Government has extended its social protection programme to Beitbridge, distributing grocery hampers to elderly people and those living with disabilities to boost food security and dignity ( image source ) BEITBRIDGE — The Government has continued its social protection drive into the New Year, distributing grocery hampers to elderly residents and people living with disabilities in Beitbridge District under Chief Tshitaudze’s jurisdiction, as part of the Second Republic’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups. Beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, saying it provided timely relief and improved household food security. One recipient who is caring for orphans said the groceries arrived when she had no means to provide for those under her care. “Government has really helped me. I received these groceries at a time when I had nothing to provide for the orphans I stay with,” she said. Another elderly beneficiary said the support restored dignity and hope after a difficult festive period. “We were going through difficult times, watching others celebrate, but now we are entering the New Year with renewed hope,” she said. Local leadership praised the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on community welfare. Donsa Village Head Tamaha Langalanga said the assistance would go a long way in ensuring food security for vulnerable residents. “We are grateful for this support. It will help the elderly and people living with disabilities to have food on their tables like everyone else. As a community, we work together to ensure no one is left behind,” he said. ZANU PF Central Committee member Cde Metrine Mudau described the distribution as a symbol of unity and care within communities. “These grocery hampers represent love and unity, bringing families together as they celebrate the festive season,” she said. Beitbridge Senator Honourable Tambudzani Mohadi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to upholding the right to food and a decent standard of living for vulnerable citizens. “We considered it important to uphold the right to food and a decent life for the elderly and people living with disabilities, hence the provision of these hampers so they can celebrate the New Year with others,” she said. Since 2017, the Second Republic has rolled out various social safety-net programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable communities across the country. Officials say the Beitbridge initiative reflects the administration’s policy of leaving no one and no place behind.

ZRP confirms a cash reward remains for murder suspect Anymore Zvitsva as five family members are arrested in a separate Guruve murder case, police say ( image source ) HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed that the cash reward offered for information leading to the arrest of murder suspect Anymore Zvitsva remains in force, as investigations into violent crimes in Guruve intensify. Zvitsva is wanted in connection with a series of murder cases reported in Guruve towards the end of 2025. In a statement issued on 2 January 2026, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the reward announced by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba is still valid, urging members of the public with information to assist law enforcement. Police appealed for tips to be reported through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station. In the same statement, Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the arrest of five family members in a separate murder case in Guruve involving the killing of a relative. The suspects are Kelvin Katuruza Chaora (26), a 16-year-old male juvenile, Chemika Gwenzi (33), Bvumbe Mandeya (35), and Ranwes Chaora (58). The arrests followed a tip-off received on 28 December 2025 after a missing person report was filed for John Chimana Chaora (54). According to police, the juvenile implicated Kelvin Chaora, Allicious Bvumbe, Chemika Gwenzi and Bvumbe Mandeya, leading to their arrest and the recovery of the victim’s cellphone and a pair of shoes. On 31 December 2025, the suspects allegedly led police to Ambush Dam in Kazunga Village, where the body of the deceased was recovered in an advanced state of decomposition. During investigations, Kelvin Chaora is reported to have implicated Ranwes Chaora, alleging that he masterminded the murder following a dispute linked to a chieftainship position the victim was expected to assume. Police said investigations are continuing and reiterated calls for public cooperation in locating Zvitsva and any possible accomplices. Authorities stressed that community vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious activity remain critical in combating violent crime, particularly in rural areas.

