He said the NCA rejects plans by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) and Mnangagwa to extend his time in office beyond 2028.

"The NCA's founding principles have been to advocate for constitutionalism, establishment of strong State institutions and observing the rule of law . What Zanu PF seeks to do must be resisted by all means; we will not allow them to strip citizens of the right to vote for the President of the country, extend the term of Parliament and sitting councillors without going to a referendum," said Madhuku.

In February, Zimbabwe’s cabinet backed draft legislation that could extend presidential terms from five to seven years. If approved, the proposal would allow 83-year-old President Mnangagwa, a longtime ally of former president Robert Mugabe and in power since 2017, to remain in office until 2030.

Madhuku, a University of Zimbabwe law professor, said his party will carry out a nationwide mobilisation campaign to encourage Zimbabweans to resist the proposed changes to the country’s Constitution.

Takudzwa Ngadziore, the youngest lawmaker in the Parliament of Zimbabwe, has also called for resistance to the proposed term extension. He described the move as a shift "from a military coup to a constitutional coup".

“This is not a call only for young people. It is a call for Zimbabweans: students, workers, informal traders, the elderly, even those within the ruling party who still believe in the ideals that gave birth to this country,” he told Global South World .

Ngadziore, who was elected to the National Assembly in 2023 under the youth quota representing Harare Province, also criticised Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“Young people cannot afford a basic, dignified standard of living. Parents cannot provide for their children . And yet you stand there and say you are a constitutionalist while your party advances a resolution to extend your term,” he said.

“I believe that what he's done is simply to raise a middle finger to a whole generation.”

Ngadziore, who was elected into the National Assembly in 2023 under the youth quota representing Harare Province, also called on citizens to “rise up” against the shift “from a military coup to a constitutional coup.” 

“This is not a call only for young people. It is a call for Zimbabweans: students, workers, informal traders, the elderly, even those within the ruling party who still believe in the ideals that gave birth to this country,” he said. 

“A struggle without pain is a picnic. History has already taught us that freedom does not come on a silver platter. If we are afraid of hospitals, prisons or cemeteries when fighting oppression, then we are not liberators. We are simply accepting our chains,” he added. 

He went further to frame the constitutional amendment itself as a form of repression. “A constitutional amendment that removes your right to choose your leader is a form of arrest,” he said. “When you cannot vote for the president you want, when Members of Parliament are determined by manipulation, when your democratic power as a citizen is taken away, that is abduction in a metaphoric sense. You may not be in handcuffs, but your rights are in handcuffs.”

Takudzwa Ngadziore shared a message with President Emmerson Mnangagwa: “Young people cannot afford a basic, dignified standard of living. Parents cannot provide for their children . And yet you stand there and say you are a constitutionalist while your party advances a resolution to extend your term. If you truly believed in constitutionalism, you would simply leave. Courage is required for leadership. Unfortunately, that is what is lacking.”

Watch the full interview on Global South World .

The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa agreed in 2020 to pay $3.5 billion in compensation to about 3,500 commercial farmers who were evicted during the early 2000s land reform programme. The programme led to the seizure of about 4,000 farms without compensation under former President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe, which is burdened by $21 billion in debt, has struggled to meet the terms of the agreement. In 2023, the government revised its offer to provide 1% of the compensation in cash, with the remainder to be paid in US-dollar-denominated Zimbabwean treasury bonds carrying 2% interest.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told AFP that nearly 1,000 farmers have signed up to the revised arrangement, and several hundred reportedly received some cash and bonds last year. However, the payment process has been slow and unclear, and many farmers have rejected the new terms.

Outside intervention is “not necessarily a bad thing,” Ncube said in reference to reports that the farmers had hired Mercury Public Affairs, a US firm with ties to the Trump administration.

“We are committed to paying, and if they are trying to get other people to get us to pay, we have no problems with that,” Ncube said.

“We are paying anyway, and we would like to pay faster,” he added.

According to a letter in a US Department of Justice disclosure filing, four groups representing former commercial farmers hired the firm to support efforts to secure “full compensation”.

The group would contact administration representatives “to promote paying the Zimbabwean farmers the remaining balance of $3.5 billion owed,” the letter stated. The filing indicated that new financing could be sought from international institutions such as the World Bank.

