By Itai Mazire

The Government has registered 97 new schools across Zimbabwe, a development the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says will significantly expand learning opportunities, especially for rural children who have long struggled to access nearby schools.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Honourable Torerayi Moyo said the development marks a major milestone in efforts to ensure no learner is left behind.

“I am delighted to share that following today’s Cabinet session, our Ministry has successfully registered 97 new schools across Zimbabwe. This milestone achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to expanding educational access and promoting equity for all learners, regardless of their location,” said Hon Moyo.

He said the establishment of the new schools directly responds to challenges faced in underserved communities, including long travel distances and overcrowded classrooms, problems most severe in rural areas.

“The strategic establishment of these schools is a direct response to the challenges many communities face, particularly the long distances students must travel to attend classes and the overcrowding in existing institutions,” he said.

Hon Moyo added that bringing more schools closer to rural learners will boost attendance, improve safety and create more inclusive learning environments.

“By bringing education closer to our children, we are not only improving attendance and retention but also creating safer, more inclusive learning environments,” he said.

He emphasised that the Government remains focused on building a strong and equitable education system that benefits every child across the country.

“Our vision remains clear to build a robust education system that nurtures academic excellence, supports personal development and empowers every learner to contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of our nation.”

Zimbabwe will start a major US$3 billion road rehabilitation programme next year to improve national highways and make regional trade easier.

The projects, outlined in the National Development Strategy 2, will run from 2026 to 2030 through public-private partnerships.

Government says the first focus will be on two important routes.

The Harare–Chirundu Highway will be fully rebuilt at a cost of US$900 million. The work, set for 2026 to 2027, includes road repairs, new toll plazas and weighbridges. The route is one of the busiest for transporters heading to Zambia, the DRC and other northern countries.

The Beitbridge–Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway will also be upgraded for US$1.2 billion between 2026 and 2030. The road carries heavy traffic from South Africa and links to major tourism areas. Government says the upgrade will improve safety, reduce delays and support tourism and trade.

Other key national projects include:

Harare–Nyamapanda Highway: US$262 million, finishing in 2029, including upgrades at the border post.

Gweru–Zvishavane–Rutenga–Boli–Sango Road: US$450 million, to be completed by 2030.

Harare–Kanyemba Road: US$384 million, finishing in 2029, including border post improvements.

Government is also continuing work on several roads already under construction:

Harare–Chegutu road widening.

Harare–Marondera road upgrade.

The 240km Kwekwe–Lupane Highway, expected to shorten the Harare–Victoria Falls trip by about 200km.

Bulawayo–Nkayi Road and the Christmas Pass By-Pass in Mutare, which will reduce congestion in the city.

The Mabvuku Interchange in Harare is also progressing and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Authorities say the programme is one of the biggest road upgrades since independence and will help improve travel, trade and economic activity across the country.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed serious concern over a disturbing rise in murder cases occurring at nightclubs, bottle stores and other beer-drinking spots across the country.

Many of the incidents are reportedly escalating from minor disputes into deadly confrontations, prompting authorities to call for greater vigilance and restraint among members of the public.

According to ZRP reports, four murder cases were recorded between 1 and 7 December 2025, all linked to violent altercations at leisure venues.

The first incident occurred on 1 December 2025 in Beitbridge, when Taurai Hungwe (29) was allegedly stabbed once in the chest with an okapi knife by a suspect only identified as Prosper. The attack reportedly followed an argument over an undisclosed issue at a local nightclub. Hungwe was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later, on 3 December. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

Three days later, on 4 December 2025, another fatal incident was recorded at Claremont Business Centre in Fort Rixon. Kudakwashe Mudyanevana (27) was struck on the head with an axe by a suspect known only as Tshuks. The assailant, who was reportedly in the company of four accomplices, is alleged to have attacked unsuspecting patrons at a bottle store before fatally injuring Mudyanevana. The victim died while being transported to Filabusi Hospital. All suspects are still being sought by police.

In a separate case on 5 December 2025, Leonard Chidhoma (45) was fatally assaulted by two unidentified men while drinking beer at Chibhawabhawa in Battlefields. The suspects accused the victim of spreading false information about them. Chidhoma’s body was discovered in his room the following day.

The latest murder was recorded on 7 December 2025 in Bulawayo’s Magwegwe North suburb. Mongiwethu Godnows Dube (26) was killed after confronting Keith Dube (26) in an alleged revenge attack. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from an earlier incident in which Keith Dube had splashed beer on the victim’s friend during a snooker game at a local sports bar. The encounter turned violent, leading to Mongiwethu Dube’s death.

Police say the pattern of violence linked to petty disagreements at entertainment spots is worrisome. They have urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and immediately report aggressive behaviour before it escalates.