AGP Executive Report

Cabinet & loyalty shake-up: President Mnangagwa is reportedly weighing a Cabinet reshuffle after 14 MPs failed to back Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), with ministers and deputy ministers among those facing possible firing over “disloyalty.” Media & gender commissions: Mnangagwa has appointed new members to the Zimbabwe Media Commission and Zimbabwe Gender Commission, completing constitutional requirements for oversight of media and gender matters. Education law back to Parliament: Mnangagwa sent the Zimsec Amendment Bill back for further work, citing reservations over exam security and penalties, including new offences on modern cheating methods. Fuel prices: Blended petrol edges up to US$1.99/litre while diesel stays at US$1.95/litre, according to ZERA’s latest schedule. Health scare: Authorities recall specific batches of Nifedipine 10mg tablets over quality concerns, urging patients to check batch numbers and return affected stock. Tourism push: Great Zimbabwe draws crowds during Sanganai/Hlanganani, showing how domestic tourism can boost the wider economy. Sports—Warriors home tie: Zimbabwe Warriors host DR Congo Leopards in a crunch AFCON qualifier on September 28 at National Sports Stadium, with tickets now on sale.

First Aid in Migration: Zimbabwe Red Cross challenged young people in Bulawayo to treat first aid as a life-saving duty during World First Aid Day competitions, urging competitors to learn under pressure as communities face injuries and gaps in medical help. Proteas Women in Zimbabwe: Nthabiseng Nini made a stunning senior debut for South Africa, taking 3/17 and helping bowl Zimbabwe out for 116 before Anneke Bosch’s 83 off 43 powered a comfortable chase. Munhumutapa Day: President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s September 15 birthday has been declared an annual public holiday, formalised through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026. Government reshuffle: Mnangagwa effected major changes, appointing Tafadzwa Muguti as Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, and naming new leaders for key commissions including the Human Rights, Gender and Electoral commissions. Ngozi Mine pressure: Bulawayo’s Ngozi Mine dumpsite crisis is back in focus as Geo Pomona is pushed to replicate Harare’s waste-to-energy model, with government seeking a faster agreement with the city council. Court cases: A Chinese national was remanded over alleged 720-tonne lithium smuggling, while a Gweru man received 30 years for a fatal spear attack. Health and rights: Advocates highlighted the dangers girls face under Zimbabwe’s abortion laws after a survivor described a secret termination and lasting complications.

Bulawayo Informal Economy Gets a Boost: One Tap, a new commission-free super-app, launches in Bulawayo to bring ride-hailing, deliveries and trades like plumbing and beauty into one safer digital marketplace. Industrial Revival Push: CZI’s Ainah Dube-Kaguru urges a return to Bulawayo’s industrial heartland, citing low manufacturing capacity use and calling for stronger investment. Education Compliance in Focus: Matabeleland North school heads face a stern warning from Education Minister Torerayi Moyo over alleged defiance of rules, including sending learners home over fees. Youth Skills Over Substance Abuse: Tonganyika Trust graduates 276 Makoni South youths with practical life and vocational skills aimed at steering them away from drugs and crime. Energy and Jobs: Zimbabwe’s US$100m Mapanzure Solar Park in Zvishavane is taking shape, while a US$100m green solar deal with China-Zim Green Energy promises major grid support. Mining and Finance: Gold deliveries rise to 5.11 tonnes in August, and Unki completes its first full IRMA renewal audit. Governance and Rights: Government rolls out child online protection measures with Wi-Fi gateways plus training for teachers and parents. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Officials say sports tourism could drive both domestic and international travel, with major events and facilities key to growth. Health and Prevention: Nac calls for renewed HIV prevention focus, warning that treatment is not a cure. Crime and Safety: Police investigate the mysterious death of a Roman Catholic priest, while Bulawayo authorises a pauper mass grave for unclaimed remains from an accident.

Munhumutapa Day Declaration: Zimbabwe has gazetted 15 September as a public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026—sparking fresh criticism that it ties the state to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s personal political agenda. Power and politics: Lawyer Thabani Mpofu warned the move could signal a push to alter Zimbabwe’s constitutional order. Energy and cost of living: ZERA hiked the maximum LPG price to US$1.76/kg (from US$1.68/kg), effective September 8, adding pressure to household budgets. Digital payments crackdown: The RBZ shut down ghost, fictitious and duplicate mobile money wallets after linking Civil Registry data to subscriber records. Parliament fuel row: MPs questioned the value of mandatory ethanol blending, arguing ethanol costs more than imported petrol. Crime and justice: ZHRC Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva died after an alleged domestic dispute; his wife reportedly took rat poison. In South Africa, a Zimbabwean was arrested in Hillbrow over alleged fake SA smart ID recruitment schemes. Bulawayo: Government directed Bulawayo City Council to bring Geo Pomona to transform Richmond Landfill (Ngozi Mine). Sports—women’s cricket: Lady Chevrons captain Josephine Nkomo and Sharne Mayers return for the five-match T20I series vs South Africa in Bulawayo starting September 11. Sports—men’s cricket: India confirmed Jasprit Bumrah is cleared; Yash Thakur replaces injured Harshit Rana for Afghanistan T20Is and the Asian Games. Road safety: A Greenhorse 75-seater bus overturned on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road; no deaths reported.

