AGP Executive Report

Entertainment Spotlight: Andy Muridzo says he’s grateful for renewed support from Zimbabwe’s arts bodies, even as his career has been dogged by drama, after performing at the Chibuku Neshamwari provincial finals in Harare. Beauty & Pageantry: Roseanna Hall has been crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 in a record multi-queen finale, while Noma Mokoni (who didn’t take the crown) says she’s leaving stronger and focused on modelling and personal growth. Sports & Talent: Zimbabwe’s track stars lit up the SACA U18 and U20 Championships in Mauritius with a haul of gold, silver and bronze, including wins in the 100m and long jump. Local Development: Government says it’s finalising a multi-million-dollar deal to revamp Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls into a modern 24-hour hospitality destination. Gospel Music: Takesure Zamar Ncube announced Everton Mlalazi as a guest minister for One Sound – The Roar of Many Waters in Harare on August 14. Community & Culture: Spoken word teen Amen Sibanda is adding music to his portfolio with two Amapiano songs and a fresh poetry piece. Tragedy & Rescue: Wicknell Chivayo has pledged a Toyota Aqua and US$20,000 to diver Victor Kazembe (“Coach Rambo”) after the Budiriro sewer-pool rescue.

Rugby Spotlight: Kenya Morans aim to end their Africa Sevens podium drought at the June 20-21 Cascavelle event in Mauritius, banking on fringe players and the growth of sevens across the continent. Football & Women’s Sport: Harambee Starlets seek redemption against Lesotho in the third-place play-off after a penalty shootout loss to Zambia at the Fifa Four Nations in Ndola. Boxing & Celebrity Lifestyle: Former Commonwealth champ “Mosquito” Zvenyika gets a car and cash from Wicknell Chivayo—but can’t collect it because he (and his wife) don’t have driver’s licences. Court Drama: Businessman Bruno Fungayi Takawira wins a US$500k defamation case after a letter falsely linked him to coke theft and smuggling. Local Governance: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume warns homeowners to verify land papers before building, after demolitions left thousands homeless in Stoneridge. Education Policy: Minister Frederick Shava orders mandatory pre-departure clearance for Zimbabwean students enrolling abroad. UN Diplomacy: Zimbabwe says it will defend the UN Charter after securing a UN Security Council seat.

Judiciary Under Fire: Lawyers are slamming President Mnangagwa after he gifted retired Chief Justice Luke Malaba a tractor and other farm equipment, arguing it could dent public confidence in judicial independence. Health & Sports: Mpilo cancer upgrades are nearing completion, with government saying more investment and new radiotherapy equipment are coming, while CAPS United ended a winless run by beating ZPC Kariba 3-2 in a thriller. Crime & Court: A Harare man, Martin Rashai, appeared in court for allegedly impersonating Deputy Chief Justice Paddington Garwe to get details on Judicial Service Commission interviews. Entertainment Spotlight: Stand-up comic Tinaye Wayne kicked off his sold-out “Nothing to Hide” tour at Reps Theatre, blending personal stories with sharp social commentary. Regional Watch: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to drive repatriations, with 150 Malawians leaving for Malawi via Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Community & Safety: A mine safety call went out as Zimbabwe marked the Kamandama disaster anniversary, and local authorities were urged to improve waste collection and landfill compliance.

Beauty & Pageants: Roseanna Hall was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 in a record seven-queen finale, while Miss World Zimbabwe 2026 went to Makanyiso and other queens took Miss Intercontinental, Top Model, Supranational, Cosmo and International titles—though the night drew backlash after former Norton MP Temba Mliswa showered the winner with US$ notes. Missing Persons: Bulawayo police say the search for missing siblings Nkosana Smile Sibanda (5) and Shauna (10) is intensifying, with fresh leads and appeals for the public to stick to official updates. Local Content Push: Government plans to restrict importation of US$4.5bn worth of goods that can be made locally under a proposed Local Content Act, targeting items like tissue paper, toothpicks, chewing gum and pharmaceuticals. Music & Events: Promoter Chipaz says Seh Calaz’s album launch (Reggae Dzinorira) on Dec 31 is not meant to compete with Winky D’s show, positioning the two gigs as serving different fan budgets. Tech & Internet: ICT minister Tatenda Mavetera says Starlink’s regulated entry into Zimbabwe is hoped to be finalised by end of July. Sports: Wrexham boss Parkinson welcomes international call-ups as Nigeria’s Arthur Okonkwo and others prepare for friendlies; meanwhile, Zimbabwe Davis Cup eyes promotion in Nairobi. Health & Safety: A Zimbabwean teen, Panashe Muchenje, died after drowning in a Nottinghamshire lake; family asks for an end to speculation and for the viral video to be taken down.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026: Roseanna Hall was crowned in a record multi-queen finale in Harare, with Zozibini Tunzi hosting and Hall praised for mental health advocacy and strong Q&A performance—though the night was also rocked by a Temba Mliswa cash-splash stage invasion and later debate over her prior judge role. Pageantry Buzz: Miss NUST 2026 went to Moreblessing Ndlovu, while Miss Universe Zimbabwe coverage continues to spark online discussion. Music & Culture: Jah Prayzah is set to headline the inaugural RTG Nyanga Mountain Valley Marathon and Music Festival on Sept 26, and Feli Nandi adds a Bulawayo stop to her “Road to Fill Up HICC” tour after fan pressure. Arts & Community: Chegutu’s Hintonville Arts Centre is investing nearly US$30,000 in a cultural village to boost learning and tourism. Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Davis Cup team eyes promotion in Nairobi, and the Copper Queens booked the Four Nations final after beating Kenya on penalties. Health & Society: Khami Prison’s HIV programmes push on despite overcrowding, and Dr Filippa Nel shares why therapy matters for everyone.

