AGP Executive Report

ODI Cricket: Travis Head hit a 75-ball century as Australia beat Zimbabwe by 84 runs in the 2nd ODI at Harare Sports Club, taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead; Zimbabwe were bowled out for 272, with Sikandar Raza top-scoring on 45. Women’s Cricket: Zimbabwe will host West Indies Women for three ODIs (Sept 24, 27, 30) at Harare Sports Club and three T20Is (Oct 3, 5, 7) at Takashinga Cricket Club. Public Service & Innovation: VP Mohadi’s remarks highlighted civil servants as the “heart” of the development drive, while ICT/Postal Deputy Minister Phuti said innovation must be rooted in identity and local knowledge for national development at the Robot Olympiad finals in Bulawayo. Crime & Justice: Police say they’ve made a breakthrough in Bulawayo businessman Tedious Rutanhira’s murder case, with two suspects killed in a shoot-out and four others arrested. Local Economy & Trade: Competition authorities launched a safeguard probe into surging pasta imports after National Foods complained of injury to local production. Infrastructure & Industry: ZIMASCO injected about US$2.46m to refurbish three NRZ locomotives and 100 wagons, boosting freight capacity for chrome and ferrochrome. Governance & Courts: Constitutional Court will hear a chief’s challenge to his arrest over allocating communal land without proper authority. Health & Climate Resilience: Caritas Masvingo and CRS launched an anticipatory action programme in Beitbridge to support 2,480 households with drought-tolerant inputs ahead of El Niño shocks.

ODI Series Update: Australia made two bowling changes for the 2nd ODI in Harare, bringing back Josh Hazlewood and including Billy Stanlake, replacing Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, while Zimbabwe kept faith with the same XI and won the toss to bowl first. T20 Cricket Shockwave: In New Delhi, Abhishek Sharma smashed a record 30-ball T20I century (108 off 34) as India thrashed Afghanistan by 127 runs to complete a 3-0 sweep, with Afghanistan bowled out for 94. Women’s Cricket: In Bulawayo, Miane Smit hit a maiden T20I century (102) as South Africa Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 80 runs to stretch the series lead. Bulawayo Culture & Tourism: The city’s jacaranda “purple season” returns, while Bulawayo also plans a “Birds of Zimbabwe” stone sculpture exhibition and a Makokoba festival visual storytelling push through a LensFest photography category. Rural Sports Boost: Matabeleland North’s Under-19 cricket team received new kit ahead of the national schools tournament in Gweru, with organisers stressing a pathway for rural youngsters. Crime & Community Safety: Police in Masvingo arrested two men and recovered 22 stolen cattle in a stock theft case. Agriculture & Trade: Zimbabwean farmers are seeking funding to expand blueberry production after new China market access, but lack of finance and foreign exchange remains a major hurdle.

Cricket, Zimbabwe’s ICC role: Zimbabwe Cricket chief Tavengwa Mukuhlani has been appointed ICC deputy chair, a first for a Zimbabwean, as the sport gears up for the 2027 ODI World Cup co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Public health: A major African trial says long-acting HIV injections every eight weeks work better than daily tablets for adolescents, with stigma and pill-burden cited as key barriers. Football, local spotlight: Highlanders face CAPS United in the Chibuku Super Cup semis, while Hardrock take on FC Hunters after a dramatic quarter-final run. Sports, Zimbabwean talent: Zimbabwe’s Gems netball team impressed new Ugandan advisor Fred Mugerwa as they push for World Cup qualification in Nairobi. Politics, constitutional debate: Tendai Biti attacks Joshua Maponga’s CAB4 plan for an indigenous monarchy, warning it would undermine Zimbabwe’s republican system. Crime and safety: Police are investigating a Zimbabwean woman’s death in Pretoria and report a separate case of a Gwabalanda man accused of stealing a car at ZITF. Economy, infrastructure: Zimbabwe seeks an Afreximbank loan to revive NRZ, aiming to buy locomotives and wagons and repair ageing rail lines. Health, housing and governance: Councils are ordered to crack down on “poor buildings,” while Harare’s vendor restrictions and other local enforcement measures continue to draw attention. International sport: India’s Abhishek Sharma smashed a 30-ball T20I century as they swept Afghanistan 3-0, dominating headlines across the region.