An analysis of restructuring and retrenchment in Zimbabwe, examining why legal compliance alone is insufficient without fairness, transparency and good-faith consultation ( image source ) When Zimbabwe’s Supreme Court delivered judgment in Nyamande & Another v Zuva Petroleum (SC 43/15) in July 2015, it reaffirmed an employer’s common-law right to terminate employment on notice. The ruling triggered widespread job losses, prompting swift legislative intervention through amendments to the Labour Act. Although the legal position has since evolved, the episode remains a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s labour relations, illustrating how decisions that are legally sound can still carry profound social and economic consequences. Restructuring, in principle, is a legitimate business strategy. It enables organisations to adapt to changing market conditions, technological developments or financial stress. In Zimbabwe, however, the concept has become contentious. Workers and unions often argue that restructuring processes are used to weaken bargaining power while presenting retrenchment as unavoidable, particularly in an already fragile economy. This does not mean all restructuring is improper or that every retrenchment is unfair. Rather, it underscores a persistent concern: that employers may comply with formal procedures while employees feel outcomes were predetermined. Zimbabwe’s Labour Act does not treat retrenchment as a routine administrative exercise. Section 12C establishes a framework requiring written notice, meaningful consultation through recognised structures, and oversight by the Retrenchment Board. Legislative reforms have sought to strengthen this framework. In 2023, Parliament enacted the Labour Amendment Act (Act 11 of 2023), revising aspects of Section 12C, including retrenchment package provisions. These changes were reinforced by the Labour (Retrenchment) Regulations, 2024 (SI 191 of 2024), gazetted in December 2024. The regulations introduced standardised forms, defined timelines and a requirement for the Retrenchment Board to issue notification certificates within set periods, addressing long-standing concerns about procedural delays that often dilute workers’ rights. Despite these reforms, tension persists between procedural compliance and substantive fairness. Workers frequently describe consultation processes as informational rather than deliberative, particularly where selection lists appear to have been finalised in advance. Several high-profile cases have reinforced this perception. In 2017, Air Zimbabwe announced plans to cut nearly half its workforce as part of a turnaround strategy. More recently, CBZ Holdings retrenched 347 employees in early 2025 following a group restructuring, while Steward Bank attributed staff reductions to digitisation initiatives. In the retail sector, OK Zimbabwe closed stores and restructured operations amid funding and competitive pressures. In many such cases, the economic rationale for restructuring may be credible. The unresolved issue is whether selection criteria, the quality of consultation and post-retrenchment hiring practices align with the law’s emphasis on fairness rather than mere compliance. International experience suggests this challenge is not unique to Zimbabwe. In the United Kingdom, controversy over “fire and rehire” practices led to a statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement in July 2024. In the United States, scrutiny of labour practices has similarly focused on the gap between legality and perceived coercion. For Zimbabwe, the central challenge lies in institutional capacity and enforcement speed. Trust is most effectively built not by banning restructuring, but by making it verifiable: clear and objective selection criteria, documented and genuine consultations, and consistency between retrenchment decisions and subsequent hiring. Economic pressure does not negate the obligation to act in good faith. Where restructuring is genuinely necessary, it should be defensible in evidence and over time. Where it is not, suspicion will endure, regardless of how compliant the paperwork may appear.

Zimbabwean entrepreneurs are urged to move from hesitation to action, embracing risk, innovation and execution as key drivers of business success in a fast-changing economy Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, it's time to shift the narrative! We've all been there, stuck in paralysis of analysis, waiting for the perfect moment, the right funding, or the ideal team to launch businesses. But let's be real, that moment might never come in a classical eureka case! The truth is, whether all things are equal or not, the best time to start was actually yesterday, and the second-best time is now! Mark Zuckeberg, the Facebook multi-billionaire is on record for saying “the biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that is changing really fast, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks!” In other words, he is saying ‘don’t wait for the perfect moment, seize the moment and make it perfect!’ If you are a businessperson, who already has an existing runway, please take off without delay. If you do not have a runway, no problem. Every entrepreneur should realize that it is their duty to take a shovel and create one for themselves and for generations to come. Venture out the way a duck takes to water. As an entrepreneur, you're wired to innovate, disrupt, and create impact. So why spend another day stuck in the "what-ifs" mode? Here's the thing: perfectionism is just a fancy word for procrastination. Do it anyhow and perfect it later. The market won't wait for you to be ready; it'll move ahead with or without you. So time is of essence.  Here are a few tips to assist you in unlocking and unleashing yourself into action as 2026 unfolds into full steam: Tips to Light Your Spark Start small, start now : Break down that big idea into tiny, actionable steps. Just take the first step. Embrace the 80% rule : Done is better than perfect. Get your product to market, iterate, and improve. Surround yourself with doers : The energy is contagious! Connect with fellow entrepreneurs who'll push you forward. Fail fast, learn faster : Not every shot will hit the target, but each miss teaches you something new. Celebrate small wins : Momentum builds momentum. Acknowledge progress, no matter how tiny. The world is waiting for unique and practical solutions to today’s problems. Let's stop cursing the darkness and be brave enough to light the candle. Your entrepreneurial journey starts with a single step. Take it today. As Peter Drucker says, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." So, what's holding you back in 2026? Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management, (New Mumbai), and UNISA, among others. He is the SADC Investments Advisor to Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi, Founder of Future Trends Group and Special Presidential Envoy on Business and International Relations, Government of Botswana. He has written several books, including Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking , Spotting Business Opportunities, and Big Picture Thinking  (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). He has just assumed the Presidency of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263774868896 Phone: +263718925350 Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk

Acting President Chiwenga calls for ethical leadership and anti-corruption measures, stressing that Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals depend on integrity, transparency, and unity across all sectors ( image source ) HARARE – Acting President General (Rtd) Constantino Chiwenga has called for ethical leadership and a strong national stance against corruption, saying Zimbabwe’s goal of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 depends on integrity and transparency across all sectors. Chiwenga made the remarks during the burial of national hero Brigadier General (Rtd) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava at the National Heroes Acre, addressing mourners on the country’s development trajectory under the National Development Strategy (NDS) framework. He highlighted the progress recorded under NDS1 as a foundation for future growth, but stressed that success under NDS2 would require ethical conduct and discipline in both public and private institutions. “We need to take note of the significant progress made under National Development Strategy 1. As we transition into National Development Strategy 2, Zimbabwe remains poised for accelerated growth, provided we entrench ethical leadership at all levels, defeat corruption and uphold a whole-of-government approach,” Chiwenga said. The Acting President emphasised that Vision 2030 would only be realised if leaders and citizens rejected corrupt practices and prioritised productivity-driven growth, including industrialisation, value addition, and inclusive development. “Realising our vision of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 hinges on our collective commitment to ethical behaviour. We must remain focused on growing the economy, creating quality employment and improving the livelihoods of our people,” he said. Chiwenga also encouraged Zimbabweans to honour Brigadier General Ngarava’s legacy through unity and national service. “In this moment of reflection, let us transform our grief into renewed commitment to our country and strengthen the spirit of unity that the late Brigadier General consistently upheld,” he said. Observers noted that the burial proceeded without chants or placards calling for a presidential term-extension beyond 2030, focusing instead on the life of the deceased and national values. Analysts have remarked that Chiwenga’s speech emphasised governance standards and development priorities, framing it around ethics, policy, and national cohesion, without explicit reference to internal party politics.

