HARARE– Government has announced that Air Zimbabwe will resume direct flights between Harare and London by the end of July 2026, Express Mail Zim can report.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, following a Cabinet briefing on the airline’s turnaround strategy on Tuesday.
This marks the return of the route after a 14-year hiatus since it was suspended in 2012.
“The President’s engagement and re-engagement policy continues to open doors and rebuild vital international bridges for our nation,” Mhona said. “The nation is advised that the airline will resume operations by the end of July 2026.”
The service will be operated with a leased Airbus A330-300 from Plus Ultra of Spain, with capacity for 302 passengers in a 30 business class and 272 economy configuration. Air Zimbabwe will operate three weekly flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The revival has been driven by the Mutapa Investment Fund, the state’s sovereign wealth fund and sole shareholder of the airline.
MIF chief executive Dr John Mangudya said the fund was focused on restoring state enterprises to productivity.
“That is why the Mutapa Investment Fund was formed to transform these state-owned enterprises so that they can go back to the glory years by ensuring that we sweat their assets and transform the way they are doing business,” Mangudya said.
The direct route is projected to strengthen connectivity with Zimbabwe’s diaspora in the United Kingdom, boost tourism, and provide a direct export channel for the country’s horticulture sector.
Government said the development is in line with Vision 2030 objectives of economic growth, investment promotion, and improved ease of doing business.
Harare- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026 into law, ushering in one of the most far-reaching constitutional reforms since the adoption of the 2013 Constitution.
The legislation, now Act No. 6 of 2026, was enacted after receiving Presidential assent and has officially become part of Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
The preamble to the Act states that national development programmes require “stability and continuity of policies and legislative frameworks within a predictable governance environment, thereby enabling such programmes to be implemented to completion.”
Among its most significant provisions, the Act changes the method of electing the Head of State. The amended Section 92 provides that: “The President must be elected by the members of Parliament in a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly.”
The legislation also extends the constitutional terms of both the President and Parliament from five years to seven years. The amendment replaces the words “five years” with “seven years” in the relevant constitutional provisions governing the President’s tenure, while Parliament’s duration is similarly changed from a “five-year term” to a “seven-year term.”
Other key changes include the transfer of voter registration and custody of the voters’ roll to the Registrar-General, the establishment of a Delimitation Commission, restructuring of the judiciary, amendments affecting the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, abolition of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, and changes to local authority representation.
The signing of the Act concludes the legislative process that saw Parliament pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill (No. 3), making it the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Act (No. 3), 2026.
HARARE– THE long dry spell in Harare’s mature reggae music nightlife has come to an end with the return of veteran deejay and MC Stanford “Stansplash” Chibanda and his crew at Kirrytan Grill in Emerald Hill.
The award-winning Stansplash, known for his tall frame, commanding stage presence and signature deep voice, is leading ‘Reggae Throwback’ , a weekly session that has quickly become the go-to spot for older reggae lovers.
He fronts the collective The Fantastic 4, made up of himself, Selektah Gibbs, DJ Wanco and Judgement Yard star TwoBad.
Together they are bringing back the sound of 90s and 2000s roots, lovers rock and dancehall to a crowd that has been underserved for years.
“Every Thursday and Sunday we run it at Kirytan Grill, 32 Golden Stairs, Emerald Hill,” said Stansplash.
“We are hosting sessions that have rapidly become a preferred destination for mature crowds seeking a secure environment and networking opportunities.”
The venue has positioned itself as more than just a club. With tight security, ample parking and a restaurant setup, Kirytan Grill is attracting professionals who want to enjoy reggae without the chaos of mainstream nightlife.
Stansplash is the pioneer of the Actionpak Sessions in the capital and also made waves at reggae sessions in Warren Park.
He became famous for his high-energy hosting at the Red Fox Hotel and at Mereki events.
He started the Kirytan reggae movement with Danny Vibes four years ago and revived it with the new ‘badd’ crew .
He has played on big reggae/dancehall platforms.
MC Stansplash pictured with Winky D and Jah Cure in Harare
Patrons say the revival could not have come at a better time.
“There has been a dearth in mature reggae music and the revival of the genre at Kirrytan with Stansplash and the team has given us relief,” said regular patron Ras Bolly from Highlands.
“The security is tight and it’s also good for business networking.”
For years, Harare’s reggae scene catered mainly to younger audiences in the CBD and Avenues. Reggae Throwback is now filling the gap for the mature crowd who want to reason, network and skank to timeless classics in a controlled setting.
With two nights a week and a growing following, The Fantastic 4 say they plan to keep the sessions running and expand to include guest selectors and live performances.
