Friday 14 February 2025 *AFTERNOON NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$25.69_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 30:USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ New members who wish to receive detailed local, regional and international news from Ignite Media Zimbabwe should "follow" our channel on the link below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaASRLX6mYPM2XphWy2n *For advertising inquiries call, text or Whatsapp us on +263 778 242 692* *THE HEADLINES* *Zimbabwe needs to return to factory settings- Mzembi* *’Bombshell' Geza intensifies his efforts to derail the ED2030 project* *Mutsvangwa: War Veteran Bombshell Geza Being Misled By “Fools”* *The push for Mnangagwa’s term extension is a threat to national unity and development: Mbofana* *Senate Approves Controversial PVO Amendment Bill* *Mass NGO, CSO closures loom in Zimbabwe* *“Monetary Policy Ineffective In Tackling Key Issues”* *CZI Doubts RBZ’s Ability To Meet 2025 Inflation Targets* *ZESA Owes US$350 Million For Kariba Power Station Renovations* *Zaka South MP Calls For Amendment Of ZISCO Steel Act To Boost Steel Industry* *Tshabangu Claims Disciplinary Panel Is Controlled By “Invisible Hand”* *'Security apparatus' ploy to shutdown Manhize foils,' Mutsvangwa claims* *40% of SA children do not live with biological fathers…Zimbabwe following suit* *Zimbabwean migrant workers exploited in UK* *Bulawayo residents urged to reject water privatisation* *Married Couple Among 24 Killed in Beitbridge Crash, Leaving Behind 9-Year-Old Daughter* *Brighton and Chelsea Clash tonight* *THE DETAILS WITH IGNITE MEDIA ZIMBABWE* _*Zimbabwe needs to return to factory settings- Mzembi*_ Former foreign affairs minister Walter Mzembi says Zimbabwe needs to return to factory settings for it to function properly. He says if that is not taken into account the current generation is going to leave a legacy of a failed nation. “Reform & Renewal is our Generational brief otherwise we are going to bequeath to future generations a Failed State! “To achieve this we need to Reset to factory settings, Restart and the Reform & Renewal agenda kicks in,” he says. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. His comments comes at the time there is some infighting within the ruling party over who will succeed President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa is expected to step down in 2028, when his second and final term ends. However, he is rumoured to be working underground to extend his term of office beyond 2030. Apparently, the war veterans led by Blessed Geza are calling for President Mnangagwa’s resignation. Meanwhile according to Mzembi, it is the failure to transform by the proverbial Dinosaur, once the most dominant terrestrial vertebrate that led to it’s extinction. “Current mischief needing a cure in most former Liberation Movements includes a culture of entitlement, exclusionary high handed politics, failure to renew and regenerate and a departure from founding charters of serving the people not the current parasitic, horse and rider relationship with the people. “Former Liberation Movements need a Reset to founding principles and for relevance with contemporary generations, a Renewal, Regeneration & Modernisation Agenda,” he said. Mzembi added that organisations, political parties in this instance do expire like the human life leading them, and unless they seek to regenerate, and not fear renewal they surely will die. We are Ignite Media Zimbabwe. “Renewal is a natural progression. In the terminal state of Revolutionary Parties the only answer is Regeneration and Renewal and this is neither sexually transmitted nor an inheritance. “A modernisation agenda steeped in founding values will bring to the fore a successor cadreship. A key word underpinning the survival of Liberation Movements shall be Meritocracy. Embrace merit, don’t hate excellence. “Building organisations investing in mediocrity, gossip & chicanery, buying support in fraudulent primaries and opaque processes is not gonna be sustainable. “There is a pushback on this political culture and Botswana has just shown us How. The modern alternative will sweep away entitlement,” he said. _*'Bombshell' Geza intensifies his efforts to derail the ED2030 project*_ Tensions are running high within the ruling Zanu-PF party as central committee member and outspoken war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Geza intensifies his efforts to derail the ED2030 project, aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office by two years. Geza's dissent has placed him in the crosshairs of both political adversaries and law enforcement, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) releasing a statement seeking his whereabouts. Police allege Geza faces multiple charges, including theft of three vehicles, undermining the authority of or insulting the President, and incitement to commit public violence. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that anyone who is harbouring the suspect or assisting him to evade police questioning will be equally liable for arrest and subsequent prosecution," the statement reads. Geza, undeterred by the mounting pressure, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state of the nation. He accuses Mnangagwa's administration of failing to address widespread economic hardships, corruption, and poor governance. "There are no jobs, there is no economy to talk about, retailers are closing shop, and we are being forced to use a currency that no one wants, not even the authorities themselves," Geza said in one of his remarks. Geza's call for Mnangagwa to resign stems from allegations of corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and tribalism—claims that resonate with many citizens who have long expressed frustration with the government's inability to revive the economy or improve their quality of life. The demands of the populace are clear: they want jobs, fair access to natural resources, reliable service delivery, and a stable currency. Citizens are calling for an end to inflated government tenders, uncompleted projects, and exploitative policies that burden