Category: zimbabwe

Source: Zimbabwe records two-decade milestone by keeping lights on throughout winter – herald

Remember Deketeke

FOR the first time in nearly two decades, Zimbabwe has made it through winter — the season that was often characterised by increased load-shedding — while enjoying uninterrupted power supplies, raising hopes that the country will be able to sustain productive economic activities throughout the year.

The milestones is set to strengthen the Government’s resolve to double the country’s installed generation capacity from the current 2 950 megawatts (MW) to 6 000MW in the next four years.

Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) managing director Mr Howard Choga said improved power supplies were largely driven by performance at Hwange and Kariba power stations.

“Hwange and Kariba are contributing an average of about 1 600MW,” Mr Choga said.
Imports, which mainly augment supplies during morning and evening peak demand period, are contributing about 150MW.

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) add roughly 175MW, while rooftop solar now supplies slightly more than 100MW through net-metering.

Zimbabwe’s current situation represents a dramatic recovery from recent seasons where the gap between demand and supply widened during winter.

Better electricity tariffs have helped fund previously deferred statutory maintenance at both stations and restore plant availability, while repairs to Hwange’s heat-recovery equipment — air heaters, economisers, milling plant — have enabled the power station to consistently make an average of four units available.

Hwange Power Station’s Unit 6, taken offline on January 22 for statutory maintenance, returned to service on July 3, while Units 7 and 8, commissioned in May and October 2023, respectively, have performed “extremely reliably”, Mr Choga added.

At Kariba, an increased water allocation of 18 billion cubic metres from the Zambezi River Authority, a corporation jointly owned by Zimbabwe and Zambia to manage the Kariba Dam and sustainably harness the Zambezi River’s shared water resources for industrial and socio-economic development, has lifted generation to about 500MW, up sharply from drought-year lows.

Zimbabwe has also maintained steady funding for purchases on the Southern African Power Pool’s market, while Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa has periodically supplied more than its contracted 50MW.

Private companies have separately built about 260MW of captive capacity.

Rising demand

Electricity demand has progressively increased from 1 841MW in August 2024 to 1 901MW on July 14 this year despite expanding rooftop solar and efficiency measures.

“Industrial capacity utilisation is on the increase, and mining industry demand is also evidently on the increase,” Mr Choga said.

Government has already received new and expansion load applications totalling 2 500MW.
“The new demand means that the Zimbabwe capacity developed over more than 50 years has to be doubled in five years.”

The Government has since come up with a new legal framework that is meant to ensure efficiencies and promote investment in both power generation and distribution.

Under the Electricity (Provision of Backbone Infrastructure) Regulations, 2026 (Statutory Instrument 128 of 2026), gazetted on Friday, land developers must now finance and build backbone infrastructure — distribution lines, transformers, mini-substations and service connections — as a condition of any new development.

Once inspected and certified, it transfers the infrastructure to the power utility backed by a five-year developer warranty.
Non-compliant developers face suspension or revocation of permits, and no stand may be sold until compliance is shown.

Under the new framework, private companies can now bid for a renewable 25-year licence to reticulate unserved areas, building and billing their own local networks, buying power in bulk from ZETDC or IPPs, or generating their own.

However, they remain bound by the existing distribution code and are barred from charging above ZETDC’s standard tariffs, with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority approving costs.

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Source: A painful homecoming: Zandile and daughters return to Bulawayo – herald

Bongani Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

THE Khumalo family will today receive the remains of their daughter, Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (née Khumalo) and her two daughters, Nala and Natalie, at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, marking a step towards finding closure following the devastating tragedy that claimed their lives in the United Kingdom.

The bodies are expected to arrive at the airport at 2 pm after departing from the United Kingdom yesterday and making a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before continuing their journey to Zimbabwe.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Leon Leroy Khumalo said all arrangements were in place for the arrival of their loved ones, with family members set to gather at the airport to receive them.

“All is in place for us to receive our daughter Zandile and our grandchildren, Nala and Natalie at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport on Sunday. The family will be at the airport to receive the bodies when they land at 2 pm,” said Mr Khumalo.

