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Belgium has formally joined South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice ( image source ) THE HAGUE — Belgium has formally joined the case instituted by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging that Israel is committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ, the United Nations’ highest judicial body, confirmed on Tuesday that Belgium had filed a declaration of intervention in the proceedings. Belgium becomes the latest country to support South Africa’s case, following similar interventions by Brazil, Colombia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain and Türkiye. South Africa launched the case in December 2023, arguing that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza violates the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Israel has strongly rejected the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated and without legal merit. In January 2024, the ICJ issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take steps to prevent acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention and to ensure the delivery of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza. While ICJ rulings are legally binding, the court has no direct enforcement powers, with compliance largely dependent on diplomatic and international pressure. The court has also ruled separately that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is unlawful, characterising its policies as amounting to annexation. Despite these findings and growing international criticism, Israel has continued its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, alongside plans to expand control over large parts of Palestinian territory. The United States and several European allies continue to provide military and financial support to Israel. Washington has rejected South Africa’s case, with some US lawmakers openly criticising Pretoria and issuing threats against it. The US has also imposed sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. Belgium’s intervention follows its formal recognition of the State of Palestine in September, aligning it with nearly 80 percent of UN member states that recognise Palestinian statehood. Analysts say the move highlights deepening divisions within Europe over Israel’s conduct in the war and reflects growing support for international accountability mechanisms. The humanitarian toll in Gaza remains severe. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, at least 406 Palestinians have been killed and 1,118 injured since the ceasefire began on October 10. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, the ministry reports at least 70,942 Palestinians killed and 171,195 wounded. Legal experts caution that a final ruling by the ICJ could take years. However, they note that the increasing number of states joining South Africa’s case adds significant weight to international calls for accountability. For Palestinians, Belgium’s intervention is widely seen as another step toward recognition and justice in a conflict that has endured for decades.

Zimbabwe’s High Court has ruled that shares issued to Chinese firm Ming Chang Sino Africa Mining in Gwampa Mining were unlawful ( image source ) HARARE — The High Court of Zimbabwe has ruled that shares issued to Chinese mining firm Ming Chang Sino Africa Mining Investment in Gwampa Mining were unlawfully allotted, effectively ejecting the company and its associates from a disputed mining investment agreement. The judgment, delivered by Justice Bongani Ndhlovu of the Commercial Division, followed an application by Gwampa Mining seeking rectification of its share register. Gwampa argued that shares had been issued and allotted in breach of agreed conditions and without compliance with corporate governance requirements. The respondents cited in the matter were DGL Investment Number 5 (Pvt) Ltd, Eagle Italian Shoes, Ming Chang Sino Africa Investment, Fuel Africa, Wang Ke, and the Chief Registrar of Companies and Other Business Entities. Evidence before the court showed that Gwampa Mining, incorporated in 2009, entered into an investment agreement in April 2017 with Eagle Italian Shoes, Ming Chang Sino Africa Investment and Fuel Africa to jointly mine claims owned by DGL Investment Number 5. The agreement required the fulfillment of strict conditions precedent before any share allotment, including the execution of a written shareholders’ agreement, the assumption of a US$4.3 million debt, and agreed royalty payments to Gwampa Mining. Justice Ndhlovu found that these conditions were never met. Shares were instead issued by DGL Investment Number 5 rather than Gwampa Mining, without a shareholders’ agreement in place, and without proof of the required capital contributions. The court also found that unauthorised additional shares were allotted, including shares issued to Wang Ke, who was not a party to the original investment agreement. Gwampa Mining argued that the failure to meet conditions precedent rendered the agreement legally ineffective and invalidated any rights claimed by the investors. While Ming Chang Sino Africa Investment contended that it had settled the US$4.3 million debt and advanced a further US$1.2 million loan, the court rejected the claim due to lack of documentary proof. “The 3rd respondent has not provided proof of payments and relied on bare denials,” Justice Ndhlovu said, adding that there was no evidence of royalty payments or a properly executed shareholders’ agreement. The court ruled that Ming Chang Sino Africa Investment, Fuel Africa and Wang Ke were unlawfully allotted shares and ordered that their names be removed from DGL Investment Number 5’s share register. Justice Ndhlovu further directed the Registrar of Companies to effect the rectification and cancelled the disputed shares. The respondents were ordered to pay the costs of the application. Legal analysts say the ruling reinforces the importance of strict compliance with corporate governance rules, particularly in high-value mining investments. For Gwampa Mining, the decision restores control over its shareholding structure and sets a strong precedent for enforcing conditions precedent in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.

