HOT TOPICS ONLINE ........... *Hichilema forces ex-Zambian president to be buried in SA* (ewn) *Hunting tragedy ...as granny (71) dies in pursuit of rock rabbits* (Byo24News) *Govt must address the concerns of teachers* (Newsday) *Chivayo’s riches: Celebrating corruption or entrepreneurship?* (Newsday) *‘Volcano’ Tagwirei secures seat in Zanu PF central committee* (Zimlive) *Airtime Vendor Demands 40k Compensation From Mnangagwa Over Unlawful Arrest* (ZimEye) *'University of Zimbabwe now a factory of fake degrees'* (Pindula) *Apostolic church minor dies after pregnancy, parents attempt to conceal truth* (TellZim) *President Mnangagwa presides over official opening of Junior Parliament* (Zw News) *Zimbabwe to host global Wetland Summit as COP15 preparations advance* (Herald) *When a Child President wears the 'Mnangagwa scarf', we must all be concerned* (Tendai Ruben Mbofana) ....... © Zoomic Media Join Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LnED3rWZkQy3aD1dQ1TiGw .... Follow Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *'University of Zimbabwe now a factory of fake degrees'* (Pindula) A storm has erupted at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) after the Association of University Teachers (AUT) issued a damning statement accusing the institution's leadership, under Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo, of presiding over what it described as a "factory of fake degrees." In a scathing critique, AUT said UZ had "lost its integrity, its credibility, and its reputation," alleging that under Mapfumo's administration, academic standards had collapsed, and students were now receiving certifications that lacked academic merit. At the heart of the lecturers' grievances is what they called a "one-day learning and exam farce" - a controversial practice in which students reportedly receive limited instruction before being rushed through examinations. The AUT argued this is merely one symptom of a broader and more systemic rot. "The students are being sold fake degrees - degrees that are not worth the paper they are printed on," the AUT charged. "They are being robbed of their right to a quality education, their right to a bright future, and their right to a decent life." The lecturers reserved particular condemnation for senior academic staff, including department chairpersons and deans, accusing them of enabling the alleged decline by failing to defend academic standards. "They have become complicit in this charade and travesty," the AUT said, accusing university leadership of turning a blind eye to academic malpractice and placing institutional reputation above scholarly integrity. The AUT's statement was especially harsh on Vice Chancellor Mapfumo, who it labelled a "master of deception" and "a virtuoso of fake degrees." The association alleged that students were "forced to buy their degrees, pay for grades, and pay for their certification," painting a picture of a university that has abandoned academic ethics in favour of commercial gain. The lecturers' union is now calling on all stakeholders - including government, alumni, and the public - to intervene and rescue the country's flagship institution from what they described as an unprecedented crisis. "We must stand up against this factory of fake degrees," the statement said. "We demand a quality education, a bright future, and a decent life. The students, the lecturers, and the nation deserve better." The University of Zimbabwe, once a regional beacon of academic excellence, has in recent years been dogged by reports of political interference, falling standards, and administrative controversy. The latest accusations are likely to deepen scrutiny of the institution's leadership and raise broader concerns about the state of higher education in Zimbabwe. At the time of publication, UZ officials had not responded to requests for comment on the AUT's allegations. Source - pindula ---- *Hichilema forces ex-Zambian president to be buried in SA* (ewn) Former president of Zambia Edgar Lungu's funeral will be held in South Africa. His family revealed that he will be laid to rest in Johannesburg. It's the first time a former head of state of another country will be buried in South Africa. The repatriation process of Lungu's remains was halted earlier this week. His body was meant to be returned to Lusaka from Lanseria airport on Tuesday. His family said this was due to the continued disagreements with the Zambian government. They've accused President Hakainde Hichilema's administration of undermining the agreements reached surrounding Lungu's death. He died in a Pretoria hospital earlier this month after suffering a long illness. Lungu's family has expressed their appreciation to the South African government for honouring their request to hold a private funeral in the country. Source - ewn ...... *Hunting tragedy ...as granny (71) dies in pursuit of rock rabbits* (Byo24News) by Gideon Madzikatidze in Ruti (Bangure) BUHERA - A routine traditional hunting trip ended in tragedy after a missing elderly hunter's decomposed, lifeless body was found trapped under a