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Harare Institute of Technology ( image source ) Zimbabwe is moving from raw mineral exporter to potential green energy hub, with the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) spearheading plans for a lithium battery processing plant. With the country home to the sixth-largest lithium reserves globally, this initiative is seen as a strategic step toward positioning Zimbabwe in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. HIT has already developed prototype lithium-ion cells using locally sourced lithium phosphate, which have undergone initial testing. The institution is now scaling up research in collaboration with international partners from China and Europe. The plant will manufacture lithium carbonate, cathodes, electrodes, and full battery packs, reducing Zimbabwe’s reliance on imported technology. President Mnangagwa has banned the export of raw lithium, insisting that all producers establish local beneficiation plants. This policy has already attracted major Chinese investments, including a US$500 million project by Sinomine Resource Group and a US$270 million lithium processing facility at Sandawana under Kuvimba Mining House . By establishing domestic battery production, Zimbabwe hopes to capture more value from its mineral wealth while creating high-tech jobs. The Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW) has consistently urged Zimbabwe to leverage its mineral endowment into industrial growth. In its latest report, SARW noted: “There’s a pressing need to develop production capacity for lithium-ion batteries. This sector’s development is closely linked to global geopolitical dynamics.” Demand for EV batteries is projected to grow fivefold by 2035, with Africa increasingly central to supply chains for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite. HIT is positioning itself not just as a research hub but also as a training ground. Plans are underway to expand engineering curricula to include battery chemistry, materials science, and automation technologies, ensuring Zimbabwean students acquire the skills needed for a fast-evolving sector. Graduates will also benefit from internships with Chinese, South African, and European firms already involved in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Despite optimism, challenges remain. Energy shortages, inconsistent policy enforcement, and financing gaps could slow progress. Critics warn that without strong environmental safeguards, large-scale lithium processing could harm local ecosystems. Nevertheless, Zimbabwe’s pivot to battery manufacturing reflects a broader African ambition: to move up the value chain and avoid the “resource curse” of exporting raw minerals with little benefit to citizens.

Codeine Waste in the CBD ( Image Source ) Authorities have raised alarm after large quantities of discarded Broncleer cough syrup bottles were discovered at the Simon Muzenda Street Terminus (formerly Fourth Street), sparking calls for a police investigation into possible drug abuse and illegal dumping. The discovery was made during the National Cleanup campaign, where inspectors found wet plastic cups and freshly emptied bottles scattered across the terminus. Broncleer, a codeine-based cough syrup, is widely misused by youths as a recreational drug “This cup is still wet; it looks like it was used this morning,” observed Mrs. Gloria Denhere, Acting Director of Infrastructure Planning at Harare City Council. Health experts warn that abuse of codeine-based syrups can cause addiction, organ damage, and mental health disorders. Mrs. Denhere voiced concern: “Can they fend for their families after taking Broncleer?” The issue comes amid rising reports of youth drug abuse in Harare, including substances such as crystal meth and illegal cough mixtures. Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Affairs Charles Tawengwa linked the problem to broader issues of urban disorder and pollution.“A bus terminus should symbolize order and convenience, not pollution and neglect,” Tawengwa said. The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has pledged to intensify surveillance and collaborate with police to crack down on substance abuse and illegal dumping. Urban analysts say the incident reflects deeper social crises, including youth unemployment and inadequate regulation of pharmaceuticals. Calls are growing for community-based rehabilitation centres and stronger enforcement of drug laws to tackle the problem at its root.

The Chevrons ( image source ) Zimbabwe Cricket has officially announced its squad for the highly anticipated Namibia T20I Tri-Series, which kicks off next week at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The selection signals both a homecoming and a rebirth for the national side, as returning legends Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams headline a roster built on equal parts experience and promise. “It’s a squad built for redemption,” said former national coach Heath Streak. “Taylor and Williams bring the kind of leadership and grit that Zimbabwe needs right now.” The squad will be captained by all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who has become the face of Zimbabwean cricket in recent years. Raza is joined by seasoned campaigners Taylor and Williams—both revered for their resilience and match-winning abilities—as well as core players like Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, who form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s pace attack. Emerging talents such as Brian Bennett, Tinotenda Maposa, and Tadiwanashe Marumani have also been included, offering a glimpse into the next generation of Chevrons. Cricket analysts say the blend could be key to unlocking consistency. Zimbabwe’s absence from the 2024 T20 World Cup still looms large. Losses to Namibia and Uganda during the qualifying campaign were a bitter pill for both players and fans. This tri-series, featuring regional powerhouse Namibia, is viewed as both a warm-up and a psychological test ahead of the 2026 Africa qualifiers. “We’ve learned from our mistakes,” Raza told reporters. “This series is about proving we belong on the world stage.” Squad in Full Zimbabwe T20I Squad vs Namibia: Sikandar Raza (captain) Brendan Taylor (wk) Sean Williams Brian Bennett Ryan Burl Brad Evans Trevor Gwandu Clive Madande Tinotenda Maposa Tadiwanashe Marumani Wellington Masakadza Tony Munyonga Tashinga Musekiwa Blessing Muzarabani Dion Myers Richard Ngarava With regional cricket growing stronger, Zimbabwe risks losing its foothold without a revival. Namibia’s meteoric rise has challenged the Chevrons’ dominance in southern Africa, and Uganda’s emergence has raised the stakes. Success in Bulawayo will not only restore pride but also send a message that Zimbabwe still has the talent to compete. “This isn’t just about runs and wickets—it’s about identity,” said cricket writer Tinashe Chuma. “Zimbabwe needs to remind the world that it belongs in top-tier cricket.”

