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Beitbridge Border Post is clearing about 13 000 travellers daily as Zimbabwe and South Africa activate coordinated festive season plans to manage rising holiday traffic and ease congestion ( image source ) Traffic is steadily building at Beitbridge Border Post, with authorities now clearing about 13 000 travellers daily as the region heads toward the festive season peak. Zimbabwean and South African authorities have activated a coordinated cross-border festive season management plan, running from Wednesday until January 15, aimed at easing congestion, improving efficiency and ensuring traveller safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Beitbridge is a critical gateway linking South Africa to the north-bound regional corridor serving Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana, and traditionally experiences dramatic traffic surges during major holidays. Assistant regional immigration officer Lucky Matyora said between December 6 and December 12, the border was processing an average of 8 000 arrivals and 5 000 departures daily, signalling a gradual climb toward festive season highs. “We are equal to the task; we have adequate manpower and so far, we haven’t felt the full effects of increased traffic,” Matyora said. “We have deployed sufficient staff to all terminals bus, light vehicles, pedestrians and freight to enhance efficiency and compliance.” Zimbabwe and South Africa are operating harmonised systems, including permanent separation of traffic streams and close coordination between officials on both sides of the border. Matyora urged travellers to avoid touts and deal directly with immigration officers, warning that con artists often cause unnecessary delays. The modernised Beitbridge Border Post, which now permanently separates traffic, has significantly improved service delivery. Travellers are processed through three automated terminals, reducing congestion and waiting times. The Online Border Management System and electronic gates (eGates) have further streamlined clearance, particularly for visa-required travellers and holders of Zimbabwe’s new e-passports. “We encourage visitors to apply online before arrival,” Matyora said. “This makes clearance faster, as only minimal compliance checks are done at the port.” Parents and guardians were reminded to ensure children travel with proper documentation and trusted companions. During off-peak periods, Beitbridge typically clears 15 000 travellers, 1 000 commercial trucks, 120 buses and 2 000 light vehicles daily figures that usually double during festive peaks. On the South African side, Border Management Authority spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi said the country’s 2025/2026 festive season operational plan had been launched in Pretoria. Major transport corridors leading to land ports are under close monitoring, supported by traffic and cross-border agencies. Additional personnel have been deployed, with some ports operating between 16 and 24 hours daily. Authorities on both sides of the border expressed confidence that the joint measures will deliver smoother movement and safer travel as thousands of travellers cross Beitbridge during the holiday rush.

Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have urged citizens and lawmakers to oppose the proposed Medical Services Bill ahead of a Senate vote ( image source ) The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has called on Catholics and the wider public to actively oppose the proposed Medical Services Bill, which seeks to liberalise abortion laws, warning that the legislation undermines moral values and constitutional protections for unborn children. The Bill is expected to be debated in the Senate this week, intensifying a national conversation that has sharply divided religious leaders, lawmakers and human-rights advocates. In a pastoral statement titled “A Call to Prayer: Defending Innocent Lives,” the bishops urged congregants to mobilise against the Bill and to directly engage senators ahead of the vote. “We call on all Catholics, men and women of faith, and citizens of this country to pray and get in touch with their Senators and urge them not to vote for it,” the statement reads. Signed by seven bishops, including Archbishop Robert Ndlovu and Bishop Paul Horan, the message frames the proposed law as a moral reversal, particularly coming a year after Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. The bishops warned that legalising abortion would amount to a failure to protect society’s most vulnerable. “History will judge us harshly for failing to defend the lives of the weaker members of our society,” they said, arguing that the right to life extends to the unborn and is embedded in both Christian teaching and Zimbabwe’s constitutional ethos. At the centre of the controversy is the scope of the proposed Medical Services Bill. The legislation would allow termination of pregnancy on request up to 20 weeks for both adults and minors, without requiring parental consent. It would also remove spousal notification requirements and permit a single medical practitioner to authorise an abortion. Church leaders argue that these provisions could enable abuse, including the concealment of sexual offences, sex-selective abortions and terminations based on disability. The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), an umbrella body that includes the ZCBC and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, has echoed the bishops’ opposition. In a separate statement, the ZHOCD said its stance was rooted in theology rather than politics, maintaining that the Bill contradicts long-standing national consensus on the protection of unborn life. Supporters of the proposed law, including some legislators and reproductive-rights organisations, argue that restrictive abortion laws do not prevent terminations but instead drive women toward unsafe and illegal procedures. They point to a 2024 survey estimating that around 219 pregnancies are terminated daily in Zimbabwe, often under conditions that pose serious risks to women’s health and lives. As the Senate vote approaches, pressure is mounting on lawmakers from both sides of the debate. Religious groups are mobilising congregations to lobby against the Bill, while advocates for reproductive rights are urging legislators to prioritise public health and women’s autonomy. The outcome of the vote is likely to have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s reproductive health framework and its broader social values.

