Current Affairs Zimbabwe

Author: Current Affairs

  • Historic first: Zim to host first ever AI business makeover summit

    Historic first: Zim to host first ever AI business makeover summit

    By Nigel Pfunde

    Harare – Zimbabwe is set to make history as it hosts what many believe will be one of the most important business and technology events ever held in the country.

    Youthful entrepreneur, investor and visionary leader Mudiwa Hood is bringing internationally recognized AI Strategist, Software Engineer, Tech Founder, and author of Think AI: Building Africa in the AI Economy, Cee Jay Besa, together with Jamaican entrepreneur and branding strategist Kerry-Ann Besa, to Zimbabwe for the country’s first-ever AI Business Makeover Summit.

    The event will take place on Saturday, August 8th at MH Arena located at Travel Plaza.

    For Mudiwa Hood, the idea was born after witnessing firsthand the rapid transformation Artificial Intelligence is creating across businesses in the United States.

    During his visits to America, he saw companies becoming leaner, faster, smarter and more profitable through the use of AI-powered systems and automation.

    Follow this link:https://zimvibeai.com

    Rather than simply admire the technology from afar, Mudiwa began asking a bigger question:

    “How do we bring this opportunity home to Zimbabwe?”

    That vision led him to connect with Zimbabwean-born U.S.-based technology entrepreneur Cee Jay Besa, who has spent years helping businesses become AI-ready across multiple industries including banking, insurance, healthcare, customer service, compliance, and data protection.  https;//a.co/d/01cXrSPE

    Joining him is his wife, Jamaican entrepreneur and branding strategist Kerry-Ann Besa, who has helped businesses and professionals develop powerful brands that attract customers, opportunities, and influence in the digital economy.

    Together, they bring a unique international perspective that spans Africa, the United States, and the Caribbean. https;//zimdiasporaweek.com

    Organizers believe this global blend of business experience will be one of the most fascinating aspects of the summit.

    The book that demystifies AI and serve as a tool for paradigm shift

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Attendees will have the rare opportunity to learn from a husband-and-wife team whose work has helped businesses leverage technology, branding, systems, and innovation to create growth in today’s rapidly changing economy.

    Organizers are quick to point out that the AI Business Makeover Summit is not a technology conference.

    It is a business transformation event.

    The focus is simple:

    How can African businesses use Artificial Intelligence to become more efficient, more profitable, and more competitive?

    As Artificial Intelligence continues reshaping industries around the world, businesses that fail to adapt risk falling behind.

    The summit aims to help Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, churches, schools, healthcare organizations, and business owners understand exactly how AI can help them grow.

    Attendees will learn how to:

    • Create and monetize content using AI

    • Automate repetitive tasks

    • Generate more leads and sales

    • Improve customer service

    • Build stronger brands

    • Increase productivity

    • Reduce operational costs

    • Create systems that work even when they are not working

    • Use technology to solve everyday business problems

    Meet Your New AI Employees

    One of the major concepts being introduced at the summit is the idea of AI Employees, also known as AI Agents.

    While Artificial Intelligence often sounds complicated, Cee Jay Besa explains it in simple terms.

    “An AI Employee is simply giving AI instructions to do things you don’t want to do but know you should be doing. The things that, if done consistently and correctly, would make you more money, save you time, and help your business grow.”

    Instead of spending hours responding to inquiries, following up with customers, scheduling appointments, creating content, managing information, or handling administrative tasks, businesses can now train AI systems to perform many of these functions.

    The result is increased efficiency, lower costs, and more time to focus on growth.

    Why Data Is Becoming Africa’s Most Valuable Asset

    According to Cee Jay Besa, one of the biggest shifts happening in the global economy revolves around data.

    “The businesses that understand data will have an enormous advantage over those that don’t. Data is becoming one of the most valuable assets in the world.”

    Nearly every organization today manages sensitive information.

    Churches.

    Hospitals.

    Restaurants.

    Radio stations.

    Schools.

    Pharmacies.

    Insurance companies.

    Banks.

    Funeral homes.

    Law firms.

    Accounting firms.

    Every one of these organizations depends on data.

    The challenge is managing that data effectively, securely, and responsibly.

    Throughout his work in the United States, Cee Jay has helped organizations implement systems that improve compliance, build customer trust, and reduce operational risk.

