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Jairos Jiri Children Centre in Harare has received a US$12,000 solar power system from a Chinese firm, providing clean and reliable energy to support learning for nearly 200 children with disabilities ( image source ) HARARE — The Jairos Jiri Children Centre in Harare has received a significant boost after a Chinese company installed a US$12,000 solar power system, providing reliable and clean energy to nearly 200 children with disabilities. The 12-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system was installed by Jiangsu Fanye Power Energy Equipment Company and is expected to power classrooms, offices and other essential services. The development comes as a major relief for the centre, which has been affected by frequent electricity cuts that disrupt learning and daily operations. The project was officially handed over on Friday by China’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, who also donated educational materials, computers, school bags and food supplies worth thousands of dollars. Speaking at the ceremony, Zhou praised the Jairos Jiri Association for its long-standing work in empowering children with disabilities through education, skills training and healthcare. ( image source ) “Today we are not only delivering donations, but celebrating the enduring friendship and deepening partnership between China and Zimbabwe,” Zhou said. He noted that Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe were increasingly embracing corporate social responsibility, particularly in community infrastructure, health and education initiatives. Chairperson of Jiangsu Fanye Power Energy Equipment Company, Amy Meng, said the solar installation symbolised the firm’s commitment to sharing sustainable technology with vulnerable communities. “Sunlight has no borders. Clean energy can light up the future, and technology should benefit everyone,” Meng said, adding that the system would provide safer electricity, brighter classrooms and improved learning opportunities for the children. President of the Jairos Jiri Association, Alva Senderayi, described the project as transformative, especially for learners affected by power shortages. “The solar system has become a radiant light, ensuring uninterrupted learning for children with disabilities and supporting a more sustainable future,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and Jiangsu Fanye for their support. Founded more than six decades ago, the Jairos Jiri Association provides education, rehabilitation and vocational training to children and adults living with disabilities across Zimbabwe. The new solar installation is expected to significantly improve learning conditions while reducing costs linked to unreliable electricity supply.

Chiredzi West MP Darlington Chiwa has been arrested by ZACC over alleged abuse of Constituency Development Funds, sparking debate over accountability, corruption and oversight within Zimbabwe’s ruling party ( image source ) MASVINGO — Chiredzi West Member of Parliament Darlington Chiwa was reportedly arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Tuesday shortly after attending a Zanu PF internal disciplinary hearing in Masvingo over allegations of abuse of Constituency Development Funds (CDF). Sources familiar with the matter said Chiwa was taken into custody immediately after the party proceedings, which were convened to probe allegations that he misused CDF resources meant to finance community development projects in his constituency. Details surrounding the exact nature of the alleged offences and the amounts involved have not yet been officially disclosed. The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny over the handling of public funds by elected officials, with ZACC intensifying investigations into alleged corruption and mismanagement across government institutions. The anti-graft body has repeatedly said public office holders will be held accountable for the use of state resources, regardless of political affiliation. Chiwa’s detention has also exposed growing internal tensions within the ruling party, as Zanu PF grapples with allegations of corruption involving its members. Constituency Development Funds have long been a flashpoint in Zimbabwean politics, with critics arguing that money intended for local infrastructure, social services and economic projects is often diverted for personal or political purposes. ( image source ) ZACC had not issued an official statement by the time of publication, and it remains unclear when Chiwa is expected to appear in court. The commission has, however, maintained that investigations involving public officials will be pursued without fear or favour. Political analysts say the case could become a litmus test for Zimbabwe’s anti-corruption drive. “This is a test case for ZACC. If the matter is pursued transparently and decisively, it will send a strong message that misuse of public funds will not be tolerated,” said one analyst. The development has also sparked debate within Zanu PF, with some members reportedly calling for stronger internal oversight mechanisms to curb abuse of CDF allocations, while others argue that the party should allow ZACC to operate independently to avoid perceptions of political interference. Meanwhile, residents of Chiredzi West are watching developments closely, amid concerns that funds meant to improve local infrastructure and service delivery may have been misappropriated. The case once again highlights the broader challenge of enforcing accountability in Zimbabwe’s governance structures, where corruption has frequently undermined development efforts.

