AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Power Shift: President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Constitutional Amendment Act Number 3 has now taken effect, and he is moving to consolidate control through fresh appointments and a looming Cabinet reshuffle as Zanu PF pressures ministers and MPs who reportedly opposed CAA3. Media & Gender Appointments: Mnangagwa appointed eight new Zimbabwe Media Commission members and four Zimbabwe Gender Commission commissioners, setting up new oversight leadership for media regulation and gender policy. Education Law Reversal: Mnangagwa sent the Zimsec Amendment Bill back to Parliament, asking lawmakers to revisit changes aimed at tightening exam security and penalties. Local Government Pressure: Harare and other councils continue crackdowns on illegal building and vending, with Mutare warning demolition will follow notices, court action, and enforcement orders. Fuel & Patronage Scrutiny: ZERA adjusted petrol prices upward, again spotlighting politically connected fuel networks linked to Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Public Holiday Politics: Mnangagwa declared September 15 a national public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, as critics question the timing and the broader push to extend his rule. International Watch: A Pakistan-Africa economic council launch in Islamabad targets trade growth to USD15bn by 2030, with Zimbabwe among attending states.

High Court Ruling: Zimbabwe’s High Court ordered the State to pay US$15,000 damages over alleged police brutality and unlawful detention of Harare man Emmanuel Majoni, in a case tied to a 2016 arrest and harsh prison conditions. Charity Fraud Case: Jairos Jiri officials appeared in court over allegations of selling a Bulawayo property far below its assessed value and the disappearance of a US$90,000 donation, with claims involving forged board approval. Governance Shake-up: President Mnangagwa reassigned Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti to Local Government and Public Works and appointed new chairs and commissioners to key independent commissions, including the ZHRC, Gender Commission and ZEC. Political Signal: Mnangagwa declared September 15 a public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, while critics question the move amid renewed debate over his long-term political plans. Human Rights & Health: Reports highlight torture allegations against youths sent to “rehab boot camps,” and separate coverage discusses Zimbabwe’s abortion law barriers for girls. Local Power & Environment: Government moves to end the Ngozi Mine pollution crisis, with Geo Pomona pushed to replicate Harare’s waste-to-energy model in Bulawayo.

Munhumutapa Day: Zimbabwe has declared 15 September a permanent public holiday, renaming Mnangagwa’s birthday as Munhumutapa Day, a move opposition figures say is another power-grab. Opposition politics: Nelson Chamisa marked the MDC’s 27th anniversary by arguing the struggle is longer than expected and urging a return to the movement’s original broad citizens’ model. Fertiliser crisis: Norton MP Richard Tsvangirai told Parliament the US$2.11bn fertiliser import bill is costing jobs and livelihoods, not just foreign currency. Extradition delays: Families of UK murder suspect Ndodana Tshuma say extradition proceedings have been postponed again, extending a 65-day wait that is deepening their grief. Local governance & services: Bulawayo’s Glass Block Bopoma Dam project faces fresh legal delays over a proposed BOT water deal. Public order & justice: Harare police report a rottweiler attack that killed an eight-month-old baby, with the father arrested on culpable homicide charges. Health policy: A rights group warns Zimbabwe’s new Lenacapavir HIV prevention rollout may be missing people who use and inject drugs. Sports & women’s cricket: Lady Chevrons lost the first T20I to South Africa after failing to build partnerships, while Proteas’ Connor Esterhuizen hit a maiden ODI century against Namibia.