A burial dispute at Buhera’s Sabi Star lithium mine has sparked national debate over culture, dignity and mining development ( image source ) When controversy erupted over the reburial of five children and 24 adults at Buhera’s Sabi Star lithium mine, a quiet rural community was thrust into the centre of a national—and increasingly global—debate about culture, dignity and development. At the heart of the storm is Max Mind Investments, owners of Sabi Star, a lithium project commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023 and now a key player in Zimbabwe’s push into the global green-energy supply chain. Beneath the promise of lithium riches, however, lay ancestral graves directly in the path of mining expansion. Human rights activist Farai Maguwu ignited public outrage when he alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that graves had been desecrated using excavators. “These were laid to rest with love and care in Buhera by hundreds of people, but exhumed by the Chinese using excavators and dumped here,” Maguwu wrote, claiming more than 10 000 graves had been disturbed nationwide. On the ground in Mkwasi and surrounding villages, however, families and traditional leaders present a markedly different account—one rooted in custom, consultation and consent. “All these graves are our relatives. We are happy with how the mine handled the reburials,” said Greater Gombahari, whose family members were among those relocated. “They bought new coffins and blankets. Nyaradzo did it well.” For the Mubaiwa family, the process was equally straightforward. “My grandfather, my father and my uncles were all reburied here. We were compensated. For us, everything was done properly,” said Oria Mubaiwa. Much of the controversy has centred on reports that five children were buried using plastic rather than coffins, a practice critics labelled undignified. Village leaders insist, however, that this followed Shona cultural norms rather than corporate negligence. “Minor children who had not developed teeth cannot be buried in coffins,” explained Village Head Noah Manhidza. “Apart from the five children, everyone else was buried in coffins.” Relatives confirmed that the decision came from the community itself. “It’s us, the villagers, who suggested to the mine that we could use plastic to put the remains together,” said Clopas Manzeke, whose relatives were among the children. “We could have used clay pots. That was our mistake as a community. The mine consulted us.” Traditional leaders were unequivocal. Chief Nyashanu dismissed the controversy as opportunistic. “No one objected. People were given options. These stories coming now are manufactured out of greed,” he said. “This is a closed chapter.” District authorities echoed that view. “This process was consultative and guided by traditional leaders,” said Buhera District Development Coordinator Freeman Maviza. “Families identified the graves themselves. Compensation was given.” Beyond the burials, Sabi Star has invested heavily in community development. The mine employs about 450 full-time workers, 85% of them locals, drilled 26 boreholes, installed solar-powered water systems and distributed 30 000 tonnes of maize during last year’s drought. Projected as a US$1 billion operation, Sabi Star aligns with government policy on value addition, with plans to process lithium locally for global battery markets. Yet the dispute exposes a deeper tension confronting Zimbabwe’s mining sector: how to balance ancestral customs with international human-rights expectations, particularly as lithium projects draw global scrutiny. In Buhera, elders insist the matter is spiritually settled. Nationally, however, the episode raises enduring questions about culture, development and whose standards ultimately define dignity. For now, Buhera’s families maintain they did right by their ancestors—even as the world continues to debate it.

