Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Mnangagwa claims passage of Amendment No. 3 a sign of maturing democracy -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug. 10 (NewsDay Live) — PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has claimed that the passage of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 was evidence of Zimbabwe’s maturing democracy, despite strong opposition to the legislation from opposition parties, churches and civil society organisations.

Mnangagwa, who recently assented to the legislation, made the remarks yesterday during Heroes Day commemorations at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.

He attributed the passage of the amendment to what he described as prevailing peace, unity and national cohesion in the country.

“Unity, peace and harmony prevailing in our nation, complemented by deeply entrenched values of national cohesion. These critical ingredients saw the passing of the Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3,” Mnangagwa said.

“These attest to our maturing democracy. Congratulations to all Zimbabweans.”

The amendment was passed by Parliament before being signed into law by Mnangagwa, amid sustained criticism from opposition parties, churches and civil society groups.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa said government had completed some components of the Smart Traffic Management System, which would be rolled out across the country as part of efforts to improve road safety and restore order on public roads.

“The government has completed some aspects of the Smart Traffic Management System, which will be rolled out throughout the provinces,” he said.

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“This flagship Whole-of-Government and Society strategy is aimed at restoring sanity and safety on our public roads.”

Mnangagwa also said government was seeking to bridge the information gap between urban and rural communities through the expansion of community broadcasting.

He said new community radio stations had been licensed in Marondera, Rusape, Gutu and Gokwe to improve access to information.

On public sector reforms, Mnangagwa said his administration had introduced measures aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery.

“My administration has rolled out innovative reforms that are giving coherent structures, clarity of roles, and fluency to operations in the Public Service,” he said.

“Government workers are being re-skilled to be fit for purpose, agile, and fully aligned to the development aspirations of our country.”

He said the Citizen Engagement Platform, launched earlier this year, would provide a mechanism for citizens and other stakeholders to contribute to government programmes and strengthen accountability.

“As we continue to strengthen service delivery, the Citizen Engagement Platform, which I launched earlier this year, is expected to harness the views of citizens and other stakeholders, towards fostering accountability, responsiveness, prudent utilisation and management of resources,” Mnangagwa said.

The President also highlighted justice-sector reforms, saying technological advancement and improved access to justice were critical to achieving the government’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

“A modern and technologically enabled justice sector is a key enabler of sustainable economic growth and the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.

“Under NDS 2, government will accelerate constitutional alignment of legislation, expand digital justice services, strengthen anti-corruption and asset recovery frameworks, as well as broaden access to legal aid.”

On mining, Mnangagwa said the sector was producing a new generation of economic contributors, but warned against environmental degradation.

“New heroes and heroines are sprouting in the mining sector. However, this should never be at the expense and detriment of future generations,” he said.

“My administration will not excuse wanton damage of infrastructure, rivers and natural environments. These must be rehabilitated.”

He said communities should continue to benefit from the country’s natural resources while ensuring environmental protection.

“Our economy and communities must sustainably enjoy the benefits of our Independence,” Mnangagwa said. 

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Source: Chivayo flaunts Ruto ties in bizarre selfie video after daughter’s engagement -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug. 10 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has revealed an extraordinary encounter with Kenyan President William Ruto, claiming the head of state personally drove him and his wife about three kilometres to a helipad for his journey back home.

Chivayo posted a selfie video of the journey on social media, showing himself in the front passenger seat while Ruto was behind the wheel and his wife sat in the back.

The controversial businessman said he had left his helicopter at a helipad and was preparing to depart after attending the traditional engagement celebration of Ruto’s daughter, Charlene, when the Kenyan president offered to drive him there.

“I am being driven by the President of Kenya,” Chivayo says excitedly in the video, with Ruto seen laughing as he drives.

In a lengthy post accompanying the footage, Chivayo said the moment was the “final UNFORGETTABLE” experience of an already special day.

“Imagine me sitting in the front PASSENGER SEAT with my wife at the back while the PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, the HEAD OF STATE himself, was behind the steering wheel personally driving me to the chopper!!!” he wrote.

Chivayo described the approximately three-kilometre journey as one of the “most PRICELESS” journeys of his life.

“I sat there overwhelmed with JOY, thinking, ‘GOD, WHAT KIND OF GRACE IS THIS?’” he wrote.

He thanked Ruto for what he described as the president’s humility and the “genuine love” and kindness he had shown him.

“Your HUMILITY is unmatched and thank you again and always for the genuine love, kindness you have shown me as your own child,” Chivayo said.

The businessman, who frequently showcases his wealth, high-level political connections and access to African leaders on social media, said the encounter was unlike anything he had experienced before.

“What may have been a short drive for you became a MEMORY OF A LIFETIME for me,” he wrote.

