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Source: Dzehonye, Mabhena want probe into US$161k stands fraud claims – herald

Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo

Herald Correspondent

HARARE City Council Principal Housing Director Edgar Dzehonye and former Town Clerk Engineer Phakamile Mabhena Moyo have lodged a formal petition with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate allegations that they were involved in a US$161 000 commercial stands fraud case.

In court papers, the accused persons, Desmond Rutsito (42) and Leeroy Manyange (28), implicated the two top council officials.

However, in separate letters addressed to the ZACC Chairperson dated June 25, 2026, the duo’s legal representatives, Tsunga Bamu Law International, vehemently denied claims that the officials are on the run or involved in the alleged syndicate.

“Our client [Dzehonye] is not at large. He voluntarily presented himself to the police and cleared his name,” the lawyers stated, adding in a separate letter that Moyo is equally compliant and “is not at large.”

The legal documents completely distanced the directors from both the co-accused and the buyers — including Calisto Murambasvina of Haider Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd and Munyaradzi Chikusvu — who claim they were swindled.

According to the letters filed with ZACC: “He has no association with, and does not know Desmond Rutsito (42) and Leeroy Manyange (28), and has never had any dealings with them. He does not know, has never met and has not been involved in any way with any of the complainants or their business representatives.”

Dzehonye’s defence team also noted a critical administrative contradiction in the State’s case, arguing that as the head of housing, “he is in the Housing Department, which does not in any way transact in commercial stands,” and therefore, “did not and could not have issued any lease relating to a commercial stand.”

Labelling the accusations as “defamatory, false and vile,” the defence requested that ZACC immediately track down the sources of the misinformation to protect the integrity of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

“We urge you to initiate the investigations so requested so as to prevent abuse of the police as an organisation, as well as protect our client and the general public from falling harm to rogue elements who deliberately mislead the police by supplying them with false information,” the lawyers added.

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Source: Parliament reconvenes to tighten CAB3 – herald

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi

Nyore Madzianike

Senior Reporter

PARLIAMENT is set to reconvene on Tuesday next week to consider and vote on amendments proposed by the Senate to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which were overlooked by the National Assembly when it deliberated on the proposed piece of legislation.

The amendments were identified in Senate deliberations on the Bill, with one of the key changes providing for the calling of Parliament for its first sitting before the election of the President by Parliamentarians.

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Bill with the required two-thirds majority after 75 senators voted in support of the proposed amendments, while four voted against.

Last week, the National Assembly also passed the Bill by an overwhelming majority, with 260 legislators voting in favour and 42 against.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said he would engage the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, to facilitate the publication of a General Notice recalling legislators for Tuesday’s sitting.

Parliament had adjourned until July 7.

“By and large, this Bill is one of the most debated, I think, in the history of our Parliament,” he said.

Minister Ziyambi said 55 senators debated in support of the Bill, while only four spoke against it.

He said one of the senators who had initially opposed the Bill later voted in its favour.

“The other one who was dissenting decided to vote for the Bill.

“In the history of the Senate, normally when we debate these Bills, we rarely have more than 10 people debating, but we had around 55, which was more than two-thirds majority.

“So, at the close of business, we debated, and we then did the Committee Stage. What was interesting and inspiring was that the Senate managed to pick up a few issues that were left out by the National Assembly.

“Notably, currently in the Constitution, the President-elect is first sworn in and once he is sworn in, he then calls Parliament for its first sitting.

“But because now we are having the Parliament electing the President, we had an oversight and we did not amend to give provision for the calling of Parliament for its first sitting before the election of the President.

“This is because now you cannot have an outgoing President calling Parliament for its first sitting.

“We then amended that part when Senators highlighted it, so that we would then have a provision for the Clerk of Parliament by notification, in terms of a gazette, to call Parliament to its first sitting where it would elect the Speaker, the Senate President and then ultimately the President.

“So, that was the major amendment that the Senate did besides consequential amendments where Senators just said let’s just clean up the Constitution,” he said.

“The procedure is, once there are variations or the Bill that is passed by the Senate is different from the one that was passed by the National Assembly, you have to transmit back to the National Assembly and indicate to the National Assembly that the Senate is proposing these amendments for the National Assembly to vote and endorse or reject.

The Minister said that while Parliament had adjourned until July 7, the urgent Government business arising from amendments made by the Senate now requires its reconvening, something that can only be done by the President.

“We have advised the Chief Secretary so that the necessary General Notice is issued calling back Parliament next Tuesday just to look at those minor amendments,” he said.

Minister Ziyambi said once the National Assembly endorses the Senate amendments, the Bill will be transmitted to the President for assent.

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Source: Govt strengthens strategic relations – herald

President Mnangagwa congratulates Sergei Berdnikov, the Russian Federation’s incoming Ambassador to Zimbabwe, after he presented his letters of credence at State House in Harare yesterday. — Picture: Believe Nyakudjara

Debra Matabvu

Herald Reporter

ZIMBABWE will continue to strengthen and expand mutually beneficial partnerships that support economic growth and sustainable development, President Mnangagwa has said.

