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The 130th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS 2025)  wrapped up in Harare with record-breaking crowds and dazzling exhibitions, cementing its status as the country’s largest business and agricultural showcase. With 580+ exhibitors  and 230,000 visitors , the expo was more than just a fair—it was a barometer of Zimbabwe’s industrial ambition, resilience, and innovation. Top Award Winners Best Overall Stand (ICT Sector): Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Their futuristic pavilion wowed crowds with live 5G demos, AI-powered platforms, and VR experiences , symbolizing a bold push into the digital economy. Best Agricultural Innovation: ARDA (Agricultural and Rural Development Authority) Recognized for climate-proofed farming models  and smart irrigation systems , reflecting Zimbabwe’s growing expertise in sustainable food security. Best Government Institution Display: Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Highlighted prison farm projects , vocational training, and surplus food production benefiting local communities. Best Youth-Led Enterprise: GreenRoots Hydroponics University students impressed with modular hydroponic units , showcasing a scalable model for urban farming. Theme: “Building Bridges” The theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry and Community”  underscored the need for integration across sectors. From startups to parastatals, exhibitors echoed the same message: agriculture’s future lies in innovation, industry, and community-driven growth . ZAS CEO Alfred Gunundu said during the closing: “This year’s show was a celebration of resilience and innovation. The turnout proves Zimbabwe remains open for business.” International Flavor Exhibitors from Brazil, India, South Africa, and Nigeria  added a global dimension, with agro-tech, machinery, and fertilizer solutions. Analysts noted ZAS is increasingly becoming a regional trade hub under AfCFTA . Agricultural economist Rutendo Mhlanga observed: “The show is shifting from a domestic exhibition to a regional trade hub, brokering deals in technology transfer, agro-processing, and climate-smart farming.” Crowd Engagement & Multimedia Econet  hosted digital financial literacy workshops . ARDA  staged live irrigation system prototypes . Youth Pavilion  connected agriculture with tech-driven careers. Glamis Arena  blended cultural showcases with agribusiness discussions. The dominance of ICT, climate-smart agriculture, and youth-led ventures in awards suggests a new agricultural economy powered by technology and value addition . Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka summed it up: “The synergy between technology and agriculture will define Zimbabwe’s food sovereignty.” Looking Ahead Organizers promise an even bigger ZAS 2026 , with expanded categories in renewable energy, agri-fintech, and AI-driven farm systems . For now, ZAS 2025 will be remembered as the year Zimbabwe showcased not just crops and livestock, but a confident, forward-looking nation ready to feed itself and trade with the world .

Passenger safety has been put into question ( image source ) In a case that has rattled Harare’s ride-hailing community, Talent Mhembere , a 33-year-old Indrive driver, has been convicted of kidnapping a female passenger over a fare disagreement. The November 2024 incident has sparked widespread debate about passenger safety and driver accountability in Zimbabwe’s growing gig economy. The Ordeal The victim, Faith Gwena , 28, had booked a ride from Fife Avenue to Riverside Walk in Avondale. The agreed fare was US$2.50. Upon arrival, Gwena offered a US$10 note, which Mhembere refused, claiming he had no change. What followed was a terrifying ordeal. “He locked the doors and sped off. I screamed, but no one could hear me,” Gwena recounted during her court testimony. Mhembere drove toward King George Road, ignoring Gwena’s pleas. At a Total Service Station, a bystander attempted to intervene, but Mhembere evaded capture. He later called an accomplice, identified only as Purazi , who demanded the full US$10 before throwing US$7 change on the ground and fleeing the scene. Legal Fallout Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki  found Mhembere guilty, citing overwhelming evidence and the psychological trauma inflicted on the victim. Sentencing is expected later this month. Legal analyst Tawanda Nyambirai  said the ruling underscored a broader problem: “This case highlights the urgent need for ride-hailing platforms to implement real-time monitoring and emergency alert systems.” Industry Response Indrive Zimbabwe has yet to issue a formal statement, but the case has already prompted calls for stricter driver vetting and improved passenger protection protocols. For further context on ride-hailing risks, The Dark Side of InDrive Drivers in Zimbabwe | Toxic Habits  explores troubling passenger experiences and driver behaviors, while InDrive Drivers Targeted in Police Crackdown | Zimbabwean  examines recent law enforcement measures aimed at informal operators. Public Reaction The incident triggered outrage across social media, with many users recounting similar experiences. The hashtag #SafeRidesZW  trended on X (formerly Twitter), amplifying calls for urgent reforms. “We need panic buttons in every ride. This is unacceptable,” tweeted @ZimSafetyWatch. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a review of ride-hailing safety protocols. Meanwhile, consumer rights groups are urging Parliament to pass legislation mandating GPS tracking and driver background checks for all ride-hailing operators.

