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A lithium mine in Mberengwa ( image source ) In a bid to enhance community participation and understanding, residents of Mberengwa District in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province have called on Parliament to translate the newly gazetted Mines and Minerals Bill into local languages. The initiative aims to empower communities to engage meaningfully in public hearings and address challenges arising from mining activities in their areas. During a district environmental impact assessment dialogue organized by Silveira House, community leaders emphasized the importance of linguistic accessibility in legal matters. Ward 10 Councillor Devilious Mashavakure highlighted that the use of English legal jargon often alienates local populations, making it difficult for them to comprehend and participate in legislative processes. He stated, “Parliament must strive to overcome the language barriers in communities hardest hit by mining activities. The English jargon used in law is often confusing; hence, the urgent need to roll it out in local languages.” Councillor Mashavakure also acknowledged the role of community-based publications in raising awareness among Mberengwa residents about the Bill and its potential impact on their lives. The Mines and Minerals Bill , gazetted in June 2025 under General Notice 1243A, seeks to replace the colonial-era Mines and Minerals Act of 1961. The outdated legislation has been criticized for its failure to address modern mining challenges and for perpetuating historical injustices, including inadequate compensation for displaced communities and environmental degradation. Councillor Lovemore Nkomo of Ward 16 expressed optimism about the Bill's provisions, which he believes have the potential to rectify past wrongs and promote sustainable mining practices. He emphasized the need for the Bill to be disseminated in local languages well ahead of public hearings to ensure informed participation. Mberengwa is home to diverse linguistic communities, including speakers of Karanga, Ndebele, and Shona. The Karanga language, in particular, is prevalent in the district and is distinct from Standard Shona, which is often used in official documents. This linguistic divide can create barriers to understanding and engagement, particularly among older generations and those with limited literacy in English. Experts argue that translating legal documents into local languages is crucial for ensuring that all community members can participate in democratic processes. Dr. Tendai Nyamadzawo, a specialist in community development, noted, “Language is a powerful tool for inclusion. When people understand the laws that govern them, they are better equipped to advocate for their rights and hold authorities accountable.” As Parliament prepares for public hearings on the Mines and Minerals Bill, the call from Mberengwa residents underscores the need for inclusive legislative processes that consider the linguistic and cultural diversity of Zimbabwe's communities. By translating the Bill into local languages, Parliament can foster greater civic engagement and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard and considered in shaping the nation's mining policies.

The KAZA ( image source ) In the town of Livingstone, Zambia, ministers from the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) gathered for a high-level committee meeting that could reshape conservation across Southern Africa. Their agenda was ambitious: endorse new strategies for joint conservation, finance, and sustainable tourism. The outcome signaled not only commitment but also a recognition that wildlife and ecosystems transcend borders, and so must solutions. The KAZA-TFCA is one of the world’s largest transfrontier conservation areas, spanning five countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Covering nearly 520,000 square kilometers, it links iconic sites such as the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park. Its mission is to protect biodiversity, promote sustainable development, and improve livelihoods through eco-tourism and resource sharing. At the latest ministerial session, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to: Joint Financing Models  — Pooling resources to reduce donor dependency and strengthen self-sustaining conservation funds. Cross-Border Wildlife Corridors  — Ensuring elephants, lions, and other migratory species can move freely without facing fences or poachers. Climate Resilience Programs  — Protecting ecosystems from droughts, floods, and human-wildlife conflicts exacerbated by climate change. Community Partnerships  — Increasing local participation in tourism revenues and decision-making. Environment Minister Collins Nzovu of Zambia described the meeting as “a watershed moment, where regional cooperation becomes the currency of conservation.” Conservation is costly. Anti-poaching patrols, ecological monitoring, and park maintenance require millions annually. Historically, much of KAZA’s funding has come from international donors. While vital, such dependence makes planning precarious. The new strategies emphasize building trust funds, carbon credit markets, and eco-tourism revenue models. Environmental finance expert Dr. Nomusa Sibanda explains: “Conservation without financial backbone is charity, not sustainability. KAZA’s turn toward internal financing is a step toward sovereignty over its natural