Itai Mazire

Zimbabwe’s cultural and culinary diplomacy reached new heights at the British School International Day, where the country’s exhibition stand emerged as one of the event’s premier attractions.

Held in the heart of India’s capital, the event witnessed an unprecedented surge of interest in Zimbabwean gastronomy, with particular attention focused on the Madora eating certification. This interactive culinary challenge quickly became a viral sensation, sparking curiosity and excitement that resonated across the subcontinent from diplomatic circles in New Delhi to commercial hubs such as Mumbai.

The Zimbabwean delegation effectively utilised the platform to present a comprehensive narrative showcasing the country’s vast tourism and investment potential. Beyond the immediate appeal of its unique cuisine, the exhibition highlighted Zimbabwe’s breathtaking natural landscapes, world-renowned hospitality, and rich cultural heritage, positioning the nation as a top-tier destination for international travellers and investors alike.

The Madora Phenomenon: A Culinary Bridge

At the centre of the exhibition’s success was Madora, a traditional Zimbabwean delicacy made from seasoned mopane worms. The “Madora eating certification” served as a clever and engaging marketing tool, encouraging attendees to interact directly with Zimbabwean heritage through a bold gastronomic experience.

This initiative not only generated lively interactions but also acted as a catalyst for deeper cultural exchange, with many delegates expressing a newfound desire to visit Zimbabwe and experience its traditions firsthand.

Tourism officials at the event said Zimbabwe’s participation at the British School International Day demonstrated how Madora engagement became the exhibition’s primary attraction, with the certification challenge emerging as a viral highlight.

They noted that the strong tourism focus on Victoria Falls, wildlife, and heritage sites significantly increased inquiries and interest in holiday packages.

“Zimbabwe has been positioned as a unique destination for niche tourism markets. Cultural exchange and people-to-people connections were strengthened between Zimbabwean exhibitors and global delegates. Regional outreach to New Delhi and Mumbai broadened the visibility of the Zimbabwean brand within India. The strategic impact of this event extends far beyond the exhibition itself,” said a tourism official.

By capturing the spotlight at such a competitive international forum, Zimbabwe has effectively strengthened its people-to-people connections. The enthusiasm shown by Indian delegates and international representatives points to a growing appetite for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences an area in which Zimbabwe is uniquely positioned to deliver.

As the nation continues to promote its rich gastronomy and diverse tourism offerings, events like the British School International Day serve as vital milestones in Zimbabwe’s global branding strategy.

The Zimbabwean stand emerged as one of the event’s star attractions, with the popular Madora eating certification sparking curiosity, excitement, and lively interaction among attendees.

The “Madora Mania” witnessed in India is a testament to the power of cultural authenticity in international relations. As Zimbabwe builds on this momentum, the focus now shifts to translating this interest into tangible tourism growth and investment partnerships ensuring that the hearts captured in New Delhi and Mumbai lead to a lasting connection with the “House of Stone.”

Itai Mazire

In a significant stride towards bolstering national infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will in the next fortnight will officially commission the state-of-the-art Skyline Asphalt Plant in Harare.

The new facility, set to revolutionise road maintenance across the capital, promises to deliver high-quality asphalt concrete crucial for addressing the nation’s persistent challenges with road networks.

Engineer Jarawani Kangara, Director of Roads, said the plant’s pivotal role in the country’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts. “The asphalt plant is used for the production of hot premix (asphalt concrete) that is used for pothole patching and the application of overlays,” said Eng. Kangara, highlighting the immediate and tangible benefits the plant will bring to road rehabilitation.

He said the plant will be commissioned on 23 February 2026, at 14:00 hours, the Skyline plant represents a landmark investment by the Zimbabwean government.

It is part of a broader strategic initiative to enhance internal capacity for road construction and maintenance, thereby reducing reliance on external resources and fostering economic self-sufficiency.

This move is particularly critical as the government extends its Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) into 2026, aiming to accelerate the repair and upgrading of critical transportation arteries nationwide.

The introduction of the Skyline Asphalt Plant, alongside another facility acquired for Bulawayo, signals a robust commitment to improving road infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth and social connectivity.

The plant’s output of hot premix will be instrumental in tackling the widespread issue of potholes and facilitating the application of durable overlays, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for all Zimbabweans.

Eng. Kangara, recently honored as the 2025 Stakeholder of the Year by the Project Management Institute Zimbabwe, has been a key figure in driving these transformative projects.

His leadership and the strategic deployment of such facilities are expected to significantly contribute to the long-term resilience and quality of Zimbabwe’s road network, paving the way for sustained national development.

The Government of Zimbabwe has announced that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved a General Amnesty for selected categories of inmates under the 2026 Presidential Clemency Order.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, Government Spokesperson Nick Mangwana confirmed that the President had exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy,

paving the way for the release and sentence reduction of eligible prisoners.

Who Qualifies for the Amnesty

The clemency applies to the following groups of inmates:

All female prisoners who have been convicted

Juvenile offenders

Prisoners serving sentences of 48 months or less

Inmates medically certified as terminally ill

Prisoners housed in Open Prisons

All inmates aged 60 years and above

Prisoners living with disabilities

Life sentence inmates who have completed at least 20 years in custody

Sentence Reductions

Beyond those qualifying for immediate release, the clemency order also grants a 25% remission on the remaining sentence for prisoners serving terms exceeding 48 months, effectively shortening their period of incarceration.