*Morning News: Thursday 19 June 2025* *Headlines* *Zimbabwe Asks South Africa To Back G-20 Debt Overhaul* *UZ Using Conciliation Hearings To Buy Time: Striking Lecturers Say As Job Action Clocks Day 66* *ZRP Wants Law To Restrict Public Transport At Night* *Armed Criminal Gangs Targeting SUVs: Police* *Yesteryear Propaganda Musician Tambaoga Begs Wicknell Chivayo For A Car* *Rwanda, DRC Initial Peace Agreement Ahead Of Signing Next Week* *Israel-Iran Conflict Rages With Ongoing Aerial Strikes Amid War Of Words* *Fans Warned Of Short-notice Changes As PL Fixtures Released* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Zimbabwe Asks South Africa To Back G-20 Debt Overhaul* Zimbabwe has asked South Africa to help garner support for its debt to be revamped under the Group of 20’s Common Framework, a step that could restore its access to international capital markets for the first time in more than 25 years. "South Africa has been approached by Zimbabwe to consider assisting the country in mobilizing international support for Zimbabwe’s planned application for debt treatment under the Common Framework," South Africa’s National Treasury said in an emailed response to Bloomberg questions. South Africa, led by Cyril Ramaphosa, currently holds the G-20 presidency and will hand over the reins later this year to US President Donald Trump. The framework was created in 2020 to help poor nations bring together a diverse set of creditors to restructure debts. Zambia, Ethiopia and Ghana have used the template, which has been criticized for being too slow. The framework is being "explored," according to the head of Zimbabwe’s Public Debt Management Office Andrew Bvumbe. "We want to maximize the debt relief to the country," he said Wednesday by text message. It has appealed to 10 nations to assist in raising $2.6 billion in bridge finance but is yet to receive any concrete commitments. "South Africa has not been approached to consider providing bridge finance to Zimbabwe," the National Treasury said. Africa’s largest economy is owed $24 million by its neighbor, according to data provided by the Zimbabwean Treasury. *Bloomberg* *UZ Using Conciliation Hearings To Buy Time: Striking Lecturers Say As Job Action Clocks Day 66* The Association of University Teachers (AUT) has accused the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) of stalling negotiations while profiting from the labour of adjunct staff filling the roles of striking lecturers. With the UZ lecturers’ wage strike now entering its third month, lecturers remain resolute in their demand for salaries to be raised to US$2,250. In a recent interview with NewZimbabwe.com, AUT spokesperson Professor Obvious Vengeyi said that no substantial offer has been made by the government, despite previous assurances. As a response to the ongoing impasse, coalition meetings among various university unions have been convened to strategise next steps, reinforcing their commitment to a united front in this labour dispute. "All state universities unions including non-academics and academics, attended conciliation hearings yesterday 17 June 2025. "The proceedings were again adjourned to 08 July 2025. We feel that this is a strategy by the employer to endlessly buy time while we are working as their slaves for free. It’s cruel. "But in principle, non-academics and academics are on the same page, there is no going back. "They have resolved to join AUT in the industrial job action. There is no going back," he said. Students also said they are worried that the situation has remained unresolved for a long time. Zinasu spokesperson for UZ Chapter, Darlington Chigwena, said their future has already been compromised as the review of UZ qualifications has gone down. He said students will fight in the corner of their lecturers because they are excessively affected. "The return of our lecturers means that we are going to have credible and quality education. "We are together with lecturers, we are working hand in glove. "Also, as students, we are not only showing substantial solidarity to the lecturers because we are aware that if they are treated in a proper manner, it means that we are going to excel as students. "We are also aware that as students we are workers in transit so if the rights are being respected it means that our rights as future workers are also going to be respected so the picket which is going to happen on Monday, we are going to partake, we are goi g to participate as students, we are going to be there as many as the sand of the sea showing our solidarity with them making sure that justice prevails both for the lecturers and the students," he said. The next picketing will be held on Monday. *NewZW* *ZRP Wants Law To Restrict Public Transport At Night* The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has called on Parliament to consider introducing legislation to restrict night travel by public service vehicles, citing safety concerns. Speaking in Harare on Tuesday during a road safety awareness campaign titled "Be Road Safe Zimbabwe 2025", ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi highlighted that poor visibility and hazardous road conditions at night, especially during the cold season, are key contributors to traffic accidents. Said Nyathi: The accident in question occurred at night, and given the cold weather these days, visibility is significantly compromised. We have consistently urged motorists to avoid night driving to help reduce road carnage and promote safety. Unfortunately, we currently do not have a legal framework in place to regulate or restrict night driving for public transport vehicles, something we strongly believe Parliament should urgently consider. This comes after four members of the same family, including three young children, were killed on Sunday evening in a tragic head-on collision involving a Ford Ranger and a Honda Fit. The ZRP confirmed the accident which occurred around 6:30 PM at the 25-kilometre peg along the Karoi-Binga Road. The Ford Ranger was carrying seven passengers, while the Honda Fit was overloaded with 12 passengers. The impact of the collision left 15 other people seriously injured. They were all taken to Karoi District Hospital for emergency medical treatment. *Pindula* *Armed Criminal Gangs Targeting SUVs: Police* Police in Bulawayo have warned motorists that armed criminal gangs in the city have escalated their operations and are now targeting high-value Special Utility Vehicles (SUVs) which they are smuggling out of the country. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed a sharp rise in armed robberies targeting SUVs, adding that the syndicates are increasingly hijacking high-end vehicles. She said on June 11, at around 10:40 PM, a 64-year-old woman from Malindela parked her silver Toyota Fortuner outside her house in Pumula South where she had gone to asses progress at the property, which is being painted. The woman reportedly left her car secured and at around 11:30 PM when she went back to where she had parked it intending to go back to Malindela, she was approached by two unknown assailants brandishing a pistol and demanded the car keys, threatening to shoot her if she refused to comply. "She surrendered the car keys. They also forcefully took her sling bag which had US$43, a plastic containing pain tablets valued at US$50. In the car boot, there was a 20-litre bucket of paint valued at US$138. The two suspects jumped into the motor vehicle and sped off. "A police report was made. The total value stolen is US$5 5000 and nothing was recovered," Msebele said. \In another incident, Msebele said on June 16 at around 8:45 PM, a 37 year old man from Parklands who was in the company of his wife was driving a silver Toyota Fortuner from Bulawayo Central Business District (CBD) towards Inyathi, in the Bubi district of Matabeleland North provinvce. When they were close to Kingsdale shops, he parked his vehicle at a dark place by the roadside for recess. *New Ziana* *Yesteryear Propaganda Musician Tambaoga Begs Wicknell Chivayo For A Car* Once a prominent voice in pro-government music campaigns, mbira musician Tambaoga has publicly appealed to controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo, pleading for assistance in the form of a car to ease what he described as a difficult life. Tambaoga, whose real name is Last Chiangwa, rose to fame during the early years of Zimbabwe’s land reform programme, gaining notoriety for his politically charged jingles and fierce loyalty to the ruling party. However, in recent years, he has faded from the spotlight, with indications that his relationship with Zanu-PF may have soured. In a video posted to social media this week, the musician extended what appeared to be a heartfelt plea to Chivayo, whose name has become synonymous with lavish car giveaways to public figures aligned with the ruling party. "My name is Tambaoga. We have seen the great things that you’re doing for others, and we ask that you do the same for some of us," he said. "We are tired of living a hard life. What we did is well known, and we won’t mention some of our deeds now. We would like to be blessed like others because we are all children of the party." Tambaoga said the current economic conditions had made life increasingly difficult and called on Chivayo to extend a helping hand. "We would like to take a look at ourselves and see the life we are living, so maybe you can help us as well. We appreciate the job that you are doing, Chivayo. Please look upon us because life is hard for everyone in the country at the moment," he added. His public appeal marks a notable shift from his previous statements in 2020, when he struck a more critical tone regarding the state of governance in the country. "Imagine what will happen if Zanu PF transforms the economy and creates jobs for people! People will hate you for supporting the opposition. "That is the main reason why I have decided to remain neutral. Rambai Makashinga," he said at the time. "We are back in full force. We say no to corruption," he added. *nehandaradio* *Rwanda, DRC Initial Peace Agreement Ahead Of Signing Next Week* Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo technical teams initialed a draft peace agreement that is expected to be signed next week, the two countries and the United States said on Wednesday, aiming for an end to fighting in eastern Congo. The provisional agreement, announced in a joint statement, could mark a breakthrough in talks held by President Donald Trump's administration to end the fighting in eastern Congo and bring billions of dollars of Western investment to the region, which is rich in minerals including tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. The provisional agreement, reached after three days of talks, addresses territorial integrity and a prohibition of hostilities and the disengagement, disarmament, and conditional integration of non-state armed groups, according to the statement. The agreement also includes provisions on the establishment of a joint security mechanism that incorporates a proposal discussed by the parties last year under Angolan mediation. The ministerial signing of the agreement is scheduled for June 27. Rwandan and Congolese experts reached an agreement twice last year under Angola mediation on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and joint operations against the Rwandan Hutu rebel group FDLR, but ministers from both countries failed to endorse the deal. Angola stepped down in March from its position as a mediator between the parties involved in an escalating Rwanda-backed rebel offensive in eastern Congo after several attempts to resolve the conflict. Fighting in eastern Congo escalated this year as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels staged an advance that saw it seize the region's two largest cities, raising fears of a wider conflict. Congo says Rwanda is supporting M23 by sending troops and arms. Rwanda has long denied helping M23, saying its forces are acting in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed around 1 million people, mostly ethnic Tutsis. *Reuters* *Israel-Iran Conflict Rages With Ongoing Aerial Strikes Amid War Of Words* Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned the United States that joining Israeli strikes on his country would "result in irreparable consequences" for the US as his and US President Donald Trump’s war of words accelerates and the Israel-Iran hostilities have now raged for one week. His remarks came as the military called on people in Israel to go to shelters early Thursday as defence systems worked to intercept Iranian missiles. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that bunker-busting drones have been used to target Israel. Israel also reported that Iran launched a barrage earlier on Wednesday evening and that it intercepted eight missiles. Israel carried out multiple strikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran, and other parts of the country throughout the day. In his first televised address since Israel began its attacks on Friday, Khamenei said on Wednesday that Iran "will not surrender to anyone" and "will stand firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace". Responding to threatening remarks made a day earlier by Trump, Khamenei said those who know Iran and its history "know that Iranians do not answer well to the language of threat". In recent days, Trump has strongly hinted that the US could join in Israel’s military operation against Iran, saying he is seeking something "much bigger" than a ceasefire. In comments made on Wednesday on the White House lawn at a flag-raising ceremony, Trump said: "I may do it. I may not do it," when asked if the US was moving closer to striking Iran. "I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do," he added. He claimed, without offering any evidence, that Iran is "totally defenceless. They have no air defence whatsoever." Iran has said it has had success in bringing down Israeli drones and fighter jets. "The next week is going to be very big, maybe less than a week," Trump said without elaborating. The US has in recent days sent more warplanes to the Middle East and is also sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. The US president claimed Iranian officials reached out to him and suggested visiting the White House, something Iran denies. "No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House. The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to ‘take out’ Iran’s Supreme Leader," the Iranian mission at the United Nations said in a post on X. No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House. The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to "take out" Iran’s Supreme Leader. Iran does NOT negotiate under duress, shall NOT accept peace under duress, and certainly NOT… — I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) June 18, 2025 Trump’s comments came after he demanded on Tuesday Iran’s "unconditional surrender", saying: "We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran." He also boasted that the US could easily assassinate Khamenei. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei echoed Khamenei’s sentiments, warning: "Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region." Iran is "under an attack by a genocidal" government, and it will defend itself with "full force" against Israel’s "war of aggression", Baghaei said. Significantly, he added he trusted that Iran’s Arab neighbours would not allow the US to launch attacks on Iran from their countries. *Day 6 of Israel-Iran hostilities* The warnings were issued as Israel and Iran exchanged fire for a sixth consecutive day. The Israeli military said it struck 40 sites in Iran, including centrifuge production and weapons facilities. The strikes targeted two centrifuge production sites – one in Tehran and one in Karaj, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi said explosions were heard near Payam international airport in Karaj as well as in areas in eastern Tehran. ویدیوی دریافتی: "حمله دوباره به حوالی همان نقطه قبلی در شمال شرق #تهران. بزرگراه صدر در تصویر مشخص است."#iran #israel https://t.co/DAYs7Qmtb3 pic.twitter.com/vV6jlM199W — Vahid Online (@Vahid) June 18, 2025 Translation: Another attack near the same previous location in northeast Tehran. Sadr Highway is visible in the footage. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli jets "destroyed the Iranian regime’s internal security headquarters" without providing evidence. Israel’s military confirmed one of its remotely piloted aircraft had fallen in Iran after being shot at by a surface-to-air missile. "No injuries were reported, and there is no risk of an information breach," the military said. Iranian state media earlier had said Iranian forces shot down an Israeli drone and fighter jet. Israeli strikes continued to target other areas of Iran, including the central province of Isfahan. An Israeli strike on a vehicle in Najafabad killed six people, including a pregnant woman and two children, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, at least 240 people, including 70 women and children, have been killed since Israel began attacking the country. Meanwhile, as Iran continues to launch barrages of missiles at Israel, Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said Iran’s attacks are creating an unprecedented "disruption" of life. "Over the past six days, the Israeli public has experienced something they haven’t in the past: a formidable army that is firing ballistic missiles at Israeli cities and sensitive Israeli sites," Odeh said. In another development, Iran’s Ministry of Communications said it will temporarily limit internet access to prevent "the enemy from threatening citizens’ lives and property". The announcement follows an earlier report from the London-based internet watchdog Netblocks stating that there was a "near-total national internet blackout". *Putin weighs in* The attacks have continued to cause global concern, and many countries have expressed a need for de-escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated the need to end the fighting, and his country’s willingness to help broker an agreement to end the crisis in a way that addresses the interests of both Iran and Israel. Speaking to international journalists in St Petersburg on the sidelines of an economic forum, he said he has been in contact with Trump, and said that Russia has workers at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, but that Israel has agreed to ensure their safety. When asked, he said he "doesn’t even want to discuss" the potential assassination of Khamenei by Israel or the United States. Iranian society, Putin added, is "consolidating" around the country’s leadership. Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabari said Russia started construction on the Bushehr nuclear plant in 2005, and it "came online in 2011". "Russia clearly has a very important role in Iran’s nuclear programme. They have already signed a 20-year strategic agreement with Iran that includes building at least three more nuclear facilities inside Iran," Jabari said, adding that the latest developments "really do affect Russia". "It is in Russia’s best interests that there is no complete collapse of Iran as a result of this conflict," she added. Speaking to members of his governing Justice and Development Party in parliament, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said his country wants to see the crisis resolved diplomatically and Ankara could play a constructive role. Erdogan accused Israel of waging "crazed" attacks against Iran that amount to "state terrorism". Iran’s response, he said, has been natural, legal and legitimate. The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on the conflict on Friday. Iran requested the meeting after it said the situation "has dangerously escalated due to mounting and undeniable evidence of direct US involvement in this unlawful campaign". Iran’s request was supported by Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria. *Al Jazeera* *Fans Warned Of Short-notice Changes As PL Fixtures Released* Fans have been warned by the Premier League that fixtures could be moved at "relatively short notice" next season because of the number of teams playing in Europe. A record nine top-flight clubs have qualified for Uefa competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. The Premier League said there is an "increased likelihood" that games will be rescheduled if English teams reach the latter stages, and it suggested fans take this into consideration when planning their attendance at games. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham will be playing in the Champions League next season. Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have qualified for the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Conference League. "While the Premier League celebrates this success, it will come with an impact on the scheduling of league matches," a statement from the Premier League said. "There is an increased likelihood of Premier League fixtures moving at relatively short notice, after our fixture announcements, should our clubs progress to the knockout rounds of these competitions." The warning comes after the Premier League announced the fixture list for the 2025-26 season on Wednesday. Champions Liverpool will host Bournemouth in the Friday night curtain-raiser, while Manchester United will play Arsenal in the opening weekend's standout fixture at Old Trafford. Liverpool, who won the league in Arne Slot's first season in charge, will begin their title defence at Anfield on Friday, 15 August. Newly promoted Sunderland, back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, start their campaign at home against West Ham the following day. Championship winners Leeds welcome Everton to Elland Road for the Monday night game, while Burnley - promoted back to the top flight at the first time of asking - travel to Europa League holders Tottenham, who will be led by Thomas Frank in a league match for the first time. Everton fans will have to wait until the second round of fixtures for their first league game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, when they will face Brighton. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will hope to bounce back from a rare trophyless season with a strong start against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. The season, which consists of 380 games over 33 weekends and five midweek rounds, will conclude on Sunday, 24 May. The Premier League has said the start date of 15 August - 82 days on from the end of the 2024-25 season - "allows for the maximum player rest time available". During the festive period, clubs will not be asked to play twice in less than 48 hours. While there are currently no games listed for 26 December, some may be moved to Boxing Day - depending on the live broadcast selection. The African Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, meaning some clubs will be without players for six Premier League match weeks. Just 18 days after the season ends, the 2026 World Cup will begin in the US, Canada and Mexico. It will be the first season with the new Premier League TV deal in place, with every game outside of the Saturday 3pm blackout to be broadcast live by either Sky Sports or TNT Sports. Premier League opening-weekend fixtures in full All times BST Friday, 15 August Liverpool v Bournemouth (20:00) Saturday, 16 August Aston Villa v Newcastle (12:30) Brighton v Fulham (15:00) Nottingham Forest v Brentford (15:00) Sunderland v West Ham (15:00) Tottenham v Burnley (15:00) Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City (17:30) Sunday, 17 August Chelsea v Crystal Palace (14:00) Manchester United v Arsenal (16:30) Monday, 18 August Leeds v Everton (20:00) *BBC*