HOT TOPICS ONLINE ............ *5 000 teachers quit in 2023: Ministry* (Herald) *Government hands over 15 vehicles to boost community service delivery* (Zbc) *Government targets US$2 billion horticulture industry by 2030* (Zbc) *Man convicted for impersonating candidate in Zimsec exam* (B24) *Land bonanza for Zimbabwe civil servants, war veterans* (TellZim) *RBZ spooked by May inflation rate of 92,1%* (Newsday) *New sugar mill for Chiredzi* (Newsday) *Zimbabwe: Sunningdale MP Commissions Solar-Powered Boreholes to Tackle Harare's Water Crisis* (263 Chart) *Epworth’s ambitious plan to address water challenges* (Newsday) ------ ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *5 000 teachers quit in 2023: Ministry* (Herald) Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro admitted that the education sector has been hard hit by brain drain OVER 5 000 teachers quit the profession in 2023, the Primary and Secondary Education ministry has said, but unions representing the educators say the figure is understated. The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) last month claimed that 15 000 teachers quit the profession in frustration over poor working conditions. Teachers are at loggerheads with government over a wage dispute and are demanding at least US$540 they earned before October 2018. The educators earn an average of US$250 per month and around ZiG3 000. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro admitted that the education sector has been hard hit by brain drain. “Teacher welfare remains a priority, evidenced by regular salary reviews (latest adjustment: 10% + US$300/month supplement), ongoing classroom infrastructure upgrades (2 800 new classrooms built in 2024) and expanded teacher housing schemes,” he said. “Our verified data shows annual departures are significantly lower than the figures cited by unions. 2023 attrition is 5 217 (3,8% of the workforce). Resignations were 2 109, retirements: 2 866 and others 242.” Ndoro, however, alleged that 8 500 teachers were recruited to fill the gap. He said there were various reasons why teachers were quitting the profession such as the need for family relocation (42%), health/personal reasons (31%), career change (18%) and remuneration concerns (9%). Ndoro said the ministry valued all teachers for their dedication and took concerns raised by the profession seriously. “We are committed to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders through established platforms like the National Joint Negotiating Council,” Ndoro said. “The ministry welcomes documented cases for individual follow-up to ensure every teacher’s concerns are properly addressed. “Quality education requires collective effort. We salute our diligent teachers while steadily improving systems through evidence-based reforms.” PTUZ recently sent a delegation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office requesting his intervention over salaries and other challenges bedevilling the education sector. This was a follow-up to their petition to Finance minister Mthuli Ncube. ------- *Government hands over 15 vehicles to boost community service delivery* (Zbc) Story by Elroi Ngara HARARE – IN a move aimed at strengthening grassroots service delivery, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has handed over 15 vehicles to District Development Officers across the country. The handover, which comes as part of government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive development, is expected to significantly enhance the officers’ mobility, enabling them to access remote and underserved areas more efficiently. Fiona Ndlovu, Business Development Officer for Bubi District, expressed gratitude, highlighting the operational relief the vehicles bring. “I am truly grateful for this vehicle, which will empower our district. We will now be able to reach remote areas. This initiative aligns perfectly with the ministry’s mandate of empowering women, communities and small enterprises,” she said. Her sentiments were echoed by Joseph Mabunda, Business and Cooperative Development Officer for Insiza District. “We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ministry. This vehicle will greatly enhance our ability to serve the community, especially in hard-to-reach locations. We believe this support will drive positive transformation,” he said. Patricia Machivenyika, Development Officer for Mazowe District, added that the vehicle will go a long way in improving service delivery and response time. “This is a game-changer for our district. We are now better positioned to serve our people effectively and efficiently,” she said. Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, said the initiative is part of a broader effort to address key societal challenges and uplift communities. “We continue to work towards development, we have been focusing on taking our services to the ward level. We have provided development officers, and today, we have handed over 15 cars to our district development officers. The idea is to make them mobile, enabling them to reach every corner of our districts. We aim to tackle pressing issues like child marriages and gender-based violence. As a society, we’re committed to creating a better future for our citizens. With these cars, our officers will be able to navigate challenging terrains and reach remote areas, providing essential services to women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs,” she said. Senator Mutsvangwa reaffirmed government’s dedication to creating sustainable livelihoods under the Second Republic, aligned with the national Vision 2030 agenda. ----- *Government targets US$2 billion horticulture industry by 2030* (Zbc) Story by Tendai Munengwa CHRISTON BANK – ZIMBABWE’S horticulture sector is firmly on a growth trajectory, with government projecting it to become a US$2 billion industry by 2030, following a series of policy interventions aimed at revitalising the once-declining industry. The turnaround comes under the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan, launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which has seen exponential growth in key high-value crops. This Wednesday, senior government officials and agricultural stakeholders convened in Christon Bank, just outside Harare, to assess the milestones achieved so far under the strategy. “The sector has recorded tremendous strides since the launch of the Horticulture Recovery and Growth Plan. Blueberries have grown from virtually zero to nearly 10 tonnes, with a 36% annual growth margin. Pica-nuts and potatoes have also seen significant gains. We now produce enough potatoes to feed the nation, which supports the continued ban on potato imports,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said. In addition to commercial crops, the Presidential Horticulture Scheme has empowered over one million households, particularly in rural communities, to grow fruit trees, sweet potatoes and establish nutritious household gardens. “Through this initiative, sweet potato seed has been distributed to over a million households. The objective is to further empower smallholder farmers to diversify their horticultural practices and enhance their incomes,” Professor Jiri added. While the sector has set an ambitious target of US$1.5 billion by 2025, stakeholders at the engagement meeting noted that achieving sustainable financial support and infrastructure investment is key to unlocking the sector’s full potential. The government and stakeholders are expected to continue working on refining strategies for value chain development, export competitiveness, and climate-smart horticulture practices, in line with Vision 2030. ..... *Man convicted for impersonating candidate in Zimsec exam* (B24) A 20-year-old man from Zvishavane has been convicted for impersonating another candidate during a Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) exam, in a case that has raised alarm over exam malpractice and identity fraud in the education sector. Fidelis Chipungu was found guilty by the Zvishavane Magistrates' Court after posing as Hilton Malunga to write the ZIMSEC Mathematics Paper 1 at George Chipadza Secondary School on 26 May 2025. According to court records, Chipungu used Malunga's national identity card to gain unauthorized access to the examination room, successfully sitting for the paper under the false identity. The fraud came to light shortly after the exam ended, when school officials summoned Chipungu to the Deputy Headmaster's office for questioning. Under pressure, he confessed to the offence. The exam invigilator promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to Chipungu's arrest. Magistrate [Insert Name] sentenced Chipungu to two months in prison, but the sentence was wholly suspended on the condition that he performs 70 hours of community service. In delivering judgment, the court noted the seriousness of the offence and its potential to undermine the credibility of national examinations, but also considered Chipungu's age and early admission of guilt. ZIMSEC has not yet commented on the specific case but has previously warned against examination fraud, stressing that those caught engaging in such acts would face criminal prosecution and possible nullification of results. Education stakeholders have expressed concern over increasing cases of exam-related dishonesty, urging schools, parents, and communities to instill integrity and responsibility in students. ......... *Land bonanza for Zimbabwe civil servants, war veterans* (TellZim) Civil servants and war veterans are set to benefit from heavily discounted land purchases under a bold new government land distribution initiative aimed at empowering citizens and recognising the contributions of key national groups. The programme, which includes flexible 20-year payment terms, was unveiled as part of a broader economic empowerment drive by the Zimbabwean government. It seeks to make land more accessible to ordinary citizens while supporting agricultural productivity and national development. Speaking during the Leadership Success Series and Land Tenure Implementation Programme at Masvingo Polytechnic on May 23, business mogul and philanthropist Kudakwashe Tagwirei announced that the government had earmarked 10 million hectares of land for redistribution under the A1 and A2 farming models. "The government of Zimbabwe has acquired 10 million hectares that will be redistributed to citizens. A1 farmers will receive six hectares, covering residential and farming land, while A2 farmers will receive up to 200 hectares," said Tagwirei. In Masvingo, land is currently priced at US$500 per hectare, making