinet minister has been in custody for nearly a year following his arrest upon returning from self-imposed exile. His legal team is led by lawyers Killian Mudiki and Emmanuel Samundombe. Court heard that Mzembi has reportedly been unwell while on remand, a factor that contributed to the delay in proceedings. The case management meeting brought together the National Prosecuting Authority and defence counsel to map the way forward, but the trial was adjourned to later this month. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi with his then lawyer Job Sikhala ( image source ) Mzembi fled Zimbabwe following the ouster of former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe in 2017 amid corruption charges and claims of political persecution. After briefly appearing in court, then represented by Job Sikhala, he applied for relaxation of bail conditions, citing the need for cancer treatment. He subsequently failed to return, resulting in the issuance of a warrant of arrest. Since his re-arrest, Mzembi has remained in custody and maintains that he is being politically targeted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Teachers’ unions in Zimbabwe renew salary demands as schools reopen, warning of possible disruption if government fails to review pay and allowances for educators ( image source ) Teachers’ unions have renewed pressure on government with fresh salary review demands as schools reopened this week, raising fears of disruption to the first term if the standoff persists. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) has formally requested a salary review and declared teacher incapacitation in a letter dated 12 January 2026 addressed to Education Minister Torerai Moyo, with copies sent to the Finance Ministry and the Public Service Commission. Artuz secretary-general Robson Chere said teachers require a minimum monthly salary of US$1,260, in line with the poverty datum line, plus a US$200 hardship allowance at the start of each term. “This will enable teachers to afford a living standard that upholds human dignity,” Chere said, warning that many educators may fail to report for duty due to financial incapacitation. He urged government to engage in genuine collective bargaining to ensure a well-funded and functional education system. ( image source ) The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) echoed the call for improved remuneration. PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou urged unity among teachers’ unions and other civil servants, warning that failure to assert their rights would entrench marginalisation. “Radicalisation of teachers to triumph over fear, false promises and suffering, let alone fight for better salaries and conditions of service, is no vice,” Zhou said, adding that industrial action should be considered if engagement efforts fail. Government officials, however, dismissed the renewed demands, maintaining that preparations for the 2026 school year were progressing smoothly. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said the government’s priority remained uninterrupted learning. “We expect all teachers to report for duty as scheduled, in fulfilment of their professional obligation to the nation’s children,” he said. With thousands of learners potentially affected, the standoff highlights persistent tensions over pay and working conditions in Zimbabwe’s education sector. Teachers’ unions insist that only decisive action on salaries will avert further disruption, while government maintains that remuneration issues must be resolved through established institutional processes.

Emcoz urges government to urgently amend the law on Zimbabwe’s digital services tax, warning of double taxation risks despite Treasury’s clarification ( image source ) The Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (Emcoz) has called on government to urgently issue a corrective statutory instrument to align the law with Treasury’s recent clarification on the 15% digital services withholding tax, which came into effect on 1 January 2026. The tax, introduced under the 2026 National Budget and Finance Act 7 of 2025, applies to payments made from Zimbabwe to offshore digital platforms. These include e-hailing services, online advertising subscriptions, streaming and content services, satellite-based access, and other cross-border digital services. Confusion emerged over whether the levy also applied to purchases of goods from offshore e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, eBay and Be Forward. Treasury issued a clarification on 7 January 2026, stating that online purchases of goods are not liable to the new tax. However, the clarification simultaneously broadened the scope of the levy to include all offshore payments for imported services, regardless of the payment channel used, as long as transactions are processed through regulated intermediaries in Zimbabwe. Emcoz said while the clarification was a positive step, the Finance Act remains legally binding and continues to deem payments for goods and services supplied from outside Zimbabwe as locally supplied and therefore subject to the tax. “We expect and look forward to the issuance of the required corrective instrument because the Finance Act is already alive and cannot be corrected through the clarification statement only,” the confederation said. The employers’ body warned that failure to urgently correct the law could result in double taxation on imported goods, effectively increasing costs by 15% for businesses and consumers. It urged that any interim tax collections be ring-fenced and refunded once the necessary legal amendment is effected. Analysts, including price-tracking platform Zimpricecheck, have cautioned that the digital services tax risks becoming more unpopular than the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) if implementation challenges persist.

Government appoints new boards for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority ( image source ) Government has appointed new boards for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company, with Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi saying the members bring extensive experience and technical expertise to strengthen governance and drive growth in the sector. The appointments, effective 31 December 2025, were made in line with section 194 of the Constitution, section 11 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, and section 4(1) of the Tourism Act, which emphasise sound corporate governance and the efficient use of public funds. Unveiling the boards in Harare, Rwodzi said the ZTA members would provide strategic guidance and oversight to enhance destination marketing and service delivery. The ZTA board will be chaired by Farai Chimba, with Lizzie Makwezwa serving as deputy chairperson. Other members are Charles Munangasa, Charity Magutorima, Jeffreys Manjengwa, Gamuchirai Mangundu, Millicent Sibongile Mombeshora, Godfrey Pasipanodya, Napoleon Nyanhi and Tarirai Musonza. Three additional members are yet to be appointed. Rwodzi said the appointments were aligned with National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, and would strengthen regulatory frameworks while supporting industry growth. and Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company to strengthen governance and drive tourism sector growth ( image source ) Meanwhile, the Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company board will be chaired by Phineas Makombe, with Sheila Hawa Sidambe returning as vice-chairperson. Other members include Priscilla Charumbira, Jarawani Stragle Kangara, Anton Kashiri, Sherinah Sibanda, Jameson Mukaratirwa, Pianos Gweme, Donald Simbarashe Mabhiza, Comfort Chinengundu, Phindile Ncube, Radish Mudala and Gladys Chinyerere. Rwodzi said the board would enhance capacity to develop tourism infrastructure nationwide, not only in Victoria Falls, and facilitate investment to broaden Zimbabwe’s tourism footprint.

