Econet invests US$200mln to expand network capacity

Source: Econet invests US$200mln to expand network capacity – herald Business Reporter Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is investing more than US$200 million to expand network capacity, enhance service quality and reduce disruptions caused by persistent power challenges. The investment comes as rapidly rising demand for mobile data continues to place increasing pressure on telecommunications infrastructure, driven […]

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Source: Econet invests US$200mln to expand network capacity – herald

Business Reporter

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is investing more than US$200 million to expand network capacity, enhance service quality and reduce disruptions caused by persistent power challenges.

The investment comes as rapidly rising demand for mobile data continues to place increasing pressure on telecommunications infrastructure, driven by growing smartphone adoption, video streaming, digital services and greater reliance on mobile connectivity.

Econet Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Douglas Mboweni said the company’s immediate priorities are to expand network capacity and strengthen infrastructure resilience to ensure customers continue to enjoy a more reliable and consistent connectivity experience.

“Every year, our customers are consuming significantly more data than the year before. Staying ahead of this growth requires continuous investment in network capacity, smarter technologies and infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital environment,” said Dr Mboweni.

Econet operates more than 7 000 base stations across Zimbabwe, supporting 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies. Dr Mboweni said the company is progressively retiring legacy 2G and 3G networks and reallocating spectrum to 4G and 5G services to increase capacity, improve speeds and enhance the overall customer experience.

The migration to newer technologies is, however, being affected by the continued use of older handsets, particularly among rural communities, where millions of subscribers are unable to access the full benefits of modern digital services.

“We have more than three million subscribers whose handsets are too old to support many of today’s digital services. If you are using a 2G or 3G device, high-bandwidth applications such as TikTok and YouTube will either not work or will deliver a poor experience,” said Dr Mboweni.

“That is a device limitation, not a network limitation. We are therefore working on initiatives to make new smartphones more affordable, so that more Zimbabweans can upgrade and fully benefit from the capabilities of the current technologies we offer.”

At the same time, unreliable electricity supply remains one of the biggest challenges contributing to network disruptions, prompting Econet to accelerate investment in alternative energy solutions.

The company is constructing a solar power station at Econet Tech City to supply its Harare operations with renewable energy. It is also deploying an artificial intelligence-based energy management system to monitor and optimise power usage across its network, with the goal of reducing power-related faults by up to 50 percent by the end of the year.

“We have made significant progress in a very short space of time, and we are already seeing the impact. By December, customers should experience a network with significantly more capacity, greater resilience and far fewer disruptions caused by power challenges,” said Dr Mboweni.

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Epworth disability centre gets clean water lifeline

Source: Epworth disability centre gets clean water lifeline – herald Takunda Gambiza Herald Reporter Philanthropist Dr Justice Mhishi has commissioned a borehole and donated wheelchairs and sewing machines to the Yamuranai Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Epworth, saying the initiative was aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities while advancing inclusive community […]

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Source: Epworth disability centre gets clean water lifeline – herald

Takunda Gambiza

Herald Reporter

Philanthropist Dr Justice Mhishi has commissioned a borehole and donated wheelchairs and sewing machines to the Yamuranai Centre for Persons with Disabilities in Epworth, saying the initiative was aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities while advancing inclusive community development.

The wheelchairs are expected to improve access to clean water, enhance mobility for people with disabilities and create income-generating opportunities through vocational skills.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr Mhishi said the project was about restoring dignity and empowering vulnerable members of society rather than simply providing infrastructure and equipment.

“We are not only commissioning a borehole. We are bringing clean water, restoring dignity, creating opportunities and giving hope. Clean water is life,” he said.

“A wheelchair gives freedom and independence. A sewing machine gives a family the opportunity to earn a living.”

Dr Mhishi said the initiative was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” and urged Zimbabweans to unite in pursuing Vision 2030.

He also commended First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, saying her example encouraged more citizens to serve others with compassion.

Dr Mhishi, who once lived in Epworth while working as a security guard, said returning to the community as a philanthropist was a personal milestone.

“I am giving back to my family, brothers and sisters, to say thank you. The journey was not easy, but today marks a new chapter,” he said.

Zanu PF Central Committee member for Epworth Ms Joana Mawire welcomed the donation, saying Epworth communities had often been overlooked despite facing numerous social and economic challenges.

“Many people have been involved in accidents that changed their lives. We are happy because, as people from Epworth, we are often undermined, but this initiative has uplifted us,” she said.

Founder of the Yamuranai Association for Persons with Disabilities, Ms Juliette Banda, described the donation as life-changing and appealed for more well-wishers to support the centre.

“What Dr Mhishi has done for us today is remarkable. We hope more people will come forward to help,” she said.

“The borehole is not only for the Yamuranai Association but will also benefit the entire community.”

The project is expected to improve access to safe water for residents while enhancing mobility and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities through the donated wheelchairs and sewing machines.

