Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Industry earnings rise 9pc – herald

Oliver Kazunga-Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S economic engine is gaining momentum, with industry earnings rising 8,8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 as key sectors increased wages amid stronger business activity.

Latest labour market statistics released this week by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) show that the Industry Earnings Index climbed to 130,4 during the fourth quarter of 2025 from 119,9 recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, the index increased by 3,8 percent from 125,6 recorded in the third quarter of 2025, reflecting continued momentum in earnings growth across key sectors of the economy.

The increase was driven by strong performances in financial and insurance activities, which recorded the highest Industry Earnings Index of 660,74, followed by water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities (267,72), education (248,25), real estate activities (216,40) — and human health and social work activities (213,68).

“The Industry Earnings Index for the 4th quarter of 2025 stood at 130,4, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 8,8 per cent compared to the index of 119,9 recorded in the 4th quarter of 2024,” said the agency.

In separate interviews, economic commentators said the figures reflected improving confidence among businesses, particularly in sectors benefiting from increased investment, infrastructure development and stronger economic activity.

Economic commentator Ms Wendy Mpofu said the rise in earnings demonstrated that productive sectors were strengthening and companies were improving their ability to reward workers.

“The sustained growth in earnings is consistent with expanding economic activity across several productive sectors.

“The next objective is to ensure productivity gains continue to support improvements in workers’ real incomes,” she said.

Another economic commentator, Mr Peter Mhaka, said the sectoral performance showed that industries attracting investment were also recording stronger earnings growth.

“The sectoral performance is encouraging because it shows that areas attracting investment and undergoing expansion are also recording stronger earnings growth.

“The utilities sector, for example, reflects the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting economic activity and job opportunities,” he said.

Mr Mhaka said continued investment in infrastructure would be critical in sustaining sectors that are driving economic activity.

In the 2026 Mid-Term Budget Review Statement presented in Parliament last week, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Government was establishing an Infrastructure Development Fund expected to unlock US$400 million for critical road projects.

The financing initiative is expected to accelerate completion of major highways, improve regional trade corridors and support economic activity while reducing pressure on Treasury resources.

In the latest report, ZimStat, however, noted that while nominal earnings increased, workers’ purchasing power remained affected by price movements.

“Overall, the real earnings index fluctuated during the review period, indicating that increases in nominal earnings were offset by inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI),” said the agency.

The Industry Real Earnings Index stood at 71,5, compared to 80,0 during the same period in 2024.

However, the index improved by four percent from 69 recorded during the third quarter of 2025, pointing to a quarterly improvement.

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Source: CJ Gwaunza calls for higher standards in delivery – herald

Patrick Chitumba

CHIEF Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza has challenged judges to combine strong judicial skills with professionalism, integrity and mentorship to strengthen public confidence in the justice system and deliver on the Judicial Service Commission’s vision of “A Zimbabwe in which world-class justice prevails.”

Addressing the recent ‘End of Second Term Judges’ Symposium in Gweru, themed “Reinforcing the Core Skills and Values for Quality and Effective Justice Delivery”, Chief Justice Gwaunza said judicial excellence went beyond producing legally sound judgments, requiring judges to uphold values that inspire confidence in the courts.

She said the symposium provided judges with an opportunity to reflect, engage and learn from one another away from the pressures of daily court work, with lessons from the forum expected to translate into improved service delivery.

“What I bring to this role is not a desire to undo the foundation that has been built, but a commitment to carry it forward with renewed purpose. It is in that spirit that we turn to our theme.”

Chief Justice Gwaunza said the theme was chosen not for elegance, but because it described the whole work of a judge and that every word in it carries weight.

She said these considerations find their fullest expression in the JSC vision: “A Zimbabwe in which world-class justice prevails” — a standard, which imposes binding obligations on each judge.

Chief Justice Gwaunza said the symposium programme was designed to give practical effect to those demands through breakaway sessions organised by court and level of seniority, plenary discussions and expert presentations on the craft and care of judging.

The forum, she added, created an opportunity for judges to learn from one another, confront common challenges and strengthen the practices on which sound judicial work depends.

