Author: Current Affairs

  • NetOne CEO on Annual Leave, Company Source Confirms Amidst Social Media Rumors

    NetOne CEO on Annual Leave, Company Source Confirms Amidst Social Media Rumors

    NetOne Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani is currently on routine annual leave, an internal company source has confirmed, seeking to quell widespread social media speculation about his absence.

    John Mayambo, NetOne’s Business Strategy Performance Executive, clarified that Mushanawani commenced his approved annual leave on July 13 and is scheduled to return to work on August 13. Mayambo dismissed online rumors suggesting the CEO had been forced out or would not be resuming his duties.

    “This is just speculation,” Mayambo told an independent journalist. “The CEO is on approved annual leave from July 13 to August 13. He is enjoying his time off, and he will resume duty on August 13. There is nothing forced about this—it’s routine annual leave processed through normal channels.”

    The clarification comes as various social media platforms buzzed with unverified claims regarding Mushanawani’s status, prompting concerns among the public and stakeholders. The company source emphasized that such allegations were unfounded and potentially damaging.

    During Mushanawani’s absence, Chief Technology Officer Christopher Muchechemere has been appointed Acting Group CEO, a standard procedure for executive leaves. NetOne has not yet released an official statement through its corporate communications channels regarding the matter.

  • NetOne marks 30 years with massive health outreach

    NetOne marks 30 years with massive health outreach

    In a significant demonstration of corporate social responsibility, NetOne, Zimbabwe’s pioneering mobile network operator, has marked its 30th anniversary by orchestrating a massive OneHealth Medical Outreach in Mutambara, Manicaland Province. The extensive initiative saw hundreds of local residents receive free, comprehensive medical services, underscoring the company’s enduring commitment to national well-being.

    Breaking from conventional anniversary celebrations, NetOne channeled its focus into tangible community upliftment. The outreach provided a wide spectrum of healthcare provisions, including general medical consultations, critical screenings for chronic diseases and various cancers, detailed eye examinations, and the distribution of essential medications—all delivered without charge. This substantial effort effectively brought vital healthcare access to families in Mutambara, a region where such services are often scarce and difficult to obtain.

    The initiative, executed in strategic partnership with ZimSmart Villages and with the active support of Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, highlights a collective resolve to ensure that the dividends of national development permeate every corner of Zimbabwe, irrespective of geographical remoteness.

    Dr. Mangudya commended NetOne for its impactful approach to celebrating its three-decade milestone. “NetOne’s profound investment in the health of our citizenry is a testament to exemplary corporate leadership. It directly contributes to the ambitious goals of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, demonstrating a clear understanding of societal needs,” he stated.

    The scale of the outreach was immediately apparent, with long queues of elderly citizens patiently awaiting routine health assessments, young mothers seeking crucial medical advice for their families, and men actively participating in prostate cancer screenings. A dedicated team of healthcare professionals worked continuously, ensuring that every patient received thorough and compassionate attention, managing the high volume of attendees efficiently.

    For countless beneficiaries, the outreach transcended mere free treatment; it served as a powerful reaffirmation of hope and the practical realization of development in their community. One grateful resident remarked, “I arrived expecting a simple blood pressure check. I am leaving with medication, expert medical advice, and a profound sense of peace. This programme has genuinely transformed lives here.”

    Another beneficiary articulated the sentiment shared by many: “We frequently hear promises of development, but today, we witnessed and experienced it firsthand. NetOne has powerfully illustrated that true success is not just celebrated internally, but actively shared with the communities that form its foundation.”

    Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the broader significance of the anniversary. “For thirty years, NetOne has been a cornerstone in connecting Zimbabweans through technology. As we embark on our fourth decade, our responsibility extends far beyond communication services. We are resolutely committed to pioneering solutions that elevate lives, fortify communities, and contribute substantively to a prosperous Zimbabwe. This massive medical outreach is the embodiment of that purpose and the enduring legacy we aspire to cultivate,” he affirmed.

    Mr. Ernest Magadzire, NetOne Spokesperson, elaborated on the strategic rationale behind prioritizing healthcare. “At NetOne, we firmly believe that connectivity is not an ultimate objective, but rather a potent catalyst for transformation. A truly connected nation guarantees its citizens access not only to communication but also to opportunities, essential services, and an enhanced quality of life. Our substantial investment in health reflects this core belief, recognizing that healthy communities are the indispensable foundation upon which digital inclusion, robust economic participation, and sustainable national development are meticulously constructed.”