Writing on his microblogging site X, after receiving credentials from incoming Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sergei Berdnikov and United Nations  Resident Coordinator Rosemary Kalapurakal at State House, the President said Zimbabwe remained committed to fostering strategic partnerships that drove economic growth, investment and sustainable development.

“I received H.E. Ms Rosemary Kalapurakal, the newly-appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator to Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.

“Our discussion focused on advancing our shared goals for sustainable economic development, social progress, and achieving the sustainable development goals in alignment with our national vision.”

The President said he was looking forward to deepening cooperation with Russia in economic areas, which included mining and technology, among others.

“I also accepted the credentials of H.E. Sergei Berdnikov, the Ambassador-Designate of the Russian Federation to Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa added.

“Russia remains a reliable and strategic ally. We look forward to deepening our cooperation across key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and technology transfer.  Zimbabwe continues to open its doors to meaningful partnerships under our policy of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.”

Speaking after presenting her credentials, Ms Kalapurakal said her key priorities will focus on multi-sectoral approaches that address some of the key development challenges in the country, such as climate and issues affecting the youth.

“You should expect a very strong focus on inclusive and integrated sustainable development, looking at multi-sectoral approaches that address some of the key development challenges in the country, whether they range from climate resilience to opportunities for young people, unlocking SDG development financing, looking at addressing issues such as substance abuse, drugs and crime,” she said.

She also congratulated the country for attaining the 2027/28 United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat and said Zimbabwe should use its expertise to speak to the ideals of the United Nations Charter.

“It is a huge opportunity for a country like Zimbabwe. The world is facing so many peace and security issues, and the Security Council has an important role to play.

“Zimbabwe can bring its experience and growing stature on the regional and global stage, as well as an African voice, to speak to the ideals of the United Nations Charter and rules-based international cooperation.

“As the United Nations resident coordinator, I applaud this and will support the country in any way they require.”

Addressing the media after presenting his credentials, Ambassador Berdnikov said priority would be to sustain the strong political relations between the two countries while expanding economic cooperation across key sectors.

“Priority will be maintaining our excellent political dialogue and rightfully mentioned by the President, to develop our economic cooperation in various spheres.

“Areas of collaboration include minerals extraction, electrification, energy production, agricultural machinery and technology.”

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Source: President presides over Matemadanda burial today – herald

Pallbearers carry the casket bearing the body of national hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda upon arrival at Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Charles Muchakagara

Joseph Madzimure and Remember Deketeke

NATIONAL hero Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, who died on Sunday, will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre today, with President Mnangagwa presiding over the burial.

The Government said it was expecting a massive send-off for the war veteran, former minister and ex-Zanu PF national political commissar.

Cde Matemadanda, who passed away at the age of 66 after a short illness, was Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

In an interview yesterday, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Acting Permanent Secretary Mr Mike Masaka said all logistics were in place for Ambassador Matemadanda’s burial.

“As Government, I can confirm that we are ready to give a dignified send-off to our illustrious son of the soil, Ambassador Victor Matemadanda,” he said.

He said the national hero’s body last night lay in state at his Mount Pleasant Heights residence, where mourners continued to pay their last respects ahead of today’s burial.

Mr Masaka said at least 85 buses had been mobilised to ferry mourners from around the country to the national shrine.

“I can confirm that His Excellency, the President, will preside over the burial ceremony. Government has provided 85 buses to ferry mourners to the national shrine, with 50 buses allocated to Harare Province, 15 to Midlands Province and two buses for each of the remaining provinces.”

He added that transport arrangements have also been made for the bereaved family and friends of the gallant hero.

“Family members will be provided with four buses,” he said.

Mr Masaka said the arrangements are intended to ensure that Zimbabweans from all parts of the country are able to participate in honouring the life and legacy of Ambassador Matemadanda, who was declared a national hero in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage confirmed the burial arrangements.

“Burial proceedings will commence on Friday, the 26th of June 2026 and mourners are expected to be seated by 0700hrs,” reads the statement.

In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa described Ambassador Matemadanda as a dedicated veteran of the struggle whose contribution to the country’s independence, governance and national heritage will be remembered for generations.

He said Ambassador Matemadanda’s political consciousness and involvement in the national liberation struggle dated back to his youthful days as part of the Zimbabwean migrant community that had settled in Zambia to escape persecution in then Rhodesia.

“He readily swapped the relatively quiet and comfortable life of the largely successful Zimbabwean migrant community in Zambia for a fraught one of struggle,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said the late diplomat initially worked alongside other nationalists, including the late Cde Patrick Kombayi, mobilising support for liberation fighters and refugees in camps in Zambia and Mozambique.

President Mnangagwa said Cde Matemadanda later became more directly involved in the liberation struggle, including assisting with the transportation of war material using heavy-duty Scania trucks to various operational areas.

