The larger aircraft will operate primarily on the high-traffic Harare–Johannesburg and Victoria Falls–Johannesburg routes throughout August and September, providing additional seat capacity as cross-border leisure and business travel intensifies during the peak season.

The move marks the first time fastjet Zimbabwe will operate the Airbus A320. It signals a potential shift in the airline’s long-term fleet strategy as it seeks to strengthen regional connectivity and support future expansion.

According to the airline, the temporary deployment of the aircraft is designed not only to address immediate demand pressures but also to serve as an operational evaluation of the aircraft type ahead of a possible permanent fleet upgrade in 2027.

Fastjet Zimbabwe Business Chief Executive and Country Head Donahue Cortes said the timing of the introduction aligns with the airline’s busiest period of the year.

“The August and September peak travel period presents an ideal opportunity for us to introduce the Airbus A320 into our operation. This additional capacity enables us to meet the increased demand on our busiest routes while maintaining the reliability and service standards our customers expect.”

The Airbus A320-200 offers significantly higher passenger capacity compared to the Embraer regional jets currently operated by fastjet Zimbabwe, giving the airline greater flexibility on routes that continue to record strong demand between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

For fastjet, the deployment also represents a strategic test of how a larger narrow-body aircraft would perform within its existing route network and future growth plans.

“Beyond supporting our immediate operational requirements, this deployment is an important strategic step. It allows us to evaluate the Airbus A320 within our network as part of our longer-term fleet development strategy. Subject to the outcome of this trial, we see the Airbus A320 becoming a permanent part of the fastjet Zimbabwe fleet from next year, supporting our continued growth and strengthening connectivity between Zimbabwe and the region,” said Cortes.

The trial comes as airlines across Southern Africa continue to adjust capacity and modernise fleets in response to recovering regional travel demand, growing tourism traffic and increased business travel between major economic hubs.

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A 23-day anti-drug walkathon spanning more than 580 kilometres from Beitbridge to Harare concluded on Wednesday with a renewed call for stronger rehabilitation services, community intervention and support systems to tackle Zimbabwe’s growing drug and substance abuse crisis among young people.

Held under the theme “Together We Rise, United We Heal,” the initiative sought to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse while encouraging affected individuals to seek help and communities to play a more active role in prevention and recovery efforts.

Organisers said the walkathon was designed not only to draw attention to the scale of the problem but also to spark conversations around rehabilitation, mental health support and the need for accessible treatment services across the country.

Participants traversed towns and rural communities along the route, holding awareness meetings, counselling sessions and advocacy activities aimed at educating young people and families about the risks associated with substance abuse and the importance of early intervention.

The walkathon, organised by Heal Us Zimbabwe in partnership with NetOne, ended at Africa Unity Square in Harare, where government officials, community leaders and anti-drug campaigners pledged to strengthen efforts to prevent substance abuse and support rehabilitation programmes.

Representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Margaret Nyakujara said the initiative complemented Government efforts to protect young people from drug abuse.

“This campaign shows what partnerships can achieve in protecting our youth and building healthier communities,” she said.

For organisers and participants, the journey reinforced the reality that drug and substance abuse is no longer confined to Zimbabwe’s major cities but is increasingly affecting communities across the country.

Heal Us Zimbabwe member Terrence Shenje, who took part in the walk, said the campaign exposed the extent of the challenge, particularly in areas where rehabilitation facilities remain scarce.

“The problem is everywhere, including rural communities where rehabilitation services are limited. People need support and guidance because drugs are never the solution,” he said.

Heal Us Zimbabwe Programmes Director Elton Ziki said the organisation would continue championing prevention, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives beyond the walkathon.

“We want young people to speak openly about drug abuse and encourage those affected to seek help,” he said.

NetOne Public Relations Officer Thamsanqa Luphahla said the telecommunications company partnered with the initiative because drug and substance abuse continues to affect communities and critical sectors of the economy.

“Drug abuse affects education, health and many other sectors of our economy. As NetOne, we want to ensure our communities are healthy and we will continue supporting initiatives that promote awareness, prevention and rehabilitation,” he said.

Zimbabwe has witnessed growing concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, prompting increased calls for investment in rehabilitation centres, community support programmes and preventative education.

Organisers said the walkathon was intended to demonstrate that addressing the crisis requires a collective response involving government, the private sector, communities and young people themselves.

As the walkers crossed the finish line in Harare, the message remained clear: awareness alone is not enough without rehabilitation services, community support and sustained action to help those struggling with addiction rebuild their lives.

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The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has launched an awareness campaign targeting content creators, social media influencers, celebrities and bloggers amid growing concern over the illegal promotion of medicines on digital platforms.

