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President Mnangagwa Applauds Late Dr. Sydney Gata as Visionary Dedicated to Zimbabwe’s Development

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hailed the late Dr. Sydney Gata as a visionary leader and patriotic servant who dedicated his life to the transformation and modernisation of Zimbabwe’s energy sector.

Speaking at Dr. Gata’s burial at the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa praised his outstanding contributions to national development, describing him as an “architect of Zimbabwe’s power infrastructure.”

As Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), Dr. Gata oversaw major national projects that shaped Zimbabwe’s electricity generation and transmission capabilities.

These included the development of Hwange Power Station Stages One (480 MW) and Two (440 MW), as well as the Main 330 kV HV-AC Transmission System and Regional Interconnectors.

“Dr. Gata was a true patriot and an exceptional professional who understood that reliable energy is the backbone of industrialisation and economic growth,” President Mnangagwa said.

“He envisioned a Zimbabwe that is self-sufficient and empowered through modern infrastructure.”

Dr. Gata also played a critical role in establishing Zimbabwe’s National and Regional SCADA Power System Control Centres, the Urban and Rural Electrification Master Plan, and the amalgamation of six separate electricity undertakings into one unified national authority, ZESA.

He was the founding chairman of the Inception Committee for the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and chaired the inaugural SADC Committee for SAPP, strengthening regional energy cooperation.

During his tenure at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Gata successfully led the electrification of 5,400 rural public institutions within just three years under the Expanded Rural Electrification Programme (EREP). This transformative initiative dramatically improved access to electricity for rural communities across Zimbabwe.

“He brought light and hope to rural Zimbabwe, empowering our people and bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas,” President Mnangagwa added.

Dr. Gata’s technical achievements also included operational upgrades at Hwange Power Station, which raised plant availability from 58% to 85%, as well as the refurbishment and uprating of Kariba South Power Station, increasing its generation capacity from 666 MW to 750 MW.

Additionally, he championed the creation of 300 irrigation rehabilitation projects under the End Use Infrastructure Development Programme, further supporting rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity.

“Through his visionary leadership, Dr. Gata not only built power stations but empowered entire communities,” President Mnangagwa said.

“His legacy will continue to illuminate Zimbabwe’s path to an industrialised, self-reliant, and prosperous future.”

Dr. Gata was laid to rest with full military honours, celebrated by family, colleagues, and citizens as a national hero who devoted his life to powering Zimbabwe’s growth.

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‘Catch Them Young’: Junior Golf Drive Gains Momentum at President’s Cup

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A strong push to “catch them young” is taking shape in Zimbabwean golf, as the ongoing President’s Cup Juniors Tournament highlights the importance of early talent identification and development.

Now in its third day, the four-day event running from April 14 to 17 at Bulawayo Country Club Golf Course has drawn promising young golfers from across the country, all showcasing skill, discipline and growing confidence on the course.

ZGA president Blessmore Gandawa said investing in young players is the only sustainable way to grow the sport.

“We believe in catching them young. The earlier we introduce structured training and competitive exposure, the better we prepare them for the future. What we are witnessing here is a generation that, with proper support, can take Zimbabwean golf to greater heights,” he said.

Gandawa credited parents and coaches for their dedication, saying their involvement is laying a solid foundation for long-term success.

Among the standout young players is Ayanda Ndlovu, who recently represented Zimbabwe in Ireland. Her participation on the international stage at such a young age underscores the value of early development and exposure.

Other juniors have also impressed across various age categories, reinforcing the depth of talent emerging through grassroots programmes.

NetOne Cellular Pvt Ltd partners said their support is anchored on empowering young people and creating opportunities through sport.

Public Relations Manager Ernest Magadzire said junior golf development aligns with the company’s broader vision.

“Supporting these young golfers is about investing in the future. We are seeing talent, discipline and passion at a very early stage, and that is exactly why platforms like this are important. These are future champions in the making,” he said.

NetOne Regional Manager Gugulethu Ndlovu added that early exposure builds not only sporting ability but also character.

“When you catch them young, you are not just developing athletes — you are shaping confident, disciplined individuals. We are impressed by the maturity and focus shown by these juniors, and we remain committed to supporting their journey,” she said.

As the tournament heads towards its conclusion on Friday, the message from stakeholders is clear — investing in junior golfers today is key to securing Zimbabwe’s success on the international stage tomorrow.

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Fuel Stations Ignore ZERA’s $2.23 Price Order

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Engen service
Defying ZERA: An Engen service station in Zimbabwe continues to sell fuel above the regulator’s pegged price of US$2.23 per litre. Photo taken on 7 April 2026.
A quick snapshot survey conducted by Hurumende News Hub has revealed that many fuel service stations across Zimbabwe are openly defying the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) by selling petrol and diesel above the officially pegged price of US$2.23 per litre.
The survey findings confirm reports from price monitoring platform Zimpricecheck that the non-compliance, which initially started at stations in remote and outlying areas, has now spread to service stations in major urban centres, including central business districts (CBDs).
Photos and on-ground checks shared by the platform show clear examples, such as an Engen service station displaying pump prices higher than the ZERA-regulated rate.
Motorists have expressed growing frustration with the continued price discrepancies, despite repeated announcements by the regulator.
It remains unclear whether the stations have any special dispensation or arrangement allowing them to charge more.In response to the high prices, ZERA has indicated plans to reduce the cost of petrol in the coming weeks by increasing the ethanol blending ratio to 20% (E20).
ZERA is yet to issue an official statement addressing the findings of the Hurumende News Hub survey and the latest reports of stations selling above the regulated price.
This development adds to the mounting pressure on the fuel sector, as ordinary Zimbabweans continue to grapple with high living costs and fluctuating fuel prices.
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Zim Export Ban Prompts China Embassy Compliance Alert

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Zim Export Ban Prompts China Embassy Compliance Alert

The Government of Zimbabwe has recently suspended exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates and introduced new regulations concerning reserved sectors.

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe reminds Chinese enterprises and nationals in Zimbabwe to further strengthen risk prevention and compliance awareness.

These developments follow Zimbabwe’s policy shifts in February 2026, including the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s immediate export suspension announced on February 25, 2026.

The measures are intended to address malpractices, promote local beneficiation, and enforce reserved sectors under new indigenisation rules (e.g., Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025).

In this context, investors should conduct a comprehensive, in-depth assessment of the local business environment, industrial policies, and relevant laws and regulations; fully consider investment and operational risks; and make informed decisions to avoid losses from government policy changes.

In the course of production and business operations in Zimbabwe, Chinese enterprises and nationals should strictly abide by local laws and regulations, adopt proactive risk prevention and control measures, and protect their legitimate rights and interests through legal channels.

 

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