Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Robert Mugabe Clinic takes shape in Zvimba – herald

Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau

A MODERN primary healthcare facility being constructed in Zvimba in honour of the late former President and liberation icon, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, is nearing completion, with works now more than 70 percent complete.

The Robert Mugabe Clinic, being built by Kadoma-based businessman, philanthropist and Zanu PF National Consultative Assembly member Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, is expected to improve access to quality healthcare for thousands of people while preserving the legacy of one of the country’s foremost liberation leaders.

Located in Cde Mugabe’s rural home area, the 16-roomed health institution is part of a wider programme under which Cde Muduvuri is establishing clinics in all of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces through a Pan-African healthcare initiative targeting underserved communities.

The project comes as the country prepares to commemorate Heroes and Defence Forces holidays next month, with the clinic standing as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by liberation heroes and heroines.

Construction activity is in full swing, with local men, women and youths employed on site as builders race towards completion of the facility, which will offer outpatient services, maternal and child healthcare, consultation rooms, a pharmacy, observation wards and administrative offices.

Speaking during a tour of the project on Saturday, Cde Muduvuri said naming the clinic after Cde Mugabe was a deliberate decision aimed at honouring a leader whose contributions to the country’s liberation and post-independence development transformed the lives of millions.

“Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe dedicated his life to the liberation and development of Zimbabwe,” he said. “Building this clinic in his home area is our way of ensuring that his legacy continues to positively impact communities through improved healthcare.”

Cde Muduvuri said the initiative was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, with the private sector complementing Government efforts to expand access to essential social services.

“As Jimayi Muduvuri, I have chosen to concentrate on health because a healthy nation is a productive nation.

“We are supporting Government programmes by taking quality healthcare closer to the people,” he said.

Cde Muduvuri said all war veterans would continue receiving free treatment at his medical institutions in recognition of their sacrifices during the liberation struggle.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the men and women who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence. We can never repay their sacrifices, but we can honour them by protecting their dignity through access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Cde Muduvuri said he remained grateful to President Mnangagwa for facilitating life-saving medical treatment when he fell critically ill in 2005.

“That hand that lifted me when I was down is the same hand that is lifting Zimbabwe today. A true son of the soil does not bite the hand that fed him.

“We must embrace unity, healing and nation-building,” he said.

He urged Zimbabweans to resolve their differences through dialogue while remaining focused on national development.

“As Pan-Africanists, our weapon has always been dialogue. Differences among members of one family should be resolved through engagement.

“Let us build Zimbabwe together, with everyone playing their part.”

Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka commended Cde Muduvuri for translating liberation history into practical community development through the construction of the clinic.

“This is a commendable gesture that honours the legacy of our founding leader, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, in a practical and meaningful way.

“Instead of merely talking about our liberation heroes, Cde Muduvuri is ensuring that communities continue benefiting from their legacy through improved access to healthcare,” she said.

She added that the project reflected the revolutionary values of patriotism, selflessness and service to the people that defined the liberation struggle.

“We encourage more patriotic Zimbabweans and businesspeople to emulate such initiatives that complement Government efforts under President Mnangagwa’s development agenda.

“This is what nation-building is all about.”

Residents have also welcomed the development, saying it will improve access to healthcare services while creating employment opportunities.

Mrs Chiedza Mhlanga-Muchakachi, who is among villagers employed during construction, said the clinic would significantly reduce travelling distances for patients seeking medical attention.

“We are happy that this clinic is being built close to our homes. It will reduce the distance we travel to access medical services and ease pressure on Murombedzi Hospital and other nearby health facilities,” she said.

Another resident, Ms Moreblessing Mhizha, said the project was already transforming lives even before completion.

“Many local people have found employment through this project while, at the same time, we are building a facility that will benefit future generations.”

Zvimba Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Enias Chidakwa said the clinic complemented efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure in the district.