Two South African nationals are on trial in Bulawayo for an armed robbery at a fuel station, with prosecutors arguing that jackets worn during the crime and recovered items link them to the US$4,000 heist ( image source ) BULAWAYO — Two South African nationals accused of robbing a Bulawayo fuel service station of more than US$4,000 at gunpoint were allegedly identified through the jackets they wore during the crime, a regional court has heard. Nonjabulo Wisdom Nyoni (30) and Chrisvision Ncube, both from Johannesburg, are standing trial before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube on charges of armed robbery. The pair is accused of raiding Redan Fuel Service Station in Bellevue on October 4, 2025, together with an accomplice identified only as Mduduzi, who remains at large. Taking the stand first, Nyoni denied any involvement in the robbery, telling the court that he did not know his co-accused and was in Pumula South suburb at the time of the incident. He also disowned a jacket recovered by police, which the State alleges links him to the crime. Ncube similarly denied the charge, saying he was arrested while disembarking from a commuter omnibus as he was travelling to visit his girlfriend. He too denied ownership of the jacket allegedly connected to the robbery. However, State witness Bruce Nyoni testified that he saw the accused hurriedly boarding a commuter omnibus shortly after the robbery, each carrying jackets. He said detectives later observed the men pushing the jackets under a seat, behaviour that raised suspicion and prompted further investigation. Further evidence was presented by Redan Fuel Service Station representative Mr Casper Musesengwa, who told the court that employees positively identified the accused during an identification parade based on the jackets and a T-shirt worn during the robbery. Prosecutor Sehliselo Khumalo outlined that the suspects allegedly arrived at the service station in a Honda Fit, confronted the supervisor and pointed a firearm at his head while demanding money. The supervisor reportedly threw down a satchel containing US$4,405 and R1,350 before being ordered to lie down as the assailants fled towards the city centre. Detectives from the Homicide Section later arrested Nyoni and Ncube, recovering a pistol, US$1,322 and R770 during the operation. The State argues that the recovered clothing, firearm and cash directly link the accused to the robbery. The case has attracted public attention in Bulawayo, amid concerns over rising cross-border criminal activity. The matter was postponed to January 22 for judgment, which is expected to determine whether the clothing and other evidence will be sufficient to secure convictions.

Four Bulawayo men have appeared in court facing charges of unlawfully entering a mine in Umguza District and stealing property worth US$55,000, with part of the loot recovered ( image source ) BULAWAYO — Four men from Bulawayo appeared in court on Wednesday facing charges of unlawfully entering a mine in Hope Fountain, Umguza District, and stealing property valued at US$55,000. The accused, Fortune Ngoma (33), Mthungameli Ndebele (29), Thokozani Sithole (32) and Shepherd Ngoma (34), all of Village A3 in Hope Fountain, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Patience Madondo. They are facing charges of unlawful entry and theft and were granted bail of US$100 each. The quartet was remanded out of custody to January 27. Prosecutor Mr Methuli Ncube told the court that on December 24, 2025, the accused allegedly took advantage of the absence of security guards at Fools Mine and conspired to steal mine property. Acting in connivance, the men allegedly forced open office and workshop doors and unlawfully gained entry into the premises. Once inside, the accused are said to have stolen various items, including 15 double beds, four office tables, a compressor, 10 office chairs, an office door, 12 oil drums, seven 25-litre containers of cyanide, 25 litres of acid, 10 gas tanks, a crusher, 20 blankets and four tyres, before fleeing the scene. The matter was reported to the police, triggering investigations that led to the arrest of the accused and the recovery of some of the stolen property. The total value of the stolen items was estimated at US$55,000, with property worth approximately US$25,000 having been recovered. The case has attracted attention in Umguza District, with authorities stressing the need for tighter security at mining operations to curb incidents of theft. The trial continues later this month.

