Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Government to repatriate body of Zimbabwean killed in SA – herald

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, smoyo@chronicle.co.zw

GOVERNMENT will facilitate the repatriation of the body of a young Zimbabwean who was shot dead in front of his mother during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, revealed the development on Wednesday while touring the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) reception and transit centre in Njube, where returnees from South Africa are being accommodated before travelling to their home provinces.

She said the deceased’s mother was among the returnees who recently arrived in Bulawayo and was visibly traumatised after witnessing her son’s killing.

“As soon as the bus docked here, the woman immediately started screaming, ‘Please don’t kill me, please don’t shoot me.’ It was a sorry sight,” said Minister Ncube.

“We later learnt that her son had been shot and killed in front of her in South Africa, so those were signs of trauma.”
Minister Ncube said the incident highlighted the importance of the counselling and psychosocial support services that Government has put in place at reception centres to assist returnees who experienced traumatic events before returning home.

She said the woman had since received counselling and Government will assist the family in bringing her son’s body to Zimbabwe.

“She received counselling, but for her to find closure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade will assist in repatriating the body to Zimbabwe,” she said.

Minister Ncube said Government, through various ministries and agencies, continues to provide temporary accommodation, healthcare services, counselling, food and transport to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.

She also commended churches, civic organisations, companies and individuals for partnering Government in responding to the humanitarian crisis.

“This humbles us to see people coming forward and partnering Government to make sure our brothers and sisters receive a soft landing as they come back home. Government is the people and when the people do this, we are humbled as the leadership,” she said.

Minister Ncube said donations being received at the centre were benefiting returnees travelling to different parts of the country.

“This is a transit place. Our people are going to various places in Matabeleland North and South as well as the Midlands. As Government, our officials from these different provinces are on site to ensure a smooth transition,” she said.

Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Matopos and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints handed over donations to support the humanitarian response.
The Rotary Club donated jackets, dresses, blouses, tracksuits and pyjamas mainly for women and children.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 1,500 kilogrammes of mealie meal, sanitary pads, 150 blankets and 100 mattresses.

Bulawayo Zimbabwe Stake president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Mzingaye Ndlovu, said the donation followed an appeal from Government.

“We met Minister Ncube and the Civil Protection Unit who gave us a list of things that may be needed for this situation. As a church, we mobilised resources among ourselves and came up with these items,” he said.

United Congregational Church of Southern Africa president Reverend Coenraad Williams praised the collaboration between Government, churches and communities in supporting returnees.

“The most beautiful thing about the Church is when we can reach out, extend ourselves and work together, putting aside our differences for the greater good of the Kingdom of God,” he said.

Rev Williams said the humanitarian response reflected compassion and unity at a time of crisis.

“In a humanitarian crisis such as this, it is pleasing to see the face of God being put first and not personal desire or ambition. The ecumenical Church, the universal Church, is saying we belong to one another and therefore we need to care for one another,” he said.

Drawing inspiration from the Biblical account of Jesus feeding the 5,000, Rev Williams urged faith-based organisations to respond to human suffering without waiting for resources.

“’You feed them,’ Jesus told His disciples. In other words, take care of them. It was after that act of faith and responsibility that the miracle of the loaves and fish took place,” he said.

“In any humanitarian crisis, you cannot wait for resources to come. You reach out in faith, knowing that God will provide. We should not spend too much time debating where resources will come from. We should answer the call to feed and care for those in need.”

Rev Williams urged churches and well-wishers to continue supporting vulnerable people, saying acts of compassion strengthen communities during difficult times.

The post Government to repatriate body of Zimbabwean killed in SA appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: We are slowly maturing in cultural heritage preservation, promotion’ – herald

Nyore Madzianike in Venice, Italy

VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has said Zimbabwe is steadily maturing in the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage as the country continues to learn from nations with long-established traditions of cultural conservation and artistic excellence.

Speaking after touring the Zimbabwe Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, VP Mohadi said Harare’s continued participation in one of the world’s premier contemporary art exhibitions reflects the country’s growing presence on the global cultural stage and its commitment to showcasing local talent internationally.

Five Zimbabwean artists — Eva Raath, Pardon Mapondera, Franklyn Dzingai, Felix Shumba and Gideon Gomo — are exhibiting at the Zimbabwe Pavilion under the theme, “The Nature/Manyonga.”