taxpayers. They also demand transparency and accountability in the allocation of public resources. While Mnangagwa's administration has made some strides, including improvements to road infrastructure, the rehabilitation of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, and the modernization of the Beitbridge Border Post, critics argue that these efforts fall short of addressing the core issues plaguing the nation. The push for a two-year extension of Mnangagwa's term, spearheaded by some within Zanu-PF, has further divided the party. Many grassroots members and war veterans oppose the move, viewing it as a betrayal of democratic principles and a selfish bid to consolidate power. Mnangagwa, who has been in office since 2017, is set to complete his second term in 2028. While he has publicly stated that he does not seek to extend his term, the ED2030 agenda continues to gain traction among his allies, raising questions about the true intentions behind the push to amend the Constitution. The backlash against the proposed extension reflects broader frustrations with Zimbabwe's political leadership. Geza's defiance, though controversial, has highlighted the growing discontent among citizens and factions within Zanu-PF. However, his outspoken nature has also made him a target for those seeking to silence dissent. As the nation grapples with these tensions, one message remains clear: Zimbabweans are demanding fresh leadership, a fair share of the country's wealth, and a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens over personal ambitions. Attempts to amend the Constitution to extend Mnangagwa's tenure risk further alienating the public and undermining the country's democratic foundations. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Mnangagwa's legacy is already secured through his infrastructure projects and modernization efforts, but pursuing a term extension could tarnish his achievements and reignite memories of the late Robert Mugabe's prolonged rule. As citizens and party members push back against constitutional amendments, the coming months will reveal whether Zanu-PF will prioritize national interests over individual ambitions. _*Mutsvangwa: War Veteran Bombshell Geza Being Misled By “Fools”*_ ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa denied claims of factionalism within the party on Thursday, saying that war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, also known as Bombshell, is being used to further a specific agenda. There is a widespread belief that ZANU PF is currently divided, with one faction pushing for the postponement of the 2028 general elections to allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in power until 2030, while another faction, reportedly backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, supports adherence to the constitutionally mandated two-term limit. Neither Mnangagwa nor Chiwenga has publicly acknowledged these emerging factions. Factional tensions became evident recently when two groups of ZANU PF supporters were heard chanting pro-Mnangagwa and pro-Chiwenga songs at the Heroes Acre. Geza, along with some war veterans, has publicly called for Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of cronyism, corruption, and nepotism. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe. At a media briefing at the ZANU PF headquarters on Thursday, Mutsvangwa dismissed Geza’s stance, claiming that he was being misled by “fools.” He said: I have a lot of angst about the way he is being used by people who have a certain agenda. Comrade Geza, I do not know what other issues might be bothering you, but we, the war veterans, always remember… I wish he would not follow fools who are misleading him. I am deeply concerned about what is happening with him. Mnangagwa’s term is set to end in 2028, and he has repeatedly stated that he will not seek another term. However, critics remain sceptical, as current developments suggest the opposite. _*The push for Mnangagwa’s term extension is a threat to national unity and development: Mbofana*_ IN recent years, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly called for unity among Zimbabweans. On paper, this is a noble and constructive appeal. A united nation, working collectively towards national development, has a greater chance of overcoming its challenges and achieving prosperity. A divided country, however, is like a house built on sand—vulnerable to collapse at the slightest disturbance. For a nation like Zimbabwe, currently enduring deep economic distress, unity is more critical than ever. High inflation has rendered incomes worthless, companies are shutting down, unemployment is at unsustainable levels, and infrastructure is deteriorating at an alarming rate. This is a time when Zimbabweans should be pulling together, setting aside their differences, and focusing on the urgent task of rebuilding their country. Yet, instead of rallying around a common cause, the country appears more divided than ever, with people constantly at odds. At the heart of this division is a controversial and increasingly aggressive push by a faction within the ruling ZANU-PF party to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two five-year terms, which end in 2028. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. This campaign has triggered fierce opposition, not only from the usual voices in the opposition and civil society but also from within ZANU-PF itself, where some members insist that the president must honor the Constitution and step down at the end of his term. The battle lines have been drawn, and the resulting conflict has plunged Zimbabwe into a state of political and social turmoil. Although Mnangagwa has, on occasion, declared himself a constitutionalist with no intention of clinging to power, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Both those advocating for his extended stay, and those against, have become increasingly vocal and organized, even hijacking national events to push their rival agendas. In response, the president has remained conspicuously silent, refusing to rebuke or distance himself from the “ED 2030” faction. If he were truly committed to constitutionalism, would he not have taken decisive action to quash these efforts? His failure to do so raises troubling questions. Why is he not openly rejecting the calls for an extended presidency? Why is he not reining in those who are actively undermining the Constitution? Could it be that he secretly harbors ambitions of staying in power beyond his mandate and is actually behind these calls? If that is the case, then the consequences for Zimbabwe could be dire. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Instead of concentrating on the pressing economic crisis—marked by the closure of major retailers, a collapsing health system, skyrocketing inflation, and soaring unemployment—the entire nation is now consumed by a desperate fight to defend democracy. Even those who typically focus on social justice issues, like myself, find themselves unable to discuss anything else. The country is burning, yet the conversation has been hijacked by a self-serving political battle that should not even exist in the first place. Defending the Constitution and upholding democracy should not be the responsibility of ordinary citizens alone. It is, first and foremost, the duty of the head of state. A leader’s primary obligation is to safeguard national stability, ensure constitutional order, and promote unity. If Mnangagwa truly has Zimbabwe’s best interests at heart, he would move swiftly and decisively to shut down any efforts to extend his tenure. He would make it clear, beyond any doubt, that he will step down in 2028, as mandated by the Constitution. His refusal to do so suggests that his personal interests have taken precedence over the well-being of the nation. Even if those advocating for his extended term are merely exercising their democratic right, Mnangagwa, as a statesman, must recognize that their actions are harming Zimbabwe. A true patriot would put aside personal ambition in favor of national stability. Leadership, at its core, is about making sacrifices for the greater good. If a particular ambition, no matter how personally appealing, is causing division and unrest, should it not be abandoned? Why, then, is Mnangagwa unwilling to put the country ahead of his own interests? Should unity and stability not be his top priorities? Should the well-being of Zimbabweans not come before the personal aspirations of those within ZANU-PF? For a leader who is already in his second term, it would seem logical for him to be preparing for his exit. A two-term limit is not merely an arbitrary rule—it serves a crucial democratic function. Regular changes in leadership inject fresh ideas into governance, prevent the consolidation of power, and allow for innovation in policy-making. The rotation of leaders ensures that no individual or party develops an unchallenged stranglehold on the state. It also fosters accountability, as leaders know they will eventually have to answer for their actions once out of office. Zimbabwe, like any other democratic nation, stands to benefit immensely from these principles. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The dangers of unchecked power are well documented. When leaders overstay their welcome, they erode institutions, suppress opposition, and dismantle democratic norms. History is littered with examples of leaders who, in their quest to retain power, plunged their countries into chaos. Zimbabwe, having already suffered through years of political and economic turmoil, cannot afford to go down that path again. What is unfolding in Zimbabwe is not just a political contest—it is a national security threat. Power struggles, particularly those involving a president and his deputy, have historically led to instability and even armed conflict in other nations. South Sudan, for instance, provides a stark warning. The country descended into a brutal civil war after tensions between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar escalated into violent conflict. The war, which began in 2013, claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions, and left the country in ruins. The parallels to Zimbabwe’s current situation are unsettling. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, widely believed to be opposed to Mnangagwa’s term extension, enjoys strong backing from the military and veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. His faction within ZANU-PF is locked in a bitter power struggle with those advocating for Mnangagwa’s prolonged rule. The risk of this conflict spiraling into something more dangerous is very real. Political tensions, if left unchecked, can escalate into full-blown instability, with devastating consequences. Zimbabwe’s history is already marred by episodes of political violence. The current crisis has the potential to reignite those dark chapters. This is why Mnangagwa must rise above personal ambition and act as a statesman. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. He must prioritize national unity over the demands of those seeking to extend his rule. He must make it clear that he respects the Constitution and that he will not entertain any attempts to amend it for his benefit. The onus is on him to ensure that Zimbabwe remains stable and that its democratic institutions are preserved. Preserving unity should not be the responsibility of ordinary citizens alone—it must start with those in power. When Mnangagwa speaks about unity and economic progress under “Vision 2030,” it should not be a veiled demand for blind loyalty. Real unity is not about forcing people to support an individual’s political ambitions. It is about building a system where all Zimbabweans, regardless of political affiliation, can stand behind a shared vision for the future. As tensions continue to rise, Mnangagwa must ask himself whether he is willing to risk the country’s stability for the sake of remaining in office. Can he truly sleep at night knowing that his refusal to act is fueling division and potential chaos? If Zimbabwe were to descend into conflict, would he be able to live with the consequences? Leadership is not about self-preservation—it is about service. Mnangagwa has a choice: he can either cement his legacy as a leader who respected the Constitution and left power with dignity, or he can go down in history as yet another African leader who sacrificed his country for personal gain. The decision he makes in the coming months will determine Zimbabwe’s future for years to come. Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 _*Senate Approves Controversial PVO Amendment Bill*_ The controversial Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill has moved a step closer to becoming law after passing through the Senate. It now awaits President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signature to take effect. Rights activists and opposition groups argue that once signed into law, the PVO Bill will severely restrict the ability of government critics, civil society organizations (CSOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to operate freely in Zimbabwe. The PVO Bill was first passed by the Senate in February 2023, but President Mnangagwa referred it back to Parliament for reconsideration. According to NewsDay, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, while addressing senators, said the amendments to the Bill, include the establishment of a board to oversee the registration and operations of charitable entities in Zimbabwe. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The amendments, which were approved in the National Assembly, provide clearer definitions for pre-existing charitable entities and outline the registration process. According to Ziyambi, the transitional provision requires charitable entities to submit their registration documents to the registrar within three months of the Act coming into force. However, this does not imply that entities will be fully registered within three months. Instead, the registrar will use the submission date as the starting point for the registration process, which may take longer to complete. Ziyambi said the registrar is a member of the board and reports to it, with all registration matters being discussed at board meetings for approval or further action. He argued that the three-month timeline is reasonable, providing entities sufficient time to submit applications without delaying the registration process. Ziyambi also pointed out that entities will have the right to seek legal recourse if they are dissatisfied with any decisions made during the registration process. PVOs and NGOs will be required to register with the Registrar’s Office, which has the authority to approve, reject, or grant applications with limited judicial or administrative recourse against such decisions. _*Mass NGO, CSO closures loom in Zimbabwe*_ The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, long criticized by rights activists and opposition groups as a tool to suppress dissent and shrink democratic space, has cleared the Senate and now awaits Presidential assent. The Bill has sparked fears among civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that it could severely restrict their operations and independence, as the government accuses them of promoting a foreign agenda and opposing the ruling Zanu-PF party. The Bill's progress comes at a time when political tensions are running high in Zimbabwe, fuelled by ongoing debates over efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. Despite the President's public declarations last year that he plans to retire in 2028, Zanu-PF passed a resolution during its October 2023 conference supporting the extension. The move has met resistance from grassroots supporters and war veterans, highlighting growing divisions within the ruling party. Observers have raised concerns that once signed into law, the PVO Bill will undermine democracy by silencing government critics and interfering with the work of CSOs and NGOs. The Bill includes provisions requiring these organisations to register with the Registrar's Office, which will have broad powers to approve or deny applications. Critics argue that the process provides minimal avenues for judicial or administrative recourse, effectively granting the state unchecked authority to control the activities of these organisations. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi defended the Bill during the Senate debate, saying it seeks to establish a regulatory framework for charitable entities. He explained that the amendments would introduce a board to oversee the registration and operations of such organisations. Ziyambi stated that charitable entities will have three months from the Act's implementation to submit their registration documents to the registrar, with the date of submission marking the start of the registration process. While he maintained that the process is reasonable, critics argue that the Bill's provisions open the door to potential state overreach and harassment of independent organisations. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The PVO Bill has faced significant opposition both domestically and internationally. United Nations experts last year urged President Mnangagwa to refrain from enacting the legislation, warning that it would infringe on the independence of civil society and erode the role of NGOs in addressing pressing societal issues. Rights activists argue that the Bill is a clear attempt to silence dissent and restrict civic space, particularly for organisations that advocate for democracy, human rights, and social justice. In addition to domestic opposition, the Bill has drawn scrutiny in the context of Zanu-PF's internal politics. The party's push to extend Mnangagwa's term has exposed cracks within its ranks, with some members voicing strong opposition to what they see as an undemocratic move. Critics suggest that the PVO Bill could be part of a broader strategy to consolidate power ahead of the next election cycle. As the Bill awaits Mnangagwa's signature, its potential implications for Zimbabwe's civic and political landscape remain a subject of intense debate. If enacted, it could significantly alter the operating environment for CSOs and NGOs while exacerbating tensions between the government and its critics. The outcome will not only shape the future of civil society in Zimbabwe but also