Itai Mazire

The Harare City Council has officially announced the appointment of prominent lawyer Mr. Warren Chiwawa as its substantive Chamber Secretary.

This appointment fills a critical position that has remained vacant for eight years, marking a significant step towards strengthening the council’s administrative and governance structures.

The Local Government Board formally approved Mr. Chiwawa’s appointment.

In a letter dated February 2, 2026, chairman Mr. Stephen Chakaipa confirmed that Mr. Chiwawa distinguished himself among other candidates during last year’s rigorous interview process, primarily due to his extensive experience and profound professional exposure.

In adherence to Section 123(e) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], read in conjunction with Sections 133 and 135, the Board has authorized the appointment to become effective within 90 days of the official notification.

Mr. Chiwawa, who has been diligently serving in an acting capacity, will now assume the role substantively.

This move is widely anticipated to usher in greater stability and reinforce robust corporate governance practices within Town House.

Itai Mazire

Shock and panic gripped a local soccer betting house in Bulawayo’s Central Business District yesterday morning when a 41-year-old woman suddenly collapsed and died in full view of stunned punters.

The deceased has been identified as Josephine Makiwa of Mpopoma suburb.

Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the tragic incident that occurred on 11 February 2026, at approximately 1100 hours.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene as Makiwa, who had just entered the establishment and taken a seat, began vomiting uncontrollably before losing consciousness.

Inspector Msebele, confirmed the tragedy, stating that the rapid turn of events left bystanders with little time to react.

“On the 11 February 2026 at around 1100 hours, the now deceased Josephine Makiwa, entered into the betting house, sat on the chair, suddenly started vomiting and collapsed,” said Inspector Msebele.

As the gravity of the situation became apparent, frantic punters inside the shop scrambled to call for medical assistance.

However, despite the swift arrival of an ambulance, the 41-year-old could not be saved.

“She became unconscious and the punters who were inside the shop called an ambulance who pronounced her dead upon arrival.

The sudden nature of the death has cast a somber shadow over the busy CBD, with many regular patrons of the betting mall left in disbelief.

While the cause of death remains unknown, authorities have launched a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”Investigations are in progress and we are urging anyone with information that might assist in the investigation to come forward as they piece together the final moments of the Mpopoma woman’s life.

Itai Mazire

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Albert Mavunga, has issued a compelling call for all local authorities to expedite the recruitment of junior councillors, emphasising their pivotal role in national development.

The directive comes as the Ministry intensifies its nationwide youth outreach programs, designed to empower young leaders and integrate them into local governance structures.

Speaking at the 2026 Junior Councillors Patrons and Focal Persons Strategic Planning and Capacity Building Workshop in Kadoma, Deputy Minister Mavunga implored the urgency of youth involvement.

“Your presence here is a powerful testament to a shared belief, that the path to achieving our Local Authorities Blueprint, our National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and our collective vision for 2030 must be paved with the energy, innovation and leadership of our youth,” said Hon. Mavunga.

The Ministry’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident through its robust outreach initiatives.

The youth desk, under the Department of Local Authorities, is actively conducting a Ministry-wide outreach, delivering induction programs and capacity building initiatives.

These efforts are specifically tailored “to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive,” he said.

This comprehensive approach aims to standardise the operations of junior councillors, ensuring they are well-prepared for their responsibilities.

A critical component of this strategy is the immediate recruitment of junior councillors by all local authorities. Mavunga did not mince words, declaring, “I call upon local authorities who have not yet done junior councillors’ recruitment and selection to do so.”

This recruitment drive is seen as essential for aligning with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.

Furthermore, the government has already integrated a junior councillor’s budget component into council budgets, specifically to empower their activities and uplift communities.

Beyond recruitment, the Ministry is pushing for the establishment and resuscitation of youth centres across the country. These centres are envisioned as hubs for development, offering vital services.

“I am urging all local authorities to resuscitate and establish youth centres that provide youth friendly services. The centres provide mentorship, career guidance and entrepreneurial development skills, among other services,” said Hon. Mavunga

This initiative reflects the government’s broader recognition of the youth demographic.

“As a Government, we recognise the importance of prioritising their needs and ensuring that they have access to the services and opportunities that will enable them to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Hon. Mavunga.

He called for the need for targeted interventions and investments in youth welfare, education, and development.

To ensure coordinated and impactful programs, the Ministry is also rolling out Minimum Service Delivery Standards, providing a framework for collaboration among local authorities.

This holistic strategy aims to foster a generation of globally competitive and prosperous young people, driving national progress from the community level up.