The footage comes at a time when Chivayo’s increasingly close relationship with Ruto is already attracting scrutiny in Kenya.

In June, former Kenyan Attorney-General Justin Muturi publicly questioned Chivayo’s access to the Kenyan presidency, asking why the Zimbabwean businessman appeared to enjoy such close proximity to Ruto.

Muturi also linked Chivayo’s political connections in Zimbabwe to questions over his access to senior officials in Kenya.

The latest episode is therefore more than a viral social-media moment: it comes against the backdrop of Chivayo expanding his business interests in Kenya and maintaining unusually high-level access to the country’s political establishment.

Last month, reports suggested that Chivayo’s Kenyan company, IMC Construction Kenya, had secured a stake in the US$2.9 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

According to the report, IMC Construction Kenya was brought into a consortium involving Chinese state-owned construction giant China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its subsidiary China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

The deal places Chivayo’s company inside one of Kenya’s largest infrastructure projects and has intensified interest in his frequent visits to Nairobi and his relationship with Ruto.

Kenya would contribute about US$1.3 billion towards the project, with the remainder expected to be financed through local and Chinese banks.

The airport project had already been politically sensitive after an earlier agreement involving India’s Adani Group was terminated following controversy and a corruption investigation involving Adani principals. The new consortium has consequently drawn fresh attention to procurement transparency in Kenya.

Chivayo’s presence in the consortium has added another dimension to questions surrounding his relationship with Ruto, particularly because IMC Construction Kenya is wholly owned by the Zimbabwean businessman.

Chivayo has previously been photographed with Ruto and other regional leaders, while Kenyan opposition figures have questioned the nature of his relationship with the president.

Now, the businessman has released footage of Ruto himself behind the steering wheel, personally driving him to his helicopter after a private family celebration.

The video has already attracted widespread attention in Kenya and Zimbabwe, with the unusual scene prompting fresh debate about the level of access Chivayo enjoys to the Kenyan president.

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Source: Minister Ncube commissions Chaplin High’s digital classroom – herald

Patrick Chitumba

Midlands Bureau

FOR learners at Chaplin High School in Gweru, the classroom is no longer confined to chalkboards and textbooks following the opening of a state-of-the-art smart classroom, bringing interactive digital learning technology into daily lessons.

Equipped with interactive smart boards, internet access and modern digital learning tools, the new facility is set to transform classroom engagement while giving learners greater exposure to technology-driven education and preparing them for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The development is part of the country’s broader drive to fast-track the digital transformation of education through sustained investment in smart learning infrastructure.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, recently commissioned the new technology classroom, where he lauded continued investment in digital infrastructure, rural electrification, strategic partnerships, and Heritage-Based Education 5.0 for transforming classrooms into centres of innovation in line with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and Vision 2030.

“We’re gathered here for the commissioning of the Chaplin High School Smart Classroom worth US$9 000 here in Gweru. I am pleased to note that the facility is equipped with 40 tablets, an overhead projector, an interactive board, and a 42-inch smart screen,” he said.

Minister Ncube said the event dovetails with the Second Republic’s NDS 2 Pillar on Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Human Capital Development, which entrenches a quality education system, builds a knowledge-driven economy through modern education infrastructure and the development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

He said President Mnangagwa made a bold and strategic policy shift from the colonial education system towards Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which integrates the country’s cultural heritage with modern infrastructure and technologies.

“The above-mentioned model entrenches partnerships with the Private Sector and Development Partners in the provision of universal access to water, power, and internet connectivity, among other education fundamentals,” he said. Minister Ncube commended Chaplin High School development committee, staff, and parents for the rigorous mobilisation of resources towards the project.

“I urge teachers to improve and sustain high pass rates as reflected by the highly commendable 91,1 percent A-Level pass rate for 2025 here at Chaplin High School. Given the foregoing, parents should uphold their obligation to pay fees, which facilitate seamless maintenance, expansion and sustainable development programmes and projects in schools,” he said.

“The school administration must consider payment plans for parents with difficulties paying the full amounts.”

Minister Ncube said tangible education and ICT sector programmes and projects are being rolled out in the Midlands Province and across the country.

“These include adoption of smart solutions in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, construction, education, healthcare and governance, bridging the digital divide through the donation of computers, printers, projectors, and whiteboards to both rural and urban schools,” he said.

Minister Ncube, however, noted with great concern the surge in drug and substance abuse in the Midlands Province, including amongst learners. Mbanje, Mutoriro/Guka, ganja cakes, and Broncleer are among the most abused drugs.

“I warn learners against indulging in drug and substance abuse as it is detrimental to their physical and mental health,” he said.

