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THE BRIDE WHO SAID ‘I DO’ AND THEN GOODBYE: A HARARE TRAGEDY HARARE – The morning of April 16, 2026, was supposed to be the beginning of a new chapter for Sandra Shingai Sanele Bouyd. After years of living in the United Kingdom, the twenty-nine-year-old had returned to her homeland with a secret mission: to […]

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Source: ‘Urgent quality boost needed to defend Zim tobacco market share’ – herald

Martin Kadzere

Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers must urgently improve the quality of their crop to defend their market share against rising competition from global rivals and secure better prices, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.

Tobacco is strategically important to Zimbabwe primarily because as the country’s largest agricultural foreign currency earner, essential for economic stability and importing essential goods.

In 2025, Zimbabwe earned about US$1.2 billion from export revenue. The crop accounts for more than 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consistently ranking as one of the top export commodities alongside gold

Speaking after a familiarisation tour of the Ethical Sales Floor in Harare yesterday, Minister Masuka emphasised the need among stakeholders to enhance crop quality and boost grower viability.

The tour was prompted by Government concerns over the low prices offered at the start of the season.

Dr Masuka noted the visit allowed for direct engagement with the industry to identify the causes of the price slump and ensure farmers are fairly rewarded. Earlier, Dr Masuka had visited the Tobacco Sales Floor.

While acknowledging the current sales consist relatively lower-leaf grades, Dr Masuka observed that prices are beginning to firm up, though he expects the price gap between auction and contract floors narrowing.

“We are getting competition from countries like Brazil, from Tanzania and India, so our farmers ought to produce a better-quality crop,” said Dr Masuka.

“So, we must work with the technical institutions, Tobacco Research Board, Tobacco Industry Marketing Board, contractors and the farmers themselves to be able to improve the (quality)…of their crop.”

Average tobacco prices are gaining momentum after a slow start, particularly at the auction floors, which have seen a 37,5 percent increase since the beginning of the season, latest data from the TIMB reveals.

Dr Masuka expressed confidence in the tobacco industry’s growth trajectory, noting that despite global competition, there is a ready market for the projected 385 million to 410 million kg crop—a significant increase from last season’s 355 million kg.

“I still think that the 500 million kilogrammes mark that we are aiming for by 2030 is achievable if we focus on producing a better flavour style crop,” Dr Masuka said.

To achieve this, Minister Masuka stressed the need for a radical shift towards environmental sustainability and ESG compliance.

“We want to transition as an industry, so that by 2029 we will not be using firewood for curing,” Dr Masuka said, citing the need to satisfy niche international markets that now shun firewood-cured tobacco.

He added that the Government was working with Treasury to potentially suspend certain levies to allow a smoother transition to coal-based or more efficient curing systems.

Farmers at Ethical who spoke to this publication noted that while they were initially concerned aboutlower year-on-year prices this year, they were encouraged by the steady upward trend observed since the start of the marketing season.

“As farmers, I believe that moving forward, we need to be more literate regarding market dynamics so we can engage in informed planning. We must transition away from ‘business as usual’ and treat farming as a professional business,” said Musa Chikumbiro, a farmer from Mvuma.

Ethical general manager, Mr Tendai Ngongoni said the company’s primary mission was to safeguard the interests of farmers.

He noted that the firm was dedicated to providing a transparent and efficient service that ensures fair grading and competitive pricing, ultimately securing true market value for growers to support their long-term viability and the national economy.

“At Ethical, our core mandate remains the protection of the farmer’s hard work. We are deeply committed to maintaining a transparent and efficient service delivery framework that ensures every bale is graded fairly and priced competitively.

“By fostering a world-class trading environment, we ensure that our growers receive the true market value of their crop, which is essential for their long-term viability,” he said.

The post ‘Urgent quality boost needed to defend Zim tobacco market share’  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: ‘Urgent quality boost needed to defend Zim tobacco market share’ – herald

Martin Kadzere

Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers must urgently improve the quality of their crop to defend their market share against rising competition from global rivals and secure better prices, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka has said.

