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Source: South Africa’s shame: Ramaphosa decries violence against foreign nationals – herald

Kudakwashe Mugari in DURBAN,Kwazulu Natal

SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned attacks on foreign nationals in his country, telling regional leaders that South Africa is “deeply concerned and ashamed” by discrimination and violence which forced some people from neighbouring SADC countries to flee.

Speaking during the SADC Public Lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, yesterday, Ramaphosa said the incidents were a betrayal of the values upon which the Southern African Development Community was founded.

“As South Africans, we are deeply concerned and ashamed that nationals from other countries have in recent months been subjected to discrimination and ill-treatment,.

“I repeat, as South Africans, we are deeply concerned and ashamed that people from other nations, some whose leaders are here, were treated badly and were even forced to leave the country under threat of violence. The criminal actions of a few within our communities are a repudiation of the solidarity upon which this Southern African community is built.

“We cannot preach integration at summits and practise exclusion in the streets of our countries. I say this as a South African, to South Africans first of all, but this is a broader challenge to which we must apply ourselves as a community ” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa said migration had defined Southern Africa for centuries and remained central to the region’s identity and growth.

“Southern Africa has borne witness to the movement of people over millennia. Our people are the products of migration. Migration accounts for much of the diversity as well as the vibrancy and richness of this region.

“You only have to travel across our various countries in Southern Africa and you will find people speaking almost similar languages to those spoken in each of our nations. This shows that we are one people.”

Citing Zimbabwe as an example, the President said: “It has been a joy for me to go to Zimbabwe and find people who speak the same language that I speak — Venda-speaking people. And I have been amazed. How did you get here? And they ask, how did you get to where you come from? That is the beauty of the richness of our region.”

He called on SADC to work towards Vision 2050 by enabling free movement under agreed laws and protocols, and by tackling the root causes of migration.

“As we work towards Vision 2050, we should seek a region in which people are able to move freely according to established principles, protocols, and laws. This means that we must work together to address the conditions that drive migration. We need to work together to address conflict, instability, governance failure, poverty and social discord,” Ramaphosa said.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, said the public lecture set the tone for the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.

“H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa today delivered the SADC Public Lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, in Durban, as part of the programme leading to the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government,” Prof Murwira said.

“The engagement provides an important platform for reflection on the region’s shared future and the need to translate SADC’s long-term vision into practical action,” he added.

Prof Murwira noted that the Summit would be held under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”

“The Public Lecture underscored that regional integration must go beyond commitments, towards tangible programmes that strengthen infrastructure, transform agriculture, unlock the value of critical minerals, promote industrialisation and create opportunities for the people of Southern Africa,” the Minister said.

The 46th SADC Summit is expected to deliberate on regional infrastructure projects, agricultural transformation and the beneficiation of critical minerals as drivers of inclusive growth.

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Source: President caps 7 000 at the University of Zimbabwe’s graduation, Student start-ups surge – herald

Zvamaida Murwira, Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday capped 7 132 graduates at the University of Zimbabwe’s 45th graduation ceremony, as the institution continues to expand its focus on research, innovation and industrialisation through its Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy.

The graduation ceremony also highlighted the university’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, with 75 start-up companies having been established and registered, 60 of them student-led.

President Mnangagwa, who is Chancellor of all State universities, conferred Doctor of Philosophy, master’s, undergraduate and diploma qualifications across various faculties.

These included Arts and Humanities, Business Management Sciences and Economics, Engineering and the Built Environment, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences and Veterinary Sciences, among others.

Of the 7 132 graduates, 53 percent were female, reflecting the continued participation and advancement of women in higher education.

The President capped first-class and distinction graduates, as well as 15 award winners, 34 graduates with disabilities and 37 others, who received special recognition.
Speaking at the ceremony, UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo said the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy had transformed the institution’s approach to research, innovation and industrialisation.
“In the area of research, innovation and industrialisation, the University registered a number of notable achievements,” he said.

