The Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association says it is not replacing war veterans or collaborators, but completing the family. By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times Since independence in 1980, two national bodies have spoken for those who took part in the liberation struggle. The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association represents veterans of the Second Chimurenga. The War Collaborators Association represents those who sustained the struggle from behind the lines. No national body has spoken for those who served after independence, the soldier who joined in 1982, the police officer with 30 years' service, the prison officer, the Air Force technician, the intelligence officer, or the widow still chasing a pension file. The Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association (ZRSFA) says it now fills that gap. Not to replace, but to complete ZRSFA leaders say they are not rivals of war veterans or collaborators. "We stand with them. One history. Three generations of service," one national leader told this publication. The association sees itself as the third leg of one family: liberation veterans who won independence, collaborators who sustained the struggle, and retired security forces who guarded that independence. Its motto, printed on its national leadership poster, is "Dedicated to Service, Unity, Dignity, Economic Empowerment." Why it was formed Founder and National Chairman Azizi Takure said welfare was the trigger. After serving the nation, he said he felt he should keep contributing by taking part in the economy. "The effort came after realising our members were retiring, and most of them could not survive long after retirement," he said. "Welfare of Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association was key leading to its formation." He said the association is officially registered and has structures in all 10 provinces, and is now moving down to district and ward level. Who leads it The national leadership unveiled this week is: Founder and National Chairman: Azizi Takure Vice Chairman: Oscar Madzvimbo Secretary General: Robson Mutaringe Treasurer: Sekai Makozho Projects: Farayi Chidowe Public Relations Director: Joel Phiri Provincial leaders named so far are Tafirenyika Chibanda (Harare), Wahita Steven (Mashonaland West), Solomon Chikuku (Masvingo), Tafirei Shumba (Matabeleland South), Thando Mabena (Bulawayo), Elizabeth Banda (Mashonaland Central) and Mthenjwa Hadebe (Matabeleland North). Self-funded projects and a company to come Mr Takure said the association has already started projects in the provinces, funded from members' monthly contributions rather than outside donors. These are mainly animal husbandry and crop farming. The plan is to extend them to district and ward level to create what he called "generational wealth." He said the aim is to promote a "rural industrial revolution," in support of the development strategies set out by President Dr E.D. Mnangagwa. The association also plans to register a company it will own, called JIAZ (Joint Initiative Association Zimbabwe), with subsidiaries in provinces and districts. Serving members are encouraged to join an investment programme. Mr Takure added that the association falls under the country's reserve force, "so we maintain discipline in everything we do." Is it political? Asked about politics, Mr Takure answered briefly: "Politics, we support the Leadership." He did not name a party, and the association has not publicly declared an affiliation. Even so, an organised bloc of retired security personnel is likely to be watched closely by every side in Zimbabwean politics, for three reasons: Spread. Almost every ward has a retired soldier, police officer or prison officer. Local influence. Retired officers are often opinion leaders at funerals, church and school meetings. Bargaining power. One pensioner chasing a file is easily ignored. Thousands under one letterhead are harder to ignore, whether by government, pension funds or political parties. What members can expect The association says its focus is practical: Follow-up on pensions, gratuities and medical benefits Dignity in retirement, including recognition and proper funerals Economic empowerment through projects, cooperatives, stands, tenders, farming and transport For serving officers, the pitch is: "Serve well. Retire with dignity. We are waiting for you." Why now The launch comes as pensions, youth unemployment and the 2027 National Budget dominate public debate. Many retired officers live on small pensions, and members say they have been quiet for too long. "We did not ask for a stadium. We asked for dignity," one member said. The association is formed. The question now is who will listen first. Zimbabwe Retired Security Forces Association

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Tichakunda Orphanage in Hatcliffe, Harare, has received more than 500 items from mining contractor T&A Drilling & Blasting, providing much-needed relief to a children's home struggling with dwindling donations. The donation comes at a difficult time for the institution, which reportedly last received assistance three to four months ago as support for children's homes becomes increasingly difficult to secure. The contribution was organised by T&A Drilling & Blasting, a subsidiary of Koketso Investments, in partnership with the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust (AWET). It comprised food, clothing, sanitary wear, toiletries and school stationery, addressing some of the children's immediate household, personal care and educational needs. Speaking to Zimpapers, T&A Drilling & Blasting Site Manager Engineer Hazel Karoro said the visit was the result of deliberate planning and collaboration. "Coming