*Monday 10 February 2025* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaatWAaBadmi3bUGfI3K *HEADLINES* *Rival Zanu PF factions clash at Heroes Acre as succession fight intensifies* *ZANU PF two clear camps openly confront each other at National Heroes Acre* *Mnangagwa pleads for unity as he addresses a nation divided over his 2030 agenda* *Mnangagwa In Rare Face At Heroes Acre* *Harare man arrested for demanding a ‘man-to-man’ with Mnangagwa as Zimbabweans pin their hopes on VP Chiwenga to stop ED* *Geza Says War Veterans Will Respond If Police Use Force On Peaceful Demonstrators* *Jabulani Sibanda urges war vets to unite amid Zanu-PF divisions* *Fraud-accused Mpofu, Chimombe’s trial fails to take off* *Mafume brings legal muscle to commission hearing* *RBZ intervenes in data pricing discrimination against ZiG* *Welshman Ncube's urgent application dismissed* *Family of missing war veteran accuses police of cover-up in buried bones case* *Foreign Currency Retention Cut Threatens Zimbabwe’s Horticulture Sector, Says Nielsen* *HIV infections could jump over 6 times if US support is dropped and not replaced, UNAIDS chief says* *Indian Company To Build Four New Units At Hwange Power Station* *Armed Robbers Captured After One Of Them Dropped A wallet At Crime Scene* *Afrikaaners seek information on Trump's refugee programme* *NEWS IN DETAIL* _*Rival Zanu PF factions clash at Heroes Acre as succession fight intensifies*_ RIVAL Zanu PF supporters Monday clashed at the Heroes Acre where songs calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa were drowned in chants that favour his deputy Constantino Chiwenga. “2030 ndeya Emmerson, siyanai naye Mnangagwa,” sang hundreds of supporters at the burial of national hero Tinaye Chigudu. Chigudu was one of the first combatants trained under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) in North Korea. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. He spent 12 years in prison during the fight for liberation and continued with the fight for independence after his release. The 2030 statement chanted at Zimbabwe’s national shrine was in reference to efforts by sections within Zanu PF which want Mnangagwa to stay in power beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms. Although his second term ends in 2028, some within the party want to ‘delay’ Chiwenga’s ascent by extending Mnangagwa’s term by two years. As Mnangagwa’s supporters sang, another section chanted: “Siyanai naye Mukanya.” Mukanya is Chiwenga’s totem. The clash had been anticipated seeing as the succession battle in Zimbabwe’s ruling party continues to heat up. Despite his conspicuous silence, Chiwenga is reportedly eyeing the Presidency. He has however publicly denigrated some of Mnangagwa’s allies, much recently when he seemed to attack controversial tenderprenuer Wicknell Chivayo whom he described as a “Chigananda.” Mnangagwa on the other hand has already made inroads toward achieving the term extension with provinces and leagues in Zanu PF having already started endorsing him. _*ZANU PF two clear camps openly confront each other at National Heroes Acre*_ ZANU PF’s two clear camps have outdone each other publicly today at Heroes Acre, singing from different hymn books. To watchers, what appeared clear was that there is a group or faction that close to security apparatus based on the positions of the political choirs. Apparently, political analyst Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya says this was never witnessed as no open confrontation happened under late former President Robert Mugabe. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “So today there were clearly two political choirs at the Heroes Acre for Number 1 and Number 2. Such a situation never happened under Mugabe until the coup. “This tells us the balance of forces and open war in succession politics in ZANU PF; an implosion is simmering. “This is real politics; proper and unambiguous elite contradictions exhibited in song and dance before the Zanu PF leadership in broad daylight,” he says. _*Mnangagwa pleads for unity as he addresses a nation divided over his 2030 agenda*_ President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has implored fellow citizens to remain united as he addresses a divided nation over his plot to extend his term of office beyond his constitutional limit. Mnangagwa says together, under the watch, of his government, the private sector and the communities he urges Zimbabweans to move forward hand in hand; in peace and unity; with one common objective, that the country shall be a beacon of prosperity which shines brighter and brighter. “No amount of economic chicanery, mudslinging and discord should be allowed or entertained to derail our irreversible course to modernise, industrialise and develop our country. We are marching forward ever, backwards never.” “I call upon you, my fellow citizens in all the four corners of our country and those spread across the diaspora to pull in one direction as one people for the achievement of our national aspirations. We have this duty, not only for the present generations but the future as well,” he says. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. He made the sentiments while addressing mourners during the burial of national hero Tinaye Chigudu whom he described as a selfless cadre. “Our late National Hero, Cde Chigudu, was among many brave, selfless sons &daughters of the soil who took a stand and fought for our Independence. “He is honoured as one of the first combatants to be sent for training in North Korea under the ZIPRA, the military wing of ZAPU. “During that period, he undertook ‘risky and critical mission tasks’ which helped to gather information regarding the modus operandi of the racist Rhodesian forces.” Chigudu passed away on 5 February 2025, at his home in Harare, after a long battle with cancer. He was 82. Chigudu, whose nom de guerre was Cde Tinaye Mutete, was born on 13 August 1942, in Chigudu Village, Manicaland Province. Apparently, the country is divided over his party ZANU PF’s plans to amend the Constitution to allow him to rule beyond his term limit which ends in 2028. Mnangagwa is on record saying he won’t extend his term limit, but he stands accused of letting his foot-soldiers push the agenda under his nose. _*Mnangagwa In Rare Face At Heroes Acre*_ President Emmerson Mnangagwa Monday at the National Heroes Acre appeared in a rare, sad and troubled carved face with deep lines of contemplation. Draped in his trademark Zimbabwean flag scarf, Mnangagwa looked distant, almost defeated. His forced half-smile failed to mask the turbulence within despite the presence of his wife, Auxillia, standing by his side. Clad in an elegant black dress, Auxillia’s presence exuded composure, but the growing political storm within Zanu PF was undeniable. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his rule beyond 2028 has sparked intense factional battles within the ruling party. Originally scheduled to step down after his constitutionally mandated two terms, the 81-year-old leader has manoeuvred to cling to power, floating proposals for constitutional amendments or internal party endorsements to override the term limits. His most formidable adversary, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga—the very man who orchestrated Robert Mugabe’s ouster in 2017 to pave Mnangagwa’s rise. Chiwenga, the former army general, intends to take over in 2028, citing a power-sharing agreement that allegedly existed when he backed Mnangagwa’s coup against Mugabe. However, the President has shown no signs of honouring that deal. Instead, he consolidated power within his loyalists, sidelining and eliminating military commanders aligned with Chiwenga. This has ignited whispers of another coup brewing within Zimbabwe’s security sector, where loyalties remain fluid and driven by personal interests. The tension is palpable. Party insiders speak of clandestine meetings and a divided military, with some generals still loyal to Chiwenga. _*Harare man arrested for demanding a ‘man-to-man’ with Mnangagwa as Zimbabweans pin their hopes on VP Chiwenga to stop ED*_ A 25-year-old man from Mhimha Close, Budiriro 2, has found himself in legal trouble after an audacious attempt to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Fungai Mukamba appeared in court facing a charge of disorderly conduct following an incident at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden last week. The state alleges that on February 6th, Mukamba travelled to the August House with a singular demand: a private audience, a ‘man-to-man’ meeting with the Head of State. Prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah told the court that Mukamba became agitated and violent when his request for entry was denied, leading to his subsequent arrest. The court has ordered that Mukamba undergo a mental examination, and he has been remanded in custody until February 24th for a routine appearance. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Meanwhile, in the wider political landscape, Zimbabweans find themselves looking towards Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as a potential force against the extension of President Mnangagwa’s term in office. This comes amidst a backdrop of a weakened opposition, disorganised civil society, and a shrinking space for dissent. Chiwenga’s public opposition to what is known as the “2030 Movement” – those within ZANU-PF pushing for Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond the constitutional term limits – is offering a glimmer of hope to those who oppose the move. He has been a vocal critic of corruption and has notably refused to participate in slogans demanding the extension of Mnangagwa’s term. Speaking at the Heroes Acre in Harare on January 27th, Chiwenga delivered a stinging rebuke of corruption, particularly targeting wealthy individuals, or “mbingas” in Shona, whom he accused of looting the nation’s resources at the expense of ordinary citizens. “Zimbabwe belongs to all of us. Corruption must end,” he declared. This is not the first time that Chiwenga, a former military general who played a pivotal role in the ouster of President Robert Mugabe in a military coup in November 2017, has publicly denounced corruption. Just days earlier, on January 22nd, while addressing mourners at the burial of