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Zimbabwe launches parametric livestock insurance in Mwenezi to protect communal farmers from drought and disease, boost financial inclusion and strengthen climate resilience in the Lowveld ( image source ) The government, in partnership with the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe and the Insurance Company of Zimbabwe, has launched a parametric livestock insurance scheme in Mwenezi District aimed at protecting smallholder farmers from climate-induced losses such as drought and disease. Officials say the programme is a strategic step toward strengthening climate resilience, expanding financial inclusion and commercialising communal livestock production. The scheme was launched at Zvomupungu Primary School and targets farmers in Zimbabwe’s Lowveld, a region repeatedly affected by prolonged droughts and livestock diseases, including January disease. Under the parametric insurance model, payouts are triggered by pre-agreed climatic or epidemiological indicators such as rainfall deficits, allowing farmers to receive compensation quickly without lengthy loss assessments. Proponents say the speed of payouts is critical in enabling farmers to buy supplementary feed, access veterinary services and stabilise their herds during periods of shock. Local farmers welcomed the initiative as a long-overdue safety net. Communal farmer Tanaka Zane said the scheme would help households recover more quickly from recurrent livestock losses. Raymond Chale pointed to its wider economic impact, noting that insured livestock can now be recognised as a bankable asset. “With parametric insurance, our herd is now an insured asset; we believe this will unlock the door to formal finance,” he said, adding that access to credit has historically been limited by the risk of herd depletion. Government officials described the programme as part of a broader agricultural reform agenda. Abraham Mashumba, Director of Business Development, Markets and Trade in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said insurance should be viewed as a core agricultural input. He said the scheme aligns with the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy by reducing risk, encouraging investment and supporting the shift from subsistence farming to market-oriented production. Representing the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe, Cuthbert Masukume said the scheme advances both climate adaptation and financial inclusion. He explained that timely payouts help farmers respond immediately to shocks, reducing livestock mortality and preserving productive capacity. The initiative is particularly significant in Masvingo province, which hosts Zimbabwe’s largest cattle population of more than one million head, with Mwenezi and Chiredzi accounting for the bulk of the national herd. Analysts say parametric livestock insurance has the potential to be transformative if supported by farmer education, accurate weather data and affordable premiums. However, they caution that challenges remain, including the risk of low uptake among poorer households, basis risk where payouts may not perfectly match losses, and the need to link insurance with credit and market access. Effective implementation, robust data systems and sustained public-private cooperation will be critical to success. For communal farmers in Mwenezi, the scheme offers a tangible buffer against climate volatility and a pathway toward financial stability. If scaled nationally, parametric livestock insurance could become a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture and rural resilience in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean Speaker Jacob Mudenda urges Malawi’s Parliament to strengthen committee oversight, uphold impartial leadership and embrace Ubuntu to enhance accountability, governance and democratic effectiveness ( image source ) BLANTYRE — Speaker of Zimbabwe’s Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has urged Malawi’s newly elected parliamentary leadership to prioritise strong institutional oversight, impartiality and democratic accountability, describing parliamentary committees as the backbone of effective legislatures. Speaking during a high-level orientation programme for Malawi’s parliamentary leaders in Blantyre, Mudenda addressed the Business of the House Committee, which he characterised as “a barometer of your nation’s democratic health and institutional maturity in Parliament.” He cautioned that weak or imbalanced committee systems risk reducing legislatures to “mere rubber stamps for governmental initiatives,” rather than serving as robust checks on executive power. Mudenda emphasised that the credibility of parliamentary oversight depends heavily on neutrality and inclusivity, particularly at leadership level. “The impartiality of the Chairman is absolutely non-negotiable,” he said, adding that the chair must be “beyond question, beyond reproach and beyond partisan consideration.” He warned that perceptions of bias erode public confidence and