Government blames captain for Kariba disaster

Death toll reaches 94 as government blames captain and search expands to Zambia.

Government blames captain for Kariba disaster

Death toll reaches 94 as government blames captain and search expands to Zambia.

The Zimbabwe government blamed ferry captain Sign Patsikadova for the Lake Kariba disaster, stating he disregarded meteorological advice not to sail. The death toll rose to 94 after eight more bodies were recovered on Monday, with search operations expanding into Zambian waters and involving local authorities. Families and rights groups accuse authorities of neglect and demand a transparent investigation. The government defends the 41-year-old Mbuya Nehanda ferry and insists the captain alone is responsible for the tragedy. The disaster exposes systemic safety gaps in Zimbabwe’s maritime oversight and has raised questions about ignored warnings and regulatory checks. The government has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

Thousands return from South Africa

Repatriation program sees thousands of Zimbabweans return from South Africa since May.

Thousands of Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa since the government began its repatriation and reintegration programme on 28 May 2026. The number of people leaving the neighbouring country continues to rise after recent anti-immigrant tensions. The latest figures were presented to Cabinet by the Local Government minister. The programme aims to facilitate voluntary returns and reintegration. The repatriation continues as anti-immigrant sentiment persists in South Africa.

Mnangagwa appoints Tagwirei to Senate

President appoints 10 senators including businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed 10 new senators, including businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, following the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Act 3. Parliament announced the appointments on Tuesday. Critics view the appointments as rewarding political loyalists and consolidating executive power. The opposition argues the move undermines democratic checks. The appointments further entrench Zanu PF’s dominance in the upper house.

SADC sees no issue with Mnangagwa third term

South Africa says SADC not concerned about Zimbabwe's CAA3 third term.

South Africa’s presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said SADC believes all legal processes were followed in passing CAA3, which gives President Mnangagwa a third term. The statement came on the sidelines of the recent SADC summit. Opposition groups and civil society argue the amendment is a power grab. SADC’s lack of concern signals tacit acceptance of the constitutional changes. The regional body’s position undermines domestic opposition efforts to challenge Mnangagwa’s extended tenure.

Government plans building law overhaul

Zimbabwe moves to scrap 1977 building by-laws to cut construction costs.

The government announced plans to replace the 1977 Model Building By-Laws with modern regulations to lower construction costs and speed up housing delivery. The review aims to address the housing deficit. Officials say the change will lower barriers for homebuilders. Critics question whether the government can implement the reform effectively given local authority capacity constraints. The reform’s success hinges on the ability of local councils to adopt and enforce new standards.

Healthcare reform demands escalate

Calls for healthcare reforms grow as most citizens lack medical insurance.

Demands for healthcare reforms in Zimbabwe are escalating as the majority of citizens lack medical insurance. The government faces growing pressure to address gaps in coverage and service delivery. Critics argue that the current system is underfunded and inaccessible. The government has yet to announce concrete reform measures. The lack of universal health coverage leaves most Zimbabweans vulnerable to financial ruin from medical expenses.

Zimra pushes digital tax administration

Zimra orders businesses to digitalize accounting to align with tax system.

Zimra has ordered commercial enterprises to digitalize their internal accounting structures to align with the tax authority’s digital administration push. The move aims to improve tax compliance and revenue collection. Businesses may face upfront costs for digitalization. Small enterprises could struggle to meet the requirements. The digital push could significantly boost tax revenue but risks excluding informal businesses.

Committee blocked from Hwange Colliery

Parliamentary committee turned away from Hwange Colliery over notification.

A Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development was blocked from touring Hwange Colliery Company Limited after management claimed it had not been notified, despite the committee having notified them in advance and having scheduled the tour as part of its oversight mandate. The incident occurred as the committee began its tour of mining and energy companies. Committee chair Remigious Matangira led the visit, and Hwange Colliery was the first stop on the itinerary. The committee had planned to inspect operations at the colliery. The block raises questions about transparency and cooperation between mining companies and parliamentary oversight bodies, and highlights tensions in the sector. The committee has not yet rescheduled the tour.

Parliament probes ZINARA fund use

Parliament investigates allocation and use of ZINARA funds for road maintenance.

Parliament is investigating the allocation and use of ZINARA funds, focusing on fuel provided to councils for road maintenance. The committee is examining whether funds were properly utilized. Questions have been raised about mismanagement and lack of accountability. The probe aims to ensure funds are used for intended purposes. The investigation could reveal systemic corruption in the management of road maintenance funds.

MPs see acid mine drainage in river

MPs witness acid mine drainage entering Deka River during pollution tour.

MPs on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment witnessed large volumes of acid mine drainage flowing into the Deka River during a tour of pollution hotspots in Hwange, as part of the committee's oversight mandate, and noted that the pollution is a result of mining activities in the area. The visit aimed to verify reports from mining companies. The committee had received presentations about pollution before the tour, and the sighting confirms the severity of environmental damage. The committee has called for immediate action to address the pollution. The pollution threatens water quality and ecosystems and demands urgent regulatory enforcement. The committee has promised to report its findings to Parliament.

The Jeere 2026-08-19  ·  stories

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