Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth is looted through opaque deals, leaving communities in Chiadzwa, Marange and Penhalonga impoverished and polluted ( image source ) Communities across Mashonaland and Manicaland are reeling as Zimbabwe’s vast mineral wealth—diamonds, gold and chrome—is siphoned off through opaque deals, leaving towns like Chiadzwa, Marange and Penhalonga scarred and impoverished. Deputy Minister Kudakwashe David Mnangagwa  warns that illicit financial flows (IFFs) drain Africa of an estimated US$88 billion annually—funds that should build schools, clinics and roads. The scale of looting is stark. In Chiadzwa, diamond tunnels crisscross beneath homesteads; in Kwekwe, land is so hollowed out the central business district risks collapse. Villagers recall unfulfilled promises: no new clinics, no potable water systems, only dust and derelict infrastructure. “Our wealth vanishes while our children go hungry,”  one Marange resident said. Experts say weak oversight and political patronage fuel the crisis. Farai Maguwu , executive director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance, laments that smuggling along porous borders costs Zimbabwe up to US$1 billion in lost mineral revenue each year. “Companies arrive to extract, not to invest — they leave behind poisoned rivers and broken communities,”  he said. “Zimbabwe’s mineral endowment has been captured by a system that benefits a few, not many,” Farai Maguwu, Centre for Natural Resource Governance Surveys by the Zimbabwe Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reveal no meaningful royalties reach local councils, and state auditors report that contracts routinely bypass competitive tendering. Environmental assessments are ignored, allowing cyanide and heavy metals to poison waterways. Farmers in Mazowe now sell cattle for as little as US$100 after livestock die from contaminated water. Zimbabwe’s mining boom began in earnest with the discovery of alluvial diamonds in Marange in 2006. Initial hype promised community trusts, new hospitals and employment. Instead, state security forces and politically connected cartels sealed exclusive rights, relegating locals to menial jobs and beggary. A 2016 parliamentary inquiry flagged irregular share transfers and unsecured state loans to major players, but its recommendations were never implemented. Calls for reform grow louder. Civil society groups urge enforcement of the Minerals Marketing Corporation Act (2021)  to mandate transparent deals, and propose community benefit agreements requiring a percentage of profits be invested within mining districts. Local NGO Transparency International Zimbabwe also recommends mobile legal clinics to help villagers file complaints and secure reparations. As platinum and lithium demand soars globally, Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. Without concrete action to disrupt entrenched patronage networks and enforce transparency, communities will watch their ancestral lands hollowed out for the enrichment of a powerful few. The government must prioritize binding contracts, routine audits and genuine community engagement—or risk cementing decades of extraction with no return for its citizens.

Italy and Spain deploy naval ships to escort Gaza aid flotilla after drone attacks, raising maritime law and humanitarian mission questions ( image source ) Italy and Spain have dispatched naval vessels to escort the Global Sumud Flotilla after a series of suspected drone attacks off Crete, raising safety and legal questions over humanitarian missions in contested waters. The move follows calls for an independent probe by the United Nations into incidents that activists say endangered more than 500 civilians aboard 51 vessels bound for Gaza. Italy diverted the frigate Fasan —already on patrol in the eastern Mediterranean—to provide a protective presence near the flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona in early September carrying food, medical supplies and baby formula. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized that the ship “is not expected to use military force” but will stand ready to assist Italian nationals in distress. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in New York that the patrol vessel Furor  will depart Cartagena on Thursday to safeguard Spanish participants and other flotilla members. Equipped with a helicopter, a drone and medical staff, Furor  can accommodate up to 80 people and will operate strictly in international waters. “Spain will protect its citizens, both diplomatically and politically,” Sánchez said. The flotilla’s organisers, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, reported more than a dozen explosions around their boats late Tuesday, which they blamed on Israeli-launched drones. Vessels bore damage from unidentified aerial objects, prompting UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan to demand an “independent, impartial