Former French Prime Minister François Bayrou ( image source ) France was plunged deeper into political crisis on September 8 as Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government collapsed after losing a parliamentary confidence vote by a staggering 364–194 margin. The dramatic fall marks the fourth prime ministerial resignation in just 18 months, fueling fears of ungovernability in one of the European Union’s largest economies. At the heart of the collapse was Bayrou’s controversial austerity budget, which proposed €43.8 billion in cuts. Among the most contentious measures were eliminating public holidays to raise productivity, freezing pensions despite high inflation, and reducing healthcare subsidies to trim deficits. Opposition parties from both the left and right denounced the plan as an attack on ordinary French citizens.“Bayrou chose to go. This budget is unfair to ordinary people,” said Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure. Analysts argue that France’s budgetary squeeze is not only domestic but also geopolitical. Former French colonies in West and Central Africa, long critical to Paris’s global influence, are increasingly rejecting French economic dominance. Resource nationalism, new alliances with Russia and China, and anti-French protests have disrupted trade, mining, and energy investments—deepening France’s fiscal strain. “France’s post-colonial entanglements are finally biting back,” said Dr. Élodie Moreau, political economist at Sciences Po. With Bayrou gone, attention has shifted to President Emmanuel Macron, whose centrist coalition is deeply fractured. Opposition parties are calling for either a unity government or fresh elections. Some far-left and far-right groups are openly demanding Macron’s resignation. The president, however, has vowed to stay the course. In a televised address, Macron called for “responsibility and calm” but gave no indication of who would replace Bayrou. The collapse has already rattled financial markets. French bond yields rose sharply as investors priced in political uncertainty, while the euro dipped against the dollar. Business leaders warn that prolonged instability could drive investment away from Paris at a critical time for the EU economy. The coming weeks will test France’s democratic resilience. Without a clear parliamentary majority, Macron faces a choice between compromise and confrontation. Meanwhile, unions are planning fresh strikes, and street protests are expected to intensify. “This is not just about budgets. It’s about France’s social contract,” said historian Jean-Luc Perrin. d African blowback and market jitters.

Ships from the Flotilla arriving at the port in Tunisia ( image source ) The Global Sumud Flotilla, a multinational humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza, has docked in Tunisia amid widespread international attention. With more than 50 ships from 44 countries carrying aid and activists, the mission has become a rallying cry for global solidarity with Palestinians under siege. The flotilla — named “Sumud,” meaning steadfastness in Arabic — is carrying food, medicine, and essential supplies as it attempts to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Among its 350 activists are climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and South African MP Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. “Just across the water there’s a genocide going on,” Thunberg declared upon arrival in Tunis, calling for urgent global action. Mandela echoed her sentiment: “Palestine does not need sympathy. It needs solidarity.” Organizers announced the flotilla will depart Tunisia on September 10, with hopes of reaching Gaza within a week. Stops in Sicily and Malta were considered earlier, but Tunisia has now become the final staging ground before the fleet heads eastward. The convoy’s size and diversity have drawn comparisons to the 2010 “Freedom Flotilla,” which ended in tragedy when Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara, killing nine activists. Israeli authorities have already warned they will not allow the flotilla to breach the blockade. Local media reports suggest plans to intercept the convoy in international waters and detain participants in high-security prisons. Despite the risks, morale among the volunteers remains high. “We have a moral obligation to help other humans,” said Idris Hausler, a U.S. filmmaker documenting the voyage. The convoy’s timing is critical. Reports from UN agencies highlight famine conditions and mass casualties in Gaza following months of blockade and bombardment. The flotilla is viewed not only as a supply mission but as a political statement against collective punishment. Former Libyan Prime Minister Omar al-Hassi, who joined the launch event in Tunis, described the mission as a historic moment of international resistance. “This is about humanity uniting for justice,” he said. The arrival of the flotilla coincides with renewed diplomatic pressure on Israel. European Union parliamentarians have called for an urgent review of trade ties, while South American countries including Brazil and Chile are leading calls at the UN for stronger action. Meanwhile, online reports say the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza announced on Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone at a port in Tunisia, though all six passengers and crew were safe. However, Tunisia’s interior ministry stated that reports of a drone hitting a boat at its Sidi Bou Said port “have no basis in truth,” clarifying that a fire broke out on the vessel itself. The Portuguese-flagged boat, carrying the flotilla’s steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage, the GSF said in a statement.

