Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Security around Zanu-PF legislators has reportedly been strengthened amid rising political tensions surrounding debate on the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3), which is expected to come before Parliament for a decisive vote in the coming days.

The heightened security arrangements come as lawmakers continue deliberating on proposed constitutional changes that have sparked intense debate both within and outside the ruling party.

While most Zanu-PF MPs have publicly backed the Bill, sources claim that some legislators privately harbour reservations about certain provisions, particularly proposals that critics say could create a pathway for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current constitutional term.

Political pressure on legislators has intensified in recent weeks, with retired military commanders and former senior government officials publicly urging MPs to reject the proposed amendments.

In a statement issued by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena on behalf of former military and civil service leaders, concerns were raised over alleged efforts to mobilise parliamentary support for the Bill.

The group claimed that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei convened a private caucus meeting during a social gathering marking Information Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera’s 40th birthday.

According to the statement, the gathering was allegedly attended by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, senior government official Torerayi Moyo and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.

No official response to the allegations had been issued by the individuals named at the time of publication.

Observers reported noticeably tighter security around senior ruling party lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings this week.

Among those seen under increased security was Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, who was reportedly accompanied by security personnel while attending parliamentary sessions.

Additional groups of youths and security personnel were also observed around vehicles belonging to senior legislators in Parliament’s parking areas, a departure from the normally relaxed atmosphere associated with routine sittings.

The developments come after Ziyambi successfully moved a motion last week to suspend other government business and prioritise debate on CAB 3.

The Justice Minister argued that the constitutional amendments were significant enough to warrant extended parliamentary sessions and suggested lawmakers could sit beyond the traditional 7:30 p.m. adjournment time if necessary.

Opposition legislators opposed the proposal, arguing that there was no justification for accelerating deliberations on such a consequential constitutional matter.

However, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda ruled in favour of the motion, noting that Parliament had previously extended sittings to conclude important business.

Despite warnings that debates could continue into the evening, discussions on the Bill have so far concluded within normal parliamentary hours.

Sources familiar with ruling party deliberations suggested that security concerns were among the factors influencing reluctance to hold late-night sittings.

According to reports, these concerns featured prominently during a Zanu-PF parliamentary caucus meeting held at the party headquarters last week.

One source who attended the meeting claimed MPs were encouraged to remain focused on the legislative process and ensure their attendance during the final vote.

“We were told not to be deterred from speaking in support of the Bill but to remain alert so that we do not get distracted and fail to vote on the day,” the source said.

“Our votes are needed; hence, we need to make sure we are available on voting day.”

When approached for comment, Togarepi declined to discuss security arrangements involving ruling party legislators.

“You can talk to Hon. Matuke, who is responsible for party security issues. Security issues are not things I can discuss with the media,” he said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Security and Defence Lovemore Matuke dismissed suggestions that lawmakers were supporting the Bill under pressure or intimidation.

“I have not heard any complaints. Debates are ongoing well and the MPs are doing so freely,” Matuke said.

The constitutional amendment proposal remains one of the most contentious political issues currently before Parliament, with supporters arguing that it will strengthen governance and policy continuity, while opponents contend that some provisions could undermine constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.

With voting on the Bill expected in the coming days, attention is increasingly focused on whether the ruling party can maintain unity behind the proposed amendments amid growing political and legal scrutiny.

Source – The Standard

The post Zanu-PF MPs tighten their security appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

Security around Zanu-PF legislators has reportedly been strengthened amid rising political tensions surrounding debate on the controversial Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB 3), which is expected to come before Parliament for a decisive vote in the coming days.

The heightened security arrangements come as lawmakers continue deliberating on proposed constitutional changes that have sparked intense debate both within and outside the ruling party.

While most Zanu-PF MPs have publicly backed the Bill, sources claim that some legislators privately harbour reservations about certain provisions, particularly proposals that critics say could create a pathway for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current constitutional term.

