Government Admits ZiG Struggles With Fuel Payments

Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa confirms currency trust issues.

Government Admits ZiG Struggles With Fuel Payments

Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa confirms currency trust issues.

Deputy Finance Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa has publicly acknowledged that the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency is failing to gain the necessary traction for critical national payments. The currency, which is backed by gold and foreign reserves, currently accounts for less than half of all transactions in the country. This admission underscores a deepening crisis of confidence among market participants who remain hesitant to utilize the local unit for high-value imports like fuel. The government’s struggle to stabilize the currency impacts national inflation and complicates broader monetary policy objectives. As the ZiG faces these headwinds, the administration is grappling with the reality that the unit is a difficult sell to a public accustomed to foreign currency dominance.

State Clarifies BIPPA Farm Status

Government maintains land reform remains intact despite international obligations.

The government has reiterated that the return of a limited number of farms protected under Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPA) does not signal a reversal of the national land reform program. Officials state that these actions fulfill constitutional and international legal obligations. By distinguishing these specific returns from broader policy shifts, the state aims to maintain investor confidence while navigating the complexities of international law. The government emphasizes that the core tenets of the land reform initiative remain unchanged despite these targeted adjustments.

RBZ Releases ZiG669 Million Into Circulation

Central bank increases liquidity to meet rising local currency demand.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has injected ZiG669 million into the economy to address growing public demand for the local currency. Governor John Mushayavanhu confirmed the increased supply of banknotes, noting that the move improves liquidity across the country. This monetary policy action responds to the improved uptake of the ZiG in recent weeks. By boosting the volume of notes in circulation, the central bank facilitates smoother daily transactions for the public. The RBZ stabilizes the currency’s presence in the market and supports the ongoing transition toward broader local currency usage.

ZESA Targets End To Load Shedding By 2026

Utility CEO promises power stability following infrastructure transformation.

ZESA Group CEO Cletus Nyachowe has pledged that the country will see an end to electricity load shedding by December 2026. During testimony before the Public Accounts Portfolio Committee, Nyachowe outlined the utility’s strategy to transform into a viable, self-sustaining entity. The power company has initiated several measures to stabilize the grid and improve generation capacity. If successful, this commitment would mark a major shift for industrial productivity and domestic energy security. The committee monitors the utility’s progress as it attempts to move past years of chronic power shortages and operational challenges.

Mnangagwa Commissions Refurbished Parirenyatwa Facilities

President highlights health sector progress amid ongoing labor tensions.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially commissioned the newly refurbished Adlam House and nurses' accommodation at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. During the event, the President praised the government’s ongoing hospital renovation program, promising to extend these upgrades to every district in the country. He also touted improvements in maternal health and life expectancy as evidence of successful sector transformation. However, the event was marked by controversy as attendees observed nurses being encouraged to dance for cash incentives provided by a private donor. The health sector faces persistent labor unrest and questions regarding the dignity of medical staff.

Parliament Urges Halt To Ziscosteel Funding

Legislators label state-owned steel firm as defunct.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has formally recommended that the government cease all financial support for the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (Ziscosteel). Chairperson Caston Matewu described the parastatal as dead, citing obsolete infrastructure that makes future production unlikely. The committee’s findings follow a fact-finding mission into entities under the Mutapa Investment Fund. Parliament members criticized the failure of state-led industrial revival efforts and the ongoing drain on the national treasury.

Police Arrest 3,400 In Stock Theft Crackdown

Nationwide operation targets illegal meat trading and butcheries.

Authorities have arrested over 3,400 individuals in a nationwide police operation targeting cattle rustlers and illegal meat outlets. The blitz followed investigations revealing that criminals sold stolen meat through established supermarkets and informal butcheries. Police have shut down hundreds of illegal food outlets as part of the effort to secure the agricultural supply chain. The operation aims to curb the rising trend of stock theft. Officials indicate that the crackdown will continue until illegal meat trading is eradicated from the market.

Businessman Seeks Dismissal Of Legal Claims

Wicknell rejects allegations of being a person of interest.

Businessman Wicknell has filed for the dismissal of legal claims involving his status as a person of interest in South Africa. He characterized the allegations as politically motivated and damaging to his reputation. Zimbabweans have focused significant public and political attention on the legal dispute, given his high-profile business activities. His legal team is pushing for an immediate court dismissal, arguing that the claims lack merit. The case continues to unfold as observers monitor the situation.

AI Traffic Cameras To Begin Fining In June

Harare motorists face new digital enforcement system.

Harare motorists will face fines from 20 artificial intelligence-powered traffic cameras starting in June 2026. The government confirmed that testing for the smart enforcement system is scheduled to begin next month. These cameras are being installed at key intersections across the capital to monitor traffic violations and automate the ticketing process. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize urban governance and improve road safety through high-tech surveillance. Drivers are advised to prepare for the transition to digital enforcement as the city prepares to activate the system. The government expects the cameras to reduce human error in traffic policing and increase revenue collection efficiency across the metropolitan area. This technological shift marks a significant departure from traditional manual enforcement methods previously used by the municipal police force.

The Jeere 2026-05-11  ·  stories

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