Zimbabwe mourns Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church, as leaders honour his legacy of faith, service and spiritual leadership at age 107 ( image source ) Nation Mourns a Father of Faith Church leaders across Zimbabwe have paid moving tributes to Archbishop Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, the revered founder of the African Apostolic Church, who passed away on 20 November at the age of 107. Mourners gathered at the family home in Hatfield, Harare, describing a sombre yet deeply spiritual atmosphere as funeral preparations began. Many referred to him as “a father of faith,” a towering religious figure whose influence extended well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Family spokesperson Dr Masimba Mwazha confirmed the passing and thanked the nation for its prayers, noting the Archbishop’s lifelong commitment to ministry, unity, and service to the poor. Church leaders from multiple denominations visited to offer condolences, reflect on his teachings, and share stories of the guidance and reconciliation he provided across decades of leadership. A Legacy Rooted in Service and Spiritual Discipline Born in 1918, Archbishop Mwazha founded the African Apostolic Church and became an enduring voice for moral renewal, family stability, and community upliftment. His ministry built a nationwide network of congregations grounded in discipline, humility, and charitable works. Religious commentators said his legacy includes fostering ecumenical respect and nurturing generations of leaders within and beyond the movement. As news of his passing spread, messages of condolence arrived from provincial church councils, civic organisations and diaspora communities. Many highlighted his role in anchoring faith practice in local culture while maintaining doctrinal integrity. Social media timelines were filled with testimonies of personal transformation and healing associated with his ministry, reflecting the deep, everyday impact of his spiritual work. Funeral Preparations and National Support Funeral arrangements, led by the family and church elders, will be announced after consultations with national and local authorities. Organisers expect large numbers of congregants to travel from across the country and have appealed for orderly participation and adherence to guidance from the church’s security and protocol teams. Leaders emphasised that the services will focus on prayer, thanksgiving, and recommitment to the values the Archbishop espoused. Preserving His Teachings for Future Generations In the days ahead, church boards plan memorial services and special sessions to document the Archbishop’s teachings for future generations. Scholars of religion have proposed an archival project to preserve sermons, oral histories and community projects inspired by his leadership, ensuring that the story of his ministry remains accessible to young believers and researchers alike. The African Apostolic Church has asked members to honour his memory through practical acts of compassion — supporting the vulnerable, visiting the sick, and promoting harmony in families and communities. As the nation mourns, religious leaders say the true measure of his life will be seen in the continued commitment of congregants to live out the faith he taught: steadfast, generous, and anchored in service.

Zimbabwe approves Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, marking a major step in PrEP access and strengthening national efforts to curb new infections ( image source ) Zimbabwe Fast-Tracks Approval The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has granted expedited approval to Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP medicine that prevents HIV-1 infection. The drug — the first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection — demonstrated over 99% effectiveness in global trials. Gilead submitted the application on 29 October 2025, and approval was completed in just 23 days, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to rapid access for high-impact public health products. How Lenacapavir Works Lenacapavir is recommended for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk of infection. It is given as a six-monthly subcutaneous injection, following an initiation phase of one injection plus oral tablets on Days 1 and 2. MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata said the approval underscores the Authority’s dedication to ensuring timely access to safe, effective, high-quality medical products. Regional Context and Regulatory Review Zimbabwe becomes the latest African country to approve the drug after South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia. MCAZ relied on scientific assessments from the WHO Prequalification programme, applying a regulatory reliance model to support an efficient review while maintaining rigorous standards of safety, efficacy and quality. Implications for HIV Prevention Lenacapavir introduces a long-acting alternative to daily oral PrEP, with potential to significantly enhance adherence and expand prevention options, especially for high-risk groups. Zimbabwe is among ten countries selected for early rollout, through a partnership with the U.S. government, Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund. Initial rollout will prioritise vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, as part of efforts to prevent new infections and reduce mother-to-child transmission. Zimbabwe’s HIV Situation Zimbabwe records an estimated 17,000 new HIV infections annually, with the highest incidence among females aged 15–29. Despite this, the country has achieved major progress, meeting the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets for adults. National HIV prevalence among people aged 15–49 has declined from 12.69% (2019) to 10.49% (2023). Available prevention options alongside Lenacapavir include oral Truvada, CAB-LA (long-acting cabotegravir), the dapivirine vaginal ring, VMMC, and condom-based, behavioural and structural interventions.