Digital Inclusion: Zimbabwe Council for the Blind says most local websites are still hard for people with visual impairment to use, with images often missing descriptions; the ministry also urged designing digital systems with disabled users from the start. Health Access in Binga: Save the Children is bringing integrated health, nutrition and protection services closer to remote communities in Binga, targeting families more than 30km from clinics. El Niño Food Shock: Government says cereal output for 2026/27 may fall to 1.6m tonnes from 2.68m, prompting higher food imports and resilience steps including grain reserves, climate-smart production and early-warning support. Corruption Fight (SADC): ZACC is hosting the SADC Anti-Corruption Expo and Games in Victoria Falls, with about 800 delegates expected and a push for a regional front against graft. Regional Aviation Links: Zimbabwe praised the SADC VSAT network for improving aviation safety and communications, urging deeper regional integration through better connectivity. Investors & Ease of Doing Business: Ecobank Pan African Bank opened a new Harare head office as Mnangagwa reiterated that barriers to investment are being removed. Local Governance: Bulawayo councillors debated early-morning street sweeping and tougher handling of night litter from vendors and trucks. Sports: ZIFA urged fans to pack the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ 2027 AFCON qualifier against DR Congo on September 28.

Zimbabwe Food Security: Cabinet says Zimbabwe will boost cereal imports as El Nino threatens a drop in 2026/27 output to 1.6m tonnes, with private grain imports allowed and resilience steps including a stronger strategic grain reserve. Diplomacy Reshuffle: The Netherlands will close its Harare embassy as part of a wider network overhaul, with Dutch interests handled via neighbouring missions. China-Zimbabwe Ties: The Chinese Embassy marks the PRC’s 77th founding anniversary in Harare, highlighting major cooperation projects and industrialisation push. Crime & Courts: A Mberengwa woman jailed effectively eight years after a traditional razor cut to a child’s tongue led to death; in Harare, a woman accused of biting her husband’s testicle over an alleged affair is remanded pending bail. Regional Security: Russian-linked recruitment networks are accused of using former Zimbabwe security personnel to lure youth for Ukraine war deployments. Public Procurement: PRAZ rolls out the National Standard Price List to curb overcharging in public tenders. Sports: ICC T20I rankings update sees Abhishek Sharma rise to No. 2 and Varun Chakravarthy to No. 5 after India’s Afghanistan series.

ODI Cricket in Harare: Australia kicked off the three-match series with a 59-run win over Zimbabwe after Matt Renshaw struck a maiden ODI century (109) and Nathan Ellis took 5/31, while Newman Nyamhuri made history as the youngest Zimbabwean to claim an ODI five-for. Bulawayo Waste Crisis: Mayor David Coltart called an emergency council meeting over a government directive pushing Bulawayo to work with Geo Pomona for waste management, with residents and civic leaders warning of poor consultation. T20I Series—India vs Afghanistan: India sealed the series and now heads into the dead rubber in New Delhi with talk of giving fringe players a chance, as Sanju Samson’s explosive 57 and Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rehab return keep the spotlight on selection battles. T20I Rankings Boost: Varun Chakravarthy climbed to fifth, Bumrah entered the top 10, and Abhishek Sharma rose to No. 2 after strong performances. Tourism & Investment: SECZ is pushing for capital-market tools so Zimbabweans and pension funds can invest directly in tourism assets, as the sector’s investment momentum grows. Mnangagwa Birthday Politics: Wicknell Chivayo pledged US$2m to 40 families of fallen national heroes ahead of Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday celebrations.

