Police arrested three suspects after a village head and his wife were robbed of US$2,050 during a home invasion in Buhera. By Southerton Business Times Reporter | BUHERA A 71-year-old village head in Buhera, Manicaland Province, and his wife were robbed of US$2,050 after four armed suspects allegedly broke into their home during the night, threatened the elderly couple and locked them inside their bedroom before fleeing. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has since arrested three suspects, while a fourth remains on the run. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to reject criminal activities. "We continue to urge members of the public to shun crime and earn an honest living. Police will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that perpetrators of criminal offences are arrested and brought before the courts," Chinyoka said. According to police, the robbery occurred at around 12:30 am on July 12, 2026, at Bhadharai Village under Chief Nyashanu in Buhera. The victims, village head Timothy Mabviregudo (71) and his wife Alice Masungo (66), had retired to bed at about 8:30 pm when four men allegedly forced their way into the house. Police said the suspects threatened the couple and ordered them to remain silent. One of the intruders allegedly instructed Mabviregudo to stay lying on the bed while another restrained Masungo by holding her hands as the gang searched the bedroom for cash. The suspects first recovered US$50 hidden beneath a mattress before demanding more money, claiming they knew Masungo had recently sold groundnuts and was keeping cash at the homestead. They allegedly searched beneath a pillow and found a satchel containing US$2,000, bringing the total stolen to US$2,050. Before fleeing, the suspects reportedly locked the elderly couple inside their bedroom from the outside. The victims were rescued around 5 am after villagers responded to the incident and traced footprints leading towards Wadzenenga Business Centre. Community members later received information that four men matching the suspects' descriptions had boarded a Phil and Phats bus travelling to Harare. The robbery was reported to ZRP Murambinda, which alerted officers at the Beatrice Roadblock. Police intercepted the bus and arrested Tatenda Tokotore (32) of Bhadharai Village, Crispen Zhemu (26) of Gororo Village and Kassim Jali (23) of Epworth, Harare. Investigators said Tokotore is the son of Mabviregudo's younger brother. A fourth suspect allegedly disembarked earlier in Murambinda and remains at large. Police recovered US$1,013 from the arrested suspects during investigations. Officers also recovered a blue Buffalo bicycle, which the suspects allegedly admitted stealing from the homestead of Blessing Makanje. Investigations are continuing as police intensify efforts to locate the outstanding suspect and recover the remaining stolen money. The latest robbery adds to growing concerns over violent crimes targeting rural households, where victims often keep cash at home after agricultural sales due to limited access to banking facilities. Buhera robbery

Thousands attended CAB3 celebrations in Epworth after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed Constitution Amendment No. 3 into law. By Southerton Business Times Reporter | EPWORTH, Zimbabwe Senior Zanu-PF officials have praised Sakunda Holdings for providing logistical and financial support towards celebrations held after President Emmerson Mnangagwa assented to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, commonly known as CAB3, with party leaders describing the company's contribution as an example of private-sector participation in national programmes. The celebrations, held in Epworth on Monday, attracted thousands of Zanu-PF supporters, war veterans, youth and women's league members as part of a wider programme marking the enactment of the constitutional amendments into law. The legislation officially became law after presidential assent and publication in the Government Gazette earlier this month. Addressing supporters, Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tawengwa said Sakunda Holdings had played a central role in mobilising resources for the commemorations. "Everything which was done for this event and several other events in Harare has been done by Sakunda Holdings. We applaud Sakunda for showing patriotism and for mobilising resources to ensure that the people of Harare celebrate this historic milestone in unity," Tawengwa said. According to party officials, Sakunda provided logistical support including transport, tents, public address systems and catering for the Epworth event and other celebrations across Harare. Another senior Zanu-PF official said the partnership reflected closer collaboration between Government, the ruling party and the private sector in advancing programmes aligned with Vision 2030. "This is what we mean by patriotic business. When the nation has a cause, our business community must come on board, and Sakunda has led by example," the official said. The signing of Constitution Amendment No. 3 has sparked nationwide debate, with the Government describing the reforms as necessary to improve governance and institutional efficiency, while opposition parties, constitutional lawyers and civil society organisations have criticised aspects of the legislation and challenged it through the courts. Constitutional law experts note that CAB3 introduces significant changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework, including extending the electoral cycle from five to seven years and restructuring several constitutional institutions. The Law Society of Zimbabwe previously submitted observations on the Bill during parliamentary consultations, highlighting constitutional issues that it believed required careful consideration. The Epworth celebrations featured music performances, cultural displays and speeches encouraging party supporters to rally behind Government development programmes. Sakunda Holdings has been involved in several national initiatives over the years, including fuel supply, agriculture, infrastructure development and food security programmes. The celebrations come as implementation of the new constitutional provisions begins, with Government expected to gazette supporting regulations where necessary to operationalise aspects of the legislation. Sakunda Holdings CAB3 celebrations

Air Zimbabwe has resumed direct flights between Harare and London Gatwick using a leased Airbus A330-300, ending a 14-year suspension of the route. By Southerton Business Times Reporter | HARARE Zimbabwe's national airline, Air Zimbabwe, has officially relaunched direct flights between Harare and London Gatwick, ending a 14-year absence from one of its most important international routes in a move expected to boost tourism, trade and business travel between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. The inaugural service, which departs on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, marks the airline's return to the UK market after suspending London operations in 2012 because of fleet shortages, financial challenges and changing European aviation regulations. Speaking after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the restoration of the route reflects the success of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's engagement and re-engagement policy. "The airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026 using a leased Airbus A330-300 aircraft from Plus Ultra in Spain, with a total capacity of 302 seats, comprising 30 business-class seats and 272 economy-class seats," said Dr Soda. He said Air Zimbabwe will initially operate three weekly flights from Harare to London Gatwick on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with return services departing London on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The route will be operated under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas, which will provide the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance. Air Zimbabwe will manage ticket sales, customer service and commercial operations. The airline has launched the service with promotional one-way fares starting from US$495 (£490), while return tickets begin at US$900 (£675), subject to availability. Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona is expected to lead the official launch ceremony at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, alongside Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Harare Metropolitan Affairs Minister Charles Tawengwa, UK Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot, aviation officials and tourism stakeholders. The event includes a traditional water cannon salute, ribbon-cutting ceremony, aircraft tour and introduction of the flight crew before the inaugural departure. The British Embassy in Harare welcomed the return of direct flights, posting on X: "Welcome news. Air Zimbabwe's direct Harare-London flights make it even easier for people to visit, study and do business between our two countries." Tourism operators have also welcomed the development. Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe president Clive Chinwada previously said improved air connectivity is essential for increasing international tourist arrivals and strengthening Zimbabwe's competitiveness as a destination, particularly from key source markets such as the UK. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), improved international air access remains one of the key drivers for growing visitor arrivals, conference tourism and foreign investment in the tourism sector. The resumption of direct services is also expected to benefit the large Zimbabwean diaspora in the United Kingdom, reducing travel times and eliminating the need for connecting flights through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha or Dubai. For Air Zimbabwe, the London relaunch represents another milestone in rebuilding its international network after years of restructuring, signalling renewed ambitions to reconnect Zimbabwe with major global markets. Air Zimbabwe Harare London flights

