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Source: Mnangagwa Says Presidential Term Extension Wasn’t His Idea ⋆ Pindula News

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that extending his second term by two years, from 2028 to 2030, was not his idea. Nor was it the idea of a ZANU PF faction, he said, but “a collective evolution of the political process”.

His comments follow the gazetting of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act Number 3 of 2026 last Tuesday.

The Amendment Act extends the electoral cycle from five years to seven years. It also introduces a parliamentary system for electing future presidents and expands the Senate from 80 to 90 members, the 10 being presidential appointees.

Speaking in an interview on Friday with senior State media journalists at State House in Harare, Mnangagwa said the wide-ranging constitutional changes were not the idea of any one individual.

“At the end of the day, it wasn’t an idea of an individual. It’s the collective evolution of our political system,” said Mnangagwa.

“You cannot attribute this to a particular individual or group of persons, but a collective evolution of the political process.

“As things evolve, you decide what is good for your country at a particular time. And there is no time when individual views — individualistic views — take the centre stage and leave a country.

“Generally, I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision. I carry my Cabinet and the country on whatever decision we make.

“I don’t believe in individual persuasion or individual systems where the needs or the wishes of an individual take the day.

“No. I believe that whatever we do, it must be a collective decision so that whenever that decision is being challenged, it’s not only you who stands up to defend, but the entire system of Government defends what we decide.

Mnangagwa also said he was “very proud” to lead a country where people are well organised, hardworking and self-motivated at every level of society.

“To be honest, I feel that I am privileged as President of this country, because wherever I go, you find that our people, at every level, are committed to developing the country,” he said.

“What else would you want as a leader? I feel very proud. I can sleep comfortably with the type of country I lead.”

The post Mnangagwa Says Presidential Term Extension Wasn’t His Idea appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Chapman Freeborn Helps Restore Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick Route – PAN AFRICAN VISIONS

Chapman Freeborn, the global air aircraft charter and leasing specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI capacity solution for the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London Gatwick.

The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom after more than 14 years. The service will be operated by Spanish carrier Plus Ultra using an Airbus A330 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement, with initial operations expected to include three weekly frequencies between Harare and London Gatwick.

Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while the flights will operate under Air Zimbabwe’s flight code. Chapman Freeborn provided the ACMI and contract management support needed to help shape the long-haul operating structure for the route, working closely with the teams involved throughout the process.

The route represents more than the return of an air service. It re-establishes an important commercial, tourism and cultural link between the two countries, while improving travel options for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers and tourists. It is also expected to support direct air freight capacity for time-sensitive exports, including horticultural and perishable products destined for the UK market.

“This is an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and a significant step in restoring direct connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. We are proud to have played an important role in supporting this project, working closely with Air Zimbabwe and Plus Ultra to help deliver the right structure for the route.

“Across Africa, we continue to see growing demand for flexible capacity solutions as airlines look to rebuild networks, respond to passenger demand and manage fleet requirements more efficiently. ACMI can play an important role in supporting that growth, particularly on strategic routes where speed, flexibility and operational reliability are essential,” says Linas Dovydenas, President – IMEA at Chapman Freeborn.

“Long-haul ACMI programmes require close coordination between airlines, operators, aviation authorities and commercial partners, from aircraft suitability and planning to regulatory requirements and operational readiness. In this case, our team supported the project from a capacity and contract management perspective, helping to bring together the right structure for a strategically important route. This project demonstrates how collaborative capacity solutions can help airlines restore important routes and bring strategic services back to market,” says Daniel Huggins, Director – ACMI & Leasing at Chapman Freeborn.

Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI team supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium- and long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional and cargo aircraft.

The company provides tailored aircraft leasing and ACMI solutions that help carriers manage capacity, restore routes and respond to complex operational requirements.

About Chapman Freeborn

With more than 50 years of experience and extensive global coverage, Chapman Freeborn provides private air passenger and cargo charter services, aircraft leasing, ACMI solutions and specialist aviation services for major corporations, governments, NGOs, relief agencies and high net-worth individuals. The company is part of Avia Solutions Group, a global aviation services group with expertise across ACMI, MRO, pilot and crew training, ground handling and related aviation services.

