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Presidential Affairs

Zambia’s Hichilema Calls for Full Support for President Mnangagwa

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Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday called on Zimbabweans to stand firmly behind President Mnangagwa as he continues steering the country’s development agenda.

 

President Hichilema touched down in Harare in the morning for a working visit and co-chaired the inaugural Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission (BNC) with President Mnangagwa.

 

In his address, the Zambian leader — who repeatedly referred to President Mnangagwa as his “elder brother” — urged both Cabinet and citizens to rally behind Zimbabwe’s national vision.

 

“I encourage Cabinet, and the people of Zimbabwe, to keep supporting your President,” he said.

 

Making his first official trip to Zimbabwe since assuming office, President Hichilema praised the progress and sense of order he witnessed during his visit.

 

“Mr President, we are impressed by what we have seen. The atmosphere is positive, and we return home uplifted,” he said.

 

He noted the strong cultural and historical links between the two nations, adding that Zimbabwe is fondly known in Zambia as “across the river.” Before becoming President, he frequently travelled to Harare on business, making the city “very familiar.”

 

“Harare has always been gracious to us. It’s a pleasure to return, especially as we celebrate the strengthening of our long-standing relationship,” he said.

 

Hichilema hailed the elevation of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission, describing it as a significant step in deepening bilateral ties.

 

“Zimbabwe and Zambia share centuries of history — from ancient trade routes to cultural bonds. These ties continue to grow,” he said.

 

He encouraged both nations to build on that foundation and deepen people-to-people cooperation.

 

Turning to implementation, he urged ministers from both governments to move swiftly on agreed projects.

 

“What we need now is action. Ministers of Finance, Trade, Investment, Culture — let’s push ahead with what remains undone. The Batoka Gorge project has been discussed for too long; we need visible progress,” he said.

 

President Hichilema revealed that Zambia has sent a mining team to Zimbabwe to learn from its experience in managing lithium resources.

 

He also called for the removal of trade barriers to unlock investment opportunities.

 

“If we speak of the African Continental Free Trade Area, its spirit should start with Zimbabwe and Zambia. We want more joint ventures, more cross-border business. When we think of investment, let’s not only look to Europe — let’s think Zim-Zam,” he said.

 

Reaffirming Zambia’s solidarity with Zimbabwe, he demanded the complete lifting of Western sanctions.

 

“Zambia strongly supports the full removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe. Whatever purpose they once served is outdated. These restrictions hinder Zimbabwe’s progress and also constrain us as neighbours,” he said.

 

He underscored the importance of preserving peace and stability in both countries.

 

“Chaos brings no progress. Peace, security and stability give us room to grow,” he said.

 

In closing, President Hichilema urged both governments to prioritise implementing the agreements signed during the BNC.

 

“Let’s ensure everything we have signed translates into action,” he said.

 

On border management, he proposed that the two nations move beyond a one-stop border post to what he termed a “non-stop border post” to ease movement and trade.

 

 

 

Presidential Affairs

Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action

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Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.
Game faces on: NetOne golfers await their moment on the tee.

Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.

The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.

On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.

The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.

A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.

Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.

While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.

Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.

 

There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.

 

Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.

Team dynamics were another key storyline.

 

Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.

 

In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.

As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.

Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.

By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.

 

Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.

However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.

With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.

If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.

ALSO READ: President’s Cup Golf Tournament: A Beacon of Unity and Progress in Zimbabwean Sport

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Presidential Affairs

IN PICTURES: President Mnangagwa Tours Mabvuku Interchange

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Mabvuku Interchange
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, toured the Mabvuku interchange along Mutare Road to assess ongoing works on the critical infrastructure project. During the site visit, the President inspected earthmoving progress, structural reinforcements, and drainage installations, receiving technical briefings from engineers on the project's timeline and safety standards. The tour underscores the Second Republic's commitment to modernising urban road networks, decongesting major arteries, and improving travel efficiency for commuters and motorists plying the busy Mutare Road corridor. (Pictures: By InfoZW)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday toured the ongoing construction works at the Mabvuku Interchange along Mutare Road, assessing progress on one of the capital’s most anticipated traffic decongestion projects.

The President, accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, inspected the scale of the earthworks, drainage systems, and the rising structural pillars that will define the new flyover.

President Mnangagwa (centre) points towards the eastern span of the interchange as Minister Felix Mhona (right) explains the project’s phasing.

 

The President walks along the compacted gravel shoulder of the interchange, wearing a hard hat and safety vest. He pauses to inspect the reinforced steel bars (rebar) of a support column, with Minister Mhona looking on.

 

A wide shot of the Mabvuku interchange site, showing the scale of excavation and the new road alignment taking shape against the backdrop of the high-density suburb.

His Excellency engages directly with site engineers and construction workers, receiving a technical briefing on the project’s timeline and the durability of materials being used.

The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport, is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Harare’s road network and reduce bottlenecks at major intersections.

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Presidential Affairs

“You Made Us Proud”: President Mnangagwa Hails Chevrons

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa greets the Men’s National Cricket Team, the Chevrons, during a presentation ceremony at State House. The President honoured the team for their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup, including a landmark victory over Australia, describing them as true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s resilience and national pride. (Image: InfoZw)

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday honoured the men’s national cricket team, the Chevrons, at State House, praising their historic run to the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup and describing their victory over Australia as a moment that “captured the imagination of the cricketing world.”

Addressing players, officials, and dignitaries at a formal presentation ceremony, President  Mnangagwa said the team’s performance had demonstrated that Zimbabwe is “worthy of participating at the global stage across various sporting disciplines.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

“The historic victory over Australia stands out as a defining moment in the Chevrons’ campaign,” the President said.

“It was a victory that captured the imagination of the cricketing world and re-ignited national pride here at home. The result sent a strong message that Zimbabwe is capable of overcoming the most formidable teams.”

The Chevrons’ progression to the Super 8 stage marked one of the team’s best performances in recent global tournaments.

President Mnangagwa described the players as “true ambassadors of Zimbabwe’s national character of resilience and an inherent warrior spirit,” adding that they had helped positively profile “brand Zimbabwe” internationally.

The President also commended Zimbabwe Cricket for its development efforts, including new facilities in Victoria Falls, Necma Valley Country Club, and Masvingo Sports Club.

He congratulated the board for successfully hosting the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, calling it “a clear testament of our country’s organisational capacity and professionalism.”

President Mnangagwa announced that his government stands ready to provide guarantees and support for Zimbabwe to co-host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup next year alongside South Africa and Namibia.

“This presents a historic opportunity to once again showcase on the global stage the unique hospitality of our people and passion for cricket,” he said.

The President urged the Chevrons to “go further, aim higher, write new chapters in Zimbabwean sport,” while thanking supporters in the stands and from the diaspora who “carried the spirit of Zimbabwe and created a home away from home atmosphere.”

 

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