Zimbabwe’s Senate urges government to raise civil servants’ salaries to regional standards, warning of a looming collapse in public services without urgent action ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s Senate is ramping up pressure on the government to urgently review civil servants’ salaries, warning that the public sector risks imminent collapse unless wages are raised to match regional benchmarks and restored to pre-crisis levels. Public-sector unions have long pushed for salaries to return to their 2018 value, when the lowest-paid government worker earned the equivalent of US$400. Since then, sustained economic shocks, currency volatility and shifting policy signals have steadily eroded earnings, driving skilled professionals to South Africa, the UK and other destinations in search of stable incomes. Senator Sithabisiwe Moyo last week tabled a motion calling for an “immediate and comprehensive” intervention, arguing that the deterioration in public-sector wages has reached crisis proportions. “The situation on the ground is not fair. Our civil servants are suffering,” she told the Upper House. “Our teachers, nurses, clerks and other civil servants are living in poverty while struggling to do their jobs. The average Zimbabwean teacher earns about 350 per month, which is not enough to pay rent or buy food.” Moyo urged the government to adopt a wage-restoration programme starting with a 50% emergency salary increase, which she said would provide temporary relief while longer-term reforms are developed. “The civil service is collapsing, Hon. President. We must give civil servants a salary increment now,” she said. “Approve an emergency salary increase so that teachers, nurses and other civil servants earn enough to survive. A 50% increase would do. We must restore their salaries to the US-dollar era value of 2019, and this should be a top priority.” Zimbabwe’s clinics, schools and administrative offices have been severely strained by staff shortages, low morale and continued emigration. Rural communities, heavily dependent on state services, have suffered the most as government institutions struggle to function with limited personnel. Moyo warned against politicising the salary crisis, stressing that the issue cuts across party lines and is fundamental to national stability. “The whole country is watching our civil servants. We are not asking for charity or politics—only the dignity of a living salary and support in order for them to do their work,” she said. She further noted that deteriorating working conditions are undermining the country’s long-term prospects. “Teachers want to teach, nurses want to do their work… but how can they if they are hungry?” she asked. “We must not allow our public service to collapse. Children are travelling long distances to school because of the shortage of schools nearby. We owe the future generation.” With pressure mounting, the government is expected to unveil a revised remuneration framework, though whether it will meet union demands remains uncertain. For civil servants, however, the call is clear: restore dignity, restore value and rebuild the public service before it is too late.

Zimbabwean rancher Collins Tafireyi breaks a South African auction record after buying Boran stud bull “Cyclone” for R8 million, reshaping regional cattle genetics ( image source ) Zimbabwean cattle rancher Collins Tafireyi has made regional agricultural history after purchasing a prized Boran stud bull for an unprecedented R8 million (about US$444,000). The record-smashing sale took place at the Hurwitz Farming Production Auction at the Bull Ring Auction House in Davel, Mpumalanga, sending shockwaves through Southern Africa’s livestock and breeding industries. The star bull, Lot 10 “Cyclone,” had long been regarded as a once-in-a-generation genetic asset capable of transforming herd performance across the continent. Tafireyi, who operates the Sinyo Boran Stud in Hwedza, Mashonaland East, secured the bull after a spirited bidding duel with fellow Zimbabwean rancher and neighbour, Rogers Sithole of Black Ox Farming. The two friends drew widespread attention, with the spirited yet good-natured contest highlighting both camaraderie and fierce ambition within the region’s elite breeding circles. Boran cattle have grown significantly in prestige owing to their hardiness, fertility and adaptability to African climatic conditions. Cyclone’s record price reinforces this rise and reflects the increasing value placed on superior African beef genetics. Analysts say Tafireyi’s bold acquisition represents more than personal success; it is a major strategic investment that could influence herd quality, beef yield and export-market competitiveness across the region. For Zimbabwe, the milestone carries symbolic weight. At a time when the agricultural sector is undergoing steady rebuilding, the purchase showcases the country’s competitiveness and growing confidence in livestock genetics. It signals that Zimbabwean breeders are not only participating in regional markets but are capable of setting new benchmarks. As bidding excitement faded, one conclusion emerged clearly: Collins Tafireyi’s historic purchase has raised expectations and cemented Zimbabwe’s position in the evolving landscape of Southern African cattle breeding. His investment sets a new bar for ambition and signals a future in which Zimbabwean ranchers play a central role in advancing African beef genetics.

