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Source: ZDF community initiatives reinforce Vision 2030 goals – herald

Columbus Mabika 

Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces is a people’s force ready to stand with the people, assist communities and support Government initiatives to upscale national development and economic growth for the realisation of national visions.

The sentiments were expressed by Commander ZDF, General Emmanuel Matatu, yesterday in an interview ahead of this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces commemorations slated for next week.

The interview came as the ZDF began its Community Assistance Week, during which projects are handed over to communities.

Community assistance is also part of the ZDF’s peacetime mandate to foster development in the country by extending a helping hand to communities.

General Matatu said the ZDF will rally the nation to uphold and preserve peace and national security for the attainment of economic prosperity.

“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces is a people’s army ready to assist the communities as enshrined in the Constitution. Annually, during the ZDF Community Assistance Week, the military embarks on several projects where it assists communities in line with its Constitutional mandate to protect Zimbabwe, its people, national security as well as its territorial integrity, and to uphold its Constitution,” he said.

“The thrust is in line with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ role during peacetime of assisting communities, which is being carried out in all ten provinces through building social amenities such as schools, clinics, roads and bridges, among others.”

In addition to the projects, he said ZDF medical teams will conduct free medical outreach programmes in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care in several parts of the country.

Turning to technological development, he said artificial intelligence, digitalisation and advanced technology are reshaping global defence landscapes.

In this regard, the ZDF, he said, stands ready and is in the process of adopting and embracing technological advancements to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.

Resonating with the national mantra of value addition, he said armies worldwide are increasingly becoming hubs of innovation. The force, through research and development—its cornerstone—is harnessing innovations that bring local solutions to real needs, which in the long run will lead to import substitution.

In light of growing unrest and conflict within the region, General Matatu said the ZDF always stands ready to fulfil its domestic, regional and international obligations in pursuit of peace and security for all.

Turning to the welfare of troops, he said efforts are underway to address the welfare needs of ZDF members in the areas of health, accommodation, transport and remuneration.

Yesterday, General Matatu handed over a classroom block to the community at Mubvundudzi Secondary School in Rushinga.

The block was built by Zimbabwe National Army Artillery Brigade artisans, with the community providing materials.

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Source: Meikles narrows losses as operational recovery gathers pace – herald

Nelson Gahadza

Senior Business Reporter

Meikles Limited narrowed its full-year loss for the year ended February 28, 2026, as improved cost discipline, stronger operating efficiencies and a more stable macroeconomic environment helped the diversified group return its core supermarket business to operating profitability, despite subdued consumer spending.

Group chairman Fayaz King said the company’s operating performance improved significantly during the year, with stronger margins, positive operating cash flows and lower losses positioning the business for sustainable growth.

Inflation-adjusted revenue eased by 4 percent to ZiG12,56 billion from ZiG13,10 billion in the prior year, largely reflecting lower sales in the supermarket business, which contributed about 98 percent of total group revenue.

However, improved performances from the properties, hospitality and security services businesses partly cushioned the decline.

The group reduced its loss for the year by 33 percent to ZiG183,8 million from ZiG274,8 million, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 40 percent to ZiG258,2 million. Operating cash generation also strengthened sharply, to ZiG229 million from ZiG58 million, underscoring the resilience of the group’s underlying operations.

“The year under review marked a significant improvement in the Group’s operating performance, against a backdrop of increasing economic stability and a more supportive trading environment.

“Despite continued pressure on consumer spending and intense competition from the informal sector, management delivered improved margins, a substantial reduction in losses, positive operating cash flows, and a return to operating profitability within the Group’s core supermarket business,” he said.

He said the achievements reflected disciplined execution of strategic priorities and positioned the group for sustainable growth.

The group’s flagship TM Pick n Pay supermarket business recorded a notable turnaround during the year, returning to operating profitability despite weaker consumer spending.

Although supermarket revenue declined by 5 percent to ZiG12,3 billion, sales volumes increased by 6 percent, reflecting stronger customer traffic and market share gains in the second half of the year.

Gross profit margin improved to 28 percent from 23 percent, while the segment posted an operating profit of ZiG63,7 million, compared with an operating loss of ZiG516,3 million in the previous year.

The retailer also opened a new outlet in Shurugwi and funded capital expenditure of US$3,2 million entirely from internally generated cash flows, without resorting to bank borrowings.

Within the hospitality division, operational performance remained stable, as occupancy held at 39 percent, while a 9 percent increase in average room rates lifted revenue per available room by 8 percent.

Profit after tax improved to ZiG7,9 million.

The properties business recorded 25 percent revenue growth in US dollar terms, driven by higher third-party rentals and improved utilisation of its portfolio.

A major milestone was the redevelopment of the group’s flagship Bulawayo property, which was generating about US$60 000 in monthly rental income by year-end.

Meanwhile, the security services division posted 3 percent revenue growth in US dollar terms, as it continued expanding its external customer base.

Looking ahead, Mr King said the group was entering the new financial year with cautious optimism, supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and encouraging first-quarter trading.