Vendors4ED has dismissed its national chairperson and secretary-general over alleged mismanagement and misuse of empowerment funds ( image source ) HARARE — The Vendors for Economic Development (Vendors4ED) organisation has dismissed its National Chairperson Samora Chisvo and Secretary-General Brighton Kwinjo amid allegations of mismanaging the group’s revolving fund and misusing money allocated for organisational activities. The dismissals were announced in a public notice issued by Vice National Chairperson Nyarai Simenti, who said the two officials were removed from office with effect from 10 December 2025. Simenti cited allegations of fund mismanagement, misuse and mishandling of organisational resources, as well as unilateral decision-making without consultation. “The services of National Chairperson S. Chisvo and Secretary-General B. Kwinjo have been terminated due to mismanagement of the revolving fund, misuse and mishandling of funds allocated for organisational activities, and unilateral decision-making without consulting other team members or stakeholders,” Simenti said. She added that their responsibilities had been reassigned and warned that anyone engaging with the dismissed officials on behalf of Vendors4ED would be doing so “at their own risk.” In a separate notice, Simenti also announced the dismissal of Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Tsitsi Pande, effective 12 December 2025, citing similar allegations of fund mismanagement and unilateral decision-making. Sources within the organisation allege that Chisvo received US$200,000 intended for distribution across 10 provinces, with each province allocated US$20,000, but instead shared the funds with associates, including members in Bulawayo and the organisation’s Bulawayo patron Tendai Charuka. Charuka is alleged to have used part of the funds to purchase a vehicle for his wife. The same sources further allege that empowerment funds earmarked for Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Mashonaland East were diverted for personal use, with no intended beneficiaries receiving support despite being instructed to open bank accounts. According to insiders, eight national executive members representing eight provinces agreed to expel Chisvo, Kwinjo, Pande and others implicated in the alleged abuse of the presidential empowerment fund. The executive reportedly replaced the expelled members with new office bearers with immediate effect. “We want a clean association, not a corrupt one. Vendors4ED is the best mobilisation team in the nation, and we need sanity in the association,” a source said. Eight provincial members, who also sit on the national structure, are also reported to have written to the ZANU-PF commissariat department calling for the expulsion of the three officials. The letter was received on 10 December. The developments have reignited concerns over transparency and accountability in the management of empowerment funds, with observers warning that misuse of such resources undermines grassroots mobilisation efforts and erodes public trust in community-based organisations.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to businessman Francesco Marconati ( image source ) BULAWAYO — The Supreme Court has granted bail to Italian-born businessman Francesco Marconati, overturning a High Court ruling that had kept him in custody despite the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) not opposing his release. In a judgment delivered on 31 December 2025, Supreme Court judge of appeal Justice Tendai Uchena allowed Marconati’s bail appeal by consent, setting aside the High Court decision and admitting him to bail pending trial. “The appellant’s bail appeal be and is hereby allowed. The decision of the court a quo is set aside,” Justice Uchena ruled. Marconati was granted bail in respect of three matters arising from cases registered at Inyathi Magistrates Court, including alleged contraventions of the Firearms Act and one count of assault. Under the bail conditions, Marconati is required to deposit US$2,000, split across two criminal cases, report to Inyathi Police Station once every fortnight, surrender his passport, and remain resident at Queens Mine, Bubi–Inyathi, Matabeleland North, until the matters are finalised. He was also ordered not to interfere with State witnesses. The application was argued by Advocate Lewis Uriri on behalf of Marconati, while T.P. Mutarisi appeared for the NPA, which again did not oppose the granting of bail. The Supreme Court ruling brings to an end a contentious bail process that began earlier in December, when both a magistrate and High Court judge Ngoni Nduna denied Marconati bail, citing submissions by the investigating officer that he was a flight risk and had a propensity to commit further offences, despite the prosecution’s formal consent to his release. The decision has drawn attention within legal circles, particularly as it followed the High Court’s granting of bail to Marconati’s employee, Mbekezeli Ngwabi, who is accused of fatally shooting a trespasser at Duration Gold Limited 5 Mine in Inyathi on 30 November. Ngwabi was released on US$800 bail, a disparity some lawyers described as troubling. During submissions, Advocate Uriri argued that once the prosecution concedes bail, “the court has no choice in the matter — the accused must be released,” a position now effectively affirmed by the Supreme Court. Although not addressed in the ruling, Marconati’s prolonged detention had sparked speculation about possible external commercial and political interests influencing the case. Allegations — strongly disputed and not tested in court — suggested that figures linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Junior, and Chinese national Li Song, Marconati’s former business partner, were seeking control of his mining operations in Bubi and Inyathi. Marconati (66) is the proprietor of Eagle Italian Shoes and Eagle Italian Leather in Marondera, has gold mining interests in Matabeleland North, operates a lodge in Mana Pools, and is a director of Strengthened Investments (Private) Limited. His companies have previously supplied leather shoes, helmets and baton sticks to the Zimbabwe National Army.

