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Displaced Sudanese families at the refugee camp The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has intensified security patrols at Makpandu refugee camp in Yambio, Western Equatoria, following a deadly attack that claimed the life of a Sudanese refugee. Peacekeepers conducted a ground patrol to assess the security situation and engage with local authorities, security forces, and refugee representatives, amid growing concerns over the safety of civilians in the camp. Makpandu hosts thousands of refugees who fled conflict in neighbouring Sudan, seeking safety in South Sudan. However, deteriorating security conditions have left many families fearing for their lives once again. Among them is Bekia Mahadi, a mother of eight, who says the situation has become increasingly distressing. Refugees report that armed individuals frequently enter the camp, firing weapons, intimidating residents, and looting or destroying property. “These incidents have forced some families to flee into nearby bush areas at night in search of safety,” humanitarian sources say. The violence has heightened anxiety among already vulnerable populations, many of whom have experienced displacement multiple times due to ongoing regional instability. UNMISS said its patrols aim to deter further attacks, improve coordination with local security structures, and rebuild trust within the community. The mission emphasised that protecting civilians remains a core priority, particularly in areas hosting large refugee populations. Humanitarian agencies warn that continued insecurity could undermine relief efforts and worsen living conditions for thousands of displaced people who depend on aid. UN peacekeepers say sustained engagement, including regular patrols and closer cooperation with local authorities, will be critical to restoring stability in Makpandu. For refugees like Mahadi and her children, the hope is that increased security measures will bring lasting protection and allow families to rebuild their lives without fear. UNMISS patrol South Sudan refugees security

IRGC military personnel during the operation Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has carried out a retaliatory strike targeting oil facilities it claims are linked to the United States, marking a further escalation in tensions across the Middle East. In a statement reported by Tasnim News Agency , the IRGC said the operation formed part of what it described as the “63rd wave” of its ongoing military campaign, dubbed Operation True Promise 4 . The force said the strikes were conducted in response to what it called attacks on Iran’s own energy infrastructure, accusing its adversaries of attempting to suppress internal dissent and destabilise the country. “The necessity to defend Iran's infrastructure has compelled the IRGC to target energy facilities linked to the United States and American stakeholders,” the statement said. The IRGC claimed that multiple oil-related sites associated with US interests in the region were set ablaze, though it did not provide independent verification or specific locations. The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with the situation increasingly raising fears of a broader regional conflict. In its statement, the IRGC warned that further attacks on Iran’s infrastructure would trigger more severe retaliation, potentially targeting additional energy assets belonging to its adversaries and their allies. Iranian officials have maintained that they do not seek to escalate conflict into the economic domain, particularly where it could affect neighbouring countries. However, the latest remarks suggest a shift toward targeting energy infrastructure as part of military strategy. The claims also come against the backdrop of reports of ongoing hostilities, including missile and drone exchanges involving Iranian forces and US- and Israeli-linked targets in the region. Independent verification of the IRGC’s claims remains limited, and there has been no immediate confirmation from US authorities regarding the reported strikes. Analysts warn that any sustained targeting of oil infrastructure could have significant implications for global energy markets, given the strategic importance of the Middle East in global oil supply chains . The situation remains fluid, with observers closely monitoring developments for signs of further escalation or potential diplomatic intervention. IRGC strike oil facilities

Tobacco pests, white flies Harare, Zimbabwe- The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB)  has issued a high-priority directive to all tobacco growers nationwide, urging the immediate and thorough destruction of tobacco stalks following the 2025/26 harvest. The board emphasized that failure to properly clear fields poses a severe risk of pest carryover and disease outbreaks that could compromise the quality of the upcoming crop. Unlike typical clearing, where slashing or cutting might suffice, tobacco stalks require a more rigorous approach to ensure field hygiene. Why Uprooting is Mandatory: Prevents Regrowth: Slashing or cutting stalks often leads to shoot regrowth. These "volunteer" plants act as a bridge for pests like aphids and tobacco whiteflies. Disease Reservoir: Stalks left in the ground can harbor viral diseases such as Tobacco Leaf Curl and Bushy Top, which can survive between seasons and infect new seedlings. Nutrient Conservation: Regrowth continues to drain valuable soil nutrients, including Nitrogen and Potassium, which should be preserved for the next planting cycle. Farmers are reminded that stalk destruction is not just a best practice but a regulatory requirement under the Plant Pests and Diseases Act . Failure to destroy stalks by the gazetted deadline can result in heavy fines or the suspension of grower numbers. "Field Preparation Checklist" for the 2026/27 season, including soil testing and fumigation best practices TIMB’s Recommended Protocol: Uproot the Entire Plant:  Ensure the root system is completely pulled from the soil. Dry and Burn:  Once uprooted, stalks should be allowed to dry and then safely burnt to eliminate any remaining pathogens. Monitor for Volunteers:  Regularly scout fields during the fallow period to ensure no secondary regrowth occurs. TIMB tobacco stalk destruction 2026