Zimbabwe Republic Police has dismissed a viral document alleging a probe into presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara as fake, warning against AI-driven misinformation and urging the public to verify official statements ( image source ) Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as false a viral document claiming that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s adviser, Paul Tungwarara, was the subject of a Commercial Crimes Division probe, warning the public about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to fabricate official statements. In a statement released on 13 December 2025, Commissioner P. Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations, said the police had not issued any notice regarding an investigation into Tungwarara or his companies, Paulos Construction and Prevail Group International. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police dismisses a fake and false statement circulating on social media… The Police has not issued this statement and dismisses it with the contempt it deserves,” Commissioner Nyathi said. The ZRP clarified that the Criminal Investigation Department’s Commercial Crimes Division is not conducting any investigations into Dr Tempter Paul Tungwarara, urging citizens to treat the circulating document as misinformation. Police also warned that those responsible for creating or sharing false material would face legal consequences, stating that perpetrators would be investigated and prosecuted “without fear or favour once the suspects are identified.” The denial comes against the backdrop of a separate political development involving Tungwarara. On 11 December 2025, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha nullified Tungwarara’s co-option into the party’s 300-member Central Committee. Although the Manicaland Provincial Coordinating Committee had approved the appointment on 7 December, Machacha ruled that it violated party rules because the vacant seat belonged to Chipinge district and should have been filled by a nominee from that area. In his correspondence, Machacha also warned that any “issuance of money, goods or services” by aspirants would be treated as vote-buying and could result in disqualification. Local reports alleged that Tungwarara distributed cash and purchased food for delegates ahead of the provincial selection, prompting party leadership to instruct Manicaland structures to restart the process in line with internal regulations. Political analysts said the episode highlights both the sensitivity of internal party procedures and the reputational damage that can arise from a mix of real and fabricated allegations. The ZRP’s explicit reference to artificial intelligence underscores growing concern among authorities about how easily realistic but false documents can now be generated and spread online. Civil-society organisations and media observers welcomed the police clarification but urged swift action to identify the source of the fake document and safeguard public discourse from manipulation. They also called on political parties to strengthen transparency and documentation in internal processes to limit the space for rumours and misinformation. For now, Tungwarara’s political status remains subject to party procedures, while police investigations into the origin of the viral document are expected to continue. The ZRP urged the public to verify information through official channels and to report suspicious material to law-enforcement authorities.

Drug and party culture among Zimbabwe’s youth is driving risky sexual behaviour and new HIV infections ( image source ) It is a Saturday night, and the easterly wind drifts gently across a popular outdoor leisure centre, carrying the smoky aroma of a braai and the pulse of Zimdancehall blasting from oversized speakers. Teenagers and young adults laugh, dance and toast ciders and whisky, wrapped in the carefree energy of youth and weekend freedom. But beneath the music, movement and celebration lies a more troubling reality. Across Zimbabwe’s leisure spaces, from growth points to high-density suburbs, party culture is increasingly intersecting with drug abuse, unprotected sex and heightened vulnerability to HIV infection, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24. The concern was raised sharply by the National Aids Council (NAC) during a recent media briefing ahead of a media tour covering Makoni, Chipinge and Chimanimani districts. NAC Manicaland provincial manager Artwell Shiridzinomwa warned that substance abuse and delinquency have become major drivers of new HIV infections among Zimbabwean youth, threatening to reverse years of public-health progress. “Although we have observed a reduction in new HIV infections nationally, the reality is that young people remain disproportionately affected,” he said. “Drug and substance abuse have become key risk factors, as they impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex and having multiple partners.” According to Shiridzinomwa, intoxicants ranging from alcohol to illicit drugs erode decision-making capacity, creating a dangerous convergence of pleasure-seeking, peer pressure and poor risk assessment. “We want to ensure that people do not indulge in behaviours that promote new infections,” he said. “Young people must take full responsibility for their health. Your health is your own personal responsibility.” Health ministry statistics underscore the scale of the challenge. Of the estimated 1.3 million people living with HIV in Zimbabwe, the highest incidence of new infections is now concentrated in the 15–24 age group, making youth the most vulnerable demographic. While Zimbabwe has earned international recognition for scaling up antiretroviral therapy (ART) and moving toward epidemic control, officials warn that behavioural risks linked to drugs and alcohol could undermine those achievements. “If young people indulge in these risk behaviours without caution, we risk reversing the progress we have achieved,” Shiridzinomwa cautioned. He stressed the need for intensified education campaigns that promote responsible health choices and address the social contexts in which risky behaviour occurs. NAC says its response must be multi-faceted, combining prevention education, community outreach and substance-abuse support. “Our interventions include comprehensive HIV-prevention education, community programmes and support systems aimed at reducing substance dependency,” he said. “Information dissemination is crucial—knowledge empowers young people to avoid risky situations.” Zimbabwe’s response is supported by international partners including Unicef, the Global Fund, USAid and PEPFAR. Programmes integrate HIV prevention with adolescent development through condom distribution, voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and youth-friendly health services. Public-health experts emphasise that sustained community engagement is essential, arguing that tackling drug abuse is not only about reducing HIV transmission but about shaping healthier lifestyles and futures. As weekend parties continue across the country, the challenge remains ensuring that celebration does not come at the cost of a generation’s health.