Zimbabwean public health researcher Dr Tapfumanei Mashe has won two major honours at the 2025 Africa Health Excellence Awards in Durban ( image source ) Zimbabwean public health researcher Dr Tapfumanei Mashe has received two top honours at the 2025 Africa Health Excellence Awards in Durban, South Africa, in recognition of his influential work in infectious disease control and regional health policy. Mashe walked away with the Community Builder of the Year and Honorary Health Researcher of the Year awards, capping a career defined by scientific leadership and multi-sectoral innovation. In a congratulatory message, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the awards were a testament to Zimbabwe’s growing role in African health advancement. “These accolades reflect the dedication of Zimbabwean professionals to regional health excellence. We celebrate Dr Mashe’s achievements and his contribution to a healthier Africa,” the ministry said. Mashe’s work has had tangible national impact, particularly his role in guiding the introduction of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) in 2021, a milestone that significantly reduced outbreaks in vulnerable communities. He attributes the achievement to strong inter-ministerial collaboration. “Through coordination across government institutions, we brought together different stakeholders to solve health issues,” he said. His influence, however, extends far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. A key paper he authored — detailing a multi-sectoral COVID-19 communication strategy that boosted prevention behaviours and vaccine uptake — was presented at both the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. The work contributed directly to the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a landmark global commitment for member states to intensify action against drug-resistant microbes. Mashe began his career as a volunteer scientist at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, where he pioneered Zimbabwe’s One Health and AMR programmes. Today, he serves as the country’s national AMR coordinator, a critical role as Africa faces rising antimicrobial resistance and heightened vulnerability to epidemics. Colleagues describe him as a bridge-builder whose science-driven approach has helped align ministries, development partners and global health institutions. The Durban awards not only honour Mashe’s individual achievements but also highlight the increasing international visibility of Zimbabwean health scientists. As the country works to strengthen its healthcare systems, his recognition stands as a national point of pride — and a reminder of Zimbabwe’s growing capacity to shape Africa’s health agenda.

EU sanctions RSF deputy Abdelrahim Dagalo as Gulf states urge U.S. intervention, highlighting rising geopolitical stakes and worsening Sudan humanitarian crisis ( image source ) The European Union has imposed targeted sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, identified as the deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announcing a visa ban and asset freeze as part of a broader effort to hold those responsible for escalating violence in Sudan to account. The move follows a series of dramatic battlefield shifts, including the RSF’s capture of El Fasher, and mounting reports from humanitarian organisations of mass killings, sexual violence and deliberate obstruction of aid in Darfur. EU officials framed the measures as a calibrated response aimed at individual accountability while signalling that further restrictions could follow if the violence continues. Sanctions officials described the action as intended to disrupt the financial and logistical networks that enable the RSF’s operations, and to send a clear message that the international community will pursue consequences for those implicated in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The EU’s announcement also included an appeal for an immediate halt to arms deliveries that could prolong the conflict, reflecting concern about external flows of weapons and materiel that sustain fighting and complicate diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire. Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo ( image source ) Humanitarian agencies say the seizure of El Fasher has produced fresh waves of displacement and acute shortages of food, water and medical care, intensifying calls for safe corridors and unfettered humanitarian access. Aid workers report that access constraints, insecurity around distribution points and the breakdown of local governance structures are making it increasingly difficult to reach civilians in need. The EU’s sanctions are intended to complement diplomatic pressure on regional and international partners to curb support for armed actors and to prioritise civilian protection. At the same time, diplomatic activity has intensified in the Gulf and Washington. Saudi Arabia has publicly urged President Donald Trump to intervene to help end the fighting, a request that followed high-level discussions between Riyadh and Washington. Saudi officials framed their appeal in terms of regional stability, refugee flows and the need to prevent the conflict from creating a wider security vacuum. President Trump responded by pledging to work with regional partners, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to seek a ceasefire and to coordinate humanitarian relief efforts. The Saudi appeal underscores the geopolitical stakes of the Sudan conflict. Gulf states have long viewed stability in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa as central to their security and economic interests. For Riyadh and its partners, the prospect of prolonged instability in Sudan raises concerns about cross-border displacement, the spread of armed groups, and disruptions to maritime routes. Their push for U.S. engagement reflects a desire to marshal broader international influence behind mediation efforts and to leverage Washington’s diplomatic and logistical capabilities. ( image source ) Analysts caution, however, that external mediation faces significant obstacles. The conflict is characterised by fragmented command structures, competing regional backers and a proliferation of armed actors with divergent agendas. Ceasefire agreements have repeatedly broken down in the past, and enforcing any truce will require credible monitoring mechanisms and guarantees from influential external actors. There is also the risk that intensified external involvement could be perceived as partisan by local actors, complicating efforts to build an inclusive political settlement. Humanitarian consequences remain acute. Displacement has surged, with thousands fleeing urban centres and seeking shelter in makeshift camps or host communities. Health facilities are overwhelmed, and supply chains for food and medicine are disrupted. Humanitarian organisations are calling for immediate, unimpeded access to affected areas and for the protection of civilians and aid workers under international law. The twin developments — EU sanctions and Gulf appeals for U.S. intervention — reflect a growing international consensus that the situation in Sudan cannot be allowed to deteriorate further without consequences. Sanctions aim to impose costs on those seen as driving the violence, while diplomatic pressure seeks to open channels for negotiation and relief. Whether these measures will translate into a durable reduction in hostilities depends on the willingness of regional and international actors to coordinate effectively, to restrict arms flows, and to prioritise mechanisms that protect civilians and enable humanitarian operations.

