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A Hobhouse domestic tragedy prompts urgent calls for stronger mental-health support, child protection systems and community-based early-warning interventions in Zimbabwe ( image source ) Police in Mutare have arrested a 39-year-old woman following a shocking domestic incident in Hobhouse’s Mushamukadzi section, where her young son was found dead and she was discovered asleep beside the body. Authorities say two knives were recovered at the scene, and the case is being treated as suspected murder pending further investigation and post-mortem findings. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest and indicated that initial details remain under verification, including the child’s exact age. Residents reported a night of confusion and alarm, with neighbours calling police after hearing distressing noises. When officers arrived, they found the mother with injuries on her arms and legs, which investigators are assessing to determine their origin and whether they were self-inflicted. Police have urged the public to avoid speculation, stressing that evidence collection and witness interviews are ongoing. Community leaders described the case as a profound tragedy that underscores gaps in family support systems, mental health access and early-warning interventions in high-stress households. Child rights advocates called for accelerated roll-out of community-based counselling, crisis hotlines and training for local leaders to spot and escalate risks before they spiral into harm. They also urged responsible reporting to protect the dignity of the child and avoid sensationalism. Police said the suspect remains in custody and that a comprehensive forensic process is underway, including scene reconstruction, medical assessments and liaison with social services. Authorities emphasised that safeguarding surviving family members and neighbours who may also be traumatised is part of the response, and they appealed for patience as legal processes take their course. In Hobhouse, residents gathered to support the bereaved family with prayer and practical help. Faith leaders and civil society groups pledged to coordinate assistance and press for stronger preventative services. Experts noted that domestic tragedies often reveal multiple stressors — economic hardship, isolation, untreated mental health issues — and require integrated responses beyond criminal proceedings. Officials cautioned against sharing images or graphic descriptions online, reminding the public that circulation of sensitive content can retraumatise families and impede investigations. Police vowed to provide updates when appropriate and said the case will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority once preliminary findings are complete. As Mutare comes to terms with the incident, the focus has turned to prevention: normalising help-seeking, expanding community counselling and building rapid-response pathways for families in distress. Advocates say that turning grief into action through practical, resourced support systems offers the best chance of preventing future tragedies.

Counterfeit and substandard medicines remain widespread across Africa, threatening treatment outcomes and public health, and demanding urgent regulatory reform ( image source ) Substandard and falsified medicines remain deeply entrenched across Africa, quietly eroding treatment outcomes and weakening already strained health systems. A growing stack of regional studies and health-sector briefings points to an uncomfortable truth: a multi-country analysis that screened thousands of samples found that as many as one in five medicines failed quality tests — a stark reminder of the diagnostic blind spots and regulatory gaps that allow poor-quality products to circulate largely unchecked. The health implications are profound. Fragmented supply chains, porous borders and thriving informal markets continue to create an environment in which counterfeiters operate with alarming ease. High-volume categories such as antimalarials, antibiotics and basic analgesics are among the most frequently falsified, placing everyday illnesses and otherwise treatable infections at risk of being managed with ineffective or hazardous products. Clinicians warn that this not only undermines recovery but accelerates antimicrobial resistance and, in severe cases, results in preventable deaths. Regional blocs have taken notice. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has flagged the continent’s disproportionate share of the global counterfeit-medicine trade — a trend driven by persistent gaps in access to affordable, quality-assured medicines and by smuggling routes that exploit weak border controls and informal regional commerce. International health agencies have attempted to quantify the human toll. A UN-linked assessment estimates that substandard and falsified medical products contribute to hundreds of thousands of deaths in sub-Saharan Africa every year, with children and patients battling infectious diseases among the hardest hit. The data underscores that counterfeit medicines are not a peripheral challenge but a systemic threat to public-health security and development targets. A sustained response will require coordinated reforms across governments, regulators and industry. Key priorities include strengthening national medicines authorities and laboratory networks, tightening procurement and distribution systems, and improving intelligence-sharing among neighbouring states to disrupt cross-border trafficking. Public-awareness campaigns that help patients and health workers detect and report suspicious products are equally essential. Policy makers face a delicate balance: rapid interventions — seizures, prosecutions and public alerts — are necessary to limit immediate harm, but long-term progress hinges on financing regulators, modernising supply chains and expanding access to reliable, affordable medicines so that patients are not pushed into risky informal markets. International partners, from donors to global health agencies, can accelerate progress by backing surveillance systems, funding laboratory capacity and supporting legal reforms that make medical-product crime a high-risk, low-reward endeavour.

