Zimbabwe Raises Ethanol Blending, Cuts Fuel Taxes

Government increases ethanol blending and cuts fuel taxes to address rising costs.

Zimbabwe Raises Ethanol Blending, Cuts Fuel Taxes

Government increases ethanol blending and reviews fuel taxes to address rising costs.

Zimbabwe's government addresses soaring fuel prices, increasing ethanol blending from E5 to E20. Authorities also review fuel taxes and levies. President Mnangagwa recently established a high-level committee, ordering urgent action to tackle these rising costs. This follows sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube confirmed the ethanol blending increase. The policy aims to reduce reliance on global oil prices and shield the economy from external shocks. It seeks to contain domestic fuel costs and stabilize the local market.

Court Grants Biti Bail Amid Outcry

Tendai Biti receives $500 bail in Mutare after campaigning against constitutional amendments.

Opposition politician Tendai Biti and activist Morgan Ncube secured US$500 bail each from a Mutare magistrate. Police arrested them while they attended a meeting to discuss the contentious Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which seeks to extend the President's term. Strict conditions now bar them from convening public meetings without police clearance. Exiled Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine condemned Biti's arrest, and South Africa's Democratic Alliance urged President Ramaphosa to speak out against President Mnangagwa's government regarding the arrest. The arrest has intensified debate over the contentious Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which seeks to extend the President's term and faces resistance from pro-democracy groups.

South Africa Rebuilds Beitbridge Post

South Africa plans rebuilding Beitbridge Border Post after a R37 million fence failed.

South Africa will rebuild the Beitbridge Border Post after Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber declared a R37 million fence "not fit for purpose." This decision follows growing security concerns and intensified efforts to curb illegal crossings along the busiest land border with Zimbabwe. The border post is a crucial economic gateway, and its inefficiency impacts both countries. Minister Schreiber and BMA commissioner Michael Masiapato assessed operational readiness at Beitbridge. The minister stated that technology alone cannot fix corruption at borders, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions.

Parirenyatwa Nurses Demand Salary Review

Nurses at Parirenyatwa Hospital staged a protest demanding an urgent salary review.

Nurses at Parirenyatwa Hospital staged a demonstration, demanding an urgent review of their salaries and improved allowances. The protest severely disrupted hospital operations, with nurses abandoning wards and leaving patients stranded. This action follows a similar job action by nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital just days prior. Many healthcare workers report struggling with the sharp increase in the cost of living, particularly rising fuel and transport costs. The widespread dissatisfaction among medical professionals highlights a critical national issue that could force government intervention.

Zimbabwe Accelerates Muzarabani Oil Project

Government ramps up Muzarabani oil and gas project to reduce reliance on fuel imports.

The Zimbabwean Government accelerates efforts to advance the Muzarabani oil and gas project, positioning it as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy. The government aims to significantly reduce reliance on fuel imports. This initiative is crucial for achieving energy security and national self-sufficiency. It seeks to boost local energy production and stabilize the economy. Successful execution could have transformative long-term economic benefits for the entire nation, impacting foreign currency and fuel costs. This is a key step towards national development.

Mutapa Targets SOE Governance Reform

Mutapa Investment Fund implements systems to strengthen accountability at State-Owned Enterprises.

The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) implements systems to strengthen accountability and transparency at State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). MIF chief executive John Mangudya pledged to end chronic underperformance and fiscal mismanagement within the sector, stating that the 'era of wanton splurging is over.' For decades, SOEs have been a fiscal wound rather than an economic engine, prompting this drive for financial responsibility. Mangudya appeared before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee, outlining the fund's strategy to improve public finances and enhance service delivery.

Operation Dudula Challenges ZEP Extension

Anti-immigration group Operation Dudula takes South Africa's Home Affairs Minister to court.

Anti-immigration group Operation Dudula announced it is taking South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to court. The legal challenge targets the minister’s decision to extend Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) by 18 months. Operation Dudula challenged this extension, set to expire in May 2027. The group has faced accusations of fanning xenophobia. Operation Dudula served a notice of motion against the minister, escalating the dispute over residency status. The court's decision will have profound social and economic consequences for affected individuals. This directly threatens the residency of thousands of Zimbabweans.

Harare Nurses Issue 48-Hour Ultimatum

Nurses at major Harare hospitals issued a 48-hour ultimatum for salary reviews.

Nurses at several major hospitals in Harare downed tools, issuing a a 48-hour ultimatum to the government. They demand an urgent review of their working conditions and salaries. This action follows widespread disruption to operations across critical healthcare services. The ongoing protests highlight a critical national issue. This action underscores the severe economic pressures on essential workers. It could force immediate government intervention to prevent a health crisis.

ZCTU Warns Government Over Levies

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions warns government to remove "irrational" fuel levies.

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) issued a stark warning to the government, demanding the urgent removal of "irrational" fuel levies. The labour body states that failure to act risks widespread unrest, as transport fares continue to surge sharply, burdening commuters. Many citizens are struggling to cope with recent fuel price increases, which are impacting daily life. The ZCTU argues that current levies are a primary driver of these high prices and calls for immediate policy changes to alleviate public hardship.

Minister Warns About Water Scarcity

Lands Minister Masuka issued a warning about water scarcity on World Water Day.

Lands Minister Anxious Masuka issued a warning regarding water scarcity during World Water Day 2026. He highlighted a critical national environmental and resource challenge, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue. Water scarcity affects agriculture, public health, and daily life across the country. This challenge demands immediate attention. The issue carries high future potential for increased food insecurity and public health crises if not effectively managed.

The Jeere 2026-03-25  ·  stories

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