EMA is combining satellite monitoring, fire-risk mapping and community-based prevention to tackle Zimbabwe's annual wildfire threat. By Obey Musiwa The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is turning to satellite technology and computer-generated risk mapping to strengthen Zimbabwe's fight against wildfires as the country enters another potentially dangerous dry season. The agency is using vegetation data to identify areas most vulnerable to veld fires before the season begins, while satellite-based remote sensing is being used to detect active fires and alert authorities on the ground. EMA environmental education and publicity manager and spokesperson Amkela Sidange said the technology was becoming an important part of the agency's wildfire preparedness strategy. She said fire management was not simply an environmental issue, but a matter of protecting homes, forests, farms, infrastructure and livelihoods. “Looking back over the past 23 years, we have lost lodges, forestry and farming equipment, and a lot of our energy infrastructure has been destroyed by fire,” Sidange said. “It's not only about property; human livelihoods remain our major concern.” EMA conducts an annual fire-risk assessment towards the end of the rainy season using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a satellite-based measure that helps assess vegetation health and density. The information is then used to determine the amount and condition of vegetation available as fuel for fires. Sidange said the latest assessment indicated that much of Zimbabwe was facing medium to high fire risk, with Manicaland and parts of Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South among the areas of greatest concern. “As we approach the end of the rainy season, we do what we call the fire risk prediction, using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index to look at the health of vegetation and determine what risk it presents,” she said. “This year the assessment showed that most of the country is at medium to high risk, with Manicaland, parts of Matabeleland North, and some districts in Matabeleland South leading in that riskiness.” The risk mapping gives authorities an opportunity to concentrate awareness campaigns, preparedness measures and resources in areas considered particularly vulnerable. But EMA's monitoring does not stop once the dry season begins. The agency also uses satellite remote sensing to identify active fires by detecting heat signatures on the ground. Sidange said satellite observations were received several times a day, allowing EMA to identify fires and communicate information to structures operating on the ground. “As we move closer to the dry period, we go into fire monitoring using a remote sensor, and this is actually real time; we are able to tell where there is a fire and communicate with structures on the ground,” she said. She said satellite passes at around 10.30 am and 1.30 pm provided near-real-time information that helped the agency track fire activity. The approach combines two stages of wildfire management, predicting where fires are most likely to become a threat and detecting them once they occur. EMA is also relying heavily on communities and traditional leaders to strengthen fire prevention and response. Sidange said traditional leaders were increasingly using customary systems to address wildfire-related incidents within their communities. She said local systems were important because EMA could not respond individually to every village when fires broke out. “We are taking advantage of what traditional leaders are doing through their traditional courts; some of them are managing the issue of wildfires so well within their immediate localities,” she said. “It's pointless to have all 35 villages phoning EMA; it overwhelms us. But if every village has its own system of managing fires, then at that local level we are able to do the work.” Zimbabwe has experienced repeated destruction from veld fires, particularly during the dry season, with fires threatening commercial farms, plantations, wildlife habitats, homes and infrastructure. EMA has previously urged communities to avoid uncontrolled burning and to establish fireguards and other preventative measures before the onset of the peak fire period. Sidange said effective wildfire management ultimately depended on communities understanding that prevention was more effective than responding after flames had spread. “I'm not talking about money; I'm talking about investing in the capacity of local people, giving them the knowledge and driving the mindset that says, for as long as we don't start the fires, we will definitely win against these fires,” she said. With satellite technology providing authorities with increasingly detailed information about vegetation and active fires, EMA is seeking to combine modern monitoring systems with community-level prevention to reduce the human and economic cost of Zimbabwe's annual wildfire season. Zimbabwe wildfires

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Senator Charles Tawengwa has referred a petition by Zanu-PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC 6) concerning the planned demolition of structures at Rugare Granite Works to the Permanent Secretary for further action. The development follows a petition submitted by DCC 6 over what the party says are intended demolitions at the granite operation along Harare Drive. In a letter dated July 22, Tawengwa acknowledged receipt of correspondence from DCC 6 Secretary for Business and Economic Development Andrew Makahamadze, dated July 21, and said the matter had been forwarded to Permanent Secretary Dr Shingirayi Mushamba's office. The referral effectively moves the dispute beyond the political party's engagement with Harare City Council and places the matter before the provincial administration for further consideration. DCC 6 has welcomed the minister's response, saying it vindicates its decision to