Many of the affected farmers are now in their 70s and 80s. Some face financial challenges, according to Harry Orphanides of the Property and Farm Compensation Association, one of the groups involved.

“It’s a serious strain on the farmers, especially those who are elderly and have no other sources of income, as they were completely dependent on farming,” Orphanides said.

“Some of them are really desperate,” he added.

The land reform programme aimed to redistribute land that was largely owned by the white minority to black subsistence farmers. The process included violent farm invasions in which farmers were killed. Some farms were later taken over by government officials or ruling party affiliates, while others were neglected. The disruption to the agricultural sector affected the broader economy and contributed to food shortages.

Under the 2020 Global Compensation Deed (GCD), the government agreed to compensate farmers for infrastructure and improvements made on the land, but not for the land itself, which authorities consider to have been taken during colonial settlement.

Under the new law , motorists must pay US$92 each year for a radio licence.

This amount must be paid before drivers can renew their vehicle licence discs or register for insurance. The fee is part of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, which aims to raise money for the state-owned Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

The government expects the move to generate millions of dollars in revenue.

Zimbabwe has about 1.2 million registered vehicles, and could earn around US$73 million per year if only 800,000 drivers comply.

However, the new policy has sparked criticism .

Many Zimbabweans say the licence fee is too high, especially in a country already facing economic challenges.

Opposition politicians and motorists have also argued that the ZBC focuses more on promoting the ruling party than serving the public with balanced news and information.

This measure seems to be part of a broader strategy to diversify the state broadcaster's revenue streams. Critics, however, say the fee's pretty steep, particularly given the current economic hardships many face. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa is among the dissenters, calling the law "draconian, anti-citizens, and outrightly heartless."

Despite the backlash online , Nick Mangwana, a senior official from the ministry of information, came out defending the law. He termed it "necessary" and "fair," indicating a government stance that might not sit well with the public. In Zimbabwe, there are roughly 1.2 million registered vehicles, but only around 800,000 of those have insurance.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is reliant on licence fees and government funding to stay afloat. The broadcaster has long struggled to get enough people to pay for their TV and radio licences, which leads critics to demand the fee's repeal, claiming that it is biased towards the ruling Zanu-PF party. This is particularly troubling for the opposition, who also accuse ZBC of offering unfair coverage during election cycles; ZBC has denied these claims.

Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must pay this radio licence fee before they can even think about renewing their vehicle insurance or getting their licence sorted from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). The fee, as structured, breaks down to $23 every quarter, translating to that $92 annual sum.

Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains volatile, with the ruling Zanu-PF party plagued by factionalism and the opposition in disarray. Mzala highlights that the opposition’s collapse is largely due to infiltration by Zanu-PF and the country’s Central Intelligence Organisation.

At the heart of the internal strife within Zanu-PF is the power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President General Constantino Chiwenga, the military leader behind the 2017 coup that ousted long-time ruler Robert Mugabe. Tensions have escalated further as Mnangagwa seeks to extend his presidency to 2030, sparking discontent within his own ranks.

“A document proposing the extension of Mnangagwa’s term is said to be circulating and is expected to go before Cabinet and Parliament for approval,” Mzala said. “The situation remains very tense, with the possibility of a military response looming in the background, though the president appears to have retained control of the armed forces.”

Meanwhile, expelled Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed Geza has been mobilising protests and calling for mass demonstrations against Mnangagwa’s leadership, labelling him corrupt and accusing him of undermining the constitution to cling to power.

The political uncertainty is compounded by questions over whether Chiwenga still commands support within the military, with rumours of a potential military takeover swirling amid the deepening factional divide.

Political analysts Dale McKinley and Sandile Swana paint a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s future. “The country is mired in a deep, structural crisis that is political, economic, and social,” said McKinley. “Zanu-PF, which runs both the government and the military, has no interest in democratic reform and is solely focused on retaining power at any cost.”

McKinley described the current government as a "predatory elite" running a “vampire state,” exploiting national resources while ordinary Zimbabweans suffer. Despite the fall of Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has persisted for over two decades, with no signs of abating.

“It will take a social and political revolution to alter the status quo... A mass uprising combined with sustained external pressure is the only path to genuine change,” McKinley concluded.

