Monday 09 June 2025 NEWS UPDATES* _• USD: ZiG Official Exchange – Z$26.50_ • _Black Market Rate - Zig 40: USD1_ • _Innscor in-store – Z$35_ • _KFC, Slice, Eat'n'Lick – Z$35_ https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDbHKp3GJOtlMM4PA39 https://wa.me/263718497005?text=advert *THE HEADLINES* *CZI tips policy advocacy to drive industrial growth* *State issues first Data Controller Licences* *Hwange Colliery soars in remarkable turnaround* *Why are properties so pricey in Zimbabwe? Here are 8 reasons* *Chief Gutu Calls Harsher Penalties For Environmental Offenders* *Milton High School Teacher Arrested For Sodomising Learners* *Serious medical crisis mounting in SA* *170 school heads needed in Matabeleland* *Zanu PF Plays the Nkomo Card in Insiza Campaign* *Zimbabwe Set To Open Overseas E-Passport Centre In The UK By Year-end* *Zimbabwe hosts SADC Committee of Ministers of Finance* *“Skinny Jab” Craze Sparks Health Warning In Zimbabwe* *Lake Kariba’s Usable Water Storage Climbs To 21.65%* *Lake Kariba’s Usable Water Storage Climbs To 21.65%* *More than a race: Comrades Marathon delivers drama, emotion, and champions* *Harvey Elliott considers Liverpool exit after limited playing time* *THE DETAILS* _*CZI tips policy advocacy to drive industrial growth*_ THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) is working on policy advocacy with practical interventions designed to create an enabling environment for industrial growth. This will promote a value chain and sectors approach to industrial development, the industrialists’ body said in written responses to NewsDay Business. “This approach recognises that improving a single firm is not enough. Sustainable industrial growth depends on strengthening entire ecosystems of producers, processors, service providers and markets,” CZI said. “Translating policy and economic analysis into business opportunities information is the next frontier of our work at the confederation. Companies can improve their export competitiveness by focusing on quality certification, modern packaging, production efficiencies and a better understanding of target market requirements.” The country’s largest business member organisation said industrial development has been stifled by longstanding macroeconomic issues, including currency volatility, access to forex and limited access to long-term capital. Since the beginning of the year, several companies have closed shop or opted for corporate rescue amid a deteriorating economic environment. “Industrial development in Zimbabwe is constrained by several longstanding challenges,” CZI said in emailed responses to NewsDay Business. “These include currency volatility, high production and utility costs, regulatory duplication, outdated machinery and limited access to long-term capital. Such barriers reduce competitiveness and dampen the sector’s ability to grow, retool, and export.” CZI revealed that it would promote the growth of the sector by promoting standards alignment, advocating for export incentives, and creating platforms for knowledge sharing and peer learning among export-ready firms. This seeks to give the country have a better foothold in a larger market, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In 2024, CZI launched ‘Rules of Origin’ workshops in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority across all five regional chambers, aimed at helping businesses comprehend AfCFTA trade requirements. “We also conducted AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth workshops, which supported SMEs, particularly women- and youth-led businesses, to navigate trade procedures and increase their participation in cross-border trade,” CZI said. Newsday _*State issues first Data Controller Licences*_ In a landmark move toward bolstering digital trust and security, Zimbabwe has officially issued its first-ever Data Controller Licences, positioning itself as a regional leader in data protection and governance. The handover ceremony, held in Harare last Friday, marked a critical step in the implementation of the country’s Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 11:12], signalling a new era of accountability in the digital economy. Speaking at the ceremony, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, lauded the milestone as proof of Zimbabwe’s determination to lead in digital transformation. “This milestone reaffirms our nation’s commitment to data protection, digital governance, and compliance with global best practices while aligning with our domestic legal framework,” she said. Minister Mavetera said Zimbabwe joined a small group of African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, with established data controller licensing frameworks. “Few nations across the world have formalised such regimes. This makes Zimbabwe a pacesetter not only in SADC, but across Africa,” she said. The Minister said the initiative’s regional impact is already evident, with some of the trained data controllers hailing from countries such as Botswana, Eswatini, and Malawi. She said the development coincides with President Mnangagwa’s chairmanship of SADC and called it “the icing on the cake.” Minister Mavetera also urged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) to decentralise the training programmes currently concentrated in Harare and make