Nurses Begin Nationwide Strike

Healthcare workers launch three-day action demanding improved salaries and working conditions.

NRZ to Appoint General Manager

Mutapa Investment Fund states NRZ appoints general manager next month.

The Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) implements robust systems to strengthen institutional accountability and transparency across Zimbabwe's State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). MIF chief executive John Mangudya pledged to end the persistent era of chronic underperformance and fiscal mismanagement that has plagued the sector for decades. As part of efforts to revitalise the parastatal, the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), operating under MIF's oversight, will appoint a substantive general manager early next month. This move aims to improve the parastatal's operational efficiency and service delivery. NRZ has functioned without permanent leadership for over a year, impacting its capacity to contribute effectively to the national economy. The new appointment is expected to drive necessary reforms and ensure greater financial responsibility within the railway system, aligning with MIF's broader governance objectives.

15 Zimbabweans Die in Russia-Ukraine War

Information Minister reveals 15 citizens killed, 66 trapped in conflict.

Information Minister Zhemu Soda confirmed 15 Zimbabwean citizens died fighting for Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war. The government revealed 66 additional Zimbabweans remain trapped and actively involved in the conflict. Suspected human trafficking syndicates reportedly lured these individuals into foreign military recruitment through fraudulent schemes. The government issued a strong warning against these dangerous recruitment scams, which have led to multiple deaths and exploitation. Authorities are making urgent efforts to assist those trapped and to combat the criminal networks responsible for this widespread exploitation. The minister emphasized the severe risks involved, urging citizens to verify overseas job offers to avoid similar fates.

RBZ Suspends ZiG Gold Payments

Reserve Bank halts 10% ZiG payment for small-scale gold miners.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) suspended its plan to disburse 10% of gold proceeds in ZiG currency to small-scale gold miners. This policy reversal comes less than a month after the RBZ unveiled the directive in February as part of the 2026 Monetary Policy Statement. The RBZ had intended to introduce policy fairness within the mining sector, aligning small-scale miners with large-scale operators who traditionally surrender a portion of their earnings. However, operational bottlenecks reportedly caused the decision to defer the 90% foreign currency retention threshold for these miners. This suspension aims to address practical challenges faced by small-scale miners and ensure smooth operations within the critical gold sector.

Opposition Targets Term Extension Bill

ZLHR demands safety for hearings; MDC plans demonstration against proposed law.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) called on authorities to guarantee safety and free expression during upcoming public hearings for the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No.3). Parliament will conduct these nationwide hearings shortly for the bill, which seeks to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) plans a demonstration in Harare against the proposed constitutional changes. Mutare provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa released Tendai Biti and Morgan Ncube on US$500 bail after their arrests related to campaigning against the amendments.

Nurses Announce Three-Day Walkout

Nurses plan three-day walkout; teachers threaten solidarity action.

Nurses across Zimbabwe declared a three-day nationwide strike from April 15 to April 17, 2026, demanding improved salaries and working conditions. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ) signaled its intent to join if the government does not implement wage and allowance increments for civil servants. The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) provided the Health Services Commission with more than the legally required 48-hour notice. Police arrested eleven nurses and fined them US$30 at Marondera Provincial Hospital for attempting to protest over poor working conditions.

Zimbabwe Formalizes Second-Hand Clothes Ban

Government legally enforces ban on used clothing imports via new Statutory Instrument.

Zimbabwe formalized a ban on second-hand clothing imports through Statutory Instrument 59 of 2026. This new legal framework prohibits used clothes importation unless authorized by a government-issued permit. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce moved to enforce this ban despite concerns about the country’s struggling local clothing value chain. This measure aims to protect and stimulate the domestic textile industry, which has faced significant competition from imported used garments. Under these regulations, obtaining a government-issued permit becomes mandatory for any authorized importations, ensuring stricter control over the market and supporting local manufacturers.

Cabinet Approves Higher Ethanol Mix

Finance Minister reveals E5 to E20 ethanol blend increase to lower fuel costs.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that the government will significantly increase ethanol blending from E5 to E20 to reduce fuel prices nationwide. Cabinet approved this plan to address escalating transportation costs and general inflation. The move aims to cushion motorists and consumers against rising global oil prices, stabilizing domestic fuel costs and reducing reliance on foreign currency for fuel imports. Authorities are also reviewing existing fuel taxes and levies as part of a broader fiscal strategy designed to alleviate economic pressures on citizens and businesses across the country.

Health Sector Implements Drug Screening

Medical personnel to undergo mandatory breathalyser and drug tests.

Zimbabwe’s Health Service Commission will introduce mandatory breathalyser tests and drug screenings for all medical personnel. This new initiative specifically targets doctors and nurses across the entire health sector. The measure forms a critical part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of substance abuse within the health profession. Such abuse compromises patient safety and the quality of healthcare nationwide. The commission aims to ensure a sober and responsible healthcare workforce, thereby enhancing public trust and improving overall service delivery within the country's hospitals and clinics.

ZACC Arrests ZANU PF MP

Joel Sithole faces charges of misappropriating ZWG1.2 million CDF funds.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested ZANU PF Member of Parliament Joel Sithole, representing Chiredzi South. Sithole faces serious allegations of misappropriating ZWG1.2 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He reportedly received ZWG1,234,150.00 from Parliament in August 2025 for constituency development projects, including a classroom block and staff housing. Instead of designated use, the MP allegedly diverted the money for personal expenses, including beer, groceries, and hotel bookings.

Gwanda Suffers Water Supply Disruption

Dam breach due to heavy rains disrupts town's water supply.

Gwanda residents grapple with water challenges after heavy rains caused the Mtshabezi High School Dam to breach. This disrupted the town’s essential water supply infrastructure. The flooding Mtshabezi River damaged vital infrastructure, crippling the town’s capacity to deliver water. Residents face prolonged water shortages as a result of the dam breach and infrastructure damage. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and are working on emergency measures to restore water supply. The disruption creates significant challenges for daily life and public health in the affected areas of Gwanda.

The Jeere 2026-03-27  ·  stories

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