Zimbabwe’s music industry mourns Sungura legend Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zacharia ( image source ) The Sungura music community is in mourning following the death of legendary musician Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zacharia, who passed away this morning after a long battle with diabetes. His management confirmed the news, prompting widespread grief across Zimbabwe’s music industry. Zacharia, revered as the Sungura Godfather and fondly known as the Senior Lecturer, was celebrated for his influence both on stage and behind the scenes. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the Kiama Boys, working alongside Alick Macheso, now recognised as the King of Sungura. Together they helped define and popularise the genre, shaping its evolution and securing its cultural significance. Beyond his musical talent, Zacharia was a respected mentor whose guidance nurtured generations of artists. Musicians across the country credit him for shaping their careers, citing his commitment to excellence, discipline and artistic development. His distinctive guitar style, lyrical depth and leadership made him a towering figure whose impact extended far beyond his own catalogue. Mourners have begun gathering at his Chitungwiza home, reflecting the esteem he commanded within the community. Fans, fellow artists and local residents described him as a cultural icon whose music bridged generations and whose mentorship preserved the vitality of Sungura amid shifting musical trends. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course, but tributes are already pouring in from across Zimbabwe. Many are honouring his legacy by recalling his contributions to the arts and his role in cultivating and sustaining talent within the industry. For the Sungura fraternity and the nation at large, Zacharia’s passing marks the close of an era. His influence endures through the musicians he mentored and the timeless music he created, leaving a legacy rooted in artistry, mentorship and cultural pride.

African Sun Limited will close Elephant Hills Resort in November 2026 for an 18-month, multi-million-dollar refurbishment and rebranding ( image source ) African Sun Limited has announced that Victoria Falls’ iconic Elephant Hills Resort will close in November 2026 for an extensive 18-month refurbishment and rebranding programme, with reopening slated for the second quarter of 2028. The multi-million-dollar upgrade is being positioned as one of the most significant hospitality investments in the city in recent years, targeting both leisure tourism and the growing MICE market. The company said the redevelopment is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen its competitiveness in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector. The revamped property will be operated under an internationally recognised brand, combining Zimbabwean culture and the natural beauty of Victoria Falls with global-standard facilities to attract high-end travellers and corporate clients. The refurbishment extends beyond the hotel. African Sun will also modernise the Elephant Hills Golf Course, aligning with efforts to grow sports and recreational tourism. The upgrade is intended to elevate the course to international standards and broaden Victoria Falls’ appeal as a multifaceted destination. African Sun CEO Laurie Ward described the project as a strategic investment that reinforces the group’s positioning in a key tourism hub. He said the simultaneous hotel and golf-course redevelopment aligns with national ambitions to strengthen Victoria Falls as a premier global destination. During the closure period, African Sun has committed to maintaining close communication with regulators, suppliers and industry partners to ensure a smooth transition. The company says stakeholder engagement will be prioritised to manage disruptions and prepare for the resort’s relaunch. Once reopened, Elephant Hills is expected to offer a significantly enhanced guest experience designed to meet international expectations. Analysts say the investment will boost destination competitiveness, stimulate employment and support the wider tourism value chain in the Victoria Falls region.