them accessible across all provinces. “No Zimbabwean should be left behind due to geographical constraints. I call upon POTRAZ to partner with all state universities and tertiary institutions to expand this training,” she said. The Minister also called for a review of training costs to ensure affordability and inclusivity. “These licences are not just a regulatory requirement; they are a strategic tool to ensure that Zimbabwe’s digital transformation is secure, inclusive, and aligned with international standards,” she said. POTRAZ Director-General Dr Gift Machengete said the licence was more than a piece of paper but a cultural shift toward responsible data governance. “Compliance is not about ticking boxes; it is the foundation of trust,” he said. “Around the world, failure to protect data has resulted in identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational harm. “We cannot allow such risks to take root in our country.” Dr Machengete said 570 organisations have been licensed and over 560 data protection officers trained to date. POTRAZ has also developed key operational guidelines, responded to data breaches, and conducted nationwide public awareness campaigns. “This licence represents your organisation’s alignment with both national and international standards. It is a strategic asset that will boost your efficiency, credibility, and stakeholder confidence,” Dr Machengete said. He said true compliance was ongoing and urged licensees to continue investing in cybersecurity, regular audits, and ethical data handling practices. As Zimbabwe moves to solidify its digital economy, stakeholders at the event hailed the licensing initiative as a transformative step that will attract investment, enhance innovation, and protect citizen rights in the digital age. “In protecting data, we are protecting what it means to be human in a digital world,” said Dr Machengete. Herald _*Hwange Colliery soars in remarkable turnaround*_ The Government’s decision to place the Hwange Colliery Company (HCCL) under administration has proved to be a strategic move as evidenced by increased production which has enabled the company to meet most of its financial obligations, including paying salaries on time. The once struggling coal miner has since injected over US$8 million into the resuscitation of its coke oven battery, which had been dormant for more than a decade. The project, now nearing completion, is expected to propel monthly coke production beyond 18 000 tonnes, reinforcing the company’s pivotal role in the country’s energy and industrial sectors. During a tour of HCCL’s key projects, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo witnessed the progress being made, particularly on the coke oven battery, which is now set for warming up this June. The company’s managing director, Engineer William Gambiza, updated Minister Moyo on the coke oven battery project. “We decided to go on this critical project as an important step in reviving the company’s fortunes. Our battery is now ready for warming up this June. We invested US$8,1 million in this project,” he said. Eng Gambiza said the US$8,1 million investment reflects the company’s commitment to modernisation and sustainable growth, aligning with the Government’s vision for a robust mining sector under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). The investment is expected to significantly boost coke production, meeting the rising demand both locally and internationally. There is high demand for coke, a key component in steelmaking and other industrial processes and HCCL wants to capitalise on this. “We want to commend the Government for its decision to place HCCL under administration. We see the results of the company’s resurgence. Workers are now getting paid on time, the Government is also getting its dividend, and we are proud of the work being done by management,” said Minister Moyo. He said the revival of HCCL has positive economic impact, particularly in Matabeleland North where the company remains a major employer and a key driver of industrial activity. Beyond coke production, HCCL plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, supplying coal for power generation at Hwange Thermal Power Station and other industrial users. The company’s resurgence ensures a steady coal supply, which is critical for alleviating the country’s power challenges. Additionally, the revival of the coke oven battery strengthens synergies with other local coke producers, who rely on HCCL for raw materials. This approach not only boosts the mining sector but also supports downstream industries, including steel and ferro-alloy production. With the coke oven battery now set for commissioning, HCCL is poised to reclaim its position as a leading coal and coke producer in the region. As HCCL continues on its upward trajectory, the focus remains on maximising production, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda. Herald _*Why are properties so pricey in Zimbabwe? Here are 8 reasons*_ Property prices in Zimbabwe are high due to several factors, including high construction costs, limited supply, increased demand, and a lack of formal rental markets. Additionally, high taxes, a limited number of construction workers, and the burden of infrastructure costs further contribute to the expensive nature of Zimbabwean properties. Here's a more detailed look at these factors: 1. High Construction Costs: Construction materials and labor costs can be significant, especially when using imported materials. 