Government officials in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North province are considering a compensation scheme for villagers affected by human-wildlife conflict, particularly from elephants encroaching from Hwange National Park due to climate change. The province lacks a formal compensation policy, unlike neighboring Botswana. Discussions with the United Nations highlight the need for technical assistance and potential studies to address the issue. The UN acknowledges the problem, exacerbated by climate change and reduced tourism revenue due to COVID-19, and is exploring ways to help.

Several devolution bills, including the Provincial Councils and Administration Amendment Bill and the Urban Councils Amendment Bill, are pending in Zimbabwe's Parliament. Analysts and political figures criticize the slow progress and flawed nature of these bills, arguing that the central government is reluctant to relinquish control. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised legislative action, but skepticism remains high. Critics, including legal expert Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda and ZAPU's Patrick Ndlovu, highlight the government's unwillingness to implement devolution, linking it to a desire to maintain centralized power and control over resources.

The Zimbabwe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has taken legal action against the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) over the secretive translocation of young elephants, believed to be sold to a Chinese safari park. ZNSPCA has filed a criminal charge and sought urgent relief from the High Court of Zimbabwe, citing lack of transparency and cruel conditions during the elephants' transport. The animal rights group is also investigating the condition of the remaining elephants and has called for a full-scale investigation into the matter.

Young Zimbabweans are participating in a 14-day voluntary anti-poaching programme in Hwange, initiated by local tour operator Wisdom Bushe Neshav. The programme, which has trained 14 intakes since its inception in 2020, aims to educate the youth on wildlife conservation and the detrimental effects of poaching. Volunteers, including former poachers, learn to navigate the wild, track animals and poachers, and understand the value of wildlife. Despite financial challenges, the programme has successfully removed over a thousand wire snares, contributing significantly to wildlife protection in the region.

Bulelani Khumalo, despite legal and constitutional challenges, has been embraced by the people of Matabeleland as the King of the Ndebele. His ascendancy is seen as a revival of the Ndebele monarchy, filling a cultural and political void left since the colonial era. Public appearances and historical ties, such as with the Highlanders Football Club, have bolstered his acceptance. Analysts suggest that this reflects a growing cultural consciousness and a desire to reconnect with Ndebele heritage.

The Supreme Court dismissed the Citizens Coalition for Change's (CCC) appeal against a previous Electoral Court ruling, which declared that the opposition party failed to file their candidates' names for Bulawayo’s Provincial Council. As a result, CCC will have no representation in Bulawayo’s Provincial or Metropolitan Council, while Zanu PF candidates who stood unopposed will retain their positions. The CCC had argued that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) failed to keep a proper record of proceedings, but the court found their claims inconsistent and upheld the original ruling.

The construction of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, a critical infrastructure project in Matabeleland North, has been delayed due to alleged corruption and theft of materials by government officials. Despite starting in 1993, only 50 kilometers of the 155-kilometer road have been completed. Investigations by CITE revealed internal conflicts and accusations of material theft, which have been denied by senior officials. The Public Service Commission and the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry conducted investigations but found no conclusive evidence. The poor state of the road has led to numerous fatal accidents, highlighting the negative impact of corruption on public infrastructure and economic development.

The government has halted mining activities by the Mazinhue Syndicate at the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site following protests from local villagers. The villagers, supported by officials from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the site. The Matobo District Development Coordinator assured that no mining would occur, and the issue would be addressed through proper channels. The incident has raised concerns about potential corruption in the issuance of mining licenses in protected areas.

Zimbabwe's government is drafting a Statutory Instrument to ensure that revenue from hunting quotas is allocated to communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. The Minister of Environment, Mangaliso Ndlovu, emphasized the need to reward these communities, citing the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) laws. Concerns have been raised about the misappropriation of CAMPFIRE funds and the pricing structure for wildlife trade. The government aims to empower communities coexisting with wildlife, addressing issues like those raised by Matabeleland North legislator Lwazi Sibanda regarding the sale of elephants in Tsholotsho.

ZAPU has announced it will not participate in the planned July 31 protests due to concerns over public safety amid COVID-19 and potential violence from security forces. The protests, organized by opposition and civil society groups, aim to address public sector corruption in Zimbabwe's deteriorating economy. ZAPU criticizes the protest organizers for not engaging other opposition parties and for alleged corruption. The party emphasizes the need for strategic planning for sustainable solutions rather than short-term actions.