rock boulder at a mountain peak, with a rock-rabbit (catch) on a snare and an empty packet of biscuits by his side. The deceased, Munaro Machakache left home on Saturday morning (last week) and never came back, which raised suspicion from neighbours and his nephew, who reported the matter to the village head. The village head and other headmen summoned all villagers to embark on a weeklong thorough search and found the late Sekuru Machakache trapped under a rock boulder in Vete mountain. "Yes, we summoned everyone to embark on a thorough search because it was unusual for him not to return from his routine hunting trips. He always comes back home," one of the village head said. "We found him trapped under a rock boulder in Vete mountain, with one of his snares entrapped to a rock rabbit. Just by the side of the mountain cave adjacent to his lifeless body, there was an empty packet of biscuits," he added. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Manicaland spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said that the case is yet to be confirmed. Source - Byo24News ......... *Govt must address the concerns of teachers* (Newsday) The teachers said they previously petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to address their concerns with no joy. TEACHERS have approached the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to intervene in its dispute with their employer over poor working conditions and salaries. The teachers, represented by their unions, are pinning their hopes on the UN agency responsible for labour issues after exhausting internal channels. The teachers said they previously petitioned President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to address their concerns with no joy. In a letter dated June 11, 2025, addressed to Karen Curtis, ILO chief — Freedom of Association Branch — Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) stressed its disappointment with the government’s lack of urgency in addressing the educators’ grievances. “To date, the only feedback we have received was an informal call from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, ZCTU, requesting us to propose two conciliators for the process,” Artuz leader Obert Masaraure wrote. “This request was made on 21 March 2025, and to date, we have not received any feedback on progress despite our efforts to inquire through the ZCTU.” “We were hopeful that by now we could have engaged and resolved the raised complaint and subsequent issues that arose post-filing the complaint.” In response, Curtis said: “By the procedure in force, the contents of your communication will be transmitted to the government for its observations thereon.” The dispute between teachers and their employer has been raging for years, despite authorities promising to address their concerns. Teachers are decrying low salaries and are demanding to be paid at least US$540 per month by their employer, which they were earning before October 2018. Currently, teachers earn an average of US$250 per month and around ZiG3 000, which has been outpaced by the rising cost of living. The government says it cannot meet such levels, citing constrained resources amid rising demand for limited resources. The government is cutting its coat according to the size of the cloth to avoid a huge budget deficit. It is also working on reforms, which are the housekeeping issues in the arrears clearance and debt resolution process. The low-hanging fruit in this dispute is for the government to address economic headwinds, which leaves citizens with more disposable income when the economy stabilises. Fiscal and monetary authorities claim that they have put in place a solid foundation for economic stability, although critics say the economy is far from being stable. It reflects badly on the government if a UN agency were to tell it to put its house in order by addressing the plight of teachers. Teachers feel they are overworked, yet underpaid. The teacher-to-pupil ratio is 1:45 against the recommended 1:30. The ratio can go up to 1:60 in some schools after the government froze the recruitment of educators. Teachers are leaving the profession in droves, with estimates of 15 000 educators leaving annually, according to statistics from unions. We are of the view that non-monetary incentives such as the provision of residential stands would, however, go a long way in alleviating the plight of teachers in particular and the rest of the civil service in general. We reiterate that a stable economic environment will leave everyone with more disposable income. In the interim, a listening administration will surely find time to discuss with teachers' unions to find a lasting solution to the crisis. ..... *Chivayo’s riches: Celebrating corruption or entrepreneurship?