The Zimbabwean government has advised religious congregations to prevent minors from attending church services, following the easing of lockdown restrictions to Level 4 and allowing only vaccinated individuals to attend. This has led to confusion and dissatisfaction among churchgoers, as the age limit for vaccination eligibility was lowered to 14 years, excluding children below this age from attending services. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi reiterated that only fully vaccinated people are allowed in church. Parents and guardians have expressed their disagreement with the policy, citing religious doctrine and constitutional rights. Many have opted to continue with online church services to include their children in worship.

The article reports on the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority's (ZIMRA) actions against corruption within its ranks. In 2020, ZIMRA seized properties worth US$313,015 from officers who failed lifestyle audits or were implicated in corruption. The most significant case involved a ZIMRA employee whose property, valued at US$160,000, was forfeited by the High Court. This case marked ZIMRA's first successful civil forfeiture under the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act. Out of 61 lifestyle audits, 20 were completed, with four staff members failing. Additionally, 21 officers were arrested for corruption among 116 intelligence-based cases. ZIMRA was assisted by the Local Government Ministry and the Zimbabwe Republic Police's anti-corruption unit. The tax authority also investigated hotline cases and filed criminal charges in 57 cases, with 43 pending in court. Furthermore, 475 vehicles improperly cleared from 2015 to 2019 were recovered.

The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has reported that a low-income urban family of six in Zimbabwe requires approximately $41,235.93 per month to cover their expenses, which is a 4.84% increase from the previous month's requirement. This amount is equivalent to US$490 at the official exchange rate or US$317 on the street. The report highlights the financial strain on families, with costs for transport, rent, utilities, clothing, health, groceries, soaps, and detergents all increasing. In contrast, civil servants are earning around $17,000, which is insufficient to meet their needs. Teachers and war veterans have expressed their struggles with the low salaries, and some war veterans were arrested after demanding higher pensions from the Finance Minister.

Zimbabwean farmer and Mt Pleasant Legislator Allan Markham, along with two other applicants, has taken a land dispute to the High Court against several respondents including Augur Investments, businessman Kenneth Sharpe, and others. The dispute concerns a piece of land in Pomona Township that was transferred to Doorex Properties by the President of Zimbabwe. The respondents, represented by Scanlen and Holderness law firm, have argued that the applicants lack legal standing and have failed to obtain the necessary leave to sue the President. They contend that the proceedings are invalid and should be dismissed, citing a failure to comply with High Court Rules and a lack of direct interest in the land by the applicants.

The article reports on the environmental and health crisis in Fairview Estate near Mutare, Zimbabwe, where unregulated gold mills and cyanidation ponds are proliferating. These operations use cyanide and caustic soda to extract gold, which is contaminating the land and water, affecting both agriculture and local health. The death of three people and several livestock has been attributed to cyanide exposure. The community is concerned about the lack of protective measures for workers and the absence of environmental impact assessments. Despite the company directors of GGS Mining Syndicate disputing the claims, the villagers are demanding action, fearing further contamination and health risks. The situation is exacerbated by the Mines ministry's alleged complicity in the crisis, with reports of officials receiving bribes and ignoring complaints. The article highlights the tension between agricultural sustainability and mining activities in the region.

The Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) has delayed the renovation of substandard houses in Arda Transau Relocation Area, which were initially constructed by former diamond mining firms. Despite promises made last year to the villagers and officials from the Kimberly Process Certificate Scheme and the Ministry of Mines, ZCDC has not commenced the rehabilitation work. Villagers, represented by the Arda Transau Relocation Development Trust, and local officials have expressed their frustration over the unsafe living conditions and the unfulfilled promises. The former mining companies have blamed the construction issues on the contractors, and the ZCDC has cited procurement regulations and funding challenges as reasons for the delay. The State miner, which has not sold diamonds for seven months, is awaiting approval from the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe to proceed with the renovations, which are expected to be funded by future diamond sales.