HARARE – Zimbabwe senior cricket national team, Chevrons followed up their impressive one off test victory over Bangladesh with a stunning 25-run victory over the Tigers at Harare Sports Club on Monday.
The Chevrons stunned the Tigers in a low-scoring thriller defending 141 to secure a 25-run victory in the first one day international of the three match series.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, the hosts were routed for 141 in 36.4 overs as Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana ripped through the Chevrons top order with career best figures of 6-21. Zimbabwe slumped to 70-8 and seemed like they will not get to 100 before a crucial 63-run ninth wicket stand between Newman Nyamhuri (33) and captain Richard Ngarava (27) dragged the hosts to a defendable total.
Bangladesh’s chase unraveled almost immediately. Ngarava led the bowling charge with 3-31, while Blessing Muzarabani (2-24) and Brad Evans (3-34) kept the pressure on. The tourists lost three early wickets and collapsed from 100-8 to 116 all out in 33.1 overs. Nurul Hasan top scored with 31, but Bangladesh’s last five wickets fell cheaply to hand Zimbabwe the win.
Newman Nyamhuri was named Player of the Match for his innings saving 33 runs and 2-22 with the ball as well as two catches.The result gives the hosts 1-0 lead in the three match series with the second ODI set for Thursday this week at the same venue.
Match summary:
• Zimbabwe: 141 all out (36.4 overs) Nyamhuri 33, Ngarava 27; Rana 6-21 • Bangladesh: 116 all out (33.1 overs) Nurul 31; Ngarava 3-31, Evans 3-34, Muzarabani 2-24.
MAZOWE — Government has laid plans to set up a School of Excellence in Tourism as part of its human capacity building drive and efforts to strengthen service standards by industry practitioners in line with ever-changing global trends, Express Mail Zim can report.
This strategic initiative is expected to reshape the tourism and hospitality sector of Zimbabwe, alive to the fact that the bedrock of any thriving tourist destination lies not just in its natural attractions, but in the caliber of its human capital.
In a country blessed with iconic landmarks like Victoria Falls and rich cultural heritage, the establishment of this institution holds critical importance of nurturing a workforce that can deliver world-class service, thereby enhancing the nation’s competitive edge on the global stage.
The School of Excellence is envisioned as a pivotal engine for national economic development, as tourism remains a key pillar for foreign currency earnings and job creation and its success is intrinsically linked to the proficiency and adaptability of its practitioners.
Law Number 1: Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Hon. Tongai Mnangagwa pays undivided attention as his boss Hon Rwodzi delivers strategy issues to delegates in Mazowe on Monday
Suffice to say it made a 10 percent contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product according to latest statistics.
This was revealed by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi in her engagement with delegates at the National Tourism Strategy Stakeholders’ Consultation workshop (2026-2030) held in Mazowe on Monday.
“We want to catch up with changing trends and improve excellence in all tourism and hospitality sectors. As such we will have a school of excellence in tourism to keep practitioners abreast with changing trends and up the quality of service to push tourism growth,” said Rwodzi.
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi speaks to journalists outside Baradzanwa Culture Centre Conference Room on Monday
The emphasis on continuous learning is further amplified through mandatory refresher courses for existing practitioners, a policy that acknowledges the dynamic nature of the industry where guest expectations and technological advancements evolve rapidly.
These courses are not merely an academic formality but a strategic tool to ensure that the workforce remains relevant, skilled and capable of exceeding the sophisticated demands of modern travelers from digital check-ins to personalized experiential offerings.
“We will have compulsory refresher courses because trends are changing. We can’t have a student as a manager at a hospitality institution where he or she might fail to cope with pressure, but with human capital development we will have wholesome quality service that lures tourists,”* she said.
Linking training to foreign policy, Minister Rwodzi said tourism must be used as a tool of “soft diplomacy” to rebrand Zimbabwe globally.
“Tourism is soft diplomacy. When a tourist comes here and gets excellent service, they go back and tell 10 people. That is how we market Brand Zimbabwe,”* Rwodzi told delegates.
“We need to sell our story. Zimbabwe is open for business and we must use our culture, our people and our hospitality to win friends for the country.”
By institutionalizing lifelong learning, the country aims to eradicate service complacency and foster a culture of excellence that can significantly boost tourist arrivals, repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth, ultimately creating a virtuous cycle of industry growth and economic prosperity.
Beyond the immediate focus on education and training, Minister Rwodzi’s address at the Mazowe workshop painted a comprehensive picture of the government’s holistic vision for the sector, touching on critical areas such as marketing, product diversification and stakeholder collaboration in a “whole of government and society” approach.