A 37-year-old Botswana national was arrested at Plumtree Border Post after being found with 35 grammes of dagga on Christmas Day ( image source ) PLUMTREE — A 37-year-old Botswana national has been arrested at the Plumtree Border Post after authorities intercepted dagga during routine screening on Christmas Day, police have confirmed. The suspect, identified as Exodus Moyo, was detained on 25 December after border officials discovered 35 grammes of dagga, packed in five sachets, inside his luggage during immigration and customs checks. He was taken into custody and later appeared before Plumtree Magistrate Joshua Nembaware, who remanded him in custody to 7 January 2026. Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that Moyo entered Zimbabwe on the day of his arrest and was intercepted during standard screening procedures. The State alleges that the recovered substance is dagga and that the accused unlawfully attempted to bring it into the country. The matter was postponed to allow investigators to complete forensic analysis of the substance and to finalise the prosecution docket. The State is expected to indicate its position on formal charges and bail when the accused returns to court. Border authorities said the arrest underscores the role of routine screening and intelligence-led checks in curbing cross-border drug trafficking. Community leaders in Plumtree welcomed the arrest but urged authorities to complement enforcement with public education and stronger cross-border cooperation to address drug supply networks. Moyo remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

Three people died and one woman was seriously injured after a haulage truck collided head-on with a Nissan Note at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands ( image source ) HEADLANDS — Three people were killed and one woman sustained serious injuries in a road traffic collision at Mufusire Uphill in Headlands on 23 December, police and court records have confirmed. The victims were travelling from Nyanga to Ruwa to attend a traditional bride price (roora) ceremony when the crash occurred. The deceased have been identified as Ngonidzashe Gift Simango (25) of Nyangani Park, Taurai Kaseke (30) and Ngoni Mutsoka (28). A fourth passenger, Caroline (22), survived the crash but suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment. According to evidence presented in court, the collision occurred at around 8am near the 120-kilometre peg when a haulage truck pulling a tanker veered into the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Note in which the victims were travelling. Simango, who was driving the Nissan Note (registration AHC 0831), and two passengers died at the scene. Post-mortem examinations later confirmed that all three died from severe head injuries. Both vehicles were extensively damaged. The truck driver, Ibrahim Alibashire Adanw, a Kenyan national, appeared before Rusape magistrate Barbra Mateko facing a charge of culpable homicide. He entered a guilty plea. Prosecutor Faith Mutukwa told the court that Adanw was driving a white Benz truck (registration AGI 288 MP) towards Mutare when he encroached into the opposite lane, resulting in the fatal collision. The State alleges that the accused was negligent by overtaking in the presence of an oncoming vehicle, driving at excessive speed, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision when danger became apparent. Adanw is expected to return to court on 5 January 2026 for mitigation and aggravation before sentencing.

University of Zimbabwe accounting student Danai Kwedza has won second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning US$1,500 and regional recognition ( image source ) HARARE — A 21-year-old University of Zimbabwe accounting student, Danai Kwedza, has secured second place in the 2025 SADC Tertiary Institutions Essay Competition, earning a prize of US$1,500. Kwedza, who hails from Chihota and is a former pupil of Mahusekwa High School, said her participation was inspired by a desire to recognise initiatives that support girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. She said competing at regional level despite coming from a rural setting demonstrated that such achievements are possible with determination. “Coming from a rural setting and competing at regional level is not easy, but it has shown that it can be done,” Kwedza said. She said she plans to continue entering the competition, with the aim of securing first place in future editions. Kwedza also highlighted challenges she faced during the competition, including limited access to digital devices and internet data required for research. Despite these constraints, she successfully completed and submitted her essay. Her achievement has attracted local support, with a company donating a laptop to assist her academic work. Kwedza’s father, Tendai Kwedza, encouraged parents to prioritise their daughters’ education, saying learning creates opportunities that enable young people to realise their full potential.