A stalled convoy of heavy trucks caused major gridlock on the Harare–Masvingo highway, disrupting traffic, delaying cargo, and exposing gaps in road recovery systems ( image source ) A major traffic bottleneck developed early this morning on the Harare–Masvingo highway after a long convoy of heavy goods vehicles stalled near the 60-kilometre mark, bringing traffic to a standstill and disrupting the flow of commuters and freight between the capital and the southern provinces. Drivers, commuters and transport operators described long delays, mounting frustration and growing safety concerns as the backlog stretched for kilometres in both directions. The pile-up began shortly after dawn when a combination of mechanical breakdowns, narrow shoulders and limited passing opportunities forced several articulated trucks to slow and stop. With little room to manoeuvre and a steady stream of additional heavy vehicles arriving from both directions, traffic quickly became gridlocked. Motorists reported that what might have been a manageable delay escalated into a multi-hour disruption as recovery and traffic management resources struggled to clear the scene. Local traffic authorities said emergency teams were dispatched as soon as the incident was reported, but the scale of the congestion and the size of the vehicles involved complicated recovery efforts. Tow trucks and traffic officers worked to create alternating single-lane flows to allow emergency and essential vehicles through, while police diverted light vehicles onto secondary roads where possible. By mid-morning, authorities had managed to clear a narrow corridor for one-way traffic, but full restoration of normal flow was not expected until heavy recovery equipment could remove disabled trucks and redistribute loads. The economic impact was immediate. Perishable cargoes, including fresh produce destined for Harare markets, were delayed, raising concerns about spoilage and losses for smallholder farmers and traders. Transport operators warned of cascading costs: demurrage charges, missed delivery windows and increased fuel consumption as drivers idled in the queue. Several long-distance passenger services reported cancellations or extended journey times, leaving travellers stranded at roadside stops and informal laybys. Road safety advocates highlighted the broader risks of prolonged truck congestion on a major arterial route. Stalled vehicles increase the likelihood of secondary collisions, reduce visibility for approaching drivers and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and roadside vendors. The Harare–Masvingo highway, a critical link for commerce and mobility, has sections with limited emergency laybys and narrow shoulders, making breakdown management more difficult and amplifying the consequences of any incident. Transport unions called for a coordinated response to prevent similar disruptions. They urged the Road Administration and Safety Agency (RASA) and the Ministry of Transport to invest in rapid-response recovery units strategically positioned along major corridors, to enforce regular vehicle maintenance standards for heavy goods vehicles, and to improve roadside infrastructure such as pull-outs and emergency lanes. Operators also recommended staggered departure windows for heavy freight during peak travel periods to reduce the likelihood of large convoys forming. Meanwhile, commuters were advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow extra travel time. Local authorities used radio bulletins and social media to update motorists on diversion routes and the status of recovery operations. Businesses reliant on timely deliveries were urged to contact suppliers and logistics partners to manage expectations and mitigate losses. As recovery teams continued work into the afternoon, officials pledged a full investigation into the causes of the pile-up and a review of contingency plans for major highways. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of transport networks and the need for proactive measures to keep vital arteries open, particularly as freight volumes and road usage continue to rise across the country.

