*GREAT DYKE NEWS BULLETIN | 26 MAY 2025* HEADLINES President Mnangagwa Marks Africa Day with Call for Reparations and Return of Cultural Heritage Zimbabwe Pavilion Shines at Expo 2025 Osaka, Attracting Global Interest President Signs Controversial Radio Licence Law for Motorists Toddler Drowns in Open Well in Ushewekunze Two Murder Cases Under Investigation After Bodies Found in Dams and Rivers Trabablas Interchange Opens to Traffic This Week Trump Extends EU Trade Talks After Threatening 50% Tariff North Korea Arrests Shipyard Officials After Warship Launch Mishap LOCAL NEWS President Emmerson Mnangagwa has echoed the African Union’s call for reparative justice as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the continent in commemorating Africa Day. Speaking in a message marking the occasion, Mnangagwa emphasized the need to redress historical injustices and reclaim Africa’s dignity and heritage. “As we celebrate this year’s Africa Day, we stand united in our shared commitment to justice, equality, and the dignity of all people of Africa and African descent,” said the President. This year’s commemorations come as the African Union intensifies its call for reparations for colonialism and slavery, as well as the return of African cultural artifacts and human remains held in Western institutions. Mnangagwa condemned the looting of cultural heritage during colonial rule, describing it as a desecration of Africa’s legacy, and called for the urgent repatriation of artifacts and remains. Africa Day, marked annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 and stands as a symbol of African unity and liberation. In other news, President Mnangagwa has signed into law the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), which now requires motorists to pay for a valid ZBC radio licence before renewing their vehicle licences or insurance. The law, gazetted on May 23, sets the licence fee at US$30 per quarter or US$120 annually. If fully implemented, the law could net the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation as much as US$144 million annually from the estimated 1.2 million registered vehicles. The legislation has sparked widespread criticism, with motorists questioning the fairness of mandatory payment regardless of radio usage. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT The much-anticipated Trabablas Interchange, a US$88 million project located at the busy junction of Simon Mazorodze Road, Chitungwiza Road and High Glen Road in Harare, is set to officially open to traffic this Friday. Replacing the outdated Mbudzi roundabout, the state-of-the-art structure is expected to ease congestion and boost trade and travel efficiency. The project, launched in January 2022, is part of the Second Republic’s infrastructure push under Vision 2030 to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy. President Mnangagwa is expected to commission the interchange during a high-profile ceremony. EXPO 2025 OSAKA Zimbabwe is turning heads at Expo 2025 Osaka with a vibrant pavilion that has been described as a “positive international story.” Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana, who toured the site this week, praised the setup for presenting Zimbabwe as investment-ready and full of opportunity. “The interest here, particularly in our tourism offerings like the majestic Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, and the Nanda Mountains, is very strong,” said Mangwana. The pavilion, themed “Beyond Limits”, highlights opportunities in tourism, mining, agriculture, and technology. Zimbabwe aims to increase tourist arrivals by 15% annually and attract more investment through its global rebranding efforts. CRIME & COURTS A tragic incident occurred in Ushewekunze on May 23, where a one-year-five-month-old girl, Anna Taibva, drowned in an open well. According to police, the child had been playing near the well while her mother was watering the garden. Authorities have urged close supervision of minors near water sources. Investigations are ongoing. In Goromonzi, police are investigating the suspected murder of Nelson Kaingidza (34), whose body was found floating in Hunyani Dam at Maikoro Farm. He had been missing since May 19. Injuries suggest foul play. In a separate case, Shepherd Mashava (33) was found dead in the Mwarazi River in Inyati on the same day. He had reportedly been assaulted days earlier in a dispute over braai meat. Police are appealing for information in both cases. REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS In the United States, President Donald Trump has extended trade talks with the European Union to July 9 after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Trump had threatened to impose 50% tariffs on EU goods by June 1, frustrated by slow negotiations. A 20% tariff announced last month was reduced to 10% to allow further talks. Trump argues tariffs protect U.S. jobs, but economists warn they could hurt consumers and global markets. The EU has threatened €113 billion in retaliatory tariffs if negotiations collapse. In Asia, North Korea has arrested three senior officials after a new 5,000-tonne destroyer tipped over during its launch at the Chongjin shipyard. Leader Kim Jong Un called the incident “a criminal act of negligence.” Satellite images showed the warship lying on its side, partially on land. While state media downplayed the damage, investigations are ongoing, and further disciplinary action is expected. 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