A Mutare-based police officer has been jailed for three years after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi ( image source ) A police officer based in Mutare has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after being convicted of unlawful possession of dagga, following his arrest at a mining site in Shurugwi. Sergeant Maviya, who was stationed at Dangamvura Police Station, appeared before magistrate Patricia Gwetsai alongside Ngonidzashe Muzarawetu (22) of 306 Area 7, Dangamvura. The two were arrested on 14 September 2025 after police received information that dagga was being sold at Nash 1 mining area. According to court proceedings, Sergeant Maviya was found in possession of 2,8 kilogrammes of dagga, while Muzarawetu was found with 0,04 kilogrammes. A third individual, Enock Shunye, who allegedly bought dagga from the pair at the mining site, was also arrested in connection with the case. The court heard that Maviya and Muzarawetu attempted to flee when police moved in, but detectives later tracked them to Batanai Shop in the Musana area, where they were arrested as they disembarked from a vehicle. Both accused were charged and convicted. Sergeant Maviya was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. Details of the sentence imposed on Muzarawetu were not immediately available at the time of reporting. The case underscores that laws relating to the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs apply equally to civilians and members of the security services.

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector recorded strong growth under NDS1, boosting tobacco, maize and wheat production and setting the stage for ambitious NDS2 targets under Vision 2030 ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe’s recently concluded National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has been credited with driving strong growth in the agricultural sector, laying a solid foundation for more ambitious production and value-addition targets under NDS2 as the country advances towards Vision 2030. Government officials say gains achieved during the NDS1 period have positioned agriculture as a central pillar of economic recovery, food security and export growth. The sector now contributes an estimated 33 percent to national gross domestic product, while also supporting livelihoods and strengthening foreign-currency inflows. Tobacco has emerged as a key driver of agricultural expansion and a major foreign-currency earner. Production rose from 175 million kilogrammes in 2020 to a record 355 million kilogrammes delivered during the 2025 marketing season. Authorities attribute the growth to policy reforms, contract farming, improved inputs and the tobacco value-chain transformation programme. Under NDS2, Government aims to raise output to 500 million kilogrammes and grow the tobacco industry into a US$5 billion sector by 2030, subject to favourable climatic conditions. Maize production has also shown notable improvement, with crops reported to be performing well across most farming regions following good seasonal rains. Officials say the outlook points to another strong harvest that will reinforce national food and nutrition security. The improved performance has been linked to better input availability, targeted extension services and expanded irrigation in selected districts. Wheat production has recorded one of the most dramatic turnarounds, following years of decline. Driven largely by the mechanisation programme launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the deployment of tractors and combine harvesters has significantly lifted productivity. Official figures indicate a 600 percent increase in wheat output this year, with production surpassing 655,000 tonnes. The Government has now set a target of 1.5 million tonnes by 2030. Policymakers say the combined gains across tobacco, maize and wheat demonstrate the multiplier effect of coordinated interventions spanning mechanisation, input support, irrigation development, market reforms and value-chain investments. “NDS1 laid the groundwork, and NDS2 will focus on scaling up industrialisation, value addition and market diversification to ensure agriculture drives inclusive and sustainable growth,” a senior official in the Ministry of Agriculture said. Analysts have welcomed the progress but warned that sustaining momentum will require continued investment in irrigation infrastructure, rural roads, storage and agro-processing facilities. Climate resilience has also been flagged as a priority, with calls for expanded early-warning systems and wider adoption of climate-smart farming practices. Private-sector players have urged Government to accelerate value-addition initiatives to retain more value from tobacco and grain locally, while development partners have stressed the importance of policy consistency to attract long-term investment. As Zimbabwe transitions from NDS1 to NDS2, officials say agriculture will remain central to the national development agenda — anchoring food self-sufficiency, export growth and job creation on the road to Vision 2030.