AGP Executive Report

Beauty & Advocacy: Roseanna Hall was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 in Harare, winning after judges praised her communication, confidence and mental-health advocacy—while the night also sparked debate after Temba Mliswa’s US$100 cash-splash stage invasion stole attention from the winner. Constitutional Politics: Parliament’s CAB3 debate is heating up, with critics alleging a coordinated Zanu-PF push, procedural bias and intimidation claims as MPs argue over term extensions and changes to presidential elections. Public Safety & Rights: Government and civil society are trading accusations over drone use for monitoring motorists and political protesters, as xenophobia tensions in South Africa continue to drive fears and repatriations of Zimbabweans. Culture & Community: Bulawayo’s “men behind the masks” theme spotlights emotional health and healing through the arts, while Chegutu invests nearly US$30,000 into an arts centre cultural village to boost tourism. Health & Life Skills: Epworth’s unsafe abortion realities are laid bare, and NAC-led HIV efforts in Khami Prison show resilience despite overcrowding. Sports & Youth: Harare marks World Bicycle Day to revive cycling culture; AFMinZ uses sport to tackle drug abuse; and Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors and Copper Queens push into finals in Zambia.

Cancer Care Upgrade: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube toured Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo and pledged Zimbabwe will acquire the full range of radiotherapy and cancer diagnosis machines, funded by the sugar content tax; the first batch is already arriving and installation is underway. Water Woes: Despite a wet rainy season, Bulawayo and Harare still face persistent water shortages, with residents continuing to endure rationing and health fears. Ubuntu Spotlight: Chikondi Mpokosa is profiled for keeping Ubuntu alive through youth and community development work, especially for girls’ education and vulnerable groups. Sports & Pride: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors booked the 4Nations final after beating Lesotho 3-1, while preparations for the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon are in full swing with 5,000+ runners confirmed. Culture on Screen: The Sizolobola film explores love and lobola across Shona and Ndebele traditions, premiering 4 July and streaming from 10 July on Africin. Regional Recognition: Zimbabwe won first runner-up in the Best International Stand category at Zambia Travel Expo, highlighting heritage and gastronomy. Youth Scholarships: Bridging Gaps Foundation awarded 20 fully funded medicine and law scholarships at the University of Zimbabwe for vulnerable, high-achieving students. Migration Tensions (Regional): Reports from South Africa suggest no surge in requests to return home despite anti-immigrant crackdowns, while Zimbabwe watches the fallout closely.

Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe’s Copper Queens set up a Four Nations final against the Mighty Warriors after beating Lesotho 3-1, while the Mighty Warriors named their starting XI for the semi-final against Lesotho in Ndola. Cultural Exchange: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, spotlighting Zimbabwean traditions and hospitality. Faith & Community: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “Eternal Happiness” convention opens in Harare with free admission and sessions across Shona, English and Zimbabwe Sign Language. Arts & Heritage: Harare province Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals run at Werras Park Club, feeding into the national dance festival in July. Lifestyle & Health: NAC expanded HIV and NCD outreach at Khami Maximum Prison, boosting peer education and access to primary care. Society & Rights: Harare’s demolition blitz looms with 5,000 homes targeted under multiple High Court orders, while debate continues around selective solidarity in opposition politics. Migration & Safety: South Africa unrest drives displacement, and Zimbabwe says it won’t assist citizens facing deportation after ZEP expiry.

Smart Tech & Policing: Government rolled out an AI-powered Electronic Traffic Management System to detect and fine offences like speeding and red-light running, feeding data to the Central Vehicle Registry and ZRP for automated penalties. UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe secured a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–2028, with the UK pledging close cooperation as Harare prepares to take up the role. Constitutional Debate: Opposition MPs and activists continue to challenge CAB3, arguing it risks constitutional betrayal and undermines democratic checks. Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence is driving repatriation moves, while Zimbabwe and neighbours urge caution as regional governments respond to displacement fears. Culture & Arts: Bulawayo percussionist Lewis Ndlovu gifted President Mnangagwa a custom drum for National Culture Month, and UK-based Zwa Gapara is set to launch immersive project “Overloaded Mind” in Leicester. Youth, Education & Health: Treasury released 50% of Zimbabwe School of Mines funding, while NAC reports Bulawayo remains on track in HIV response through community-led awareness in places like Umguza. Mining & Environment: planetGOLD Zimbabwe begins work to cut mercury use in artisanal gold mining and support traceable, safer supply chains. Sports: Davis Cup Africa Group IV is set for Nairobi with Zimbabwe among the eight nations, and TelOne launched the Mambo High School Football Academy in Gweru.