Zimbabwe approves Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, marking a major step in PrEP access and strengthening national efforts to curb new infections ( image source ) Zimbabwe Fast-Tracks Approval The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has granted expedited approval to Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable PrEP medicine that prevents HIV-1 infection. The drug — the first twice-yearly HIV prevention injection — demonstrated over 99% effectiveness in global trials. Gilead submitted the application on 29 October 2025, and approval was completed in just 23 days, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to rapid access for high-impact public health products. How Lenacapavir Works Lenacapavir is recommended for adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kg who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk of infection. It is given as a six-monthly subcutaneous injection, following an initiation phase of one injection plus oral tablets on Days 1 and 2. MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata said the approval underscores the Authority’s dedication to ensuring timely access to safe, effective, high-quality medical products. Regional Context and Regulatory Review Zimbabwe becomes the latest African country to approve the drug after South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia. MCAZ relied on scientific assessments from the WHO Prequalification programme, applying a regulatory reliance model to support an efficient review while maintaining rigorous standards of safety, efficacy and quality. Implications for HIV Prevention Lenacapavir introduces a long-acting alternative to daily oral PrEP, with potential to significantly enhance adherence and expand prevention options, especially for high-risk groups. Zimbabwe is among ten countries selected for early rollout, through a partnership with the U.S. government, Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund. Initial rollout will prioritise vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, as part of efforts to prevent new infections and reduce mother-to-child transmission. Zimbabwe’s HIV Situation Zimbabwe records an estimated 17,000 new HIV infections annually, with the highest incidence among females aged 15–29. Despite this, the country has achieved major progress, meeting the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets for adults. National HIV prevalence among people aged 15–49 has declined from 12.69% (2019) to 10.49% (2023). Available prevention options alongside Lenacapavir include oral Truvada, CAB-LA (long-acting cabotegravir), the dapivirine vaginal ring, VMMC, and condom-based, behavioural and structural interventions.

Scottland FC completes a fairytale debut season, winning the PSL title as a newly promoted club in a stunning rise led by Pedzai Sakupwanya’s bold vision ( image source ) A Magical Afternoon at Ascot Stadium Once upon a blazing Zimbabwean afternoon — the kind where the sky looks like it’s dreaming in a soft, cloudless blue — Ascot Stadium transformed into something far more mystical than a sports ground. On Saturday, it became a glowing calabash of destiny, rattling with drums, hope, and the wild magic that only football can conjure. And at the centre of this swirling tale stood Scottland FC, the club that slipped into the Premier Soccer League like a curious traveller from an African folktale, only to reveal itself as a giant in disguise. Make no mistake: this is not a bedtime story whispered under a mango tree. This is a real-time epic, stitched together with ambition, courage, and a river of gold. The Rise of the Newly Promoted Giants Scottland entered the season as the league’s newest child — barefoot, bright-eyed, and barely dusted off from Division One. Yet like a village prodigy blessed by ancestors, the club carried an invisible charm that no pundit could quite explain. On Saturday, 22 November 2025, that charm crystallised into history. Against all odds, Scottland lifted the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League trophy, writing an ending so unbelievable it could only be African: a newly promoted club conquering the land of giants at the first attempt. A packed Ascot Stadium watched the moment unfold — among them the First Lady, business moguls, celebrities, politicians, and football royalty. Their opponents, TelOne, tried valiantly to spoil the coronation, but destiny had long chosen its champion. Mabvuku’s moneybags had arrived for their moment. The last time such magic danced upon Zimbabwean fields was in 1984, when Black Rhinos marched through the league with mythic swagger. Forty years later, the enchantment has returned — but this time, it rides on wheels of pure gold. The Vision of Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwany At the centre of the spell stands Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya — the club owner with pockets deep as a mine shaft and a vision even deeper. He did not see a league to compete in; he saw a