NYANGA – Police in Nyanga are searching for an acting deputy headmaster who is wanted in connection with the alleged indecent assault of a 17-year-old learner. Simon Muzerengi, the acting deputy headmaster at Claremont High School, is being sought by police following an incident that allegedly occurred on 19 June at his residence in Nyanga. According to a police report, Muzerengi is facing an allegation of indecent assault as defined under Section 67 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]. The matter is being investigated under ZRP Nyanga Received Book Number 6850644. Police allege that the Form Three learner visited Muzerengi's home to return a cellphone that he had given her earlier that day for safekeeping. The report states that after the learner arrived, she knocked on the door and informed him that she wanted to return the phone. She was allegedly instructed to place it inside the house after indicating that a window through which she had initially been told to leave it was closed. According to the police report, once the learner entered the house, Muzerengi allegedly locked the door and told her that he loved her. The learner reportedly asked him to unlock the door. Investigators further allege that Muzerengi later left the house, locking the learner inside, before returning a short time later. Police say he then allegedly touched the learner inappropriately without her consent. The alleged incident was interrupted when other members of staff and learners arrived at the residence and knocked on the door. According to the police report, three teachers and two learners were present when the door was opened. The matter was reported to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Nyanga on 23 June, and the complainant was referred to Nyanga District Hospital for medical examination. Police attended the scene, but the suspect had reportedly left before officers arrived. When contacted by The Manica Post, Manicaland Provincial Education Director Richard Gabaza said he had not yet received details of the case. "I don't have this case. Please wait for my inquiries," Gabaza was quoted as saying. The provincial education office had reportedly not received an official report on the matter more than 10 working days after the alleged incident. Police investigations are continuing, and authorities have appealed for information that may assist in locating the suspect. As the matter is before law enforcement, the allegations remain untested in court, and Muzerengi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court. Nyanga school administrator wanted

Paidamoyo graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree five years ago. She was told, as all graduates are told, that her future was bright. That her time was coming. That she was the leader of tomorrow. Today she sells linen. There is perhaps no sentence repeated more faithfully in Zimbabwe than this: "The youth are the leaders of tomorrow." It is spoken at graduation ceremonies. It echoes through church pulpits. Politicians invoke it at rallies. Parents repeat it around dinner tables. It is one of those national sayings we have inherited without ever interrogating. But there is one question we almost never ask. When does tomorrow actually arrive? For many young Zimbabweans, it never does. Tomorrow has become a comfortable destination for promises. It is where ambitions are parked, difficult conversations postponed and uncomfortable transitions indefinitely delayed. It asks for patience but offers no timetable. It inspires hope while quietly suspending expectation. Perhaps that is why it has survived for so long. The youth are encouraged to prepare, but rarely to participate. They are trusted to campaign but not to govern. To organise but not to decide. To execute but not to lead. Their turn, they are assured, is coming. Tomorrow. This is not an argument against experience. Experience matters. Wisdom matters. Institutional memory matters. Nations cannot afford collective amnesia. But experience should be a bridge, not a barricade. Leadership was never meant to be permanent occupancy. It was meant to be temporary stewardship. Somewhere along the way, office became something to possess rather than something to pass on. That may be our greatest succession crisis. The irony is almost cruel. Every generation of young people hears exactly the same promise. Wait your turn. Learn from your elders. Tomorrow will come. Then tomorrow finally arrives. Only for them to discover that they have become today's gatekeepers, repeating to another generation the very words that once frustrated them. The promise survives because every generation inherits it and then passes it on. Tomorrow, it seems, is our most successful political tradition. The consequences stretch far beyond politics. In business, young professionals are trusted with execution but seldom strategy. In churches, they lead worship but rarely the institution. In civic organisations, they mobilise communities but seldom occupy the highest offices. Across society, youth participation often ends where decision-making begins. We call it inclusion. Too often, it is merely proximity to power rather than power itself. The contradiction is difficult to ignore. We urge young people to innovate while denying them the authority to implement those innovations. We insist they gain experience while withholding the responsibilities through which experience is actually acquired. Leadership is not learned in waiting rooms. Every accomplished leader was once inexperienced. Every veteran was once trusted before they felt entirely ready. Experience is accumulated by carrying responsibility, not by watching others carry it. This also demands honesty from young people themselves. Youth is