HARARE — The Government has approved an increase in the minimum wage for domestic workers and employees in unclassified operations, with the new rates taking immediate effect. The wage review was approved by Cabinet following recommendations from the tripartite Wages and Salaries Advisory Council (WASC) and was presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Edgar Moyo. According to the government, the minimum wage for domestic workers has been increased from US$85 to US$90, while employees working in unclassified operations sectors not covered by National Employment Councils (NECs) will now earn a minimum wage of US$270. The revised wages are payable in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate. Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, the government said the review was conducted in terms of Section 19 of the Labour Act [Chapter 28:01], which empowers authorities to review minimum wages and conditions of employment for specified categories of workers. “Cabinet noted and approved the review of minimum wages and related conditions of employment for domestic workers and workers in unclassified operations as presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Honourable Edgar Moyo,” a government spokesperson said. “The minimum wage for domestic workers will be US$90.” The government said the review followed consultations and recommendations from the Wages and Salaries Advisory Council, which brings together representatives of government, business, and labour. The revised wage schedule introduces differentiated minimum wages based on the nature of domestic work performed. Under the new structure: Yard workers and gardeners will earn a minimum of US$90 per month. Cooks and housekeepers will receive US$99 per month. Child minders, disabled carers and aged minders will earn US$108, up from US$95. Disabled or aged minders holding a Red Cross certificate will receive US$117, up from US$100. The increases represent an effort to align remuneration with the varying levels of responsibility and skills required for different domestic work roles. Domestic workers remain among the lowest-paid categories of employees in Zimbabwe and are not covered by sector-specific collective bargaining arrangements administered through National Employment Councils. As a result, periodic reviews conducted through the Wages and Salaries Advisory Council remain the primary mechanism for adjusting their wages and employment conditions. Labour experts have long argued that domestic workers play a critical role in supporting households and the broader economy, yet often receive limited legal and financial protection compared to workers in formally organised sectors. The latest wage review comes amid continued discussions around workers’ welfare, cost-of-living pressures, and the need to improve income security for low-paid employees. Government officials said the revised wage structure seeks to provide greater protection for vulnerable workers while ensuring employers have clear guidance on minimum remuneration standards. Zimbabwe domestic worker minimum wage

HARARE — Businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo has launched a blistering attack on former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, accusing him of political irrelevance, seeking attention through media appearances, and making unsolicited commentary on national political issues. The remarks mark a significant escalation in the long-running public feud between the two men, whose exchanges have increasingly played out on social media platforms and in public statements. In a strongly worded statement, Chivayo criticised Mliswa's frequent commentary on national politics, particularly his views on succession debates within ZANU-PF and governance issues. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but as Zimbabweans we will never take advice from a hopeless and broke failed politician trying to earn a living,” Chivayo said. He accused Mliswa of attempting to remain relevant through regular media interviews in which he comments on political developments and calls for the resignation of senior government officials. “With the greatest respect, please shut up,” Chivayo said, arguing that Mliswa was neither a member of ZANU PF nor a spokesperson for President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Chivayo maintained that Mnangagwa has consistently stated that the issue of succession is a matter for the ruling party and not one to be determined by individual politicians or commentators. In the same statement, Chivayo revisited the controversial parliamentary inquiry into the Gwanda Solar Project, claiming he successfully defended himself before legislators who scrutinised the project. He also made allegations against Mliswa regarding his conduct during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, accusing him of demanding protection fees from businesspeople and using parliamentary influence for personal gain. The allegations were made without supporting evidence and had not been independently verified at the time of publication. Chivayo further mocked Mliswa over comments relating to his personal lifestyle, public appearances, and previous public pledges, while dismissing claims that his own safety may be under threat. The latest exchange has generated widespread discussion on social media, where supporters of both men have taken sides in the dispute. Some commentators viewed Chivayo's remarks as a forceful response to persistent criticism, while others argued that the increasingly personal nature of the exchanges reflects a decline in civility within Zimbabwe's public discourse. Political analysts have noted that social media is increasingly becoming a platform through which business figures, politicians, and public personalities engage directly with the public, often bypassing traditional media channels. The public spat also highlights the growing intersection between business, politics, and online influence in Zimbabwe, where prominent figures increasingly use digital platforms to shape narratives and challenge critics. At the time of publication, Mliswa had not publicly responded to Chivayo's latest remarks. The ongoing feud between the two men has previously touched on issues ranging from politics and governance to business dealings and public accountability. Observers say the latest confrontation is unlikely to be the last, given the history of public disagreements between the businessman and the former legislator. For now, the dispute continues to dominate online conversations, underscoring the role of social media as a key arena for political and public influence in Zimbabwe. Wicknell Chivayo Temba Mliswa feud

