Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Teachers need digital skills, not gadgets alone: ZIMTA  -Newsday Zimbabwe

THE Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has called for urgent investment in teacher retooling, digital literacy and rural technology hubs, saying educators need practical digital skills to cope with the rapidly changing education environment.

Speaking at the Fourth Edition of the National Education Summit Zimbabwe (NESZ) 2026 in Bulawayo, ZIMTA chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu said schools must move beyond simply providing gadgets and instead prioritise empowering teachers with the knowledge and confidence to effectively use technology in teaching and learner support.

“We are not just talking about gadgets, but equipping teachers with the competencies to use them effectively. A laptop or tablet alone does not improve education if the teacher lacks the skills and confidence to integrate it into the classroom,” said Dr Sifiso Ndlovu.

He said the country’s education sector needed a deliberate and inclusive digital transformation strategy that ensured no teacher or learner was left behind, particularly those in remote areas.

“Many teachers in rural communities still have limited access to computers, internet connectivity and reliable electricity. If we are serious about digital education, then investment must also target infrastructure and continuous professional development,” he said.

Dr Sifiso Ndlovu said artificial intelligence (AI) had become a critical aspect of modern education that teachers could no longer afford to ignore.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is already influencing the way learners access information and interact with educational content. Teachers need training to understand AI tools, their benefits and the ethical issues surrounding their use in schools,” he said.

He proposed the establishment of Government-supported rural technology hubs that would serve clusters of schools by providing access to computers, internet services and sustainable energy solutions.

“These hubs can help bridge the digital divide by allowing schools to share resources and create opportunities for both teachers and learners to develop practical digital skills,” said Dr Sifiso Ndlovu.

Supporting the remarks, National Education Summit Zimbabwe chief executive officer Ms Violet Nkathazo said partnerships between Government, the private sector and development partners were critical in strengthening digital education in Zimbabwe.

“The education sector cannot transform in isolation. We need stronger collaboration and investment to ensure schools are equipped and teachers are adequately prepared for the digital era,” said Ms Violet Nkathazo.

She said the summit was focusing on turning policy discussions into practical action that directly benefits teachers and learners.

Held under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Driving Innovation and Investment in Zimbabwe’s Education System,” the summit brought together policymakers, educators and private sector players to discuss practical solutions aimed at improving Zimbabwe’s education sector.

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Source: Chieftainship wrangle sucks in Mnangagwa -Newsday Zimbabwe

A DISPUTE over the appointment of Chief Nyajena has spilled to the courts, with two Masvingo brothers challenging Last Dzivakwe’s elevation to the chieftainship and citing President Emmerson Mnangagwa as a respondent.

Isaac and Haruzivi Jerera have approached the High Court seeking a declaratory order setting aside Dzivakwe’s appointment, arguing that the process was procedurally flawed and violated customary law and statutory provisions governing the appointment of traditional leaders.

The brothers cited Mnangagwa, the Local Government and Public Works ministry, secretary for Local Government, Dzivakwe in his capacity as Chief Nyajena, the chief director for traditional leadership support services and the National Council of Chiefs as respondents.

In court papers, the applicants said they were descendants of the late Chief Nyajena through either of his two sons, Mupandasekwa or Mateveke.

Isaac, in an affidavit supporting the application, said he was a descendant of Mupandasekwa, whom he described as his great-great-grandfather.

He said the President was cited because, under section 283(a)(ii) of the Constitution and section 3(2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17], he was the appointing authority for traditional leaders, including Chief Nyajena.

Isaac argued that Dzivakwe’s appointment was unlawful because no valid selection process was conducted in accordance with the customs and traditions of the Nyajena chieftainship.

He further alleged that the appointment violated section 283(a)(i) of the Constitution and section 3(2) of the Traditional Leaders Act because authorities ignored the recommendation made by the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs on October 10, 2025, that the chieftainship should remain within the Madzore sub-clan.

According to the application, Dzivakwe is neither the eldest son nor an eligible candidate under Nyajena clan customs and traditions.

Isaac also argued that Dzivakwe was appointed, while a dispute over succession was pending before the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs and, by extension, the National Council of Chiefs.

He claimed that no meeting was held on or before October 10, 2025, at which Dzivakwe was nominated or selected as Chief Nyajena, adding that his imposition, therefore, constituted procedural irregularity and legal impropriety on the part of the respondents.

He further argued that the President and the other respondents failed in their duty to act lawfully, reasonably and fairly by disregarding objections raised during the selection process.

Isaac said Nyajena customs require that the selection of a chief be conducted publicly at a meeting attended by members of all affected houses.

He told the court that the late Chief Nyajena, Dzingayi Zengeya, came from the Mateveke house and that, following his death, the chieftainship was due to rotate to the Mupandasekwa house.

Within that house, he said, it was the turn of the Madzore sub-house to nominate the next chief after the completion of a two-year mourning period.

Following consultations, Nhamo Jerera of the Madzore sub-house was nominated but died in January 2024 before assuming office.

A subsequent meeting nominated Nashe Tungamirayi, also from the Madzore sub-house, but he died in April 2025 before taking up the position.

On July 1, 2025, another meeting was convened to nominate a replacement from the Madzore sub-house. However, concerns were raised over the deaths of previous nominees, leading some members to propose that the chieftainship moves to another sub-house.