A new tobacco processing plant near Harare signals industrial revival, boosting value addition, jobs, farmer earnings and investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s agro-sector ( image source ) A newly commissioned tobacco processing plant outside Harare has been hailed by industry advocates as a tangible sign of industrial revival, promising to add value to Zimbabwe’s tobacco crop, create jobs and stimulate local supply chains. The facility, which began operations this week, is the latest in a series of private and public investments aimed at modernising agro-processing and reducing the country’s reliance on raw commodity exports. Buy Zimbabwe, a local industry group that promotes domestic manufacturing and value addition, welcomed the plant’s opening as a strategic milestone. In a statement, the organisation said the facility would enable farmers to sell higher-value processed tobacco products locally, capture a greater share of export earnings and foster backward linkages with packaging, logistics and equipment suppliers. The group emphasised that value addition is central to sustainable economic recovery and job creation. The plant’s operators said the facility is equipped with modern curing, grading and packaging lines designed to meet international quality standards. Management highlighted that the plant will initially process tobacco from surrounding districts, with plans to scale up capacity as more growers adopt contract-farming arrangements and as the facility secures export contracts. Early projections suggest the plant could directly employ several hundred workers and indirectly support thousands more across transport, warehousing and agricultural services. For tobacco farmers, the new plant offers a potential lifeline. Historically, many growers have sold raw leaf at low margins to intermediaries or foreign buyers, forfeiting the higher returns associated with processed products. By providing local processing capacity, the plant aims to improve farmers’ bargaining power and income stability. Several smallholder cooperatives have already signed preliminary supply agreements, attracted by the prospect of predictable pricing and reduced transport costs. The government welcomed the investment as aligned with its broader industrialisation agenda. Officials noted that agro-processing is a priority sector for economic diversification and export growth. They pointed to incentives such as tax breaks, streamlined licensing and support for infrastructure improvements as part of efforts to attract further private investment into value-adding industries. The Ministry of Industry said it would work with stakeholders to ensure the plant’s operations are integrated into national development plans and that benefits reach rural communities. However, analysts cautioned that the plant’s success will depend on several factors. Reliable energy supply, access to foreign currency for spare parts and inputs, and consistent quality of raw leaf are critical. Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector has faced challenges in recent years, including intermittent power outages, foreign exchange shortages and logistical bottlenecks that can undermine production continuity. Plant managers acknowledged these risks and said contingency plans are in place, including on-site generators and local sourcing strategies. Environmental and labour groups also urged vigilance. They called for strict adherence to environmental standards in waste management and emissions, and for fair labour practices, including safe working conditions and living wages. Plant operators said they are committed to compliance with national regulations and international best practices, and that they will engage with unions and community representatives as operations expand. The opening has already sparked interest from other investors considering agro-processing ventures, from horticulture packing houses to grain milling. If the tobacco plant sustains operations and demonstrates profitability, it could catalyse a broader wave of investment in downstream industries, helping to rebuild manufacturing capacity and diversify export earnings. For now, the plant stands as a hopeful sign: a private-sector initiative that, if supported by stable policy, reliable infrastructure and strong farmer partnerships, could contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s industrial revival and rural development.