here today was not a last-minute decision but it was the result of deliberate planning and collaboration," she said. Karoro said the initiative was also intended to encourage the children to pursue education and careers that would enable them to contribute to the country's development. "We will be having engineers by 2030, some of them would have been done with university and others will be working towards attaining their A-level," she said. She said the company viewed the programme as part of its corporate social responsibility and contribution towards Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 development agenda. Private Sector Urged to Support Vision 2030 Koketso Investments Maintenance Planner Bonganj Chidamba said the private sector had an important role to play in achieving the country's development objectives. "Koketso Investments recognises that Vision 2030 is a national commitment that requires active participation from the private sector," he said. Chidamba added that the group's involvement in civil engineering and construction also positioned it to contribute to infrastructure development. He said infrastructure investment was essential for industrial growth, attracting investment and improving service delivery. Donations Becoming Increasingly Difficult to Secure For Tichakunda Welfare Organisation, which operates the orphanage, the donation provided relief amid growing difficulties in securing assistance. Board member, administrator and school principal Lloyd Chuhumwi said donations had become less frequent, placing pressure on the institution's ability to meet the children's needs. "It was easier before, but with the current situation in our country, donations are not easy to come by," he said. The home currently looks after 29 children, with all its staff members serving as volunteers, according to Chuhumwi. He said the latest contribution had eased some of the challenges facing the institution. "Once we get such kind of donations, we feel very happy because it has solved so many of our problems," he said. Chuhumwi also revealed that approximately three-quarters of the pupils at the home's school were orphans or vulnerable children, a situation he said had affected enrolment. The donation highlights the growing importance of partnerships between businesses, charitable organisations and community institutions in supporting vulnerable children. For the 29 children at Tichakunda, the food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies represent more than material assistance. They provide some breathing room for an institution whose ability to support its children increasingly depends on the generosity of well-wishers. Tichakunda Orphanage donation

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare The Government has urged artisanal and small-scale gold miners to operate as formal businesses, as a revived Mining Industry Loan Fund offers equipment financing to encourage registration and responsible mining practices. The push comes as artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) accounts for more than half of Zimbabwe’s gold production and exports, making the sector a significant contributor to the country’s mining industry. The issues were discussed at PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe’s second annual stakeholders’ conference, held under the theme, “A Collaborative Approach to Unlocking Responsible Gold Mining”, where the project also launched a guide publication on formalisation. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Thomas Ushe Utete, represented by Acting Deputy Director of Metallurgy Shantel Mutsvairo, said the initiative supported the Government’s sustainable mining objectives under the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. Utete said the project was built around four pillars: formalisation of artisanal and small-scale gold mining, access to finance and markets, knowledge sharing, and adoption of mercury-free gold extraction technologies. He described formalisation as the foundation for improving the sector’s operations and environmental performance. Mercury-Free Mining at the Centre of Formalisation Drive The Government also highlighted the environmental and health risks associated with mercury use in gold processing. “Mercury does not stay where it is used. It travels from communities into water and the food chain,” Utete said. Zimbabwe ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2021 and has a National Action Plan aligned with Article 7 of the convention, which requires countries to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Simon Masanga, represented by Deputy Director Abraham Matiza, said environmental compliance should be viewed as an investment in safer communities rather than simply a regulatory requirement. He said addressing mercury pollution required more than awareness campaigns and enforcement, adding that government institutions, mining organisations and communities needed to work together. “Protecting the environment cannot be the responsibility of one institution alone,” he said. PlanetGOLD Zimbabwe Project Manager Nyaradzo Mutonhori said the newly launched publication promoted a broader understanding of formalisation beyond obtaining licences and meeting regulatory requirements. She said miners also needed technical support and assistance to progressively comply with environmental standards, including reducing mercury use. “Our approach is that formalisation should be holistic,” she said. The project aims to reduce mercury use in the sector by 4.85 tonnes and support 7,500 miners. It also plans to establish mercury-free gold processing demonstration sites in eight mining districts. Government Loan Fund Offers Mining Equipment The Mining Industry Loan Fund is expected