news and current affairs.
Govt bins driver retesting and trims transport fees
They just scrapped mandatory driver retesting entirely. The government eliminated the rule, signaling a major deregulation push for the transport sector. Transport Minister Felix Mhona confirmed the change, instructing law enforcement that compliance is no longer enforceable. This move aims to cut red tape and lower operating costs across the industry. Previously, drivers of public service vehicles and trucks faced periodic practical assessments by the Vehicle Inspectorate Department. That requirement attracted complaints about duplicated processes, extra fees, and wasted time. The retesting fee itself costs around thirty dollars, not including lost productivity during appointments. A broader review also slashed various official...
Zim eyes $900m border glow up to chase transit clout
They're throwing nearly a billion dollars at the border mess. The government plans a major overhaul of four key ports of entry, targeting Forbes, Chirundu, Nyamapanda, and Kanyemba. This push aims to position Zimbabwe as a regional transit hub under the AfCFTA agreement, tackling notorious trade bottlenecks with modern infrastructure. A total investment just shy of nine hundred fifty million dollars is outlined for the upgrades. Forbes Border Post, leading into Mozambique, is slated for a massive revamp costing over two hundred thirty million. The project focuses on faster customs processing and improved security to ease congestion along the Beira Corridor. Chirundu’s modernization, pegged at almost seventy million, will use a...
Minister comes for bush boarding cash grabs
The government is coming hard on illegal boarding houses hiding in plain sight. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerai Moyo issued a stern warning against unregistered facilities, commonly called bush boarding. These operations, prevalent in Manicaland areas like Buhera and Mutare, often convert private homes into dormitories for students. Minister Moyo emphasized that such setups violate policy and endanger children. He stated all learners must reside in proper facilities with qualified boarding masters or matrons. These unofficial houses lack supervision and have been linked to juvenile delinquency and substance abuse. The minister urged communities to report illegal operators to authorities for immediate action. He...
Printflow bets $3.4m on shiny machines to stay relevant
Printflow just dropped a ton of cash on some fancy new gear. The printing firm commissioned a set of six advanced machines, a move backed by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube with an investment exceeding three million dollars. This equipment, including a Heidelberg CX104 and a Polar 137 Guillotine, aims to drastically boost production capacity and regional competitiveness. Minister Ncube stated that the technology strengthens the company's market position and supports broader national economic goals. He confirmed the financial outlay from his ministry was part of a strategic push for industrial growth. The investment is also expected to generate employment in various downstream sectors that use printed materials. Company board chair...
Manicaland rains kill two and wreck bridges and schools
Heavy rains wrecked parts of Manicaland, claiming lives and smashing infrastructure. Provincial authorities confirmed two fatalities amid widespread damage from the storms. One victim drowned in Rusape Dam located in Makoni District, while another person was killed by a lightning strike in Chipinge District. Multiple bridges and buildings were damaged across the region. The Nyanga District saw three bridges, a footbridge, and four houses damaged, with the roof blown off the Nyamudzi Clinic. In Chimanimani District, a school classroom block lost its roof, and Mutasa District reported two damaged houses. No major incidents were recorded in Mutare or Buhera districts. John Misi, leading the Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland, urged...
Rains bail out Zim water fears as dams near full
Dam levels are way up after all that rain, easing a ton of pressure. Recent rainfall across Zimbabwe has significantly boosted national water security, with reservoir capacities seeing a major jump. Marjorie Munyonga from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority confirmed the improved situation, noting the rise places the country in a stronger position for urban supply and irrigation needs. The national dam level average has reached a high percentage, a substantial increase over the previous period. Multiple dams are now spilling due to the inflows, including Tugwi-Mukosi, Gwenoro, Mamina, and Manyuchi. Others like Zhovhe, Muzhwi, and Rusape are also listed among those overflowing. Even Bulawayo's historically stressed supply dams...
IShowSpeed visit exposes Zim creators playing minor leagues
The chaos of a viral visit exposed who's really ready for the big leagues. American YouTuber IShowSpeed's African tour stop in Zimbabwe sent local content creators into a panic, with most in Harare completely unprepared for the young internet sensation's arrival. Instead of planning collaborative content, many simply watched the opportunity pass by. Only Mudiwa B Jani and Chillspot Records managed to secure a studio session with Speed outside his home country. The local creator, a noted lookalike of the influencer, matched his chaotic energy during their meeting in Harare. Their collaboration featured spontaneous challenges and interactions with locals. Most Zimbabwean creators only reacted once the influencer departed. A parody song...
Harare council finally eyes hiring gear to fix floods
Harare's flooding mess is forcing some desperate moves. The city council plans to rent heavy machinery to tackle severely blocked drains, a direct response to the widespread waterlogging. Councillor Jane Bhingari, who leads the health and disaster committee, confirmed the decision. This came after discussions with national government bodies like the Civil Protection Unit and various resident groups at the townhouse. Bhingari stated the goal is to prevent flash flooding during future heavy rainfall. The city lacks sufficient equipment for the large-scale cleanup across Harare. Standard procurement rules, however, threaten to stall everything. The tender process, followed by review from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe...
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa says he patched things up with rivals
Political feuds might get overblown, according to the nation's president, who insists dialogue always remains possible. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa reflected on past relationships with major political figures, stating they were built on mutual respect and shared history. He emphasized that national stability requires constructive engagement over division, a lesson from the country's political journey. His relationship with the late former president featured a significant reconciliation. The president stated misinformation from third parties caused a rift, but direct discussions resolved it completely before the former leader's passing. He described being summoned back after a period of misunderstanding, with apologies extended for the...
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