weaken Parliament’s ability to hold the executive to account. In a separate session focused on leadership communication, Mudenda outlined two foundations of effective parliamentary authority: strict adherence to standing orders and the clear, consistent communication of those procedures to all members. He encouraged regular and disciplined engagement among parliamentary leaders to promote predictability, transparency and orderly decision-making, arguing that such practices help reduce confrontation and legislative paralysis. Drawing on African philosophical traditions, Mudenda advanced Ubuntu as a guiding principle for parliamentary conduct. He said the ethic of shared humanity, respect and collective responsibility could temper adversarial politics and redirect debate toward problem-solving in the public interest. “Parliamentary communication anchored in our shared humanity fosters solutions that serve citizens rather than partisan advantage,” he said. Mudenda proposed practical reforms to strengthen legislative performance, including regular leadership coordination meetings, structured communication frameworks, and continuous capacity-building for committee chairs and members. He also disclosed plans to establish a Parliamentary Training Academy in Zimbabwe and offered collaboration with Malawi and other regional legislatures through joint training and peer-learning initiatives. Observers say Mudenda’s intervention reflects Zimbabwe’s growing use of parliamentary diplomacy to support governance reforms across the region. Strengthening committee systems and investing in leadership capacity, they note, are relatively low-cost but high-impact measures that can improve legislative scrutiny, transparency and democratic consolidation. As Malawi’s new parliamentary leaders continue their orientation, Mudenda’s call for impartiality, procedural discipline and Ubuntu offers a practical blueprint for balancing robust debate with effective, accountable governance.

Zimbabwe commissions new rehabilitation centres in Harare as government intensifies arrests of drug peddlers, expanding testing, treatment and overdose response under a multi-sectoral anti-drug strategy ( image source ) HARARE — Three new rehabilitation centres were commissioned in Harare on Thursday as government, working with partner organisations, intensified efforts to confront Zimbabwe’s escalating drug and substance abuse crisis. The development is being matched by a renewed commitment to clamp down on drug peddlers and suppliers of illicit substances. The facilities, commissioned alongside the recently completed Wilkins Rehabilitation Centre, will provide free drug testing, screening and emergency response services. Health officials said each centre has the capacity to screen up to 30 people per day and is equipped to manage overdose emergencies, offering a critical gateway into treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. Zimbabwe Red Cross Society representative Dr Joel Tapi described the initiative as a timely intervention. “We have seen the need to partner government in combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse. These facilities will be critical to providing testing and screening and have been capacitated to deal with extreme emergencies such as overdose,” he said. The commissioning is part of the Drug and Substance Abuse Multi-Sectoral Action Plan launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in June 2024. Speaking on behalf of Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said government would intensify supply-reduction efforts alongside treatment and rehabilitation. “We have so far arrested over 32,000 suspects linked to drug and substance abuse and we are not stopping. No one is immune to arrest — even politicians will face the full wrath of the law if caught,” he said. Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini said government has mobilised drug testing kits worth US$1.2 million and plans to roll out screening services to at least 2,500 institutions nationwide. He said the expansion is intended to ensure equitable access to services across both urban and rural areas, while strengthening referral pathways for treatment and psychosocial support. The Multi-Sectoral Action Plan is anchored on five pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Officials say the approach aims not only to address addiction at an individual level but also to restore families and communities affected by substance abuse. Community organisations and health advocates welcomed the new facilities but cautioned that enforcement alone will not resolve the crisis. They called for sustained funding, stronger coordination, expanded mental-health services and economic interventions that reduce vulnerability to drug misuse. For survivors seeking help, the centres offer a chance to begin recovery. For government, they mark a visible step toward a comprehensive response, with the challenge now being to convert momentum into lasting systems of care, rights-respecting enforcement and effective prevention.