assets.” KAZA is home to millions of people who live alongside wildlife. For them, elephants raiding crops or lions attacking cattle are not abstract conservation challenges but daily risks. Ministers acknowledged this by emphasizing community involvement. When locals receive tangible benefits from conservation — jobs, schools, or revenue shares — they are more likely to protect rather than exploit ecosystems. In Botswana’s Chobe region, for instance, community-run lodges have successfully balanced tourism income with conservation goals. Replicating such models across KAZA could redefine how people and parks coexist. The resolutions also have international resonance. KAZA contains some of the largest remaining populations of elephants on earth. Its wetlands and forests act as carbon sinks critical to climate mitigation. Strengthening KAZA is therefore not just a regional project, but a global environmental imperative. Conservation biologist Professor Daniel Mutanga puts it succinctly: “KAZA is to Africa what the Amazon is to South America, a shared ecological heartbeat. Protecting it is protecting the planet.” Implementation will be the true test. Aligning policies across five sovereign states is complex. Issues like poaching syndicates, mining interests, and land development pressures will continue to test unity. Additionally, ensuring that finance models are transparent and equitable will require robust governance mechanisms. The Livingstone meeting was more than ceremonial. By endorsing joint conservation and financial plans, KAZA ministers sent a signal: regional collaboration is not optional, it is essential. The future of Southern Africa’s wildlife corridors, eco-tourism economies, and community resilience depends on it. As these strategies unfold, the world will watch closely. If successful, KAZA could serve as a blueprint for cross-border conservation, proving that cooperation, not isolation, is the path to sustainability.

From the beginning stages of Operation Restore Order ( image source ) The Harare City Council has announced the extension of Operation Restore Order from the Central Business District (CBD) to industrial areas and major shopping centres. Following a Tuesday meeting with senior council executives, Acting Head of Policy, Amos Muguti, confirmed that the campaign would commence in outlying zones starting next Monday, aiming to wrap up by the end of September. Initially launched to address rampant informal structures, fire hazards, and safety violations in the CBD, leading to the closure of nearly 200 non-compliant businesses over a few days, Operation Restore Order has now gained new geographic scope. This escalation reflects mounting concern over unlicensed operations proliferating across the city’s industrial parks and shopping clusters. Muguti’s executive brief described a more holistic enforcement campaign, targeting unauthorized zoning, illegal partitions, and safety infractions—matters that endanger lives and undermine property norms. Council’s objective is to restore urban order without crippling economic activity—though the tension between enforcement and enterprise is palpable. Urban planner Dr. Ruth Mandaza underscores the importance of balanced policy: “Regulatory crackdowns are necessary, but must be accompanied by guidance, grace periods, and support for registration. Poor business owners are often unaware of shifting bylaws, not defiant.” Indeed, the Recall of 200 CBD closures disproportionately impacted informal traders—many operating on razor-thin margins. Muguti has not yet outlined support measures, such as outreach, license simplification, or grants/remediation schemes. Harare’s expansion reflects a broader strategy to renew urban dignity, institutionalize city planning, and combat illegal densification. Formalizing industrial and retail zones can attract investment and improve safety—but heavy-handed measures risk disproportionately impacting small traders and micro-enterprises. Public policy analyst Tawanda Chiripanhura cautions: “Visiting retailers without addressing their needs—clear renewal, affordable compliance—will instill fear, not reform.” The operation also sets precedents for other municipalities, urging them to treat informal expansion as a planning breach rather than criminal misbehavior. Yet success depends on inclusive outreach and administrative support.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and President Cyril Ramaphosa( image source ) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa  will officially open the 115th Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS115)  in Harare this Friday, 29 August 2025 . His participation underscores the Show’s growing stature as a SADC agribusiness platform . The Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS)  confirmed the 2025 edition will run from 25–30 August  at Harare Exhibition Park under the theme “Building Bridges: Connecting Agriculture, Industry & Community.” Regional Significance Government briefings and media reports this week confirmed Ramaphosa’s acceptance of a formal invitation, with Friday earmarked for the official opening ceremony. For organisers, the timing is deliberate: footfall peaks towards the final days, and the presence of a regional head of state reinforces the Show’s seriousness about value-chain integration, trade, and investment . Independent agribusiness consultant Dr. Tapiwa Moyo  says Ramaphosa’s attendance signals “regionalisation with intent.” “Zimbabwe’s