CTC probes Unifreight’s Cheetah Express deal

Source: CTC probes Unifreight’s Cheetah Express deal – herald Competition and Tariff Commission Business Reporter THE Competition and Tariff Commission has launched an investigation into Unifreight Africa Limited’s proposed acquisition of an 86,67 percent shareholding in Cheetah Express Logistics (Private) Limited, which could reshape Zimbabwe’s courier and logistics sector. In a General Notice issued under […]

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Source: CTC probes Unifreight’s Cheetah Express deal – herald

Business Reporter

THE Competition and Tariff Commission has launched an investigation into Unifreight Africa Limited’s proposed acquisition of an 86,67 percent shareholding in Cheetah Express Logistics (Private) Limited, which could reshape Zimbabwe’s courier and logistics sector.

In a General Notice issued under Section 28 of the Competition Act [Chapter 14:28], the commission announced that it has commenced an assessment of the transaction to determine its potential impact on competition and the public interest.

The regulator said the investigation would seek to establish whether the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen competition in Zimbabwe or any significant part of the market, or whether it could result in the creation of a monopoly situation contrary to public interest.

“The commission wants to determine whether the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen the degree of competition in Zimbabwe or any substantial part of it; or is likely to result in the creation of a monopoly situation which is or will be contrary to public interest,” CTC said in the notice.

CTC also indicated that it will assess how the merged entity would operate should the transaction receive regulatory approval, alongside other related issues arising from the proposed deal.

As part of the investigation process, the CTC has invited interested stakeholders and members of the public to submit written representations detailing how they may be affected by the transaction. Submissions are expected by July 6, 2026.

The investigation follows Unifreight Africa’s recent announcement that it had signed a Sale of Shares Agreement to acquire an effective 86,67 percent stake in Cheetah Express Logistics for US$2,08 million.

The deal would give the listed logistics group control of Zimbabwe’s sole authorised Global Service Participant for FedEx Express, significantly expanding its footprint in the express courier market.

Unifreight, whose customer-facing brand Swift recently celebrated 80 years of operations, said the acquisition is aimed at strengthening international connectivity and diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional freight operations.

Cheetah Express has maintained a partnership with FedEx since 1992 and provides courier, customs clearance, pick-up and delivery services across Zimbabwe.

If approved, the transaction is expected to combine Unifreight’s extensive transport and logistics infrastructure with Cheetah’s established express courier operations, creating one of the country’s most integrated logistics service providers.

However, the outcome now rests on the commission’s competition and public interest assessment.

Unifreight Africa Limited is a transport and logistics company listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

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Music Industry Titan Clive Davis Dies at 94, Leaving an Enduring Legacy Across Hip-Hop and R&B

NEW YORK – Legendary music executive Clive Davis, the visionary record industry architect whose career helped launch and shape some of the most influential artists in modern music, has died at the age of 94. Davis passed away on Monday at his Manhattan home, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned more than […]

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NEW YORK – Legendary music executive Clive Davis, the visionary record industry architect whose career helped launch and shape some of the most influential artists in modern music, has died at the age of 94. Davis passed away on Monday at his Manhattan home, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned more than five decades and transformed the landscape of popular music.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential executives in recording industry history, Davis played a pivotal role in the careers of artists ranging from Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys to Sean “Diddy” Combs, leaving an indelible mark on both R&B and Hip-Hop.

His extraordinary journey through the music business was defined by an uncanny ability to identify talent, nurture artists, and anticipate cultural shifts long before they reached the mainstream.

Davis first rose to prominence at Columbia Records during the late 1960s, where he helped expand the label’s roster by signing groundbreaking artists including Janis Joplin and Carlos Santana. However, his career encountered turbulence in 1973 when he was dismissed from Columbia amid allegations of financial misconduct and later pleaded guilty to tax evasion.

What could have marked the end of a career instead became the beginning of one of the most remarkable comebacks in entertainment history.

In 1974, Davis founded Arista Records, a label that would become synonymous with some of the most successful artists of the late twentieth century. His most celebrated discovery came in 1983 when he signed a then-unknown 19-year-old singer from New Jersey named Whitney Houston.

Under Davis’s guidance, Houston evolved into one of the best-selling and most celebrated artists of all time, dominating global charts throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their professional partnership became one of the most successful executive-artist relationships in music history.

Beyond Houston, Davis was instrumental in creating opportunities for a new generation of Black artists. Through Arista’s partnership with LaFace Records, founded by producers L.A. Reid and Babyface, he helped bring artists such as TLC, Toni Braxton, Usher and Outkast to international prominence. These acts would go on to define the sound and culture of R&B and Hip-Hop for decades.

Perhaps Davis’s most significant contribution to Hip-Hop came in 1994 when he took a chance on a young music entrepreneur named Sean “Diddy” Combs. Recognising Combs’ potential, Davis entered into a landmark 50-50 joint venture between Arista and Bad Boy Records, reportedly backing the venture with an investment estimated between $10 million and $15 million.