Once completed, the Robert Mugabe Clinic will join a growing network of health institutions established by Cde Muduvuri and named after liberation icons, including Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Nkomo, Simon Muzenda, Chief Rekai Tangwena and Herbert Chitepo.

In 2023, President Mnangagwa commissioned the Jimayi Muduvuri Pan-African Referral Hospital in Kadoma, which has since been licensed to train Registered General Nurses, with its inaugural intake expected to commence soon.

The Robert Mugabe Clinic is expected to play a significant role in improving healthcare delivery in Zvimba, while serving as a lasting symbol of the link between Zimbabwe’s liberation legacy and community development.

The post Robert Mugabe Clinic takes shape in Zvimba appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Dams to anchor food security, Zim’s rural industrialisation drive – herald

Nyasha Simbisai

Agriculture Correspondent

ZIMBABWE’S more than 10 600 water bodies can transform agriculture, accelerate rural industrialisation and boost food security, with dams no longer serving as mere storage facilities but as centres of economic activity, the Government has said.

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the country possessed sufficient water resources to support large-scale irrigation, fisheries, hydropower generation, livestock production and domestic water supply, making integrated dam utilisation central to Zimbabwe’s economic development agenda.

Commenting on the country’s irrigation expansion strategy and dam development programme, Prof Jiri said several of Zimbabwe’s major dams had the capacity to irrigate vast tracts of land.

“As we go forward, irrigation development becomes critical. Zimbabwe has more than 10 600 water bodies — many of them large dams with the capacity to irrigate more than two million hectares,” he said.

He cited Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, which has the potential to irrigate over 40 000 hectares, Marovanyati Dam with a capacity exceeding 5 000 hectares, while Gwayi-Shangani Dam is expected to irrigate up to 10 000 hectares once completed.

Prof Jiri said achieving national food self-sufficiency would require at least 350 000 hectares to be placed under irrigation specifically for cereal production, underscoring irrigation as a strategic investment in safeguarding agricultural productivity against climate variability.

He, however, stressed that constructing dam walls should not be viewed as the final objective, as the real value lies in transforming every dam into an integrated economic hub capable of generating multiple livelihood opportunities.

“The important thing is not merely to build the dam. Constructing the dam wall is the easier part. The key is to convert every water body into an economy that supports irrigation development, fisheries, hydropower generation, livestock production and clean water supply for surrounding communities,” said Prof Jiri.

He said dams should become catalysts for rural industrialisation, employment creation and improved household incomes by supporting diverse economic activities around them.

Integrated utilisation of water infrastructure will also stimulate value chains, attract investment and enhance the livelihoods of communities living around the country’s dams.

Meanwhile, the Government has also revealed that significant progress has been recorded in the construction of strategic dams across the country, with flagship projects expected to substantially improve water security and irrigation development.

Prof Jiri said Gwayi-Shangani Dam, one of Zimbabwe’s largest infrastructure projects, had since surpassed 70 percent completion, with the Government targeting to set its completion date before the end of this year.

He said Treasury support had accelerated construction works, positioning the project for completion before the onset of the next rainy season.

Once completed, the dam will begin impounding water and supply Bulawayo through a pipeline that is already under construction.

Beyond improving urban water supply, the project will unlock irrigation opportunities at Upper Ncema, Lower Ncema and Insiza dams, significantly expanding agricultural production in Matabeleland.

“Kunzvi Dam is also progressing very well and is now over 75 percent complete. It has already started impounding water while finishing works continue. The pipeline linking the dam to Harare is already under construction,” said Prof Jiri.

The dam is expected to play a critical role in augmenting water supplies for Harare and surrounding areas once completed later this year.

Prof Jiri also highlighted steady progress on Vungu Dam in Gweru, which has exceeded 60 percent completion and is expected to be finalised early next year.

He added that Sengwa Dam had now passed the 50 percent completion mark, reflecting continued momentum across the Government’s national dam construction programme.