A 28-year-old Gokwe man has been arrested for allegedly robbing and sexually assaulting a man in Shurugwi and is also linked to two murder cases in Filabusi, police said ( image source ) GOKWE — A 28-year-old man from Bhejani Machohwa Village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe South has been arrested for allegedly robbing and sexually assaulting a 27-year-old man in Shurugwi on January 14, 2026. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred near Nash1 Tuckshop, where the suspect and the complainant had been drinking beer together, with the victim reportedly buying the alcohol. When the complainant indicated he was going home, the suspect allegedly pretended to remain behind before following him. According to police, the suspect, identified as Samson Machona, allegedly tripped the complainant to the ground, robbed him of a cellphone and US$20, assaulted him and committed an act of aggravated indecent assault. “Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of robbery and aggravated indecent assault in which a 27-year-old man was robbed of his property and sexually assaulted near Nash1 Tuckshop in Shurugwi on January 14, 2026, at around 2300 hours. The suspect, Samson Machona, aged 28, has since been arrested and is in police custody,” Mahoko said. Police further revealed that Machona had been on the wanted list in connection with two murder cases committed in Filabusi in November 2025, allegedly with an accomplice known only as Thando. He is expected to be transferred to ZRP Filabusi for further investigations into the murder cases. The victim sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment at Shurugwi Hospital. The stolen cellphone, valued at US$50, was recovered. Machona is expected to face charges of robbery and aggravated indecent assault, in addition to the pending murder investigations.

Alpha Media Holdings workers allege fraud and mismanagement, claiming unpaid salaries, scrapped benefits and unremitted deductions, as calls grow for a forensic audit and judicial management ( image source ) HARARE — Serious allegations of fraud, looting and financial mismanagement have surfaced at Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), with employees claiming they have gone for more than a year without proper salaries while management continues to impose unilateral changes to contracts and benefits. AMH, which owns NewsDay, The Standard, Zimbabwe Independent, Southern Eye and the Heart & Soul radio and television platforms, is accused by workers of presiding over a deepening labour crisis that has left staff unable to meet basic living costs. Employees say they went through the festive season unpaid and entered the 2026 school term without school fees, food money or transport, while management allegedly treats the situation as normal. Unilateral Contract Changes and Scrapped Benefits Workers allege that management has arbitrarily demoted staff and scrapped long-standing benefits without consultation or formal amendments to contracts. These include fuel allocations for senior staff and airtime allowances for all employees. Employees fear the withdrawn benefits are being diverted for personal enrichment. “We are not being paid, and on top of that our allowances and benefits were illegally scrapped. Who is taking our benefits? This is serious fraud,” said one worker. Another employee said the removal of benefits has erased salary differentials between senior and junior staff, with recent part-payments almost uniform across grades. ( image source ) Union Deductions and Medical Aid Claims Further allegations suggest that AMH has been deducting Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) subscription fees from salaries but failing to remit them to the union. Workers also claim medical aid deductions continued to appear on payslips even as service providers denied treatment, forcing some employees to cancel their policies altogether. Since last year, AMH has reportedly stopped issuing payslips entirely, leaving workers in the dark about their official salaries, deductions and arrears. Part-Payments and Growing Suspicion Earlier this month, employees received between US$50 and US$130 as part-payment for January 2025 salaries, amounts workers say are grossly inadequate and reflective of the scrapping of allowances rather than genuine wage payments. Staff members dispute management claims that the company is financially distressed, arguing that the crisis is being deliberately engineered to mask internal looting. Reports circulating among employees allege that some senior officials are constructing mansions despite the company’s claimed inability to pay salaries, intensifying suspicions about the true state of AMH’s finances. Calls for Forensic Audit and Judicial Management Workers are now demanding the appointment of independent forensic auditors to investigate AMH’s financial affairs. Some employees have described certain managers as “good candidates for prison,” insisting that only an external probe can restore transparency and accountability. Employees have filed claims with an independent arbitrator in Harare and are awaiting a ruling. Several workers warned that if the situation does not improve, they will push for AMH to be placed under judicial management, arguing that the current leadership has “totally failed” to run the company.