“I am happy to report that the University has cumulatively established and registered 75 start-up companies, which are at various stages of business development.
“Of these, 60 are student-led, 13 University-owned, one community-led and one industry-led. These enterprises form a new regime of industries that speak to our people’s aspirations in line with the tenets of our National Development Strategy 2.”
Prof Mapfumo said the university’s start-ups had produced more than 350 goods and services, with about 200 steadily penetrating local and international markets.
“These companies are investment-ready and open to national and international venture capital to take them to the next level,” he said.

The start-ups have participated in international platforms including the Paris VivaTech 2026 Exhibition in France and the Korea Knowledge

Prof Mapfumo said potential partners included the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), ZimTrade, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe (NVCCZ) and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).

Local authorities have also expressed interest in partnering with the university.

“As part of our endeavour to contribute to the Government’s rural industrialisation agenda, the University of Zimbabwe has been strengthening its community laboratories, utilising science, technology and innovation to improve livelihoods,” Prof Mapfumo said.

He said the university’s start-ups were implementing inclusive value-chain development models involving more than 2 000 smallholder farmers and ordinary citizens across strategic agricultural value chains.

The graduation ceremony ran under the theme: “Critical human capital for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and competitiveness.”

Prof Mapfumo also highlighted the establishment of the first National Minerals Research Centre and the university’s work in the value addition of lithium, rare earth minerals and uranium.

Other milestones included the establishment of a Bioequivalence Testing Laboratory and the recent launch of an industrial incubation centre.

The university also hosted 12 high-level delegations from the region and beyond, including representatives from the African union Commission and the African union Development Agency-NEPAD.

Notable graduates included Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba, who graduated with a Master of Arts degree in African Economic History and Knowledge Systems.

Harare lawyer Mr Oscar Nyamunokora was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Behavioural Studies, while the former Editor of The Herald, Caesar Zvayi, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Honours degree.

Legislator Dr Energy Mutodi graduated with a Master of Laws in Constitutional and Electoral Law, while Zimpapers staffer Berven Fombe obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Journalism, Media and Broadcasting.

Among those receiving special recognition were Blessing Kugwa and Arthur Mapato, who received US$1 000 each after being named the best overall female and male students, respectively.

Kugwa graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Actuarial Science, while Mapato graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Mathematics and Computational Science.

Other recipients of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award received US$500 each.

They were Priscilla Makuvise, the Best Overall Graduating Law Student; Stanley Chivanga, the Best Overall Graduating Engineering Student; Michelle Vivian Banda, the Best Overall Graduating Life Sciences Student; and

Mapato, the Best Overall Graduating Science Student.
Overall, Mapato received US$1 500 after winning two awards.

Speaking after his graduation, Mr Charamba said he intended to continue with his academic pursuits, given the demands of his work.

“It is a bridging programme. I intend to do a higher degree in the area of history. So, in a way you could consider this a transitional qualification; the big one is coming.

“Well, in my line of work, I have to be what they term the universal man or the Renaissance man who is gifted in practically every aspect of human endeavour.

“So, for you to function quite effectively, you then have to have the tools for different challenges that our society faces. And of course, serving a person like the President means you really have to be alert, to be on the cutting edge of

knowledge and that is what I am trying to do,” said Mr Charamba.

The ceremony was attended by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava, Cabinet Ministers, vice chancellors from other universities, captains of industry and senior Government officials.

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Source: President Mnangagwa hailed for continental development – herald

Debra Matabvu, debra.matabvu@zimpapers.co.zw

ZIMBABWE’S contribution to the construction of the Pan African Postal Union (Papu) headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, demonstrates President Mnangagwa’s commitment to strengthening continental institutions and the development of Africa’s postal sector.

This was said by PAPU secretary-general Dr Sifundo Moyo soon after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare yesterday.

Dr Moyo said Zimbabwe’s support towards the construction of the headquarters had made a remarkable contribution.

He also said President Mnangagwa’s support had been critical to his successful bid for both the first and second terms.

Dr Moyo was re-elected unopposed for a second term on March 25 this year.

“My mission here was to come and express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, for the support that he gave to me during my campaign for the first term of secretary general of PAPU, and also for the second term,” Dr Moyo said.