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Minister Ndudzo calls for collaboration in fighting drug abuse 

Source: Minister Ndudzo calls for collaboration in fighting drug abuse – herald Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau MASHONALAND East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has called for stronger collaboration among Government institutions, communities and stakeholders to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse across the province and the country. The minister […]

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Source: Minister Ndudzo calls for collaboration in fighting drug abuse – herald

Victor Maphosa

Mashonaland East Bureau

MASHONALAND East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has called for stronger collaboration among Government institutions, communities and stakeholders to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse across the province and the country.

The minister made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources in the Office of the President and Cabinet for Mashonaland East Province, Mr Douglas Dzukwa, during a Drug and Substance Abuse Training of Trainers workshop held at the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre today.

The workshop brought together members of district sub-committees from across Mashonaland East, who are responsible for implementing strategies to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in their respective communities.

Advocate Ndudzo said the fight against drug and substance abuse requires a coordinated and united approach involving all sectors of society.

He said empowering district structures with the necessary knowledge and skills was critical to ensuring effective implementation of programmes aimed at preventing drug abuse and supporting affected communities.

The objective of the training workshop is to equip district sub-committee members with critical knowledge and practical skills that they will cascade to communities throughout the province to strengthen the fight against drug and substance abuse.

“It is an honour to stand before you today at this pivotal training workshop dedicated to combating the pressing issue of drug and substance abuse in Mashonaland East Province and Zimbabwe at large,” he said.

“This initiative, inspired by President Mnangagwa during the National Launch, reflects our collective commitment to a healthier and more prosperous community.

“Drug and substance abuse is not just a personal battle; it is a widespread menace that threatens the very fabric of our society.

“It does us the disservice of eroding our cultural norms and consequently impedes our social and economic development.

“We have witnessed the heartbreaking consequences: families torn apart, lives ruined, and communities left vulnerable. It is our collective responsibility to address this crisis head-on.”

He challenged participants to use the knowledge they will acquire today to fight drug and substance abuse.

“Today, you come to this training not just to acknowledge the problem but to take decisive action,” he said.

“President Mnangagwa has declared a war on drug dealers and abusers, and this effort requires robust technical support.

“We must rally together- that is, Government officials, churches, traditional leaders and community members to build a strong district technical team for our fight against this scourge. I am confident that with the commitment of everyone present, we are going to be focused, be present to learn, and build a strong district team.

“Those coming from our nine districts, today is your opportunity to demonstrate that you stand in solidarity with this cause. Pay attention, be focused so that you won’t make mistakes in the fight against drug abuse.”

Going forward, Advocate Ndudzo said it is important to remember that through unity, Mashonaland East can be a drug and substance abuse-free province.

“As we move forward, let us remember that together, we can turn the tide against drug and substance abuse,” he said.

“Let us unite our efforts and make use of this training to create a safer, healthier Mashonaland East and, by extension, a stronger nation.”

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ZIM vs BAN 2026, ZIM vs BAN 1st T20I Match Preview – High-flying Zimbabwe meet under-strength Bangladesh in T20I series opener

ZIM vs BAN 2026 Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Match Preview: Already without Litton, Mehidy, Taskin and Mahmud, Bangladesh will also miss the injured Mustafizur Source: ZIM vs BAN 2026, ZIM vs BAN 1st T20I Match Preview – High-flying Zimbabwe meet under-strength Bangladesh in T20I series opener Big picture: Zimbabwe look to continue great run This is […]

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ZIM vs BAN 2026 Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh Match Preview: Already without Litton, Mehidy, Taskin and Mahmud, Bangladesh will also miss the injured Mustafizur

Source: ZIM vs BAN 2026, ZIM vs BAN 1st T20I Match Preview – High-flying Zimbabwe meet under-strength Bangladesh in T20I series opener

Big picture: Zimbabwe look to continue great run

This is a great time for Zimbabwe in men’s international cricket. Historic wins over Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup to make it through to the Super Eight were followed by an emphatic thumping of Bangladesh – in the only Test and then in the ODI series.
Now, on to the T20Is, Sikandar Raza will lead Zimbabwe in the three-match series against a depleted Bangladesh side, and will want to start strong, again making good use of their home conditions.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, were blanked 3-0 at home by Australia in their last T20I outing, and will come into this series knowing they were bested in the other formats on this tour.
Bangladesh are without Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, who were given NOCs to participate in the Lanka Premier League, and to compound their worries, their fast-bowling lynchpin Mustafizur Rahman has been ruled out of the tour as well, having suffered a grade 1 muscle tear in his right hamstring and a meniscal degeneration in his right knee during the ODI series.
It will be an uphill task for the visitors against a high-flying Zimbabwe side in Bulawayo.