Zimbabwe’s cement prices have surged 42% in two months amid strong demand, supply constraints and new import tariffs ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s cement market has entered a period of sustained price inflation, with traders and industry sources attributing the surge to strong domestic demand, supply constraints and recent policy changes that have tightened imports. A market survey published in November found prices up by around 42% over two months, lifting the average retail price of a 50kg bag from roughly US$12 to about US$17. The jump is reshaping construction budgets and project timelines across the country. Key drivers of the increase include an “unprecedented” boom in construction activity, the exhaustion of import quotas among some traders and production challenges at local plants. Builders report that demand has remained robust even as prices climb, sustaining pressure on supply chains and encouraging speculative buying by wholesalers and contractors preparing for the rainy-season peak in activity. The combination of higher local consumption and constrained imports has created a tight market that amplifies price movements whenever any single factor shifts. Policy changes have also played a significant role. In May 2025, the government introduced a 30% tariff on imported cement under Statutory Instrument 50A of 2025, a measure intended to protect and stimulate domestic manufacturers. Early industry data suggest the tariff has boosted local sales volumes; for example, PPC reported a 22% year-on-year rise in cement sales in the months following the tariff’s introduction. But the policy has also reduced the flow of cheaper imports that previously helped stabilise retail prices. That trade-off lies at the centre of the current squeeze: tariffs support local producers but can raise end-user costs when domestic output cannot immediately meet demand. Official statistics tracking building material costs show an upward trend across the broader basket of construction inputs, reinforcing the picture of rising project expenses. Zimbabwe’s Building Materials Price Index (BMPI), which monitors quarterly movements in key inputs such as cement, steel and roofing materials, reflects sustained inflationary pressure that will feed into housing and infrastructure budgets. The impact is already visible on construction sites and among small-scale builders. Contractors report higher tender prices, delayed starts for marginal projects and tighter cashflow as clients hesitate over revised estimates. For public works, government faces the options of absorbing higher costs, re-tendering projects or scaling back scope — each carrying economic and political consequences. For households, rising cement prices mean more expensive home improvements and slower delivery of affordable housing initiatives. Industry responses are mixed. Some manufacturers are expanding capacity or seeking efficiency gains to meet rising demand, while others call for calibrated policy adjustments such as temporary import allowances or targeted subsidies for critical projects to ease short-term shortages without undermining long-term domestic industry development. Traders urge clearer import quota management and improved logistics to reduce bottlenecks that push up prices. If the current trajectory continues, analysts warn that construction inflation will persist, affecting private and public investment plans alike. Policymakers must balance support for local production with measures to ensure affordability and supply reliability — or risk stalling the very construction boom that has driven recent economic activity.

Six miners are feared dead after flooding at Golden Reef Mine in Kadoma, prompting rescue efforts and renewed calls for safety reforms in Zimbabwe’s mining sector ( image source ) Six miners are feared dead after an underground shaft at Golden Reef Mine in Etina, Eiffel Flats, Kadoma, suddenly flooded on Wednesday, 19 November. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident on Thursday, 20 November, saying the men were working about 40 metres below ground when water rushed into the shaft. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to retrieve the bodies. According to police reports, the flooding was abrupt and left little time for those underground to escape. Emergency responders, including mine rescue personnel and local authorities, were dispatched to the scene immediately. Recovery operations have been slowed by the depth of the shaft and the volume of water, with teams working to pump out water and stabilise the site before retrieval can proceed safely. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Kadoma mining community, where both formal and informal mining operations are a major source of employment. Local leaders and family members of the missing miners gathered near the mine, anxiously awaiting news as crews worked through the night. Police said updates would be provided as the retrieval operation progresses and urged the public to give rescue teams space to work. The incident comes just two weeks after another deadly flooding at an artisanal mine in Silobela, Midlands Province. On 5 November 2025, seven artisanal miners were trapped when a shaft at Auriga 47 Mine, Base Mineral Block, Nzwananzwi Village, flooded during heavy rains. Their bodies were recovered two days later. The back-to-back fatalities have renewed concerns about safety standards, oversight and emergency preparedness in Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector. Artisanal and small-scale mining is often conducted in informal conditions with limited regulation, and experts warn that such operations are especially vulnerable to sudden flooding, collapses and other hazards. Heavy rains can rapidly fill poorly supported shafts and tunnels, while inadequate drainage and insufficient pumping equipment heighten the risks. Safety advocates have long pushed for stronger enforcement of mining regulations, improved training for artisanal miners and increased access to rescue and recovery resources. As pressure mounts on government agencies and industry bodies, community representatives are demanding a full investigation into the Kadoma incident, including clarity on the cause of the flooding and whether preventable shortcomings contributed to the loss of life. The human toll remains severe. Families of the missing miners face the anguish and uncertainty that follow sudden workplace disasters, while mining-dependent communities confront the likelihood of further hardship. Local unions and civil society