Current Affairs
Govt Standardises RDC Mining Levies in Boost for Small-Scale Miners
The Government has moved to standardise Rural District Council (RDC) land development levies in the mining sector, delivering what industry players describe as a major breakthrough for the Zimbabwe Mining Federation (ZMF) after years of lobbying for fee reforms.
The decision was approved during Cabinet’s 13th sitting on Tuesday, chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, as part of a broader overhaul of licences, permits, levies and fees affecting the mining industry.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube presented the review, which stems from a July 29, 2025 Cabinet resolution aimed at implementing ease-of-doing-business reforms across 12 key economic sectors.
Authorities say the reforms are designed to lower operational costs, improve competitiveness and stimulate sustainable growth in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
Mining expert Josh Chidziva said the standardisation of RDC levies marks a turning point for operators who have long grappled with inconsistent and often excessive charges imposed by different districts.
“The Cabinet approval of the RDC levies for land development ends the inconsistent and often prohibitive charges that miners have faced across different districts,” he said.
For years, the Zimbabwe Mining Federation has pushed for harmonisation of these fees, arguing that wide disparities were placing an undue burden on artisanal and small-scale miners while constraining output. The latest reforms are expected to introduce greater predictability and fairness across the sector.
Beyond levy standardisation, Cabinet also approved measures to streamline duplicative licences by placing them under a single regulatory authority. Registration fees for dealing in precious stones have been reduced, while the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development’s Trading on Mining Location fee has been scrapped altogether.
In a move aimed at supporting smaller operators, Cabinet endorsed a tiered fee structure based on capacity to pay, meaning artisanal and small-scale miners will now pay significantly less than large-scale companies. Government indicated that more than 80% of existing reasonable mining fees will remain in place.
The reforms also introduce new regulatory charges, including permits for gold jewellery production and application fees for registering approved lithium processing plants. Meanwhile, fees for diamond cutting and polishing licences have been lowered.
Cabinet further noted ongoing reforms in the sector, including the review of the Mines and Minerals Act, the formulation of a new Minerals Development Policy, and the rollout of the Mining Cadastre System, which is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining rights.
Current Affairs
Delta Bursary Programme Powers Future Talent in Zimbabwe
Delta Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to education and national development by hosting a bursary induction ceremony at the Mandel Training Centre, under the theme “Educating Today’s Learners, Powering Zimbabwe’s Future.”
The initiative highlights Delta’s long-standing investment in human capital development, targeting high-potential learners from underprivileged backgrounds and supporting them from A-Level through to university.
Speaking at the event, Delta’s General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Patricia Murambinda, said the programme plays a vital role in bridging financial gaps that often prevent talented students from reaching their full potential.
“Delta remains committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s national development agenda by investing in education and skills.
Through this bursary programme, we are helping to protect learners’ potential from financial barriers and strengthen the country’s future workforce,” she said.
Murambinda added that the initiative aligns with the company’s broader goal of building sustainable communities and a resilient economy through targeted educational support.
For over two decades, Delta has supported students through its education assistance programme, which provides bursaries worth nearly US$100,000 annually. To date, more than 1,300 learners have benefited, with total investment reaching approximately US$2.1 million.
In 2026, the programme is supporting 100 students across Zimbabwe, selected in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure that assistance reaches deserving learners from disadvantaged communities in all provinces.
Beyond bursaries, Delta continues to invest in education infrastructure and skills development. The company has funded the construction of classroom blocks in underprivileged areas and runs several training initiatives, including programmes at the Mandel Training Centre and the Delta Technical Institute, which equips artisans with practical skills across various trades.
Additional initiatives such as the Driver Training School, which focuses on heavy motor vehicle operation, and the Graduate Development Programme further strengthen Delta’s contribution to workforce development. These programmes have produced professionals in critical sectors, including healthcare, engineering, and finance.
Delta has encouraged beneficiaries of the bursary programme to strive for excellence and use the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the country at large.
Through sustained investment in education and skills development, the company continues to play a key role in shaping Zimbabwe’s future workforce and supporting long-term economic growth.
Current Affairs
President Orders Transparency on Urban State Land Allocations Since 2005
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed that the findings of the Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Tendai Uchena into the sale of State land in urban areas across all 10 provinces, dating back to 2005, be officially published for public access.
The instruction was communicated through General Notice 608 of 2026, released in the Government Gazette by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya.
“It is hereby notified that His Excellency, the President, in terms of Section 62 of the Constitution, has directed the publication of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Matter of Sale of State land in and around Urban Areas since 2005, the notice said.
The investigation examined the disposal of State land in major urban centres and provinces, including Harare and Bulawayo metropolitan areas, as well as Matabeleland North and South, Mashonaland East, West and Central, Midlands, Manicaland and Masvingo.
The commission, established in 2018 and chaired by Justice Uchena, was formed in response to the rapid rise of illegal settlements in urban areas, largely attributed to unlawful land sales by so-called land barons.
It was created through Statutory Instrument 11 of 2018, which amended Statutory Instrument 102 of 2017 that initially set up the inquiry into the sale of State land in and around urban areas since 2005.
Among its responsibilities, the commission was tasked with identifying all State land designated for urban development and allocated to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing since 2005.
It also investigated the ownership status, occupation, and development of the land, while examining how current occupants and beneficiaries acquired or were allocated the land.
Additionally, the commission sought to identify individuals and entities involved in the allocation, occupation, and use of the land. It was empowered to conduct site visits, summon witnesses, record testimonies, and compile detailed documentation to support its findings.
The commission was further authorised to probe any other relevant issues connected to the inquiry and to present a comprehensive written report with its conclusions and recommendations to the President.
Current Affairs
Confirmed! 14 Perish In Cross Border Bus Accident
Suswe, Zimbabwe – A tragic road accident occurred on Tuesday, claiming the lives of fourteen individuals and injuring several others. The incident involved a cross-border bus at the 176-kilometer peg along the Harare-Nyamapanda highway, near Suswe.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi officially confirmed the fatality in a statement. He reported that the accident took place on Tuesday afternoon, approximately at 1:00 PM, involving a BRD Luxury Coach bus en route to Malawi from Cape Town, South Africa.
Initial assessments by police officers at the scene indicated that 14 people succumbed to their injuries. The bus was transporting a total of 63 passengers. The injured victims were promptly transported to Mutoko District Hospital and Kotwa District Hospital for medical attention. Further details regarding the incident are expected to be released as investigations progress.
Local authorities, including the Mutoko Rural District Council and Mudzi Rural District Council, reportedly responded swiftly to the scene, deploying emergency vehicles to provide assistance and support during the critical aftermath of the accident.
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