Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Simbarashe Muparaganda

Thulani Mahlangu’s last journey should have been a homecoming, but it turned into a financial nightmare.
When he passed on after a short illness in Cape Town, South Africa, his family in Lupane District in Matabeleland North Province, faced not just grief but daunting logistics and extraordinary costs. Despite having funeral insurance in Zimbabwe, it offered no solace —the policy did not cover cross-border expenses.

Desperate for assistance, Mahlangu’s family turned to crowd-funding, managing to raise the necessary funds to hire a South African funeral company to repatriate his body. The expense amounted to R80 000. Two agonising weeks elapsed before Mahlangu’s body finally came home to Lupane.

“We were told the policy only covered services from Beitbridge to the final destination,” Chris, Thulani’s brother, reflected. “Had we known, we could have contributed to a foreign insurer for an eventuality like this.”
Mahlangu’s story echoes the experiences of countless families across southern Africa, where millions endure similar struggles as they seek to honour their deceased loved ones.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) identifies Zimbabwe as the largest source of migrants in southern Africa, with many Zimbabweans residing in Europe and the Middle East. The World Migration Report (2022) estimates that around 281 million people worldwide are international migrants, revealing a complex web of personal and financial challenges.

At the Beitbridge Border Post, the impact of migration is palpable. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) processes an average of 100 deceased individuals returning from South Africa each week — nearly 400 per month.

Many families, unable to afford repatriation costs, are left to bury their loved ones far from ancestral soil, an option contrary to cultural beliefs.

“We’ve seen families unable to afford the repatriation process, leading them to make heart-wrenching decisions,” explained Nomsa Ncube, a repatriation co-ordinator based in Johannesburg, South Africa. “Some resort to smuggling bodies across the porous borders because they simply can’t pay the fees.”

In recent instances, Blessing Zisengwe’s family in Durban, South Africa, could only raise R23 000 to bring his body home, while Valentine Sewera’s family, mourning a loss in Cyprus, raised just US$1 255 — far short of what was needed.

The gravity of these circumstances was highlighted by the burial of renowned journalist Lewis Machipisa in London, in the United Kingdom, instead of Zimbabwe, primarily due to the prohibitive costs of repatriation.

A GoFundMe campaign of £9 000 was launched to cover his funeral in London, underscoring a larger issue affecting the Zimbabwean diaspora.

For Zimbabweans, burial is a profound cultural act — a homecoming. Traditional practices, such as kurova guva, a ritual to welcome the deceased’s spirit back home, can only be performed when the body returns to ancestral soil.

“It’s about belonging,” said Sekuru Pearson Nyathi, a traditional healer. “Funerals are emotional, cultural events.”

Despite investing in funeral insurance, many Zimbabweans are unaware that most local policies only apply within national borders.

“It’s heartbreaking,” lamented insurance consultant Mike Chitando. “Families pay faithfully for years, yet when tragedy strikes abroad, the policy stops at the border. Educating families about these limitations is essential.”

Experts propose a cross-border funeral insurance system as a solution. Under this model, an insurer in the country of residence would manage logistics, including hospital release and embalming, while a partner insurer at home would handle transportation and funeral arrangements.

This shared responsibility could help alleviate financial burdens on grieving families. “It allows the policy to travel with the individual, not stop where the border begins,” said Peter Madondo, an independent insurance expert.

However, implementation poses significant challenges. Thembinkosi Moyo, an administrator at a Johannesburg funeral parlour, noted the complexities arising from differing regulations.

Meanwhile, Cape Town-based digital insurance specialist, James Martin, suggested developing an online coordination platform, allowing insurers to securely share policy details, costs, and claim updates, creating a single point of contact for families.

Yet, affordability remains a significant hurdle.

Financial analyst Lerato Khumalo highlighted that even slight increases in premiums could drive low-income migrants out of the market. Insurance regulation disparities between countries complicate claim settlements, making cross-border agreements crucial.