LONDON, UK — Famed street artist Banksy has once again sparked controversy—only to be silenced almost immediately. On September 8, a new mural appeared on the walls of the Royal Courts of Justice, depicting a judge striking a protester with an oversized gavel. Hours later, the artwork was covered with black plastic and metal barriers by court staff. The intervention proved Banksy’s point: his mural, widely interpreted as a critique of the UK’s crackdown on Palestine Action, was censored by the very institution it lampooned. The piece was confirmed by Banksy through his official Instagram account, instantly drawing thousands of reactions. “By choosing the Royal Courts of Justice, Banksy transforms a symbol of authority into a platform for debate,” said Jasper Tordoff, art specialist at MyArtBroker. The timing was crucial: it came just days after the UK government designated Palestine Action a terrorist organization, sparking outrage among human rights groups who accuse authorities of criminalizing dissent. The covering of the mural drew swift condemnation online. Billionaire Elon Musk joined the conversation on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “The more they try to cover it up, the more it will appear.” Activist group Defend Our Juries called the censorship “a perfect illustration of how power reacts to truth.” “When the law is used to crush civil liberties, it strengthens dissent,” the group said. This is not the first time Banksy has tackled contentious global issues. From murals in Bethlehem depicting life under occupation, to works in London satirizing surveillance and inequality, his art consistently blurs the line between activism and artistry. By targeting the Royal Courts of Justice, Banksy has amplified debates about freedom of expression, the role of law in politics, and Britain’s controversial stance on pro-Palestinian activism. Critics argue the government’s aggressive stance risks stifling legitimate protest movements and eroding public trust. By censoring Banksy’s mural, the judiciary inadvertently validated the artist’s critique. For cultural commentators, the incident raises an important question: can art still serve as a voice of accountability in an era of growing state censorship? Already, replicas and digital renderings of the mural are circulating online, ensuring the image cannot be erased. International media outlets have framed the episode as a symbolic clash between artistic expression and state authority.

Ballon d’Or 2025 will be hosted by Ruud Gullit and Kate Scott at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet ( image source ) PARIS — The spotlight will shine on the Théâtre du Châtelet on September 22, as the football world gathers for the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony—the game’s most prestigious individual award. This year’s gala will be hosted by two influential figures: Dutch legend Ruud Gullit and British broadcaster Kate Scott. “It’s an honour to return to the stage where legends are crowned,” said Gullit, who famously lifted the Ballon d’Or in 1987. For Gullit, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with AC Milan and a cornerstone of the Netherlands’ golden generation, hosting is both symbolic and personal. His presence bridges football’s storied past with its vibrant present. Kate Scott, by contrast, represents modern football broadcasting at its finest. Known for her incisive commentary with CBS Sports on the Champions League, she has carved out a global following for her ability to weave narratives around the game’s defining moments. “Football is storytelling,” Scott said. “And this night is where stories become legacy.” Together, they embody the ceremony’s blend of history and modernity. As anticipation builds, all eyes are on three frontrunners: Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé’s electric pace and leadership for both PSG and France make him a strong favourite, while Haaland’s relentless goal-scoring for Manchester City continues to redefine striker play. Vinícius, meanwhile, dazzled in Real Madrid’s Champions League campaign, earning plaudits for his decisive performances. Other outside contenders include Lionel Messi, who despite advancing age remains influential, and Jude Bellingham, whose breakthrough season at Real Madrid captured global attention. The Ballon d’Or has transcended sport, becoming a global cultural moment watched by millions. The ceremony features not only the men’s and women’s awards, but also the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper and the Kopa Trophy for top young player. With Gullit and Scott at the helm, organisers say they aim to showcase the “universal power of football.”