From the Ecobank heist to the arrest of the “Terror Twins” and the rise of machete gangs ( image source ) In many ways, Bulawayo’s most defining crime story of 2025 was shaped by events that unfolded months earlier. As the year began, the city was still grappling with the aftermath of the October 2024 Ecobank heist, a brazen daylight robbery in which US$4 million disappeared in just 149 seconds. Widely regarded as the largest bank robbery in Zimbabwe’s history, the crime refused to fade from public consciousness, instead fuelling persistent anxiety and speculation. Questions around planning, possible inside assistance and the fate of the stolen money lingered throughout the year. For much of 2025, law-enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe and South Africa worked behind the scenes to unravel the case. A major breakthrough came in July with the arrest of brothers Elijah and Abraham Vumbunu, infamously dubbed the “Terror Twins.” The arrests revived a case that had begun to drift into legend. Elijah had previously featured among Zimbabwe’s most wanted criminals, and investigators allege the brothers, originally from Mzilikazi in Bulawayo, operated primarily from South Africa, crossing borders to carry out armed robberies with precision. Police confirmed that extradition processes were underway, while investigations continued to identify other suspects linked to the Ecobank heist. When the brothers were eventually extradited and returned to Zimbabwe, their arrival was met with widespread relief in Bulawayo and beyond. However, the Vumbunu saga did not end there. In October, police revealed that another family member, Sekai Vumbunu, had allegedly launched her own criminal activities, this time targeting Bulawayo’s illicit foreign-currency trading networks. Alongside alleged accomplice Florence Chisiri, she was accused of orchestrating robberies amounting to US$36 000. Investigators allege the pair, posing as clients, targeted illegal money changers, including a robbery at Nkolozi Investments in the CIPF Building, where US$18 000 and R151 000 were stolen. Their arrest followed an August 10 robbery near Fife Street and 12th Avenue, where a restaurant patron was allegedly robbed of US$4 000 and R60 000. A police chase through Mbundane and Nketa 6 led to the arrest of two accomplices, eventually exposing the wider operation. The developments reignited debate about the extent to which criminal activity may have been entrenched within the Vumbunu family. Beyond headline robberies, 2025 also saw a disturbing shift in the nature of urban crime. Machete-wielding gangs, once associated mainly with illegal mining disputes, began terrorising residential neighbourhoods. A group comprising Leeroy Sibanda (19), Nkosilathi Dhlamini (25) and Ntandoyenkosi Nyoni (35) targeted residents along bushy footpaths, armed with machetes, axes and knives. Their campaign of violence earned them the nickname “the Machete Gang” and ended with their arrest in Entumbane. They were later sentenced to a combined 72 years in prison, with the court citing the need for deterrent punishment. Armed robberies also continued to punctuate the year. On May 11, two armed men reportedly stormed Crystal Lounge at the corner of Robert Mugabe Way and 10th Avenue, locking staff inside before escaping with US$4 300. The incident triggered a citywide police operation and reinforced public fears over persistent violent crime. As 2025 draws to a close, Bulawayo’s crime narrative is one of reckoning and warning. High-profile crimes of previous years finally caught up with alleged perpetrators, even as new and dangerous patterns emerged. The year served as a stark reminder that while arrests and convictions bring relief, the struggle for public safety in the city remains ongoing.