approach central Government over the dispute. Makahamadze alleged that documents being used in proceedings concerning the demolition referred to structures that, according to the committee, do not exist at the disputed site. “The summons from council's lawyers speak of demolishing structures that are not on the ground, and that is what was placed before the High Court,” he said. He further alleged that council lawyers had acted on resolutions that had not been properly passed or ratified. “Because of corruption, lawyers are being instructed to act on resolutions that were never genuinely passed,” he said. The allegations have not been independently established, and Harare City Council's response to the claims was not included in the correspondence cited by DCC 6. Makahamadze said the committee would now seek accountability from council officials over the legal and administrative processes surrounding the demolition dispute. “There were no resolutions, there was no ratification within the council, and we are going after the town clerk and his lawyers over this,” he said. He claimed that properties worth millions of dollars were at risk of being destroyed and questioned the basis for deploying heavy machinery to demolish structures at the site. “It does not make sense that yellow machines are being used to flatten millions of dollars in property,” Makahamadze said. He also criticised what he described as the destruction of livelihoods without adequate documentation, saying the committee would continue pursuing the matter through legal channels. The dispute comes amid continuing tensions between Harare City Council, property owners and informal or commercial operators over land use, development approvals, illegal structures and enforcement of municipal regulations. Local authorities have increasingly faced pressure to enforce planning and environmental regulations while balancing those responsibilities against the protection of businesses, property rights and livelihoods. For DCC 6, however, the immediate concern is whether the legal and administrative requirements for any demolition at Rugare Granite Works were properly followed. The committee says it intends to pursue the matter in court and press for explanations from council officials. Makahamadze said those responsible for what he described as unlawful destruction should ultimately be held accountable. “We have taken their measure, and we will fight for justice and for what belongs to our people,” he said. The provincial government's referral to the Permanent Secretary is now expected to provide an opportunity for the competing claims surrounding the proposed demolition to be examined, including the status of the disputed structures, council resolutions and any court orders or other legal authority relied upon by the local authority. Until that process is completed, claims that the planned demolitions are unlawful or that council officials acted improperly remain allegations. Rugare Granite Works demolition

By Valerie Mpundu We might be a people of different backgrounds, but in Zimbabwe, our heritage and culture bind us. That is the driving idea behind the Mutupo Festival, hosted by cultural advocate Dereck Mpofu (popularly known by his totem name, Mhofu yemkono). Slated for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Sherwood Golf Club in Mabelreign, Harare, the gathering brings together musicians, poets, traditional dancers, and cultural custodians to celebrate mutupo—the ancestral totems that have long defined Zimbabwean identity, social structure, and kinship. For Mpofu, the festival is about more than stage performance; it is about collective remembrance and intergenerational learning. "The language and region may be different, but the culture binds us," Mpofu says. Lineup and Performers The festival will showcase a wide array of top local artists and traditional groups: Featured Contemporary Artists: Gift Amuli, Kurai Makore, Baba Harare, Mbeu, Micky Black, Cynthia Mare, and Progress Chipfumo. Traditional Groups & Storytellers: Kuwadzana KweVaripasi Mbira Group, Samba Yarira, Nduxu Sisters, Mbare Chimurenga Choir, Ganya Up Dance Ensemble, and traditional storyteller Sekuru Gora. Organizers note that additional acts will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event as momentum builds. Dressing Your Totem Each performing act will represent their respective clan history through song, dance, oral poetry, and indigenous attire. Patrons attending the event are actively encouraged to wear traditional garments and to "dress your totem" to celebrate their familial roots. In an era where many young Zimbabweans are increasingly disconnected from their clan lineages and oral histories, the Mutupo Festival positions culture not as an obsolete relic, but as a vibrant, living practice. Mutupo Festival Zimbabwe 2026

By Obey Musiwa Scientists, pathologists and laboratory medicine experts from across Africa are pushing for stronger diagnostic systems as the continent battles a growing cancer burden marked by late detection and limited access to specialised care. The call emerged during the 26th ZACBLabMed International Conference held in Harare, where experts from 14 African countries and international laboratory medicine organisations discussed advances in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics and cancer management. The conference was hosted by the Zimbabwe Association of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (ZACBLabMed) under the theme: “Recent Advances in Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Management in Cancer and Infectious Diseases.” The discussions come as cancer continues to place growing pressure on African health systems. The World Health Organisation says more than one million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the WHO African Region, with nearly one million people dying from the disease. It says delayed diagnosis remains common, while access to