Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Zim govt ring-fences 150MW for winter wheat -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Jul. 2 (NewsDay Live) – The Zimbabwean government has ring-fenced 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity to support the 2026 winter wheat programme as it seeks to boost agricultural production and strengthen national food security.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe-China Business Symposium in Harare, Energy and Power Development minister July Moyo said government was prioritising electricity supply to productive sectors to drive economic growth.

“This year, we are targeting 125,000 hectares of wheat and we have reserved 150 megawatts of electricity to ensure that the crop receives adequate irrigation after planting,” Moyo said.

“We want to deepen our understanding of every sector of the economy so that we can prioritise our energy needs and ensure our energy resources contribute to economic growth.”

Winter wheat production in Zimbabwe is entirely dependent on irrigation, making a reliable electricity supply critical for pumping water to farms.

According to last week’s Cabinet briefing, 128,459 hectares of wheat have already been planted, exceeding the target of 125,000 hectares by three percent. The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) planted 59,880 hectares, representing 92% of its target.

Zimbabwe has in recent years grappled with persistent electricity shortages due to ageing generation infrastructure and reduced hydroelectric output caused by fluctuating water levels at Lake Kariba, as well as ageing equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.

In response, the government has stepped up investment in solar, thermal and other renewable energy projects.

Moyo, however, said thermal power would continue to provide the country’s baseload electricity even as Zimbabwe expands renewable energy generation.

“We must strike a balance between renewable energy and thermal energy. Thermal power will remain our baseload, while hydroelectricity also continues to play an important role,” he said.

The minister also urged authorities to improve urban planning around major industrial and energy investments, saying strategic projects should be accompanied by properly planned settlements rather than unregulated communities.

Referring to developments around Hwange, Moyo said new industrial hubs should evolve into well-planned towns with adequate infrastructure, security services and public amenities.

“We cannot have random settlements around such strategic investments. Planning new cities and communities will improve security, service delivery and sustainable economic development,” Moyo said.

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Source: Chivayo CAB 3 ‘bribes’ backfire -Newsday Zimbabwe

A WAR veteran has launched an urgent High Court application seeking to halt the processing of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No 3 (CAB 3) as the cash and car gifts to Members of Parliament by controversial businessmen Wicknell Chivayo backfire.

Former freedom fighter Reuben Zulu argued in his application that Parliament’s approval of the proposed constitutional changes was “contaminated” by allegations of corruption and unlawful inducements offered to MPs.

The application was filed on Tuesday, the same day the National Assembly approved the Bill, which now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signature before becoming law.

Zulu was one of six applicants who earlier approached the Constitutional Court seeking to invalidate the process leading to the Bill’s introduction and wwa represented by constitutional expert Lovemore Madhuku.

In the latest application, he is seeking an interim interdict preventing the Speaker of Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament and other officials from certifying, transmitting or presenting the Bill to Mnangagwa for assent pending the determination of the case.

The application alleges that National Assembly proceedings were tainted by unlawful inducements, including luxury vehicles and cash provided to legislators while the Bill was still before Parliament.

According to Zulu’s founding affidavit, two MPs — Samantha Mureyani of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Remigious Matangira of Zanu PF — allegedly received 2026 Toyota Fortuner vehicles and cash payments from Chivhayo while participating in CAB 3 proceedings.

Zulu alleged that Mureyani received an additional US$50 000 reportedly designated for constituency projects, despite being a proportional representation MP.

The affidavit states: “It is not about whether the reward was paid before or after a speech.

“The question is whether a member accepted a reward for or in respect of the promotion of, support for, or conduct relating to a Bill.”

Additional allegations suggest that cash payments of US$10 000 were distributed to legislators through parliamentary chief whips under the guise of constituency development funding.

The applicant argues these inducements violated statutes governing parliamentary conduct.

Specifically, the application cites Section 18 of the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act, which prohibits MPs from accepting rewards connected with supporting or opposing legislation, and Section 170 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalises inducements intended to influence official duties.

The applicants contend that legislators receiving such benefits should have declared their interests under parliamentary Standing Orders and the Members’ Code of Conduct and Ethics.