Political Future Debate: President Mnangagwa’s remarks about still being in power in 2035 are reigniting questions about Zimbabwe’s political trajectory after constitutional changes that extended terms and shifted future leadership selection. Urban Governance & Public Order: Harare and other cities are stepping up anti-vending patrols and vendor crackdowns, with police deployments and council actions aimed at clearing streets. Education Compliance: Education Minister Torerayi Moyo is meeting Matabeleland North school heads to warn against flouting directives, including sending learners home over unpaid fees, with disciplinary action threatened. Energy & Infrastructure: Zimbabwe is pushing ahead with major power projects: the US$100m Mapanzure Solar Park is taking shape, while ZPC has given Intratek a 24-month ultimatum to restart the Gwanda Solar Project. Mining, Jobs & Rights: Zimbabwe’s gold deliveries rose in August, led by small-scale miners; meanwhile, legal voices warn Matabeleland communities risk losing control as mining expands under a State-centred mineral rights framework. Trade, Diplomacy & China Links: A Zimbabwe delegation toured digital trade exhibitions at CIFTIS in China, while policy discussions continue around services trade and investment cooperation. Local Industry Push (Bulawayo): Bulawayo leaders are calling for SEZ status across the whole city and for a return to industrial heartland status, with the Bulawayo Investment Indaba spotlighting manufacturing and beneficiation. Health & Prevention: Nac is urging renewed HIV prevention focus, warning against complacency despite ARV availability. Youth & Skills: Tonganyika Trust graduated 276 Makoni South youths with practical life skills, positioning vocational training as a shield against drugs and crime.

Opposition Realignment: Nelson Chamisa says he will help steer Zimbabwe’s emerging opposition formation, signalling he wants a central role as parties realign ahead of the next political chapter. Constitution & Power Politics: President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared September 15 a public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148—sparking claims it’s part of a broader push to extend his grip on power, after he also said he expects to still be in office in 2035. Diplomacy/Regional Tensions: At Sanganai/Hlanganani, Mnangagwa insisted Victoria Falls “belongs” to Zimbabwe alone, rejecting the shared Zimbabwe-Zambia framing and raising the risk of a diplomatic flashpoint. Local Governance & Order: Harare and Bulawayo stepped up enforcement—Harare’s “Operation Chenesa Harare” targets illegal vendors with municipal police 24-hour patrols, while Bulawayo ordered a waste-management overhaul at Richmond Landfill via Geo Pomona. Parliament Watch: MPs renewed scrutiny of mandatory ethanol blending, questioning costs and whether motorists get value. Justice & Crime: Ndodana Tshuma’s extradition case was postponed to 30 September; in Bulawayo, police linked Makokoba to a growing drug crackdown and reported a rape case involving a pregnant 15-year-old. Economy/Compliance: RBZ shut down ghost mobile money wallets after Civil Registry linkage, and ZIMRA extended its voluntary tax disclosure programme to September 30.

Zimbabwe–Zambia Child Marriage Fight: Shamwari Yemwanasikana says child marriage pressures are similar across the two countries—poverty, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and weak access to information—arguing legislation alone won’t fix it. Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Push: President Mnangagwa opened the 19th expo in Masvingo, urging unity and backing rotational hosting to spread benefits; he also cited tourism arrivals rising to 6.4 million in H1 2026 and investment jumping to US$132.3m. Tourism Investment Forum: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube headlines a tourism investment forum alongside RBZ and ZIDA, focusing on mobilising capital, FX frameworks and project bankability. Bulawayo Anti-Corruption Case: Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu’s alleged US$52,000 extortion/bribery case was postponed to 24 September as ZACC forensic results are awaited. China–Zimbabwe Trade/Services Link: At CIFTIS in Beijing, VP Chiwenga said the fair could unlock deals in conferencing, infrastructure, digital services, tourism, education and health. Regional Governance Warning: Zambia’s opposition treason case is drawing alarm over “democratic backsliding” and “bad precedent,” with analysts citing state pressure on opponents. Human Rights Shock in Harare: ZHRC commissioner Martin Muduva died after a violent domestic incident; reports say his wife also died after ingesting poison. Migration/Deportation Pressure: US deportees in Cameroon face uncertainty, while in South Africa Durban refugees fear renewed anti-migrant deadlines.

