HOT TOPICS ONLINE ......... *President Mnangagwa to officially open ESARBICA Conference in Vic Falls* (Zbc) *Econet Meltdown Sparks Exodus To Starlink* (ZimEye) *Mnangagwa Placed Under Fresh US Sanctions* (ZimEye) *Court declares section of Patriot Act unconstitutional* (Newsday) *Chivayo's total donation to Bosso is US$1 million* (B24) ....... ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 .... *President Mnangagwa to officially open ESARBICA Conference in Vic Falls* (Zbc) PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 2025 edition of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Council on Archives (ESARBICA) Conference in Victoria Falls, this Wednesday. Zimbabwe is hosting the 28th edition of the conference, a critical platform for archival professionals, researchers, and institutions from across Eastern and Southern Africa to share knowledge, address challenges, and shape the future of archives and records management. The conference which opened in Victoria Falls this Sunday and runs until Saturday next week, presents a huge opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase the nation as a leading tourism destination while also providing a critical pedestal to strengthen international relations and potentially boost the economy. Among some of the key issues, the conference will critically look into the transformative role of digital technology in reshaping how archives are stored, accessed, and repurposed. The regional think-thanks will also focus on sustainability, in light of climate change, international standards for records and archives management, disruptive technologies, archival access and accessibility in digital and physical spaces, as well as artificial intelligence in records and archives management. President Mnangagwa’s speech is expected to address some of these issues, while also asserting the country’s commitment towards enhanced information governance. .... *Econet Meltdown Sparks Exodus To Starlink* (ZimEye) By Business Reporter-Econet Wireless has issued yet another apology as its mobile network continues to crumble, leaving millions of Zimbabweans frustrated and disconnected. The country’s largest mobile operator is struggling to maintain reliable services, with outages, dropped calls, and painfully slow internet speeds now a daily nightmare for users. This latest collapse comes amid growing pressure from Elon Musk’s Starlink, whose underground rollout is fast gaining traction in Zimbabwe’s urban and rural areas. “Dear Customer, this notice confirms the restoration of our data connectivity services… We apologise for any inconvenience or service disruption caused by recent challenges,” Econet said in a statement Sunday. The company advised users still experiencing problems to restart their devices and contact customer support. But for many, the apology is too little, too late. Last week, Econet issued a similar message. For months, the telecoms giant has failed to keep up with soaring demand and rising competition, especially in high-density urban zones where poor service has sparked a storm of complaints on social media. Tech experts say Econet’s persistent failures could mark the start of a major market shift. “Starlink’s model bypasses traditional telecom infrastructure entirely. It’s fast, reliable, and attractive—especially in areas where Econet is weakest,” said a Harare-based telecom analyst. Starlink, owned by SpaceX, offers high-speed broadband via low-earth orbit satellites and has already secured licenses in multiple Southern African countries. Though unofficial, its Zimbabwe rollout has caught fire—particularly among urban elites, rural businesses, and tech-savvy users seeking a stable internet lifeline. Econet’s customers, meanwhile, are furious about rising data prices despite poor service. “You buy expensive bundles, but you can’t even send a WhatsApp message,” complained a user in Bulawayo. While the company blames Zimbabwe’s broader economic crisis for its challenges—citing foreign currency shortages and high import costs—critics argue poor management and lack of investment are just as much to blame. Econet insists its engineers are working “to restore normal service.” But with trust rapidly eroding and digital competition heating up, the once-dominant operator now faces its most dangerous threat yet: irrelevance. .......... *Mnangagwa Placed Under Fresh US Sanctions* (ZimEye) Washington D.C. – The administration of former US President Donald Trump has placed Zimbabwe under a renewed travel restriction order, citing concerns over governance and human rights abuses. Zimbabwe is among 36 countries flagged in a new State Department memo for failing to meet strict U.S. immigration, security, and diplomatic benchmarks, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government under specific scrutiny. This development marks yet another escalation in the strained relations between Harare and Washington that began in 2002, when the United States first imposed targeted sanctions on Zimbabwean officials under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA). ZDERA has since been lifted. Those initial sanctions—prompted by allegations of election rigging, media repression, and land seizures—have evolved over the years into a complex regime of restrictions, targeting individuals and entities associated with rights violations and corruption. In the latest iteration of the U.S. crackdown, Zimbabwe joins 25 African nations and other countries in the Caribbean, Central Asia, and the Pacific Islands facing possible visa bans or entry suspensions. The list, which includes long-time U.S. allies like Egypt and Ghana, was part of a memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to The Washington Post, the memo outlines a 60-day compliance window during which countries must provide an actionable plan to address U.S. concerns. Key concerns listed in the memo include Zimbabwe’s failure to issue reliable identity documents, widespread corruption, and a lack of cooperation on deportation cases. The Trump administration also cited “government fraud” and “unreliable vetting and screening mechanisms” as justification for considering expanded sanctions. This is not the first time Zimbabwe has been hit with travel bans. During Trump’s first term in office, several African and Muslim-majority countries were affected by controversial travel restrictions, which critics labeled xenophobic. Although President Joe Biden rescinded those measures in 2021, Trump—now seeking another term—has vowed to reinstate and expand the bans “bigger than before.” Under the new order issued June 4, full travel restrictions were already applied to 13 countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Yemen. Zimbabwe’s addition to the expanded list signals renewed pressure on Mnangagwa’s regime, especially after recent reports by international watchdogs pointing to continued repression, electoral fraud, and abuse of opposition members in the post-2023 election period. The United States has long maintained that its sanctions on Zimbabwe are not aimed at the general population but are targeted at those undermining democratic institutions. However, Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF administration continue to blame sanctions for the country’s prolonged economic crisis, claiming they are unjust and politically motivated. The Trump memo states that if countries on the list agree to accept deported nationals from the U.S. or sign “safe third country” agreements, they may be spared full implementation of the travel restrictions. It remains unclear whether Harare will comply. If implemented, the restrictions could further isolate Zimbabwe on the global stage and deepen the rift between Harare and Washington—a relationship already burdened by two decades of mutual distrust and accusations. --- *Court declares section of Patriot Act unconstitutional* (Newsday) By Desmond Chingarande They cited Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney-General, Virginia Mabhiza, as respondents. THE High Court has declared a section of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, also known as the Patriot Act, unconstitutional. High Court judge Justice Rodgers Manyangadze ruled in favour of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) and journalist Zenzele Ndebele, arguing that some sections of the Act infringed on their constitutional rights. They cited Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney-General, Virginia Mabhiza, as respondents. The duo argued that section 22A(3) of the Act is vague and infringed on sections 61, 58, 67, 39 and 20 of the Constitution. The sections guarantee the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly, right to vote and stand for political office, as well as provide grounds for which citizenship may be revoked. The applicants sought the declaration of constitutional invalidity of section 22A, and impugnment of terms such as "agents, proxies or entities" of a foreign government. They also unsuccessfully sought impugnment of terms such as "wilfully injuring the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe.” The applicants argued that the terms are not defined with sufficient clarity and are, consequently, unconstitutional. They submitted that “subverting, upsetting, overthrowing or overturning a constitutional government in Zimbabwe” was also not defined with sufficient clarity and, therefore, unconstitutional. They argued that section 22A(2) is broadly worded and as such has high potential for abuse and misuse and was meant to silence dissenting voices. They further argued that section 22A(3) is equally vague, overbroad and infringes on sections 58, 61 and 67(3)(a) of the Constitution. Justice Manyangadze ruled that section 22A(3) was vague. “This vagueness, imprecision or ambiguity, in my opinion, provides a reasonable basis for the constitutional invalidity of s22A(3),” the ruling read. "A penalty of imprisonment of up to 20 years for publishing or communicating a false statement realising that there is a real risk or possibility of undermining public confidence in a security service institution is draconian. "The application for a declaration of constitutional invalidity in respect of section 22A(3) of the Criminal Law Code be and is hereby granted and section 22A(3) of the Criminal Law Code be and is hereby declared to be constitutionally invalid as it infringes sections 39, 58, 61(1) and 67(3) of the Constitution." The judge, however, said the applicants failed to substantiate their claims on the vagueness of other sections of the Act. “In the circumstances, it is ordered that the application for a declaration of constitutional invalidity in respect of section 22A(2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], as amended by the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act No 10 of 2023, (“the Criminal Law Code”) be and is hereby dismissed.” ..... *Chivayo's total donation to Bosso is US$1 million* (B24) Zimbabwe's oldest and most iconic football institution, Highlanders Football Club, has secured a landmark US$1 million sponsorship from prominent businessman and philanthropist Wicknell Chivayo, marking one of the largest single donations in the club's history. The funding is a tribute to the late Vice President John Landa Nkomo, and comes as Bosso prepares for the 2025 Premier Soccer League season. The initial US$250,000 cash injection has already been pledged and is earmarked for player welfare, administrative support, and squad strengthening. "This is not just football," Chivayo said at the announcement. "Highlanders is more than a club-it is a living symbol of heritage, unity, and pride for the people of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe at large. This is about honouring my uncle's wishes and giving back to a community and a club that have shaped our national identity." The donation stems from a final conversation Chivayo had with the late VP Nkomo during a hospital visit to St Anne's in December 2012. He revealed that Nkomo made three dying wishes: continued support for the ruling ZANU PF party, protection of his family's trust, and sustained assistance for Highlanders FC to preserve its legacy as a cornerstone of Matebeleland culture. The funds will be disbursed in phases over the next 12 months and are expected to provide vital support as Highlanders look to mount a strong title challenge and develop their long-term infrastructure and youth programmes. Club officials and supporters have warmly welcomed the gesture, calling it a timely boost that reinforces the historical significance of Highlanders both on and off the pitch. "This sponsorship is not just about money. It's about roots, legacy, and the restoration of pride," said a Highlanders spokesperson. "We are grateful to Mr. Chivayo for recognising the role Bosso plays in the soul of Zimbabwean football." The club, founded in 1926, has endured financial turbulence in recent years despite remaining one of the most followed and respected teams in the country. With this new backing, hopes are high for a revival of Highlanders' competitive fortunes and community outreach initiatives. Chivayo's contribution is the latest in a series of high-profile donations to Zimbabwean football, as private sector support increasingly steps in to revive the nation's sporting institutions. Source - H-Metro