farm-to-factory recovery depends on stable inputs, competitive processing, and cross-border market access. A presidential platform gives investors confidence that trade bottlenecks, from permits to payments, are being taken seriously,” he notes. Moyo adds that every dollar invested in post-harvest systems  saves three dollars in prevented losses, urging delegates to lock in supply contracts and financing for irrigation, storage, and cold-chain infrastructure during the event. Building Bridges in Action The “Building Bridges”  theme is more than symbolic. ZAS has framed it around partnerships between farmers, processors, financiers, and communities , as well as the adoption of agri-tech, precision farming, and climate-resilient practices . This year’s programme features: Mechanisation demonstrations Climate-smart farming sessions Export readiness workshops Buyer–supplier matchmaking forums Organisers anticipate hundreds of commercial exhibitors, SMEs, and smallholders , replicating last year’s strong turnout. Exhibition halls are expected to host B2B networking, industry showcases, and policy dialogues  aimed at accelerating deal-making across inputs, processing, and logistics . Policy & Market Outlook From a policy perspective, ZAS115 comes at a critical time as governments balance food security with export ambitions . The Show’s neutral marketplace allows ministries, banks, farmers, and equipment manufacturers to test strategies against commercial realities . Practical wins to watch include: Concessional finance for drip irrigation Off-grid cooling pilots Digital traceability systems to meet regional export standards If even half the memoranda signed at ZAS115 convert into shipments by the next harvest, organisers say the Show will have met its mandate. The Final Weekend Push As the Show approaches its final weekend, exhibitors are in a race to turn aisle conversations into purchase orders . For many, Ramaphosa’s keynote appearance may be the catalyst needed to clinch deals and secure regional partnerships.

Ravichandran Ashwin ( image source ) When news broke that Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin would not return for the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the cricketing world paused. Ashwin, a stalwart of both Indian Test cricket and the T20 franchise scene, has decided to pivot his career towards global T20 leagues, a decision that signals more than personal ambition. It highlights the shifting geography of modern cricket, where players increasingly weigh national loyalty and IPL prestige against the financial and professional rewards of international franchise tournaments. Ashwin has been a key figure in the IPL since its inception, playing pivotal roles for franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, and most recently Rajasthan Royals. With over a decade of appearances, countless match-winning spells, and leadership stints, he was never just another player. His decision to leave is framed as a professional choice to explore new challenges abroad. Global leagues, such as the Big Bash in Australia, the Caribbean Premier League, the SA20 in South Africa, and the Major League Cricket in the United States, have been luring players with lucrative contracts and fresh audiences. For a seasoned professional like Ashwin, who is closer to the twilight of his international career, diversifying across continents makes both sporting and financial sense. While the IPL remains the richest and most watched T20 league, it is no longer the sole pinnacle. Emerging leagues are backed by deep-pocketed investors, often connected to IPL franchises themselves. The SA20, for example, has teams directly owned by Indian conglomerates, giving players like Ashwin continuity while also exposing them to new markets. Sports economist Anand Kulkarni notes: “The IPL once monopolized star power, but globalization of franchise cricket has fragmented the landscape. A player like Ashwin can now command global contracts without being tied down to one league.” Ashwin’s departure raises broader questions about how India manages its cricketing icons. Unlike countries such as England or the West Indies, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) traditionally restricts contracted players from freely participating in overseas leagues. Exceptions are rare. Ashwin’s case may force a rethink: if senior players can extend careers abroad, should they not be allowed that flexibility without jeopardizing national duty? For younger cricketers, Ashwin’s path may serve as a blueprint — prioritize India and the IPL in early years, then transition to global leagues once national selection becomes sporadic. Among fans, reactions have been mixed. Some lament the IPL losing a beloved tactician of spin, while others celebrate his boldness to chart a new course. Ashwin himself has long been more than just a bowler: his cricketing intellect, inventive variations, and leadership qualities set him apart. As sports columnist Ritika Shah observes: “Ashwin isn’t retiring; he’s reinventing. And reinvention, in a sport increasingly shaped by commerce, is a survival strategy.” Ashwin’s move mirrors a broader migration of senior players. South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, West Indies’ Kieron Pollard, and New Zealand’s Trent Boult have all chosen global circuits over national or IPL exclusivity. In that sense, Ashwin joins a fraternity of cricketers embracing the sport’s new economy.