By Southerton Business Times | Harare Two young children aged three and six died after they were allegedly trapped inside a burning cabin house in Eastview Phase 10, Mabvuku, on Monday, in a suspected case of filicide that has shocked residents of the Harare suburb. The children's father, Gift Muyengwa (24), is alleged to have set the family home on fire following a domestic dispute with his wife, Tsitsi Zuze (22), before seriously injuring himself. Police have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. According to reports, the fire rapidly engulfed the cabin house, leaving the two children trapped inside. The victims were reportedly burnt beyond recognition as the blaze destroyed the structure. Preliminary information indicates that the incident followed an alleged dispute between Muyengwa and his wife shortly before the fire broke out. Sources familiar with the matter said the argument escalated into violence before the house was allegedly set ablaze. Reports indicate that Muyengwa allegedly stabbed Zuze during the altercation before setting the house on fire. He is also alleged to have turned the weapon on himself, sustaining severe injuries. Both Muyengwa and Zuze were rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where they are receiving treatment. Medical authorities had not released updates on their conditions by Monday evening. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating the incident and has yet to issue a comprehensive statement outlining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities are expected to interview witnesses and gather forensic evidence as part of the investigation. No arrests have been announced, and police have not yet disclosed a possible motive behind the alleged attack. The tragedy has left residents of Eastview Phase 10 in mourning, with neighbours expressing shock over the deaths of the two young children. The incident has also renewed concerns about the devastating impact of domestic violence and family-related disputes on children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to domestic violence can have severe consequences for children and families, often resulting in long-term psychological trauma and, in extreme cases, fatalities. Community leaders and social welfare advocates have repeatedly called for greater awareness, counselling services and early intervention mechanisms to address domestic conflicts before they escalate into violence. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to provide further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire and the deaths of the two children. The identities of the children have not yet been officially released. Mabvuku house fire

By Southerton Business Times | Harare ZANU PF Harare Province has resolved to push for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain the party's President and First Secretary until 2037, with provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa saying the proposal will be tabled at the party's next annual conference in Bindura. Speaking to journalists in Epworth during celebrations marking the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, Masimirembwa said Harare Province wanted Mnangagwa to continue leading the ruling party beyond the completion of Vision 2030. "While the amendment allows the President to remain in office until 2030 to complete Vision 2030, we still want him for an additional seven years, from 2030 to 2037. He must lead the party. That is what Harare is saying," Masimirembwa said. Masimirembwa stressed that Harare Province's resolution relates specifically to ZANU PF's internal leadership, not the office of the President of Zimbabwe. He said the province intends to present the proposal at the party's conference in Bindura and wants Mnangagwa to be retained as President and First Secretary at the 2030 ZANU PF Congress. "For us as Harare Province, we look at a continuum. Beyond 2030, what happens? The President has done exceedingly well for this country," he said. Masimirembwa praised Mnangagwa's development philosophy that "a country is built by its owners" and his foreign policy doctrine of being "a friend to all and an enemy to none." He also described the President as one of the country's most experienced liberation war leaders and credited him with strengthening Zimbabwe's international standing. Among the achievements cited were Zimbabwe's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, its chairmanship of SADC, and the country's assumption of the COMESA Chairmanship. Masimirembwa further referenced recent visits by regional leaders, including Uganda's Vice President and Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, as evidence of President Mnangagwa's growing influence on the African continent. He also commended Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi for steering the constitutional amendment through Parliament. The remarks have reignited debate over Zimbabwe's constitutional future, with critics arguing that calls for Mnangagwa to remain ZANU PF leader beyond 2030 could eventually pave the way for another constitutional amendment. However, Masimirembwa's proposal concerns party leadership, which is governed by the ZANU PF Constitution, rather than the national Constitution. Under party rules, the President and First Secretary is elected by delegates at a ZANU PF Congress and can continue serving in that role irrespective of whether they hold public office. Political analysts note, however, that in Zimbabwe's political system the ZANU PF leader has traditionally become the party's presidential candidate in national elections. Consequently, if the party wished to field President Mnangagwa as its presidential candidate after 2030, changes to the national Constitution would likely be required because the current Constitution limits a President to two elected terms. No proposal to amend the Constitution to extend the presidential term beyond 2030 has been formally introduced by the Government or tabled before Parliament. Emmerson Mnangagwa