and thorough investigation” into alleged violations of international maritime law. “We are sailing peacefully in international waters. We carry no weapons—only aid and hope,” said Greta Thunberg aboard the lead yacht. Maritime security experts warn that civilian convoys face heightened risks without clear rules of engagement. Captain Tendai Makwara of the Zimbabwe International Maritime Institute recommends that flotilla organisers file Notices to Mariners through the International Maritime Organization to establish safe corridors and ensure coordination with naval assets. “Civilian vessels must adhere to SOLAS conventions and maintain continuous radio contact with escort ships,” he advised. The Global Sumud Flotilla, meaning perseverance in Arabic, departed Spain to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian relief. Previous attempts in June and July were intercepted by the Israeli navy. While Israel offers to offload aid at Ashkelon Marina or Cyprus for onward shipment, flotilla organisers insist on direct delivery to Gaza to spotlight civilian suffering under the blockade. Under UNCLOS provisions, all vessels enjoy freedom of navigation in international waters, yet enforcement depends on state flags and military escorts. Italy’s Fasan  flies the tricolor ensign, while Furor  sails under the Spanish flag, granting them sovereign immunity. Experts say naval presence may deter further drone strikes but could inflame diplomatic strains with Israel, which maintains the flotilla violates the “lawful naval blockade” of Gaza. As the flotilla approaches international waters off Gaza, Italy and Spain vow to maintain their escorts until cargo reaches safe havens. UN investigators are expected to board vessels once docked, while EU foreign ministers review potential diplomatic measures against any state found responsible for attacks. Observers will watch whether joint naval protection becomes a model for safeguarding future humanitarian missions in high-risk maritime zones.

China will launch its new K visa on October 1, 2025, offering STEM graduates and researchers an alternative to the US H-1B ( image source ) China will launch its new K visa on October 1 to attract young STEM professionals without requiring employer sponsorship, positioning it as a direct alternative to the US H-1B. The visa allows multiple entries, extended stays and entrepreneurial activity, marking Beijing’s most ambitious push yet in the global talent contest. Under amended entry-exit rules, the K visa becomes China’s 13th ordinary visa type. It targets foreign graduates and researchers in science and technology, with expected requirements including an age cap, proof of credentials and records of innovation. Unlike the Z visa, no job contract or sponsor is needed. Beijing officials said the scheme is designed to spur collaboration and strengthen innovation hubs. “Qualified talent is welcome here,” a city immigration bureau spokesperson said. Universities have pledged grants and housing subsidies, with experts predicting up to 50,000 applicants in two years. The policy comes as the US moves to impose a one-time US$100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions in 2026, raising barriers for Indian tech workers in particular. Analysts say China’s streamlined process could lure candidates deterred by US costs and restrictions. Authorities will release full guidelines, including fees and portals, before the October rollout. Observers are watching how swiftly consulates handle applications and whether Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen can absorb the influx.

Raw sewage has flooded Glen View 3 in Harare for six weeks ( image source ) For six weeks, more than 50 families in Glen View 3 have endured raw sewage seeping through their yards and homes, forcing residents to bathe in the open under cover of darkness or in makeshift basins indoors. Despite repeated pleas, Harare City Council has yet to repair the collapsed sewer line, heightening fears of waterborne diseases and growing anger at local authorities. The crisis began in mid-August when a decades-old sewer trunk collapsed beneath Munodawafa Street, sending effluent into adjacent compounds. Residents say attempts to notify council through the 24/7 hotline (04 702 200 – Harare City Council) and the municipal Facebook page yielded only promises of dispatching a team that never arrived. “It’s humiliating. We can’t invite guests and our children risk cholera,” said Sheila Mudzuri, a mother of four. “At night we light a torch to bathe outside because the stench indoors is unbearable.” According to the Harare City Council’s 2024 Annual Report, Zimbabwe’s capital has a sewer network spanning over 1 200 km, of which 35 percent is in urgent need of rehabilitation. The report warns that “aging infrastructure, budget constraints and limited technical capacity have contributed to frequent pipe bursts across high-density suburbs.” In nearby