Cricket & Regional Spotlight: India named Yash Thakur to replace injured Harshit Rana for the Afghanistan T20Is and the 2026 Asian Games, while Jasprit Bumrah and other key players received fitness clearance. Zimbabwe Politics & Governance: President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared his birthday a public holiday, while Bulawayo’s deputy mayor extortion/bribery case was postponed to 24 September as prosecutors await forensic results. Tourism & Investment Push: Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Expo continues in Masvingo, with President Mnangagwa urging unity and officials rolling out a tourism investment forum to mobilise capital and expand the hospitality sector. Sports & Talent: Bulawayo is set to host the Southern Africa Finest music showcase on October 17, aiming to position the city as a regional entertainment hub. Health & Social Issues: Zimbabwe and Zambia face similar child marriage challenges, with rights groups calling for education, economic support and better protection for girls.

Tourism Boom: Zimbabwe says tourist arrivals hit 6.4 million in H1 2026, with tourism investment jumping to US$132.3m, as President Mnangagwa opened the Sanganai/Hlanganani expo in Masvingo and urged more domestic travel and “open sky” travel moves. Street Vendors Crackdown: Harare is moving to clear street vendors under a government ultimatum, with warnings the approach could worsen sanitation risks as the rainy season nears. High Court Bail: Kelsea Tafirenyika, accused in a money-laundering case, has been granted US$5,000 bail after 37 days in custody, following an earlier bail decision. Human Rights Tragedy: ZHRC commissioner Dr Martin Muduva died after an alleged axe attack by his wife, who later died by poison in a suspected murder-suicide. Governance & Cost of Doing Business: Government is cutting 291 licences, levies and taxes, but critics question whether the reforms tackle the root problem of making formal business too expensive. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Zimbabwe’s VP Chiwenga told China’s services trade fair that the event could open deals in tourism, digital services, education and health. Cricket Spotlight: South Africa’s Jordan Hermann smashed 150 on ODI debut as Proteas beat Namibia by 99 runs in a rain-affected opener.

Harare City Crackdown: Harare has launched “Operation Chenesa Harare”, deploying 300 municipal police officers to arrest illegal vendors and restore order, starting at E.D. Mnangagwa Road and Samora Machel Avenue, with a focus on moving traders to council-approved sites. Courts & Business: The High Court in Bulawayo blocked Techmate Engineering’s $297,532 mining debt claim against Jena Mines, saying the amount owed was genuinely disputed. Public Appointments Row: PAMU has petitioned the ZHRC, BAZ and ACHPR over alleged exclusion of Matabeleland and minority language groups from new public broadcasting board appointments. Crime & Safety: Police are investigating the discovery of an amputated human leg and medical waste at a Chitungwiza dumping site. Education Pressure: ZIMTA and ARTUZ say teacher welfare is still unresolved, with ARTUZ warning members will work only three days a week due to low salaries. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Zimbabwe Cricket appointed New Zealand coach Mark Coles as head coach of the senior women’s team ahead of the South Africa T20 series. Transport: Fastjet Zimbabwe will extend its wet-leased A320-200 operations to end-October 2026 due to stronger passenger demand. Weather: MSD says a cold spell is linked to the winter-to-summer transition, not a full seasonal shift.

National Heroes: 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, with a new review process to build a self-regulatory framework, strengthen passenger safety, and require operator registration with ZIMRA. Local Governance: Harare City Council is tightening fuel station approvals with a new 1.5km spacing rule, larger stand requirements, public notice billboards, and EIA/ZERA approvals before construction. Courts & Accountability: Umguza RDC has been ordered to release a vehicle seized over alleged firewood-related issues after a court challenge. Education & Cost of Living: Zimbabwean teachers under ARTUZ say they are “incapacitated” and will report only three days a week as schools reopen for term 3, citing an unresolved salary crisis. Weather Watch: Zimbabwe is bracing for a difficult 2026/27 rainy season as a strong El Niño is expected to bring below-normal rainfall and dry spells. Crime & Justice: A Bulawayo/Harare car import fraud trial involving alleged US$696k and ZWG1.3m losses has been postponed to 5 October. Sports (Zimbabwe relevance): Laura Wolvaardt leads a young Proteas Women squad for a historic five-match T20I series in Bulawayo against Zimbabwe starting September 11.