The partnership would prove transformative for the genre. Under Bad Boy Records, Diddy helped launch the careers of artists including The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mase, Craig Mack and Total, establishing one of the most dominant labels in Hip-Hop history.

Davis’s influence continued well into the new millennium. Following the launch of J Records, he signed Alicia Keys, whose debut album Songs in A Minor became a global success and cemented her status as one of the defining voices of contemporary R&B.

Throughout his career, Davis remained a powerful force behind the scenes, shaping trends, cultivating talent and guiding artists to commercial and critical success. His achievements earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, recognising his unparalleled contribution to the music industry.

He was also known for hosting the prestigious Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Gala, an annual event that became one of the most coveted invitations in the entertainment world, attracting music’s biggest stars and industry executives.

For generations of artists, Davis was more than a record executive. He was a mentor, strategist and visionary whose influence extended far beyond boardrooms and recording studios. His decisions helped define the soundtrack of multiple generations and altered the trajectory of popular music.

As tributes pour in from across the entertainment industry, Clive Davis leaves behind a legacy that few figures in music history can rival—a legacy built on discovering talent, breaking barriers and reshaping the sound of modern culture.

Source: Allhiphop.com

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Messi sets World Cup scoring record as defending champion Argentina advances to knockout stage

ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday. Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty […]

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ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi set a World Cup record with his 17th and 18th goals, and defending champion Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday.

Messi had a golden opportunity to break the record in the ninth minute, but went wide to the right on a penalty kick. Almost 30 minutes later, Messi caught Alexander Schlager leaning the wrong way after Thiago Almada let Facuno Medina’s pass go by him directly onto Messi’s left foot.

In the waning seconds of injury time, Messi extended his record by sending a shot through several defenders after Schlager turned away his first attempt. He entered the game even with Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals over four World Cups from 2002-14.

Two days before his 39th birthday and with an ailing father back home, Messi celebrated twice with teammates to the delight of the decidedly pro-Argentine crowd at the sold-out home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

Most of those fans were wearing Messi’s familiar No. 10 jersey with white and blue stripes, dwarfing the small pockets of red-clad Austrian supporters under the retractable roof that offered air-conditioned comfort on the second day of what is sure to be another hot Texas summer.

The scoring record came 40 years to the day since Maradona’s “goal of the century” — another No. 10 who made a solo run from the other side of midfield to give Argentina a two-goal lead in a 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals in Mexico City. Argentina went on to win the title.

Messi joined Just Fontaine and Jairzinho as the only players to score in six straight World Cup games. Argentina extended its winning streak in the tournament to eight since a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in its 2022 opener in Qatar.

Messi has scored all five of Argentina goals in the tournament and has 12 World Cup goals since turning 35. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as soccer’s best player in Europe had his first World Cup hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in its Group J opener last week in Kansas City.

Austria, which opened with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, can advance with a win over Algeria on Saturday in Kansas City.

Argentina returns to AT&T Stadium to face Jordan in a group finale Saturday night.

Source: AP

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Zimbabwean court acquits journalist of hostility towards president

A Zimbabwean High Court has acquitted a prominent journalist who spent nearly a year on trial over a satirical article critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, her legal team said on Monday . Source: Zimbabwean court acquits journalist of hostility towards president Rights groups and opposition parties have accused Mnangagwa’s government of using criminal laws to […]

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A Zimbabwean High Court has acquitted a prominent journalist who spent nearly a year on trial over a satirical article critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, her legal team said on Monday .

Source: Zimbabwean court acquits journalist of hostility towards president

Rights groups and opposition parties have accused Mnangagwas government of using criminal laws to silence dissent.  By Jekesai NJIKIZANA (AFP)
Rights groups and opposition parties have accused Mnangagwa’s government of using criminal laws to silence dissent. By Jekesai NJIKIZANA (AFP)

A Zimbabwean High Court has acquitted a prominent journalist who spent nearly a year on trial over a satirical article critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, her legal team said on Monday.

Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, was arrested in July 2025 after publishing a column titled “When You Become a Mafia State” in the newspaper’s satirical muckraker section.

Prosecutors charged Zaba with undermining Mnangagwa’s authority, alleging the article was intended to incite hostility towards the 83-year-old president.

The High Court in Harare quashed the charges on Friday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which represented Zaba, said.

The ruling was issued in chambers and the parties were awaiting the formal written order.

“The decision gives a lot not just for press freedoms but individual freedoms as well,” ZLHR executive director Bellinda Chinowawa told AFP.

“The police had overstretched the limits of the law.”

Zaba said the ruling ended nearly a year of legal proceedings that included her detention at the dreaded Chikurubi maximum security prison on the outskirts of Harare and numerous court appearances.