A High Court judge in Zimbabwe on Wednesday, March 12 adjourned the case of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been in custody since Feb. 24 over alleged incitement linked to interviews with a war veteran-turned-politician critical of the president. According to VOA , Mhlanga’s lawyers requested bail, but Justice Gibson Mandaza said more time was needed to review the case. His lawyer, Chris Mhike, said they await the court's next move, adding it would be “improper” to comment while proceedings are ongoing.

Hanke ranks Zimbabwe’s ZIG second worst in the world

Renowned economist Steve Hanke has ranked Zimbabwe’s ZiG currency as the second worst after Venezuela’s Bolivar. His analysis shows the ZiG lost 50% of its value against the US dollar over the past 10 months, largely due to inflation and lack of public trust. As reported by the New Zimbabwe , Though initially pegged at US$1: ZiG2.50, it now trades between ZiG33 and ZiG40 on the black market, far from the official US$1: ZiG26 rate. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe insists the currency remains viable, despite limited use in key sectors like fuel and passport payments.

Thousands jobless as Trump cuts $522 million aid to Zimbabwe

Thousands of Zimbabwean NGO and civil society workers have lost their jobs after major U.S. funding cuts under the Trump administration. Key sectors affected include HIV programmes, the arts, and humanitarian aid. The U.S. slashed 83% of USAID’s global budget, ending around 5,200 projects. In Zimbabwe alone, $388 million in ongoing USAID-funded initiatives have been abruptly halted, excluding indirect support from agencies like the World Food Programme, Zimeye reports.

Zimbabwe supply chain compromised by coerced cross-border drivers

Zimbabwean authorities are cracking down on truck drivers coerced by smugglers to transport contraband inland, putting transporters at risk of being penalized for carrying illegal goods. Freight News reports Mike Fitzmaurice of the Transit Assistance Bureau said smuggling often occurs at border points like Beitbridge, where drivers are bribed, and goods are sometimes brought in by people crossing the river on foot. He noted that while buses were once used for smuggling, authorities have since tightened controls.

Zimbabwe records 49 human-crocodile conflicts in two months, 9 killed, 11 injured

At least nine people have died and 11 others were injured in a surge of crocodile attacks over the past two months, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). The agency also reported the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats in 49 cases of human-crocodile conflict. ZimParks has urged communities to stay vigilant near water bodies, especially during the rainy season, reports the New Zimbabwe .

Zimbabwe is currently in the throes of political upheaval as war veterans have openly demanded the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. With apprehensions about his potential rule extending beyond constitutional limits, war veteran leader Blessed Geza has articulated intentions for a nationwide shutdown aimed at compelling Mnangagwa to resign. Geza also faces looming arresUt due to his confrontational stance against the president, for which authorities are actively searching him on multiple charges, including inciting violence.

Resurgence of HIV

Zimbabwe is experiencing a resurgence of HIV, influenced by the withdrawal of mobile health clinics which previously provided critical services like antiretroviral drugs, condoms, and testing. This cessation followed the suspension of U.S. foreign aid on January 20, leaving many, particularly vulnerable groups such as sex workers, without necessary healthcare access. With approximately 1.3 million individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, the fallout from the aid suspension poses significant health risks as condom supplies decrease.

De-dollarisation

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has signalled that Zimbabwe is not positioned to initiate de-dollarisation until it restructures its outstanding $21 billion debt, essential for regaining access to international credit. Since defaulting in 1999, Zimbabwe has faced exclusion from capital markets, with potential debt restructuring promising necessary support for balance of payments. The introduction of the new ZiG currency has stumbled, marked by a significant 43% devaluation in September, inciting calls for its reconsideration; the central bank has allocated over $400 million in support measures while tightening liquidity.

Bus-truck collision

A tragic vehicle collision occurred in Matabeleland South Province on February 13, 2025, claiming at least 24 lives. The incident involved a bus and a haulage truck, leading to seventeen fatalities at the scene and seven additional deaths in hospital care, with twelve individuals remaining in critical condition. Eyewitnesses indicated that the bus was en route to Beitbridge, near the South African border, while the truck was transporting a substantial cargo of 34 metric tons of magnesium. The police have confirmed the event and pledged to release more comprehensive details.