groups have urged authorities to prioritise both immediate rescue efforts and longer-term reforms to improve safety, including stricter monitoring of artisanal sites and investment in emergency response capacity. As recovery teams continue their work at Golden Reef Mine, officials have pledged transparency, saying they are coordinating with mine operators and emergency services to ensure the retrieval is carried out safely. For now, the focus remains on bringing closure to affected families and confronting the systemic safety challenges that make such tragedies all too common in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has been named Best Bank at the 2025 Top Companies Survey Awards ( image source ) Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has been crowned the Best Bank in the country at the 2025 Top Companies Survey Awards, an event sponsored by Old Mutual Zimbabwe to honour firms demonstrating sustained growth and financial discipline in an increasingly volatile economic environment. This year’s edition placed strong emphasis on fundamentals — business volumes, cashflow resilience and adherence to sound banking principles — signalling a return to core performance metrics as the benchmark for corporate excellence. Announcing Stanbic’s win, judges’ committee chairperson Prosper Tafadzwa Matiashe said the Standard Bank Group subsidiary excelled across all key indicators. Credit quality, he noted, was a central metric, with Stanbic praised for maintaining a clean loan book and prudent lending practices in a high-risk economy. The bank’s hedging strategy was highlighted as a crucial differentiator. With local companies navigating currency volatility and shifting liquidity patterns, adjudicators assessed how well banks recalibrated their hedging frameworks to align with operational cashflow needs. Matiashe said Stanbic demonstrated agility in risk mitigation and cashflow optimisation, a balance that impressed the judges. Another standout factor was Deposit and Liquidity Management. Stanbic showed a superior ability to attract deposits from liquid, high-value clients and redeploy them at competitive rates, indicating strong customer confidence and disciplined balance sheet management. The award also recognised Stanbic’s commitment to digital transformation and operational efficiency. In a banking landscape defined by rising costs and evolving customer expectations, the bank’s investment in digital systems and automation delivered measurable improvements in service delivery and margin protection. According to adjudicators, the strongest performers in 2025 shared several traits: exposure to real USD incomes, broad distribution networks, robust governance models and the capacity to streamline operations without eroding customer satisfaction. Matiashe said this year’s results reflect a maturing corporate environment. “The 2025 Awards highlight a business landscape that is becoming more disciplined, operationally focused and transparent. We celebrate the resilience and strategic agility of Zimbabwean corporates in adapting to these momentous economic shifts,” he said. For Stanbic Bank, the accolade reinforces its position as a stability anchor within Zimbabwe’s financial sector — a bank recognised for consistency and disciplined fundamentals in a challenging operating climate. As regulatory reforms, digital acceleration and strong governance increasingly define banking competitiveness, Stanbic’s recognition underscores the rising value of long-term stability over short-term gains.

Bindura faces a deepening water crisis as mining pollution, drought and infrastructure delays choke supply, leaving residents with weeks of little to no water ( image source ) Bindura Municipality has blamed upstream mining operations by a Chinese company for worsening a water crisis that has left residents receiving minimal or no supply for weeks. The local authority says the mining activities are polluting raw water sources and causing blockages in key channels feeding the town’s treatment plant, compounding the impacts of a severe drought affecting much of Zimbabwe. In a notice to residents, the council said water sources had “declined significantly,” resulting in extremely low flow at the abstraction point, repeated plant shutdowns, and a near-collapse of normal distribution schedules. “This situation has severely impacted water supply across the entire municipal area,” the notice read. “The crisis is primarily driven by climate change-induced challenges and mining activities upstream of the water abstraction point and subsequent blockages, which are beyond our control.” Bindura mayor Jacob Gwature said unregulated mining was posing both environmental and financial burdens on the already strained municipality. “Generally, unregulated mining activities have compromised our water quality and quantity, and we unfortunately end up incurring high water processing costs,” Gwature told NewsDay. He confirmed the council had engaged the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the police to intervene, enforce regulations, and curb harmful mining practices in the catchment area. The crisis has been worsened by delays in the long-awaited Masembura Water Project, regarded as the permanent solution to Bindura’s chronic supply shortages. The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has begun releasing more raw water as a stop-gap measure, and the municipality has been relying on community boreholes. But Gwature admits the system falls far short of meeting daily demand, which stands at 18 megalitres. “I thank our residents and ask for their continued patience and support as we navigate with speed this project’s final stages and permanently address Bindura’s water woes,” he said. Meanwhile, Bindura’s main water source, the Masembura Water Plant, has been temporarily shut down for renovation, further straining supply. The municipality assured residents that outstanding works on the Masembura Water Transmission Line would be completed by the end of this month. “This milestone will usher in a new era of improved water supply for the greater Bindura Municipality. The project is now 90% complete,” the council said. It added that the US$3 million project — a public-private partnership between the municipality and Freda Rebecca Mine — remained central to the town’s long-term water security. Until the plant reopens, persistent drought, mining-induced pollution, and infrastructural delays continue to choke Bindura’s water system, leaving thousands of residents facing daily uncertainty over a basic necessity.