Zimbabwe has launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), a program designed to enhance conservation funding, promote the sustainable use of natural resources, and foster inclusive economic growth. Environment Minister Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu announced the initiative at its official launch in Harare, calling it a strategic milestone in the country’s development.
Ndlovu said BIOFIN will help close the gap in conservation financing by assessing current spending, identifying needs, and creating targeted funding solutions. She emphasized that managing Zimbabwe’s wildlife, particularly its overpopulated elephant herds, places a heavy financial burden on the state. Revenue from responsibly managed wildlife stockpiles, she added, is not...
Police in Harare disrupted an opposition campaign launch on Tuesday aimed at resisting efforts by Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028. Officers entered the SAPES Trust offices and ordered participants to disperse as opposition figures, including Tendai Biti, Job Sikhala, Munyaradzi Gwisai, and Jacob Ngarivhume, prepared to speak. Organizers said the event sought to mobilize public resistance against what they called a “term-extension plot” that could keep Mnangagwa in office until 2030.
Sources reported that the SAPES Trust conference room had been petrol-bombed earlier that day, allegedly by suspected state agents, causing property damage and escalating tensions. Sikhala condemned...
Colonel Minyothabo Baloyi, wife of Zimbabwean Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga, has been accused by former legislator Temba Mliswa of using her position in Military Intelligence to support her husband’s political aspirations. Mliswa alleged that Baloyi, a senior officer in the Military Intelligence Department, is operating a “parallel structure” within the security forces and undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mliswa claimed Baloyi’s actions are tied to Chiwenga’s reported opposition to efforts by Mnangagwa allies to extend the president’s rule beyond 2028. He also suggested that a recent power outage during Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address was an act of sabotage by Chiwenga’s camp. Mliswa argued that Baloyi’s dual...
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was absent from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address on Tuesday due to a medical appointment in South Africa, the presidency confirmed. Presidential spokesman George Charamba stated that Chiwenga, 69, had a scheduled medical review and has since returned to Zimbabwe.
His absence during the opening of the third session of the tenth parliament drew attention, as Second Vice President Kembo Mohadi attended the event. Chiwenga’s last known public appearance was on October 25 at the 75th anniversary of St Luke’s Mission and Hospital in Lupane, following a tour of development projects in Matabeleland South.
Speculation about internal tensions within Zanu PF has grown amid reports...
The Jamaica National Group launched its humanitarian fund to assist communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Category 5 storm struck the island on Monday, causing widespread destruction across multiple parishes, from Westmoreland to Kingston.
The foundation accepts monetary contributions through JN Bank or JN Money for distribution to vulnerable facilities such as children's homes and healthcare centers. Paulette Simpson from the organization said recovery involves restoring security and daily life beyond physical reconstruction.
The group partnered with Food for the Poor in the United Kingdom to ship emergency items. Supplies will reach affected areas after safety conditions improve. The ISupportJamaica platform began...
Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba promised to remove administrative barriers that discourage investment at the provincial conference on Thursday. She instructed municipal officials to expedite permit approvals after investors complained about delays, following the 120 billion rand pledged last year. The government plans streamlined procedures for land permits and environmental reviews.
Ramathuba acknowledged the province lacks technical workers for its resource economy. Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa noted Limpopo holds 72 percent of national platinum deposits but operates no mining academy. The premier aims to establish partnerships between colleges and companies to train 1,000 students annually in engineering and geology.
The...
Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong urged the Group of 20 to address inequality and expand digital access at a gathering in the Free State on Thursday. Morolong addressed residents at Falesizwe Secondary School Hall in Frankfort as part of outreach programs ahead of the Johannesburg summit, scheduled for November 22 through November 23. South Africa assumed the presidency on December 1, 2024, becoming the first African nation to lead the economic forum.
The deputy minister said broadband access should be treated as essential infrastructure rather than a privilege. He called for the regulation of artificial intelligence to prevent algorithmic bias and protect personal information. South Africa aims to have technology development reflect...
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said two brothers accused of killing rapper AKA and his associate Tibz will face trial after dropping their extradition appeal from Eswatini. Siyabonga Gezani Ndimande and Malusi David Ndimande withdrew their challenge on Thursday. The siblings were arrested in Mbabane in February 2024 and fought extradition for over a year.
Five suspects already await trial in South Africa, scheduled for July 2026. Prosecutors claim the brothers shot Kiernan Forbes and Tebello Motsoane outside a Durban restaurant in February 2023. The minister thanked law enforcement officials from both countries for their cooperation in the case.
The accused faces murder charges plus conspiracy, and firearms violations. Video...
Former police chief Riah Phiyega rejected claims that businessman Vusimusi Matlala visited her residence before his arrest in May. Phiyega released a statement on Thursday, stating that she had never met Matlala and calling the allegations false. She requested guidance from the Madlanga Commission on disputing the testimony of a protected witness.
The witness stated that Matlala mentioned leaving Phiyega's home after police stopped him on May 14 when his Mercedes hit a pothole in Midrand. Matlala faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges connected to his former partner, Tebogo Thobejane. Officers arrested him without a chase after his tire was punctured from speeding above the 60-kilometer-per-hour limit.
The commission...