What Is Civic Responsibility? Definition & Responsibility By Simbarashe Namusi   A country does not collapse in a single, dramatic moment. It erodes slowly, almost invisibly, through everyday decisions that seem too small to matter. You see it in familiar scenes. A kombi cuts across lanes and ignores a traffic light with no consequence. A queue dissolves the moment someone claims urgency or invokes a connection. A small payment quietly changes the outcome of what should have been a straightforward process. None of these moments, in isolation, feels significant. Together, they form a pattern. That pattern is what determines whether a nation functions or fails. The Incomplete Burden of Leadership There is a persistent tendency to place the burden of national dysfunction entirely on leadership. It is an easy argument to make, and not without merit. But it is also incomplete. Leadership can design systems, pass laws, and set direction, but it cannot substitute for the daily behaviour of millions of citizens. The difference between a functioning country and a struggling one is not simply the quality of its laws. It is the extent to which those laws are followed. Zimbabwe does not lack rules. On paper, the frameworks are extensive and, in many cases, sufficient. What is inconsistent is compliance. When rules are treated as flexible, something to be negotiated, bypassed, or selectively applied, the system itself begins to lose coherence. Traffic laws become suggestions. Procedures become inconveniences. Accountability becomes negotiable. The Penalty of Discipline At that point, the system is no longer a system in the true sense. It becomes a contest in which outcomes are shaped less by fairness or merit and more by proximity to power, willingness to bend the rules, or ability to navigate around them. In such an environment, discipline is not rewarded, it is often penalised. Those who follow the rules find themselves delayed, disadvantaged, or overtaken by those who do not. Illegal parking This is where the more serious damage occurs. Over time, people adjust their expectations. Compliance begins to look less like responsibility and more like naivety. When breaking the rules consistently produces faster or better results, it stops being an exception and becomes the norm. A culture takes shape in which the question is no longer whether to follow the rules, but whether it is worth it. The Fragility of Trust A functioning nation depends on something more fragile than enforcement, trust. It requires a shared belief that the system works, that fairness is possible, and that following the rules will not place one at a disadvantage. Once that belief is weakened, compliance declines. Once compliance declines, enforcement alone cannot restore order. There is also an uncomfortable reality that is often avoided. Selective respect for rules is not a lesser problem it is the problem. It is not enough to demand order in one space while tolerating disorder in another. A society cannot expect discipline in its institutions if indiscipline is normalised in everyday life. The line between minor infractions and systemic failure is thinner than it appears, because both are driven by the same underlying attitude: that rules are optional. Consistency as the Engine of Development Discussions about development frequently focus on resources, capital, infrastructure, and investment. These are important, but they are not foundational. Development is sustained by consistency. It depends on predictable systems, reliable processes, and a general expectation that rules will be followed. Without that, even well-designed policies struggle to produce results. This is why countries that function well often appear unremarkable. Their success is not built on extraordinary moments, but on ordinary discipline. People follow systems. Systems hold. Over time, that consistency compounds into stability and growth. The Citizen’s Mandate There is no shortcut around this policy. No reform can fully compensate for a culture that resists order. At some point, the responsibility extends beyond institutions and falls on citizens themselves. Not in theory, but in practice, in how people drive, transact, queue, and interact with systems daily. Illegal vending in the city centre In the end, a nation is not defined by the laws it writes , but by the behaviour it tolerates. Where rules are routinely ignored, the system weakens, regardless of how well it is designed. Where rules are consistently respected, the system holds, even under pressure. A country where rules are optional is not simply unfortunate. It is undisciplined. The Civic Responsibility Index (CRI) How much are you contributing to a predictable and stable nation? The Civic Responsibility Index (CRI) Interpreting Your Score Mostly Highs:  You are a System Builder . You are providing the "ordinary discipline" that compounds into national growth. Mixed Results:  You are a Pragmatist . You see the value of rules but are often swayed by the immediate benefits of "bending" them. Mostly Lows:  You are a System Disrupter . Your actions, while seemingly small, contribute to the erosion of trust and the eventual collapse of public systems. Simbarashe Namusi national governance discipline About the Author:   Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar as well as a media expert writing here in his personal capacity.

Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown Botswana Southern African football fans are set for a thrilling regional showcase later this month, after Mukuru was confirmed as the title sponsor of the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana. The competition will run from March 28 to 31, 2026, at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, bringing together four national teams: Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Organisers say the tournament is designed to celebrate regional football while providing teams with valuable competitive match experience. Attention is now turning to the official draw, scheduled for March 24, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The draw will determine fixtures and kickstart the countdown to the tournament. In a statement released on March 19, Mukuru said its sponsorship reflects a commitment to supporting sport and community engagement across Southern Africa. “The competition… promises to deliver an exciting celebration of Southern African football,” the statement read. The Four Nations Tournament is expected to showcase both established and emerging talent from across the region, with national teams using the platform to test combinations and build momentum ahead of future international competitions. Matches will be played at a single venue in Francistown , offering fans a compact and high-energy football experience over four days. Regional tournaments such as this have become increasingly important in strengthening football development and fostering unity among neighbouring countries. For Zimbabwe, the competition offers an opportunity to assess squad depth and refine tactics against familiar regional rivals, while Botswana, as hosts, will look to capitalise on home support. With anticipation building, fans across the region will be watching closely as the draw sets the stage for what promises to be an entertaining and competitive tournament. Four Nations Tournament 2026 Mukuru sponsorship

A strategic infographic illustrating the flow of digital data from European telecommunication providers to military command and control centers, highlighting the vulnerability points exposed in recent leaks. Harare, Zimbabwe / Paris, France- The global telecommunications landscape is facing a significant shift following a high-level breach of the Israeli Army’s secure communication infrastructure . The cracking of command communication codes has not only compromised operational security but has also illuminated a network of European firms providing the backbone for the regime's military data and connectivity. The Corporate Network: Exposed Partners The disclosure identifies several key European players whose involvement in the military field is now under intense public and ethical scrutiny. Company Origin Primary Military/Security Contribution NA-NET COMMUNICATION GmbH Germany-Austria Telecommunications, VoIP services, and military-grade network infrastructure. Orange S.A. (formerly France Télécom) France Data center infrastructure, internet, and high-security network data services. Enegan S.p.A. Italy Telecommunications services, allegedly operating under the "energy efficiency" sector. The "Dual-Use" Dilemma The exposure of these firms highlights the growing controversy surrounding dual-use technology commercial infrastructure that is adapted for combat or military coordination. Orange S.A.: As a major French multinational, its deep-rooted involvement in data center and network infrastructure makes it a critical component of state-level communication, now revealed to extend into active military theater support. Enegan S.p.A.: The Italian firm’s reported involvement is particularly sensitive, as its public profile focuses heavily on "energy services for businesses." The claim that it provides telecommunications support to the military under this guise raises questions regarding corporate transparency  and the accuracy of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. The Threat to Business Continuity For these corporations, the leak is more than a technical failure; it is a reputational crisis. The disclosure of their roles provides a new lens for the global public and activist groups to evaluate their "true nature." Industry analysts suggest that this exposure could lead to: Contractual Volatility: Increased pressure on European governments to review defense-related exports and service contracts. Public Backlash: Divestment campaigns and consumer boycotts, particularly in markets sensitive to the Middle East conflict. Security Overhauls: A forced migration to new, unexposed infrastructure providers, incurring massive costs for the IDF. European companies Israeli army communication leak