Zimbabwean businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have been jailed for defrauding the US$7.7 million Presidential Goat Scheme ( image source ) Harare — Business partners Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe have been handed lengthy prison terms after the High Court found them guilty of defrauding the government in the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, delivering only a small fraction of the livestock paid for in advance. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Monday, December 8, that Mpofu was sentenced to 22 years, with seven years suspended on conditions, leaving an effective 15-year jail term. Chimombe received 17 years, with five years suspended, resulting in an effective 12-year sentence. According to the State, the pair used forged ZIMRA and NSSA compliance certificates belonging to Blackdeck Private Limited — a company deregistered in 2016 — to fraudulently secure a government tender worth US$87,757,168 over five years. On the basis of these falsified documents, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development released a deposit of ZWL1.6 billion, equivalent to US$7,712,797.10. After receiving the money, however, they delivered only 4,208 goats valued at US$331,445.25, leaving the State with an actual loss of US$7,380,751.85. In its judgment, the High Court condemned the sophistication of the scam, the breach of public trust, and the targeting of a social-welfare programme meant to uplift rural communities. Prosecutors argued that the defendants engineered a scheme that diverted resources intended for vulnerable households, undermining food security and public confidence. The bench agreed, stressing that deterrent sentences were necessary in cases of corruption and tender fraud involving forged compliance documents and systematic deception. Evidence presented during trial showed repeatedly missed delivery timelines and livestock quantities that bore no reasonable relation to the advance payment. The court cited aggravating factors such as premeditation, use of forged certificates, and persistent non-performance after receiving funds. Mitigating claims were rejected, with the judge emphasising the importance of restitution and the recovery of public money. The NPA hailed the ruling as a milestone in accountability, urging ministries and agencies to strengthen due diligence when verifying tax and social-security compliance. Anti-corruption advocates called for routine cross-checks with ZIMRA and NSSA databases, real-time vendor vetting and phased payments tied strictly to verified deliveries. Rural-development specialists warned that the scandal had eroded trust in pass-on schemes and urged a relaunch grounded in tighter controls, independent audits and transparent district-level reporting. Mpofu and Chimombe are expected to face civil recovery proceedings in addition to the criminal sanctions, with restitution forming part of the sentence structure. The case stands as a stark reminder that procurement fraud carries significant legal consequences and that safeguarding public funds is essential to restoring confidence in social programmes and the broader economy.

Authorities have arrested senior administrators at Friendship High School in Harare over allegations of embezzling US$84,000 in school funds ( image source ) A high-profile embezzlement probe at Friendship High School in Harare has resulted in the arrest of headmaster Tayengwa Christopher Maponga and two former senior administrators over allegations that US$84,000 in school funds was siphoned from the institution. The case, logged at Borrowdale Police Station under CR 03/12/25, has been escalated to the Commercial Crime Division, Northern Region, signalling the seriousness of the suspected financial misconduct. Maponga was arrested alongside former head Milcah Machi and former deputy head Tendai Kuhudzayi, who has since been suspended by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. A fourth suspect, school bursar Tichaona Kunyenda, is on the run. Investigators say the group is accused of diverting funds and leaving several service providers unpaid, prompting the formal complaint that triggered the investigation. The matter came to light after Samasave Security Services reported unpaid invoices totalling US$6,050. In a letter dated August 5, 2025, the company accused the school’s leadership of running the institution unprofessionally and warned of legal action if debts remained outstanding. When attempts to recover the funds failed, Samasave escalated the issue to the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe and education authorities. Preliminary findings indicate irregularities in procurement processes, authorisation of payments and maintenance of financial records. Investigators are reviewing bank statements, supplier contracts and internal approval systems to trace the flow of funds and determine whether public resources were misused. The Commercial Crime Division is also examining possible breaches of tendering rules and instances where funds may have been diverted for personal benefit. In response to the arrests, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has suspended Kuhudzayi and initiated a wider audit of financial controls across public schools. Officials emphasised the need for stronger oversight, transparent procurement procedures and adherence to financial management guidelines to safeguard limited education resources. Parents and community members have expressed deep concern, saying the alleged mismanagement undermines confidence in school administration and deprives learners of essential support. Civil-society groups have called for an impartial investigation, accountability for any wrongdoing and broader reforms such as external audits, enhanced bursar training and improved channels for suppliers to report non-payment. Legal experts note that the case presents a significant test of Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption framework and its ability to manage complex financial crimes. If convicted, the accused face severe penalties under laws governing fraud, theft and abuse of public office. The situation also raises important questions about governance standards in public institutions. Maponga, Machi and Kuhudzayi are expected to appear in court as authorities finalise charges. Education officials have pledged full cooperation with investigators and assured stakeholders that measures will be taken to restore trust in the management of public schools. The outcome of the investigation is being closely monitored by parents, educators and anti-corruption advocates.