the typical A1 six-hectare plot worth US$3,000. However, substantial discounts are being offered to civil servants and other eligible beneficiaries. "If you're a civil servant with over 10 years of service, you'll get a discount of two and a half to five percent. Because Masvingo is in Region 3, there's an additional two percent discount. Those who pay in cash will receive a further 15 percent discount," Tagwirei said. After the combined discounts, a qualifying civil servant would pay only US$2,340 for a six-hectare plot, while non-civil servants would pay US$2,490. Payment can be made in annual instalments over 20 years — US$273 per year for civil servants and US$288 for others. War veterans will benefit from even greater subsidies, with the first five hectares available at just US$10 per hectare. The sixth hectare is priced at the standard US$500, but like others, veterans qualify for the additional 15 percent discount for cash payments. Tagwirei emphasised that the initiative is part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision to boost grassroots economic participation and ownership. "The President understands that people are struggling financially and has made it possible to pay for land over two decades," he said. "This is about empowering Zimbabweans to be productive and to own their future." The land distribution programme is expected to roll out in phases, with registration and vetting processes managed at the district level. Beneficiaries are being urged to apply through proper channels to secure allocations under the new scheme. Source - TellZim ---- *RBZ spooked by May inflation rate of 92,1%* (Newsday) Business By Ashton Ndakusiya RBZ governor John Mushayavanhu THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is now closely monitoring inflation after the annual Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) rate accelerated by 6,4 percentage points last month to 92,1%, with the bank expecting it to continue rising through to September. In its May monthly inflation report, the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) reported the ZiG annual inflation rate to be 92,1%, an increase from 85,7% recorded in April. The ZiG annual inflation rate was first reported in April, following the release of the domestic currency on April 5, 2024, as Treasury sought to have one year pass with the domestic tender in use before reporting this information. Meanwhile, the year-on-year US dollar inflation rate decelerated to 13,9%, a marginal 0,5 percentage points from April, showing that high greenback pricing remains. The inflation statistics indicate continued currency volatility. “The Reserve Bank has been closely monitoring and anticipating the recent movements in year-on-year ZiG inflation, which rose from 85,7% in April to 92,1 % in May 2025, primarily owing to a once-off shock experienced in September 2024,” RBZ governor John Mushayavanhu said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the month-on-month ZiG inflation has been relatively low and stable at less than 1% over the last three months. “The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency has been reporting month-on-month ZiG inflation without annual inflation due to the absence of comparable ZiG-denominated price developments on an annual basis in 2023.” He said the transition from Zimbabwe dollar to ZiG prices inevitably created a statistical gap in the calculation of annual ZiG inflation figures. “As a result, ZimStat began computing and publishing year-on-year ZiG inflation in April 2025, after obtaining a full year of ZiG prices,” Mushayavanhu added. “The Reserve Bank, therefore, advises the public that the recorded rise in year-on-year ZiG inflation in April and May 2025 is primarily due to the base effect emanating from the once-off spike in month-on-month inflation from 5,8% in September 2024 to 37,2% in October 2024. “The current trend in annual inflation is expected to continue up to September 2025 and decline thereafter to align with the current low and stable month-on-month inflation.” He said the current annual inflation trajectory, therefore, was expected not to affect consumer purchasing power and value preservation, as the inflation impact had already been realised. “The economy is projected to return to a more stable annual inflation path from the month of October 2025,” Mushayavanhu said. “Going forward, the ZiG annual inflation is expected to significantly decline to below 30% by December 31, 2025 and to further decline towards single-digit levels in the outlook period.” The International Monetary Fund expects inflation to cool to 26,1% by year-end, while the African Development Bank has made a 23,6% prediction. However, some international lenders and experts disagree with the RBZ governor’s prediction owing to the exchange rate remaining controlled, thus leaving this important metric susceptible to swings. For example, the African Export–Import Bank, one of Zimbabwe’s major creditors, expects the annual inflation rate to reach 199,6% by year end, while American economist Steve Hanke has persistently kept the country’s annual inflation rate in the three-digit area. ..... *New sugar mill for Chiredzi* (Newsday) Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the establishment of the sugar mill would help to cut costs, reduce crop deterioration and boost incomes for local growers THE Industry and Commerce ministry plans to set up a new sugar mill at Mkwasine Estates in Chiredzi to benefit more than 500 A2 sugarcane farmers. For years, Mkwasine farmers have struggled with costly and inefficient logistics, transporting their harvested cane approximately 70km to the nearest processing facilities at Triangle and Hippo Valley Estates. The high rail tranport cost severely erode profits and render operations unsustainable. Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution secretary Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the establishment of the sugar mill would help to cut costs, reduce crop deterioration and boost incomes for local growers. “...the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has already tendered for the project,” he said. “The new sugar mill will reduce transportation costs for farmers in the Mkwasine area while also bringing the much-needed competition between millers.” Currently, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe holds a significant share in the sugar milling industry, with the country’s two mills located at Triangle and Hippo Valley. The establishment of a third mill will not only decentralise milling services, but also introduce competition in the sector, which benefits farmers through improved service, pricing and reduced farm-to-mill distance. Keep Reading 9 000 farmer field schools on cards Social commentary: Zim women face risks in giving life Need for transparency on The fears of the Hlengwe-Xangani ethnic group commonly referred to as the Chilonga community are not unfounded issue Social commentary: Zim women face risks in giving life Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association chairperson Elisha Tamirepi welcomed the development which cuts transport costs for farmers. “Even the quality of our cane will improve, as currently, the cane deteriorates while waiting to be shipped for milling,” Tamirepi said. Mkwasine farmers have endured perennial challenges such as erratic irrigation caused by insufficient water from Manjirenji Dam. In addition, farmers face the threat of crop destruction by wild animals. ----- *Zimbabwe: Sunningdale MP Commissions Solar-Powered Boreholes to Tackle Harare's Water Crisis* (263 Chart) By Elia Ntali Sunningdale Constituency Member of Parliament Maureen Kademaunga recently commissioned five solar-powered boreholes across the constituency delivering much-needed relief to thousands of residents in five suburbs. The boreholes, funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), were officially launched in key areas--Ardbennie, Sunningdale, Cranborne, Eastlea and St Martins--where water shortages have become a daily struggle. "We commissioned five groundwater sources in Sunningdale Constituency... providing a vital lifeline to our communities amidst the water challenges in Harare. These water points are serving not only residential areas but also shopping centers, vending stalls, and public toilets, making a tangible difference in people's lives," said Kademaunga Aging water infrastructure has left many neighborhoods dry for days forcing residents to rely on unsafe water sources. Kademaunga said the solar-powered boreholes serve as a "short-gap measure" in the absence of consistent municipal water supplies. "It is my hope that in the near future every urban family will have clean running tap water in their homes. However, in the face of water shortages, I believe this initiative will provide clean and safe water for household use and also service our public amenities to curb the spread of diseases," she said. One resident applauded the move saying it was long overdue and had eased pressure on them. "We appreciate this move as it has eased a burden that confronted us. Imagine crossing the ever-busy Boshoff Drive going into nearby companies soliciting for water. This is truly commendable," said Memory Muchetu a Sunningdale resident .......... *Epworth’s ambitious plan to address water challenges* (Newsday) By KUDZAI JAKACHIRA | Town secretary Wilton Mhanda said the plant would address water supply challenges facing the town. THE Epworth Local Board has announced plans to set up a water treatment plant at Lyndhurst Dam to boost water production to 45 mega litres per day. Town secretary Wilton Mhanda said the plant would address water supply challenges facing the town. “Only 57% of our formal units have access to improved water supply, which is way below our required target,” Mhanda said. “Our thrust as the local authority is to improve water supply making sure every citizen has access to clean and safe drinking water.” A masterplan for the project was submitted to the Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tavengwa by the local board last week. “We are going to develop a water treatment plant at Lyndhurst Dam, establishing the dam as the holding dam for the water treatment plant,” part of the presentation read. “We want to co-ordinate with Zimbabwe National Water Authority and the Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment Council in achieving this task at the same time collaborating with Harare Sunway City (Pvt) and the Goromonzi Rural District Council.” The Epworth Master Plan seeks to contain and address the structural challenge of informality.