According to Lordwick Mushawa, Nyaradzo Group United Kingdom and Europe managing director, about 95 percent of deceased Zimbabweans are repatriated home, but costs range from £4 000 to £7 000 — factors dependent on the type of coffin and services selected.

Mushawa emphasised the need for lighter repatriation coffins to minimise expenses.

Bongani Mkwananzi, coordinator for ZimCommunity in South Africa, reflected on the life of the diaspora: “Cross-border funeral insurance is not just a financial product. It’s a bridge between two worlds. When policies fail to cover repatriation, families grieve twice.”

Zim-Saudi Expats chair Lelsy Matongo echoed these sentiments: “Mobility is a fact of African life. If insurers recognise this, they will earn lifelong loyalty.”

For now, families revert to churches, community fundraisers, and platforms like GoFundMe to raise the funds necessary to bring bodies of their loved ones home.

The Ncube family, who nearly faced an unthinkable loss, hope for a future where the costs of dignity in death no longer eclipse the love for family.

“We talk about free movement of people in life. It’s time we made that possible in death, too,” said Ncube. “We’re grateful our brother is home.” —New Ziana.

The post Cross-border insurance key to easing burden on diaspora families appeared first on herald.

The post Cross-border insurance key to easing burden on diaspora families appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Elita Chikwati and Theseus Shambare

FARMERS have planted more than 2,4 million hectares of summer crops, significantly more than last year, raising expectations that the envisaged harvests next year will consolidate the country’s food security and boost rural incomes.

Crops and livestock are reported to be in generally good condition.

However, there are fears of leaching in some areas that received excessive amounts of rainfall.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail that the Government is “doing all it takes” to ensure that the country is food secure.

“The condition of both crops and livestock is very good because of the rains,” Prof Jiri said.

“The target is to plant 100 percent maize and sorghum by Wednesday to ensure they grow during conducive and ideal time for best harvests. We are not turning back. The idea is to make Zimbabwe food secure. We are doing all it takes to achieve this.”

He said planting of key crops was currently underway in all provinces.

A target of 1,8 million hectares was set for maize by the Government.

According to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS)’s December 23 report, the maize hectarage stood at 1 504 066 hectares, representing 84 percent of the target, while sorghum had reached 436 481 hectares, or 87 percent.

Pearl millet planting stood at 226 186 hectares (82 percent), while cotton was at 96 262 hectares (36 percent).

Other crops planted include soyabean, sunflower, groundnuts and roundnuts.

Overall, 2 452 355 ha have been put under summer crops so far.

“As of December 19, a total of 1 504 066 ha of maize, 436 481 ha of sorghum, 226 186 ha of pearl millet, 33 705 ha of soyabean, 42 119 ha of sunflower and 96 262 ha of cotton have been planted across the country,” read the report.

“The total tobacco area transplanted was 113 536 ha, compared to 93 281ha planted at the same time last year. 24 415ha of tobacco is under irrigation, while 89 121 ha is under dryland, compared to 73 537ha of tobacco transplanted under dryland at the same time last year.”

During the same period, 9 161 tonnes of maize seed, 3 925 tonnes of sorghum seed, 403 tonnes of pearl millet seed, 30 068 tonnes of Compound D and 26 233 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser had been delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots under the Presidential Inputs Programme.

Better than last year

ARDAS chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said implementation of the summer plan was largely on course, with notable improvements compared to the same period last season.

She also said Pfumvudza/Intwasa preparations covered about 996 820 hectares through nearly 15,9 million plots, reinforcing household food security across communal areas.

Any shortfalls in groundnut and soyabean seed, she added, would be addressed through imports, while statutory measures now allow duty-free importation of top-dressing fertilisers.

As a result of the current rains, national dam levels had risen to 73,6 percent, a development expected to sustain irrigation and provide adequate water for livestock and domestic use.

However, surveillance for migratory pests such as fall armyworm and locusts was presently ongoing, with no outbreaks detected so far.

In Matabeleland South, ARDAS provincial director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said effective rains had been received across all districts, with planting targets surpassed in major crops.