Zimbabwe opens the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair, showcasing homegrown technologies and driving research commercialization ( image source ) Harare — Preparations for the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair are now at an advanced stage, with universities, colleges, innovation hubs and private-sector partners confirming participation ahead of tomorrow’s opening. Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Frederick Shava said the third edition of the fair is being positioned as a strategic platform to drive research commercialisation, inform Vision 2030 priorities and shape the forthcoming National Development Strategy 2. The exhibition will feature a broad range of homegrown technologies developed under the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, with solutions spanning health, agriculture, energy, engineering, ICT, robotics, clean technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Organisers say the focus is on innovations that are technically viable and ready for pilot testing, scaling and market entry. A key theme of the fair is accelerating the conversion of prototypes into viable enterprises. The ministry has directed that all publicly funded innovations be channelled through a formal commercialisation pipeline involving strengthened incubation systems, access to industrial testing facilities, patent support and structured engagement with industry. Shava said the goal is for each showcased innovation to demonstrate a credible path toward job creation, export generation and economic value. Youth entrepreneurship and rural development will feature prominently. A youth zone will give start-ups and student innovators a platform to pitch to investors and secure mentorship, while rural industrialisation will be promoted through a hub-and-spoke model. Technologies suited for agro-processing, renewable energy and small-scale manufacturing will be assessed for deployment in district-level hubs aimed at supporting local value chains and decentralising industrial activity. The programme includes investor pitch sessions, sector-based roundtables and policy dialogues designed to link researchers with financiers. Venture capital firms, development finance institutions and corporate procurement units are expected to examine commercial potential and discuss funding structures. Masterclasses will cover intellectual property management, regulatory requirements and export readiness. Government agencies will use the fair to announce targeted support mechanisms, including pilot funding windows, tax incentives for local manufacturing and priority access to public procurement for innovations aligned with national priorities. Officials say successful pilot projects may be incorporated into public programmes to create predictable demand and support early-stage enterprises. Organisers acknowledge persistent challenges, including power reliability, logistics and the need for consistent policy frameworks. To address these issues, the fair will highlight partnerships that blend private capital, donor support and government guarantees. Skills development will also be emphasised, with commitments to technical training and apprenticeships tied to commercial projects. As Zimbabwe moves to deepen its industrial base, the Presidential Innovation Fair aims to serve as a catalytic event that aligns research, investment and policy. For innovators, investors and policymakers attending tomorrow, the test will be whether the fair can translate ideas into enterprises that generate jobs, boost exports and help advance the country’s long-term development goals.

Zimbabwe’s Magwizi-led Zifa board earns praise for improved governance as the Warriors prepare for Afcon 2025 ( image source ) The newly constituted Zimbabwe Football Association board, led by Nqobile Magwizi, is earning widespread commendation from senior stakeholders as it nears its first year in office, marking what many hope is a decisive shift from years of governance crises. After a long period marked by allegations of mismanagement, corruption and weak oversight, the Magwizi-led administration is being credited with restoring discipline, improving transparency and rebuilding trust across football structures. Magwizi’s board — comprising Kennedy Ndebele, Loveness Mukura, Brighton Ushendibaba, Tafadzwa Benza, Alice Zeure, Kudzai Kadzombe, Davison Muchena, Thomas Marambanyika, Chido Chizondo and Isaiah Mupfurutsa — has focused on institutional reform, stakeholder engagement and financial accountability. These efforts were publicly recognised at the Warriors’ send-off dinner in Harare ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, where Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe applauded the board for renewed governance standards and the restoration of credibility within Zifa. Sanyatwe highlighted the need for cooperation between Zifa, the Ministry of Sports and the Sports and Recreation Commission, stressing that coordinated oversight is essential for building a competitive football system. He encouraged the board to sustain reform momentum, particularly in professionalising league administration, strengthening club licensing and enhancing financial reporting practices. Parliament has echoed this support. Farai Jere, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, described the Magwizi board as a positive shift for the association. Drawing from his own experience on previous boards, he cautioned against misplaced criticism driven by social media commentary and urged constructive engagement between lawmakers, the ministry and Zifa to address issues proactively. Both Sanyatwe and Jere used the platform to call for stronger private-sector participation, urging corporate sponsors, business leaders and philanthropists to partner with Zifa in supporting the national team’s Afcon campaign. The minister emphasised that high-level performance requires sustained investment and planning, noting that talent alone is insufficient without adequate financial backing. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already contributed US$400,000 from his personal funds to support player welfare, underscoring the national significance placed on the Warriors’ mission. Although the government’s total budget allocation remains undisclosed, officials assert that combined public and private financing will be critical to the team’s preparations. Zimbabwe enters the tournament in Morocco with the goal of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages for the first time. The Warriors face a demanding group featuring Egypt, South Africa and Angola, with their opening match against Egypt set for December 22. For Zifa, the tournament represents both a competitive challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate that improved governance can translate into stronger on-field performance and renewed confidence from fans, sponsors and international partners.