He also thanked President Mnangagwa for fulfilling a US$20 000 pledge made in 2021 towards the construction of PAPU’S headquarters, over and above the country’s mandatory contribution to the project.

Dr Moyo said Zimbabwe’s contribution demonstrated the Government’s commitment to strengthening continental institutions and the development of Africa’s postal sector.

“I was also here to thank the President, who in 2021, made a pledge that Zimbabwe was going to contribute US$20 000 over and above the mandatory contribution that Zimbabwe was supposed to make towards the construction of the PAPU headquarters in Arusha,” he said.

“Zimbabwe honoured that pledge, the building was completed and commissioned in September 2023.”

Dr Moyo also said the union was accelerating the digitalisation of postal services across the continent, with individual countries implementing programmes aimed at ensuring postal operators remain relevant in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

“We are also pushing the digitalisation of postal services in Africa. Every country now is running the programme of ensuring that the post is positioned in a way that it serves the digital economies that are emerging in Africa,” he said.

Dr Moyo said the union’s 2026-2030 strategy places digital transformation at the centre of its operations, including the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which will drive socio-economic development and deliver services to communities.

The strategy is expected to help African postal operators move beyond traditional mail delivery by expanding into digital, financial, logistics and other services demanded by modern economies.

Speaking after the meeting with the President, Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, said Zimbabwe’s leadership at the PAPU presents an opportunity for the country to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen skills development and attract strategic partnerships in the postal sector.

“Having our own sitting in that position is going to assist us to be able to get capacity building, to also be able to find ways where we can get even partners that are going to assist us in digitally transforming the postal services,” she said.

Minister Mavetera said the postal service was strategic as it bridges the rural and urban divide.
“We can also be able to access a lot of Government services within the postal services, being coordinated by the postal services or the postal sector. In this way, this means that we are going to enhance our digital transformation of the country,” she said.

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Source: 18 killed, 51 injured during Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays – herald

Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

At least 18 people died while 51 others were injured in 145 road traffic accidents that were recorded during the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.

Of the 145 road traffic accidents, 13 of them were fatal.

Last year, 24 people were killed while 96 others were injured in 196 road traffic accidents recorded.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said there was a notable decline in road traffic crashes this year.

“The road traffic accident statistics recorded during the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays indicate a notable decline in road traffic accidents compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The decline coincided with intensified road safety awareness campaigns conducted by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other stakeholders. A total of 145 road traffic accidents were recorded in 2026, compared with 196 during the same period in 2025.

” This represents a decrease of 51 accidents or approximately 26 percent. The number of fatal road traffic accidents remained unchanged at 13 in both 2025 and 2026. However, the number of people killed declined from 24 in 2025 to 18 in 2026, representing a reduction of six deaths, which is 25 percent,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said a notable decline in the number of people injured was also recorded with the number decreasing from 96 in 2025 to 51 in 2026, representing a reduction of 45 people, approximately 46.9 percent.

“Of the 18 fatalities recorded, none involved public service vehicles. Nine involved private or family-owned vehicles, while the remaining eight involved three lorries, two ox-drawn scotch carts, a tractor and a motorcycle. The major causes of road traffic accidents recorded during the period were largely linked to human error and unsafe driving behaviour.

“These included driver inattention or misjudgement, speeding, following too closely, dangerous overtaking, failure to give way and reckless or negligent driving. Other contributing factors included driver fatigue, vehicle defects, poor road conditions and pedestrian negligence,” Comm Nyathi said.

He said speeding and reckless driving were particularly major causes in fatal road traffic accidents recorded during the period.

” One of the fatal road traffic accidents occurred on 11th August 2026 at approximately 1630 hours, at the 279 kilometre peg along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road. A motorist driving a Mazda T35 carrying 29 passengers allegedly lost control of the vehicle, resulting in it veering off the road and crashing into the river bank. Four passengers died on the spot, while 12 others sustained injuries.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends motorists and all other road users for the improved road safety behaviour exhibited during the 2026 Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays. The Police urges motorists to sustain this positive behaviour beyond the holiday period by observing prescribed speed limits, avoiding dangerous overtaking, exercising patience and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Comm Nyathi said.