test the nation's commitment to democratic principles. _*”Monetary Policy Ineffective In Tackling Key Issues”*- Economists have criticized the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s 2025 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS), delivered by Governor John Mushayavanhu, arguing that it fails to tackle the country’s core economic challenges. One of the key issues highlighted was the reduction of the foreign currency retention threshold from 75% to 70%, which, despite widespread calls for an increase, adds further pressure on businesses. Speaking to Business Times, Eddie Cross, an economist and former member of the Monetary Policy Committee said that the MPS neglected to address the fundamental issues facing the economy. Said Cross: The Monetary Policy Statement did not address the key fundamentals. It contributes little to stabilizing the ZiG or the broader economy. The Governor’s remarks blaming retailers for the crisis were uncalled for. We need serious efforts to stabilize the local currency and a structured de-dollarization process. We have lost significant ground over the past two months, and nothing in this policy will reverse that. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Economist Tony Hawkins also criticised the MPS, arguing that it lacks credibility and fails to inspire confidence in the ZiG. He said: This is yet another attempt to push the market into accepting the ZiG, despite ten months of evidence showing its rejection. The policy lacks both credibility and innovative solutions. Claims of exchange rate and price stability ring hollow, especially after a month where consumer prices—both in ZiG and US dollars—rose above the annual average for sub-Saharan Africa. Hawkins also expressed concern over the excessive growth of the money supply, estimating a 600% increase in reserve money. Meanwhile, Gift Mugano criticized the MPS as overly punitive, especially towards exporters. Said Mugano: The policy effectively weakens exporters by reducing their forex retention threshold. Many are already struggling with working capital shortages due to the previous 75% retention, and this reduction will only worsen their position. It makes Zimbabwe less competitive globally. Economist Malone Gwadu argued that the RBZ is prioritizing the stability of the ZiG at the expense of industry growth. Said Gwadu: Policies like high interest rates and tight reserve controls are aimed at preventing excess liquidity and inflation. The central bank’s push to liberalize the forex market is a step in the right direction, but the industry is in distress. The tight monetary policy must be balanced with measures that support production. Perhaps gradually refining the Targeted Finance Facility (TFF) could help provide relief to struggling industries. Prosper Chitambara said the reduction in forex retention is part of the government’s broader de-dollarization strategy and an effort to build foreign currency reserves. He said reserves are essential, as they provide critical support for the ZiG. However, Chitambara stressed that Zimbabwe’s current reserves, estimated at around US$500 million, fall significantly short of the US$3 billion needed to cover a minimum three-month import requirement for economic stability. He added: While reserve accumulation is essential, this policy effectively acts as an indirect tax on exporters, who would prefer to retain more of their forex earnings. _*CZI Doubts RBZ’s Ability To Meet 2025 Inflation Targets*_ The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has expressed doubts about the central bank’s ability to meet its inflation targets for 2025, following price increases in January. CZI, in its January inflation and currency developments report for January, noted that while the 2025 National Budget and Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) aimed to keep monthly inflation below 3 per cent through strict fiscal and monetary policies, the high inflation recorded in January 2025 could jeopardize the central bank’s targets. CZI said: The elevated ZiG month-on-month inflation rate poses a significant challenge to achieving a low annual ZiG inflation rate by May 2025, when the annual inflation figure will be reported.Feedback Zimbabwe’s month-on-month inflation for January 2025 surged to approximately 10.5%, marking a 6.8 percentage point increase from the 3.7% recorded in December 2024. Noted the CZI: A month-on-month inflation rate of over 10 per cent is significantly high and generally disruptive in the economy as it erodes purchasing power and causes uncertainties, resulting in a loss of confidence in the local currency. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. CZI warned that the high inflation rate for January jeopardized the achievement of the policy target to keep monthly inflation below 5%. The US dollar-denominated monthly inflation also began the year at a higher rate of approximately 11.5% in January 2025, marking the highest level in the past four years. CZI said: In Zimbabwe, US dollar inflation is normally a response to ZiG inflation, as retailers adjust their prices in line with ZiG prices to avoid being accused by the RBZ’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for using the parallel market rates… A double-digit US dollar inflation under a highly dollarised environment is a cause for concern, as prices are generally expected to be stable in US dollar terms. Presenting the 2025 MPS, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor John Mushayavanhu said that inflation is expected to maintain a downward trajectory, with month-on-month inflation projected to average below 3% throughout 2025. He added: Given the base effects caused by the spike in monthly inflation in October 2024, annual inflation is expected to be elevated from April 2025 to September 2025 before significantly moderating to the end of the year 20-30 percent. _*ZESA Owes US$350 Million For Kariba Power Station Renovations*_ ZESA Holdings (ZESA) owes US$350 million for renovations at the Kariba South Power Station, which it has been unable to service due to the long-standing subsidised tariff regime, reported NewsDay. Currently, Kariba