Zimbabwe introduces eight new taxes in 2026, including digital services, mining export levies, property, and gambling reforms ( image source ) The Zimbabwean government has confirmed that eight new tax measures are now in force from January 2026, a sweeping fiscal package aimed at broadening the revenue base. Officials say the measures are necessary to stabilise public finances, but business groups warn they could increase costs for consumers and investors. Digital Services Withholding Tax A headline measure is the 15% Digital Services Withholding Tax (DSWT), which applies to payments made from Zimbabwe to offshore digital platforms, including streaming services and ride-hailing apps. Banks and regulated payment processors are responsible for collecting the tax at the point of transaction, prompting notifications from local banks to customers. Consumption and VAT Changes The standard VAT rate has been adjusted to 15.5%, and zero-rating has been removed for certain tourist services, including accommodation for non-residents and hunting safaris, which is expected to raise costs for foreign visitors. Mining Export Levies The mining sector faces new export levies, including a 10% export tax on lithium ore, antimony, and unbeneficiated chrome, and a 3% levy on sales and exports of coal, lithium, black granite, quarry stone, and dimensional stone. Authorities say the measures aim to capture greater value from mineral exports. Gambling Tax Overhaul The gambling industry has seen significant increases: withholding tax on winnings rises from 10% to 25%, while operators’ gross takings tax jumps from 3% to 20%. Operators were required to submit returns under the new regime in early January. Property and Rental Measures New rules include a capital gains tax on disposals of shares in companies whose principal asset is land, targeting transactions that previously avoided property transfer duties. Landlords renting business premises will now face a Presumptive Rental Income Tax of 15%, part of efforts to formalise informal rental income. Business and Consumer Impact Business groups and consumer advocates have warned that the combined effect of these measures could increase the cost of living and dampen investment. The digital services tax, in particular, may be unpopular as it directly affects everyday online transactions and international payments. The government maintains the measures are necessary to broaden the tax base and strengthen public finances. Authorities have indicated that administrative guidance will accompany the rollout, and taxpayers are urged to consult official channels for compliance details.

Silent Walls, a nationwide initiative by the Shepherds Foundation and AutoWorld Zimbabwe, aims to document and preserve Zimbabwe’s endangered architectural heritage through photography, exhibitions, and digital archives ( image source ) A new year-long heritage initiative is seeking to document and preserve Zimbabwe’s endangered architectural legacy, as cultural organisations increasingly turn to private-sector partnerships to safeguard national history. The Shepherds Foundation, in partnership with AutoWorld Zimbabwe, has launched Silent Walls, a nationwide photographic documentation project capturing historic structures ranging from indigenous architecture and colonial-era buildings to sites central to the liberation struggle. The project, which has been underway for more than 13 months, has already documented dozens of sites across the country amid growing concern over neglect, urban pressure, and the gradual loss of historically significant buildings. As part of efforts to anchor the initiative within national heritage frameworks, the Shepherds Foundation has formally invited the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) to join the project as a core collaborative partner. According to the foundation, the collaboration would strengthen the credibility, educational reach, and long-term impact of Silent Walls, while aligning the initiative with national monument preservation standards. “The built environment is one of the most vulnerable forms of heritage,” the foundation said. “Once a structure is altered or demolished, that history is permanently lost. This project is about recording, protecting, and elevating Zimbabwe’s architectural story before it disappears.” Unlike traditional heritage documentation projects, Silent Walls is designed to sit at the intersection of culture, education, and the creative economy. The initiative will culminate in a comprehensive photographic book and catalogue, alongside travelling exhibitions to be staged across Zimbabwe. The Shepherds Foundation has proposed that NMMZ play a consultative role in the curation and review of the final catalogue, ensuring historical accuracy and alignment with national heritage policies. NMMZ has also been invited to contribute a foreword to the publication. ( image source ) Beyond documentation, the project introduces a commercial dimension through the planned creation of limited-edition collectible artworks derived from the photographed sites. These works are intended to function both as public engagement tools and as a sustainable fundraising mechanism to support heritage advocacy. Cultural economists note that such hybrid models combining heritage preservation with creative enterprise are increasingly being adopted across Africa as governments face budgetary constraints. “Heritage projects that generate economic value tend to have greater longevity,” said a Harare-based cultural policy analyst. “They attract private capital, international interest, and youth participation.” A key feature of Silent Walls is its decentralised exhibition model. The project intends to use regional museum sites as unconventional exhibition venues, deliberately moving heritage discourse beyond major urban centres. By situating exhibitions within community spaces, the initiative aims to attract new audiences and encourage local ownership of heritage preservation efforts. The project also includes a strong educational component. Plans are underway to develop study guides and digital learning materials that could be distributed to schools and universities, integrating architectural heritage into formal learning pathways. Representatives from NMMZ have been invited to participate as guest speakers at exhibition openings, reinforcing the link between community engagement and institutional expertise. In a move aligned with international best practice, the Shepherds Foundation has committed to digitising the full collection of high-resolution images and historical research generated by Silent Walls. A complete digital archive will be deposited with NMMZ for permanent national records and future academic use, ensuring long-term accessibility and preservation. Digital heritage archives are increasingly recognised as essential tools for research, conservation planning, and international collaboration, particularly in countries where physical structures face environmental and economic threats. The Shepherds Foundation has proposed launching the Silent Walls publication during the International Literature Festival in November 2026, a move expected to position Zimbabwe’s architectural heritage within global cultural conversations. Analysts say the initiative reflects a broader shift in how heritage is framed not only as cultural memory, but as an economic and diplomatic asset. “As countries compete for cultural relevance and tourism investment, documenting and presenting heritage professionally becomes a strategic priority,” said a heritage consultant familiar with regional projects. If formalised, the partnership between the Shepherds Foundation and NMMZ would represent a notable example of public–private collaboration in Zimbabwe’s cultural sector, combining institutional authority with creative innovation. Currently, Silent Walls stands as a timely reminder that preservation is not just about the past, but about how history is positioned within the future economy.