Constitutional Politics: Mnangagwa has declared September 15 a public holiday (Munhumutapa Day), while fresh controversy swirls after he told Sanganai delegates he expects to still be in power in 2035—despite term limits and recent extensions. Local Governance & Accountability: Bulawayo mayor David Coltart says he will leave office in 2028, not 2030, rejecting the idea that the new term extensions automatically apply to him. Anti-Corruption & Governance: ZACC is staging a regional anti-corruption scaling-up event, but critics question “progress” measured through games and exhibitions rather than real reforms. Courts & High-Profile Cases: Mnangagwa’s daughter-in-law Kelsea Tafirenyika secured US$5,000 bail again after 37 days in custody in a money-laundering matter. Human Rights: ZHRC commissioner Dr Martin Muduva died after an alleged axe attack in Harare; police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide involving his wife. Economy & Regulation: Harare’s vendor crackdown is back, with warnings it could repeat 2008 cholera risks if sanitation and service delivery aren’t handled properly. Investment & Diplomacy: VP Chiwenga promoted Zimbabwe’s opportunities at China’s CIFTIS in Beijing, pitching trade in services, tourism, and digital partnerships.

Urban Enforcement: Harare City Council is ramping up the Chenesa Harare crackdown with at least 300 municipal police officers deployed to remove illegal vendors from undesignated spots, starting at E.D. Mnangagwa Road and Samora Machel Avenue, with arrests threatened for repeat offenders. Human Rights & Representation: PAMU has petitioned ZHRC, BAZ and ACHPR over alleged exclusion of Matabeleland and minority language groups from public broadcasting board appointments, calling them unconstitutional and mono-ethnic. Courts & Business Dispute: Bulawayo High Court dismissed Techmate Engineering’s bid for summary judgment against Jena Mines over a disputed US$297,532 mining debt, saying the claim was not “clear and unassailable.” Education Crisis: Teachers’ unions say welfare and pay problems persist: ZIMTA warns the school opening circular ignores teacher salaries and allowances, while ARTUZ says members will work only three days a week due to incapacitation. Mining Policy: Government is moving to make ESG compliance a condition for mining rights, treating environmental impact assessments as life-of-mine commitments. Sports Governance: ZIFA confirmed the National Sports Stadium as the Warriors’ home venue for AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Women’s Cricket: Zimbabwe Cricket appointed New Zealand coach Mark Coles as head coach of the senior women’s team ahead of a five-match T20I series vs South Africa. Tourism & Investment: Zimbabwe is pushing MICE tourism and courting Chinese tech partners for smart logistics, green data centres and digital finance, while VP Chiwenga touts China as a value-add partner.

National Honours: President Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status on the late Edward Raradza, with burial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare (date yet to be announced). Transport Regulation: Government has approved a five-month moratorium on e-hailing while Cabinet reviews licences, permits, levies and fees, with operators to register with ZIMRA and a self-regulatory framework planned. Local Government & Courts: A court ordered Umguza RDC to release a vehicle seized over an alleged firewood offence, after a dispute escalated from council action to litigation. Judicial Independence: Zimbabwe’s superior courts reshuffle promotes three High Court judges to the Supreme Court and appoints Justice Charles Hungwe as president of the Court of Appeal. Public Service Delivery: The PSC is running a five-day Venda Language Orientation Programme in Matabeleland South to improve communication between government workers and Venda-speaking communities. Urban Livelihoods: PVED has petitioned Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe over shortages of designated vending spaces, warning that enforcement without alternatives is driving clashes and loss of livelihoods. Climate Risk: Zimbabwe is preparing for a potentially difficult 2026/27 rainy season as a strong El Niño is expected to bring below-normal rainfall and dry spells.

Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court judge George Mutandwa Chiweshe is headed for a Judicial Service Commission disciplinary hearing on 9 September after former Bikita West MP Munyaradzi Kereke accused him of misconduct, financial dealings and improper relationships involving two of his wives while Chiweshe was serving a prison sentence; Chiweshe has rushed to the High Court to stop the process, arguing the probe has expanded beyond what Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza referred. Mining & Borders: Zimbabwe has banned the export of antimony and tungsten (and suspended shipments of ores and concentrates) to push local processing, while a Chinese national linked to an alleged 720-tonne lithium smuggling scheme was remanded pending bail. Trade & Reintegration: ZIMRA says it has eased duty-free return of household goods and tools for Zimbabweans affected by anti-migrant protests in South Africa, using a flexible customs regime at Beitbridge. Local Governance & Public Order: Retailers’ group CZR backs Government’s crackdown on illegal vending in undesignated areas, saying it restores order and protects public health. Humanitarian Support: Japan has donated JPY 200 million (about US$1.3m) to WFP for food and nutrition assistance for refugees and asylum seekers at Tongogara. Sports & National Pride: Afghanistan confirmed a UAE-based multi-format tour in October-November featuring Zimbabwe, while in Zimbabwe football, AmaZulu’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya won PSL Player of the Month for August.

Zimbabwe Women Cricket: Mark Coles has been appointed head coach for Zimbabwe’s five-match T20I series against South Africa starting September 11 in Bulawayo, with a full support team named by Zimbabwe Cricket. Mining & Tax Policy: New special mining lease tax rules and a wider push for beneficiation are in focus, as officials outline how mining costs, deductions and development spending are treated under Zimbabwe’s tax framework. Energy & Investment: Government has opened the Cabora Bassa Basin to international oil and gas exploration and classified coal as a “special critical mineral,” while Vice-President Chiwenga is set for a China visit to attract value-add investment. Transport & Regional Deals: Mnangagwa secured UAE commitments tied to Mt Hampden and Lake Kariba maritime transport after the ferry disaster. Governance & Service Delivery: Bulawayo’s Umvutsha Cemetery burials exposed equipment shortages at City Council, while a parliamentary committee verified repatriation systems after anti-migrant protests in South Africa. Law & Order: Police in Mutare deployed drones for smart policing, targeting illegal mining and other crime, alongside back-to-school road safety enforcement. Local Politics & Accountability: Wicknell Chivayo renewed pressure on Highlanders FC over alleged misuse and governance gaps after a cash injection. Economy & Compliance: ZIMRA continues enforcement and compliance messaging, including rental tax pressure on landlords and broader vendor crackdowns.

Zimbabwe Cricket: Mark Coles has been appointed substantive head coach of the Zimbabwe women’s national team, with a full backroom staff named, ahead of the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting September 11 in Bulawayo. Local Government & Economy: Harare street vendors vow to defy a September 9 eviction deadline, warning authorities are removing livelihoods without offering workable alternatives. Anti-Corruption & Politics: Bulawayo deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu and councillors face an attempted extortion case, with allegations that ZACC pressured some accused to implicate him. Public Finance & Governance: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe’s push to abandon the US dollar could trigger capital flight and undermine stability if ZiG credibility isn’t firmly established. Public Services: Learners and teachers in rural Kariba are stranded as the Mbuya Nehanda ferry sank, forcing costly detours ahead of schools reopening. Security & Justice: A Midlands man is on the run after allegedly torching four huts at his in-laws’ homestead over alleged infidelity. Business & Regulation: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has closed Bulawayo eatery Sis Bee’s Kitchen under the Tourism Act.

Zanu PF Succession Fight: Zanu PF’s Harare province backed a push to postpone the next national congress to 2030 and endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as its preferred leader until then, reigniting internal succession pressure. Bulawayo By-Election: CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu faction faces fresh doubt after its Ward 1 candidate Mduduzi Sibanda was linked online to a Zanu PF membership card ahead of the 3 October by-election. ZIMRA Tax Crackdown: ZIMRA has introduced a presumptive rental income tax (15% of gross rental income) and is demanding detailed landlord information, triggering backlash from property owners. Harare Media Enforcement: ZBC begins a two-week door-to-door TV and radio licence inspection drive across 28 Harare suburbs from 7–18 September. Mining & Safety: A disturbing small-scale mine recovery video has renewed calls for stronger safety and emergency preparedness. Sports: South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs to win the Windhoek tri-series final; Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba won bronze in the 200m at the Diamond League Final. EU Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Katrin Hagemann died suddenly in Harare after breakfast, with no cause disclosed.