The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is progressing ( Image Source ) After years of neglect and frustration, motorists traveling the 435-kilometre Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road are beginning to see real progress. The long-awaited rehabilitation project—vital for tourism, trade, and local communities—is now visibly advancing across multiple sections. “Soon we’ll be cruising on a smooth road instead of dusty detours,” said Besnart Dube, a local motorist, echoing the relief of thousands who rely on the route. The road, a key artery connecting Zimbabwe’s second city to the world-famous Victoria Falls, is undergoing widening from 8 to 12 metres to improve safety and ease congestion. Five contractors have been assigned 50km stretches each: Fossil Contracting, Masimba Holdings, Syvern Investments, Bitumen Resources, and Tensor Systems. Transport officials say the target is to deliver a road that meets international highway standards, boosting regional trade while revitalising Zimbabwe’s tourism economy. Beyond transport, the project is also transforming lives along the route. Villagers report new opportunities as local youths secure employment through what many describe as transparent recruitment processes. “Our youths are now working. The recruitment was fair and transparent,” said Auxillia Khumalo, a community leader in Benisi. Local hiring is seen as a crucial way to ensure the project brings immediate benefits to surrounding communities. Despite progress, questions linger. Masimba Holdings has come under scrutiny, with allegations that it is sidelining local workers in favour of imported labour. Residents and civic groups are calling for stricter oversight to guarantee fair participation. Government officials have promised to investigate and ensure compliance with community empowerment guidelines. The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road is more than a highway; it’s a gateway. Tourists heading to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World depend on it, while local businesses use it to move goods across southern Africa. Crumbling infrastructure has long hampered both sectors, with potholes and detours driving up costs and accidents. Completion of the project could reinvigorate the tourism corridor, restore investor confidence, and symbolise Zimbabwe’s broader infrastructure renewal efforts.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned from his three-nation tour ( image source ) Harare, September 8, 2025  — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned from a whirlwind three-nation diplomatic tour that reinforced Zimbabwe’s foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement, securing high-level partnerships with the Vatican, China, and Eswatini. The mission is widely seen as a calculated push to attract investment, deepen regional solidarity, and expand the country’s global profile. President Mnangagwa began his tour in Rome, where he was received in audience by Pope Leo XIV. Their discussions centered on the Catholic Church’s significant contribution to education and healthcare in Zimbabwe. With more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s schools linked to the Church, the President emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration in service delivery and social development. “I’m not Catholic, but I felt the warmth of the reception. Zimbabwe was truly honoured,” the President remarked after the audience. Analysts suggest that Vatican engagement could open the door to humanitarian partnerships and broaden Zimbabwe’s soft power appeal in Europe. The tour’s second leg took Mnangagwa to Beijing, where he met with President Xi Jinping. The two leaders upgraded bilateral relations to an “All Weather Zimbabwe–China Community with a Shared Future.” The upgraded partnership covers agriculture, mining technology, digital innovation, and renewable energy. China has already invested heavily in Zimbabwe’s lithium and platinum sectors, with ongoing projects valued at more than US$3 billion. Xi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to infrastructure financing, including power generation and railway modernization. Regional analysts noted that the deepening alliance reflects Zimbabwe’s growing reliance on China as both an investor and a diplomatic counterweight to Western sanctions. The final leg of the trip was to Eswatini, where Mnangagwa held talks with King Mswati III. Discussions emphasized regional solidarity under the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly in areas of sustainable development, food security, and collective responses to climate shocks. Zimbabwe and Eswatini also explored joint ventures in tourism promotion and renewable energy investments, with King Mswati praising Zimbabwe’s agricultural resilience despite ongoing economic challenges. Strategic Timing and Political Significance This tour comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly later this month, where Zimbabwe hopes to push for debt restructuring and increased climate finance support. Africazine described the tour as a “diplomatic offensive that amplifies Zimbabwe’s voice on the international stage.” Political observers argue that the President is using foreign policy gains to strengthen his domestic legitimacy as Zimbabwe battles inflation and strained public services. Outlook By courting the Vatican’s humanitarian influence, reinforcing its China alliance, and boosting SADC solidarity, Zimbabwe is strategically diversifying its partnerships. Whether this translates into tangible investments and improved livelihoods will be closely watched in the coming months.