Zimbabwean entrepreneurs face constant challenges, but adversity can drive innovation. Learn practical ways to turn obstacles into opportunities and thrive in a difficult business environment ( image source ) Entrepreneurship is often romanticised as a smooth journey of innovation and success, yet the reality—especially in Zimbabwe—is far more complex. Economic uncertainty, limited access to capital and shifting market conditions routinely test even the most determined business minds. Still, it is within these very constraints that some of the most resilient and innovative enterprises are born. The popular saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is more than a cliché for entrepreneurs. It is a survival strategy. For Zimbabwean business owners, adversity is not an exception but a constant, and learning how to convert pressure into possibility is a defining skill. Reframing Challenges as Opportunities The first step in transforming adversity into advantage is mindset. Challenges should not be seen as roadblocks but as signals to rethink, innovate and improve. Asking what can be learned from a setback or how it can be turned into an advantage often reveals unexpected pathways forward. Zimbabwe offers a clear example in Econet Wireless, which responded to economic challenges by pioneering mobile money solutions through EcoCash. What began as an adaptation to constrained banking systems evolved into a transformative financial platform. Leveraging Strengths in Difficult Times During periods of strain, it is tempting to focus on what is missing. A more productive approach is to identify existing strengths and deploy them strategically. Skills, networks and low-cost business models can become powerful tools when capital is scarce. Entrepreneurs facing cash-flow constraints, for instance, may pivot toward service-based offerings or digital solutions that require minimal upfront investment. By playing to strengths, obstacles become manageable rather than overwhelming. The Power of Support Networks Entrepreneurship thrives in community. Building relationships with peers, mentors and industry bodies can provide guidance, resources and emotional support during difficult periods. In Zimbabwe, organisations such as the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) remain critical platforms for networking and capacity building. Strong support systems not only provide advice but also open doors to partnerships and new opportunities. Adaptability as a Survival Skill Flexibility is one of the most valuable traits an entrepreneur can possess. Markets change, policies shift and consumer behaviour evolves. Those who adapt quickly often find opportunities hidden within disruption. Local artisans offer a compelling example, turning economic hardship into creativity by producing high-value products from recycled materials. In doing so, they have created new income streams while addressing environmental concerns. Staying Solution-Focused Successful entrepreneurs distinguish themselves by their ability to focus on solutions rather than problems. While challenges are inevitable, dwelling on them drains energy and momentum. A solutions-driven mindset encourages experimentation, innovation and progress. By consistently asking how to work around obstacles rather than why they exist, entrepreneurs unlock possibilities that might otherwise remain hidden. Celebrating Progress and Learning from Failure Growth is rarely instantaneous. Small wins—securing a new client, refining a product, or improving operations—deserve recognition. Celebrating incremental progress builds confidence and sustains motivation. Equally important is learning from failure. Not every initiative will succeed, but each setback carries lessons that refine strategy and strengthen resilience. Global success stories, from J.K. Rowling to leading African entrepreneurs, underline the power of persistence in the face of rejection. Conclusion Turning lemons into lemonade is not about ignoring hardship but about responding to it with creativity, resilience and purpose. For Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, adversity is a shared reality—but so is the potential to innovate, adapt and thrive. By reframing challenges, leveraging strengths and remaining solution-focused, entrepreneurs can transform pressure into progress and uncertainty into opportunity.