“What is discussed here must ultimately find expression in the daily work of our courts,” she said.

Chief Justice Gwaunza said at the foundation of judgeship lies judicial skill, and that no judge arrives on the bench complete.

She said judicial craft is a blend of skills honed over time and whilst experience is indispensable, these skills are developed most effectively within an institution in which knowledge moves freely between judges.

Drawing from personal experience, Chief Justice Gwaunza said she came to the bench after working in the public and non-governmental organisation sectors with firm knowledge of the law, but without the accumulated habits and unwritten conventions of the courtroom.

“What carried me through was the willingness of my peers to assist. Senior judges made time for my questions.

“Colleagues proofread my first draft judgments patiently. Above all, I found a culture in which one could ask a question and be assisted,” she said.

Chief Justice Gwaunza said where judges are reluctant to ask questions, uncertainty is concealed and errors remain undiscovered until they appear in written judgments and orders, or in complaints from disgruntled litigants.

“The cost is then borne not by the Judiciary alone, but by the litigant who came before the court seeking justice.”

The Chief Justice placed a corresponding responsibility on senior judges to make their experience accessible and to receive questions with patience, honesty and respect.

“Mentorship is not merely a courtesy extended to junior colleagues; it is part of the responsibility of sustaining and strengthening the Judiciary. The knowledge accumulated over many years of judicial service should be shared.”

On values, the Chief Justice said judicial skill alone is not enough, as a judgment may be legally sound yet fail to command public confidence if the process was tainted by discourtesy, delay, partiality or a lack of integrity.

“Judicial excellence therefore rests not only on what judges know and how well they reason, but also on the values that govern the exercise of judicial power.”

Citing professionalism as one clear test, Chief Justice Gwaunza said it is often revealed in small details such as punctuality and the care with which a member of the public is assisted.

“For judges, the standard must be beyond reproach at all times. A judge who is impeccable on the bench but dismissive of staff in chambers has not understood professionalism. Neither has a judge who writes elegant judgments but runs a disorderly court,” she said.

“A judge should not need to raise his or her voice to establish authority. Shouting at litigants, legal practitioners or members of staff diminishes the proceedings and risks replacing respect with fear.”

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Source: Government ends borrowing for budget support – herald

Oliver Kazungaoliver. kazunga@zimpapers.co.zw

GOVERNMENT will no longer borrow to finance budget support or consumption, with all future loans set to be channelled exclusively towards revenue-generating infrastructure projects capable of repaying themselves, marking a major shift in Zimbabwe’s public debt management strategy.

The new policy, announced by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and Treasury Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga, is aimed at ensuring every dollar borrowed is invested in productive assets that generate sufficient cash flows to service the debt while supporting economic growth.

Projects eligible for debt financing under the new framework include toll roads, railways, dams, irrigation schemes, border posts and power infrastructure, whose revenues are expected to meet repayment obligations without placing additional pressure on the fiscus.

Mr Guvamatanga said the policy represented a decisive break from past borrowing practices, under which loans were sometimes contracted to finance budget deficits or balance-of-payments support.

“We are very clear that we are not going to borrow for budget support or balance-of-payments support.

“We are borrowing to support infrastructure for the borders, for the roads, for the rail, for irrigation, because both of us (with Prof Ncube) are bankers — and we know that you don’t borrow where there is no cash flow to support repayment.

“I think in the past we have done that, and we have learnt our lessons,” said Mr Guvamatanga in an interview with journalists following presentation of the 2026 Post Mid-Term Budget Review Statement in Harare last Wednesday.

“We have made our mistakes. But now when we borrow, we ensure there is a supporting cash flow.

“There is a road with toll fees, there is a dam supporting irrigation, there is a border post with activity and fees — those projects can pay for themselves.”

The new financing model comes as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to unlock long-term, affordable funding from international development finance institutions following progress in macroeconomic reforms, fiscal consolidation and debt servicing.

Zimbabwe has been implementing wide-ranging fiscal and debt management reforms under its debt clearance and arrears resolution programme to restore access to concessional international finance after years of constrained borrowing.

