AGP Executive Report

Zimbabwe–South Africa Migration Shock: Zimbabwe says nearly 60,000 citizens have returned home after anti-illegal immigration pressure in South Africa, with 11,065 repatriated via government channels and 47,703 self-repatriating; churches in Bulawayo are receiving returnees, while at Musina and Epping, migrants report delays, poor shelter and transport bottlenecks. Border & Humanitarian Strain: Reports describe stranded families camping in harsh conditions and a standoff in Cape Town where unpaid bus fees stalled departures. Local Governance Watch: Bulawayo’s Roads Levy usage is under scrutiny after business groups question how locally collected funds are being spent as road conditions worsen. Telecom Policy Flip: Government has reversed the 75% local ownership rule for telecom firms via a new statutory instrument. Justice & Accountability: The Ntabazinduna man acquitted after a “wrongful” arrest highlights court scrutiny of weak state cases. Business & Connectivity: Powertel and Paratus switch on a new cross-border fibre link, boosting regional digital integration. Health: Bulawayo launches the third round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign for under-fives. Culture & Sports: Harare’s Bonfire Festival returns; and ZNA runner Tendai Zimuto wins the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.

Prison-to-work skills: Bulawayo Prison inmates graduated from an eight-week beauty therapy course, learning manicure, pedicure, massage, nail tech and make-up to help them earn a living after release. Sugar boom: Zimbabwe’s sugar industry sales rose 24% to 472,000 tonnes in the year to March 31, 2026, with exports more than doubling as domestic demand stayed strong. Youth education push: VP Kembo Mohadi backed SDGs learning, saying participation in the National Sustainable Development Goals Schools Essay Competition jumped to 30,658 learners this year. Rural value addition: President Mnangagwa is set to commission the Finealt Bioeconomy Industrial Park in Mutoko, targeting biodiesel, cooking oil and soap production to create jobs and cut rural poverty. Tourism investment: Cabinet approved a US$66.9m integrated Tourism Park in Masuwe SEZ, with new infrastructure planned around the Mosi-oa-Tunya Cricket Stadium. National hero burial: Major-General (Retired) Evaristo Dzihwema is being buried today at the National Heroes’ Acre, with buses laid on for mourners. Returnee IDs fast-tracked: Civil Registry offices have been instructed to prioritise identity documents for Zimbabweans returning from South Africa, including support at Beitbridge. Chess for juniors: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa was appointed patron of the Zimbabwe Chess Federation juniors as young players head to the African Schools Chess Championship. Transport crackdown: Police arrested a viral cop-assault suspect in Mutare and warned against attacking officers.

South Africa–Zimbabwe Repatriation: Zimbabwe has stepped up help for citizens fleeing xenophobic violence, with provincial Civil Registry offices told to prioritise returnees’ identity documents and Beitbridge already processing at the border; meanwhile, buses are moving people from Cape Town’s Epping centre to Musina as thousands await processing, with NGOs like Gift of the Givers staying on the ground until the last migrants leave. Humanitarian & Border Pressure: Musina’s temporary centre is handling large numbers of undocumented foreign nationals, while reports say government is not directly funding food at the site, leaving NGOs and communities to support basics. Crime & Scams: Zimbabwean courts continue to hear cases tied to exploitation, including a Hwange man accused of trafficking recruits to fight as mercenaries in Russia and a separate foreign-embassy fake IDs scandal. Local Governance & Society: Bulawayo is set for a major shake-up of informal trading, and a Beitbridge border school boarding facility is expanding to keep girls in class. Sports & Culture: The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon kicks off with growing international participation, and Bulawayo hosts the return of Cont Mhlanga’s satirical play The Members.