* (Newsday) By Emison Haripindi Boka constructed a tobacco auction floor, which was one of the largest in the world at the time, near Mbudzi roundabout, now known as Trababalas Interchange. IN the beginning, there was Roger Boka, a man credited with championing tobacco farming by black farmers. The golden leaf was then a preserve for white commercial farmers. Boka constructed a tobacco auction floor, which was one of the largest in the world at the time, near Mbudzi roundabout, now known as Trababalas Interchange. Besides the auction floors, Boka owned a bank, United Merchant Bank. The businessman was rumoured to have wanted to tar the road linking his rural home in Chiendambuya from Headlands off the Harare-Mutare Road to Chikore, which borders Makoni and Mutoko districts. Then came Philip Chiyangwa, who many have described as a maverick and flamboyant businessperson. Dr Phil, as Chiyangwa is fondly known, has been into many ventures that include entertainment, boxing promotions, real estate and engineering. To his credit, Chiyangwa at one time brought to Zimbabwe the late pop star Michael Jackson. He, just like Boka, promoted black empowerment through the Affirmative Action Group. Chiyangwa’s Pinnacle Properties changed many people’s lives as they became proud homeowners. Today, Zimbabwe has Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo, whose generosity has divided opinion, locally and abroad. A showy character, Chivayo does not hide the fact that he has deep pockets. He has posted stuff that many would not want the world to know. Chivayo posts moments he has with powerful politicians, his shoe room, his wife, plush cars, in private jets or holidaying in places many just imagine in dreams. His list of Kodak moments he shared with the world includes pictures with former First Lady Grace Mugabe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Chivayo has been on a giving frenzy, handing out cars to musicians, pastors and comedians. Those given cars have thanked him countless times for transforming their lives. Some of his beneficiaries are already rich, but he blesses them as a way of showing his appreciation for their contribution to the nation or for how they impacted his own life. Boka, Chiyangwa and Chivayo have something in common. Growing up, odds were against them. They had to find their way to the top. At one time, the late Boka was a clerk, Chiyangwa was a vegetable vendor in Chegutu and Chivhayo was a clerk at a bus company. Many have scrutinised their sources of income. The three men publicly admitted to be top Zanu PF supporters. Their links to Zanu-PF heightened speculation that they may have been fronts for influential government officials. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name has been thrown in as the man behind Chivayo’s riches. This claim, Mnangagwa refuted when he had a meeting with the editors at State House in February. “Where could I find the funds to reimburse him?” Mnangagwa stated. “Instead of wasting my time worrying about someone who is using his own money, look into where you think I am getting the money to give Chivayo to distribute. “You can’t trouble me about a charitable person. Anyone should notify the police if their money was stolen.” Chivayo’s source of wealth has remained a mystery amid claims he is a tenderpreneur, feasting on government contracts. Chivayo’s riches and his benevolence have sent tongues wagging. Many have been suggesting that Chivayo should fund the Health ministry so that it is well-stocked and has medical facilities refurbished, instead of dishing out cars like confetti at a wedding. Others have been saying Chivayo is using national resources he is getting through corrupt tenders to dish out those freebies. Some of the reasons he has advanced for dishing out cars are astounding. Dancer Mai Welly got an Aqua for dancing at a Zanu PF rally. Actor Bhutisi (Admire Kuzhangira) got his share for his Ishe vanoseka zvavo prophecy. Chimurenga musician Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo and cleric Eunor Guti, wife of the late Zaoga founder Ezekiel, have turned down Chivayo's "gifts". The opposition and some Christians have raised concerns when some people they thought would not accept these gifts did the unthinkable, as they took their cars. Are people justified in lynching Chivayo? Is it genuine criticism or are people just seeing a soft spot to vent their anger? Critics say Chivayo could be benefiting from his proximity to power. They refer to the audio in which he declared that Ndakachibata kuti dzvii (I am in charge) as evidence that he is riding on the coattails of influential people in society. Backers, however, say Chivayo could be behaving like any rational being who uses opportunities to the maximum. The Christian world is not as clean as we all think because proceeds of corruption, dirty deals and fraudulent activities are finding their way into the church’s collection basket, they claim. Where money is concerned, caution and morals are thrown out the window. Ministers and MPs demand their service vehicles even when the country is faced with severe droughts and diseases. Chivayo's backers cite cases where opposition lawyers chose to represent Zanu PF officials in courts. Responding to accusations of being a fraudster, Chivayo posted on social media that he has not committed any crime. This was after the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) was