UN Security Council Win: Zimbabwe’s election to the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 is being hailed as a diplomatic milestone, with Air Force Commander Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede calling it proof of growing global confidence in Harare. Global Zero Waste: First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa represented Zimbabwe at the Zero Waste Forum, spotlighting community-led waste and climate action ahead of COP31. Marathon Buzz: Over 5,000 runners from 40+ countries have already confirmed for the 2026 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon on 5 July, as organisers ramp up logistics and tourism tie-ins. Futsal Weekend: Bulawayo’s Fifa Hope Centre hosts the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Five-A-Side on 13–14 June, with 19 matches across men’s and women’s categories. Local Film: Sizolobola, a new movie exploring love, lobola and cultural unity, premieres 4 July and streams from 10 July on Africin. Arts Recognition: Creartive Culture won a Bulawayo Business Awards nod for youth empowerment through arts and digital impact, with plans to keep building young talent. Media Shift: A new Zimbabwe Media Audience Study says online media now leads in urban areas, with internet access overtaking TV and print.

Women’s Football: The Copper Queens kicked off the FIFA Four Nations in Ndola with Zimbabwe vs Lesotho first, then Zambia vs Kenya, and after a penalty shootout Zambia edged Kenya 4-1 to set up a final against Zimbabwe after the Harare side beat Lesotho 3-1. Pageantry & Culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, with the team also spotlighting Baradzanwa as a key cultural stop ahead of the 2027 pageant. Media & Youth Sport: Ziyah Media won a ZNCC CSR accolade and says it’s pushing its community work beyond Mat South, including a planned Under-20 schools soccer tournament with a national expansion. Music & Health: Zimdancehall star Seh Calaz finally opened up about the sickness that nearly killed him, saying “I feared I was going to die.” Arts & Heritage: Harare province’s Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival finals run at Werras Park Club, as groups chase July 11 national glory. Streaming Buzz: Apple TV’s Cape Fear reboot is already a major hit, climbing high across multiple countries including Zimbabwe. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe secured a UN Security Council seat, drawing both celebrations and sharp criticism online.

Prison & Rights: Khami prison chief says conjugal rights are limited to inmates in open prisons who get periodic family visits, not everyone. Music & Culture: Bulawayo percussionist Lewis Ndlovu gifted President Mnangagwa a custom drum engraved “Advancing Vision 2030” during National Culture Month. Health & Entertainment: Mpilo and Parirenyatwa hospitals received advanced cancer treatment machines (LINACs), a major boost for local radiotherapy access. Arts & Drama: Bulawayo’s National Art Gallery director Silenkosi Moyo faces backlash from visual artists after rental hikes, sparking a fresh arts-sector fight. Immersive Sound: UK-based Zwa Gapara (Tafadzwa “Zwa”) announces “Overloaded Mind,” an immersive audio-visual project launching in Leicester on Sept 5. Sports (Zim-linked): Tennis in Nairobi: eight nations, including Zimbabwe, set for Davis Cup Africa Group IV with promotion at stake. Mining Safety: Mines ministry launches a National Safety Enforcement Blitz after 64 miner deaths in Q1, targeting unsafe artisanal operations. Regional Integration: SADC ministers adopt laws on trade, tourism and pooled medicine procurement, plus renewed push on the SADC Tribunal.

Regional Integration: SADC justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls adopted key legal moves to speed up trade, public health and travel—pushing a Tourism Univisa, a pooled medicines procurement charter, and steps to revive the SADC Tribunal. Mining & Youth Sports: TelOne launched its Mambo High School Football Academy in Gweru, aiming to bridge school football and pro development as the “WiFi Boys” build for the future. Music & Culture: Bulawayo’s Makokoba Music Festival returns in September with a “Home Grown” theme, promising 50+ artists, 5 000+ attendees and community workshops. Fashion & Events: Harare’s Winter Solstice Picnic and Sundowners brings Mzansi star Amanda Black plus jazz and DJ talent, while Break Nation’s Strictly Breaking runs at Alliance Française with battles, graffiti and skating. Health & Accountability: Zimbabwe’s sugar-tax-funded cancer treatment upgrades are welcomed, but calls are growing for full transparency on suppliers, tenders and timelines. HIV Community Push: NAC reports Bulawayo is on track in the HIV response and highlights growing local prevention efforts in Umguza. Film & TV: Channel 4 broadcaster Jon Snow opens up about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in a new documentary. Sports (Global): LIV Golf Andalucia sees Tyrrell Hatton seize the lead after round two.

Arts & Culture: Children from Zimbabwe and China wowed crowds at the Chinese embassy in Harare during an International Children’s Day cultural open day, with music, dance, calligraphy, mask colouring and traditional games. Music: Afro-fusion power couple FaB Fusion Duo announced a new album, Zuva Rovira (“When the sun sets”), launching on June 13 at The Bar Next Door after a Portugal performance run. Film & Society: Short film Trapped premiered at Alliance Française, tackling child marriage and teenage pregnancy through a harrowing story that calls for stronger protection of vulnerable girls. Pageantry: Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi arrived in Zimbabwe to co-host the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale in Harare, while organizers confirmed seven national queens will be crowned on one stage. Sports (Zimbabwe): Emakhandeni Tennis Courts in Bulawayo produced Davis Cup hopefuls Zamani Moyo and Makanaka Whata, earning them spots in Zimbabwe’s Africa Group IV squad. Sports (Global): LIV Golf Andalucía got a Zimbabwe boost as Scott Vincent shared the lead with Tyrrell Hatton after Round 1. Governance/Media: ZRP warned people opposing CAB3 against inciting violence or disorder as parliamentary debate continues.

Miss Universe Zimbabwe: Zozibini Tunzi arrived in Harare ahead of Saturday’s grand finale, saying she’s excited to co-host and backing Africa’s next Miss Universe winner. Cricket Coaching Shake-up: Shaun Tait has stepped down as Bangladesh pace bowling coach for family reasons, with Talha Jubair set to take over. ICC on Zimbabwe Cricket: The ICC says claims about a recent two-member delegation’s Bangladesh visit are speculative, adding it will submit findings to the ICC Board. CAB3 Tension: Police warned CAB3 opponents against inciting violence or disorder as Parliament debate continues, with MPs also reporting threats. Creative Economy Warning: YouTube removed AI-generated channels with 4.7 billion views, a big wake-up for Zimbabwean creators relying on automated content. Women in Mining: ZASWMA pushed its women miners’ empowerment agenda after attending WiMBO’s Botswana conference. Pageant Entertainment: Fireboy DML will headline the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale, with Jah Prayzah also set to perform and Tunzi serving as MC. Zifa Football Business: Zifa launched a nationwide supplier registration drive across the football value chain, including media, IT, and smart-stadium services. Sports—Bafana Test Prep: Hugo Broos eyes fixes after a 0-0 draw, using Jamaica as a final warm-up before Mexico.

Rugby Rights: CANAL+ Group has secured live broadcast rights for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 across Sub-Saharan Africa, with SuperSport on DStv/GOtv set to carry the action as Zimbabwe and South Africa gear up for the expanded 24-team Men’s tournament. MMA Glory: Zimbabwe’s Nicholas “The Saint” Hwende made history by winning the BRAVE CF featherweight world title, submitting Omar Solomanov in the fifth round in Kazakhstan. Sports Diplomacy: The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, leadership, and digital safety. Entertainment Spotlight: Former “Red Ink” actress Nirvana Nokwe has been nominated for an Africa Choice Award, adding Zimbabwe’s creative talent to the pan-African awards spotlight. Tech & Media: A Zimbabwe-focused piece argues AI and edge hosting can speed up the country’s digital experience—better for users, and better for businesses. Politics & Peace: ZRP warns CAB3 opponents against inciting violence or threats on social media as Parliament debates the constitutional amendment. Global Stage: UN Security Council elections saw Zimbabwe elected for 2027–28, while Germany and the Philippines missed out.

