news and current affairs.
Govt's own Mutapa Fund abandons sinking ship Beta Holding
Zimbabwe's Mutapa Investment Fund has abandoned plans to acquire stakes in Beta Holding after initially expressing interest in the struggling brick manufacturer. The sovereign wealth fund represents the fifth investor to retreat from negotiations with the company, which has operated under voluntary business rescue proceedings since December. Anonymous sources familiar with the matter described shock at the fund's sudden reversal without explanation. Beta Holdings and business rescue practitioner Tinashe Rwodzi declined to comment on the withdrawal. The pattern of investor departures suggests deeper structural problems within the brick-making enterprise. Beta Holdings accumulated substantial debts that triggered its entry into corporate...
Namibia stands ready to inflict more misery on Zimbabwe Sables
Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki approaches the twilight of his international rugby career with one final ambition driving him forward. The 33-year-old veteran leads his Sables squad into Saturday's Rugby Africa Cup final against Namibia at Uganda's Mandela National Stadium. Victory would secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Defeat would force Zimbabwe into the global Repechage tournament, a notoriously challenging path to qualification. The match represents years of sacrifice and dedication for the entire squad. Namibia has dominated this rivalry throughout rugby history, claiming 30 victories from their 34 total encounters. The Welwitschias have qualified for seven consecutive World Cups, often...
Martin Mlilo's desperate bid to save a dying Ndebele culture
Zimbabwean literary figure Martin Mlilo prepares to release his forthcoming publication Imvelo leSintu Sethu this August 28. The Ndebele-language work represents his latest effort to preserve indigenous knowledge systems and cultural traditions. Mlilo previously authored poems such as Umnyaka Omusha and Akuvumi Ngithule that examine cultural identity and social themes. His newest publication addresses customary practices, environmental conservation, cultural heritage, historical narratives, and traditional folklore. The author targets young audiences seeking connections to their ancestral roots. Environmental degradation and disappearing cultural values motivated Mlilo to document traditional wisdom before its potential loss. He...
No youth, no future for Zimbabwe's US$1bn fisheries fantasy
Zimbabwe advances ambitious plans to develop its fisheries and aquaculture industry into a billion-dollar economic sector. The Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department released findings showing vast potential within the nation's 10,700 underutilized dams and lakes. Officials project this transformation will generate employment opportunities while strengthening food security across rural communities. Professor Obert Jiri from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development describes these water bodies as engines for economic growth beyond traditional nutrition purposes. The sector promises to revolutionize transportation, tourism and job creation throughout the country. Government initiatives achieved...
Mpilo Hospital admits to blanket shortage as patients freeze
Old Mutual delivered 250 blankets to Mpilo Central Hospital during a handover ceremony that marked another milestone in the company's Winter Warmer Expo program. The financial services provider has established this annual initiative as a cornerstone of its community outreach efforts across Zimbabwe. Operations manager Gladys Bugalo emphasized the organization's dedication to supporting vulnerable institutions during harsh weather conditions. She highlighted how the donation represents core values of respect, integrity and accountability that define the company's mission. The blankets will provide essential warmth for patients and caregivers who face difficult circumstances during winter months. The Winter Warmer Expo operates through a...
Broken hearts and depression fuel new faces of Zim comedy
Frank Chirisa will present a stand-up comedy showcase featuring emerging talent at The Roasted Bean on July 19. The event highlights ten new performers who developed their skills through Burg Comedy Club's open microphone sessions. Audience members will select the winner who earns placement on Chirisa's national tour called Frankly Speaking. The founder emphasizes career development and audience engagement as primary objectives for participants. Performers bring diverse backgrounds to the showcase lineup. Brendon Mbofana views comedy as therapeutic healing after personal disappointments while nineteen-year-old Christian Ndlovu considers humor his natural coping mechanism. Kudhuz Tha Bishop aims to alleviate stress and mental health...
Puma's £1bn Man City deal ignores 130 financial charges
Puma secured Manchester City through a record-breaking agreement valued at approximately one billion pounds across the next decade. The German sportswear manufacturer will pay roughly 100 million pounds annually, surpassing the club's previous 65 million pound yearly contract. This arrangement exceeds Manchester United's recent Adidas partnership worth around 900 million pounds over ten years. Liverpool also established fresh terms with Adidas beginning this current season. The deal represents the most expensive kit sponsorship in Premier League history. Marketing experts suggest Puma focuses on selective partnerships rather than diversifying across multiple teams like Nike and Adidas. Mark Thompson from EngageRM emphasized that eight...
No one is coming to save us, say villagers in dying Mudzi
Rural communities across Mudzi and Mutoko districts have transformed drought-stricken landscapes into thriving agricultural centers through innovative farming techniques. Extreme heat and water shortages that once devastated these regions have become catalysts for sustainable development initiatives. Traditional crops like millet and sorghum provide reliable harvests while solar-powered systems generate clean energy for local households. Community cooperatives have emerged as powerful engines driving economic growth and food security improvements. John and Martha Kapfunde exemplify this agricultural revolution after establishing a modern farming operation that produces drought-resistant grains for domestic and international markets...
Business elite launch their own awards, snub political leaders
Bulawayo businessman Morris Mpala established a recognition program called Series of Honour to celebrate Zimbabwe's business and financial sector leaders. The former bank treasurer created this initiative to fill a societal gap in acknowledging economic contributors beyond political figures. Mpala believes the program will encourage excellence among entrepreneurs while reinforcing ethical business standards throughout the community. The recognition system aims to inspire young business leaders and strengthen Zimbabwe's economic foundation. This cultural shift toward appreciating business success may generate a more dynamic and resilient national economy. Kingdom Holdings founder Nigel Chanakira received the inaugural honor for his 1994...
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