The image of the U.S President that cleared out the rumors ( image source ) Social media went into overdrive on August 30, 2025, after rumors swirled that U.S. President Donald Trump had died. Hashtags such as #TrumpIsDead  and #WhereIsTrump  dominated X (formerly Twitter), with millions speculating about the president’s health and whereabouts. But within hours, the speculation crumbled—Trump was photographed heading to his golf course in Virginia, alive, smiling, and very much in command. “The President is very much alive. We spoke for an hour about tariffs and trade yesterday.”— Reagan Reese, Daily Caller The hoax began innocuously, sparked by an unusually light presidential schedule. Observers noticed Trump had no official public appearances for the weekend. Adding fuel were two viral triggers: a resurfaced Simpsons  episode clip predicting a Trump funeral and photos showing bruises on Trump’s hand, interpreted by conspiracy theorists as signs of deteriorating health. Journalist Laura Rozen fanned speculation with a post: “He hasn’t been seen in days. Something’s up.” Then came an offhand remark from Vice President JD Vance, who said, “I’m ready to step in if tragedy strikes.”  The timing was enough to set social media ablaze. The frenzy was quickly debunked: Trump was spotted with granddaughter Kai at Trump National Golf Club. He posted on Truth Social hours later, railing against tariffs. Reagan Reese of the Daily Caller  confirmed she had conducted a one-hour interview with him just the day before. “He’s the last one to sleep and the first to wake.”— Vice President JD Vance At 79, Trump is the oldest sitting U.S. president. He suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing swollen ankles and occasional bruising. But according to his physician, he remains in “excellent health.” Political insiders say he thrives on long hours and confrontation—making it unlikely that health will take him off the campaign trail. The episode, however, reveals the fragility of public trust in the digital era. A single clip, a single bruise, and the absence of official communication can spark global panic. For Trump, it was just another weekend—and another round of golf.

It was billed as just another Harare derby. Instead, it became a story of redemption, drama, and the enduring power of football. At a packed Rufaro Stadium, Dynamos FC stunned title-chasing newcomers Scottland FC 3–2, with the spotlight falling squarely on Denver Mukamba—a player whose career has mirrored the highs and lows of Zimbabwean football. Players watching in anticipation as the winning shot heads towards the goal ( image source ) Scottland drew first blood in the 30th minute through Tymon Machope. Dynamos hit back after halftime with goals from Shadreck Nyahwa (49’) and Vusa Ngwenya (61’). Machope equalized again in the 75th minute, setting the stage for a Hollywood ending. With ten minutes left, Mukamba unleashed a screamer from outside the box to seal it 3–2. The stadium erupted. “I saw the space, and I knew it was mine.”— Denver Mukamba Just last season, Mukamba was dumped by Scottland. Unwanted and clubless, he seemed destined for early retirement. But Dynamos Coach Kelvin Kaindu took a gamble. “He’s not just good with the ball. He’s good off it. He makes runs defenders can’t follow.”— Kelvin Kaindu, Dynamos Coach Mukamba’s resurrection has given Dynamos a fighting chance—and offered fans a reminder of why he was once hailed as Zimbabwe’s brightest talent. On the log standings: Dynamos rise to 17th place with 28 points Scottland remain second with 52 points Simba Bhora lead the log with 54 points Former Warriors midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha called the victory “a turning point” for Dynamos. For Mukamba, the goal was more than just three points—it was vindication. Once written off, he is now the symbol of Dynamos’ resilience. For Scottland, the loss was a reminder that fairy tales in football are fragile. The Harare derby delivered more than just goals—it delivered a redemption story for the ages.