Returnee Reintegration Push: President Mnangagwa has ordered Zimbabweans coming back from South Africa to be welcomed “with dignity” and supported by reintegration programmes, as authorities prepare for a surge after the crackdown on undocumented migrants; government says 11,065 have been repatriated and 47,703 more are returning via self-repatriation, bringing the total to 58,768. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: ZACC and ZIMRA have busted a lithium smuggling syndicate, arresting Kunshan Mineral Consultancy director Tsitsi Manyumwa over alleged fraudulent exports to China via Forbes Border Post. Public Health Upgrade: Mpilo Central Hospital’s radiotherapy centre is on track for year-end installation of two cancer machines and a CT scanner, targeting treatment for up to 100 patients a day. Child Participation & Rights: Junior Parliament and the Day of the African Child commemorations will be held Wednesday at the new Parliament building, focusing on meaningful youth input into governance. Migration Pressure in SA: South Africa continues moving foreign nationals from temporary processing sites toward Musina, with buses and processing capacity still a bottleneck. Local Governance & Services: Harare’s transparency concerns resurface amid debate over major projects like the planned light rail, while civil servants are set to get better pay without being forced into management roles.

CAB 3 Legal Storm: Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment No. 3 (CAB 3) has cleared Parliament and now heads for President Mnangagwa’s assent, but opponents have already rushed to court—war veteran Reuben Zulu seeks to stop the Bill’s certification, alleging the process was tainted by improper inducements linked to Wicknell Chivayo. Returnees Flood Beitbridge: South Africa’s intensified immigration enforcement is pushing more Zimbabweans back through Beitbridge, with returnees arriving exhausted and destitute after fleeing anti-foreigner violence and deadlines. Migration Crackdown, Zimbabwe Style: Government says it’s stepping up measures to curb illegal immigration, including more workplace inspections, faster deportation processes, and specialised immigration courts to speed up lawful removals. Pension Arrears Warning: Ipec threatens garnishee orders against employers—including State firms and local authorities—over unpaid pension contributions, with arrears now at US$148.96m. Construction Financing Squeeze: Contractors warn borrowing costs are hitting up to 50% a year, pricing them out and threatening infrastructure delivery. Bulawayo Water Decision: Bulawayo City Council recommends approving a Zinara tollgate water connection, despite concerns about pressure on already constrained supplies. Media Loss: Bulawayo and the wider journalism fraternity mourn veteran editor Mkhululi “Mkays” Sibanda, remembered for his “Lest We Forget” liberation-history column. Regional Context: South Africa is operationalising migration enforcement with specialised courts and temporary repatriation facilities as the wider region hardens its stance on migration.

South Africa Migration Fallout: Zimbabwe says 58,768 nationals have returned from South Africa as repatriation and reintegration ramp up, with 600 people still being processed at Epping before transfer to Musina; meanwhile, foreign nationals remain stuck in limbo at Musina showgrounds as document delays and border bottlenecks drag on. Cabinet on Migration Crackdown: Government has backed a tougher migration approach after June 30 protests, praising peaceful demonstrators while highlighting stepped-up labour inspections, specialised immigration courts, and faster support for repatriation. Local Governance & Accountability: MPs summoned Mwenezi RDC CEO Albert Chivanga after Auditor-General findings that senior council executives ran private businesses but allegedly failed to pay council rates for five years. Business & Trade Pressure: ART warned Zimbabwe’s tough operating environment will likely persist into the second half of 2026 despite currency stability, citing liquidity strain, rising costs and import competition. Green Rules for Exporters: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says EU carbon border rules coming in 2026 will force local firms to cut emissions and keep production records to avoid penalties. Community & Public Safety: Bulawayo launched a citywide clean-up drive, while Kuwadzana residents welcomed a new modern police station to improve security and response times. Mining Value Addition: Bikita Minerals says it has poured over US$300m into expanding lithium processing since 2022, and Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has surpassed US$10bn, with more focus on local processing.

