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Old Mutual pushes Dete solar project as it seeks to light up Zimbabwe

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BY CRECEY KUYEDZWA

Old Mutual Zimbabwe – a subsidiary of Old Mutual – has poured US$12.4 million into solar projects around that southern African country, which will generate a combined 25 MW upon completion.

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Among other projects, OMZim has invested in a 5.4 MW solar farm at Cross Mabale in Dete, Matabeleland North province.

The Zimbabwe economy has been struggling with high levels of inflation which remained above 56% at the last count in July 2021.

The country is currently not energy sufficient and imports at least 300 MW from Eskom South Africa, while other imports are coming from Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa.

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OMZim says its investment activities are now focused on activities that will “help the economy recover and grow as well as helping our clients preserve value for their investments”.

In the Old Mutual Anchors Magazine (11th issue, 2021), OMZim said it will continue to recognise and support sectors such as sustainable energy, agriculture, and other green climate projects.

While OMZim’s portfolio has been anchored on insurance and investment in the major cities, it explained that the group’s new strategy is to “diversify away from city buildings and venture into private infrastructure and equity investments, specifically in the energy sector”.

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“We have invested US$12.4 billion into solar projects around Zimbabwe that will generate a combined 25 MW upon completion and also contribute in feeding electricity into the national grid,” it said.

The Cross Mabale investment, which is a joint venture between Old Mutual Investment Group and Solgas Energy, was expected to go live on at the end of last month.

“The farm has been under construction since 2019, with Old Mutual investing US$7.3 million on the project, which is made of 16 000 solar panels,” OMZim said.

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Another solar project OMZim is invested in is Harava Solar, which is building a 20 MW solar farm in Seke just outside of Harare.

The initial phase of 6 MW is done and the company plans to complete the project by November this year.

The plant will provide power to 45 000 households, according to officials.

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OMZim has also funded the installation of solar-powered irrigation equipment to assist water reticulation and small-scale agriculture at 26 schools.

According to CEO Samuel Matsekete, OMZim’s investments in alternative assets continue to track well.

“We closed ahead of the targets that we set at the beginning of the year,” Matsekete told the company’s AGM last week.

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The CEO also stated that they sustained investments in infrastructure, projects such as those in green energy or investments in the real estate sector.

“While some of these projects were derailed by Covid-19-induced lockdowns, a few were completed during the period under review. We continued to deploy capital in new projects and in initiatives aimed at making the business more effective and efficient in serving our customers.”

The investments in solar by Old Mutual come as more and more Zimbabwean companies are turning to solar energy for power supplies.

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Zimplats, the Zimbabwean unit of Impala Platinum (Implats), plans to build two solar power plants with generation capacity of 185 MW to power its operations. – Fin24

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Victoria Falls receives prestigious Ramsar wetland city accreditation

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

The City of Victoria Falls has been recognized globally for its outstanding efforts in conserving and managing its wetlands. Recently, the city was among 31 world cities to receive the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation at the ongoing Ramsar COP15.

According to Ntombizami Ncube, Acting Spatial Planning Director, “Efforts that we put as a city, together with our stakeholders and communities, in conserving our property, especially the Victoria Falls, have been significant.” She highlighted the city’s collaborative work with the Forestry Commission, schools, and stakeholders to manage and conserve the property, which benefits the entire city.

The city’s conservation initiatives include participating in joint site management committee meetings with the Zambians to monitor developments and conservation status. They have also developed a tourism strategy and a joint integrated management plan. Additionally, the city has implemented various initiatives, such as collaborative waste management, regular clean-up campaigns, and development control.

Ncube emphasized the importance of preserving the wilderness value of Victoria Falls, stating, “Our community depends on Victoria Falls for livelihood, so preserving it is crucial.” The city ensures that buildings near the forest don’t exceed tree height or 11 meters and plants three indigenous trees for every tree cut.

The Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation recognizes the city’s efforts in conserving and preserving its wetlands. Ncube expressed the city’s commitment to continuing its conservation work, stating, “We’ll continue working together to conserve and preserve our wetlands, ensuring wise use and remaining an accredited World Heritage city.”

The city is thrilled to receive this international recognition and looks forward to renewing its accreditation, valuing its importance and benefits to the city, stakeholders, and community.

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In the community

Domestic violence takes a deadly turn: Hwange woman’s violent outburst lands her in jail

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BY STAFF REPORTER

A 19-year-old woman from Makwika Village has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrate’s Court for domestic violence and assault after a violent incident occurred on June 2, 2025.

The court heard that the woman assaulted her husband after he confronted her over messages on her phone. She slapped him, grabbed his private parts, dragged him into the kitchen, and poured boiling water on his lower body, causing serious injuries.

A concerned neighbor who attempted to intervene was also burnt with boiling water on her chest and hospitalized.

The woman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for domestic violence and 24 months imprisonment for assault. However, 12 months of the assault sentence were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior, and the remaining 24 months were suspended on condition of performing 630 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, emphasizing that violence, whether in the home or community, is unacceptable.

“The law applies equally to all, and offenders will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ. “We encourage citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse immediately.”

 

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In the community

Teenager sentenced to 18 months for knife attack on minor

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Bulawayo Regional Court recently sentenced a 19-year-old male from Nkayi’s Maphosa Village to 18 months imprisonment for attempted murder after a violent knife attack on a 15-year-old boy at Gwamayaya Business Centre.

Allegations are that on April 18, at approximately 23:00 hours, the offender entered a shop at the business centre, causing a commotion. When customers attempted to calm him down, he became aggressive and charged at the victim, stabbing him in the left side of the stomach with a knife.

The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the offender was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

In court, the offender was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, six months of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 410 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, urging young people to resolve conflicts peacefully and encouraging communities to play a role in early intervention.

“Violence is never the answer. Every life matters – walk away, don’t escalate,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

 

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