Zimfocus

Humbled and honoured to receive the Content Creator Champion Award at the Legacy Empowerment Awards 2026. Special thanks to Cde @cde_Pardon & the entire Legacy TV team for your continued guidance, mentorship & encouragement to remain creative & consistent. @TateMavetera

All is set at Mavuna Lodge, Bulawayo, for the official opening of the 2026 ZIRUP Annual School Conference, with key government officials and planning professionals expected to attend.

The 2026 Zim Institute of Regional & Urban Planners (ZIRUP) Annual School Conference officially opens today, Wednesday 4 November, at Mavuna Lodge, Byo. The ceremony will be graced by the Minister of @MoLGPWZim, Hon. Daniel Garwe, as Guest Speaker.

Govt guarantees civil servants annual bonuses Civil servants will receive their annual bonuses as usual, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has assured, bringing early cheer to public sector workers. Speaking at the close of the 2027 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, Prof Ncube said Government would pay the bonuses without difficulty, stressing that the Second Republic has never missed the annual payments and remains appreciative of civil servants’ hard work. Prof Ncube said Government had gone further by extending bonus payments to traditional chiefs, which he said had not happened since independence. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to rewarding civil servants for their contribution through continued payment of their annual bonuses. #PreBudgetSeminar2027

PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA CHALLENGES DIPLOMATS TO DELIVER RESULTS By Sam Mupedziswa | Zimfocus PRESIDENT Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has challenged Zimbabwe’s ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions to intensify economic diplomacy and deliver tangible results that advance the country’s national development agenda. Addressing Zimbabwe’s Ambassadors at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) following the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Senior Management and Ambassadors’ Retreat and Strategic Review Meeting, President Mnangagwa emphasised that diplomatic service must be driven by accountability, commitment and measurable outcomes. Guided by the theme, “From Strategy to Results: Advancing Zimbabwe’s National Interests through Coordinated, Accountable and Results-Driven Diplomacy,” the President reminded diplomats that representing the country abroad was a serious national responsibility. “Serving on diplomatic missions is no child’s play, and it is certainly not a holiday,” he said, calling on ambassadors to adopt a results-oriented approach in executing their duties. President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions must play a central role in promoting trade, attracting investment and marketing the country as a competitive tourism destination. He urged ambassadors to work closely with relevant institutions back home to ensure that diplomatic engagements translate into economic opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development. The President reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s foreign policy position of being a friend to all and an enemy to none, noting that the country continues to strengthen its standing within the international community. He cited Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council and its forthcoming hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers in 2027 as significant diplomatic milestones. He also challenged diplomats to support Zimbabwe’s leadership responsibilities, including its COMESA Chairmanship, while ensuring that regional integration delivers meaningful benefits to all citizens. On diaspora engagement, President Mnangagwa called for a review of the National Diaspora Policy, emphasising the need for diplomatic missions to provide effective support and assistance to Zimbabweans living abroad. He described the diaspora as an important partner in national development, urging ambassadors to demonstrate compassion and remain accessible to Zimbabweans seeking assistance. The President further called for timely reporting, strategic vigilance and stronger coordination across diplomatic missions to safeguard the country’s interests in an increasingly complex global environment. Reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to international cooperation and investment, President Mnangagwa said the country remained open for business, urging diplomats to build confidence among international investors and promote mutually beneficial partnerships. He challenged ambassadors returning to their respective stations to translate the resolutions of the strategic review meeting into concrete action, with economic diplomacy remaining at the centre of Zimbabwe’s engagement with the world.

ZITF TARGETS MAJOR FACELIFT AHEAD OF 2027 EXHIBITION By Sam Mupedziswa | Zimfocus Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Hon Raj Modi, toured ongoing construction works at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre on the sidelines of his bi-annual meeting with the ZITF Board. The tour was also attended by ZITF Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele and his delegation. Speaking after the tour, Minister Ndhlovu said the developments form part of ZITF’s strategic plan to modernise the exhibition centre, including the construction of a shopping centre, a new stadium and upgrades to existing facilities. He said significant progress is expected by April 2027, with construction projected to be close to 80 percent complete, adding that the stadium and several modernised facilities would be ready to give the exhibition centre a new look. The modernisation programme aligns with President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 aspirations and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritise infrastructure development, industrialisation, investment promotion and economic growth as Zimbabwe advances towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030. The long-term vision also includes hotel developments, with construction expected to commence in 2027, positioning ZITF to host major international events. @nqo_nn @Min_of_IC @InfoMinZW @nickmangwana @edmnangagwa @ZITF1

DIGITALIZE ZIMBABWE! 🇿🇼 The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services officially opens its Strategic Plan Review Workshop at Cresta Churchill Hotel in Bulawayo. The workshop focuses on reviewing the Ministry’s strategic priorities and strengthening efforts towards Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda. Guided by its mission to provide high-quality, modern, accessible and affordable ICT facilities and services, the Ministry remains focused on leveraging technology to improve service delivery and enhance the standard of living for all Zimbabweans. Digital Transformation for National Development!