HARARE — A Harare family is demanding DNA testing and answers from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals after rejecting the body of a child they were allegedly asked to collect weeks after the death of a woman during childbirth complications. The dispute has sparked a police investigation and raised concerns over communication procedures and the handling of human remains at Zimbabwe's largest referral hospital. The matter centres on the death of Lizzy Katsiga, who was admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital after developing complications during labour. According to her husband, Tawanda Sengu, 34, of Eastview, Katsiga was initially treated at a clinic in Mabvuku before being referred to the maternity unit at Parirenyatwa on May 5. Sengu said doctors later informed the family that complications during surgery resulted in severe blood loss and that his wife had died. He further claimed that medical staff advised the family that the unborn child had also died before the operation. According to Sengu, the family was left shocked after receiving a telephone call from hospital staff following Katsiga's burial. He alleges that hospital officials informed them that the baby's remains had been found, a development he says contradicted earlier explanations regarding the child's death. The family subsequently returned to the hospital, where they were reportedly presented with the body of a toddler and asked to collect it. However, Sengu said the family refused to accept the remains because they had not been given a satisfactory explanation regarding the identity of the child. “We were told different things at different times, and now they want us to just accept a body without explanation,” Sengu said. “We need DNA testing to confirm if this is really our child.” The family has called for independent DNA testing to establish whether the remains belong to Katsiga's child. Sengu said the uncertainty surrounding the matter has deepened the family's grief and left them searching for answers. The family argues that scientific verification is necessary before any burial arrangements can be considered. Zimbabwe Republic Police have confirmed that investigations are underway following a report made by the family. Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said authorities are treating the matter as a missing foetus case linked to a local hospital. “Police are investigating a missing foetus case at a local hospital,” Chakanza said. He did not provide further details, citing ongoing investigations. The unresolved dispute has left the family struggling to come to terms with the loss of Katsiga, who is survived by her husband and three children. They say the lack of clarity surrounding the fate of the child has compounded their suffering at a time when they are already mourning the loss of a wife and mother. At the time of publication, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals had not publicly commented on the allegations. Authorities say investigations are continuing and that further details will be released once inquiries have been completed. Parirenyatwa Hospital missing foetus case

HARARE — The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) has appointed Willing Zvirevo as its substantive Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026, following nine months in the acting position. The appointment was announced by IDBZ Board Chairman Kupukile Mlambo in a notice issued on 15 June 2026. “The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Willing Zvirevo as the substantive Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ),” Mlambo said. “The appointment is with effect from 1 June 2026. Having successfully steered the institution as the Acting Chief Executive Officer since 1 September 2025, Mr Zvirevo steps into this substantive role to lead the Bank into its next phase of strategic development and growth.” Zvirevo is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in financial services, investment banking, and development finance, having held leadership positions across several institutions in Zimbabwe and abroad. According to the IDBZ Board, his expertise spans business case development, investment appraisal, project finance, capital mobilisation, and alternative investments. Over the course of his career, he has served in middle and senior management positions at KPMG Corporate Finance, NMB Bank Limited, Sagit Finance House Limited, and AMG Global Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe), where he led the firm's Corporate Finance practice. His professional background also includes significant international experience gained during a seven-year stint in the Cayman Islands with the Citco Group, one of the world's leading hedge fund administration firms. The IDBZ said the international exposure equipped Zvirevo with specialised knowledge of alternative investment platforms, fund structures, investment strategies, and complex financial products. Before his appointment as Acting Chief Executive Officer in September 2025, Zvirevo served as the bank's Director of Resource Mobilisation and Climate Finance. In that role, he was responsible for driving the institution's resource mobilisation strategy, including capitalisation initiatives, project financing programmes, debt issuance strategies, strategic partnerships, and climate finance projects. The board credited him with helping strengthen the bank's funding and investment framework during a period of growing demand for infrastructure financing in Zimbabwe. Mlambo said the board had full confidence in Zvirevo's ability to lead the development finance institution and advance its long-term objectives. “The Board of Directors expresses its absolute confidence in Mr Zvirevo's leadership, strategic depth and proven experience to guide the Bank towards fully achieving its developmental mandate and long-term strategic objectives,” he said. “We assure all stakeholders of the Board's unwavering commitment to supporting him in this substantive role.” The appointment comes as IDBZ continues to play a key role in financing infrastructure development projects, resource mobilisation, and sustainable investment initiatives aimed at supporting Zimbabwe's economic growth and industrial development agenda. The board, management, and staff of the institution congratulated Zvirevo on what it described as a well-deserved appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership as the bank enters its next phase of growth. Willing Zvirevo appointed IDBZ CEO