The Global Institute of Security Management graduates a new cohort of security professionals ( image source ) More than 20 graduands were formally inducted into Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s professional security industry after receiving diplomas in various security disciplines at a graduation ceremony hosted by the Global Institute of Security Management (GISM). The ceremony marked a significant milestone for students who completed specialised training in security, risk management, intelligence and investigative studies, and was attended by families, industry leaders and international guests. Among the dignitaries present were Professor Gunduza, Honourable Andrew Makahamadze, senior academic leaders, Board Chairman Mr Zhou, the college principal and representatives from the security sector. Their attendance underscored the growing national and regional importance of structured, professional security education in an increasingly complex security environment. The graduating class included candidates from several provinces as well as foreign nationals, reflecting GISM’s expanding footprint beyond Zimbabwe and the rising demand for accredited security training across Africa. Founded in 2021, the Global Institute of Security Management is a specialised higher-education institution focused on security, risk management, intelligence, safety and investigations. Headquartered in Harare, the institute was established by locally and internationally recognised security professionals with the objective of professionalising and modernising security education. GISM is registered with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, with HEXCO serving as its examination board, placing it firmly within Zimbabwe’s formal education framework. Addressing the graduands, GISM Executive Principal Brian Marambo, CPSM, CPI, paid tribute to the support networks behind the students’ achievements. He urged graduates to recognise the role played by families, mentors and peers, describing their support as foundational to academic and professional success. In his closing remarks, Board Chairman Mr Zhou described the ceremony as a moment of transformation, where learning is converted into competence and professional service. Honourable Andrew Makahamadze challenged graduates to view their qualifications not as an endpoint but as the beginning of lifelong learning and professional growth. GISM’s leadership highlighted the institution’s applied learning model and international outlook as key differentiators. The institute partners with organisations such as Pan African Shield College Africa, the International Security Academy of Israel, ISO-SEC Switzerland and SecuriTalk, offering globally recognised certifications. Programmes place strong emphasis on practical simulations, case studies and field-based learning, preparing graduates for real-world security challenges. Courses range from entry-level training to senior executive development, covering areas such as risk management, intelligence analysis, fraud detection, corporate investigations, safety and emerging security technologies. The institute also offers distance, blended and face-to-face learning options, widening access for students across borders while connecting them to a growing professional network. As the new cohort enters the industry, the graduation reaffirmed GISM’s ambition to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for professional, modern security education aligned with international standards and Africa’s evolving security needs.

Sweeney Mushonga’s election as NRSL chairman reflects decades of quiet influence, league-building and football governance ( image source ) In Zimbabwean football administration, few figures understand power, influence and survival like Sweeney Mushonga. His election as chairman of the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) is not a routine administrative shift, but the culmination of decades spent inside the game’s inner machinery shaping outcomes, building institutions and exercising influence without spectacle. It is a rise that feels earned rather than engineered. Mushonga’s reputation as a kingmaker is long established. He has worked with and outlasted multiple generations of football powerbrokers, from the Chiyangwas to Cuthbert Dube and others who have passed through ZIFA and club boardrooms. While many administrators burned brightly and faded quickly, Mushonga cultivated something more durable: quiet authority. Those familiar with the terrain of local football politics often note that few people understand its personalities, pressure points and unwritten rules better than he does. Seen in that light, his ascent to the NRSL chairmanship reads less like ambition and more like inevitability. His influence is rooted in history. Alongside the late Manyengavana Mhandu and administrator Philemon Machana, Mushonga played a central role in the formation of what became the Northern Region Soccer League. Even the league’s identity was shaped in his presence, initially discussed as Northern Region Division One before settling on the NRSL name that now carries weight across the domestic game. At a time when regional football structures were fragile, underfunded and poorly organised, Mushonga helped build a league that would grow into Zimbabwe’s most competitive and visible Division One competition. Under that stewardship, the NRSL distinguished itself from its