to play a key role in encouraging miners to register and improve their operations. Acting Fund Manager Rangarirai Mhazo said the facility, administered by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, provides registered miners with equipment on a loan basis. The equipment includes compressors, generators and slurry pumps. Mhazo said access to the facility was tied to registration and compliance, creating an incentive for informal miners to enter the formal sector. “If an unregistered miner gets to know that there is support being offered by Government, they are motivated to register so that they can get the support,” he said. He acknowledged that uptake had previously been low because the fund was inactive but said it had since been revived with Treasury funding. The fund has also reviewed its approval procedures, which had been criticised as slow and unfriendly to business. Mhazo expressed optimism that applications would increase next year. Women Miners Call for Affordable Financing Despite the financing initiative, women in the mining sector say the costs associated with formalisation remain a significant barrier. Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small-Scale Women Miners Association Programmes Coordinator Priscilla Masuku said many women wanted to formalise their operations but struggled to meet the costs of registration, inspections and environmental management plans. She said access to bank financing was also difficult because financial institutions often required formal documentation and collateral that many small-scale miners could not provide. Masuku called for simplified licensing procedures, affordable financing, technical training and a dedicated revolving fund for women miners. “Formalisation must offer real benefits: secure mining rights, access to finance, safe working conditions, improved productivity and better markets,” she said. Private Sector Partnerships to Support Miners Magaya Mining Business Development Area Specialist Hopewell Magaya said the company was working to help artisanal miners develop sustainable operations. He argued that mercury use remained a major obstacle to responsible growth in the sector. “We cannot grow sustainably with mercury still being part of the conversation,” he said. Magaya said the company intended to work with small-scale miners as a processing partner, allowing miners to concentrate on extraction while the company handles the processing of their material. The discussions at the conference highlighted the need for coordinated support from Government, financial institutions, private-sector processors and mining associations. While equipment financing and mercury-free technologies offer opportunities to improve the sector, the challenge will be ensuring that formalisation is affordable and delivers practical benefits to miners, particularly women and operators working with limited resources. For Zimbabwe, the success of the initiative could strengthen gold production while improving working conditions, environmental protection and the contribution of small-scale miners to the formal economy. Zimbabwe small-scale mining formalisation

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare A family in Mandikutse Village under Chief Marange, Manicaland Province, has been left homeless after a series of unexplained fires destroyed their two-roomed house, leaving a mother and her five sons without shelter or most of their belongings. Febbie Mafarachisi, 48, and her children say the fires have been occurring almost daily for the past three weeks, with the latest blaze last Tuesday reducing their home to ashes. Four of Mafarachisi’s five sons are minors. The family is now sleeping in the open and relying on well-wishers for food and other basic necessities. According to the family, the fires usually begin on curtains inside the house before spreading to other parts of the structure. Their attempts to extinguish the flames have reportedly been unsuccessful. The latest incident destroyed the entire two-roomed house, while nearby fields were also affected. Among the belongings lost were school uniforms, textbooks and the children’s birth certificates. The family reportedly managed to salvage only three blankets. Speaking to The Manica Post, Mafarachisi’s eldest son, Wilton Kambarami, said the recurring incidents had left the family frightened and uncertain about their safety. “It has been three weeks since the fires started. They usually begin on the curtains, burning from the top down,” he said. Kambarami said he initially suspected his younger brother, who is in Form One, of secretly smoking, but later dismissed the possibility after fires reportedly broke out even when nobody was at home. He said family members had repeatedly tried to put out the flames, but the fires continued until they eventually died down. The incidents have also reportedly spread beyond the homestead, affecting fields near the property. “The fires have also affected our fields. We first see smoke, and then flames appear. Most of the incidents occur around 5 am or 5 pm,” Kambarami said. He added that the family had no electricity at the homestead, although the cause of the fires has not yet been independently established. Family Seeks Help Through Traditional Court The destruction has left the family facing an urgent need for shelter, food and school supplies. Kambarami said his mother and younger siblings were now sleeping in the open, while some people were reportedly reluctant to visit the homestead because of fears surrounding the recurring fires. The matter was recently brought before Chief Marange’s community court, where Mafarachisi sought assistance and guidance. She appeared alongside her siblings, Benjie, Washington, Enock and Anna Mafarachisi, who supported