Xenophobia & Repatriation: Nigeria has started arrangements to evacuate and voluntarily repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa after fresh anti-foreigner hostility, with screening and registration underway. Corruption & Transport: A joint probe in South Africa exposed a vehicle registration and licensing scheme that allegedly let foreign nationals use falsified documents and expired visas, with most records not matching immigration data. Politics & Activism: Nelson Chamisa welcomed Madzibaba veShanduko after his release from an eight-month jail ordeal, as debate continues over accountability and political silence. Health & Youth: Shamwari YeMwanasikana raised alarm over 518 child pregnancy cases in Bubi, calling for stronger prevention and protection measures. HIV Response (Bulawayo/Umguza): NAC says Bulawayo remains on track in HIV targets, while community-led awareness in Umguza is boosting stigma reduction and prevention service uptake. Culture & Community: Makokoba Music Festival returns in September with a “Home Grown” focus on local talent, youth skills and community impact. Faith & Peace: Indigenous churches urged nationwide prayers for peace as Parliament debates CAB3. Sports & Development: TelOne launched the Mambo High School Football Academy in Gweru, linking education with elite training. Education & Inclusion: CURE Children’s Hospital is offering free surgeries for children with disabilities across Matabeleland South. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe was elected unopposed to the UN Security Council, while Austria and Portugal won seats and Germany failed in its bid.

Sanctions & Politics: The US imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and others, escalating pressure amid threats of military action and an energy blockade that has worsened blackouts and shortages. Digital Education Sovereignty: Zimbabwe’s Frederick Shava pushed a five-point plan at eLearning Africa in Accra, urging African governments to build local education tech, data infrastructure and AI in indigenous languages. Women’s Livelihoods Under Pressure: Rural women face rising police crackdowns on electric tricycles, with registration and licence fees hitting hardest where incomes are lowest. Gender & Rights Debate: Parliament’s Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (CAB3) debate continues, with critics challenging claims of overwhelming public support and warning that moves affecting the Zimbabwe Gender Commission could roll back gender gains. Culture & Youth: Children from Zimbabwe and China filled Harare’s Chinese embassy open day with music, dance, calligraphy and games, linking culture to learning. STEM Futures & the Digital Divide: A new report highlights how limited access to electricity, computers and internet is shaping Zimbabwean girls’ STEM pathways. Community Activism: A Gwanda youth-led menstrual hygiene drive is helping girls stay in school by tackling period poverty. Sports & Pride: Zimbabwe unveiled men’s and women’s volleyball squads for the LA28 Olympic qualifier in Harare, with matches against Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

Churches & climate shocks: Heavy rains after drought have devastated Anabaptist churches across Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, destroying homes, crops and roads and raising cholera risks as communities respond with chlorine and well-cleaning. UN diplomacy with Zimbabwe in the mix: Austria, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, Zimbabwe and first-timer Kyrgyzstan won seats on the UN Security Council for 2027-28, while Germany suffered a “historic” setback. Xenophobia fallout across the region: Mozambique says five citizens were killed in South Africa “xenophobic attacks,” but South African police confirm only two deaths in Mossel Bay, underscoring a fast-growing diplomatic dispute. Women in mining: ZASWMA pushes women miners’ empowerment through regional networking and exchange programmes, highlighting their growing role in artisanal mining. Disability & livelihoods: A Norton woman living with disability is profiled for growing and selling mushrooms, turning online training into real income. CAB3 security concerns: Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 debate was adjourned early after MPs reported threats, with Parliament citing added security arrangements. Creative economy warning: YouTube’s purge of AI-generated channels is flagged as a wake-up call for Zimbabwean creators relying on automated content. Renewables debate: Stakeholders argue Zimbabwe’s energy transition must be built on community ownership and inclusive governance, not just new infrastructure. Bulawayo HIV “last mile”: NAC says high-impact, low-cost interventions are scaling down HIV cases in Bulawayo as the country targets ending AIDS by 2030.