    Magadzire further underscored the alignment of the outreach with national strategic frameworks, including Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2, and NetOne’s comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. He concluded, “Corporate Social Responsibility has evolved beyond intermittent acts of benevolence. It is now about deeply embedding social impact within our fundamental business strategy. Every community we empower becomes an integral chapter in Zimbabwe’s development narrative, and every life we improve unequivocally strengthens the collective future we are diligently building.”

    As the extensive medical outreach drew to a close, beneficiaries departed not only with vital medical provisions but also with a palpable sense of renewed optimism. NetOne’s 30th-anniversary celebration, through this massive undertaking, transcended a mere corporate milestone, powerfully reaffirming its profound commitment to measuring success not solely by its technological networks, but by the tangible and transformative improvements it continues to effect in the lives of Zimbabweans.

  • Watervlei Burial Park  developers shrug off alleged attempts by ‘land barons’ to seize infrastructure zones, October opening goes ahead

    Watervlei Burial Park developers shrug off alleged attempts by ‘land barons’ to seize infrastructure zones, October opening goes ahead


    By Nigel Pfunde

    HARARE — A coordinated syndicate involving housing cooperative leaders (Pungwe-Chimurenga), senior Harare City Council officials and a faction of war veterans is allegedly actively attempting to derail the US$3.8 million Watervlei Burial Park project through alleged intimidation, illegal land occupations and fraudulent manipulation of municipal layout plans.

    An investigation by this publication into the 80-hectare project has unearthed a bitter land conflict centered on the Remainder of Eyrecourt (near Prince Edward Waterworks).

    Leadership of the Pungwe-Chimurenga housing cooperative is allegedly deploying hired youths to intimidate construction workers and erecting illegal structures directly over planned infrastructure zones.

    A wide shot showing one of the structures at the site

    The state-of-the-art memorial park, which has been fully approved by the Harare City Council and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), faces severe disruption as illegal structures encroach upon crucial access routes.
    ​”Some structures are now being built with the road reserve and directly beneath high-voltage power lines complicating our plans,” said project manager Ismail Nanabawa.

    Project Manager Ismael Nawabawa

    A ​recent site visit by our news team confirmed that while phase-one construction continues, contractors are facing ongoing hostility from the suspected political actors. Pungwe-Chimurenga secretary-general Nyasha Kandenga and chairman Lawrence Tholana have allegedly spearheaded the occupation of land designated for the project’s primary transport links. A service station and an office-like structure are currently being built to block the planned access route connecting the cemetery to Seke Road near Zororo Memorial Park.

    Kandenga distanced himself from the service station cinstruction and fingered a businessman named only as Manongwa as the one behind, he however maintained that hos cooperative was the bonafide owners of the land.

    “That service station is being built by Manongwa and his papers are in order.I have work for the security department at Chitungwiza town council and I used that experience to vet Manongwa and indeed he was approved by the Ministry,” he said.

    He insisted on legitimate ownership claims of Remainder of Eyrecourt , arguing that the land is intended to benefit war veterans and civil servants.

    ​”We have all the relevant documents and clearances from the responsible authorities regarding the land in question, the Remainder of Eyecourt. Our operations are above board and fully compliant with government regulations,” Kandenga said.
    He further castigated the construction of the burial park saying it was a health hazard because of its proximity to Prince Edward Waterworks.

    “The minister erred by approving that burial site construction,Im sure he did not conduct due diligence and I hope he cancels that approval, we all drink that water,everyone in Harare .Ndiyo mvura inomwiwa chero nevakuru venyika,as residents we dont want that project,” he said.

    A quick check at the Deeds registries however tell a different story.

    Legal documents reviewed during this investigation reveal that the land belongs to private citizen Dickson Kachepa, who purchased the 78.8894-hectare property—officially registered as The Remainder of Water Vlei of Eyrecourt—for his family in 1991 under Deed of Transfer 1708/91.

    Kachepa couldn’t be reached for comment.

    One of our multiple sources said the Pungwe Chimurenga leadership has strong connections.