Colonel Jones Sasata Marodza is promoted to Brigadier-General, marking the Zimbabwe National Army’s sole general officer elevation of the year ( image source ) Harare — Colonel Jones Sasata Marodza has been promoted to Brigadier-General in a ceremony held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks, following a comprehensive vetting process by the Defence Forces Command Element and confirmation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The event, officiated by Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, marked the army’s sole promotion to general officer rank this year. Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the elevation signified sustained performance, discipline and demonstrated leadership at senior levels, describing the promotion as both an honour and a call to heightened responsibility. He emphasised that general officer rank requires professionalism, teamwork and a commitment to the values of the Zimbabwe National Army, noting that Brig-Gen Marodza met the rigorous standards set by the Command Element. The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, colleagues and family members, reflecting the institutional weight attached to leadership transitions in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Brig-Gen Marodza expressed gratitude to the Commander, fellow officers and his family, pledging loyalty to the Constitution and dedication to the army’s mission. He said the achievement represented both personal effort and collective support from his unit and loved ones. Defence analysts said the promotion aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen the army through merit-based advancement, improved training and institutional reforms that prioritise operational competence and ethical command. Brig-Gen Marodza is expected to assume responsibilities that include strategic oversight, operational planning and mentorship of junior officers as the army continues its professional consolidation. Observers noted that public promotion ceremonies help reinforce morale, signal continuity within the command structure and highlight the value placed on leadership development. For Brig-Gen Marodza, the new rank marks a significant transition and underscores the confidence placed in him by the Defence Forces Command Element. As he steps into his expanded duties, Brig-Gen Marodza is expected to contribute to the army’s strategic direction and uphold the standards of accountability, readiness and discipline central to the Zimbabwe National Army’s mission.