    Attendees will discover how modern AI tools can help organizations manage information more effectively while reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.

    For many businesses, technology has often felt intimidating, expensive, or out of reach.

    The summit aims to change that perception.

    One example attendees will explore is how AI can assist organizations with data governance, compliance processes, documentation, reporting, and operational oversight. Rather than requiring every organization to hire expensive specialists, AI can help automate many of the repetitive tasks involved in managing information responsibly and efficiently.

    Fix the System, Fix the Cash Flow

    One of the most anticipated lessons of the day comes from Cee Jay’s belief that many businesses misunderstand their biggest challenge.

    “Most businesses don’t have a cash flow problem. They have a systems problem. When you fix the systems problem, cash flow often fixes itself.”

    The summit will explore how broken processes, poor follow-up systems, inconsistent marketing, inefficient operations, and outdated workflows quietly drain revenue from businesses every day.

    Participants will learn practical ways to identify those bottlenecks and use AI to eliminate them.

    Africa Must Become Builders, Not Just Consumers

    Perhaps the most important message behind the summit is a larger vision for Africa’s future.

    For decades, Africans have largely consumed technology developed elsewhere.

    The organizers believe the next chapter must be different.

    The AI conversation should not only be happening in Silicon Valley.

    It should be happening in Harare.

    It should be happening in Bulawayo.

    It should be happening across Africa.

    And it should be led by Africans.

    The vision behind the AI Business Makeover Summit is to empower African entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, and business leaders to become builders of technology solutions rather than simply users of them.

    During the summit, attendees will get a first look at AI-powered tools and solutions specifically designed with Zimbabwean and African businesses in mind.

    According to organizers, these solutions have been built to solve real African business challenges while creating opportunities for local innovation and economic growth.

    A historic one for Zimbabwe!

    While Cee Jay and Kerry-Ann Besa regularly conduct AI Business Summits and business transformation events in the United States, this marks the first time the experience will be brought to Zimbabwe.

    Organizers believe the significance extends far beyond a single event.

    This is about introducing a new way of thinking.

    A new way of building businesses.

    A new way of competing globally.

    And a new way of preparing Africa for the future.

    A Powerful Week for Zimbabwe

    The AI Business Makeover Summit also takes place during the same week as ZimDiaspora Week, hosted by Conrad Mwanza.

    For more visit:

    Many are excited by the possibility that the ideas, relationships, and opportunities emerging from both gatherings could create a powerful cross-pollination of innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. As visionary leaders such as Mudiwa Hood, Conrad Mwanza, and Cee Jay Besa bring their communities together, the result may help inspire new pathways toward a stronger future for Zimbabwe and Africa.

    A Message From Mudiwa Hood

    Mudiwa Hood believes this is a moment Zimbabwe cannot afford to miss.

    “The world is changing faster than ever before. Every industry is being transformed by Artificial Intelligence, and the businesses that understand these changes early will have a significant advantage. My vision is simple. Zimbabwe should not be watching from the sidelines. We should be participating. We should be building. We should be leading. This summit is an opportunity to hear directly from experts who are implementing these systems every day. Whether you are a business owner, executive, professional, entrepreneur, student, church leader, or simply curious about the future, I encourage you to be in the room. History is often recognized after it happens. This is your chance to be part of it while it is being created.”

    The AI Business Makeover Summit promises to be a defining moment for Zimbabwe’s business community and a powerful step toward ensuring that Africa participates fully in the AI economy.

    For those who have ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence can help them grow their business, create new opportunities, improve efficiency, increase profits, and compete globally, August 8th may be one of the most important dates on the calendar.

  • Untitled post 6417

    Staff Reporter

    For years, the rhythmic squeak of empty buckets and the shuffle of tired feet before dawn was the only soundtrack Martha Dube knew.

    Today, she turns a brass tap in her kitchen and dances to a different beat: the gush of clean, affordable water.

    “I used to wake up at 3 AM to fight for a spot at the communal borehole,” says Dube, 58, a mother of five. “Now, I wake up, swipe my card, and water sings from my tap. It is not just water, iti s life that has been returned to us.”

    That return is courtesy of a bold partnership between Helcraw Private Company and the Harare City Council, which has rolled out prepaid water meters across the long-neglected suburb of New Malborough.

