Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has expanded the Warriors’ provisional AFCON 2025 squad to 55 players ( image source ) The Warriors’ road to AFCON 2025 has taken on the feel of an unfolding epic—one part strategy, one part instinct, and one part national longing. When Head Coach Marian “Mario” Marinica added four new faces to Zimbabwe’s provisional squad this week, the announcement signalled more than an administrative update. It underscored that the technical team is still sculpting, sharpening and stress-testing the Warriors’ armour ahead of a gruelling December campaign in Morocco. ZIFA’s Wednesday evening statement described the additions as the result of ongoing assessments and performance monitoring. Yet the wider implication was clear: Marinica is broadening the squad lens in search of the right balance. Ishmael Nyanhi, Wilfred Madzungu, Junior Jarrison Selemani and Genius Hute were drafted in to reinforce positions the coach still views as vulnerable. Their arrival expands the provisional list from 51 to 55 players and intensifies competition during the pre-tournament phase. Zimbabwe opens its AFCON journey on 22 December against Egypt under the floodlights of the Grand Stade d’Agadir. On 26 December, the Warriors face Angola in Marrakech, before closing the group stage on 29 December against regional rivals South Africa—a fixture that carries derby-like intensity regardless of location. It is against this demanding sequence that Marinica is assembling his squad. The team’s spine remains anchored by trusted names. Marvelous Nakamba provides midfield stability and ball-winning intelligence, while Marshall Munetsi brings tactical sharpness and leadership. Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga and Daniel Msendami supply width and dynamism, and the attacking options—Prince Dube, Tawanda Maswanhise and Obriel Chirinda—give Zimbabwe a mix of pace, physicality and creative movement. However, the underlying challenge remains consistency. While Zimbabwe possesses individual brilliance, AFCON requires cohesion, discipline and depth—especially with matches arriving in quick succession. Marinica’s expanded squad is an attempt to mitigate previous issues of fatigue, defensive lapses and attacking bluntness. Talking Points: Where Debates Are Heating Up 1. Goalkeeping Carousel Veterans like Washington Arubi and Elvis Chipezeze compete with younger options such as Martin Mapisa. Arubi offers leadership; Mapisa brings athleticism and reach. The choice for the Egypt match could determine early momentum. 2. Defensive Solidity or Lack Thereof Zimbabwe’s defence has long alternated between resilient and fragile. Teenage Hadebe, Galloway and Alec Mudimu bring experience, but concentration lapses have been costly before. New additions Nyanhi and Madzungu aim to raise competition levels. 3. Midfield Brains vs. Midfield Brawn Munetsi and Nakamba provide structure, but creativity will be vital against compact AFCON defences. Jonah Fabisch, Tawanda Chirewa and Daniel Msendami are central to unlocking opposition lines. 4. The Knowledge Musona Factor Musona’s inclusion carries both symbolic and strategic weight. Even if not a regular starter, his calm leadership is invaluable in a group featuring Egypt and South Africa. Marinica’s 55-man list is unconventional but deliberate. He is casting a wide net, testing combinations and refusing to settle too early. The approach mirrors Zimbabwe’s footballing identity—abundant talent, emerging structure and relentless hope. Upcoming training sessions will be fiercely competitive, with narrow margins shaping careers and final selections. When the whistle blows in Agadir on 22 December, every decision made during these preparatory weeks will echo across Morocco. The journey has begun, and now the Warriors must rise.

