Tsingshan eyes major Zimbabwe steel expansion

Chinese firm considers tripling output at Manhizhe plant, threatening South African steel industry.

Tsingshan eyes major Zimbabwe steel expansion

Chinese firm considers raising output at Manhizhe plant to two million tons, threatening South African steel industry.

Tsingshan Holding Group, a major Chinese steelmaker, is considering tripling output at its Manhizhe steel plant in Zimbabwe, which started operations in 2024 and is located 205 km southeast of Harare, a move that would triple the plant's current capacity. The expansion is part of Tsingshan's global strategy to increase its presence in Africa. The expansion could add pressure on South Africa's struggling steel industry, as much of the increased production is expected to be exported to that country, making Zimbabwe a major steel exporter in the region, while also creating jobs and boosting local economic development. South Africa's steel industry is already under pressure from cheap imports and weak demand. Tsingshan may raise output to as much as two million tons, significantly increasing Zimbabwe's industrial output and marking a strategic milestone for the manufacturing sector, while further increasing pressure on South Africa's steel industry.

Police arrest RIDA official over Kariba ferry deaths

Ignatius Chiome, 49, charged with culpable homicide after 97 died in Lake Kariba ferry disaster.

Police arrested Kariba Rural Infrastructure Development Agency District Coordinator Ignatius Chiome, 49, on Wednesday and charged him with culpable homicide following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that killed 97 people, making him the first official arrested in connection with the tragedy. The court remanded him in custody after he appeared in court. Chiome appeared before the Kariba Magistrates' Court, and the court remanded him in custody after the ferry capsized on Lake Kariba, one of Africa's largest man-made lakes, killing 97 people in Zimbabwe's worst recorded accident, with the ferry carrying over 100 passengers. The disaster has raised questions about safety regulations and oversight. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, and investigations continue to determine the cause and whether other officials will face charges, as the public demands accountability and highlights the need for improved maritime safety. The disaster remains Zimbabwe's worst recorded accident in history.

ZANU PF urges women to stop contraceptives

Mabel Chinomona tells women to avoid family planning, citing falling birth rate as a concern.

Mabel Chinomona, ZANU PF Secretary for Women Affairs and President of the Senate, urged women to stop using contraceptives at a Women's League event in Harare's high-density suburbs, citing the country's falling birth rate as a concern. She called for more children to address the decline. She said the birth rate is getting lower and worrying, and called for more children to boost the population, urging women to be fruitful and multiply and emphasizing the need for larger families, while her remarks have drawn criticism from women's rights groups. Chinomona is a key figure in the party's women's wing. The statement has sparked debate on reproductive rights and government policy on family planning, aligning with ZANU PF's pronatalist stance, while the government has not officially endorsed her call, and Zimbabwe's birth rate has been declining in recent years, highlighting tensions between traditional values and modern reproductive health.

Blue Ribbon and 23 others shut down in Bulawayo

Millers halt operations citing shortage of locally produced maize for southern region.

Blue Ribbon, one of Zimbabwe's largest millers, and 23 other milling companies have ceased operations in Bulawayo, citing a scarcity of domestically grown maize for the southern region. The shutdown affects the supply of maize meal, a staple food in Zimbabwe, and the southern region depends on this local production for its food needs, creating a critical situation. The Grain Millers Association, which represents over 100 millers nationwide, sent a letter to the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Bulawayo's Minister of State. The letter notifies the government of the shutdown and the maize scarcity, urging immediate action to resolve the crisis and restore milling operations. The ongoing shutdown threatens food security in Bulawayo and surrounding areas. The Grain Millers Association has called for immediate government intervention to address the ongoing maize scarcity and ensure the full resumption of their milling activities.

Zimbabwe forecasts 965,000-tonne grain surplus

Strong harvests boost national food security, with massive grain reserve surplus forecast.

Zimbabwe could record a massive 965,000-tonne grain reserve surplus in the 2026/27 season, as strong harvests boost national food security and grain stocks, contrasting with previous years of deficit and providing a major boost to the economy. The surplus is the result of favorable weather and improved farming practices. The surplus would help stabilize prices and reduce import dependence, marking a turnaround from previous shortages and being the largest in recent years, supported by government investment in irrigation and input subsidies, boosting strategic grain reserves, and reducing the need for grain imports. It would cover several months of national consumption. The surplus is a significant achievement for the agricultural sector, highlighting the success of the farming season, providing a critical buffer against future droughts, and enhancing food security for vulnerable populations.