Hatcliffe, a similar collapse in January led to a five-day shutdown of drinking water when raw effluent contaminated the mains, confirmed by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). Health experts say stagnating sewage is a breeding ground for Vibrio cholerae and dysentery-causing bacteria. “Exposure to untreated sewage can trigger outbreaks of cholera, typhoid and diarrhoeal diseases,” explained Dr Mercy Chihuri of the Ministry of Health and Child Care. “Without urgent intervention, Glen View 3 faces a public health emergency.” Community leaders have petitioned councillor Farai Mapfumo (Ward 25) and local Member of Parliament Sharon Kaseke to allocate emergency funds from the devolution kitty. However, Mapfumo told the Southerton Business Times that council’s maintenance budget for 2025 was cut by US$1.4 million amid a US$50 million revenue shortfall cited in the 2024–25 Treasury estimates. Harare’s sewer system dates to the 1930s, originally designed for a population under 200 000. Today, the city serves over 2 million people, with system overloads and illegal connections common in high-density areas such as Glen View and Mbare. A 2022 UN-Habitat study found that more than 40 percent of Harare households lack access to reliable sanitation. Last year’s cholera outbreak, which claimed 170 lives nationwide, was partly traced to sewage-contaminated water in suburbs ignored for decades, noted a 2024 WHO situation report. Residents plan to stage a protest outside council offices next week if repairs aren’t completed within 48 hours. Civil society groups urge the government to fast-track the Harare Metro Sanitation Upgrade Project, funded by a US$150 million African Development Bank loan, to replace crumbling sewers citywide. As families continue bathing under the stars, the cost of inaction could be measured not just in outrage, but in lives lost to preventable disease.

Zimbabwe will showcase key industries at the 2025 COMESA Summit in Nairobi (image source) Zimbabwe is mobilizing high-potential industries to showcase at the 18th COMESA Business Forum & Exhibition in Nairobi from 6–9 October, aiming to deepen regional value chains and narrow its US$179 million trade deficit with fellow Eastern and Southern Africa states. ZimTrade, the national trade promotion body, says participation will signal Zimbabwe’s commitment to digital innovation and public-private partnerships in agriculture, manufacturing, ICT and energy. At a press briefing in Harare, ZimTrade CEO Allan Majuru outlined the strategy: “This forum is our opportunity to engage European and African buyers on blockchain for supply-chain transparency, precision farming and e-commerce platforms that can catapult local firms onto the continental stage.” “By embracing digitalization, Zimbabwean companies can enhance transparency, meet international standards and boost export competitiveness,”Allan Majuru, ZimTrade CEO Between 2020 and 2024, Zimbabwe’s exports to COMESA rose by 22 percent, yet intra-regional trade remains under 10 percent of total output, largely due to non-tariff barriers and logistical bottlenecks. Christopher Onyango, COMESA’s trade division director, notes that the Simplified Trade Regime—offering a US$2,000 threshold and streamlined customs declarations—has yet to fully penetrate member states, limiting benefits for small-scale traders. Manufacturers of agro-processed goods and leather products will join digital tech firms at the COMESA-EU Horticulture Connect event (6–8 October), where they can meet buyers from the Netherlands, Germany and France—markets that absorb 75 percent of EU-COMESA horticultural exports. Financial services providers will also explore post-harvest financing models, while mining and energy outfits seek strategic partnerships for regional power projects. Founded in 1994, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a 21-member bloc with a combined GDP of US$805 billion. Its free-trade area eliminates tariffs on most goods but struggles with infrastructural gaps and divergent quality standards. In 2023, the Zimbabwe Independent reported that only 9 percent of intra-COMESA trade occurred, despite reforms under the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime aimed at empowering SMEs and informal cross-border operators. Zimbabwean delegates will also lobby for inclusion in a new COMESA value-chain initiative targeting agro-industrial parks linked by rail corridors. Success could unlock up to US$200 million in investment for centralized processing hubs in Harare and Mutare. As Nairobi’s summit approaches, ZimTrade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will intensify pre-forum workshops to align exporters with buyer requirements and COMESA certification standards. The stakes are high: turning attendance into tangible deals could accelerate Zimbabwe’s export diversification and reduce dependence on traditional markets, setting a blueprint for regional integration.