MCAZ Public Relations and Communications Manager Davidson Kaiyo said the regulator had observed an increase in social media personalities advertising medicines without understanding the legal requirements governing such promotions.

He said influencers had become powerful voices in shaping public health decisions, influencing where people buy medicines and the treatments they choose.

“We have seen the proliferation of illegal advertisements of medicines on social media, mostly through influencers, celebrities and bloggers. They now carry significant influence in public health communication because they can affect how people use medicines, where they obtain them and what medicines they choose,” Kaiyo said.

Kaiyo said many influencers were unaware that the advertising of medicines is regulated under Zimbabwe’s Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act and its accompanying regulations.

“The advertising of medicines is governed by law. Most social media influencers are not aware of the legislation regulating these advertisements,” he said.

Rather than immediately pursuing legal action against those violating the law, MCAZ opted to engage content creators through dialogue and education.

“We realised that instead of going after them for prosecution, it would be more effective to engage them and raise awareness so they understand what is permitted under the law and what is not,” Kaiyo said.

He said the engagement brought together content creators and social media practitioners to discuss responsible advertising practices with the regulator.

Kaiyo described the discussions as productive, expressing hope that they would improve compliance with advertising regulations and strengthen efforts to protect public health.

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Comedian and social media personality Theophilus Gabriel Chigumira, popularly known as Mai Clifford has been fined US$200 or the ZiG equivalent and banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Chigumira, (30) of Vahombe Estate, Madokero was arrested after he was found driving under the influence of alcohol at the Newlands Roundabout along ED Mnangagwa Road in Harare on July 11.

The NPAZ said an alcohol test revealed that Chigumira had an alcohol concentration of 160mg per 100ml, which is more than three times Zimbabwe’s prescribed legal limit.

“He was subsequently charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol,” said NPAZ.

The Harare Magistrates’ Court fined Chigumira US$200 or the ZiG equivalent, payable on or before July 30 and prohibited him from driving for six months.

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Music offers the perfect metaphor: every chart-topper may have a brilliant lead voice, but it soars only because of the instruments, men and women behind it.

At WestProp, Ken Sharpe is the maestro, orchestrating a bold vision for Zimbabwe: communities where people live, work, shop, and play, built on the audacious goal of laying one billion bricks by 2050. Yet even the grandest symphony needs a conductor to bring the score to life.

That is where Mandla Ndebele, Chief Projects Officer, takes the stage. If Sharpe is the composer, Ndebele is the master arranger. The strategist who transforms vision into reality, ensuring every brick laid resonates with purpose and progress.

Ndebele thrives where the dust rises. His stage is the construction site, his instruments are logistics, engineering oversight, and supply chains.

Every brick laid in Pomona City, every tower rising at Millennium Heights, every road paved toward The Hills Luxury Lifestyle Estate carries his imprint.

He is the steady hand that keeps the rhythm, ensuring WestProp’s projects meet global standards and land on time.

For years, Mandla Ndebele has showcased his talent in Harare, helping turn the “Dubai in Harare” vision into reality.

Today, he carries an even greater challenge. The audacious task of extending that vision across Zimbabwe, transforming it into a nationwide blueprint for modern urban living.

What makes Ndebele stand out is not ego but harmony.

He does not seek to rewrite the melody. He perfects it.

His brilliance lies in execution, in supporting the vision and empowering the team around him.

For him, success is collective: the engineers, contractors, and executives all playing their part in WestProp’s corporate symphony.

In his own words he says: “I am a team player.

I wait for my turn and execute as per instruction of the maestro”.

Together, Sharpe and Ndebele prove that building a future-proof Zimbabwe is not a solo act.

It is a tightly choreographed performance. Vision and execution in perfect sync. And with Ndebele conducting on the ground, the music never misses a beat.

“I am responsible for project strategy, planning, procurement, construction delivery, compliance, and stakeholder engagement across a multi-billion-dollar development portfolio,” he says with the confidence of team player in tune.

His expertise covers the full project lifecycle, from land acquisition and master planning through financing, execution, regulatory compliance, and operational handover. Ndebele

“My passion resides in sustainable urban growth, affordable housing delivery, infrastructure-led development, and the transformation of African cities through innovative real estate solutions”.

Ndebele is particularly interested in leveraging technology, artificial intelligence, and modern construction methodologies to improve project efficiency and unlock new opportunities within the built environment.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he actively contributes to discussions on property investment, urban planning, housing delivery, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

His leadership philosophy is centered on execution excellence, long-term value creation, and building developments that positively impact communities and future generations.

Ndebele’s contribution has not gone unnoticed by WestProp’s “band leader,” chief executive Mr Sharpe, who describes him as one of the company’s greatest assets.

“Behind every vision and every success is a strong team. It is never about the individual. It is always about the team that supports the leader. Mandla has grown enormously
over the years, and what I admire most is his loyalty. He puts the company first, and his efforts always exceed his capacity.”