Zimbabwe’s Minerals Marketing Corporation projects US$3,3 billion in mineral revenues for 2026 ( image source ) HARARE — The Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) has projected mineral revenues of US$3,3 billion for 2026, representing a 3,1% increase from the US$3,2 billion recorded in 2025. The anticipated growth is expected to be driven by improved export performance, stronger compliance measures and price recovery in key commodities. The outlook comes against a challenging global backdrop. According to the World Bank, global commodity prices are forecast to decline by 7% this year amid geopolitical tensions, subdued economic activity and persistent trade frictions. However, gold prices are expected to surge to over US$5,000 per ounce as central banks and financial institutions increasingly turn to the metal as a safe store of value. Gold remains one of Zimbabwe’s most critical export commodities. MMCZ general manager Nomusa Moyo said the corporation’s revenue projection is anchored on enhanced monitoring and value-realisation measures. “The mineral revenue projection for the year is US$3,3 billion. This will be underpinned by improved export performance, price recovery in key commodities and strengthened compliance and value-realisation measures across the sector,” she said. ( image source ) In 2025, MMCZ sold more than three million tonnes of minerals, exceeding its target of 2,6 million tonnes by about 15%. Building on this performance, the corporation is working closely with other agencies to strengthen transparency and efficiency across the sector. Measures include independent verification of mineral quality and quantities, benchmark pricing, robust laboratory testing, regular audits, strengthened border controls and inter-agency enforcement frameworks. Moyo, however, raised concern over persistent mineral leakages, which are estimated to cost Zimbabwe more than US$1 billion annually. To curb the losses, MMCZ is rolling out advanced technologies, including drone surveillance, to enable real-time monitoring and strengthen enforcement. The corporation has also invested more than US$3 million in high-end laboratory equipment at Metlab and the Zimbabwe School of Mines, funded the installation of weighbridges to improve cargo quantification and intensified mine audits to reconcile production with declared output. Border monitoring programmes are being expanded, while permanent monitoring personnel have been deployed at all platinum group metals mines. Despite these interventions, Moyo said challenges remain, including mineral leakages, pricing distortions, market volatility and limited sector-wide systems integration. She stressed that coordinated enforcement and sustained compliance efforts are critical to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s mineral revenues.

A growing turf war between registered schools and backyard colleges has raised alarm, with education authorities moving to crack down on unregistered institutions accused of poaching learners and operating illegally ( image source ) A turf war is intensifying between registered schools and backyard colleges, with allegations that unregistered institutions are canvassing for learners at established schools, raising serious concerns within the education sector. The disputes have reportedly affected reputable institutions such as the Herentals Group of Colleges, where former teachers are accused of distributing fliers and persuading pupils to enrol at unregistered colleges they now operate. The trend has been reported in Harare, the Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces, prompting alarm among education authorities over learner safety, education standards and compliance with the Education Act. Sources in Mutare allege that three former Herentals teachers established a backyard college and are targeting learners from their former employer’s secondary school. In Zvishavane, six former teachers are said to have registered two private colleges in Mandava, while another school has reportedly been opened in Masvingo under the leadership of a former Herentals headmaster. Herentals authorities said the situation was worrying, accusing what they termed “rebel teachers” of exploiting their familiarity with school systems and learners to undermine enrolment. “We have received worrying reports of our former teachers who are targeting our ever-best enrolment. They are taking advantage of knowing our systems and learners, they are coercing out of our schools,” the institution said. The group’s major concern, it added, is that some of the colleges involved are allegedly unregistered and operating from private homes. However, those accused have denied the claims. Former Herentals