“Maize is at 96 percent, sorghum at 107 percent and pearl millet at 96 percent, giving an average planting of 98 percent,” she said.

“The crop condition is good, with most crops at early to late vegetative stages.”

In Matabeleland North, ARDAS provincial director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said livestock conditions were “very good”, while the veld was “exceptionally good”, although farmers were urged to remain alert to possible flooding.

The situation is the same in Mashonaland Central, where ARDAS director Mr Misheck Chitokomere said overall crop performance was encouraging, despite some border areas receiving late rains.

“In those ecological regions, we always encourage farmers to prioritise small grains,” he said.

On high alert

Farmers have been urged to use the current rains to recharge soil moisture, especially in conservation systems like Pfumvudza/Intwasa.

“Conduct planting, fertiliser and pesticide applications early morning before afternoon thunderstorms. This reduces the risk of wash off and soil compaction,” the ministry said in its latest update.

“Ensure that water harvesting structures, such as contour ridges and micro dams, are functional to capture rainfall for later use …

“The humid and warm conditions are favourable for fungal diseases such as grey leaf spot and pest outbreaks. Apply fungicides or appropriate treatments during drier morning hours to maximise efficacy. African armyworm moth trap catches of more than 20 moths were reported in Chiendambuya (Manicaland). Close monitoring of the area is ongoing. Surveillance of locusts and African armyworm is ongoing in all provinces. Fall armyworm incidences were reported in the early crop and advice was given to rotate the chemicals to avoid resistance of the pest …”

Migratory pest control teams are, however, understood to be ready to respond to potential outbreaks.

The latest update also indicates that grazing conditions and forage quality are good and abundant due to the rains received in most parts of the country.

Livestock water availability is adequate across most areas and has improved following widespread rains received nationwide.

Borehole drilling, rehabilitation and construction of water troughs at livestock drought mitigation centres and village business units are ongoing.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said the rains had brought both positive and negative developments.

“Crops are in good condition, except for some areas where maize has started showing signs of leaching. Rains are good as they improve pastures and increase underground water,” he said.

“In areas where rains are causing leaching, farmers should take mitigatory measures to reduce the negative effects of the rains. This is where split application of fertilisers comes in.

“Farmers should also drain the fields either through contours, ridges or drains. It is also important that farmers harvest the water for future use.”

Dr Makombe urged farmers to take care of their animals to reduce losses from tick-borne diseases.

He also advised farmers to be on the lookout for cattle rustlers who may take advantage of vegetation to steal livestock.

“Farmers should increase dipping intervals. Dipping is a must and not an option. Farmers should dip at least twice a week,” he said.

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said crops were in good condition, although in some areas farmers were having challenges with top-dressing application due to waterlogging.

“We want the rains for our crops and livestock, but, unfortunately, there is waterlogging in some areas. Farmers should be careful when applying top-dressing to ensure the nutrients are not washed away by the heavy rains,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tobacco Farmers union Trust president Mr Edward Dune said the season had started well, with some farmers already harvesting irrigated tobacco, although persistent rains were posing weed-management challenges.

Authorities say continued rains, improved dam levels, timely planting and sustained farmer support have positioned the country for a potentially good harvest.

The post Farmers put 2,4m ha under summer crops appeared first on herald.

The post Farmers put 2,4m ha under summer crops appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Elita Chikwati and Theseus Shambare

FARMERS have planted more than 2,4 million hectares of summer crops, significantly more than last year, raising expectations that the envisaged harvests next year will consolidate the country’s food security and boost rural incomes.

Crops and livestock are reported to be in generally good condition.

However, there are fears of leaching in some areas that received excessive amounts of rainfall.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri told The Sunday Mail that the Government is “doing all it takes” to ensure that the country is food secure.

“The condition of both crops and livestock is very good because of the rains,” Prof Jiri said.

“The target is to plant 100 percent maize and sorghum by Wednesday to ensure they grow during conducive and ideal time for best harvests. We are not turning back. The idea is to make Zimbabwe food secure. We are doing all it takes to achieve this.”

