In a bold move set to redefine local governance, the Zvimba Rural District Council (RDC) has officially launched cutting-edge drone technology to dramatically enhance its operational efficiency and service delivery.

This pioneering initiative, positions Zvimba RDC at the forefront of digital transformation within rural administration, promising a new era of precision in data collection, urban planning, and regulatory enforcement.

The council has not only acquired two heavy-duty drones but has also proactively trained seven dedicated pilots, signaling a serious commitment to leveraging advanced technology.

This strategic investment aims to streamline critical operations, from meticulous data collection for project documentation to comprehensive surveying, mapping and robust regulatory enforcement across the district.

Zvimba RDC Chief Executive Mr Enias Chidhakwa articulated the profound impact these drones are expected to have on the council’s mandate.

“The drones will assist us in our surveying, they will assist us in even development control, we’ll check which areas are infested with illegal developments and we will map, it will assist us in the mapping.”

Mr Chidhakwa further urged the necessity of embracing technological advancements

“We are seeing it that everything is now going AI, so we should not be left behind. As Zvimba, we are saying we’re moving with time and we have already advanced with the two drones.

We will see to it that our surveys are done, topographical surveys are done, be it taking of pictures, mapping of our district,” said Mr Chidhakwa.

The introduction of this technology is poised to significantly bolster the council’s capacity to manage development projects with unprecedented accuracy and enforce regulations effectively.

The accurate data gathered by these aerial assets will empower the council to make informed decisions, ensuring strict compliance with permits and local regulations.

Engineer Tapiwa Nhemwa, an engineer with Zvimba RDC, expressed immense optimism regarding the practical benefits, particularly in overcoming existing resource constraints.

“This will actually help us in terms of our surveys. Currently, we did not have enough staff, but with the drones, we will reduce the issue, the time which it will take to do topo-surveys, the issue, the time it will take to do layout plans.

We will also help in terms of environmental management because once we fly these drones, we will get a pictorial view of what’s happening,” he said.

This digital leap is not merely an upgrade but a transformative step expected to boost overall service delivery and reinforce Zvimba RDC’s ambitious agenda to maintain its reputation as the best rural district council in the country.

As Zvimba RDC embraces this technological revolution, the future of rural development in Zimbabwe looks set to take flight, promising greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness to the needs of its citizens.

Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris is reinforcing the role of private aviation as a strategic driver of growth within the country’s tourism economy.

By delivering efficient and flexible air charter services, the company is enabling a new model of travel that prioritises accessibility and time efficiency.

As a locally owned operator, Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris has built its offering around the needs of safari tourism, providing customised flight solutions that connect remote destinations with ease.

Its focus on lodge transfers and multi-leg itineraries allows travellers to maximise their time while experiencing a broader range of Zimbabwe’s attractions.

This approach is helping to overcome one of the sector’s biggest limitations geographic spread. While Zimbabwe’s tourism assets are world-class, their distance from one another has often reduced the feasibility of multi-destination travel.

The introduction of the Pilatus PC-12 NGX enhances the company’s operational capabilities.

With improved range and performance, the aircraft enables faster connections and access to challenging airstrips, supporting more ambitious travel itineraries.

The economic implications are significant. By facilitating multi-destination travel, Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris is contributing to increased visitor spend and broader distribution of tourism revenue.

Chief Pilot Anastasios Zaverdinos highlighted the company’s strategic outlook.

“We are ready to take off and support Zimbabwe’s tourism ambitions through safe, efficient, and reliable aviation services aligned with NDS2,” he said.

As the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority continues to push for innovation under CEO George Manyaya, aviation is becoming a central component of the tourism value chain.

Zimbabwe Air Charter Safaris’ model demonstrates how targeted investment in infrastructure and service delivery can unlock new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) says it is embracing modern technology and decentralisation to remain competitive in the broadcasting industry.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), ZBC Board Chairperson Helliate Rushwaya said the organisation’s participation aligns with this year’s theme.

“The theme is connected economies and competitive industries. So at ZBC, through the various platforms that we are showcasing, we are showing that we are being competitive with regard to modern platforms,” she said.

Rushwaya added that the use of digital technology is helping ZBC strengthen its position in the broadcasting sector.

“Modern technology and the use of digital platforms are also highlighting that we are connecting and we are connected in a competitive industry, which is the broadcasting industry,” she said.

She explained that the corporation’s modernised studios go beyond infrastructure upgrades and are part of a broader strategy to improve operations.

“These modernised studios are not just about new equipment or new infrastructure; they are beyond that,” she said.

Rushwaya said Montrose Studios is now playing a key role in decentralising operations from Pockets Hill in Harare.

“For us, Montrose is more about decentralisation from Pockets Hill. We are now also using Montrose Studios, not just for local productions,” she said.

She noted that the studios are becoming a hub for creative industries in the southern region and are also being used for major national events.

“We know Montrose Studios is the hub for creative industries in the southern regions, but also Montrose Studios is now coming in really useful in terms of national events,” she said.

Rushwaya highlighted recent productions handled from Bulawayo, including national broadcasts.

“Only a week ago, we were broadcasting the independence celebration from Mapisa using Montrose Studios for our productions. At the moment, we are at ZITF. Again, Montrose Studios are playing a really important role in terms of all our broadcasting,” she said.

She emphasised that the shift is not just about upgrading equipment but about expanding operations beyond Harare.

“So it’s not about modernisation only. This actually also is about decentralisation from Pockets Hill to Bulawayo,” she said.