Ramaphosa Farm Visit Sparks Regional Diplomatic Row

South African President visits Mnangagwa as ZANU-PF internal rifts deepen.

Ramaphosa Farm Visit Stirs Regional Diplomatic Tensions

South African President visits Mnangagwa as ZANU-PF internal rifts deepen.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited President Emmerson Mnangagwa at his Precabe farm in Kwekwe this Sunday. The meeting included business figures Wicknell Chivayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, drawing criticism from opposition figures in both nations. The Democratic Alliance in South Africa labeled the trip evidence of ANC support for Mnangagwa’s administration. Reports suggest the discussion touched on the Constitutional Amendment Bill and potential leadership changes involving Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. The visit intensified existing rifts within ZANU-PF and prompted warnings from regional observers regarding the optics of the engagement. This meeting highlights concerns over state capture.

Government Enforces ZIMSEC Exam Monopoly by 2027

Authorities mandate local examinations for all students, phasing out parallel systems.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a directive requiring all schools to adopt the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) curriculum by 2027. This policy effectively ends the parallel examination system, forcing current Form 3 and Lower 6 students enrolled in Cambridge programs to transition to local assessments. The decision has triggered widespread backlash from educators and parents who argue that education should not be a state-mandated monopoly. Critics contend the top-down approach ignores public feedback and risks undermining academic standards. The government frames the move as a necessary step toward a unified national system.

Zimbabwe Launches First African Lithium Sulfate Plant

US$400 million facility marks a shift toward mineral value addition.

Zimbabwe has achieved a significant industrial milestone with the launch of a US$400 million plant capable of producing lithium sulfate. The country manufactured the chemical compound on African soil for the first time, signaling a strategic pivot away from the export of raw mineral ores. By processing lithium locally, the government aims to capture more value within the domestic economy. The project aligns with national goals to industrialize the mining sector and reduce reliance on foreign processing facilities.

Chief Justice Malaba Retirement Ceremony Scheduled

Constitutional Court sets May 14 for ceremonial sitting.

The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe has scheduled a special ceremonial sitting for May 14 to mark the retirement of Chief Justice Luke Malaba. Legal and political observers are closely monitoring the transition at the helm of the judiciary. The event serves as a formal conclusion to Malaba’s tenure, with observers watching for any signals regarding the future direction of the bench.

Sikhala Explosives Trial Postponed to August

Former MP appears in South African court on possession charges.

Former Member of Parliament Job Sikhala and his uncle, Alex Thema, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Monday regarding charges of possessing illegal explosives. The proceedings were postponed until August, a delay that has drawn sharp criticism from the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG). The group alleges that the trial is a form of political persecution and suggests the timing of the postponement correlates with recent regional diplomatic engagements.

Starlink Entry Forces Local ISP Price Cuts

Market disruption drives down data costs for Zimbabwean consumers.

The entry of Starlink into the Zimbabwean market is triggering a strategic shift among established internet service providers. Faced with competition from the satellite provider, which offers household packages for as low as US$10 per month, local firms are cutting prices to retain their customer base. Providers charging high mobile data tariffs previously dominated the market. The arrival of a low-cost alternative is now forcing a rethink of pricing models across the sector.

China-Zimbabwe Trade Reaches Record US$4.4 Billion

Bilateral economic ties deepen as Beijing eliminates tariffs.

Bilateral trade between China and Zimbabwe hit a record high of US$4.4 billion last year, according to the Chinese ambassador. The growth reflects deepening economic ties as Beijing implements a zero-tariff policy for African products. This policy aims to open the Chinese market to more Zimbabwean goods, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. While the trade volume is significant, the challenge remains to ensure that various sectors distribute the economic gains rather than concentrating them in specific industries.

Hwange Power Station Units Set for Refurbishment

ZPC procures equipment to stabilize national electricity supply.

The Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has initiated the procurement of essential equipment to refurbish units 2 and 4 at the Hwange Power Station. This maintenance project will shore up the country’s electricity supply and improve grid stability. While the project is routine in nature, it is essential for maintaining the operational capacity of the station and ensuring a more reliable energy output for industrial and domestic use.

Nationwide Title Deeds Validation Program Launched

Government initiative targets property fraud and secures ownership rights.

Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide Title Deeds Validation and Securitisation Programme. The initiative addresses property fraud and provides a more secure framework for land ownership. By validating existing deeds, the government aims to protect property rights and reduce the incidence of illegal transactions. The government is rolling out the program across the country, representing a significant administrative reform.

Mining Sector Reforms Introduce Digital Registry

Cabinet approves fee reductions and new management systems.

The Cabinet has approved a series of reforms to improve the ease of doing business within the mining sector. These measures include a reduction in various licensing fees and the operationalization of a digital registry. The new system provides stricter management and oversight of the industry. By digitizing the registry, the government hopes to streamline administrative processes and enhance transparency. These changes are part of a broader effort to attract investment and modernize the mining sector.

The Jeere 2026-05-06  ·  stories

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to this newsletter.
Unsubscribe  ·  View in browser