An analysis of Santa Claus, Father Christmas and December 25, exploring how folklore, power and commerce reshaped Christian tradition and blurred the line between faith and culture ( image source ) HARARE — Santa Claus, as he is known today, did not descend from heaven wrapped in red cloth, nor does Father Christmas emerge from Scripture. Both figures are products of history, culture and power, reshaped over centuries until folklore blurred into faith and symbolism eclipsed substance. The modern image of Santa Claus took shape during the Victorian era, when England’s Father Christmas—an embodiment of festive cheer—merged with the legend of Saint Nicholas of Myra, a fourth-century Christian bishop remembered for discreet acts of generosity. This fusion coincided with industrialisation, urbanisation and social upheaval in Britain and America. Christmas, once a modest religious observance, was reimagined as a family-centred, gift-giving season that soothed social anxieties and stimulated consumption. Artists such as Thomas Nast, followed by commercial advertisers, fixed Santa’s now-universal image: the red suit, white beard and genial authority. What began as allegory and charity evolved into a global cultural icon—arguably more recognisable than the biblical figure whose birth Christmas purports to celebrate. The paradox is stark. Neither Santa Claus nor Father Christmas appears in the Bible. No Gospel references a gift-bearing figure visiting children, nor does Scripture hint at a North Pole workshop. Their power lies not in divine command but in repetition, ritual and emotional imprinting. The Bible itself urges caution toward tradition. Jesus warns against nullifying God’s word through inherited customs (Mark 7:13), while the apostle Paul encourages believers to test teachings rather than accept them uncritically (Colossians 2:8). These admonitions do not reject culture outright, but they challenge believers to distinguish between divine instruction and human construction. Even Christmas raises deeper questions. Despite being the most celebrated day in the Christian calendar, neither December 25 nor December 26 is identified in Scripture as the birth date of Yahushua (Jesus). The Bible offers no command to mark his birth annually, nor does it assign a date. Early Christians focused primarily on his death and resurrection, which are explicitly commemorated in Scripture (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24). Many scholars argue that Yahushua was unlikely to have been born in December. Luke 2:8 describes shepherds living in the fields at night—an implausible scenario during Judea’s cold, rainy winters. This has led researchers to suggest a spring or early autumn birth. Others point to the Roman census mentioned in Luke 2:1–3, noting that mass travel was unlikely to be ordered in mid-winter. The reign of King Herod the Great, who died around 4 BCE, further suggests a birth between 6 and 4 BCE—well outside the December 25 tradition. Historians widely acknowledge that December 25 coincided with Roman pagan festivals, including Sol Invictus, which celebrated the “birth of the unconquered sun.” Aligning Christ’s birth with existing observances was a strategic move by early church and imperial authorities seeking cohesion within the Roman Empire. It was an act of governance rather than revelation. The implications extend beyond theology to power and economics. Institutions—religious and political—have long understood the influence of ritual and narrative. The Bible warns that the love of money can corrupt moral purpose (1 Timothy 6:10). Today, Christmas fuels one of the world’s most intense consumer cycles, often pushing families into debt and anxiety. For many, reflection has given way to pressure and comparison. Colonialism further shaped this legacy. European missionaries exported Christmas to Africa and Asia as part of a broader cultural package, presenting December 25 as divinely ordained while obscuring its political and economic origins. Ironically, European elites benefited most from the commercialisation that followed. Even modern Pentecostal movements, despite their emphasis on biblical literalism, have largely retained Christmas traditions—aware of their social cohesion and economic utility. This does not render generosity misplaced or remembrance of Christ meaningless. The issue is confusion. When folklore is mistaken for faith and consumption replaces contemplation, believers risk inheriting tradition without understanding. Christianity calls for discernment: “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Santa and Father Christmas belong to culture. Christ belongs to faith. The danger lies in forgetting the difference.

