Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Fire guts CBD mall, leaving traders with heavy losses – herald

Remember Deketeke

Herald Reporter

A RAGING fire, suspected to have originated from an electrical fault linked to a corn snacks production unit, gutted XGX Mall, a busy complex that housed over 40 tuckshops, leaving traders counting heavy losses running into thousands of United States dollars.

The inferno, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, quickly engulfed the entire complex despite efforts by shop owners and bystanders to douse the flames.

When The Herald arrived at the scene, the fire had already been contained, but the destruction was widespread. Charred remains of goods, scorched metal shutters and broken glass painted a picture of devastation.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway.

“Investigations are still ongoing to establish the cause of the fire and the total value of the goods and property destroyed. Several shops were destroyed and no one was injured,” he said.

Eyewitnesses said the fire may have started at the back section of the mall, where one of the tenants operated a corn snacks production facility and is suspected to have been triggered by an electrical fault.

Eyewitness Mr Leeroy Muchina said the day had started normally until someone raised the alarm. “Everything was okay. We were just serving customers when a friend of mine who had just come from Copa Cabana bus terminus rushed in and told us there was smoke coming from the back of the complex,” he said. “At first we thought it was just a small incident, but within minutes, smoke started billowing through the roof and people began to panic.”

Another witness, Mr Bothwell Makaza, said the fire appeared to have started at a shop where corn snacks were made.

“The fire could have started at the back. There is a shop that makes maputi (corn snacks) and that area is full of electrical appliances and heating equipment. It is likely that something short-circuited and sparked the fire,” he said.

Despite quick efforts by those on site to salvage goods, most of the property was consumed by the flames before emergency services arrived. “We tried to break in and pull out our stock, but the flames were already too strong,” said Mr Makaza. “I lost everything: my groceries, cash, even records. It is thousands and thousands of dollars gone in minutes.”

Several other shop owners could be seen sifting through the ashes in a desperate attempt to recover any salvageable items. Many expressed frustration over the lack of fire extinguishers and poor fire preparedness within the complex. XGX Mall, located near a busy commuter and vending area, was a popular marketplace offering everything from groceries and electronics to clothing and fast food. Most of the traders operating in the complex were informal retailers with no insurance coverage.

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Source: Harare faces surge in STIs – herald

Yeukai Karengezeka

Herald Correspondent

HARARE is grappling with a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to the latest reports from the National Aids Council (NAC).

Speaking in Hopley last Friday, NAC provincial manager Mr Adonijah Muzondiona revealed that the province recorded 25 457 new STI cases in 2024, with 7 523 of these being repeat cases.

The data paints a worrying picture of STI prevalence, particularly among older populations, with the age groups 40–44 years and 45–49 years recording the highest numbers of new infections: 3 927 and 3 229 cases respectively.

Notably, women bear a disproportionate burden, with more females reporting STI cases in most age groups, especially among 45–49-year-olds where 1 844 cases were recorded.

“This increase in STIs highlights a significant public health challenge in Harare, one that requires urgent attention and targeted interventions,” said Mr Muzondiona.

The rise in STI cases is attributed to various factors including risky sexual behaviours, low condom use and a lack of awareness among certain population groups.

While progress has been made in addressing HIV/Aids, with Harare achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for epidemic control, the increase in STIs signals gaps in sexual health education and preventive measures.

Another contributing factor is the high mobility of people in Harare, particularly in informal settlements and among vulnerable groups, which exacerbates the spread of infections.

The guest of honour, Minister of Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Charles Tawengwa, who was represented by his permanent secretary Mr Cosmas Chiringa, said financing the response to HIV and AIDS and the entire health sector remains a major challenge.

“While we have the National AIDS Trust Fund, it is evident that we must continue being innovative and increase domestic resources to support the response.”

He added that more still needs to be done in identifying children being born with HIV.

The NAC has shifted to using data-driven models to better target interventions and allocate resources efficiently.

Mr Muzondiona said specific population groups including adolescent boys and girls, young women, sex workers and the informal business community are the focus of STI prevention programmes.

Community-driven initiatives such as Sista2Sista, Brotha2Brotha and DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, Aids-free, Mentored and Safe) are critical components of the response.

These programmes aim to generate demand for STI and HIV-related services while addressing social and cultural barriers to accessing healthcare.

However, despite these efforts, recurring STI cases indicate the need for sustained public health campaigns and improved community outreach.

The integration of STI prevention with other health services such as HIV testing and non-communicable disease management has also been prioritised to provide holistic care.

Mr Muzondiona acknowledged that while resources for addressing HIV/AIDS and STIs have been resilient, they remain insufficient to meet the growing demand.

“It is imperative that we sustain the gains we have made in epidemic control and continue scaling up prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations,” he said.

As Harare battles this surge in STI cases, NAC is calling on stakeholders, communities and individuals to contribute to the fight against STIs by promoting safe sexual practices, reducing stigma and supporting access to healthcare services.