He said the family would hold a meeting at home upon the arrival to discuss the way forward as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest.

“We shall have a meeting at home to see how best we are receiving the bodies. The MP for Luveve will be at hand as we help each other,” he said.

The repatriation of the bodies marks an important step for the family, who have been waiting for the process to be completed so that they can give Zandile and her daughters a dignified farewell in their homeland.

Mr Khumalo previously said the family’s wish was for the three to be buried in Zimbabwe, where relatives and friends could come together to mourn and find closure following the tragedy.

The family said the three would be buried on Tuesday side by side at Old Luveve Cemetery after a funeral service at Brethren in Christ Church in New Lobengula, with their bodies briefly passing through the family home in Gwabalanda.

On Thursday, more than 500 mourners gathered in Bedford, United Kingdom, to remember Zandile and her daughters, Natalie and Nala.

A remembrance service was held at Bedford’s Corn Exchange, where family, friends, colleagues and members of the community paid tribute to the 42-year-old mother and her two daughters, aged 15 and five.

Tributes described Zandile as a devoted mother who nurtured and cared for those around her, while her daughters were remembered for their kindness and bright personalities.

Natalie’s school headmistress described her as a thoughtful pupil whose smile reflected the person she was.
Zandile and her daughters Natalie, 15 and Nala, five, were found dead at their home in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, in July after concerns were raised when they had not been seen for several days.

A murder investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police, with Zandile’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, 45, becoming the prime suspect. He was later arrested in South Africa following an international manhunt.
Forensic post-mortem examinations in the UK found that the three died from blunt force trauma.

Tshuma appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court after his arrest and was initially charged in South Africa with unlawful possession of a firearm as authorities began the process of determining his extradition to the UK, where he faces murder allegations.

His case was postponed as authorities worked through legal processes related to his status and extradition proceedings. The tragedy has attracted widespread attention in Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, with tributes pouring in for Zandile and her daughters from relatives, friends, schools and the wider community.

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Source: Game changer: 150 000 cattle set for Artificial Insemination – herald

Raymond Jaravaza, Sunday News Reporter

AN ambitious project to train veterinary and Village Business Unit Officers, formerly known as agricultural extension officers, on artificial insemination by the Matopos Research Institute will see the introduction of superior genetics and new bloodlines in 150 000 livestock across the country, resulting in accelerated growth of the national herd.

The trained veterinary and Village Business Unit officers will now be able to provide artificial insemination services at ward level across the country, supporting farmers through dip tanks and ensuring broad access to the technology.

Artificial insemination (AI) in cattle is a breeding technique where semen from a superior bull is collected, frozen and manually deposited into a cow’s uterus by a technician during estrus (heat).

The process improves genetic traits such as milk production, increases reproductive efficiency and eliminates the need for farmers to maintain a bull.

The project comes at a time when livestock remains central to rural livelihoods, supporting more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s population while serving as a key source of nutrition and a major pillar of the national economic recovery and growth agenda.

The country is intensifying efforts to rebuild and expand its national herd to 12 million cattle by 2034 — a target officials believe is increasingly within reach following the growth of the stud livestock population to more than 24 000 registered animals, as Zimbabwe aims to unlock the full potential of a projected US$25 billion industry by 2030.

Briefing the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Dr Anxiuos Masuka during a tour of the Matopos Research Institute Animal Genebank on Thursday, Laboratory Research Officer Ms Theresa Rukuni said the project has 151 officers drawn from the country’s 10 provinces who have been trained for the artificial insemination programme.

“The veterinary and extension officers were trained in preparation for a national artificial insemination rollout programme where they are each expected to artificially inseminate 1 000 cattle in their respective wards once they receive the AI kits,” she said.

“Once the country starts receiving rains we expect to artificially inseminate 150 000 animals across the country,” said Ms Rukuni.

The success rate for the artificial insemination rollout programme is expected to be between 40 percent and 50 percent. Minister Masuka, however, said the success rate of the programme was too low and could potentially turn away farmers from participating in the project.