Petrol pump Key Takeaways Zimbabwe fuel prices have surged to $2.17 per litre, triggering economic pressure Global oil prices linked to tensions involving Iran are a factor — but not the full story Zimbabwe’s fuel price increase is driven largely by structural dependence on imports High fuel costs are accelerating inflation and cost-of-living pressures Without reforms, the fuel price crisis in Zimbabwe  will remain cyclical Zimbabwe Fuel Prices Jump to $2.17 Per Litre Zimbabwe’s latest fuel price increase, with petrol now at $2.17 per litre, has triggered a familiar wave of frustration. Social media is awash with anger, commuters are bracing for higher fares, and businesses are quietly recalculating their costs. The explanation being offered is equally familiar: global oil prices are rising, driven by escalating tensions involving Iran in the Middle East. It is true, but it is not the whole truth. Because while the trigger may be global, the pain Zimbabwe is experiencing is largely homegrown. Just weeks ago, petrol prices in Zimbabwe were hovering around $1.73 per litre. The jump to $2.17 represents an increase of roughly 25 percent in a very short space of time. That is not just a price adjustment; it is a shock. And unlike in some economies where such shocks are cushioned, in Zimbabwe they are transmitted almost instantly—from global markets to the fuel pump, and from the fuel pump to the kombi rank. In fact, at current levels, Zimbabwe's fuel prices are now noticeably higher than in many neighbouring countries, amplifying the pressure on both businesses and consumers. How Global Oil Prices and Iran Tensions Affect Zimbabwe Conflict involving Iran matters because oil is a global commodity. When supply is threatened in key regions, prices rise everywhere. Shipping routes become riskier, insurance costs increase, and markets react accordingly. Zimbabwe, like most countries, buys fuel at these global prices, so when oil goes up, Zimbabwe pays more. But here lies the critical point: every country faces the same global prices, yet not every country ends up paying $2.17 per litre. Why Zimbabwe Pays More Than Its Neighbours Zimbabwe’s fuel price is not just a reflection of global markets, it is a reflection of structural dependence. The country produces no crude oil, has no meaningful refining capacity, and imports nearly all its fuel. Being landlocked adds another layer of cost, as fuel must pass through ports in Mozambique or South Africa before travelling long distances inland. Each stage of port handling, pipeline, and road freight adds cost. In effect, Zimbabwe does not just import fuel; it imports cost, risk, and vulnerability. Many governments respond to global price shocks with buffers such as subsidies, strategic reserves, or stabilisation funds. Zimbabwe largely does not. Instead, fuel prices in Zimbabwe are adjusted frequently in line with global movements. This approach avoids long-term fiscal strain, but it comes at a price: immediacy. There is no shock absorber in the system. When global oil prices spike, the impact is felt in Harare within weeks, sometimes days. The Hidden Costs Behind Fuel Prices in Zimbabwe Global oil prices, however, are only one part of the equation. The final pump price is built up through several layers: taxes and statutory levies, financing costs tied to fuel import arrangements, transport and logistics expenses, and risk premiums associated with operating in a high-cost environment. Together, these factors create a structurally high base price, meaning that even modest increases in global oil prices translate into sharp movements at the pump. This raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: how much of Zimbabwe’s fuel price is global, and how much is policy? How Fuel Prices Drive Inflation and Cost of Living Fuel is not just another commodity; it is the engine of the economy. At $2.17 per litre, transport costs rise, food prices follow, businesses adjust upwards, and household budgets tighten. In Zimbabwe’s context, where incomes are already under pressure, the effect is immediate and unforgiving. Fuel prices do not just reflect inflation, they drive inflation in Zimbabwe. Blaming global events alone is convenient, but incomplete. Yes, the situation involving Iran matters, and global oil markets are inherently volatile. But Zimbabwe’s challenge is deeper. It is an economy designed in a way that amplifies external shocks. A landlocked, import-dependent system with limited buffers will always transmit global crises directly to citizens. This is not accidental; it is structural. What Zimbabwe Can Do to Reduce Fuel Price Shocks There are no quick fixes, but there are necessary conversations. Can Zimbabwe rethink its fuel tax structure? Is there scope for regional fuel procurement strategies? Should the country invest more aggressively in alternative energy? Can financing models for fuel imports be made cheaper and more efficient? Without addressing these questions, the cycle will persist. Today it is $2.17. Tomorrow, it could be higher. As long as Zimbabwe remains heavily exposed to global fuel markets without adequate buffers, every external shock, whether in Iran, Eastern Europe, or elsewhere, will continue to show up in one place: the pump price, and ultimately, in the daily lives of Zimbabweans. Zimbabwe is not just reacting to global crises. It is structurally positioned to absorb their worst effects. Until that changes, fuel price increases in Zimbabwe  will not be isolated events they will be a pattern. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity. Zimbabwe fuel prices