Zanu PF secretary for Information and Publicity, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa described Cde Matemadanda as a “stalwart of the Chimurenga-Umvukela National Liberation War from the expatriate community of Zimbabwean exiles based in Zambia”.

Amb Matemadanda is survived by two wives, 18 children and several grandchildren.

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Source: New strategy charts path to Vision 2030 – herald

Engineer Raphael Mushanawani

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

THE new National Development Strategy 2, a five-year economic blueprint,  will guide Zimbabwe’s development agenda from 2026 to 2030 as the country intensifies efforts to attain upper-middle-income status.

Speaking during the inaugural National Policy Expo in Harare yesterday, acting Chief Director for Policy Analysis and Coordination in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Mr Charles Mujajati, said the strategy was designed to accelerate economic transformation, promote inclusive growth and improve livelihoods in line with Vision 2030.

Mr Mujajati said NDS2 was developed through extensive consultations involving Government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and communities across the country.

“The strategy was formulated through a Whole-of-Government and Society approach to ensure that it reflects the aspirations of all Zimbabweans,” he said.

Mr Mujajati said the framework is anchored on Integrated Results-Based Management and guided by the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.

He said the strategy is structured around 10 national priorities, including macroeconomic stability, inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, social development and good governance.

The priorities are aligned with regional and international development frameworks, including the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Under NDS2, the Government is targeting a Gross National Income per capita of more than US$4 900 by 2030, while formal employment is expected to rise to 45,3 percent.

Value added manufacturing is projected to increase to 18 percent of Gross Domestic Product, while the share of manufactured exports to total exports is expected to reach 18,4 percent.

Mr Mujajati said economic diversification would be driven by value addition and beneficiation in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism.

“We seek to consolidate macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and monetary policies, while creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable growth,” he said.

Infrastructure development has been identified as a key pillar of the strategy, with the Government planning to expand renewable energy generation, rehabilitate road and rail networks, improve water supply systems and accelerate housing delivery through public-private partnerships.

Mr Mujajati said efforts to enhance Zimbabwe’s international re-engagement would continue through debt resolution, arrears clearance and strategic branding aimed at positioning the country as an attractive investment destination.

“The objective is to position Zimbabwe as a preferred destination for tourism, trade, and investment in line with the ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ policy thrust,” he said.

To ensure effective implementation, the Government has established an extensive coordination and monitoring framework involving ministries, departments, agencies, local authorities and other stakeholders.

Mr Mujajati said implementation would be driven through Thematic Working Groups supported by Cabinet Coordinating Committees at the national level, as well as provincial, district and ward structures.

The Policy Hub board chairperson, Dr Edson Badarai, said strong policy frameworks were central to effective governance and service delivery.

“Policy is at the centre of all functions of any modern institution. A weak institutional policy architecture translates to inefficient and poor service delivery, while good policy planning creates enduring success for organisations and society at large,” he said.

Dr Badarai said the Policy Hub has created a platform for inclusive dialogue among the Government, the private sector, academia and civil society to strengthen governance systems and policy formulation.

He said NDS2 reflected the Government’s commitment to sustainable development and urged all sectors of society to contribute to national development.

Dr Badarai also commended farmers, innovators, academics, traders, transport operators and the diaspora community for their contribution to economic growth.

NetOne chief executive Engineer Raphael Mushanawani said the National Policy Expo marked a milestone in Zimbabwe’s governance and policy discourse by bringing together stakeholders for evidence-based engagement.

“This Expo is a national reckoning. For the first time, we have brought together the private sector, public institutions, academia and civil society to engage in deliberate, evidence-based policy advocacy,” he said.

Eng Mushanawani said Zimbabwe has an opportunity to position itself as a continental leader in governance innovation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which requires policy harmonisation and digital transformation.

He said policy stability remained critical for attracting investment and enabling long-term planning.

“When governance frameworks provide predictability, private sector actors can make long-term investments that transform nations,” Eng Mushanawani said.

He said NetOne contributed to digital transformation, and its network expansion now accounts for more than 46 percent of Zimbabwe’s rural base stations.

“Our Digital Schools Connect initiative aims to provide network coverage and digital literacy to every school by 2030”.

Engineer Mushanawani said NetOne was also investing in financial inclusion through OneMoney, as well as digital agriculture, healthcare innovation, green energy solutions and skills development partnerships with tertiary                                      institutions.

“We are custodians of connectivity. We are enablers of the digital economy. We are ensuring that no Zimbabwean is left behind,” he said.

Engineer Mushanawani said NetOne viewed itself as a “co-author” of Zimbabwe’s development story, supporting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Government reiterated that transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption would remain central to the implementation of NDS 2.

The strategy succeeds the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025), which laid the foundation for economic recovery and sets the framework for achieving Vision 2030, Zimbabwe’s long-term goal of attaining an empowered upper-middle-income economy.

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