three heroes at the national shrine, he warned that corruption was threatening the very ideals of the liberation struggle. President Mnangagwa has increasingly surrounded himself with controversial businessmen, such as Wicknell Chivayo, who has been the beneficiary of lucrative government tenders. Chivayo was subject to an investigation last year by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission concerning a $100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission deal to supply election material for the 2023 general election, with allegations that invoices were inflated by a staggering 30,000%. However, analysts caution that it will take more than just one individual to prevent the term extension. Kudakwashe Munemo, a Harare-based political analyst, argues that “only a mass movement of citizens of Zimbabwe are capable of ensuring the constitution is not amended for a third term of office, especially given the poor social services delivery, an ailing economy and militarisation of state institutions.” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Admire Mare, the head of the communication and media studies department at the University of Johannesburg, believes that “it is more than personalities. It’s various social forces. Given that the constitution is on the line there is going to be a broad-based alliance of factions within Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), opposition parties and civil society that will push back against Agenda 2030.” Mare anticipates the return of Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who resigned in January 2024 citing state infiltration, as a key critic of the 2030 Agenda. He also suggests that elements of the Mugabe loyalists, known as Generation 40 (G40), will also oppose plans to extend Mnangagwa’s term. “We are witnessing a reconfiguration of political forces,” Mare states. In mid-January, churches under the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) also added their voice, encouraging Mnangagwa to adhere to the constitutional term limits. Chiwenga remains one of the few ZANU-PF leaders publicly opposed to removing these limits from the constitution. Adding another layer to the complex political landscape, war veterans, led by ZANU-PF central committee member Blessed Runesu Geza, have called for Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of nepotism, corruption, and a failure to revive the struggling economy. These war veterans are also against the proposed removal of term limits. This echoes the events leading up to the 2017 military coup, where war veterans, then led by Victor Matemadanda and Chris Mutsvangwa, opposed President Robert Mugabe. “Last time it was Matemadanda who was vocal against Mugabe. This time there is Blessing Geza, Knox Chitiyo and Clive Malunga. History is repeating itself,” Mare observes. Political analyst Vivi Gwede believes that the war veterans’ stance offers valuable insight into the political dynamics within ZANU-PF. “They will give the anti-2030 movement a mobilisation base. This is a boost to Chiwenga. Their sentiments appear to be backed by and to be backing a political faction,” she says. However, while backing from war veterans is undoubtedly significant, some analysts question whether it is enough, particularly given the changing power dynamics within ZANU-PF. Munemo notes the “militarisation of the state which gives the military a deciding stake,” and suggests that Chiwenga, having been at the helm of the military structure for many years, “may have planted seeds in addition to his relationship with China.” _*Geza Says War Veterans Will Respond If Police Use Force On Peaceful Demonstrators*_ Outspoken war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza has issued a stern warning to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba, urging him not to shoot any Zimbabwean exercising their democratic right to demonstrate. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. In an interview with HStv, Geza said that no one should be arrested for protesting and declared that war veterans would take action if the police resorted to such measures. He stressed that the right to demonstrate is sacred, pointing out that countless Zimbabweans shed their blood and gave their lives to secure this fundamental freedom. Said Geza (via The Mirror): Be warned (Mutamba); if we hear there is anyone arrested for the enjoyment of his/her constitutional rights, you will see it. We will deal with you. If we also hear that there is anybody who has been shot for his/ her constitutional rights, the same rights which thousands sacrificed their lives for… Don’t be used by anybody on the basis of your relationship or nepotism. I want to warn members of the security forces, in particular the Police. Geza also spoke out against the many roadblocks on Zimbabwe’s roads, warning Commissioner General Mutamba not to turn the country into a police state. Geza is part of a group of war veterans who have openly opposed ZANU PF’s plans to change the Constitution and delay the 2028 elections, which would allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stay in office until 2030. _*Jabulani Sibanda urges