By Southerton Business Times | London Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after being invited by King Charles III to form a government at Buckingham Palace, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, who formally tendered his resignation earlier on Monday. The Labour leader becomes Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, taking office at a time of mounting economic pressures, strained public services and growing political disillusionment. Following the traditional audience with the King, Burnham arrived at 10 Downing Street, where he delivered his first address as Prime Minister, pledging to restore public confidence in politics. "I know people at home are fed up with politics," Burnham said. He described his appointment as a "circuit breaker for Britain", promising a new direction for the country built around economic renewal, stronger public services and national unity. The new Prime Minister announced that his government will unveil a 10-year national plan later this year aimed at reshaping Britain's economy and public services. Among the proposals are measures to place "life's essentials" under stronger public control to improve affordability, while using government procurement to support British manufacturers and revive domestic industry. "This will be the biggest change in the last 40 years a new political model and a new economic model," Burnham said. The former Greater Manchester mayor also pledged immediate action to ease the cost-of-living crisis, saying further support measures would be announced this week. Burnham said his first instruction after entering Downing Street would be to tackle homelessness by ending rough sleeping. Shortly after his speech, Downing Street announced an additional £340 million to support programmes aimed at reducing rough sleeping across England. He also committed to expanding council housing, reforming education to improve access to employment for young people and increasing investment in mental health services. According to Burnham, the reforms are intended to reduce long-term welfare costs while strengthening economic growth and maintaining Britain's fiscal commitments. "It's about putting the right values and the right standards at the heart of government. I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do," he said. "Let's build a new national sense of unity, of common purpose and positivity. Let us make this the moment when Britain starts to believe again – the moment we bring back hope." Burnham's administration is expected to announce its new Cabinet in the coming days as it begins implementing its legislative and economic agenda. Andy Burnham

By Southerton Business Times | Chikomba Prominent businesswoman and livestock breeder Dr Divine Simbi Ndhlukula has been honoured as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) Overall Livestock Farmer of the Year 2025, cementing her reputation as one of the country's leading commercial livestock producers. The prestigious award was officially presented by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka during a field day at Zvikomborero Farm in Chikomba District earlier this month. Dr Ndhlukula had originally been scheduled to receive the accolade from Botswana President Duma Boko, who was the guest of honour at the 2025 Zimbabwe Agricultural Show held in Harare. However, the award was formally handed over during the farm visit, attended by senior government officials, agricultural experts and industry stakeholders. As part of the award, Dr Ndhlukula received a Simbra stud bull donated by COOPERS Animal Health, together with the Overall Livestock Farmer of the Year trophy and certificate. The recognition follows an outstanding performance at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, where her livestock entries dominated several categories. She won the Tuli Females Grand Champion Award, the Dorper Sheep Master Ram Grand Champion Award, multiple Reserve Champion titles and more than 20 certificates across different livestock classes. Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) Chief Executive Officer Rufaro Gunundu said the Overall Livestock Farmer of the Year award recognises consistent excellence across all livestock categories exhibited at the annual show. "The criteria for the overall winner is based on performance across all livestock classes exhibited. We aggregate the points from each category, and the farmer with the highest overall score is crowned the winner," Gunundu said. Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Ndhlukula described the recognition as an honour and reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining high breeding standards. "It is an honour receiving such an award showing that we are taking breeding livestock seriously. We are preparing to defend our awards at this year's Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, and I can safely announce that we will retain them," she said. Established 34 years ago, Zvikomborero Farm has grown into one of Zimbabwe's leading livestock operations. The 500-hectare farm is home to approximately: 1,000 cattle 600 goats More than 100 sheep 5,000 broiler chickens The farm has also achieved an exceptionally low cattle mortality rate of below two percent, a figure well below industry averages and attributed to sound animal health management, quality genetics and data-driven decision-making. Minister Masuka said Dr Ndhlukula's success reflected years of investment, discipline and a commitment to excellence in livestock production. "This victory is not simply the result of exhibiting exceptional animals. It reflects years of strategic investment, disciplined management, sound genetics and an