Harare Express – From significant developments in Masvingo’s education sector to intensifying political tensions over the constitutional amendment, and fresh safety concerns in Harare’s industrial hubs, here is your comprehensive digest of the latest news from across Zimbabwe.
Education & Community Development
Vurombo Primary Acquires First-Ever School Bus in Historic Milestone
In a landmark development for Masvingo’s education sector, Vurombo Primary School in Hillside has successfully acquired its first-ever school bus, ending a 38-year wait since the institution’s founding in 1988. The new asset, a 76-seater Yutong D14, was procured for US$230,000 from Vordim Trading Company in Bulawayo and is equipped with seven television sets, marking a significant upgrade from the school’s previous reliance on hired transport.
School Head Clive Mutimhairi expressed deep gratitude to the School Development Committee (SDC) and the parent community for making this achievement possible. The bus will now facilitate sporting activities, educational trips, and other school programmes, addressing logistical delays that have previously hindered student participation in external events.
SDC Chairperson Steady Jakaza described the purchase as a “miracle,” noting that the committee had initially planned this acquisition for October 2025 but managed to accelerate the process due to overwhelming parental support. With an enrolment of 1,462 pupils, Vurombo Primary’s new transport capability is expected to enhance the overall student experience and put the school “on the map,” as Jakaza optimistically predicted.
LM Zaka Girls Festival Draw Concludes
In local school sports news, the draw for the LM Zaka Girls Festival has placed hosts St Joseph High at the helm of Group A, while Mutsambwa High leads Group B. The event, attended by representatives from all eight participating schools, promises competitive matches and a celebration of girls’ rugby in the region.
Politics & Governance
Constitutional Printing Sparks Legal and Political Debate
The political landscape in Harare remains tense as reports emerge that the government has begun printing copies of the 2013 Constitution incorporating the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3). This move comes despite all legal challenges against the amendment remaining pending before the courts, with hearings indefinitely postponed under circumstances critics describe as “suspicious.”
The amendment effectively extends President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The decision to print the revised constitution before judicial finality has raised concerns about the separation of powers and the government’s commitment to due process.
Municipal Police Oversight Clarified by Justice Ministry
Amidst growing fears about the potential for abuse, Justice Secretary Vimbai Nyemba has clarified that Parliament and the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) will retain oversight over newly empowered municipal police forces. This assurance comes in response to civil society concerns that local authorities, now granted powers to arrest and prosecute by-law violations, might operate with impunity. The clarification aims to reassure residents that checks and balances remain intact.
Chivayo’s Gifting Controversy Exposes Political Fractures
The rejection of a luxury vehicle and other gifts by prominent lawyer Lewis Uriri from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has triggered a fierce backlash from Zanu-PF-aligned online activists. Analysts suggest that this episode highlights the fragility of a political system increasingly reliant on transactional generosity, exposing deepening rifts within the ruling party’s support base and its critics.
Crime & Safety
Glen View Home Industry Complex Fire Raises Urgent Safety Questions
A devastating fire at the Glen View Area 8 Home Industry Complex in Harare has renewed calls for authorities to accelerate the development of safer, properly planned environments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The Furniture Industry Development Initiative of Zimbabwe (FIDI Zim) is among the stakeholders demanding immediate action to prevent further loss of life and property.
The incident underscores the precarious conditions faced by thousands of furniture manufacturers, artisans, and traders operating in the busy hub. Poor infrastructure, lack of fire safety protocols, and cramped working conditions have long been identified as risk factors, yet improvements have been slow.
Taxi Driver Robbed on Kwekwe-Chiundura Road
In Kwekwe, a 49-year-old taxi driver was attacked and robbed of his Honda Fit, cash, and cellphone along the Kwekwe-Chiundura Road. The incident has raised fresh concerns about safety for public transport operators, particularly on routes connecting urban centers to rural areas. Police have launched an investigation, but the recurrence of such violent robberies highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.
Sports & Culture
Warriors Rallying for Support Against DRC in AFCON Qualifier
Zimbabwe’s Warriors are preparing for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Captain Marvelous Nakamba and coach Ramon Catala have appealed to Zimbabweans to pack the National Sports Stadium, emphasizing the importance of home support in securing victory. Former Warrior Ronald Pfumbidzai offered a word of caution, reminding fans of both the thrill of past victories and the brutal defeats against the Leopards.
Cheetahs Unbeaten in Rugby Africa Sevens
Zimbabwe’s Men’s Rugby Sevens team, the Cheetahs, have had a commanding start at the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Series in Kampala, Uganda. Sweeping aside Morocco and Ghana, the Cheetahs remain unbeaten, keeping their title hopes firmly on track as they enter the final day of the tournament.
Women’s ODI Series Balancing Act
The Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team faces a do-or-die scenario in the second ODI against the West Indies at Harare Sports Club. After a heavy 99-run defeat in the opener, the hosts must win to level the series, highlighting the fine margins that define competitive international cricket for the nation.
Cultural Spotlight: Bira reMbira Festival Celebrates Heritage
The third edition of the Bira reMbira Festival at Glamis Arena in Harare successfully blended traditional and contemporary music, schoolchildren, and cultural practitioners in an all-night celebration of Zimbabwean heritage. The event drew significant crowds, reinforcing the mbira’s enduring role in the nation’s cultural fabric.
National Voices & International Recognition
Zimbabwe’s Literary and Tech Talents Shine Globally
On the international stage, Zimbabwean voices are resonating. A teenage Zimbabwean writer is on the shortlist for a US$50,000 literary prize in New York, while tech expert Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa is set to be honoured as Africa’s Most Outstanding Emerging CEO in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation at the Global Distinguished CEOs Awards in Abuja, Nigeria. These achievements underscore the growing influence of Zimbabwe’s creative and tech sectors.
Universities Challenged to Foster Community Service
At a recent forum, university leaders were challenged to go beyond academic qualifications and produce graduates equipped with the skills and responsibility to solve community problems. This call aligns with efforts by the Zimbabwe Youth Humanitarian Camp to expand into a global platform for youth-led humanitarian action, seeking participants from Europe and beyond.
ZMC Executive Resignation Confirmed
In media regulatory news, former Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) acting Executive Secretary Brain Mangoro has resigned to join the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Mangoro served in the acting role from March to November 2025, during the suspension of substantive secretary Godwin Phiri. This transition marks another phase in the ZMC’s administrative history.
Conclusion
This week’s stories reflect a nation balancing historic community achievements, such as Vurombo Primary’s new bus, with significant political and safety challenges. From constitutional controversies to industrial fires, Harare Express remains committed to delivering the nuanced narrative of Zimbabwe’s ongoing journey.