RUSAPE — A 49-year-old woman from Rusape took her former partner to a traditional court seeking compensation after accusing him of failing to honour a promise to marry her following 13 years of cohabitation. Lainah Twakali appeared before Chief Makoni's community court demanding either three cattle or US$1,000 from her former partner, George Chipunda, 37, whom she accused of wasting her time and abandoning their relationship despite allegedly promising marriage. The couple reportedly met while working on a farm in Headlands in 2013 and lived together for more than a decade. They did not have any children together. Twakali, a widow and mother of five, told the court that Chipunda had proposed marriage despite knowing her circumstances and family background. “I stayed with Chipunda for 13 years after he promised to marry me. He did not fulfil his promise all these years, and that is why I brought this case before the court,” she told the traditional court. She further alleged that the couple had jointly developed property during their relationship, including building a house and installing a borehole, but claimed that Chipunda later disposed of some of the assets. According to Twakali, members of Chipunda's family were aware of their relationship and had encouraged the couple to relocate to the village to safeguard their property. Chipunda disputed Twakali's allegations and filed a counter-claim, arguing that he was the one whose time had been wasted during the relationship. He told the court that the pair had already shared their property after separating and denied owing her any compensation. “May this court ask this woman to produce her national identity card and see the age difference between us?” Chipunda said. “I stayed with her from 2013 to 2026. Staying with this woman was more of force. I am the same age as her firstborn. She has five children and 12 grandchildren.” Chipunda also alleged that Twakali repeatedly claimed to be pregnant during the relationship, only for him to later discover that the claims were false. “She would claim she was pregnant, and I would buy all the preparations, only to discover that she was lying,” he told the court. The 37-year-old further accused Twakali of damaging property after the relationship ended and said she had taken some roofing sheets from a house he had built. Chipunda told the court that when the relationship ended, property was divided equally in the presence of police special constabulary officers. According to his testimony, Twakali received several goats and roofing sheets, while he sold two pigs that the couple owned because he could no longer afford the feeding costs. In his judgment, Chief Makoni ruled that the evidence presented showed that the pair had been cohabiting but did not prove that either party had wasted the other's time. The traditional leader ordered Chipunda to pay Twakali US$120 or alternatively, provide her with a pig. He was also directed to cover court costs amounting to US$45. Chief Makoni further ruled that there was no basis for a divorce token because the two had never been legally or customarily married. “The issue of a divorce token does not arise because the two were never married. They were simply boyfriend and girlfriend,” the Chief ruled. Rusape broken marriage promise case

CHIREDZI — Nine people were killed and 25 others injured on Tuesday morning when a bus collided with a train at a level crossing in Chiredzi, according to the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). The fatal accident occurred at approximately 7 am as an NRZ train was travelling from Triangle to the NRZ Lundi siding. In a statement, NRZ spokesperson Andrew Kunambura said the collision happened after the bus driver allegedly failed to comply with level crossing safety regulations. “The accident occurred when the driver of the bus failed to observe level crossing rules, which require drivers to stop and check for oncoming trains before proceeding,” Kunambura said. According to the NRZ, nine passengers travelling on the bus died at the scene. The victims included seven adults and two children. “Unfortunately, nine passengers in the bus died on the spot. They include seven adults and two minors,” Kunambura said. The railway operator said 25 other passengers sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. “Twenty-five passengers from the bus were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment,” he added. Emergency response teams, including police officers, ambulance crews, and members of the fire brigade, were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue and recovery operations. “Emergency services, including the police, ambulances, and fire brigade, are on-site managing the active rescue operation,” Kunambura said. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over road safety at railway crossings, where motorists are required to stop, look, and listen for approaching trains before crossing the tracks. Level crossing accidents remain a significant safety concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities frequently urging drivers to exercise caution when approaching railway intersections. Kunambura extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. “On behalf of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident,” he said. “We also wish a full and speedy recovery to all those injured.” The NRZ urged motorists to adhere to level crossing regulations strictly to prevent similar tragedies. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are expected to continue, with police working alongside railway authorities to establish the full details of the crash. The identities of the deceased had not been released at the time of publication, pending notification of their next of kin. Chiredzi train and bus accident