The article reports a 15.9% increase in commercial cargo volume at Zimbabwe's entry and exit points in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year, according to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). ZIMRA cleared a total of 151,667 commercial cargos, with transit cargo increasing by 11.5% and locally bound cargo by 23.5%. The monthly average of commercial truck movement also saw an 11.5% increase. The rise is attributed to the exemption of commercial cargo from movement restrictions during the Covid-19 land border closures. Despite previous complaints from the Shipping and Forwarding Agency Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ) about delays in cargo clearance, the introduction of an automated pre-clearance system has improved the situation. SFAAZ's chief executive, Joseph Musariri, noted that the increase is partly cyclical due to businesses reopening after year-end closures and placing new orders, especially in manufacturing.

The High Court of Zimbabwe has issued an interdict preventing the Makoni Rural District Council (RDC) from evicting former farm workers and demolishing their homes in Nemaire village without a proper court order. The decision came after an urgent chamber application was filed by five applicants, former workers of Bingaguru Farm, who were represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The dispute arose when the Makoni RDC partnered with the Sports Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe, which began establishing structures on the land, threatening the residents' access to their homes. The RDC argued that the case was not urgent and that the residents were not lawfully occupying the land. However, Justice Isaac Muzenda dismissed these claims, stating that any actions affecting the applicants must comply with the law, and barred the RDC from eviction or demolition without legal authority.

The article by Kenneth Matimaire reports on the timber industry's performance in Zimbabwe during 2020. It reveals that the industry earned US$37.5 million from local and export sales, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Local sales amounted to ZWL$1.1 billion (US$13.4 million), while exports brought in US$18.1 million. The Timbers Producers Federation (TPF) reported that sawn and processed timber were the highest earners, followed by treated poles, and particle and fibreboard. The industry faced difficulties due to the pandemic, including logistical issues, market disruptions, and illegal settlements on timber lands. TPF's CEO, Darlington Duwa, highlighted the impact of Covid-19 on both the supply chain and demand, particularly noting the initial shutdown in South Africa, a major export market.

In Penhalonga, Manicaland province, ZANU PF councillor Cleopas Samanga and youths assaulted civic society leader Clinton Masanga over a report exposing illegal gold mining. The attack occurred during a media tour investigating the environmental impact of these activities. Clinton Masanga, who is also the director of Penhalonga Youth Development Trust, was accused of being an opposition agent and was threatened with further violence. The illegal mining activities are said to be sponsored by political elites and involve toxic waste dumping in rivers. Civic groups have demanded government accountability. The assault has been reported to the local police.

Marco Machona, a Zimbabwean based in South Africa and owner of the international clothing line Ruffcuts Wear, is expanding his business into the winery industry. The new wine, branded as Ruffcuts Harvest, will come in two varieties: Red and Sweet Red, and will be manufactured in Cape Town. The wine will be packaged in 5-litre containers, which are considered cost-effective for export purposes. Ruffcuts Harvest wine will be available in Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and other markets. The manufacturing process will be outsourced to the winemaker LA Africa. Machona also runs Machona Foods, a company that produces cooking oil and mealie meal in South Africa.

Thabani Patience Gambiza, known as Manjenjenje, has been named the country ambassador for The Sister Accord Foundation, an American organization aiming to unite and protect women globally. Gambiza, who founded the Thabani Patience Manjenje Foundation (TPMF) in 2016, expressed her commitment to promoting the foundation's message of love, peace, and empowerment. The Sister Accord Foundation, created by Sonia Myles Jackson, seeks to connect a billion women worldwide, offering education, fostering sisterhood, and combating bullying and violence against women. Manjenje's appointment aligns with her ongoing efforts through TPMF and her radio career to address various issues affecting women in Zimbabwe.

The Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe's prominent urban culture festival, is set to feature Dutch spoken word artist Smita James (SJ Poet) and Zimbabwe's Shaldo as headliners. The event, sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy, will showcase a virtual performance on September 21, streamed on the festival's social media platforms. The artists will address themes such as violence against women, climate change, and authoritarianism while also conveying messages of hope and social justice. The performance, titled 'Lost – A Spoken Word Journey', will also include other notable Zimbabwean poets. The festival, produced by Magamba Network, aims to promote urban culture, free expression, and positive activism, and has historically provided a platform for local and international artists.