savanna awaiting a new kingdom. Then, like a rainmaker unafraid of thunder, he poured investment into the club until the ground itself trembled. He summoned talent the way a chief calls warriors to the great kraal: Walter Musona, reigning Soccer Star of the Year… Knowledge Musona, returning home like a legendary elder answering the ancestors’ drums… Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Peter Muduhwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Godknows Murwira, and cross-border champions Moses Shidolo and Khuda Myaba. One supporter, blinking through the euphoria, put it simply: “They didn’t just sign players… they signed destiny itself.” A Coach Who Turned Stars Into a Constellation Guiding this constellation of talent is Tonderai Ndiraya, a coach who seems to have mastered the alchemy of instant success. Even he bows to Sakupwanya’s magnitude, calling him “a social revolutionary changing hundreds of lives.” And the rewards? Ah, they sound like a griot’s exaggeration — except they’re real. Every squad member and technical staffer is whispered to be receiving a brand-new car as a championship gift, a gesture fit for warriors returning from triumphant conquest. A Championship Written in Gold and Magic So, when Scottland lifted the trophy and the crowd ululated like birds greeting long-awaited rain, remember this: some stories are not written with ink. They are written with belief, courage, and the audacity to dream louder than the world expects. Scottland came like a rumour. They became a marvel. And now they ascend, glittering like a comet streaking across the Zimbabwean sky — reminding us that impossible things do happen, especially in Africa, where magic never left.

Zimbabwe mourns Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church, as leaders honour his legacy of faith, service and spiritual leadership at age 107 ( image source ) Nation Mourns a Father of Faith Church leaders across Zimbabwe have paid moving tributes to Archbishop Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, the revered founder of the African Apostolic Church, who passed away on 20 November at the age of 107. Mourners gathered at the family home in Hatfield, Harare, describing a sombre yet deeply spiritual atmosphere as funeral preparations began. Many referred to him as “a father of faith,” a towering religious figure whose influence extended well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. Family spokesperson Dr Masimba Mwazha confirmed the passing and thanked the nation for its prayers, noting the Archbishop’s lifelong commitment to ministry, unity, and service to the poor. Church leaders from multiple denominations visited to offer condolences, reflect on his teachings, and share stories of the guidance and reconciliation he provided across decades of leadership. A Legacy Rooted in Service and Spiritual Discipline Born in 1918, Archbishop Mwazha founded the African Apostolic Church and became an enduring voice for moral renewal, family stability, and community upliftment. His ministry built a nationwide network of congregations grounded in discipline, humility, and charitable works. Religious commentators said his legacy includes fostering ecumenical respect and nurturing generations of leaders within and beyond the movement. As news of his passing spread, messages of condolence arrived from provincial church councils, civic organisations and diaspora communities. Many highlighted his role in anchoring faith practice in local culture while maintaining doctrinal integrity. Social media timelines were filled with testimonies of personal transformation and healing associated with his ministry, reflecting the deep, everyday impact of his spiritual work. Funeral Preparations and National Support Funeral arrangements, led by the family and church elders, will be announced after consultations with national and local authorities. Organisers expect large numbers of congregants to travel from across the country and have appealed for orderly participation and adherence to guidance from the church’s security and protocol teams. Leaders emphasised that the services will focus on prayer, thanksgiving, and recommitment to the values the Archbishop espoused. Preserving His Teachings for Future Generations In the days ahead, church boards plan memorial services and special sessions to document the Archbishop’s teachings for future generations. Scholars of religion have proposed an archival project to preserve sermons, oral histories and community projects inspired by his leadership, ensuring that the story of his ministry remains accessible to young believers and researchers alike. The African Apostolic Church has asked members to honour his memory through practical acts of compassion — supporting the vulnerable, visiting the sick, and promoting harmony in families and communities. As the nation mourns, religious leaders say the true measure of his life will be seen in the continued commitment of congregants to live out the faith he taught: steadfast, generous, and anchored in service.