The post Chapman Freeborn Helps Restore Air Zimbabwe’s Harare–London Gatwick Route appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: ‘I’m proud of Zim’s resilience’ – herald

Victoria Ruzvidzo and Fungi Kwaramba

Zimbabweans have the capacity to face any challenges, and through collective effort in sectors such as mining and agriculture, the country is on course to achieving its development goals, President Mnangagwa said.

In a wide-ranging interview that touched on the recently assented Constitution Amendment Act, the return of Zimbabweans fleeing xenophobia in South Africa, mining and agriculture, at the State House last Friday, the President said even though Zimbabwe faces challenges just like any other country, he takes comfort in the fortitude and resilience of Zimbabweans who have collectively put shoulder to the wheel towards achieving a shared national vision.

“To be honest, I feel that I am privileged as President of this country, because wherever I go, you find that our people, at every level, are committed to developing the country. You can go to any part of this country; there is no part of the country — village, district or province which has no programmes.

“They have programmes, they have targets, which they set by themselves. What else would you want as a leader? I feel very proud. I can sleep comfortably with the type of country I lead,” the President told editors drawn from the State media.

The President said unity of purpose was critical in achieving national development goals.

“Everyday that passes, as long as we are breathing, we continue to consolidate (unity). There is no day or week that we say we are resting. We continue to do our best individually and collectively to consolidate and embrace the systems which we have ourselves decided to have for our Government so that everybody is on board.

“There is not a single person or leader who says he is wiser than everybody else, but collective ideas produce collective wisdom of a country. So, I believe in the collective persuasion of the country,” said President Mnangagwa.

When asked whether he ever has nagging matters of national concern that give him sleepless nights, the President said, “Well, it’s not easy to have a country that has no challenges — perhaps in books. In real life, every country has challenges. And no challenges face a country unless the country has the capacity to face the challenges. Are you clear?”

To surmount such challenges that may arise, the President said it is crucial to have clearly defined goals that offer the guardrails for the country’s development trajectory.

“Well, it is critically important to have goals, to work towards goals. Whether you achieve goals, it’s one thing, but at least you can see that we are a people who are focused, who set goals for themselves. But achieving them is another story. When you set a goal and pass the period, you can ask why we have not or we have achieved, not before. But at least if you say, “Mr President, why are you not setting goals?” then you would be questioning my wisdom. But now you are saying, “Are you going to achieve the goal?” At least we have goals,” said the President.

Among the goals that the country has set is the establishment of value addition and beneficiation plants so as to extract value from its mineral endowments, create jobs and improve value.

Asked if there is a specific timeline for setting up local refineries to ensure local beneficiation and value addition, the President said while there is no date yet, the country is following the correct path.

“I think the policy is correct. We have not set up timelines for making sure everything is beneficiated, but that is the goal to achieve because it requires resources. What is important is that we are following a correct path for benefiting the country on the basis that these resources should benefit the country mostly than those to whom we will sell our resources to,” he said.

Other African countries have tried to enforce raw mineral export bans, with mixed fortunes and President Mnangagwa said the country possesses a unique set of skills that it can harness to attain its objectives.

“I can be very, very clear: Each country has its own boundaries. Zimbabwe has its own boundaries. So, we are unique. So, our issues should be dealt with uniquely as a country. We succeed as a country, fail as a country. We don’t need to emulate the failures of other countries or the successes of other countries. What we need to do is to do the best for our country on the basis of the resources and the skills that we have, and the vision as a country which we have, and what we need to achieve. That is the platform from which we develop our country,” he said.

Agriculture, which has always been the mainstay of the country’s economy, faces headwinds in the form of the predicted El Niño phenomenon, which causes low rainfall patterns in Africa and often causes devastating droughts.

To insulate the nation against weather vagaries, the Second Republic is on an ongoing mission to construct dams that will provide water for irrigation.

Overall, President !Mnangagwa said he was confident that Vision 2030 was well on course emphasising that it was critical that stakeholders sing from the same hymn book.