Political pressure on legislators has intensified in recent weeks, with retired military commanders and former senior government officials publicly urging MPs to reject the proposed amendments.

In a statement issued by retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena on behalf of former military and civil service leaders, concerns were raised over alleged efforts to mobilise parliamentary support for the Bill.

The group claimed that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei convened a private caucus meeting during a social gathering marking Information Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera’s 40th birthday.

According to the statement, the gathering was allegedly attended by Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, senior government official Torerayi Moyo and Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Martin Rushwaya.

No official response to the allegations had been issued by the individuals named at the time of publication.

Observers reported noticeably tighter security around senior ruling party lawmakers during parliamentary proceedings this week.

Among those seen under increased security was Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, who was reportedly accompanied by security personnel while attending parliamentary sessions.

Additional groups of youths and security personnel were also observed around vehicles belonging to senior legislators in Parliament’s parking areas, a departure from the normally relaxed atmosphere associated with routine sittings.

The developments come after Ziyambi successfully moved a motion last week to suspend other government business and prioritise debate on CAB 3.

The Justice Minister argued that the constitutional amendments were significant enough to warrant extended parliamentary sessions and suggested lawmakers could sit beyond the traditional 7:30 p.m. adjournment time if necessary.

Opposition legislators opposed the proposal, arguing that there was no justification for accelerating deliberations on such a consequential constitutional matter.

However, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda ruled in favour of the motion, noting that Parliament had previously extended sittings to conclude important business.

Despite warnings that debates could continue into the evening, discussions on the Bill have so far concluded within normal parliamentary hours.

Sources familiar with ruling party deliberations suggested that security concerns were among the factors influencing reluctance to hold late-night sittings.

According to reports, these concerns featured prominently during a Zanu-PF parliamentary caucus meeting held at the party headquarters last week.

One source who attended the meeting claimed MPs were encouraged to remain focused on the legislative process and ensure their attendance during the final vote.

“We were told not to be deterred from speaking in support of the Bill but to remain alert so that we do not get distracted and fail to vote on the day,” the source said.

“Our votes are needed; hence, we need to make sure we are available on voting day.”

When approached for comment, Togarepi declined to discuss security arrangements involving ruling party legislators.

“You can talk to Hon. Matuke, who is responsible for party security issues. Security issues are not things I can discuss with the media,” he said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Security and Defence Lovemore Matuke dismissed suggestions that lawmakers were supporting the Bill under pressure or intimidation.

“I have not heard any complaints. Debates are ongoing well and the MPs are doing so freely,” Matuke said.

The constitutional amendment proposal remains one of the most contentious political issues currently before Parliament, with supporters arguing that it will strengthen governance and policy continuity, while opponents contend that some provisions could undermine constitutional safeguards and democratic accountability.

With voting on the Bill expected in the coming days, attention is increasingly focused on whether the ruling party can maintain unity behind the proposed amendments amid growing political and legal scrutiny.

Source – The Standard

The post Zanu-PF MPs tighten their security appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

THE Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has called for a collective approach to food safety saying the responsibility does not rest solely on regulators or consumers, but on every stakeholder in the food value chain.

In a statement to mark World Food Safety Day 2026, commemorated on Sunday under the theme, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” CCZ said ensuring food safety requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, local authorities, producers, retailers, enforcement agencies and consumers.

“Food safety is a shared responsibility. It is not the responsibility of regulators alone, nor consumers alone, but a collective obligation involving government institutions, local authorities, producers, retailers, enforcement agencies, and consumers themselves.

“Each actor in the food value chain has a critical role in ensuring that food reaching the consumer is safe and fit for human consumption.”

CCZ said it continues to receive complaints relating to food safety risks in the marketplace, which pose threats to public health and consumer confidence.

“These include expired products on shelves, poor storage conditions, inadequate hygiene in food handling environments, and misleading or incomplete product labelling.