Lessons, he said, should be taken from the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s passionate and commendable drug and substance abuse awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes rolled out under the Angel of Hope Foundation.

Midlands Provincial Education Director, Mr Jameson Machimbira, said the province is working towards wider ICT access across schools.

“Our target is to achieve 80 percent ICT connectivity across schools in Midlands Province through digital classrooms and learning devices,” he said.

Mr Machimbira said the initiative also reflects growing collaboration between Government and its development partners.

“The project forms part of Government’s broader digitalisation programme, which is expanding ICT infrastructure in schools to improve learning outcomes while fostering innovation, creativity and critical thinking,” he said.

A learner, Mary Munhundiripo, welcomed the development, saying it would prepare students for an increasingly digital world.

“This is a welcome development because technology has made the world a global village,” she said.

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Source: Families call for Bulawayo Heroes Acre overhaul -Newsday Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO, Aug. 10 (NewsDay Live) — Families of fallen heroes buried at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre have called for an overhaul of the site, citing difficulties in locating graves, incomplete tombstones, vandalism, soil erosion and inadequate facilities to preserve the history of those buried there.  

The concerns were raised during this year’s National Heroes Day commemorations, when relatives visited the graves of their loved ones and called for the site to be upgraded into a dignified and secure memorial.  

Abraham Nkomo, who was trying to locate a grave, said he struggled to find it despite having the grave number and knowing the deceased’s date of death.  

“I came here to look for a grave, but I cannot find it. I have the grave number with me, but some graves have been covered by grass and are no longer visible,” Nkomo said.  

He said grave numbers should be clearly displayed on tombstones to make it easier for families to locate them.

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Source: Govt pushes for innovative graduates – herald

Herald Correspondent

THE Government has intensified calls for higher and tertiary institutions to produce innovators, entrepreneurs and industrialists capable of driving the country’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.

This came out at Harare Polytechnic’s 46th graduation and prize-giving ceremony last Friday, where 4 788 students graduated.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “From learners to innovators: Powering national industrialisation through technopreneurship.”

Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava, who was represented by his deputy, Simelisizwe Sibanda, presided over the ceremony.

Of the graduates, 2 377 were female while 2 411 were male, with 60,4 percent completing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes.

In a speech read on his behalf, Dr Shava said the strong STEM representation and near gender parity reflected deliberate Government efforts to build a skilled workforce for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa, placed human capital development at the centre of our national transformation agenda,” said Dr Shava.

“It is impressive that Harare Polytechnic has aligned itself fully with the national drive to build a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy.”

He said the graduation theme resonated with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which place innovation, industrialisation and modernisation at the centre of national development.

Dr Shava commended the institution for embracing the Education 5.0 philosophy and producing innovations that contribute to industrial growth and import substitution.

He cited the institution’s production of electric vehicle golf carts through reverse engineering, with confirmed orders already secured, as well as the establishment of an Automotive Centre of Excellence in partnership with industry players including Autoworld, Isuzu, CFAO and ZIMOCO.

“The Government is committed to assist with the re-tooling of workshops in automotive, mechanical, electrical, and science engineering to ensure sustainability of the industrialisation initiatives.

“This is technopreneurship in action: turning knowledge into infrastructure, and infrastructure into opportunity for national development,” he said.

Dr Shava challenged graduates to become job creators and innovators.

“. . . as you leave today, remember you are the engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will industrialise Zimbabwe.

“Vision 2030 needs your energy. Go and build the Zimbabwe we all dream of.”

Acting Principal Mrs Deborah Ruziwa said enrolment at the institution had risen to 10 145 students, with 7 341 enrolled in STEM programmes, representing a 7,2 percent increase from last year.

She said the overall pass rate had improved from 78,4 percent to 83 percent, reflecting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and skills development.

Mrs Ruziwa said Harare Polytechnic was also supporting Government’s rural industrialisation drive through community outreach programmes in Murombedzi and Muzarabani.

The institution has adopted Murombedzi as a rural industrialisation hub under NDS2, where students are constructing a classroom block through live project training.

She also said 77 students had gained international exposure this year.

“Twenty-four students are studying Mechatronics and Metallurgical Assaying at Shanxi Vocational College in China, while 30 Mechatronics students are expected to graduate from Ningbo Polytechnic in September.

“The polytechnic also hosts 69 international students from Zambia and Equatorial Guinea,” she said.

Mrs Ruziwa said the institution had received six national awards during the year, including the Platinum Award for Excellence in Transport and Logistics Education and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce’s Best Overall National Tertiary Institution award.

She also announced the introduction of three new STEM programmes — the National Certificate in Terrazzo Mosaic Floor and Wall Tiling, National Diploma in Biomedical Engineering and National Certificate in Orthopaedic Technology.

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