“As long as journalists like you can share the confidence, we will go forward. We are very very confident. But that confidence can only be exuded across the country by your selves. Are you confident? He chuckled as he asked the journalists present during the interview.

On the regional level, the President said that as Zimbabwe takes over the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the largest regional economic organisation in Africa, with 21 member states, the President again said it is the collective that is taking charge.

“I think Zimbabwe is highly qualified to be chairman of COMESA. I don’t know about the press — our media — whether it is highly qualified to be the COMESA media  . . . If you are qualified to be COMESA media, then I as President, I am highly qualified. I’m happy to hear that”.

With Zimbabweans from the Diaspora, largely from South Africa, still streaming back into the country following a wave of xenophobic attacks in the neighbouring country, the President said the door remains open for everyone to come back into the country and help grow the economy towards Vision 2030, including those who have been critical of his administration.

“I have no doubt that each one who comes back knows where they came from before they went to South Africa. So, the first thing is to go back to roots and begin from there as they integrate in society. So, there is not a single problem. Government is not facing any problem at all. We do facilitate their transport, their welfare, we do that. But each one gives us an address: ‘I want to go to Chipinge, I want to go to Bindura.’ We facilitate, and they go to their homes. And whatever facilities we give to people already in the country, they will also enjoy those services we are giving. So, there is no problem at all. Every Zimbabwean who is in the diaspora is welcome back home.

“I have not received any complaint from the education system that they are overwhelmed by the children who are coming from across. Until I receive that, then I will see what to do. But for now, no complaint has come,” said the President.

He also underscored that Zimbabwe is a democracy where divergent views are allowed.

“We are a democracy. Those who have grievances against their country, they are allowed to express their grievances. And they will not worry about that. But most importantly, they should come back home and help us resolve those grievances which they see. They can’t be resolved when they are outside the country,” he said.

A respected Pan-Africanist, whose administration is guided by Pan-Africanism, the President said Zimbabwe will use its position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to push the region’s aspirations.

“We will not be acting individually or in isolation. We go there representing our region. So, whatever Zimbabwe will articulate will be a collective view of our region. It’s not an individualistic approach to these issues. We have to represent our region, and that is the model of representation at the UN,” said the President.

He added that the regional leadership is Pan-Africanist and acts of xenophobia in some parts of the continent are being perpetrated by “small groups”.

“To be honest, I don’t think I am aware of any Government on the continent which supports that. These are small groups who do such things. But generally, we are Pan-Africanists; we accept ourselves as Pan-Africanists wherever we are,” he said.

The post ‘I’m proud of Zim’s resilience’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo burial today . . . Chinyanga declared national hero – herald

Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on pioneer anaesthesiologist, Professor Herbert Mapfumo Chinyanga, while another liberation struggle stalwart, Major General (Retired) Richard Ruwodo, will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today.

Prof Chinyanga (87), a leading light in efforts to set up specialist training for anaesthesia in the country, died in South Africa on July 2 this year where he was getting medical treatment.

The decision to confer Prof Chinyanga with national hero status was announced by Zanu PF Secretary for Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora who visited the family home in Harare yesterday.

“After considering his contribution to the development of the medical fraternity in Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa and the entire party leadership have conferred national hero status on Prof Chinyanga. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course,” said Dr Mombeshora, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care.

The Chinyanga family described him as a remarkable scholar, leader and visionary whose life was a testament to service, excellence and unwavering integrity.

In 2023, Prof Chinyanga was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Zimbabwe Medical Association for his exceptional contribution to Zimbabwean healthcare.

The award recognised his outstanding teaching and mentoring history spanning over three decades. A medical doctor, scientist and specialist in anaesthesia and intensive care, Prof Chinyanga mentored many junior and senior students in biomedical sciences in several universities, including the University of Ghana, the University of Toronto and the University of Zimbabwe. He had taught at the University of Zimbabwe from 1985 until recently.

Prof Chinyanga dedicated his life to the Zimbabwe Anaesthetic Association and country, leaving a lasting impact on  students and colleagues through his teaching, research, and mentorship. He was born on July 26, 1939 in Gweru. His wife died three years ago.