said to be investigating his wealth. Chivayo suggested that the probe was motivated by jealousy. “What is painful is you’re going to car sales and asking about [Toyota]Aqua cars bought for the members of the apostolic sect,” Chivayo said. “Why don’t you just say: 'Mr Chivayo, can the programme for Aqua car also include Zacc?'” Chivayo has threatened to spend even more money on members of his sect. “I have not committed any crime. I know in your eyes, everyone with wealth is a thief,” he said. “I am begging you not to harass members of the apostolic sect. I said this year, US$3 million is theirs and you have irritated me. “I am putting aside another US$400 000 for a further 50 Aquas. ....... *‘Volcano’ Tagwirei secures seat in Zanu PF central committee* (Zimlive) Ambitious tycoon reportedly angling for presidency after stepping out of shadows Big moves … Kudakwashe Tagwirei (far right) with members of the Zanu PF provincial leadership in Harare HARARE – Kudakwashe Tagwirei has taken a massive step in his reported push for the Zanu PF presidency by securing a seat in the 300-member Zanu PF central committee. The controversial tycoon, a long-time benefactor of the party, is now seen as one of the frontrunners to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has three years left of his second and final term. A recommendation for Tagwirei’s co-option into the central committee was first mooted by the Zanu PF leadership in Masvingo province, but it is Harare province which found an opening for the Sakunda Holdings founder. His co-option was confirmed by Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF’s secretary for legal affairs. Chinamasa said for a long time Tagwirei was “a dormant but committed Zanu PF party cadre, loyally working quietly and outside the public limelight or glare, holding some low-ranking position in some Zanu PF party district under Harare province.” “His recent cooption into the Zanu PF central committee is a breath of fresh air and will certainly be impactful to Zanu PF’s political fortunes in Harare and perhaps in other urban settings as well,” Chinamasa said. Making reference to Tagwirei’s shock emergence as one of the favourites to succeed Mnangagwa, Chinamasa said the businessman who is under American and British sanctions for allegedly undermining the country’s economy through corruption, has “erupted from his dormant state like a volcano.” Tagwirei’s growing confidence of taking over Mnangagwa’s mantle has already unsettled some Zanu PF heavyweights including Christopher Mutsvangwa, who used a recent news conference to warn that the party will “winnow out businessman entrants with hidden ambitions.” Vice President Contantino Chiwenga has long been touted as a shoe-in to succeed Mnangagwa, boosted by his key role in a military coup that ushered Mnangagwa to power in 2017. But Mnangagwa, 82, reportedly does not trust his deputy to spare corrupt oligarchs around him when he is gone, which has seen him shopping for a candidate to stop Chiwenga. Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda, who is expected to go on leave in August pending his retirement, has been considered a dark horse for sometime but some Mnangagwa loyalists see him as a “reluctant candidate” to take on Chiwenga due to their past military ties. First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is reported to be backing Tagwirei, while Mnangagwa has quietly urged the businessman to go out and win the support of Zanu PF branches, according to insiders. Just after Zanu PF province secured him a central committee seat, Tagwirei bought vehicles for the top leadership. He has also pledged to raise money for new party offices while financing their political activities. Tagwirei has also used his Bridging Gaps Foundation to reach outlying communities and endear himself. On June 25, he will be in Bulawayo – his second stop on a tour of all 10 provinces in his capacity as chairman of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, appointed by Mnangagwa to reform the ownership model for farmland. Tagwirei has not publicly commented on being linked with a run for the presidency. ....... *Airtime Vendor Demands 40k Compensation From Mnangagwa Over Unlawful Arrest* (ZimEye) MASVINGO – A Masvingo-based airtime vendor is seeking US$40,000 in damages from the Zimbabwean government, claiming he was unlawfully arrested, wrongfully detained, and maliciously prosecuted—an ordeal he says cost him not only his freedom, but the life of his young daughter. Michael Zumba filed the lawsuit at the Masvingo Magistrates Court through his lawyer, Martin Mureri of Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners, on June 6, 2025. The suit names Minister of Home Affairs Kazembe Kazembe, Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba, and two officers—Detective Constable Dzingirai and Detective Constable Mabheka of Masvingo Central Police Station—as respondents. Zumba was arrested on April 24, 2024, while selling airtime at Yeukai Business Centre. Officers accused him of illegally changing foreign currency, even though, according to