unwavering commitment to excellence," he said. He also praised the increasing contribution of women to Zimbabwe's agricultural sector. "Farming is not a gender issue. Women now make up the majority of farmers in many rural communities. I encourage more women to claim their space in agriculture and commercial farming." Dr Ndhlukula, one of Zimbabwe's few registered Tuli stud breeders, encouraged farmers to embrace record-keeping and data analysis to improve productivity. "In business you must manage data. If you are working with data, you are on the right path to success. Accurate records have helped us maintain a cattle mortality rate of less than two percent." Zvikomborero Farm currently employs 34 workers, with women making up 52 percent of the workforce, reflecting Dr Ndhlukula's commitment to gender inclusion in commercial agriculture. Divine Ndhlukula

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Zimbabwean government has dismissed as fake a viral letter circulating on social media claiming that First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is set to become the country's next President. The document, dated 14 July 2026, alleges that Printflow (Private) Limited had been instructed to print 1,000 official presidential portraits of Dr Mnangagwa ahead of her purported inauguration. The letter, purportedly signed by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, claims the Office of the President and Cabinet commissioned the portraits using official government specifications. However, the Government says the document is fabricated and forms part of a misinformation campaign. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana dismissed the letter, saying it was not an official government document. Writing on his verified X account, Mangwana said the letter was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) and was designed to mislead the public. "There is a clear and misguided effort to thrust the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, into the political spotlight through baseless allegations," Mangwana said. "In an attempt to lend credibility to this narrative, some are now circulating fabricated documents clearly generated using artificial intelligence (AI) to advance this agenda." His remarks came after images of the alleged letter were widely shared across multiple social media platforms, prompting speculation over an alleged succession plan. Mangwana also dismissed suggestions that the First Lady harbours ambitions of becoming Zimbabwe's Head of State. He said although Dr Mnangagwa is a member of ZANU PF, her public work has remained focused on humanitarian programmes, women's empowerment, health initiatives and support for vulnerable communities rather than partisan politics. "While the First Lady is indeed a member of ZANU PF, she has never pursued a partisan agenda," he said. "Her initiatives and programmes remain distinctly nationalistic in character, treating all Zimbabweans equally, with particular attention to the less fortunate members of society and other causes close to her heart." Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has led several national programmes through her Angel of Hope Foundation and has championed initiatives focusing on maternal health, nutrition, women's economic empowerment and cultural preservation. The viral letter falsely states that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had instructed Printflow to begin producing official presidential portraits for an "incoming President, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa." No evidence has been produced to support the claims contained in the document, and the Office of the President and Cabinet has not issued any communication indicating a change in Zimbabwe's presidency. The circulation of fabricated documents generated using artificial intelligence has become an increasing challenge globally, with governments and technology experts warning that AI-generated content can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in public institutions. Authorities have urged the public to verify information through official government communication channels before sharing documents circulating on social media. Auxillia Mnangagwa

By Southerton Business Times | Bulawayo Commuters in Bulawayo were greeted by protest flyers plastered across parts of the city on Monday morning, in what appears to be the latest sign of growing political mobilisation ahead of planned demonstrations on 31 July. The flyers, which appeared overnight, were spotted in several locations, including Five Avenue, bus termini and around the Joshua Nkomo statue in the city centre. The leaflets, whose authors were not identified, called on "progressives" to unite and "fight Zanu PF head on", while outlining demands focused on economic conditions, public services and constitutional governance. Among the issues raised were calls for job creation, fair wages, quality healthcare, affordable education, and greater institutional independence. The flyers also called for the full separation of the judiciary, Parliament and the Executive, arguing that stronger institutional independence is necessary to enhance constitutional governance. A prominent message on the leaflets read: "CAB 3 IS NOT A DONE DEAL!!!", referring to the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 6 of 2026, commonly known during its legislative process as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3). The