“What we think is the biggest problem with artificial insemination is the notion by farmers that when they bypass the traditional method of breeding by using a bull, then the conception rate will be high only to discover that it is in fact less than 50 percent.

“We need to make sure that trained veterinary officers can achieve a success rate of about 70 percent through rigorous training so that farmers can trust artificial insemination as opposed to doubting its success rate.

“In 2025 when we did a national artificial insemination rollout that we launched in Insiza (Matabeleland South Province) we realised that the success of the programme was directly linked to the success rate of the veterinary officer who was performing the procedure. So, where it was around 70 percent villagers were very enthusiastic about the programme and spoke highly about it,” said Minister Masuka.

“In villages where the success rate of the programme hovered around 40 percent to 50 percent, farmers shunned artificial insemination and vowed to stay away from the whole programme.”

Minister Masuka said instead of targeting high numbers of cattle that would be artificially inseminated, Matopos Research Institute should focus on training veterinary officers to perfect their art to get more buy in from farmers.

“Matopos Research Institute must ensure that only the veterinary officers that are able to achieve a success rate of 60 percent and above are able to continue with the programme. It’s better to start small and have the programme accepted by farmers rather than targeting a large number of artificially inseminated cattle yet farmers remain frustrated at the low success rate,” he said.

In 2024, in a huge boost to livestock production in the country and across the Southern African region, an animal Gene Bank laboratory was established at the Matopos Research Institute to aid preservation and conservation of indigenous breeds through artificial insemination.

The facility is situated about 30km from Bulawayo. The establishment of the animal Gene Bank laboratory is seen as a major milestone for the livestock value chain, a critical source of livelihood for many households in the southern part of the country.

Matopos Research Institute already operates a regional crop Gene Bank, which serves as a bio-reservoir for sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut and finger millet, which are best suited for semi-arid cropping regions in Southern Africa.

The facility is expected to provide a platform for livestock farmers in and outside the country to preserve their breeds in case of natural disasters such as drought and diseases.

Breeds that are being preserved at the Gene Bank laboratory comprise adaptable cattle species such as the African Tuli, Nguni, Afrikanda and Brahman.

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Source: Business upbeat over AirZim’s resumption of Harare-London flights – herald

Business Reporter

KEY business, tourism and agricultural players have welcomed Air Zimbabwe (AirZim)’s resumption of the Harare-London Gatwick service, which connects the nation to a critical trade and diaspora hub, while propelling economic prospects across key sectors.

The national airline suspended its direct long-haul flights to London, using Boeing 767 aircraft, in early 2012 following financial distress, mounting debts and the impounding of an aircraft at the London Gatwick Airport over unpaid fees.

Subsequent European Union safety restrictions further prevented the airline from deploying its own fleet on United Kingdom and European routes.

To navigate these legacy debts and regulatory restrictions, Zimbabwe’s sovereign wealth fund, the Mutapa Investment Fund, which now owns AirZim, brokered a 13-month aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease agreement.

Managed in partnership with aviation specialist Chapman Freeborn, the deal sees Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Lineas Aéreas operating an Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft for three weekly scheduled frequencies under AirZim’s flight code.

AirZim resumed its direct London route on July 22, 2026.

The structure shields operations from debt liability, while providing immediate compliance with UK and European regulatory standards.

The new arrangement eliminates stopovers in other regional or international hubs such as South Africa, Kenya or Dubai.

Key cargo features include direct air freight capacity and general cargo handling.

The aircraft is built to support time-sensitive agricultural shipments, including fresh horticultural and perishable products heading directly to the UK market.

It can also handle standard consumer goods, dry goods, hardware and textiles utilising trained ground handling teams at both origin and destination hubs.

The plane’s belly space can accommodate up to 30 tonnes of cargo.

Industry leaders and trade bodies cited the route’s potential to transform tourism, export logistics and high-level corporate travel.

Reflecting on the far-reaching implications for national development and investor sentiment, president of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe Dr Emmanuel Fundira said the service was far more than a simple air connection.

“The resumption of Air Zimbabwe’s direct Harare-London Gatwick service is more than the reopening of an air route,” he said.