The permanent secretary said the strategic importance of these projects extends beyond water storage, noting that complementary infrastructure such as irrigation schemes, pipelines and water reticulation systems will determine the full economic value of the investments.

He said integrated water infrastructure development would strengthen agricultural production, improve access to clean water, expand irrigation, support fisheries and livestock production, while creating employment opportunities across rural communities.

The post Dams to anchor food security, Zim’s rural industrialisation drive appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Tax relief, low charges boost ZiG use . . . more individuals, companies turn to local currency – herald

Debra Matabvu-Senior Reporter

A COMBINATION of tax relief measures and reduced bank charges has led to increased use of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) by individuals and corporates across the country, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary Mr George Guvamatanga has said.

This comes at a time when the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, is in the middle of a broader economic transformation agenda aimed at stabilising the local currency, expanding access to payments infrastructure and improving the efficiency of trade and investment flows.

Mr Guvamatanga said measures such as the reduction of the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT), the introduction of a corporate tax deduction for IMTT, and lower bank charges had increased the share of ZiG transactions to 45 percent in May this year, up from 43 percent in 2025.

He also attributed the growing use of the ZiG to improved exchange rate stability, supported by rising foreign currency reserves, which now stand at US$1.6 billion and the willing-buyer willing-seller foreign exchange market, which has reduced reliance on the parallel market.

Responding to questions from The Herald, Mr Guvamatanga said the tax relief had reduced the cost of doing business for companies operating in the local currency, encouraging wider use of the ZiG.

“The cost of electronic transactions has been a major pain point for economic agents transacting in ZiG,” Mr Guvamatanga said.

“Economic agents have welcomed the reduction of IMTT for ZiG transactions

“In addition to the reduction of the IMTT, Government also introduced a corporate tax deduction for IMTT where tax-compliant corporates can subtract their IMTT payments from their income tax obligations.

“The tax relief for companies is important as it reduces the cost of doing business for corporations operating in local currency, important for boosting economic activity.

He also said the introduction and issuance of the new upgrade ZiG banknotes through Automated Teller Machines (ATM) by various banking institutions have also increased the physical use of the local currency.

“The Reserve Bank has also complemented Government efforts to reduce transaction costs by reviewing a range of bank charges and fees,” he added. 

“The specific measures include: i. reduction in RTGS charges for banks, reduction in cash withdrawal charges, reduction of the Point of Sale (POS) charges, removal of account balance inquiry charges, removal of fees on cash deposits for both ZiG and US$.

“A combination of the reduction of IMTT and bank charges has seen increased use of ZiG in the economy.

“National payment system transaction data shows that the share of ZiG transactions in total transactions is currently ranging between 35-40 percent.

“The proportion of ZiG transactions peaked at around 45 percent in May 2026 during the height of the agricultural marketing season.

“Notably, all banking institutions have been issuing the new Upgrade ZiG Banknotes through ATMs, thereby supporting increased use of physical ZiG cash in the economy.”

Mr Guvamatanga added that the business community has increasingly embraced the use of the ZiG, with most companies now accepting payments in both ZiG and the US dollar.

He also said the Government’s directive requiring certain taxes and 50 percent of Quarterly Payment Dates (QPDs) to be made in ZiG has sustained demand for the local currency while reducing discriminatory pricing practices.

“Following increased stability in the economy, the Reserve Bank has seen increased transactions being settled in ZiG,” he added. 

“Specifically, monitoring by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has shown that most companies are now accepting payments in both ZiG and US dollar.

“Importantly, there has been a reduction in discriminatory pricing practices where businesses were using a more depreciated exchange rate to price goods in ZiG. 

“The directive by Government for ZIMRA not to accept the payment of certain taxes exclusively in US dollars and 50:50 Quarterly Payment Dates (QPDs) has helped in sustaining the demand for ZiG in the economy.

“Precisely, the rationale for the directive was to create guaranteed and sustained demand for ZiG in the economy.