not a qualification for leadership any more than age is. Energy is not competence. Social media influence is not governance. And connection is not merit. We have watched young faces ascend to high offices not through the slow accumulation of skill and accountability, but through the quiet inheritance of proximity. A surname. A relationship. A room they were born into. They carry the language of transformation while embodying its opposite. This is not youth leadership. It is dynasty with a younger face. Leadership still demands discipline, humility, preparation and accountability. Neither age nor lineage can substitute for that. But neither should longevity become a permanent licence to lead. Healthy societies understand that succession is not an admission of failure. It is evidence of confidence. Leaders who prepare successors do not diminish their legacy they secure it. The strongest leaders are not those who make themselves indispensable. They are those who leave behind institutions that no longer depend on them. Perhaps, then, it is time to retire one of our favourite clichés. Stop telling young people they are the leaders of tomorrow. Tell them they are leaders today in their classrooms, communities, businesses, workplaces and ideas. Trust them with meaningful responsibility while they are still young enough to learn from it. Let them stumble. Let them grow. That is how every generation earns its wisdom. Nations are not built tomorrow. They are built today. And perhaps the greatest measure of any generation is not how long it can hold on to leadership but how courageously, and how deliberately, it prepares to let it go. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership, and governance scholar writing in his personal capacity. youth leadership in Zimbabwe

HARARE – Motorists in Harare are being urged to familiarise themselves with Zimbabwe's Highway Code after authorities confirmed that 16 intelligent traffic surveillance camera sites are now operational across the capital under the first phase of the country's smart traffic management programme. The surveillance network forms part of a broader national initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, with TelOne serving as the project's technology partner. Speaking at TelOne's 12th Annual General Meeting in Harare last Friday, chief executive officer Lawrence Nkala said installation of the first phase has progressed substantially, with cameras now actively monitoring traffic at major intersections. "In terms of progress under phase one, there are 20 sites in Harare, and we do have cameras that have been mounted on poles at various intersections," Nkala said. He said infrastructure installation has been completed at all 20 planned locations, with most sites already transmitting live data. "We have got 20 sites, and in terms of implementation, the 20 sites are done, and cameras have been deployed. We currently have 16 live sites," he said. Motorists travelling along Samora Machel Avenue are already encountering the surveillance cameras, which are recording traffic violations in real time. "As you travel along Samora Machel into town, obviously, you encounter cameras, and we are already getting violations," Nkala added. The AI-powered traffic enforcement system is designed to detect a range of road traffic offences, including speeding, failure to obey traffic lights, illegal turns, failure to give way and other dangerous driving behaviours. Authorities say the cameras will also assist police by providing digital evidence for crash investigations and prosecution of traffic offences. The expansion of intelligent traffic monitoring comes as Zimbabwe seeks to modernise road safety enforcement through technology while reducing congestion and improving compliance with traffic laws. According to the World Health Organization, road traffic crashes claim approximately 1.19 million lives globally each year, with speeding, distracted driving and failure to obey traffic regulations among the leading causes of serious accidents. The WHO recommends the use of automated enforcement technologies, including speed and red-light cameras, as effective tools for improving road safety. Nkala urged motorists to adjust their driving habits and ensure they understand the provisions of Zimbabwe's Highway Code before travelling through areas covered by the surveillance system. The rollout of smart traffic cameras is expected to continue beyond Harare as government expands the programme to other urban centres under future implementation phases. Officials believe technology-driven enforcement will play a critical role in reducing road traffic accidents, improving compliance with road regulations and supporting safer, more efficient transport systems across Zimbabwe. Harare AI traffic cameras

HARARE – Women's health advocates are calling for a fundamental shift in how Africa addresses period poverty, arguing that millions of women and girls continue to suffer from undiagnosed menstrual disorders, limited access to specialist healthcare and persistent social stigma despite growing awareness campaigns. The issues will take centre stage at the Women's Health Summit, scheduled for August in Johannesburg, where healthcare professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders will meet under the theme "Access Granted" to discuss sustainable solutions to Africa's menstrual health challenges. Speaking ahead of the summit, Bianca Nyamuparadza, founder of the Gynae Warriors Network, said period poverty extends far beyond the inability to afford sanitary products. "Period poverty goes beyond donating sanitary pads," Nyamuparadza said. "There are girls living with undiagnosed diseases for years. There is bullying, untreated trauma, lack of healthcare, lack