Invictus Energy shares fall sharply amid reports of Qatari investors negotiating a major stake in the Cabora Bassa project ( image source ) HARARE — Invictus Energy’s stock took an unexpected dive this week, rattling investors from Australia to Africa as reports emerged that Qatari investors are in advanced talks to acquire a significant stake in the company’s Zimbabwe operations. The downturn surprised many, coming just months after Invictus secured a US$500 million funding commitment for accelerated drilling and infrastructure development at the Cabora Bassa oil and gas project — a milestone that should have signalled stability and upward momentum. Instead, the prospect of a Gulf-backed strategic partner triggered unease. The core concern is dilution. Any major investment from Qatar would require a sizeable equity allocation, reshaping Invictus’ ownership structure. With management already hinting at additional capital raises to support seismic work, drilling, and downstream activities, existing shareholders fear their stakes may steadily erode. Analysts say markets often react defensively without clear information on valuation, governance guarantees or deal architecture. The absence of those details has led many investors to assume unfavourable terms until proven otherwise. Within Zimbabwe, the implications stretch well beyond share-price volatility. A fully resourced Cabora Bassa development could unlock one of the country’s most significant private-sector growth cycles in decades, stimulating demand for local contractors, logistics companies, fuel suppliers, laboratories and downstream industries. Communities in Mashonaland Central are following developments closely, aware that a functioning oil and gas ecosystem could reshape the regional economy. But civil society voices continue to call for transparency, insisting that large-scale foreign capital must be managed with stronger oversight than previous resource-driven ventures. Invictus executives insist the turbulence reflects a natural transition point for an exploration company maturing into a capital-intensive phase. They argue that Qatari participation would not only secure long-term financing but confirm Zimbabwe’s viability as a frontier hydrocarbon destination. Whether the market shares that optimism will depend on the clarity and credibility of forthcoming disclosures. Investors are now waiting for hard numbers, concrete structures, and assurances that the partnership will reinforce rather than compromise shareholder value. Until then, volatility is likely to persist, mirroring the high-stakes nature of frontier energy exploration. In Cabora Bassa, the potential rewards are immense — but so are the uncertainties.

Adelaide Segan Ganyani’s film Rum and Roots earned major acclaim at the London Africa Film Festival, highlighting her fusion of tradition, poetry and AI-driven visuals ( image source ) LONDON — Adelaide Segan Ganyani’s rise in global cinema reached a defining moment at the London Africa Film Festival, where her AI-generated short film, Rum and Roots, received widespread acclaim. The filmmaker, poet, writer and digital experimentalist watched from the back of the Royal Studio as international audiences connected deeply with a story born in Hwange and shaped by Zimbabwe’s cultural memory. For Ganyani, the festival marked a symbolic crossing, placing Zimbabwean storytelling on a wider stage and positioning her work not as novelty, but as meaningful cinematic art. Rum and Roots resonated for its blend of technological innovation and traditional narrative texture. The film’s imagery evokes Hwange’s rural stillness, and its emotional core lies in the meeting of Zuri, a Black American documentarian in search of wildlife, and Tinashe, a young villager preserving his family’s ancestral winemaking craft. Their connection unfolds as an introspective awakening rather than a romance, with each character confronting heritage, identity and the tension between legacy and ambition. Audiences described the film as lyrical and grounded in a spiritual familiarity, praising its ability to bridge cultural distance with a sense of home. Critics have highlighted Ganyani’s use of AI as an enhancement rather than a replacement for tradition. Digital elements are woven into the film with restraint, complementing a visual language rooted in folklore and rural Zimbabwean life. International recognition continues to grow, with Saint Tropez VIP Magazine profiling her as a trailblazing Zimbabwean storyteller reshaping African narratives. The publication commended her talent for merging poetry with cinematography and for her approach to using modern tools to preserve and elevate cultural memory. Following her success in London, Ganyani is planning to expand Rum and Roots into a full-length film and assemble an international creative team. She views cinema as a global passport for African stories, allowing Zimbabwean experiences to be told with authority and artistic freedom. Her growing body of work is helping reposition Zimbabwean film on the world stage, offering audiences a view of the country defined by story, colour, heritage and imagination rather than headlines.