    ​”Kandenga and his cooperative have strong links with some top officials in the town planning department and local government and his purported paper work was fraudulently done,” an anonymous source close to the local government ministry disclosed.
    ​This is not the first time Pungwe-Chimurenga’s leadership has faced scrutiny over illicit land deals. Court records show that Kandenga and Tholana were previously dragged to court after entering into an illicit agreement with a property development firm, Amalish Investments, which sold disputed land to unsuspecting home seekers on behalf of the cooperative.
    ​Amid the land dispute, the developers have vigorously defended the environmental integrity of the US$3.8 million burial park against claims that it threatens Harare’s water table.
    ​”We have undergone years of environmental assessment and government engagement from all relevant departments. We first engaged EMA in 2018 and have maintained our approvals ever since. The latest license renewal was issued in January this year and EMA conducted other comprejensive assessment in March,” Nanabawa said.
    ​”The Ministry of Health, Harare City Council Health Department, representatives from the city’s water sanitation and roads department have visited the site and gave recommendations around erosion control, but there were no objections to the project itself,” Nanabawa added.

    ​To prevent any potential groundwater contamination, the project design implements strict engineering safeguards that exceed standard municipal requirements. Nanabawa noted that the nearest graves will be approximately 450 metres away from water bodies and measures like brick-lined and concrete lined graves will be put in place to minimise possible seepage.
    ​Once the first phase is complete, the cemetery will accommodate roughly 80,000 graves. The disruption also threatens a heavy blow to a national heritage initiative; the developers have entered into a tripartite arrangement with the Memories of Zimbabwe Armed Struggle Trust (MOZAST) and the War Veterans League to reserve 8,000 graves specifically to honor liberation struggle heroes, supporting the state’s ongoing program to exhume and rebury fallen fighters from unmarked graves across the country.

  • Zim bags gold at 2026 CTW Awards for China marketing push

    Zim bags gold at 2026 CTW Awards for China marketing push

    By Nyasha Chuma

    BEIJING — Zimbabwe has received the Gold award in the Internet and Media category at the 2026 Chinese Tourist Welcome (CTW) Awards, in recognition of its destination marketing and tourism engagement with China.

    The award was conferred by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) during an online ceremony held on July 9.

    According to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the award followed a year-long campaign that included a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) programme. Influential Chinese content creators visited Zimbabwe and published content on platforms including Douyin, WeChat, and Xiaohongshu showcasing the country’s natural attractions and cultural sites.

    The ministry also cited a Victoria Falls advertorial campaign displayed on China’s national high-speed rail network, which it said reached hundreds of millions of passengers over the past year.

    The ministry reported that Chinese tourist arrivals to Zimbabwe surpassed 50,000 in 2025. It added that arrivals in the first quarter of 2026 reached 10,366, a 24% increase from 8,373 in the same period in 2025.

    Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi said the award was “a proud moment and a testament to Zimbabwe’s strategic focus on the Chinese market.” She attributed the result to “collaborative efforts with partners and the hospitality of Zimbabweans” and reiterated the government’s “commitment to unlocking the full potential of Sino-Zimbabwe tourism cooperation.”

    COTRI CEO Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt said Chinese traveler expectations have evolved since the pandemic, with many “seeking closer contact with local cultures and nature.”

    Established in 2004, the CTW Awards recognize destinations and service providers in five categories: innovation, service quality, marketing, media/internet, and overall performance. Winners are selected based on industry data, expert assessment, and traveler feedback.

    Officials said the award reflects the marketing approach of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.


     

  • Zimbabwe clinch ODI Series with a  game to spare

    Zimbabwe clinch ODI Series with a game to spare

    By Kudakwashe Matizanadzo

    HARARE — Zimbabwe senior cricket national team, th e Chevrons clinched the three match ODI series with a convincing 13-run victory over Bangladesh at Harare Sports club on Thursday.

    The Chevrons defeated The Tigers by 13 runs in the second One Day International at Harare Sports Club, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a game to spare.

    Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 247/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

    Ben Curran, opening with Brian Bennet, notched an unbeaten ghusty 111/135, registering his second ton in international ODIs.
    Brad Evans chipped in with an unbeaten half century as the Chevrons set a defendable total of 247.

    Needing at most 5 runs per over for victory, Bangladesh appeared in control for the better part of the match before their chase collapsed late, sliding from 169/3 to 234 all out in 48.1 overs.

    Towhid Hridoy (25) and Nurul Hasan (31) seemed to have steadied the Bangladesh ship with 49 for the fourth wicket, but once Hridoy fell, Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for a measly 50 runs.

    The win follows Monday’s opening ODI where Zimbabwe defended 141, bowling Bangladesh out for 116 to win by 25 runs and go 1-0 up.

    Zimbabwe’s attack relied entirely on pace with captain Richard Ngarava leading the Zim bowling attack, finishing with 3/31 to close out the match.