ZIMSEC Banner ( image source ) — Education stakeholders are calling for the removal of the US$2,500 annual registration fee imposed on private colleges by the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC), arguing it threatens access to education and unfairly penalizes learners outside the public system. The demand was raised during a public hearing on the Zimbabwe Schools and Council Amendment Bill. Critics say the fee places a disproportionate burden on students, especially in new settlements where government schools are scarce. “The US$2,500 makes it expensive for some learners to register for examinations,” said Elliott Dzindikwa, Director of Trust Academy. Prof. Washington Mahiya, representing the Association of Independent Colleges, argued that private institutions are bridging gaps left by government schools:“The colleges are playing a big role, especially in areas without government schools.” Disparities Between Public and Private Institutions Currently, government schools benefit from state subsidies on exam fees, while private college students must pay full costs — a disparity educators describe as discriminatory. The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) supported reforms to improve exam security. Spokesperson Daisy Zambuko said:“ZIMSEC should distribute papers internally to ensure security.” Stakeholders also demanded greater accountability in how registration fees are used, with some proposing that ZIMSEC’s financial records be subjected to parliamentary audit. Calls for Reform Committee chair Supa Mandiwanzira acknowledged the concerns, stressing that reforms should elevate ZIMSEC’s credibility to international standards. Analysts note that reducing costs for private institutions would improve equity in access to education, particularly for low-income families.

Nine Chinese nationals arrested with cocaine in Harare were granted US$200 bail ( image source ) A controversial bail decision has reignited debates over the treatment of foreign nationals in Zimbabwe’s justice system. Nine Chinese nationals, arrested during a drug-fueled party in Newlands, Harare, were released on bail of US$200 each, despite being caught in possession of cocaine, benzodiazepam, and crystal meth. “If they were Zimbabwean, they’d be rotting in remand,” said Wilson Box, Director of the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN). The arrests coincided with Zimbabwe’s nationwide crackdown on substance abuse, part of a government-led multi-sectoral plan to combat narcotics from 2024 to 2030. Under the Dangerous Drugs Act, possession of cocaine is a serious offense, often resulting in denial of bail. Legal experts and civil society groups argue that granting bail undermines the credibility of Zimbabwe’s justice system. “It sends a message that foreign nationals are above the law,” said Advocate Linda Chikomo. “This is deeply concerning for public trust in legal institutions.” Critics also cite a pattern of preferential treatment linked to influential foreign communities, highlighting past cases involving financial crimes and wildlife trafficking. Public sentiment is increasingly critical, with social media discussions framing the bail as an example of inequality before the law. The case has sparked debate on how Zimbabwe balances international relations with domestic law enforcement. Analysts suggest that perceived leniency could embolden further illicit activity, while also fueling public resentment toward foreign nationals. Authorities maintain that investigations are ongoing, but the bail decision has already become a flashpoint in broader discussions about corruption, governance, and judicial independence in Zimbabwe.

Venezuela deepens ties with China and Russia through a landmark 10-year pact ( Image Source ) Venezuela, grappling with crippling inflation and declining oil revenues, has secured sweeping support from China and Russia , in what analysts describe as a new axis of resistance to U.S. dominance in Latin America . Strategic Pact with Russia President Nicolás Maduro  signed a 10-year strategic cooperation treaty  with Russian President Vladimir Putin  in Moscow. The wide-ranging agreement spans hydrocarbons, finance, aviation, pharmaceuticals, and military training. “This is the first time a Latin American country has signed a treaty of this magnitude with Russia,” declared Yván Gil, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister. Trade between the two countries surged 64% in 2024, underlining Moscow’s growing economic and geopolitical stake in Latin America. Renewed Chinese Engagement Simultaneously, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez  met executives from China Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)  in Shanghai, signaling renewed Chinese investments after the state-owned oil giant scaled down operations in 2020. “China remains Venezuela’s most viable lifeline, both diplomatically and economically,” observed Wesley Hill, an energy analyst with Forbes. Economic Strain and U.S. Sanctions Venezuela’s inflation rate is projected at 200% in 2025 , with the bolívar collapsing  against the U.S. dollar. The exit of Chevron  and tightening U.S. sanctions have left Caracas scrambling for financial and industrial alternatives. “The main victims will be elderly citizens and public employees,” warned Asdrúbal Oliveros, director of economic consultancy Ecoanalítica. Toward a New Axis of Resistance The deals underscore the emergence of a China-Russia-Venezuela axis  seeking to counterbalance U.S. hegemony in the region. Analysts suggest this alignment could embolden other nations facing sanctions to pivot toward Beijing and Moscow  for political cover and economic survival. As Venezuela doubles down on partnerships with its Eastern allies, the move signals a geopolitical shift  that may reshape power dynamics in Latin America for the decade ahead.