ZWG monthly price growth steady at 0.1%

Annual inflation falls to 2.9% in August, month-on-month remains unchanged at 0.1%.

Zimbabwe's ZWG annual inflation rate fell to 2.9% in August from 3.2% in July, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, marking another decline in a steady trend since the start of the year, reaching the lowest in recent months, and falling from 4.5% at the start of the year. The agency reported the figures on Tuesday. Month-on-month inflation remained stable at 0.1%, unchanged from the previous month, indicating that price pressures are contained and providing a positive sign for the economy, with the rate at 0.1% for two consecutive months. In US dollar terms, monthly inflation was also stable, reflecting low price pressures. The decline in annual inflation signals continued macroeconomic stability and boosts confidence in the ZWG currency, supported by the central bank's tight monetary policy and reduced money supply growth, suggesting that the ZWG is gaining credibility and that the central bank's policies have been effective.

Zimbabwe offers US$1m quarterly to SAA

Zimbabwe proposes paying US$1 million every three months to settle US$50 million SAA debt.

Zimbabwe suggested paying US$1 million every three months to South African Airways to settle over US$50 million owed from ticket sales for Zimbabwean passengers, a proposal that is a fraction of the total debt and subject to approval by South African authorities. The debt has been outstanding for a very prolonged period, and Zimbabwe has struggled to make payments. South Africa's Department of International Relations faced Parliament on Tuesday to explain its efforts in recovering over US$50 million from Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's liquidity crunch has prevented it from settling the debt, which now stands at about US$59 million and is owed to state airline SAA for ticket sales for Zimbabwean passengers. The proposed payment of US$1 million quarterly is a fraction of the total debt of over US$50 million. The debt has been outstanding for a very prolonged period, and Zimbabwe has struggled to make payments due to its liquidity crunch.

World Rugby endorses ZRU interim committee

World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson praises Zimbabwe's rugby leadership ahead of 2027 World Cup.

World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson endorsed the Zimbabwe Rugby Union's Interim Management Committee, giving the Paddy Zhanda-led administration a major vote of confidence and praising the IMC's efforts in restoring order and improving governance, a significant boost for Zimbabwean rugby ahead of the World Cup, and Robinson's visit underscores World Rugby's commitment. Robinson said the IMC has made significant strides. The endorsement comes as Zimbabwe prepares for its return to the Rugby World Cup in 2027, having last qualified in 1991, with the World Cup return being a major goal for Zimbabwe rugby. Robinson is leading a delegation visiting Zimbabwe to assess progress and provide support, including technical experts to assist with preparations. The ZRU formed the IMC to improve governance and has received international backing, boosting the sport's credibility, and its work is crucial for the sport's development.

Authorities urge farmers to stock two years' livestock feed

Authorities advise farmers to prepare for potential drought and worsening grazing conditions.

Authorities urge farmers to stock two years' worth of livestock feed as Zimbabwe prepares for potential drought and worsening grazing conditions, with the government warning of below-normal rainfall in the coming season and allocating funds for feed subsidies. The feed stockpiling is part of a broader disaster preparedness plan. The advice comes as the country faces a possible El Niño-induced dry spell, with the Meteorological Department issuing a drought alert, and farmers are advised to start stocking now. The government is encouraging early preparation to reduce livestock losses, which have been severe in past droughts. The move aims to mitigate the critical impact of drought on livestock, which has been a significant concern in previous dry spells, also to ensure food security for rural communities, and to protect the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Chivayo offers bulletproof vehicles to police

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo offers 10 bulletproof cars and US$250,000 gear to Harare CID.

Wicknell Chivayo has offered the police 10 new bulletproof cars and US$250,000 worth of tactical gear for the Harare Criminal Investigation Department. The very generous donation is intended to provide the equipment for the CID with the vehicles and the tactical equipment for their operations. Chivayo is a controversial businessman linked to ZANU PF and known for his high-profile donations to police and other entities. The offer includes both the bulletproof vehicles and tactical gear worth US$250,000. The new bulletproof cars are intended for use by the CID in their daily operations. The tactical gear is valued at US$250,000 and includes a variety of equipment for the law enforcement purposes.

The Jeere 2026-08-28  ·  stories

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