war vets to unite amid Zanu-PF divisions*_ Speaking at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund and the Village Business Unit (VBU) empowerment programme at Stanley Square in Makokoba, Bulawayo, Sibanda emphasized the critical role of war veterans in securing the country's political and economic future. The event, which brought together war veterans from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South, comes amid growing divisions within Zanu PF and discontent among some war veterans, who have called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation over allegations of nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement. A faction of war veterans, led by Blessed Runesu Geza, a former liberation fighter, has criticized Mnangagwa's leadership and expressed regret over his 2017 rise to power. Former ZPRA fighters in Bulawayo have also warned against extending Mnangagwa's term beyond constitutional limits, cautioning that such a move could destabilize the country. In his address, Sibanda urged reconciliation among war veterans, calling on leaders of various associations to engage with those harboring grievances. "A tree grows in two directions. There are the visible leaves and flowers, which provide fresh air and beauty, and then there are the roots, which grow underground, providing stability. War veterans are the roots of this country's independence, and right now, those roots are struggling," Sibanda said. He warned against infighting within Zanu PF and divisive rhetoric, calling for dialogue to resolve disputes. "Let's stop saying 'down with so and so' without first sitting down to ask, ‘Comrade, what is your challenge?'" Sibanda said. He also pointed to the pivotal role of war veterans in past elections, urging them to take responsibility for uniting the nation. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Sibanda highlighted the shifting global political landscape, particularly in the United States, as a reason for war veterans to unite. "Look at America, a country known for democracy, yet they are now expelling people who are not Americans as though they are captured. Look at their policies. They want to take Gaza in Palestine to be part of America. We have returned to a time where everything is dictated by military power," he said. He cautioned that Africa's wealth and resources could once again become targets for exploitation by former colonial powers. "The Whites are coming back. Trump has withdrawn from United Nations institutions. Tomorrow, they might leave the UN and use their strength to recolonize Africa. This is the time to unite," Sibanda warned. Sibanda called on Zanu PF leaders, including Cephas Ncube, the National Chairperson of War Veterans, and Douglas Mahiya, Zanu PF Secretary for War Veterans, to engage with disgruntled members to foster unity. "This is the time for Ncube and Mahiya to unite war veterans in all places. Even if they belong to different associations, we must make them see the task ahead of us. If war veterans come together, then our country will come together," he said. Sibanda also urged the government to extend recognition and support to war collaborators who assisted liberation fighters during the struggle, such as chimbwidos. Addressing political divisions within Zanu PF, Sibanda called on politburo members to resolve their issues for the sake of national stability. "You comrades in the politburo, please be like the tree's roots. Go and solve your issues. If everyone solves their issues, then we can move forward," he said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Sibanda concluded his address by reiterating the need for unity to safeguard Zimbabwe's sovereignty and protect the gains of the liberation struggle. "All war veterans must unite so that we can become strong, and the enemy will never overrun us. If we remain divided, we will be easy targets for those who seek to undermine our revolution," he said. _*Fraud-accused Mpofu, Chimombe’s trial fails to take off*_ The trial in which businessmen Moses Mpofu and Mike Chimombe are accused of duping the state of US$7 million in a botched goat tender has failed to commence as one of the lawyers is currently attending a family bereavement. One of the lawyers, Advocate Tapson Dzvetero, lost his brother-in-law last night, High Court judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda was told. “Mr Dzvetero is attending the funeral of his brother-in-law who was electrocuted at the Support Unit last night. “Burial is expected on Wednesday or Thursday and my principal, Mr Dzvetero will not be available…but I received instructions that he might be available on the 19th /20th of February going forward,” said Chapeta who was standing in for Dzvetero. The trial which was initially set for this entire week on a continuous roll is now expected to commence on February 20. Witness Mabhaudhi confirmed that he had been informed of the funeral. “We are left with only one month to complete the term,” the judge said, noting that the matter should be finalised before the term ends. Seven witnesses were in attendance. The first to testify will be Titus Mbambi, Fungai Kapfunde and Beverly Mutsikamahwe. Mpofu and Chimombe face allegations of corruption in which the State alleges they defrauded the Ministry of Lands of US$7 million after applying and securing a tender using a non-existent firm. The two have been in jail since June last year. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. All their efforts to secure freedom have failed. _*Mafume brings legal muscle to commission hearing*_ Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, has brought his lawyer, Mr Jeremiah Bamu, to the Commission of Inquiry into the city’s affairs since 2017, as he testifies before the panel. The hearing is currently underway, with Mafume facing tough questions about his decision to deviate from the original plan for a property at number 9 Skymaster Belvedere, where he is building a boarding house. Mafume is also expected to answer to several allegations, including his alleged interference with council workers, despite his role as mayor being ceremonial. The Commission, led by retired High Court judge, Justice Maphios Cheda , is investigating corruption, misgovernance, and financial irregularities within the Harare City Council. Herald _*RBZ intervenes in data pricing discrimination against ZiG*_ The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has moved to address concerns over discriminatory pricing by mobile network operators and internet service providers, particularly regarding their preference for transactions in US dollars over the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency. In the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu revealed that stakeholders had raised complaints during consultative meetings, highlighting unfair pricing practices. "The Reserve Bank has received complaints from stakeholders during the consultative meetings alleging that some mobile money operators are applying discriminatory pricing practices against ZiG in preference for USD transactions," said Mushayavanhu. "For instance, promotions for internet data packages are only available in US dollars and not in ZiG." In response, the RBZ has engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ) to ensure pricing policies are fair and inclusive. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The central bank, through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), will closely monitor compliance by TOAZ members. Mushayavanhu also stated that industry players have agreed to revise their pricing structures, allowing customers to purchase internet data bundles using their preferred currency. The move comes as part of broader efforts to stabilize the newly introduced ZiG and ensure it is accepted across all sectors of the economy. _*Welshman Ncube's urgent application dismissed*_ The High Court in Harare has dismissed an urgent chamber application filed by Professor Welshman Ncube and four others seeking to enforce an earlier court order granted in their favor by Justice Neville Wamambo on January 8, 2025. The decision was made ex tempore on Friday afternoon after the court heard submissions from the parties involved. The application aimed to execute the January 8 order pending the outcomes of two appeals filed at the Supreme Court. The appeals in question - filed by Sengezo Tshabangu and another party, as well as the Speaker of the National Assembly under case number SC24/25 - are yet to be determined. In its ruling, the High Court dismissed the urgent application with costs, effectively halting Prof Ncube and his co-applicants' efforts to enforce the previous order while the Supreme Court cases remain unresolved. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The legal battle stems from internal disputes within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), with contested decisions over parliamentary appointments and recalls at the center of the controversy. Friday's ruling is the latest development in the ongoing power struggle, which has already seen various court cases and appeals, as both factions seek to solidify control over the party's leadership and parliamentary representation. _*Family of missing war veteran accuses police of cover-up in buried bones case*_ The family of Ignatius Matshotsho Moyo, a war veteran from Brunapeg in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, who went missing in September 2024 after a trip to Bulawayo, has accused the police of misleading them regarding human bones recently discovered in Tshingababili. The family said that when they visited the site, they discovered the human bones were already buried without proper forensic procedures, complicating their identification efforts. This has deepened the family’s suspicions that the remains could be those of their missing relative, which contradicts claims by police who said the remains were yet to be buried. In an interview with CITE, the missing person’s uncle, Milton Fabion Moyo, who lives in Brunapeg under Chief Sangulube, said he and other family members visited Tshingababili under Chief Tshitshi last Thursday to verify the status of the remains. “I specifically went to see the site since they said the bones were secured. We saw the bones had been buried. We were there with the person who had discovered the bones,” he said. “There were eight of us who went to bear testimony. I was with other relatives Raphael George Mpofu, Pios Mpofu, David Mpofu, Rudolph Mpofu, and myself.” The other people included the person who discovered the bones, Khulekani Dube with his brother and another relative of the family who resides in that area. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “The area is called Tshingababili, in a plot under Chief Tshitshi. We even took pictures of where the bones are buried,” Moyo said. Moyo questioned the contradictions in the police’s statements. “I don’t know what the police are trying because we went there, and the bones are still underground, buried, yet they said the bones are safe,” he said. The family said they will now demand an exhumation and proper forensic tests to determine whether the remains belong to Ignatius, who disappeared on September 11, 2024. “On Monday, I will head to see the Officer Commanding the District (Dispol) to ask for an exhumation letter so those bones can be exhumed,” Moyo said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The contradictions between the police’s official statements and the family’s observations have left the family with more questions than answers. “This matter has really affected us. The missing person’s wife has not been feeling well ever since. It is not right,” Moyo said. “This matter is really painful, and it’s affecting us as a family to the extent that I cannot work as I have to continuously attend to this matter.” Dube, who discovered the human remains, also confirmed to CITE the bones were buried after police allegedly gave them the “go ahead.” “I am the one who discovered the bones, and I stay in Tshingababili. I came across the bones when I was gathering the livestock and stumbled upon them,” he said. “The Chief said we could bury the bones where I had found them. We went to the police and also went to the scene. The police said they don’t have a report of a missing person. The police are the ones who gave the go-ahead for us to bury.” Dube expressed concern that he might face trouble with the police over the way the matter has been handled. In a previous interview, Matabeleland South Acting Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, refuted claims the remains had been buried, maintaining police had secured them for forensic examination. “The scene is being attended to, and procedures are being followed. We are working with officers in Mphoengs,” he said. Mguni confirmed a missing person case had been reported, but he could not confirm the identity of the remains. “There is a missing person who was traveling from one village to another. One village falls under one police station, while another falls under a different one in Chief Tshitshi’s area,” he said. “For now, I don’t have details on who is missing, as the case is still under investigation, but we do have a case involving human remains that were found.” Mguni insisted police were following proper procedures to prevent tampering with the remains. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. “The police are on the ground, documenting everything and securing the remains for DNA analysis,” he said. He also stated the Moyo family would be required to provide DNA samples once forensic processes were complete. Mguni also dismissed allegations that the remains had been buried. “The bones were not buried; they were found in the open and secured to prevent them from being destroyed by animals or scavenged by dogs,” he said. Ignatius went missing after traveling to Bulawayo with his wife to collect remittances from Doves Funeral Services for his late mother, who had passed away in August. He decided to return back to Mphoengs while his wife remained in Bulawayo. Ignatius then boarded a private vehicle heading towards Plumtree but disembarked near Figtree, claiming he had forgotten something in Bulawayo. His disappearance has devastated his family, and they believe the mishandling of the recently found remains is making it harder for them to have closure. _*Foreign Currency Retention Cut Threatens Zimbabwe’s Horticulture Sector, Says Nielsen*_ The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has expressed concern over the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) decision to reduce the foreign currency retention threshold for exporters from 75% to 70%. HDC CEO Linda Nielsen said that this policy change poses major challenges for Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector, which depends on foreign earnings to sustain operations, drive growth, and remain competitive in global markets. Said Nielsen: This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The horticulture industry operates within tight cost margins, with most inputs such as power, fuel, seed, fertilisers, packaging, and freight-denominated in US dollars. The reduction in forex retention means exporters will have less hard currency to meet these critical expenses, placing strain on cash flow and investment in the sector. Producers of export-oriented crops such as peas, which have high production and logistics costs, may be forced to scale back operations. Some