Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Teachers hail UNSC seat as boost for education – herald

Harmony Agere

The Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has welcomed Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 2027–2028 term, describing the development as a positive step for education, considering the country’s determination to constantly improve the sector.

In a statement yesterday, TUZ Executive and Administration Secretary Mr Nyasha Chivuna said the country’s presence on the global body would help shape issues that directly affect education in developing nations.

“Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2027–2028 matters for education because the council shapes global peace, stability and funding priorities, all of which flow directly into what happens in classrooms, a safe school environment and a platform for raising African education concerns,” he said.

“I congratulate His Excellency the President, Dr Mnangagwa, and the people of Zimbabwe on the election to the United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat for 2027–2028.

“This historic achievement confirms that Zimbabwe is an enemy to none and a friend to all. It brings pride to every Zimbabwean, including the teaching fraternity.”

Teachers pledged to continue building “responsible, patriotic citizens for our great nation”.

TUZ also expressed support for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, saying it would help ensure policy continuity and national stability.

“The Teachers Union of Zimbabwe confirms its support for the constitutional amendment proceedings currently underway in the National Assembly,” said Mr Chivuna.

“We specifically support the proposed amendments, including the extension of the Presidential term from five to seven years as part of efforts to ensure policy continuity and national stability. This position follows TUZ’s earlier written submission to the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, outlining our support for the Bill.

“TUZ urges Parliament to conduct the process transparently, lawfully and with respect for public participation.”

Longer presidential, parliamentary and local authority terms mean that policy continuity, education reforms, teacher salary negotiations and curriculum changes do not get reset every two to three years.

The Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan is one of the key strategies under the Second Republic’s drive to industrialise agriculture, boost exports and increase local beneficiation of agricultural commodities as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 goals.

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Source: ‘NEGLIGENCE’ LEADS TO TRAGEDY AS SEVEN PUPILS DIE IN KOMBI . . . Authorities have said the kombi was carrying 23 pupils . . . They say there was a 10-litre fuel container in the kombi – herald

Patrick Chitumba in GWERU

THE tragedy, in which seven primary school pupils died after being burnt beyond recognition after a kombi they were travelling in caught fire here yesterday, was caused by NEGLIGENCE, a top official has said.

Authorities say preliminary indications show that there were 23 pupils in the kombi.

Seven of these pupils, who were sitting at the back of the kombi, died on the spot when the vehicle caught fire near Senga Shopping Centre.

The pupils were from Matongo and Stanley Primary Schools.

A resident, who helped pull out many of the pupils to safety, said the screams of those who died will haunt him for the rest of his life.

The tragedy happened at about 1pm as the pupils were being transported to their homes in Mtautsi, Dalsford and Nehosho suburbs.

A number of other pupils survived death by a whisker after they were pulled out from the burning kombi by shoppers and revellers who were at the shops when the fire broke out.

Public Service Commission Midlands Provincial Coordinator, Andrew Chimanyiwa, said they were at the Midlands Heroes Acre, burying a Liberation War hero, when they were told about the disaster.

He said preliminary investigations indicate that there were 23 learners on board the vehicle.

“We recovered seven bodies, that is two girls and five boys,” he said.

“What happened here is total negligence, the driver and the conductor had a 10-litre jerry can with petrol, which they placed close to the battery after loading the children and the vehicle exploded.”

When our news crew arrived at the scene, the bodies of the deceased were being taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary.

The kombi had been reduced to its shell.

Gweru Mayor, Martin Chivhoko, said:

“I can confirm that seven bodies of infant leaners were retrieved from a commuter omnibus that caught fire in Senga today.

“It’s a sad day for the people of Gweru.”

Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, the Officer Commanding ZRP in the Midlands Province, addressed the parents and guardians gathered at Matongo Primary School.

He said contrary to earlier reports, no child was taken to the hospital as all those who survived had no injuries.

“Right now we are consolidating names and surnames of pupils who were in the commuter omnibus.

“We will have full facts by tomorrow morning,” he said

Ward 5 Councillor, Aaron Mumvana, said the pupils were from Senga and Stanley Primary School and were being transported home.

“It was around lunch hour when the vehicle caught fire.

“Revellers and shoppers who were at the shopping centre managed to open the sliding door and took out the pupils.

“Unfortunately those at the back failed to make it,” he said.

A Gweru resident, Aaron Moyo, who was at the shopping centre when the tragedy happened, said the fire consumed the kombi in less than five minutes, sending shockwaves among residents in the area.

“We quickly sprang to action when we saw the vehicle on fire. We broke the windows to rescue others while others came through the sliding doors,” he said.

“The fire was just too much as we failed to save those who were at the back. Their screams will haunt me for life.

“It was just too much,” he said.

The tragedy has left the Gweru community reeling, with parents and teachers mourning the loss of the children.

The post ‘NEGLIGENCE’ LEADS TO TRAGEDY AS SEVEN PUPILS DIE IN KOMBI . . . Authorities have said the kombi was carrying 23 pupils . . . They say there was a 10-litre fuel container in the kombi – herald appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Ex-Zinara boss, wife in trouble over $68k mortgage bond -Newsday Zimbabwe

FORMER Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive officer Frank Chitukutuku and his wife, Nyasha, have been dragged to the High Court by Alliance Insurance Company over an outstanding US$68 000 mortgage-backed debt.

Alliance Insurance is seeking a provisional sentence for US$61 000, the outstanding capital amount, together with US$7 000 in agreed legal fees and interest at 5% per annum from April 15 this year.

The insurer also cited Voedsel Enterprise, represented by Innocent Mahufe, as a respondent.