HARARE — The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has called on the Zimbabwean government to draw lessons from neighbouring Zambia, where recent legislative reforms have entrenched free education as a legal right and strengthened social protection measures for millions of citizens. The call follows the signing into law of several landmark reforms by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, including the Education Amendment Act of 2026, which guarantees free education in public schools and prohibits the exclusion of learners based on their inability to pay school fees. The legislation formally enshrines into law a free education policy that Zambia introduced in 2021, expanding access to schooling and reinforcing the right to education for all children. In addition to education reforms, Hichilema signed four pension-related laws designed to improve retirement benefits and social security coverage. The measures include increasing minimum pension payments, allowing partial lump-sum withdrawals for thousands of retirees, and enhancing pension savings for more than 1.2 million members of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA). PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou welcomed the reforms, describing them as a model that Zimbabwe should consider adopting to improve educational access and social welfare. “The Education Act now guarantees free education in schools in Zambia, strengthening the policy introduced by President Hakainde Hichilema into a legal right,” Zhou said. “In Zimbabwe, free and compulsory education for children has remained elusive since 1980, while access to higher and tertiary education is increasingly becoming the preserve of the wealthy.” Zhou argued that Zambia's experience demonstrates that governments can prioritise education and social protection through legislative action. “If Zambia did it, Zimbabwe can also do it. We therefore need to draw lessons from Zambia and implement free and compulsory education in Zimbabwe,” he said. The PTUZ leader said rising school fees and the increasing cost of tertiary education continue to place significant pressure on Zimbabwean families, particularly those from low-income households. Education stakeholders have repeatedly raised concerns that economic challenges are making it harder for some learners to remain in school, despite constitutional provisions recognising the right to education. Zhou said guaranteeing free and compulsory education through legislation would help ensure that no child is denied access to schooling because of financial constraints. The Zambian president recently signed five Bills into law: the Education Amendment Bill 2026, the National Pension Scheme Bill 2026, the Public Service Pensions Bill 2026, the Pensions Scheme Regulation Amendment Bill 2026, and the Local Authorities Superannuation Bill 2026. The reforms are part of a broader agenda aimed at improving access to education, strengthening retirement security, and expanding social protection coverage. According to Zhou, Zimbabwe could benefit from adopting similar policies as part of efforts to improve governance and promote inclusive development. “Taking a cue from Zambia will go a long way towards responsible governance and act as a bulwark against the pursuit of egocentrism and hegemonic power,” he said. The call comes as debate continues over education funding, social welfare, and economic reforms across the region, with education unions increasingly advocating for policies that improve access to quality education and reduce inequality. Zimbabwe free education reforms

HARARE — Police have arrested a man from Dzivarasekwa Extension in Harare in connection with allegations of rape, kidnapping, assault, and arson following a violent attack on a neighbouring couple. The suspect, identified by police as Godwilson Manake, allegedly attacked the couple at their home during the early hours of Wednesday morning before abducting the woman, whose whereabouts remain unknown. According to police investigations, Manake had allegedly been making romantic advances towards his neighbour’s wife for some time, but his approaches were repeatedly rejected. Police allege that at around 2 am, Manake broke into the couple’s cabin while they were asleep and launched an attack. Investigators say he allegedly assaulted the husband with a chain, forcing him to flee from the room. The suspect then allegedly turned his attention to the woman, whom he is accused of raping before setting the cabin on fire. Authorities allege that after the assault, the suspect set the structure ablaze, destroying household property valued at approximately US$500. Police further allege that Manake then forcibly took the woman from the scene and dragged her to a nearby bushy area. The woman has not yet been located, prompting an ongoing police search operation. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest and said investigations were continuing. “Police arrested a Dzivarasekwa Extension man for multiple cases that include assault, kidnapping and malicious damage to property,” said Chakanza. He added that efforts to locate the missing woman were underway. “The husband was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for medical attention. The total value of property destroyed is estimated at US$500 and nothing has been recovered,” Chakanza said. The case has sent shockwaves through the Dzivarasekwa community, with residents expressing concern over the violent nature of the alleged offences. Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in locating the missing woman to come forward and report to the nearest police station. The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court facing charges related to assault, kidnapping, rape, and malicious damage to property. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue. The incident highlights growing concerns over gender-based violence and crimes against women in Zimbabwe, with advocacy groups continuing to call for stronger protection measures and swift prosecution of offenders. Dzivarasekwa kidnapping and rape case