    The initiative, aimed at modernising water availability, has turned a parched, frustrated community into a model of reliable access.

    Before the meters, residents endured weeks of dry pipes, burst mains left unfixed, and illegal connections that drained the system dry.

    Those who could afford it paid extortionate prices to water vendors, often for dirty, unsafe supply.

    Now, a simple top-up at local vending stations puts clean, treated water directly into household tanks.

    “We realised the old model was broken. Debt was high, leaks were everywhere, and residents had zero leverage,” explains a Helcraw project supervisor. “Prepaid meters give control back to the customer. You pay for what you use, no bills, no disputes, no dry months.”

    The transformation has been swift. Burst pipes are repaired within hours because every liter now generates revenue for maintenance. Illegal connections have plummeted.

    And for the first time in a decade, New Malborough’s children are drinking clean water from home taps, not fetching it from muddy puddles.

    “I have a garden again!” beams Chenai Moyo, 34, pointing to thriving tomatoes and kale. “My vegetables used to die. Now I water them every evening. That’s my small business revived, all because of a little plastic meter.”

    The jubilee is palpable on Every Street, where residents gathered last Saturday to sing and share tea—made from their own tap water. Elderly grandmothers, once forced to haul 20-liter jerrycans, now sit in shade with cups in hand.

    “The council and Helcraw have washed away our shame,” says Kudzai Ndlovu, 45, a shop owner. “We were a forgotten place. Now we feel like real citizens. Water is dignity—and we finally have it.”

    While some critics worry about affordability for the poorest, the partners have introduced a lifeline tariff and free emergency credits. For now, though, New Malborough is simply enjoying the flow.

    As dusk falls, Martha Dube fills a kettle and laughs. “No more queueing. No more bribes. Just water, on my terms. That’s modern. That’s freedom.”

    And across the suburb, taps keep running. The water of life has finally come home.

  • Dambuza orders full mobilisation ahead of National Cell Day….Mash East weighs in

    Dambuza orders full mobilisation ahead of National Cell Day….Mash East weighs in

    Political Reporter

    Harare: Harare Province Political Commissar Cde Voyage Dambuza has upped the tempo across all districts ahead of ZANU PF’s National Cell Day, directing structures to move from planning to full mobilisation.

    In a directive issued yesterday, Cde Dambuza ordered district coordinating committees to conduct cell verification drives, strengthen attendance registers, and ensure every cell meets before the national date. He said the province must lead by example in party discipline and grassroots organisation.

    “Cell Day is the heartbeat of the party. Harare Province will not be found wanting. We are moving with speed to activate, account, and report,” Cde Dambuza told party cadres during a provincial taskforce meeting.

    Party officials across Harare’s 46 districts have since intensified door-to-door visits, membership updates, and logistical preparations.

    The push comes as ZANU PF nationally focuses on re-energising its base structure ahead of key organisational activities.

    With the national date approaching, Cde Dambuza said daily monitoring teams will track cell meetings and submission of reports to ensure Harare Province delivers on targets set by the party’s national leadership.

    Meanwhile, Mashonaland East Provincial Commissar Cde Lincoln Matare has thrown his full weight behind the National Cell Day, declaring that his province has been given the nod by its provincial leadership to spearhead the success of the event.

    In a mobilisation blitz across the province, Cde Matare issued a passionate call to action, urging all party structures and the general populace to turn out in force.

    “National Cell Day is not just a routine meeting; it is the foundation of our revolutionary party. Mashonaland East has been entrusted by our provincial leadership to lead from the front, and we shall not disappoint. Every cell must be a living organ of the people’s power,” said Cde Matare.

    He further emphasised the inclusive nature of the day, extending a direct invitation beyond card-carrying members to ordinary citizens eager to join the revolutionary fold. “I invite every party cadre, every war veteran, every youth, every woman, and every villager to come and celebrate Cell Day.

    But more than that, I call upon the general populace, those who have not yet registered, to come forward, register as party members, and be counted in the march towards Vision 2030,” Cde Matare added.

    In his third quotation, Cde Matare underscored the organisational discipline required for a successful event. “The cell is where the party meets the people. Without strong cells, we have no party. That is why Mashonaland East will mobilise down to the last homestead. We have received our marching orders from the provincial leadership, and we are bringing every cadre and every willing citizen to the event, because a united province builds a victorious nation.”

