AG flags ‘accounting black hole’ in rural council schools

Source: AG flags ‘accounting black hole’ in rural council schools -Newsday Zimbabwe HARARE, Jul. 22 (NewsDay Live) – Auditor-General Vimbai Chikwenhere has raised alarm over poor financial accountability in rural district council-run schools, warning that millions of dollars in school fees, levies and grants cannot be properly accounted for because many councils are failing to […]

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Source: AG flags ‘accounting black hole’ in rural council schools -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Jul. 22 (NewsDay Live) – Auditor-General Vimbai Chikwenhere has raised alarm over poor financial accountability in rural district council-run schools, warning that millions of dollars in school fees, levies and grants cannot be properly accounted for because many councils are failing to keep adequate financial records.

In her report tabled before Parliament on June 26, 2026, Chikwenhere said 34 local authorities had not submitted their 2025 financial statements, while six councils had failed to submit financial statements for both the 2023 and 2024 financial years.

The audit covered 96 financial statements from 81 local authorities for the 2022–2025 period and highlighted persistent weaknesses in public financial management despite some improvements in compliance.

According to the report, 58 local authorities are now up to date with their financial reporting, up from 26 in the previous audit cycle. A total of 96 financial statements have been finalised, while another 78 remain under audit.

However, Chikwenhere warned that delays in submitting financial statements continue to undermine accountability.

“Late submission of financial statements creates accountability gaps and also results in the inability of local authorities to provide supporting documents or reconcile variances identified during the audit,” the report said.

She recommended that the six councils which remain in default be closely monitored.

A major concern highlighted in the report was the failure by Rural District Councils to account for the finances of schools under their administration.

The Auditor-General identified the non-accounting of council schools by Rural District Councils as a key audit finding, warning that the absence of proper financial records makes it difficult to account for school revenue, expenditure and assets.

She recommended that the Ministry of Finance conduct skills gap assessments across all Rural District Council schools and implement a phased national programme to standardise financial reporting systems.

The findings raise concerns over the management of school fees, levies and government grants collected by RDC-run schools.

Commenting on the report, Harare Residents Trust director Precious Shumba said the findings reflected broader governance and accountability challenges in the public sector.

“The lack of accountability and governance issues are negatively impacting social and economic development. The Auditor-General has exposed financial leakages affecting development,” Shumba said.

The Auditor-General acknowledged progress made through the Ministry of Finance’s implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), saying the reforms had contributed to an increase in the submission of outstanding financial statements.

The report is expected to increase pressure on the Treasury and the Ministry of Local Government to strengthen financial oversight of local authorities as government continues to channel devolution funds to councils amid persistent concerns over service delivery and public financial management.

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Police seek information on Madzibaba VeShanduko over alleged undermining of police authority 

Source: Police seek information on Madzibaba VeShanduko over alleged undermining of police authority –Newsday Zimbabwe HARARE, Jul. 22 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing for information on the whereabouts of Godfrey Karemba, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, in connection with allegations of undermining police authority. In a statement issued Tuesday, police urged […]

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Source: Police seek information on Madzibaba VeShanduko over alleged undermining of police authority –Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Jul. 22 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing for information on the whereabouts of Godfrey Karemba, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, in connection with allegations of undermining police authority.

In a statement issued Tuesday, police urged members of the public with information that could assist in locating Karemba to report to the nearest police station.

Police did not provide further details on the nature of the allegations.

Karemba was acquitted and released from prison on June 3, 2026, after spending eight months in custody. He had been arrested on charges related to alleged anti-government mobilisation before the court found him not guilty and ordered his release.

The latest police appeal comes less than two months after his release.

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Chamisa takes new movement to UK diaspora as 180-day countdown lapses

He lines up stops in London, Manchester and Corby Source: Chamisa takes new movement to UK diaspora as 180-day countdown lapses – Zimbabwe News Now HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa is set to begin a diaspora consultation tour of the United Kingdom this week, taking his push to build […]

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He lines up stops in London, Manchester and Corby

Source: Chamisa takes new movement to UK diaspora as 180-day countdown lapses – Zimbabwe News Now

HARARE – Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa is set to begin a diaspora consultation tour of the United Kingdom this week, taking his push to build a new political movement to Zimbabweans in London, Manchester and Corby.

Chamisa quit as CCC leader in January 2024, alleging the party had been infiltrated, and has since been consulting on a replacement movement under what he calls Agenda 2026.

On January 23 last year, Chamisa set out what he termed “the immediate agenda,” a 180-day programme of what he described as legal and institutional groundwork and grassroots organising ahead of forming a new movement.

That 180-day window lapses this week, with the UK leg of his diaspora consultations opening as the deadline he set himself in January runs out.

In a statement addressed to “Fellow Zimbabwean Citizens in the United Kingdom,” Chamisa said the trip forms part of a “Diaspora Citizens Consultation, Engagement and Listening Tour” aimed at hearing directly from Zimbabweans living in the UK.

“This tour is an opportunity to hear your perspectives, engage on the challenges and opportunities facing our nation, and strengthen the vital partnership between Zimbabwe and its diaspora,” Chamisa said.

The tour will take Chamisa to London on Thursday, Manchester on Friday and Corby on Sunday.

A statement released by his office described “the new” as a movement “born out of listening” and “born out of engagement,” built, it said, on the “conviction that citizens define the future of their nation.”

“With close to five million citizens living beyond our borders, the diaspora is not a peripheral constituency. It is an integral part of our nation,” the statement reads.