2. Limited Supply: The number of properties available for sale, particularly in desirable areas, is often low, leading to increased demand and higher prices. 3. Increased Demand: A growing population and rising incomes are driving up the demand for housing, putting pressure on property prices. 4. Lack of Formal Rental Market: The absence of a structured rental market can make tenants more likely to seek property ownership, increasing demand and prices. 5. High Taxes: The tax structure in Zimbabwe, particularly the income tax and property transfer taxes, can make owning property more expensive. 6. Limited Number of Construction Workers: A shortage of skilled construction workers can lead to higher labor costs and slower development, contributing to higher property prices. 7. Infrastructure Burden: The costs associated with providing infrastructure like roads, water, and electricity can be passed on to developers and ultimately to homeowners, increasing property prices. 8. Economic Stability and Investment: Periods of economic stability and growth can boost investor confidence, leading to increased demand for property and potentially higher prices. _*Chief Gutu Calls Harsher Penalties For Environmental Offenders*_ Chief Gutu has urged authorities to crack down harder on environmental offenders, calling for stricter enforcement of existing laws and harsher penalties for those responsible for veld fires, deforestation, and the destruction of wetlands. Speaking at the recent launch of Masvingo Provincial Fire Week, an event organised by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) at Mpandawana Growth Point, Chief Gutu, whose real name is Lawrence Chigariro, stressed the urgent need to protect Zimbabwe’s natural resources before more damage is done. He said: This season, we received more rainfall, which has led to a significant increase in biomass, and as traditional leaders, we are deeply troubled by the negative impact of veld fires on communities. We are doing our part to raise awareness and advocate for stiffer penalties for individuals found guilty of igniting veld fires. In his remarks, Councillor Charles Mani also emphasised the need to tackle the issue of veld fires and underscored ongoing efforts to educate communities on fire prevention measures. Said Cllr Mani: As the Gutu Rural District Council, we are proactively preparing for the fire season. We are working closely with communities and all relevant stakeholders to ensure they are well-informed and equipped to reduce fire outbreaks. We already have trained personnel in the communities and a standby fire tender acquired with government support. We are prepared to mitigate fire incidents that could lead to loss of life. EMA Masvingo Provincial Manager, Mr Milton Muusha, stated that within Masvingo Province, the Gutu and Masvingo districts have been identified as high-risk areas. Consequently, EMA has intensified its awareness campaigns in these regions. Said Muusha: We have begun engaging communities to identify effective methods to minimise fire outbreaks in accordance with NDS1, which aims to reduce the total area burnt by 10% each season. This year, we are particularly concerned about the high biomass due to the heavy rainfall. We have initiated collaboration with farmers and the broader community to focus on measures such as hay baling, establishing fire guards, and providing training in veld fire management. Within Masvingo province, the Gutu and Masvingo districts have been identified as high-risk areas, which is why we have intensified our awareness campaigns in these regions. EMA has reported that 19,210 hectares of land were destroyed by veld fires in Masvingo in 2024, compared to 37,776.67 hectares in 2023. _*Milton High School Teacher Arrested For Sodomising Learners*_ A Bulawayo based teach at Milton High School who allegedly sodomised at least 9 male students at the school has been arrested. The teacher is reportedly also a pastor at Harvest International and volunteer leader of the Scription Union. The Chronicle reports that the A Level teacher was allegedly targeting mainly Form One, Form 2 and new students at the school. He would apparently pay the students off with money and other things such as burgers, so they would not speak out. The teacher stays at the school, but has since been suspended. The alleged abuse came to light after the A Level students refused to be taught by him accusing him of abusing younger students. A spokesperson at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Taungana Ndoro, confirmed the development saying: We are aware of the extremely serious allegations made against a teacher at Milton High School in Bulawayo. We wish to state unequivocally that we are taking this matter with the utmost gravity. The allegations reported are deeply concerning and completely unacceptable We can confirm that this morning (yesterday), the individual was arrested by the ZRP to assist with their ongoing investigation. We are co-operating fully with the authorities in their pursuit of justice. During this difficult time, we appeal to the school community, learners, parents and the public for calm, tolerance