Zimbabwe’s Feed and Fodder Multi-stakeholder Platform has launched a strategy to build a US$25 billion livestock sector by 2030 ( image source ) The Zimbabwe Feed and Fodder Multi-stakeholder Platform (ZFFMSP) has outlined a plan to transform the livestock sector into a US$25 billion industry by placing feed and fodder systems at the centre of national productivity, resilience and export competitiveness. The strategy responds to vulnerabilities exposed by recent climate shocks and positions livestock as a key driver of rural livelihoods and economic growth. During a breakfast meeting in Harare, ministry officials and sector leaders presented a roadmap linking improved feed systems to national production targets. Obert Jiri, secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, noted that government aims to raise the national herd from about 5.74 million to 6.6 million cattle by 2030, increase broiler output to 362,000 metric tonnes and boost milk production to 200 million litres. Achieving these milestones depends on securing reliable feed sources, scaling irrigated fodder production and strengthening water infrastructure. The platform’s strategy prioritises drought-resistant crops, decentralised fodder production and effective use of Zimbabwe’s extensive water assets, including more than 10,000 dams and a Presidential target of 35,000 rural boreholes. By shifting farmers from rain-fed dependence to irrigated systems, the plan aims to stabilise feed supply, cut seasonal livestock losses and reduce production costs. Recent climate impacts have underscored the urgency of the initiative. The 2023–24 El Niño drought resulted in the loss of nearly 10,000 cattle, and almost half of rural wards reported pasture shortages by mid-2024. ZFFMSP chairperson Nathaniel Makoni said the shocks highlight the need for coordinated action across seed systems, water management, feed markets and value-chain development. He said the US$25 billion vision is attainable with sustained investment and shared commitment. Government departments expressed support for scaling drought-tolerant seed distribution, irrigation expansion and extension services. The strategy promotes public-private partnerships, quality assurance frameworks and opportunities for private capital to invest in feed and fodder systems. Regional experts echoed the need for continent-wide scaling, with AU-IBAR’s Sarah Ashanut Ossiya advocating stronger institutional systems that enhance trade, environmental health and biosecurity. Implementation will rely on governance, financing and consistent monitoring. Planned interventions include hub-and-spoke models linking fodder production hubs with surrounding communities, processing and aggregation points, and export-ready standards. Transparent collaboration, infrastructure investment and farmer capacity building will be vital for success. If fully realised, the ZFFMSP strategy could reshape Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape by strengthening food security, expanding rural employment and positioning livestock as a competitive regional export. The priority now is moving from targets to tangible delivery through climate-resilient practices, coordinated investment and integrated markets.

ZINARA launches a festive-season compliance drive with discounted renewals, penalty waivers and payment plans to boost road-licence regularisation ( image source ) Harare — The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has launched a week-long festive-season promotion under its #BeOneInAMillion campaign, offering motorists discounted licence renewals, penalty waivers and flexible payment plans to encourage compliance. The initiative, which runs from 8 to 15 December 2025, is available at ZINARA Licensing Offices, Mobile Teams and selected tollgates. Central to the promotion is a 25% discount on vehicle licence renewals, offered in partnership with CBZ Insurance, Post Insurance and AFC Insurance. ZINARA said the reduced rates aim to ease year-end financial pressures and clear the backlog of expired licences, with discounts applicable only at participating outlets during the promotional period. The campaign also features a 100% waiver on arrears penalties, giving motorists who have fallen behind an opportunity to regularise their status without incurring historical fines. ZINARA urged drivers to confirm participating locations before travelling, noting that the Plumtree–Mutare route is excluded from the offer. For motorists unable to settle arrears in full, ZINARA has introduced a 12-month instalment plan. Available through Licensing Offices and Mobile Teams, the plan allows drivers to spread arrears and penalties over a year, providing relief during a financially demanding season. Officials said repayment terms are discussed individually with ZINARA staff and remain subject to conditions. ZINARA framed the festive drive as part of a broader strategy to improve compliance, boost revenue collection for road maintenance and reduce administrative pressure caused by high volumes of unlicensed vehicles. The organisation encouraged motorists to amplify the initiative using hashtags #BeOneInAMillion, #ProudlyCompliant and #PartnersForProgress. Transport stakeholders broadly welcomed the campaign but emphasised the need for clear communication and smooth coordination at licensing points. Road-safety advocates said improved compliance could translate into stronger funding for maintenance and safer road conditions, while consumer groups called for transparency regarding instalment terms and assurances that motorists who regularise during the promotion will not face retrospective penalties. ZINARA also signalled plans to extend mobile licensing outreach in 2026 to better serve remote communities and reduce congestion at urban offices. For now, the festive incentives represent a tactical effort to combine revenue mobilisation with public goodwill, easing financial strain while reinforcing the link between licence compliance and safer roads. Motorists are encouraged to visit their nearest ZINARA office or consult official channels for full details, eligibility and participating locations before making arrangements.

