Zim News Blog -NEWS NETWORK

Source: Iran Embassy mourns Lake Kariba ferry victims -Newsday Zimbabwe

HARARE, Aug. 14 (NEWSDAY LIVE) — The Iranian Embassy in Zimbabwe has expressed condolences to the government and people of Zimbabwe following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that has so far claimed 46 lives.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy involving the Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the government and people of Zimbabwe, particularly the families and loved ones who lost their lives in this devastating national disaster,” the embassy said.

“We stand with you during this difficult time.”

The tragedy has become one of Zimbabwe’s deadliest recent maritime disasters, with the death toll likely to rise as search teams recover bodies from the lake.

Official updates have put the number of survivors at 67, although other reports have said 77 people were rescued during the initial operation.

The discrepancies in the numbers have been linked to uncertainty over the exact number of people aboard the ferry, with authorities saying ticket records showed 114 adult passengers and five crew members, while children below the ticketing age may not have been captured in the records.

The ferry, which had a stated capacity of 90 passengers, was travelling from Kariba towards Chalala fishing areas when it capsized in rough conditions.

Survivors have described scenes of panic as water entered the vessel and passengers struggled to escape. Some said passengers had urged the captain to turn back as waves intensified before the ferry overturned.

The government has declared the tragedy a national disaster, while rescue teams continue searching the lake for bodies and any people who may still be unaccounted for.

The disaster has also raised fresh questions over maritime safety, the condition of the ageing ferry and the enforcement of passenger-carrying limits on Lake Kariba.

The Iranian Embassy joins a growing list of international figures and institutions expressing solidarity with Zimbabwe following the tragedy.

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Source: Compensate Lake Kariba accident victims, opposition party –Newsday Zimbabwe

THE opposition People’s Unity Party (PUP) has called for transparency during investigations into the Lake Kariba boat tragedy, accusing the Zanu PF-led government of failing to ensure the safety of people using vessels at the dam.

On August 11, 2026, a tragic maritime accident occurred on Lake Kariba when the “Mbuya Nehanda” passenger ferry capsized, resulting in 46 confirmed deaths and leaving many more missing.

The vessel, operated by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was traveling from Kariba town to the Chalala fishing camp when it encountered severe weather and strong waves near Long Island.

PUP leader Herbert Chamuka said authorities had a responsibility to ensure that vessels and other vehicles used to transport people were properly maintained.

“But from our point of view, the Zanu PF party or the government has something to do with the deaths of the people involved in the accident,” he said.

“We say so because it is the one that is supposed to maintain its ships and all vehicles that people board.”

He also said that the emergency response following the incident was inadequate, resulting in more casualties.

“If there were police officers present, they would have called for possible urgent rescue responses, such as helicopters.

“This also showed that these people didn’t receive assistance, or rather it was delayed, and they spent a long time in the water,” Chamuka said.

Chamuka also accused the government of prioritising politics over the welfare of citizens, citing the availability of party-branded vehicles alongside what he said was a shortage of ambulances and emergency helicopters.

“The government values politics more than the well-being of the people and the resources of its members, because they have plenty of cars branded with their party name, but there are no ambulances in hospitals, or even helicopters to use in situations like these,” he said.

Chamuka also called on the government to compensate the families of those who died as well as the survivors of the incident.

“We urge the government to take action immediately and compensate the families of the deceased as well as the survivors,” he said.

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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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