Longstanding debt

Zimbabwe's longstanding debt crisis poses a critical issue, with more than $21 billion accumulated over 25 years, largely stemming from unpaid obligations. The country has been in default to significant creditors, most notably the World Bank and the IMF, since 2000, a situation exacerbated by severe drought conditions adversely impacting the agricultural sector.

Zimbabwe is grappling with acute power shortages , worsened by the worst drought in 40 years, which has adversely affected food security and daily life. The primary hydropower facility, Kariba South, has experienced over 80% reduction in electricity generation due to dwindling water levels, resulting in daily power outages that exceed 18 hours. As electricity supply becomes increasingly sporadic, many residents have turned to firewood for cooking purposes, placing significant strain on small businesses and the overall economy, with annual losses approximated at 6% of GDP.

Renewable energy

The country’s energy infrastructure heavily depends on coal-fired power plants that often lack reliability. While there are plans to enhance renewable energy capacity , including solar energy projects and new hydropower ventures, investment in these initiatives faces obstacles such as a fluctuating currency, high taxation, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Advocates for renewable energy highlight the urgent need for policy reforms that would bolster growth in this crucial sector. In the meantime, some households have taken the initiative to install solar panels, although high costs remain a significant barrier to wider adoption.

Agricultural sector census

On another front, Zimbabwe is preparing to conduct its first agricultural sector census since its independence. This significant initiative aims to bridge considerable gaps in existing structural agricultural statistics. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is collaborating with Zimbabwe to develop a comprehensive National Agricultural and Livestock Census (NALC) plan. This strategic plan seeks to mobilise essential resources for the census, which will enhance agricultural data systems and boost food security in the nation. The outcomes from this census will play a pivotal role in informing Zimbabwe's Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Statistics for the 2025-2029 period.

New president of ZIFA

Nqobile Magwizi has been elected as the new president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), receiving 66 out of 77 votes in a transition from the troubled tenure of his predecessor, Felton Kamambo. Magwizi's primary objective is to restore financial stability and integrity to ZIFA, addressing the mismanagement and internal discord that marred the organisation. He has articulated a commitment to adopting best practices within ZIFA and fostering essential partnerships for the advancement of football in Zimbabwe.

Resignation of President Mnangagwa

Political tensions are rising as a faction of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans has publicly demanded the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. These veterans have accused him of nepotism, corruption, and an inability to foster economic improvement. Blessed Runesu Geza, a notable veteran and Zanu-PF central committee member has openly rebuked Mnangagwa for failing to deliver on commitments made since taking office in 2017. In response, Zanu-PF's spokesperson, Farai Marapira, has characterised the veterans' protests as misguided outbursts.

Timba, interim leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested on June 16 along with 79 others in what rights groups have called a politically motivated crackdown.

While many were released, Timba and 34 allies were found guilty and remained detained until Wednesday's sentencing. Magistrate Collet Ncube cited their status as first-time offenders, opting for suspended sentences. Timba and Jason Kautsa, another CCC member, received two-year sentences suspended for five years, while others received lesser penalties. 

Defense lawyer Takunda Jacob expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment, hinting at a possible appeal. “We are not happy with the ruling and await instructions from our clients,” he said. 

"The extreme group had to get 24 months of imprisonment; all of these custodial sentences were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behaviour and that in the next 5 years these people will not commit crimes that involve unlawful gatherings, and the intention to cause violence being one of the essential elements to that crime," Jacob told the AFP.

The case has drawn international attention, with Amnesty International and other rights organisations decrying the arrests as a suppression of political dissent.

U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont urged Zimbabwean authorities to respect rights to free speech and assembly, emphasising the need for an independent judiciary.

“We need the judiciary to be able to deliver justice independent of political considerations, and we need Zimbabweans rights to assembly and free speech to be fully respected," she said.

Critics have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ZANU-PF government, in power since 1980, of using heavy-handed tactics to silence opposition voices ahead of elections .