“Strategically, it represents an opportunity to reconnect Zimbabwe with one of its most important international markets. The Harare-London Gatwick route has the potential to become a strategic national asset rather than merely another airline service.

“If managed professionally, it can stimulate tourism, trade, exports, foreign currency earnings and investment, while reconnecting Zimbabwe with one of its most important overseas communities.”

Dr Fundira said the return to London shows that AirZim is rebuilding its international footprint, which can restore investor confidence across both the airline and broader domestic aviation sector.

As a major global transit hub, he said London makes prime tourist destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools and Great Zimbabwe far more accessible, while simultaneously smoothing the way for bilateral trade missions, diplomatic engagement and corporate travel.

If commercially successful, the service will strengthen the airline’s case for restoring additional long-haul routes and expanding partnerships with international carriers.

Dr Fundira said streamlined access encourages the diaspora to return home more frequently, driving increased expenditure on family support, local goods and property investment.

Crucially, he said the aircraft offers valuable belly hold cargo space for high-value perishable exports such as fresh flowers, horticulture and specialty foods that require rapid delivery to British markets.

Even though the aircraft and crew operate under an ACMI lease structure, the service continues to safeguard local employment in airport ground handling, catering, security, travel agencies and hospitality.

Expressing strong support for AirZim’s return to the London skyways, the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) noted that direct flights were a game-changer for local horticulture.

By streamlining transport to the vital UK market and slashing freight times, the airline is helping local farms deliver fresh, premium produce more dependably.

“The UK is one of Zimbabwe’s most important export markets for fresh produce,” HDC said.

“The return of direct flights opens exciting commercial opportunities by improving market access, reducing transit times and strengthening the reliable delivery of our proudly Zimbabwean, high-quality fresh produce.”

Emphasising the convenience for business leaders and investors, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Ms Sekai Kuvarika highlighted how a 10-hour non-stop flight drastically reduces transit times for global executives.

“The movement of goods, people and service is now the equivalent of a road trip from Harare to Victoria Falls,” Ms Kuvarika said.

“This could positively impact a growing economy as access to London financial markets is enhanced, while the 10-hour trip to Zimbabwe at an affordable price makes invitations by local firms attractive to London businesses.

“A business executive can literally fly into the country for a day visit and be back in London the following day if scheduling allows. Given Zimbabwe’s high-risk perception, the opportunity to visit will have less drag on executives’ calendars.”

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Source: President declares South Africa bus tragedy State of Disaster – herald

Sunday News Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared the tragic Munhenzva Transport Services bus accident in Trompsburg, Free State Province, South Africa, which claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabwean nationals a State of Disaster.

The declaration was made in terms of Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06] to enable Government to mobilise resources and coordinate assistance for the affected families and survivors.

In a statement yesterday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the accident occurred last Friday involving a Munhenzva bus travelling from Cape Town to Harare.

“As at 1 August 2026, the incident has claimed the lives of 11 Zimbabwean nationals, comprising one adult male, five adult females and five minors,” said Minister Garwe.

He said several other passengers were injured and were receiving medical treatment at Pelonomi and Universitas Hospitals in Bloemfontein.

Minister Garwe said the declaration would allow Government to coordinate interventions, including repatriation of the deceased, assistance to survivors and provision of humanitarian support to affected families.

“The declaration of a State of Disaster enables Government to mobilise the necessary resources and coordinate interventions in support of the affected families. This includes facilitating the repatriation of the deceased, assisting survivors and providing appropriate humanitarian assistance to all those impacted by this tragic incident,” he said.

President Mnangagwa conveyed his condolences to families who lost their loved ones and wished injured passengers a speedy recovery.

“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, has conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and extended his heartfelt sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones. He has further wished those who are injured a swift and full recovery,” said Minister Garwe.

Government also commended South African authorities, emergency services, healthcare workers, and Zimbabwean diplomatic officials for their response following the accident.

The Civil Protection Department, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa and other stakeholders, has been tasked with coordinating the repatriation of the deceased and assistance to injured survivors.

“Government will continue to keep the nation informed as further verified information becomes available,” said Minister Garwe.

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