Zimbabwe first participated in the prestigious exhibition in 2011 and has maintained a consistent presence ever since.

More than 300 visitors have been visiting the Zimbabwe Pavilion daily over the past week, underscoring growing international interest in Zimbabwean art and culture.

VP Mohadi also toured the Giardini Central Pavilion and the Arsenale Pavilion, where artists from across Africa and other parts of the world are exhibiting.

Expressing pride in Zimbabwe’s achievements on the international arts scene, VP Mohadi said the country had made significant strides within a relatively short period.

“Before we talk about the message, I must say too that I’m very much impressed by what Zimbabweans are doing, because this Biennale here is one place where the finest arts are actually exhibited.

“It means we, as Zimbabweans, have actually been broken into that preserved area which was mainly reserved for whites and we are now there as Zimbabweans,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe’s participation demonstrates the ability of local artists to compete with some of the best talent from around the world.

“We are exhibiting the art of work, what our people can do, and this ‘Manyonga/Second Nature’ goes to show how we as Zimbabweans can do this and we can even do better.

“We are talking about only 15 years; yes, but other people have been in this business for centuries, but within 15 years we are where we are, so we are very much grateful for the progress that we have made as a nation and we are able to do more,” he said.

VP Mohadi said culture plays a critical role in national development and identity, adding that countries that fail to preserve their heritage risk losing their historical foundations.

“You see, a person without culture, without a background, is a dead person.

“You are not recognised at all, but when we put this together with our 2030 agenda, where we are trying to get our people to an upper-middle income in society or economy, and through the steps that we have taken ourselves through (you become visible).”

He added that cultural development complements broader national aspirations embodied in Vision 2030 and successive economic blueprints.

He also highlighted the importance of telling Zimbabwe’s story through its own people, artists and cultural institutions, saying citizens remain best placed to narrate their own experiences and aspirations.

On lessons from Italy, VP Mohadi said the European nation’s centuries-long commitment to preserving culture and heritage offered valuable insights for Zimbabwe.

“Well, Italy, or let’s say Rome, is known for its cultural diversity and also been like that for ages. So, it has been doing this during the Roman Empire, even before that.

“Now, as Zimbabweans, as a young nation, we are learning quite a lot from what they’ve done, and how we should be preserving what was our people, what they did.

“We need to preserve that. So, we are learning a lot,” he said.

While acknowledging that Zimbabwe still has a long way to go, VP Mohadi expressed optimism about the future.

“We are not equal to the cultural development that we have here but we are going to get there, better late than never.”

VP Mohadi was accompanied by Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, Permanent Secretary in his Office Dr Benson Martins Dube and other Government officials.

The post We are slowly maturing in cultural heritage preservation, promotion’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Emulate Zimbabwe’s governance framework: Museveni – herald

Zvamaida Murwira, zvamaida.murwira@zimpapers.co.zw

AFRICAN Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Forum Chairperson and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged African countries to emulate Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening economic governance, building accountable institutions and voluntarily subjecting itself to review under the APRM framework.

President Museveni commended Zimbabwe for the progress it has made within a short period since acceding to the APRM, saying the country’s experience should inspire other African nations.

He said this in remarks delivered on his behalf by Uganda’s Vice-President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo at the launch of the APRM Zimbabwe Chapter in Harare yesterday.

The APRM is a voluntary African-led self-monitoring mechanism established by the African union in 2003 to assess governance and socio-economic development among participating member States.

Under the mechanism, participating countries undertake peer reviews in four key thematic areas: democracy and political governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance, and socio-economic development.

Said President Museveni: “As we celebrate Zimbabwe’s achievement, I encourage African union member States that have not yet acceded to the APRM to do so.

“Equally, I urge those who have acceded but are not yet in the line of undertaking their reviews to have outstanding national programmes of action to draw inspiration from Zimbabwe’s example.”

President Museveni said the official launch of the Targeted Review on Economic Governance and Management demonstrated Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to strengthening economic governance, accountable institutions and sustainable socio-economic transformation in pursuit of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

“I congratulate Zimbabwe on the remarkable progress it has made since acceding to the APRM on 8 February 2022 as the 44th member State. Within a relatively short period, Zimbabwe successfully completed its Targeted Review on

Economic Governance and Management, presented the report to the APRM Forum of Heads of State and

Government on 13 February 2026 and has now launched a nationally owned and hosted national programme of action,” he said.