The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) have called for the unconditional lifting of US sanctions on Zimbabwe, citing their detrimental impact on the country's socio-economic development. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasised that these sanctions undermine regional integration and harm ordinary Zimbabweans. Anti-Sanctions Day was observed with protests outside the US Embassy in Harare, where demonstrators blamed the sanctions for economic hardships. However, the U.S. Embassy rejected this assertion, attributing Zimbabwe’s economic crisis to government corruption and mismanagement, stating that sanctions target only a few individuals and companies, not the general population.

IMF warns ZiG cannot solve Zimbabwe’s economic crisis

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, cannot resolve the country’s deeper economic issues. IMF Africa Director Abebe Selassie emphasised that exchange rate problems often stem from inflation, not the other way around. Despite intentions to stabilise the economy, the ZiG has lost value, leading to a 43% devaluation last month. On the official market, the ZiG is valued at 27.68 per dollar, but the unofficial rate ranges from 40 to 50. Zimbabwe's monthly inflation surged to 37.2% in October, highlighting ongoing economic instability tied to a lack of confidence in monetary and fiscal policies.

Pressure mounted on President Mnangagwa to release jailed activists

Zimbabweans in the UK protested at the Zimbabwean Embassy, demanding the release of jailed opposition activists from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and other human rights violations. The demonstration, organised by CCC UK and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation (ZHRO), led to a petition submitted to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to pressure President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for their release. Over 100 activists were reportedly arrested before the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, with many still imprisoned. The petition calls for an end to the crackdown on opposition members, accountability for human rights violations, and support for a diaspora vote for the estimated six million Zimbabweans living abroad who are currently denied voting rights.

$16.3 billion in diaspora remittances in the last decade

Zimbabwe has received $16.3 billion in diaspora remittances over the past decade, largely from over three million Zimbabweans living abroad. These remittances are essential for supporting families amid economic challenges and contribute significantly to the national economy. Public Service Minister July Moyo noted that most remittances come from South Africa (47%), followed by the UK (23%), the US (11%), and others. He emphasised the need for improved labour protections, citing violations in sectors like mining, and called for a stronger social protection system to assist vulnerable populations. Moyo highlighted the importance of timely funding from the Treasury to ensure the effectiveness of social programmes.

Botswana opposition protest at Zimbabwe Embassy over alleged election interference

Hundreds of supporters from Botswana’s opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), protested outside the Zimbabwean embassy in Gaborone, demanding Zimbabwe refrain from interfering in Botswana's upcoming general elections on October 30. Led by UDC President Duma Boko, demonstrators voiced concerns about potential external influence affecting the electoral process. The protest followed allegations of Zimbabwean officials potentially trying to influence the election, though no specific evidence has been provided. In response, a Zimbabwean government spokesperson denied any interference, citing respect for Botswana's sovereignty. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has offered to send observers to ensure a fair electoral process. The situation has sparked a wider discussion in Botswana about electoral integrity and democratic rights, with calls for vigilance among citizens as the elections approach.

Zimbabwe's ongoing energy strategy is in focus as power generation from the Kariba Hydro-Power Station continues unabated until the year's end, primarily because the country has not yet exhausted its allocated water resources. In contrast, Zambia has opted to halt its power generation from the same dam due to a drought-induced lack of water. Energy Minister Edgar Moyo has underscored that Zimbabwe's current generation capacity remains around 215MW, significantly below its potential of over 1,000MW, which may necessitate load shedding. In a proactive measure, the Chronicle reports the Zimbabwean government is advocating that ferrochrome companies generate their own power, thereby conserving valuable water resources for redistribution to other sectors. Optimistically, the government anticipates a rebound in water levels and power generation capacity with projections of above-normal rainfall this season. Additionally, efforts are being made to encourage renewable energy development, exemplified by the duty-free importation of solar energy equipment.

Business ties with Indonesia

In a significant diplomatic advancement, Zimbabwe solidified its relationship with Indonesia by signing three pivotal memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the recent Second Indonesia-Africa Forum. Vice President Kembo Mohadi represented President Mnangagwa and championed the swift initiation of the agreements across the health and fertilisation sectors. Complementarily, a strategic partnership has been established to improve access to affordable medical products through a collaboration between Zimbabwe’s National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm) and Indonesia’s Bio Farma, proposing the construction of a pharmaceutical plant in Zimbabwe. Further reinforcing this bilateral cooperation according to The Herald , a technology transfer MoU was inked to revolutionise fertiliser production, epitomised by a high-tech coal fertiliser plant developed by Zimbabwean firm Futurefert in collaboration with Indonesia’s Saputra Global Harvest.

