Presidential Affairs
“Go well, General Officer, Commander and Patriot” — President Mnangagwa
By Itai Mazire
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a clarion call to the nation to take heed and follow in the footsteps of courage, bravery, and patriotism shown by the late decorated military officer, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpandasekwa Mzheri.
Brig Gen Mzheri, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Khetani Khanye, passed away in Harare at the age of 75.
Addressing thousands of mourners gathered at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Mzheri family on behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, the Government, and ZANU PF.
“I challenge the nation to be inspired by the life of our National Hero, which is a testament to courage, bravery, focus, discipline on the battlefield, hard work, professional probity, as well as steadfast service to one’s country.
Fellow mourners, ladies and gentlemen, the late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Mpandasekwa Mzheri, will always be remembered as one of the most decorated military officers produced by our country.
I say to you, Cde Khetani Khanye your professional conduct, whose qualities were based on honesty, integrity, humility, loyalty, enthusiasm, and leadership must inspire many to carry our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, forward.”
The President added that the nation continues to benefit from the wisdom, expertise, and professionalism of men and women in the mould of the late National Hero and other veterans of the liberation struggle.

“In honour of our national heroes and heroines, the security sector and the Defence Forces in particular are called upon to draw inspiration from the cadres, commanders, and officers of yesteryear as we advance our national interests and protect our independence and sovereignty.
On its part, the ZANU PF-led Government remains unwavering in its quest to consolidate national unity, harmony, and the virtues of servant leadership as well as hard, honest work.
Our enduring philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo! (Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo) is a continuous call to action,” said President Mnangagwa.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Mzheri was born on 7 March 1950 in Mberengwa District. He began his education at Rengwe Lower Primary School in 1959, then proceeded to Mnene Primary School in 1964, before enrolling at Manama Secondary School in 1967.
After completing his secondary education in 1970, he attended Esigodini Agricultural College. He later trained and worked at Sable Chemical Industries Limited as a Plant Operator between 1972 and 1974.
Despite his academic qualifications and technical skills, the youthful Mzheri left Rhodesia in 1974 for Zambia, where he joined the Liberation Struggle under the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA).
He received his initial military training at Mwembeshi Military Camp before proceeding to Mgagao Camp in Tanzania and later Morogoro Training Camp in 1975 for advanced military training.
President Mnangagwa noted that Mzheri’s leadership potential saw him selected for officer training in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
“Upon his return in 1977, he was appointed Deputy Commander at Freedom Camp. In 1978, he became an Administrator in the ZAPU Presidency under the leadership of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr. Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo.
In recognition of his understanding of the role and significance of the military in statecraft, he participated in the Lancaster House Peace Talks as a Military Advisor in 1979.
The late General Officer later became a member of the ZIPRA High Command in the Training Department,” said President Mnangagwa.
At independence in 1980, Mzheri was among the first 18 ex-combatants to be integrated into the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
“On 16 April 1981, he was attested at the rank of Colonel, after which he was promoted to Brigadier General in 1987.
The late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, attended all requisite career courses within the Defence Forces, which complemented his leadership skills and resulted in his appointment as the first Commandant at Inkono Garrison.
Later, he was entrusted with the command of Harare District and subsequently the 1 Infantry Brigade, as well as the Special Taskforce for Mozambique. He also served as Director General of Administration and Finance in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
During his illustrious career, he played an important role as Brigadier General, serving with loyalty and unwavering patriotism toward our beloved country, Zimbabwe,” said the President.
Presidential Affairs
Zimbabwe Strengthens Global Tourism Ties Following High-Level UN Visit
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to growing its tourism sector after hosting Shaikha Al Nowais, the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, in Harare.
Speaking after the meeting, President Mnangagwa described the visit as a great honour, highlighting its significance for both Zimbabwe and the global tourism community.
Ms. Al Nowais’ appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history.
The discussions focused on strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a leading global tourism destination. President Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s vast potential, from its natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage, noting that tourism remains a key pillar for economic growth.
“We discussed enhancing Zimbabwe’s standing as a premier global destination and harnessing sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,” said the President.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to promote sustainable tourism, ensuring that growth in the sector benefits local communities while preserving the environment.
Collaboration with UN Tourism is expected to play a critical role in achieving these goals through international partnerships, investment opportunities, and global marketing initiatives.
President Mnangagwa also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with international stakeholders to showcase Zimbabwe’s unique appeal.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to collaborating closely with UN Tourism to showcase the beauty and hospitality of our nation to the world,” he added.
The visit by Ms. Al Nowais is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening Zimbabwe’s visibility on the global tourism map, while also aligning the country with international best practices in sustainable tourism development.
Presidential Affairs
Zim, Botswana Push Economic Agenda
Zimbabwe and Botswana have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic and economic relations following the Fifth Session of the Zimbabwe-Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.
President Mnangagwa said the high-level meeting with Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko marks a shift toward stronger economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

