Regional watchdog slams Zimbabwe constitutional changes

SACDA says changes set a bad precedent for democracy in SADC.

Regional watchdog slams Zimbabwe constitutional changes

SACDA says changes set a bad precedent for democracy in SADC.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act into law in July, a move that extends his term and those of parliamentarians and councillors. The Southern Africa Coalition for Democracy and Accountability (SACDA), a regional watchdog, described the changes as a major democratic regression for the region. The opposition Action Democratic Movement (ADM) challenged the amendment in court, labeling Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 a 'vision of hunger'. The amendment introduces sweeping changes to the constitution, including term extensions for multiple office holders and local councillors. SACDA warned that Zimbabwe set a bad precedent for the entire SADC region, calling the changes a further step back for democracy.

Netherlands to close Harare embassy in diplomatic shake-up

Netherlands announces closure of Harare embassy on September 15.

The Netherlands announced on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, that it will close its embassy in Harare as part of a major restructuring of its global diplomatic network. The closure affects diplomatic representation across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. This follows Sweden's closure of its Harare embassy on August 31 after ending bilateral development cooperation operations in Zimbabwe. The Dutch government cited geopolitical developments for the move. The Netherlands cited geopolitical developments for the closure. The move is part of a broader overall restructuring of its diplomatic network, which will affect representation in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, and further reduce the number of European embassies in Harare.

Nurses threaten showdown over unpaid allowance review

Nurses threaten showdown after government fails to review allowances.

The government failed to honor an agreement to increase health-specific allowances for nurses, according to the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), despite having agreed to do so. Allowances were last reviewed in 2022, and nurses argue the current allocation has been eroded by the high cost of living. ZINA said nurses feel betrayed. Nurses are demanding an adjustment to the allowances, which have not been reviewed since 2022, and argue the current allocation has been eroded by the high cost of living. Nurses are threatening a showdown over the government's failure to review allowances. The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) is representing the nurses in the dispute and has called for urgent immediate action.

MDC chairman quits party after ZMC appointment

MDC chairman Tapiwa Mashakada resigns after appointment to ZMC.

MDC national chairman Tapiwa Mashakada resigned from the opposition party days after President Mnangagwa appointed him to the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC). Mashakada informed MDC president Douglas Mwonzora of his departure in a letter, a significant blow to the opposition. This is the latest in a series of defections from the MDC to government positions. Mashakada is among the commissioners appointed by Mnangagwa to the ZMC board, a key state institution, and his defection further weakens the opposition. The defection signals ongoing erosion of opposition unity ahead of future elections, dealing a blow to Mwonzora's leadership. Mwonzora has suffered another setback, and his leadership has been already further weakened.

Kenya blocks Zimbabwean lawyer despite court order

Kenyan authorities block Brian Kagoro despite High Court order allowing entry.

Kenyan security officials removed Zimbabwean lawyer Brian Kagoro from a flight in Addis Ababa on September 15 while traveling to Kenya, despite a Kenyan High Court order allowing his entry. The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) confirmed the incident, stating that Kagoro was traveling from Addis Ababa to Nairobi, and the removal was carried out by Kenyan security officials. Kagoro was detained and deported from Kenya in February. Security officials stopped him even with a court order, despite the High Court's directive, and the court order was issued prior to his travel. Kagoro is a Zimbabwean constitutional and human rights lawyer and pro-democracy advocate. The incident occurred on September 15 despite a High Court order allowing his entry.

Mnangagwa gets 588 cattle for 84th birthday amid poverty

Mnangagwa receives 588 cattle for his 84th birthday.

President Mnangagwa received 588 cattle as birthday gifts from seven donors during his 84th birthday celebrations in Mvurwi on September 15. The event coincided with the inaugural Munhumutapa Day and was held in Mvurwi, Mashonaland Central Province. Critics highlighted the contrast between the lavish gifts and the poverty faced by many young Zimbabweans, who are grappling with poverty. The donations sparked public criticism online, with many questioning the timing. The birthday celebrations included the inaugural Munhumutapa Day. The cattle were donated by seven donors, and the event drew widespread attention and was covered by national and local media.

VP Chiwenga visits China to boost mining investment

VP Chiwenga on trade mission to China to boost mining.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is visiting China on a trade and investment mission to secure strategic partnerships for Zimbabwe's mining sector. The mission targets boosting mining output and attracting Chinese capital as part of a broader diplomatic engagement and Zimbabwe's strategy to strengthen ties with China. Zimbabwe relies heavily on mining for foreign currency earnings. The mission aims to attract Chinese capital to boost mining output and secure strategic partnerships, as China is a major investor in Zimbabwe's mining sector. The mission is part of Zimbabwe's efforts to attract foreign investment. Chiwenga is leading the delegation, which includes senior government officials, and the mining sector is a key driver of economic growth.

MCAZ clarifies Nifedipine recall applies only to specific batches

MCAZ issues clarification after public confusion over Nifedipine recall.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) clarified that its recent recall of Nifedipine only applies to specific Nifelat 10mg batches, not all versions of the blood pressure medicine. The clarification followed public confusion after the initial recall announcement, and MCAZ is the drug regulatory authority, and the initial recall announcement caused confusion among patients. The recall was due to quality concerns identified during routine testing. MCAZ urged patients to consult healthcare providers if they have the affected batches. The recall affected only specific batches. Patients were advised to check their medication and consult a healthcare provider if concerned, and the recall is a normal routine standard regulatory action.

US imposes visa restrictions on South Africans over race policies

US announces visa restrictions on South Africans amid policy tensions.

The United States announced new visa restrictions on South Africans on September 15, following President Donald Trump's repeated criticism of South Africa's post-apartheid racial justice policies. Trump has lambasted the country's land and employment laws aimed at redressing inequalities, and the restrictions were announced by the US State Department and were effective immediately. The restrictions target specific categories of visa applicants. Trump has criticized South Africa's land reform and employment equity laws, which he says are discriminatory, and the restrictions are part of Trump's ongoing criticism. The US action follows Trump's criticism of South Africa's land reform and employment equity laws. Trump has lambasted these policies as unfair and has called for changes.

Botswana court remands Zimbabwean over human body parts

Botswana court remands Nyasha Mugodzeri over possession of human body parts.

A 28-year-old Zimbabwean man, Nyasha Mugodzeri, appeared before Francistown Magistrate Court on September 15 after being arrested with suspected human body parts in his bag. He faces two charges: entering Botswana through an ungazetted border point and possession of suspected human remains, appeared before Principal Magistrate Ditebogo Ntuli, and resides at Phirinyane Ward in Shashe Mooke. Mugodzeri was remanded in custody pending a bail ruling. The case has drawn attention to the cross-border crime and illegal border crossings, and the court will hear the bail application on a later date. The case is ongoing. Mugodzeri remains in custody at the Francistown prison pending the bail ruling.

The Jeere 2026-09-18  ·  stories

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