The 2025 Castle Lager PSL Soccer Stars finalists have been announced to rare nationwide approval, with players from Scottland, Simba Bhora, MWOS and other clubs earning recognition for consistency, impact and statistical performance ( image source ) HARARE — The 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Stars finalists have been announced, drawing unusually widespread praise from supporters, analysts and club communities across Zimbabwe. In a league where the annual shortlist often sparks early controversy, this year’s 11-man selection has been described by fans as one of the fairest in recent memory. Supporters across social media, fan groups and local football circles expressed rare consensus that the chosen players accurately reflected the season’s performance trends, consistency and standout storylines. The selection panel, comprised of journalists, coaches, captains and football experts, highlighted the grit and statistical clarity that shaped the 2025 campaign. Third-placed Simba Bhora led all clubs with three finalists: Emmanuel Ziocha, Ishe Mauchi and goalkeeper William Thole, who were praised for tactical maturity and consistent output. Champions Scottland contributed defender Kelvin Moyo and striker Tymon Machope, two players central to the team’s first-ever title. Runners-up MWOS were represented by Billy Veremu and Abubakar Moffat, while the remaining places went to Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Washington Navaya (TelOne), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders) and Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum). The Soccer Star of the Year and two runners-up will be announced at a Harare banquet early next month. Early projections place Scottland centre-back Kelvin Moyo slightly ahead following his 33 starts and leadership of the league’s best defensive unit. TelOne forward Washington Navaya remains a strong challenger after scoring 18 goals, while Simba Bhora’s Emmanuel Ziocha is regarded as the season’s “dark horse,” having dominated much of the campaign despite a late dip in form. Three coaches have been shortlisted for Coach of the Year: Scottland’s Tonderai Ndiraya for guiding a debutant champion, MWOS’s Lloyd Mutasa for securing a surprise second-place finish, and Dynamos’ Kelvin Kaindu for overseeing an 11-match unbeaten run that lifted the club out of danger. Other anticipated honours include Goalkeeper of the Year, where Thole leads with 18 clean sheets, and Rookie of the Year, with Scottland’s Mafios Chihweta considered a favourite. Despite broad agreement, fan debates have surfaced around two notable omissions. FC Platinum’s Nickson Nyasulu, credited with driving the club to 19 clean sheets, was viewed by some as statistically stronger than listed defenders. TelOne’s Tawanda Macheke, who produced 19 direct goal contributions, was also cited as an attacking snub. After years of disputed selections and accusations of bias, supporters say the 2025 panel restored credibility by incorporating multi-stakeholder voting, data-driven assessment and recognition of major season narratives, including Dynamos’ survival run and Scottland’s historic rise. The final shortlist, made up of Jalai, Machope, Moyo, Mauchi, Thole, Ziocha, Mbeba, Moffat, Veremu, Navaya and Selemani, has been widely regarded as balanced and deserved. The football community now turns to next month’s banquet, where the season’s top individual honours will be decided.

Aliko Dangote’s US$1bn investment deal brings cement, power, fertiliser and a new fuel pipeline to Zimbabwe ( image source ) HARARE — The room grew still when Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, stepped forward to sign what may become one of the most consequential investment agreements in Zimbabwe’s recent economic history. With a single stroke of the pen, Zimbabwe secured a US$1 billion mega deal that spans cement manufacturing, power generation, fertiliser production, and a strategic transnational fuel pipeline. For an economy long thirsty for large-scale capital injections, Dangote’s entry has been described as “a tectonic shift,” “a turning point,” and “the most significant private investment in decades.” The Dangote Group, a continental industrial giant, is known for entering markets only when long-term political signals and economic fundamentals align. In Harare, Dangote left no ambiguity about his intentions. He announced a commitment to invest in cement, power, and pipelines, signalling confidence in Zimbabwe’s reform trajectory. At the centre of the deal is an ambitious transnational petroleum pipeline linking Zimbabwe to Walvis Bay in Namibia, giving Harare a new, more secure and cost-efficient fuel corridor. Zimbabwe currently relies heavily on South African routes, which are often congested, politically sensitive, and vulnerable to logistical bottlenecks. By diversifying import pathways, analysts say Zimbabwe stands to lower fuel import costs, improve supply stability, and reduce exposure to regional disruptions. The investment also includes a state-of-the-art cement plant that could significantly reduce cement prices, stabilise supply, and stimulate growth in construction, housing, and infrastructure. Zimbabwe’s infrastructure backlog has long been constrained by high input costs, and a Dangote cement presence could unlock stalled projects and create jobs across the value chain. Equally transformative is the planned power generation investment. Zimbabwe has battled recurring electricity shortages, and new private capacity could ease pressure on the grid while supporting industrial revival. The addition of fertiliser manufacturing is also timely, potentially lowering agricultural input costs and boosting productivity in a sector that supports over 70% of the population. Even as optimism grows, civil society organisations urge caution, stressing that mega deals must translate into tangible benefits for citizens. Calls have been made for transparency, fair contracting, and robust oversight to ensure accountability. Analysts agree that governance will determine the project’s success. Zimbabwe must uphold regulatory consistency, protect investor assets, curb corruption, and ensure public accountability. If these conditions are met, Dangote’s arrival could attract further foreign direct investment and position Zimbabwe as a regional industrial hub. Dangote hinted that the US$1bn investment may only be the beginning, suggesting additional ventures under consideration. For a nation seeking to reposition itself after years of economic turbulence, Dangote’s deal is more than an investment; it is a test. If implemented effectively, it could redefine Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape and trigger a new cycle of growth, infrastructure development, and employment.