The Anambra State Government has arraigned eight clerics and their ministries over allegations of staging fake miracles, deliverances, and healing sessions in a crackdown on what authorities describe as organised religious fraud. According to court documents and prosecutorial records, the accused appeared before the court under provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which criminalises the use of deceptive practices to exploit members of the public. The clerics and ministries named in the proceedings are: Omega Dominion Ministries Cloud of Glory Prophetic Ministries Bishop Echa Wanga of Chapel of Faith Ministry Peter Tuku of Messiah Adoration Ministry Chinedu of Citadel of Grace Ministry Jehovah Mighty Than All Ministry Miracle City of Power Ministry Chuku Kadiba of Land of Testimony Adoration Ministry Prosecutors allege that the accused, together with recruited handlers and other accomplices, organised and financed staged deliverance sessions and fake healing demonstrations using individuals allegedly hired to pose as sick, disabled, or spiritually afflicted persons. The State contends that the alleged scheme was designed to create the impression of supernatural powers in order to attract followers and obtain financial benefits from members of the public. The prosecution team, led by Anambra State Attorney General Tobechukwu Nweke, argues that the activities violate provisions of the Homeland Security Law aimed at protecting residents from fraudulent practices. Under the legislation, a conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to six years, a fine of ₦20 million, or both. The case has attracted widespread public attention following comments from state authorities challenging the accused clerics to demonstrate their claimed healing powers on medically verified patients under independent supervision. Government officials have presented the challenge as part of efforts to test the authenticity of miracle claims that have become increasingly common in some religious circles. The arraignment forms part of a broader campaign by the Anambra State Government to combat alleged fraud, deception, and exploitation carried out under the guise of religious activity. The matter remains before the courts. As with all criminal proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Anambra fake pastors arraigned list

LONDON, United Kingdom — Children under the age of 16 will be barred from accessing major social media platforms in the United Kingdom under sweeping new online safety measures announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The proposed restrictions, expected to take effect in spring 2027 subject to parliamentary approval, will apply to popular platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X and YouTube. The move forms part of what the British government describes as the most significant overhaul of child online safety protections in a generation. Under the proposals, technology companies will be required to implement stronger age-verification systems to prevent users under 16 from creating or accessing accounts on affected platforms. Regulators are expected to oversee compliance through enhanced age-assurance measures. The reforms will also prohibit under-16s from livestreaming online and restrict interactions between minors and strangers across social media and certain gaming platforms. Additional safeguards are being considered, including limits on addictive platform features such as infinite scrolling and potential overnight social media curfews for young users. Messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal will be exempt from the ban because they are classified primarily as communication tools rather than social media platforms. Announcing the policy, Starmer said governments could no longer ignore the risks children face online and argued that technology companies must take greater responsibility for protecting young users. “I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” Starmer said while unveiling the proposals. The UK government said the measures are intended to reduce children's exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, online predators and addictive digital behaviours that have been linked to mental health challenges, poor sleep and reduced educational performance. The proposals also target emerging artificial intelligence risks. AI-powered “romantic companion” chatbots will be required to enforce a minimum age of 18, while AI services aimed at younger users may face additional restrictions. Government consultation findings showed overwhelming public support for tougher restrictions, with nine out of ten parents backing a minimum age of 16 for social media access. More than 116,000 responses were submitted during the consultation process. However, the policy has drawn criticism from some digital rights advocates and technology companies, who argue that a blanket ban could drive teenagers toward unregulated online spaces and prove difficult to enforce. Experts have also raised concerns about children circumventing restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs) and other workarounds. If approved by Parliament, the legislation would place the UK among a growing number of countries tightening rules on children's access to social media, following similar measures introduced in Australia and other jurisdictions. UK social media ban for under 16s

