Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Columbus Mabika

Herald Reporter

A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Charles Gumbo Barracks in Harare yesterday as people from all walks of life braved the rains to witness the full military funeral parade held in honour of Brigadier-General (Retired) Mathias Tizirai Ngarava.

Brig-Gen Ngarava (Rtd) (66), whose Chimurenga name was “Elias Chimurenga”, died on Christmas Day at Chinhoyi General Hospital.

He retired from active service last year.

Commander Zimbabwe National Army Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, was the chief mourner.

He described Brig-Gen Ngarava as a loyal cadre who dedicated his life to the independence and development of the country.

“Brigadier-General Ngarava has left a legacy of excellence in the organisation. He has been an icon and a prototype commander,” he said.

“His exceptional loyalty and patriotism towards his beloved country remind us how lucky we are as a nation to have a generation of officers of the calibre of this departed general.

“His willpower to fight for the liberation of the country and defend its ideals after independence remained unmatched.”

Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi called on the nation to uphold the principles and values that were fought for during the liberation struggle.

Brig-Gen Ngarava was born on March 27, 1959 as the fourth child in a family of nine in Mhokore village under Chief Gororo in Chivi district. He completed his primary education at Shindi Primary School in 1974 before attending Berejena Mission School in Chivi for Form 1 and 2 in 1975 and 1976.

As the impetus for the war of liberation gained momentum, politics became a topical subject among young people.

After completing his Form 2 exams in 1976, he left Berejena Mission via Chikombedzi to join the liberation struggle.

There he met with fellow comrades and was temporarily placed under village heads to avoid detection by the Rhodesian forces while waiting to cross into Mozambique.

In early December 1976, he crossed into Mozambique with a group of comrades who were going to collect ammunition from the rear. The journey was perilous, traversing areas known to be infested with wild animals.

In Mozambique, he was sent to Chibawawa Refugee Camp, where he stayed for the whole of 1977 awaiting training.

In 1979, he was sent to Syria for military training, where he performed remarkably. Upon completing his training, he was deployed in Gaza Province, Sector Four, where he operated until independence in 1980.

During the ceasefire, he went to Gezani Assembly Point, which was within the same area that he had operated in.

After the 1980 general elections and the independence celebrations, he was transferred to Tongogara Camp in Middle Sabi, where he briefly stayed before joining the ZNA in February 1981 as a Sergeant under the Army Education Corps.

Due to his exceptional performance and commitment to duty, he was selected to attend the basic officers course in 1982 and was commissioned as a lieutenant.

Brig-Gen Ngarava had an illustrious career in the ZNA and Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large, undertaking military courses that led him to hold numerous staff and command appointments.

For his exploits, he was awarded all military medals commensurate with his rank and achievements.

Brig-Gen Ngarava is survived by two wives, Winnet and Loveness, and five children.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

Mourners are gathered at 10746 Mapako Phase 2, Chinhoyi.

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Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

ZESA Holdings has announced strategies aimed at curbing the vandalism of electrical infrastructure, with projected savings of over US$4,5 million.

The measures being implemented include enhancing security features on transformers, securing vulnerable components and changing materials used in infrastructure.

One of the main components of Zesa’s strategy involves arming each transformer with anti-intrusion gear designed to deter thieves and alert a rapid response security team.

Further, Zesa plans to implement various sealing techniques that involve tacking bolts and nuts, as well as closing and welding oil drain plugs.

All these steps are aimed at preventing unauthorised access and vandalism.

Zesa Enterprises managing director Dr Godfrey Mugaviri explained the surface level of theft and how a proactive approach is necessary.

“We will arm each transformer with anti-intrusion gear that scares thieves and alert reactionary security team,” he said.

“All the transformers will be tacked at top cover and drain plugs. We will also tack the bolt and nuts to avoid opening of the transformers.”

To further fortify the infrastructure, Zesa will employ methods such as caging transformers and ensuring that drain plugs are securely closed to prevent oil drainage.

In addition, one significant change involves a transition from using copper to aluminium in their electrical infrastructure.

Presently, there are approximately 32 000 distribution transformers scattered across the network.

Dr Mugaviri said there is need for complete replacement of copper conductors with aluminium conductors.

“Modern trends have seen aluminium strung power lines with practically the same efficiency as copper and at much less cost per kilometre,” he said.

To implement these measures effectively, Zesa will deploy specialised teams consisting of a welder and an assistant.

These teams will have specific targets to meet daily, in terms of securing transformers.

“The expected targets will translate to a total of about 252 points per day, 5 292 per month and 32 000 in approximately six months,” said Dr Mugaviri.

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Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has signed into law the Finance Act and Appropriation Act that gives legal effect to the 2026 National Budget that was recently passed by Parliament.

Treasury, through Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube can legally disburse funds appropriated under the budget.

The signing of the two laws by President Mnangagwa was announced by Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya in an Extraordinary Government Gazette published yesterday.

“The following laws, which were assented to by His Excellency, the President are published in terms of Section 131 (6)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Finance Act and Appropriation Act,” reads the notice.

