Uncategorized

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

Published

5 years ago

August 24, 2021

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.

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.

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”.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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

National

Zimbabwe export surge, diaspora inflows mask funding gaps in foreign affairs sector

Published

3 days ago

April 30, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Zimbabwe is seeing strong gains in export earnings and diaspora remittances, but lawmakers warn chronic underfunding is undermining the country’s diplomatic and economic ambitions.

Parliament heard that remittances reached about $1.8 billion by the third quarter of 2025, while exports rose sharply, helping cut the trade deficit. Lawmakers said the diaspora remains “a vital source of foreign exchange, directly contributing to the enhancement of the nation’s foreign reserves and overall economic stability.”

However, MPs said financial constraints are weakening the institutions meant to sustain that growth. The Zimbabwe Foreign Services Institute received only a fraction of its budget, limiting recruitment and training.

“The staffing shortfall has inevitably affected operational efficiency and the institute’s ability to discharge its core mandate,” the committee report noted.

Lawmakers warned that without consistent funding, gains in exports and diaspora engagement could stall, particularly as Zimbabwe pushes toward an export-led economy.

Nkayi

Burial preparations underway for Nkayi well tragedy victims

Published

2 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Nkayi community is preparing to lay to rest the Grade 2 pupil and his neighbor who tragically died in a gas-filled well in Ward 19 last week.

According to Ward 19 Councillor Thubelihle Mabuza Ncube, the young Grade 2 boy is scheduled to be laid to rest today, while the other deceased individual will be buried tomorrow. The community is currently awaiting the arrival of the bodies from the Nkayi regional mortuary. The remains were recently delivered back to the regional mortuary following the completion of postmortem examinations in Bulawayo.

The double fatality occurred when the young student was reportedly lured into a neighbor’s well by an elder to retrieve a bucket in exchange for sweets. The child was quickly overcome by suspected carbon monoxide and a total lack of oxygen. A neighbor who entered the shaft in a desperate rescue attempt also perished after being overwhelmed by the toxic air.

Due to the hazardous conditions within the well, rescuers were unable to enter the shaft and had to use a makeshift wire tool to retrieve the bodies from the surface. Councillor Ncube previously expressed deep distress over the incident, noting that Nkayi is hurting deeply.

While the community mourns, legal proceedings are also in motion. The councillor has indicated that the accused in the matter has been charged by the police. This update follows a series of tragic events in the Nkayi district, including a recent fatal elephant attack in Ward 13.

Binga

ZPCS reports 104 HIV-positive inmates across Matabeleland North prisons

Published

4 weeks ago

April 7, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A total of 104 inmates are living with HIV across eight correctional facilities in Matabeleland North, according to data from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.

The figures, which were first reported by the Chronicle, were presented by ZPCS Assistant Principal Correctional Officer Godknows Ncube during a National Aids Council stakeholder meeting in Bulawayo.

Of the inmates recorded as positive, 98 are aged 25 and older, while six are under the age of 25. The affected facilities include Victoria Falls Prison, Hwange Prison, Ntabazinduna Satellite Prison, Anju Farm Prison, Tsholotsho Prison, Lupane Prison, and Binga Prison .

During the most recent quarter, 144 inmates underwent testing for HIV, resulting in one positive diagnosis .

While correctional facilities received 900 male condoms, officials reported that no female condoms were provided. Ncube noted the need to address this gender bias and ensure that female protectors are available for inmates.

The prison service is also facing challenges with medication adherence. Ncube emphasized that there is a high number of defaulters, particularly among younger inmates who were aware of their HIV status before entering the system.

He called for the integration of HIV services with other health programs and stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and reporting within the prisons. Currently, some facilities in the region are not yet accredited to provide antiretroviral therapy services, highlighting a need for further staff training and equipment