Flooded bridge in Zimbabwe At least 134 people have died since the start of Zimbabwe’s 2025/26 rainy season, according to the latest report from the Department of Civil Protection , as flooding continues to wreak havoc across the country. The report also recorded 56 cases of people being marooned, while 237 schools have been damaged by heavy rains and rising water levels. “The rising levels in water bodies and flooding of rivers have prompted cases of marooning, people being swept away, huts collapsing, and communities cut off from essential services,” the department said. Infrastructure has been severely affected, compounding challenges for already vulnerable communities. On Sunday, traffic was halted for nearly an hour at Shangani Bridge along the Gweru–Bulawayo Highway after floodwaters submerged the crossing. Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa said the flooding was unprecedented for the area, noting that more than 170mm of rain fell within just nine hours. The crisis has also disrupted school activities. A group of primary school pupils on a weekend trip to a nearby wildlife sanctuary were forced to extend their stay after roads became impassable due to flooded streams. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority has since issued warnings over dam spillages and controlled water releases at major reservoirs, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Mutirikwi, and Manjirenji, raising further flood risks downstream. Several rescue operations have been carried out in recent days. In Zvishavane District, 16 gold panners were stranded in the Muchingwe River on March 15 but were successfully rescued. In Chiredzi District, four men were also rescued after attempting to cross the flooded Runde River. However, some incidents have ended in tragedy. In Muzarabani, twin siblings attending early childhood classes at Utete Primary School drowned on March 9 while trying to cross a flooded stream. On March 16, two men were swept away while crossing the Munyati River in Gokwe using a makeshift boat. One was rescued, while the other remains missing. Authorities say civil protection mechanisms have been activated at all levels, from national to village structures, to coordinate response efforts. The government says funds have been released to support disaster response operations, with humanitarian assistance including food and essential supplies being distributed to affected households. With more rain expected, officials are urging communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers and to heed safety warnings as the risk of further incidents remains high. Zimbabwe floods 2026; death toll floods Zimbabwe

NPA logo Harare — National Prosecuting Authority HARARE —   The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ)  has confirmed the death of Shingirai Chikosha (47), a driver with the institution who had been missing since last week. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the NPA said Chikosha was discovered in Norton following extensive search efforts. He was last seen alive on 12 March at around 9 pm in Kuwadzana 2, Harare, driving a white Kia Picanto, registration number AGE 4599. “The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe regretfully informs members of the public that Mr Shingirai Chikosha, who had been reported missing since 13 March 2026, has been found deceased in Norton. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is currently conducting thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death. The Authority kindly appeals to anyone who may have information that could assist the Police in their investigations to report to their nearest police station. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Chikosha’s family, particularly his wife and children, as they navigate this profound loss.” The ZRP  has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding Chikosha’s disappearance and death. Authorities have appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist police by reporting to their nearest station. The NPA expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations who participated in the search and offered support during the difficult period. The incident has raised concern within the justice sector, highlighting the vulnerability of staff members and the importance of swift investigations to ensure accountability. Colleagues and community members have extended condolences to Chikosha’s family. NPA driver found dead Norton

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe headquarters in Harare The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has moved to calm market concerns following the government’s decision to pay local suppliers exclusively in the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. On March 13, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that all payments to local contractors and suppliers would now be made in ZiG, a policy shift aimed at strengthening demand for the domestic currency. The move triggered anxiety among businesses and analysts, who warned it could force suppliers to source US dollars on the parallel market, potentially fuelling exchange rate volatility and inflationary pressures. However, in a statement issued on March 17, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the policy does not signal the end of Zimbabwe’s multicurrency system. “The stance taken by Government to pay its local suppliers and contractors exclusively in ZiG does not signal the end of the multicurrency system,” Mushayavanhu said. He added that suppliers would continue to access foreign currency through the Willing-Buyer Willing-Seller (WBWS) interbank foreign exchange market to meet legitimate import requirements. “The Reserve Bank guarantees the consistent supply of foreign currency to the WBWS foreign exchange market,” he said, noting that the country has sufficient reserves to meet bona fide demand. According to the central bank, Zimbabwe recorded foreign currency receipts of up to US$16 billion in 2025, which has supported the build-up of strategic reserves and improved liquidity in the formal market. The RBZ also pointed to recent inflation data as evidence of growing stability. Official figures show inflation stood at 4.1% in January and eased to 3.85% in February 2026, suggesting that price and exchange rate expectations are stabilising. Mushayavanhu said the introduction of the National Standard Price List (NSPL) for public procurement would help anchor pricing in ZiG and drive wider adoption of the currency across the economy. “The implementation of the NSPL will go a long way in promoting demand and increased use of ZiG,” he said, describing it as a key step toward eventual de-dollarisation. Authorities insist that any transition to a fully local currency regime will only occur once specific economic conditions, including sustained stability and broad market confidence, have been met. For now, the RBZ maintains that businesses receiving ZiG payments will not be disadvantaged, as long as they can reliably access foreign exchange through formal channels. The policy forms part of broader efforts by the government to re-establish the dominance of the local currency while maintaining macroeconomic stability in a historically volatile monetary environment. ZiG currency Zimbabwe