“This achievement reflects strong political leadership, effective institutional coordination and a firm commitment to governance reform. The decision to undertake a Targeted Review on Economic Governance and Management is both timely and strategic. At a time when Africa is accelerating implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African

Continental Free Trade Area, sound economic governance is indispensable for promoting investment, enhancing competitiveness, strengthening regional value chains and delivering sustainable and inclusive growth.”

President Museveni said the review recognised Zimbabwe’s continued commitment to regional integration through

SADC, Comesa and the African Continental Free Trade Area, while identifying practical opportunities to strengthen economic governance and institutional effectiveness.

“Your Excellency, the APRM remains Africa’s foremost governance instrument conceived by Africans, owned by Africans and driven by the conviction that Africa’s governance challenges are best addressed through African leadership and African solutions,” he said.

“Through voluntary self-assessment, peer learning, mutual accountability and the exchange of best practises, the mechanism has become an indispensable platform for strengthening institutions, informing policy reforms, promoting peace and accelerating socio-economic transformation across our continent.

“However, the true value of the APRM does not lie in the review report itself. Its greatest value lies in the implementation of the national programme of action.”

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira commended President Mnangagwa’s leadership, saying Zimbabwe’s governance efforts had been validated through the APRM process.

“Authority is a collective mentor. Your objectives are rooted in human needs; this is what we call village wisdom.

“We do not fight anyone, but we just seek to fight poverty,” said Prof Murwira.
Former Chairperson of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons and Lead Panellist for Zimbabwe, Ambassador El-Hefny

Mahmoud, said the launch marked the culmination of a significant milestone in Harare’s APRM journey, which began when the country acceded to the mechanism in 2020.

He said the review mission observed Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening governance, promoting accountability and advancing sustainable national development.
Ambassador Mahmoud said the review team covered all 10 provinces and engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

“Throughout these consultations, one clear message consistently emerged. Zimbabwe remains firmly committed to building a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive economy despite confronting considerable domestic and external challenges.

“Guided by Vision 2030, the country’s reform agenda continues to pursue macroeconomic stability, industrialisation, infrastructure development, value addition, agricultural transformation, and investment promotion with the objective of attaining an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

“The review recognised that these reforms have been pursued under particularly challenging circumstances.

Nevertheless, Zimbabwe has demonstrated remarkable resilience by pursuing homegrown reforms, strengthening regional and international partnerships, and promoting economic diversification. Our assessment also found encouraging progress in Zimbabwe’s commitment to internationally recognised governance standards, which demonstrates Zimbabwe’s determination to progressively align its governance framework with continental and international best practices,” he said.

Ambassador Mahmoud highlighted several initiatives spearheaded by Government, including village business units, agro-processing, value addition and skills development programmes.

“During our engagements across all 10 provinces of the country, one philosophy consistently resonated with stakeholders. ‘Nyika inovakwa nevenevayo/ A country is built by its own people/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’. I hope I pronounced it properly. This vision closely mirrors the philosophy of the African Peer Review Mechanism. The

APRM firmly believes that sustainable governance and development cannot be imposed from outside,” he said.
Several speakers commended Zimbabwe for its efforts to improve the lives of ordinary citizens and strengthen governance systems.

Among them were APRM Panel Member Dr Thelma Awori and African union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals Mrs Francisca Belope, who was represented by Mrs Claudine Sigam.

The post Emulate Zimbabwe’s governance framework: Museveni appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Maternal deaths decline under Second Republic’s health reforms – herald

Rutendo Nyeve, rutendo.nyeve@sundaynews.co.zw

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, equipment and human capital development under the Second Republic are beginning to deliver measurable results, with Zimbabwe recording a significant decline in maternal mortality as Government intensifies efforts to ensure no woman or child dies from preventable causes.

The latest national statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care show that the country’s maternal mortality ratio has declined sharply from 212 to 137 deaths per 100 000 live births, reflecting the positive impact of wide-ranging reforms being implemented under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

The improvements come as Government continues implementing the Health Resilience Fund, the National Health Strategy (2021-2025), the NDS2 and Vision 2030, which place universal access to quality healthcare and strengthened maternal and child health services among the country’s key development priorities.