counterparts. It became the first and, for a time, the only Division One league to secure corporate sponsorship, reflecting Mushonga’s commercial instincts well before professionalisation became a common talking point. The league also enjoyed national television exposure through ZBC-TV during a period when the broadcaster was estranged from the Premier Soccer League, further elevating the NRSL’s profile and reinforcing its status as the country’s premier football incubator. The league’s competitive legacy is reflected in the success of clubs it has produced. Teams such as Scotland FC, Ngezi Platinum Stars, MWOS and Simba Bhora emerged from the Northern Region system and went on to establish themselves at the highest level. Significantly, clubs promoted from the NRSL have tended to consolidate rather than immediately fall back, a pattern that contrasts sharply with outcomes from other regions. Behind that success is administrative competence, with many club executives having passed through NRSL structures shaped by Mushonga’s governance philosophy. His influence has also extended quietly into the formation of major clubs. Insiders acknowledge his role in introducing Walter Magaya to professional football circles, a connection that eventually led to the rise of Yadah FC. It is one of several contributions rarely acknowledged publicly, but widely recognised within football’s inner circles. With such a résumé, speculation about a future bid for the ZIFA presidency is unavoidable. Those close to Mushonga argue that he has never chased titles for their own sake. At the height of Dynamos FC’s internal turmoil, he was approached to lead the club’s executive but declined, choosing distance over entanglement in institutional instability. That decision now appears prescient. For now, Mushonga has made it clear that his priority lies with the NRSL itself. His focus is on restoring unity, strengthening governance, securing sponsorship and ensuring the league retains its status as the benchmark for Division One football. In electing him, the NRSL did not gamble on potential. It returned to its foundations. For Sweeney Mushonga, this moment is not a beginning, but the continuation of a long, carefully built journey.

Highrange FC secure historic promotion to ZIFA Northern Region Division One after a 1–0 win over Scottland Under-19 at Rufaro Stadium ( image source ) Harare — Highrange Football Club sealed a landmark promotion on Sunday after edging Premier Soccer League-backed Scottland Under-19 1–0 in the Harare Province Division Two A and B play-off final at Rufaro Stadium, securing the province’s sole ticket into the ZIFA Northern Region Division One for the 2026 season. The hard-fought victory crowned a season of steady progress for a club built on community intervention and social purpose. The final was tense and finely balanced from the outset. Scottland, one of the most well-resourced youth sides in the province, dominated possession through a technically fluent midfield and quick transitions. Highrange responded with disciplined organisation, physical resilience and a compact defensive shape that limited clear chances. The decisive moment came in the first half when Billiam Chimbo finished clinically from a swift counter-attack, a goal that ultimately separated the sides. Founded and financed by Highrange Property Developers directors Kuziva and Weyne Zimunya, the club was established as a grassroots response to rising drug and substance abuse in a Harare community. What began as a social intervention offering structure and purpose to disadvantaged youths has evolved into a competitive football programme that blends talent development with education support and community outreach. Club president Kuziva Zimunya described the promotion as validation of the club’s dual mission. He said the achievement reflected the players’ commitment and discipline, adding that the club now aims to consolidate its place in Division One and target Premier Soccer League status within two years. He reaffirmed plans to continue investing in youth pathways, coaching capacity, sports psychology and community programmes. Promotion to Division One brings increased demands, including higher competition standards, longer travel and greater operational costs. Highrange’s leadership says preparations are under way to strengthen the technical team, expand scouting networks and secure additional sponsorship to support player welfare, transport and matchday logistics. While backing from Highrange Property Developers provides a foundation, the club is also seeking partnerships with local businesses and civic stakeholders to ensure sustainability. The achievement was widely celebrated within the local football fraternity. ZIFA Harare Province Division Two League chairman Robert Tembo praised Highrange’s preparation and mentality, describing the play-off final as football of near Premier Soccer League quality and commending the team’s discipline. Supporters at Rufaro highlighted the club’s work ethic and the visible impact of its social mission. As Highrange prepares for life in Division One, the immediate challenge will be consolidation: retaining key players, upgrading training facilities and converting community goodwill into long-term institutional support. For now, the club celebrates a historic milestone that underscores how grassroots football, when anchored in purpose, can transform both league fortunes and young lives.