farmers may pivot to alternative crops and shift focus to local cash markets, which do not provide the same foreign currency inflows or long-term economic benefits as exports. Nielsen reiterated the HDC’s previous recommendation that local utility providers, such as ZESA and municipal authorities, should charge for their services in ZiG to align with the new foreign currency retention framework. She explained that exporters are currently required to pay many domestic obligations in foreign currency, creating an imbalance where they retain less forex while still facing high USD-denominated costs. The HDC argued that adjusting local utility pricing to ZiG would ease the financial pressure on exporters and support the broader shift towards the use of the local currency. In this regard, Nielsen urged policymakers to engage with the sector to find solutions that balance the need for foreign currency reserves with the long-term sustainability of Zimbabwe’s horticulture industry. She added that a stable and predictable policy environment is essential for maintaining Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in regional and global horticulture markets. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. _*HIV infections could jump over 6 times if US support is dropped and not replaced, UNAIDS chief says*_ The head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge. In an interview with The Associated Press, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said HIV infections have been falling in recent years, with just 1.3 million new cases recorded in 2023, a 60% decline since the virus peaked in 1995. But since President Donald Trump’s announcement the U.S. would freeze all foreign assistance for 90 days, Byanyima said officials estimate that by 2029, there could be 8.7 million people newly infected with HIV, a tenfold jump in AIDS-related deaths — to 6.3 million — and an additional 3.4 million children made orphans. “We will see a surge in this disease,” Byanyima said, speaking from Uganda. “This will cost lives if the American government doesn’t change its mind and maintain its leadership,” she said, adding that it was not her place to criticize any government’s policy. Byanyima pleaded with the Trump administration not to abruptly cut off funding, which she said has resulted in “panic, fear and confusion” in many of the African countries hardest hit by AIDS. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. In one Kenyan county, she said 550 HIV workers were immediately laid off, while thousands of others in Ethiopia were terminated, leaving health officials unable to track the epidemic. She noted that the loss of U.S. funding to HIV programs in some countries was catastrophic, with external funding, mostly from the U.S., accounting for about 90% of their programs. Nearly $400 million goes to countries like Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania, she said. “We can work with (the Americans) on how to decrease their contribution if they wish to decrease it,” she said. Byanyima described the American withdrawal from global HIV efforts as the second biggest crisis the field has ever faced — after the years-long delay it took for poor countries to get the lifesaving antiretrovirals long available in rich countries. Byanyima also said the loss of American support in efforts to combat HIV was coming at another critical time, with the arrival of what she called “a magical prevention tool” known as lenacapavir, a twice-yearly shot that was shown to offer complete protection against HIV in women, and which worked nearly as well as for men. Widespread use of that shot, in addition to other interventions to stop HIV, could help end the disease as a public health problem in the next five years, Byanyima said. She also noted that lenacapavir, sold as Sunlenca, was developed by the American company Gilead. International aid, Byanyima said, “helped an American company to innovate, to come up with something that will pay them millions and millions, but at the same time prevent new infections in the rest of the world.” The freeze in American funding, she said, didn’t make economic sense. “We appeal to the U.S. government to review this, to understand that this is mutually beneficial,” she said, noting that foreign assistance makes up less than 1% of the overall U.S. budget. “Why would you need to be so disruptive for that 1%?” This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Byanyima said that so far, no other countries or donors have stepped up to fill the void that will be left by the loss of American aid, but that she plans to visit numerous European capitals to speak with global leaders. “People are going to die because lifesaving tools have been taken away from them,” she said. “I have not yet heard of any European country committing to step in, but I know they are listening and trying to see where they can come in because they care about rights, about humanity.” _*Indian Company To Build Four New Units At Hwange Power Station*_ India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumar, says the repowering of six old units at Hwange Thermal Power Station, along with the construction of four new units, will be fast-tracked to boost the country’s power generation. The project, which is set to begin this year, has been entrusted to India’s Jindal Steel & Power, a leading power generation firm, as part of the Government’s efforts to improve the national grid. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Kumar revealed that the initiative will add a total of 2,000 megawatts (MW) to the grid—800MW will come from upgrading the old units, while the remaining 1,200MW will be generated from the four new 300MW units. He said: As per my discussion with senior authorities, the discussions are on track. We should be able to see the declaration this year. Most importantly, this project will be an example of fast-track implementation. Jindal Steel & Power signed agreements with Zesa Holdings in August 2024 for an increase of electricity production at Hwange Power Station by 2 000MW over the next few years. This means 800 megawatts will come from the refurbishment of Hwange Units 1 to 6 and 1 200 megawatts by adding four new units to Hwange Power Station. The six units (1 to 6) at Hwange Thermal Power Station were originally commissioned between 1983 and 1989. Over the years, these units have experienced technical faults as a result of ageing. The planned refurbishment is expected to extend the power plant’s operational life by an additional 15 to 20 years. _*Armed Robbers Captured After One Of Them Dropped A wallet At Crime Scene*_ Three suspected armed robbers were arrested in Bulawayo after one of their accomplices accidentally left behind his wallet at the crime scene. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident which occurred at Bambanani Shopping Centre in Gumtree on February 2, 2025, around 8 AM. The suspects—Hopewell Ndlovu (32) of Pelandaba West, Emmanuel Masuku (29), also known as Mayibongwe, and Israel Zikhali (26) of Pumula South—were taken into custody. However, a fourth suspect, Mpumelelo Mafu, is still on the run. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele (pictured) told CITE that the wallet found at the scene led officers to Ndlovu. His arrest led to the recovery of weapons used in the robbery, and he later provided information that implicated his accomplices. She said: We recovered an Okapi knife, the clothing he wore during the robbery, and some of the stolen cellphones. He then identified his accomplices, leading to their arrests and the recovery of a .303 rifle without a butt, a pistol with no magazine or rounds, and additional stolen cellphones. Msebele further revealed that the suspects were armed with a pistol and threatened the shopkeeper and her colleagues, ordering them to remain still. One of the suspects then approached the counter and stole approximately US$700 in cash, along with US$200 worth of NetOne and Econet airtime. She added: They also made off with several cellphones, including an Itel P38 (black), an iPhone 11 (silver-black), two small black Itel phones, and four unidentified cellphones belonging to customers that were charging in the shop before fleeing along Old Esigodini Road. _*Afrikaaners seek information on Trump's refugee programme*_ In the 18 hours after President Donald Trump's order to prioritise white Afrikaner South Africans for the US refugee programme, the South African Chamber of Commerce in the USA (SACCUSA) received over 10,000 relocation inquiries. "President Trump signed an Executive Order on February 7, 2025, Addressing Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa, granting Afrikaners refugee status and facilitating their resettlement in the United States. In response, thousands of South Africans have reached out for information regarding the process and implications of this order. "It is important to note that no official process has been established at this time. However, we are committed to keeping you informed as new information becomes available," the chamber said. Alarming Chamber president, Neil Diamond, said these inquiries were from people who wanted to relocate to the US with their families. SACCUSA said the interest is alarming. Diamond noted that SA's food security will be harmed by the move. Commenting on the potential skills flight, Diamond explained that currently the chamber supports 11,000 temporary agricultural workers who travel from SA to the US to work on farms. Speaking to the SABC, he said this move now paves the way for them to make use of this opportunity to live there permanently as they already have jobs in the US. Diamond said while there are other sectors that could suffer, including manufacturing and finance, the signing directly impacts the country's food security and bi-national trade. "AfriForum expressed its great appreciation for Trump and the US's recognition of the injustice to which Afrikaners are subjected in South Africa. However, the civil rights organisation and its sister institutions in the Solidarity Movement remain committed to Afrikaners' future at the southern tip of Africa and insist that urgent solutions must therefore be found for the injustices committed by the South African government against Afrikaners and other cultural communities in the country," AfriForum said.