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A surge of individuals, including former football players and touts, are reportedly aligning with newly formed Zanu PF affiliates to support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term extension beyond 2030. This push directly challenges the constitutional provision for his retirement in 2028 after serving two five-year terms. Observers suggest the ruling party is already in an ‘election mode,’ with extensive rallies taking place nationwide. There are concerns that the opposition risks political irrelevance if internal divisions persist while Zanu PF advances its agenda. Simultaneously, internal factionalism within Zanu PF is evident, with moves to curb the influence of Paul Tungwarara, Mnangagwa’s special investment advisor for the UAE, following public altercations with political rivals during Presidential Economic Empowerment Revolving Fund rallies in Manicaland.

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has declared his return to active politics, two years after his initial departure. He unveiled a new broad-based citizens' movement, termed 'Agenda 2026,' aimed at a fresh start for the nation in preparation for the 2028 general elections. Chamisa emphasized that the foundation for a 'New Great Zimbabwe' begins with immediate action.

Heavy downpours across Zimbabwe have resulted in 89 fatalities and numerous injuries since the start of the current rainy season. A tragic incident in Filabusi saw nine people drown after their Toyota Noah vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded Tshangamutope River. The Meteorological Department warned of strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms nationwide. The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has activated full preparedness mode for a coordinated disaster response, as urban communities continue to grapple with severe flooding.

Zimbabwean UFC fighter Themba Gorimbo has ignited a divisive national conversation after an interview on CNN where he expressed profound personal pain and stated he does not belong to Zimbabwe, desiring his ashes to be scattered in South Africa's Kruger Park rather than his home country. His remarks have led to sharply opposing views among citizens regarding his connection to the nation and his athlete's journey.

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has announced a significant financial penalty for students rewriting Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations in June 2026, requiring them to pay double the previous fee per subject. ZIMSEC attributes this increase to the removal of government subsidies for June candidates. Previously reported fees indicate US$24 per subject for Ordinary Level and US$48 for Advanced Level examinations without subsidy.

The government has initiated a significant rehabilitation project targeting 426 irrigation schemes across Zimbabwe. This ambitious undertaking aims to enhance livelihoods and empower communities, particularly in arid regions, by improving agricultural productivity and water management systems.

Despite farmers successfully exceeding the maize planting target for the summer agricultural season, covering 105% of the planned area, crops across Zimbabwe are now severely threatened. Reports indicate that pervasive pests and significant nutrient leaching are jeopardizing yields, raising concerns about food security.

The 'Gold Mafia' saga has taken a new turn as Mehluleli Dube, who served as Fidelity Printers and Refiners head of gold operations from 1989 to 2022, has approached the High Court. Dube is suing the media network responsible for the 'Gold Mafia' exposé, alleging defamation in connection with the scandal.

Minister Mthuli Ncube has reportedly provided clarification regarding the government's decision to cease payments to microfinance lenders. Details of his explanation are anticipated, shedding light on the rationale behind this significant financial policy adjustment.

Two more individuals, a mother and her Form Three daughter, were brutally murdered in Bhosha Village, Guruve, escalating fear in a district already marked by violent killings. The suspected Guruve serial killer, Anymore Zvitsva, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing five additional charges of murder and rape, bringing his total to 17. Separately, a 35-year-old woman in Beitbridge is accused of killing her father-in-law, a Zvishavane man allegedly flogged his 6-year-old niece to death, and apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Ishmael Chokurongerwa received a 20-year jail sentence for rape.

Presidential Advisor Dr. Cde Paul Tungwarara has issued a stern warning, stating that individuals found to have looted presidential empowerment funds will face imprisonment. This declaration underscores concerns regarding the misuse of public funds intended for economic empowerment initiatives.

Vubachikwe Gold Mine, operated by Duration Gold, is under a renewed threat of invasion. Over 200 youths have reportedly been mobilized to occupy parts of the concession, claiming political backing from a Zanu PF provincial youth leader. This situation raises concerns about the rule of law and the security of mining operations.

Chinese mining company Ming Chang Sino Africa Mining Investment has been removed from a mining investment agreement. The High Court ruled that shares previously issued to them in Gwampa Mining were unlawfully allotted, leading to their ejection from the deal. This decision follows Gwampa Mining's application seeking rectification of its share register.

NetOne, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry, has launched a digital skills initiative designed to empower young people. NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani stated that the program extends beyond mere connectivity, focusing on creating tangible economic opportunities for youth through the acquisition of essential digital competencies.

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has issued a firm warning against the ongoing illegal provision of broadcasting services. This signals a major enforcement effort targeting the sale and use of unapproved decoders across the country, aiming to regulate the broadcasting landscape and ensure compliance with national standards.

A formal report has been lodged with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) against Varun Beverages, alleging serious labour rights violations affecting its employees. Varun Beverages Limited, an Indian multinational, commenced operations in Zimbabwe in 2018 and is now under scrutiny for its labour practices.

The Chinese envoy has highlighted the significant contributions of Chinese firms to Zimbabwe's economic revival. These efforts are presented as embodying a spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, demonstrating that development initiatives are designed to deliver tangible benefits to local communities across the nation.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has cautioned both companies and individuals against disseminating information regarding cash movements or financial transactions on social media platforms. This warning follows a recent US$12,000 robbery in Macheke, Mashonaland East province, underscoring the security risks associated with publicizing such sensitive information.

Nelson Chamisa, founder of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has decisively rejected recent appeals for unity from his former opposition colleagues, including Mwonzora. Chamisa explicitly stated that individuals who previously worked with him in either the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) or the CCC would not be integrated into his newly established broad-based citizens’ movement.

Zimbabwe’s protracted stadium crisis appears headed for a resolution as the Ministry of Finance takes the lead in negotiations for a new multi-purpose national sports facility. Officials affirm that this initiative is specifically designed to conclude the country's current sporting exile, allowing national teams to host home matches domestically once more.

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