Zimbabwe’s Senate urges government to raise civil servants’ salaries to regional standards, warning of a looming collapse in public services without urgent action ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s Senate is ramping up pressure on the government to urgently review civil servants’ salaries, warning that the public sector risks imminent collapse unless wages are raised to match regional benchmarks and restored to pre-crisis levels. Public-sector unions have long pushed for salaries to return to their 2018 value, when the lowest-paid government worker earned the equivalent of US$400. Since then, sustained economic shocks, currency volatility and shifting policy signals have steadily eroded earnings, driving skilled professionals to South Africa, the UK and other destinations in search of stable incomes. Senator Sithabisiwe Moyo last week tabled a motion calling for an “immediate and comprehensive” intervention, arguing that the deterioration in public-sector wages has reached crisis proportions. “The situation on the ground is not fair. Our civil servants are suffering,” she told the Upper House. “Our teachers, nurses, clerks and other civil servants are living in poverty while struggling to do their jobs. The average Zimbabwean teacher earns about 350 per month, which is not enough to pay rent or buy food.” Moyo urged the government to adopt a wage-restoration programme starting with a 50% emergency salary increase, which she said would provide temporary relief while longer-term reforms are developed. “The civil service is collapsing, Hon. President. We must give civil servants a salary increment now,” she said. “Approve an emergency salary increase so that teachers, nurses and other civil servants earn enough to survive. A 50% increase would do. We must restore their salaries to the US-dollar era value of 2019, and this should be a top priority.” Zimbabwe’s clinics, schools and administrative offices have been severely strained by staff shortages, low morale and continued emigration. Rural communities, heavily dependent on state services, have suffered the most as government institutions struggle to function with limited personnel. Moyo warned against politicising the salary crisis, stressing that the issue cuts across party lines and is fundamental to national stability. “The whole country is watching our civil servants. We are not asking for charity or politics—only the dignity of a living salary and support in order for them to do their work,” she said. She further noted that deteriorating working conditions are undermining the country’s long-term prospects. “Teachers want to teach, nurses want to do their work… but how can they if they are hungry?” she asked. “We must not allow our public service to collapse. Children are travelling long distances to school because of the shortage of schools nearby. We owe the future generation.” With pressure mounting, the government is expected to unveil a revised remuneration framework, though whether it will meet union demands remains uncertain. For civil servants, however, the call is clear: restore dignity, restore value and rebuild the public service before it is too late.

Zimbabwean rancher Collins Tafireyi breaks a South African auction record after buying Boran stud bull “Cyclone” for R8 million, reshaping regional cattle genetics ( image source ) Zimbabwean cattle rancher Collins Tafireyi has made regional agricultural history after purchasing a prized Boran stud bull for an unprecedented R8 million (about US$444,000). The record-smashing sale took place at the Hurwitz Farming Production Auction at the Bull Ring Auction House in Davel, Mpumalanga, sending shockwaves through Southern Africa’s livestock and breeding industries. The star bull, Lot 10 “Cyclone,” had long been regarded as a once-in-a-generation genetic asset capable of transforming herd performance across the continent. Tafireyi, who operates the Sinyo Boran Stud in Hwedza, Mashonaland East, secured the bull after a spirited bidding duel with fellow Zimbabwean rancher and neighbour, Rogers Sithole of Black Ox Farming. The two friends drew widespread attention, with the spirited yet good-natured contest highlighting both camaraderie and fierce ambition within the region’s elite breeding circles. Boran cattle have grown significantly in prestige owing to their hardiness, fertility and adaptability to African climatic conditions. Cyclone’s record price reinforces this rise and reflects the increasing value placed on superior African beef genetics. Analysts say Tafireyi’s bold acquisition represents more than personal success; it is a major strategic investment that could influence herd quality, beef yield and export-market competitiveness across the region. For Zimbabwe, the milestone carries symbolic weight. At a time when the agricultural sector is undergoing steady rebuilding, the purchase showcases the country’s competitiveness and growing confidence in livestock genetics. It signals that Zimbabwean breeders are not only participating in regional markets but are capable of setting new benchmarks. As bidding excitement faded, one conclusion emerged clearly: Collins Tafireyi’s historic purchase has raised expectations and cemented Zimbabwe’s position in the evolving landscape of Southern African cattle breeding. His investment sets a new bar for ambition and signals a future in which Zimbabwean ranchers play a central role in advancing African beef genetics.