Veteran urologist and specialist surgeon Mr Christopher Samkange said Prof Chinyanga was the prime mover for a structured specialist training for anaesthesia in Zimbabwe.

“Few people recognise his valiant defence of the Diploma in Anaesthesia which was easy to implement and which ensured the delivery of safe anaesthesia away from the cities, especially at district hospital level,” he said.

“I spoke at the Anaesthetic Association farewell lunch for Prof Chinyanga. I repeat my sentiments: Prof Chinyanga was first and foremost a great doctor. A warm human being. A tremendous leader. A mentor who cared without limits.

“He was a great professional, a teacher who has left an indelible legacy in terms of specialists who were developed and grew under his tutelage.”

Prof Chinyanga is survived by a son Farayi and three grandchildren.

In a related matter, President Mnangagwa will today preside over the burial of Maj Gen Ruwodo (72) at the national shrine.

Thousands of people drawn from across the country are expected to throng the National Heroes Acre to bid farewell to the celebrated hero.

In preparation for the burial, Maj-Gen Ruwodo’s remains were airlifted from Charles Gumbo Barracks to Soft Farm in Macheke for a brief  ceremony before being flown  to Farm 1, Tsonzo ,Watsoma under Chief Mutasa  where a provincial send-off ceremony was held.

They were later taken back to Harare to lie in state at his Glen Lorne home before burial today.

Family spokesperson and nephew Mr Owen Ruwodo said: “We are grateful to His Excellency President Mnangagwa for conferring national hero status on our father. We are deeply honoured by this recognition of his contribution to the country’s liberation and development.

“When the Minister of Defence and ZANU PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, came to convey the message of his conferment as a national hero on Friday, it was a profound moment for our family. She gave a detailed account of the man he was and the immense contribution he made to the liberation struggle and the nation.”

Meanwhile, the body of national hero Major General (Rtd) Richard Ruwodo was yesterday taken to his rural home in Samushonga Village, Watsomba in Mutasa District to allow his community to bid farewell to the former top soldier ahead of burial today at the National Heroes Acre.

Speaking at the funeral service, the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said the province has lost a gallant and patriotic son of the soil whose accomplished contributions led to him accorded the highest honour in the land by President Mnangagwa.

Minister Mugadza said Major General (Rtd) Ruwodo’s legacy of hardwork, selflessness and bravery is worth emulating as the country is enjoying the fruits of Independence which he and others fought for at tender ages.

The body of Major-General (Rtd) Ruwodo passed through his farm in Macheke for a brief stopover before heading to Mutasa.

“Major-General (Rtd) Ruwodo is a heroic son of Manicaland, a history maker, a true son of the soil, a gallant liberation fighter, a distinguished military officer and above all a patriot of the highest order.

“He was a wonderful blessing not only to this community, but to Mutasa District, Manicaland Province and our nation at large. We are not merely mourning, but celebrating a life well spent in the selfless service of Zimbabwe. We are honouring a man whose footprints in the annals of our history shall never be erased.

“We celebrate a man who left the comfort of employment at Bata Shoe Company in 1975 to answer the highest calling any citizen can answer, the call to liberate his motherland Zimbabwe. As Manicaland Province, we would like to thank President Mnangagwa for conferring the honour of National Hero on our gallant, illustrious, devoted and nationalist son.

“Like many Zimbabwean youths of his generation, he was deprived of fundamental rights, opportunities and dignity. Yet rather than submit to injustice, he embraced the noble cause of liberation, demonstrating from an early age the courage, patriotism and unwavering resolve that would define his contributions to Zimbabwe’s Independence. His life stands as a testament to the resilience of a people determined to reclaim their freedom and shape their destiny,” said Minister Mugadza.

Family spokesperson and brother Mr Lovemore Ruwodo said they have lost a pillar of strength who always advocated for unity and cohesion in the family.

“The family has been robbed of unifier and we are devastated. My brother always preached family unity and each time there were challenges he would assist to solve them. He was humble and down to earth person who respected every person despite his high position in army,” said Mr Ruwodo.