Tobacco is strategically important to Zimbabwe primarily because as the country’s largest agricultural foreign currency earner, essential for economic stability and importing essential goods.

In 2025, Zimbabwe earned about US$1.2 billion from export revenue. The crop accounts for more than 10 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consistently ranking as one of the top export commodities alongside gold

Speaking after a familiarisation tour of the Ethical Sales Floor in Harare yesterday, Minister Masuka emphasised the need among stakeholders to enhance crop quality and boost grower viability.

The tour was prompted by Government concerns over the low prices offered at the start of the season.

Dr Masuka noted the visit allowed for direct engagement with the industry to identify the causes of the price slump and ensure farmers are fairly rewarded. Earlier, Dr Masuka had visited the Tobacco Sales Floor.

While acknowledging the current sales consist relatively lower-leaf grades, Dr Masuka observed that prices are beginning to firm up, though he expects the price gap between auction and contract floors narrowing.

“We are getting competition from countries like Brazil, from Tanzania and India, so our farmers ought to produce a better-quality crop,” said Dr Masuka.

“So, we must work with the technical institutions, Tobacco Research Board, Tobacco Industry Marketing Board, contractors and the farmers themselves to be able to improve the (quality)…of their crop.”

Average tobacco prices are gaining momentum after a slow start, particularly at the auction floors, which have seen a 37,5 percent increase since the beginning of the season, latest data from the TIMB reveals.

Dr Masuka expressed confidence in the tobacco industry’s growth trajectory, noting that despite global competition, there is a ready market for the projected 385 million to 410 million kg crop—a significant increase from last season’s 355 million kg.

“I still think that the 500 million kilogrammes mark that we are aiming for by 2030 is achievable if we focus on producing a better flavour style crop,” Dr Masuka said.

To achieve this, Minister Masuka stressed the need for a radical shift towards environmental sustainability and ESG compliance.

“We want to transition as an industry, so that by 2029 we will not be using firewood for curing,” Dr Masuka said, citing the need to satisfy niche international markets that now shun firewood-cured tobacco.

He added that the Government was working with Treasury to potentially suspend certain levies to allow a smoother transition to coal-based or more efficient curing systems.

Farmers at Ethical who spoke to this publication noted that while they were initially concerned aboutlower year-on-year prices this year, they were encouraged by the steady upward trend observed since the start of the marketing season.

“As farmers, I believe that moving forward, we need to be more literate regarding market dynamics so we can engage in informed planning. We must transition away from ‘business as usual’ and treat farming as a professional business,” said Musa Chikumbiro, a farmer from Mvuma.

Ethical general manager, Mr Tendai Ngongoni said the company’s primary mission was to safeguard the interests of farmers.

He noted that the firm was dedicated to providing a transparent and efficient service that ensures fair grading and competitive pricing, ultimately securing true market value for growers to support their long-term viability and the national economy.

“At Ethical, our core mandate remains the protection of the farmer’s hard work. We are deeply committed to maintaining a transparent and efficient service delivery framework that ensures every bale is graded fairly and priced competitively.

“By fostering a world-class trading environment, we ensure that our growers receive the true market value of their crop, which is essential for their long-term viability,” he said.

The post ‘Urgent quality boost needed to defend Zim tobacco market share’  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Suspect in Beitbridge explosives case remains behind bars – herald

A 42-year-old suspect who was arrested with explosives worth nearly R1 million at the Beitbridge Port of Entry will remain behind bars until his next court appearance in South Africa.

Edgar Maroto made his first court appearance at the Musina District Magistrate’s Court this week.

Charges

Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba said Maroto is facing a charge of possession of explosives.

“The matter was postponed to 20 April 2026 for further investigation and a formal bail application. The accused remains in custody.”

Officials from the South Africa Border Management Authority (BMA), South African Police Service (Saps) and South African Revenue Service (Sars) discovered the explosives last week.