The Premier League Trophy ( image source ) The 2025–26 English Premier League (EPL) season is only days old, yet it already feels as though the campaign is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory. After Liverpool edged Bournemouth in the curtain raiser on Friday, 15 August, the weekend’s fixtures delivered the kind of intensity and intrigue that fans across the globe have come to expect from English football’s top tier. Matchweek Two, beginning on Saturday, 23 August, promises to build on that momentum with a slate of games that carry both early bragging rights and potentially long-term implications. Among the most anticipated contests is Arsenal versus Leeds United, scheduled for Saturday evening. For Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, the match serves as an early litmus test after a summer defined by bold moves in the transfer market. Their headline acquisition, Eberechi Eze, arrived from Crystal Palace for a staggering £67.5 million—a signing that not only strengthens the Gunners’ attacking depth but also underscores their determination to challenge on all fronts this season. Leeds, meanwhile, will view the encounter as an opportunity to measure themselves against a side tipped for the title race, while also hoping to exploit the pressure that comes with Arsenal’s billion-pound spending spree since 2019. Earlier that day, the focus will be on Manchester City hosting Tottenham Hotspur in what has become a marquee fixture of the modern EPL. City, perennial title contenders, will be eager to stamp authority early, while Spurs arrive bruised both on and off the pitch. The London club was dealt a double blow in August: first losing the race for Eze to Arsenal, then confirming that midfielder James Maddison faces a long spell out with an ACL injury. That combination has left Spurs scrambling for alternatives, with targets such as Real Madrid’s Nico Paz, Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, and Southampton prodigy Tyler Dibling emerging as possible reinforcements. Whether these pursuits come to fruition before the transfer window closes on 1 September remains uncertain, but the urgency is unmistakable. Sunday, 24 August, rounds off the weekend with intriguing clashes. Crystal Palace host Nottingham Forest, Everton face Brighton, and Fulham take on Manchester United in what could become an early test of United’s consistency. Fulham, bolstered by Craven Cottage’s home support, will be motivated to cause an upset. United, however, will see nothing less than victory as acceptable if they are to mount a credible title challenge under Erik ten Hag. While the fixtures themselves are rich with narrative, much of the attention this month inevitably drifts toward the transfer market. The summer window, open from 16 June until 1 September, has already lived up to its reputation as the most unpredictable period of the football calendar. Arsenal’s record-breaking outlay has stolen headlines, but they are hardly alone in flexing financial muscle. Chelsea continue to pursue reinforcements despite last season’s turbulence, Aston Villa are pushing to secure Tyler Dibling for £50 million, and Brighton are exploring ways to maximize returns on Julio Enciso through multi-club arrangements. Even Nicolas Jackson, once seen as Chelsea’s long-term striker solution, is now the subject of £60–80 million interest, a sign of how volatile the market has become. According to Dr. Emily Hargrave, a sports economist at the London School of Economics, these patterns suggest a shift in transfer strategy. “The early window trajectory suggests a shift: Arsenal are spending with aggressive intent, hitting