her appeal for help. Chief Marange urged the family to work together in seeking a solution. “There is a need to help your sister because you never know; it could happen to any of you. Work together to find a solution so that these fires stop,” he said. Following the traditional court proceedings, the family consulted a traditional healer who visited the homestead last week. However, Kambarami said the fires had continued. The healer reportedly recommended further investigations at the family’s ancestral home in Murehwa. The family also approached another traditional healer in Harare, who reportedly linked the incidents to longstanding family grievances and recommended a cleansing ceremony. However, the family says it cannot afford the costs involved. The explanations offered by the traditional healers have not established the cause of the fires, and the circumstances surrounding the incidents remain unclear. Appeal for Public Assistance With their home destroyed and essential belongings lost, the family is appealing to well-wishers, churches, organisations and members of the public for assistance. They urgently need food, blankets, clothing, building materials and other necessities to help them rebuild their lives. The loss of school uniforms, textbooks and birth certificates has also created additional challenges for the children, who need support to continue with their education. For Mafarachisi and her sons, the immediate priority is finding safe shelter and securing the basic necessities they need to recover from the devastating loss. Anyone willing to assist the family is encouraged to reach out through verified community contacts or local leadership. Marange family fires

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times, Harare Children at Jairos Jiri Harare Children’s Centre in Southerton stole the show on Friday, 30 October, with dance performances and an impressive handwriting demonstration that brought some guests close to tears. The occasion was the presentation of the Gunyana Award, an initiative honouring President Emmerson Mnangagwa, but the children’s abilities and aspirations became the defining feature of the event. Among those present were Southerton ZANU-PF representative Hon. Andrew Makahamadze and Pastor Henry Shadaya, the party’s secretary for information. Both were visibly moved by the performances, particularly the demonstration by children who write using their feet. The programme was held at the Jairos Jiri Harare Children’s Centre, an institution that provides education, rehabilitation and other support services to children and adults with disabilities. An award built around inclusion The Gunyana Award is the initiative of Hon. Makahamadze, with support from the Andrew Makahamadze Foundation and the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust. The award recognises people born in September who have made notable contributions to society. Makahamadze said President Mnangagwa had been selected because of his national leadership and contribution to the country. He said the decision to present the award through Jairos Jiri was intended to make the children active participants in a national gesture of recognition and inclusion. The association’s president, Dr Lovemore Tendayi Chipunza, welcomed the initiative, saying the institution had long stood for inclusion, dignity and empowerment for persons with disabilities and learners requiring specialised support. His speech, delivered on his behalf by National Executive Director Mrs Grace Kamanga, described the award as a meaningful gesture that placed the children at the centre of an important national occasion. The association also used the event to highlight the scale of its work. According to Dr Chipunza’s speech, Jairos Jiri serves more than 16,500 persons with disabilities annually through outreach and follow-up programmes. Its 16 centres provide treatment, care and education to approximately 1,200 children and adults. Its services include schools, clinics, hostels, vocational training, income-generating projects, community-based rehabilitation and orthopaedic services. The association’s work continues the legacy of its founder, the late National Hero Jairos Jiri, who championed the rights and potential of people with disabilities. When children let their abilities speak One of the most memorable moments came when children who write with their feet demonstrated their handwriting skills. Their work drew admiration from those watching, challenging assumptions about what children with physical disabilities can achieve when given opportunities, support and an enabling environment. The dance performances also reinforced the message that disability should not define a person's potential. In his prepared remarks, Dr Chipunza said the association remained committed to providing care, education, rehabilitation and opportunities for people with disabilities. He urged society to recognise that every person, regardless of disability, has abilities and potential that deserve to be nurtured. The message was particularly relevant at a centre where learners are supported to develop independence, practical skills and confidence. Road safety concerns raised Beyond the celebrations, Makahamadze raised concerns about the accessibility and safety of the area surrounding the centre. He highlighted the closure of an overpass across Birmingham Road that previously linked Ruvimbo Centre and the Jairos Jiri centre. The structure had provided a crossing route for people using wheelchairs and crutches. Its closure, he said, had forced persons with disabilities to cross the busy road, exposing them to traffic risks. He further pointed to increased traffic during peak hours, when motorists from Southerton and surrounding areas use the road as a