Dreamstar Zimbabwe returns after five years with a grand finale on 5 December at 7 Arts Theatre ( image source ) After a prolonged hiatus, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential creative platforms is set for a powerful resurgence as Dreamstar Zimbabwe hosts its highly anticipated grand-finale comeback on 5 December at the 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare. The announcement has reignited enthusiasm across the arts sector, stirring excitement among performers, fans, mentors and industry stakeholders who have long awaited the revival of this national talent showcase. This year’s edition brings together seventeen finalists drawn from Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and Victoria Falls. The performers, representing music, dance, beatboxing, spoken word and other creative forms, advanced through competitive rounds of auditions, preliminaries, quarterfinals, semi-finals and final qualifiers. After months of mentorship and intensive rehearsals under experienced creatives, they will take the stage for the first revived Dreamstar final since the programme went silent. The event will feature special performances by renowned Zimbabwean artists Nyasha David, Nisha TS, Killer T, Atenda Chinx and Delroy Shewe. Tickets are priced at US$10 for standard entry and US$20 for VIP, available from MedOrange Pharmacy and the Tikiti online platform. Organiser Walter Chanaka of the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) said the return of Dreamstar is not only an event but the revival of a national creative movement. He described the comeback as a celebration of artistic resilience and youthful brilliance. Dreamstar, hosted by JCMC in partnership with the China–Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading talent-development initiatives, producing successful contemporary artists such as Nyasha David, ProBeatz, Mwenje Mathole and Fusion 5 Mangwiro. The programme was suspended five years ago in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which halted major events and disrupted the performing arts landscape. The 2025 revival marks a symbolic milestone in rebuilding capacity and renewing long-term vision. Finalists will compete for a US$3,000 prize pool: US$1,500 for the winner, US$1,000 for second place and US$500 for third. Winners will also receive all-expenses-paid cultural tours to China and recording contracts with JCMC. Anticipation continues to build as performers and alumni share their excitement. Rising artist Delroy Shewe urged fans to attend, while Nyasha David, an alumnus, said he was honoured to return to the Dreamstar stage and promised exceptional performances.

A Chinese national was arrested at RGMI Airport for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman on an Emirates flight ( image source ) HARARE — A 51-year-old Chinese national was arrested at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (RGMI) Airport after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger aboard an Emirates flight from Dubai to Harare. The incident has triggered public outrage and intensified calls for stronger protections for women travelling on international routes. According to police reports, the suspect allegedly abused the woman during the flight. Upon landing in Harare, the victim immediately notified the Emirates cabin crew, who alerted airport authorities. The suspect was detained by officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and charged under sexual assault statutes. “We take such allegations seriously. The suspect was arrested upon landing and investigations are ongoing,” said ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. The accused appeared in court within 48 hours. Prosecutors outlined charges of indecent assault, while defence lawyers applied for bail. The magistrate remanded the suspect in custody pending further hearings. “This case underscores the need for vigilance and swift justice in protecting passengers,” said a women’s rights advocate in Harare. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from civic groups and ordinary citizens, many of whom are demanding tougher penalties for sexual offenders. Women’s organisations say the case highlights vulnerabilities faced by female travellers and reinforces the need for stronger international cooperation on passenger safety. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for accountability, with users urging airlines to enhance monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms. Legal experts say the matter could set an important precedent for handling in-flight offences in Zimbabwe. Aviation analysts add that while international flights often face jurisdictional complexities, swift coordination between airlines and local police remains key. “Airlines must ensure victims feel safe to report incidents immediately. This case demonstrates the importance of crew training and rapid response,” said an aviation law specialist. The trial is expected to continue in December, with prosecutors pushing for a deterrent sentence. Women’s rights groups say they will monitor proceedings closely, framing the case as a significant test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender justice and passenger safety.