Business intelligence often draws its most enduring lessons from nature. One of the most powerful metaphors is the eagle, an animal associated with strength, vision and longevity. At around 30 to 40 years of age, the eagle faces a critical turning point. Its beak becomes blunt, its claws lose their sharpness, its feathers wear out, and even its legendary eyesight begins to fail. At this stage, the eagle has two choices: succumb to decline or endure a painful process of self-renewal. The eagle retreats to the mountains, where it sheds its worn feathers, breaks off its blunt beak against rock, removes its weakened claws and clears its eyes. The process is slow, difficult and painful, but necessary. After several weeks, the eagle emerges renewed, with sharp vision, strong claws and fresh feathers. It regains the ability to soar above storms rather than fear them, drawing energy from turbulent winds to rise higher. This renewal allows it to survive for decades more. Modern corporations face a similar reality. Business environments evolve, markets shift and systems that once delivered results inevitably experience fatigue. Practices that worked two decades ago may no longer be effective today. Without periodic self-reflection and renewal, organisations risk stagnation and decline. Institutions that rely solely on past successes often fall into mental fossilisation. Leadership becomes rigid, innovation slows, and organisational energy diminishes. Talent renewal becomes essential. Without the deliberate injection of new skills, ideas and perspectives, organisations struggle to pioneer new frontiers and remain competitive. In business intelligence, this phase is often described as “shutdown mode”. If ignored, it can lead to premature institutional decline. Tough decisions are required to remove inefficiencies, outdated processes and strategic clutter. Renewal demands courage. As Albert Einstein observed, breakthroughs come when old problems are viewed from new angles, supported by creative imagination. Organisations that succeed are those willing to interrogate themselves thoroughly, both internally and externally. They embrace scenario planning, modelling and forecasting, not as academic exercises but as strategic tools. Such organisations are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and shape the future rather than react to it. Business environments will always be unpredictable and, at times, chaotic. The responsibility of leadership is to identify order within that chaos. As Voltaire noted, no problem can withstand sustained thinking. When organisations adopt disciplined, creative and unconventional thinking — much like the eagle riding the storm — difficulties mastered become opportunities won. Professor Mufaro Gunduza mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute, the Indian School of Management and UNISA. He is SADC Investments Advisor to Dr Farzam Kamalabadi, Founder of the Future Trends Group and Botswana Presidential Envoy on Business and International Relations. He is the author of several books including Unleashing BlueSky Thinking, Spotting Business Opportunities and Big Picture Thinking (Bookboon Publishers, London).

ZESA Holdings says Zimbabwe will experience a stable power supply with minimal load shedding during the 2025 festive season, citing improved generation and imports ( image source ) HARARE — Power utility ZESA Holdings has assured consumers of a stable electricity supply during the 2025 festive season, citing improved domestic generation, additional imports and reduced demand as key factors supporting the outlook. The assurance comes as households and businesses prepare for one of the busiest periods of the year, traditionally marked by heightened electricity use. In a statement, ZESA said it expects minimal load shedding over the holiday period, reflecting stronger performance from key generation assets. “We project a stable power supply environment this December, with minimal system constraints and load management,” the utility said. The improved outlook has been attributed to increased output from Hwange Power Station Units 1 and 2, as well as Kariba Power Station, complemented by contributions from independent power producers. ZESA also confirmed that Zimbabwe has secured additional electricity imports through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), providing a buffer against potential shortfalls. “Additional energy secured through the SAPP market will augment domestic generation and further stabilise supply,” the utility said. Electricity demand is expected to decline over the festive season as many industries shut down or scale back operations, easing pressure on the national grid. Analysts note that this seasonal drop in demand, combined with improved generation capacity, should significantly narrow the supply gap. ZESA said these factors together are expected to result in “minimal load shedding during the festive period”. The utility added that its 24-hour National Contact Centre will remain fully operational, with technical teams on standby nationwide to respond to faults and emergencies. The assurance is welcome news for businesses and households that have endured prolonged periods of erratic power supply in recent years. Stable electricity over the festive season is expected to support retail activity, hospitality services and social gatherings, while also boosting confidence in ZESA’s grid stabilisation efforts. Industry observers caution, however, that while short-term stability is encouraging, long-term reliability will depend on sustained investment in generation capacity, transmission infrastructure and renewable energy integration. For now, ZESA’s announcement offers relief and cautious optimism as Zimbabweans prepare to celebrate the holiday season with fewer power disruptions.