“The outcomes of this Session are both instructive and forward-looking. They demonstrate our shared resolve to transform our longstanding political relations into a more dynamic, results-driven economic partnership,” he said.
The Zimbabwean leader emphasized that agreements signed at the BNC must now deliver tangible results, particularly in trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“The agreements… must now serve as instruments for accelerated trade, enhanced investment flows, industrial collaboration and sustainable development,” he added.
Key priorities include the operationalisation of the Plumtree/Ramokgwebana One-Stop Border Post, removal of non-tariff barriers and expansion of cross-border infrastructure to improve trade efficiency.
Earlier, President Boko highlighted the deep historical ties between Zimbabwe and Botswana, describing the relationship as a foundation for shared prosperity.
“These ties continue to provide a firm foundation upon which we advance our common aspirations for prosperity, stability and sustainable development,” he said.
He noted that the Bi-National Commission remains a critical platform for cooperation in sectors such as trade, agriculture, energy, health and security.
The two leaders agreed that regional cooperation within SADC is essential in addressing global economic challenges, improving trade flows and boosting investment.
With increased focus on implementation, private sector participation and infrastructure development, the Zimbabwe-Botswana partnership is expected to play a key role in advancing regional integration and economic growth in Southern Africa.
Presidential Affairs
Precision Meets Pride: President’s Cup Day 2 Delivers High Stakes Action
Day 2 of the President’s Cup delivered exactly what golf fans had hoped for , high-quality competition, emotional swings, and a few talking points that extended beyond the fairways.

After a tense opening day, both teams returned with renewed intensity, fully aware that Day 2 often shapes the trajectory of the entire tournament.
The format brought out aggressive play, with captains opting for bold pairings in both foursomes and fourballs, a move that paid off in some matches but backfired in others.
On the course, the level of golf remained exceptional.

Several matches went down to the final holes, with clutch putting and precise approach shots proving decisive.
The greens, however, became a central issue. Players from both sides were seen struggling with pace and reading subtle breaks, sparking quiet complaints about consistency.
A few missed short putts in key moments highlighted just how tricky conditions had become.
Weather also played its part. Changing wind conditions throughout the day made club selection unpredictable, forcing players to constantly adjust strategies.
While some adapted brilliantly, others faltered under pressure, leading to costly mistakes that shifted momentum between the teams.
Beyond the play itself, officiating decisions and rules interpretations began to draw attention.
There were moments of uncertainty regarding drop procedures and relief situations, leading to brief delays and visible frustration among players.
Though none escalated into major disputes, they added an extra layer of tension to an already competitive environment.
Team dynamics were another key storyline.
Certain pairings showed clear chemistry, feeding off each other’s energy and lifting their performances when it mattered most.
In contrast, a few partnerships appeared out of sync, struggling to find rhythm and ultimately dropping valuable points.
As the day progressed, momentum swung back and forth, keeping spectators on edge.
Every hole seemed to carry increased significance, and the pressure was evident in both the body language and decision-making of the players.
By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard reflected just how closely contested the competition remains.
Neither side has managed to establish a decisive lead, setting up what promises to be a thrilling continuation.
However, alongside the excitement, questions linger. Course conditions, officiating clarity, and player fatigue are all emerging as factors that could influence the outcome moving forward.
With everything still to play for, Day 3 now looms large.
If the intensity and drama of the first two days are anything to go by, the President’s Cup is far from decided , and the best may still be yet to come.
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