shortcut. Makahamadze proposed the installation of traffic lights to make crossing safer for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility challenges. The issue raises broader questions about whether public infrastructure is being designed and maintained to accommodate all members of the community. A petition and a request to the President Makahamadze also outlined proposals that the constituency intends to submit to President Mnangagwa. These include renaming Birmingham Road as Jairos Jiri Road and erecting a statue of the association’s founder at the corner of Birmingham and Lobengula roads. Another proposal is to erect a statue of the late Sally Mugabe at the hospital named after her and rename the access road leading to the institution Sally Mugabe Way. The Gunyana Award itself is being held at the Jairos Jiri Harare Children’s Centre on behalf of the President, with the intention that the institution will present it to him. This has created an opportunity for the children to meet the Head of State and demonstrate what inclusion means in their everyday lives. For the children, the hope is not simply to participate in an award ceremony. It is to be seen, heard and recognised for their abilities. Their message was clear: disability should never be a barrier to opportunity. And perhaps the most meaningful recognition would be for the President to meet the children whose determination and talent gave the occasion its greatest significance. Jairos Jiri Harare Children’s Centre

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa paid him US$64 million to weaken or destroy Zimbabwe’s opposition, insisting that he would not sacrifice his principles or the country’s future for money. Chamisa rejected the allegation in a response to a user on social media platform X who asked whether he had received US$64 million from Mnangagwa to “kill the opposition in Zimbabwe”. In his reply, Chamisa questioned whether he had the power to destroy the entire opposition and dismissed suggestions that he would accept money in exchange for undermining the country’s political future. “Am I really that powerful… to destroy the entire opposition, including you?” he said. Chamisa also defended his personal integrity, saying money had never been his overriding motivation. “Am I that uncouth, that cheap, or that morally bankrupt as to trade an entire nation and the future of generations to come for a few pieces of silver? Money has never been and will never be everything to me. Legacy is,” he said. He added that he would not compromise his beliefs for financial gain or personal comfort. “I will not trade principle for profit, conscience for comfort, or the future of a nation for temporary gain,” Chamisa said. He argued that a person’s legacy was determined by their principles and actions rather than the wealth they accumulated. “Money comes and goes, but history remembers. And when all is said and done, it is not what you accumulated that defines you, but what you stood for, what you defended, and what you left behind. That’s my story!” he said. The US$64 million figure featured in the question directed at Chamisa, but the supplied account does not provide evidence supporting the allegation or independently establish that any payment was made. Chamisa’s response comes amid continuing debate over the state of Zimbabwe’s opposition politics and the political developments that have shaped the opposition movement in recent years. The allegation remains unsubstantiated in the information available for this report. Chamisa’s response constitutes a denial, rather than independent verification of the circumstances behind the claim. Nelson Chamisa US$64 million claim

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare The Government has banned foreign travel, out-of-town workshops and the purchase of luxury vehicles for local authorities that owe workers salaries, in a move aimed at prioritising employee welfare and restoring financial discipline in struggling councils. The restrictions are contained in Local Authorities Circular Number 9 of 2026, dated 20 October and issued by the Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Tafadzwa Muguti. Muguti said the ministry was concerned that some local authorities had accumulated salary arrears stretching over several months, alongside outstanding statutory obligations. “This situation is unacceptable, as it adversely affects the welfare and livelihoods of employees, undermines staff morale, compromises productivity, and ultimately impairs capacity to deliver essential services,” he said. The measures take immediate effect and apply to councils with outstanding salary arrears. Foreign Travel Suspended Until Salaries Are Paid Under the circular, town clerks, town secretaries and chief executive officers have been directed not to undertake foreign trips while their local authorities owe workers salaries. The ministry will not consider travel requests from affected councils until the arrears have been cleared. Councils in arrears are also prohibited from holding workshops, retreats and conferences outside their jurisdictions. Where such activities are necessary, they must be conducted within the local authority’s own area. The restrictions are intended to prevent councils from spending scarce resources on travel and events while employees remain unpaid. Luxury Vehicle Purchases Restricted The circular also prohibits councils with salary arrears from purchasing vehicles for the personal use of senior managers or providing vehicles as a condition of service until all salary arrears and outstanding statutory debts have been settled. However, the Government has made an exception for vehicles and equipment required for essential service delivery. Councils may still acquire items such as refuse