of education and the inability to afford specialist treatment." Nyamuparadza said her advocacy journey began after years of experiencing painful menstrual symptoms that were repeatedly dismissed as normal. "My journey started because of the lack of information," she said. "It was only after researching my symptoms online that I realised everything I was experiencing had a medical explanation. The conditions existed, but people simply didn't know about them." That experience inspired her to establish what was then known as Shine in 2010, an organisation that has since evolved into the Gynae Warriors Network, expanding its awareness programmes beyond Zimbabwe into several African countries through regional ambassadors and educational initiatives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), menstrual health is a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive health, yet millions of women worldwide continue to face barriers to diagnosis, treatment and education, affecting their wellbeing, education and economic participation. The WHO has increasingly called for menstrual health to be integrated into national health and development policies. Nyamuparadza said stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing women from seeking medical assistance. "Many women don't want to be associated with menstrual health movements because society immediately links menstrual disorders with infertility," she said. "They would rather suffer in silence than face judgement." She warned that girls in rural communities are particularly vulnerable because they often lack access to accurate health information and specialist medical services. "I kept asking myself, what about the little girl in a village in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya or Ghana whose parents and teachers don't understand what she is experiencing? That's when I realised we needed to reach communities differently." Research published by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) shows that inadequate menstrual health education and poor access to healthcare contribute to school absenteeism, reduced confidence and long-term health challenges for adolescent girls across sub-Saharan Africa. Nyamuparadza said specialist consultations for menstrual and gynaecological disorders can cost more than US$100, excluding diagnostic tests and treatment, placing comprehensive care beyond the reach of many families. She called for governments, schools, healthcare providers and the private sector to work together to improve menstrual health education, expand specialist services and reduce stigma. "If a seven-year-old starts menstruating at school and the teacher has never been trained, that teacher can unintentionally become part of that child's trauma," she said. She believes the Johannesburg summit will help move menstrual health from the margins of public debate to the centre of Africa's health and development agenda, ensuring more women and girls have access to timely diagnosis, treatment and accurate information. Africa menstrual health crisis

War veteran Reuben Zulu has approached the High Court seeking to halt the processing of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 over allegations of unlawful inducements involving Members of Parliament. HARARE – Zimbabwe's Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) has encountered another legal obstacle after liberation war veteran Reuben Zulu filed an urgent High Court application seeking to stop the Bill from reaching President Emmerson Mnangagwa for assent. The application, filed on Tuesday and prepared by constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, asks the High Court to suspend the certification and transmission of CAB3 until allegations that Members of Parliament were unlawfully induced during the legislative process have been fully investigated. The latest case follows the dismissal of an earlier Constitutional Court challenge in June, when Justice Bharat Patel ruled that the applicants had failed to establish a constitutional basis for the apex court to intervene. Zulu argues that Parliament's approval of the Bill was "contaminated" by allegations that legislators accepted luxury vehicles and cash while debating constitutional amendments that could significantly reshape Zimbabwe's governance system. Court papers allege that CCC proportional representation MP Samantha Mureyani and ZANU PF MP Remigious Matangira each received 2026 Toyota Fortuner vehicles from businessman Wicknell Chivayo while the Bill was before Parliament. The application further claims Mureyani received an additional US$50,000, allegedly described as constituency development funding despite serving as a proportional representation legislator. "It is not about whether the reward was paid before or after a speech. The question is whether a member accepted a reward for or in respect of the promotion of, support for, or conduct relating to a Bill," the founding affidavit states. The application also alleges that cash payments of US$10,000 were distributed to legislators through parliamentary chief whips under the guise of constituency development funds. Zulu argues the alleged conduct breaches Section 18 of the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act, which prohibits MPs from accepting rewards connected to parliamentary business, and Section 170 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalises inducements intended to influence public officials. In a certificate of urgency, lawyer Kudzanai Brian Munakamwe warned that allowing the Bill to proceed before the allegations are tested would cause irreversible constitutional prejudice. "The constitutional process is continuing now. The risk is not remote. It is imminent," Munakamwe