*Lunchtime News: Thursday 12 June 2025* *Headlines* *Legislator Calls For Ministerial Statement On UZ Lecturers’ Strike* *IMF's Push For ZiG As Sole Legal Tender Met With Skepticism In Zimbabwe* *ZRP Investigates Horrific Murder Cases In Seke* *Fake Certificates: Two Student Nurses Busted After A Year* *Two Teachers Arrested For Drawing Pupils’ Blood* *Is The Cancer Killing Us Coming From Our Harare Water?* *Go Back To Your Countries: Third Zimbabwean Dies After Xenophobic Attacks In Addo* *Zimbabwe Businesses Plan For The Long Haul As Economic Stability Takes Hold* *Death Toll In Flood-hit South African Province Rises To 49* *US Evacuates Personnel From Middle East In Sign Of Growing Regional Tension* *Man City's Grealish & Chelsea Quartet Miss Out On Club World Cup* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Legislator Calls For Ministerial Statement On UZ Lecturers’ Strike* PARLIAMENT has intervened in the ongoing University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers’ industrial action, which has now clocked its 59th day without a resolution in sight. A legislator this Tuesday called upon the Higher and Tertiary Education Minister (Fredrick Shava) to urgently deliver a ministerial statement on the strike to the National Assembly. On a point of interest, Mpopoma-Mzilikazi MP Charles Moyo requested through the Speaker, Jacob Mudenda, to have the crisis resolved. "Students and lecturers are not attending lectures. The newly recruited adjunct lecturers drawn from the streets are also not attending lectures. Dissertations are not being supervised, and exams are not being written. "There were demonstrations from the lecturers, yet other students are to go for work-related learning. It seems this semester is a sheer waste of time to students as well as a loss of parents’ hard-earned money," Moyo said. Further, the MP expressed concern over the chaos at the learning institution. "There is chaos and uncertainty at our institution. If it pleases you, Hon. Speaker Sir, I request the Hon. Minister of Higher Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, to come and give us a ministerial statement on the negotiations, deadlocks, or practical police intervention to bring normalcy to our tertiary institution," Moyo added. The Speaker responded, "We will advise the Hon. Minister if he can make a Ministerial Statement on the situation." UZ lecturers are demanding a return to their pre-2018 salaries, where a junior lecturer earned US$2,250 per month. Currently, they earn approximately US$230. *NewZW* *IMF's Push For ZiG As Sole Legal Tender Met With Skepticism In Zimbabwe* A recommendation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to make Zimbabwe’s ZiG currency the exclusive legal tender is being met with widespread public skepticism, primarily due to the nation’s turbulent economic history and deeply entrenched distrust in official financial policies. IMF mission chief Wojciech Maliszewski this week affirmed the multilateral lender’s support for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s efforts to stabilise the economy through the ZiG, stating that the IMF "supported the objective of using ZiG as the sole legal tender once conditions are appropriate." The ZiG was introduced in April 2024 as the sixth currency reform since 2009, replacing the hyperinflation-prone Zimbabwe dollar. The government claimed it is backed by gold and other precious minerals. However, Maliszewski also highlighted crucial preconditions for the ZiG’s success, including greater flexibility in the foreign exchange market to achieve full price discovery and the convergence of official and parallel exchange rates. Currently, the official exchange rate stands at ZiG$26.95 to the US dollar, while the parallel market rate fluctuates between ZiG$32 and ZiG$35. The IMF stressed the need for fiscal discipline and market-driven confidence, cautioning against monetary financing and emphasizing strengthened reserve coverage. Despite the IMF’s endorsements, an analysis by Pricecheck has suggested that a push for a mono-currency system at this juncture is fraught with peril. The analysis underscores several critical challenges: While the gap between the official and parallel market rates has narrowed, a true convergence remains elusive. Pricecheck argues that as long as the formal market remains restricted, a parallel market will persist, undermining the goal of a single exchange rate. It has also been noted that the limited circulation of physical ZiG notes, with the highest denomination being a ZWG 20 note (worth approximately US$0.50), poses a significant practical hurdle. The informal sector, which heavily relies on cash, largely operates in US dollars due to the impracticality of using low-denomination ZiG notes for meaningful transactions. The government’s hesitancy to print higher denominations stems from fears of triggering hyperinflationary memories and the high cost of currency that might quickly lose value. "Even if the exchange rate issue were magically resolved tomorrow, a far more practical problem stands in the way: you can barely find any physical ZiG," Pricecheck noted. The organisation further noted that the most formidable obstacle is the deep-seated lack of trust between the Zimbabwean populace and the government. Decades of economic instability, wiped-out savings, and a perceived lack of accountability for past policy failures have eroded public confidence. The unannounced introduction of the ZiG, which led to frozen bank accounts, further exacerbated this mistrust. "The biggest, most insurmountable hurdle is not technical or