constitutional changes have attracted criticism from some opposition politicians, civil society organisations and legal commentators, while the Government has defended the amendments as lawful reforms adopted through constitutional parliamentary procedures. The flyers warned that if the listed demands were not addressed, "radical actions" would follow, although they did not specify what those actions would entail. By mid-morning, commuters, vendors, students and office workers were seen reading the flyers, with small groups gathering near the Joshua Nkomo statue and other locations to discuss their contents. The incident comes amid heightened political activity ahead of calls by some activists and civic groups for nationwide demonstrations and stay-aways later this month. Authorities have previously warned that while Zimbabwe's Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and expression, any unlawful acts, violence or public disorder would be dealt with in accordance with the law. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently said security services were prepared to maintain public order during the planned July 31 protests, stressing that grievances should be pursued through constitutional and legal channels. As of Monday afternoon, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had not issued a statement regarding the appearance of the flyers, and there were no confirmed reports of arrests linked to their distribution. It also remains unclear which organisation or individuals were responsible for producing and circulating the material. Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the origin of the flyers or the claims contained in them. Bulawayo protest flyers

By Southerton Business Times | Harare The Government is considering increasing health-specific and risk allowances for public health workers as part of efforts to cushion them against rising economic pressures, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has told Parliament. Speaking in the National Assembly, Mombeshora said the proposal, submitted by health workers, is being jointly assessed by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. The review comes amid continued calls by nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals for improved remuneration and better working conditions in Zimbabwe's public health sector. Responding to questions on measures being taken to address concerns raised by health workers employed at public health institutions, Mombeshora said Government was considering adjustments in line with economic realities and available financial resources. "The Government is further evaluating a submission made by the health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances applicable to health workers according to prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space," he said. He said the proposed package is intended to help health workers cope with the rising cost of living while ensuring any salary-related commitments remain fiscally sustainable. Mombeshora explained that remuneration issues for public sector health workers are handled through the Bipartite Negotiation Panel (BNP), the formal platform for engagement between Government and employee representatives. He said consultations had already been held between the Health Services Commission (HSC) and health workers, resulting in revised proposals that are now being processed by the relevant ministries before a final decision is made. "The discussions have already taken place, and the revised proposals are now under consideration by the relevant Government ministries," he said. The minister said Government is also considering concerns over transport allowances, which health workers say no longer reflect the cost of travelling to and from work. He was responding to Mbizo legislator Corban Madzivanyika (CCC), who asked what measures Government was taking to address complaints that the current transport allowance had been overtaken by inflation and increasing transport costs. Health workers' unions have repeatedly called for improved salaries and allowances, arguing that better remuneration is essential to retain skilled professionals, improve morale and strengthen service delivery in public hospitals and clinics. The Government has maintained that any adjustments to salaries and benefits must take into account available fiscal resources while balancing competing national priorities. The outcome of the ongoing review is expected to determine whether health workers receive enhanced allowances in the current fiscal year. Douglas Mombeshora

By Southerton Business Times | Bulawayo The Archdiocese of Bulawayo has marked a historic milestone after twin brothers were ordained as Catholic priests in what is believed to be Zimbabwe's first twin priestly ordination. Fr. Francelino Joachim Machirika and his twin brother, Fr. Franklin Joachim Machirika, were among four deacons ordained during a solemn Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Bulawayo on Saturday. The ordination, which began at 9:30 am, was presided over by Archbishop Alex Thomas SVD, drawing hundreds of Catholic faithful, clergy, religious and family members who gathered to witness the landmark occasion. The twins were ordained alongside Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM and Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM, bringing the total number of priests ordained during the ceremony to four. The ordination of the