After a delayed start to the 2025-2026 rainy season, widespread downpours swept across Zimbabwe this week, delivering over 50 mm in multiple districts and signalling the onset of planting under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa program.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) reported a moisture-laden system from Botswana and the southeast blanketing Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo, Midlands, Manicaland, Harare, and all Mashonaland provinces.

Lightning and strong winds accompanied the storms. Farmers in Mashonaland Central, Masvingo, and Midlands have begun land preparation, collecting seeds via Agritex offices.

The MSD forecasts normal to above-normal rainfall from November to January under neutral ENSO and negative Indian Ocean Dipole conditions.

“This is prime time for early-maturing crops and moisture conservation,” the MSD said.

“Avoid flood-prone fields and follow regional advisories,” a Zimbabwe Farmers Union official said.

In cities, clogged drains caused road flooding and power cuts in Harare, Chitungwiza, and Bulawayo. Mbare and Kuwadzana residents reported sewer overflows.

The Civil Protection Department activated provincial teams and urged schools and clinics in vulnerable areas to update evacuation plans.

Civil society groups pushed for community early-warning systems and better data sharing to address past coordination failures.

The Government has acknowledged that the Mbuya Nehanda statue in Harare’s central business district was closed off to the public after multiple acts of vandalism were attempted.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, confirmed that authorities decided to limit public access to the site to prevent further damage to the monument.

“The monument was originally open to the public. However, due to increased visitor traffic and several attempts to damage or topple it, the area had to be secured,” Mangwana explained in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

He further revealed that plans are now underway to reopen the site safely.

“The Government is developing a new access framework that will allow public viewing while ensuring the statue’s protection. The President has directed that this process be expedited, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the closure,” he added.

The Mbuya Nehanda statue, which was officially unveiled by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2021, was constructed at significant cost and is located at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way. Since its unveiling, the monument has remained under constant police guard and out of reach to ordinary citizens.

Mangwana’s remarks come after a recent outcry sparked by international travel vlogger Davud Akhundzada, who was denied access to the monument during his visit to Harare — a move that critics said undermined tourism promotion efforts.

In response to the backlash, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry issued a statement clarifying that the statue falls under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.

“The Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a National Heritage Monument managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage. It represents Zimbabwe’s liberation heritage and national identity,” the Ministry said.

It added that access to certain parts of the site is restricted for preservation, safety, and security purposes.

The Tourism Ministry also noted that it is collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Whole-of-Government Approach to improve visitor experiences at heritage sites.

“As part of this initiative, tourism officers will be deployed at key cultural and heritage monuments to facilitate guided, informative, and friendly access for visitors — ensuring a positive tourism experience while preserving our national heritage,” the statement concluded.