ODI Series Shock: Australia took a 1-0 lead over Zimbabwe with a 59-run win at Harare Sports Club, powered by Matt Renshaw’s maiden ODI century (109) and Nathan Ellis’ first ODI five-wicket haul, while Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235 chasing 295. Women’s Cricket: Laura Wolvaardt struck 126* as South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 80 runs in the third T20I in Bulawayo to seal a 3-0 series sweep. Police Clarify Name Mix-Up: Zimbabwe Republic Police said the wanted armed robbery suspect dubbed “Mambo Dhuterere” is not the gospel musician Mambo Dhuterere, after arrests linked to robberies in Ruwa, Rusape and Harare. Crime and Justice: A South African court sentenced a man to two life terms for trafficking and repeatedly raping a 12-year-old Zimbabwean girl abducted from Chipinge. Human Rights: Zimbabwe’s ZNA paid US$23,500 compensation to a Bindura assault victim after a High Court ruling over alleged soldier abuse during Covid-19 lockdown enforcement. Economy Watch: The World Bank warned unreliable electricity is costing Zimbabwe about 6.1% of GDP each year, while the AfDB said mining royalties contribute only around 3% of state revenues. Street Trading: Harare vendors resumed trading despite a government directive to vacate illegal vending sites, setting up another standoff with authorities.

Munhumutapa Day & Mnangagwa Holiday: Zimbabwe marks President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday today as Munhumutapa Day, now a permanent public holiday under SI 148 of 2026, with large crowds expected in Mvurwi for the celebrations. ZITF Governance: The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company has appointed a new eight-member board, keeping Dr Busisa Moyo as chair, as the fair pushes to deepen trade and investment. Cricket—Zimbabwe vs Australia: Australia won the toss and chose to bat in the 1st ODI at Harare Sports Club, with Mitchell Marsh leading in his 100th ODI and Zimbabwe fielding Sikandar Raza as captain; the match also features a major milestone as Brendan Taylor breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the longest ODI career span. Sport—Proteas Women: Nthabiseng Nini shines on her Proteas Women debut, taking 3/17 as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 116. Crime—Beitbridge: Police report two men shot dead at Beitbridge Truck Stop, with an unlicensed firearm recovered. Public Safety/Health: Authorities and media highlight ongoing debate on healthcare regulation (SI 330), warning reforms must not shrink capacity needed by patients.

Munhumutapa Day & Youth Housing: President Mnangagwa leads Munhumutapa Day commemorations in Mvurwi on Tuesday, with plans for a 259-hectare youth housing scheme and an expected 100,000+ turnout. Local Governance & Vendors: Chitungwiza orders informal traders to clear streets by September 17, warning of forcible eviction; the move follows wider crackdowns on illegal vending. Water Crisis in Bulawayo: Bulawayo residents face continued water cuts as reservoir levels are rebuilt after electrical faults disrupted pumping and the city’s water-shedding programme. Health Funding Crunch: A US$2.7m hospital debt is blamed for NatPharm medicine shortages, with basic drugs like paracetamol and critical antibiotics reported unavailable or running out. Bulawayo Waste Dispute: Residents and civic groups reject a ministerial directive pushing a fast-track agreement with Geo Pomona over Richmond Landfill (Ngozi Mine), arguing due process and procurement rules are being bypassed. Politics in Zanu PF: Reports say tensions are growing within Zanu PF after a Harare provincial executive member allegedly suggested the province stop taking instructions from party headquarters. Sports—Warriors AFCON Qualifiers: Coach Ramon Catala names Zimbabwe’s squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, starting away to Sierra Leone on September 24 and hosting DR Congo on September 28. Cricket—ODI World Cup Build-Up: Australia’s ODI World Cup defence planning ramps up with a Zimbabwe tour starting Tuesday at Harare Sports Club, as the squad juggles form and selection ahead of next year’s tournament. Court—Glen Lorne Wetland: Glen Lorne residents secure a court order halting a Chinese developer’s wetland construction while their legal challenge continues.