Zimbabwean public health researcher Dr Tapfumanei Mashe has won two major honours at the 2025 Africa Health Excellence Awards in Durban ( image source ) Zimbabwean public health researcher Dr Tapfumanei Mashe has received two top honours at the 2025 Africa Health Excellence Awards in Durban, South Africa, in recognition of his influential work in infectious disease control and regional health policy. Mashe walked away with the Community Builder of the Year and Honorary Health Researcher of the Year awards, capping a career defined by scientific leadership and multi-sectoral innovation. In a congratulatory message, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the awards were a testament to Zimbabwe’s growing role in African health advancement. “These accolades reflect the dedication of Zimbabwean professionals to regional health excellence. We celebrate Dr Mashe’s achievements and his contribution to a healthier Africa,” the ministry said. Mashe’s work has had tangible national impact, particularly his role in guiding the introduction of the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) in 2021, a milestone that significantly reduced outbreaks in vulnerable communities. He attributes the achievement to strong inter-ministerial collaboration. “Through coordination across government institutions, we brought together different stakeholders to solve health issues,” he said. His influence, however, extends far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. A key paper he authored — detailing a multi-sectoral COVID-19 communication strategy that boosted prevention behaviours and vaccine uptake — was presented at both the World Health Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly. The work contributed directly to the Political Declaration on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a landmark global commitment for member states to intensify action against drug-resistant microbes. Mashe began his career as a volunteer scientist at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, where he pioneered Zimbabwe’s One Health and AMR programmes. Today, he serves as the country’s national AMR coordinator, a critical role as Africa faces rising antimicrobial resistance and heightened vulnerability to epidemics. Colleagues describe him as a bridge-builder whose science-driven approach has helped align ministries, development partners and global health institutions. The Durban awards not only honour Mashe’s individual achievements but also highlight the increasing international visibility of Zimbabwean health scientists. As the country works to strengthen its healthcare systems, his recognition stands as a national point of pride — and a reminder of Zimbabwe’s growing capacity to shape Africa’s health agenda.