South has a capacity of 1,050 megawatts (MW) but is only generating 185 MW due to depleted water levels at Lake Kariba. This was revealed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Power Development in an update on the current state of electricity supply in Zimbabwe. It said: According to ZESA Holdings, they possess a huge loan burden in renovating some of the units at Kariba, South which amounts to US$350 million. ZESA created a huge debt burden on the utility, including foreign currency commitments for loan repayments and spare parts purchases. Management added that repayments need to be done in foreign currency, and they have resorted to exporting power in order to generate foreign currency. The committee urged the Treasury to disburse funds promptly for servicing loans related to power projects, to address Zimbabwe’s long-standing debt servicing challenges, improve the country’s creditworthiness, and facilitate access to affordable energy financing. ZESA’s foreign currency obligations are preventing the power utility from servicing even the Hwange Thermal Power Station. The committee highlighted that Zimbabwe continues to experience severe power outages as the distribution supply fails to meet the nation’s growing demand. The committee also revealed that Zimbabwe Power Company, a subsidiary of ZESA, has been forced to import power from neighbouring countries to alleviate load-shedding. _*Zaka South MP Calls For Amendment Of ZISCO Steel Act To Boost Steel Industry*_ Zaka South Member of Parliament, Clement Chiduwa, has called for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to amend the ZISCO Steel Act, particularly in light of the growing presence of companies like DINSON and Steel Makers in the country’s steel sector. Speaking on Tuesday during a point of national interest in Parliament, Chiduwa highlighted the recent significant growth of the iron and steel industry in Zimbabwe. He said: Steel is crucial for advancing our industrialisation agenda as a country. It is essential that the Statutory Instrument (SI) be reviewed and amended to align the regulatory environment with the strategic goals of NDS1 and maximize the economic contributions of the steel industry. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The Zaka South legislator urged the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to address several key issues, including the amendment of SI 63 of 2009, the reclassification of steel products, and the need to redefine iron, steel, and related manufactured products to exclude them from the mineral category. Chiduwa emphasized that revising SI 63 of 2009 would help create a more favourable environment for steel producers, enabling them to thrive and contribute more effectively to the country’s economy. _*Tshabangu Claims Disciplinary Panel Is Controlled By “Invisible Hand”*_ CCC’s disputed interim Secretary General, Sengezo Tshabangu, has vowed to address what he describes as the “invisible hand” behind the discord within his party. Tshabangu attended a disciplinary hearing chaired by a three-person panel: Senator Sesel Zvidzai, Hon. Concilia Chinanzvavana, and Gilbert Kagodora. Mushonga served as the Arbiter General, while Kucaca Phulu, representing Tshabangu and instructed by Mabikwa Attorneys, appeared on his behalf. At the start of the hearing, Tshabangu raised concerns that he had not been provided with a copy of the charge sheet detailing the allegations against him, nor was he informed of the specific provisions of the party constitution under which the charges were brought. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, Tshabangu alleged that someone was remotely influencing the panel, preventing it from operating independently. He further claimed the panel appeared to be taking instructions from an unidentified figure yet to be revealed. He said: At every turn in the hearing, and when a ruling was to be made, the panel repeatedly made telephone calls to someone who gave instructions as to how the panel should rule on each point. On this issue, Senator Tshabangu has given instructions to his Attorneys to subpoena the telephone records of the purported Disciplinary Committee members to establish the identity of the person the panel members repeatedly obtained instructions from. Tshabangu claimed that the lines of communication for resolving what seemed like legitimate differences between the parties have now been irreparably broken, making reconciliation impossible. He also pledged to bring order to CCC’s parliamentary and local government caucuses. Said Tshabangu: In the next few moments, action will be taken in decisive terms to bring much-needed stability and cohesion to the party, more so, in the Party Parliamentary Caucus and Local Government Caucus. The historic work which this 10th Parliament has to, and is about to take in the national interest requires the highest form of cohesion that no moment will lost in frivolity and trivialities. The Parliamentary Caucus and the Local Government Caucuses, as the only remaining legally valid Article 6 party organs should work in the most efficient and effective manner possible. All tools will be deployed to ensure that this happens. Senator Tshabangu says there shall be discipline. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The general membership of the party is assured that stability will be restored, the needful done, and soon, there will be no unknown knowns. _*’Security apparatus' ploy to shutdown Manhize foils,' Mutsvangwa claims*_ ZANU-PF spokesman, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa has this Thursday sensationally claimed that a major security institution's ploy to shutdown Manhize Dinson Iron and Steel Company was thwarted, while claiming that Mnangagwa has already started chopping out all culprits obstructing his projects. Mutsvangwa also declared that he know the culprits behind his son's incarceration (then) which was later reversed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Speaking in response to recent social media claims by firebrand war veteran, Blessed "Bombshell" Geza (during a press conference) that Mnangagwa was responsible for his son, Neville's incarceration, Mutsvangwa described the claims as mere fabrication meant to conceal identities of his real enemies within party ranks. "I will tell you, two three months ago, a major security institution wanted to close Manhize, the accusations were that they were not producing steel, but they are digging gold and smuggling, because they are Chinese," Mutsvangwa claims. "But an organisation actually descends upon Manhize start threatening everybody left, right and centre; a project which the President has been promoting since 2013. He was furious about it, and just like over my son's issue, the axe has fallen on some of the bureaucrats thought they were bigger than the President. We saw bureaucracy on certain very high positions vachiona zvitupa zvave paWindow (being relieved off their duties and chopped from their current ranks)," Mutsvangwa disclosed. "He (Geza) mentioned the other day that my son was incarcerated by the President, it's not true. I know who was behind my son's incarceration in May last year and I know why it was done and the President had nothing to do with it. He had to come back and undo it in a manner that does not arouse anxieties that he may not be interfering with the judiciary," Mutsvangwa said. "So to say President Mnangagwa is behind the persecution as claimed by Comrade Bombshell is totally wrong, but rather, the people who are telling him to go on television are the ones who are behind the persecution of my son," Mutsvangwa said. Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa has accused former Finance Minister, Tendai Biti of engaging in clandestine campaign to influence international opinion on Zimbabwe's land reform program. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa disclosed that Biti has been secretly holding meetings with American diplomats in South Africa, with the hidden agenda of whipping up emotions about title deeds and the land issue in Zimbabwe in order to draw President Donald Trump's attention. He described Tendai Biti's actions as part of a broader strategy to reignite international scrutiny on Zimbabwe's land reform program of the early 2000s which witnessed the redistribution of land from white farmers to black majority Zimbabweans. _*40% of SA children do not live with biological fathers…Zimbabwe following suit*_ CAPE TOWN - South Africa is a country battling the issue of absent fathers, which has led to many broken families. The State of South Africa's Fathers 2024 report, has found that 40 percent of children live with people who are not their biological fathers. Economic instability is among the factors that determine a father's presence in the child’s life. Professor Kopano from the Tataokhona Project at Stellenbosch University said, "The poorer provinces tend to do badly and better off provinces do well that means there is a relationship between the economy." _*Zimbabwean migrant workers exploited in UK*_ ZIMBABWEAN migrant workers in the United Kingdom (UK) are among those heavily exploited in the European nation, a new report shows. In its new survey titled Caring at a Cost: A Survey of Migrant Care Staff Working in the UK, UK trade union UNISON found that Zimbabwean migrants are among the most exploited in that country. “In November 2023, UNISON published anecdotal evidence of widespread exploitation and workplace abuse in the report Expendable Labour. This research revealed that many care workers had to pay predatory recruitment agents before they could even travel to the UK,” UNISON said. “Once they arrived here, these care workers — some of whom have sold everything — had money deducted from their wages, faced dubious demands for fees such as for administration, were threatened with dismissal and deportation, experienced racial abuse and were housed in substandard accommodation.” Given these findings, UNISON conducted a survey to establish the extent of this mistreatment. “Most survey respondents came from African countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Others were from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Brazil and Indonesia. This is the first major piece of work about migrant care workers conducted by the union,” UNISON said. The survey was carried out between November 2024 and January 2025, in which 3 306 migrant care staff was surveyed. The questions asked to migrants included the type of fees paid to employers and recruiters, pay issues such as wage deductions and not getting paid on time, accommodation issues, racism and how the current sponsorship system has affected them. According to the UK government’s Long-term International Migration, Provisional: Year Ending June 2024 report released last November, 36 000 Zimbabwean nationals immigrated to the European nation during the period. Work-related immigration was far more common, with 35 000 Zimbabwean migrants seeking jobs, while 1 000 immigrated for studies. The 35 000 migrants represent a near 67% increase from the 21 000 Zimbabwean migrants who sought jobs in the year ended June 2023. Newsday _*Bulawayo residents urged to reject water privatisation*_ The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) has called on Bulawayo residents to oppose government plans to privatise water services in the city. The move has raised concerns among critics who fear that it could lead to higher water costs and the erosion of public access to essential services. Recently, the government revealed it would enter negotiations with private companies, while the Bulawayo City Council has expressed intentions to create a new company to manage the city's water services. Reports suggest that the council has engaged Vitens Evides International, a Dutch water utility, to oversee the city's water and sanitation services. However, MIHR director Khumbulani Maphosa has strongly criticised the move, arguing that privatisation would compromise the right to water, turning it into a commodity driven by profit. "Privatisation is pushing for profit, and it makes water a commodity," Maphosa said. "It destroys people's rights to water." He also warned that privatising water services could have devastating public health implications. "People just recovered from a cholera outbreak, and privatisation will lead to open defecation and people resorting to unsafe water sources due to unaffordable water prices," he added. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Maphosa raised additional concerns about the potential negative impact on women and girls, who he said could become more vulnerable to abuse. "Our women and girls will be exposed to abuse," he warned, citing the existence of water mafias or cartels in other cities like Harare, which illegally control access to water. "Since women typically use more water than others, they will be at risk of exploitation by sexual predators." The MIHR's opposition echoes a wider backlash faced by the government after it announced plans to privatise water services in urban areas, including a controversial deal with a Chinese company to build a new water treatment reservoir for Harare. Residents of urban areas have criticised the decision, warning that it would lead to higher tariffs, putting access to clean, potable water out of reach for many low-income households. As negotiations continue, the MIHR is urging Bulawayo residents to stand firm against privatisation and to demand that water remain a public service for the benefit of all citizens. _*Married Couple Among 24 Killed in Beitbridge Crash, Leaving Behind 9-Year-Old Daughter*_ In a heart-wrenching development, a married couple is among the 24 passengers who lost their lives in a fatal crash involving an Urban Connect bus and a haulage truck at the 262-kilometre peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road near Lutumba Toll Gate on Thursday morning. Married Couple Among 24 Killed in Beitbridge Crash Petronella Dembetembe Murungweni and Abel Rumbwere travelled together from Harare to their home in Beitbridge when the accident occurred. The couple, who leave behind a nine-year-old daughter, were among those who died on the spot when the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with a truck. Petronella’s brother, Maxim, confirmed their tragic passing in an interview with H-Metro. “She was the last born in our family and they left a daughter who is about nine years old. It’s unfortunate they have died among others who died on the spot,” he said. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. The couple will be mourned in Beitbridge’s Dulibadzimu Township, where they are expected to be laid to rest side by side at Makakavhule Cemetery. Both will be mourned in Beitbridge in Dulibadzimu Township. Burial is most likely to be there as well and, if nothing changes, they will be buried side by side at Makakavhule cemetery,” he said. National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the accident in a statement on Thursday. He noted that the number of injured passengers is yet to be established. “The number of the injured people is yet to be established. The bodies of the victims were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured are admitted at the same hospital,” Nyathi said. Nyathi said the names of the 24 victims will be released in due course. Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the Beitbridge crash a national disaster. He expressed his condolences to the grieving families and confirmed that the victims will receive State-assisted burials. _*Brighton and Chelsea Clash tonight*_ Chelsea take on Brighton & Hove Albion for the second time in six days as they head to the Amex in Premier League play on Friday. Enzo Maresca's side lost 2-1 to the Seagulls in the FA Cup fourth round last Saturday, meaning they have now won just three of their past 10 matches in all competitions. They return to the south coast this week looking to claim three points and keep themselves firmly on track for qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League, although they do so amid something of a striker shortage caused by recent injuries. Brighton will be hoping to get their own league campaign back on track after their astonishing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in their last top-flight outing. There is a chance that Pervis Estupinan and Mats Wieffer could return this weekend. Estupinan has missed Brighton's past three games with injury, while midfielder Wieffer has not played in 2025 due to an unspecified knee issue. Lewis Dunk will face a late fitness test after being forced off at halftime of the cup win last week, while Solly March has an outside chance of being available after a muscle problem. Ferdi Kadioglu is still recovering from surgery, as is goalkeeper Jason Steele, while James Milner is a long-term absentee. Igor Julio will not play again this season due to a serious hamstring injury. Brighton predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Verbruggen (GK) — Veltman, Van Hecke, Webster, Lamptey — Baleba, Hinshelwood — Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma — Welbeck Injured: Dunk (unspec., doubt), Estupinan (unspec., doubt), Wieffer (knee, doubt), March (muscle), Kadioglu (foot), Steele (shoulder), Milner (hamstring), Igor Julio (hamstring) Suspended: None Chelsea's injury picture is largely unchanged from last week, although it was confirmed on Wednesday this week that striker Nicolas Jackson is facing around six weeks out with a hamstring injury. This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production. Benoit Badiashile is not expected back until later this month, while Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are still a few weeks away from returning from muscle problems. Omari Kellyman is still sidelined, while Maresca anticipates that Marc Guiu is facing "probably weeks, months" out with a groin issue. Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended after failing a doping test. Robert Sanchez regained his place in goal last week after being dropped for the win over West Ham, but Filip Jorgensen could come back in. Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — Caicedo, Fernandez — Madueke, Palmer, Sancho — Nkunku Injured: Jackson, Fofana, Lavia (all hamstring), Badiashile (thigh), Guiu (groin), Kellyman (hamstring) Suspended: Mudryk (failed doping test) This is an Ignite Media Zimbabwe news production.