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Concern over chaos at Beitbridge border

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Durban – There is growing concern about the situation at the Beitbridge border post as truck drivers have been stuck for up to five days before being processed to enter South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Videos shared on social media show queues that stretch for long distances at the border post. Drivers, who spoke to eNCA, said the delays were due to a new commercial terminal, access fees, and a slow electronic system.

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Mmenyane Seoposengwe, senior manager; strategic communications for the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) said that construction on the Zimbabwe side of the border along with new crossing tariffs introduced by Zimbabwe were contributing to the delays at Beitbridge.

The interstate operations agency, which aims to reduce mobility constraints for road transport operators, said it was concerned about the delays at the border.

“The current construction taking place on the Zimbabwe side of the border also impacts on the current delays.

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Furthermore, Zimbabwe recently introduced new crossing tariffs applicable to passenger, freight and private vehicles.

“The C-BRTA’s role at the border is to ensure compliance on cross-border transport operations and the validity of permits. This task would in no way cause delays; we are, however, diligently working with our Zimbabwe counterparts to address this issue.”

Angel Khanyile, DA spokesperson on home affairs, said that the situation needed urgent intervention.

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“The DA calls on the minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, to engage with his Zimbabwean counterpart as a matter of urgency following reports that growing numbers of trucks have been stuck at the Beitbridge border post for more than five days before being processed into both countries.”

Khanyile added that stranded truck drivers were being denied basic human rights and the situation they were in posed a health risk.

“The renovations at South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe have caused queues of more than 50km and truck drivers are stranded without access to water or ablution and sanitation facilities. This poses a risk to their health with both countries still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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Francois Diedrechsen, the chief executive of Zimborders Consortium, which secured the contract for the upgrade and modernisation of Beitbridge border post, said yesterday that the situation was improving gradually.

“The present situation at the border is improving daily after incorporating improved new processes and systems; south-bound traffic queues have been reduced from over 4km a week ago to under 500m; northbound queues remain a challenge as this backlog (extended for) 10km and was three lanes wide at the peak (currently 8km and mostly a single lane) and is being reduced gradually daily with the increased throughput currently being achieved.

“All teams from both government and Zimborders are working around the clock to improve the situation.”

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Gavin Kelly, chief executive of the Road Freight Association, said that he was waiting for an update on the situation. “Earlier today (yesterday), the situation was unchanged.

According to the officials on the ground, there is a surge in traffic on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the border really struggles; that will start from tomorrow (today).” – The Mecury

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National

RemitHope launches “100 for 10” campaign to raise $100K for grassroots organisations across Africa

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

RemitHope, a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

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The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

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The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution.

That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances – redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

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New 600 schools vs. reality: Mat North rural students trek over 10 kilometers for class

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, proudly announced that the government has constructed over 600 schools across Zimbabwe between 2022 and 2025. “I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he stated, adding that “this year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

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Despite this achievement, reports from Matabeleland North province reveal a stark contrast, where students in rural areas often walk over ten kilometers to reach their nearest secondary schools. For example, in Nkayi, learners from areas such as Menda and Mantshololozane must travel long distances to access secondary education at Tohwe and Nkayi High Secondary Schools, which are situated more than ten kilometers apart. This trend has persisted, making it difficult for many students to pursue beyond primary education.

While the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to educational development, the experiences of many rural students paint a different picture. One legislator noted, “We were informed in this House that we have a deficit of 3 000 schools in Zimbabwe… what could have probably caused the mushrooming of these schools is the fact that there is a gap, and children do not have to walk long distances.”

In response to the issue of unregistered schools, Moyo addressed concerns, stating, “It is mandatory for any school to be registered before they can operate.” He explained that there is a dedicated department responsible for school registration and encouraged those operating illegally to regularize their status.

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Four men on the run after allegedly killing man over relative’s death

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Four people from Silobela are being sought by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their alleged involvement in a gruesome murder that took place on Sunday.

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The police are investigating the murder of 21-year-old Thandelwenkosi Moyo, who was allegedly killed by the four suspects after being accused of killing their relative.

According to the police report, the incident occurred at Munklenuck Village, Inyathi.

The accused have been identified as Nyoka, Zizimuzi, Mboya, and Aweli.

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The police report states that the four suspects took turns to attack the victim with booted feet and a sharp object, resulting in his death at the scene.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and report to the nearest police station.

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