And central to the reforms has been tighter fiscal discipline and prioritising productive public investment, with the new borrowing framework extending that approach by ensuring future loans are linked to projects capable of generating revenues to repay the debt.

Economic analysts generally regard borrowing for productive infrastructure as more sustainable than borrowing for recurrent expenditure because infrastructure assets stimulate economic activity.

Thus, in many cases, such assets generate dedicated income streams that can be used to service the loans.

Mr Guvamatanga said Zimbabwe’s improved debt servicing record had strengthened confidence among international lenders and development finance institutions.

He revealed that Government was close to settling its loan with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) after consistently honouring repayment obligations, a development that was enhancing Zimbabwe’s creditworthiness and opening opportunities for fresh infrastructure financing.

“That ability, the capacity and the willingness to pay is there. That’s why you are now seeing these banks coming and looking at ways of supporting our key infrastructure projects,” said Mr Guvamatanga.

Treasury believes the new borrowing model will accelerate delivery of strategic national infrastructure while safeguarding long-term debt sustainability by ensuring every new loan is backed by a productive asset capable of generating economic returns.

Prof Ncube weighed in saying the Government was also exploring innovative financing models to unlock additional resources for infrastructure development, including asset recycling under which completed public infrastructure would be refinanced by long-term investors.

Under the model, Government would recover capital already invested in mature infrastructure assets and redirect the funds towards new development projects, while investors recover their investment through future revenues generated by the assets.

“We’re looking at the power sector, the road sector and other strategic infrastructure.

“One of the projects we’ll be looking at is asset recycling, where Government can recoup what it has already spent, while the remaining financing is supported through revenues such as toll fees collected over the concession period,” he said.

Prof Ncube said Zimbabwe was also preparing a pipeline of bankable projects for possible financing through the New Development Bank following the country’s recent admission into the BRICS lender, broadening Government’s options for mobilising long-term development capital.

Among the projects under consideration are the US$4,5 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Scheme, major road rehabilitation programmes, irrigation expansion initiatives and improved urban mass transport systems, including the long-proposed Harare-Chitungwiza monorail.

Minister Ncube said Government was also engaging the Africa Finance Corporation to diversify infrastructure financing while growing international investor confidence was creating fresh opportunities for strategic partnerships.

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Source: Police deploy for holiday, warn motorists over speeding, drink-driving – herald

Remember Deketeke Zimpapers Correspondent

MOTORISTS caught speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or violating traffic regulations will face the full force of the law, with offenders who are convicted risking jail time, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has said.

Comm Nyathi said this yesterday as police stepped up operations ahead of Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays with increased deployments.

He said motorists should expect breathalyser tests and speed traps on major roads as police intensify efforts to curb road traffic accidents during the holiday period.

“It is the responsibility of all drivers to ensure that they are there to be counted through those regulations,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said police had deployed breathalysers and speed traps on major roads, warning motorists against disregarding stipulated speed limits.

“We are also saying those who will be found speeding risk being arrested because the speed traps are now fully operational,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said those arrested would be dealt with in accordance with the law, with cases warranting prosecution being taken to court.

“Remember, the laws of the country are very clear on anyone who violates the country’s rules and regulations,” he said.

“The police is there to ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour and, where appropriate, those who should go to court will certainly go to court.”

Those convicted of offences that carry custodial sentences could consequently find themselves behind bars, depending on the circumstances of each case and the sentence imposed by the courts.

The increased police presence is in response to increased traffic volumes during public holidays such as the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day.

Comm Nyathi said adequate deployments had already been made to ensure public safety and security during the commemorations and other activities.

“Police have already made adequate deployments in terms of the various activities taking place at national, provincial and city level, and also other gatherings,” he said.

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Source: Government dismantles ‘self-serving’ academic restrictions – herald

Patrick Chitumba recently in Kwekwe

GOVERNMENT expects the expansion of university infrastructure to be matched by increased student intake as it moves to dismantle what it describes as a “self-serving system” in which professional bodies control enrolment and restrict access to higher education, frustrating efforts to expand the sector.

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, said this as he emphasised Government’s heavy investment in expanding university infrastructure to drive a research and knowledge-driven economic growth in line with the country’s re-industrialisation agenda and Vision 2030.