Winky D - Left and Jah Prayzah - Right ( image source ) If August 30 was a test of influence, Winky D and Jah Prayzah proved they still reign supreme. While the capital pulsated with competing rhythms, fans crowded venues in Harare to catch their music kings ablaze—each crafting a different kind of spectacle. Winky D’s Tête-à-Tête: A Ghetto Triumph At Alexandra Sports Club, Winky D’s Tête-à-Tête  concert drew a sea of “Gaffa Army” supporters—estimated at over 12,000—into a frenetic, three-hour performance. His lyrics, rooted in social commentary and defiant energy, turned his stage into a pulse for street-level expression. Winky D in concert - Tête-à-Tête ( Video Source ) DJ Scara, who opened the event, put it best: “This wasn’t just a concert—it was a movement.” Social media buzzed with visuals and clips of Winky D owning the stage. Jah Prayzah at ZAS: Patriotic Performance Power At Glamis Arena, embedded in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Jah Prayzah delivered a grand finale. The “Masoja” of Afro-fusion performed hits like Mudhara Vachauya , painting the evening with national pride. His built-in audience—part show attendees, part fan base—numbered over 18,000. Jah Prayzah in Concert - Glamis Arena ZAS ( Video Source ) Gaffa, Innovation, and Identity In the eyes of fans, the styles diverge. Winky D represents youth-led resistance, while Jah Prayzah embodies cultural elevation. On X, fan accounts chimed in: “Winky D built his own arena. Jah Prayzah inherited one.” Music journalist Tsitsi Marimo observed: “Winky D’s grassroots energy and Jah Prayzah’s institutional flair both shape Zimbabwe’s music identity. Both drew big, but in different territories.”

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Logo ( image source ) In a decisive move to confront systemic corruption in local governance, Zimbabwe’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)  has partnered with the Ministry of Local Government to establish a Special Taskforce  aimed at investigating and prosecuting corruption within municipal councils. The announcement, made on August 28 in Harare , signals a renewed effort to restore public trust and accountability in service delivery. “This is not a public relations exercise. It’s a war against corruption,” declared ZACC Chairperson Michael Reza . The taskforce will target high-risk areas  including tender manipulation, illegal land allocations, and the misappropriation of devolution funds. According to ZACC’s 2024 Annual Report , 14% of all corruption cases investigated last year involved local authorities—making councils the second most corrupt public sector category after parastatals . Comprising ZACC investigators, forensic auditors, and ministry officials, the taskforce will operate under a mandate to produce quarterly reports to Cabinet  and recommend criminal prosecutions. Longstanding Allegations Against Councils Residents across Zimbabwe have long accused councils of corruption in housing allocations and infrastructure contracts. In Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare , civil society groups have documented cases of councillors awarding tenders to shell companies and relatives . “We’ve seen roads resurfaced three times in one year—each time by a different contractor linked to the same official,” said Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba . The 2023 Auditor General’s Report  revealed that over ZWL$1.2 billion  in council funds were unaccounted for due to poor record-keeping and unauthorized expenditures. “Communities have suffered for too long due to corrupt officials diverting resources meant for the people,” said Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe . Cautious Optimism and Public Pressure The Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD)  welcomed the taskforce but warned that previous anti-corruption drives failed due to political interference and lack of enforcement. “We need more than arrests—we need convictions,” said ZIMCODD spokesperson Tafadzwa Chikumbu . The taskforce is expected to begin operations immediately, with priority cases already identified in Chitungwiza, Gweru, and Masvingo . Opposition figures expressed cautious optimism, urging ZACC to avoid selective enforcement. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)  called for transparency in investigations and protection for whistleblowers. “We don’t want another witch hunt. We want justice,” said CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere . Transparency and Citizen Involvement ZACC has pledged to publish anonymized case summaries  and establish a public dashboard  to track progress. The commission also plans to host town hall meetings  to engage residents and gather evidence. “This is about empowering citizens to hold their councils accountable,” said ZACC Commissioner Thandiwe Moyo . According to ZIMSTAT , 63% of urban households reported dissatisfaction with council services in 2024, citing erratic water supply, uncollected refuse, and pothole-ridden roads . “We pay rates, but we get nothing in return. It’s daylight robbery,” said Bulawayo resident Nomusa Moyo . A Test of Political Will Analysts warn that the taskforce’s success will depend on its independence, resources, and political will. Some argue it could be a turning point for Zimbabwe’s local governance—if it avoids the pitfalls of past campaigns. “This is a chance to clean house. But only if the broom isn’t selectively applied,” said governance expert Dr. Lovemore Madhuku .