Zanu-PF Power Struggle: Fresh factional tension is brewing inside Zanu-PF over calls to postpone the party’s elective congress and align President Mnangagwa’s first-secretary tenure with Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, with critics warning it could breach the party constitution and undermine internal democracy. Currency & Finance: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency by 2030, saying premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight and reverse stabilisation gains; meanwhile, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says falling inflation (to 2.9%) should eventually lower interest rates and enable longer-term loans. Rule of Law & Rights: Gukurahundi victims’ families are urged to use existing legal mechanisms to seek recognition and justice; Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights also highlighted the need for stronger protections for families affected by enforced disappearances. Public Safety & Governance: Police intensify enforcement against plateless vehicles and unauthorised blue lights/sirens, warning of arrest and impoundment. Service Delivery: Government says it is improving service delivery in Binga, including commissioning council clinics and transport for councillors. Energy Reform: Zimbabwe opens electricity distribution and retail to private players via 25-year renewable licences, with developer obligations to fund infrastructure for new developments. Mining Policy: Government suspends antimony and tungsten exports to push beneficiation and in-country value addition. Court Watch: A High Court rejected a detailed divorce parenting plan that tried to police WhatsApp messages and other daily family routines. Diaspora Pressure: Citizens Watch Zimbabwe raises alarm over worsening conditions and constitutional changes, saying more people are seeking sanctuary abroad.

Constitutional Court Challenge: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court has set 22 September 2026 for a hearing on an application seeking permission to challenge the CAA3 change that removes direct presidential voting and hands the final choice to MPs and senators. Local Governance & Public Order: Government has set a September 9 deadline for illegal vendors to vacate streets, with Harare vendors vowing to resist the crackdown. Tourism & Connectivity: Air Zimbabwe has started daily Harare–Masvingo flights, with a water-cannon salute at Masvingo airport as the province gears up for the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo. Land Reform for Retirees: Officials say title deeds are unlocking new opportunities for retirees to use land as a bankable, income-generating asset under the Land Title Deed Programme. Environment & Justice: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is pushing for specialised courts and judicial training to better handle wetland and environmental disputes. Mining & Investment: Zimbabwe’s lithium value is reported to have surged in 2026, while officials also seek Chinese partners to modernise railways and boost mineral-linked growth.

ZANU-PF Online Pushback: Levison Chambati warns social media political aspirant Brett Muvet not to confuse Facebook virality with real power or votes, arguing ZANU-PF’s deep structures still matter most. Activist Claims Escalation: Muvet doubles down on his Varanda VeZimbabwe (VVZ) bid, alleging a US$15 million bounty on his head as he vows to keep challenging President Mnangagwa. Economy Watch: The World Bank cautions Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency, warning premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight and reverse stabilisation gains. Inflation Update: Zimbabwe’s inflation is reported to have fallen to decades-low levels, credited to tighter monetary policy and exchange-rate stability. Mining Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s delegation at Africa Down Under (ADU) in Perth says investor interest is shifting from general promotion to specific commodity needs, with follow-ups planned; the Chamber of Mines also highlights growing participation. Health & Welfare: Dr Douglas Mombeshora urges the Ministry of Health to turn strategies into real implementation, while United Bulawayo Hospitals moves toward local Ebola testing after lab equipment installation nears completion. Child Protection: VP Kembo Mohadi reiterates government commitment to child welfare after touring Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi. Governance & Service Delivery: President Mnangagwa witnesses a waste-to-energy EPC deal for Geo Pomona and Zhejiang Wei Ming, and caps 734 HIT graduates, urging skills to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe.