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BancABC, Mama Money launch cross border money transfer service  

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BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

BancABC Zimbabwe, the local banking subsidiary of Pan African group, Atlas Mara, has launched Border Hopper, an international remittance service that allows Zimbabweans abroad to send money home.

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The Border-to-Border remittance service was launched with South Africa to Zimbabwe transfers as the first corridor with plans to extend the service to other countries in the region.

The remittance service launched in partnership with Mama Money leverages on the Bank’s agency relationship with Pick n Pay and will allow Zimbabweans to send money through any Mama Money Agent in South Africa, including Pick n Pay stores, to Zimbabwe through Border Hopper.

The funds can be collected at any one of over 40 BancABC kiosks in TM Pick n Pay stores across the country.

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Speaking at the product launch, BancABC Zimbabwe CEO, Lance Mambondiani said, “Just over a year ago we launched City Hopper, our domestic remittance service that has proven to be quite popular with our clients. Today, we are excited to extend this service across borders with the launch of Border Hopper”.

“We are grateful for the hard-working Zimbabweans across the world who support their families and contribute to the development of the economy in difficult times,” he added.

“We have seen the spike in remittance values and volumes under the hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic and we wanted to provide a fast, convenient and simple solution to allow our diaspora customers to do their transfers.

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“What better way to do that than bringing the service to your backyard through Pick n Pay’s nationwide network.”

Leanne Lancaster, Mama Money chief growth officer said, “We are operating in 54 markets and look forward to expanding our partnership into multiple countries.

“The partnership will create additional stakeholder value ensuring all organisations gain through the cross-functional opportunities.”

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Malcom Mycroft, the TM Pick n Pay Zimbabwe MD added: “We’ve picked the right partner in BancABC, a partner that is proactive to bringing value to the business by innovating as fast as we do”.

The Border Hopper service is available to all Zimbabweans and recipients can collect funds at any BancABC kiosk in TM Pick n Pay stores nationwide after presenting their reference number and a copy of their national identity document.

The Border Hopper service has been launched just in time for the festive season and the people at BancABC hope that for the millions of Zimbabweans that receive funds from abroad, it will lead to a very Merry Christmas.

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National

Migration on the rise: Matabeleland North tops outbound movement in latest ZimLAC report

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINK

Matabeleland North has recorded some of the highest levels of migration in Zimbabwe, with 12.6% of households moving to urban areas and 7.8% leaving the country, according to the 2024–2025 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) report.

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The figures highlight a growing trend in which families are uprooting in search of work, education, and better living conditions, with the province’s migration rate well above the national averages of 9.9% for rural-to-urban moves and 5.0% for emigration.

For many in Matabeleland North, economic necessity drives these decisions.

“I had to send my son to Bulawayo because there was simply no work here,” said Thabani Ncube, a smallholder farmer in Lupane. “Even piece jobs have dried up. At least in town, he can hustle and maybe support the family.”

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The ZimLAC report shows that employment opportunities are the leading reason behind rural-to-urban migration nationally (6.3%). In Matabeleland North, 7.7% cited education as the next big pull factor, followed by new residential land and improved living standards.

Experts warn that while migration can bring relief through remittances, it also risks hollowing out rural communities.

“This trend is a double-edged sword,” explained Dr. Nomalanga Sibanda, a livelihoods researcher in Bulawayo. “Families may benefit from remittances, but local economies lose critical labour and skills. Over time, this weakens resilience in rural districts.”

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Other Provinces: Contrasting Patterns

Matabeleland South recorded the highest rate of emigration, with 13.5% of households reporting that members had left the country — nearly triple the national average. Masvingo followed closely, with 16.5% moving to towns and 7.7% leaving for the diaspora.

Meanwhile, Mashonaland Central had the lowest levels of outward movement, with just 4.4% moving to towns and 1.0% emigrating.

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Midlands also stood out, with 12.9% shifting to urban areas and 6.2% relocating abroad, driven mainly by job opportunities and schooling.

National Picture

Across Zimbabwe, nearly one in ten households (9.9%) reported rural-to-urban migration, while 5% indicated emigration outside the country. Employment, education, and improved living standards remain the strongest motivators.

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For ordinary families, the story is about survival and hope.

“My husband left for South Africa last year,” said Memory Dube of Gwanda, Matabeleland South. “He sends money when he can, but life is tough there too. Still, we rely on that income to buy food and pay school fees.”

ZimLAC, which advises the government through the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), says the data will guide evidence-based interventions. The report stresses that migration trends are not just statistics, but reflect deeper issues of economic opportunity, resilience, and service delivery across provinces.

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National

Zimbabwe selected for groundbreaking HIV prevention initiative

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe has announced an exciting development in the fight against HIV: Zimbabwe has been selected as one of the ten countries globally to roll out lenacapavir, a breakthrough in HIV prevention.

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“Yes Zimbabwe, it’s happening!” the embassy declared, highlighting the significance of this initiative.

“For decades, we’ve fought to turn the tide against this epidemic, and each day we get closer,” the statement continued. This new treatment represents a pivotal moment in HIV prevention efforts, as it is the first twice-yearly HIV prevention medicine.

The implementation of lenacapavir is made possible through a partnership with U.S.-based Gilead Sciences and the Global Fund. A key finding from a large-scale clinical trial shows that more than 99% of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative. While this has the potential to save millions of lives, the Embassy emphasized that for Zimbabwe, it represents a major step toward ending new infections.

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“But this is more than medicine—it advances us on a pathway to a safer, stronger, and healthier future!” noted the embassy’s announcement.

The initiative particularly focuses on pregnant and breastfeeding women, aiming to protect the next generation. It will also work toward strengthening healthcare systems, empowering Zimbabwe to lead its own fight against HIV. Moreover, the goal of making lenacapavir more affordable and accessible ensures that no one is left behind.

The embassy highlighted, “This is American leadership at its best: driving innovation, and building a world where children, mothers, and communities can thrive.”

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As this initiative rolls out, the message is clear: “Together, we’re not just fighting HIV—we’re winning.”

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In the community

Avoid nightime movement and stoning elephants, communities told

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Following a recent spate of human-wildlife conflict incidents, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Tinashe Farawo has urged communities to exercise caution when encountering wild animals.

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Farawo emphasized the importance of avoiding confrontations with elephants, particularly when they encroach into community areas. “We would like to urge members of the communities to avoid throwing stones at elephants,” he said. “This action agitates them, leading to attacks on people.”

In addition to avoiding confrontations, Farawo advised community members to minimize movement at night, as this is when wild animals are most active. “We would like to urge communities to avoid moving at night to minimize casualties,” he said.

Farawo’s comments come after a 79-year-old man from Hwange was killed by an elephant yesterday. The incident is still under investigation by rangers. This is the second fatal incident in the area, following the death of another man who was attacked by an elephant while on his way to work in Hwange town several weeks ago.

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