She emphasized the need for a robust and aggressive marketing strategy to reposition Destination Zimbabwe, highlighting that while the country is open for business, the narrative must be compelling and consistent to attract both regional and international markets.
“We need to aggressively market our destination and ensure that our products are competitive,”Rwodzi said.
She also zeroed in on the necessity of showcasing the country’s unique selling points, from its pristine wildlife and stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality.
Furthermore, she stressed the importance of product diversification to extend the tourist season and spread economic benefits across all provinces, encouraging the development of niche tourism products such as cultural tourism, heritage trails, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibitions) tourism.
In that regard, this year’s Sanganayi/Hlanganani World Expo will be held in Masvingo as part of ‘devolution’ in tourism destinations.
“The world usually only talks about Victoria Falls but Zimbabwe has lots of wonders like the Great Zimbabwe and so on and this year we moved Sanganai/Hlanganani to Masvingo.
“Its gonna (sic) be a big and unique event where we will host a tertiary institutions sports tournament a week before and the winners will neet the national teams in all sporting disciplines.This is inline with boosting our sports tourism,” she told delegates.
Rwodzi also reiterated government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, streamlining regulatory frameworks and fostering public-private partnerships to unlock the full potential of the sector.
She highlighted that the success of the strategy hinges on a whole-of-government approach, where all ministries and departments work in synergy to address infrastructure deficits, improve ease of doing business and ensure the safety and security of tourists.
“Tourism is a multi-sectoral industry; we need collaboration from all stakeholders, including local communities, to realize our vision,” she said.
She called for collective ownership of the strategy to ensure its successful implementation and the realization of a US$5 billion tourism economy by 2030.
The deliberations at Mazowe thus painted a forward looking roadmap, with the School of Excellence, mandatory refresher courses
and soft diplomacy serving as the foundational pillars for a transformed, resilient and prosperous tourism industry that can significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s wide socio-economic development goals under NDS2 as envisaged by President Mnangagwa ‘s vision.
JOHANNESBURG — Zimbabwe international football star Divine Lunga escaped death by a whisker on Sunday after gunmen opened fire on the vehicle he was driving in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
The 30-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns defender was driving a blue BMW along Tudhope Street with friends when they were stopped by an unknown man. The man told them he believed they were undercover traffic police and claimed occupants of a vehicle ahead of them had just robbed him of R34,000, according to a police statement.
Believing they were assisting the man, Lunga and his companions pursued the suspect vehicle. During the high-stakes chase, one of the occupants of the leading vehicle opened fire directly at Lunga’s car, narrowly missing the football star and his friends.
“One of the bullets struck the BMW, leaving a bullet hole. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained,” police said.
South African police have launched an investigation into the shooting, and a case of attempted murder has been registered at the Hillbrow police station. No arrests have been made, and investigations are continuing.
MAZOWE — Houseboat operators on Lake Kariba are calling on the government to establish a one-stop shop for registration and licensing procedures, citing the cumbersome regulatory framework that requires them to navigate multiple government offices to meet over 20 statutory obligations before they can legally operate, Express Mail Zim can report.
The operators who aired their challenges at the National Tourism Sector Strategy Stakeholders Consultation Workshop held at Baradzanwa Cultural Village on Monday, argued that the current fragmented system is stifling business growth and deterring potential investors from entering the lake tourism sector, which they say has immense potential to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“There are 21 statutory obligations for one to operate a houseboat and one has to move from office to office,” said Cephas Shonhiwa chairperson of Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba .
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Hon Tongai Mnangagwa follows proceedings
He expressed frustration at the bureaucratic hurdles that characterise the current licensing regime.
“There is a need for a one-stop shop and duplication of requirements from ZimParks, EMA, ZTA and so forth,” he added.
The operators’ concerns come amid government efforts to streamline tourism sector regulation. The Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry has said it is working to consolidate permits and simplify the licensing process for operators, as it moves to facilitate the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector. Under new reforms, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has been designated as the primary regulatory authority for all tourism businesses.
Inclusivity:ZTA officials brainstorming with stakeholders at the consultative seminar at Baradzanwa Culture Village on Monday
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi acknowledged the challenges operators face, saying that licensing processes have previously forced operators from Masvingo, Hwange, or Binga to travel long distances to Harare.
“Time and money are being lost as people pursue the process, repeating the same procedures now and again.
One-stop-shops are the best way forward” as part of the government’s ease of doing business drive.