These allegations raise serious questions regarding whether the constitutional threshold for passing such legislation was achieved through a lawful process.

This follows a May ruling where the Constitutional Court struck off a previous application by Zulu and five other veterans.

That challenge focused on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s involvement in chairing the Cabinet meeting that approved the Bill.

Justice Bharat Patel held that the applicants had “fallen short of the critical requirement to establish any precise or specific obligation” breached by the President.

This latest application shifts focus away from the President, instead targeting the parliamentary officials and legislators alleged to have benefited from inducements.

In a certificate of urgency, legal practitioner Kudzanai Brian Munakamwe argues that allowing the Bill to proceed would cause “irreparable prejudice”, stating: “The constitutional process is continuing now. The risk is not remote. It is imminent.”

The applicants are seeking an interim interdict to bar the Speaker and Clerk from presenting CAB 3 for assent.

They also request that the two named MPs be barred from further participation until the matter is resolved.

On the return date, Zulu wants the court to declare any votes cast by induced members as invalid and to direct Parliament to institute a formal privileges inquiry.

CAB3 is one of the most significant constitutional reform measures since 2013. Critics argue it would fundamentally alter the country’s “constitutional architecture”, including changes to presidential terms and election methods.

While supporters maintain the reforms are lawful, the Bill has faced criticism from the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Law Society of Zimbabwe and various civil society organisations.

The respondents have been directed to file opposing papers within three days.

If the High Court grants the interim relief, the constitutional amendment process could be temporarily halted pending a full hearing.

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Source: Ex-soldiers launch party to challenge ED term extension -Newsday Zimbabwe

SOME retired and former serving members of the country’s security service have launched a new political party, with its leadership pledging to restore discipline and accountability while challenging the government’s handling of national affairs.

The launch comes amid mounting opposition from retired soldiers and former security personnel to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s push to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional two-term limit, a move that has deepened factionalism within Zanu PF.

The Constitution Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB 3), which seeks to extend presidential and parliamentary terms and transfer the power to elect the president from the public to Parliament, has already sailed through the National Assembly and Senate.

This is despite widespread criticism from civil society, opposition parties and some ruling party insiders.

Guardians of Zimbabwe president Moses Kumbweya, a former security officer, said the movement had been born out of an oath of service to the nation.

“For years, we wore the uniforms of this nation in the army, the police and prison services,” he said.

“We swore an oath not to any political party or individual, but to Zimbabwe and her people.”

He said members of the new party had witnessed the effects of corruption, poor governance and the erosion of discipline while serving in the country’s security institutions.

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“We have defended this country and its interests at the borders and beyond.

“Now we must defend it in its boardrooms, its ministries, its communities and for our people abroad.”

Kumbweya described the Guardians of Zimbabwe as “a political party born out of oath”, saying it sought to restore order through service.

He strongly questioned Zanu PF’s “2030 agenda” to extend its tenure, arguing that it had failed to provide basic public services and protect vulnerable citizens.

He accused the ruling elite of prioritising personal power over national duty, and warned that the CAB 3 amendments represented a dangerous power-grab that would entrench a one-party State.

“As retired soldiers, we took an oath to defend the constitution, not to see it rewritten for the benefit of a few.

“We cannot stand by while those in power engineer a legal coup to stay beyond their mandate,” Kumbweya said.

His deputy, Constance Zulu, said the party was determined to build a government that prioritised ordinary citizens and vulnerable families.

“I, too, swore an oath to serve Zimbabwe, an oath that does not expire when the uniform comes off,” she said.

She said many Zimbabwean families continued to face hunger, unemployment and declining living standards despite the country’s abundant resources.

Organising secretary Oscar Chaza said the party was concerned about the hardships being faced by civil servants, including teachers, nurses, police officers and members of the defence forces.

Chaza also highlighted the plight of pensioners and retired civil servants whose retirement benefits had been eroded by inflation and economic instability.

The launch of the new party is widely seen as a direct response to the deepening succession crisis within Zanu PF, where factions aligned to Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga are locked in a bitter struggle, with retired soldiers increasingly voicing their opposition to any unconstitutional extension of the president’s term.