pathology, radiotherapy, cancer medicines and specialist health workers remains limited in many countries. WHO estimates that in 2020 the region recorded about 1.1 million new cases and 711,429 cancer-related deaths, with the burden projected to rise sharply in coming decades. Most cancers in Africa are diagnosed at advanced stages because of limited awareness, inadequate screening and diagnostic services, and barriers to accessing healthcare. Former Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo told delegates that African health systems needed to move beyond treating diseases after they emerge towards predicting and preventing them. He advocated a model he described as P4 Medicine personalised, predictive, preventive and participatory. “We are witnessing a fundamental transformation, a shift from reactive healthcare to preventive healthcare,” Moyo said. “The future of medicine is not just about treating disease, it is about predicting it, preventing it, and partnering with the patient to sustain wellness.” He said achieving that transition would require investment in health data systems, nutrition science and public health education. ZACBLabMed founder and president Professor Hilda Matarira, who is also president of the Zimbabwe College of Pathology, said genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics were increasingly important tools in understanding and treating disease. She explained that genomic research examines DNA and genetic information, while proteomics focuses on proteins produced through biological processes. Bioinformatics then uses computational tools to analyse large volumes of biological data. “The sequencing of these genes goes through computer analysis, which is called bioinformatics, and all this has to be managed in a clinical laboratory,” Matarira said. She also called for greater research into Africa's biodiversity and the potential medicinal value of indigenous plant species. “Africa has many, many resources in plants, over 3 000 species, and we still have to discover the African drugs,” she said. President of the African Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Professor Akalu Gizemati said Africa continued to face a major capacity gap in health diagnostics. “We are 15 years behind others, but we are building capacity with partners,” he said. The challenge is particularly acute in pathology and laboratory services, which are essential for confirming cancer diagnoses and determining the most appropriate treatment. WHO says late-stage presentation and limited access to diagnosis and treatment remain widespread in the African Region. In 2015, only 35 percent of low-income countries reported having generally available pathology services in the public sector. The agency says early diagnosis can significantly improve cancer outcomes by enabling patients to receive treatment before disease spreads. Its guidance identifies awareness, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, staging and timely treatment as critical components of effective early-diagnosis programmes. For African health systems, the challenge is therefore not simply discovering new cancer treatments but ensuring that patients can access the diagnostic tools needed to identify disease early. The Harare conference brought together African and international laboratory experts to explore how technologies such as genomic sequencing, proteomics and data analysis can help close that gap. The discussions point to a broader shift in African healthcare from waiting for patients to become seriously ill to building systems capable of identifying disease earlier, tailoring treatment and improving survival. With cancer cases expected to continue rising, scientists say strengthening Africa's diagnostic capacity will be central to saving lives. cancer diagnosis in Africa

By Valerie Mpundu MASVINGO — The banners are up, the buses are arriving, and for the first time in 18 years, Masvingo is taking center stage as it prepares to host the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo from September 9 to 12, 2026. For decades, the standard travel itinerary in the province was predictable: visitors arrived, toured the ancient stone structures of Great Zimbabwe, and departed. This week, regional and international delegates are staying to discover the broader ecosystem of the region. When the expo officially opens at the Masvingo Gymkhana Grounds, the province will showcase a wider portfolio—from Lake Mutirikwi and local wildlife reserves to cultural heritage sites, small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), and investment opportunities. A popular local saying in the province claims that "Masvingo produces two things—stone monuments and learned people." The region is out to prove both, citing an array of talent spanning university academics, tourism strategists, engineers, and cultural figures like popular musician Baba Harare. “Masvingo has more than Great Zimbabwe. It has great minds too,” says local educator Mrs. XYZ, who plans to bring her students to the exposition on Public Day. Four Days to Transform Regional Tourism The four-day international tourism showcase is structured to balance policy formulation, commercial deal-making, and public participation: Date Phase & Focus Key Activities Sept 9–10 Conference Sessions Strategic policy debates featuring government ministers, corporate CEOs, and global travel experts. Sept 10–11 B2B Networking Targeted business-to-business meetings linking local craft makers and operators directly with international buyers. Sept 12 Public Day & Wrap-Up Open public access for families, students, and local SMEs to experience the exhibition firsthand. Organizers from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) note that the core objective is to elevate Masvingo’s international tourism profile, catalyze regional infrastructure improvements, and unlock sustainable job creation across low-density rural communities. Beyond the iconic walls of Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo is stepping up to present its intellectual capital, natural assets, and commercial potential to a global audience. Sanganai Hlanganani World Tourism Expo Masvingo