logistical; it is emotional and historical. The Zimbabwean government has a colossal trust problem. "For over two decades, citizens have been subjected to disastrous policies, only to be told that the resulting economic chaos is the work of nameless "saboteurs" and Western enemies. There has been no accountability, no apology, and no acknowledgement of failure. "Citizens have had their savings and pensions wiped out multiple times by currency changes. The very introduction of the ZiG was a prime example of this disrespect. It was unleashed on the population with no warning or consultation. "Bank accounts were frozen for a week, leaving people unable to transact and businesses in limbo. This is not how you build the confidence needed to ask people to abandon the safety of the US dollar," analysts noted. Meanwhile, the analysis noted that forcing a ZiG mono-currency without first addressing these foundational issues, particularly the trust deficit, the availability of physical currency, and a truly free foreign exchange market, could lead to another economic crisis. *nehandaradio* *ZRP Investigates Horrific Murder Cases In Seke* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is investigating a series of disturbing murder cases in Seke, with one suspect already arrested in connection with the death of an elderly woman. The ZRP is appealing to the public for any information that could assist in their ongoing investigations. According to a statement issued by ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in the first incident, Farai Machaka (48) has been arrested in connection with the murder of his aunt, Ruth Elizabeth Kadara (67). Nyathi said Kadara’s body was discovered on June 5th, 2025, in her kitchen hut in Chounda Village, Seke. Police investigations revealed that Machaka allegedly sexually abused his aunt before strangling her to death. The suspect also stole the victim’s cellphone, which has since been recovered by the police. Said the ZRP spokesperson: In a separate and disturbing incident, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is also investigating murder cases involving Ruth Ruvarashe Chidume (35) and her two children, Tatenda Precious Blessings Gumbo, aged four (04) and Ira Makanaikaishe Gumbo, aged two (02). The bodies of the victims were found in the bedroom at Besa Village, Dema, on 9th June 2025. Ruth Chidume was discovered hanging from a wooden beam with a nylon fabric tied around her neck, while the two infants were found blindfolded with plastic papers covering their heads and tied below the necks. He said comprehensive investigations are underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding both of these heinous crimes. Added Nyathi: The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting comprehensive investigations to uncover the circumstances surrounding both cases and we appeal to anyone with information regarding these heinous crimes to contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or Whatsapp 0712800197 or report at any nearest police station. *Fake Certificates: Two Student Nurses Busted After A Year* Two student nurses enrolled for a nursing course at Chitungwiza Central Hospital using fake certificates. Paidamoyo Samantha Muchira and Makanaka Chatikobo applied for a nursing course using fake Ordinary Level certificates. The two attended the nursing course for a year before their fake certificates were exposed. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Paidamoyo and Makanaka. “Police are investigating a fraud case involving student nurses at a hospital. Total value defrauded is yet to be supplied. The accused persons were not arrested,” said Insp Chakanza. Chitungwiza Hospital Public Relations manager, Audrey Tasaranarwo, said the two were exposed through verification. “We had two students who supplied fake certificates. “The hospital discovered the fraudulent act after verifying the certificates with ZIMSEC. “The certificates looked very genuine that those behind the printing must also be brought to book,” said Tasaranarwo. Herald *Two Teachers Arrested For Drawing Pupils’ Blood* Two female teachers from Mbuya Nehanda Primary School in Bikita are facing serious assault charges after allegedly drawing blood from 19 Early Childhood Development (ECD) pupils without consent. Beatrice Gotsani (35) and Charity Matiza (42) are expected to appear in court this afternoon in connection with the disturbing incident, which occurred last Thursday at the school's ECD centre. According to preliminary reports, Gotsani and Matiza are accused of using syringes to extract blood from the young pupils, raising alarm and concern among parents and the broader community. The matter reportedly came to light when the children disclosed the incident to Francis Matutu, a staff member at the school. Authorities were alerted, leading to the arrest of the two teachers. Details surrounding the motive for the alleged blood extraction remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The incident has sparked outrage in the Bikita community, with parents demanding answers and assurances about the safety of their children. Provincial education officials have not yet issued a formal statement, but sources indicate that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is monitoring the case closely. More updates to follow as the case unfolds in court. *Is The Cancer Killing Us Coming From Our Harare Water?