MINISTER RWODZI NAMED UNSTOPPABLE AFRICAN CABINET MINISTER OF THE YEAR 2026 By Sam Mupedziswa | Zimfocus NAIROBI, Kenya – Zimbabwe has secured continental recognition following the naming of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Hon Barbara Rwodzi, as the Unstoppable African Cabinet Minister of the Year 2026 at the inaugural Unstoppable African Awards held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday night. The prestigious award ceremony, held at the Hilton Hotel on October 31, coincided with the launch of The Africa Agenda Forum (TAAF) and recognised Minister Rwodzi’s contribution to advancing Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. The recognition followed a continent-wide and international public voting process. Kenya’s Minister for Public Service, Hon Geoffrey Ruku, was named first runner-up, while Kenya’s Minister of East African Affairs, Hon Beatrice Askul, secured second runner-up position. Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Hon Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, emerged as third runner-up. The award was received on behalf of Minister Rwodzi by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Winpeg Moyo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa, and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr George Manyaya. In her acceptance remarks, delivered by Ambassador Moyo, Minister Rwodzi expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an endorsement of Zimbabwe’s collective efforts to position tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth and national development. She acknowledged President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s leadership in placing the Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda at the centre of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation programme, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations and National Development Strategy. Minister Rwodzi also recognised the contribution of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Patron of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, whose work in promoting Zimbabwe’s heritage, culture, wildlife and gastronomy continues to strengthen the country’s tourism identity. The continental recognition highlights Zimbabwe’s growing profile as a tourism destination and reinforces ongoing efforts to attract investment, create employment opportunities and expand the sector’s contribution to national development. It also provides renewed momentum to the Heritage-Based Tourism Agenda, which seeks to leverage Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and historical sites to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global tourism market. The recognition places Zimbabwe among the countries attracting growing attention on the continental tourism stage, reflecting the importance of sustained leadership, strategic partnerships and coordinated efforts in developing the sector. @MOTHI_ZIMBABWE @DepMinMOTHI @ZtaUpdates @TourismLive2025 @BarbaraRwodzi @InfoMinZW @edmnangagwa @ParliamentZim @MakuzaWisd92236 @DeptCommsZW

SEN CHINOMONA CALLS FOR IMPROVED WELFARE AND SUPPORT FOR WAR VETERANS President of the Senate Hon. Mabel Chinomona has called for improved welfare support for war veterans, recognising their immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and independence. She emphasised the need for Government to prioritise the welfare of war veterans through timely payments, improved healthcare, social protection and other support mechanisms that recognise their sacrifices and service to the nation. Hon. Chinomona also stressed the importance of decisive leadership, accountability and strong management in addressing challenges affecting public institutions, calling for corruption and criminal activities to be dealt with in accordance with the law. She underscored that the welfare of citizens must remain a priority in public administration, adding that those who sacrificed for the country’s liberation deserve dignity, recognition and meaningful support. The remarks were made during the 2027 National Budget Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo. The official proceedings were subsequently declared closed by the President of the Senate, Hon. Mabel Chinomona.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IS AN ECONOMIC ISSUE, NOT JUST A GENDER ISSUE Hon. Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has called for practical action towards women’s empowerment and gender equality, emphasising that these are broader economic issues that require tangible commitments and implementation. Speaking during the 2027 National Budget Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo, Minister Mutsvangwa urged the Ministry of Finance to consider a proposal by the Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Chairperson for a 5% levy on dividends declared by the ZABAFUND to support micro-entrepreneurs across Zimbabwe. She challenged stakeholders to move beyond commitments and ensure that policies translate into meaningful economic opportunities for women. “If we are going to achieve these predetermined objectives, it is critical that we walk the talk.”

KINGS MARATHON 2026 | PUTTING BULAWAYO ON THE SPORTING MAP Speaking during the Kings Marathon 2026, event organiser Raez Lunat highlighted the marathon’s role in promoting Bulawayo as a sporting and sports tourism destination. He revealed that approximately 800 participants registered for the event, including six athletes from Kenya, with between 50 and 54 sponsors supporting the initiative. Lunat said the marathon seeks to unite communities from across Zimbabwe, stimulate Bulawayo’s economy and create opportunities for sports tourism. He also emphasised the importance of engaging young people in sporting activities as a positive way of promoting healthy lifestyles and helping combat drug and substance abuse. Kings Marathon 2026 – Running Together, Building Communities and Putting Bulawayo on the Map!