By Valerie Mpundu HARARE — Despite a strict warning from municipal authorities to vacate street pavements by September 9, informal traders in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) remain unfazed, setting up stall spaces as usual and vowing to resist relocation. A tour of the capital on Monday revealed business as usual across major thoroughfares, with traders laying out their regular stock along sidewalks and busy intersections. “Hakasi kekutanga kani. Ingoriwo mhepo yasimuka. Munhu wese ari pakutsvaga mwana wamai [This is not the first time. It is just a passing wind. Everyone is just trying to earn a living,” said one vendor while arranging his merchandise. Further along, another trader questioned the practical feasibility and timing of the eviction directive, “At whose expense are they doing this? Zvimwe zvinhu tisaomeserana. Vana vedu vanodyei, mhuri dzoita sei? Musade kutinzwa, hatiende isu [Let's not make things hard for each other. What will our children eat, how will families survive? Do not refuse to listen to us—we are not going anywhere.” Resistance Over Designated Market Sites The open defiance was echoed across multiple trading hot spots in the city centre, with vendors expressing frustration over relocating to peripheral vending zones. “Kuti kwaitikei? What has happened now? They should also give us our regular clients at these so-called designated spots!” one vendor noted. Operational hours at council-designated sites were another major point of contention, “Imagine those areas are closed at 18:00, and to us that is when business peaks,” another trader explained. “No client of mine will take an InDrive just to buy avocados at 7:00 PM in some place they don't know. I’m staying right here. Ndopabase pano [This is my base].” Imminent Deadline and Enforcement Questions Harare City Council issued the September 9 deadline as part of broader urban renewal efforts to decongest the CBD, restore orderly traffic flow, and relocate informal traders to structured market spaces. However, with business operating as normal across the city, the directive has drawn minimal voluntary compliance. As the deadline arrives, a major confrontation looms between municipal law enforcement and thousands of informal traders who insist that the high-foot-traffic streets of the CBD remain their only viable source of livelihood. Harare CBD vendor eviction standoff

British-Nigerian businessman and influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died in Bangkok in March after a cosmetic penile filler procedure caused a fatal pulmonary embolism. British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died after a cosmetic penile filler procedure in Bangkok triggered a fatal pulmonary embolism, a London coroner has ruled. Ubiribo, 43, died in the early hours of March 6, 2026, after receiving about 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine at an unnamed clinic in the Thai capital. Details of his death emerged following an inquest at Inner West London Coroners’ Court, where evidence was heard about the events leading to his death. Ubiribo, who was also known online as Ego, had been in Bangkok on holiday with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen. The couple was staying at a Marriott hotel when he underwent the cosmetic procedure on March 5. The treatment involved injecting dermal filler into the penis to increase its girth. Shortly afterwards, Ubiribo and his wife went for a massage. During the session, he began complaining of chest pain and fainted twice. He was taken by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where his wife informed medical staff that he had received penile filler injections earlier that day. Dr Thongchai Chansirirattingkul told the inquest that Ubiribo had experienced two episodes of syncope, or fainting, while receiving the massage. “He had had 40 millilitres of penile filler injections earlier that day,” the doctor said. Ubiribo was initially conscious and able to answer questions during the ambulance journey. His condition deteriorated after arriving at the hospital, however, and he lost consciousness before doctors could complete a CT scan. Medical staff determined that he had suffered a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage of blood flow through the lungs. He was transferred to intensive care, but attempts to revive him continued for more than 100 minutes before he died. Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin concluded that the cosmetic procedure had caused the pulmonary embolism. A post-mortem examination conducted after his body was returned to the United Kingdom reportedly found cellular material in his lungs consistent with the hyaluronic acid used during the procedure, strengthening the link between the injection and the fatal embolism. Ubiribo was a prominent social media personality with about 185,000 Instagram followers. His online presence featured luxury travel, fashion, lifestyle and appearances with high-profile personalities. Reports said he had no major underlying health problems, although his London GP confirmed that he had previously undergone joint surgery, was pre-diabetic, and suffered from gout. The death has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with cosmetic filler procedures, particularly when performed on intimate areas of the body. Unlike surgical implants, dermal fillers are injected into tissue, and complications can occur if filler enters or affects blood vessels. The consequences can include serious vascular complications. The Bangkok clinic where Ubiribo received the treatment has not been publicly identified in reports of the inquest. His death has also prompted questions about the regulation and safety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly when patients seek treatments abroad. For Ubiribo's family and followers, however, the case represents the sudden loss of a businessman and influencer whose online persona was closely associated with an affluent lifestyle. The inquest has now provided an official explanation for his death: a cosmetic procedure intended to enhance his appearance resulted in a pulmonary embolism that proved fatal. Igho Ubiribo death

