HARARE – In a rare display of political convergence, Presidential Advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara yesterday presided over an event that saw members of the ruling ZANU PF and the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) unite for a community development initiative, framing the occasion as a shift from partisan rivalry to collective national building.

The event, held in Budiriro North Constituency a known opposition stronghold centered on the commissioning of boreholes under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme.

The occasion was marked by the unexpected presence and effusive praise of opposition legislator Susan Matsunga, who publicly lauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his advisor for delivering tangible services to her community.

“Baba (Father) hamuna kutarisa kuti muri baba vemhuri iyi muri baba vemhuri yese. Ropafadzai and your wishes be fulfilled,” Matsunga was quoted saying, which translates to an acknowledgment that the President is a father to the entire nation regardless of political affiliation.

“On behalf of the citizens of Budiriro, we are happy, we are proud of you, Daddy. We have never seen this miracle,” she added.

The gathering in Budiriro comes on the heels of Dr. Tungwarara’s formal elevation to the ZANU PF Central Committee over the weekend in Chipinge, a ceremony that was framed by the ruling party as part of a broader renewal and modernization strategy aligned with national development priorities.

During that event, ZANU PF National Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri praised Tungwarara as a philanthropic figure whose work aligns with the President’s development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa nevene” (a country is built by its owners).

Yesterday’s event, however, broadened that narrative to encompass cross-party engagement.

While the Presidential Borehole Scheme has been utilized by ZANU PF as a campaign tool in urban areas, the public endorsement from a CCC legislator signals a potential blurring of political lines in the pursuit of service delivery.

The event was also attended by prominent ZANU PF figures and businessmen including Kudakwashe Tagwirei, underscoring the influence of “new blood” within the party’s operational and developmental strategies.

The outreach in Budiriro is seen by analysts as part of a strategic consolidation by Tungwarara, who is emerging as a key figure in the ruling party’s grassroots empowerment agenda.

His recent inclusion in the Central Committee was described by party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa as an injection of “fresh ideas” from young business minds aimed at wealth generation and economic modernization.

While critics often dismiss such initiatives as political maneuvering ahead of the proposed 2030 term extension agenda, the imagery of opposition officials welcoming government resources under the banner of development presents a potent narrative shift.

The event effectively allowed the ruling party to claim a mandate that transcends traditional political boundaries, leveraging the delivery of essential services like water to build bridges with constituents who have historically voted against it.

Dr. Tungwarara’s dual role as an investor and political operative continues to position him at the intersection of economic facilitation and grassroots mobilization, a space the ruling party is eager to exploit as it pushes its Vision 2030 agenda.

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has announced a Class II recall of Azithromycin 500mg USP Tablets (Batch Number 24050191), produced by Indoco Remedies Limited in India, citing concerns over product quality that could affect treatment outcomes.

The decision, which applies up to the retail level, comes after the manufacturer voluntarily reported that the batch did not meet required standards during dissolution testing carried out as part of a 24-month stability assessment.

MCAZ explained that the out-of-specification (OOS) results point to a defect that may reduce the drug’s effectiveness in treating bacterial infections. There are also concerns that inadequate therapeutic levels could contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

“All healthcare providers, including wholesalers, pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, have been directed to isolate any affected stock immediately and work with the manufacturer and local distributors throughout the recall process,” the authority said.

Members of the public who may have purchased the affected tablets are encouraged to return them to the pharmacy where they were obtained. Patients who have already used the medication are advised to seek guidance from healthcare professionals.

MCAZ emphasized that it remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medicines available in Zimbabwe meet strict standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness. The authority added that it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as needed.

Zimbabwe’s gastronomy tourism narrative took center stage Tuesday as Permanent Secretary Dr. Takaruza Munyanyiwa issued a clarion call for the institutionalisation of indigenous cuisine as a strategic driver of economic growth, social cohesion and cultural preservation, insisting that “no one and no place be left behind” in the march toward Vision 2030.

Speaking at the 2026 Amai’s Traditional Cookout Competitions hosted at Nyadire Teachers’ College in Mashonaland East Province, Dr Munyanyiwa, representing Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Hon. Barbara Rwodzi hailed the government’s resolve to devolve tourism programmes to grassroots levels.

“Tourism is a driver of culinary heritage preservation, social cohesion and sustainable economic growth,” Dr Munyanyiwa said before a crowd that included traditional leaders, professional chefs, tertiary students, community members, and persons with disabilities.

A total of 45 contestants showcased exceptional culinary artistry rooted in Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, reflecting the growing transformation of indigenous cuisine into a robust tourism product.

The event, anchored by the presence of traditional leaders, reaffirmed the deep cultural significance of gastronomy within the country’s tourism landscape.

Dr Munyanyiwa noted ongoing efforts to institutionalise Gastronomy Tourism as a key pillar of the sector, alongside the strategic guidance of the Patron of Tourism and Hospitality, Her Excellency the First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa.

Beyond the celebration of food, the initiative positions gastronomy tourism as a strategic vehicle for entrepreneurship and destination branding, empowering communities across all provinces to transform heritage into thriving tourism enterprises.

“This is in line with His Excellency the President Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030,”Dr Munyanyiwa said, inviting the world to experience Zimbabwe’s living traditions.