OK Zimbabwe chairman Herbert Nkala has stepped down after 13 years as the retailer restructures its board amid mounting debt, declining revenues and turnaround efforts ( image source ) HARARE — After more than a decade of service, Herbert Nkala has stepped down as chairman of OK Zimbabwe Limited, with the retailer’s board announcing that the appointment of his successor will be deferred to a later date. Nkala’s retirement, effective December 11, 2025, comes at a critical time as the company battles mounting debt, liquidity constraints and operational disruption. OK first flagged Nkala’s impending exit in June, with the transition initially expected to align with the group’s annual general meeting (AGM). The retailer is currently carrying a debt burden exceeding US$30 million and has embarked on a broader restructuring programme aimed at stabilising operations and restoring confidence among investors and suppliers. In a statement, the company paid tribute to the outgoing chairperson: “Mr Herbert Nkala retires after having served 13 years on the board, seven of which he served as board chairman. The board, management and staff thank him for his dedicated service and commitment to OK Zimbabwe Limited, and wish him well in his future endeavours.” The leadership changes come against the backdrop of declining revenues and persistent operational challenges. OK has attributed its recent performance struggles to supply-chain disruptions, exchange-rate volatility, liquidity shortages, weakened consumer spending and growing competition from the informal retail sector. Analysts say the board restructuring reflects an attempt to inject new skills and perspectives at governance level as the group searches for a sustainable turnaround strategy. As part of the shake-up, OK announced the appointment of five new non-executive directors: Charles Nkululeko Msipa, Tracey Mutaviri, Tawanda Masose, Brian Mabiza and Everton Mlalazi. Msipa, a seasoned lawyer and corporate executive, recently retired after a 20-year tenure as managing director of Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited, where he oversaw the company’s regional expansion. He is also a former president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries. Mutaviri brings nearly four decades of experience spanning academia and corporate leadership, while Masose contributes expertise in investment management, mergers and acquisitions and portfolio oversight. Mabiza, a chartered accountant, has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in regulated markets, and Mlalazi adds 15 years of business development and strategic transformation experience. The new appointments follow several board departures at the AGM, including the resignations of Rose Mavima, Kiitumetsi Zawanda, Wonder Stan Nyabereka and Rutenhuro James Moyo. In addition, Lyndsay Webster-Rozon and Tawanda Lloyd Gumbo retired by rotation and did not seek re-election. The board said it is confident that the incoming directors’ collective experience will strengthen governance and support the execution of the group’s recovery plan. For shareholders, suppliers and customers, Nkala’s departure and the broader board overhaul mark a defining moment for OK Zimbabwe. Whether the refreshed board can translate governance reform into operational recovery will be closely watched in the months ahead, as the retailer seeks to regain stability and competitiveness in a challenging economic environment.