Air Tanzania launches a new Victoria Falls–Dar es Salaam–Cape Town route, boosting Zimbabwe’s air connectivity and strengthening regional tourism links ( image source ) Harare — Air Tanzania will on Thursday, 11 December 2025, inaugurate a new triangular service connecting Victoria Falls, Dar es Salaam and Cape Town — a development expected to enhance regional air mobility and inject fresh momentum into Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. The twice-weekly flights, operating on Thursdays and Sundays, are the latest addition under the government’s Open Skies Policy, which has attracted 23 international airlines and positioned Victoria Falls International Airport as a rising regional hub. The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) hailed the route as a milestone for Victoria Falls International Airport, saying it expands multi-destination travel options for both leisure and business markets across Southern and East Africa. The new service will allow visitors to combine Zimbabwe’s natural attractions with coastal and metropolitan experiences in Tanzania and South Africa, creating seamless travel circuits that strengthen the region’s tourism value chain. Air Tanzania’s Zimbabwe Country Manager, Ismail Mpinga, said the carrier would collaborate closely with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and regional partners to promote the route and develop integrated travel packages. He said the airline would “link these brothers and sisters in marketing with the tourism board,” signalling coordinated campaigns targeting tour operators, travel agents and global markets. The launch comes amid ongoing government investment in aviation infrastructure, including upgrades to the Air Space Management System and the RGMI Airport VVIP Pavilion under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). ACZ and aviation stakeholders say these improvements have helped attract major carriers — including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines — that have expanded Zimbabwe’s international connectivity in recent months. Industry analysts anticipate several economic and tourism benefits. The connection to Dar es Salaam opens access to East African source markets and coastal tourism circuits, while the Cape Town link taps into one of Southern Africa’s strongest leisure markets. The triangular routing also enables multi-stop itineraries that can increase tourist length of stay and overall spend. For local businesses, improved connectivity promises more predictable visitor flows and new opportunities for joint regional marketing. Tourism operators welcomed the new service but urged streamlined visa systems, efficient ground-handling and readiness across hospitality products to ensure seamless visitor experiences. Hoteliers, tour operators and transport providers around Victoria Falls said they were aligning capacity and packages to capitalise on the flights, while calling for continued upgrades to road infrastructure and service quality to convert arrivals into repeat business. Observers note that challenges remain, including ensuring flight reliability, competitive pricing and sustained marketing to priority markets. Maintaining safety and service standards as traffic increases will also be key. Nonetheless, aviation stakeholders view the Air Tanzania launch as a positive signal of sector recovery and of Victoria Falls’ growing role as a gateway for regional tourism. As the first flights prepare to land, attention will turn to passenger uptake, load factors and the route’s impact on cross-border tourism flows. Should the model prove successful, analysts say it could pave the way for more triangular or multi-city routes that knit Southern and East African destinations into cohesive travel networks.

Six people arrested in Beitbridge for illegally selling Presidential Input Scheme fertiliser as authorities intensify anti-corruption efforts to protect public resources ( image source ) Beitbridge — Authorities have arrested six people in two separate anti-corruption operations targeting the unlawful possession and resale of fertiliser distributed under the Presidential Input Scheme. The coordinated actions — involving the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ), the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) — recovered agricultural inputs worth US$5,720 as government intensifies efforts to protect resources meant for vulnerable farmers. The first operation in Dulibadzimu led to the recovery of 70 bags of 50kg fertiliser from a residential property. Four suspects — Chemistry Ndou (61), Khare Ndou (23), Thumelo Moyo (24) and Voice Ndou (62) — were detained after investigators established they had bought the subsidised inputs from beneficiaries under Chief Sitaudzi and were preparing the stock for resale. The fertiliser, valued at US$2,000, was handed over to CID Law and Order Beitbridge for further inquiry. A second bust uncovered 120 bags of 50kg fertiliser valued at US$3,720. Angeline Chokutaura (46) of Magamba Park, Chivhu, was intercepted while allegedly transporting the stock, while Taruvinga Manunure (38) of Mucheche Village, Lutumba, was arrested after reportedly admitting to purchasing fertiliser