Zimbabwes

Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that the Zimbabwean government is allegedly backing the controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo in his ambitious bid to supply over $400 million worth of medical drugs and equipment through his South African company, TTM Global Medical Exports (Pvt). This proposition, while highly lucrative, raises significant ethical and legal questions. Wicknell Chivayo, a name synonymous with both ambition and controversy, is officially listed as a director on the company’s website. TTM Global…

The Zimbabwe Gold: A New Chapter in Currency History The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) boasts that its latest currency, the Zimbabwe Gold—a gold-backed currency colloquially known as the “ZiG”—is underpinned by more than 100% in reserves. These reserves include 2.5 tons of gold and approximately $100 million in foreign assets. At first glance, such figures might inspire confidence in a nation long plagued by economic upheaval and inflation. But how genuine is this assurance? Enter the ZiG, Zimbabwe’s sixth…

Zimbabwe finds itself at a crucial crossroads, grappling with an enormous $21 billion debt—a burden that has effectively locked the country out of global financial markets since it defaulted way back in 1999. This predicament is not just a financial quagmire; it's a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of the nation. So, what does the future hold for a country seeking assistance from ten different nations? In a recent move to ameliorate its financial strife, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube,…

Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed vehement opposition to Zimbabwe's newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, labeling it as both "draconian" and "anti-citizen." This law, recently approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, imposes a surprising requirement: motorists must now secure a ZBC television and radio license in order to renew their vehicle licenses with the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) or obtain vehicle insurance. Imagine the average commuter, already juggling numerous…

“The public holds us accountable for delays and inefficiencies, yet how can we achieve miracles without the most basic resources?” This poignant statement from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association encapsulates the frustration felt by countless healthcare professionals across the country. In Zimbabwe, the healthcare system finds itself in a dire predicament. The nurses are not merely lamenting; they are articulating a crisis that transcends their immediate circumstances. Imagine being responsible for the well-being of 30…

Support for Zimbabwe's Debt Resolution Initiative: A Regional Imperative The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has boldly declared its support for Zimbabwe's debt resolution initiative, prioritizing it as a crucial endeavor for not just the nation itself, but for the entire southern African region. In an era where economic integration and trade are paramount, this development carries profound implications for the future of the region. During a poignant dialogue on the sidelines of the 2025 IMF/World Bank Group…

A wave of unease washes over both local and international human rights organizations as they grapple with the implications of a newly enacted law in Zimbabwe. Among these watchdogs is Human Rights Watch (HRW), which has raised alarms about the government's recent ability to deregister and confiscate the assets of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) they perceive to be acting in a “politically partisan manner.” Is this a necessary measure for national security, or a veiled attack on civil liberties? The law, known formally…

The tragic loss of Sungura musician Tatenda Pinjisi has ignited a firestorm of indignation regarding Zimbabwe’s ailing healthcare system. This intense response was sparked by a heartbreaking video that captured his desperate pleas for a simple painkiller, all while medical staff resorted to using cellphone flashlights to navigate through the darkness of a power outage. Pinjisi's untimely demise at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital followed a harrowing car accident near the Norton Tollgate as he made his way to Kadoma for a…

Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency, the ZiG, is veering toward a precipice—not due to rapid devaluation, but rather through a growing sense of irrelevance. This assertion comes from Imara Asset Management, recognized as Zimbabwe's oldest independent brokerage. The looming question is: Can a currency survive when it seems to fade into the background of economic activity? Unlike previous currency crises in the nation, which were often sparked by the destructive forces of hyperinflation, the problem with the ZiG seems to lie more…

In a notable shift within Zimbabwe's political landscape, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has named General Anselem Sanyatwe, formerly the commander of the Zimbabwe National Army, as the new sports minister. This decision comes in the wake of Kirsty Coventry’s recent election as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a role that necessitated her resignation from the ministerial post. Coventry’s transition to this prestigious position in Lausanne, the city synonymous with the Olympic movement, speaks volumes…