Zimbabwe Cricket & Australia ODIs: Sikandar Raza is named captain for Zimbabwe’s 15-member ODI squad for the Australia series at Harare Sports Club (15, 18, 20 September), with Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga ruled out through injury and Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer returning. Mining & courts: Redwing Mine rejects a corporate rescue notice, calling it false and defamatory, and says it will pursue civil and criminal action. Parliament & governance: MPs raised procurement rot after Dorowa Minerals paid about US$1.4m for specialised equipment that was never delivered, while Senate debates pushed for mining companies to repair roads they damage. Economy & finance: Ecobank Zimbabwe opens a new Harare head office, marking 40 years since its founding and 15 years in Zimbabwe. Health: Zimbabwe’s health authorities confirm a recall of Nifedipine 10mg tablets over quality concerns, with affected batches ordered withdrawn at retail level. Local culture & entertainment: Mrs Universe Africa Sibonelo Khupe calls for transparency in pageantry rules and judging; Bulawayo-born musician Lemoniq brings her “Going High” message to Harare on 19 September. Sports (regional): Proteas captain Bjorn Fortuin praises a “complete performance” after South Africa’s ODI sweep of Namibia.

Zimbabwe Cricket & Australia ODIs: Sikandar Raza is set to captain Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI series against Australia at Harare Sports Club, with Richard Ngarava ruled out by injury. Veteran Graeme Cremer and Brendan Taylor return to the squad as Zimbabwe fine-tune for the first ODI on Tuesday. Proteas sweep in Namibia: South Africa wrapped up a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Namibia in Windhoek, with Jordan Hermann (77) and Connor Esterhuizen (68*) starring in the chase. Women’s cricket: South Africa Women beat Zimbabwe Women by 64 runs in the second T20I in Bulawayo, despite Christina Mutasa’s unbeaten 30. Human rights tragedy: Zimbabwe’s Human Rights Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva died after an alleged axe attack by his wife, with the case sparking intense national debate. Resource nationalism: Zimbabwe has suspended tungsten exports as the US and UK tighten controls and buyers look for alternatives to China’s dominance. Xenophobia in South Africa: Two more Nigerians were killed in xenophobic violence, bringing the death toll linked to the attacks to seven. Sports abroad, but Zimbabwe ties: Olympic flame arrives in Senegal, with IOC head Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe speaking at the event.

China-Zimbabwe Public Service Tech Push: ZIPAM says it will modernise its infrastructure and expand university links after lessons from a China seminar on green and smart city administration. Mining Green Transition: China’s mining conference spotlighted autonomous trucks and smart systems, with one Zimbabwe project cited for cutting costs via clean-energy supply. Local Benefits From Minerals: Youth Accountability Initiative warns that mining must deliver jobs, skills and value addition for communities, not just extraction profits. COMESA Trade Drive: Zimbabwe exported US$222m to COMESA last year (+10.4%); ahead of the Oct 22 Harare summit, a business forum will push deeper regional value chains. Health Recall: Zimbabwe’s health ministry recalls two batches of Nifedipine 10mg tablets (112033, 117367) after MCAZ quality checks; patients urged to check batch numbers and consult facilities. Crime Watch: A Zimbabwean truck driver was arrested in Cape Town with 41,000 mandrax tablets worth about R2.05m. Sports: Scottland FC reached the next CAF Champions League round after a 0-0 draw in Eswatini (1-0 aggregate).

Cabinet & loyalty shake-up: President Mnangagwa is reportedly weighing a Cabinet reshuffle after 14 MPs failed to back Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), with ministers and deputy ministers among those facing possible firing over “disloyalty.” Media & gender commissions: Mnangagwa has appointed new members to the Zimbabwe Media Commission and Zimbabwe Gender Commission, completing constitutional requirements for oversight of media and gender matters. Education law back to Parliament: Mnangagwa sent the Zimsec Amendment Bill back for further work, citing reservations over exam security and penalties, including new offences on modern cheating methods. Fuel prices: Blended petrol edges up to US$1.99/litre while diesel stays at US$1.95/litre, according to ZERA’s latest schedule. Health scare: Authorities recall specific batches of Nifedipine 10mg tablets over quality concerns, urging patients to check batch numbers and return affected stock. Tourism push: Great Zimbabwe draws crowds during Sanganai/Hlanganani, showing how domestic tourism can boost the wider economy. Sports—Warriors home tie: Zimbabwe Warriors host DR Congo Leopards in a crunch AFCON qualifier on September 28 at National Sports Stadium, with tickets now on sale.