and patience. It is vital that due process is allowed to take its course without interference. Speculation or actions outside of the official processes can be harmful. Bulawayo police also confirmed the arrest. Other teachers at the school also commented on the development: The Chronicle also quoted a source at the school: Lunga used to stay in one of the hostels, Pioneer, which mainly houses Forms One and Two pupils, which were the bulk of his alleged victims. He would buy their silence by paying them or buying them burgers. We suspect this has been going on for some time, but it only came to light last week when Upper Six students refused for him to teach them, saying they knew what he had been doing to their juniors and hence should answer for his crimes. It is then that some brave students then came out, opening up on the alleged sodomy, This teacher is a senior pastor at his church and his wife divorced him last year. As fellow teachers, we have been threatened not to talk to anyone about this issue, but we feel that if we don’t it will be swept under the carpet. However, now that it is in the public domain, we are confident more pupils will come out as his alleged victims. It is sad that he hid behind the church while doing these vile acts. Chronicle _*Serious medical crisis mounting in SA*_ By Hopewell Chin’ono There is a massive medical crisis brewing in South Africa that will have huge implications if handled emotionally instead of rationally. Many Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals who were receiving antiretroviral medication funded by America have been left with nowhere to turn for this life-saving treatment. Here is a very important point that both South Africans and African leaders must bear in mind; This medication made it possible for people to have sex without infecting each other. If you deny foreign nationals access to antiretroviral medication because of their immigration status, they will end up sleeping with locals and infecting them too. This is not an emotional issue, it is a scientific one that leaders must handle with care, or else years of HIV mitigation work will be undone in a short space of time. Yes, we do not support illegal immigration, but should we expose many innocent locals to the virus just to make a point? This will affect both the undocumented immigrants and the local population. Nobody wins. Viruses do not check passports. If the goal is a healthier South Africa, denying treatment to neighbours in need will backfire on everyone. We need a practical solution, one that protects South African resources while ensuring that no one becomes a public health risk due to neglect. SADC must urgently convene to address this growing crisis, which threatens not only the health of foreign nationals but also the broader public health stability of the region. For years, warnings have been issued to the ANC about the dangers of propping up Zimbabwe’s corrupt ZANUPF regime, and now the consequences are beginning to spill over South Africa’s borders. If access to HIV medication is denied based on immigration status, it will undo decades of progress and engulf South Africa in a preventable health disaster. HIV knows no nationality, and the price of ignoring this reality will be paid by both citizens and non-citizens of South Africa alike. Some South Africans will end up selling their own medication, endangering their lives, and hospitals and clinics will eventually become entangled in a corrupt network trading these medicines. This is indeed a delicate and complex situation that requires careful consideration and rational decision-making from all parties involved. Denying access to life-saving antiretroviral medication to foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, based on their immigration status is not only an infringement of basic human rights but also poses a significant public health risk to South Africans. Failure to address this issue promptly and effectively will have devastating consequences for public health in South Africa and the region. The screen short below reads; How are you big brother? I am fine how are you? I need your help, do you know anyone who sells ARV medication, I have a friend who needs it? They refused to give them at the clinics because of their passport/ immigration status. _*170 school heads needed in Matabeleland*_ THE Matabeleland region needs a total of 173 school heads for both secondary and primary schools as Zimbabwe’s education sector continues to suffer brain drain due to low remuneration and poor working conditions. The shortage of school heads in the region was revealed recently when the Primary and Secondary Education ministry called for applications last Friday. According to a memorandum signed by Matabeleland North provincial education director Jabulani Mpofu and Public Service Provincial co-ordinator I M Ndebele, the deadline for receipt of applications is June 20 this year. The notice indicated that 127 school heads are required in primary schools, while 46 are for secondary schools. The notice was accompanied by application forms, on which the prospective candidates fill in details that include name, employment number, qualifications, date of appointment as deputy head and the station they want to be deployed to. “Applications must be submitted through the