January-style levels of overhaul in summer. It reflects not just ambition but also the urgency to keep pace with the financial and sporting powerhouses of the league.” For Tottenham, the missed opportunity with Eze illustrates another dynamic at play—the consequences of hesitation. James Mercer, a former Spurs journalist, argues that “Tottenham’s hesitation cost them Eze—now they’re scrambling. Smart recruitment, not panic buys, will define their season. If they allow rivals to dictate the market, they risk falling behind before a ball is even kicked in September.” With just over a week before the transfer window slams shut, fans and pundits alike are bracing for what is often the most chaotic and entertaining day of the summer: deadline day. Historically, this final 24-hour sprint has produced last-minute coups, loan surprises, and the occasional panic buy that haunts clubs for years. Given the scale of spending already seen, 1 September is shaping up to be another high-stakes spectacle, with Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, and Villa all expected to be active until the very end. The EPL thrives on storylines that combine on-field battles with off-field drama, and this season’s early chapters provide both in abundance. From Arsenal’s billion-pound gamble to Tottenham’s scramble for reinforcements, from City’s relentless consistency to United’s search for stability, the stage is set for another campaign defined by ambition, pressure, and unpredictability. As fixtures roll on and the transfer window ticks toward its dramatic conclusion, one truth remains constant: in the Premier League, nothing is ever settled until the final whistle—or the final signature.

Alexander Isak ( image source ) In a dramatic twist, Alexander Isak broke his silence over a stalled summer move to Liverpool via a pointed Instagram post. The Swedish striker stated a transfer “would be in the best interests of everyone,” blaming “broken promises” for a collapse in trust. Isak, who missed both Newcastle’s preseason and opening Premier League game, has become a lightning rod in transfer circles amid reported figures: Liverpool’s initial £110 million bid was rejected, with Newcastle firming a £150 million valuation. A newer bid of £120 million was reportedly under consideration. His Instagram message casts the standoff as both personal and professional: “Promises were made … trust is lost … this can’t continue." The club responded firmly, stating that no binding promises had been made and that Isak remains under contract. Newcastle also emphasized their commitment to retaining key players and denied making replacement moves for him. Isak had reportedly been promised a new contract believed to be worth £300,000 per week, but those assurances were allegedly withdrawn when management changed. Meanwhile, Liverpool's interest continues, but valuation gaps and public tension make a deal increasingly complex. The situation escalates just as both clubs prepare for a direct fixture, heightening the drama. Analysts highlight that the breakdown in negotiations fuel Isak’s frustration at unfulfilled deals and changing leadership. They said the breakdown is caused by the club’s insistence on contract adherence amid lack of replacement targets and high valuations versus market willingness to negotiate. They also warn that Isak’s public stand could fracture relationships with fans and management. Newcastle risks internal instability, while Liverpool must weigh costs against letting unrest fester. However, the story is still developing and there may be boardroom strategy shifts or an all-or-nothing transfer as September’s deadline approaches.