The Finance Act gives legal effect to the fiscal policy measures announced in the Budget, while the Appropriation Act authorises expenditure votes for ministries and Government departments.

During debate Treasury made several concessions on key fiscal measures, paving the way for the implementation of Government’s spending and revenue plans for the coming year.

The budget was approved after both the Finance Amendment Bill and the Appropriation Bill were read for the third time in the National Assembly and the Senate, signalling their passage.

Prof Ncube presented the budget last month, outlining a mix of revenue enhancing and expenditure measures aimed at stabilising the economy and supporting growth.

Debate was protracted, with legislators raising concerns and proposing amendments, some of which prompted concessions from Treasury.

Dzivaresekwa legislator Mr Edwin Mushoriwa and his Kuwadzana counterpart, Mr Chalton Hwende, were among backbenchers who tabled proposed amendments to the Finance Act, although the proposals were rejected after debate.

One of Mr Mushoriwa’s proposals sought to ring-fence revenue from the sugar tax exclusively for the health sector, as originally envisaged when the levy was introduced.

Prof Ncube opposed the amendment, arguing that there had been no diversion of the funds to other uses and that additional legal safeguards were therefore, unnecessary.

During the debate, the Finance Minister agreed to adjust allocations for several institutions, including Parliament, whose vote he said would be increased by an additional ZiG800 million, from ZiG3 billion. He also reversed his proposal to double the gold royalty rate to 10 percent after legislators warned that the increase would negatively affect miners and the broader industry.

The royalty rate will now remain at 5 percent for gold prices ranging between US$1 200 and US$5 000.

Prof Ncube further withdrew his proposal to introduce a cash withdrawal levy following concerns that the measure would overburden formally employed citizens and undermine efforts to formalise the economy.

He acknowledged calls from lawmakers to review foreign currency withdrawal charges and to protect diaspora remittances and small to medium enterprises by suspending the levy below a substantial threshold.

“My other proposal would be to review the foreign currency withdrawal levy . . . and to suspend its application on withdrawals below a substantial threshold to protect diaspora remittances and SME cash flows.

“I also want to recommend that we amend the presumptive tax framework and index the threshold to inflation, raising it from ZiG5 000 to at least ZiG10 000 monthly return,” said Prof Ncube.

Addressing criticism over the decision to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) by 0,5 percentage points from 15 percent, Prof Ncube said the measure would not harm low-income earners, as most basic commodities consumed by poorer households are zero-rated or exempt from VAT.

He cited items such as bread, cooking oil, salt, milk, sugar, vegetables, fruits, maize meal, wheat flour, sanitary products and agricultural inputs among goods that do not attract VAT.

Prof Ncube also defended the increase by comparing Zimbabwe’s VAT rate with those of other countries in the region, noting that several peers have higher rates.

The 2026 National Budget projects total expenditure of ZiG290 billion, equivalent to about US$9,5 billion or 17 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

This is set against a revenue target of ZiG288 billion, or about US$9,4 billion, representing 16,9 percent of GDP.

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AS climate shocks intensify and input costs continue to rise, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is under growing pressure to produce more with fewer resources. From recurrent droughts in Matabeleland and parts of Mashonaland to fertiliser shortages and post-harvest losses, the need for smarter, technology-driven farming has never been more urgent. Emerging global examples now point to how artificial intelligence (AI) could offer a practical pathway for transforming Zimbabwean agriculture.

A recent case from India, where Microsoft’s AI-powered Farm Vibes platform has helped farmers in the drought-prone Baramati region dramatically improve productivity, provides a compelling blueprint for Zimbabwe. By integrating satellite imagery, drones, soil sensors and AI analytics, farmers in Baramati achieved yield increases of up to 40 percent, cut fertiliser use by 25 percent and reduced water consumption by as much as half. Similar outcomes could be transformative for Zimbabwe’s largely climate-vulnerable farming systems.

Precision farming for a climate-stressed economy

Zimbabwe’s agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing the majority of the population and contributing significantly to exports through tobacco, maize, cotton and horticulture. Yet productivity remains highly uneven, with smallholder farmers particularly exposed to erratic rainfall and poor access to agronomic information.

AI-driven precision farming could change this equation. By combining real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity and nutrient levels, AI systems can generate tailored recommendations on when to plant, irrigate and apply fertiliser. For Zimbabwean farmers, this would mean more efficient use of scarce water resources, especially in drought-prone regions, while avoiding the blanket application of fertilisers that degrade soils and inflate costs.

With Zimbabwe already using satellite data for weather forecasting and early warning systems, the leap toward AI-enhanced decision-making is less radical than it may appear. What is required is integration, bringing together meteorological data, on-farm sensors and agronomic models into farmer-friendly platforms.