Machirika twins was widely celebrated as a unique moment in the history of the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe, with worshippers describing it as a powerful testament to faith, family and commitment to religious life. Catholic faithful said the rare occasion demonstrates that priestly vocations continue to flourish and could inspire more young Zimbabweans to consider serving the Church. The Catholic Church teaches that priestly ordination is the sacrament through which men are called to serve as spiritual leaders, celebrating the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and providing pastoral care to communities. Following their ordination, the four newly ordained priests are expected to celebrate Thanksgiving Masses in their respective parishes on Sunday. The Machirika twins will celebrate their first Mass as priests at Holy Trinity Parish in Cowdray Park. Meanwhile, Fr. Bongani Ndlovu CMM will celebrate at Uganda Martyrs Parish in Luveve, while Fr. Dumisani Dube CMM will preside over a Thanksgiving Mass at St Bernard's Parish in Pumula. The celebrations mark the culmination of years of spiritual formation, philosophical and theological studies, and pastoral preparation required before ordination into the Catholic priesthood. Among those attending the ceremony was Jacob Chikarakara, a member of the St Joseph Guild in Bulawayo, who described the event as one that would be remembered for generations. "Today we witnessed history in our church and my family and I wish the twins and indeed the other two new priests a long and blessed journey in their chosen vocation. Our guild stands ready to support them as they go through their journey as priests," he said. The Archdiocese of Bulawayo said the ordinations were a joyful celebration of faith and reflected the continued growth of priestly vocations within the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe. Church leaders also expressed hope that the historic ordination would encourage more young people to respond to God's call to religious life and service. Catholic Church Zimbabwe

By Southerton Business Times | Harare Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu says Zimbabwe is moving closer to adopting the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the exclusive currency for domestic transactions after meeting six of the eight key economic conditions required for a sustainable transition. Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Mail, Mushayavanhu said the shift to a single-currency system would be gradual and based on macroeconomic performance rather than a fixed deadline. "The transition to the exclusive use of ZiG for settling all domestic transactions will be a gradual process anchored on macroeconomic stability," he said. "As such, the transition is not date-based but is dependent on the achievement of the conditions precedent." The Reserve Bank said it developed the roadmap after studying international experiences of countries that successfully transitioned to domestic currency regimes. According to Mushayavanhu, Zimbabwe has already achieved six of the eight conditions required before the local currency can become the sole legal tender for domestic transactions. These include: Sustained single-digit inflation; Stable exchange rate dynamics; An efficient foreign exchange trading system; Financial sector stability; An efficient National Payments System; and Fiscal and monetary policy discipline, including no central bank financing of Government budget deficits since April 2024. The RBZ said annual ZiG inflation averaged 4.4 percent during the first half of 2026 and is expected to remain within single-digit levels over the medium term. The central bank also noted that the premium between the official and parallel exchange rates has remained below 20 percent, while work is underway with the World Bank to finalise an automated foreign currency trading platform. Mushayavanhu said the Reserve Bank is now focusing on meeting the remaining two conditions before Zimbabwe can fully transition to exclusive ZiG usage. The outstanding requirements are: Building stronger public confidence and demand for ZiG by expanding its use in payments for Government goods and services; and Increasing foreign currency reserves to at least three months of import cover. According to the RBZ, Zimbabwe's foreign currency reserves had reached US$1.6 billion by last month, equivalent to 1.6 months of import cover. Around 40 percent of those reserves comprise gold holdings. The central bank expects to hold more than 11 tonnes of gold in its vaults by the time the country is ready for full domestic use of ZiG. Mushayavanhu said Zimbabwe remains on course to satisfy the remaining benchmarks, stressing that confidence in the local currency will be built through continued macroeconomic stability and prudent monetary management. "The country is on course to meet the conditions precedent, as evidenced by sustained single-digit inflation," he said. "Important to note is that the country has already achieved most of the conditions precedent and has made significant progress towards achieving the remaining ones." Zimbabwe introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024 to replace the Zimbabwe dollar following years of currency instability. Authorities say the new currency is backed by gold and foreign currency reserves and forms part of broader efforts to restore confidence in the country's monetary system. ZiG currency