Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source:  Underperforming councils given 14 days to submit turnaround plans – herald

Minister Daniel Garwe

Herald Reporter

LOCAL Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe has given underperforming local authorities 14 days to submit comprehensive turnaround strategies as Government intensifies efforts to improve governance, strengthen service delivery and address persistent operational shortcomings across the country.

The directive was issued at a meeting held in Harare today, which brought together mayors, chief executive officers and town clerks from struggling local authorities to assess the causes of poor performance and identify practical measures to improve service delivery.

The engagement forms part of the ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen local governance systems and ensure councils deliver quality services to residents.

Minister Garwe said the turnaround plans should clearly outline the challenges facing each local authority, proposed interventions and areas where support from the Ministry may be required.

He said the exercise would help identify institutional weaknesses, close performance gaps and establish a framework for sustainable improvement.

The Minister expressed concern over governance deficiencies affecting some local authorities, including illegal land allocation practices, commonly known as “Sabhuku deals”, and the activities of land barons.

He said such practices undermined sound governance, compromise orderly urban planning and negatively affect service delivery.

Minister Garwe urged local authorities to strengthen corporate governance systems, improve financial management and enhance revenue collection mechanisms to ensure they have adequate resources to fund infrastructure development and public services.

He said improving revenue generation remained critical to the viability of local authorities and their ability to meet residents’ expectations.

The turnaround strategies, he added, should help councils identify growth opportunities, improve operational efficiency and restore public confidence in local government institutions.

The meeting was attended by Local Government Deputy Minister Albert Tawanda Mavunga, Permanent Secretary Dr John Basera, senior Ministry officials and representatives from the affected local authorities.

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Source: ZEC ready for Tsholotsho by-elections today – herald

Speaking at a media briefing in Harare yesterday, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Mr Simbarashe Tongayi said the Commission was ready to conduct the polls in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho RDC.

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said preparations for Tsholotsho Rural District Council by-elections scheduled for today have been completed, with election materials, personnel and funding fully in place.

Speaking at a media briefing in Harare yesterday, ZEC Chief Elections Officer Mr Simbarashe Tongayi said the Commission was ready to conduct the polls in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho RDC.

The by-elections were triggered by vacancies that arose after an independent tribunal found the incumbent councillors guilty on March 23 this year, resulting in their removal from office.

Mr Tongayi said a total of 6 258 registered voters will participate in the elections, with 6 800 ballot papers printed to cater for contingencies.

“For Wards 1, 10 and 21, the total number of voters is 6 258, while 6 800 ballot papers were printed, representing a contingency of 8,6 percent,” he said.

Mr Tongayi said the ballot papers were printed locally by Fidelity Printers and Refiners in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

The elections will be contested by seven candidates across the three wards.

In Ward 1, Lindiwe Mkwananzi of Zanu PF will face independent candidate Solani Mlilo.

Ward 10 has three contestants — Mchlukanisi Washington Ncube of ZAPU, Simbisai Ndlovu of Zanu PF and independent candidate Ntando Siziba. In Ward 21, Phillip Mvundla of Zanu PF will contest against independent candidate Marx Sibanda.

Mr Tongayi said ZEC has established 25 polling stations for the elections, comprising 10 in Ward 1, eight in Ward 10 and seven in Ward 21.

“The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has identified a total of 25 polling stations for today’s by-election. Polling shall take place from 7am to 7pm,” he said.

Mr Tongayi said all election officials, including ward elections officers, deputy ward elections officers, presiding officers and polling officers, have been recruited and trained.

Ward 1’s collation centre will be at St Mary’s Primary School under Ward Elections Officer Mr Hlabangani Dube, while Ward 10’s collation centre will be at Madlangombe Clinic Tent under Mr Tito Siyaluya.

Ward 21’s collation centre will be at Tshibizina Primary School under Ms Thembilihle Khumalo.

Mr Tongayi said Government has fully funded the electoral exercise.

“ZWG12,9 million has been budgeted for the three by-elections, and I want to indicate that we received the funding 100 percent,” he said.

Mr Tongayi also said accreditation of successful observers and media practitioners will continue until polling day at the ZEC District Office in Tsholotsho.