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Source: Government remains committed to equip ZRP to discharge its duties – herald

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Chido Sanyatwe breaking ground at the site of the new Kuwadzana Police Station

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

GOVERNMENT remains committed to ensuring that institutions such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police are adequately equipped to discharge their constitutional mandate, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has said.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Chido Sanyatwe, during the ground-breaking ceremony of a new substantive police station which is set to be built in Kuwadzana.

The police station is set to be built at an open space behind a food outlet (KFC) commonly known as ‘Pamagetsi’ along Bulawayo Road, Harare.

The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi

Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, Deputy Commissioner Generals Learn Ncube and Lorraine Chipato, Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, chairperson of the Harare Province Crime Liaison Committee (CLC) Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika, senior officers and other senior government officials

The development comes after the current police station was among houses in the Kuwadzana area.

In his speech, Minister Kazembe said policing requires modern infrastructure and this project was a testament to this clarion call that resonates well with the mantra by President Mnangagwa of leaving no one and no place behind.

“The development of this facility represents a strategic investment in capacitation,” Minister Kazembe said. “Upon completion, this Police Station will improve operational efficiency, enhance accessibility of policing services, strengthen crime response mechanisms, provide a conducive working environment for officers, and ensure safe communities.

“This initiative also lays the foundation for the future establishment of a fully-fledged Police Camp, which will significantly address accommodation challenges faced by police officers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to commend the partnership between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Rovanie Range Investments (Pvt) Ltd. This collaboration stands as a shining example of how Public- Partnerships can accelerate Private infrastructure development and support national priorities. Such partnerships demonstrate corporate responsibility and national patriotism.

“Government encourages more private sector players to emulate this example. I therefore call upon the corporate world to partner Police in creating the required peace dividend that feeds directly to development trajectory. Indeed, the residents of Kuwadzana and surrounding communities have all the reason to celebrate as this facility belongs to you. However, infrastructure alone cannot create safe communities.”

He urged members of the public to support community policing initiatives, report criminal activities promptly, safeguard public infrastructure, and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

“I wish to commend the leadership of the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their vision, commitment, and persistence in bringing this project to fruition,” he said.

“As we break ground today, we are laying the foundation for stronger institutions, improved service delivery, and safer communities.

“Government remains resolute in strengthening national institutions through infrastructure development, skills enhancement, technological integration, and institutional reform.

“It is my sincere expectation that this project will be completed within the stipulated time frame and in accordance with the highest construction standards.”

Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said this project resonates strongly with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2, which emphasises modernisation, improved public service delivery, safety, and community resilience.

“The construction of this police station will undoubtedly improve accessibility to policing services, enhance response to crime, and foster stronger relations between the police and the community,” he said.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, academic scholars have consistently underscored the importance of effective institutions in national development.”

He said that, as the Zimbabwe Republic Police and Harare Province in particular, they remain committed to constitutional policing, professionalism, accountability, and people- centred service delivery.

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Source: ‘Show love, compassion to returnees’ – herald

Zanu PF First Secretary and President Cde Mnangagwa chairs the revolutionary party’s 394th Ordinary Politburo Session at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Joseph Manditswara

Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has implored communities countrywide to embrace with love and compassion, Zimbabweans returning home from the Diaspora, saying his administration has put in place adequate measures to ensure their safe and dignified reintegration into society.

Addressing the 394th Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans should show true African values by welcoming the returnees home.

This comes as thousands of Zimbabweans based in neighbouring South Africa have been trekking back to seek refuge from vigilante groups in the country’s cities and townships.

Following the attacks, the Government is fully funding an ongoing emergency mass repatriation of Zimbabwean citizens and already thousands of returnees have been ferried home on buses provided by the State, with many more making the journey using their own resources.

Comprehensive reintegration and duty waiver programmes have also been activated for the returnees.

“Zimbabwe is our home and the sacred lands of our forefathers. I appeal to all families and communities to exercise the true African values of compassion, love and care for one another, more so as we welcome those returning home from the diaspora. Government has put in place comprehensive programmes to ensure the seamless, safe and dignified re-integration of returnees,” he said.

Yesterday’s Politburo meeting coincided with the 27th anniversary of the death of veteran nationalist and one of the Founding Fathers of independent Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo, who was fondly named Father Zimbabwe.