trucks, ambulances and water bowsers, provided the purchases are justified, budgeted for and do not compromise salary payments. The distinction allows local authorities to continue investing in essential public services while curbing expenditure considered non-essential during periods of financial distress. Councils Ordered to Prepare Recovery Plans Muguti directed indebted local authorities to prepare time-bound Financial Recovery Plans outlining their total liabilities and measures to settle outstanding debts. The plans must detail strategies for improving revenue collection, controlling expenditure and clearing arrears. Affected councils are also required to submit reports to the ministry and provide regular updates on their progress. Muguti said town clerks and chief executive officers must exercise firm financial discipline and place workers’ welfare ahead of non-essential travel and personal benefits. “The Ministry will monitor compliance and may take appropriate administrative measures within its statutory mandate against those who fail to comply,” he said. Focus on Workers and Service Delivery The restrictions come amid concerns about the ability of financially strained local authorities to meet their obligations to employees while maintaining essential services. Salary arrears can affect workers’ livelihoods and morale, while poor financial management may further undermine the delivery of services such as refuse collection, water provision and emergency response. The ministry’s directive seeks to compel councils to address outstanding obligations before committing public funds to discretionary expenditure. The circular does not mean that all spending by indebted councils has been suspended. Essential service-related purchases remain permitted, subject to justification, budgeting and protection of salary payments. The effectiveness of the measures will depend on compliance by local authorities, the implementation of credible recovery plans and the ministry’s monitoring and enforcement of the new requirements. Zimbabwe councils salary arrears

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare The Government has reiterated that girls who drop out of school because of pregnancy or marriage should be allowed to return and complete their education, with catch-up lessons and financial assistance available to support their reintegration. Cephas Shanyurai, a principal educational psychologist in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, said schools remained open to learners who had left the education system due to pregnancy or marriage. He cited the Education Amendment Act of 2020 and Statutory Instrument 18 of 2025 as part of the legal framework supporting access to education. “No student is going to be turned away from school, whether they are coming from the so-called marriages due to pregnancy,” Shanyurai said. The policy is intended to give girls an opportunity to resume their studies rather than permanently lose access to education because of pregnancy, early marriage or the responsibilities that come with becoming a mother. BEAM and Partners Support Returning Learners Shanyurai said several programmes were available to help girls return to school, including initiatives implemented in partnership with development organisations such as CAMFED. The Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM), a Government programme supporting disadvantaged learners, can also assist girls returning to school after giving birth. “In some of the schools there are projects that help them to pay their fees and take care of the child,” he said. Such assistance is important for young mothers who may struggle to meet school costs while also providing for their children. However, the availability of support may vary between schools and communities, making it important for returning learners and their guardians to establish which programmes are accessible locally. Catch-Up Lessons and Practical Skills The ministry official said the education system was designed to recognise learners’ different abilities and help them develop their potential. Catch-up lessons and examination support are intended to help returning girls address learning gaps caused by time away from school and prepare to complete their studies. Shanyurai also highlighted the role of practical subjects in equipping learners with useful life skills. He said the curriculum was intended to help girls develop abilities that could support their independence and reduce their vulnerability. For young mothers, returning to school can present challenges such as childcare, school fees, stigma and missed lessons. Support from schools, families and community organisations can therefore be important in helping them remain in education. Ministry Offers a Chat Service Shanyurai encouraged girls seeking assistance to use the ministry’s chat service on 317. “The girls should be able to seek service, and the system will support them,” he said. The Government’s renewed position reinforces the principle that pregnancy or marriage should not automatically end a girl’s educational journey. For the policy to translate into meaningful opportunities, returning learners need access to clear information, practical support and school environments where they can resume their studies without discrimination. Zimbabwe school re-entry for pregnant girls