Cricket Tour Update: Afghanistan will host Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in a packed UAE home season starting Oct 9, with a one-off Test vs Bangladesh, an ODI tri-series (Oct 17-23), then a three-match T20I series (Oct 27-Nov 1) and two Tests vs Zimbabwe (Nov 5-9 and Nov 13-17). Women’s Cricket: South Africa’s new-look Proteas women’s squad begins a historic five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo from Sept 11-19 at Queens Sports Club, with Laura Wolvaardt leading and several uncapped players included. Local Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwean striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya won Betway Premiership Player of the Month for August after scoring five goals in four matches for AmaZulu. Mining Crackdown: South African police arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng targeting illegal mining, seizing generators, jackhammers, explosives and other equipment. Mining Policy: Zimbabwe has banned exports of antimony and tungsten and suspended shipments of ores and concentrates to push local processing. Border Relief: Zimbabwe’s duty-free return of household goods for citizens affected by South Africa anti-migrant protests is being facilitated through Zimra’s flexible customs regime at Beitbridge. Public Health/Regulation: A new Veterinary Council of Zimbabwe (2026–2028) is set to modernise and strengthen the regulatory framework for veterinary practice. Tourism Push: Zimbabwe is positioning Gonarezhou National Park for more investment ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, highlighting wildlife and conservation infrastructure.

Zimbabwe Women Cricket: Mark Coles has been appointed head coach for Zimbabwe Women ahead of a five-match T20I series against South Africa starting September 11 in Bulawayo, with a full support team named including Rangarirai Manyande and Trevor Phiri. Sports—U19 Women: Nigeria edged Zimbabwe by four runs in the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier final to book a spot at the 2027 tournament. Zimbabwe Policing: Manicaland police have deployed drones in Mutare to monitor illegal activities, alongside back-to-school road safety enforcement and breathalyser checks. Mining & Energy: Zimbabwe has opened the Cabora Bassa Basin to international oil and gas investors and classified coal as a “special critical mineral” to boost domestic energy supply and industrialisation. Regional Trade Finance: FEDA says Senegal and Liberia have joined, while Zimbabwe and Angola have ratified the agreement, expanding equity funding capacity for strategic investment across Africa. Business & Fraud: A fruit exporter reportedly lost US$13,650 after a Dubai buyer reversed payment for blueberries already shipped. Cricket—Global: Kevin Pietersen is set to join England’s white-ball coaching setup as a specialist mentor for the 2027 World Cup build-up.

Cricket (Zimbabwe): South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 48 runs to win the Namibia-hosted T20I tri-series, with Jordan Hermann top-scoring on 53 and Brad Evans firing a late unbeaten 56* for Zimbabwe. Women’s Cricket (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe Cricket appointed Mark Coles as substantive head coach of the women’s team ahead of a five-match T20I series against South Africa starting Friday in Bulawayo, with a full support staff named. Sports (Regional): Australia retained out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne in its Test squad for the South Africa tour, adding Cooper Connolly and including Matthew Kuhnemann. Business/Tourism (Zimbabwe): UAE billionaire Mohamed Alabbar’s Emaar Properties is set to send an executive delegation to Zimbabwe to inspect sites for a “massive” luxury hospitality investment. Economy (Zimbabwe): The World Bank warns Zimbabwe’s plan to phase out the US dollar could be “premature de-dollarisation,” risking capital flight if ZiG confidence isn’t firmly established. Tech/Crime (Harare): A Midlands State University student accused of hacking CABS and siphoning over US$1.1m was denied bail and remanded. AI (Zimbabwe): Econet AI plans a Ndebele-speaking customer-support chatbot later this month, building on its Shona chatbot. Health/Society: A court ordered a pastor to pay US$11,000 after rejecting his duress claim in a debt dispute.

Cricket Triumph: South Africa sealed the T20I tri-series in Windhoek with a 48-run win over Zimbabwe, posting 205/5 before bowling the Chevrons out for 157; Jordan Hermann top-scored with 53 and Brad Evans replied with 56* but it wasn’t enough. Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba won bronze in the men’s 200m at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels, clocking 19.99. Public Health & Justice: British-Nigerian influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died in Thailand after penis enlargement injections; a UK coroner ruled the cause was a pulmonary embolism linked to the procedure. Local Politics: CCC’s Sengezo Tshabangu-linked Bulawayo Ward 1 by-election candidate Mduduzi Sibanda faces claims of past Zanu PF membership after a card surfaced online ahead of the 3 October vote. Tech & Services: Econet AI is preparing a Ndebele-speaking customer-support chatbot, expanding on its Shona system and aiming for broader language coverage by end-2026. Tax & Economy: ZIMRA’s rental income tax crackdown starts to bite, with a 15% presumptive levy on business rentals and heavy penalties for non-payment.