UN human rights experts have urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from global football ( image source ) In a stirring appeal that blended legal rigor with heartfelt devotion, eight United Nations human rights experts called on FIFA and UEFA to expel Israel from international football competitions. The experts, gathered at UN headquarters in Geneva on September 23, invoked the language of romance and justice to demand a red card for a nation they accuse of perpetrating genocide in occupied Palestine. “Football is a love affair between players and nations,” proclaimed Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, her voice soft as velvet. “When one partner is trampled by bombs, the dance of sport becomes a travesty of humanity.” The experts’ statement emphasized that while individual athletes should not be punished, Israel’s state apparatus — responsible for systematic violations of international law — cannot continue to enjoy the soft power and legitimacy conferred by global sports. They urged football’s governing bodies to suspend Israel’s national team, clubs, and officials until credible investigations address allegations of war crimes. “Let the whistle blow on injustice,” whispered Pichamon Yeophantong, eyes glistening. “May this red card signal both accountability and compassion.” Sporting boycotts have a legacy stretching back to South Africa’s apartheid era, when FIFA suspended the South African Football Association. The UN experts invoked that precedent, arguing that sanctions played a vital role in dismantling institutionalized racism. They believe a similar approach could pressure Israel to comply with international human rights norms. The statement calls on FIFA’s Emergency Committee and UEFA’s Congress to convene urgently and issue a decision before year-end. The experts pledged to monitor developments and stand by displaced fans and persecuted athletes throughout the process. “True love for the beautiful game demands we protect its soul,” Albanese concluded, voice trembling with hope. As debates ignite in sports federations and parliaments, one truth remains tenderly clear: without justice, even the most ardent love of football falters. The red card these experts seek is not an end, but an invitation — to restore integrity, honor victims, and rekindle football’s promise of global solidarity.

Zimbabwe is set to pilot lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug ( image source ) Zimbabwe has been selected among ten countries worldwide to pilot lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The announcement, made by the U.S. Embassy in Harare on September 23, positions Zimbabwe at the forefront of a new era in HIV prevention, building on decades of public health interventions. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is a long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that requires only two injections per year. Clinical trials have shown it to be over 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission among high-risk populations. Its extended dosing interval is expected to improve adherence and reduce stigma associated with daily or monthly regimens. “This is more than medicine—it’s a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future for Zimbabwe,” the U.S. Embassy said in its official statement. Zimbabwe’s HIV response has relied on oral PrEP, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and more recently, the Dapivirine vaginal ring and Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injections. Oral PrEP, introduced in 2016, faced adherence challenges, especially among adolescents and mobile populations. The Dapivirine ring offered a discreet monthly option for women but had limited uptake due to cultural and logistical barriers. Cabotegravir, introduced in 2023, shifted focus to long-acting prevention, though rollout was limited by cost and cold-chain requirements. Lenacapavir’s twice-yearly schedule and room-temperature stability are seen as more scalable solutions for Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. “Lenacapavir gives clients more options to choose from and see which method works best for them,” said Getrude Ncube, National HIV Prevention Coordinator at the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The pilot will prioritize adolescent girls and young women, female sex workers, and pregnant and breastfeeding women—groups disproportionately affected by HIV. UNAIDS reports that Zimbabwe recorded 22,000 new infections in 2024, with young women accounting for nearly 60%. Pilot sites have been identified in Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare, with support from the Global Fund and PEPFAR. The drug will be provided free of charge for the first three years, pending regulatory approval by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe. Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund, stressed the importance of timely rollout: “Accelerating access to innovations like lenacapavir is crucial in our fight against HIV. We must ensure breakthrough tools are deployed quickly, affordably, and effectively.” Civil society groups, however, are calling for transparency on long-term pricing, procurement agreements, and community engagement. In South Africa, similar concerns have been raised about access and affordability. Zimbabwe’s HIV response, long praised for its community-driven approach, will now be tested by whether lenacapavir can deliver sustained reductions in new infections. As the country prepares for a 2026 rollout, stakeholders hope the initiative will not only curb HIV but also set a precedent for innovation-led healthcare across sub-Saharan Africa.