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has urged Zimbabweans in South Africa to return home to vote in the upcoming national elections on August 23, 2023. Malema pledged that the EFF would provide buses to transport them. He emphasized the importance of voting to elect a government that can uplift Zimbabwe from poverty. Malema also called on Zanu PF to avoid violence and intimidation, advocating for political tolerance and peace.

Eight individuals, including lawyer Farai Chauke, were denied bail in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe, for allegedly disobeying police orders to disperse from a banned Citizens Coalition for Change rally. They were charged under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act and are represented by Ross Chavi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. The Law Society of Zimbabwe condemned attacks on lawyers, referencing the assault on Obey Shava in Harare and the cyberbullying of Fadzai Traquino, highlighting a pattern of violence against legal practitioners.

The Zimbabwe Media Commission, in collaboration with UNESCO, has released a manual to guide journalists covering the upcoming elections in July. The manual aims to ensure journalists' safety and access to information, covering electoral systems, voting procedures, and post-election events. It also addresses media polarization by promoting ethical behavior and uniform standards. Despite its late release, the manual is seen as a positive step by various stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum and the Media Institute of Southern Africa. However, concerns remain about journalists' ability to vote and their safety while reporting, with calls for amendments to the Electoral Act and better engagement with law enforcement.

The article by Lulu Brenda Harris discusses the controversial decision by CITES to nearly ban the transfer of African elephants to zoos abroad, which has been met with opposition from Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, which has a significant elephant population and has been exporting baby elephants, voted against the resolution. The country's wildlife authority, ZimParks, claims the sales support conservation efforts, but the lack of transparency and accusations of misrecorded sales have raised concerns. Activist Sharon Hoole and others believe that the proceeds from elephant sales are not fully declared, with some funds potentially being misappropriated. The article also mentions the involvement of Eagle Italian Leather, a company allegedly linked to the trade and supplying goods to the Zimbabwean government. Conservationists and activists are fighting for transparency and have taken legal action to demand information on the elephant sales. The government's stance on the issue is to use wildlife sales to fund conservation, but the lack of clarity on financial transactions has been criticized.

Communities near Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park are facing increased human-wildlife conflict and cattle rustling. Predators such as baboons, crocodiles, elephants, and hyenas are attacking livestock, while thieves steal cattle to sell in Mozambique. Villagers are employing various strategies to protect their herds, including fortified kraals and active herding. The Gonarezhou Conservation Trust is working to reduce conflicts and support communities, while the Chiredzi South Rural District Council manages problem animals. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority assists in areas without the CAMPFIRE program. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with cattle rustling identified as a significant issue.

Environmentalists in Zimbabwe are urging the government to establish specialized environmental courts to effectively prosecute individuals responsible for igniting bush fires, known as veld fires, which have resulted in loss of life, property, wildlife, and domestic animals. The Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) has called for urgent action following the '10-10-10 Veld Fire Disaster' where ten men died fighting a fire. MIHR Coordinator Khumbulani Maphosa recommends harsher penalties for environmental crimes and the establishment of support mechanisms for community environmental defenders. The Ministry of Environment is working on amending the Environmental Management Act to address these issues, while the Environmental Management Agency has been educating citizens about the dangers of veld fires. Traditional leaders and government officials acknowledge the need for more punitive laws to deter such environmental crimes.

Zimbabwe faces a dilemma over its CITES membership, unable to fully benefit from its large elephant population due to a ban on ivory trade. Environment Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu explained that leaving CITES would prevent trade with primary markets like China and Japan, who are CITES members. Ndlovu emphasized the need to influence CITES for market access, especially since Southern Africa holds over 85% of the world's elephant population. The upcoming CITES conference in Panama is an opportunity for Zimbabwe to advocate for its position, focusing on science-led decisions rather than politics. Despite the challenges, Ndlovu acknowledged the conservation successes achieved through CITES, including curbing poaching and saving bird species.

Communities near Zimbabwe's wildlife areas are seeking government compensation for economic losses due to crop and livestock damage by wild animals. The government recently approved payments for victims of human-wildlife conflict, covering death, maiming, and injuries, but not economic losses. A specialized unit within the Department of Parks and Wildlife will manage the relief fund, financed by hunting revenues. Villagers report significant losses, with Gonarezhou National Park's surrounding villages losing up to $75,000 annually. They argue for compensation to prevent resentment and maintain food security and cash income. The Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (GCT) and CAMPFIRE, a government initiative, provide some community assistance, but personal compensation is lacking. The law currently does not allow for compensation of economic losses, and authorities are still working on a policy.