    Brad Evans, Blessing Muzarabani, Brian Bennet and Wessy Madhevere all chipped in with valuable wickets to ensure Zimbabwe’s series victory.

    The result gives Zimbabwe their second straight series win, after they beat Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in a Test match in Harare on June 30, Zimbabwe’s biggest-ever Test victory.

    The final match of the series is set for Saturday at Harare Sports Club before the two teams depart for Bulawayo for a 3-match T-20 series set for Queens Sports Club from the 11th of July.

  • Roki birthday: Ba Sky still in his prime time

    Roki birthday: Ba Sky still in his prime time

    By Nigel Pfunde

    Let me start my piece with saying July 7 was Rockford Josphats’ birthday.

    Before I continue with my pen to paper or rather fingers to keyboard, let me categorically state that this piece is not an obituary , it’s a living tribute to a man I have had a love-hate relationship with for years.

    The common denominator between us is we are soldiers in the same struggle—myself using the pen and him the microphone to build society, shape opinion ,inform ,educate and entertain. Bottom line is he is a superstar!

    ​Alright, no more long talk. Let’s get straight into it.
    ​It was the turn of the millennium when I enrolled at the Harare Poly School of Journalism. Sharing a lecture room with me was a short guy named Tungamirai Mavi famously known as “Tunga T.” of the Mafriq fame.

    After class, Tunga T would drag me and my boy Itayi Usaiwevhu over to Galaxy Studios by Margolis Plaza. Ironically, that exact same room later became our office with Zim Morning Post the space hunted by my brother Elias Mambo.

    That’s where Tunga T introduced me to the crew who included Roki.
    ​Back then, wannabe artists literally sat on the staircase having buns and frozen cool drinks (mafiriziti) and if lucky that day a few from the other side of Samora would buy them polony and that was their ‘sapatina’.

    Today, most of them are certified stars.

    Legendary producer Delani Makhalima aka Step Aside wasn’t just letting anyone into the booth just easy. The likes of Ex Q, NME, Plaxedes, Roy and Royce, Nesto, Mud Flava, Dhivha Chifunyise, Decibel,Kuligan and Kalabash, Memo Zaranyika, Sekuru Leonard Mapfumo, Ayanai, Sanii Sniper and so on had already broken through with Delani. .
    ​And then, there was this tall, lanky dude whose nose looked like the late Michael Jackson before the surgery.

    His voice was amazing, inimitable and mesmerising.

    I turned to Tunga T and asked: “By the way  who is that guy ?

    He just shot back:
    ​“Roki haumukete here wangu.”
    ​At that time, Roki was practically studio furniture. He was always there in the studio,  dropping vocals until he finally locked the right chord with Leonard Mapfumo on a track called Seiko. It had a simple video, but it played on a non-stop loop on our TV screens.
    ​Roki was big before he even became big. He was born great. And no one can ever take that away from him. After that, it was hit after hit. He became a household name -writing hits, featuring on hits and making hits.He was and remains a master hitmaker.
    ​Then, God assigned me to a tabloid newspaper. In our world, celebrity scandals were the ultimate currency like cigarettes at Harare Remand Prison and Roki was one of the ultimate “public property.”

    He dominated the front pages for both the good and the bad. To be fair, some of the “scandals” we ran were things a regular guy would easily get away with. But because it was Roki… he sold newspapers!

    ​Naturally, no one smiles at the journalist who writes “bad” press about them. But as the clock ticked, we developed a naturalised relationship. Tunga T was our mutual force. We became a movement operating in different art realms with different tools of the trade, with him with the microphone, me with the pen.
    ​The man became a dad at a young age and named his daughter Sky. He probably knew there was no limit for her. She has grown into an amazing lady with incredible leadership skills. I remember her mum mentioning that she was a head girl at school. But what do you expect from a daughter of two stars? The genealogy of stardom must be maintained!

    ​But this piece is about Roki, not his family, so let me pivot back. Roki’s undeniable talent couldn’t escape the former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s eyes and ears. She was the patron of Danhiko College where he performed, and she deeply appreciated his craft and chipped in with a lil’  ‘something’ (know what I mean!) . This pushed Roki to build his own studio, Washen Basket Records.
    ​After the Delani era, he was part of the powerhouse crew that pioneered the legendary Chamhembe movement. The studio was housed at Tatenda Jenami aka Take 5’s family house in Greendale. Most people don’t know this: Roki’s Midas Touch was all over those massive hit songs. He literally lived there in the studio.The man lives and eats music.
    ​Then came his massive continental breakthrough that was Big Brother Africa 2012. He became an absolute darling across Africa. Then, disaster struck! An altercation with fellow Zimbabwean housemate Maneta Mazanhi led to a double disqualification. Hearts were broken nationwide. Personally, I still think Maneta provoked him for too long in the Big Brother house and pushed him right over the edge.