Rugby on TV: CANAL+ has secured Sub-Saharan Africa broadcast rights for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, with matches staying on SuperSport for DStv/GOtv viewers—good news for fans as Zimbabwe and South Africa gear up for the expanded 24-team 2027 tournament. Gender in sport: The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 countries to push safer sport, women’s leadership, safeguarding, and funding for women’s competitions. Mbira spotlight: Creatives and cultural custodians were honoured at the Baradzanwa Mbira Festival, with praise for mbira heritage champions and calls for stronger recognition at national arts awards. Church and development: Zimbabwe’s church leaders met President Mnangagwa to discuss the Church’s role in peace and national development. Climate funding gap: A new policy book launch in Harare highlights Zimbabwe’s US$4.8bn climate finance shortfall and urges better accountability in energy transition and ecofeminist approaches. Constitution debate: Parliament tabled a report claiming 99.4% support for Mnangagwa’s term-extension bill—while critics question the legitimacy of the public consultation. Health & youth: ZNNP+ in Umguza launched reusable pad-making training for adolescent girls, linking menstrual health with income skills.

Constitution Debate: Zimbabwe’s Parliament is set to debate a bill to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, lengthen presidential terms, and shift to parliament-appointed leadership—sparking opposition from activists, war veterans and churches. Housing & Human Dignity: Demolitions in Harare’s Stoneridge and other areas are leaving families homeless, with critics saying authorities are repeating the cruelty of Murambatsvina by prioritising “order” over people. Culture & Creative Life: Poetess Sonkomose reflects on performing praise poetry at National Culture Month celebrations, while ZWIM’s launch spotlights women in manufacturing and value addition. Civic Access: Parliament and ZPCS sign an MoU to build 210 Constituency Information Centres to boost civic education and access to parliamentary processes. Menstrual Health: ZNNP+ launches a reusable pad-making training drive in Umguza, equipping adolescent girls with skills and income potential. Regional Education Tech: Higher education minister Frederick Shava attends eLearning Africa in Accra, pushing for African-led digital learning systems. Sports on TV: DStv confirms Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 women’s rights on SuperSport, bringing Zimbabwe and South Africa into the spotlight. Online Harassment: Mai TT is named a complainant in a new cyberbullying case against Patricia Jack, remanded pending bail. Migration Tensions: Anti-foreigner violence in South Africa’s Western Cape has displaced foreign nationals and triggered repatriation plans, while Zimbabweans report increased travel home.

Constitutional Politics: Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi tabled the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill in Parliament, setting up debate on sweeping changes including extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and shifting presidential elections to Parliament. Youth & Child Protection: Cabinet approved the National Youth Policy (2026–2030) targeting NEETs, young women, youths with disabilities, substance abuse cases and vulnerable children, while also greenlighting the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030) to safeguard children online. Women in Industry: Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing was launched in Harare to push women into formal manufacturing by tackling barriers like finance, tech and market access. Rural Livelihoods Under Pressure: An e-tricycle crackdown is hitting rural women hard, with registration and licensing costs far beyond many riders’ reach. Health & Safety: Drug and alcohol abuse is being linked to rising mental health challenges among children, as authorities push demand and treatment measures. Culture & Community: Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance finals crowned provincial winners, feeding into the national stage. Environment: Veld fires are spreading faster and causing deeper losses, with communities reporting repeated destruction.