Zimbabwe’s Love Zimbabwe Festival (Sept 26–28) brings music, sports and faith together at Highfield’s Zimbabwe Grounds ( image source ) Zimbabwe is set to host one of its largest interdenominational Christian gatherings, the Love Zimbabwe Festival , ending today at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, Harare. Organized by the Luis Palau Association in partnership with major church mother bodies, the event unites music, sports and faith under the leadership of international evangelist Andrew Palau. The festival is endorsed by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. In a press briefing, Father Johanes Maseko of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference said the gathering will deliver a message of hope amid economic challenges. “This festival is our embrace of the nation in love and unity,” he said. “There is no rivalry in the proclamation of the Gospel, only a message of hope to everyone,”— Father Johanes Maseko Thousands of believers are expected to attend free worship services, concert performances and sports outreach programs. Nigerian gospel artist Ada Ehi will headline the music lineup, joined by Zimbabwean acts Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa and Joyous Praise. Attendees can also participate in community soccer matches, action sports exhibitions and a children’s fun zone designed to engage families. Community outreach forms a core part of the festival. Organizers have scheduled visits to orphanages, prisons and schools across Harare, distributing food parcels and performing friendship evangelism training. A dedicated “Festival Outreach” team will use WhatsApp groups and radio spots to dispel misconceptions—such as the belief that injections or rituals are required for salvation—and to underline that participation is open to all denominations. The Love Zimbabwe Festival builds on Zimbabwe’s rich history of mass crusades, dating back to the 1970s when faith gatherings served as both spiritual revival and community solidarity during liberation struggles. Today’s festival addresses new challenges: youth unemployment, substance abuse and migration. Bishop Mavis Gurupira of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches noted that engaging young people through sports and music can “redirect energy toward positive transformation.” Logistics and security have been coordinated with Harare City Council, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and local health services. Organizers emphasize that health screenings and sanitation measures will be in place, reflecting lessons learned from past large-scale events. Event volunteers will wear distinct green badges to assist attendees with seating, directions and medical referrals. As the festival approaches, ticketing has shifted entirely online to manage crowd flow and minimize queuing. Free transport shuttles will operate from Mbare, Chitungwiza and Budiriro to the Zimbabwe Grounds each morning and evening. The festival’s official website provides schedules, artist profiles and volunteer registration details. Next week’s gathering will culminate in a unified worship service on Sunday, September 28, featuring a call to action for social justice initiatives across Zimbabwe. Organizers hope the festival will spark ongoing partnerships between churches, youth organizations and civic leaders to address pressing social issues.

A New York Times probe alleges Errol Musk, father of Elon Musk, sexually abused children and stepchildren in South Africa and the U.S. since 1993 ( image source ) A New York Times investigation has accused Errol Musk, the 79-year-old father of billionaire Elon Musk, of sexually abusing five of his children and stepchildren across South Africa and the United States since 1993. Court and police records—corroborated by interviews with family members and social workers—outline three separate police inquiries into alleged misconduct ranging from inappropriate touching of a four-year-old stepdaughter to the groping of a five-year-old son. Despite this, no criminal convictions have been recorded. The report names at least four accusers, including stepdaughter Jana Bezuidenhout, two biological daughters and one stepson. Records show Bezuidenhout first reported abuse at her Pretoria home in October 1993, later alleging further incidents in 2003. In 2023, another child disclosed that Musk had groped him at the family’s South African residence. Errol Musk has denied the allegations, describing them as “false and nonsense in the extreme.” South African police confirmed two of the three inquiries were closed without charges, with the outcome of the third unclear. The claims have deepened longstanding fractures within the Musk family. According to documents reviewed by the Times, relatives appealed to Elon Musk as early as 2010 for guidance on how to shield younger siblings from harm. While Elon has not commented publicly, reports suggest he provided financial support to some relatives and considered relocating them to California. Psychologists note the case highlights the difficulties of prosecuting intra-family abuse, where power dynamics and family pressure often deter victims from pursuing justice. Errol Musk, an engineer and property developer, has fathered at least nine children through three marriages. He has been publicly estranged from Elon since 2018 but has continued to speak about him in interviews, often critically. Civil society groups in South Africa are now pressing the National Prosecuting Authority to revisit sealed case files, while child-rights advocates urge independent scrutiny. With the allegations resurfacing, the Musk family saga underscores broader concerns over accountability and child protection in high-profile households.