The funeral service was also attended by the Manicaland ZANU PF Chairman Cde Tawanda Mukodza, Chief Mutasa, relatives and community members.

During the liberation struggle, Maj-Gen Ruwodo was known by the nom de guerre Moshe Pwititi.

Born on March 14, 1954, in Samushonga village under Headman Munhama in Chief Mutasa’s area, Mutare district, Manicaland, Maj-Gen (Retd) Ruwodo attended Mutasa Primary  School before completing his secondary education at Highfield Secondary School in Harare between 1969 and 1972.

He joined Bata Shoe Company in 1973 as a salesman and later rose to the position of relief manager before answering the call to join the liberation struggle in 1975.

The national hero was among the third group of ZANLA cadres to receive military training in Mozambique at Chimoio alongside Colonel (Rtd) Shaw Matemachani and the late ambassador and journalist Thomas Bvuma.

After Independence, he joined the Zimbabwe National Army being commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1981, Lieutenant Colonel in 1982, Colonel in 1984, Brigadier-General in 1988 and Major-General upon retirement in 2008.

After retiring from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo was appointed Principal Director for War Veterans in the Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs.

Beyond his military career, the national hero was a devoted family man, respected community leader and philanthropist who supported fellow war veterans and dependents of fallen comrades.

Maj-Gen (Retd) Ruwodo is survived by his wife Loise, three children — Tatenda Ashleigh, Thabiso Lisa and Tinodiwa — and four grandchildren.

The post Maj-Gen (Rtd) Ruwodo burial today . . . Chinyanga declared national hero appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Police move to safeguard returnees – herald

Peter Matika

Bulawayo Bureau

POLICE have intensified security operations across the country and at major ports of entry following an increase in the number of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, with authorities moving to safeguard returnees, while preventing criminals from exploiting the increase in cross-border movement.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said officers had been deployed to monitor the situation and were working closely with other Government agencies to maintain peace and security.

“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are prepared to maintain peace and monitor the situation. As an organisation, we are here to ensure that all citizens returning home and those who have been here are safe,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said while the priority was to facilitate the safe return of Zimbabweans, police remained alert to organised criminal syndicates that often take advantage of increased human traffic across borders.

“While our priority is to ensure the safety of our returning citizens, we remain vigilant against any criminal activities that may threaten public safety. Police will continue monitoring border areas and major transport routes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of firearms, dangerous weapons and other illicit goods into the country,” he said.

Zimbabwe has recorded an increase in the number of citizens returning from South Africa since last month following renewed violence against migrants in parts of the neighbouring country, which has forced many foreign nationals to flee for safety.

The Government has maintained that returning Zimbabweans will continue to receive assistance through coordinated reception and reintegration programmes being implemented by relevant ministries to facilitate their safe return to their communities.

President Mnangagwa has repeatedly assured citizens that Government will continue to prioritise their welfare and has pledged that Zimbabweans affected by the unrest will receive support upon their return.

The latest wave of xenophobic violence has revived memories of previous attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, where thousands of Zimbabweans have, over the past two decades, been displaced, lost businesses and employment, or abandoned their possessions while fleeing violence.

Zimbabwe and South Africa share one of Southern Africa’s busiest migration corridors, with thousands of people crossing through Beitbridge Border Post daily for employment, trade, education and family commitments.

During periods of increased cross-border movement, security agencies traditionally strengthen border surveillance and immigration checks to prevent criminal networks from exploiting the movement of legitimate travellers to smuggle firearms, stolen vehicles, drugs and other contraband.

Comm Nyathi said police would continue maintaining vigilance while ensuring that law-abiding travellers were treated with dignity and respect.

“It is against this background that the ZRP will continue maintaining heightened vigilance while ensuring that law-abiding citizens are treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities, saying maintaining peace and security remained a shared national responsibility.

“Our message is simple. Zimbabwe remains peaceful and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully prepared to safeguard everyone in the country. We encourage members of the public to continue supporting police efforts by reporting criminal activities while welcoming fellow Zimbabweans returning home,” said Comm Nyathi.

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