He said supermarket revenue had already grown by 13 percent in US dollar terms during the first quarter, underpinned by a 22 percent increase in unit sales, while the properties division recorded 64 percent growth, following improved occupancy and contributions from the refurbished Bulawayo                       property.

“The Group enters the new financial year with cautious optimism. The improving macroeconomic environment, combined with initiatives implemented over the past year, provides a platform for continued operational improvement,” Mr King said.

He added that the group was evaluating opportunities to expand its supermarket branch network and remained confident of improving performance.

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Source: Landmark investment for Victoria Falls – herald

Nqobile Bhebhe

Zimpapers Business Hub

VICTORIA FALLS is poised for a new era of world-class tourism development, after the Government and the private sector sealed a US$66,9 million Commercial Joint Venture Agreement that is expected to transform the resort city into one of Africa’s most competitive high-value tourism and investment destinations.

The landmark agreement, signed following Cabinet’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in April 2026, marks one of Zimbabwe’s most significant tourism infrastructure investments in recent years and signals growing investor confidence in the country’s tourism sector.

The agreement brings together Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company (Private) Limited, the development company under the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and Victoria Seven Investments (Private) Limited, under the JR Goddard Consortium, to develop bulk infrastructure at Lot 1 of the 271-hectare Jafuta Estate in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone.

More than a conventional infrastructure project, the development represents the creation of a new integrated tourism precinct designed to redefine Victoria Falls’ visitor experience, while opening vast opportunities for domestic and international investors.

The US$66,9 million investment will provide essential bulk infrastructure, including water and sewer reticulation, electricity distribution and telecommunications networks — the critical backbone required to unlock a pipeline of premium tourism and commercial developments.

Once completed, the serviced estate will accommodate luxury hotels, boutique lodges, villas, chalets, holiday homes, a championship golf estate, commercial and financial centres, medical facilities, a Tourism Academy and the under-construction International Multi-purpose Cricket Stadium, creating a diversified tourism ecosystem that extends Victoria Falls’ appeal beyond its iconic natural attractions.

Industry observers say the project reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic shift from destination marketing alone to destination development, where modern infrastructure becomes the catalyst for sustainable tourism investment and long-term economic growth.

The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said the landmark investment directly supports President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2.

“The landmark development advances President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an upper-middle-income society and aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 through sustainable tourism investment,” the ministry said.

Officiating at the signing ceremony on behalf of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, Deputy Minister Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa described the agreement as a game-changing milestone for Zimbabwe’s tourism economy.

He described the development as a transformative investment that positions tourism as a catalyst for infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation through Public-Private Partnerships.

“The complementary investments will create an integrated tourism ecosystem that enhances Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a premier destination, while the signing marks the realisation of a vision conceived in 2012 for the Masuwe Special Economic Zone,” the ministry added.

The agreement also demonstrates the Government’s growing use of Public-Private Partnerships to accelerate strategic infrastructure development, while leveraging private capital to maximise the economic value of public assets.

Through the innovative model, the Government contributes land through Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company, enabling investors to channel capital into infrastructure and tourism facilities that generate long-term economic returns.

“Through Mosi Oa Tunya Development Company, the Government is leveraging land equity to unlock private sector investment that will strengthen Zimbabwe’s tourism infrastructure and investment landscape, elevate tourist experiences, stimulate inclusive economic growth and further position Victoria Falls as a leading high-value tourism and investment destination.”

Beyond the immediate infrastructure works, the project is expected to trigger substantial secondary investments across hospitality, real estate, retail, transport, financial services and recreation, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening linkages with local suppliers and communities.

The development also reinforces Victoria Falls’ evolution from a destination renowned solely for its natural wonder into a globally competitive tourism, sports, conference and investment hub, capable of attracting high-spending visitors and international investors.

With premium accommodation, sporting facilities, commercial services and specialised tourism infrastructure planned within one integrated precinct, the Masuwe Special Economic Zone is set to become a flagship model of sustainable tourism development in Southern Africa.

It is expected to further enhance Zimbabwe’s standing as an investment destination and position tourism as a powerful engine for inclusive economic transformation.

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Source: Call on women miners to comply with mining requirements – herald

Judith Phiri judith.phiri@sundaynews.co.zw

THE Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has called on women miners to ensure that all mining requirements are in order, so that they can fully formalise their operations, secure proper mining titles and keep their licences up to date.

This comes after the Ministry issued a public notice calling on all holders of mining titles and mining operators to regularise their outstanding obligations by August 30, 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in the forfeiture of mining rights.

Speaking recently at a woman-owned Asiphileni Gold Mine in Kenilworth, Ward 19 of Bubi District, Matabeleland North, the Ministry’s Principal Metallurgical Technician in the Metallurgy Department, Ms Rosemary Machache, called on women miners to approach their offices for assistance.

“Our doors as the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development are open for technical assistance and advice on operational compliance and safety issues. Always ensure safety in your operations, and remember that a dollar in a female miner’s hand goes a long way,” she said.