Youth Minister Tinoda Machakaire has warned comedian Admire Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vee, to exercise caution over content touching on government and cultural values. Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Tinoda Machakaire has warned comedian Admire Mushambi, popularly known as Mama Vee, to exercise greater caution over social media content touching on government, culture and Zimbabwean social values. Machakaire issued the warning in a Facebook comment directed at Mushambi, although the minister did not publicly identify the specific post, video or statement that prompted his intervention. “Good afternoon, Mr Admire Mushambi. I strongly urge you to understand the seriousness and consequences of this conduct,” Machakaire wrote. He urged the comedian to use social media responsibly, particularly when addressing issues involving government and cultural values. “Do not mistake restraint for weakness,” Machakaire said. “Deliberately provoking government or disregarding the cultural sensitivities of our people is unacceptable.” He called on Mushambi to take the warning seriously, adding: “Such conduct cannot be tolerated.” Mushambi has built a following through comedy sketches featuring his Mama Vee character, a flamboyant persona in which he performs dressed as a woman. The comedian later appeared to indicate that the dispute had been resolved following a conversation with the minister. In a social media post, Mushambi described the discussion with Machakaire as “an enlightening and constructive conversation”. He said he was “simply a content creator, not an advocate for any hidden agenda”. “I create content, share my thoughts and, sometimes, my words decide to take a little trip before my brain catches up!” Mushambi wrote. Despite acknowledging the minister's concerns, Mushambi suggested that the encounter would not lead to an end to his comedic work. “I appreciate the conversation and the enlightenment. Lesson learned, message received, but don’t worry, business as usual!” he said. The exchange has attracted attention because it places a senior government official directly at odds with a popular social media entertainer over the boundaries of online comedy and political or cultural commentary. It also comes amid growing debate in Zimbabwe and elsewhere over the responsibilities of social media creators, particularly as comedians increasingly use digital platforms to comment on politics, society and public figures. For content creators, the line between satire, criticism and potentially offensive material can be difficult to define, particularly where comedy deliberately relies on exaggeration, parody or controversial characters. Mushambi's Mama Vee persona has become recognisable among Zimbabwean social media audiences, with the comedian using the character to produce entertainment and commentary. However, Machakaire's intervention suggests that government officials are increasingly paying attention to the content produced by influential online personalities. The minister's warning stopped short of announcing any legal action against Mushambi, and there was no indication that the comedian had been formally charged over the material in question. Instead, the matter appears to have ended with a private discussion between the two men, followed by Mushambi's acknowledgement of the minister's concerns. The comedian's “business as usual” remark, however, suggests that the Mama Vee character and his broader content will continue. The episode highlights the increasingly complicated relationship between Zimbabwe's growing creator economy and public authorities, as social media becomes an important platform for entertainment, commentary and public debate. For now, the apparent reconciliation has prevented the online spat from escalating further, but the exchange has opened a wider conversation about where government believes the boundaries of social media comedy should lie. Mama Vee Tinoda Machakaire

The Equal Earth projection represents the relative size of Africa and other continents more accurately than the widely used Mercator projection. The United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed an African-led campaign to change the way the world is represented on maps, endorsing a projection that more accurately reflects the size of Africa and other continents. The resolution, titled “Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa,” was sponsored by Togo and supported by the African Union. It was adopted on Friday by 164 votes to one, with six countries abstaining. The United States was the only country to vote against the resolution, while Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine abstained. The resolution encourages governments, educational institutions, publishers and technology companies to make greater use of map projections that represent the relative size of continents more accurately, including the Equal Earth projection. However, the decision does not legally ban the Mercator projection or compel countries to immediately replace existing maps. The resolution is non-binding, meaning its influence will depend largely on whether governments, schools, publishers and digital platforms adopt its recommendations. The campaign centres on the long-standing use of the Mercator projection, developed by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569. The projection was designed primarily for navigation and has remained one of the world's most recognisable map formats. But because a spherical Earth