According to court papers, Alliance Insurance and Voedsel Enterprise signed an acknowledgement of debt arising from a judgment debt amounting to US$161 000.

In terms of clause 2 of the agreement, the full amount was to be paid on or before April 15, 2026.

Court documents state that clause 3 of the agreement provided that failure to settle the debt by the due date would render the entire amount immediately due and payable.

Under clause 7, Voedsel Enterprise and its sureties agreed to pay a flat legal fee of US$7 000 in the event of a breach.

Clause 8 further provides that if Alliance Insurance institutes legal proceedings and the respondents oppose the claim, the insurer would be entitled to legal fees of US$15 000.

The court papers state that Voedsel Enterprise was required, under clauses 5 and 6 of the agreement, to secure sureties who would register a surety mortgage bond as security for the debt.

It was submitted that on February 24, Chitukutuku and his wife signed as sureties and co-principal debtors and mortgaged their immovable property in favour of Alliance Insurance.

The property is described as Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba, Glen Lorne, in the District of Salisbury, measuring 8 853 square metres and held under Deed of Transfer No 3885/2011 dated August 22, 2011.

Alliance Insurance alleges that Voedsel Enterprise failed to settle the debt by April 15, triggering the acceleration clause and rendering the full amount immediately payable.

A demand letter was issued on April 16, 2026. Voedsel Enterprise subsequently paid US$100 000, leaving an outstanding balance of US$61 000.

The insurer argues that the remaining US$61 000, together with the agreed legal fees of US$7 000, is due and payable.

Alliance Insurance further states that should the respondents oppose the application, it will amend its claim to seek US$15 000 in legal fees as provided for in the agreement.

The insurer is seeking an order declaring the Glen Lorne property specially executable to satisfy the debt.

The matter is pending before the court.

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Source: Health ministry receives new cancer machines -Newsday Zimbabwe

THE Health and Child Care ministry has taken delivery of a second batch of advanced treatment equipment as authorities move towards upgrading outdated cancer treatment infrastructure.

The latest consignment includes sophisticated radiotherapy machines known as Linear Accelerators (LINACs) designed to deliver highly precise radiation treatment to deep-seated cancers.

The advanced technology improves treatment accuracy while minimising damage to healthy surrounding tissue, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of care.

Health and Child Care minister, Douglas Mombeshora, said Zimbabwe is moving away from outdated systems to upgrading cancer treatment infrastructure and modern equipment capable of serving more patients effectively.

“We have completed phase one and are now moving into phase two, which focuses on procuring diagnostic equipment to support early cancer detection,” he said.

He added that the government is already planning the next phase, which will see cancer treatment services expanded beyond major cities to ensure wider access for patients across the country.

“In the third phase, we are looking at creating other cancer treatment centres outside these metropolitan provinces. We are moving closer to provinces like Mashonaland West, Chinhoyi Hospital, Midlands Hospital and Masvingo,” he said.

Finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, said the development demonstrates the positive impact of domestic resource mobilisation, particularly through the sugar content tax introduced on beverages.

“A couple of years ago, we proposed that a sugar content tax on beverages be introduced. It is introduced, and we are delighted to see the results of that tax. Out of the 30 million that we have used so far, we have managed to procure the first set of machines under this programme,” he said.

Ncube introduced a sugar tax at US$0.001 per gram of sugar to generate funds earmarked for cancer treatment through vital equipment, modern drugs, and strengthened infrastructure.

Zimbabwe’s cancer treatment services are in dire state with hospitals struggling to cope with late-stage diagnoses and critical cancer equipment shortages leaving patients to die.

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Source: New cement plant creates 450 jobs -Newsday Zimbabwe

A CEMENT plant under construction in Chegutu has created about 450 jobs and is expected to produce nearly 800 000 tonnes of cement annually when commissioned in August, providing a boost to Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector and rural economy.

Shuntai, a fast-growing Chinese-backed cement manufacturing firm, has emerged as one of the largest entrants to Zimbabwe’s cement industry in recent years.

The project is expected to ease domestic cement shortage, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and create employment while contributing to broader industrial growth. It also underscores continued foreign investment in Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and energy-linked industrial projects.

The plant was initially scheduled for commissioning in May; however, delays in the delivery of equipment pushed completion to August due to disruptions linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Speaking during a tour of the facility, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Marian Chombo said the project was 90% complete and already transforming lives in the area through employment and skills transfer.

“Work is progressing well and the company is employing more local people, with approximately 450 workers currently on site.

“We have encouraged the company to hire Zimbabwean technicians alongside the Chinese workers,” she said.

Chombo said the facility was expected to increase domestic cement supply and reduce shortages in the construction sector.

“Once commissioned, the plant is expected to produce about 800 000 tonnes of cement annually and this will contribute to the country’s GDP while making cement more accessible and affordable,” she said.

She added that the project was expected to contribute to the country’s energy generation capacity.

“Although Zimbabwe continues to face energy challenges, the plant will generate its own thermal power and is expected to produce 50 megawatts. Once fully operational, excess power can be fed into the national grid.

“I am pleased with the progress being made here because the project will have a positive impact on local communities,” Chombo said.

She added that many of the workers employed at the facility were youths from surrounding areas.

“I am happy with the development taking place here as it is going to have a positive impact on local people. Many of the workers here are youths from the area,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shuntai Investments general manager Lee Xiandong said the company had invested in its own power generation facility to guarantee reliable electricity for operations and help to address Zimbabwe’s energy challenges.

“As we know, Zimbabwe is still developing and every industry needs electricity. Demand is very high and there are sometimes power shortages. To mitigate these shortages, we are going to build our own power plant,” he said.

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