    All roads lead to the National Cell Day, with both Harare and Mashonaland East provinces now locked in a friendly but fierce drive to achieve 100 percent cell activation and mass registration.

  • Mutapa Investment Fund chief executive hails ‘commendable’ US$35m maiden dividend as gold unit sets aggressive expansion targets

    Mutapa Investment Fund chief executive hails ‘commendable’ US$35m maiden dividend as gold unit sets aggressive expansion targets

    By Nigel Pfunde

    HARARE – Mutapa Investment Fund chief executive Dr John Mangudya has commended and praised Mutapa Gold Resources for its sterling performance after the gold mining division declared its maiden dividend of US$35 million to shareholders, with its chief executive Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya further projecting increased production, reports Express Mail Zim.

    Dr Mangudya expressed strong confidence in the company’s prospects, describing the payout as a gateway to robust operational results.

    “We are very pleased by the performance of Mutapa Gold Resources, achieving a profit of US$70 million and declaring a dividend of US$35 million in total. It’s very commendable, so we are very happy,” Mangudya said.

    The dividend, representing half of the company’s US$70 million after-tax profit recorded for the nine months ending December 31, 2025, was distributed on Thursday following board approval. The bulk of the payout flowed to its parent entity, the Mutapa Investment Fund (MIF), which received US$22,050,000. Other beneficiaries included CBZ Bank, the National Venture Capital Company of Zimbabwe, the Public Service Pension Fund, the Insurance and Pension Commission, and the Deposit Protection Corporation.

    The strong financial performance was driven by robust operational results and favourable international gold prices, which were however bearish.

    Dr Mangudya said the performance precursor of greater returns to come.
    “Shareholders invest money to make money. Delivery is ultimately about return on investment,” Maseva-Shayawabaya stated.
    “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to declare a dividend to shareholders. It is my hope that this is the first of many times when we will be declaring dividends,” he added.

    The announcement comes as Mutapa Gold Resources embarks on an ambitious expansion drive, targeting a monthly gold output of 570 kilograms within the next three years, up from current production levels of approximately 300 kilograms per month. The company achieved a record monthly production of 340 kilograms in March 2026, signaling early gains from ongoing efficiency and development initiatives.

    “Through certain mine expansion initiatives, we are projecting to produce 570kg from 2028,” said Ernest Denhere, Mutapa’s deputy chief investment officer, during a presentation outlining the company’s medium-term strategy.

    The growth outlook will be anchored on asset optimisation and increased output from key operations, particularly the Freda Rebecca Mine, which contributes about 70% of Mutapa’s total production and produced 2.2 tonnes of gold in 2025.

    The company is advancing a US$152 million project at Shamva Hill to develop a new open-pit mine and processing plant, which is expected to lift Shamva’s monthly output from 66 kilograms to 200 kilograms. Local banks have pledged up to US$90 million toward the project. At Jena Mine, described by Maseva-Shayawabaya as a “rough diamond,” output has risen from 30 to 40 kilograms per month following a US$2 million intervention, with management seeing a clear path to 100 kilograms per month.

    The company is also pursuing an aggressive exploration campaign, having allocated more than US$12 million for drilling programs in 2026 across its gold assets, with 46,000 metres of drilling completed in the past year and 81,000 metres planned. The goal is to extend the operating life of its mines by approximately 10 years.

    Mutapa Gold Resources was established in early 2026 following the unbundling of Kuvimba Mining House into five specialised commodity-focused entities: Mutapa Gold Resources, Mutapa Base Metals, Mutapa Energy Minerals, Mutapa Platinum aGroup, and Mutapa Frontier. The restructuring was designed to sharpen operational focus, improve governance, and unlock value across Zimbabwe’s mineral resources.

    Midas Touch:MGR board chairperson Charles Chikaura delivering his speech during the dividends declaration to shareholders on Thursday

    The company produced 3,266 kilograms of gold over the 12 months to March 2026, down from 3,600 kilograms a year earlier, due to lower grades at Freda Rebecca and Shamva mines. The average head grade across operations fell from 1.62 grams per tonne in 2024 to 1.36 grams per tonne by March 2026.