Environmental activists warn Zimbabwe faces an ecological and public health crisis as unregulated mining destroys land, pollutes water and threatens lives ( image source ) HARARE — Environmental activists have issued a stark warning that Zimbabwe is sliding toward an environmental armageddon as unregulated mining continues to ravage landscapes, contaminate water sources and threaten public health. The alarm was sounded during a discussion on This Morning on Asakhe, where experts said the crisis has escalated beyond conservation concerns into a national security and public health emergency. Farai Maguwu, Executive Director of the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), said the rapid spread of informal and illegal mining is being driven by economic collapse and widespread job losses. “It is like we have discovered minerals for the first time — everybody is getting into mining,” Maguwu said, arguing that the shutdown of factories and lack of formal employment have pushed communities toward mining as a survival strategy. He warned that weak governance and compromised enforcement have allowed mining to encroach into protected and ecologically sensitive areas. Mountains are being flattened, rivers polluted and wildlife habitats destroyed despite policies banning activities such as riverbed mining. Maguwu cited damage at Mavuradona Wilderness, Shurugwi and Poterekwa Mountain, alleging that some enforcement agencies have been captured by mining syndicates. “What is even more worrying is that those who should be enforcing the law are now part of the syndicates destroying the environment,” he said, naming police, soldiers and intelligence operatives among those allegedly implicated. The environmental risks, activists say, are both immediate and long-term. Open-cast mining has increasingly replaced underground operations, accelerating deforestation and turning productive farmland into pits and tailings dumps. Maguwu warned that miners are excavating beneath roads and settlements, creating unstable underground cavities that could collapse or trigger flash floods during heavy rains. Of particular concern is the uncontrolled use of mercury and cyanide in gold processing. These toxic chemicals, activists say, are washed into rivers and shallow wells through runoff and heap-leaching, especially during the rainy season. Rural communities are most exposed, as many households depend on untreated shallow wells for drinking water. “Many Zimbabweans are dying, and will die prematurely, because of this,” Maguwu warned. Echoing these concerns, Nkosikhona Sibanda of the Centre for Environmental and Corporate Accountability Research (CECAR) said mining activity has surged in Matabeleland North, often involving foreign companies. Studies conducted between 2024 and 2025, he said, revealed dangerously high levels of air pollution in Hwange, with hospitals reporting increases in respiratory illnesses and chronic diseases. “People are essentially walking corpses because they are inhaling toxic gases,” Sibanda said. Activists argue that the crisis now threatens food security, public health and social stability, making it a governance issue rather than a purely environmental one. They are calling for urgent, coordinated action, including stricter enforcement of mining laws, transparent oversight of mining permits, heavy penalties for toxic waste disposal and community-led rehabilitation of damaged land and water sources. Without swift intervention, experts warn Zimbabwe risks irreversible ecological destruction and a deepening public health crisis that will far outlast any short-term economic benefits generated by the mining boom.

Nelson Chamisa urges Zimbabweans to embrace prayer as a path to national liberation, while pledging commitment to the people and warning against environmental damage from mining ( image source ) HARARE — Former Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has called on Zimbabweans to embrace persistent prayer as a central pillar of the country’s liberation struggle, arguing that activism and armed resistance alone cannot deliver lasting freedom. Speaking at the Zimbabwe Charity Annual Dinner in Harare, Chamisa framed faith as a source of endurance and moral clarity in a prolonged political battle marked by frustration and uncertainty. Chamisa told supporters he remained committed to the people of Zimbabwe, drawing inspiration from the late MDC founder and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, whom he praised for unwavering loyalty to citizens. “As far as I am concerned, I have the energy, I have the power, I have the commitment to go forward. And God willing, we are going to win it,” he said, to applause from attendees. He pledged transparency about his political journey, assuring supporters that he would communicate honestly should circumstances change. “When I get tired, I will tell you. When I feel I cannot take it anymore, I will tell you,” Chamisa said, a remark interpreted by analysts as an attempt to reinforce trust at a time when opposition politics remains fluid and fragmented. Beyond faith and politics, Chamisa also raised concerns over environmental degradation linked to mining activities, particularly those involving Chinese firms. He accused miners of damaging Zimbabwe’s scenic mountains and natural heritage through unsustainable practices. “Many of our mountains have been indiscriminately decimated and destroyed, some of them being wantonly shaved into different styles and left bare and bald,” he said. “We must preserve and conserve these natural resources. Mining does not mean undermining.” His comments echo growing concerns from civil society organisations and environmental advocates, who warn that unchecked extractive activities threaten biodiversity, water sources and cultural landscapes. The remarks place environmental stewardship alongside governance and spirituality as part of Chamisa’s broader public message. Political analysts say Chamisa’s emphasis on prayer reflects an effort to reframe the struggle for change beyond electoral cycles and street mobilisation, appealing to a population weary of broken promises and constitutional disputes. By blending spiritual conviction with calls for accountability and sustainable development, Chamisa is positioning faith as both a coping mechanism and a unifying force in Zimbabwe’s contested political landscape.