Zimbabwean choirs Chitungwiza Harmony Singers and Glorious Melodies Choir shine at a major international competition in Sun City ( image source ) SUN CITY — Zimbabwe’s choral fraternity has earned international acclaim after two ensembles, the Chitungwiza Harmony Singers (CHS) and the Glorious Melodies Choir (GMC), delivered standout performances at a prestigious international choral competition in Sun City, South Africa. Their success, achieved around Unity Day commemorations, has been hailed as a powerful demonstration of how collective effort and national pride can translate into excellence on the global stage. CHS emerged as one of the competition’s top performers, clinching first place in the Western Category and finishing fourth overall among 15 finalist choirs. GMC also impressed adjudicators and audiences, securing seventh place overall. Both choirs scored above 80 percent—an exceptional result, particularly given the resource constraints they faced compared with better-funded competitors from other countries. Observers praised the Zimbabwean ensembles for their discipline, musicality and emotional depth. Despite limited financial backing, the choirs delivered polished, stirring performances that resonated strongly with audiences and judges alike. Their success was widely seen as a triumph of resilience and preparation over material disadvantage. The journey to Sun City was made possible through collective support from stakeholders within the choral fraternity, private sector partners and individual contributors. Organisers said every dollar raised went directly toward travel, accommodation and logistics, allowing the performers to focus fully on their craft. This collaborative effort echoed the spirit of Unity Day, highlighting the impact of solidarity in overcoming challenges. Zimbabwean supporters who travelled to Sun City added to the momentum, transforming the venue into a vibrant show of national pride with song, dance and visible encouragement. Performers said the backing lifted morale and reinforced the sense that they were representing more than just their choirs—they were carrying the hopes of a nation. In a statement, organisers thanked all contributors and called for increased investment in the performing arts. “With more support, Zimbabwean choirs can go even further,” they said, noting that the results underscore the country’s deep well of musical talent. For CHS and GMC, the recognition serves both as validation of their hard work and as inspiration for emerging choirs across Zimbabwe. As Unity Day is marked, the Sun City triumph stands as a timely reminder of music’s power to foster national pride, cultural exchange and unity. The performances symbolised resilience, creativity and the extraordinary outcomes possible when Zimbabweans work together.

Zimbabwean writer and actor Angeline Dimingo has earned continental recognition after her essay was selected for the Narratives Against Poverty in Africa anthology ( image source ) GWERU — Zimbabwean writer and film actor Angeline Dimingo has received continental recognition after her work was selected for the Narratives Against Poverty in Africa anthology, a pan-African literary project that uses storytelling to confront poverty and social inequality. The anthology, produced by the African Narrative Writing Hub, was officially launched in Gweru at a ceremony attended by writers, academics and cultural practitioners from across the region. Dimingo’s essay, Hope in the Desert, was selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition, marking a significant milestone in her literary career. The project falls under the broader African Writing Programme, an initiative aimed at amplifying African voices while addressing structural challenges such as poverty, inequality and political instability through literature. During the launch, organisers also announced the winners of the 2025 African Literary Prizes. The prose award went to Moira Rakotomalala of Madagascar for Under the Silence of Gold. Kenya’s Dolphine Anyango won the poetry category with Lost and Not Found, while Zambia’s Grace Kakoma claimed the essay prize for Beyond the Brain: Narratives of Poverty, Pain and Possibility in African Education. Beyond the prize-winning entries, the anthology features several notable works, including Dimingo’s Hope in the Desert, which offers a reflective exploration of resilience and human endurance within the African context. Other contributions include Burden of Stolen Survival by Tanzania’s Aneth Marembo and Litany for the Body That Remembers by Benedict Hangiriza, also from Tanzania. Organisers said the anthology seeks to move beyond narrow portrayals of Africa defined solely by conflict and deprivation, instead highlighting narratives of resilience, creativity and cultural depth. With the publication now in circulation, distribution is targeting institutions such as universities, embassies, government departments, humanitarian organisations and cultural bodies across the continent. The selection process was overseen by adjudicators Thando Kuhle Sibanda, a poet, and writer Chenai Dunduru, with a foreword by Midlands State University academic Simbarashe Chitima. The final shortlist was drawn from more than 1,000 submissions from across Africa. Zimbabwean contributors received institutional support from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.