    Freda Rebecca, currently the group’s flagship operation, has only four years of remaining mine life below the company’s ten-year threshold giving need to the urgency of the exploration and expansion programmes. However, Maseva-Shayawabaya remained optimistic about the company’s trajectory, saying that once the Shamva plant is operational, freed-up capacity at Freda could lift its production to 270 kilograms per month.

    Looking ahead, the company forecasts gold production of 3,400 kilograms in the calendar year 2026, supported by higher grades, improved recoveries and increased milling throughput. At current gold prices of around US$4,100 per ounce, revenue is projected to reach approximately US$500 million, with profit before tax of about US$200 million.

    “If we hit 570 kilograms per month within three years, today’s US$35 million dividend will pale in significance compared to what we pay in 2028,” Maseva-Shayawabaya told shareholders.

  • Mutodi backs MPs’ stand allocation, dismisses Monavale wetland concerns

    Mutodi backs MPs’ stand allocation, dismisses Monavale wetland concerns

    By Nigel Pfunde

    HARARE – Vocal legislator Energy Mutodi has thrown his weight behind the allocation of residential stands to Members of Parliament in Harare, arguing that the move is necessary to address persistent accommodation challenges, while dismissing objections to a proposed housing project in Monavale as wetland  unfounded.

    Speaking on the matter, Mutodi said MPs require permanent accommodation in the capital due to the demands of parliamentary business, which often requires them to be in Harare for most of the week.

    “There are about 360 Members of Parliament, and many of them need accommodation while attending parliamentary business,” he said. “Parliament sits in Harare, and MPs typically spend five days a week here, returning to their constituencies only briefly.”

    He said reliance on hotels has proved unsustainable, with some establishments reportedly turning away legislators due to non-payment and limited availability during major events.

    “We have seen situations where hotels have been overwhelmed or have turned away Members of Parliament after delays in payment. This has created pressure and highlighted the need for a permanent solution,” Mutodi said.

    The legislator said the Government had identified land in various parts of Harare for residential stands to enable MPs to build their own accommodation. However, the proposed allocation of stands to 23 legislators in Monavale has sparked controversy, with environmentalists and residents opposing the development.

    Monavale is widely known for its proximity to protected wetlands and is associated with the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at conserving wetlands of ecological importance. Critics argue that the area forms part of a sensitive ecosystem and should be preserved, raising concerns about environmental degradation and the potential impact on biodiversity.

    But Mutodi dismissed claims that the specific piece of land earmarked for MPs is a wetland.

    “The City Council confirmed that the land in question is not a wetland, although it is located near one,” he said. “The Ramsar Convention protects wetlands, not adjacent dry land.”

    He added that the site is already being used for other activities, including informal farming, community gatherings and recreational purposes, which he said undermines claims that it is a strictly protected habitat.

    Mutodi further said opposition to the project was being driven by racial considerations, alleging that some residents in the predominantly affluent suburb did not want black homeowners, including MPs, settling in the area.

    Authorities have yet to announce a final position on the Monavale stands.

  • Festival of Pride and Power: Cultural ambassador Sabeta breaks down why Unity Cup matters for diaspora identity

    Festival of Pride and Power: Cultural ambassador Sabeta breaks down why Unity Cup matters for diaspora identity

    By Nigel Pfunde

    London — THE Unity Cup has been hailed as a powerful symbol of diaspora unity, with Cultural Ambassador Chipo “Chichi” Sabeta describing it as a celebration of identity, heritage and international pride.

    The London-hosted football tournament brings together national teams with strong diaspora communities in the UK, blending sport with culture, community pride and heritage celebration. First launched in 2002, the Unity Cup returned in 2004 before being revived in 2025 after a long break. The competition has seen the Nigeria national football team emerge as its most successful side, also lifting the 2025 title after beating the Jamaica national football team in the final. That edition also featured Ghana and Trinidad & Tobago.

    The latest tournament, staged at The Valley in Charlton, included India, Jamaica, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, further boosting its reputation as a unique football and cultural showcase.

    Zimbabwean sports journalist and FIFA/CIES graduate Chipo “Chichi” Sabeta served as Cultural Ambassador, alongside high-profile figures including British-Nigerian FIFA-accredited agent Dr Andrew Uyioghosa and British-Jamaican lawyer Kaydene Reenne.