“These challenges represent a burden that consumers continue to carry in their daily lives.”

The consumer watchdog said the challenges should be turned into opportunities to strengthen food safety systems and consumer protection.

“However, this burden also presents an opportunity—an opportunity to strengthen systems, improve enforcement, and promote consumer awareness in a way that delivers lasting solutions.

“As CCZ, we call for a shift from reactive responses to proactive prevention. This includes strengthening food inspection and regulatory enforcement across both formal and informal markets, enhancing compliance with food safety standards by all food business operators, improving coordination between regulators, local authorities, and consumer protection institutions.”

CCZ also called for investment in laboratory testing, surveillance systems and risk-based inspections, while strengthening consumer education on safe food handling and reporting mechanisms.

The council urged consumers to play their part in safeguarding food safety.

“Consumers also have an essential role to play. An informed and empowered consumer is a key line of defence in food safety.

“Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant by checking expiry dates, observing packaging integrity, reporting unsafe products, and demanding accountability from suppliers and service providers.”

CCZ called on all actors in the food system to transform food safety challenges into practical solutions that protect consumers and strengthen public trust.

“Let us work together to ensure that safe food is not a privilege, but a guarantee for every consumer in Zimbabwe.” – Herald

The post CCZ calls for collective action on food safety appeared first on The Zimbabwe Mail.

ZIMBABWE should maintain strict fiscal and monetary discipline and deepen structural reforms to ensure long-term economic stability and sustainable growth, economic experts have said.

The recommendations come as the authorities seek to consolidate recent gains in macroeconomic stability and strengthen confidence in the country’s economic policies and the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.

According to policy proposals outlined by Africa Economic Development Strategies (AEDS) and financial sector stakeholders, fiscal discipline remains a critical pillar for maintaining stability.

The Government has been urged to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to quasi-fiscal activities, strengthen public financial management systems and strictly enforce transparent, cash-based budgeting practices.

These developments come as Zimbabwe’s year-on-year inflation fell to 4,1 percent in January 2026, the first single-digit figure since 1997, driven by the gold-backed ZiG unit and strict monetary policies. This marks a significant stability milestone after years of hyperinflation. The drop is attributed to the local currency, launched in April 2024 to curb volatility.

The authorities, including the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), have instituted strict money supply controls.

While official figures show improvement, 80 to 85 percent of transactions are still conducted in the US dollar.

Analysts argue that avoiding off-budget spending and ensuring accountability in public finances will help contain the fiscal deficit, reduce inflationary pressures and improve investor confidence.

The recommendations also highlight the need for continued monetary discipline, with the RBZ encouraged to maintain a restrictive, data-driven monetary policy stance.

According to AEDS executive director Professor Gift Mugano, premature easing of monetary conditions could reverse recent progress in stabilising prices and exchange rate movements.

He recommended the use of market-based instruments for liquidity management, arguing that such measures would enhance policy effectiveness, improve transparency and predictability within the financial system.

“The authorities should maintain restrictive, data-driven policy until single-digit inflation is sustained,” he said. “This will be attained using market-based instruments for liquidity management.

“They must also push for zero tolerance on quasi-fiscal activities, strengthen public financial management systems and enforce cash-based and transparent budgeting.”

Prof Mugano indicated that structural reforms remain indispensable if Zimbabwe is to transition from stability to sustained economic growth.

He argued that while stabilisation policies can create a foundation for recovery, long-term growth ultimately depends on the economy’s ability to expand productive capacity, increase exports and attract investment.

He warned that without stronger productivity growth and improved competitiveness, economic stability may prove difficult to sustain over the long term.

Prof Mugano advocated for deeper reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, boosting productivity and strengthening supply-side responses across key sectors of the economy to improve the business environment, reduce production costs, enhance infrastructure development and increase efficiency in both public and private sector operations.

“The Government should also deepen reforms to boost competitiveness, productivity and supply responses to ensure growth-driven and sustainable stability,” he said.

