news and current affairs.
Mwazha succession storm brews after farewell
The death of Archbishop Paul Mwazha, leader of the African Apostolic Church, has raised concerns about a potential succession dispute within the religious institution. He was a revered spiritual figure whose teachings significantly influenced Zimbabwe's religious community. A previous conflict emerged among his family members regarding his successor. In one instance, his son Alfred Kushamisa Mwazha asserted his appointment, while his nephews Nyasha and Malcom supported another son, Tawanda. This public disagreement created apprehension among followers about a possible church division. Such leadership battles have previously affected other Zimbabwean churches, including AFM Zimbabwe and ZAOGA, often leading to organizational splits and...
Katsande eyes junior job to fix Zim football
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has announced his ambition to coach Zimbabwe's Under-17 and Under-20 national teams. He believes the country's senior team struggles stem from inadequate youth development and a reliance on patchwork solutions. Katsande, who runs his own Kitoko Soccer School, stated that a proper youth structure is essential for producing technically skilled players. He pointed to South Africa's successful junior models as a blueprint, emphasizing their ability to develop talents for top leagues. He aims to build competitive youth sides that mirror international tactical and physical standards. Having already obtained his CAF C Licence, Katsande plans to pursue a CAF B Licence. He expressed his...
VID clipped, new traffic cops hit the road
The Zimbabwean government will remove the Vehicle Inspectorate Department's authority to patrol highways and inspect vehicles on the road. Transport Minister Felix Mhona announced the planned change, explaining that the VID will be restricted to conducting inspections only within its depots. A new Road Traffic Safety Authority will be established to centralize enforcement. This body, evolving from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, will have inspectors empowered to stop vehicles, issue tickets, and investigate accidents. Minister Mhona emphasized that the new system aims to prevent duplicated efforts, with the VID focusing on technical depot inspections while the new authority handles roadside enforcement.
Phindile Gwala's video draws side-eye
A recent social media video of actress Phindile Gwala dancing has attracted significant criticism from online commentators. Many users argued that the clip, which featured the former Muvhango star, focused on displaying her body rather than demonstrating dance skills. Specific comments accused Gwala of intentionally showcasing her figure, with some individuals dismissing the performance as merely spinning her curves. Others suggested the video was an attempt to gain clout, with one user stating she was showing her body, not dance moves. The criticism largely centered on the perception that the content was provocative.
OK downsizes, stores shutter as debts bite
OK Zimbabwe Limited has closed 11 non-viable stores, including three Food Lover’s Market outlets, reducing its total operations to 62 locations. The retailer cited declining revenue driven by supply chain issues, exchange rate instability, and intense competition as reasons for the downsizing. It reported an annual loss exceeding 25 million US dollars. The company has undertaken several financial measures, including a renounceable rights offer that raised 20 million dollars and a plan to sell freehold properties to address its debt of over 30 million dollars. A further three stores are currently being shuttered as part of the restructuring. Operating costs have been reduced by 35 percent, with an additional 15 percent cut planned. The...
Rebate ruse rumbled, luxury rides roll back
Authorities in Zimbabwe have seized more than 500 vehicles, valued at nearly two million US dollars, for the alleged illegal exploitation of a duty-free import program for civil servants. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority conducted the joint operation targeting the Civil Servants Motor Vehicle Rebate Scheme. Michael Reza, the ZACC Chairperson, confirmed the investigation began last year. He reported that thousands of suspected abuse cases had been identified and that hundreds of case files had been forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority for legal action. The program permits long-serving civil servants to import cars without duty but prohibits selling them within five years. During a...
Digital threat looms over Indigenous heritage
Indigenous and marginalized communities globally face the unauthorized commercial use of their cultural heritage in the digital age. Their traditional knowledge, artistic expressions, and sacred symbols are increasingly vulnerable to replication and misuse by outside entities, including artificial intelligence systems. This exploitation often occurs without consent, compensation, or acknowledgment of the originating communities. Proactive measures are essential for protection. Communities can strengthen their rights through comprehensive documentation of their traditions and by advocating for updated legal frameworks that recognize collective ownership. Building ethical partnerships with technology developers and educating the public...
Zambezi Batoka dam project powers ahead
Zambia and Zimbabwe have appointed Synergy Consulting as the lead financial advisor for the Batoka Gorge hydropower project, a joint venture valued at 4.5 billion US dollars. The dam on the Zambezi River is projected to generate 2,400 megawatts of electricity for the two nations. Munyaradzi Munodawafa, CEO of the Zambezi River Authority, stated that the US-based firm would manage the tender process and prepare bid proposals. He confirmed the project would be a public-private partnership with majority government ownership. The initiative, previously delayed by the pandemic and funding challenges, is scheduled to commence its tender phase next year. The need for new power sources follows recent electricity shortages in both countries...
Remote Matobo farms grapple with water woes
A2 farms in the Matobo district, often established on subdivided former ranches, face significant operational hurdles due to their remote locations and arid ecology. These livestock enterprises, managed by owners who frequently reside in urban areas, struggle with securing reliable water sources and marketing their cattle. Many have invested in fencing and boreholes, though drilling attempts often fail in the deep water table, forcing a reliance on expensive imported feed. The challenging terrain and long distances make transporting animals to auction houses or abattoirs in Bulawayo costly. This limits profitability, especially when dealing with established market cartels. Farm management heavily depends on hired labor, but retaining...
Top