Founder Jimayi Muduvuri has proudly joined His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa and the nation in paying tribute to Zimbabwe’s heroes and the brave men and women of the defence forces.

Muduvuri commended their unwavering patriotism, courage, and selfless service in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and peace. He emphasised that the sacrifices made by Zimbabwe’s heroes both past and present remain the cornerstone of the nation’s independence and stability.

“Our heroes and dedicated defence forces embody the true spirit of Zimbabwe. Their commitment ensures that our nation continues to thrive in unity, peace, and progress,” Muduvuri said.

His remarks come as the country marks this special occasion by honouring those who defended Zimbabwe’s freedom and continue to protect its people.

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development has introduced the Best Extension Worker Award, a programme created to inspire agricultural extension officers to excel in their duties as Zimbabwe advances towards national food security.

The award, unveiled in Banket this Friday, will honour and reward dedicated agricultural business advisors formerly called extension officers who play a pivotal role in assisting farmers and driving rural productivity.

The initiative has received an enthusiastic response from beneficiaries.

“This award pushes us, as the frontline workforce, to go beyond our limits. It will sharpen our skills and encourage healthy competition among us. Ultimately, the farmers stand to gain the most,” said Makonde Ward 5 Extension Worker, Mr. Mushambi Tigere.

Mhondoro Ngezi Ward 5 Extension Worker, Mrs. Nyasha Gonde, echoed the sentiment, expressing appreciation for government support:
“We no longer face mobility challenges thanks to the motorbikes provided, and communication has improved with the tablets we were given. We also get timely updates on current trends and attend regular, high-impact capacity-building workshops.”

Government officials emphasise that empowered extension officers are essential to achieving food self-sufficiency.

“This award is about encouraging excellence and accountability in our extension services. These officers link research to the farmer, and their performance directly influences output. With the tools and resources provided, we expect them to deliver more. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee food security by boosting yields per hectare—and that depends on farmers getting timely, relevant support,” explained Professor Obert Jiri, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.

Mashonaland West Provincial Director, Mrs. Medlinah Magwenzi, highlighted the transformation in service delivery:
“Motivated officers make our work easier. With motorbikes, tablets, and solar kits, they can now gather data in real time, track crop growth more accurately, and respond quickly to farmers’ needs. This digital shift also supports evidence-based decisions at a national level, ensuring efficiency, higher productivity, and that no farmer is overlooked.”

Masvingo Provincial Director, Mr. Caleb Mahoya, pointed to his province’s agricultural potential:
“Masvingo controls about 52% of Zimbabwe’s water bodies, giving us huge production capacity. Before this programme, our officers struggled to reach many farmers due to transport and equipment shortages. Now, with the new resources, they can cover more ground, give real-time technical guidance, and submit instant reports. This has significantly boosted farmer engagement and the uptake of recommended practices.”

With increased motivation and better tools, agricultural extension officers are now better placed to help farmers propel Zimbabwe towards its goal of food self-sufficiency.

ZANU PF has officially acknowledged the inclusion of prominent businessman and party financier Kudakwashe Tagwirei into its Central Committee.

Tagwirei, whose previous appearance at a Central Committee meeting sparked national attention, has now formally joined one of the ruling party’s most influential decision-making bodies.

According to the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, Tagwirei was nominated by the Harare province and will serve alongside Polite Kambamura (Mashonaland West), Joseph Serima, Christine Gwati, and Collen Ndebele—all recommended by the Matabeleland North province.

These appointments were ratified during the party’s 385th Ordinary Session of the Politburo earlier this week, following a vote by the Harare Provincial Coordinating Committee in Tagwirei’s case.

“The Politburo has approved the co-options from Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, and Harare, and these will be officially adopted by the Central Committee at its upcoming session,” Chinamasa stated. “Tagwirei, who was nominated by Harare Province, is now officially part of the Central Committee.”

Unlike his previous controversial attempt to join the body—when he had to be escorted out—this time, Chinamasa confirmed that all proper procedures were followed, and those co-opted are expected to participate in the next meeting.

Internal rivalries within ZANU PF were previously cited as the main reason for resistance to Tagwirei’s inclusion in the powerful committee.

Having recently transitioned into active politics, Tagwirei is rumored to be positioning himself for a future presidential bid. Unconfirmed reports suggest he is currently seen as a leading contender to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

His political ambitions have reportedly caused tension within the party, particularly with spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who also sees himself as a frontrunner for the presidency—potentially even ahead of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, once considered the top contender.

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