Humanitarian Relief: ADRA and Reality 7 have stepped up winter aid in Cape Town for displaced Zimbabweans, including blankets, baby supplies and transport to Musina. Border & Identity Support: Civil Registry officials are stationed at Beitbridge to help returnees replace lost or expired identity documents for reintegration. Digital Infrastructure: Powertel commissioned the first phase of the Plumtree–Victoria Falls backbone upgrade, boosting capacity to 800Gbps, with a US$10m modernisation plan underway. Constitutional Reform: A public opinion survey says the final Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 better reflects what Zimbabweans wanted after Parliament removed the most controversial clauses. Migration Crackdown (SA): South Africa’s Cabinet backed tougher measures on undocumented migration, including labour inspections and faster deportation processes. Repatriation Update: South Africa opened a new Musina repatriation centre after Durban’s facility closed, aiming for safer, more orderly returns. Mining Safety: The Young Miners Foundation reiterated SHEQ as key to sustainable mining. Business & Markets: Bulawayo will host its inaugural Capital Markets Masterclass to boost financial literacy and responsible investing. Sports & Culture: Brother in House reality show launched; Zambezi Lager’s Bonfire Nights return in Victoria Falls.

Bulawayo Crusade: The Impact for Christ Ministries Bulawayo Crusade opens today at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Centre, with Prophet Philip Banda and a dedicated prayer line for healing, restoration and breakthrough. CAB3 Politics: As the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill (No. 3) debate rages, retired security figures have launched the Guardians of Zimbabwe to oppose any term extension, while Zanu PF loyalists push CAB3 through songs and public backing. Returnees and Xenophobia Fallout: Zimbabweans continue to camp outside Durban’s Shallcross Stadium as repatriation efforts intensify, with reports of chaos and a recent bus crash highlighting the risks of return journeys. South Africa Unrest: Police say more than 900 people were arrested during June 30 anti-immigrant protests, while Zimbabweans and other migrants report looting, stoning and fear in townships. Labour Law Pressure: Zimbabwe urges Chinese investors to comply with local labour laws and engage in social dialogue as Chinese investment tops US$10bn. Honey Exports: Zimbabwe commissions a specialised honey testing and profiling laboratory to meet international standards and boost export competitiveness. Farming Survival: Farmers are shifting away from chemical fertilisers as input costs bite, with compost and crop rotation gaining traction.

Xenophobia Fact-Check: South African police are probing the June killing of Malawian Bashiru Isak and social media claims that a cropped 2015 AFP photo shows him being stoned—authorities say the image was altered and is unrelated. Returnee Reintegration: Zimbabwe is stepping up support for people repatriated from South Africa, with MPs urging returnees to seek help for documents, food, temporary accommodation and school placements. Humanitarian Pressure at Borders: Reports describe chaos and long queues as thousands of Zimbabweans and other nationals move through Beitbridge and nearby sites amid unrest. CAB3 Legal Fight: A war veteran has filed a High Court application seeking to stop the processing of the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, alleging MPs were improperly induced. Sports & Youth: Zifa is set to launch youth football rebuild through the BancABC Roots Impact Leagues, while Zimbabwe’s Nations Cup opener vs Tonga features Ian Prior’s return. Agribusiness Exports: A state-of-the-art honey testing lab has been commissioned to help Zimbabwe meet international quality standards and access premium markets. Culture: The Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival national finals are set for August 1 in Harare. Business & Branding: House of Stone Properties rebrands as HSP Realty as it targets wider markets.

Returnees & Reintegration: President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans coming back from South Africa to be embraced with love, as Government-assisted evacuation continues and returnees at Beitbridge praised food, transport and counselling support. South Africa Unrest Spillover: Anti-migrant protests tied to a 30 June “deadline” saw more than 900 arrests and looting in parts of South Africa, with Zimbabweans and other migrants reporting fear, shelter needs and delays at border reception points. Local Governance Clampdown: The Local Government ministry imposed an immediate moratorium on workshops, seminars, conferences and foreign travel by local authorities without central approval, citing diversion of resources from service delivery. Transport Safety: Zimbabwe suspended the operating licence of commuter omnibuses linked to a fatal Harare crash after findings of non-compliance with road traffic and safety requirements. Energy & Jobs: Kariba’s floating solar project is progressing toward a reported R6.5bn investment, targeting financial close by October and adding 500MW to the grid. Sports & Inclusion: GZU will host the 2026 Zimbabwe State Universities Staff Games, adding Paralympic disciplines and spotlighting disability sports infrastructure gaps. Justice & Courts: A Harare fraud case put a Mazarura Bus Company secretary on US$300 bail, while another court matter saw a businessman accept two girlfriends in a cyberbullying-linked dispute.