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Source: ‘Zim values religious freedom’ – herald

Farirai Machivenyika

Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWE’S Constitution values freedom of conscience and religion, among other rights, Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said.

The Speaker said this in his address to the second Inter-Parliamentary Union Interfaith Dialogue in Rome, Italy organised by the IPU, Italian Parliament and the Religions of Peace last week.

The dialogue is running under the theme: “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future”.

“Zimbabwe’s Constitution of 2013, enacted by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, in article 60, elevates freedom of conscience, religion, thought and belief as a fundamental right, creating what legal scholars dub a “positive liberty framework”, one that not merely prohibits interference, but actively anchors religious expression.

“This constitutional provision guarantees every citizen “the right to freedom of religion and belief, including the right to practice, propagate, and give expression to their faith or belief.

“Thus, this provision recognises the communal and evangelical dimensions that give many faiths their standing,” Advocate Mudenda said.

The Speaker added that in Section 56, the Constitution fortifies the prohibition of discrimination based on religion or belief.

He said the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission buttresses religious freedom and its attendant tenets.

“That is why Zimbabwe is a proud signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whose Article 18 proclaims that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion’ apart from the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” he said.

The Speaker said Zimbabwe has also acceded to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights whose Article 8 protects freedom of conscience and religion grounded on African values and traditions of the Ubuntu philosophy.”

“That is why Zimbabwe is an interfaith country that is inclusive of all lawful religious persuasions under the banner of the Ecumenical Zimbabwe Council of Churches. Accordingly, there is no hatred based on religion or belief in Zimbabwe, which canvasses polarisation, dehumanisation or weaponisation of religion or belief,” he added.

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Source: Parastatal transparency key to development: Mhona – herald

Lovemore Kadzura

Mutare Bureau

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has implored departments, agencies and parastatals under his ministry to embrace good corporate governance to effectively fulfil their mandates.

Speaking at the 2025 oversight meeting for the ministry’s public entities corporate governance in Mutare, Minister Mhona said accountability was crucial to achieve set targets.

He stressed the importance of ethical behaviour, echoing the sentiments of President Mnangagwa and highlighted that national interest should always be prioritised.

It was essential, he said, to avoid underhand activities that could hinder progress in infrastructure development.

“Our duty is to implement what is expected of us under Section 33 (4) of the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act, ensuring stability and sustainability through accountability,” he said.

The ministry was enhancing the image and capabilities of public entities, ensuring compliance with corporate governance principles. This was vital for delivering statutory mandates and efficient service to the public.

He commended the Government’s recognition of corporate governance’s importance, citing significant milestones in transport management, including the Trabablas Interchange and the approval of the Road Accident Fund Principles by Cabinet.

Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza praised the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for its efforts in improving the road and transport network in the province.

He mentioned key projects like the Chipinge-Mt Selinda Road and Birchenough Bridge-Murambinda as examples of modernisation under the Second Republic.

“The realisation of improved economic growth lies in an efficient and robust transport system,” he said, urging the ministry to expedite ongoing projects.

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Source: Zim, SA approve tourists only border crossing – herald

Ivan Zhakata

ZIMBABWE and South Africa have approved the launch of a tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park through the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor.

The pilot project, announced in a joint media statement by the two countries’ Ministries of Home Affairs, will run from May 1 to November 30, 2025.

The seasonal access point will allow pre-scheduled movement of tourists using 4×4 vehicles between the two national parks as part of efforts to boost regional eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which spans Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.

The pilot facility was approved by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber through the Border Management Authority and Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.

“This pilot crossing reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-led tourism,” said Minister Kazembe.

“It is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote biodiversity protection and drive community-based economic growth.”

The crossing will operate twice a week from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and is limited to travellers with pre-booked accommodation within the GLTFCA.

A minimum of four nights is required, two in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved facilities) and two in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.

Travellers must register with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and South African National Parks (SANParks) and complete immigration exemption forms at least 14 days before travel.

The forms will be submitted to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration and the Border Management Authority in South Africa for processing.

Border checks will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe. Travellers will undergo identity verification, passport checks, vehicle inspections and health screening. Yellow fever certificates will be required for travellers from affected countries or those in transit through affected areas for over 12 hours.

Movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products and unauthorised items will not be permitted.

Personal-use medicine will only be allowed with a valid prescription and must not exceed required quantities.

“This is a game-changer for cross-border tourism in Southern Africa,” said Minister Schreiber.

“The crossing provides a new model for facilitating regulated, sustainable and low-impact travel across conservation areas.”

The authorities said strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including adherence to speed limits, waste disposal regulations and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travellers will only be allowed entry and exit on scheduled dates, and must exit the receiving country through an official international border within visa limits.

The pilot project is intended to test feasibility and demand for cross-border tourism access.

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