The government has taken concrete steps to address the cost burden on operators. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube recently announced a package of Ease of Doing Business reforms targeting the tourism sector in Statutory Instrument 27 of 2026, including the scrapping of the US$600 annual Commercial Boat Permit and a 50 percent cut to the Houseboat Permit, now US$1,250, down from US$2,500. The External Tour Operators Licence was also reduced from US$3,000 to US$1,500. All local authority licence fees were also reduced by 50 percent.
Despite these fee reductions, operators maintain that the administrative burden remains a significant obstacle. According to operators, a permit to operate a boat from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority costs about US$1,500, while other statutory fees including those from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority add to the total cost. These costs, combined with the time lost travelling between offices, have been blamed for the high charges for tourism activities in Kariba. The ZTA has set boat and houseboat registration fees at US$300 under the new schedule.
The houseboat industry plays a vital role in both local and international tourism in Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba, one of southern Africa’s most iconic water bodies, draws thousands of tourists annually, with houseboat charters forming a cornerstone of the lake’s tourism offering. Tourism is the main economic activity in Kariba, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods for many households.
The lake’s fleet includes vessels ranging from four-berth houseboats to luxury craft with 18 or more cabins, each staffed by captains, cooks and deck hands.
For international visitors, houseboat holidays on Lake Kariba offer a signature African experience with slow, serene journeys through wild, untouched landscapes where travellers can spot elephants, crocodiles and hippos along the shore.
The lake’s warm, year-round climate appeals to international travellers and its proximity to major regional tourism circuits including Victoria Falls, Hwange, and Livingstone enhances its appeal.
Meanwhile, the global cruise industry is valued at over US$64 billion, and Zimbabwe has the potential to leverage Lake Kariba as a competitive cruise and lake tourism powerhouse.
Locally, houseboats provide employment for communities around the lake and support a value chain that includes catering, fuel supplies, boat servicing and transfers. The vessels are popular for family holidays, fishing expeditions and even corporate events. However, operators warn that without meaningful regulatory reform, the industry’s potential will remain unrealised.
The operators’ call for a one-stop shop aligns with the government’s stated commitment to improving the ease of doing business. Cabinet has approved the review of the boating services value chain specifically to “remove unjustifiable licences and permits” and “streamline duplicative and overlapping licences”. As one operator summed up the frustration shared by many in the industry: “We are not asking for favours. We are asking for efficiency so that we can focus on growing our businesses and contributing to the economy.”
MAZOWE – Zimbabwe’s tourism expansion must be anchored in responsible practices that reconcile economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural safeguarding, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Tongai Mnangagwa said Monday.
He insisted that success depends on a coordinated all‑of‑government, all‑of‑society approach.
making the opening address of the stakeholder consultations on the National Tourism Sector Strategy (2026–2030) at Baradzanwa Cultural Centre, Mnangagwa stressed that the new blueprint cannot be a narrow sectoral document but must mobilise every state institution, private player and community to pursue tourism that protects the country’s natural and cultural assets while generating prosperity.
“Promote responsible tourism that balances economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation, safeguarding our heritage for future generations,” the Deputy Minister declared, placing that principle at the heart of the strategy.
He said this balance is only achievable through a unified national effort:
“A unified vision for tourism development in Zimbabwe ensures that government, private sector and communities are aligned in their efforts, working towards shared national goals.”
Mnangagwa made it clear that responsible tourism is inseparable from inclusive development. He reiterated that communities must be empowered as active participants not passive onlookers and that job creation, support for small enterprises and grassroots cultural promotion are non‑negotiable pillars of the strategy.
He also appealed to all including local authorities, development partners and civic groups to contribute their ideas, so that the final strategy is both technically robust and responsive to local realities.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment, but cautioned that long‑term success hinges on every citizen and institution embracing their role in preserving Zimbabwe’s unique heritage while reaping tourism’s economic dividends.
“Tourism must deliver inclusive benefits like creating jobs, supporting small businesses and promoting cultural heritage at the grassroots level,” he said.
“Your contributions today will therefore be instrumental in ensuring that this Strategy is both technically sound and responsive to the needs and opportunities of the sector.”
The National Tourism Sector Strategy is expected to be finalised later this year, with the responsible tourism and whole‑of‑society principles now firmly embedded as its guiding philosophy.
HARARE — Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with Union Zimbabwe Trust (UZT) has launched a massive nationwide outreach program offering free tuberculosis (TB) screening, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic software to detect the disease within minutes.
Health experts emphasize that rapid, widespread testing is critical to curbing the epidemic.
Early screening allows patients to access timely medical treatment before the disease advances, effectively breaking the chain of transmission within communities.
Public health officials reiterate that TB is fully curable if diagnosed and treated early.