“A truck allegedly entering South Africa from Zimbabwe near Musina was intercepted, leading to the arrest of Edga Maroto, who allegedly attempted to evade arrest,” said Fumba.

Explosives

A search of the truck allegedly uncovered a substantial cache of explosives, including blasting cartridges, connector capsules and detonator fuses, valued at approximately R769 000.

“The truck used in the commission of the alleged offence was also confiscated, bringing the total estimated value of seized items to R2,769,000,” Fumba said.

Protecting communities

Acting South Africa provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, Brigadier Lesibana Meshack Malapile, warned perpetrators of cross-border crime.

“This operation is about protecting lives. The role played by Sars and our partners highlights the strength of intelligence-led policing. We will continue to act decisively to safeguard our communities and protect the country from harm.”

Meanwhile, the BMA’s operational report for the 2026 Easter period highlighted a significant decrease in illegal person interceptions, while noting an increase in the arrest of facilitators.

The 10-day operation, which ran from 31 March to 9 April 2026, resulted in the interception of 4 763 individuals attempting to enter or exit South Africa illegally.

During the 2026 Easter period, the BMA experienced a notable 21 percent surge in traveller movements across its 71 ports of entry, processing more than 1.2 million individuals. — Citizen

 

The post Suspect in Beitbridge explosives case remains behind bars appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: ZINWA urges irrigators to get water abstraction agreements – herald

Edgar Vhera

Specialist Writer -Agribusiness

THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority has advised irrigators to secure water abstraction agreements from the authority for proper water allocations as the 2026 winter cropping season roars into life.

Cabinet recently approved the 2026 Winter Production Plan, which will see the country producing 662 000 tonnes of wheat, 45 500 tonnes of barley and 243 850 tonnes of Irish potatoes.

Winter cropping in Zimbabwe requires irrigation as the season will be dry with no rains.

ZINWA confirmed this in its post on X.

“Winter cropping is underway. All irrigators must secure a water abstraction agreement with ZINWA for proper water allocation.”

ZINWA conducts end of season assessment (water available at end of rainfall season) and demand assessment (stakeholder requirements).

On the basis of this it does allocations and agreements to manage water resources and coordinates dam releases and abstraction monitoring.

ZINWA head of corporate communications and marketing, Mrs Marjorie Munyonga yesterday said the country’s dams held enough water to meet the irrigation water demand.

“Farmers should come forward and sign water abstraction agreements, which allow the authority to reserve water allocations for them in the dams. The authority will apply approved tariffs with A2 farmers paying US$10 per megalitre or one million litres of water, while agricultural estates will pay US$19.35 for the same amount.

“The onus to install meters rests with the water users, in this case the farmers, in accordance with the Water Act. ZINWA urges all farmers who can install waters at their abstraction points to do so,” she said.

Mrs Munyonga said farmers on stop order facility would be required to settle their bills when they receive payments for their harvests with no monthly interest on overdue bills.

“As the season gets into full swing, ZINWA appeals to all farmers with outstanding bills to ensure that their arrears are cleared.

“All other irrigators will be required to pay their bills as they fall due with the exception of farmers on stop order facilities,” she added.

The authority  will only release water matching the total allocation for the farmers.

“Farmers are required to instruct the water bailiff on the quantity of water to be released each day, week – within the limits of their allocations,” said ZINWA.

ZINWA encourages farmers to ensure that they have efficient abstraction systems to avoid wastages and to form associations to ensure coordinated releases and irrigation schedules.

Transmission, pipeline and on field water losses should be minimised.

ZINWA monitors water abstractions through water bailiffs and remote sensing (satellite).

“Farmers are encouraged to assist in monitoring abstractions among themselves to curb unsanctioned abstractions and over abstractions.

“There is sufficient water in most dams to cover the requirements of farmers and farmers are be free to register their abstractions,” said ZINWA.

The national dam level as at April 13 stood at 93,4 percent full.

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