South Africa Repatriations: A repatriation bus overturned near Musina on the N1, killing the driver and injuring 11 passengers as Zimbabwe, Malawians and other nationals are processed for return amid xenophobia-linked unrest. CAB3 Politics: Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) cleared Parliament after Senate amendments, with constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku calling the process “heavily flawed” and a “nullity,” as the bill heads to President Mnangagwa for assent. Continental Trade: Zimbabwe’s 2027 AfCFTA ministerial hosting was praised as a boost for Africa’s integration agenda. Aquaculture Boost: Fish farmers are set for better production cycles after new specialised feed hits the market. SME Digital Push: RBZ urged SMEs to use digital payments to cut costs and expand market access. Food Security: Government approved a Nutrition Financing Strategy aimed at reducing hunger and malnutrition. Energy Investment: Econet has started work on a 100MW solar and battery project to strengthen power reliability for its operations. Local Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe wrapped up a historic back-to-back Test series win over Bangladesh; Brother in the House reality show launched in Harare with 35 contestants.

South Africa Anti-Immigrant Protests: Thousands marched across major cities on the June 30 deadline, with police in riot gear and reports of looting, stone-throwing and intimidation; in Johannesburg and Durban, businesses shut and transport slowed as mobs targeted people suspected to be foreign nationals. Zimbabwe Repatriation & Border Response: Zimbabwe sent buses and stepped up phased processing for returnees via Cape Town, Johannesburg and Beitbridge, reporting 3,624 repatriated by June 29, while some delays were blamed on mandatory security screening. Education Continuity: Government directed all schools to immediately enrol children returning from South Africa, saying no child should be turned away. Human-Wildlife Conflict Plan: In Harare, ZimParks and partners launched work on a National Human-Wildlife Coexistence Strategy to improve coordination and reduce clashes. Drug Abuse Push: NetOne and Heal Us Zimbabwe kicked off a 23-day anti-drug walkathon from Beitbridge to Harare. CAB3 Succession Politics: Parliament approved Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, extending terms and shifting presidential succession to Parliament—one signature away from Mnangagwa’s assent. Mining & Investment: Mining licences now exceed 60,000 as systems move toward a digital cadastre; Kamativi invested over US$200m in a lithium sulphate project. Zimbabwe-India & Trade Links: India reaffirmed support for Vision 2030, while a Dutch-Zim business network aims to connect investors and partnerships.

South Africa Migration Crisis: Police and security forces are on high alert as anti-immigrant protests mark the June 30 “deadline,” with thousands of foreign nationals—many Zimbabweans—seeking help to leave; Cape Town says it has no xenophobic violence so far, while reports highlight cold, wet conditions at repatriation sites and ongoing voluntary returns. Zimbabwe Repatriation Update: Zimbabwe says it has facilitated the return of over 3,600 citizens from South Africa, citing transport support, customs concessions and education access for returnees, with more expected. Policy and Governance: Zimbabwe maintains its 2027 lithium beneficiation deadline, urging producers to use tolling agreements if they can’t build plants. Local Economy & Investment: Investor Hosting Centre boss Elias Hwenga urges Zimbabwe to mobilise domestic institutional capital (pensions and insurers) and push for bankable projects. Insurance Sector Watch: Funeral and short-term insurers show strong first-quarter underwriting rebounds, but regulators warn liquidity constraints still delay claims. Mining & Industry: Deputy Minister Raj Modi says mining remains a key pillar for jobs, exports and foreign currency, while indigenous miners sign cooperation deals ahead of FESTAC Africa. Culture & Community: Bambadzi community in Bulilima moves to secure land for a youth arts and recreation hub; Bulawayo’s Phinifa Festival returns bigger on Aug 15. Clean Energy Push: Government backs solar mini-grids and biogas digesters to curb deforestation and protect Mopane worms.