    By the way, Maneta was one of the first socialites or celebrities to be publicly gifted with a car by born philanthropist Sir Wicknel- a spanking Mini Cooper that was then popular on the flick Italian Job – but he kept it in the down low and I guess it was naturally the satisfaction and fulfilment of a giving heart!

    ​Lets go on, Roki has nine lives like a cat he never gives up even when the brow is hot.I guess the script of his life is that of a main actor who never dies.

    In recent years, he linked up with one of Africa’s greatest music icons, Koffi Olomide, through a Prophet Passion Java deal with Java Records. The track became an instant club banger.

    Game recognise Game: Roki with legendary Kofi Olomide

    ​Look, I know we have a dearth of reading culture in Zim right now, so I’ll cut it short before I lose you dear reader but I know if unless this piece was an obscene visual skit on social media reels, you would stay glued with earphones on .

    ​To wrap it up, I asked the birthday boy about his game plan now that he’s turned another year older. He teased:
    ​”We are entering Primetime so let’s just say a lot of the expected moves and a few unexpected moves.”

    ​Lately, he’s teamed up with other top Urban Groovers for a nationwide tour, and it is working wonders. I asked him if this was a total rebranding. He completely shut it down:
    ​”Its simple refresh,rebrand is for those who cant live with past mistakes.Rebrand is an extreme version of what Im up . I’m to just, its building it (brand) with stronger bricks not knocking down previous structures, brand rinovakwa nevene varo,I know Im public property,”.

    Thirty-eight years on this earth, and Roki is still going strong

    Happy belated birthday bruv and remain loyal to the game!

  • Kidnap suspect  Rondozai trial deferred to July 15

    Kidnap suspect Rondozai trial deferred to July 15

    Court Reporter

    HARARE — The trial of a former security company manager accused of kidnapping and assaulting a potential witness in a fraud case was on Wednesday deferred to July 15 2025 after the defence cross-examined the complainant.

    Simbarashe Emmanuel Martin Rondozai ( 38) is facing one count of kidnapping before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.

    The State alleges that Rondozai teamed up with four other suspects, who are still at large, to kidnap and assault his former subordinate, David Matanda, 35. Matanda is a potential witness in a separate fraud case.

    Appearing for the accused, lawyer Oliver Marwa put Matanda to strict proof and challenged aspects of his testimony.

    Marwa asked the complainant to produce documentary proof that he had travelled to South Africa, and to clarify whether he was in contact with his family while in exile between May and December 2024.

    In response, Matanda told the court that he used illegal crossing points to leave and re-enter the country.

    The matter continues on July 15 2025.

  • Etihad, Fastjet Zimbabwe interline deal expected to drive tourism growth

    Etihad, Fastjet Zimbabwe interline deal expected to drive tourism growth

    By Nyasha Chuma

    HARARE — Etihad Airways and Fastjet Zimbabwe have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an interline, codeshare and frequent flyer partnership, a development expected to drive tourism growth by improving air connectivity to Zimbabwe’s key destinations.

    The agreement was signed in Harare on  Tuesday. Under the partnership, passengers will be able to book a single ticket and check baggage through to final destinations on both airlines. Sales under the new arrangement will commence on August  24 2026.

    The collaboration will enable travellers on Etihad to connect onward on Fastjet Zimbabwe to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg on one ticket. The deal also builds on Etihad’s upcoming direct service between Abu Dhabi and Harare, scheduled to launch on March 24 2027.

    The new route will extend the airline’s reach beyond the capital to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, giving guests across Etihad’s network a direct way to access Zimbabwe’s major tourism destinations.

    Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is expected to be a major beneficiary as international visitors will now have seamless connections from more than 70 global destinations via Abu Dhabi.

    Speaking after the signing, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer Arik De, said Africa remains central to the airline’s growth strategy. “Africa is an important part of Etihad’s growth, and partnerships like this one with Fastjet Zimbabwe are how we extend our reach and open up more of the continent for our guests. From Harare to Victoria Falls, travellers can now plan their journey across Zimbabwe on a single ticket, and we look forward to building on this cooperation,” De said.