    For Sabeta, the competition is about far more than football.

    When sport unites Nations

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    “The tournament goes beyond sport , it celebrates cultural identity, African and Caribbean heritage and community pride in Britain,” she said.

    “It is not just competition, but networking, heritage reconnection, and talent pipelines between diaspora football and national teams. With over a million Zimbabweans in the UK, it was a chance to connect through sport.”

    She added that the event is becoming a key platform for spotting talent and building global links.

    Zimbabwe made their historic debut, with the tournament now officially recognised as a FIFA Tier 1 international event and Sabeta praised the exposure given to young players ahead of AFCON qualifiers.

    Zimbabwe finished third after losing 2–0 to Nigeria in their opening match before beating India 1–0 in the third-place playoff. Nigeria’s dominance once again underlined their strength in depth, while Zimbabwe’s participation was seen as a development step, opening doors for scouting, agents, and future opportunities.

    Sabeta summed up the spirit of the event, saying the Unity Cup continues to grow as a “festival of football, culture and community pride” linking diaspora communities with their roots.

    Organisers’ representative and sports investor Franklin Peters said the prosperity of Africa lies in its unity and in creating opportunities within the creative and sports industries, noting that football remains the world’s number one sport.

    He said the Unity Cup is one of their key investment platforms, focused on identifying talent, expanding the game and creating opportunities around football.

    “The Unity Cup is an international football tournament created in London, England, designed to celebrate and unite nations with strong diaspora communities in the UK especially African and Caribbean nations,” he said.

    “It’s bringing Africa outside the continent to the world,” he added.

  • Madzibaba Benjy backs CAB3, says Vision 2030 will turn Zim into “Mini UAE” with extended leadership

    Madzibaba Benjy backs CAB3, says Vision 2030 will turn Zim into “Mini UAE” with extended leadership

    Staff Reporter (more…)

  • High Court nullifies Cloverdale B ruling on Kagonye’s ‘land grab’

    High Court nullifies Cloverdale B ruling on Kagonye’s ‘land grab’

    By Nyasha Chuma

    HARARE – In a landmark ruling that has ended a bitter two-decade land dispute on Monday, the High Court has nullified the State’s acquisition of Cloverdale B Farm in Ruwa, dealing a decisive legal blow to former Minister Petronella Kagonye’s company Glorious Properties.

    The court declared the allocation of the prime property to Kagonye’s firm “null and void”, restoring ownership to Ruwa Estate and One Mzuri Estate (Galloway Estate) The judgment paves the way for the return of the land to its original occupants.

    The dispute, which has dragged on for over 20 years, saw Kagonye displace scores of Cloverdale B Farm dwellers before taking over with plans of constructing a gated community called Glorified Brook.

    Speaking after the ruling, residents hailed the justice system for finally delivering a verdict that favours the vulnerable over politically connected individuals.

    “We have waited two decades for this day. Minister Garwe promised us that justice would prevail, and true to his word, the court has spoken. This land belongs to us, and we are grateful that the judiciary stood with us when no one else would,” said Tinashe Murombedzi, a Cloverdale B resident who was among those displaced by Kagonye’s company.

    Another resident, Sekai Moyo, echoed similar sentiments, praising the judicial system for its independence and courage.

    “We almost lost hope after fighting for so many years. But the courts have shown that noone is above the law of the land and it goes back to its original owners.High Court has cleared the path. We are overjoyed,” Moyo said.

    The High Court’s ruling effectively nullifies the State’s original acquisition of Cloverdale B, which had been controversially allocated to Kagonye’s company. Legal experts say the judgment sets a powerful precedent in land disputes involving former government officials.

  • Manica Diamonds strengthen vision for growth as club leadership meets new patron Chitambo

    Manica Diamonds strengthen vision for growth as club leadership meets new patron Chitambo

    Sports Writer

    Harare – Manica Diamonds Football Club’s ambitious drive to become one of Zimbabwe’s leading football institutions gathered further momentum this week when the club’s leadership, led by President Evance Kamombo, paid a courtesy call on newly appointed patron Mberikwazvo Chitambo.