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged peaceful protest and warned against vigilantism as xenophobic tensions peak ahead of June 30, while security agencies reported more than 25,000 foreign nationals repatriated. Zimbabwe Repatriation Push: Zimbabwe says 3,624 citizens have already returned via Beitbridge and more are expected; Government has moved screening and profiling to Beitbridge and extended duty concessions to ease reintegration. Transport Costs Spike: Bus operators doubled fares and luggage charges as thousands rush home, with Beitbridge-bound travel in high demand. Local Enforcement & Safety: Bulawayo inspected rehab centres and arrested 27 over regulatory gaps, while CID warned of online fraud scams targeting vehicle imports and property deals. Business & Industry: Old Mutual Funeral Services opened a new Gweru branch, and Government urged industry to seize China’s zero-tariff access. Development & Heritage: Beitbridge pupils got 25 new computers for digital learning; Zimbabwe and Zambia renewed plans to grow Victoria Falls heritage entrepreneurship. Mining Update: Kamativi Mining commissioned a US$200m lithium sulfate project phase one, targeting output and jobs. Sports & Culture: Emmanuel Jalai joined Scottland FC on loan; Othnell Mangoma Moyo published a book preserving the Matepe tradition.

CAB3 Politics: Mnangagwa has recalled the National Assembly for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, 30 June, to review Senate amendments to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill before it goes to the President. Justice & Rights: Harare lawyer Jacqueline Sande-Kamanga attacks Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi over CAB3, saying it was rushed for political expediency and undermines constitutionalism. Local Business Climate: ZNCC Bulawayo Chapter is set to meet Mayor David Coltart and city leadership over recommendations on improving the ease of doing business, including parking fees and implementation of SI 41 of 2026. Entertainment & Culture: Zimbabwe’s first home-grown Big Brother-style show, Brother In House Zimbabwe, premieres in Harare with a US$50,000 prize and live streaming; meanwhile Sizolobola is set for a July 4 Harare debut and launches AFRICIN, a new streaming platform for local stories. Sports: Highlanders reportedly price Mongameli Tshuma at US$200,000 as CAPS United interest grows. Regional Pressure on Zimbabweans: As South Africa braces for 30 June anti-migrant protests, Zimbabweans in Cape Town report fear and cold-weather queues at repatriation points ahead of buses to Beitbridge.

Gas-to-power push: Invictus Energy says it will pilot Zimbabwe’s first gas-to-power supply for a gold mine within 12–18 months, with new exploration drilling planned in the Cabora Bassa Basin. Tax pressure on listings: ZIMRA’s tougher audits and “pay now, argue later” approach is worrying businesses, with fears it could chill stock exchange listings and formalisation. CAB3 scrutiny: Reports say CIO questioned ZANU PF MPs who missed a key National Assembly vote on CAB3, ahead of Parliament’s return for Senate-made changes. Presidential villas delays: Mt Hampden’s presidential villas missed the June 2026 handover target again, with workers reportedly unpaid for months. Energy for mining: Kamativi Mining Company is investing US$25m in a 36MW solar farm expected to be completed by September. Health system alarm: ZINA condemned Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital’s decaying infrastructure after a patient escaped and later died. South Africa migration fallout: Zimbabweans in Cape Town and at the Zimbabwe consulate face fear and uncertainty as South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigrant deadline nears; Tagwirei’s $1m pledge targets repatriation for up to 20,000. Culture & business: Brother In House Zimbabwe premiered in Harare with a US$50,000 prize, while Haus of Stone will showcase Zimbabwean fashion at Kolwezi Fashion Week in DR Congo.