LOCAL NEWS

Staff Reporter

Parents across the country have begun preparing for the start of the 2025 school year after the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education officially confirmed that schools will open for the first term on Tuesday, January 14. The term will run until Thursday, April 10, with the Ministry urging the public to disregard earlier rumours that suggested a January 6 reopening.

Staff Reporter

The Government officially opened the Gweru Rehabilitation Centre yesterday, in a move aimed to address the escalating issue of drug and substance abuse.

Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS), in partnership with the 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation, recently organized the first-ever Inter-Prisons Inmate Sports Tournament at Hwahwa Medium Prison in Midlands Province.

This event marked a significant milestone in the country’s correctional system, serving as a powerful tool for promoting the rehabilitation and mental wellness of inmates.

4-H Zimbabwe Foundation representative, John Muchenje expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the importance of such programs for the well-being of inmates.

"The tournament brought together participants from various correctional facilities across the Midlands Province, who competed in various sports activities designed to encourage teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. The event was a step forward in creating a more inclusive environment for inmates, helping to bridge the gap between those incarcerated and the broader community. By engaging in sports, inmates were able to momentarily escape the harsh realities of prison life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose," he said.

Muchenje also noted how such events not only improve inmates’ physical health but also promote social inclusion by encouraging positive interactions among them.

 "The role of sport in rehabilitation has long been recognized for its ability to enhance mental and physical well-being. This initiative, which includes activities, such as football, athletics, and other team-based competitions, seeks to promote not just physical fitness but also mental health and emotional resilience. For inmates, it offers an opportunity to channel their energy into positive outlets, helping them build relationships and develop skills that are vital for reintegration into society once they complete their sentences."

The initiative also provides inmates with opportunities to engage in sports and recreational activities, which help reduce recidivism and prepare them for life after prison, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.

"This initiative offers inmates the chance to participate in sports and recreational activities, which not only help reduce recidivism but also equip them for a successful reintegration into society, enabling them to make positive contributions after serving their sentences."

The Inter-Prisons Inmate Sports Tournament serves as a model for correctional institutions to incorporate rehabilitation programs that focus on the well-being of inmates. The success of the event at Hwahwa Medium Prison is expected to inspire similar initiatives across Zimbabwe's prisons, offering a path toward positive change, social inclusion, and the rehabilitation of those who have been incarcerated.

Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe is set to host the International Handball Federation (IHF) Trophy Zone VI women’s junior and youth tournament from April 28 to May 4, 2025, in Harare. The event will bring together top teams from Southern Africa, competing for the coveted spot in the continental stage of the championship.

Staff Reporter

The Harare City Council is facing mounting criticism from residents and analysts over its failure to meet its self-proclaimed target of achieving world-class city status by 2025.

In an interview with this publication, citizens have pointed to uncollected refuse, frequent sewage bursts, dilapidated infrastructure, and allegations of corruption as evidence of the council’s shortcomings.

Agnes Chikowore, a resident of Mbare, decried the uncleanliness of her neighborhood.

“The streets are littered with garbage that hasn’t been collected for months. The smell of sewage is unbearable, and no one seems to care. How can they talk of world-class status when we are living like this? ”Chikowore queried.

Chikowore also urged the council to act decisively in tackling service delivery issues and improving governance.

 “If they are serious about Harare’s future, they should implement reforms and work transparently. There’s still time to salvage the city, but only with immediate action,” added Chikowore.

High-density suburbs, such as Budiriro and Glen View remain hotspots for sewage bursts. Tafadzwa Gutu, a Budiriro resident, highlighted the health risks posed by lack of action.

“Raw sewage flows past our homes almost every day. The council has failed to address this. We are tired of empty promises,”

Town planner Felix Zingwe said the city’s infrastructure is in a state of collapse. “Public buildings are falling apart, roads are crumbling, and the city lacks proper maintenance. Harare is far from world-class status; it’s barely functional,” he said.

The opposition-led council has also come under fire for corruption allegations. A government-appointed commission of inquiry into land and tender allocations in Harare uncovered widespread irregularities, fueling public mistrust. Political analyst Dr. Takunda Nyoni emphasized the need for transparency.

“While the council has failed in service delivery, it’s also mired in corruption scandals. The findings of the commission of inquiry should serve as a wake-up call for reform,” he said.

Despite these challenges, there are calls for the continuation of independent audits by the Commission of Inquiry to address the root causes of the council’s failures.

“Audits are a step in the right direction. They help expose wrongdoing and ensure accountability. What is needed now is strict enforcement of recommendations from these investigations,” said James Moyo, a business owner in the city centre.

As public frustration grows, the council faces increased pressure to deliver tangible results and restore confidence among Harare’s citizens.

Staff Reporter

Following the recent abolishment of the death penalty by Parliament and signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, citizens have praised this move marking a pivotal moment for the country’s justice system.

Staff Reporter

8-year-old Tinotenda Pudu was found alive after wandering for five days in Matusadonha Game Park. The boy had lost his way and unknowingly ventured deep into the wilderness, 23 kilometers from his home.

Staff Reporter

The government, in collaboration with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), has rolled out the use of breathalyzers at roadblocks nationwide.

 This new initiative targets motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which have been major contributors to traffic accidents, particularly during this busy time of the year.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, confirmed that the TSCZ is working to acquire additional breathalyzers to ensure more police officers are equipped to conduct tests at strategic roadblocks across the country.

"The breathalyzers will enable police officers to quickly and accurately test drivers for alcohol consumption. Those found exceeding the legal limit will face penalties, including fines and the possible suspension of their driving licenses," said Minister Mhona.

He also emphasized the importance of avoiding risky driving behaviours such as speeding, overloading, and driving under the influence of alcohol, which significantly contribute to road accidents during the festive period.

"We have been saying in the ministry that we also need to police ourselves as citizens. It is important to practice vigilance as drivers and road users to minimize accidents, especially during the festive season when traffic density increases."

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe assured the public that the police are fully prepared to collaborate with other stakeholders to enforce road safety laws. He urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and avoid actions that put them and others at risk.

"We believe the time has come for us to collectively start reversing the current disturbing trend of negligence and speeding. Police visibility will be heightened at roadblocks and through motorized patrols on highways," he said.

The introduction of breathalyzers at roadblocks is part of a broader Government effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by reckless driving during the holiday season. Authorities are confident that this initiative will help deter intoxicated driving and promote safer roads across Zimbabwe.

Staff Reporter

The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has called on transport operators to stop imposing unreasonable performance targets on drivers, warning that this practice has been a major contributor to road traffic accidents throughout the festive season.

Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare  has announced the resolution of a long-standing impasse between the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) and the Council of Social Workers, a move hailed as a significant step in strengthening social work education and professional standards.