He urged candidates, political parties, polling agents and supporters to uphold peace and comply with the electoral code of conduct throughout the electoral process.

“The Commission encourages candidates, political parties and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during and after the by-elections,” he said.

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Source: Rufaro Marketing shifts focus from beerhalls to real estate development – herald

Obey Musiwa

Herald Reporter

Rufaro Marketing, the Harare City Council-owned company historically known for operating beerhalls, has unveiled an ambitious turnaround strategy aimed at transforming the entity into a modern real estate and property development business capable of generating sustainable revenue for the local authority.

The transformation plan includes the rehabilitation of underutilised municipal assets, tighter internal controls, resolution of lease disputes and the creation of new income streams through property development projects and public-private partnerships.

The initiative comes at a time when local authorities are under increasing pressure to improve service delivery, create economic opportunities and restore public confidence in municipal enterprises.

Speaking in an interview, newly appointed chief executive officer Mr Ngoni Chimbalu said the reforms are designed to reposition the company for long-term growth while ensuring compliance with the law and improved accountability.

Mr Chimbalu, who was recently elevated from Finance Director to Chief Executive Officer, said his financial background places him in a strong position to drive operational efficiency and sustainable value creation.

“A healthy balance sheet is the foundation of every successful organisation. The objective now is to convert financial stability into operational excellence and sustainable value creation,” he said.

He said the company’s restructuring programme is aligned with Statutory Instrument 69 of 2026, which seeks to strengthen accountability within local authorities and local authority-owned entities by criminalising acts and omissions that result in service delivery failures.

“SI 69 is a welcome development because it reinforces accountability. By ensuring our internal systems operate efficiently, we minimise compliance risks and create the foundation for stronger revenue performance,” said Mr Chimbalu.

He pledged immediate reforms aimed at strengthening governance systems, improving operational performance and ensuring the company meets its obligations to residents and stakeholders.

Mr Chimbalu said the turnaround strategy would also focus on unlocking value from municipal properties and other assets that have remained underutilised for years.

Rufaro Marketing is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harare City Council established to manage and commercialise council-owned recreational, hospitality and business assets.

Over the years, the company became widely associated with the management of municipal beerhalls, although its mandate extends to property management, facilities administration and revenue generation on behalf of the city.

The latest reforms are expected to reposition the company from its traditional business model towards a broader property development and asset management role.

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Few clubs entered the 2026 Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League season as the clear favorites as FC Scottland. With Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, and Knowledge Musona spearheading Zimbabwe’s most talented XI, it became apparent early that the Highlanders club was not just here to defend; they were looking to conquer all on the field of play. […]

Source: Mupfumi visits family after fire guts home – herald

Dr Isai Mupfumi arriving at the family of Beatrice Mukunga to assess the damage of the house that was razed by fire

Herald Reporter

HOURS after consoling residents in Ward 3, Hon. Dr Isau Mupfumi was in Ward 2 yesterday, walking through the ashes of a family’s home.

The house belonging to Cde Beatrice Mukunga was gutted by fire on Wednesday night after an electrical fault. By yesterday morning, all that remained were charred walls and a family left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Dr Mupfumi, ZANU PF Shadow MP for Mutare Central and Central Committee Member, stopped what he was doing and went straight to the scene.

“I was deeply touched by what I saw,” Dr. Mupfumi said after assessing the damage. “No family should face this alone. We are a community, and a community carries each other.”

On the spot, he pledged immediate relief: building materials to start rebuilding, food hampers to feed the family, and assistance with the ZESA bill that triggered the blackout and the faulty wiring. With power still out in the area, he said restoring electricity safely was part of the recovery plan.

The gesture didn’t stop at the Mukunga home. Neighbours who rushed to help fight the flames were also given cash for groceries, a thank-you for their quick action.

Residents said Dr Mupfumi’s speed mattered most. “He didn’t wait for paperwork. He came while the smoke was still rising,” said one Ward 2 resident. “That’s a leader with people at heart. He stands with us when we’re down.”

For Cde Mukunga, the visit meant more than materials. “I lost my home, but I didn’t lose my community,” she said. “Dr. Mupfumi reminded us that no one faces hardship alone in Mutare Central.”

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