EU sanctions RSF deputy Abdelrahim Dagalo as Gulf states urge U.S. intervention, highlighting rising geopolitical stakes and worsening Sudan humanitarian crisis ( image source ) The European Union has imposed targeted sanctions on Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo, identified as the deputy commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), announcing a visa ban and asset freeze as part of a broader effort to hold those responsible for escalating violence in Sudan to account. The move follows a series of dramatic battlefield shifts, including the RSF’s capture of El Fasher, and mounting reports from humanitarian organisations of mass killings, sexual violence and deliberate obstruction of aid in Darfur. EU officials framed the measures as a calibrated response aimed at individual accountability while signalling that further restrictions could follow if the violence continues. Sanctions officials described the action as intended to disrupt the financial and logistical networks that enable the RSF’s operations, and to send a clear message that the international community will pursue consequences for those implicated in serious violations of international humanitarian law. The EU’s announcement also included an appeal for an immediate halt to arms deliveries that could prolong the conflict, reflecting concern about external flows of weapons and materiel that sustain fighting and complicate diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire. Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo ( image source ) Humanitarian agencies say the seizure of El Fasher has produced fresh waves of displacement and acute shortages of food, water and medical care, intensifying calls for safe corridors and unfettered humanitarian access. Aid workers report that access constraints, insecurity around distribution points and the breakdown of local governance structures are making it increasingly difficult to reach civilians in need. The EU’s sanctions are intended to complement diplomatic pressure on regional and international partners to curb support for armed actors and to prioritise civilian protection. At the same time, diplomatic activity has intensified in the Gulf and Washington. Saudi Arabia has publicly urged President Donald Trump to intervene to help end the fighting, a request that followed high-level discussions between Riyadh and Washington. Saudi officials framed their appeal in terms of regional stability, refugee flows and the need to prevent the conflict from creating a wider security vacuum. President Trump responded by pledging to work with regional partners, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to seek a ceasefire and to coordinate humanitarian relief efforts. The Saudi appeal underscores the geopolitical stakes of the Sudan conflict. Gulf states have long viewed stability in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa as central to their security and economic interests. For Riyadh and its partners, the prospect of prolonged instability in Sudan raises concerns about cross-border displacement, the spread of armed groups, and disruptions to maritime routes. Their push for U.S. engagement reflects a desire to marshal broader international influence behind mediation efforts and to leverage Washington’s diplomatic and logistical capabilities. ( image source ) Analysts caution, however, that external mediation faces significant obstacles. The conflict is characterised by fragmented command structures, competing regional backers and a proliferation of armed actors with divergent agendas. Ceasefire agreements have repeatedly broken down in the past, and enforcing any truce will require credible monitoring mechanisms and guarantees from influential external actors. There is also the risk that intensified external involvement could be perceived as partisan by local actors, complicating efforts to build an inclusive political settlement. Humanitarian consequences remain acute. Displacement has surged, with thousands fleeing urban centres and seeking shelter in makeshift camps or host communities. Health facilities are overwhelmed, and supply chains for food and medicine are disrupted. Humanitarian organisations are calling for immediate, unimpeded access to affected areas and for the protection of civilians and aid workers under international law. The twin developments — EU sanctions and Gulf appeals for U.S. intervention — reflect a growing international consensus that the situation in Sudan cannot be allowed to deteriorate further without consequences. Sanctions aim to impose costs on those seen as driving the violence, while diplomatic pressure seeks to open channels for negotiation and relief. Whether these measures will translate into a durable reduction in hostilities depends on the willingness of regional and international actors to coordinate effectively, to restrict arms flows, and to prioritise mechanisms that protect civilians and enable humanitarian operations.