Economic commentators noted that inflation control remains central to restoring purchasing power, encouraging savings and supporting long-term investment.

In addition to fiscal and monetary discipline, analysts identified confidence and transparency as crucial ingredients for economic recovery and growth.

The authorities have been urged to accelerate ongoing economic reforms and improve public disclosure regarding the reserves backing ZiG.

Economic analyst Mr Tony Chipanga recommended wider public engagement and regular perception surveys to gauge market sentiment and identify concerns affecting confidence among businesses, investors and consumers.

“Confidence is a critical economic variable,” he said.

“Sound policies alone are not enough if the public and markets do not trust them. Transparency and effective communication are essential in building credibility.”

Greater transparency on reserve accumulation, management and reporting is expected to strengthen public trust in the local currency and reduce speculation within financial markets.

As Zimbabwe pursues its economic transformation agenda, analysts believe a coordinated approach that combines fiscal prudence, monetary discipline, transparency and structural reforms will be essential to maintaining stability and unlocking broad-based economic growth.

The central bank has continuously indicated that its current monetary policy stance will continue to preserve exchange rate and macroeconomic stability while supporting the country’s economic growth outlook.

Speaking at a recent engagement, RBZ Deputy Governor Dr Innocent Matshe said the stability of ZiG had restored much-needed predictability in business planning and economic forecasting.

He said the bank’s policy measures will continue to anchor inflation and exchange rate expectations, thereby supporting the projected economic growth rate.

Dr Matshe noted that money supply growth is contained.

He said the central bank will continue to walk the talk by improving reserve levels to strengthen confidence in the local currency.

“The monetary policy stance will ensure continued exchange rate and price stability without compromising the envisaged economic growth prospects,” he said.

“The monetary policy measures are expected to anchor inflation and exchange rate expectations, and support the envisaged projected economic growth.”

The policy priorities are expected to shape discussions among policymakers, business leaders and development partners as the country seeks to strengthen economic resilience and create conditions for sustained investment, employment creation and rising living standards. – Herald

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Seventy-four Zimbabwean nationals who fled xenophobic violence in South Africa’s Western Cape Province were repatriated on Sunday morning, arriving home through Beitbridge Border Post under a Government-assisted evacuation programme coordinated by the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa.

The group, comprising men, women and children displaced by recent anti-immigrant attacks in Mossel Bay, arrived aboard a single bus and was received by officials from the Department of Social Development, Immigration authorities and other border agencies.

Authorities said the returnees would undergo counselling and receive various forms of social support before being assisted with transport to their respective homes across the country.

The repatriation follows a surge in protests and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, with Mossel Bay emerging as one of the areas hardest hit by the unrest. Reports indicate that several migrants have been killed, injured or displaced during the recent violence.

Officials from the Department of Social Development said the returnees would be assessed upon arrival and provided with psychosocial support, food assistance and transport to facilitate their reintegration into their communities.

The Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa has meanwhile issued a safety advisory urging Zimbabweans residing in the neighbouring country to exercise caution amid continuing tensions.

The embassy advised citizens to avoid areas experiencing unrest, carry valid identification documents at all times and immediately report any threats or incidents to the nearest police station or Zimbabwean diplomatic mission.

“Government remains committed to assisting Zimbabwean citizens affected by incidents abroad and will continue monitoring the situation closely,” the embassy said in a recent statement.

Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe’s busiest inland port of entry and a key gateway along the North-South Corridor, has frequently served as the entry point for returning citizens during previous waves of xenophobic violence in South Africa.

The latest repatriation comes as South African authorities intensify efforts to contain the unrest. Last week, South Africa activated the National Joint Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to coordinate security responses to violent protests that have left several migrants dead, injured and displaced.

Government officials said they would continue working with the Zimbabwe Embassy and South African authorities to assist affected citizens and ensure the safe return of those wishing to come home.

Source – The Standard

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