from scheme beneficiaries and selling it on. The matter was registered at ZRP Beitbridge Rural and transferred to CID Law and Order. Court proceedings followed, with four of the accused appearing before Magistrate Brenda Kachepa and granted US$50 bail each, while the remaining two appeared before Magistrate Tafadzwa Gwazemba, who imposed fines of US$100 or 30 days’ imprisonment. All matters were prosecuted by State counsel Mugwagwa. Officials said the swift prosecutions reflect a zero-tolerance stance toward the diversion of subsidised agricultural inputs critical to food security and rural livelihoods. NACAZ reported that the arrests stemmed from ongoing monitoring and community tip-offs, underscoring the importance of grassroots intelligence in detecting corruption. Authorities said misuse of the Presidential Input Scheme undermines government efforts to support smallholder farmers, especially amid climate shocks and economic pressures. Local leaders and agricultural extension officers were urged to strengthen oversight, beneficiary verification and reporting to stop further leakages. As investigations continue, prosecutors will assess whether to press additional charges, including theft, fraud or conspiracy. Anti-corruption bodies say the operations highlight the need for coordinated enforcement and systemic reforms to protect public resources and safeguard national food security programmes.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume exposes major revenue losses from unregulated billboards, prompting a push for a digital registry, stricter enforcement and a cleanup of the city’s outdoor-advertising sector ( image source ) Harare — Mayor Jacob Mafume has sounded the alarm over what he termed a “major revenue scandal,” raising fresh concerns about significant losses from billboard advertising across the capital. The issue surfaced during a full council sitting at Town House last week, where Mafume pressed the finance department for clear revenue figures and accused officials of enabling systemic fraud within the outdoor-advertising sector. Council accountant Benjamin Nhukarume acknowledged that billboard income was “not clear” and described collections as “insignificant,” prompting sharp criticism from councillors. Mafume warned that the leakages are substantial and said recovered revenue could fund urgent improvements to water, sanitation and road infrastructure. For years, Harare’s billboard industry has operated in a regulatory grey zone, with numerous advertising structures erected without proper permits and fee enforcement inconsistently applied. Internal audits have previously flagged millions of dollars in potential annual earnings that never reached municipal coffers. Mafume said the absence of a central register and weak oversight have allowed operators to exploit loopholes and avoid payment. “Billboards of varying sizes and standards crowd intersections, often obstructing sightlines and creating urban clutter, with no clear public record of which is legally sanctioned,” he said, directly blaming council officials for failing to implement stronger controls. He also criticised some committees for blocking regulatory proposals on the basis of “phantom costs,” enabling continued noncompliance. Highlighting the sector’s vast untapped potential, Mafume cited an example showing that advertising at a single stadium could generate nearly US$500,000 per month. To stem the losses, he called for an urgent digital overhaul: a centralised and fully auditable system to track every billboard, its owner and its payment status. “No one knows how many billboards we have. I want a system so that you don’t blame each other. The system will tell us that this billboard is not paid up… we go and cut it,” he said. Council officials have been directed to develop a comprehensive reform plan, including a full audit of existing structures, a digital registry linked to payment and enforcement modules, tighter permitting protocols and targeted operations to remove illegal billboards. Officials also indicated plans to review contracts with outdoor-advertising firms and strengthen penalties for noncompliance. Urban planners and road-safety advocates welcomed the mayor’s intervention, noting that unregulated billboards deprive the city of vital revenue while creating visual clutter and obstructing driver sightlines. Civil-society groups urged transparency in the audit process and recommended public access to the digital registry to prevent future irregularities. Advertising industry stakeholders cautioned that while enforcement is necessary, it should be paired with clear communication and a reasonable transition period to allow legitimate operators to regularise their sites. They argued that combining digital tracking, fair fees and predictable enforcement would stabilise the sector and restore investor confidence. As Harare pushes to tighten oversight, the council faces a test of both capacity and political will. The effectiveness of the reforms will depend on swift implementation of the digital registry, consistent enforcement and transparent reporting to ensure that recovered funds are channelled into the essential city services residents urgently require.