In the northwestern Hwange region of Zimbabwe, young volunteers are participating in a 14-day anti-poaching program created by local tour operator and safari hunting business owner Wisdom Bushe Neshav. The program, which began in 2020, has trained volunteers in wildlife navigation and poacher tracking. Neshav emphasizes the importance of wildlife appreciation over poaching, which is detrimental to community welfare. The program has been successful in removing over a thousand wire snares since July 2020. Despite the challenges, volunteers self-fund their participation, demonstrating their commitment to wildlife conservation.

Four individuals were arrested in Mwenezi District, Zimbabwe, for possessing a live pangolin, four lion teeth, and a python skin with the intent to sell them for over US$5,000. The trial began on May 19, 2022. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority enforces strict laws against pangolin poaching, with mandatory sentences for illegal possession. The accused were apprehended by a team from Chiredzi Parks Investigations, the Criminal Investigations Department, and the Police Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit. They face multiple charges, with potential sentences ranging from fines to several years of imprisonment.

Conservationists in Zimbabwe emphasize the importance of community involvement in reducing wildlife crime. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has made significant strides by educating communities and involving them in conservation efforts. Key stakeholders like Bhejane Trust and Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust support these initiatives by providing incentives and implementing programs like 'Community Guardians.' Despite challenges from external influences, community participation has led to notable successes in wildlife crime prevention.

The proposed Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill in Zimbabwe is seen by activists as a government strategy to suppress civic society groups that advocate for human rights. The bill, which introduces harsh penalties and new registration requirements, is criticized for violating constitutional freedoms and potentially dismantling the independence of NGOs. Legal expert Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda and political analyst Patrick Ndlovu highlight the bill's potential to stifle dissent and negatively impact communities reliant on these organizations. Civil society organizations have collectively expressed their concerns, suggesting the bill may be a pretext for government control rather than aligning with international recommendations.

A Chinese mining company, Edsabri (Private) Limited, has illegally invaded Inyorka ranch in Matobo, causing environmental damage and prompting the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and local authorities to issue eviction orders and fines. Despite these actions, the miners have continued their activities without an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. The owner of the ranch, Philip Mpofu, and local officials are working to have the miners removed and arrested. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has also engaged the police to address the issue.

The Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) will host its Annual Healing and Reconciliation Film Festival in October, themed 'The Power of Memory.' The festival aims to highlight the importance of transitional justice through films and academic lectures, focusing on the historical injustices in Matabeleland and Midlands from 1982 to 1985. CITE Director Zenzele Ndebele emphasizes the project's goal of truth-telling for community healing and preventing future abuses. This year's activities, mostly online due to COVID-19, include film screenings, public lectures, and workshops, featuring documentaries like 'One night in 1983' and 'Children of the Genocide.'

A Gukurahundi memorial plaque in Silobela, Midlands, erected by the pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu, has been stolen shortly after its installation, mirroring a similar incident from June. The group accuses the Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government of attempting to hide the occurrence of the Gukurahundi massacres in Midlands. The theft occurred during the commemoration of the United Nations Day of the victim of enforced disappearances, and has been interpreted as a sign that the government is not ready to address or be held accountable for the mass killings. Analyst Khanyile Mlotshwa views the vandalization of memorial plaques as a continuation of the crime against humanity and suggests the government's actions contradict its public statements encouraging open dialogue about the genocide.

Cimas Medical Aid Society in Zimbabwe has partnered with various business associations to procure Sinovac Covid-19 vaccines for its members, who will be vaccinated for free. As of April 30, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that over 85,000 people have been fully vaccinated. The vaccines, procured through the government, are being administered at Cimas and other approved facilities. Cimas CEO Vuli Ndlovu emphasized the importance of vaccination and the company's commitment to health and wellness, including correcting misinformation and investing in health infrastructure.

Covid-19 vaccination in Zimbabwe is now available to all eligible adults over 18 years as the country aims to vaccinate 10 million citizens to achieve herd immunity. The vaccination program, initially structured in phases targeting different risk groups, has now been opened to the general adult population. Officials emphasize the need for clear communication to ensure everyone is aware of their eligibility and to counter misinformation. As of April 21, 2021, a significant number of people have received their first and second doses of the vaccine.