BUHERA, Zimbabwe — June 15, 2026 — The death of a teacher from Buhera who reportedly turned to artisanal gold mining to supplement his income has reignited debate over teacher salaries and the growing economic pressures facing public sector workers in Zimbabwe. Progress Makamani, a teacher at Dune Primary School in Buhera District, died after a gold mining shaft collapsed while he was engaged in artisanal mining activities, according to a statement issued by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ). The union said Makamani had not returned to work when schools opened for the second term because he was seeking additional income through gold mining, a sector that many Zimbabweans have entered amid rising living costs and declining real wages. ARTUZ described the incident as a consequence of what it called “structural violence” caused by low salaries and worsening economic conditions for educators. “A teacher’s government salary can no longer adequately cover school fees, healthcare and food costs for many families,” the union said in a statement. The union further argued that many teachers are increasingly forced to seek alternative sources of income to support their households. Zimbabwe's artisanal and small-scale mining sector continues to record high numbers of fatal accidents, particularly from shaft collapses. Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Polite Kambamura recently revealed that 64 people died in artisanal and small-scale mining accidents during the first quarter of 2026, representing a six percent increase from the same period last year. More than half of the fatalities were attributed to ground collapses. Mining safety experts have repeatedly warned that unregulated mining operations expose workers to dangerous conditions, including unstable shafts, inadequate support structures, and limited access to protective equipment. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) has previously linked recurring mine accidents to weak enforcement of mining regulations and safety standards. The tragedy has renewed attention on long-standing concerns over teacher remuneration in Zimbabwe. Teacher unions have consistently argued that salaries have failed to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living, forcing many educators to pursue side businesses, cross-border trading, farming, and informal mining activities. ARTUZ said Makamani's death should serve as a warning about the economic hardships confronting teachers and other public sector workers. The union called for urgent salary reviews and improved working conditions to ensure educators can support their families without resorting to high-risk survival strategies. As family members, colleagues, and pupils mourn Makamani's death, education stakeholders say the incident highlights the broader challenges facing Zimbabwe's public education sector. The government has yet to issue a statement specifically addressing Makamani's death. However, labour unions continue to press authorities for measures aimed at improving teachers' welfare and reducing the economic pressures driving some educators into hazardous occupations. Makamani's death comes amid a wider national conversation about worker welfare, mine safety, and the socioeconomic challenges affecting ordinary Zimbabweans. For many in Buhera, the loss represents not only the death of a teacher but also a stark reminder of the difficult choices many families face in pursuit of survival. Zimbabwe teacher dies in mine shaft collapse

Opposition supporters and police clash during anti-government protests in Kinshasa over proposed constitutional changes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Violent clashes broke out in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, on Friday as opposition supporters protested against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could enable President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office. The demonstration, organised by the opposition coalition C64, was disrupted after protesters clashed with pro-government supporters outside Parliament. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest comes as the DRC continues to grapple with multiple challenges, including an Ebola outbreak and escalating insecurity in the east of the country, where the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group remains active alongside numerous armed factions competing for control of territory and resources. President Tshisekedi, who has been in office since 2019, is serving his second five-year term, which is due to end in 2028. He has previously indicated that he would consider seeking a third term if such a move received approval through a national referendum. Under the current Congolese Constitution, presidential term limits cannot be amended. However, a bill currently before the National Assembly would permit constitutional changes in cases of what it describes as a “major dysfunction” that paralyses state institutions, potentially following a referendum. The proposal has united several opposition parties under the Coalition Article 64 (C64), formed in May to resist any attempt to alter presidential term limits. Opposition leaders argue that the proposed amendments pose a serious threat to democratic governance and political stability. Friday's protest descended into violence before police moved in to restore order. Among those injured was opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who finished second in the disputed 2018 presidential election. Images shared on his official social media platforms showed him with blood visible around his eyes and on his shirt collar as supporters assisted him through the crowd. Authorities had not immediately released details on the number of injuries or arrests resulting from the clashes. The proposed constitutional changes are expected to remain a major source of political tension as debate continues in Parliament. DRC protests