17 agreements signed with China

The deepening bonds between Zimbabwe and China were formalised through the signing of 17 strategic agreements, targeting diverse sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and mining. This occurred during a pivotal meeting between President Mnangagwa and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where both leaders reiterated their dedication to advancing trade and cooperation. Among the prominent agreements, there are initiatives aimed at aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, specific protocols for agricultural exports, and broad collaborative efforts in the mining sector. This relationship has notably increased Chinese investments in Zimbabwe from approximately $446 million in 2019 to $3.4 billion by 2023, with over $2.2 billion earmarked for significant mining and infrastructure projects, reports the Chronicle .

Investment in the ferrochrome sector

In an effort to bolster investment in the ferrochrome sector, President Mnangagwa recently held discussions with the Xin Gang Lian Group, led by Mr. Zhou Xuddon. The meeting, which took place on September 3, 2024, was centred on exploring investment avenues to rejuvenate Zimbabwe's mining industry, which is integral to the national economy. Ferrochrome is particularly vital due to its application in stainless steel production. Mr. Zhou articulated a keen interest in expanding his operations within Zimbabwe, positioning the nation as a strategic supplier to international markets. As reported by the Chronicle , this initiative aligns with Zimbabwe's broader objectives of enhancing mineral production and fostering job creation, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.

Stolen vehicles from South Africa

In a concerning development, South African authorities have made substantial recoveries of nearly 100 stolen vehicles, covertly smuggled towards neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia, from January to August 2024. A substantial portion of these recoveries, specifically in Vhembe District, amounted to 96 high-powered cars, culminating in 61 arrests. Noteworthy seizures included 78 vehicles in Musina, alongside other recoveries in various locations. The operation also revealed the interception of firearms, The Herald reports, signalling a concerted effort to combat rampant cross-border crime. The escalating trend of vehicle thefts emanating from South Africa underscores a worrying pattern, with some thefts reportedly involving fraudulent insurance claims by vehicle owners, which necessitates enhanced vigilance and law enforcement measures across borders.

The illegal movement of immigrants between Zimbabwe and Zambia has increased due to receding water levels on the Zambezi River. Border authorities are concerned about the ease with which people can now cross the river, leading to a spike in illegal crossings. Measures are being proposed to improve border surveillance and streamline customs clearance processes. According to New Zimbabwe , the Chirundu border post is set to undergo a major facelift through a public-private partnership.

Schoolchildren face threats from animals

On the outskirts of a wildlife conservancy in southeastern Zimbabwe, 14-year-old Esther Bote starts her day at dawn with a routine: cleaning, cooking, bathing, and dressing in her school uniform. The most dangerous part is the 5-kilometre walk to school through bush paths where dangerous animals may lurk. As reported by the Independent , despite facing these threats daily, it never gets easier. Even children as young as five, guided by older peers or siblings, navigate the dense forests to reach school and return home.

Improving the telecom sector

Clear Mobitel, a UK-based technology company, plans to invest US$200 million in Zimbabwe's telecommunications sector. This aligns with the country's efforts to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth. The company specialises in advanced technologies such as cloud computing, 5G, and IoT. Vanilla Plus reports that the company has also partnered with NEC Corporation to enhance its offerings in Zimbabwe. The investment will focus on infrastructure, technology, and services to impact Zimbabwe's economic growth.

Rutendo explains why she withdrew from Olympic marathon

Zimbabwean long-distance runner Rutendo Nyahora faced criticism after withdrawing from the Paris Olympic marathon mid-race. The 35-year-old dropped out on Sunday after completing 22 kilometres of the 42-kilometre event. Speaking to a ZBC journalist, Rutendo explained that she withdrew because it simply wasn't her day, emphasising that there was no specific reason for her decision, iHarare reports. “I couldn’t finish the race, but if I say anything happened, l will be lying. Nothing happened; it’s just that it was not my day today.”