Children at Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospital received an early Christmas celebration through a StarBrite outreach, bringing gifts, joy and emotional support to young patients and their families during the festive season ( image source ) HARARE — Children receiving treatment at Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospital were treated to an early Christmas celebration on Tuesday, as StarBrite, working with several partners, delivered gifts, snacks and entertainment in an annual outreach aimed at spreading joy during the festive season. The initiative brought colour and warmth to hospital wards, offering young patients a welcome break from treatment routines while providing emotional support to parents and caregivers spending Christmas away from home. Mothers at the hospital said the visit eased the emotional strain of caring for sick children during the holidays. “Spending the festive season in hospital with a sick child is not easy. This visit has really lifted our spirits and brought smiles to our children,” one parent said. StarBrite Executive Director Barney Mpariwa said the outreach, which has run every year since 2013, is rooted in the belief that compassion and community support can make a meaningful difference. “If you are in a position of influence, you should use it to help those who may not be able to help themselves. Giving back does not always require large resources; even small acts of kindness in local communities can change lives,” Mpariwa said. The event was supported by Power FM and several models, including Miss International Yolanda Chimbarami, whose participation added excitement and festive cheer. Hospital staff welcomed the initiative, noting that such engagements boost morale for both children and caregivers and complement medical care by addressing psychosocial needs. Observers said the outreach highlights the value of partnerships between civil society, the private sector and health institutions. While hospitals focus on clinical treatment, external organisations can play a vital role in restoring hope and dignity. For the children and families at Sally Mugabe Hospital, the celebration was more than a Christmas party—it was a reminder of solidarity, compassion and the enduring spirit of the season.

Zimbabwe stands to benefit from a €50 million guarantee facility backing GreenCo ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe is set to benefit from a €50 million guarantee facility aimed at unlocking private investment in renewable energy by improving the bankability of independent power producers (IPPs) across Southern Africa. The facility, announced by renewable energy trader GreenCo in partnership with Impact Fund Denmark (IFDK) and the European Commission, is designed to provide long-term, creditworthy offtake without relying on sovereign guarantees. For Zimbabwe, where weak utility balance sheets and elevated sovereign risk have historically deterred private capital, the initiative offers a new pathway to financing renewable power projects. By removing the requirement for government guarantees, the structure is expected to accelerate new capacity additions at a time when the country continues to face persistent electricity shortages. The guarantee is extended to GreenCo on a back-to-back basis through IFDK, which has also committed an additional US$6 million as first-loss capital. This financial structure underpins GreenCo’s ability to meet long-term payment obligations to IPPs operating in Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The facility is structured as a revolving guarantee over 23 years, with IFDK responsible for administration and oversight to ensure compliance with development and impact targets. GreenCo Chief Commercial Officer Cathy Oxby said the facility demonstrates that African power markets can function without sovereign guarantees. She noted that the approach uses guarantees to unlock private investment rather than replace it, helping to accelerate the energy transition while spreading risk and delivering innovative solutions to market participants. The full facility is expected to catalyse more than 500 megawatts of new renewable generation capacity across Southern Africa. It will also support GreenCo’s regional trading activities, including bilateral power sales and participation in the Southern African Power Pool. GreenCo already operates as an active trader within the pool and holds licences across the region, positioning it as a key intermediary between renewable generators and utilities, as well as commercial and industrial power users. GreenCo Chief Finance Officer Pug Bennet described the guarantees from the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) and IFDK as highly bespoke, crediting the European Commission and IFDK for adopting a practical and scalable approach to addressing perceived investment risks in African power markets. The transaction aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilise private capital into strategic infrastructure while maintaining fiscal discipline. IFDK Managing Director Thomas Hougaard said the initiative illustrates how catalytic finance can unlock investment that delivers clean, affordable and reliable electricity to support economic growth. For Zimbabwe, the guarantee facility could mark a significant shift in the power sector, improving investor confidence and opening the door to increased private participation in renewable energy development, with potential long-term benefits for electricity supply and economic stability.