    The high-level meeting, held shortly after Chitambo’s appointment as club patron, is understood to have focused on strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the Gem Boys both on and off the field.

    Sources close to the club described the engagement as productive and forward-looking, with discussions centred on sustainable growth, corporate governance, infrastructure development, resource mobilisation, and enhancing the club’s competitiveness in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

    President Kamombo was accompanied by Vice President Letmore Tapiwa Mbidzo, Chairman Tinashe Leslie Chipunza, and other senior club officials who shared the club’s vision and aspirations with the newly appointed patron.

    The meeting comes at a time when Manica Diamonds is undergoing a significant transformation under a new leadership structure that has pledged to take the club to greater heights.

    Since assuming office, the Kamombo-led executive has repeatedly emphasised professionalism, accountability, and the need to build a strong football institution capable of competing for honours consistently.

    According to insiders, the discussions highlighted the importance of attracting investment, strengthening partnerships with the corporate sector, and creating a sustainable model that will benefit both the club and the wider football community in Manicaland Province.

    The appointment of Chitambo has been widely welcomed by supporters and stakeholders, who view it as a major boost for the Mutare-based side.

    Chitambo is regarded as a respected technocrat with extensive experience in corporate leadership and strategic management, qualities that are expected to add value to the club’s long-term development agenda.

    Football analysts believe that successful clubs across the world thrive when there is strong leadership and a clear vision shared by management, sponsors, supporters, and patrons.

    The engagement between the club executive and Chitambo is therefore being viewed as an important step towards creating a united front in pursuit of success.

    Manica Diamonds, who have established themselves as one of Zimbabwe’s most competitive teams in recent years, continue to harbour ambitions of challenging for major domestic honours and securing a return to continental football competitions.

    The Gem Boys have steadily grown their profile since their promotion to the Premier Soccer League, becoming a formidable force capable of competing against the country’s traditional football giants.

    Their passionate fan base, coupled with increasing corporate interest in the club, has positioned them as one of the emerging success stories in Zimbabwean football.

    Supporters will undoubtedly be encouraged by the latest developments, which signal a renewed commitment towards building a stronger and more successful club.

    With a new patron on board, a determined executive in charge, and a clear vision for the future, there is growing optimism that Manica Diamonds are laying the foundation for an exciting new chapter in the club’s history.

    As the meeting concluded, one message appeared clear, the Gem Boys are not only focused on immediate results on the pitch but are also investing in structures and leadership that can secure long-term success for generations to come.

    Manica Diamonds will face Mwos in an midweek fixture away in Norton on Wednesday.

  • Rukweza appointed Lithium Association of Zimbabwe chairman

    Rukweza appointed Lithium Association of Zimbabwe chairman

    By Nigel Pfunde

    HARARE – Mutapa Energy Resources Chief Executive Innocent Rukweza has been appointed Chairman of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe, the company confirmed today.

    Rukweza brings extensive mining sector experience to the role. He previously served as Chief Executive of Sandawana Mines, and as Chief Finance Officer at both Kuvimba Mining House and Great Dyke Investments.

    In a statement, Mutapa Energy Resources waxed lyrical over him and wished him a prosperous stint:

    “The Board, Management and Staff of Mutapa Energy Resources extend their sincere congratulations to Mr Innocent Rukweza on his appointment as Chairman of the Lithium Association of Zimbabwe. We are proud of this remarkable achievement and wish you every success in your new role as you lead and advance the growth of Zimbabwe’s lithium industry.”

    The appointment comes as Zimbabwe seeks to position itself as a key global lithium producer amid surging demand for battery minerals.

    Tendai Chimhare, a mining analyst said the appointment signals continuity for the sector. “Rukweza understands both the operational and financial levers of lithium mining. The Association needs leadership that can engage investors while navigating policy and beneficiation targets. His background at Sandawana and Kuvimba gives him that dual lens,” he said.

    Another industry player Tonderai Manyere welcomed the move.
    “This is a critical time for lithium. We need strong coordination between producers, government, and communities. Mr Rukweza’s CFO experience means he grasps the capital intensity of these projects. We expect the Association under his chairmanship to push for infrastructure support and clear export frameworks,” he said.

    The Lithium Association of Zimbabwe represents producers and exploration companies active in the country’s lithium belt. Rukweza’s term begins with immediate effect.