Traditional Dance Spotlight: Matabeleland South’s Bolamba Culture Birds and Mashonaland East’s Marondera Gure Art Group won their provincial Chibuku Neshamwari finals, earning spots in the national showdown. Faith & Community Values: Churches were urged to strengthen family unity and social cohesion as Zimbabwe pushes toward Vision 2030, with calls for more community development beyond sermons. Climate Governance: Government and ActionAid say climate change is now a governance and economic issue, demanding reforms that link climate action to public finance and development planning. Engineering for Development: The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers urged local engineers to keep driving industrialisation and to register with professional bodies for safety and standards. Prison Welfare: Midlands’ Devolution Minister Owen Ncube donated food and cement to Kwekwe Prison inmates, framing it as rehabilitation support. Youth & Funeral Dignity: Binga youth launched a drive for affordable funeral cover and dignified burials. Green Energy in Cities: Millennium Heights in Harare installed a 1MW solar plant to power the estate and cut grid reliance. Women in Industry: China’s zero-tariff access push coincided with the launch of Zimbabwe Women in Manufacturing (ZWIM), betting on duty-free export opportunities for women-led firms. CAB3 Court Challenge: MPs faced court papers over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, with critics pushing for a referendum. Polio Alert: Bulawayo began a four-day polio vaccination campaign for children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak linked to earlier transmission. Caregiving Debate: UCC hosted a conference urging Africans to rethink caregiving roles, especially women’s burdens, and how care is valued in families and institutions. Xenophobia Fallout (Regional): Reports of killings tied to anti-migrant violence in South Africa sparked renewed calls for repatriation support and accountability.

Constitutional crisis: A fresh legal challenge to CAB3 is pushing Zimbabwe’s referendum debate back into the spotlight, with activist Youngerson Matete asking the courts to block the amendment unless voters approve it directly. Culture behind bars: At Shurugwi Female Prison, inmates marked Culture Month with drums, dance, poetry and traditional food—proof that heritage can restore dignity even inside prison walls. Drug crackdown in Bulawayo: Police arrested 39 suspects in two weeks and shut down an illegal rehab centre, as authorities move to expand treatment and reintegration options. Education pressures: The education ministry is treating HIV, teen pregnancies, gender-based violence and substance abuse as a national crisis, while also warning parents against fee evasion that undermines learners’ right to education. Health funding boost: Sugar tax revenue is being used to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment, including new oncology machines rolling out to major hospitals. Creative sector: The Mitambo Theatre Festival returns in September, promising international participation and a “Converge” theme. Indigenous media support: Cultural Survival highlights its 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund grant partners, including Zimbabwe projects.

AI & Journalism: Editors across southern Africa are using AI for transcription, headline drafting and translation, but say human judgement and ethics still steer newsroom decisions. Church & Constitutional Law: Zimbabwe’s church bodies challenge the CAB3 Amendment No. 3 Bill, but a legal argument leans on the “binding authority” of a past Constitutional Court ruling. Youth & Local Governance: Masvingo swears in a new Junior Council for 2026–2027, with a handover from outgoing leaders and a focus on children and youth welfare. Humanitarian Leadership: CARE Zimbabwe appoints Delilah Takawira as its first local country director in 34 years, pushing “locally led” aid. Health & Midwifery: UNFPA and partners mark International Day of the Midwife with calls for more midwives to protect maternal and newborn health. Culture & Film: Locarno’s Open Doors Africa returns for a second edition, spotlighting African cinema through training and cross-border projects. Sports & National Pride: Zimbabwe’s Copper Queens set for the 4 Nations tourney in Ndola, starting with a Zimbabwe–Lesotho match. Migration & Xenophobia Debate: A viral “show your ID” cash-in-transit guard clip in South Africa fuels fresh arguments about xenophobia and tribalism. HIV Response: Zimbabwe says it’s in the “last mile” to end AIDS by 2030 despite funding cuts, leaning on prevention and local resources. Creative Industry: Cannes Lions names its 2026 shortlisting jury, including jurors from Zimbabwe for the first time.