Tomato harvesting in a greenhouse The Zimbabwean government has approved a wage increase for workers in the horticulture sub-sector , with earnings backdated to May 1, 2025, under a new statutory instrument. The adjustment was formalised through Statutory Instrument 48 of 2026 , issued in terms of the Labour Act (Chapter 28:01) , governing employment conditions across sectors. According to the agreement registered by the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Industry , the minimum wage for horticulture workers has been increased from US$94 to US$99 per month. The new wage structure will be paid as 80% in US dollars and 20% in local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) converted at the prevailing interbank exchange rate on the date of payment. Employers with sufficient capacity are permitted to pay 100% in US dollars. The revised wages apply across 10 job grades, ranging from A1 to C2. The lowest-paid workers (Grade A1) will now earn US$99, up from US$94, while those in the highest category (C2) will see their salaries rise from US$186 to US$196. Other grades received increases of between US$5 and US$10. In addition to basic pay adjustments, several allowances have also been reviewed upward. Accommodation allowances increased from US$38 to US$42 per month, backdated to February 2025. Fuel and light allowances rose modestly by US$2 each, bringing them to US$13 and US$9, respectively. Transport, travel, and subsistence costs will continue to be covered by employers, in line with existing industry agreements. The statutory instrument also provides flexibility for struggling businesses. Employers who are unable to meet the new wage thresholds can apply for partial or full exemption through the National Employment Council within 14 days of the agreement, subject to justification. Meanwhile, workers assigned specialised or higher-risk duties, including handling dogs or firearms, will receive an additional 5% allowance on top of their monthly wages. The wage review reflects ongoing efforts to adjust earnings in line with cost-of-living pressures, while balancing the operational realities faced by employers in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Horticulture remains a key component of the country’s agricultural industry, contributing to both domestic food supply and export earnings, and employing thousands of workers across farms and agro-processing operations. Zimbabwe horticulture wages

Zimparks rangers and cadet rangers monitoring wildlife movement The Beitbridge Rural District Council (BRDC) has engaged professional hunters to help manage escalating human-elephant conflict affecting communities across the district. The move comes as elephant incursions become increasingly frequent in areas near major water sources, particularly along the Umzingwane River, Shashe River, Bubi River, and Limpopo River. Communities in Shashe, Dite, Lukange, Whunga, Mpande, Tshambombela, Tongwe and Tshikwalakwala are among the hardest hit, with residents reporting repeated crop destruction and growing threats to livelihoods. BRDC chief executive officer Kiliboni Mbedzi said the council is working with multiple stakeholders to mitigate the situation and promote safer coexistence between people and wildlife. “As the local authority, we have engaged professional hunters working with the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and safari operators to mitigate the effects in all the affected areas,” Mbedzi said. She noted that response efforts are ongoing despite limited resources, with authorities attending to distress calls from affected communities. “The herd is migrant, and it’s hard for us to be everywhere all the time, but we remain committed to finding sustainable solutions,” she added. Authorities say the elephants are moving through the district in search of food and water, a pattern that often brings them into direct contact with rural settlements. In addition to deploying professional hunters, BRDC and its partners are implementing a range of mitigation measures. These include the use of chilli-based deterrents and beehive fences, which are widely used in southern Africa to keep elephants away from crops. Plans are also underway to establish wildlife corridors aimed at reducing encounters by guiding animal movement away from densely populated areas. Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in parts of Zimbabwe, particularly in districts bordering conservation areas and transboundary ecosystems linked to the Limpopo basin. Mbedzi urged residents to remain vigilant and report elephant sightings promptly to authorities to allow for quicker response times. The council says it will continue working with Zimparks and other stakeholders to protect both communities and wildlife, while exploring long-term solutions to reduce conflict and safeguard rural livelihoods. Beitbridge elephant conflict