A stalled convoy of heavy trucks caused major gridlock on the Harare–Masvingo highway, disrupting traffic, delaying cargo, and exposing gaps in road recovery systems ( image source ) A major traffic bottleneck developed early this morning on the Harare–Masvingo highway after a long convoy of heavy goods vehicles stalled near the 60-kilometre mark, bringing traffic to a standstill and disrupting the flow of commuters and freight between the capital and the southern provinces. Drivers, commuters and transport operators described long delays, mounting frustration and growing safety concerns as the backlog stretched for kilometres in both directions. The pile-up began shortly after dawn when a combination of mechanical breakdowns, narrow shoulders and limited passing opportunities forced several articulated trucks to slow and stop. With little room to manoeuvre and a steady stream of additional heavy vehicles arriving from both directions, traffic quickly became gridlocked. Motorists reported that what might have been a manageable delay escalated into a multi-hour disruption as recovery and traffic management resources struggled to clear the scene. Local traffic authorities said emergency teams were dispatched as soon as the incident was reported, but the scale of the congestion and the size of the vehicles involved complicated recovery efforts. Tow trucks and traffic officers worked to create alternating single-lane flows to allow emergency and essential vehicles through, while police diverted light vehicles onto secondary roads where possible. By mid-morning, authorities had managed to clear a narrow corridor for one-way traffic, but full restoration of normal flow was not expected until heavy recovery equipment could remove disabled trucks and redistribute loads. The economic impact was immediate. Perishable cargoes, including fresh produce destined for Harare markets, were delayed, raising concerns about spoilage and losses for smallholder farmers and traders. Transport operators warned of cascading costs: demurrage charges, missed delivery windows and increased fuel consumption as drivers idled in the queue. Several long-distance passenger services reported cancellations or extended journey times, leaving travellers stranded at roadside stops and informal laybys. Road safety advocates highlighted the broader risks of prolonged truck congestion on a major arterial route. Stalled vehicles increase the likelihood of secondary collisions, reduce visibility for approaching drivers and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and roadside vendors. The Harare–Masvingo highway, a critical link for commerce and mobility, has sections with limited emergency laybys and narrow shoulders, making breakdown management more difficult and amplifying the consequences of any incident. Transport unions called for a coordinated response to prevent similar disruptions. They urged the Road Administration and Safety Agency (RASA) and the Ministry of Transport to invest in rapid-response recovery units strategically positioned along major corridors, to enforce regular vehicle maintenance standards for heavy goods vehicles, and to improve roadside infrastructure such as pull-outs and emergency lanes. Operators also recommended staggered departure windows for heavy freight during peak travel periods to reduce the likelihood of large convoys forming. Meanwhile, commuters were advised to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow extra travel time. Local authorities used radio bulletins and social media to update motorists on diversion routes and the status of recovery operations. Businesses reliant on timely deliveries were urged to contact suppliers and logistics partners to manage expectations and mitigate losses. As recovery teams continued work into the afternoon, officials pledged a full investigation into the causes of the pile-up and a review of contingency plans for major highways. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of transport networks and the need for proactive measures to keep vital arteries open, particularly as freight volumes and road usage continue to rise across the country.

A new tobacco processing plant near Harare signals industrial revival, boosting value addition, jobs, farmer earnings and investor confidence in Zimbabwe’s agro-sector ( image source ) A newly commissioned tobacco processing plant outside Harare has been hailed by industry advocates as a tangible sign of industrial revival, promising to add value to Zimbabwe’s tobacco crop, create jobs and stimulate local supply chains. The facility, which began operations this week, is the latest in a series of private and public investments aimed at modernising agro-processing and reducing the country’s reliance on raw commodity exports. Buy Zimbabwe, a local industry group that promotes domestic manufacturing and value addition, welcomed the plant’s opening as a strategic milestone. In a statement, the organisation said the facility would enable farmers to sell higher-value processed tobacco products locally, capture a greater share of export earnings and foster backward linkages with packaging, logistics and equipment suppliers. The group emphasised that value addition is central to sustainable economic recovery and job creation. The plant’s operators said the facility is equipped with modern curing, grading and packaging lines designed to meet international quality standards. Management highlighted that the plant will initially process tobacco from surrounding districts, with plans to scale up capacity as more growers adopt contract-farming arrangements and as the facility secures export contracts. Early projections suggest the plant could directly employ several hundred workers and indirectly support thousands more across transport, warehousing and agricultural services. For tobacco farmers, the new plant offers a potential lifeline. Historically, many growers have sold raw leaf at low margins to intermediaries or foreign buyers, forfeiting the higher returns associated with processed products. By providing local processing capacity, the