Youth & Media: Zimpapers launches a Junior Media Club publication to mentor young student storytellers, with the first edition already out and set to grow into a standalone monthly digital platform. Women & Trade: Concord For Young Women in Business urges African women to take the lead in AfCFTA trade as a driver of growth, innovation and inclusion. Church & Community Building: Catholic bishops invoke a nine-day Novena over CAB3, while church leaders push “homegrown solutions” to strengthen church infrastructure through local fundraising and ownership. Sport & Social Cohesion: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa warns that violence and hooliganism have no place in Zimbabwean sport as football returns to the refurbished National Sports Stadium. Health Funding: Government moves to ring-fence sugar tax funds for health programmes, aiming to protect service delivery from diversion. Culture & Creativity: Bulawayo Arts Festival kicks off with gospel worship at Praises Go Up, and a separate feature spotlights how AI music is entering Zimbabwe’s everyday playlists. Justice & Safety: A man gets 25 years for killing his wife with a spade, and reports highlight families left homeless after demolitions at Warwick Farm.

Africa Day in London: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the UK, Christian Katsande, chaired a packed Africa Day event at Novotel Hammersmith, spotlighting Uganda’s gorilla heritage and popular dried fruits and spirits. Constitutional crisis (CAB3): Zimbabwe’s Catholic Church launched a nine-day Novena over CAB3, urging dialogue, human dignity, and an end to public office for private gain. Xenophobia and culture: Xenophobia fears forced Mwenje Mathole to cancel a South Africa concert, while Vusi Thembekwayo faced backlash over mixed xenophobia remarks. Arts & creativity: Bulawayo’s Art in the Country opened with over R100 000 in sales, and Winky D’s “One Big Party” sparked debate on politics, identity and culture. Music tech debate: Zimbabwean artists are grappling with AI music as Grace Wave’s AI-made track spreads widely. Public health & environment: Zimbabwe bans lead-based paint, and Hwange residents report a coal-polluted-water mystery illness linked to the Lukosi River. Local life & welfare: Warwick Farm families in Zvimba are left sleeping in the open after demolitions tied to a court order. Women’s health: Africa Women Summit’s Menstrual Hygiene Day drive distributed pads and pushed child protection. Sports governance: South Africa’s visa/flight mess drew sharp criticism from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

Schools Chess: Crystal Candy National Schools Team Chess Championship finals kick off at Marymount Teachers College, with nearly 800 learners from 150 schools across all provinces chasing a fully-backed route to the Africa Schools Chess Championship in Cape Town. Community & Environment: EMA’s EMS board praised Makonde communities for wetland restoration at the Ditchwe Wetland Integrated Management Project, including fencing to stop livestock trampling and protect biodiversity. Culture in Education: Zimbabwean children and their Chinese peers marked International Children’s Day at the Chinese Embassy in Harare with music, dance, calligraphy, mask painting and paper-cutting, under the China-Africa people-to-people exchange push. Lifestyle & Wellness: The Indian Embassy in Harare ran a yoga and wellness session at NUST in Bulawayo for 300+ students, teaching postures and breathing for stress and focus. Heritage Dance: Mbende Jerusarema takes centre stage at Mashonaland East Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals, spotlighting fertility-rooted oral heritage and community expression. Public Health & Care: Zimbabwe marked International Day of the Midwife with renewed calls for more midwives under “One Million More Midwives,” stressing training, retention and fair compensation. Sports & Identity: Zimbabwe’s Petina Gappah lands the Flora Nwapa Literary Society Award, adding another major African-gender studies milestone to her growing international profile. Road Safety Outcry: Residents intensify calls to fix the Harare–Chirundu Highway after it’s branded a “death trap,” with potholes, poor markings and fatal crashes driving an online petition. Justice Watch: ZACC arrested a Mutare teacher over a US$1,100 fake teacher jobs scam, while charges were dropped against Harare deputy mayor Rosemary Muronda and Zanu-PF’s Shadreck Mashayamombe in a separate US$100,000 land-deal fraud case. Music Loss: Zimbabwe-born DJ Oscar Nyathi was reportedly shot dead in South Africa, triggering tributes across the house music scene. Xenophobia Debate: South Africa’s anti-immigration marches are branded “Afrophobia” by Julius Malema, arguing migrants aren’t to blame for unemployment and collapsing services.