cannot be represented on a flat surface without distortion, the Mercator projection greatly enlarges land masses closer to the poles while making areas around the equator appear comparatively smaller. One of the most striking examples is Greenland, which can appear comparable in size to Africa on a Mercator map. In reality, Africa covers about 30.4 million square kilometres, while Greenland covers roughly 2.2 million square kilometres, making Africa about 14 times larger. Supporters of the campaign argue that the distortion is more than a technical cartographic issue because maps influence how people understand geography, economics and the relative importance of different regions. “A fair world begins with a fair map,” Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said ahead of the vote. He argued that maps shape perceptions and influence how people understand the place of continents and populations in the world. The Equal Earth projection, developed in 2018 by cartographers Tom Patterson, Bojan Šavrič and Bernhard Jenny, was designed to preserve the relative areas of continents more accurately while maintaining a visually balanced world map. The African Union endorsed the projection earlier this year as a more accurate representation of the size of Africa and other continents. African advocacy organisations have welcomed the UN vote, arguing that correcting geographical distortions can help challenge long-standing misconceptions about the continent. Lerato Mogoatlhe of Africa No Filter described the campaign as an effort to address what she called a long-running misrepresentation of Africa. Geographers have also argued that maps influence perceptions of Africa's resources, population, economic potential and geopolitical importance. The United States, however, opposed the resolution. Its representative at the UN criticised the General Assembly for devoting attention to cartographic representation instead of what Washington described as more pressing international challenges. Despite the disagreement, the overwhelming vote marks a symbolic victory for the African-led campaign. The resolution does not change Africa's physical geography. Instead, its supporters say, it changes how that geography is presented. And as more schools, institutions and digital platforms consider adopting equal-area projections, the familiar world map may gradually begin to look very different. Africa true size world map

Engineer Cletus Nyachowe has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of ZESA (Private) Limited with effect from May 1, 2026. Engineer Cletus Nyachowe has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of ZESA (Private) Limited, taking permanent charge of Zimbabwe’s restructured electricity utility with effect from May 1, 2026. The appointment was announced by ZESA board chairman Albert Joel Nduna, who said Nyachowe’s elevation followed the restructuring of the ZESA Group into a single, vertically integrated electricity utility. The restructuring brings key electricity functions under ZESA (Private) Limited, including generation, transmission, distribution, system planning and commercial services. Cabinet approved the restructuring in August as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency, strengthen the utility’s financial position and support Zimbabwe’s drive towards energy self-sufficiency by 2030. Nyachowe, an electrical engineer and experienced utility executive, joined ZESA in 1988 and has held several senior technical and executive positions during his career. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also a registered professional engineer and a Fellow of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. Before taking over as substantive Group CEO, Nyachowe served as acting chief executive following the death of former ZESA executive chairman Sydney Gata in July 2025. His previous responsibilities included serving as managing director of Powertel Communications, where he was involved in developing the ZESA subsidiary's data-focused telecommunications business. He subsequently served as ZESA Holdings executive director for Group Operations and later as executive director responsible for international business. His career has also included responsibility for the country's electricity transmission infrastructure and consultancy work in the Southern African Development Community on renewable energy and regional electricity-market development. Nduna said Nyachowe also brought extensive corporate governance experience from serving on boards across the banking, insurance, asset-management, higher-education and regulatory sectors. The permanent appointment comes at a critical point for ZESA as government attempts to overhaul the structure of the power sector and improve reliability. In May, Nyachowe told Parliament's Public Accounts Committee that ZESA was targeting an additional 1 365 megawatts of generation capacity by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to eliminate load-shedding. He said 635MW was under construction, while a further 730MW was at the financial-closure stage. ZESA has also said improved electricity generation, tighter cost controls and reduced load-shedding were contributing to an improvement in its financial position. In May, Nyachowe said the utility was on course to record a net profit for the 2025 financial year. The government has said the new vertically integrated structure should reduce fragmentation and improve coordination in generation dispatch, outage management, maintenance planning, load forecasting and investment decisions. The restructuring also involves rationalising excess positions through retirement and retrenchment, with Cabinet saying the process would be funded from internally mobilised resources. Nyachowe's appointment therefore places him at the centre of one of the country's most consequential public-sector reforms, with the utility under pressure to maintain improved power supplies while expanding generation and modernising its transmission and distribution networks. “The Board, Management and Staff extend heartfelt congratulations to Eng. Nyachowe on his appointment and express full confidence in his leadership,” Nduna said. He said Nyachowe would be responsible for driving the strategic and operational transformation of the newly integrated ZESA (Private) Limited. Cletus Nyachowe ZESA CEO