ZITF CEO COMPLETES 10KM RACE AT KINGS MARATHON 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, joined more than 800 participants at the Kings Marathon 2026 held at Busters Sports Club in Bulawayo, where he successfully completed the 10km race in just over an hour. Speaking after the race, Dr Ndebele described the experience as exciting and enjoyable, revealing that he maintained an average pace of approximately six minutes per kilometre. He also disclosed that ZITF is considering organising its own sporting event as a curtain-raiser to the 2027 edition, bringing together exhibitors, stakeholders and other participants.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AT THE HEART OF VISION 2030 Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to empowering women, strengthening communities and supporting cooperatives and SMEs as key drivers of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation. Speaking during the 2027 National Budget Pre-Budget Seminar at the ZITF Grounds in Bulawayo today, 31 October 2026, Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted the virtuous cycle of development in which empowered women uplift communities, united communities establish cooperatives and SMEs, and supported enterprises grow into thriving corporates. She described the 2027 National Budget as a strategic investment plan designed to strengthen this interconnected ecosystem and accelerate inclusive, sustainable economic growth towards Vision 2030. The Minister also applauded President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for recognising the Ministry’s expanding mandate through the appointment of a second Deputy Minister. Empowering women. Uplifting communities. Growing enterprises. Building Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030.

MINISTER NDHLOVU COMMENDS PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA FOR BULILIMA ROAD PROJECTS BY SAM MUPEDZISWA | ZIMFOCUS Minister of Industry and Commerce and ZANU PF Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman, Hon. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, has expressed gratitude to President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for responding to the long-standing infrastructure needs of Bulilima District, where two major roads are now undergoing tarring. Speaking during an interview, Hon. Ndhlovu recalled President Mnangagwa’s 2023 campaign visit to Bulilima, during which the community raised the absence of tarred roads as one of its major concerns. He said the President had asked the provincial leadership to identify their biggest development priority, prompting them to highlight the need for tarred roads in the district. Hon. Ndhlovu explained that the Plumtree–Tsholotsho Road was identified as a priority because of its strategic importance in linking two provinces and reducing travel distances to Victoria Falls. The Maitengwe Road, which connects the district to the Botswana border, was also highlighted. He said although the President had initially indicated that one road would be prioritised, the ongoing construction of both roads was a significant development for the people of Bulilima. The Minister described the projects as a historic milestone, noting that residents were witnessing infrastructure developments of this scale for the first time since independence. He added that the ongoing works reflect the Government’s commitment to inclusive development and President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind. Hon. Ndhlovu said the visible progress demonstrates the importance of translating development commitments into tangible projects that respond to community needs.

NGWANA CLINIC COMMISSIONING | BULILIMA Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services and Member of Parliament for Bulilima-Mangwe, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti, has welcomed the commissioning of Ngwana Clinic, describing it as an important development that will improve access to healthcare for local communities. Hon. Phuti said the new health facility will significantly reduce the distances travelled by residents seeking medical assistance, bringing essential healthcare services closer to their homes. He noted that some community members previously travelled approximately 10 kilometres to access medical services, a distance that has now been reduced to around 5 kilometres. He also expressed appreciation to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for championing Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society. In a further contribution towards improving service delivery, the Ministry of ICT donated a Starlink kit to Ngwana Clinic to enhance internet connectivity and support digital access at the health facility. The development highlights the importance of combining healthcare infrastructure with modern technology to improve service delivery in rural communities. Zimfocus Online News | Bringing You Closer to the News.

MINISTER NDHLOVU HAILS COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN NGWANA CLINIC PROJECT BY SAM MUPEDZISWA | ZIMFOCUS INDUSTRY and Commerce Minister and ZANU PF Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman, Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, has applauded the community and development partners for their collective efforts in establishing the newly commissioned Ngwana Clinic, describing the facility as a dream realised through unity and determination. Delivering his vote of thanks at the commissioning ceremony, attended by ZANU PF Politburo, Central Committee, provincial and District Coordinating Committee members, Cde Ndhlovu acknowledged the party leadership, Government representatives, Bana BeNgwana Development Trust (BBDT) and the local community for making the project a reality. He paid tribute to individuals who were part of the journey but did not live to witness the official opening, saying the clinic represented a long-held dream for communities in Sengwana and Bulilima. Cde Ndhlovu urged health workers to keep the clinic’s doors open, emphasising that the facility must provide accessible healthcare to everyone in need. He also commended BBDT for its continued ambition, revealing that the organisation’s vision goes beyond establishing a clinic, with plans to develop it into a medical centre. Quoting a Ndebele saying, “Izenzo zikhuluma ukwedlula amazwi” (actions speak louder than words), he expressed confidence that the trust would continue working towards fulfilling its vision. The Minister further endorsed the Guest of Honour Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Sleiman Timios Kwidini’s call for improved maternal healthcare, saying he looked forward to seeing the facility admitting expectant mothers and providing safe delivery services. He concluded by thanking all partners, particularly the community, for their active participation, describing Ngwana Clinic as a lasting investment in the health and well-being of future generations.