A luxury van rented in Cape Town using forged documents was found in Zimbabwe ( image source ) CAPE TOWN / HARARE — A luxury van hired from a Cape Town rental company using forged licences and counterfeit identity documents has been found in Zimbabwe, exposing serious gaps in regional security, verification systems, and cross-border coordination. South African police say the suspect, believed to be part of a well-organised vehicle fraud syndicate, used high-quality fake documents that passed standard checks before driving the vehicle out of South Africa. By the time the rental company realised the van was overdue and unreachable, it had already crossed the Limpopo and was circulating in Zimbabwe, allegedly being offered for resale. Investigators believe the case is part of a wider criminal operation that targets high-end rentals in South Africa, exploits documentation loopholes, and smuggles vehicles into neighbouring countries. “This was a sophisticated operation involving forged paperwork and multiple identities,” said a police officer close to the case. “The syndicate clearly understands weaknesses in verification systems and border protocols.” Cape Town rental firms say the suspect appeared legitimate and presented documents that seemed authentic under routine inspection. The incident has prompted calls for biometric verification, digital identity cross-checks, and stronger regional collaboration. Rental industry executives warn that organised syndicates are evolving faster than the security systems meant to stop them. “We need stronger verification systems and cross-border cooperation,” said an industry representative. “Fraudsters exploit the gaps, and both renters and companies end up paying.” Insurance companies are tightening policies in response, with some considering higher premiums for cross-border rentals. Consumer advocates argue that renters should not bear the cost of systemic security failures. The case has also highlighted vulnerabilities at regional borders, where syndicates move vehicles using forged transit papers, fake ownership documents, and, in some cases, bribes. Once across the border, vehicles are resold, stripped for parts, or rebadged to erase their origins. Law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe and South Africa, including the Hawks, are now coordinating efforts to recover the vehicle and dismantle the network involved. Cybercrime specialists say the region needs blockchain-based verification systems, shared biometric databases, and real-time data exchange between security agencies to keep pace with rising levels of organised fraud.

Harare introduces fully digital, self-service parking from 1 December, replacing manual marshals with automated payments as part of its smart-city modernization drive ( image source ) Harare’s motoring landscape is set for a major shift following City Parking’s announcement that it will introduce a fully digital, self-service parking system in selected parts of the capital beginning 1 December. The transition marks one of the most significant steps in the city’s digital transformation agenda, signalling a drive toward smarter, automated, and more efficient urban infrastructure. According to a public notice issued on Monday, the company will roll out unmanned parking zones in key segments of the city centre, replacing the long-standing human-marshal model with a digital payments system. The first pilot streets include portions of 3rd Street between Jason Moyo Avenue and Robert Mugabe Road, as well as sections of Park Street between Jason Moyo Avenue and Samora Machel Avenue. Under the new system, motorists will no longer interact with physical parking marshals. All fees will be paid digitally through mobile or online platforms—a move City Parking says will bring greater transparency, consistency, and improved service delivery. The modernisation forms part of a broader strategy to integrate automation and artificial intelligence into parking operations. “These changes aim to enhance operational efficiency and improve the overall parking experience through the use of artificial intelligence and automation,” the company said. The rollout aligns with global smart-city trends in which digital parking services reduce congestion, curb corruption, standardise payments, and minimise billing disputes. Harare has been gradually shifting toward cashless solutions, including EcoCash USD acceptance and online payment options. The new system advances that journey toward full automation. Reactions from motorists have been mixed. Many welcome the convenience, but others—particularly elderly drivers and users unfamiliar with digital platforms—express concerns about accessibility and potential confusion during early adoption. City Parking has urged cooperation and says support personnel will be available on-site during the initial phase. Urban development analysts say the upgrade is overdue. Harare’s manual parking model has long attracted criticism for inconsistent enforcement, inefficiencies, and confrontations between marshals and drivers. Automation, they argue, could significantly reduce revenue leakages, depersonalise enforcement, and improve data collection for urban planning. The rollout also comes amid renewed public debate over parking fees, clamping procedures, and towing charges—issues that have fuelled tension in recent years. If successful, the pilot will expand to other parts of the CBD and eventually into commercial zones beyond the city centre. For Harare, the move represents more than a technological upgrade; it is a key step toward building a modern, efficient urban ecosystem capable of supporting a growing population. As the 1 December launch approaches, motorists are preparing to enter a new era—one where parking is cashless, unmanned, and increasingly intelligent. For a city long burdened by outdated infrastructure, the shift may offer a preview of the future of urban mobility in Zimbabwe.