ZIMURA faces a deepening governance crisis as three board members disown an unauthorized statement on the controversial Avondale property sale, raising questions of transparency and accountability ( image source ) A deepening governance crisis has emerged at the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (ZIMURA), after three serving board members publicly disassociated themselves from a “Public Notice” issued on 12 January 2026 concerning the controversial sale of the association’s Avondale property. In a joint statement dated 13 January 2026, board members Dereck Mpofu, Joseph Garakara and Gift Amuli rejected the notice, describing it as unauthorized, procedurally flawed and reflective of broader governance failures within the organisation. The dispute arises amid growing scrutiny over the sale of ZIMURA’s Avondale flats, an asset historically regarded by members as part of the association’s long-term security and revenue base. According to the joint statement, the 12 January notice was issued in violation of ZIMURA’s internal governance structures. The board members argue that all official communication is, by formal board resolution, the responsibility of the Communications, PR and Strategy Committee. That committee is chaired by Mpofu, who is also ZIMURA’s designated official spokesperson, with Garakara serving as deputy. “The notice was issued without the committee’s knowledge or consent,” the statement reads, characterising the move as a clear breach of operating procedures and board mandates. Beyond the content of the notice, the board members raised alarm over what they describe as the unauthorized use of ZIMURA’s official letterhead and digital platforms. They are calling for an immediate investigation into who approved the release of the statement, as well as a full audit of the association’s social media and communication credentials. “It is imperative to establish accountability,” the statement said, warning that those responsible for disseminating unverified or unauthorised policy positions could be liable for misrepresentation. At the heart of the controversy is a conflict-of-interest allegation linked to the Avondale property sale. While the disputed public notice reportedly cited constitutional provisions granting the board authority to dispose of assets, the dissenting board members argue that this legal framing sidesteps the ethical questions raised by the membership. Specifically, they allege that concerns remain unresolved over whether a sitting board member participated in the transaction through an estate agency where they are employed. “To date, those who participated in the transaction have failed to provide a direct response,” the statement said, accusing them of relying on legal technicalities rather than addressing ethical accountability. The board members also rejected what they described as a narrative suggesting that ZIMURA operates beyond public or regulatory oversight. “While ZIMURA is a private association, it is not exempt from transparency obligations or the oversight of relevant regulatory and government bodies,” the statement said. They further condemned what they characterised as attempts to intimidate stakeholders and journalists through threats of litigation, warning that such tactics undermine trust and damage the organisation’s credibility. In a notable move, the board members explicitly invited continued media scrutiny. “Investigative journalism is a vital pillar of accountability,” the statement read. “We welcome rigorous questioning of our operations, financial dealings and governance.” The statement concludes with a sharp assessment of ZIMURA’s internal culture, suggesting that efforts to introduce transparency and professionalism are being resisted. “As new board members, we believe we were elected to replace a culture of defensiveness with professional transparency,” they said. “We refuse to be complicit in practices that ignore stakeholder concerns and regulatory accountability.” The signatories are: • Dereck Mpofu, Chair of Communications, PR and Strategy & Official Spokesperson • Joseph Garakara, Deputy Chair of Communications & Board Member • Gift Amuli, Chair of Licensing, Documentation and Membership ZIMURA has not yet issued a unified board response to the latest statement. As pressure mounts from members, regulators and the public, analysts say the unfolding dispute highlights broader challenges facing collective management organisations in balancing asset management, governance integrity and member trust. Southerton Business Times will continue to follow developments in this story.