First Aid in Migration: Zimbabwe Red Cross challenged young people in Bulawayo to treat first aid as a life-saving duty during World First Aid Day competitions, urging competitors to learn under pressure as communities face injuries and gaps in medical help. Proteas Women in Zimbabwe: Nthabiseng Nini made a stunning senior debut for South Africa, taking 3/17 and helping bowl Zimbabwe out for 116 before Anneke Bosch’s 83 off 43 powered a comfortable chase. Munhumutapa Day: President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s September 15 birthday has been declared an annual public holiday, formalised through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026. Government reshuffle: Mnangagwa effected major changes, appointing Tafadzwa Muguti as Permanent Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, and naming new leaders for key commissions including the Human Rights, Gender and Electoral commissions. Ngozi Mine pressure: Bulawayo’s Ngozi Mine dumpsite crisis is back in focus as Geo Pomona is pushed to replicate Harare’s waste-to-energy model, with government seeking a faster agreement with the city council. Court cases: A Chinese national was remanded over alleged 720-tonne lithium smuggling, while a Gweru man received 30 years for a fatal spear attack. Health and rights: Advocates highlighted the dangers girls face under Zimbabwe’s abortion laws after a survivor described a secret termination and lasting complications.

Bulawayo Informal Economy Gets a Boost: One Tap, a new commission-free super-app, launches in Bulawayo to bring ride-hailing, deliveries and trades like plumbing and beauty into one safer digital marketplace. Industrial Revival Push: CZI’s Ainah Dube-Kaguru urges a return to Bulawayo’s industrial heartland, citing low manufacturing capacity use and calling for stronger investment. Education Compliance in Focus: Matabeleland North school heads face a stern warning from Education Minister Torerayi Moyo over alleged defiance of rules, including sending learners home over fees. Youth Skills Over Substance Abuse: Tonganyika Trust graduates 276 Makoni South youths with practical life and vocational skills aimed at steering them away from drugs and crime. Energy and Jobs: Zimbabwe’s US$100m Mapanzure Solar Park in Zvishavane is taking shape, while a US$100m green solar deal with China-Zim Green Energy promises major grid support. Mining and Finance: Gold deliveries rise to 5.11 tonnes in August, and Unki completes its first full IRMA renewal audit. Governance and Rights: Government rolls out child online protection measures with Wi-Fi gateways plus training for teachers and parents. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Officials say sports tourism could drive both domestic and international travel, with major events and facilities key to growth. Health and Prevention: Nac calls for renewed HIV prevention focus, warning that treatment is not a cure. Crime and Safety: Police investigate the mysterious death of a Roman Catholic priest, while Bulawayo authorises a pauper mass grave for unclaimed remains from an accident.

Munhumutapa Day Declaration: Zimbabwe has gazetted 15 September as a public holiday, Munhumutapa Day, through Statutory Instrument 148 of 2026—sparking fresh criticism that it ties the state to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s personal political agenda. Power and politics: Lawyer Thabani Mpofu warned the move could signal a push to alter Zimbabwe’s constitutional order. Energy and cost of living: ZERA hiked the maximum LPG price to US$1.76/kg (from US$1.68/kg), effective September 8, adding pressure to household budgets. Digital payments crackdown: The RBZ shut down ghost, fictitious and duplicate mobile money wallets after linking Civil Registry data to subscriber records. Parliament fuel row: MPs questioned the value of mandatory ethanol blending, arguing ethanol costs more than imported petrol. Crime and justice: ZHRC Commissioner Dr Martin Muduva died after an alleged domestic dispute; his wife reportedly took rat poison. In South Africa, a Zimbabwean was arrested in Hillbrow over alleged fake SA smart ID recruitment schemes. Bulawayo: Government directed Bulawayo City Council to bring Geo Pomona to transform Richmond Landfill (Ngozi Mine). Sports—women’s cricket: Lady Chevrons captain Josephine Nkomo and Sharne Mayers return for the five-match T20I series vs South Africa in Bulawayo starting September 11. Sports—men’s cricket: India confirmed Jasprit Bumrah is cleared; Yash Thakur replaces injured Harshit Rana for Afghanistan T20Is and the Asian Games. Road safety: A Greenhorse 75-seater bus overturned on the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road; no deaths reported.