Plumtree Border Post has moved to 24-hour operations during the festive season ( image source ) PLUMTREE — Plumtree Border Post has shifted to round-the-clock operations to accommodate increased cross-border traffic during the Christmas and New Year holidays, with authorities saying the move, together with the rollout of the Online Border Management System (OBMS), is already easing congestion and reducing processing times. The Immigration Department confirmed that the strategic crossing, which links Zimbabwe with Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, will operate 24 hours a day during peak periods from December 21 to 24, 2025, and January 3 to 5, 2026. Staff complements have been boosted and leave suspended to ensure adequate coverage throughout the extended hours. Head of Immigration for the Western Region, Mrs Memory Mugwagwa, said the measures are aimed at decongesting the border and ensuring smooth movement for returning Zimbabweans, tourists and regional travellers during the festive season. Traffic figures show a significant increase in activity at Plumtree. Between December 10 and 19, the border recorded 21,254 arrivals and 12,889 departures, compared with 17,958 arrivals and 10,100 departures over the same period last year. Mrs Mugwagwa said the OBMS has been critical in managing the surge, cutting clearance times from about three minutes per traveller to just seconds. The OBMS allows travellers to complete immigration declarations and visa applications online before arrival. For those without internet access, tablets and kiosks connected to the system have been installed at the border to facilitate on-site completion. Officials say this has streamlined data capture and reduced queues at immigration counters. The digital system is also being rolled out at other ports in the Western Region, including Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambaphele, where infrastructure upgrades such as offices, cubicles and roofing are nearing completion. Mphoengs has likewise experienced increased traffic, recording 2,924 entries between December 10 and 19, up from 1,798 during the same period last year. Authorities say the OBMS strengthens border security through improved data accuracy, visa pre-screening and faster biometric checks, while enhancing coordination with customs and other agencies. Tourism and trade stakeholders have welcomed the extended operating hours and digital upgrades, noting that efficient border management supports cross-border commerce, reduces delays and improves Zimbabwe’s appeal as a destination for business and leisure travel. As festive travel peaks, officials have encouraged travellers to use the OBMS in advance and to follow guidance at ports of entry, saying the combination of 24-hour operations and digital processing is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve the overall border experience.

Transvaal Africa plans a US$1.05 billion cargo village at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, aimed at boosting export capacity, creating thousands of jobs and positioning Zimbabwe as a regional trade and aviation hub ( image source ) HARARE — Transvaal Africa has unveiled plans to invest US$1.05 billion in a state-of-the-art cargo village at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGM), a development expected to significantly enhance Zimbabwe’s export logistics, generate thousands of jobs and position the country as a regional aviation and trade hub. The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership with the Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) and will integrate modern air cargo infrastructure with Special Economic Zone (SEZ) incentives aimed at attracting investment and streamlining export processes. Transvaal chief executive Engineer Patson Moyo said development will begin with runway upgrades, followed by construction of a new cargo terminal, warehousing facilities and supporting amenities. A core feature of the cargo village will be climate-controlled cold-chain infrastructure designed to preserve perishable agricultural produce, reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to high-value international markets. Moyo said the project is intended to strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural and mineral value chains while ensuring broader participation across the economy. The facility has been designated an SEZ, offering incentives such as tax breaks, customs duty relief and expedited regulatory procedures. ACZ chief executive Tawanda Gusha said the cargo village is expected to increase the airport’s cargo handling capacity by between three and five times, while attracting light manufacturing, ICT and value-addition industries to the airport precinct. Plans also include construction of a secondary runway to ensure uninterrupted operations and accommodate anticipated growth in both passenger and freight traffic. The development mirrors global trends that are transforming airports into integrated commercial and logistics hubs, with examples in Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Dubai. Transvaal expects the RGM cargo village to serve a two-hour flight radius, consolidating exports for efficient shipment to Europe, the Middle East and other markets. Regulatory and environmental approvals have reportedly been secured, with remaining local permits nearing completion and groundbreaking targeted for the first quarter of 2026. In line with national industrialisation objectives, at least 40 percent of construction work will be allocated to local firms. The project is projected to create about 3,000 direct jobs and up to 10,000 indirect jobs across construction, logistics, cold-chain management and ancillary services. It also complements recent government investments of US$153 million at RGM, which upgraded the terminal, aprons and supporting infrastructure. Analysts say the cargo village could ease longstanding export bottlenecks, particularly for horticulture and agro-processing, by reducing lead times and spoilage. Improved air cargo capacity is also expected to benefit mineral exporters handling high-value, time-sensitive consignments. While financing, supply-chain integration and tariff competitiveness remain key risks, the project is widely viewed as a potential catalyst for trade growth and foreign direct investment if delivered as planned.

