The Executive Chairman of Geo Pomona Waste Management, Delish Nguwaya, has called on government authorities to take firm action against illegal street vending, warning that the practice is undermining efforts to maintain cleanliness in urban areas.

Nguwaya made the remarks during his appearance at the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Climate Change, where he was presenting oral evidence on waste management and environmental sustainability.

“Government needs to take decisive action against vendors. We clean during the day, but if you check at night, the whole town becomes a menace. Something really has to be done,” he said.

He explained that while significant progress is being made to keep the city clean during the day, the situation deteriorates at night as informal traders return to the streets.

According to Nguwaya, activities such as roasting maize and selling fresh produce contribute to littering and increased waste in the central business district.

“In the evening, we see vendors roasting maize in town. Removing them is difficult, but right now, if you go into town, you will see Geo Pomona doing tremendous work,” he noted.

Nguwaya added that the persistence of night vending is reversing gains made by waste management teams, making it harder to sustain cleanliness. He stressed that without stricter enforcement and coordinated government intervention, the problem will continue to escalate.

“At times during the night, you see vendors selling tomatoes. We have gone out in the evenings to assess the situation, and we were concerned by what we observed. The government needs to take decisive action,” he said.

His comments come amid growing concerns over urban sanitation, environmental health, and the challenges of regulating informal trading in Zimbabwe’s cities.

Nguwaya reiterated that while waste management efforts are improving, long-term success will depend on stronger policy enforcement and collaboration between authorities and communities.

A total of 56 students graduated from the Purple Apex Learn Institute of Marketing, Design, Digital Media and Creativity during its 2026 Graduation Ceremony held in Harare last Friday, marking a significant milestone for the fast-growing institution.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Institute’s Director, Mr Mugenge Batsi Ndawana, shared his inspiring journey and expressed gratitude to both students and parents for their support.

“This is our first Graduation Ceremony since we opened this Institute. I need to thank the parents and students for all their support. Fifty-six graduates is not simple it is a sign that the Institute is growing,” said Director Ndawana.

Director of Purple Apex Learn Institute Mugenge Batsi Ndawana

He highlighted that the institution is guided by the principles of Education 5.0, which focuses on equipping students with practical skills for self-reliance and innovation.

“Purple Apex Institute is capable for all, with the theme Education 5.0, whereby students must learn things that they will be able to use to do their own projects,” he said.

Director Ndawana also encouraged parents to invest in skills-based education that prepares young people for real-life opportunities.

“I encourage parents to continue making their efforts by bringing their children to such institutes, so that they may be taught things that will help them in their lifetime,” he added.

Emphasising inclusivity, he noted that the institution does not require traditional academic qualifications for entry.

“Purple Apex Learn Institute does not need O Level or A Level. Bring your children and we will start from the beginning until he or she improves,” he said.

One of the graduates, Tashinga Nyabasa, expressed appreciation for the transformation he experienced during his time at the institute.

“I came here without knowledge, but now I’m one of the best. Before I came here, I thought social media was just for chatting and entertainment, but now I have learned that through social media I can make money,” he said.

The Purple Apex Learn Institute focuses on digital education, offering training in computer literacy, social media monetisation, marketing, web design, graphic design, and modern technology skills.

The institution aims to empower students with practical knowledge that enables them to create employment opportunities and thrive in the digital economy.

The graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic achievement but also highlighted the growing importance of skills-based education in Zimbabwe’s evolving economic landscape.

The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Tapiwa Mhona, this afternoon officially commissioned the newly constructed Manyame River Bridge along the Harare–Masvingo–Beitbridge Road.

He was joined by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Province, Honourable Itayi Ndudzo, during the ceremony.

The new bridge is part of the North-South Corridor, a key trade route that links Zimbabwe to the rest of the continent. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and enhance cross-border trade.

Speaking at the event, Minister Mhona expressed appreciation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for prioritising infrastructure development.

“Such projects are central to enhancing national and regional connectivity,” he said, highlighting the importance of modern transport networks in driving economic growth.

Mhona also announced upcoming developments, confirming that work on the Harare Chirundu Road, as well as the upgrading of the Chirundu Border Post, will begin in September.

“These projects will further strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a key gateway to regional markets within SADC,” he said.

The event was attended by Permanent Secretary Eng. J.P. Makumbe, heads of parastatals under the Ministry, and other senior government officials.