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Pick n Pay and TM Supermarkets invest in new Zimbabwean stores  

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BY TAWANDA KAROMBO

PICK n Pay and its partner, TM Supermarkets, are investing in new Zimbabwe stores in addition to upgrading others, buoyed by a stronger uptick in sales and a robust revenue base.

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However, with the new Covid-19 variant reported in South Africa forcing Zimbabwe to institute new restrictions such as mandatory quarantines and testing on arrival, other retail chains such as Edgars Zimbabwe are switching their attention to online platforms to safeguard sales.

Pick n Pay and its Zimbabwean counterpart have adopted a long-term view, with refurbishment programmes and opening of new stores well on course.

Development of new malls in Harare and other urban areas is also giving rise to opportunities for local retailers to expand.

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“Refurbishment of the stores is progressing as planned … two more stores are expected to be completed by the end of December,” said John Moxon, the chairman of the holding company of Pick n Pay’s Zimbabwe partner, TM Supermarkets.

“In addition, work is under way on new stores that are expected to come on stream during the first half of the next financial year.”

Units sold in the half year to end September period grew by 27 percent, and also robustly paced up after the month of September, a development that is “expected to result in a stronger financial performance” in future months.

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Operating profit for the Pick n Pay and TM Supermarkets stores amounted to $1.2 billion (US$11.4 million at the official exchange rate of $1:ZWL105 or R180m) “in inflation adjusted terms” compared to $463.9 million (US$4.4m) in the previous period.

“In historical cost terms, the operating profit increased to $1.8 billion (US$17.1m) from $1.1 billion in the previous period,” the company said.

The Zimbabwean retailers have also been massively affected by Zimbabwe’s mobile money and electronic transactions two percent tax. OK Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean rival for Pick n Pay, said this week it had taken a US$4.5m hit from the tax which had also had impact on its profitability.

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The mobile money and digital payments tax “significantly eroded the OK Zimbabwe business’ gross margins” with the expenses from the levy not deductible for tax filings.

This further compounded “the tax burden” on the retailer.

Notwithstanding this, OK Zimbabwe grew revenues by about 42 percent in the same half year period.

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Retailers in Zimbabwe are also likely to be impacted by a new five percent levy on imported dairy products as Zimbabwe seeks to prop up its dairy and value addition industries. Other retailers in Zimbabwe include Spar franchised outlets and smaller local players. – Business Report Online

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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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