Ten people died in a Nyamapanda road crash involving an overloaded Honda Fit, renewing calls to clamp down on pirate taxis and strengthen road safety enforcement in Zimbabwe ( image source ) MUDZI — The Muzira community in Mudzi West Constituency is mourning after a head-on collision along the Nyamapanda road on Wednesday claimed the lives of 10 people, intensifying national concern over road safety and the continued operation of illegal passenger services known as mushika-shika. The victims were travelling in a Honda Fit that collided with a haulage truck. Residents say the scale of the tragedy highlights persistent dangers linked to overcrowding, weak enforcement and risky driving practices associated with unregulated transport operators. Eyewitness Florence Mafigo described the moments leading up to the crash. “I was preparing to dish out to my family when I saw a haulage truck coming from Nyamapanda, and then I heard the sound of brakes. In a short time, I saw a Honda Fit under the truck,” she said. The small vehicle was reportedly dragged for about 20 metres before both vehicles came to a halt. Community members expressed shock that the Honda Fit was carrying double its intended capacity. “I do not understand how a car that is supposed to carry at most five people had 10 occupants and still passed through roadblocks,” said Walter Mutize, calling for tougher enforcement at checkpoints. Monica Mupandaguta echoed the concern, urging authorities to ban pirate taxis, which she said continue to endanger lives through reckless driving. Mudzi West legislator Knowledge Kaitano said the crash exposed deeper structural problems in the public transport system. “Just last week in Parliament, I spoke about the need to improve our public transport system so that commuters do not have to be desperate and use pirate taxis,” he said. “Our systems have to be tightened so that we deal decisively with mushika-shikas.” The bodies of the victims were taken from Kotwa Hospital to their respective homes for burial, as the community organised collective mourning and support for the bereaved families. Local civic groups have called for immediate interventions, including intensified roadblock inspections, targeted crackdowns on illegal operators and sustained public awareness campaigns on passenger limits and seatbelt use. Transport and safety advocates argue that enforcement alone will not be enough. They say long-term solutions must include strengthening formal rural transport networks, improving vehicle inspection regimes and expanding affordable, scheduled services to reduce reliance on informal operators. Driver training, stricter licensing standards and tougher penalties for overloading are also frequently cited as necessary reforms. While authorities regularly announce measures to curb road carnage, critics say implementation remains inconsistent. For the Muzira community, the Nyamapanda crash is a stark reminder that road safety failures carry irreversible human costs. As investigations continue, the tragedy has renewed calls for decisive, sustained action to make Zimbabwe’s roads safer. Meta description: Ten people died in a Nyamapanda road crash involving an overloaded Honda Fit, renewing calls to clamp down on pirate taxis and strengthen road safety enforcement in Zimbabwe.MUDZI — The Muzira community in Mudzi West Constituency is mourning after a head-on collision along the Nyamapanda road on Wednesday claimed the lives of 10 people, intensifying national concern over road safety and the continued operation of illegal passenger services known as mushika-shika. The victims were travelling in a Honda Fit that collided with a haulage truck. Residents say the scale of the tragedy highlights persistent dangers linked to overcrowding, weak enforcement and risky driving practices associated with unregulated transport operators. Eyewitness Florence Mafigo described the moments leading up to the crash. “I was preparing to dish out to my family when I saw a haulage truck coming from Nyamapanda, and then I heard the sound of brakes. In a short time, I saw a Honda Fit under the truck,” she said. The small vehicle was reportedly dragged for about 20 metres before both vehicles came to a halt. Community members expressed shock that the Honda Fit was carrying double its intended capacity. “I do not understand how a car that is supposed to carry at most five people had 10 occupants and still passed through roadblocks,” said Walter Mutize, calling for tougher enforcement at checkpoints. Monica Mupandaguta echoed the concern, urging authorities to ban pirate taxis, which she said continue to endanger lives through reckless driving. Mudzi West legislator Knowledge Kaitano said the crash exposed deeper structural problems in the public transport system. “Just last week in Parliament, I spoke about the need to improve our public transport system so that commuters do not have to be desperate and use pirate taxis,” he said. “Our systems have to be tightened so that we deal decisively with mushika-shikas.” The bodies of the victims were taken from Kotwa Hospital to their respective homes for burial, as