    Fastjet Zimbabwe Chief Executive said the partnership positions Zimbabwe as a more accessible destination for long-haul source markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Industry stakeholders noted that the agreement will support Government’s tourism growth targets by reducing travel time, lowering costs for visitors, and increasing hotel occupancy, tour bookings and foreign currency inflows.

    • As part of the MoU, Fastjet Zimbabwe will become Etihad Guest’s 32nd airline partner, with guests set to enjoy frequent flyer benefits across both carriers in the future.

    The partnership aligns with Government’s ongoing strategy to open Zimbabwe’s skies and expand international aviation links.

    During the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Event in 2025, Zimbabwe signed several air service agreements aimed at boosting tourism and trade through code-sharing and airline cooperation.

    Fastjet Zimbabwe currently operates domestic flights between Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, and regional services to Johannesburg. Etihad Airways operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to major global hubs.

    The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry welcomed the agreement, saying improved connectivity is key to making Zimbabwe a competitive destination and to growing arrivals ahead of the peak tourism season.

    *

  • Tanganda finance director Nemaire resigns

    Tanganda finance director Nemaire resigns

    By Nyasha Chuma

    HARARE – Tanganda Tea Company Limited’s long-serving Finance Director Henry Nemaire has resigned, effective June 30 2026, Express Mail Zim can report .

    The ZSE-listed agro-industrial firm announced i n a “Notice to Shareholders” dated July 7 2026.

    The Board said Nemaire stepped down “to pursue other opportunities” after 25 years with the company.

    Nemaire joined Tanganda in 2000 as Chief Internal Auditor and was appointed to the Board as Finance Director in 2010.

    “The Company extends its appreciation to Henry for his dedicated service, commitment and valuable contribution over the course of his tenure and wishes him every success in his future endeavours,” Company Secretary Hillary Kufakunesu said on behalf of the Board.

    The exit leaves a key vacancy at Tanganda as the producer of tea, macadamias, avocados and coffee contends with rising input costs, foreign currency constraints and climate volatility affecting Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector.

    Tanganda is one of Zimbabwe’s largest horticulture exporters and a significant foreign currency earner. The company trades on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange under ticker http://TANG.ZW.

    Outgoing FD Nemaire

    Analysts said the departure comes at a sensitive time with year-end reporting approaching and will be closely watched by investors for continuity in financial management.

  • Govt enacts law compelling private hospitals to treat emergencies regardless of their ability to pay

    Govt enacts law compelling private hospitals to treat emergencies regardless of their ability to pay

    By Nyasha Chuma

    HARARE – Government has gazetted the Medical Services Amendment Act, 2026, compelling private hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment to critically ill patients regardless of their ability to pay.

    The legislation, which amends the Medical Services Act [Chapter 15:13], gives legal effect to Section 76 of the Constitution guaranteeing access to emergency healthcare. It also introduces criminal penalties for healthcare providers who unlawfully refuse life-saving treatment.

    Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana announced the development on social media, saying: “Today, Zimbabwe gazetted an amendment to the Medical Services Act.”

    Under the new law, private health institutions must admit any patient whose condition poses an immediate danger to life for a minimum of 48 hours for the purpose of stabilising the patient. After stabilisation, patients who cannot afford further treatment may be transferred to a government health institution.

    Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the law addresses a long-standing challenge where patients were turned away over deposits. “No person should be turned away from a private hospital while their life hangs in the balance simply because they cannot pay upfront,” Mombeshora said. “This law places the preservation of life above commercial considerations.”

    The Act defines emergency medical treatment to include care necessary to treat or reduce a life-threatening but reversible deterioration in a person’s health, and specifically covers maternal and neonatal health.

    Mombeshora said the 48-hour provision was designed to create a workable balance. “The 48 hours gives our private partners time to stabilise the patient and make appropriate transfer arrangements without being unduly burdened,” he said. “It is an emergency bridge to save lives.”

    In addition to emergency care, the Act empowers the Minister of Health to set maximum fees and permissible increases for services at private institutions after consultation with stakeholders. Facilities that charge above the prescribed limits without approval will be in violation of the law.

    The legislation also makes it an offense for parents or guardians to refuse medical treatment for children when it is deemed to be in the child’s best interests. It further requires all health facilities to provide treatment to persons under arrest, detention or imprisonment at state expense.

    “We expect full compliance from day one. The right to emergency care is now a legal right, not a favour,” Mombeshora said.