applicant’s district schools inspector in triplicate for onward transmission to the provincial office. Those applying from other provinces should: “Attach recommendation from your district schools inspector and the following documents should be attached to the applications: certified copies of ID, professional qualifications and CV,” the notice read. The government last week indicated that at least 5 000 teachers left the profession for various reasons as of 2023, while 8 000 teachers were recruited since that year. Primary and Secondary Education spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said teacher welfare remained a priority, evidenced by regular salary reviews. He said these included the latest adjustment of 10% + US$300 per month, ongoing classroom infrastructure upgrades with 2 800 new classrooms built in 2024 and expanded teacher housing schemes. “Our verified data shows annual departures are significantly lower than the figures cited by unions. 2023 attrition is 5 217 (3,8% of workforce). Resignations were 2 109, retirements 2 866 and others 242,” he said. Ndoro said the teachers who exited were replaced by 8 500 new teachers recruited in 2023, adding that desertion was not a recognised employment category and most departures followed due process. On the contributory factors, Ndoro said exit interviews indicated varied motivations such as family relocation (42%), health/personal reasons (31%), career change (18%) and remuneration concerns (9%). “The second republic has increased education funding by 137% since 2018, with further improvements budgeted for 2025. Teacher retention rate improved to 91% in 2023 (87% in 2020). Student-teacher ratio is now 35:1 (down from 42:1 in 2019),” he said. “We have ongoing professional development for 140 000+ serving teachers. We are committed to constructive dialogue with all stakeholders through established platforms like the National Joint Negotiating Council. 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,” Ndoro said. Meanwhile, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said the union had received reports of teachers leaving or contemplating leaving the profession due to poor working conditions and remuneration, among many others. “The statistics for early retirement or any other form of retirement are very difficult to get. However, we are losing between 15 000 and 20 000 teachers per year through desertion. “Statistics for this are computable because apart from getting monthly provincial reports, the Salary Services Bureau also gives monthly indications of members whose dues cannot be deducted after leaving teaching,” he said. Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure said they were battling to convince members to remain in the teaching profession. “The largest volume of cases we handle these days is of people in need of advice on how to secure a favourable early retirement. Teachers are fed up with the thankless job and want to move on to try other endeavours in life,” he said. “From our union, we currently handle up to 50 cases of teachers who are going on early retirement. We do not have actual national statistics.” Masaraure said teachers were always looking for a way out of the profession. “At times, the teacher is simply thinking of investing the pension into some income-generating project. The government should engender a culture of genuine dialogue with employees and find ways of providing both monetary and non-monetary incentives to the hard-working teachers,” he said. “Unfortunately, our government is investing so much in punishing teachers who complain about poor working conditions. The teachers will walk away at the slightest opportunity. “Government doesn’t seem worried because if it was worried, it should have instituted measures to reverse the trend. Southern Eye _*Zanu PF Plays the Nkomo Card in Insiza Campaign*_ Zanu PF has come under fire for invoking the legacy of the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo as part of its campaign strategy in the Insiza South by-election. Critics accuse the ruling party of exploiting the revered nationalist’s name to rally support for its candidate, Delani Moyo, ahead of the June 14 poll. A campaign rally held over the weekend brought together top Zanu PF officials including Provincial Chairperson and Industry Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, Deputy ICT Minister Dingumuzi Phuti, former Minister Abednico Ncube, MP Spare Sithole, former Cabinet Minister Andrew Langa, and businessman Dr Qhubani Moyo. Zanu PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha praised the party’s liberation credentials and declared inevitable victory for Moyo. “Delani Moyo is on his way to Parliament, whether those we are contesting against like it or not. We are a tried and tested revolutionary party that brought independence to this nation. Victory for us is certain. Zanu PF is an invincible phenomenon. We can’t lose to any party, worse an independent candidate,” said Machacha. Moyo is facing opposition from Thabani Mlotshwa of ZAPU, Mbongeni Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Revival Party, and independent candidate Lesley Dube. The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Farai Taruvinga in March after a long illness. In his address, Machacha linked Zanu PF’s campaign to the legacy