the community organised collective mourning and support for the bereaved families. Local civic groups have called for immediate interventions, including intensified roadblock inspections, targeted crackdowns on illegal operators and sustained public awareness campaigns on passenger limits and seatbelt use. Transport and safety advocates argue that enforcement alone will not be enough. They say long-term solutions must include strengthening formal rural transport networks, improving vehicle inspection regimes and expanding affordable, scheduled services to reduce reliance on informal operators. Driver training, stricter licensing standards and tougher penalties for overloading are also frequently cited as necessary reforms. While authorities regularly announce measures to curb road carnage, critics say implementation remains inconsistent. For the Muzira community, the Nyamapanda crash is a stark reminder that road safety failures carry irreversible human costs. As investigations continue, the tragedy has renewed calls for decisive, sustained action to make Zimbabwe’s roads safer.

Speculation over Dynamos FC ownership has intensified amid reports that Paul Tungwarara may seek majority control, sparking debate over governance, transparency and the club’s future ( image source ) HARARE — Speculation over a potential ownership shift at Dynamos FC has intensified after social media reports and fan forums suggested that a change in majority control could be imminent at Zimbabwe’s most decorated football club. Unconfirmed claims circulating on platforms such as DeMbare DotComs allege that Presidential Advisor Paul Tungwarara is seeking to acquire an additional stake in Dynamos Pvt Ltd, a move that would hand him majority ownership. Under the current structure, Bernard “Magitare” Marriott Lusengo holds 51 percent of the shares, while Tungwarara controls 49 percent following earlier buyouts of other shareholders. Sources familiar with the discussions say talks gained momentum after a high-level meeting at the club’s offices, where Tungwarara reportedly proposed purchasing a further two percent from Lusengo. The alleged offer is said to include a residential property, US$150,000 in cash and a monthly salary of US$3,000. Neither party has publicly confirmed the negotiations or the terms being discussed. If concluded, the transaction would mark a significant turning point for the Glamour Boys, who have endured financial pressure, administrative instability and inconsistent performances in recent seasons. Among supporters, reaction has been mixed. Some fans see the prospect of fresh capital and consolidated leadership as an opportunity to stabilise operations and restore competitiveness. Others caution that ownership changes alone will not address long-standing governance and financial management weaknesses. “New capital could help, but without transparency and accountability, it will not be a lasting solution,” one supporter wrote on a popular fan forum. Football governance analysts stress that any transfer of control should be accompanied by a clear strategic roadmap. They argue that independent financial audits, published governance frameworks and structured engagement with key stakeholders including supporters, sponsors and league authorities are essential for restoring trust. The Zimbabwe Football Association’s regulations on club ownership, compliance and financial probity would also come into play should a formal proposal be tabled. For now, attention remains firmly fixed on developments at the National Sports Stadium as reported negotiations continue behind closed doors. The absence of an official statement from Dynamos’ board or the individuals named in the reports has only fuelled speculation. Beyond the immediate intrigue, the episode highlights wider questions confronting Zimbabwean football: the balance between commercial investment and supporter interests, the growing role of politically connected figures in sport, and the governance standards required to ensure long-term stability. As fans await clarity, one reality is unmistakable Dynamos’ future carries significance far beyond the club itself, touching the credibility and direction of the national

Zimbabwean academic Dr Caroline Makoni earns global recognition after graduating with dual doctorates, both Summa Cum Laude ( image source ) A Zimbabwean academic has earned rare global distinction after graduating with two doctoral degrees simultaneously, both awarded with the highest academic honour, Summa Cum Laude, placing Zimbabwe firmly on the international intellectual stage. Dr Caroline Makoni completed a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategic Leadership from the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership (CIML) alongside a second doctorate from the University of California. In recognition of her academic excellence, she was also named CIML’s Overall Best Student of 2025, an honour reserved for candidates whose research demonstrates exceptional originality, rigour and practical relevance. Makoni’s research tackles one of Zimbabwe’s most persistent structural challenges: the