Presenting the 2025 provincial maternal and neonatal statistics on Wednesday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said Zimbabwe recorded 410 051 deliveries, 563 maternal deaths and 6 177 neonatal deaths.

“When we report maternal deaths, we report per 100,000 live births. If you divide 400 000 by 563, you can see that we have gone down from the 212 that was reported last year. It means we have done much better. We are improving,” he said.

The neonatal mortality rate now stands at approximately 15 deaths per 1 000 live births, another indication that interventions introduced under the Second Republic are beginning to produce positive outcomes.

The decline follows unprecedented Government investment in district hospitals, rural clinics, medical equipment, specialist training and emergency referral systems as Zimbabwe works towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the health targets outlined under Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG 3), which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.

Dr Mombeshora said postpartum haemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal deaths, followed by infections, while birth asphyxia and neonatal infections continue to account for most newborn deaths.

“Some of them delay getting to the appropriate institution where they can get help. By the time they get there, it will be a bit late to save the mother and the child,” he said.

The minister said many of these deaths could be prevented through timely access to emergency obstetric care, particularly caesarean sections.

To address these challenges, Government has adopted what the minister described as a multi-pronged approach, targeting infrastructure, equipment, human resources and referral systems simultaneously.

“We have a multi-pronged attack to this problem. Firstly, we deal with infrastructure and equipment. Secondly, we deal with the health workforce and then thirdly, we deal with the referral system,” said Dr Mombeshora.

“On infrastructure, we are rehabilitating our infrastructure, especially in the rural areas from the clinic level to the district level. We have actually renovated most of our theatres and then brought in equipment.”

One of the flagship interventions under President Mnangagwa’s health sector modernisation programme has been the upgrading of district hospitals to perform life-saving emergency surgeries closer to communities.

Government has installed more than 43 new anaesthetic machines at district hospitals over the past year, enabling doctors to carry out emergency caesarean sections and reducing delays that previously forced expectant mothers to travel long distances for specialised care.

“We have actually put in, over the last year, more than 43 new anaesthetic machines to enable our doctors in those district hospitals to perform caesarean sections to reduce maternal mortality and also to have improved outcomes of the neonates,” said Dr Mombeshora.

District hospitals have also received neonatal resuscitation equipment to improve the survival chances of babies experiencing breathing complications immediately after birth.

Recognising that transport delays remain one of the major contributors to maternal deaths, Government has expanded the construction of mothers’ waiting shelters at rural health centres, allowing expectant mothers from remote communities to stay close to health facilities before delivery.

The Second Republic has equally prioritised investment in human capital development, one of the key pillars of NDS2.

Government has doubled Registered General Nurse (RGN) training intakes since 2023 while opening new nursing schools in Binga, Maphisa and Chimhanda, whose first intakes are expected next year.

“We have increased our training, starting with the RGN intakes which we have now doubled since 2023 and we continue opening new training schools,” said Dr Mombeshora.

To accelerate the deployment of skilled midwives, the waiting period before nurses qualify for midwifery training has also been reduced from two years to one year.

In addition, Treasury has approved 5 000 new health posts to strengthen staffing levels across the country’s health institutions.

The decentralisation of specialist services is already transforming healthcare delivery.

A fully equipped surgical theatre has been commissioned at Mhondoro Rural Hospital, complete with an anaesthetic machine, theatre bed and neonatal resuscitation equipment, bringing emergency obstetric care closer to rural communities.

At the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Government has established a new maternity theatre that is now performing more than 300 caesarean sections every month, easing pressure on referral hospitals while improving maternal and newborn survival rates.

The latest provincial figures show that Harare Metropolitan Province recorded the highest number of deliveries at 84 756, with 2 205 neonatal deaths and 190 maternal deaths.

Manicaland recorded 47 942 deliveries, 493 neonatal deaths and 53 maternal deaths, while Midlands Province registered 46 770 deliveries, 741 neonatal deaths and 78 maternal deaths.

The positive trajectory reinforces the Second Republic’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and people-centred health system as Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030.

Through sustained investment in infrastructure, modern equipment, expanded training institutions and strengthened emergency obstetric services, Government is laying the foundation for a healthcare system capable of significantly reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths while improving the quality of life for all citizens.