Cutting costs and improving sustainability

Rising input prices have eroded profitability across Zimbabwe’s farming sector. Fertiliser, seed and fuel costs remain a major constraint, particularly for A1 and communal farmers. AI-enabled spot fertilisation — where nutrients are applied only where needed — offers a way to reduce chemical use while improving soil health. Evidence from India suggests fertiliser savings of around 25 percent are achievable without sacrificing yields.

For Zimbabwe, where soil degradation and declining fertility are long-term structural challenges, such an approach could support sustainable intensification rather than expansion into marginal lands. Reduced chemical runoff would also align with environmental goals, particularly in sensitive catchment areas.

Water efficiency is another critical gain. AI systems that monitor weather patterns and field conditions can help farmers irrigate more precisely, reducing wastage. In a country where irrigation schemes are under strain and power supply is unreliable, cutting water use by even a fraction could significantly extend the viability of existing infrastructure.

Empowering farmers through local-language AI

One of the key lessons from the Baramati experience is accessibility. Farmers were able to interact with AI tools through vernacular language assistance, making complex data actionable at the farm level. For Zimbabwe, this is especially relevant given linguistic diversity and varying literacy levels.

AI platforms that deliver advice in Shona, Ndebele and other local languages — via mobile phones — could democratise access to advanced agronomic knowledge. With mobile penetration already high, such tools could reach thousands of farmers who currently rely on informal advice or delayed extension services.

This would not replace agricultural extension officers but complement them, allowing limited public resources to be used more strategically while farmers receive timely, data-driven guidance.

Reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening value chains

Post-harvest losses remain a silent drain on Zimbabwe’s agricultural output, particularly in maize, horticulture and small grains. AI-enabled logistics and storage planning, informed by crop forecasts and market data, could help reduce losses by improving timing, aggregation and storage decisions.

Even modest reductions in post-harvest losses would have macroeconomic benefits, improving food security, stabilising prices and increasing export competitiveness.

Building partnerships for local capacity

For Zimbabwe to realise these gains, collaboration will be essential. The Baramati project brought together technology firms, farmer organisations, research institutions and universities. A similar model could involve partnerships between government, local universities, agritech startups, mobile network operators and global technology firms.

Crucially, AI adoption must be adapted to Zimbabwe’s realities — small plot sizes, limited capital and infrastructure constraints — rather than imported wholesale. Pilot projects, starting with irrigation schemes or high-value crops, could demonstrate impact before scaling up.

As climate change reshapes agriculture across Southern Africa, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a practical tool for resilience and growth. For Zimbabwe, embracing data-driven farming could mark a decisive shift from survival agriculture to a more productive, sustainable and competitive sector.

Russian officials have accused Ukraine of staging a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s alleged residence, claims that Kyiv has not confirmed and which analysts say fit a familiar Kremlin pattern of using unverified security incidents to deflect responsibility for the failure of peace efforts.

Leonid Slutsky, a senior Russian lawmaker and chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, claimed the supposed UAV incident was a “provocation” that undermined United States peace initiatives. His remarks were widely circulated by Russian state media as Moscow once again sought to portray itself as a victim while continuing its war against Ukraine.

From a Ukrainian and Western perspective, such statements are seen as part of Russia’s long-standing information strategy: blaming Ukraine for diplomatic deadlock while avoiding accountability for its own ongoing military aggression, occupation of Ukrainian territory, and repeated strikes on civilian infrastructure.

Kremlin Narrative Under Scrutiny

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Ukraine allegedly launched 91 long-range drones overnight towards a residence linked to President Putin in the Novgorod region, all of which were reportedly intercepted. No independent verification of the claim has been provided, nor was any evidence of damage or casualties presented.

Importantly, the timing of the announcement has raised questions. Moscow insists the alleged incident occurred during “intensive dialogue” with the United States, a framing that appears designed to shift blame for the absence of progress in negotiations away from Russia’s continued refusal to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that genuine peace cannot be achieved through staged narratives or diplomatic theatre, but only through respect for international law, Ukraine’s sovereignty, and the complete withdrawal of Russian forces.

Ukraine’s Position on Peace

Kyiv has consistently supported a rules-based peace process, including President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Peace Formula, which prioritises territorial integrity, accountability for war crimes, and long-term security guarantees. Ukrainian leaders and their international partners argue that Russia’s actions — not Ukraine’s resistance — remain the primary obstacle to peace.

Western diplomats have also cautioned against taking Russian claims at face value, noting Moscow’s history of exaggerating or fabricating security threats to justify escalation or harden its negotiating stance.

Retaliation Rhetoric Raises Concerns

Slutsky’s assertion that Russian “retaliatory measures will inevitably follow” has further fuelled concerns that the Kremlin may use the alleged incident as a pretext for intensified military action, rather than a genuine effort to de-escalate the conflict.

For Ukraine and its allies, the episode underscores a broader reality: peace cannot be achieved while Russia continues to weaponise disinformation and threatens escalation instead of engaging in meaningful, good-faith negotiations.

As the war continues, Kyiv maintains that international support, pressure on Moscow, and a clear rejection of false narratives remain essential to securing a just and lasting peace in Europe.