A review of Rise, Jessica J Rowlands’ Zimbabwe-set film exploring mentorship, resilience and dignity through boxing, community and powerful performances in Victoria Falls ( image source ) Jessica J Rowlands’ Rise is a film that arrives softly and then takes hold — a quiet but unrelenting study of survival, mentorship and the small acts that restore dignity. Filmed entirely in Victoria Falls and rooted in the real-life work of boxing coach Tobias Mupfuti, the film eschews spectacle for intimacy, allowing its emotional power to accumulate through precise performances, careful composition and a deep respect for place. At the centre is Sikhanyiso Ngwenya as Rise, a boy whose battered body and wary eyes tell a story before a single line of dialogue. Ngwenya’s performance is astonishing in its immediacy, inhabiting the role with raw honesty that never slips into melodrama. Opposite him, Tongayi Chirisa delivers a restrained, inward-looking performance as Tobias, a withdrawn coach who has retreated from the world. His Tobias is defined by silence and guarded gestures, and the chemistry between mentor and student unfolds as a fragile negotiation of trust rather than a neat redemption arc. Rowlands directs with notable restraint, resisting overt exposition or didactic social critique. Instead, the film’s world reveals itself through texture and detail: cracked township streets, communal rhythms, and the way light settles on corrugated roofs. This is a Zimbabwe that feels lived in, neither romanticised nor reduced to scenery. Cultural specificity becomes a strength, with community portrayed as a living force that can both sustain and strain its most vulnerable members. Technically, Rise is assured and thoughtful. Jacques Naudé’s cinematography favours close, tactile framing that captures the intimacy of training sessions and the bruising reality of street life, while measured wide shots give the landscape space to breathe. The boxing sequences balance brutality with grace, following bodies as they relearn control, discipline and agency. Max Uldahl’s sound design, complemented by the use of local music, deepens the film’s sensory texture, allowing ambient sound and rhythm to carry emotional weight. The film’s thematic core interrogates what happens when formal institutions fail children and how informal networks — coaches, neighbours, community figures — become the scaffolding that keeps them afloat. Rise asks whether mentorship can function as a form of repair, and whether dignity can be reclaimed through discipline, care and mutual recognition. It offers no easy resolutions, but insists on the moral urgency of seeing and being seen. A minor flaw emerges in moments where Chirisa’s accent drifts into a broader pan-African register, briefly disrupting the film’s otherwise meticulous authenticity, though this does little to blunt its emotional impact. Rise lingers because it trusts the audience to feel rather than be instructed. Its final match resonates not through triumphalist scoring, but through the quiet transformations that precede it — a boy who insists on being named, and a man who finally chooses to answer. In the context of a growing Zimbabwean cinema, Rise stands as a signal work, proving that subtlety and specificity can travel far, and that stories of resilience, when told with care, can open doors to wider recognition.