plant aims to improve farmers’ bargaining power and income stability. Several smallholder cooperatives have already signed preliminary supply agreements, attracted by the prospect of predictable pricing and reduced transport costs. The government welcomed the investment as aligned with its broader industrialisation agenda. Officials noted that agro-processing is a priority sector for economic diversification and export growth. They pointed to incentives such as tax breaks, streamlined licensing and support for infrastructure improvements as part of efforts to attract further private investment into value-adding industries. The Ministry of Industry said it would work with stakeholders to ensure the plant’s operations are integrated into national development plans and that benefits reach rural communities. However, analysts cautioned that the plant’s success will depend on several factors. Reliable energy supply, access to foreign currency for spare parts and inputs, and consistent quality of raw leaf are critical. Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector has faced challenges in recent years, including intermittent power outages, foreign exchange shortages and logistical bottlenecks that can undermine production continuity. Plant managers acknowledged these risks and said contingency plans are in place, including on-site generators and local sourcing strategies. Environmental and labour groups also urged vigilance. They called for strict adherence to environmental standards in waste management and emissions, and for fair labour practices, including safe working conditions and living wages. Plant operators said they are committed to compliance with national regulations and international best practices, and that they will engage with unions and community representatives as operations expand. The opening has already sparked interest from other investors considering agro-processing ventures, from horticulture packing houses to grain milling. If the tobacco plant sustains operations and demonstrates profitability, it could catalyse a broader wave of investment in downstream industries, helping to rebuild manufacturing capacity and diversify export earnings. For now, the plant stands as a hopeful sign: a private-sector initiative that, if supported by stable policy, reliable infrastructure and strong farmer partnerships, could contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s industrial revival and rural development.

Zimbabwe’s cement prices have surged 42% in two months amid strong demand, supply constraints and new import tariffs ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s cement market has entered a period of sustained price inflation, with traders and industry sources attributing the surge to strong domestic demand, supply constraints and recent policy changes that have tightened imports. A market survey published in November found prices up by around 42% over two months, lifting the average retail price of a 50kg bag from roughly US$12 to about US$17. The jump is reshaping construction budgets and project timelines across the country. Key drivers of the increase include an “unprecedented” boom in construction activity, the exhaustion of import quotas among some traders and production challenges at local plants. Builders report that demand has remained robust even as prices climb, sustaining pressure on supply chains and encouraging speculative buying by wholesalers and contractors preparing for the rainy-season peak in activity. The combination of higher local consumption and constrained imports has created a tight market that amplifies price movements whenever any single factor shifts. Policy changes have also played a significant role. In May 2025, the government introduced a 30% tariff on imported cement under Statutory Instrument 50A of 2025, a measure intended to protect and stimulate domestic manufacturers. Early industry data suggest the tariff has boosted local sales volumes; for example, PPC reported a 22% year-on-year rise in cement sales in the months following the tariff’s introduction. But the policy has also reduced the flow of cheaper imports that previously helped stabilise retail prices. That trade-off lies at the centre of the current squeeze: tariffs support local producers but can raise end-user costs when domestic output cannot immediately meet demand. Official statistics tracking building material costs show an upward trend across the broader basket of construction inputs, reinforcing the picture of rising project expenses. Zimbabwe’s Building Materials Price Index (BMPI), which monitors quarterly movements in key inputs such as cement, steel and roofing materials, reflects sustained inflationary pressure that will feed into housing and infrastructure budgets. The impact is already visible on construction sites and among small-scale builders. Contractors report higher tender prices, delayed starts for marginal projects and tighter cashflow as clients hesitate over revised estimates. For public works, government faces the options of absorbing higher costs, re-tendering projects or scaling back scope — each carrying economic and political consequences. For households, rising cement prices mean more expensive home improvements and slower delivery of affordable housing initiatives. Industry responses are mixed. Some manufacturers are expanding capacity or seeking efficiency gains to meet rising demand, while others call for calibrated policy adjustments such as temporary import allowances or targeted subsidies for critical projects to ease short-term shortages without undermining long-term domestic industry development. Traders urge clearer import quota management and improved logistics to reduce bottlenecks that push up prices. If the current trajectory continues, analysts warn that construction inflation will persist, affecting private and public investment plans alike. Policymakers must balance support for local production with measures to ensure affordability and supply reliability — or risk stalling the very construction boom that has driven recent economic activity.