Poland Fallout: A Zimbabwean immigrant in Lublin, Poland, allegedly seriously injured a 40-year-old Polish man during a birthday attack, but was released and faces only a minor bodily harm charge with no deportation—sparking outrage and a parliamentary probe. UN Spotlight: Zimbabwe secured a seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 after the General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal and Trinidad and Tobago alongside Zimbabwe. Rugby on DStv: CANAL+ and World Rugby confirmed Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 live on SuperSport across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Zimbabwe’s Sables set to return to the global stage. Cyberbullying Case: Harare comedian Mai TT is named as a complainant in a new cyberbullying and harassment case against Patricia Jack, who was remanded in custody pending bail. Sports Betting & Mobile: A fresh look at Zimbabwe’s betting scene argues mobile-first wagering is changing how fans engage with entertainment. Constitution Debate: MDC warns it will fight CAB3 through courts and citizen action if the controversial constitutional amendment becomes law. Youth & Online Safety: Cabinet approved Zimbabwe’s National Youth Policy (2026–2030) and the National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), targeting education, jobs and safer digital spaces.

Youth & Digital Policy: Cabinet has approved Zimbabwe’s National Youth Policy (2026–2030), targeting young women, people with disabilities, NEETs, youth living with HIV, substance abuse cases, vulnerable children and the diaspora, with a big focus on getting NEETs back into education and work. Child Online Safety: Cabinet also okayed the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), setting out a national framework to safeguard children online through legal, technical and corporate responsibility, plus education and public awareness. Health & Community: Zimbabwe’s National AIDS Council says the country is still on track to end AIDS by 2030, even with reduced donor funding, and has flagged Old Magwegwe and Old Pumula as HIV hotspots. Arts & Culture: Gqom’s community roots get the spotlight as Spotify streams reportedly surged 5,732% since 2018, while Blink Films is producing “Lost City of Gold” on Great Zimbabwe for PBS/WNET and Arte. Entertainment & Lifestyle: Tinaye Wayne is set for his “Nothing to Hide” comedy show at Reps Theatre in Harare on 6 June, and Nadia Nakai’s Naked Without launches “The Big Three” lip liner shades with Moozlie and Rouge. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Zimbabwe Women will host South Africa Women in a historic five-match T20I series in Bulawayo in September.

Chibuku Neshamwari Dance: Matabeleland South’s Bolamba Culture Birds and Mashonaland East’s Marondera Gure Art Group topped their provincial finals, booking spots for the national stage as the Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival races toward its big showdown. Boxing Spotlight: Kell Brook lands in Zimbabwe as a boxing ambassador, while Walmer’s Nozipho Bell eyes redemption in a WBF intercontinental junior-welterweight title bout this weekend. Women’s Cricket Buzz: Zimbabwe fans get a front-row view of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with standout batters like Laura Wolvaardt and Georgia Voll tipped to swing matches fast. Football & Sport Talk: Andy Flower breaks down what changed between RCB’s IPL triumphs, and Millwall’s Femi Azeez is reportedly blocked from joining Nigeria’s friendlies amid transfer talk. Zimbabwe Social Pulse: MOPSE and NAC push reintegration of teenage mothers into schools under “Circular 18,” tackling stigma and keeping learners in class. Regional Tension: South Africa investigates killings linked to Mossel Bay xenophobia fears, with Mozambique disputing the official death toll.

Indigenous Media Funding: Cultural Survival says its 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund is backing 36 projects across 23 countries, including Zimbabwe, to strengthen community storytelling, memory and traditional knowledge. Culture Behind Bars: Shurugwi Female Prison marked Culture Month with drumming, dance and poetry, giving inmates a rare moment of identity and hope. Education Overhaul: Zimbabwe’s curriculum is being reshaped around a heritage-based, skills-and-innovation push aimed at global competitiveness. Drug Crackdown in Bulawayo: Police arrested 39 suspects over the past two weeks and moved to expand rehabilitation centres as the war on drugs intensifies. Theatre Calendar: The Mitambo International Theatre Festival returns in September (Sept 26–30) with an international line-up under the theme “Converge.” Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Alick Macheso debuted yet another new hairstyle at Hippo Valley’s 70th anniversary celebrations, keeping fans talking. AI in Newsrooms: Editors across southern Africa are using AI for faster drafting and transcription, but say human judgment still leads. IOC Athlete Pay Debate: IOC president Kirsty Coventry clarified her stance, saying she opposes paying athletes at the Olympics but supports direct athlete support. Super Eagles Prep: Nigeria began preparations for a friendly vs Poland in Warsaw with several key players reporting for camp.