Ikka News - Today's Most Significant Stories from Zimbabwe

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Caston Matewu was ejected from Zimbabwe's National Assembly on Tuesday after a heated exchange on the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill. Deputy Speaker Tsitsi Gezi cut off his contribution for exceeding time, prompting Matewu to toss a copy of the Constitution in protest, per local reports. The incident has escalated tensions between the ruling party and opposition over the controversial bill.

Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a stake in Kenya's Sh375 billion ($2.9 billion) Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion, reigniting concerns about procurement transparency, Billionaires Africa reported. Zanu PF apologist Cleopas Mukungunugwa praised Chivayo's move, drawing further scrutiny of the deal. The project was previously awarded to India's Adani Group less than two years ago.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) cut its benchmark policy rate to 30 percent from 35 percent with immediate effect, citing a fundamental shift toward low and stable inflation, the Financial Gazette reported. The Monetary Policy Committee said the reduction aims to support economic growth and lower lending costs. The move marks a significant easing from the tight monetary stance adopted to stabilize the ZiG currency.

Zimbabwe's foreign currency earnings increased by 39.1 percent to US$8.3 billion during the first five months of 2026, driven by robust economic growth momentum, official data reveals. According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mushayavanhu, the figure marks a significant increase from the US$6 billion recorded during the same period in 2025. The inflow boost strengthens the country's external position amid ongoing currency reforms.

Cabinet approved a new minimum wage of US$90 per month for domestic workers, effective immediately, iHarare and NewZimbabwe.com reported. Workers in unclassified operations received a minimum of US$270. The gazetted rates cover gardeners, cooks, and minders, and are designed to improve livelihoods for those outside National Employment Councils.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene a ministerial cluster meeting in Bulawayo from June 22 to 26, 2026, to coordinate policies on transport, communications and climate resilience, Channel Africa reported. Discussions will also cover artificial intelligence integration across the region. The summit aims to drive regional infrastructure development and economic integration.

Zimbabwe's foreign currency reserves backing the ZiG increased to US$1.5 billion as of May 2026, providing the country with approximately 1.5 months of import cover, latest data shows. This is a significant increase from the US$276 million held at the time the ZiG was introduced in April 2024. The ZiG is backed by gold and foreign reserves, bolstering confidence in the currency.

Nine people, including two minors, died and 25 others were injured when a bus collided with a goods train at a level crossing in Chiredzi on Tuesday morning, local reports said. The accident occurred at around 8:43 am along Mbizi Road in Triangle, Masvingo Province. National Railways of Zimbabwe confirmed the incident, which has raised concerns about rail crossing safety.

Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo dismissed Walter Magaya's application to refer his rape case to the Constitutional Court, saying it raised no constitutional questions, NewsDay reported. Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, argued the complainant withdrew allegations. The dismissal is a major blow to the embattled pastor's legal strategy.

FIFA has approved significant funding for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), raising hopes for game-changing reforms, iHarare reported. The financial injection is expected to support football development and administrative restructuring in the country. The move comes after Zimbabwe's recent return to international football following a ban.

The Zimbabwean government has deployed 80 newly certified community lay counsellors to tackle drug abuse at the grassroots level, focusing on detection, prevention, and psychological rehabilitation, the Daily News reported. The initiative targets communities in Bulawayo and aims to curb the growing drug crisis. The counsellors will work alongside local authorities to identify and assist affected individuals.

Chitungwiza Municipality has ordered the removal of pool tables at unauthorised sites within seven days, citing that they have become hubs for drug dealing, NewZimbabwe.com reported. The directive targets residential areas, overnight bays, tuckshops, and transport terminals. The municipality adopted the resolution during its 508th Ordinary Council meeting.

Cabinet approved Rutenga Growth Point in Masvingo Province as the venue for the 2027 Independence Day celebrations, NewZimbabwe.com reported. The site was selected for the 47th Independence Anniversary and Children's Party, presented by Vice President Kembo Mohadi. The decision marks a shift from traditional urban venues to a rural growth point.

Growing evidence suggests Kaizer Chiefs have chosen their next head coach, with reports indicating an announcement is imminent, iHarare reported. The South African football club has been without a permanent coach since parting ways with interim leadership. The new appointment is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and its Guangzhou campus presented the SURREALITY Mixed Reality × AI Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition, iHarare reported via Media OutReach. The exhibition leverages innovative technologies to drive cultural mobility and foster global exchange.

Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) has been recognized for the first time in the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking, iHarare reported via Media OutReach. The listing marks a milestone in the group's development and reaffirms its position among leading industrial corporations in the region.

Beijing Tong Ren Tang launched "The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey," a school outreach programme for primary students, iHarare reported via Media OutReach. The initiative combines story-based learning with hands-on visits to a Chinese medicine production base. It aims to bring traditional Chinese medicine to life through fun, interactive engagement.