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Source: Agric Show 2026 roars into life – herald

Herald Reporters

THE country’s premier agricultural showcase, the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, roars into life today at the Exhibition Park in Harare, with about 640 exhibitors expected to display their products and services.

Running until Saturday, the 116th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) has recorded a 4,4 percent increase in exhibitors from 630 who participated last year, with all exhibition halls fully subscribed.

The event will run under the theme; “Powering Growth: Where Agriculture, Technology and Commerce Converge”.

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to officially open this year’s edition.

ZAS chief executive, Mr Rufaro Alfred Gunundu, said the increased participation reflected growing confidence in the show as a platform for business, innovation and market access.

He said the growth also demonstrated the continued appeal of the show to both local and international exhibitors.

“ZAS 2026 has registered strong growth in the number of exhibitors, rising from 630 last year to 640 this year,” he said.

“New exhibitors stand at 86, representing a significant 13,4 percent of all exhibitors. This is a clear indication that there is growing interest in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.”

The show has also recorded an increase in foreign participation, with foreign exhibitors now accounting for 18 percent, up from 11 percent last year.

Mr Gunundu said the increase in international participation would provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with exhibitors from different markets while gaining exposure to new products, technologies and ideas.

“Foreign exhibitors have gone up from 11 percent last year to 18 percent this year, which is very encouraging,” he said.

“This growth in foreign participation brings diversity to the show and creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, business linkages and exposure to international products and innovations.”

This year’s showcase will also feature ostriches for the first time, adding another unusual attraction to the wide range of products and services on display.

“An exciting development is that we are showcasing ostriches for the first time in history,” Mr Gunundu said.

He said the exhibition had something for everyone, urging members of the public to attend the show and experience the various attractions on offer.

“We invite people from all walks of life to come and join us. There is everything for everyone,” Mr Gunundu said.

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Source: Govt steps up fight against El Niño threat – herald

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT will continue to support farmers with resilient and innovative agricultural projects to cushion them from El Niño-induced adverse weather conditions to guarantee food security in the country, President Mnangagwa has said.

He said the forecast by the Meteorological Services Department that this season might have subdued rainfall owing to El Niño weather conditions must galvanise farmers to adopt Pfumvudza/Intwasa farming method, which is a climate-proofing initiative aimed at mitigating adverse conditions.

The President made the remarks on Saturday in a speech read on his behalf by Defence Minister and Zanu PF National Chairman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe annual general conference at Rufaro Conference Centre in Chatsworth, Masvingo Province.

“The predictions of the El Niño-induced drought for the 2026/2027 season must ignite in us all, household by household, greater determination and focus to increase the adoption of Pfumvudza/ Intwasa Programme, among other agriculture initiatives and projects,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Let us work hard on our God-given land so that we produce what we eat and we guarantee national food security and sovereignty

“Jehovha vanoti munaGenesis tichadya cheziya. Naizvozvo ngatishandei nesimba, tirime minda yedu, tizadze matura uye tikunde nzara. Additionally, Joel 2 verse 26, in summary, says the Lord provides his answer and assurance to us that we will have plenty to eat and we will praise the name of the Lord, who works wonders for us.”

He said that Government will intensify efforts aimed at supporting farmers with farming initiatives that could withstand the test of adverse weather conditions.

“Over and above providing inputs, fertilisers and chemicals to our farmers, Government will continue to capacitate farmers towards the implementation of resilient, innovative, diversified and productive agriculture projects. No one will die of hunger,” said President Mnangagwa.

He commended the spiritual work being undertaken by AFM in Zimbabwe, saying the huge attendance at the conference bore testimony to the great work.

“The huge attendance at this General Conference is also testimony that AFM remains strong, united, and walking according to the word of the Lord.

“May the AFM in Zimbabwe church, therefore, be blessed, according to Psalm 1 verses 2-3 and be like a tree planted by streams of water, and yield its fruit in season; may the congregation never wither and may whatever you a church, prosper; in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen,” said President Mnangagwa.

He congratulated the AFM for continuously growing both members and economic participation in the country.

“This sacred gathering, which is being held under the theme ‘Elevation, Excellence and Impact Conference’, is not merely a religious convention, but a testament to the enduring faith, resilience, and unity of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said his administration recognised the AFM in Zimbabwe as a consistent, dependable and reliable partner in the ongoing national development agenda.