Nollywood actor Odira Nwobu has died suddenly in South Africa, prompting widespread grief across the Nigerian film industry ( image source ) The Nigerian film industry is grieving following the sudden death of Nollywood actor Odira Nwobu in Johannesburg. Widely recognised for his comedic talent and energetic screen presence, Nwobu’s passing has sent shockwaves across Nollywood and the broader entertainment community. According to early accounts, Nwobu collapsed just hours after a night out in South Africa, where he had travelled with eight other influencers for a work engagement. The Actors Guild of Nigeria president, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the death and noted that an autopsy will be conducted before repatriation. Rollas described Nwobu as a cherished figure whose humour and warmth made him a favourite with millions of viewers. Tributes from colleagues and friends have poured in. Many recalled his recent thanksgiving service and his resilience after surviving a near-fatal car crash earlier this year. Comedian Evan Okoro and producer Stanley Ontop described him as a consistent source of joy in Nollywood, while fans shared clips of his most iconic performances on social media. Blogger Awuzie Frankline captured the collective shock, writing: “You were full of life just hours ago in South Africa. How can you return lifeless? Death is rude. I am heartbroken.” Over the years, Nwobu built a distinct place in Nollywood through roles that blended humour with depictions of everyday struggles. His ability to connect with both traditional and younger audiences helped solidify his appeal across borders. Directors and producers praised his versatility, noting that he contributed significantly to Nollywood’s evolving comedic style. His death comes at a time when Nigerian cinema is expanding globally, driven by streaming platforms and increased international visibility. Industry analysts say the loss highlights growing concerns about the pressures faced by actors working under demanding schedules and rising public expectations. Some have renewed calls for wellness and support programmes within the industry to safeguard artists’ health. The Actors Guild of Nigeria has pledged to support Nwobu’s family and oversee repatriation arrangements. Memorial services are expected to be held in Lagos and Johannesburg. While the sense of loss is profound, colleagues and fans alike say his legacy will endure through the body of work that brought laughter and connection to viewers across the world.