By Valerie Mpundu A Cairo court has sentenced Egyptian television presenter Sarah Khalifa and 11 other defendants to death by hanging over their alleged involvement in a major drug trafficking operation, according to state-run newspaper al-Ahram. The Cairo Criminal Court handed down the death penalty on Saturday while imposing a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (approximately $9,800) on each convicted individual. Major Synthetic Drug Bust According to prosecutors, security forces confiscated 750 kilograms of synthetic drugs and precursor manufacturing materials from a residential property that was allegedly utilized as an illegal storage and processing facility. The prosecution's case was built on extensive evidence, including: Formal testimony from 20 witnesses Intercepted telephone records Supporting photographic and video surveillance evidence Court documents formally accused the 12 individuals of establishing and operating an organized criminal enterprise focused on large-scale narcotics distribution. Capital Punishment Trends in Egypt The high-profile ruling highlights Egypt's continued reliance on capital punishment, maintaining one of the highest rates of judicial executions globally. Data from human rights organization Amnesty International indicates that Egyptian courts issued 492 death sentences in 2025 alone, with at least 23 executions officially carried out during that same period. Sarah Khalifa death sentence Egypt

The government has ordered vendors operating from undesignated sites to relocate by September 9. By Percy Nhara | Harare Government has defended its decision to remove vendors operating from undesignated sites, arguing that informal trading must be balanced with public health, safety and the need to keep urban centres orderly. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana said street trading remained an important source of income but could not be allowed to operate without regulation. “The debate over vendor relocation is a complex urban challenge,” Mangwana said in a post on X on Sunday. He said designated vending areas equipped with basic infrastructure such as ablution facilities and waste-management systems offered a possible compromise between protecting livelihoods and maintaining clean and accessible public spaces. Mangwana also argued that vendors should not operate directly outside supermarkets and other formal businesses because this could create unfair competition and obstruct access to commercial premises. “The goal is not exclusion but creating sustainable infrastructure that supports commerce while maintaining clean, accessible public spaces for all,” he said. His comments come days before a government deadline requiring vendors operating from unauthorised locations in Harare and the wider metropolitan province to relocate. Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe announced on September 2 that vendors operating outside areas approved by local authorities had until Wednesday, September 9, to vacate. Government has described the planned enforcement as a “comprehensive, zero-tolerance clean-up operation”. Garwe said illegal vending structures, stalls and sites would be dismantled, while municipal police would remain deployed to prevent traders from returning to cleared areas. The operation is expected to begin in Harare before being extended to other cities and towns. Authorities say the crackdown is intended to address congestion, blocked pedestrian pathways, sanitation problems and disruption of formal businesses. The government has also directed local authorities to register compliant informal traders and facilitate their placement in designated vending structures. However, questions remain over whether there are enough suitable trading spaces to accommodate vendors who will be affected by the deadline. The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) has urged authorities to provide viable alternatives before removing traders from existing locations. VISET executive director Samuel Wadzai said formalisation should not simply mean forcing informal traders off the streets without creating sustainable alternatives. The organisation said the crackdown should instead be implemented in line with the National Informal Economy Formalisation Strategy adopted by government this year, which places emphasis on inclusion, infrastructure, social protection and participation. ZimRights has also called for the September 9 deadline to be suspended, arguing that removing vendors without addressing the economic conditions driving informal trading would deepen poverty. The rights organisation called for dialogue with vendors, accessible marketplaces and safeguards against violence, arbitrary arrests and confiscation of goods during enforcement. The directive has also attracted criticism from opposition figures, including former Mt Pleasant MP Fadzayi Mahere, who has compared the planned operation to previous government crackdowns on informal settlements and businesses. Meanwhile, some Harare vendors have vowed to resist the order, saying street trading is their only viable source of income amid limited formal employment opportunities. The dispute has therefore placed the government’s twin objectives of restoring urban order and formalising the informal economy under scrutiny. With the September 9 deadline approaching, the key test will be whether authorities can clear unauthorised trading sites while providing realistic alternatives for thousands of people who depend on informal commerce for their livelihoods. Zimbabwe vendor crackdown