court documents, they only found R20, US$20, and airtime cards on him. “They searched me thoroughly and found nothing except a few rand and some airtime I was selling. That was my livelihood,” Zumba said in an interview. He was denied bail and held in remand prison for four weeks. During his incarceration, on May 21, 2024, Zumba’s two-year-old daughter, Beauty Matipashe Zumba, passed away. He says he was denied the chance to see or bury her. “I was helpless behind bars while my baby died. It broke me. I had committed no crime,” Zumba said. In a ruling delivered by Masvingo Magistrate Nomagugu Sibanda, Zumba was acquitted after the court found no evidence that he had been engaged in illegal money-changing activities. Magistrate Sibanda noted that the arrest had no legal foundation, as there was nothing linking Zumba to any currency dealings. Zumba now seeks compensation for what he calls the destruction of his reputation, emotional trauma, and financial loss. His claim includes US$15,000 for wrongful arrest, US$10,000 for unlawful detention, US$10,000 for malicious prosecution, and US$5,000 to cover legal expenses incurred defending himself. “Notice was given to the defendants of the plaintiff’s intention to sue in terms of Section 6 of the State Liabilities Act (Chapter 08:14). The defendants have refused or neglected to pay despite lawful demand,” reads part of the application. The lawsuit emphasizes the lasting harm suffered by Zumba due to what his legal team describes as gross misconduct and abuse of police powers. “The plaintiff prays for an order for the payment of US$40,000 for damages by the defendants, the one paying the other to be absolved, and costs of suit on an attorney-client scale,” the court papers further state. ..... *Apostolic church minor dies after pregnancy, parents attempt to conceal truth* (TellZim) A disturbing new case of child marriage has rocked Zimbabwe, as members of the Johanne Marange apostolic sect are accused of trying to conceal the death of a suspected 13-year-old bride who reportedly died from pregnancy-related complications in Bhaki Village, Hwendedzo area under Chief Musara in Masvingo. Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway to determine the girl's age and the circumstances surrounding her death. "We have a report of a case where a girl died due to pregnancy complications. However, her age is yet to be ascertained and investigations are underway," said Inspector Dhewa. Village head Trust Bake also confirmed the tragic death to TellZim News, but expressed uncertainty about the deceased's exact age or her rank among the many wives of her alleged husband, a member of the Johanne Marange sect. "I can confirm that we have such a case in my village, but I do not stay in the area permanently. I don't know the child personally or her position in the polygamous marriage. What I do know is that her husband has many wives," said Bake. In a shocking revelation, Bake added that, according to local customs, the fetus was surgically removed from the deceased's body before burial, as it is traditionally forbidden to bury a woman with an unborn child. However, he could not confirm who performed the operation or how it was done, only stating that the mother and fetus were buried separately. Police sources indicated that the deceased's parents claimed she was 18 when she got married and 19 at the time of death, though they were unable to provide a birth certificate to substantiate this claim. Authorities are now investigating the family's household records to determine the true age of the deceased by cross-referencing the number and ages of her siblings. "There are high chances that the family provided false information, even about the name," said one source close to the investigation. Another source revealed that police efforts to uncover the truth were being hindered by the extreme secrecy of the sect and the family. "The sect and the family members are very secretive. No one in the community seems to know who carried out the procedure or wants to speak up about what happened. It's as if they're all hiding something. The police need to be very vigilant if they are to establish the truth," the source added. This incident draws chilling parallels to the 2021 case of 14-year-old Anna Machaya, who died during childbirth at a Johanne Marange shrine after being forced into marriage. The case sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation from rights activists and international organisations, including the United Nations. Despite legal reforms that set the minimum age for marriage at 18 and the age of consent at 16, reports of child marriages - particularly in apostolic sects - continue to surface, often shrouded in secrecy and protected by cultural norms and religious doctrine. This latest tragedy has once again raised urgent concerns about the safety and rights of young girls in Zimbabwe. Advocacy groups are calling for decisive government action, including rigorous enforcement of child protection laws, targeted investigations into sect activities, and stronger community-level interventions. "The