Amsterdam’s city council demands FIFA ban Israel from the 2026 World Cup over Gaza war crimes ( image source ) Amsterdam’s City Council has approved a motion declaring Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv football club “unwelcome” in the Dutch capital if it is deemed to support occupation or racism. Introduced by Denk party leader Sheher Khan on 23 September, the measure passed with a large majority, sparking debate over sports and political expression in Europe. Councillor Khan argued that foreign clubs should face the same scrutiny as Russia’s teams, which were barred after 2022’s Ukraine invasion. “Nationally, clubs from countries like Russia are already barred from playing in the Netherlands. Yet for Israeli clubs, no such rule exists,” he said, accusing Maccabi Tel Aviv’s hardcore supporters of endorsing genocide amid the war in Gaza. Amsterdam will now send an official letter to the Dutch Football Association and the Dutch Olympic Committee urging them to exclude any club that contributes to “illegal occupations” or fails to act against extremist chants. Only the Christian Democrats, Liberal Party, JA21 and Forum for Democracy opposed the motion, warning it could set a precedent for banning clubs beyond Israel. Across Europe, municipal authorities and fans have intensified calls to isolate Israeli teams over Gaza. In Thessaloniki ahead of Maccabi’s Europa League tie with PAOK, Greek police detained around 120 Israeli supporters behind cordons, while bomb-squad units swept the Toumba Stadium grounds amid small pro-Palestinian protests. Demonstrators unfurled banners reading “Genocide” on buildings near the U.S. consulate and chanted for Israeli clubs’ expulsion from UEFA competitions. “This motion corrects that inconsistency,” said Khan. Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, had already indicated Maccabi fans would not be invited back after violent clashes last November, when some supporters tore down a Palestinian flag and hurled racist slurs. TRT World reported that the council’s decision extends beyond one club, targeting any foreign team “established in illegal settlements or indirectly supporting unlawful occupations.” Legal experts caution the motion may collide with UEFA’s statutes, which prohibit political discrimination in sports. “UEFA requires all members to admit clubs regardless of national politics,” noted Frank Van Damme, a Rotterdam-based sports lawyer. “Enforcing this ban could trigger legal challenges and set off tensions between city authorities and the Dutch Football Association.” European cities have repeatedly demanded sporting sanctions against Israel since October 2023, following reports of over 65,000 Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza. While Israel offers to offload aid at Ashkelon Marina or Cyprus, activists insist on direct delivery to Gaza’s ports—forcing encounters between sports diplomacy and wartime politics. The Dutch Olympic Committee and KNVB must respond to Amsterdam’s letter by early October. UEFA is also reviewing Maccabi Tel Aviv for a possible competition suspension. Observers will watch whether other European municipalities follow suit or if national federations rebuff political interference in sport.