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Source: Cold mornings, empty taps: Women bear the burden as water shortages persist – herald

Raymond Jaravaza, ray.jaravaza@chronicle.co.zw

WITH a small blanket wrapped around her waist, a jacket draped over her shoulders and a hat pulled low over her head, Zanele Mukweli braves the biting cold of a Friday morning to fetch water from a shallow well in Lobengula suburb, Bulawayo.

The winter chill is unforgiving, but for Mukweli and scores of other women in the suburb, staying indoors is simply not an option.
Before long, she is joined by about eight other women carrying plastic buckets as they gather around a makeshift water point, a shallow well fed by water seeping from a municipal pipe that burst several months ago.

What started as a technical fault has since become a vital source of water for residents of Lobengula, Old Magwegwe and Pelandaba suburbs, many of whom have grown accustomed to relying on the steady trickle of treated water from the damaged pipe.

The water does not flow freely. Instead, it slowly fills the shallow well, forcing residents to queue patiently and wait their turn. Ironically, a rehabilitated borehole that is fully functional lies less than half a kilometre away. For Mukweli and many other residents, however, the difference between the two water sources matters.

“Water from this burst pipe is municipal water and we reserve it for drinking. Borehole water is mainly used for other household chores such as laundry and bathing. It takes about two minutes to fill a 20-litre bucket, so we all have to be patient and take turns,” she says.

The cold spell gripping Bulawayo in recent days has done little to interrupt this daily routine.

Early morning temperatures have fallen below 10 degrees Celsius, while nights have become even colder. Yet Mukweli says persistent water shortages leave residents with little choice but to venture out.

“As a mother and grandmother, I can’t make excuses for not fetching water because of the cold. We have been facing water challenges for a long time, so sometimes we don’t mind whether it is too hot or too cold to fetch water from open sources or boreholes in our communities,” she says.
For many women in Bulawayo, the struggle extends far beyond collecting water.

The cold weather has also failed to halt household chores such as laundry, with some women spending hours washing clothes in the open using water from burst municipal pipes.

At another burst pipe along Masiyephambili Drive, near a bushy area close to Pelandaba West suburb, Rhoda Mawere spends hours doing laundry despite the freezing conditions.
The mother of three says putting off the task is not an option.

“I have three small children and the amount of laundry that accumulates over a week is enormous, so I have no choice but to come here and wash the clothes. I find it easier to brave the cold for an hour and a half and do the laundry here than to fetch water in buckets multiple times from the shallow well close to my house,” she says.

Mawere is joined by two other women who have also chosen to brave the cold to wash clothes. Their determination underscores how water shortages have transformed routine household chores into daily struggles, with women often carrying the heaviest burden.

A snap survey by the Zimpapers news crew in Nkulumane, Sizinda and Pumula East suburbs revealed similar scenes, with women continuing their search for water despite the harsh weather.

In Nkulumane, a group of boys and several women were seen fetching water from boreholes as early as 10am, bundled up in warm clothing to shield themselves from the cold.

For Talent Moyo, a mother of two from Pumula East, waking up early to look for water has become part of everyday life.

“We fetch water from a burst pipe next to the beer garden and it is always best to get there early in the morning. Nearly all my household chores need water, so I can’t stay at home because of the cold weather,” she says.

The latest cold spell has been attributed to a cut-off low in the middle levels of the atmosphere, coupled with a high-pressure system over the south-eastern coast of South Africa. Some areas have also received light showers.

Neighbouring South Africa has experienced similarly severe conditions, with parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State affected by heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and icy conditions.

But in Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs, life cannot be put on hold because of the cold. For women like Mukweli, Mawere and Moyo, fetching water, washing clothes and keeping their households running remain unavoidable responsibilities, even when the water is icy and the morning air cuts through layers of clothing.

With water shedding worsening the city’s long-running water crisis, residents continue to rely on leaking pipes, shallow wells and boreholes. Their daily struggle highlights the extent to which families, particularly women, have been forced to adapt to a challenge that shows little sign of disappearing.

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