He said planting of key crops was currently underway in all provinces.

A target of 1,8 million hectares was set for maize by the Government.

According to the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS)’s December 23 report, the maize hectarage stood at 1 504 066 hectares, representing 84 percent of the target, while sorghum had reached 436 481 hectares, or 87 percent.

Pearl millet planting stood at 226 186 hectares (82 percent), while cotton was at 96 262 hectares (36 percent).

Other crops planted include soyabean, sunflower, groundnuts and roundnuts.

Overall, 2 452 355 ha have been put under summer crops so far.

“As of December 19, a total of 1 504 066 ha of maize, 436 481 ha of sorghum, 226 186 ha of pearl millet, 33 705 ha of soyabean, 42 119 ha of sunflower and 96 262 ha of cotton have been planted across the country,” read the report.

“The total tobacco area transplanted was 113 536 ha, compared to 93 281ha planted at the same time last year. 24 415ha of tobacco is under irrigation, while 89 121 ha is under dryland, compared to 73 537ha of tobacco transplanted under dryland at the same time last year.”

During the same period, 9 161 tonnes of maize seed, 3 925 tonnes of sorghum seed, 403 tonnes of pearl millet seed, 30 068 tonnes of Compound D and 26 233 tonnes of top-dressing fertiliser had been delivered to Grain Marketing Board depots under the Presidential Inputs Programme.

Better than last year

ARDAS chief director Mrs Medlinah Magwenzi said implementation of the summer plan was largely on course, with notable improvements compared to the same period last season.

She also said Pfumvudza/Intwasa preparations covered about 996 820 hectares through nearly 15,9 million plots, reinforcing household food security across communal areas.

Any shortfalls in groundnut and soyabean seed, she added, would be addressed through imports, while statutory measures now allow duty-free importation of top-dressing fertilisers.

As a result of the current rains, national dam levels had risen to 73,6 percent, a development expected to sustain irrigation and provide adequate water for livestock and domestic use.

However, surveillance for migratory pests such as fall armyworm and locusts was presently ongoing, with no outbreaks detected so far.

In Matabeleland South, ARDAS provincial director Mrs Shupikai Sibanda said effective rains had been received across all districts, with planting targets surpassed in major crops.

“Maize is at 96 percent, sorghum at 107 percent and pearl millet at 96 percent, giving an average planting of 98 percent,” she said.

“The crop condition is good, with most crops at early to late vegetative stages.”

In Matabeleland North, ARDAS provincial director Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said livestock conditions were “very good”, while the veld was “exceptionally good”, although farmers were urged to remain alert to possible flooding.

The situation is the same in Mashonaland Central, where ARDAS director Mr Misheck Chitokomere said overall crop performance was encouraging, despite some border areas receiving late rains.

“In those ecological regions, we always encourage farmers to prioritise small grains,” he said.

On high alert

Farmers have been urged to use the current rains to recharge soil moisture, especially in conservation systems like Pfumvudza/Intwasa.

“Conduct planting, fertiliser and pesticide applications early morning before afternoon thunderstorms. This reduces the risk of wash off and soil compaction,” the ministry said in its latest update.

“Ensure that water harvesting structures, such as contour ridges and micro dams, are functional to capture rainfall for later use …

“The humid and warm conditions are favourable for fungal diseases such as grey leaf spot and pest outbreaks. Apply fungicides or appropriate treatments during drier morning hours to maximise efficacy. African armyworm moth trap catches of more than 20 moths were reported in Chiendambuya (Manicaland). Close monitoring of the area is ongoing. Surveillance of locusts and African armyworm is ongoing in all provinces. Fall armyworm incidences were reported in the early crop and advice was given to rotate the chemicals to avoid resistance of the pest …”

Migratory pest control teams are, however, understood to be ready to respond to potential outbreaks.

The latest update also indicates that grazing conditions and forage quality are good and abundant due to the rains received in most parts of the country.