The United States signals a shift in relations with Zimbabwe toward trade, investment and policy cooperation ( image source ) Harare — The United States has signalled a strategic shift in its engagement with Zimbabwe, moving from a donor-centric relationship toward one centred on trade, investment and policy cooperation. In a recent interview, US Ambassador Pamela Tremont said Washington intends to pursue a “balanced and partnership-based” approach that prioritises commercial ties in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and critical minerals. Tremont said the recalibration reflects a broader US policy orientation aimed at mutual economic benefit and deeper government-to-government dialogue. While the United States has historically been a major bilateral donor, she indicated that Washington plans to transition certain development responsibilities to Zimbabwean institutions over a phased period. Targeted support, particularly in health, will be maintained during the handover to encourage sustainable local ownership while opening space for private-sector investment. Economic cooperation sits at the centre of the new approach. The ambassador highlighted Zimbabwe’s potential as a source of critical minerals and as a destination for US companies seeking diversified supply chains. With predictable policy frameworks and regulatory clarity, she said, American firms could invest in mining, agribusiness, renewable energy and tourism projects capable of generating jobs and supporting export growth. These commercial engagements would be supported by structured policy dialogue on issues affecting both countries. Beyond trade and investment, Tremont identified migration management and human trafficking as priority areas for deeper cooperation. She said coordinated action on migration, border security and trafficking in persons could improve protection for vulnerable populations and strengthen law-enforcement collaboration, framing these challenges as shared concerns with implications for regional stability and human security. The shift aligns with Zimbabwe’s re-engagement strategy under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, anchored on a “friend to all and enemy to none” posture. Government officials in Harare have welcomed the prospect of increased foreign direct investment and technical partnerships to support industrialisation and export diversification. Analysts caution, however, that diplomatic intent must be matched by reforms addressing governance, transparency and regulatory stability. Investors typically seek clear property rights, streamlined licensing processes and safeguards against abrupt policy shifts. Tremont’s remarks suggest Washington may support capacity-building and policy dialogue to help create a more enabling environment for private capital. Civil-society groups have urged that economic engagement be accompanied by safeguards for human rights and inclusive development, arguing that partnerships should include accountability mechanisms and support for institutions that uphold the rule of law. As both capitals signal readiness for a new chapter, the coming months will test whether the recalibration yields tangible deals, joint initiatives and measurable economic outcomes. If successful, the shift could open new avenues for trade, investment and cooperation that benefit both countries and contribute to regional economic integration.

A maternal health debate in Zimbabwe’s Parliament turned chaotic after a personal remark against MP Judith Tobaiwa ( image source ) Harare — A debate on maternal health descended into disorder on Thursday night after a ZANU-PF MP made a personal remark about Kwekwe legislator Judith Tobaiwa (CCC), triggering calls for an apology and renewed scrutiny of conduct in the National Assembly. The incident unfolded as lawmakers considered allocations in the Finance Bill and heard appeals for a dedicated budget line for maternal health services. Tobaiwa argued that maternal health requires ring-fenced funding, saying existing allocations are inadequate to guarantee safe childbirth and quality care. “We hear of free maternal health, which doesn’t exist, and then our mothers face challenges in giving birth due to these issues,” she told the House, urging stronger financial commitment to maternal services. Her contribution was interrupted by an unnamed ZANU-PF MP who, according to reports, questioned why Tobaiwa was raising maternal health when her mother “can no longer have children.” The remark sparked immediate outrage across the chamber, with opposition MPs and several ruling-party members demanding an apology and the restoration of decorum. “You cannot bring my mother into this discussion. My mother is not in Parliament, and if you have an issue, you can confront me, not my mother,” Tobaiwa responded, visibly distressed. Members pressed the Acting Speaker to censure the interjector and strengthen safeguards against personal attacks during debates on sensitive social issues. Tensions were further heightened by allegations that some MPs appeared to be under the influence of alcohol during the late sitting, prompting calls for breathalysers to be introduced in the chamber. While the Acting Speaker did not order tests, he admonished members for conduct unbecoming of Parliament and reminded them of the obligation to maintain respect and professionalism. Parliamentary observers said the episode underscores broader concerns about behavioural standards, the management of late-night sittings and the enforcement of disciplinary rules. Women MPs and civil-society advocates condemned the personal nature of the attack, arguing that it detracts from substantive policy debate, undermines advocacy for maternal health and discourages women’s participation in public life. The Health Committee and several cross-party groups have repeatedly called for increased funding for maternal services, citing high maternal mortality rates and persistent gaps in facility readiness. Tobaiwa’s call for a standalone budget reflects a growing push to ring-fence resources for maternal and neonatal care. As debate on the Finance Bill continued, the Acting Speaker urged members to return to policy substance and avoid personal invective. The House is expected to revisit maternal health allocations in committee, where MPs may table proposals for targeted funding. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for clearer conduct rules and measures to ensure parliamentary debate remains focused on the public interest.