of Dr Joshua Nkomo, affectionately known as “Father Zimbabwe,” claiming the late liberation hero had entrusted the ruling party with fulfilling the land reform agenda. “You are aware that Dr Nkomo never relented in his quest to have the land retained by the majority blacks in this country. Even on his death bed he held President Mugabe by his hand and asked him to promise that, even if he dies, the land redistribution programme was not going to be halted, but instead would be fast-tracked so that people get value for what they fought for,” said Machacha. Speaking after the rally, Delani Moyo promised to continue the development projects initiated by his predecessor while also launching new ones if elected. “Taruvinga had several projects, which he had started, so once I am elected, those projects must be completed because it’s a party programme. I also have mine that I will start now as an MP because I have been doing a lot of projects for our people here,” said Moyo. Meanwhile, Zanu PF provincial chairperson Nqobizitha Ndlovu said the party’s real competition was not the opposing candidates but outperforming its 2023 election results. “The challenge we have as a party is not coming from those challenging our candidate, but it is us as we want to surpass the figures we achieved in the last national elections. Those challenging Moyo are in disarray, but we won’t sit on our laurels, lest they have a black jack in their sleeves,” said Ndlovu. He added that Zanu PF was intensifying its campaign across Insiza South, deploying teams in every village and mobilizing even those who had moved away but remained registered in the area. “We are leaving no stone unturned in our campaign. We must and we should retain this seat at all costs. Tomorrow’s rally will set the road to that resounding victory come results announcement on 14 June,” said Ndlovu. As the campaign trail heats up, Zanu PF’s use of nationalist icons like Dr Nkomo is being closely scrutinized, with some residents questioning whether invoking past heroes is a substitute for delivering tangible development. _*Zimbabwe Set To Open Overseas E-Passport Centre In The UK By Year-end*_ The development of a new e-passport enrolment centre in the United Kingdom has commenced and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, has said. The UK-based facility will become Zimbabwe’s second e-passport enrolment centre to be established outside the country, following the inauguration of the first such centre at the Zimbabwean Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2024. Minister Kazembe said the establishment of e-passport centres in countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa is part of a broader strategy to ensure that members of the Zimbabwean diaspora are able to access critical civil services without the need to undertake long and costly journeys. Said Kazembe: We are doing centre by centre. Our team has successfully completed the Johannesburg centre, and I am confident that we will finish the UK centre by the end of the year. This is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring that our diaspora can access essential services without the need to travel long distances. We are on track with our timeline, and I urge all Zimbabweans in the UK to prepare for the launch; the target is to be done by the end of this year. Since the introduction of e-passports in January 2022, a total of fourteen enrolment centres have been established across the country. E-passports are currently being processed at the Harare Passport Registry, in addition to provincial and district offices located in Bulawayo, Gwanda, Gweru, Lupane, Marondera, Beitbridge, Chitungwiza, Hwange, Mazowe, Murewa, Zvishavane, Chinhoyi, and Guruve. The Government is also reportedly in the process of developing an online platform to facilitate applications for passports and national identity cards. Sunday Mail _*Zimbabwe hosts SADC Committee of Ministers of Finance*_ ZIMBABWE will this week host the SADC Committee of Ministers of Finance and Investment and the Peer Review Panel meetings in Victoria Falls. The meetings are expected to take place on Thursday and Friday. Zimbabwe is hosting in its capacity as the SADC Chair. The primary objective of these meetings is to consider progress updates on ongoing initiatives that support the development and integration of financial markets across the region. There will also be a review of Member States progress in meeting the macroeconomic convergence targets, which is central to the SADC regional economic integration strategy aimed at achieving and maintaining macroeconomic stability. The SADC Secretariat said the macroeconomic convergence process advocates that member States move towards a common macroeconomic climate with similar policies on inflation, public debts and current accounts. “Macroeconomic convergence stabilises the regional economy, safeguarding it from excessive fluctuations due to external factors. “It aims for low, stable levels of inflation; sustainable budget deficits; minimal public debt; and equitable current account balances. This stability in turn fosters economic development, as it provides a predictable and attractive environment for investment and business,” said the SADC Secretariat. To officially endorse macroeconomic convergence in the region, SADC signed