A corrupt network involving staff at the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory and doctors at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has been illegally selling fake Covid-19 certificates to individuals wanting to travel outside Zimbabwe. These certificates are issued without conducting actual tests, posing a significant health risk. Investigations by CITE revealed the involvement of hospital staff in this illegal activity, with the matter currently under investigation by the hospital's control department and the police. The article highlights the challenges faced by public health institutions in managing resources and the impact of corruption on public health safety.

The Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) won a High Court order halting the government's renaming of Bulawayo street names without resident input. The court set aside Statutory Instrument 167/20, which aimed to rename several streets, including 6th Avenue Extension to Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Way. BPRA argued that the local government ignored proposals from the Bulawayo City Council and failed to consult landowners as required by law. The court ruled in favor of BPRA, ordering the local government to cover the legal costs.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa's Zimbabwe chapter has documented 30 media violations against journalists by state authorities since the Covid-19 regulations began in March. These include the arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and a police raid on ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu's home. MISA Zimbabwe expressed concern over the increasing attacks on media workers and the deteriorating safety for journalists. The organization also addressed these concerns to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which condemned the human rights violations in Zimbabwe. MISA Zimbabwe urged the government to ensure journalists' safety and align repressive laws with the Bill of Rights.

A woman was electrocuted inside an electricity substation in the city center while relieving herself. The incident occurred around 1 pm on Thursday, and witnesses were unable to assist due to fear of electrocution. The substation was unattended, and this was not the first electrocution reported there. The lack of public toilets was highlighted as a contributing factor. The area was cordoned off by police and the fire brigade when CITE arrived.

The MDC Alliance Bulawayo Province has suspended its women's assembly chairperson, Tendai Masotsha, over her alleged involvement in the abduction of journalism student Tawanda Muchehiwa. Muchehiwa, who was abducted and tortured by suspected state agents, implicated Masotsha in his ordeal. The party is conducting an investigation into her role, and there are calls for her expulsion to maintain the party's integrity. Masotsha denies the allegations, claiming she is also a victim. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of state-sponsored abductions and torture in Zimbabwe.

Returnees quarantined in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, are experiencing poor conditions at facilities like United Education College and Bulawayo Polytechnic. They report overcrowding, insufficient testing, and extended stays beyond the 21-day requirement. The country's COVID-19 cases are rising, particularly among returnees, with 206 confirmed cases since March 20, 2020. Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke acknowledged the issues and plans to send a team to investigate. He mentioned the challenge of accommodating different levels of people in one place. Dr. Gibson Mhlanga from the Ministry of Health and Child Care admitted to a shortage of testing kits but assured that new supplies have been received and PCR testing will be conducted on all quarantine days. He emphasized the importance of following social distancing and hygiene protocols to prevent cross-infection.

A year after an explosion at a rally in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, survivors feel neglected by the government. The blast, which occurred at a rally for President Emmerson Mnangagwa, killed two and injured 47. While high-profile victims received top-notch care, poorer residents struggle with medical bills. David Ndlovu and others accuse the government and Zanu PF of neglect, noting a lack of updates on the investigation. Some, like Margaret Chidzoba, report receiving government assistance, but many others, including victims like Happiness Ntabeni and Pamela Moyo, have been left to fend for themselves. The government's response has been inconsistent, with some receiving aid and updates, while others are left in the dark. The incident involved a grenade, and there were reports of investigative conflicts between the police and the army.

The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTBRL) at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, which now also serves as a COVID-19 testing facility, is experiencing delays in testing due to inadequate machinery and space. The lab conducts TB tests in the morning and COVID-19 tests in the afternoon using a PCR machine, which takes about five hours to produce a result. The testing is part of a government program and is offered for free, although the cost would be around US$100 per test if charged. Mpilo began COVID-19 testing last week to increase the country's testing capacity, which was previously limited to the National Reference Laboratory at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare. Zephaniah Dlamini from NUST, which is partnering with Mpilo for testing, explained the testing process and the challenges faced due to the high volume of samples and the need to batch tests efficiently.