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Graphic ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s longest-running music talent search, Chibuku Road to Fame, returns in 2025 with a grand silver jubilee celebration, commemorating 25 years of discovering and promoting local musical talent alongside Chibuku ’s 62nd brewing anniversary. In collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), the initiative aims not only to celebrate music but also to uplift and empower emerging artists. The campaign is centered around the theme: “25 Years of Discovering Talent.” This year introduces a revamped format in which there are six joint provincial finals, instead of the usual ten separate events. Each joint final features 20 musical groups, with three winner spots per competition advancing to the national stage. The competition begins with Midlands and Mashonaland West at Speedway Bar in Kadoma on August 23, followed by other provinces as per the schedule: August 30  – Matabeleland North at Chinotimba Beerhall, Victoria Falls September 6  – Bulawayo and Matabeleland South at KoNjabulo Beerhall, Bulawayo September 13  – Mashonaland East and Manicaland at Pagomo Leisure Gardens, Marondera September 13  – Masvingo at Hightown Night Club, Nyika September 20  – Harare and Mashonaland Central at Makuluwani Bar, Whitehouse, Harare The national finals are scheduled for October 4, at a venue to be revealed once all provincial finalists are confirmed. This year provincial participants will be competing for a USD 2,500 prize for first place , whilst the second and third placed winners will walk away with USD 1,500  and USD 1,000  respectively. For the national finals, the first prize winner will walk away with USD 15,000 plus a recording contract . Second and third prize winners will take home USD 10,000  and USD 7,000  respectively. These rewards underscore the program’s commitment to nurturing Zimbabwean talent through both financial support and career opportunities. Over its 25-year history, Chibuku Road to Fame has helped launch careers of bands such as 911, The Way, Mokoomba, Club Shanga, Munandi Express, Terry and Bliss, and Romeo Gasa. Many alumni remain influential within Zimbabwe's music industry today. Organised by Delta Beverages, a subsidiary of Delta Corporation, the competition is part of the company’s strategic engagement with communities through arts and culture. Delta’s extensive brand portfolio includes Chibuku, Castle, Carling Black Label, Castle Lite, Redd’s, Golden Pilsner, and more. In addition to beverages, Delta has strong local and regional influence through its distribution network and affiliate African Distillers, as well as its majority stake in Natbrew Plc in Zambia. The competition not only spotlights musical talent but also strengthens community bonds and cultural pride. Each weekend promises lively showcases as provinces take turns spotlighting their best artists under the jubilee theme. Aspiring musicians and fans alike are invited to participate and follow the journey—from provincial stages to the national final. Stay tuned for updates, venue announcements, and live coverage from Southerton Business Times .

The Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe Logo ( image source ) Reporter Zimbabwe’s urban local authorities are once again under the spotlight after a damning government performance review revealed that not a single one of the country’s 32 urban councils met their set targets for the last reporting period. Even more worrying, the report showed that 16% of the councils fell outside the recommended performance values altogether, raising questions about accountability, service delivery, and the very future of urban governance in the country. The findings, tabled by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, paint a grim picture. Despite millions of dollars allocated through government transfers, ratepayers’ funds, and donor assistance, local authorities failed to meet benchmarks across essential services such as water supply, waste management, road maintenance, housing development, and financial accountability. This has resulted in roads riddled with potholes, intermittent or non-existent water supply, uncollected garbage piling up in residential areas, and worsening outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. For urban residents who already pay some of the highest rates in the region, the report comes as confirmation of what they live daily, a system that takes but does not give back. Experts and residents say these council failures are driven by chronic corruption and mismanagement as Councillors and senior officials are frequently implicated in scandals involving inflated tenders, ghost projects, and misuse of funds. In many towns, audit reports reveal cases where service delivery budgets are swallowed by administrative costs. Councils have become battlegrounds for political parties, with opposition-led councils often clashing with central government, which in turn withholds funding or interferes in operations. This leaves residents caught in the middle. There is also poor revenue collection driven by unemployment and poverty leaving many households unable to afford rates. Councils, already struggling with leakages and corruption, have weak systems for revenue collection, compounding financial woes. Additionally, many councils lack qualified personnel in critical departments such as engineering, finance, and urban planning. This means even when funds are available, execution falters. The collapse of urban governance is more than just an administrative failure—it has direct, painful consequences for ordinary people. Residents in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, and Mutare have endured recurring cholera and typhoid outbreaks because of contaminated water supplies and poor waste management. Roads in urban centres are now so poor that transport costs are rising, damaging vehicles and pushing up food and commuter fares. Whilst council housing schem s have stalled, worsening the national housing backlog. Informal settlements continue to mushroom with little planning or sanitation. Meanwhile some ratepayers are increasingly refusing to pay bills, citing poor service delivery, creating a vicious cycle of underfunded councils and further decline. Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has admitted that the results are “disappointing but not surprising,” saying the performance review highlights the urgent need for reform.“We cannot continue with business as usual. Councils exist to provide services to residents, not to serve as political platforms or self-enrichment schemes. We are considering measures to strengthen oversight and improve accountability mechanisms,” he said. Civil society organisations argue that reforms must go beyond rhetoric. The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) says years of empty promises have left residents sceptical.“Councils do not fail in a vacuum. They fail because there is no accountability. Councillors are more loyal to their political parties than to the citizens who elect them. Until that changes, these performance audits will remain exercises in paperwork,” CHRA director Lorraine Ndhlovu said. Ordinary residents expressed frustration that they are paying more for less. “Every month I pay my bills, but the tap runs dry for weeks and rubbish is never collected. What exactly are we paying for?” asked a Harare resident in Kuwadzana. The failure of all 32 councils highlights the systemic nature of Zimbabwe’s governance crisis. It is not confined to one city, one political party, or one region. It is a national problem requiring national solutions. Urban governance experts argue that Zimbabwe needs to decentralise power effectively, giving councils autonomy to raise funds but also holding them tightly accountable through transparent, participatory systems. Without that, the cycle of poor performance, corruption, and citizen disillusionment will persist. Until Zimbabwe fixes its councils, the dream of functional, livable cities will remain out of reach, and performance audits will be little more than grim reminders of how far the country’s local governance has fallen.

Revealed by an internal audit ( image source ) A shocking 2019 internal audit revealed that the City of Harare spent an estimated US$7.4 million on rehabilitating 43 roads, none of which exist. Physical inspections found no evidence of construction. One case highlighted Fossil Contracting, awarded US$1.7 million for work on Kelvin South Road, which remains untouched to date. City officials admitted to systemic monitoring failures; acting Finance Director Godfrey Kusangaya testified that the council lacked proper oversight systems for contract execution. This scandal underscores repeated concerns around Harare’s financial governance. Earlier reports revealed city land designated for roads, schools, and wetlands was being secretly sold to private developers. For residents, the implications are grave: city roads remain underdeveloped and traffic-choked, while funds intended for public goods appear diverted or mismanaged. Civic trust erodes when technical planning meets reality—or the lack thereof. A Government-appointed Commission of Inquiry has been tasked with holding contractors and officials accountable, but residents and watchdog groups are demanding public disclosure of findings and restitution plans. Analysts say Harare’s council must rebuild oversight by instituting real-time contract tracking, independent audits, and community forums to monitor infrastructure rollouts.

Tom Artiom Alexandrovich ( image source ) The arrest of Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, a senior Israeli cybersecurity official, in Las Vegas has stirred sharp accusations that the FBI colluded in his release, and that the prosecutor’s oversight may have been influenced by shared national ties. On August 7, Alexandrovich, head of the Technological Defense Division at Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, was arrested during a sting operation by Nevada’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force. He believed he was meeting a 15-year-old girl for sexual contact—hence bringing a condom—and arranging a trip to a Cirque du Soleil show. The “girl” was in fact an undercover officer. Alexandrovich claimed he thought she was 18 and was “embarrassed” by the arrest. He posted a $10,000 bond and returned to Israel, with local officials insisting he was merely questioned abroad, not formally held. U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly accused American authorities of “releasing a child sex predator from Israel” and implied Washington may have intervened. The U.S. State Department swiftly refuted these allegations, stating no government involvement, and DOJ officials confirmed the bail was procedurally standard. Rumor also swirled that the district attorney prosecuting the case, Steve Wolfson, might have underperformed because of shared Israeli heritage with the accused. Such claims lack credible evidence and are being labeled speculative and incendiary. Wolfson maintained the bail terms were predetermined and entirely standard. Regardless of truth, these rumors have elevated public scrutiny. Critics argue that cases involving foreign nationals, particularly diplomats or high-level officials, should carry heightened transparency to avoid suspicion of favoritism. Others counter that fair process must prevail irrespective of background. Alexandrovich’s next court date is scheduled for August 27, when U.S. proceedings may shed more light on the evidence and legal path ahead.