“As you are aware, there is a 30 August deadline that has been set. Mining title holders and operators are required to settle any outstanding obligations within the stipulated timeframe.”

Highlighting key aspects, she said that when constructing any structures on a mine, miners should ensure they are in line with the Siting of Works Plan approved by the Ministry of Mines.

Ms Machache said all plant equipment should be commissioned, which happens after approval of the Siting of Works Plan.

She added: “I would also encourage you to know that when you are buying some of this mining equipment, you really need the assistance of a mining engineer. There are quite a number of people making machinery, including some hoists, which, when the mining inspector from the Ministry comes to check, will be deemed substandard and they will not commission them.”

Ms Machache said if a fatal accident were to occur and the miner went to court, the magistrate would simply ask whether the machinery at the mine had been commissioned.

She said the moment the mine inspector says no, the miner will be held accountable.

“As of now, you are supposed to have your mine registration and inspection certificates on the mine site; you can keep copies at home. No mine should wait for more than seven days without an appointed mine manager, and these days one with a mining blasting licence is required,” she added.

“You need to have Environmental Management Agency (EMA) documents on site. You need to have permits such as explosives or carbon movement permits on site. You also need to have files of returns and receipts, especially regarding returns – miners tend to take them for granted.”

Ms Machache said miners are now required to submit returns when they make payments for mine inspection, and the fine for not doing so is US$200 per month.

She encouraged women miners to have production, employee and mill registers, where they log all machinery, employees and production taking place at the mine, as well as other records such as a safety complaints register, a time management register and a visitor register.

“You need to provide adequate personal protective equipment for your employees. That includes worksuits, safety shoes, gloves, goggles and respirators, depending on where they are working.

“All electric wires need to be covered. Make sure you have a magazine box before you acquire explosives. As of now, we will not be issuing anything for explosives unless the inspectors have inspected your premises and are satisfied that you have the correct magazine box,” she said.

Ms Machache said all drainage systems should be monitored, and those who fail to do so – especially when chemicals contaminate nearby water bodies – will receive a ticket for that.

The Women Affairs Director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mrs Julia Mapungwana, called on women miners to treat their operations as enterprises.

“Ensure that your operations are formalised. By treating mining operations as formal enterprises, you as women are able to transition from low-paying subsistence labour to profitable and sustainable businesses,” she said.

She called on the women miners to have legal registration documents, adopt structured financial management and invest in appropriate technology to increase their production.

Asiphileni Gold Mine Director, Ms Nomathemba Mkethwa, a member of the Zimbabwe Artisanal and Small Scale Women Miners Association (ZASWMA), was commended for empowering the community by allowing the youth, women, men and the elderly to mine as a source of income.

Women miners from different parts of the country attended the learning site visit programme at the mine. They came from Bindura, Matobo, Gwanda, Shurugwi, Gokwe, Beitbridge, Mutare, Shamva and Filabusi, among other areas.

The event was hosted by ZASWMA in partnership with NMB to promote peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange among women miners.

It also sought to showcase responsible artisanal and small-scale mining practices, promote environmental stewardship through a tree-planting initiative in line with ESG principles, as well as encourage the adoption of safe mining practices.

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Source: Cabinet cuts football match-day levies in major boost for clubs – herald

Sikhumbuzo Moyo
smoyo@chronicle.co.zw

FOOTBALL clubs across Zimbabwe are set to retain a larger share of their match-day revenue after Cabinet approved sweeping reductions in statutory levies, a move expected to ease the financial burden on clubs and improve the sustainability of the domestic game.

The decision, announced after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, forms part of Government’s broader Ease of Doing Business reforms, which have now been extended to additional sectors of the economy.

Presenting the post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said Cabinet had approved a 50 percent reduction in the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) gate takings levy.

Cabinet also approved a 50 percent reduction in the Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) six percent levy on gross match-day revenue, while the Premier Soccer League (PSL) levy has been cut from 10 percent of net match-day revenue to four percent.

In another significant relief measure, local authorities’ venue hire levy has been reduced from 15 percent to 10 percent of total gross gate attendance.

“Cabinet noted and approved the Mop-Up Review of Licences, Permits, Levies and Fees charged by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Agriculture, Education, Transport, Sport and the natural stone export sub-sector, as presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube,” said Dr Soda.

He said the latest review was aimed at ensuring that the Ease of Doing Business programme comprehensively covers all sectors of the economy.

According to Dr Soda, Cabinet extended the review to include outstanding sectors and sub-sectors that had not been covered during the initial review of 13 priority sectors approved on July 29, 2025.

“The residual sectors and sub-sectors comprise Agriculture, Education, Transport, Sport and the natural stone export sub-sector. Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high residual levies and fees,” he said.

The reforms are expected to bring substantial financial relief to football clubs, which have for years argued that multiple deductions from gate takings leave them with insufficient resources to meet operational costs, improve player welfare and invest in development.

By reducing the regulatory burden, the measures are also expected to strengthen the financial sustainability of clubs while supporting Government’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at lowering the cost of doing business across key sectors.

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