In a landmark achievement, Zimbabwe’s dairy industry produced a record 10 million litres of milk in July 2025 , the highest monthly output in recent history. This milestone signals a sector rebounding after decades of underinvestment and operational decline. Milk Production in Zimbabwe ( image source ) At the centre of this surge is Victor Farm in Chikomba District . Once a modest operation, it has become a model of innovation and resilience. “We’ve invested in better feed, genetics, and cold chain infrastructure,” said farm manager Tariro Mudzonga . “It’s gratifying to see our efforts reflected in national output.” The farm’s success reflects a broader trend: larger herds, mechanisation, and improved farmer training programs spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF) . Zimbabwe’s annual milk production  is now projected to surpass 120 million litres , a remarkable leap from the 80 million-litre average  of recent years. The sector is slowly closing the supply gap that once forced the country to import powdered milk from South Africa. The impact stretches across the economy. Supermarkets now report improved availability of fresh milk, and prices have begun to stabilise after years of volatility. Dairy processors are expanding into cheese, yogurt, and powdered milk . Tapiwanashe Dewah , Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at ZADF, noted: “This trajectory is creating exciting times for the dairy industry. It’s helping formalise markets, ensuring traceability, and building investor confidence.” Despite the progress, hurdles remain. Feed costs  continue to weigh heavily on farmers, while climate change  poses risks to pasture quality. Access to finance  is still limited for small-scale dairy producers, many of whom struggle to scale up. Yet the July milestone has reinvigorated confidence. With sustained investment in farm technology, veterinary support, and market linkages , Zimbabwe’s dairy sector could soon become self-sufficient — and even a regional exporter .

The last warriors squad ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, has unveiled a 23-man squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, sparking widespread debate and renewed optimism. Head coach Michael Nees, who has been steadily reshaping the team since his appointment, described the squad as “a balance of experience with youthful energy.” The squad represents a strategic blend of seasoned internationals and rising stars. At the back, veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants) leads a defensive unit that also includes Jordan Zemura (Udinese) and Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns). In midfield, the Warriors boast Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton) and Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), players whose European pedigree brings both stability and tactical awareness. Up front, Prince Dube (Young Africans) and Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United) spearhead the attack. Yet the biggest talking point remains the omission of Khama Billiat, Zimbabwe’s most decorated player of the past decade. He was dropped due to lingering injury concerns, despite coming out of retirement earlier this year. The squad includes several new names who embody the future of the Warriors: Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town) — a dynamic midfielder with flair; Marley Tavaziva (Brentford U21) — a young goalkeeper being groomed for the big stage; as well as Walter Musona and Tymon Machope (Scottland FC) — local league standouts earning international recognition. Football analyst Tinashe Moyo lauded the selection:“This is one of the most balanced squads we’ve seen in years. If they gel quickly, Zimbabwe could surprise many.” Zimbabwe face Benin on September 5 and Rwanda on September 9 at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, as the nation’s stadiums remain barred by FIFA for not meeting international standards. For many fans, this campaign is not only about qualification but about laying the foundation for a long-term revival of Zimbabwean football. The hope is that by blending local league talent with Europe-based stars, the Warriors can create a sustainable pathway towards global competitiveness.

Firle Sewage Plant ( image source ) Harare was plunged into mourning this week after two Harare City Council workers died while carrying out maintenance at the Firle Sewage Treatment Works in Glen View. The incident, which occurred Thursday morning, has raised urgent questions about occupational safety standards in municipal operations. According to eyewitnesses, the workers were performing routine tasks when tragedy struck. Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, but both employees were pronounced dead. City officials issued a brief statement:“We promise to get to the bottom of the matter. Investigations are underway by the ZRP, NSSA, and city officials.” This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, another municipal employee died under similar circumstances at Manyame Park. Critics argue the council has consistently underfunded workplace safety, choosing crisis management over preventative measures. Experts in sewage plant management point to “dead air” zones — pockets of low oxygen that can suffocate workers in seconds. Without proper protective equipment or monitoring devices, employees remain dangerously exposed. Union representative Simba Chikore said bluntly:“Many of our workers lack proper protective equipment. This tragedy could have been prevented.” The incident has triggered renewed calls for mandatory safety audits across all council facilities as well as investment in personal protective equipment (PPE). There have also been calls for regular training in hazardous environment protocols. Beyond safety, the tragedy underscores the deeper governance crisis facing Harare. The capital’s ageing water and sewage infrastructure remains fragile, with Firle Plant often cited as a hotspot of inefficiency and environmental risk. As investigations continue, families mourn, and city residents demand accountability, the deaths of these two men may yet become a catalyst for reform. Their loss highlights not just the cost of negligence but also the urgent need to modernize Harare’s public utilities.