As a result, Dhoba Marumbwa of the Mupfurashanga sub-house was nominated, being the eldest male in that lineage.

The applicants argue that by appointing Dzivakwe, the respondents ignored recommendations made by traditional leadership structures and failed to follow established succession procedure.

Isaac alleged that Dzivakwe’s appointment did not emerge from a traditional public gathering, known as a dare, but instead resulted from “backdoor manoeuvring in closed offices”.

He said the recommendations of the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs were never considered by the President before the appointment was made.

Isaac added that the position remains that the appointment in question cannot withstand legal scrutiny.

The matter is pending before the courts.

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Source: Push to ring-fence sugar tax revenue for healthcare  -Newsday Zimbabwe

Government is intensifying efforts to ensure that revenue collected from sugar taxes and other health-related levies is used exclusively to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Minister of Health and Child Care, Douglas Mombeshora said authorities are engaging key stakeholders to establish mechanisms that will ring-fence health tax revenues and prevent them from being diverted to other areas of government expenditure.

“We are working closely with Treasury, Parliament and the Presidency to create sustainable health financing mechanisms that will ensure money raised through health taxes is directed towards improving healthcare services,” said Mombeshora.

The minister said dedicated funding would help address persistent challenges in the health sector, including shortages of equipment and resources needed to tackle major health concerns.

“Ring-fenced health taxes can help close critical funding gaps in service delivery, support cancer treatment programmes, strengthen maternal and neonatal healthcare, and enhance our response to non-communicable diseases,” he said.

Zimbabwe introduced the sugar tax as part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles while generating additional resources for healthcare. Government officials argue that the revenue has already begun making a tangible impact.

“We have already utilised part of the proceeds from the sugar tax to procure cancer treatment equipment, demonstrating the positive contribution these funds can make when invested directly into healthcare,” Mombeshora noted.

The move comes as Zimbabwe seeks more predictable and sustainable sources of healthcare financing amid increasing demand for quality medical services. Authorities believe that protecting health tax revenues from being absorbed into the broader national budget will provide greater certainty for long-term health planning and investment.

According to Mombeshora, ensuring that the funds remain dedicated to healthcare will allow Government to respond more effectively to growing health challenges.

“Our objective is to create a system where revenue generated from health-related levies consistently supports the health sector. This will enable us to improve access to treatment, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and deliver better outcomes for Zimbabweans,” he said.

Public health advocates have welcomed the proposal, arguing that taxes on products linked to poor health outcomes should directly contribute to addressing the burden they create on the healthcare system.

The ring-fencing of sugar tax revenue could provide Zimbabwe with a stable source of funding for critical health programmes, helping to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to both existing and emerging health challenges.

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Source: Indian development expert takes over as UN resident coordinator in Zimbabwe -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Jun 2,2026 (NewsDay Live) -United Nations secretary-general António Guterres has appointed Indian development expert Rosemary Kalapurakal as the new United Nations resident coordinator in Zimbabwe.

In a statement, the UN said Kalapurakal assumed her duties on June 1 following approval by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

She takes over from Edward Kallon.

Kalapurakal brings more than 25 years of experience within the United Nations system, having worked in policy development, programme management and sustainable development across several UN agencies.

Before her appointment to Zimbabwe, she served as deputy director of the UN Development Coordination Office (DCO), where she played a key role in managing the resident coordinator system and advancing reforms within the UN development system.

She also previously held the position of chief of policy and programme at DCO and served as lead adviser on the 2030 Agenda in the United Nations Development Programme Bureau for Policy and Programme Support.

The UN resident coordinator serves as the highest-ranking representative of the UN development system at country level, and is responsible for coordinating development operations among UN agencies.

The UN Sustainable Development Group oversees and supports the coordination of development operations in 162 countries and territories worldwide.

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Source: Two Bulawayo suburbs flagged as HIV hotspots -Newsday Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO, Jun 2,2026 (NewsDay Live) – The National AIDS Council (NAC) says it has identified Old Magwegwe and Old Pumula high-density suburbs as having higher HIV prevalence rates due to socio-economic conditions associated with overcrowding and cheaper accommodation.

Speaking during a media engagement programme tour at Silwane Youth Centre in Old Pumula, NAC Magwegwe district coordinator Kenneth Ncube said the organisation had identified several hotspots through attendance registers, testing programmes and community interventions.

“If you go to our registers, you will find that these are the areas with bigger HIV prevalence. You can tell from the attendance registers who the people we are supporting are and where they are coming from,” said Ncube.

He said the observations were further confirmed through HIV testing exercises being carried out in communities.

“We are testing people, we are getting HIV-positive cases, and they are coming from those areas. That directs us to say those are our hotspots,” he said.

Ncube said NAC initially concentrated on identified hotspots before expanding programmes into other wards.

“Those are the areas where we thought our interventions would have a stronger impact before we spread to other locations,” he explained.

He said the higher HIV prevalence in some suburbs was not necessarily linked to the age of the settlements, but rather the socio-economic conditions found in densely populated communities.

“It has nothing to do with them being old locations. It is more about the higher population density and the kind of social conditions found there,” Ncube said.

“So if you have a higher density of population, you also tend to have cheaper accommodation, and that attracts a certain class of people who may be more vulnerable due to economic hardships and limited access to services.”

Ncube said the findings help NAC direct resources and interventions to communities most affected by HIV in order to improve prevention, treatment and support services.

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