“As a result, this measure has compelled businesses to accept payments in ZiG in order to meet their tax obligations, thereby improving the ZiG’s function as a medium of exchange. The Reserve Bank has noted a significant upsurge in demand for ZiG towards the QPDs.”

The post Tax relief, low charges boost ZiG use . . . more individuals, companies turn to local currency appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Zimbabwe–UK air corridor reopens – herald

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

FOR the first time in more than 14 years, Air Zimbabwe will tomorrow operate a direct flight on the Harare–London route, re-establishing a direct air link between the country and one of the world’s biggest commercial and financial hubs — a city that hosts a large and vibrant Zimbabwean Diaspora.

Promotional fares for the resumed direct route will start from £490 or US$495, while a return ticket costs £675 or US$900.

The fares are subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions.

Yesterday, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Advocate Felix Mhona led a delegation to launch the route at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, where they received the aircraft, an Airbus A330-300.

He was accompanied by his deputy Joshua Sacco, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot (who is the acting Ambassador), Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF) chief executive officer Dr John Mangudya, legislators, and senior Government officials.

The launch got off to a spectacular start, with the aircraft receiving a traditional water cannon salute as it taxied to the terminal, followed by a ribbon‑cutting ceremony and the symbolic opening of the aircraft doors — marking the airline’s official return to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

President Mnangagwa’s administration has walked the talk on Zimbabwe being open for business, and over the past few years many airlines have returned to the Harare route as business booms while taking advantage of a revamped and expanded airport.

Flights will depart Harare on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while return services from London Gatwick will operate on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Air Zimbabwe said the Harare-London route represents one of the most significant milestones in the airline’s history and reflects the national carrier’s commitment to restoring international connectivity and strengthening the country’s links with key global markets. The service is also expected to strengthen tourism, trade, investment and diaspora connectivity while supporting Zimbabwe’s broader economic engagement with the United Kingdom.

The Harare-London Gatwick service will be operated using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft under an aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) wet lease from Spanish carrier Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas. The Airbus has a combined 302 seats, with a configuration of 30 business class and 272 economy seats.

Under this arrangement, Plus Ultra provides the aircraft, flight crew, maintenance and insurance, while Air Zimbabwe manages ticket sales, passenger services and the overall commercial operation of the route.

A wet lease, often called an ACMI lease, is an agreement where one airline provides an aircraft to another along with the pilots, cabin crew, maintenance, and hull/liability insurance. The lessee retains commercial control of the flights but avoids all regulatory, operational, and maintenance burdens.

Air Zimbabwe said it remained committed to delivering safe, reliable and customer-focused air transport services while supporting the country’s economic growth, strengthening international connectivity and advancing the country’s re-engagement drive.

In his address, Minister Mhona described the launch as “historic”.

“We welcome the return of Air Zimbabwe with pomp and fanfare, after a 16 years hiatus. Occasions of this nature provide us with a wonderful opportunity to brush shoulders with colleagues from every walk of the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.”

He said Air Zimbabwe was now one of the investee companies of the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), a sovereign wealth investment fund, which was designated as the immediate shareholder of the airline.

“The fruitfulness of all our efforts is as a result of the enabling working environment inspired by our iconic leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde, Dr ED Mnangagwa, whose strategic leadership since 2017 has catapulted our national fortunes and growth to levels never witnessed before. His lofty and eminent vision, which seeks to grow Zimbabwe to be an Upper Middle-Income Economy by the year 2030 has placed air transportation in its rightful place as it is critical in connecting brand Zimbabwe to regional and international markets, thus facilitating trade and integral linkages with global supply chains.

“It is our hope therefore, that as this connectivity will facilitate tourism, hospitality, cultural and business exchanges, economic opportunities will boom and people to people relations between and amongst our global citizens will improve,” Minister Mhona said.

He said under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has charted a deliberate course towards institutional restoration, economic transformation, and strategic re-positioning on the world stage.