its Memorandum of Understanding on Macroeconomic Convergence in 2002, which it subsequently annexed into the Protocol on Finance and Investment (2006). Key agenda items to be discussed by the Committee of SADC Ministers of Finance and Investment include measures to strengthen the integrity and resilience of financial systems within member States, and the formulation of strategies to sustainably finance regional infrastructure projects, particularly through development finance mechanisms. During the Peer Review Panel meeting, ministers and central bank governors will review regional macroeconomic conditions and outlook, member States’ economic performance, and consider the peer review reports for Angola, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo. Ministers of Finance and Investment will decide on crucial issues to advance financial markets integration and investments across the region, among others. The issues for decision by the Peer Review Panel meeting include macroeconomic Convergence (MEC) Peer Review Mechanism Process and Peer Review Reports for Angola, Zambia and the DRC, annual Performance Review for MEC Programme for 2024, implementation of the Peer Review Panel’s Decisions and Impact of Global Geopolitical Development on the SADC Region. State Media _*“Skinny Jab” Craze Sparks Health Warning In Zimbabwe*_ The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) and the Health Professions Authority (HPA) have warned the public against the unauthorised sale, purchase, and use of Ozempic, a prescription drug that’s gained popularity under the nickname “the skinny jab.” Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is now being widely misused for weight loss, a trend that experts say carries serious health risks. In a joint statement, MCAZ Director-General Richard Rukwata expressed concern over the growing misuse of the drug, saying recent investigations point to a worrying rise in people turning to Ozempic for weight management without professional guidance. He added: Such practices can be hazardous and may result in severe health issues. Rukwata said that Ozempic, as a prescription medication, must only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and with a valid prescription. He urged the public to avoid sourcing Ozempic from unauthorised channels such as online platforms, social media, unlicensed vendors, or unregistered individuals. These informal markets, Rukwata explained, often bypass essential quality control measures, increasing the risk of substandard or counterfeit products reaching unsuspecting users. He further warned that individuals engaging in the illegal sale or distribution of Ozempic are committing a criminal offence, one that could lead to prosecution and imprisonment. Said Rukwata: Selling medicines without proper licensing from unapproved locations violates Sections 50 and 52 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991, as well as Section 106 of the same regulations. The sale of unregistered medications also contravenes Section 29(1)(a) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act. _*Lake Kariba’s Usable Water Storage Climbs To 21.65%*_ The Zambezi River Authority has reported a marginal but consistent rise in water levels in Lake Kariba. According to the latest update released on Monday, 9 June 2025, the lake level now stands at 478.60 metres, compared to 477.33 metres recorded on the same date last year. This increase has improved the usable live storage volume, the portion of water available for electricity generation, from 8.21 billion cubic metres (BCM) in 2024 to 14.02 BCM this year. The usable live storage capacity currently sits at 21.65%, a significant improvement from last year’s 12.68% recorded on the same date. Despite the encouraging rise, the lake remains well below its Full Supply Level (FSL) of 488.50 metres, the benchmark at which the reservoir stores up to 181 BCM of water. As of 9 June, the lake stands 3.1 metres above its Minimum Operating Level of 475.50 metres, which defines the lowest point for effective hydropower operations. Lake Kariba is engineered to operate between 475.50m and 488.50m (allowing a 0.70m freeboard), with live storage comprising the 13-metre vertical range used for power generation. Water below this threshold lies in dead storage, which is not accessible for energy production. _*More than a race: Comrades Marathon delivers drama, emotion, and champions*_ THE power of the Comrades Marathon was on full display late on Sunday afternoon as runners scrambled across the finish line. While all the glory went to the winners who had finished earlier, those who crossed the line later were also proud of their achievements. One of the runners who crossed the line in a time of 09:53 was kwaito star Kabelo Mabalane of TKZee fame, who was running the Comrades for the 13th time. Speaking on the SuperSport broadcast at the finish line, Mabalane remarked on how tough the 2025 race was for him. “It was the hardest one. I haven’t been here since 2019, so today proved to be very difficult. I stopped at 58 km. I quit as I’d had enough, but my wife was amazing, and friends of mine [who were on the route] were very encouraging,” Mabalane said. He found the strength to carry on, and along the way, crossed paths with Akhona Mkangala, who was also struggling. “Akhona helped