Hwendedzo case is heartbreaking and deeply infuriating," said one activist. "It shows that the law alone is not enough. We need real accountability, community education, and enforcement to stop these deaths and protect our girls." As investigations continue, there are renewed calls for the state and civil society to work together to dismantle harmful traditional practices that endanger the lives and futures of children. Source - TellZim ..... *President Mnangagwa presides over official opening of Junior Parliament* (Zw News) President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will this Friday preside over the official opening of the 33rd Junior Parliament at the Parliament Building in Mount Hampden. The Junior Parliament plays a pivotal role in nurturing the younger generation to become responsible and engaged citizens. Dzivarasekwa Primary School mounted this year’s Guard of Honour Parade for the Official Opening of the Junior Parliament. The Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe is a child-focused body that mirrors the structure of the senior Parliament, with representatives from each constituency. It was established to engage children in policy processes and allow them to advocate for child-friendly legislation and policies. The Junior Parliament is comprised of a Children’s Senate and a lower House of Assembly, with members aged between 12 and 18. The Junior Parliament aims to provide a platform for young people to participate in governance and contribute to policy-making that affects them. Structure: It mirrors the senior Parliament, with a Children’s Senate and a House of Assembly, and each constituency has a child representative. Representation: Child Parliamentarians, aged 12-18, are selected to represent their peers across all ten provinces of Zimbabwe. Inauguration: The Junior Parliament is inaugurated annually, with the 32nd official opening scheduled for July 3, 2024, at the New Parliament Building. Significance: The Junior Parliament is seen as a crucial platform for young people to develop leadership skills, voice their concerns, and participate in building their nation. Zwnews ......... *Zimbabwe to host global Wetland Summit as COP15 preparations advance* (Herald) Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter PREPARATIONS are well underway for Zimbabwe to host the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, with over 1 000 delegates from 176 countries already having confirmed their attendance at this significant global event. The latest update was shared during an inter-ministerial preparatory meeting held in Victoria Falls on Thursday, where senior Government officials expressed full confidence in the country’s readiness to stage the high-level environmental summit. From July 23 to 31, 2025, the world’s attention will turn to the iconic Victoria Falls, set to host critical discussions focused on safeguarding wetlands and advancing the global conservation agenda. This landmark event marks Zimbabwe’s debut as host of the Ramsar COP, and only the second time this prestigious gathering will be held on African soil, following Uganda’s hosting of COP9 in 2005. The high-level meeting, attended by key ministries and parastatals involved in co-ordinating the event, reviewed progress in logistics, funding, and marketing. Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu commended the ongoing preparations and assured the nation that Zimbabwe is ready to host a world-class conference. Minister Ndlovu revealed that critical funding for the event has already been disbursed by the Treasury. She also praised the collaborative efforts of various ministries, highlighting their effective co-ordination in ensuring the country is well-prepared to host the upcoming conference. “We convened to evaluate the state of preparedness by the inter-ministerial teams, including the parastatals we work with, involved in COP15. We’re pleased with the progress made, which importantly includes the funding,” said Minister Ndlovu. She further commended the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for efficiently facilitating the event’s financial requirements, which have been key to maintaining momentum. “They’ve released the funds required to host this important conference, as we’re responsible for its financing. The money has already been disbursed, and we’ve also received support in channelling funds to the various committees managing key aspects of the event,” she said. The minister also underscored the critical support from the Ministries of Tourism and Foreign Affairs in mobilising international delegates and ensuring that venues and logistics meet global standards. With over 1 000 international delegates already registered, Minister Ndlovu expressed satisfaction with the marketing efforts but emphasised the need for continued collaboration with the Ramsar Secretariat and local committees to ensure a flawless event. “We also reviewed the marketing of the event, as we naturally want to attract even more participants. Over a thousand people have now registered to attend, and we’re pleased with this promotional progress. As Government, we will continue working closely with the Ramsar Secretariat and the local committees to ensure the event’s success,” she stated. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, also expressed confidence, affirming that Zimbabwe is fully prepared to welcome COP15 delegates with its renowned warmth and hospitality. “We’re more than ready to receive COP15 delegates from around the world. We’re thrilled to welcome them and promise to offer our best hospitality and everything that reflects the richness of Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sector,” said Minister Rwodzi. She highlighted the significant economic benefits of the conference, noting that it presents an opportunity to boost domestic tourism while showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and culinary offerings. “With over a thousand delegates expected, we’re also actively encouraging greater participation from local visitors, which will significantly boost domestic tourism. This event is a tremendous opportunity for Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, and very soon, you’ll hear a lot of excitement from the industry because COP15 will greatly promote our country,” she elaborated. The event is also expected to provide a valuable platform for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector to showcase their products and services. “We have a wealth to showcase during this event, especially our gastronomy. It presents a great opportunity for SMEs in the tourism industry to display and sell their products right here in Victoria Falls,” Minister Rwodzi added. As the host city, Victoria Falls stands to benefit significantly from the conference, with hotels, tour operators, and craft vendors preparing for a surge in business. With just weeks to go before the global summit, Zimbabwe is positioning itself not only as a leader in wetland conservation but also as a premier destination for international conferences. Successfully hosting COP15 will further strengthen the country’s reputation as a capable and welcoming global player in both the environmental and tourism sectors. — @nyeve14 ...... *When a Child President wears the 'Mnangagwa scarf', we must all be concerned* (Tendai Ruben Mbofana) by Tendai Ruben Mbofana Train up a child in the way you want them to grow, they say - but when this guidance is rooted in manipulation and politics, it risks ruining their lives before they've even begun. There was something deeply disturbing about today's sitting of Zimbabwe's Children's Parliament, held in commemoration of the Day of the African Child. To directly receive articles from Tendai Ruben Mbofana, please join his WhatsApp Channel on: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaqprWCIyPtRnKpkHe08 What should have been a celebration of young people's voices and a platform to amplify their concerns, was instead turned into an unsettling display of political mimicry. The sight of the newly appointed Child President, Lionel Mazarire, donning the now-infamous scarf associated with President Emmerson Mnangagwa - flanked by an entourage of tight child security - felt like a betrayal of what this event is supposed to stand for. To the casual observer, the scarf, bearing the colors of the national flag, might appear harmless - perhaps even patriotic. But in Zimbabwe, we know better. That scarf is not a national symbol of unity or love for country. It is a partisan symbol. It is Mnangagwa's personal brand - his unmistakable trademark - worn primarily by those who openly pledge allegiance to him. Even within ZANU-PF, it is largely embraced by his loyalists and inner circle, especially in a party long marked by factionalism and infighting. Most ordinary Zimbabweans choose not to wear the scarf - not because they are prohibited, but because they recognize what it truly represents. It has ceased to be a symbol of national pride and has instead become a badge of political fealty to one man. This isn't merely symbolic. It is political indoctrination at its most sinister. That scarf has sparked outrage in Parliament itself, where opposition lawmakers rightly objected to its presence in the August House. They demanded its removal, arguing that it violated the non-partisan decorum expected in the legislature. In one notable incident in 2024, Matabeleland North women's quota MP Elizabeth Masuku was ordered by Speaker Jacob Mudenda to remove the "Mnangagwa scarf" during a question-and-answer session, affirming that this is not just a fashion statement - it is a loaded political symbol. So, when a child is made to wear it in the highest symbolic office of youth representation, the message is not subtle. It is loud and alarming: even our children must now be conscripted into the Mnangagwa cult of personality. This raises grave concerns over the integrity and impartiality of the Children's Parliament and the child presidency. It is meant to be a non-partisan, inclusive, and safe space where young Zimbabweans can articulate their hopes, frustrations, and demands to those in power. Instead, it now appears to be