Itai Mazire

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its vital tourism sector, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), has announced a drastic reduction in licence and registration fees across all categories.

This initiative, part of broader efforts to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, comes with a stern warning, all tourism-related businesses must register by February 28, 2026, or face immediate closure.

The ZTA’s decision to cut fees is designed to foster a competitive, compliant, and sustainable tourism environment.

The sector is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, renowned for its diverse attractions including the majestic Victoria Falls, the wildlife-rich Hwange National Park, and the historical Great Zimbabwe ruins.

It plays a crucial role in foreign currency generation and economic diversification.According to statement by ZTA, registration is not merely encouraged but is a statutory requirement.

“In this regard, and in terms of Section 36 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20), the ZTA hereby notifies ALL tourism-related businesses (designated tourist facilities) that registration with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority is mandatory and a statutory requirement.”

The Authority has made it unequivocally clear about the consequences of non-compliance. “Failure to register will result in the CLOSURE of unregistered facilities,” the statement warns.

To enforce this, the ZTA, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will embark on nationwide inspections starting March 1, 2026.

These inspections will span all ten provinces, verifying registration status, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and taking decisive action against non-compliant operators.

The public is also urged to play a role in upholding industry standards.

The ZTA “strongly discouraged from utilising unregistered tourism facilities and is encouraged to report any facility operating without valid registration to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.”

Itai Mazire

Zimbabwe’s infrastructure revolution reached a new milestone today as the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development officially opened two major completed road sections, marking a significant leap in the government’s ambitious “Kilometre by Kilometre” national rehabilitation drive.

In a dual celebration of engineering progress, the Ministry announced the opening of the upgraded Mazowe Road section stretching from Christon Bank Junction to Blueridge, alongside a critical segment of the Bulawayo–Nkayi Road in the Inyathi area.

Both sections were declared open for public use today, 13 February 2026, following official ceremonies held at Blueridge Shops and Inyathi.

The opening of these roads is more than just a ribbon-cutting exercise; it represents the fulfilment of long-standing promises to modernise the nation’s transit corridors.

The Bulawayo–Nkayi Road, in particular, has been a focal point of public demand for years, and the completion of the Inyathi section is expected to drastically reduce travel times and vehicle maintenance costs for commuters in Matabeleland North.

“Opening to traffic the completed section of Mazowe Road from Christon Bank Junction to Blueridge,” the Ministry said in a statement, signalling the end of construction-related detours for travellers on the northern corridor.

Similarly, for the western region, the Ministry confirmed the “opening to traffic of the completed section of Bulawayo–Nkayi Road in the Inyathi area,” a move hailed by local business leaders as a game-changer for regional trade.

These projects are part of the broader Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme Phase 2 (ERRP2), which was recently extended through 2026. With a staggering ZiG 15.7 billion allocated for infrastructure in the current fiscal year, the government is targeting the rehabilitation of over 44 000 kilometres of the national road network.

The Ministry’s signature hashtag, #KilometreByKilometre, has become the rallying cry for a transformation that is increasingly visible across the country.

From the near-completion of the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Highway to ongoing works on the Harare–Chirundu and Harare–Nyamapanda roads, the Second Republic continues to prioritise connectivity as a pillar of economic growth.

The Ministry has urged the public to exercise caution and adhere to new road markings as motorists begin using the upgraded high-speed surfaces.

As the nation moves towards its Vision 2030 goals, the focus remains clear: building a road network that supports a modern, industrialised economy one kilometre at a time.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued an immediate directive to halt the demolition of houses in Hopely and Stoneridge, responding to a significant public outcry.

The order, conveyed by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, follows widespread concern and images circulating on social media depicting homes being razed.

Minister Garwe confirmed the President’s intervention, stating, “The President saw what was happening on social media and directed me that the demolitions in Hopely and Stoneridge be stopped forthwith,” said Hon. Garwe.

The National Employment Council (NEC), identified as the legitimate landowners, had initiated the demolitions, reportedly affecting at least 54 households in the two high-density suburbs.

The NEC claimed the actions were to facilitate the construction of an industrial project.

However, sources informed have since said that no court order authorising the demolition exercise was in place.

Minister Garwe issued a stern warning against defiance of the Presidential directive. “Government is clear on its stance, no one should have his or her house demolished, and if it happens, please just come and tell us so that we deal with them accordingly,” he said.

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He further elaborated that such demolitions contradict the Government’s developmental agenda and its people-centric policies.

“This is not what the President wants for his citizens, and it is ultra vires the direction the party is taking. The people are at the centre of development, and we do not want to disturb anything that jeopardises our development as a people or as a nation,” Minister Garwe added.

The President’s swift action addresses heightened concerns from residents and civic groups, particularly given reports of families left exposed after their homes were destroyed.