teacher Stewart Garikayi, who confirmed opening Summit Heights College in Mutare with three colleagues, dismissed allegations of coercion. “Yes, we have such a college, but we have not influenced anyone to join our school,” he said. A former Herentals headmaster in Masvingo also rejected the allegations, describing them as false. The dispute has drawn the attention of government. Taungana Ndoro, director of communication and advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, described the situation as alarming and said authorities were moving to enforce the law. He said provincial and district education directors had been instructed to intensify inspections and community surveillance to identify unregistered schools. “We are going to enforce the Education Act where unregistered schools are found. We will take immediate legal steps, issuing closure orders, levying fines and, in persistent cases, working with law enforcement to prosecute offenders,” Ndoro said. He added that the ministry is strengthening public awareness campaigns and upgrading its centralised online database to help parents verify the registration status of schools before enrolling learners. Parents, guardians and community leaders were urged to consult district education offices or the ministry’s official platforms to avoid enrolling children in illegal institutions.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has warned that government cash-flow challenges could threaten monetary and price stability, cautioning that weak fiscal coordination risks undermining gains made under recent economic reforms ( image source ) HARARE — Zimbabwe’s central bank has issued a stark warning that mounting government cash-flow challenges could undermine hard-won monetary and price stability if not urgently addressed, exposing a critical fault line between fiscal stress and economic recovery. The caution is contained in the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) five-year strategic plan (2026–2030), where the bank stresses that even with a contained fiscal deficit, liquidity pressures within government remain a major risk. “Although the fiscal deficit is contained, government cash-flow challenges require strong collaboration with the Reserve Bank to avoid destabilising monetary and price stability,” the RBZ said. The warning comes as the central bank pursues an ambitious plan to build a US$6 billion foreign exchange reserve buffer by 2030. The reserves are intended to anchor confidence, stabilise prices and protect the gold-backed ZiG currency introduced in 2024. RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said reforms over the past 20 months had delivered relative stability, but unresolved fiscal pressures continued to cast a long shadow over those gains. The concerns coincide with government’s admission that at least 226 public projects stalled in 2025 after funds ran out. Authorities have since announced a US$500 million package to complete selected “high-impact” projects. Analysts say the RBZ’s language signals more than routine caution. “It is one of the most under-reported macroeconomic red flags in the current cycle,” said Trade Winds economist Tapiwa Sibanda. Economists warn that unmanaged cash-flow stress risks pushing the state back into familiar patterns, including delayed payments, accumulation of arrears, pressure on banks and destabilising monetary interventions. Contractors have already felt the impact. In 2025, unpaid government invoices pushed several firms into bankruptcy, court disputes and asset seizures. The Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association (ZBCA) said dozens of companies were crippled by the state’s failure to honour obligations, with some business owners losing personal property to creditors. Despite these challenges, the RBZ has moved aggressively to rebuild economic buffers. Zimbabwe recorded a US$1 billion current account surplus in 2025, generated US$16,2 billion in foreign-currency receipts and increased official reserves to US$1,2 billion, equivalent to 1,5 months of import cover. When Mushayavanhu assumed office in April 2024, reserves stood at just US$276 million. The central bank now targets reserves of US$6 billion by 2030, a level it believes is critical to underpin price stability and restore long-term confidence. However, the message beneath the optimism is clear. Analysts say that without fiscal discipline that goes beyond headline deficits to include effective cash management, the gains could prove short-lived. The warning underscores the need for tighter coordination between Treasury and the RBZ, as history shows that when this fiscal-monetary fault line cracks in Zimbabwe, the consequences are swift and severe.