Form guide

Zimbabwe LLLWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLLW

In the spotlight: Brian Bennett and Nahid Rana

Brian Bennett made a half-century in the Test against Bangladesh, but fell for a string of low scores in the ODIs. However, he will come into the T20I having hit match-winning half-centuries against Australia and Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup, and an unbeaten 97 in the defeat to India. For a while now, Bennett has been touted as one of Zimbabwe’s next big things with the bat, and they will hope he can continue his stunning form in the format.
In the absence of three of their senior quicks, Nahid Rana will assume even more importance for Bangladesh. He was the leading wicket-taker in the ODIs, with seven wickets, and his high pace will make him tough to face in favourable conditions in Bulawayo. Rana has played only three T20Is so far, and has taken three wickets while being expensive, but this series could be a good opportunity for him to improve those numbers.

Team news

Ben Curran, who was called up as an injury replacement for Zimbabwe during the T20 World Cup, could be in line for his T20I debut. Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava and Brad Evans will likely make up the pace attack, while Raza will lead the spin department.
Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Ben Curran, 2 Brian Bennett, 3 Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), 4 Sikandar Raza (capt), 5 Ryan Burl, 6 Tony Munyonga, 7 Clive Madande, 8 Brad Evans, 9 Wellington Masakadza, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Blessing Muzarabani
In regular captain Litton’s absence, Towhid Hridoy will lead Bangladesh. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain will likely start as Bangladesh’s third seamer, alongside Rana and Shoriful Islam, while Mosaddek Hossain could slot into the middle order for his first T20I appearance since 2022.
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Parvez Hossain Emon, 4 Towhid Hridoy (capt), 5 Nurul Hasan (wk), 6 Mosaddek Hossain, 7 Rishad Hossain, 8 Nasum Ahmed, 9 Shoriful Islam, 10 Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, 11 Nahid Rana

Pitch and conditions

The pitch in Bulawayo is expected to play low and slow. There is no threat of rain.

Stats and trivia

  • Zimbabwe have won only one bilateral series against Bangladesh, which came in 2022, when Bangladesh last toured Zimbabwe.
  • Raza is set to become just the seventh men’s cricketer from a Full Member, and the second from Zimbabwe, to play a T20I at the age of 40 or more. He will also become the oldest from Zimbabwe to play a T20I. Brendan Taylor earlier held that distinction, when he played against Oman in the T20 World Cup early this year.

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Nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans have left SA since late May, Zim govt says

The Zimbabwean government says nearly 100 000 of its citizens have returned from South Africa since late May amid heightened tensions over immigration in South Africa, where groups such as March and March called for foreigners to leave the country. Source: Nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans have left SA since late May, Zim govt says | […]

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The Zimbabwean government says nearly 100 000 of its citizens have returned from South Africa since late May amid heightened tensions over immigration in South Africa, where groups such as March and March called for foreigners to leave the country.

Source: Nearly 100 000 Zimbabweans have left SA since late May, Zim govt says | News24

  • Zimbabwe says 99 418 citizens have returned from South Africa since 28 May, and more than 70% of the returnees are women and children.
  • The government says it has expanded repatriation and reintegration efforts, with assistance from development partners, the First Lady, health workers and neighbouring countries’ embassies.
  • Zimbabwe is also assisting Malawians and Zambians transiting through the country and has strengthened border operations to process the influx of returnees.

The Zimbabwean government says nearly 100 000 of its citizens have returned from South Africa since late May amid heightened tensions over immigration in South Africa, where groups such as March and March called for foreigners to leave the country.

Addressing journalists after a cabinet meeting in Harare on Tuesday, Zimbabwe Information Minister Zhemu Soda said the cabinet had received an update on the repatriation and reintegration programme, which Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe had led.

“The nation is being informed that, through collaborative efforts, the interministerial committee and development partners facilitated the return of 99 418 citizens from 28 May up to now,” Soda said.

He added that more than 70% of the returnees were women and children and said the number of Zimbabweans requiring assistance continued to rise.

“Measures have been put in place to meet the growing demand,” he said.

Soda said First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa had assisted returnees at the Beitbridge Repatriation Centre, donating 30 tonnes of rice, 20 tonnes of mealie meal, more than 5 000 tracksuits, 1 500 nappies, and 1 500 sanitary packs.

He said the government was also working with the Malawian and Zambian embassies to assist their citizens who had crossed into Zimbabwe while returning home from South Africa.

“Appropriate arrangements are being put in place for assistance to be rendered to any other nationals facing challenges as they transit to their countries of origin,” Soda said.

Zimbabwe’s Border Management Committee, which includes immigration and customs authorities, had also intensified measures to process buses and trucks transporting returnees through border posts more efficiently, he added.

The health ministry, working with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and other partners, has provided medical services at the Beitbridge transit centre.

According to Soda, healthcare workers have treated several patients, screened 870 children for malnutrition, and identified and treated 15 cases of diarrhoea.

He said the government would continue supporting returning citizens to ensure their smooth reintegration.

Speaking at the same briefing, Zmbabwean Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira said the government welcomed a recent visit by South African traditional leaders, including amaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, who met President Emmerson Mnangagwa and distanced themselves from xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

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