“If he feels he is lacking in one area, he pushes harder. That is what makes him a fighter. He never says no to a challenge. He is the kind of person you can rely on.”

Mr Sharpe says Mandla has been instrumental in delivering “our customer‑centric vision. He goes beyond what the customer expects and follows through on projects from conception to execution. His skills shine not only at the front face of the organisation but also in the back office, where he has worked with me to shape the future vision and pipeline of what is to come.”

Yet Ndebele’s impact extends beyond the frontlines.

His influence is equally felt in the back office, where he collaborates with Sharpe to shape the company’s future pipeline and strategic vision.

“His skills shine not only at the front face of the organisation but also in the planning side, where he has worked with me to develop the future vision of what is to come,” Sharpe adds.

In the grand orchestra of WestProp, Ndebele plays both the bold soloist and the steady rhythm section—driving execution while harmonising with leadership to compose the company’s next chapter.

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The state-owned telecommunications company which is celebrating its Pearl Anniversary says its transformation reflects Zimbabwe’s broader digital evolution from basic voice communication to high-speed mobile broadband, cloud services and emerging 5G technology.

Once weighed down by financial losses and ageing infrastructure, NetOne has undergone a dramatic turnaround under Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani.When he assumed leadership about five years ago, the company was technically insolvent, grappling with legacy systems, governance challenges and declining market confidence.

Audited accounts recorded substantial losses including US$40 million in 2022 while customers increasingly migrated to rival operators.

However, speaking at the company’s recent Annual General Meeting, Mushanawani said NetOne had returned to growth despite operating in a challenging economic environment.

The company reported a 62% increase in annual revenue and a 68% rise in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) with mobile data revenue more than doubling by 110%.

The growth, he said reflected changing consumer demand as Zimbabweans increasingly rely on digital platforms for education, business, entertainment and communication.

“We want to be the number one network. We are seeing ourselves being a US$1 billion company within the next five years,” Mushanawani said.

NetOne says it expects revenue to continue rising having grown from a projected US$160 million in 2024 to US$210 million in 2025.

To support that ambition, the company has accelerated network expansion, deploying 86 new base stations over the past year including hundreds of 4G LTE installations and new 5G sites.

The investment has strengthened coverage in underserved areas while laying the groundwork for future technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart agriculture and digital industries.

NetOne now accounts for more than 46% of Zimbabwe’s rural mobile base stations making it one of the country’s largest contributors to rural digital infrastructure.

The company says expanding connectivity in remote communities has helped improve access to education, healthcare, financial services and digital commerce.

Beyond telecommunications, NetOne has increasingly positioned itself as a technology partner supporting national development.
One of its flagship initiatives is the OneHealth Telehealth Programme, launched in partnership with the Office of the First Lady to improve access to healthcare in rural communities.

In October 2025, the company opened a virtual telemedicine hospital in Ntunungwe, Matabeleland South, allowing patients to consult doctors remotely through digital health technology.

“This Virtual Telemedicine Hospital is not just a booth—it is a hospital without walls; a medical bridge between Ntunungwe and the rest of Zimbabwe,” Mushanawani said at the launch.

“For many years, communities like Ntunungwe have faced challenges in accessing healthcare… But today, we stand together to say: help has come home.”

The company says it has since established more than 20 telehealth centres across Zimbabwe, with further expansion planned.

NetOne has also diversified into digital solutions for agriculture and mining providing mobile weather information, digital mapping and electronic claim management tools while partnering with government to improve digital skills among young Zimbabweans.

“Technology is now the new pickaxe,” Mushanawani said describing digital innovation as a pathway to new economic opportunities.

Corporate social responsibility has also become a key part of NetOne’s strategy.

The company has invested in computer laboratories, school infrastructure, solar energy projects, nutritional gardens, programmes supporting people with albinism and anti-drug awareness campaigns.

One of its largest recent interventions was the refurbishment of Mtetengwe Primary School in Beitbridge where it renovated classrooms, installed a solar-powered computer laboratory, drilled a borehole and established a nutritional garden.

Mushanawani said the interventions were intended to deliver lasting benefits rather than symbolic gestures.

“They are not symbolic—they are substantive,” he said.

His leadership has earned national recognition including the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year Award and the Overall Platinum Winner accolade at the Zimbabwe CEOs Network Awards.

Accepting one of the honours, Mushanawani said the achievements reflected the collective efforts of employees and stakeholders.

“I receive this recognition with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. While the award bears my name, it is a reflection of the collective efforts of the NetOne family, our Board of Directors, our valued customers and all stakeholders who continue to believe in our vision,” he said.