long-term loss of technical and specialist skills through outward migration. Rather than treating brain drain as an irreversible deficit, her work reframes it as a strategic opportunity, proposing structured mechanisms for transferring knowledge from expatriate professionals back into the domestic economy. Focusing on Zimbabwe’s emerging oil and gas sector, the study presents evidence-based frameworks for leveraging diaspora expertise to strengthen local technical capacity. It outlines practical models through which firms can institutionalise skills transfer, reduce reliance on foreign contractors, improve productivity and build long-term competitiveness. Analysts say the findings are particularly timely as Zimbabwe seeks to attract investment in capital-intensive sectors such as energy, mining and infrastructure. By integrating leadership strategy with human capital development, Makoni’s research bridges the gap between academic theory and applied economic policy. Her work demonstrates how organisational leadership can be aligned with national development goals to unlock latent skills and institutional knowledge. Commenting on the broader implications, Makoni emphasised the need for coordinated national action. She called for closer collaboration between academia, industry and government, citing the importance of alignment among the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, the Ministry of Energy and Power Development, and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. She argued that sustainable skills development cannot be achieved in isolation but requires integrated planning, incentives and institutional accountability. Policy analysts and researchers say Makoni’s achievement highlights the depth of Zimbabwe’s intellectual capital, much of which continues to excel internationally despite domestic constraints. Her success reinforces the case for advanced education and targeted skills development as central pillars of long-term socio-economic transformation. As Zimbabwe debates pathways to industrialisation, Makoni’s work offers a data-driven blueprint for turning global expertise into national advantage.

Zimbabwe has approved a PPP between ZESA Enterprises and Shanghai Jingdao to manufacture switchgears, smart meters and EV chargers, positioning the country as a regional power equipment hub ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe is set to strengthen its energy sector and industrial base after Cabinet approved a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) between ZESA Enterprises and Chinese firm Shanghai Jingdao Electric Company. The agreement will see the establishment of a local manufacturing and assembly plant for switchgears, smart meters and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, positioning Zimbabwe as a regional hub for power equipment in southern Africa. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere announced the development at the final post-Cabinet briefing of 2025, saying the initiative responds to the rapid expansion of the national electricity grid and the urgent need to replace ageing infrastructure. “The country faces a growing need for modern switchgears as the national grid is expanding, while old equipment is being phased out,” Muswere said. “This partnership will position Zimbabwe as a switchgear supplier in the SADC region.” Government says the project is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic and industrial benefits. These include import substitution and foreign currency savings through reduced reliance on imported power equipment, as well as job creation and technology transfer that will equip local engineers and technicians with advanced manufacturing skills. The rollout of smart meters is also expected to improve billing efficiency and revenue collection at the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), while the availability of locally produced equipment is anticipated to support downstream sectors such as construction, mining and transport through improved energy reliability. The inclusion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure aligns Zimbabwe with global clean-energy trends and prepares the country for the gradual adoption of EVs across Africa. Analysts say early investment in EV-related manufacturing could give Zimbabwe a competitive edge as regional demand for sustainable mobility solutions increases. Muswere also used the briefing to highlight broader national achievements recorded in 2025, including Zimbabwe’s chairing of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the COP15 conference on wetlands, ongoing industrial revitalisation efforts, the Warriors’ qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, and recognition by Forbes as a top global travel destination. The PPP is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s role in regional energy supply chains while boosting confidence in the country’s industrialisation agenda. For businesses and households, the promise of modern power equipment and improved energy reliability could mark a significant step forward in the country’s economic trajectory.