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Zimbabweans don’t need licences for generators, says EMA

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has dismissed social media speculation that individuals who use generators will now need to have registered licences. 

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EMA’s Environmental Education and Publicity Manager Amkela Sidange made the clarification on Monday following a speculation that those who ran their generators for household use without licences were going to pay a fine of up to $100 000 for pollution. 

Zimbabweans are increasingly relying on generators because of long hours of power cuts due declining power generation at the Kariba Dam and Hwange Power Station. 

“The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) would like to correct a notion that it licences operation of any generator above 5kVA, which has caused unnecessary panic among members of the public especially those using generators at household level or for domestic purposes,” Sidange said. 

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“As a matter of fact, Section 64 of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20:27) clearly stipulates that, “No owner or operator of a trade or any establishment shall emit a substance or energy which causes or is likely to cause air pollution without an emission licences, thus clearly indicating that this is an operation at commercial level or for industrial use.

“The appliance of operation is further buttressed under Statutory Instrument 72 of  2009 (Environmental Management [Atmospheric Pollution Control] Regulations, 2009), where an appliance means any stationary fuel-burning appliance or apparatus which is capable of 

consuming more than 5 kilograms per hour of fuel or other combustible matter, whether such fuel or combustible matter is in a solid, liquid or gaseous state. 

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In this case, a generator becomes the appliance and if it is consuming more than 5kg per hour of fuel, and being used for commercial purposes or industrial use, then it must be licenced by the Agency.”

 Sidange said the law clarifies that the appliance, in this case generators, are defined on fuel consumption basis and not on power basis that the public has been made to understand.

“On that note the Agency wants to implore members of the public to always look at the brighter side of this piece of legislative narrative which seeks to prevent air pollution and ensure members of the public enjoy access to clean environment (air) which is not harmful to health as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Environmental Management Act (Chapter 20:27)

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“Also prevention of air pollution dovetails towards the fight against climate change where as a country we want to achieve our Nationally determined Contributions (NDCs), of 40% per capita emissions reduction across all sectors of the economy below the projected business as usual scenario by 2030.”

Meanwhile, Sidange called on those found on the wrong side of the law to desist from causing public panic by disseminating incorrect information and at the same time for the members of the public to engage the Agency when not in the clear about certain environmental law implications.

 

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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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