In that regard, President Mnangagwa urged the nation to honour his legacy of love and unity.

“We honour his invaluable contribution to the armed liberation struggle, freedom, unity and his dedicated service to our country. The ideological grounding, visionary and principled leadership of luminaries, statesmen and revolutionaries in the mould of Father Zimbabwe, among others, must continue to be a source of inspiration for current and future generations of our Party and national leaders.

“The values of unity, peace, hard work, as well as unflinching nationalism and patriotism bequeathed to us, should remain embedded in the national development agenda and people-centred policies,” he said.

The Politburo meeting came days after the burial of National Hero Cde Victor Matemadanda.

“With solemn hearts, we equally remember the late National Hero, Ambassador Victor Matemadanda and other comrades who passed on since the last meeting. We shall continue to draw inspiration from the life and legacy of our liberation veterans. I invite us all to rise and observe a minute of silence in their honour,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the theme of this year’s Heroes Day commemorations is: “Lest We Forget.”

Commenting on the ZANU PF National Cell Day held last Saturday, President Mnangagwa said the annual exercise reaffirmed the importance of authentic grassroots structures as the solid base of the revolutionary mass party, ZANU PF.

“Over the weekend, our colossal mass party demonstrated that we remain a mammoth revolutionary machinery during the National Cell Day. All wings of the party seamlessly engaged communities, village and cell structures as we verified our cell registers and updated our membership records,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said ZANU PF was ever ready and capable of defending the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.

“Under ZANU PF, Zimbabwe is in safe hands. Well done to all provinces, districts, branches and the village/cells,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said challenges and identified gaps associated with the digitisation of the membership database had to be swiftly addressed.

“During this session, an overall report detailing the comprehensive outlook of our party membership levels will be tabled. The Commissariat Department, in liaison with the Secretary General’s Office, must now ensure that grassroots leaders at the branch and cell levels are adequately equipped to run and manage the affairs of the party.

“Regular and synthesised communication updates on key activities, decisions and programmes of the party and Government must be developed and disseminated to branches and cells/villages,” he said.

The President, who inquired from every Politburo member in attendance whether they partook in the National Cell Day, said leadership was derived from the grassroots.

He stressed the need to promote two-way communication between senior party members and lower structures.

President Mnangagwa called on senior party members to submit themselves to cell chairpersons during village/cell meetings.

“When I attend a cell meeting in Kwekwe, my home area, I also listen to my cell chairperson. I sit with them and actively participate by raising my hand to add information or raise objections during the meeting,” he said.

“It was befitting that during the intervening period (after the last Politburo meeting), the League of War Veterans convened their national assembly meeting. I am pleased with the programmes and progress of the League since its establishment as a structure of the party”.

The President said his administration would continue to facilitate broad-based initiatives towards the welfare and empowerment of veterans of the liberation struggle.

He urged the War Veterans League to work closely with the Ministry of War Veterans Affairs and other agencies of Government for the accelerated implementation of its activities.

Reflecting on this year’s party conference, which will be held in Chinhoyi, President Mnangagwa said the leadership had to reflect and assess progress made in implementing party resolutions.

“This session comes four months ahead of the next 23rd National People’s Conference. It is in this context that we must reflect and assess our progress in implementing party resolutions. I exhort this meeting to make the necessary recommendations to accelerate the completion of ongoing Party and Government programmes.

“I commend the Politburo along with the generality of our membership for their role in shaping discussions on the national development agenda under the Second Republic”.

He said close coordination and synergies among party departments and respective portfolios in Government should be sustained for the delivery of transformational and impactful services.

“The policies and programmes of our party-led Government must continue to reflect the values of our Party and adherence to the aspirations of the people.

“Party departments are commended for the achievements of agreed goals and priorities as articulated in the 22nd National People’s Conference Resolutions. Congratulations. The culture of results should remain entrenched and scaled up across every aspect of our nation and party”.

“Our mutually beneficial relations with China have positively impacted various economic sectors, such as agriculture, infrastructure development, energy, value addition, education, science, communication and technology as well as, water and sanitation, among others”.

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