A Harare man allegedly defrauded a UK-based Zimbabwean of US$38 000 in a fake presidential scheme scam ( image source ) A 25-year-old man, Arthur Mugomo, appeared before Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera yesterday charged with defrauding a UK-based Zimbabwean of US$38 000 by falsely claiming to be coordinating government-backed “presidential schemes” allocating diaspora stands, farms, tractors, and inputs. The alleged scam, which spanned from August 2024 to July 2025, highlights growing concerns over fraudulent middlemen preying on diasporan remittances. Mugomo, of Glen Norah, was granted US$200 bail after the State prosecutor detailed how he used four mobile lines registered under fictitious names and addresses to pose as a “project coordinator” for Zimbabwe’s Presidential Inputs Scheme. The complainant, 46-year-old Vennah Mugarisanwa, wired funds via WorldRemit, Omari, and Mukuru, but never received any assets or progress reports, prompting her lawyers at Tawanda Law Practices to report the matter to the CID Commercial Crimes Division. Inspector Nyasha Mapuranga of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Commercial Crimes unit warned that this type of fraud is on the rise as scammers exploit diasporans’ demand for land and agricultural support. “We’re seeing more cases where criminals misrepresent official schemes, leaving victims hundreds of kilometres away with little recourse,” she said. According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, total remittances reached US$2.1 billion in 2024, making diaspora funds critical for micro-businesses and household consumption. Yet the bank’s 2023 Financial Stability Report cautions that unauthorised agents often bypass formal channels, increasing risks of fraud and money laundering. Experts urge the Government to enhance awareness campaigns and vetting processes for scheme intermediaries. “Diasporans deserve clear information on how to apply, whom to contact and which fees are legitimate,” said Dr Prosper Chitanga, a governance specialist at the Africa Parliamentary Centre. He recommends an online registry of accredited scheme officers and an official verification hotline. Zimbabwe’s Presidential Inputs Scheme, launched in 2021, aims to supply farmers with machinery and inputs subsidised through government-to-government agreements, notably with China and Turkey. Yet no public directory of scheme coordinators exists, leaving room for imposters. In 2023, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission noted a 28 percent uptick in complaints related to phantom presidential agents and called for stricter oversight. Diasporan frustration has grown, as official remittance platforms like WorldRemit publish security advisories on their sites to help users spot scams. WorldRemit’s “Spot and report fraud” guide lists red flags such as unsolicited project offers and lack of verifiable contact details. With Mugomo due back in court on 15 October, authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward. Civil society groups are pressing for an interministerial task force to audit all presidential-scheme applications and close loopholes that empower con artists. Unless swift reforms are enacted, the very schemes designed to drive rural development may remain vulnerable to exploitation.

Zimbabwe marks Deaf Awareness Month under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” ( image source ) Zimbabwe has joined the global observance of Deaf Awareness Month under the banner “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights,”  as disability groups intensify calls for full inclusion and legal recognition of Zimbabwe Sign Language (ZSL) across public services. The month-long campaign, led by the Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) and its partners, aims to transform constitutional guarantees into everyday access. The campaign launched September 23 with a statement from FODPZ and the African Disability Forum, urging Harare to fast-track the Persons with Disabilities Bill and explicitly mandate sign language interpretation in healthcare, education, and justice sectors. “Deaf inclusion is not optional; it is a constitutional, moral, and human rights imperative,” said Leonard Marange, National Director of FODPZ. “We call on Government and city authorities to fund sign language services and ensure access without barriers.” Despite Zimbabwe’s 2013 constitutional recognition of ZSL, Deaf citizens face persistent exclusion. Clinics, schools, and courts routinely operate without qualified interpreters, leaving patients and students reliant on untrained assistants or family members. The Rights in Action (RIA) project, funded by Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reports that fewer than 50 accredited interpreters serve over 90,000 Deaf Zimbabweans. Advocates are pressing for: Fast-tracking the Persons with Disabilities Bill with clear ZSL provisions. Domestication of the African Disability Protocol into national law. Harmonization of disability statutes with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A dedicated budget line for sign language interpretation services. Creation of a Sign Language Authority and curriculum within the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Deaf Awareness Month resonates beyond Zimbabwe. Globally, September marks International Day of Sign Languages, part of Deaf Umbrella’s “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”  campaign, highlighting the link between language access and equality. In neighbouring South Africa, the recognition of South African Sign Language as an official language in 2023 has generated lessons on interpreter accreditation and public-sector implementation. Since 2013, Zimbabwe’s National Disability Policy (2021) promised inclusive education and healthcare, but implementation has lagged. NGOs report that less than 20% of public hospitals have budgeted for interpretation services, and emergency broadcasts lack captioning. Meanwhile, rural districts remain entirely unserved. Disability organisations are set to meet with the Ministry of Justice and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health this October to demand a clear legislative timetable. They will also deploy community monitors to track compliance at pilot schools and clinics in Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. Questions remain over the Government’s capacity to allocate dedicated funding and whether the Persons with Disabilities Bill will pass before Parliament’s year-end recess. For Zimbabwe’s Deaf community, concrete action this month could determine whether constitutional promises finally translate into everyday rights.