The post Maternal deaths decline under Second Republic’s health reforms appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Twin dry ports to ease Forbes Border congestion – herald

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Mozambique have embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects to establish multi-million dollar dry ports in Mutare and Dondo respectively, in a major push to eliminate chronic truck congestion at Forbes Border Post and improve efficiency along the strategic Beira Corridor.
The twin projects are aimed at tackling persistent bottlenecks at Forbes Border Post, Zimbabwe’s busiest commercial gateway, where lengthy delays have disrupted the movement of cargo and left hundreds of haulage trucks stranded for days, sometimes weeks.
Authorities on both sides of the border have attributed the congestion to incomplete transporter documentation, cumbersome clearance procedures and limited processing capacity, resulting in truck queues stretching several kilometres beyond the border.
In Zimbabwe, construction of the Mutare Dry Port is already underway under the stewardship of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF).
The site has become a hive of activity, with heavy machinery and construction crews working around the clock to accelerate completion of the facility, which is expected to play a critical role in easing pressure at Forbes Border Post.
Once operational, the dry port will handle overflow cargo, facilitate faster customs processing and significantly reduce congestion at the border.
Across the border, the Mozambican Government has approved the development of a US$110 million Dondo Dry Port in Sofala Province. The facility will operate as an extension of the Port of Beira, and is expected to boost cargo-handling capacity, decongest the city and reduce vessel waiting times.
The two facilities form part of a broader modernisation drive targeting the Beira Corridor, one of Southern Africa’s most important trade routes.
Authorities are also working on extensive upgrades at Forbes Border Post, including the construction of modern entry and exit points, the introduction of streamlined customs systems and enhanced coordination between Zimbabwean and Mozambican border agencies.
The interventions come amid growing concern from transporters, clearing agents, importers and exporters who have incurred substantial losses due to prolonged border delays.
A recent visit by The Manica Post revealed that truck backlogs remain particularly severe on the Mozambican side of the border, with queues stretching well beyond Mumango.
However, the situation has improved considerably on the Zimbabwean side following a series of operational interventions.
Officials believe the new dry ports will provide a long-term solution by separating transit cargo processing from border clearance procedures, a move expected to drastically reduce waiting times, improve cargo movement and increase trade volumes across the corridor.
Construction of state-of-the-art entry and exit facilities on both sides of the border is also at an advanced planning stage, with paperwork and physical development processes progressing in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The upgrades are expected to enhance the smooth flow of people, goods and traffic while strengthening the economic integration of the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 20th Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) annual conference held in Nyanga last Friday, Mozambique’s Deputy Head of Mission to Zimbabwe, Mr Laurindo Lampiao, said his Government will grant a concession for the construction and operation of the Dondo Dry Port through a public-private partnership arrangement.
“The Government of Mozambique has agreed to have a one-stop-border in three areas, including Machipanda and Nyanga. There is also an agreement to establish a dry port in Beira, and for that, the Government has already located a place in Dondo. This is already work in progress, and it will help a lot.
The Zimbabwean Government is already formalising the request for the land. We will also have a dry port in Tete that will help Malawi and Zimbabwe. Let me also add that in the Zambezi Valley Corridor, we will also connect the Nacala Corridor to Zimbabwe,” he said.
PSPF chief executive officer, Dr Farai Gaba remained tight-lipped on the new Mutare Dry Port progress, citing restrictive protocol.
However, stakeholders expressed optimism that the rising facility, to be equipped with modern cargo equipment, including gantry cranes, reach stackers, forklifts and container scanners, will be what the doctor has prescribed.
They believe the infrastructure will decongest Forbes Border Post, accelerate turnaround times, and position Mutare as a competitive logistics hub for regional trade along the Beira Corridor.
SFAAZ chief executive officer, Mr Washington Dube, said: “We believe that for a country to grow, there is need for efficiency in its participation in international trade – buying and selling among ourselves. We should encourage more trade with our sister republics, and find lasting solutions to challenges we have in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“As a sector, we have faced a lot of challenges at Forbes Border Post, and we are happy that the Government is doing its part to address these challenges, especially the long queues that used to happen on the Zimbabweans side, which are now a thing of the past. Queues have shifted to the Mozambican side, and we have highlighted that it does not bode well for international trade if trucks spend extended times at the border post. Seamless border posts are an important part of international trade, and we are conversing with relevant the Government departments and regulatory authorities to ensure that as a region we improve on our border post operations.”

The post Twin dry ports to ease Forbes Border congestion appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.