Mutshiwa Dlamini, a Zanu PF supporter and mechanic from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was brutally assaulted by soldiers in the aftermath of protests on January 14. Despite his political affiliation, Dlamini was attacked and accused of participating in the protests. He suffered severe injuries and was denied assistance by the police, who claimed they could not interfere with military operations. Human rights lawyer Tineyi Mukwewa assisted Dlamini, who is now on a security forces' hit list. Dlamini's brother, a retired major general, and War Veterans deputy minister Victor Matemadanda were informed of the incident. The Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police have denied involvement in civilian attacks, attributing violence to imposters. However, multiple cases of assault and sexual violence have been reported, contradicting official statements. Human rights groups claim 12 people were killed and over 70 injured by gunshot wounds during the crackdown.

The Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) has suspended all medical gatherings as a precaution against the coronavirus, allowing only critical training for Covid-19 management with safety protocols. Zimbabwe recorded its first death from the pandemic. ZIMA's National Secretary-General, Dr Sacrifice Chirisa, emphasized the importance of safety and protection for medical practitioners, urging them to use hand sanitizers, running water, and face masks, and to learn about coronavirus protocols and care guidelines. ZIMA is also advocating for the production of COVID-19 case management guidelines and will hold a meeting to discuss preparedness in private practices.

In Maphisa, Matobo District, Zimbabwe, villagers are turning to 'lost crops' like amaranth, millet, sorghum, and raphoko to combat drought conditions exacerbated by climate change. These indigenous crops, which are drought-resistant and offer health benefits, were once widely cultivated but fell out of favor due to the introduction of hybrid crops. Now, with the support of organizations like Dabane Trust and ICRISAT, and initiatives like the 2019 Seed and Traditional Food Fair, local farmers, predominantly women, are reviving these crops. The St Anna community has also established a seed bank to preserve these varieties. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Settlement’s National Gene Bank is involved in preserving indigenous crops and providing farmer training, with the aim of ensuring food security in the face of changing climate conditions. The FAO notes that Southern Africa has seen a decline in maize production, increasing the demand for cereal, with global cereal production forecasted at 2,685 million tonnes for 2019.

A Zanu PF supporter, Mutshiwa Dlamini, recounts his brutal assault by soldiers during a crackdown on civil society and opposition activists in Bulawayo following the January 14 protests. The incident, along with similar accounts from other residents, contradicts official claims by the Zimbabwe National Army and Zimbabwe Republic Police that security forces were not involved in the violence. Dlamini's detailed account includes being whipped, forced into an army truck, and witnessing further brutal attacks on civilians. Despite reporting the incident, Dlamini has yet to receive a case number, highlighting issues within the justice system. Human rights groups report multiple deaths and injuries during the clampdown, with ongoing trials for activists amid concerns of unfair judicial processes.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second city, is currently managing 10 suspected cholera cases at Thorngrove Infections Diseases Hospital. An emergency meeting was held to discuss containment strategies following 30 cholera-related deaths in Harare. The city has prepared 110 beds and has adequate medication but faces challenges with fluid supplies and laboratory staffing. Health officials emphasize prevention and strict hygiene practices to avoid a crisis similar to the 2008 outbreak that resulted in over 4,000 deaths.

Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, a seasoned politician, has once again secured a seat in Zimbabwe's National Assembly as an MDC-T proportional representative for Bulawayo. Despite facing numerous political challenges and controversies, including a fallout with Welshman Ncube's MDC and exclusion from the MDC Alliance, she remains a prominent figure. Misihairabwi-Mushonga's career is marked by her advocacy for women's issues and her resilience in the face of adversity. Her close association with Thokozani Khupe and her outspoken nature continue to define her political journey.

Zimbabwe's upcoming elections may be significantly influenced by first-time voters, with young people aged 18 to 22 comprising the largest demographic of registered voters. The 2018 final voters roll shows a 372% increase in registered voters in this age group since 2013. Various leaders from civic organizations and political parties encourage the youth to vote thoughtfully for a better future, emphasizing their power to effect change. The article highlights the groundwork laid by social media campaigns and activists to increase youth voter registration.

A new poll by Afrobarometer reveals that former President Robert Mugabe, despite being ousted in a military coup, still commands significant trust among Zimbabweans, with 33% of respondents expressing trust in him. Current President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over after the coup, has a trust rating of 47%, while opposition leader Nelson Chamisa leads with 48%. Analysts suggest Mugabe's enduring popularity is due to his legacy of 'black pride' and the public's disillusionment with Mnangagwa's neo-liberal policies. The survey indicates a potential impact on the upcoming election if Mugabe's loyalists turn against Zanu PF.