Opposition starved in drought-prone Zimbabwe

The ruling party in Zimbabwe is accused of tying food aid to political affiliations, denying opposition activists access to food aid during the El Nino-induced drought. Human rights groups have documented instances where victims were denied food aid for being suspected or known members of opposition parties. The government is under pressure to fix economic woes and ensure fair distribution of food aid. This politicisation of food aid has been a long-standing issue in Zimbabwe, reports CAJ News Africa .

Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, highlighted the importance of this initiative.

"This workshop is a crucial step in the responsible governance of these powerful technologies and your presence here underscores your commitment to ensuring their safe and ethical application," he said, as reported by local media outlet The Herald .

The government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is prioritising digitisation, technology, and innovation to drive meaningful development in Zimbabwe. As part of its commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Zimbabwe is promoting emerging technologies in various fields, including robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, big data, biotechnology, fifth-generation wireless technology, and 3D printing.

"We will explore the scientific, ethical, legal, and social dimensions of genome editing and GMO technology, considering the potential risks, benefits, and broader implications for society," Professor Tagwira further elaborated.

The Southern African nation and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) partnered to enhance genome editing (GEd) capabilities and scale up biotechnology for commercialisation in Africa.

Florence Nazare, the Acting Director of Knowledge Management and Programme Evaluation at AUDA-NEPAD suggests that the GEd tool, integrated into modern biotechnology, can lower agricultural production costs and enhance resilience against climate change and other food security challenges on the African continent.

While Zimbabwe moves forward with these advancements, the Ghanaian government has faced backlash over the commercialisation of 14 genetically modified products .

Concerns have been raised by Ghanaian health and agricultural groups about the potential threats GM products could pose to Ghana's agricultural biodiversity and ecosystem.

Permanent secretary for the Public Service Ministry Simon Masanga said these children are invited to South Africa by their immigrant parents from Zimbabwe during school holidays and stay past their documented periods.

Other children are smuggled through middlemen who end up abusing them.

“As I interact with you today, we have more than 200 children in care institutions in South Africa and we are working closely with our friends in South Africa to repatriate these children back home. We are just identifying safe forms for these children to arrive at as we try to unite them with their extended families,” Masanga told members of the parliamentary portfolio committee in Bulawayo.

Masanga also announced government plans to publish a list of voluntary and non-governmental organisations operating in the country illegally. There are about 400 in total.

“Government is in the process of enacting a new law, the private voluntary organization bill which will regulate operations of PVO and NGOs. The bill which had sailed through parliament was sent back to President Emmerson Mnangagwa after the sector made representation before it was signed into law,” he was quoted by Chronicle as saying.

The law is expected to pass through parliament after which all non-compliant organisations will be de-registered.

The initial endorsement for a third term came from Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who publicly called for President Mnangagwa to extend his time in office during celebrations for the late Robert Mugabe's birthday.

“I don’t have the power to say (I will stay) as this matter is in the hands of God,” the EastAfrican quoted the president's reply.

After facing opposition from the security sector and even within his party, President Mnangagwa announced that he would not seek to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. Instead, his administration is now pursuing substantial constitutional amendments that could roll back significant electoral reforms.

One of the proposed amendments includes transferring key responsibilities such as voter registration from the independent Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to a government department. In addition, the drawing of electoral boundaries may also be taken away from the independent elections management body and given to a commission appointed by the president.

The proposed constitutional changes have raised concerns about President Mangagwa's consolidation of power and influence in the country's political landscape. Critics argue that these changes could potentially allow him to select a successor and continue to exert influence even after his rule

This is not the first time President Mangagwa has sought to implement sweeping constitutional amendments. In 2021, he pushed through 27 constitutional amendments in a single move, including removing a clause that provided for the election of a president as a running mate.

What they said

The US State Department wrote, "Members of the assessment team were subject to aggressive handling, prolonged interrogation and intimidation, unsafe and forced nighttime transportation, overnight detention and confinement, and forced removal from the country.” Adding that, "The Government of Zimbabwe has said it wants to pursue international re-engagement and democratic reforms. Its actions undermine those claims," Reuters quotes. In a separate statement, USAID administrator Samantha Power said the mission has been "assessing the development and governance context in Zimbabwe" to facilitate efforts to enhance human rights in the country.