Livestock water availability is adequate across most areas and has improved following widespread rains received nationwide.

Borehole drilling, rehabilitation and construction of water troughs at livestock drought mitigation centres and village business units are ongoing.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ union president Dr Shadreck Makombe said the rains had brought both positive and negative developments.

“Crops are in good condition, except for some areas where maize has started showing signs of leaching. Rains are good as they improve pastures and increase underground water,” he said.

“In areas where rains are causing leaching, farmers should take mitigatory measures to reduce the negative effects of the rains. This is where split application of fertilisers comes in.

“Farmers should also drain the fields either through contours, ridges or drains. It is also important that farmers harvest the water for future use.”

Dr Makombe urged farmers to take care of their animals to reduce losses from tick-borne diseases.

He also advised farmers to be on the lookout for cattle rustlers who may take advantage of vegetation to steal livestock.

“Farmers should increase dipping intervals. Dipping is a must and not an option. Farmers should dip at least twice a week,” he said.

Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo said crops were in good condition, although in some areas farmers were having challenges with top-dressing application due to waterlogging.

“We want the rains for our crops and livestock, but, unfortunately, there is waterlogging in some areas. Farmers should be careful when applying top-dressing to ensure the nutrients are not washed away by the heavy rains,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tobacco Farmers union Trust president Mr Edward Dune said the season had started well, with some farmers already harvesting irrigated tobacco, although persistent rains were posing weed-management challenges.

Authorities say continued rains, improved dam levels, timely planting and sustained farmer support have positioned the country for a potentially good harvest.

The post Farmers put 2,4m ha under summer crops appeared first on herald.

The post Farmers put 2,4m ha under summer crops appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Source: Let’s not pretend Zimbabwe is only five years old: Why are we being urged to celebrate mediocrity?

Tendai Ruben Mbofana

Today, the state-controlled broadcaster ZBC once again implored Zimbabweans to acknowledge and celebrate what it called “milestones made by the government” in developing the country.

To directly receive articles from Tendai Ruben Mbofana, please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08

To reinforce this message, the broadcaster replayed excerpts from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Unity Day speech delivered just days ago, in which he similarly urged citizens to recognise the “development achieved so far.”

But this raises a fundamental and unavoidable question: what exactly is this “development” we are expected to celebrate?

ZBC was very clear in its answer.

Viewers were taken to a short stretch of road being rehabilitated under the so-called Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP), presented as tangible proof that the country is making meaningful progress.

The report culminated in an almost triumphant declaration that development is happening “one kilometre at a time.”

This, we are told, is reason enough for national pride and celebration.

Alongside this, the same bulletin spoke of renewed efforts to industrialise Bulawayo, with promises of future employment creation and value addition to locally produced goods.

As usual, there were also familiar references to airport expansions, the upgrading of the Beitbridge Border Post, and various “empowerment funds.”

These empowerment funds, however, are little more than handouts and short-term loans designed to mask the reality of mass unemployment.

They attempt to cosmetically address an economy that has failed to create sustainable, formal jobs, pushing millions into a volatile and insecure informal sector devoid of basic labour protections or a dignified standard of living.

We were also reminded—yet again—of borehole drilling programmes, held up as evidence of a caring and developmental state.

On the surface, all these initiatives may sound positive.

Roads, water, industry, border posts, and airports are indeed important.

But the real issue lies not in whether these things are necessary, but in why they are being presented as extraordinary achievements deserving of applause nearly half a century after independence.

Why are we acting as though Zimbabwe is a newly established nation starting from scratch?

Why are we being asked to celebrate basic state functions as if they are historic breakthroughs?

Zimbabwe is not a country that emerged recently from an uninhabited wilderness.

We did not discover a virgin land that needed to be developed from nothing.

At independence in 1980, Zimbabwe inherited extensive infrastructure: well-built road networks, functioning rail systems, reliable power generation, efficient water and sanitation systems, hospitals, schools, and productive agricultural and industrial sectors.

