Mnangagwa Orders Fuel Tax Review, Bill Debates Continue

President Mnangagwa addresses fuel costs, as constitutional amendment hearings face security demands.

Mnangagwa Orders Fuel Tax Review

President Mnangagwa forms committee to tackle rising fuel costs.

President Mnangagwa established a high-level committee to address rising fuel prices, aiming to increase ethanol blending and cut fuel taxes. This action follows recent sharp increases in fuel costs, with ZERA hiking diesel to US$2.05 and petrol to US$2.17 per litre.The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) warns authorities to remove "irrational" fuel taxes. Transport fares surge, and Senator Jerry Gotora questioned ZERA’s continued price hikes despite local ethanol blending.Critics argue increased taxes, not global conflict, primarily drive the surge, noting the government collects 86 cents per litre in tax. Zimbabwe's fuel is now the second most expensive in SADC, after Malawi.Parliament and the Energy Minister received petitions over the hikes. The Nationalists Alliance Party (NAP) advocates for a “lithium-for-fuel” policy to mitigate the price surge.

MPs Seek Security for Bill Hearings

Legislators call for heightened security at upcoming Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 public hearings.

Legislators called for heightened security at public hearings for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3. This demand follows fears of potential violence and disruptions during consultations.The proposed Bill continues to stir political tensions across the country. It seeks to extend the President's term, a provision causing significant contention.Concerns about violence during public hearings previously led to ZRP cancellations. Civic society groups label past consultations “cosmetic” due to limited venues and timeframes.The Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 shapes presidential term limits and Zimbabwe's democratic framework.

Beijing Warns Firms on Zimbabwe Mineral Ban

Chinese Embassy urges compliance after Zimbabwe bans raw mineral exports, impacting lithium.

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe warned its nationals and companies to strengthen compliance following government policy shifts. This includes a ban on raw minerals and lithium concentrates exports.Zimbabwe suspended raw mineral exports on February 25, citing alleged malpractices and leakages. The ban puts Chinese firms, including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, under pressure.Zimbabwe's decision aims to accelerate local value addition and reclaim resources. The policy change reshapes the country's mining sector and aims to drive industrialization. The embassy urged investors to heighten risk awareness and ensure full compliance with Zimbabwean laws.

Police Detain Tendai Biti in Term Limit Dispute

Opposition politician Tendai Biti detained in Mutare over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 discussions.

Police detained former Finance Minister Tendai Biti and several activists in Mutare. This detention occurred during rising tensions over President Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his term.Biti was organizing a rally for his civic-rights group, the Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF), when arrested. The proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill seeks to extend the President's term, facing resistance from pro-democracy groups.Biti spent the weekend in police custody and will appear in court. This incident signals escalating political tensions.The Bill, if enacted, could allow President Mnangagwa to serve beyond 2028.

Parliament Gazettes Term Limit Bill

Parliament gazetted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

The Speaker of Parliament gazetted the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 on February 16, 2026. This action initiates the formal process for significant constitutional changes.President Emmerson Mnangagwa began his second and final term in 2023, set to expire in 2028. If enacted, the Bill could allow the President to serve beyond his current term, when he would be 86 years old.This move is a critical political development, shaping presidential term limits. The Bill faces strong opposition from various groups, including bishops and opposition figures.This bill could fundamentally alter Zimbabwe's political landscape and governance structure. It raises concerns about executive consolidation and democratic integrity.

Government Caps ZIMSEC Subjects, Orders Refunds

Government limits ZIMSEC subjects to nine, mandating refunds for excess exam fees.

The government ordered schools to refund exam fees for subjects beyond a strict new limit. This policy effectively caps the number of ZIMSEC subjects students can register for at nine, drawing a clear line for academic high-flyers. This move represents a strategic policy shift for the national education system, aiming to streamline the examination process and manage educational resources more efficiently. Critics, however, argue that such a cap may inadvertently limit student opportunities and potentially impact academic standards in the long run. Schools across the country must now comply with this refund directive, adjusting their registration procedures accordingly. The government's decision intends to ensure a more standardized approach to examinations and resource allocation.

Mnangagwa Places ZISCO Under Mutapa Investment Fund

President Mnangagwa moves ZISCO to Mutapa Investment Fund for revival efforts.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa placed the defunct Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (ZISCO) under the Mutapa Investment Fund. This move aims to revive the collapsed steelmaker, which was once the backbone of Zimbabwe's industrial sector. ZISCO has been idle for years due to mismanagement and significant debt. The amendment means the Mutapa Investment Fund will now oversee ZISCO, taking on the responsibility for its turnaround. This initiative indicates a commitment to industrial rejuvenation and economic recovery. The challenge involves addressing years of operational failures and attracting necessary capital to ensure a successful revival.

Dorowa Mine Targets May Fertiliser Production

Dorowa Mine expects fertiliser production by May, reducing import bill.

Dorowa Mine expects to produce fertilisers this May, a development poised to significantly reduce the government's import bill. The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) capitalized the mine with US$5.3 million late last year, aiming to revive Zimbabwe’s sole phosphate producer and substantially increase its fertiliser output. Senate members received this update, highlighting the initiative's crucial role in supporting national food security and enhancing agricultural productivity. This strategic move is vital for Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, as it holds the potential to boost local productivity and decrease reliance on costly imports, fostering greater economic stability.

UN, Zimbabwe Craft New Development Plan

United Nations and government begin shaping a five-year development framework for 2027-31.

The United Nations (UN) and the Zimbabwean government officially began shaping a five-year development framework for 2027-31. This joint effort will guide national development efforts across all sectors.It signals a collaborative approach to long-term national planning. The framework defines socio-economic progress and aims to attract international support.This initiative requires extensive consultation and strategic alignment between both parties. It addresses various development challenges within the country.This is of high strategic importance, as it will shape socio-economic progress and attract international support. It holds significant potential for national development.

Abductors Target Student Leader

Chinhoyi University student leader reportedly abducted over 2030 Constitutional Amendment Bill.

Abductors reportedly targeted a student leader at Chinhoyi University. This incident occurred in connection with the 2030 Constitutional Amendment Bill, drawing immediate condemnation. The Action Democratic Movement (ADM) strongly condemned the reported abduction, highlighting it as a clear suppression of dissent. This alleged abduction follows rising tensions over the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which seeks to extend the President’s term. Such incidents often cause public outrage and prompt calls for thorough investigation. It further escalates political tensions nationwide regarding constitutional reforms and civil liberties.

The Jeere 2026-03-23  ·  stories

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