He was speaking after a recent tour of the Midlands State University Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School Campus in Kwekwe, where he was told that during this semester alone, more than 1 000 prospective law students had applied, but only 100 were enrolled.

The university said enrolment figures are regulated by the Law Society of Zimbabwe.

“The Government is aiming at breaking the practice of self-serving by bodies such as the Law Society of Zimbabwe and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe so that institutions like MSU can absorb more students,” said Dr Soda.

“The practice is self-serving by lawyers. Government is expanding facilities to break the self-serving practice. There are some restrictions they have put in place. It’s something that must be broken.

We cannot have a facility that can absorb 1 000 students taking only 100.

“It’s something we have to look at further. The expansion has to have a corresponding increase in student intake,” said the minister.

Kwekwe campus director, Dr Gilbert Tarugarira, said the dream to establish MSU Law School was mooted in 2015, with President Mnangagwa chairing the founding planning committee alongside the late national heroes Cdes Cephas Msipa and Richard Hove.

“The dream started in 2015. There is a history behind this university, from the mooting of the idea to mobilising resources to have this institution. Now we have the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School as part of the institution,” he said.

He said naming the institution in honour of President Mnangagwa was in recognition of his leadership, vision and contribution to the growth of the law sector.

“We want to inspire the young so that they can become lawyers,” he said.

Dr Tarugarira said the Government has been the major funder of the campus, releasing ZiG262 million for the completion of structures.

“We did the construction, which is almost complete. We are still fixing one or two things here and there. We’ve obtained the certificate of occupancy. Now the facility is occupied and we’re attending to certain inadequacies,” he said.

Dr Tarugarira said the campus houses the Faculties of Law and Agriculture, with plans to introduce a third — the Faculty of Built Environment, Art and Design.

He said the university did not rely on imported labour during construction, with locals benefiting directly, while completion of the campus has transformed Kwekwe through booming business in accommodation, transport and retail.

“A lot of innovation is coming through. The completion of Kwekwe Campus has changed the face of the town. New buildings are coming up. Businesses are flourishing,” he said.

The campus is also driving agriculture and innovation through projects including mushroom production, cannabis research, a piggery project, and research into declining cotton production and development of seed varieties suitable for the Midlands.

“We’ve received more than 1 000 applications from law students and not all of them could be absorbed. Only 100 were enrolled. In terms of the number we can enrol’, it is regulated by the Law Society of Zimbabwe. We have about 400 here and around 300 on attachment,” he said.

Dr Tarugarira said the decentralisation agenda is bringing education closer to communities that previously had limited access.

In a significant boost for the sector, the MSU Faculty of Law relocated from the main campus in Gweru to the new Kwekwe facility.

All law lectures, tutorials and administrative operations have now moved to the campus as the 2026 academic semester resumed on Monday.

The Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is emerging as a centre for academic collaboration and legal education as Zimbabwe rolls out modern education infrastructure under the

Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Model, which continues to draw regional attention.

The campus, named after President Mnangagwa, was constructed to expand capacity and provide modern teaching infrastructure for law students. Construction began in 2023.

The self-contained campus will have lecture rooms, moot courts, a library, hostels, a kitchen, a hospital and staff quarters, among other essential facilities.

President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the new campus last year in a historic ceremony that marked the first time the university held a graduation ceremony outside its main campus in Gweru.

Situated on a 220-hectare site along the Old Kwekwe- Gokwe Road, the new Law School will serve as a hub for legal excellence, with capacity to accommodate 600 students.

The project forms part of Government’s drive to modernise higher education through the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 Model, which prioritises research, innovation and industrialisation.

The institution is expected to play a vital role in achieving Vision 2030 by equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to drive national development.

This comes as President Mnangagwa’s legal expertise and reforms have left an indelible mark on the justice system, with the law school standing as a fitting tribute to his legacy. The President also advocated for the abolition of the death penalty, having survived a death sentence during the liberation struggle on a technicality.

The tour by Minister Soda and his delegation, was meant to assess implementation of development projects in the Midlands province.

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