* _Writes Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi_ Either you don’t get water at all or you receive contaminated water and it is time for residents to take action. With alarming reports of toxins contaminating the city’s water supply, the health and safety of millions hang in the balance. As residents grapple with the reality of unsafe drinking water, it has become clear that the City of Harare must be held accountable for its negligence. A recent study revealed that the water supplied to Harare is laced with dangerous toxins, endangering the health of approximately 3 million residents. These toxins have been linked to severe health issues, including liver and central nervous system diseases. The situation is dire, with many residents reporting visible impurities and foul smells in the water. It is no coincidence that the prevalence of cancer and other severe illnesses is rising among those who have consumed this contaminated water. Residents are caught in a tragic cycle. They are advised against drinking borehole water and tap water due to contamination risks, yet many still resort to these sources out of desperation. The lack of clean, reliable water has forced families to choose between unsafe options, leading to a public health crisis. The emotional toll of watching loved ones suffer from cancer or other waterborne diseases is unbearable. We all know someone affected by these issues, and the community is left wondering how can this be allowed to continue? Harare’s mayor insists that the city’s water is safe, but residents are skeptical. They have lived through countless experiences of illness and despair, only to be met with empty assurances from city officials. It is time for the people of Harare to challenge this narrative and demand accountability. A lawsuit against the City of Harare could be a powerful step toward seeking justice for those harmed by this crisis. The government has a responsibility to provide safe drinking water to its citizens. The continued negligence is not just a failure of infrastructure, it is a violation of the basic human right to access clean water. Residents have voiced their concerns and petitioned local authorities, yet little has changed. This inaction has left many feeling powerless and frustrated, but legal action could change the tide. A lawsuit could serve multiple purposes. it would not only demand accountability but also raise awareness about the severity of the situation. By bringing this issue to the forefront, residents can mobilise support from local and international organisations focused on water quality and public health. Increased pressure could force the city to address the underlying issues in its water supply and invest in necessary infrastructure to ensure clean water for all. Harare’s residents have waited long enough for change. The time for action is now. It is imperative that citizens unite in the fight for their right to clean water. By standing together and considering legal options, they can send a clear message to the City of Harare, the health and well-being of its citizens cannot be compromised any longer. It is time for Hararians to take a stand against the water crisis plaguing their city. They deserve safe drinking water and the assurance that their government prioritises their health. Through collective action, including legal avenues, the residents can work toward a future where clean water is not just a dream but a reality for all. At this rate, we are all going to die of cancer. *Go Back To Your Countries: Third Zimbabwean Dies After Xenophobic Attacks In Addo* Apology Mandiudza, a 24-year-old man from Zimbabwe, died in hospital last Tuesday, nine days after he was attacked by a mob in Valencia, Addo. He was the fourth immigrant killed in xenophobic revenge attacks on 25 May, triggered by the murder of Jaune September, a 22-year-old South African man. The identities of the other three people are still unknown, but GroundUp has learned that two of them are Zimbabwean and one is Malawian. There have still not been any arrests of September’s killer(s) or the mob that sought to avenge him. Originally from Zimbabwe, Mandiudza had been working on a citrus farm – his first job. He had a long-term relationship with a South African woman. His niece, Pauline Mhlolo, told GroundUp that the relationship was destined for marriage. Mhlolo described him as a quiet and gentle young man. Despite not being anywhere near the tavern where September was killed, he was bludgeoned with a sharp object and sustained fatal injuries to his head. His home was raided and most of his belongings were stolen. “I saw him lying helplessly in his bed at Livingstone Hospital. He was not responding to our voices,” said Mhlolo. During the attacks, dozens of immigrant men were beaten and taken to hospital. Hundreds of women and children were forced to flee their homes. The displaced families sought shelter at Addo Police Station and at a church hall in Gqeberha. On 1 June, these shelters were inspected by immigration officers from the Department of Home Affairs. Hundreds were arrested and 127 people opted for voluntary deportation. Jaune September was laid to rest on Saturday. GroundUp attended the funeral. It was peaceful and well attended. Ward councillor Xolani Jonas urged the immigrant community to return to their homes. Chris Mapingure, chairman of the Zimbabwe Migrants Support Network, told GroundUp that there are challenges in repatriating the three murdered Zimbabweans. Transporting one body to Zimbabwe costs about R32,000. Mapingure has been sourcing funds from Zimbabwean communities across the Eastern Cape, but says: “We still have a long way to go.” *Zimbabwe Businesses Plan For The Long Haul As Economic Stability Takes Hold* Zimbabwean companies are increasingly optimistic about