states in the application. Constitutional law experts say the case shifts attention from the substance of CAB3 to the integrity of Parliament's legislative process. The Law Society of Zimbabwe, in its submissions to Parliament, has already raised concerns over several provisions of the Bill, arguing that some proposed constitutional changes may require a referendum under Section 328 of the Constitution. The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference has also expressed concern over the proposed constitutional reforms, urging national dialogue and respect for constitutionalism before far-reaching amendments are enacted. CAB3 proposes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's constitutional framework, including extending presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms from five to seven years, restructuring the election of the President and altering several constitutional institutions. The Bill has sharply divided legal experts, political parties and civil society organisations. The High Court has directed the respondents to file opposing papers within three days. Should the court grant interim relief, the certification and presentation of the Bill to President Mnangagwa could be temporarily suspended pending a full hearing. Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3

HARARE – A prominent Harare businessman has told the Harare Magistrates' Court that the two women at the centre of a cyberbullying and malicious damage to property case are both his girlfriends, as he testified in an ongoing criminal trial stemming from a deteriorating personal relationship. David Madzikanda, who appeared as a State witness before magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, gave evidence in the case in which Millicent Murape is facing charges of cyberbullying and malicious damage to property following a complaint lodged by Tsitsi Mutseriwa. Murape has pleaded not guilty to both charges. Giving evidence, Madzikanda confirmed that he has separate relationships with both women. He told the court that he had been involved with Mutseriwa for several years but had never married her. According to his testimony, the dispute escalated during the first week of July last year after he visited Mutseriwa's residence for lunch. He said Murape later arrived at the property, triggering a confrontation between the two women. Madzikanda also disputed part of the complainant's case relating to alleged property damage, telling the court that he owns the house occupied by Mutseriwa. "I am the owner of that property; therefore, the only person who had the right to report any property damage is me, not Mutseriwa," he testified. He further claimed that he had attempted to persuade Mutseriwa to withdraw the criminal complaint but alleged she demanded that he build her a house and buy her a vehicle before agreeing to do so. "I never married Mutseriwa and will never marry her. I have only one wife at home who works in a bank," Madzikanda told the court. The businessman also confirmed that Murape is his girlfriend and that they have a child together. He testified that tensions between the two women intensified after Murape became pregnant. According to the prosecution, Mutseriwa received abusive WhatsApp messages from Murape's mobile phone on 5 July last year, followed by additional messages the following day. Prosecutors allege that Mutseriwa did not respond to the communications. Murape is also accused of throwing stones at the house occupied by Mutseriwa, breaking several window panes. The State alleges that the incident formed part of a broader campaign of harassment. Earlier in the trial, Mutseriwa testified that Murape sent WhatsApp messages claiming she would eventually become Madzikanda's wife and take over the property, where Murape had previously lived as a tenant before beginning a relationship with the businessman. Mutseriwa also alleged that Murape accused her of practising witchcraft by placing charms at her doorstep to cause her pregnancy to miscarry. She further told the court that when she confronted Murape over the alleged messages, she found Madzikanda inside Murape's apartment and was allegedly left waiting outside for about an hour. Mutseriwa also claimed that Madzikanda has four other wives. Mutseriwa maintained that she reported the matter to police because she believed Murape's alleged conduct amounted to criminal offences rather than being motivated by jealousy arising from their personal relationships. The trial continues before the Harare Magistrates' Court, with further witnesses expected to testify before the court determines whether the prosecution has proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Harare cyberbullying case

Dear Editor, It is really sad and devastating when ZANU PF officials boldly defy His Excellency's instruction that no child must be victimised for non-payment of fees. For the past four weeks, there has been no proper learning at Murowa Primary School in Zvishavane district as every morning pupils are being sent back home for non-payment of fees by the combative SDC Chairman, who is also ZANU PF district chairman. The SDC Chair openly boasts that he is in charge of the school and his actions cannot be questioned by anyone, and doesn't care about what the President says. Not that we support fees non payment but surely four weeks of no learning is too much punishment for the learner. This has also affected the morale of both teachers and learners, as the Chairman is always at the school saying come 2030, he will still be the Chairman. The main reason for non-payment of fees by parents is financial mismanagement by the school head, and this case was reported to the relevant Ministry of Education, but no action has been