hijacked by a regime eager to use children as pawns in its broader agenda - an agenda that includes clinging to power amid growing national discontent. Let us not forget the "ED 2030 Agenda" campaign currently being pushed feverishly by Mnangagwa loyalists, lobbying for his term to be extended beyond the constitutional limit of two five-year terms, which ends in 2028. Are we now to believe that even children are being roped into this dangerous political scheme? We must interrogate how child presidents are selected in Zimbabwe. On paper, the process involves a series of debate competitions and merit-based evaluations around children's rights issues, culminating in the election of a representative from among the best-performing provincial candidates. That is the official narrative. But when we see a child president adorned in partisan regalia, the questions arise: was this process truly free and fair? Was it merit-based? Or was it manipulated to favor children of the politically connected - perhaps those whose parents serve the Mnangagwa regime? These suspicions are no longer wild conspiracies. They are a natural reaction in a country where public institutions, from the judiciary to the civil service, have been captured and corrupted. But perhaps the most tragic element of all this is the silencing of genuine youth grievances in a time of unprecedented suffering. Zimbabwe is in crisis, and children are among the worst affected. As we speak, over 3.5 million children face hunger and are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. According to UNICEF, the rate of child wasting - an indicator of acute malnutrition - has worsened, rising from 4.1% to 4.9% in 2024. An estimated 580,000 young children are living in severe food poverty. These are not abstract statistics; they represent real children, whose futures are being stunted by poverty, hunger, and hopelessness. This hopelessness manifests in other tragic ways. Last year alone, around 50,000 children dropped out of school due to poverty. Some were forced out because their parents could no longer afford school fees. Others succumbed to teenage pregnancies, often linked to transactional relationships and early "marriages" born out of desperation. Drug abuse has surged among youth as a coping mechanism in a society that has little to offer. Meanwhile, unemployment for the youth stands above 90 percent, with many forced into informal street vending, dangerous artisanal mining, or even prostitution - regardless of education level. It is a scandal that university graduates are increasingly enrolling in nurse aide courses, not to serve locally, but in hopes of securing menial caregiving jobs in the United Kingdom. It is degrading and demoralizing, especially for those who once believed in the promise of education. And yet, even for those still in school, the conditions are abysmal. Most schools lack the most basic infrastructure - books, chairs, desks - let alone access to modern learning technologies. Pass rates at Ordinary Level are dismally low, with over 70% of candidates failing to pass, and some rural schools even recording a shocking 0% pass rate. The education system is collapsing. So, when these children are gathered and given a microphone before government officials, we must ask: did they demand answers for these calamities? Did they ask President Mnangagwa why, in a country overflowing with precious minerals and natural wealth, they are still going to bed hungry? Did they ask why some individuals - politically connected and immune to prosecution - continue to receive inflated multi-million-dollar contracts without proper tender processes? Did they ask why the elite grow fat while their parents scavenge for crumbs? These are the questions that matter. And yet, we did not hear them. This absence of bold, uncomfortable questions underscores the extent to which the Children's Parliament has been neutered. It is now a carefully choreographed charade, a stage-managed performance meant to create the illusion of responsiveness. But it is neither empowering nor liberating. In truth, it has become a tool for exploiting children, dressing them up in political costumes and teaching them to parrot official lines instead of questioning them. This is more than a missed opportunity. It is an abuse of innocence. Instead of nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and courageous leaders, the regime is grooming a generation of obedient loyalists - taught from a young age that the path to recognition lies in mimicry, not merit; in loyalty to power, not truth. Zimbabwe's children deserve better. They deserve leaders who will listen without conditioning them to conform. They deserve platforms where their voices are not only heard but respected. And they certainly deserve to be protected from becoming tools in a toxic political game. The Mnangagwa administration should be ashamed. ● Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700 | +263782283975, or email: [email protected], or visit website: https://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/ Source - Tendai Ruben Mbofana