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare The Government has announced plans to allow duty-free imports of basal and top-dressing fertilisers as Zimbabwe prepares for a 2026/2027 summer cropping season threatened by a predicted Super El Niño and rising global input costs. The measures form part of a broader strategy to protect agricultural production and cushion households against potential food shortages and price increases. The announcement was made during Tuesday’s Post-Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare, presented by Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Paul Mavhima. According to the Government, the coming agricultural season faces two major risks: the predicted El Niño weather phenomenon and geopolitical tensions expected to push up fuel and fertiliser prices while disrupting supplies. Cabinet said the 2026/2027 Summer Plan builds on lessons from the 2024/2025 season, when Zimbabwe experienced its worst drought since 1980, according to the briefing. The plan is anchored on six strategic pillars: strengthening the Strategic Grain Reserve, accelerating climate-smart agricultural production, improving financing arrangements, mitigating livestock drought risks, enhancing imports, and strengthening coordination, early-warning systems and capacity building. Duty-Free Fertiliser Imports to Address Expected Shortages Professor Mavhima said Government and the private sector, including self-financing farmers, had mobilised funding for the summer cropping season. He said Statutory Instrument 214 of 2025 had provided for the importation of 150,000 metric tonnes of ammonium nitrate and 100,000 metric tonnes of urea. However, elevated international prices and anticipated logistical delays have raised concerns about the availability and affordability of fertilisers. “To meet the expected shortages in local production, the duty-free importation of both basal and top-dressing fertilisers will be allowed,” the minister said. Government also highlighted Statutory Instrument 59 of 2006, which allows households to continue importing basic commodities duty-free until March 2028. The measure is intended to cushion consumers against price shocks at a time when drought risks could place additional pressure on food supplies and household budgets. The effectiveness of the measures will depend on the availability of imports, delivery timelines and farmers’ ability to access affordable inputs before the planting season progresses. Government Threatens Action Against Non-Compliant Foreign Businesses Cabinet also resolved to introduce stiffer penalties against foreign-owned businesses operating in sectors reserved for Zimbabwean citizens where they have failed to comply with the law. According to the briefing, the Government has conducted awareness campaigns and issued notices to businesses required to regularise their operations. However, Cabinet said many foreign-owned entities had yet to comply, particularly in sectors including retail and brick moulding. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will suspend or revoke operating licences of businesses found to be non-compliant with regulations governing reserved sectors. The proposed enforcement measures signal a renewed push by Government to ensure that businesses operating in protected sectors adhere to the applicable legal framework. Zimbabwe Signs ICT Agreements With Serbia and Tajikistan Cabinet was also informed that Zimbabwe had signed memorandums of understanding with Serbia and Tajikistan in information and communication technology. The agreements are intended to support cooperation in cybersecurity and advance Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda. Further details on implementation, timelines and specific projects were not provided in the briefing. SADC Anti-Sanctions Commemorations Set for Bindura Cabinet discussed preparations for the 2026 SADC Anti-Sanctions Solidarity Day commemorations, which will be held in Bindura, Mashonaland Central Province. This year’s theme is “Leveraging Regional Integration and Global Partnerships for Economic Transformation beyond Illegal Sanctions”. According to Professor Mavhima, the theme reflects Zimbabwe’s emphasis on regional cooperation, collective self-reliance and stronger economic partnerships. The commemorations are also expected to provide an opportunity for Government to discuss the economic effects it attributes to sanctions and their wider regional implications. The briefing highlighted efforts to reduce regulatory, administrative and logistical barriers to intra-regional trade, remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strengthen regional value chains. Cabinet also reviewed the 19th edition of the CEO Africa Roundtable, held in Cape Town, South Africa, where discussions focused on intra-African trade. The decisions and updates reflect Government’s efforts to prepare for potential agricultural and economic pressures while pursuing regional integration, digitalisation and stricter enforcement of business regulations. Zimbabwe duty-free fertiliser imports

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare ZESA Holdings says it is engaging Norest Murewa and his family over compensation and support for life-changing injuries he suffered in an electrocution accident 15 years ago. In a statement issued on 20 October 2026, the electricity utility said Murewa’s case was being handled through its insurers and established procedures, following renewed public pressure over his circumstances. Murewa was eight years old when he was electrocuted by live electricity cables left on the ground after power poles were accidentally burnt down. Now 23, he lives without both arms and one leg. The case has attracted widespread attention after social media personality Royal Mint published an open letter to ZESA on 12 October, calling for compensation and meaningful assistance for Murewa, who she said had gone without either for 15 years. Royal Mint appealed to the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), ZESA’s distribution subsidiary, to reconsider the matter and help improve Murewa’s quality of life. “No amount of money can restore what he lost, but compensation