The statement accused the government of benefiting from diaspora remittances while denying Zimbabweans abroad the right to vote.

“For too long, the old order has welcomed billions in diaspora remittances while denying those same citizens the fundamental democratic right to vote. The New rejects that contradiction,” the statement said.

Chamisa’s office said the tour affirms “the diaspora’s rightful place in shaping Zimbabwe’s future,” declaring that “no border should bar any citizen from the New.”

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Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 18th July 2026

Source: Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 18th July 2026 Once again Vigil activists met outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to continue our protest against the human rights abuse and lack of democracy in Zimbabwe perpetrated by ZANU PF, the ruling regime. https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/55406804410/sizes/m/Thanks to those who came today: Jonathan Kariwo, Munashe Madziyauswa, Philip Maponga, Tatenda Nyakudziwarira and Ephraim […]

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Source: Zimbabwe Vigil Diary 18th July 2026

Once again Vigil activists met outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to continue our protest against the human rights abuse and lack of democracy in Zimbabwe perpetrated by ZANU PF, the ruling regime.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/55406804410/sizes/m/Thanks to those who came today: Jonathan Kariwo, Munashe Madziyauswa, Philip Maponga, Tatenda Nyakudziwarira and Ephraim Tapa. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72177720334781169/.

Meanwhile, political temperatures are rising in Zimbabwe as civil society groups embarks on a mission to challenge CAB3 and to demand a return to democracy.

Major groups that include the Defend the Constitution Platform, Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), the National Constitutional Assembly, student unions and religious organisations have formed a united front dubbed Sungano Yevanhu (the People’s Covenant).

They have formally rejected CAB3 and demanded a referendum to secure the democratic gains secured in the 2013 constitution. As a result, they are calling for nationwide street protests and all forms of resistance to ensure the ordinary people have their say.nTo that end they have set 31July 2026 as a day of national protest/shutdown.

The ZANUPF government is having none of it though as they contend that CAB3 is a done deal as it is now Law. They have insisted that apart from being a date on the calendar, 31July is a normal day in Zimbabwe, daring anyone who acts otherwise ‘try it’.

From the days of the 1970s liberation struggle into government, ZANU PF is well known for its violent treatment of perceived opponents with impunity. The ZANU PF reign from 1980 to the present day is littered with episodes of brutality, people displacements, torture, murders, kidnap, political rape and destruction of livelihoods for those who dare resist or challenge it.

With CAB3, it would appear ZANUPF is now a one-party state China-style, a final nail in the coffin to democracy.

For this reason, the Zimbabwe Vigil will continue to converge outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London to mourn the death of democracy in Zimbabwe while providing moral support and hope to the gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe who dare stand up and challenge the ZANU PF military backed regime.

Ahoy ma Comrades, 31/07/2026 is only the beginning! Together we can!

For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.

Events and Notices: 

  • Next Vigil meeting outside the Zimbabwe Embassy. Saturday 1st August from 2 – 5 pm. We meet on the first and third Saturdays of every month. On other Saturdays the virtual Vigil will run.
  • The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organisation based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe.
  • The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
  • Facebook pages:   
  • Vigil : https ://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil
  • ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/

The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London meets regularly on Saturdays from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.

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Govt gives urban land defaulters three-month ultimatum

Source: Govt gives urban land defaulters three-month ultimatum – herald Ivan Zhakata  Herald Correspondent INDIVIDUALS, housing co-operatives, private developers, companies, institutions and other beneficiaries of urban State land have been given a three-month ultimatum by Government to settle outstanding obligations or risk losing their land. In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and […]

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Source: Govt gives urban land defaulters three-month ultimatum – herald

Ivan Zhakata

 Herald Correspondent

INDIVIDUALS, housing co-operatives, private developers, companies, institutions and other beneficiaries of urban State land have been given a three-month ultimatum by Government to settle outstanding obligations or risk losing their land.

In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Dr John Basera, said Government had noted with concern the continued failure by some allottees to comply with conditions attached to their land allocations.

He said the affected beneficiaries had failed to pay purchase prices and outstanding balances, statutory charges, surrender and transfer commonage stands and other land due to Government, as well as fulfil other obligations contained in their allocation documents, development permits, agreements or approvals.

“These obligations form an integral part of every allocation and are legally binding,” Dr Basera said.

He said the failure to comply was undermining orderly urban development, prejudicing Government interests and delaying the provision of essential public infrastructure and services, including schools, health facilities and recreational amenities.

“Accordingly, Government hereby grants a final period of three months from the date of publication of this notice for all defaulting allottees to regularise their obligations,” Dr Basera said.

During the three-month compliance period, all defaulting beneficiaries are required to settle all outstanding payments due to Government, remit commonage stands and any other land due to the State in terms of their allocation conditions, and fulfil all outstanding contractual and statutory obligations.

Dr Basera said Government would take legal and administrative action against defaulters at the expiry of the compliance period.

“At the expiry of the three-month compliance period, Government shall institute appropriate legal and administrative measures against all defaulters, including but not limited to cancellation of land allocations, repossession of the allocated land without further notice, subject to the applicable law, recovery of outstanding amounts due to Government, and any other remedies available under the law,” he said.

The Ministry encouraged all affected beneficiaries to immediately engage the Department of Urban State Land Management to facilitate the regularisation of their obligations within the stipulated period.

Dr Basera said Government remained committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and the efficient administration of urban State land in the national interest.

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