Zimbabweans across sectors say they are overtaxed ahead of the 2026 National Budget. Citizens and businesses cite heavy levies, weak service delivery and rising frustration ( image source ) HARARE — As Zimbabwe edges toward the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, frustration over the country’s tax burden is rising across communities and industries. From the crowded lanes of Mbare Musika to high-end corporate offices in Borrowdale, citizens and businesses share a common grievance: taxation has become overwhelming, intrusive and, for many, economically suffocating. Zimbabwe’s current fiscal framework is characterised by a long list of levies that cut across income, consumption, imports and digital transactions. VAT, PAYE, customs duties and the widely criticised 2% Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) have created what many citizens describe as a system that taxes them at every turn. During pre-budget consultations, business owners and informal traders warned that these pressures are eroding profitability, shrinking disposable income and stifling economic mobility. One entrepreneur summed up the mounting frustration: people are taxed when they earn, taxed when they spend and taxed when supporting their families. Industry bodies such as the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries have cautioned that excessive taxation risks driving companies into the informal sector, further reducing formal employment and complicating the government’s revenue goals. Informal traders argue that high customs duties and transaction taxes inflate costs, making it harder to compete with cheaper smuggled goods. This cycle contributes to higher consumer prices and fuels inflationary pressures. Beyond the weight of taxation, citizens increasingly question the value they receive in return. Consumer-rights advocates note that while revenue collection has improved, service delivery remains weak. Public health facilities lack medicines, infrastructure continues to deteriorate and electricity supply remains unreliable. This disconnect between tax collection and public service delivery has intensified calls for accountability and transparency. Economists point out that Zimbabwe’s tax-to-GDP ratio is among the highest in the region. While this suggests strong collection capacity, it also exposes structural inequities, as consumption-based taxes disproportionately affect low-income households and the IMTT penalises the shift toward digital payments. Business leaders are urging the government to adopt a new fiscal approach that prioritises production incentives, reduces consumption taxes and eliminates wasteful expenditure. Corruption within the public sector remains a central concern. As Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube prepares to announce the 2026 budget, expectations are high and trust is fragile. Citizens want relief and clarity. Businesses want policy predictability. Across the board, there is a demand for a tax system that is fair, efficient and directly tied to tangible improvements in national services and infrastructure. Until meaningful reform is delivered, the sentiment that “we are overtaxed” will continue to dominate public and economic discourse.

Percy Manyonga’s new exhibition Becoming Myself at Loft 3 marks a bold shift into textile-based art, blending string, fibre and conceptual depth to chart identity ( image source ) Walking into Loft 3 Gallery this month feels like stepping into a room woven with intimate confessions. Percy Manyonga’s latest solo exhibition, Becoming Myself, marks a decisive shift in his two-decade career as he pivots from mixed media and paint toward a wholly textile-driven practice. What might have seemed a dramatic departure instead feels like a natural evolution, as though he has finally arrived at the visual language he has long been approaching. Manyonga’s turn to thread, string and fibre comes at a moment when Harare’s contemporary art scene is shaped by prominent figures such as Kresiah Mukwazhi, Gina Maxim, Moffat Takadiwa, Johnson Zuze and Wallen Mapondera. In such a charged landscape, stylistic divergence can invite scepticism. Yet Manyonga has continued to secure his place in the national canon, featuring in major exhibitions including FIVE BHOBH: Painting at the End of an Era at Zeitz MOCAA and This is Our World at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Loft 3 now gives him full room to expand, allowing his strings to twist, breathe and define their own space. ( image source ) Conceptually, the exhibition draws from the transformation of a point into a line, a knot and finally an object, echoing the logic of String Theory—the physics model that imagines the universe built from vibrating filaments. Manyonga invokes this framework not scientifically, but emotionally. His works gesture toward unseen dimensions: psychological tangles, buried memories and personal histories that stretch beneath the visible surface. The visual language of the exhibition is richly layered. Thick Forest presents a dense, interlocking mass of thread that evokes undergrowth and depth. Other works resemble anatomical diagrams, neural pathways or topographical sketches. Portrait-based abstractions such as Marjorie Mejuri and Wishful Thinking trade literal likeness for emotional mapping. Searching The Light, composed against a darkened field, dramatises the moment illumination breaks through shadow, while Diamond Field echoes the geometric repetition of aerial farmland. In Silver Lining I & II, Manyonga incorporates poly woven potato pockets—an unexpected material that widens his textural vocabulary and underscores his commitment to reinvention. Across the exhibition, media and process operate not as tools but as revelations, aligning with the show’s title. Becoming Myself reads as a personal excavation, with each piece marking a stage in the artist’s unfolding self-definition. As Gareth Nyandoro’s kucheka cheka technique and Troy Makaza’s silicone sculptures have broadened the possibilities of Zimbabwean contemporary art, Manyonga’s string-based practice presents another expansion of the field. His work builds a new lexicon—one where thread becomes thought, knot becomes memory and fibre becomes identity. In the quiet of Loft 3 Gallery, the viewer is left with the sense that this is not merely an exhibition but a declaration: an artist meeting himself in full, through a medium that speaks in vibrations, layers and lines.