me to the finish line. We met on the route with 17 km to go. She was crying on the side of the road and I was like, ‘Let’s finish together,’ and ja, we made it. I didn’t think I’d be here.” Despite a difficult run, Mkangala insisted the 2025 Comrades was not her last. “Tough day in the office. It started off very well, but I started to struggle at Bill Rowan, but clearly Comrades has its own things. It’s an unpredictable race, but we’ll come back again next year,” she added. Showing his appreciation for the race organisers, Mabalane said he was impressed by Sunday’s race, which finished at People’s Park instead of the Kingsmead cricket ground. “To the Comrades Marathon Association: You guys outdid yourselves. It’s a spectacular race.” Turning to the camera, he said: “To you at home, you have to do Comrades at least once in your lifetime. It’s going to change your life.” Earlier in the day, Tete Dijana crossed the line in a time of five hours, 25 minutes 27 for his third Comrades Marathon title. Dijana out-duelled defending champion Piet Wiersma, to add to the titles he won in 2022 and 2023. Wiersma crossed the line (5:25:33) less than 10 seconds after Dijana. Nikolai Volkov was third in 5:29:42. In the women’s race, Gerda Steym claimed a fourth title when she crossed the line in five hours, 51 and 19 seconds. The result confirmed her status as the dominant force in ultra marathon running in South Africa with her third consecutive title, her maiden win came in 2019. This year’s race had a record prize purse, too, totaling R7,605,000. That’s approximately $427,000 and nearly double last year’s R4,000,000 ($225,000). First-place finishers earned R874,000 ($49,150), prize money went 10 deep, and there was the potential for course record bonuses and hot spot primes on top of that too. It’s certainly the richest prize in ultrarunning, but for comparison, the 2024 New York City Marathon had a total purse of almost $900,000. The Comrades Marathon is the oldest and largest ultramarathon in the world. Steyn was not only the public favorite but also the betting favorite. This year’s race had legal sports betting, and a day before the start, Steyn had 6-10 odds. Steyn set the down-run record in 2023 in 5:44:54 and, earlier in 2025, won the Two Oceans Marathon for the sixth time in a row. Steyn moved up over the next 5k, but the gap to race leader Mukoloma grew. The pacesetter Mukoloma was 47 seconds up 10k into the race. Dominika Stelmach (Poland) and 2022 winner Alexandra Morozova (Russia) trailed Steyn by 12 seconds in third and fourth. Standout marathoner Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) was sixth in her debut run, and 2024 third-place runner Courtney Olsen (U.S.) was 11th at this point. Mukoloma ran just behind the men’s chase group through the Umlaas Road course high point at 20k. Two minutes behind her, Morozova pulled even with Steyn. On a long climb to the halfway point, 2:42 into the race, Steyn made the long-anticipated pass and moved into the lead. Steyn led at halfway, smiling and waving to the crowd, and Mukoloma quietly tucked in behind. The first six women — Steyn, Mukoloma, Morozova, Stelmach, Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya), and van Zyl — all came through halfway in under three hours, a record. Olsen, the top American, was still 11th. Morozova kept the pressure on. At Westville, kilometer 78, Steyn’s lead over Morozova was down to 2:44. The Russian chaser had cut another 24 seconds over 9k in distance, but she wouldn’t get any closer over the final 11k. Gerda Steyn won for the fourth time in 5:51:19, at a significantly faster pace than when she’d won in 2023 on a shorter course, and 2022 winner Alexandra Morozova was second in 5:55:56. Shelmith Muriuki made history to become the first ever Black woman to finish on the race’s podium. 2025 Comrades Marathon Women’s Results Gerda Steyn (South Africa) – 5:51:19 Alexandra Morozova (Russia) – 5:55:56 Shelmith Muriuki (Kenya) – 6:07:56 Irvette van Zyl (South Africa) – 6:11:35 Dominika Stelmach (Poland) – 6:12:02 Carla Molinaro (U.K.) – 6:13:03 Jenet Mbhele (South Africa) – 6:14:24 Caitriona Jennings (Ireland) – 6:16:42 Courtney Olsen (U.S.) – 6:17:48 Melissah Gibson (U.K.) – 6:19:59 2025 Comrades Marathon Men’s Results Tete Dijana (South Africa) – 5:25:28 Piet Wiersma (The Netherlands) – 5:25:33 Nikolai Volkov (Russia) – 5:29:42 Edward Mothibi (South Africa) – 5:31:41 Joseph Manyedi (South Africa) – 5:32:09 Alex Milne (U.K.) – 5:34:08 David Gatebe (South Africa) – 5:34:30 Bongmusa Mthembu (South Africa) – 5:35:48 Gordon Lesetedi (South Africa) – 5:36:22 Vasilii Korytkin (Russia) – 5:38:59. _*Harvey Elliott considers Liverpool exit after limited playing time*_ Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has said he could look to leave the club as he doesn't want to waste time in his career on the bench. Elliott, 22, signed with Liverpool in 2019 and has made 147 appearances, the majority of which have been as a substitute. Speaking ahead of England's under-21 European Championship campaign in Slovakia, Elliott said he will explore his options in order to see what is best for his career. "It's just a situation that me and the team have to have a conversation about because I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm going to be 23 next season," Elliot said.