Botha Gold Mine operator Side Electricals has filed an urgent High Court application seeking to block a police probe into alleged mining irregularities, encroachment and underpayment of inspection fees in Bindura ( image source ) BINDURA — Side Electricals (Pvt) Ltd, the operator of Botha Gold Mine (Kitsiyatota), has filed an urgent High Court application seeking to block a police investigation after documents from the Ministry of Mines allegedly exposed serious irregularities in the mine’s operations. The dispute arose after Side Electricals closed mining shafts operated by Angel Mpofu, Mcpern Enterprises and Laird Enterprises on November 14, 2025, without a court order. The affected miners challenged the move, and Justice Chikowero ruled that they had been unlawfully dispossessed, granting a spoliation order compelling Side Electricals to restore possession of the shafts. The Sheriff subsequently reopened the shafts, but the company allegedly closed them again, triggering contempt of court proceedings. Following these developments, the miners filed a police report, resulting in the issuance of a warrant of search and seizure. Investigators say a survey diagram obtained from the Ministry of Mines shows that Botha Gold Mine encroached onto land legally registered under Freda Rebecca Gold Mine’s Mining Lease 21. Police maintain that the warrant was lawfully obtained and executed in the public interest. Side Electricals disputes the legality of the warrant, describing it as “grossly irregular” on the basis that it was overly broad and issued to “any peace officer.” In its affidavit, the company alleged that the warrant was being abused for personal interests. However, legal observers point to concern within the company over a paragraph in its own affidavit that it attempted to prevent from being disclosed. In that paragraph, Financial Director Ashley Z. Zulu acknowledged that information obtained through the investigation could be “adversely used against the interests of the Applicant.” Critics argue that the statement reflects apprehension that the investigation could uncover incriminating evidence. ( image source ) Additional allegations suggest that Botha Gold Mine may have prejudiced the state through underpayment of statutory inspection fees. While the company reportedly declared only 40 hectares for inspection purposes, the Ministry of Mines’ survey diagram allegedly indicates that mining operations extended over more than 300 hectares. Under Statutory Instrument 40 of 2022, inspection fees are charged at US$150 per five hectares, implying that Side Electricals paid approximately US$1,200 instead of the estimated US$9,000 required for the larger operational area. The search warrant authorises investigators to obtain official mining coordinates, boundary maps and ownership records relating to the Tunisia and Jamaica shafts. Sources close to the matter say the company’s bid to block the warrant is driven by concerns that official state records could conclusively establish illegal encroachment. Legal experts argue that the urgent High Court application is less about protecting constitutional rights and more about shielding the company from potential exposure. The court is expected to rule on the matter soon, a decision that could determine whether Botha Gold Mine faces criminal liability for alleged fraud and unlawful encroachment.

More than 370 occupational pension funds in Zimbabwe face dissolution by end-2025 ( image source ) Zimbabwe’s pension industry is facing a deepening crisis, with more than 370 occupational pension funds awaiting dissolution by the end of 2025, raising serious concerns about the retirement security of thousands of workers. According to the Insurance and Pensions Commission (Ipec), only 479 of the country’s 968 registered occupational pension funds were active as of September 30, 2025. The remaining 489 funds were classified as inactive, with 372 of them—representing 76 percent—already awaiting formal dissolution. Analysts warn that prolonged delays in winding up these funds place workers’ long-term savings at risk, particularly for contributors who have paid into schemes for years without clarity on their benefits. Ipec’s report confirmed the deregistration of several high-profile pension funds, including those linked to the National Aids Council, Trust Holdings, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority. Deregistration typically follows the cessation of a fund’s operations, but the regulator stressed that inactive funds remain legally obligated to submit reports until they are formally dissolved in terms of the Pension and Provident Funds Act. The commission reiterated that employers, sponsors and administrators must ensure pension funds are properly registered and hold valid certificates before any contributions are remitted or administrative activities commence. Ipec warned that failure to comply undermines regulatory oversight and exposes contributors to unnecessary risk, noting that all funds must continue reporting regardless of operational status. Despite the scale of dormancy in the sector, the report pointed to signs of resilience among active pension schemes. Total pension contributions rose significantly to US$225.89 million, up from US$148.35 million recorded over the same period last year. Unpaid employer contributions declined by 9 percent, suggesting improved compliance. Sector membership also grew by 17 percent to 1.2 million, largely driven by the reinstatement of nearly 179,000 dormant members under the Construction Industry Pension Fund and the addition of more than 6,500 new contributors. Zimbabwe’s pension industry has endured prolonged pressure from hyperinflation, currency instability and economic volatility over the past two decades, factors that have eroded savings and complicated fund sustainability. Analysts caution that without accelerated reforms and timely dissolution processes, the growing number of inactive pension funds could leave thousands of workers without the retirement safety net they were promised.