long-term planning and investment, buoyed by a more stable macroeconomic environment and the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said. In an interview this week, Minister Ncube said the prevailing economic stability — underpinned by tighter fiscal and monetary policies — has allowed businesses to improve capacity utilisation and expand production, signalling renewed investor confidence. "We have to continue with that stability, which will be able to keep inflation in check but also give a much more certain environment for companies to operate in," Ncube said. The Finance Minister noted that during recent visits to several companies across the country, he observed tangible signs of expansion and retooling driven by the improved predictability in the economic landscape. This optimism is being supported by government efforts to curb inflation and stabilise the exchange rate. Month-on-month inflation under the new ZiG currency has remained below 1% for the past three months, while year-on-year US dollar inflation declined to 13.9% in May 2025. "The stability is welcome. It is allowing companies to plan, invest, and increase their production lines. The question now is how to sustain this and ensure the exchange rate continues to reflect market confidence," Ncube said. He added that clearing the country’s external arrears remains a top government priority, as doing so would unlock access to cheaper global capital for growth. Stockbroking and research firm IH Securities echoed the government’s optimism in its 2025 equity strategy report, highlighting increased production in the gold mining sector and among consumer-facing firms like Delta Corporation and Dairibord Holdings, due to expanded capacity investments. Financial economist Malone Gwadu also weighed in, stating that innovation and adaptability are critical for business sustainability in a competitive environment. "Revenue-enhancing strategies such as diversification and backward integration to recapture upstream value are vital for survival in today’s markets," Gwadu said. On the policy front, Ncube said the government is actively assessing potential economic risks and implementing measures to mitigate them. He emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline and closing the gap between official and parallel exchange rates to maintain market confidence. "Staying within our fiscal means and continuing sound monetary policy will help us maintain this trajectory. We’ve come a long way, and the ZiG is now very stable," he said. Ncube also welcomed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission currently in Zimbabwe for Article IV consultations and discussions around the Staff Monitored Programme (SMP). The mission, which began on June 4, is scheduled to run until June 18. He said preparations were underway for the mid-term budget review and the 2026 budget strategy paper, both of which will align with the goals of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030. Zimbabwe’s economic stabilisation efforts and currency reform appear to be gaining traction, creating a more enabling environment for the private sector to shift from survival mode to strategic long-term planning. *thezimbabwemail* *Death Toll In Flood-hit South African Province Rises To 49* The death toll from floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has risen to 49, the head of the province said on Wednesday. Parts of South Africa have been lashed by heavy rain and snow since the weekend, in a severe winter cold front that has disrupted transport and power networks. "The status has escalated to 49 (deaths)," Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane told a press conference. Earlier, a school bus was swept away by floods near Mthatha and a provincial safety official said eight bodies were recovered. Mabuyane said the report he had received said six people on the bus had been discovered dead and four were still missing. The vehicle had been carrying 13 schoolchildren and two adults. Flooding has become more common and severe in South Africa as the impacts of climate change are felt. A storm on the East Coast in April 2022 killed about 400 people and left thousands homeless. *Reuters* *US Evacuates Personnel From Middle East In Sign Of Growing Regional Tension* The United States is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorised "the voluntary departure" of dependants of US personnel from locations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as regional security concerns rise. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised the departure of military dependants in the region and that CENTCOM was "monitoring the developing tension". Orders for all nonessential personnel to depart the US Embassy in Baghdad – which was already on limited staffing – was based on a commitment "to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad", the Department of State said. Speaking on Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump said the order to move staff out had been given because the region "could be a dangerous place". "We’ll see what happens. We’ve given notice to move out, and we’ll see what happens," Trump said. Trump then added in reference to Iran: "They can’t have a nuclear weapon, very simple. We’re not going to allow that." Uncertainty has been growing in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme appear to have hit an impasse. US news broadcaster CBS reported late on Wednesday that US officials have been informed that Israel is "fully ready" to launch an attack on Iran and that Washington "anticipates" that Tehran could retaliate by targeting "certain American sites in neighbouring Iraq". Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, DC, said there have been clear signs in recent days of high-level discussions between senior military officials and the Trump administration amid concern around the ongoing talks with Iran over its nuclear programme. "Donald Trump has in the last couple of days … expressed his concern that a deal might not be able to be done," Fisher said. "Therefore, we are seeing, effectively, the partial evacuation of the embassy in Baghdad with non-military personnel and non-essential staff being moved out. And the voluntary evacuation of other embassies in the region," he said. "They’ve done this sort of thing before," Fisher said, noting the Baghdad embassy was partially evacuated previously over "concerns that the embassy could become a target for Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq". "Clearly, there is some concern that the discussions with the Iranians aren’t going well. Or, it could be that this is all designed to put pressure on Iranians. Because, you will remember, that Donald Trump said that if they couldn’t get some sort of deal, then … there could be some sort of military action against the Iranians." As reports of US embassy staff and dependants departing the Middle East region emerged, Iran’s mission to the United Nations posted on social media that "Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability". "Threats of ‘overwhelming force’ won’t change the facts," the Iranian mission said. "Diplomacy – not militarism – is the only path forward," it added. Separately, Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh told reporters earlier that he hoped talks with the US would be successful, though Tehran stood ready to respond to any aggression. "If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent’s casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach," he said. "We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation." The next round of talks – the sixth – between the US and Iran on limits to Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions on the country have been tentatively scheduled for this weekend in Oman, according to reports, and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is still scheduled to attend. *Al Jazeera* *Man City's Grealish & Chelsea Quartet Miss Out On Club World Cup* Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi and Ben Chilwell have been left out of Chelsea's squad for the Fifa Club World Cup, while Jack Grealish has not been selected by Manchester City. England forward Grealish was expected to miss out, with the 29-year-old having started just seven league games in 2024-25. City's 27-man squad also does not include former captain Kyle Walker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, but features England defender John Stones, who has not played since February with a thigh injury. Chelsea's 28-man group does not feature a quartet which cost them about £179m in transfer fees and all ended last season out on loan. The first edition of the expanded Club World Cup format begins in the United States on Sunday, 15 June (01:00 BST). Sterling cost £50m when he arrived from Manchester City in 2022, but the 30-year-old England forward spent last season on loan with Arsenal, starting just 13 games and scoring once. Felix made a permanent move to Chelsea last summer for £45m and scored seven goals from 20 appearances before the Portugal forward, 25, ended the campaign on loan at AC Milan. The Blues paid £38.5m to sign Axel Disasi from Monaco in 2023 and the 27-year-old France defender played 17 games last term before ending the season on loan with Aston Villa. Chilwell was a £45m signing in 2020 and, after just one Chelsea game last term, the England left-back, 28, spent the rest of the season with Crystal Palace, being an unused substitute in the Eagles' FA Cup final win over Manchester City. Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, 25, will not be travelling to the US either, after spending last season on loan with Strasbourg. *Chelsea's Club World Cup squad* Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Mike Penders, Gaga Slonina. Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Aaron Anselmino, Josh Acheampong. Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Romeo Lavia. Forwards: Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu. Grealish's future is unclear as he has struggled for regular playing time with Manchester City over the past two seasons. Pep Guardiola's side have also signed midfielders Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki this week, along with left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and keeper Marcus Bettinelli, and all will travel to America. Stones, 31, will return to action despite missing international duty with England over the weekend, and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, 28, will continue his comeback from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in September. Academy product James McAtee, 22, will remain at the European Under-21 Championship, where the attacking midfielder is England captain. *Man City's Club World Cup squad* Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli. Defenders: Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis. Midfielders: Tijjani Reijnders, Jeremy Doku, Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, Savinho, Matheus Nunes, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly. Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Claudio Echeverri, Oscar Bobb. *BBC*