From the Beauty and the Bester Trailer ( image source ) Convicted criminal Thabo Bester and his partner, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, have filed an urgent court application to prevent the release of Netflix’s upcoming docuseries, Beauty and the Bester , scheduled to premiere on September 12. “Our client has not been afforded the fair opportunity to address the allegations contained within the documentary,” said Bester’s legal representative. The couple’s legal team argues that the documentary violates their constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, and a fair trial. The Johannesburg High Court is set to hear the matter on September 9. “This is character assassination under the guise of a documentary,” Bester’s lawyers stated in their filings. Public reaction has been swift and divided. Social media users have questioned the couple’s motives and financial means to pursue legal action. Netflix’s three-part series promises exclusive interviews, including one with Magudumana’s father and TV personality Pearl Thusi. It explores Bester’s 2022 prison escape, the couple’s cross-border flight to Tanzania, and their alleged criminal enterprise. “This documentary is of public interest. We need to know different perspectives on their crimes,” said media analyst Zanele Mthembu. This isn’t the first time the duo has tried to block media portrayals. In March 2024, they failed to stop Showmax’s Tracking Thabo Bester , with the court ruling that the content was based on public domain information. “The public’s right to know will likely outweigh their claims,” said legal expert Advocate Sipho Dlamini. The couple’s trial is set to begin on November 10 at the Bloemfontein High Court. Legal experts believe the Netflix case could set a precedent for media portrayals of ongoing criminal cases. “If the court rules in their favor, it could have chilling effects on investigative journalism,” Dlamini warned.

Russian Drilling boat ( image source ) Discovery and Scale Russia has reportedly uncovered what could be the world’s largest untapped oil reserve beneath the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, triggering alarm across global capitals. Early seismic surveys by Rosgeo, the state geological exploration firm, suggest reserves of more than 511 billion barrels —a staggering figure eclipsing the combined proven reserves of Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Treaty in Jeopardy The 1959 Antarctic Treaty  strictly prohibits commercial resource exploitation and military activity. Yet Russia’s expeditions—presented publicly as scientific research—have drawn suspicion. Prof. Klaus Dodds of Royal Holloway University described them as “a strategic maneuver disguised as science.”  The find threatens to destabilize what has long been seen as a model framework of international cooperation. Geopolitical Fallout The sheer scale of Russia’s claim has reoriented the conversation from environmental stewardship to power politics . Analysts warn of an impending resource race as China expands its Antarctic footprint and the U.S. boosts naval patrols in the Southern Ocean.Eirwen Williams, senior analyst at Energy Reporters , summed it up bluntly: “This could be more than all the oil ever extracted from Earth.”  Should the reserves ever be developed, Russia—already among the world’s top producers—would control a resource base that dwarfs OPEC’s collective leverage. Environmental Stakes Climate scientists and activists argue that drilling in Antarctica would spell ecological disaster. “It would devastate marine ecosystems already stressed by warming oceans,”  warned Dr. Sofia Alvarez, a marine biologist. Campaign groups are linking the discovery to global net zero goals  and the Paris Climate Agreement , pressing governments to strengthen safeguards. What Comes Next Diplomatic confrontations loom at the upcoming Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting , where calls are growing for stricter enforcement and even revisions to ban seismic surveys outright. Ivan Petrov, a Moscow-based strategist, captured the mood: “We are entering a new Cold War—this time over oil.”

West African CFA franc ( image source ) Mali’s fragile public finances have been rocked by revelations of over 36,000 ghost workers drawing salaries from state coffers. The findings, released after a government-wide audit, underscore deep-rooted corruption within the civil service and highlight the urgency of governance reforms. The audit, conducted with biometric verification and cross-ministry data checks, revealed that payrolls included deceased individuals, terminated employees, and entirely fictitious identities. Audit lead Fatoumata Diarra explained that the fraud typically required collusion: “At least three officials had to collaborate to insert a ghost employee into the system.” The scandal is estimated to cost Mali more than $120 million annually, funds that could have been used to bolster public health, education, and security. In the health ministry alone, 230 unverifiable employees had their salaries immediately frozen. “This is a hemorrhage of public funds,”  said economist Boubacar Traoré, who warned that service delivery and public trust were collapsing in tandem. Civil society groups are demanding not only audits but also criminal prosecutions. Activist Aminata Koné argued: “We need transparency, not just technology. Biometric systems can help, but without accountability, ghost workers will reappear.” The government has pledged quarterly audits, biometric attendance, and tighter payroll oversight. International donors, including the World Bank, have urged Mali to fast-track reforms as a condition for future aid. If implemented, Mali could turn the scandal into an opportunity to strengthen state institutions. But if left unchecked, the ghost worker problem risks becoming yet another layer of dysfunction in a country already strained by conflict and economic fragility.