Mnangagwa Appoints Retired Army Chief to Politburo

Former defense commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda joins the ruling party's top decision-making body.

Mnangagwa Appoints Retired Army Chief to Politburo

Former defense commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda joins the ruling party's top decision-making body.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed retired Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda to the ZANU-PF Politburo. The appointment, announced Monday by party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, takes immediate effect. Sibanda recently retired from his military post, marking a transition from the barracks to the ruling party's highest decision-making organ. Analysts suggest this move signals a consolidation of power and a blurring of lines between military and political leadership. The appointment follows Sibanda's long tenure as the head of the national defense forces, and his entry into the Politburo is expected to reshape internal party dynamics. The government has not provided further details on his specific portfolio within the party structure, but the move confirms the ongoing integration of former security chiefs into the civilian political hierarchy.

Central Bank Increases ZiG Cash Circulation

RBZ releases additional ZiG banknotes to meet rising public demand.

The central bank continues to monitor uptake levels as it navigates an ongoing currency confidence crisis. This latest release represents a significant effort to ensure the local unit remains accessible to the public, despite persistent skepticism regarding its long-term stability and value retention in a market historically dominated by foreign currencies. By increasing the volume of cash in circulation, the central bank aims to improve liquidity and facilitate daily transactions for citizens. The bank is working to establish the gold-backed unit as the primary medium of exchange.

Gold Reserves Reach 4.48 Tonnes

President Mnangagwa confirms reserve growth during central bank vault inspection.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has confirmed that Zimbabwe’s official gold reserves have risen to 4.48 tonnes. The President inspected the vaults at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Monday to verify the holdings, which serve as the primary anchor for the ZiG currency. This figure marks an increase from the 4.2 tonnes reported in February 2026. Government officials claim this growth positions Zimbabwe third in the SADC region for official gold reserves. The administration is leveraging these figures to bolster public confidence in the gold-backed currency as it pushes for a mono-currency system. While the government highlights these reserves as a sign of monetary sovereignty, critics point to the ongoing economic hardships faced by citizens.

Schools Prohibited From Rejecting ZiG Payments

Education Ministry mandates acceptance of local currency for school fees.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has issued a directive warning schools against rejecting ZiG for fee payments. Minister Torerayi Moyo stated that all educational institutions must accept the local currency and adhere to approved fee structures as the second school term begins. This mandate addresses reports of schools demanding payment in foreign currency. The government is enforcing this policy to ensure the legitimacy of the ZiG and to prevent unauthorized fee hikes. Schools found violating the directive face potential regulatory action. The move highlights the government's ongoing struggle to maintain the currency's status in the face of widespread preference for foreign tender in the private and public sectors.

Ramaphosa Rejects Resignation Demands

South African leader defies impeachment calls following court ruling.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared he will not resign following a Constitutional Court ruling related to the Phala Phala scandal. The court recently found that parliament acted unconstitutionally when it previously voted against establishing an impeachment committee. Despite mounting political pressure and the formal opening of an impeachment process, Ramaphosa insists the judgment does not necessitate his departure from office. He plans to legally challenge the report that paved the way for these proceedings. The political instability in South Africa, Zimbabwe's largest trading partner, persists. The opposition, including the Pan Africanist Congress, continues to demand his exit, arguing that the President must step aside to allow for a full parliamentary investigation into the theft of cash from his private farm.

Zinara Allocates ZiG2 Billion For Roadworks

Road authority funds infrastructure maintenance across local councils.

The Zimbabwe National Road Administration disbursed over ZiG2 billion to local authorities for road infrastructure development and maintenance. The authority managed the funds between January and March 2026. This allocation follows a previous disbursement of ZiG3.8 billion during the first half of last year. The road authority continues to prioritize the rehabilitation of national networks, which have suffered from years of neglect and weather-related damage. Local councils are expected to utilize these funds to address critical road repairs in their respective jurisdictions. While the disbursement is a routine administrative function, it remains a key component of the government's broader infrastructure strategy. The authority has not provided a detailed breakdown of how the funds are allocated across specific regions.

Health Ministry Monitors Hantavirus Exposure

Three repatriated workers under observation following international alert.

Zimbabwean health authorities have placed three healthcare workers under quarantine and active monitoring after their return from Ascension Island. Health officials identified the workers as contacts of a confirmed hantavirus case while abroad. Although all three tested negative for the virus and remain asymptomatic, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has initiated a 45-day observation period as a precautionary measure. Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the government is on high alert, though no cases of the disease have been recorded within Zimbabwe. The government used a private charter flight to repatriate the workers due to limited isolation capacity on the island. Port Health Services screened the individuals upon their arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. The government continues to reassure the public that surveillance systems are active.

Dinson Plans US$15 Million Cement Plant

Investment targets industrial growth in the Mvuma region.

Dinson Iron and Steel Company is set to invest US$15 million in a new cement manufacturing plant. The company will locate the facility within the Dinson Special Economic Zone near Mvuma. This project is part of the company's broader industrial expansion efforts in the region. The investment is expected to support local infrastructure development and job creation. By establishing a cement plant, the company aims to support the growing demand for construction materials in the country. The government has promoted the Mvuma area as a hub for industrial activity, and this investment aligns with national goals to boost manufacturing capacity. The company has not disclosed further details regarding the construction timeline and production capacity, but the project represents a significant capital injection into the local economy.

Nurses Demand Better Pay And Conditions

Health workers highlight crisis in public sector on International Nurses Day.

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association has called on the government to address the ongoing crisis in the public health sector. On International Nurses Day, the union emphasized that nurses are working under extremely difficult conditions while receiving wages that do not meet their basic needs. The association warned that continued neglect of the sector impacts the delivery of healthcare services across the country. Nurses frequently cite low pay and a lack of essential resources as primary drivers of labor unrest. The union maintains that progress remains insufficient. The health sector continues to struggle with staff retention and service delivery challenges, which the association argues are exacerbated by the current fiscal management of public hospitals.

The Jeere 2026-05-13  ·  stories

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