MultiChoice Talent Factory has opened applications for its 2026 intake, offering a fully funded nine-month filmmaking programme for aspiring African creatives ( image source ) HARARE — Aspiring filmmakers across Africa have been invited to apply for the 2026 intake of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a fully funded training programme aimed at developing the next generation of directors, producers, scriptwriters and film industry professionals. Launched in 2018, MTF has become one of Africa’s leading film and television talent pipelines, offering a nine-month curriculum that combines online learning with intensive, in-person training at regional academies in South Africa, Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka. The programme provides hands-on instruction in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing and production management, alongside mentorship from established industry professionals. It targets emerging creatives from at least 14 African countries. Gerald Ngonyamo, Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the initiative continues to provide a critical platform for local talent. He noted that Zimbabwe has consistently had representation in the programme since its inception and expressed hope that this trend will continue in the 2026 intake. Ngonyamo added that MultiChoice’s integration into the international media group CANAL+ has reinforced its commitment to empowering African storytellers and expanding global distribution opportunities. A central component of the programme is the production of short films that are broadcast on MultiChoice channels including Maisha Magic, Zambezi Magic and Africa Magic, and made available on streaming platforms such as Showmax. Since its launch, MTF has produced more than 40 films and supported alumni in establishing over 50 production companies. Graduates have gone on to receive nominations and awards at major industry platforms such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and the Kalasha Awards, while others have secured roles within MultiChoice or independent production houses. Beyond technical training, the programme places strong emphasis on industry readiness, equipping participants with skills in pitching, budgeting, distribution and navigating film festivals. This approach has enabled many graduates to transition into paid work, contributing to local content development and employment within the creative economy. Ngonyamo said the programme plays a broader role in cultural preservation and economic growth, stressing that it supports authentic African storytelling with global reach. Applications for the 2026 intake close on February 27, with eligibility criteria and application procedures available on the MultiChoice Talent Factory website.

December exposes Zimbabwe’s poverty trap as inflation, transport hikes, school fees and weak public services make survival costlier for the poor than the wealthy By Simbarashe Namusi December in Zimbabwe wears a familiar mask. Shops pump festive music, bus ranks overflow, and members of the diaspora arrive home in new sneakers and duty-free perfume. Politicians deliver predictable messages of unity and reflection. Yet beneath the seasonal cheer lies a harsher reality. For millions of Zimbabweans, December is not a celebration but a reckoning — the most expensive month of the year and the moment when poverty tightens its grip. Rather than offering relief, December resets the cycle of deprivation. It magnifies every structural weakness in the economy and punishes those already living on the margins. The Inflation Calendar: Prices Rise on Cue Zimbabwe enters December already exhausted. The introduction of the gold-backed Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024 briefly raised hopes of stability, but those hopes quickly faded. By April 2025, year-on-year ZiG inflation had surged to 85.7 percent, confirming that the new currency offered little protection from price volatility. January 2025 alone recorded a sharp 10.5 percent month-on-month inflation, while U.S. dollar inflation reached 14.6 percent year-on-year, driven largely by food and housing costs. Inflation in Zimbabwe is not merely economic — it is seasonal. Retailers anticipate December demand and quietly adjust prices upward. Basic staples such as mealie meal, cooking oil, sugar, beef and chicken portions all rise. Poor households, forced to buy in small quantities, pay the highest per-unit costs. Wealthier families buy in bulk or shop across borders. December penalises those who live day to day. Transport: When Movement Becomes a Luxury Travel is deeply embedded in Zimbabwean culture. December means going home — for weddings, funerals, church gatherings and family obligations. Transport operators know this. Kombi and bus fares rise sharply, especially on rural routes with limited alternatives. A journey that costs US$6 to US$8 in October can nearly double by Christmas week. Families face an impossible choice: stay home and risk being labelled disrespectful, or travel and return financially depleted. Those with private vehicles cushion themselves by buying fuel early or sharing costs. For poorer households, mobility becomes a seasonal privilege rather than a right. School Fees: The December Earthquake In Zimbabwe, January school fees arrive in December. As soon as salaries and bonuses are paid, invoices follow. Private schools charge far beyond civil service earnings, while government schools add levies and development fees that strain already fragile budgets. According to ZIMSTAT’s January 2025 figures, the Food Poverty Line stood at ZiG861 per person per month, while the Total Consumption Poverty Line was ZiG1,255. A family of five requires more than ZiG6,275 monthly just to survive. Most civil servants earn well below this threshold. When fees fall due, families borrow, sell livestock or join rotating credit schemes. Rural markets flood with distressed sellers, driving prices down and allowing those with cash to profit from desperation. Health: Illness as Economic Disaster December places further strain