Tobacco production just hit a crazy record this season. The country grew three hundred fifty-five million kilos, pulling in over a billion dollars. That's a huge jump from last year's output. Small farmers are the main reason for this, making up most of the crop through contract farming.
This growth comes after some rough drought years. The number of growers is way up now, part of the changes from past land reforms. Officials have a plan to hit five billion dollars for the industry. They want to hit even higher production targets soon, aiming for five hundred million kilos. Climate issues and market access still pose problems, but the current trend looks strong for the economy.
The president named two new deputy ministers. Kiven Mutimbanyoka will handle the portfolio for Women's Affairs, Community, and Small Businesses. Fred Moyo is now the deputy minister for Mines and Mining Development. These appointments are effective immediately, part of an effort to bolster the government's leadership in economic sectors. The Chief Secretary to the President, Martin Rushwaya, confirmed the moves.
The government has a bunch of ambulances ready for holiday road accidents. Over four hundred are on standby across the country, with two dozen advanced units placed at known crash hotspots. Transport Minister Felix Mhona launched the campaign, warning that police will arrest any traffic violators.
Multi-agency teams will patrol the roads, including officers on motorcycles. Mhona stated that bus companies risk losing their licenses for violations like speeding, insisting they must use speed limiters. The dedicated emergency line 591 is active around the clock. Officials from the Traffic Safety Council say the prepared resources can handle more than four hundred emergency calls. They also advised pedestrians to wear reflective gear at...
A former army officer has been declared a national hero. The late Mark Charles Chimwaza, who died from lung cancer, will be buried at the National Heroes Acre. President Mnangagwa approved the status, citing the brigadier general's service during the liberation war and after independence.
Chimwaza joined the fight in the seventies, training in Mozambique before further military instruction in Romania. He earned several medals for his long career, including awards for campaigns in Mozambique and the DRC. Army commander Asher Tapfumaneyi described him as a humble and loyal soldier. Chimwaza retired from the Zimbabwe National Army a couple of years ago. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Harare's mayor, Jacob Mafume, says the city has a plan for its water and road problems. He announced they will start pumping from Lake Manyame soon, as its levels are better than those of the depleted Lake Chivero. Government funding is helping with the costly treatment process for the dirtier water.
He also called the current road conditions unacceptable. Mafume stated he is talking with Transport Minister Felix Mhona and Zinara's George Manyaya to get the necessary equipment, like crushers and asphalt. He acknowledged some outside help but said much more work is needed in the suburbs. Separately, he noted that new garbage trucks from the Geo Pomona contract have begun operating in neighborhoods.
Zimbabwe is trying to build up its public health systems. A government team is currently in Zambia checking out their national public health institute. The visit is meant to gather ideas for creating a similar agency in Zimbabwe, called the Public Health Institute of Zimbabwe.
The Permanent Secretary for Health, Aspect Maunganidze, is leading the group. He says the new institute would focus on disease tracking, emergency readiness, and using data for health decisions. Other officials on the trip include the president's health adviser, Agnes Mahomva, and the interim coordinator for the project, Raiva Simbi. Zambia's health minister, Elijah Muchima, welcomed them, noting the benefits of sharing knowledge between Global South nations.
Econet is building a massive industrial park next to the airport in Harare. Their infrastructure arm, Econet InfraCo, is handling the project near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. The plan involves a three-hundred-hectare site powered by solar energy and includes a big data center. The CEO, Douglas Mboweni, says the goal is to attract export businesses and create jobs by providing ready power and water.
Work has already begun on the first phase. The full build-out of one hundred megawatts of solar will happen in stages based on demand. Mboweni stated this is one of several major projects approved by the group's founder, Strive Masiyiwa. They claim it could be one of the largest private developments in decades, pending...
A former TV actor from Studio 263 got arrested for a sketchy land scheme. Revlino Gwanzura is in court over a quarter million dollars linked to fake property sales. The magistrate, Marehwanazvo Gofa, is holding him until a bail hearing.
The accusation says he ran the show at a company called Enhanced Mortgage Housing while the actual bosses were away dealing with an illness. He supposedly teamed up with another guy, Gondai Marange, who is still missing. They placed ads selling residential stands that the company was not actually offering. Around a hundred people paid installments, adding up to that huge sum, which they then allegedly pocketed.
The scheme fell apart when the real company director came back to work. People started...
The club cricket playoffs are back on after a long break. The top four teams in the National Premier League T20 Blast are playing at Harare Sports Club for the title. Rimuka and Gladiators face off first, with the winner going straight to the final. Takashinga Patriots 1 and Amakhosi 1 play an eliminator match later, where the loser is done.
The team that loses between Rimuka and Gladiators gets another shot against whoever wins the eliminator. That last-chance game decides the second finalist. The whole thing wraps up with the championship match. Rimuka and Gladiators were tied earlier this season, but Rimuka got first place. Takashinga Patriots 1 and Amakhosi 1 were also close in the standings. Entry for fans is free.