The cement plant near proximity to the school ( image source ) Bryden Country School , a long-established private school in Mashonaland West, is fighting for air—literally. Just 490–500 metres from its classrooms, a Chinese-owned firm, Shuntai Investments (Pvt) Ltd, has been pushing ahead with a cement and lime operation that parents, teachers, and local stakeholders say would blanket the campus in dust, noise, and truck traffic. A High Court order in March halted construction. Yet in July, a judge visiting the site found the company in contempt after work appeared to continue, and last week Shuntai was fined US$10,000 for defying the order—pocket change compared to what’s at stake for children’s health. The school argues that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) granted approval on the back of a contested Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Bryden challenged the regulator to produce the basis for its certificate; when the papers emerged, they were essentially the same disputed report. That sequence has left parents incredulous: how does a plant that emits particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, and handles corrosive lime kiln dust, get a green light next to a learning environment? There’s science behind the alarm. Peer-reviewed work links cement-plant exposure with higher respiratory symptoms and lung-function decline in nearby populations; studies of schoolchildren show bioaccumulation of toxic metals in those attending schools downwind of plants. Lime kiln dust—rich in calcium oxide—can cause severe eye and skin burns and respiratory irritation, and several Safety Data Sheets warn of cancer risks from crystalline silica. This is not theoretical risk; it’s textbook industrial hygiene. Even the US EPA’s enforcement summaries, aimed at a very different regulatory context, flag cement plants as sources of SO₂ and fine particles that worsen asthma and cardiovascular disease—especially for sensitive groups like children. Zimbabwe’s classrooms are no different; lungs are lungs. If Chegutu sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen this movie before. In Shurugwi, the iconic Boterekwa escarpment has been pounded by mining—much of it tied to Chinese-owned operations and artisanal syndicates—leaving a scarred landscape, damaged roads, and a community asking how a national beauty spot became a quarry. Conservationists and local media have documented the degradation for years; more recent reporting describes blasting under and around the scenic road and the broader pattern of pollution and water risks. The thread that ties Chegutu to Shurugwi is permissiveness: projects move faster than oversight, and penalties—when they come—don’t bite. Back at Bryden, the practical health hazards begin with dust. It penetrates classrooms and dorms, aggravating asthma, triggering absences, and, over time, reducing lung function. Alkaline lime dust can cause chemical burns with moisture (sweat, tears), and chronic exposure is linked to nasal septum damage. Add diesel trucks, blasting vibrations, and kiln noise, and you have an educational environment that looks and feels like an industrial zone. This is not an anti-investment argument; it’s a pro-planning one. Cement and lime plants belong on properly zoned industrial land with modern dust-control, sealed conveyance, enclosed mills, continuous emissions monitoring, and community buffer zones measured in kilometres, not school-field paces. When a High Court says stop, companies must stop. When communities raise legitimate risk, regulators must transparently test, publish and, if necessary, revoke permits. Anything less normalises environmental impunity. In the coming weeks, the test is simple. Will EMA and other authorities enforce court orders and independently reassess the siting decision, or will Bryden become another case study in how Zimbabwe’s rules bend at the first whiff of capital? Shurugwi’s lessons are etched into rock; Chegutu’s are still being written in chalk dust. For once, let’s choose the textbook answer: protect the children first. Editor’s note: Reporting on Bryden Country School draws on court and media reports published August 2025 and earlier; health-risk context references peer-reviewed studies and safety data sheets for cement and lime operations.