A mother attends the TB screening with her child at one of the outreach centres
According to UZT ‘post mortem” of the ongoing campaign (thus far) posted on one of its social media platforms, the response of nationwide campaign has been overwhelming, with teams already deploying to medical centers including Karanda Mission Hospital,Mt Darwin Hospital and Gwanda Hospital.
”At Karanda, we met clients from different parts of the country – Rusape, Guruve, Harare, Kwekwe while some were from neighbouring communities,” UZT stated in a social media update detailing the outreach.
“One thing was common. They all wanted to get screened for TB.”
The trust took note of a highly encouraging trend in public health awareness among those seeking testing.
”We were impressed with the level of knowledge exhibited on why they fall into the TB high risk group bracket – workplace exposure, previous contact with TB patient, living with HIV, miner, ex-miner etc,” UZT said.
By utilizing AI software, frontline health workers can bypass lengthy laboratory wait times, cutting down diagnosis to a matter of minutes. This immediacy is vital for immediate isolation and treatment initiation, ensuring infected individuals stop spreading the airborne bacteria to others.
Knowledge is power: Promise Mukombozi from Dahwa village was diagnosed positive for Silico-TB and was relieved to know his status
Among those diagnosed during the outreach was 27-year old Promise Mukombozi , of Dahwa Village near Karanda Mission Hospital.
Mukombozi tested positive for Silico-TB which is a concurrent infection of both TB and silicosis, a lung disease common among miners exposed to silica dust.
Despite the difficult diagnosis, Mukombozi expressed relief and peace of mind that comes with knowing the disease can now be managed and cured.
”I can’t say I am happy, but I am relieved that I have been diagnosed, now I can be treated for TB,” Mukombozi said.
Hope returned to Sakubva Stadium as Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa marked his first match as Manica Diamonds head coach with a crucial victory over ZPC Kariba, giving the Gem Boys a timely boost in their quest to climb away from the relegation zone.
The result was about more than three points. It signalled a renewed sense of belief within a club that has struggled for consistency this season. There was visible energy in the team’s approach, with the players displaying greater urgency, discipline and commitment throughout the contest.
Manica Diamonds controlled much of the proceedings and were rewarded before halftime with the goal from Manzunzu that separated the two sides. Although the margin remained slender, the hosts looked composed defensively and rarely allowed ZPC Kariba clear opportunities to threaten their lead.
The performance bore the hallmarks of Maruwa’s philosophy, with the team pressing aggressively, maintaining its shape and showing a collective desire to fight for every ball. It was a display that left supporters optimistic that the club may have turned a corner.
Despite the encouraging debut, Maruwa refused to be carried away by the result, stressing that the focus remains firmly on ensuring the club survives this season.
“It’s game on and our focus now is the next game against Chicken Inn on Saturday in Bulawayo.
“We are happy that we have collected maximum points at home. Everyone is happy—the players, the executive, the management and the technical team. It motivates everyone.
“We will keep on fighting and we will keep on working hard. This is the beginning of good times for Manica Diamonds.
“We thank the supporters for coming to cheer us up. We don’t take that for granted.”
Another encouraging sign for the Mutare-based outfit was the impact of their new recruits. Among them, defender Philip Kaseke stole the spotlight with an accomplished display on his debut.
Playing every minute of the match, Kaseke delivered a commanding defensive performance that earned him the Player of the Match accolade. Calm in possession and authoritative in defence, he quickly established himself as the leader of the backline and played a significant role in keeping ZPC Kariba at bay.
His performance drew praise from the terraces, with supporters impressed by both his composure and leadership.
“Kaseke is an asset. The boy is just good. The way he was commanding the defence was simply out of this world,” said supporter Munashe Chisango.
The club recently strengthened its squad with the additions of Carlos Mavhurume, Kupakwashe Chitukutuku, Divine Zulu and Kaseke, and Sunday’s victory suggested the new signings could provide the quality required during the second half of the campaign.
Another supporter, Anesu Hove of Dangamvura, described the victory as a welcome confidence booster.
“It’s good that we have finally won a match. I wanted more goals, but this new team is promising and we are happy as supporters that we have finally collected three points.”
While Manica Diamonds remain second from bottom on the Premier Soccer League standings with 16 points, the mood around the club has changed considerably. The victory has rekindled belief among supporters and provided fresh momentum ahead of a difficult away assignment against Chicken Inn this weekend.
For Maruwa, it was the perfect way to begin his tenure. The challenge of avoiding relegation remains a demanding one, but Sunday’s performance demonstrated that with renewed confidence, tactical discipline and unwavering commitment, the Gem Boys are prepared to battle for their place in the top flight until the final whistle of the season.