and support could help him live with dignity and ease some of the burdens he faces every day,” she wrote. The appeal prompted widespread online reactions, with members of the public urging the electricity utility to address the family’s concerns. ZESA Says Insurers Are Handling the Matter In its response, ZESA confirmed that Murewa and his family were engaging with the company’s insurers through their legal representatives. “Norest and his family, through their legal representatives, are engaging with our insurers through the established processes,” the company said. ZESA added that its representatives had met Murewa and his family to explain the process and the steps involved. The utility acknowledged that the process had taken longer than desired and pledged to maintain open communication with the family while working towards a fair conclusion as promptly as possible. However, ZESA declined to disclose further details, citing Murewa’s privacy and the integrity of the ongoing process. The statement confirms that discussions are taking place, but it does not announce a compensation agreement, payment or settlement date. For Murewa and his family, the engagement marks a renewed focus on a case that has remained unresolved in the public eye for years. Whether the process will result in compensation and practical support remains to be seen. The matter also highlights the importance of electrical safety and the potential long-term consequences when damaged power infrastructure leaves live cables exposed to the public. Norest Murewa ZESA compensation

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Four schoolgirls aged between 13 and 15 drowned at Petra Dam in Chegutu after allegedly being confronted by people accusing them of illegal fishing, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said. The incident occurred at Petra Farm on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at around 9pm. Police are investigating a suspected case of culpable homicide. The victims have been identified as Letty Sedrick, 14, Tadiwa Phiri, 15, Faith Woda, 13, and Mercy Tembo, 14. Their bodies were recovered on Monday, 19 October. According to a ZRP press statement dated 20 October, the girls, who were Grade Six and Grade Seven pupils, had reportedly gone fishing with a mosquito net when they were confronted by seven suspects who accused them of illegal fishing. One of the boys accompanying the girls was allegedly assaulted with a switch and open hands when he attempted to flee. He managed to escape by swimming across the dam, while another boy also followed. The four girls were left in the water and are suspected to have attempted to swim across the dam but failed to reach the opposite bank. Police said two suspects, aged 16 and 19, had been apprehended and were assisting with investigations. Five other suspects were still being sought as of the date of the statement. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the deaths remain under investigation. The suspects’ alleged involvement has not yet been determined by a court. In its statement, the ZRP urged parents and guardians to closely monitor children’s movements, whereabouts and activities, particularly at night. Police also warned children against visiting dams and rivers during nighttime, highlighting the dangers associated with being near open water after dark. The tragedy has left four families grieving and raised serious concerns about children’s safety around dams and the risks associated with confrontations over alleged illegal fishing. Further details are expected as police investigations continue. Petra Dam drowning incident

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare Zimbabwean hip-hop musician Mukudzei Chitsama, popularly known as Holy Ten, has indicated that he will ask the court to refuse further remand if prosecutors fail to provide a trial date in his case involving allegations of raping a 14-year-old girl. Chitsama’s lawyer, Admire Rubaya, told Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Tuesday, 20 October, that the defence would make the application at the next court appearance if the State remained unable to set a trial date. The State, represented by Lawrence Gangarahwe, requested a postponement to 5 November to allow investigations to be completed. According to the prosecution’s outline, the alleged incident occurred on 20 July at about 3 pm after the teenager and a friend visited Avondale Shopping Centre, where Chitsama was recording music. The girl was reportedly expected to appear in one of the musician’s videos. The two waited while the recording session continued, but the friend later left. Prosecutors allege that Chitsama subsequently took the teenager to a bed-and-breakfast establishment in Hatfield, where he was staying and working. The State alleges that he took her into his room, locked the door, and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands. Following the alleged incident, Chitsama is said to have asked another man to arrange an InDrive trip for the teenager. She was reportedly taken back to Avondale Shopping Centre, where she met the aunt with whom she was staying. According to the prosecution, the girl initially told her aunt that she had been visiting a friend before later reporting the alleged rape. Her aunt then accompanied her to the police, leading to Chitsama’s arrest. The State further alleges that four other men linked to the case remain at large. The proceedings are now expected to resume on 5 November, when the court will consider the matter following the State’s request for additional time to complete investigations. Chitsama remains accused in the case, and the allegations have yet to be tested at trial. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Holy Ten court case