on an already fragile health system. Public facilities operate with reduced staff, drug shortages worsen and waiting times lengthen. Private healthcare costs rise with demand. A consultation that cost US$25 in September can exceed US$35 by Christmas. For wealthier households, illness is an inconvenience. For poorer families, it is catastrophic — wiping out grocery money, transport funds or school fee savings in a single visit. Urban Living: The Hidden Taxes of Poverty In high-density suburbs, December brings annual rent reviews. Increases of 10 to 20 percent are common, often without any improvement in services. Prepaid electricity costs rise as households slip into higher tariff bands, while water supplies deteriorate as councils struggle with ageing infrastructure and festive demand. Poor households cannot afford bowser-delivered water or storage tanks. They rely on community boreholes, neighbours’ wells or unsafe shallow sources. Wealthier families, by contrast, insulate themselves with boreholes, solar systems and water tanks. December exposes a brutal truth: the poor pay more for inferior services, while the wealthy make once-off investments that shield them from public collapse. The Psychology of December: When Poverty Goes Public December intensifies social expectations. Funerals, weddings, church gatherings and family events multiply. Contributions are expected. Absence signals struggle. Many people spend money they do not have simply to preserve dignity. Poverty, usually hidden, becomes public. It is performed through borrowed money, rushed grocery purchases, transport fares, uniforms and small gifts. By January, these performances settle into silence — and debt. A Calendar Built Against the Poor The December Poverty Trap exists because wages lag far behind survival thresholds, consumer protection is weak, and public institutions consistently fail at peak moments. December magnifies the real cost of living in a system driven by opportunism rather than fairness. Until wages rise above poverty lines, until school fees reflect national incomes, and until transport, water and health services function reliably, December will remain the month Zimbabwean households fear most. It is when inequality is no longer abstract. It is visible, measurable and lived. December proves, with cruel precision, how expensive it is to be poor in a country designed to shield the powerful. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as a media expert. He writes in his personal capacity.

Zimbabwe records one of the world’s highest lightning fatality rates, driven by climate risks and traditional beliefs ( image source ) EASTERN ZIMBABWE — The tragic death of a 103-year-old grandmother struck by lightning in January while handling utensils inside her kitchen hut has once again cast a spotlight on Zimbabwe’s alarmingly high lightning fatality rate. Her death forms part of a broader national crisis that claims dozens of lives each rainy season, which typically runs from October to March. Experts estimate that lightning kills an average of 120 people annually in Zimbabwe, though the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) believes the figure may be underreported by as much as 20 to 30 percent. With a population of about 16 million, this translates to roughly 10 deaths per million people each year, with some studies placing the figure as high as 21 per million. By contrast, the United States records fewer than one lightning death per 10 million people annually, while South Africa reports about two to three per million. Zimbabwe’s rate is therefore among the highest globally. The country also holds one of the world’s darkest lightning records. On December 23, 1975, a single lightning strike killed 21 people in Chinamasa village, the deadliest lightning incident ever recorded worldwide. Nearly five decades later, lightning remains a persistent and deadly threat. Despite the risks, precautionary behaviour remains limited, particularly in rural communities. Traditional beliefs strongly influence how lightning is understood and responded to. In some communities, lightning is viewed not as a natural phenomenon but as a supernatural force deployed by malicious individuals. Traditional healer Tichakunda Bote, who is also the legal affairs secretary of the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association, explained that lightning is often perceived as a weapon used to settle disputes. “Lightning can be used by evil people to harm others when there is a problem between people. It can be used only when there is a problem,” he said. Such beliefs can have fatal consequences. Many people remain outdoors during storms, continue working in fields, or fail to seek safe shelter, convinced they are not at risk unless targeted by human malice. Meteorologists and public health experts warn that this mindset leaves communities dangerously exposed. Scientific evidence is unequivocal: lightning is a natural electrical discharge associated with thunderstorms and poses serious risks to human life. Safety experts urge the public to observe basic precautions, including seeking shelter indoors during storms, avoiding open fields, rivers and tall trees, and refraining from using taps, showers or plumbing while lightning activity is ongoing. Electrical appliances should be unplugged to prevent power surges, and children should be educated on the dangers of working or playing outside during thunderstorms. Analysts say Zimbabwe’s lightning crisis is as much cultural as it is environmental. Reducing fatalities will require bridging traditional worldviews with scientific understanding through sustained public education campaigns that respect cultural contexts while promoting life-saving knowledge. With climate variability increasing the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, experts warn that lightning-related deaths could rise unless decisive action is taken. For Zimbabwe, confronting the lightning crisis means addressing both the physical dangers from the skies above and the deeply rooted beliefs that shape responses on the ground.