As NetOne marks three decades in operation, the company says its focus has shifted beyond connecting people to creating a digital ecosystem capable of supporting Zimbabwe’s long-term economic transformation.

“The first thirty years were about connecting Zimbabwe. The next thirty years will be about empowering Zimbabwe to thrive in the digital age,” the company said.

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A 51-year-old Ruwa man who allegedly impersonated a senior police officer to defraud a local security firm of US$1 080 has appeared in court.

Prosecutors claim Luka Fungurani posed as a Zimbabwe Republic Police Superintendent, promising he could renew the company’s firearm certificates.

Fungurani appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, charged with two counts of fraud and one count of impersonating a police officer.

The State, represented by Takudzwa Jambawo alleges that Fungurani misrepresented himself to the complainant claiming he could renew firearm certificates because he was a senior officer in the Zimbabwe Republic Police holding the rank of Superintendent.

As a result, Dhumisani Melsketcher Karakadzai, the director of Jerusalem Security Solutions (Private) Limited entrusted Fungurani with securing certificates for six of the company’s firearms: a 12-bore Mossberg, two CZ pistols, a .303 rifle and two 12-bore shotguns.

However, investigations established that Fungurani was not a police officer.

He allegedly issued Karakadzai fake certificates, defrauding him of US$1 080.

Nothing was recovered.

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More than 2 000 people have been arrested since the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) launched a nationwide operation targeting crime and traffic offences, authorities have said.

The operation, which began on 13 July is aimed at curbing serious criminal activity, improving road safety and strengthening law enforcement across the country.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the exercise forms part of the police’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order while protecting lives and property.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a nationwide operation targeting crimes of concern and traffic offences as part of its ongoing commitment to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and enhance road safety across the country,” Nyathi said.

He said the operation is targeting a wide range of offences including murder, attempted murder, robbery, unlawful entry, theft, stock theft, rape, kidnapping, assault, drug and substance abuse as well as smuggling.

Police are also focusing on road traffic violations including the operation of illegal commuter vehicles commonly known as mushikashika driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous overtaking, failure to obey traffic lights and other reckless driving offences.

To support the operation, the police have intensified patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises, compliance inspections and public awareness campaigns nationwide.

“To complement the operation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified patrols, roadblocks, stop and search blitz, compliance inspections and public awareness campaigns across the country. The public is therefore encouraged to observe the law, be responsible citizens and support police efforts in the fight against crime,” Nyathi said.

According to the police, 1 809 suspects were arrested on 14 July alone.

Among them were 63 people arrested for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs, 26 for theft, three for robbery, seven for unlawful entry and theft, one for murder and one for stock theft with the remainder facing various other charges.

Nyathi said the total number of arrests made since the launch of the operation had reached 2 069.

“The cumulative number of arrests since the commencement of the operation now stands at 2 069,” he said.

The police have appealed to members of the public to support the crackdown by reporting criminal activities and traffic offences to the nearest police station or through the National Complaints Desk.

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The City of Harare has urged residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding areas to remain vigilant following the outbreak of scabies, with health officials warning that children under the age of 12 account for the majority of reported infections.

In a statement, the City of Harare said the outbreak was first detected in mid-June 2026 and that public health teams had already intensified efforts to contain its spread.

“The City of Harare Health Department wishes to inform residents of Hopley, Stoneridge and surrounding communities of a scabies outbreak that was first detected in mid-June 2026. The majority of reported cases are among children below the age of 12 years,” the city health department said.

Health authorities described scabies as a highly contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow beneath the skin, resulting in severe itching, rashes and sores that can become infected if left untreated.

According to the City, the disease spreads primarily through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or by sharing contaminated clothing, bedding and towels.

“Residents who experience persistent itching, skin rashes, or other symptoms consistent with scabies are strongly encouraged to seek prompt medical attention at their nearest health facility,” read the statement.

It stressed that early diagnosis and treatment are essential to stop the disease from spreading further.

The local authority also called on household members and close contacts of infected individuals to undergo assessment and treatment where necessary to prevent re-infestation.

To reduce transmission, the City advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid sharing clothing, towels and bedding, wash personal items regularly in hot water, complete prescribed treatment and seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.

Meanwhile, the City said it had activated an emergency public health response with health teams already working in affected communities.

“The City of Harare Health Department has activated outbreak response measures, including enhanced disease surveillance, case management, health education, and community awareness campaigns. Health teams are working closely with affected communities to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission,” the statement said.

The City appealed for public cooperation as health officials work to bring the outbreak under control.

“The City of Harare urges all residents to cooperate with health personnel and adhere to the public health guidance provided by the rapid response teams,” it said.

Residents seeking further information or treatment have been encouraged to visit the nearest City of Harare clinic or other health facility as authorities continue monitoring the situation.

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