Road Safety Crackdown: Zimbabwe Republic Police warned motorists against driving without number plates or using unauthorised blue lights, sirens and other gadgets, saying offenders face arrest and vehicle impoundment. Currency & Lending: The World Bank cautioned Zimbabwe against rushing to make ZiG the sole currency, warning premature de-dollarisation could trigger capital flight, while Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said falling inflation to 2.9% could unlock cheaper, longer-term loans. Energy Reform: Government opened electricity distribution and retail to private players under SI 128 of 2026, with 25-year renewable licences and capped tariffs, plus new rules forcing developers to fund infrastructure. Gukurahundi Justice: Lawyers urged families of the disappeared to use existing legal routes to seek official recognition and investigations. Local Economy & Housing: NRZ pension fund opened a tender for engineering work on 5,300 Bulawayo housing stands. Conservation: Vulture Safe Zone Alliance launched across Southern Africa to curb poisoning and other threats. Sports: South Africa top the tri-series standings and face Zimbabwe in the Windhoek final after Proteas’ strong run. Tourism Push: Sanganai/Hlanganani buyers in Masvingo praised Zimbabwe’s hospitality as tourism is positioned as a growth engine.

Beauty Pageants: Zimbabwe’s Brunette Makanyiso and other African delegates advanced at Miss World 2026, with the Philippines’ Asia Rose Simpson also pushing into the Top 12 as the contest heads toward the final in Nha Trang. Sports—Athletics: Commonwealth Games champion Sinesipho Dambile won South Africa’s only Diamond League podium finish in Brussels, clocking 19.89s behind Kenneth Bednarek, with Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba third. Sports—Cricket: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe U19 Women by four runs in the Africa qualifier final in Dar es Salaam to secure the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup spot. Local Football: The Harare Derby ended 1-1 as CAPS United and Dynamos drew on matchday 28, while Hardrock beat TelOne 4-1 to close in at the top. Environment & Courts: Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is calling for specialised courts and training for judges to handle wetland and environmental disputes more effectively. Tourism: Zimbabwe won Bronze at the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards for progressive tourism policy, as Air Zimbabwe boosts connectivity to Masvingo. Mining & Economy: Officials in China highlighted lithium’s growing economic value, while lawyers and analysts continue to debate how fast Zimbabwe can turn mineral potential into jobs and growth.

T20 Tri-Series: South Africa booked Sunday’s final against Zimbabwe after Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed a maiden T20I century (101 off 53) and Connor Esterhuizen hit 88 as the Proteas posted 228/4 in Windhoek, holding Namibia by 11 runs. Harare Water Crisis: Harare Residents Trust says erratic municipal supply is pushing people to unsafe boreholes, with many boreholes failing chlorine checks and residents reporting weeks without tap water in parts of the city. World Bank on ZiG: The World Bank warns Zimbabwe not to rush de-dollarisation, saying premature switching to a mono-currency ZiG system could trigger capital flight and undo stabilisation gains. Mining at ADU: Zimbabwe’s mining push at Africa Down Under in Perth drew strong investor interest, with the Chamber of Mines and MMCZ saying talks are turning into follow-up partnerships and market links. EU Diplomat Dies: The EU confirms the sudden death of Ambassador Katrin Hagemann, with a public book of condolences to open at the EU Delegation in Harare. Politics Online: ZANU-PF-aligned voices dismiss social media figure Brett Muvet, arguing viral fame does not equal political power on the ground.

Weather Alert: Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department warns of strong winds from Friday to Monday, with thunderstorms, lightning and light rain in parts of the country, including higher lightning risk in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo—residents are urged to secure rooftops, trim dangerous branches and protect crops. Media & Development: A World Bank division director says he was impressed after touring Zimpapers’ new digital newsroom, praising the push to deliver news across TV, radio, print and online. Education & Skills: President Mnangagwa urged HIT graduates to use their skills to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe after capping 734 graduates at the Harare Institute of Technology. Waste-to-Energy Deal: Mnangagwa witnessed signing of an EPC contract for a waste-to-energy plant between Geo Pomona Waste Management and Zhejiang Wei Ming Group, as Zimbabwe seeks sustainable solutions to refuse collection challenges. Politics & Football: Zanu PF activists have called for Mnangagwa to be declared life president, while Highlanders coach Benjani Mwaruwari says remaining league matches are shaping the squad for next season. Road Safety Tragedy: A church minibus crash killed at least 27 people near Mvuma, prompting a state of disaster declaration. Sports: South Africa booked the tri-series final after Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ maiden T20I century powered a win over Namibia; Namibia will bowl first against South Africa in the next match as they chase qualification.