taken. The head is running the school as his own tuckshop project with no proper financial accountability. The said auditors from Runde Rural District Council who visited the school spent less than half an hour in the office and two hours feasting. Parents are demanding proper and thorough auditing of school finances. The school administration is a family affair, as the head's wife is the senior teacher and also serves as the clerk. On the other hand, the SDC committee is a family affair where the Chairman and Treasurer are blood brothers, and the school operates a stop order account from the treasurer's shop. This is madness to say the least insofar as checks and balances are concerned. As parents we sincerely once again ask the ministry of education to intervene and ensure proper learning at the school for the sake of our kids we also unreservedly demand for a thorough audit of the school finances and that the SDC members who are giving themselves paid contracts at the school be brought to book, together with the headmaster for this is the highest form of corruption. Concerned Parents Murowa Primary School, Zvishavane Murowa Primary School corruption

HARARE — Sixteen smart traffic surveillance camera sites are now operational across Harare, with authorities warning motorists to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code after the system detected a growing number of traffic violations. The cameras form part of Phase One of Zimbabwe's Smart Traffic Management System, a national initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage in partnership with TelOne to improve road safety and strengthen traffic law enforcement. Speaking at TelOne's 12th Annual General Meeting in Harare last Friday, the company's chief executive officer, Lawrence Nkala, said installation of the surveillance infrastructure was at an advanced stage. "In terms of progress under Phase One, there are 20 sites in Harare, and we do have cameras that have been mounted on poles at various intersections," Nkala said. "We have got 20 sites, and in terms of implementation, the 20 sites are done, and cameras have been deployed, and we currently have 16 live sites." Nkala said the cameras are already recording motorists committing traffic offences at major intersections across the capital. "As you travel along Samora Machel into town, obviously, you encounter cameras, and we are already getting violations," he said. Although authorities have not disclosed the number of offences detected so far, Nkala described the trend as concerning and urged motorists to comply with road traffic regulations. "We are seeing a pattern; the kind of violations that we are seeing are very worrisome, and you are warned that you must revisit your Highway Code in respect of how you approach intersections." The surveillance system is designed to enhance road safety by monitoring driver behaviour and improving compliance with traffic laws. The cameras can detect offences such as: Running red traffic lights. Illegal turns. Speeding. Failure to obey traffic signs. Failure to give way at intersections. The technology also provides digital evidence to assist police investigations into road traffic accidents and support the prosecution of traffic offenders. The project forms part of the Government's broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe's transport infrastructure through the adoption of smart technologies that improve traffic management and reduce road fatalities. Authorities have encouraged drivers to familiarise themselves with the Highway Code and exercise greater caution, particularly at signal-controlled intersections where the cameras are already operational. The rollout of smart surveillance technology comes as Zimbabwe continues to strengthen enforcement of road traffic regulations amid concerns over reckless driving, fatal accidents and growing traffic congestion in urban centres. Once fully implemented, the Harare system is expected to expand to additional locations as part of the national smart city and intelligent transport strategy. Harare smart traffic cameras

HARARE — A village head from Mashonaland West has approached the High Court seeking an urgent interdict to stop Pan Africa Mining (Pvt) Ltd from carrying out mining activities and constructing a dam along the Mupfure River, alleging the project threatens sacred cultural heritage sites linked to some of Zimbabwe's revered First Chimurenga heroes. Headman Tobias Ruse Gumboreshumba, of Gumboreshumba Village under Chief Chivero, argues that the proposed development risks destroying ancestral graves, sacred forests, caves and ceremonial sites associated with Sekuru Kaguvi Gumboreshumba, Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe and other liberation heroes. In his High Court application, Headman Gumboreshumba is seeking an order compelling Pan Africa Mining to immediately halt all construction and mining activities pending the determination of the matter. According to court papers, the headman says the affected area is regarded as one of the most important cultural and spiritual heritage sites for descendants of the Gumboreshumba and Mashayamombe families and surrounding communities. "The construction site of the dam sits at the very heart of the monuments and heritage sites of First Chimurenga heroes, namely Sekuru Kaguvi Gumboreshumba and Paramount Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe," Headman Gumboreshumba states in his application. He said the area contains numerous sacred sites that have been used for generations for traditional ceremonies, including rain-making rituals and ancestral worship. "The monuments and heritage sites at the area include sacred forest, sacred ancestral graves, sacred pools, sacred caves and other cultural