“My deepest gratitude to everyone who stood with me, spoke out, prayed, advocated and refused to let me walk alone,” she wrote on X.

Using laws to silence dissent

Rights groups and opposition parties have accused Mnangagwa’s government of using criminal laws to silence dissent, an allegation it denies.

Another high-profile journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, was arrested for inciting violence through an interview with a ruling party critic who criticised Mnangagwa and called for his resignation.

Mhlanga fled to exile after being granted bail.

Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 after the military ousted long-time dictator Robert Mugabe.

He was elected president in 2018 and re-elected in 2023, exhausting the two five-year terms permitted under Zimbabwe’s constitution.

Critics accuse Mnangagwa and his allies of seeking to extend his rule beyond 2028.

On Thursday, Zimbabwe’s lower house of parliament passed a constitutional amendment bill that would extend the terms of some elected officials and scrap direct presidential elections.

The bill now heads to the Senate and, if approved, will be sent to Mnangagwa for assent.

Zimbabwe ranks 124th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ latest World Press Freedom Index, down from 106th a year earlier.

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In Parliament This Week : The Senate to Debate CAB3

Source: In Parliament This Week : The Senate to Debate CAB3 BILL WATCH 21/2026 The National Assembly adjourned last week after passing the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 3) Bill [CAB3] and will not resume until the 7th July.  The Senate will be sitting this week and CAB3 is the foremost matter on its agenda. […]

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Source: In Parliament This Week : The Senate to Debate CAB3

BILL WATCH 21/2026

The National Assembly adjourned last week after passing the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 3) Bill [CAB3] and will not resume until the 7th July.  The Senate will be sitting this week and CAB3 is the foremost matter on its agenda.

In this Bill Watch we outline the business the Senate is expected to deal with, but please bear the following points in mind:

  • When the Senate adjourns, all outstanding business is set down on its order paper (i.e. its agenda) for the next appropriate sitting day.  There is usually too much to be covered in one day so whatever is not dealt with is postponed to the next appropriate day.
  • The Senate can change the order in which it considers business.
  • Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 3) Bill (CAB3):  The first item on the Senate’s Order Paper is a resolution to suspend Standing Orders to allow CAB3 to take precedence over all other business, so the Senate will continue debating the Bill until it has been completed.  The Senate’s consideration of the Bill is not likely to take as long as the National Assembly’s, so we have listed the other business on the Senate’s Order Paper in case the Senate turns to other matters during the week.

THE SENATE

Tuesday 23rd June

Motion:

  • To suspend Standing Orders regarding the adjournment of the Senate and the precedence of business.

Bills to be dealt with:

The Senate is expected to deal with the following Bills:

  • Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No 3) Bill [link]

This Bill will go straight into its Second Reading, having been transmitted from the National Assembly.

  • Occupational Safety and Health Bill [link]

This Bill is due to undergo its Second Reading

International agreement to be approved

The Senate will be asked to approve the following international agreement:

  • Convention Establishing the International Organisation for Mediation (2025) [link]

Reports of constitutional and statutory commissions to be considered:

The Senate is expected to consider the following reports:

  • Reports of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission on by-elections held in June, August, September and October 2025

Petition received:

The Senate will consider a report on the following petition:

  • Petition calling for a review of laws relating to senior citizens

Parliamentary committee report to be considered:

The Senate is expected to consider a report on the following topic:

  • Impact of the Youth Empowerment Bank on projects for youth empowerment

Motions to be dealt with by the Senate:

The Senate is expected to debate motions on the following topics:

  • Encouraging employment of youths
  • Measures to protect children against abuse
  • Measures to prevent homelessness
  • Resuscitating the cotton industry
  • Combating non-communicable diseases
  • Promoting responsive and accountable service delivery by local authorities
  • Measures to conserve water resources
  • Relocation of rural homesteads
  • Reply to the President’s speech

Wednesday 24th June

The Senate will continue with business not dealt with on Tuesday

Thursday 25th June

Questions set down for answer:

The following questions have been tabled for Ministers to answer in the Senate on Thursday:

  • Measures to mitigate the suspension of visas to the USA
  • The inclusion of elderly farmers in the Pfumfudza agricultural support programme
  • Revival of the district tillage mechanisation support programme
  • Consultation with communities before mining claims are pegged in Communal Lands
  • Zimbabwe’s debt arrears

Bills Being Considered by the Parliamentary Legal Committee

The PLC is considering the following Bills:

  • National Drug, Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill [link]
  • Whistle Blowers and Witness Protection Bill [link]
  • Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill [link]

Note there are no Portfolio Parliamentary Committees Meetings this week.  There no open Senate Thematic Closed Meetings – closed meeting for the Senate are as posted on the Veritas website.

Veritas makes every effort to ensure reliable information, but cannot take legal responsibility for information supplied.

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