news and current affairs.
UNDP launches AI week to bridge the digital divide
Zimbabwe's digital transformation received backing from the United Nations Development Programme through a weeklong initiative designed to democratize artificial intelligence education and narrow technology access gaps across remote regions. Government ministers from multiple portfolios endorsed the effort, which pairs international development agencies with local academic institutions and commercial partners to establish AI training hubs at rural vocational centers. UNDP Head of Exploration Ruvimbo Violet Katiyo explained that coding and software development instruction will prepare young people for participation in global digital markets, particularly those from communities with limited exposure to emerging technologies. Deputy...
New Ambassador Hotel reopens after $500k upgrade
Zimbabwe's state hospitality operator has completed a half-million-dollar renovation of the New Ambassador Hotel in downtown Harare, transforming all 72 guest quarters with water-efficient fixtures and energy-saving systems. Rainbow Tourism Group chief executive Tendai Madziwanyika said the modernization advances the company's urban renewal efforts while strengthening its position against competitors. The central business district property joins other recently upgraded RTG establishments that have received combined investments exceeding $5 million this year, with Victoria Falls lodges also benefiting from improvement works. The group has deployed $26 million across its portfolio during the past five years to raise service standards and...
Mine is under fire for the deadly conditions, no action taken
A Goromonzi mining operation faces allegations of operating illegally while multiple worker fatalities and serious injuries accumulate at the site. Sources claim Larryscope Investments conducts underground extraction using only a surface certificate rather than proper mining authorization, with regulatory bodies declining to halt activities despite the mounting casualties. Police documentation confirms several incidents over recent months, with workers suffering fatal and permanently disabling injuries from rockfalls in unstable shafts. William Kwirirai sustained back and leg trauma, while Eddie Chirima died instantly when struck by a falling stone. Tafadzwa Muzvidziwa endured catastrophic injuries resulting in permanent wheelchair...
Runde Bridge closure to cause major delays
Transport authorities have announced an emergency shutdown of Runde Bridge along the highway connecting Harare with the border post at Beitbridge, warning travelers to expect substantial disruptions during an 80-minute maintenance window. Engineers will apply protective asphalt surfacing to preserve structural integrity at the crossing point located 105 kilometers south of Masvingo on a heavily trafficked regional thoroughfare. The closure will occur over the upcoming weekend during midday hours, with weather determining whether crews proceed on the first or second day. Officials recommend motorists identify alternate paths and factor additional journey time into their plans while work proceeds on the strategic route serving domestic...
Cimas to host inaugural health media awards
Zimbabwe's largest medical aid provider will recognize exceptional health journalism during an inaugural awards ceremony in Bulawayo as the organization marks eight decades of operation. Cimas Health Group received 120 entries across four categories after opening submissions to print, broadcast and digital reporters, with winners announced at the Cresta Churchill Hotel. The competition sought stories published over six weeks that addressed healthcare transformation, medical innovation, wellness and public health awareness. Chief Executive Vuli Ndlovu praised journalists for strengthening health literacy through accurate reporting, noting that media professionals serve as agents of societal change by making medical information...
IFAD rehabilitates 5,200ha for smallholder farmers
Agricultural development programs backed by international lenders have reached completion across four Zimbabwean provinces, with irrigation infrastructure improvements spanning more than 5,000 hectares of communal farmland. Francesco Rispoli, representing the International Fund for Agricultural Development, confirmed the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme assisted 35,000 rural producers in Manicaland, Midlands, Masvingo and Matabeleland South, with half the participants being women. Active initiatives connect 800 farmer cooperatives with commercial enterprises while developing climate-resistant irrigation systems across an additional 1,780 hectares. A newly launched horticulture project valued at $66.55 million targets...
Kundai Willis wins Emerging Business Icon award
A Zimbabwe-based entrepreneur has received international recognition for her contributions to event management and workforce development. Kundai Willis accepted the Emerging Business Icon in Events and Training Award from She-Millionaire, a South African organization supporting African women through educational programs and mentorship. Willis established Elim Events Group following her graduation from Midlands State University, building an enterprise that provides catering, equipment rental, and professional instruction. Her operation has earned praise for elevating tourism standards while training women who have launched independent ventures. Beyond her business degree, she holds advanced qualifications in disaster management and...
Couple faces court over fake NRZ tender scam
Two Bulawayo residents face fraud allegations after allegedly deceiving an investor out of $60,000 through a fabricated railway contract scheme. Stephen Chitofu and Lakidzani Chitofu denied the charges during their court appearance before regional magistrate Taurai Manuwere, with proceedings set to resume next month. Prosecutors claim the pair, working alongside an accomplice who remains at large, falsely represented Stephen as a National Railways of Zimbabwe employee who had secured a tender requiring capital investment. The accused allegedly offered a Waterford property as collateral, which later proved to belong to someone else. Investigators determined the railway tender never existed, and neither defendant maintained employment...
Okoye urges Udinese to learn from defeat
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye emphasized the need for his squad to minimize errors after their comprehensive defeat against Bologna at home. The Nigerian international made a crucial penalty stop before halftime, but could not prevent three second-half strikes from Tommaso Pobega and Federico Bernardeschi that sealed the visitors' victory. The keeper acknowledged that errors remain inevitable in competitive football but stressed his team must work to limit their frequency. He highlighted the importance of maintaining squad cohesion while preparing for upcoming fixtures, noting that results remain paramount even as the Zebras aim to improve their overall performance levels.
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