sites. The same area is where we perform traditional rituals, including rain-making and worshipping, since time immemorial." The application states that the proposed dam site encompasses: Six sacred pools. Twenty ancestral graves belonging to the Chivero clan. Seven graves of Mashayamombe leaders located in caves along the Mupfure River. Sacred forests and ceremonial sites used for traditional worship. Headman Gumboreshumba also told the court that the area has been identified as the future reburial site for the remains of Sekuru Kaguvi Gumboreshumba and Chief Chinengundu Mashayamombe should they be repatriated. He said community members have consistently opposed the project and have unsuccessfully engaged the mining company and relevant government authorities to protect the heritage sites. According to the application, residents have also petitioned Parliament to intervene and stop the project, while representations have been made to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). The respondents cited in the case are: Pan Africa Mining (Pvt) Ltd. Minister of Mechanisation and Water Resources. Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ). Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA). Headman Gumboreshumba argues that there is sufficient alternative land within the district for development without disturbing sites of historical, cultural and spiritual significance. The case is expected to test the balance between infrastructure development, mining investment and the constitutional obligation to protect Zimbabwe's cultural heritage. Zimbabwe's heritage legislation provides for the preservation of archaeological, historical and cultural sites, while environmental and water infrastructure projects are generally subject to environmental and heritage assessments before implementation. The High Court is yet to set a date for the hearing of the application. Pan Africa Mining Mupfure River

HARARE — Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on workshops, seminars, conferences, foreign travel and look-and-learn visits by local authorities, saying councils must prioritise service delivery over non-essential expenditure. The directive, contained in a ministerial circular dated 27 May 2026, was tabled before local authorities through Chamber Secretaries on 28 May 2026. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said it had become increasingly concerned that councils were spending scarce financial resources on travel and conferences instead of improving essential public services. "The Ministry has noted with concern the increasing number of workshops, foreign travel, look-and-learn visits, conferences and related activities being undertaken by Local Authorities at the expense of service delivery priorities," Garwe said in the circular. Garwe announced that the moratorium takes effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice. "Accordingly, and with immediate effect, the Ministry hereby places an embargo on all workshops, seminars, symposiums, conferences, foreign travel and look-and-learn visits involving any time and financial costs to Local Authorities until further notice." The directive prohibits all urban councils, municipalities, town councils and rural district councils from participating in such activities without prior written approval from the Ministry. According to the circular, local authorities may no longer independently commit to attending conferences or training programmes. "No Local Authority shall participate in or facilitate any such activity without the prior written approval of the Ministry." The ban extends beyond council-organised activities to include programmes initiated by government departments, development partners, local government associations, private companies and other institutions. "This directive equally applies to activities initiated or coordinated by other Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, associations, private entities or any other institutions," the circular states. The Ministry directed councils to submit all invitations and requests for workshops or travel for approval before making any commitments. Garwe said future approvals will only be granted where proposed activities directly contribute to improving local authority performance under the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS). "Consideration for approval of such activities shall strictly be based on their contribution towards the attainment of the Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) and improvement of service delivery in Local Authorities." The Government has been pushing councils to improve the delivery of essential services, including water supply, refuse collection, road maintenance, sewer management and public health. The Minister warned that councils and officials who ignore the directive will face disciplinary action. "Non-compliance with this directive will not be tolerated. Appropriate administrative action shall be taken against any Local Authority or official found to be acting in contravention of this Circular." The circular forms part of the Government's broader reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, improving municipal governance and ensuring that limited financial resources are directed towards essential service delivery rather than administrative expenses. Daniel Garwe council travel ban

HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), has promoted Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda to the rank of Major General, with effect from 22 June 2026. The promotion was formally conferred during an investiture ceremony held at Defence House in Harare on Tuesday, where Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Emmanuel Matatu, presented the new rank insignia to Major General Mhonda. The ceremony was attended by senior military commanders from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) and other service chiefs. Speaking after receiving his new rank, Major General Mhonda thanked President Mnangagwa for the confidence shown in his leadership and military service. "I am truly honoured to stand before you here today receiving this promotion to the rank of Major General. It is a meaningful moment in my career, and I want to thank the Commander-in-Chief, Head of State and Government and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, through the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the Commander Zimbabwe National Army, for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to grow and promoting me to this rank," he said. He described the promotion as a collective achievement made possible through the support of colleagues and fellow officers throughout his military career. "I am also deeply grateful to my colleagues who challenged me, inspired me and supported me every step of the way. This promotion is not just a personal milestone; it reflects the incredible teamwork and collaboration I have experienced." The promotion forms part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces' leadership development and succession framework, under which senior officers are elevated in recognition of their service, experience and contribution to national defence. As Commander-in-Chief, President Mnangagwa has constitutional authority to appoint and promote senior officers within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Major General Mhonda now joins the senior command of the Zimbabwe National Army, where he is expected to play an expanded role in military leadership, operational planning and national security. The investiture ceremony underscored the importance of professionalism, discipline and continuity within Zimbabwe's defence establishment. Fidelis Mhonda promoted to Major General

HARARE — Chinese investors now control more than 80% of Zimbabwe's lithium production, cementing Beijing's dominance over one of the country's most strategic mining sectors as the industry recovers from a global price slump that cost more than 1,000 jobs. The disclosure was made by Lithium Producers Association of Zimbabwe (LPAZ) chairman Innocent Rukweza, who said Chinese-owned and Chinese-backed companies now dominate the country's lithium mining, processing and export value chain. "More than 80% of production is coming from Chinese-owned or Chinese-partnered projects," Rukweza said in a recent interview. "In fact, of all operational projects, they are effectively running production." Chinese companies have invested billions of dollars in Zimbabwe's lithium sector, acquiring major mines and building processing plants as part of Beijing's global strategy to secure supplies of critical minerals needed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage. Zimbabwe, which holds Africa's largest known lithium reserves, has attracted significant investment from Chinese mining giants, including Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ), Bikita Minerals, Sabi Star Lithium Mine and Arcadia Lithium Mine, making China the dominant player across the sector. According to Rukweza, Chinese firms now control most operational lithium assets through outright ownership or joint ventures, giving them substantial influence over the entire supply chain. "It is very much a Chinese phenomenon. They went through the whole supply chain," he said. Zimbabwe's lithium boom slowed sharply after global lithium prices fell from record highs reached during the electric vehicle surge. The decline forced several producers to cut production, postpone expansion projects and reduce their workforce. "When prices went down, we lost more than 1,000 direct jobs," said Rukweza. "Companies had to lay off workers and some projects were delayed because of viability concerns." Despite the downturn, the industry expects a strong rebound as global demand for battery minerals gradually recovers. The lithium industry has attracted approximately US$2 billion in investment, with projects worth another US$1.5 billion currently under development. Export earnings are forecast to rise from about US$500 million last year to US$1 billion in 2026 as more beneficiation plants begin operating. Zimbabwe banned exports of raw lithium ore in 2022 to encourage local value addition, forcing mining companies to process minerals before export. Rukweza said the policy has already transformed export earnings. "From about US$60 million in raw exports, we moved to more than US$500 million annually, and we are now targeting US$1 billion." The next phase of the industry's development is focused on producing lithium sulphate, a higher-value intermediate product used in battery manufacturing. One lithium sulphate plant is already operational, while at least six additional beneficiation projects, including concentrators and sulphate plants, are expected to come online from 2027. While new entrants such as Bravura Zimbabwe and the state-backed Sandawana lithium project are expanding production, Chinese companies remain the dominant force in Zimbabwe's lithium sector. Analysts say the concentration of ownership raises important questions about Zimbabwe's long-term control over one of its fastest-growing export industries, particularly as global demand for electric vehicles and clean energy technologies continues to increase. Rukweza also cautioned that the sector remains vulnerable to international commodity prices. "Below US$17,000 to US$18,000 per tonne, it becomes very difficult to operate," he said, referring to lithium carbonate prices. Chinese investment in Zimbabwe lithium