The very use of the word “rehabilitation” is an admission that these things existed before.

Roads are being rehabilitated because they were once there—and because they were allowed to collapse.

What, then, happened over the past 45 years to bring the country to a point where patching up a few kilometres of road is framed as a milestone?

Why has the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road deteriorated so badly that its rehabilitation is now treated as a major national achievement?

Why are bridges across rural Zimbabwe crumbling, collapsing, or turning into death traps every rainy season?

The answer is painfully obvious: decades of neglect, corruption, mismanagement, and the systematic hollowing out of public institutions.

The roads we are rushing to rehabilitate today were largely inherited at independence in pristine condition.

The bridges now washing away vehicles were built generations ago and maintained for years before being abandoned.

Schools, hospitals, power stations, and water systems have suffered the same fate.

Now that infrastructure resembles a war zone—pocked with craters, broken bridges, and collapsing public facilities—the government wants applause for emergency repairs that should never have been necessary in the first place.

For more than four decades, rural communities have borne the brunt of this failure.

Women have walked long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources.

Children have crossed flooded rivers to attend schools that are little more than trees or makeshift structures kilometres away from home.

Pregnant women have been forced to give birth in the bush while trekking to distant clinics that often lack basic medicines, equipment, or trained staff.

These are not new problems.

They are the accumulated consequences of 45 years of broken promises and abandoned responsibilities.

Now, when a borehole or two is drilled, when a single clinic or classroom block is constructed, or when a short stretch of road is repaired, we are told to celebrate “milestones.”

But milestones toward what, exactly?

Are we expected to be taken seriously as a nation when we applaud achievements that should have been accomplished decades ago?

After 45 years of independence, should we not expect four-lane highways crisscrossing the country?

Should modern, multi-layered traffic interchanges not be commonplace rather than headline-grabbing spectacles?

Should rural homes not be connected to the national power grid and piped water by now?

Should schools equipped with modern technology not be the norm, even in the most remote areas?

Should we not have well-equipped hospitals capable of handling most medical procedures without forcing citizens to seek care across borders or rely on fundraising campaigns?

Instead, towns and cities that once enjoyed reliable running water have gone for years without it.

Near-daily power outages lasting up to 16 hours have become normalised, crippling households, businesses, and industries alike.

This is happening in a country that has been independent long enough for someone born in 1980 to now have children attending university.

And yet, we are still expected to sing and dance over a newly resurfaced 10-kilometre road, the reconstruction of a bridge built in the 1960s, or the drilling of a borehole in a village that should have had piped water generations ago.

To then label this “development so far” is not just misleading—it is insulting.

“So far” since when?

Since 1980?

If so, then this is an indictment, not an achievement.

It is an admission that after nearly half a century in power, the ruling party has little to show beyond repairing what it allowed to decay.

Zimbabweans cannot be expected to celebrate failure masquerading as progress.

We cannot allow mediocrity to be rebranded as development simply because it is accompanied by slogans, jingles, and state media fanfare.

ZANU-PF has governed this country continuously since independence.

The responsibility for where Zimbabwe stands today lies squarely at its feet.

Let us, as a nation, be honest with ourselves.

Zimbabwe is not five years old.

It is 45 years into independence.

The standards by which we measure progress must reflect that reality.

To pretend otherwise is to insult the intelligence, resilience, and lived experience of Zimbabweans.

We deserve better than recycled infrastructure, recycled promises, and recycled propaganda.

We deserve real development—measured not in kilometres repaired, but in decades of sustained progress that should have already been achieved.

• Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com, or visit website  https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/

The post Let’s not pretend Zimbabwe is only five years old: Why are we being urged to celebrate mediocrity? appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.

Italian Francesco Marconati kept in jail amid claims Mnangagwa’s son circling over gold mine

Source: Bail disparity as alleged shooter walks free, while employer remains jailed – Zimbabwe News Now

Francesco Marconati

The post Bail disparity as alleged shooter walks free, while employer remains jailed  appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.