“The unbreakable relationship between the State and Church is one that we cherish and continue to strengthen,” he said.

“After all, we share a common responsibility towards moulding a morally upright, united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”

AFM leader, Bishop Among Madawo, said the AFM was playing a part in national development through the provision of socio-economic development projects.

“The AFM in Zimbabwe has established strong footprints in national development through its investment in education, health care, social welfare, skills development and community empowerment initiatives,” he said.

“This includes schools, clinics, vocational training centres that complement Government efforts.”

He said AFM occupied a huge part in the country’s religious landscape owing to various developmental activities and spiritual work.

“The AFM in Zimbabwe occupies a significant position in Zimbabwe’s religious landscape and continues to play an influential role in shaping moral values, family stability, youth development and community transformation,” said Bishop Madawo

The event was attended by Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Reverend Paul Damasane, senior Government officials and several clergies.

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Source: Work in progress to launch new Kariba ferry – herald

Walter Nyamukondiwa and Freeman Razemba

A PRIVATE boat operator’s efforts to fill the gap on Lake Kariba left by the MV Rida Mbuya Nehanda ferry which capsized on August 11, killing 97 people is in progress with safety inspections still underway.

Authorities noted the need to attend to structural and safety issues before a licence can be issued.

The operator applied for a permit last week to ply the Kariba-Chalala route, prompting the inspection.

Inland Waters director Captain Lameck Chitenga confirmed the vessel had not yet met the required standard.

“What I can say for now is that we conducted an inspection of the vessel and there were several safety-related and structural issues that needed to be addressed,” said Captain Chitenga.

“Once the issues raised are addressed, we will conduct a second inspection, which will then lead to the issuing of a temporary permit once all regulatory issues are complied with.”

The operator has since submitted registration papers to Government for approval, and news of the prospective boat has raised hopes among communities around Lake Kariba who have been without a ferry service since the accident.

Government recently engaged boat operators and other private concerns to explore deploying another vessel on the lake following the tragedy, in which 97 bodies have so far been recovered.

The capsized ferry, which was carrying passengers and goods, flipped over after being struck by strong waves.

President Mnangagwa declared the accident a State of Disaster, enabling Government to mobilise disaster response structures, including funeral services and medical and psycho-social support for affected families.

Formal investigations are underway, with authorities examining key operational and compliance issues.

Speaking last week, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said Government had engaged operators and private concerns in Kariba to find a lasting solution.

“What we have said again is that our President is always talking about private sector participation, and this is what we have appealed to the people of Kariba to say let’s put our heads together,” he said.

“As Government, we will play our part, but also as the private sector, they have been doing this business. So they must come up with the solution, and we will make sure that in terms of registration it’s easier. But in terms of safety we enhance safety issues. Then we have a boat to ply that route.”

Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo appealed for the urgent release of a boat to service the route, saying even a smaller vessel would restore a critical lifeline for residents.

“Even if it’s a smaller boat, because you know it’s only 80km and it links the residents of rural or urban Kariba to their life, which is fishing.

“You know there are a lot of islands along the lake where they would go and buy or do their fishing,” she said.

Minister Mhona said the investigation into the disaster would be guided by the provisions of the Inland Waters Shipping Act, examining maritime safety standards, regulatory compliance and other contributing factors.

He urged the nation to remain focused on mourning the victims and supporting affected families.

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Harare demolition drive set to widen as council prepares to clear more homes HARARE — Hundreds of families in Harare face the loss of their homes as the city council prepares to begin another round of demolitions in St Martins and other suburbs, deepening a housing crisis that has already left residents searching for shelter […]

The post Harare City Council plans to DEMOLISH more houses starting from tomorrow as High Court approves demolitions in nearly 20 suburbs (SEE LIST) first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.

HARARE – A Harare InDrive driver was tied up and robbed at gunpoint after accepting a US$10 booking from a passenger who presented himself as a Spanish gold buyer before changing the route and attacking him in the capital’s northern leafy suburbs. Sean Moyo was waiting near Avondale Shopping Centre when he accepted the trip […]

The post Harare InDrive driver tied with a rope and robbed at gunpoint by a foreigner pretending to buy gold in Zimbabwe first appeared on My Zimbabwe News.