The president was scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of the fifth International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo but had his private aircraft, Falcon 7X diverted back to the capital Harare after the alert.

According to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe Public Relations and Communications Manager Tonderai Mangombe, all other airports were to be closed to ensure the safety of citizens.

The incident led to a disruption in the travel activities of many with passengers being stranded. A Kenya Airways flight for instance from Nairobi was redirected to Livingstone, Zambia after several hours of delay as a result of the incident.

Level 12 fines which is $2,000 or a maximum of 10 years in prison are the penalties. According to the legislation, having sex with a person under the age of 12 is considered rape in the case of a female child or aggravated indecent assault in the case of a boy, with much harsher penalties and often long prison sentences.

The only legal defence for someone who engages in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 is the ability to demonstrate that the person had reasonable grounds to assume the other person was older which does not include physical or sexual maturity.

The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe confirmed that the minimum age for marriage, which is set at 18 in the nation’s constitution also applied to the sexual age of consent, therefore raising the age of consent for sexual relations from 16 to 18, The Herald reported.

In other African countries like Ghana, Senegal and Zambia the sexual age of consent remains at 16.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe came to this agreement following President Mnangagwa’s visit to Botswana on December 7 for the fifth annual Kusi Ideas Festival, a pan-African conference to foster collaboration between African nations towards the continent's 2063 development agenda.

“That should be cleared. The two of us have agreed, realising that we are African. We should be able to walk into Botswana, walk into Zambia, walk into Kenya. We have just agreed while sitting that ‘my brother, why do we restrict ourselves? Somebody said in the past when we were all together, the Global North came and made boundaries,” President Mnangagwa told reporters.

“So why should we continue to respect this, let us open the borders among ourselves and move freely,” he added.

There has been a wave of African leaders calling for the ease of travel restrictions between African states. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have made decisions to allow visa-free entries for all African nationals.

A move Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council said could position Africa at the centre of the global tourism market.

The Zimbabwean government's development initiative of building one million flats and houses by 2025 is on course with 344,068 flats and houses completed between January 2021- June 2023, local media The Herald reports. The housing project is part of the first phase of the SADC nation's National Development Strategy. "During the second half of NDS 1 implementation, efforts by the Central Government, local authorities, businesses and individual home builders will see a total of 1 million flats, houses and serviced stands delivered by 2025, in line with the Second Republic's thrust of achieving a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030," The Herald quotes Tinashe Manzungu, Zimbabwe Building Contractors Association senior vice president.

Child trafficking attempt

The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted the attempted child trafficking of 443 children below the age of eight from Zimbabwe into South Africa, South African news agency SABC News reports. The kids who were allegedly being trafficked were apprehended on December 3 at the border crossing point between the two nations. BMA Commissioner, Michael Masiapato told reporters that the South African Home Affairs will temporarily extend hours of operation at congested ports of entry to enable quick and secure cross-border travel throughout the holiday season. “During the planning phase, we had an agreement with our immediate neighbours which are Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Botswana on synchronising processes and other work modalities such as specialised port operating hours,” he is quoted by SABC News.

Investment calls at COP28

President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for investments in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) on December 2, President Mnangagwa spoke about the lack of capital and technological expertise preventing the nation from taking advantage of its diverse natural resources. " The mantra is that Zimbabwe is open for business, a friend to all and an enemy to none," he is quoted by The Herald .

HIV transmission plan

Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister has said that the country aims to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission to less than 5% by 2026, local media News Day reports. The nation on November 30, launched the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission Plan (2023-2026). The plan includes prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B using an integrated approach. The Minister, in a speech, said “The Triple EMTCT Plan represents a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support for the three diseases: HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B, using an integrated approach.”

Deregistration of corrupt teachers

The Primary and Secondary Education ministry in Zimbabwe plans to deregister teachers who commit corrupt acts and introduce stiffer penalties through the Teaching Profession Council Bill, targeting teachers who abuse resources for personal benefit, News Day reports. A spokesperson of the ministry is quoted by News Day saying “It is passing through Parliament and hopefully it will be a law such that there is no one who is going to be just a teacher who is not registered with the Teaching Profession Council… Teachers can also be deregistered for any corrupt activities through the Teaching Profession Council just like how they do with doctors and lawyers.”