He said the re-opening of this air corridor is a symbolic and strategic reassertion of the commitment that Government places on transport and logistics for the country’s economic transformation agenda.

“A modern, integrated, and efficient transport system is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the circulatory system through which investment flows, trade moves, tourists arrive, and our young people gain access to global opportunities. Without it, a nation cannot compete, cannot develop, and cannot achieve its potential. Air transport is the crown jewel of that system.

“It connects our region to the world; it facilitates the movement of high-value cargo; it attracts international business and investment; it enables our entrepreneurs to access global markets; and it brings tourists who spend foreign currency, create jobs, and invigorate our hospitality and service sectors. For fourteen years; a generation of missed opportunities, deferred dreams, and untapped potential; Zimbabweans longed for direct air services connecting our capital to London. That longing has today become reality. The Harare–London route is no longer an aspiration; it is operational. It is here. And it is a watershed moment for our nation,” he said.

Minister Mhona said for Zimbabweans living and working in the United Kingdom and Europe, this route restores access to home while for investors, entrepreneurs, and Government officials, it opens direct pathways to capital, partnerships, and international engagement.

“For tourists, it places Zimbabwe; with our natural wonders, our wildlife, and our culture; within reach of one of the world’s most affluent markets. To all of these stakeholders, the Government of Zimbabwe extends its profound gratitude.

“The response from the market has been exceptionally encouraging. Within a remarkably short period following the announcement of this route, I am told Air Zimbabwe has already recorded 1 479 confirmed passenger bookings-an extraordinary expression of confidence. The cargo market has responded equally positively. I am told that already, more than 30 tonnes of cargo have been confirmed for this route, demonstrating the enormous commercial opportunities presented by direct connectivity. Zimbabwe’s exporters will now enjoy improved access to one of Europe’s largest consumer markets. Fresh horticultural produce, pharmaceuticals, and other high value exports will reach international markets more efficiently; strengthening our export competitiveness and contributing to increased foreign currency earnings,” Minister Mhona said.

In an interview, Tourism Minister Rwodzi said the tourism sector is about connectivity and they were overjoyed with the launch.

“We want to express our gratitude to the President and his Cabinet for okaying what has happened today. Its been quite a journey but you know every journey has an end and we are here today. What is left is for us to continue marketing the destination as tourism and hospitality industry which is our mandate to market and promote this destination, bringing a lot of people who will be filling up this aircraft, 302 seats and it must be filled up coming to Zimbabwe.

“We have a lot of British people who want to come to Zimbabwe. They sit on number two in terms of our market sources after the US and we have Germany and Spain and France and we think now our marketing and promotion must increase more and visibility in these countries in the European market source. But also the US which is number one, the connectivity as well is much easier to leave Harare to London and then London to New York or Washington or any other city using British Airways, its much easier and much cheaper if they use that route. So we are very happy and it means our connectivity internally , in terms of domestically connections must continue to be worked on,” the minister said.

The UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot welcomed the launch.

“Back (in the 1990s) I used to use this direct flight and It was more than just a flight connection. It was a much loved lifeline between people, families, business and friendship. And having regularly used this route more than three decades ago, I know fist hand how much it matters from everybody in the UK and everybody in Zimbabwe.

“So to stand here as the UK’s acting ambassador, I welcome the return of the direct Harare-London direct service, it feels like a remarkable full circle moment,” she said.

Air Zimbabwe board chairperson Dr Silvanos Gwarinda also said the opening up of this Zimbabwe-UK Corridor was the clearest sign that the National Airline, Air Zimbabwe, will leave no stone unturned until the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport takes its rightful position as the real and natural Aviation Hub for the SADC Region.

The post Zimbabwe–UK air corridor reopens appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Air Zimbabwe isn’t flying to London—it’s just a Spanish charter with a Zimbabwean sticker

The post Air Zimbabwe isn’t flying to London—it’s just a Spanish charter with a Zimbabwean sticker appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.