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Zimbabwe’s power cuts cripple business

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2022

BY MARKO PHIRI

Electricity outages have escalated in Zimbabwe, with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) citing vandalism of its infrastructure, but experts say power generation is being crippled by a lack of investment in renewable energy.

In recent days, power outages have worsened, even before last week’s announcement that the country’s Kariba power station was shutting down because of low dam levels

Load-shedding has seen some parts of the country experiencing 24-hour blackouts, disrupting all economic activity, from heavy industrial sites and central business districts to backyard workshops.

Naboth Zondo, who earns a living at his home as a welder, knows this painfully well. If there is no electricity, he does not eat.

“It’s as simple as that,” he says. “What do you do when electricity is restored at one o’clock in the morning and disappears before the sun comes up?”

He is not alone.

Families still able to stock their fridges complain about food spoiling, worsened by the power utility no longer publishing a fixed schedule of electricity cuts.

“You cannot plan anything. You watch as food rots. Why bother to complain, and to whom?” asks Wellington Tshuma, as butcheries race to save their businesses.

In Bulawayo’s Kelvin North, light industries, touted by the small enterprises ministry as the answer to the country’s high unemployment levels where skilled and unskilled artisans can be found working as welders and motor mechanics, daily power outages have meant lost incomes.

During electricity blackouts, Ntando Nleya can be found whiling away the boredom playing checkers with his colleagues.“We have to come here every day even if we know there is no guarantee of electricity. It’s better than staying at home and still doing nothing,” he says.

Backyard electricity consumers are considered small fry as energy-guzzling sectors such as mining and agriculture have taken a huge knock because of power uncertainty.

Early this year, the mining and farming sectors pleaded with the government for them to be exempted from load-shedding, citing loss of working hours and revenue.

A 2019 African Development Bank (AfDB) report said electricity shortages in Zimbabwe remained one of the major structural constraints facing the mining sector, despite its potential to change the country’s economic fortunes.

“There is undeniable evidence that the development of reliable, adequate, low-priced power can contribute significantly to the efficient and effective functioning of the Zimbabwe economy and the maintenance of Zimbabweans’ standard of living,” the AfDB report said, at a time when numerous studies and reports note that the country’s standard of living has decreasedZesa, a state-owned enterprise, has routinely blamed extended power blackouts on the vandalism of its infrastructure by thieves who steal copper cables and drain transformer oil.

But the Zambezi River Authority, custodians of the source of hydroelectric generating Kariba Dam, this week announced that power production was being suspended because of low water levels at the dam.

The country’s energy ambitions have not been spared by the climate crisis, but analysts say investing in renewable energy could offer relief.

The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries have

complained about the effect of electricity cuts on production, noting that despite years of lobbying the government to decisively deal with the power crisis, nothing had been done.

The government has touted solar power as the answer to the country’s power deficit, but investment in the capital-intensive sector has been dogged by allegedly corrupt awarding of tenders.In 2015, amid former president Robert Mugabe’s ostensible crackdown on dubious tender-awarding processes, a multimillion-dollar solar plant was earmarked for construction in Gwanda, a small town in the country’s southwest, but years later, nothing has happened, and the winning contractor has been accused of converting the money to finance a lavish lifestyle.

Under its renewable energy policy, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has set out ambitious energy-production targets of up to 1 100 megawatts of renewable energy by 2025.

Zera said this will represent 16.5% of the country’s total energy production, and that is expected to increase to 26.5% by 2030.

By Zera’s projections, the country will have excess electricity production capacity by 2030, which is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s timeline to have a middle-class economy.

Amid the country’s ongoing economic hardships and stalled foreign direct investment in the energy sector, critics have expressed doubt that those targets will be realised.

At peak, Zimbabwe’s electricity demand stands at 1 700 megawatts but the country has for years struggled to hit the 1 000MW mark owing to old infrastructure and lack of investment in the sector.

While the country has clinched “mega deals” with countries such as Belarus, Russia and China for renewable energy production, the ongoing energy crisis has cast doubt on the implementation of these projects.

“Renewable energy production is expensive, and the government should have concentrated on refurbishing existing infrastructure as we suggested years ago,” said Elias Mudzuri, a former energy minister during the country’s government of national unity.

“One wonders if the current energy minister is competent enough to deal with the energy crisis. It is not about whether the government has money or no money for long-term sustainable energy projects. What is important is having a feasible energy blueprint, then everything else will follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, institutions such as hospitals have not been spared the power cuts, highlighting the extent of the crisis.

At one time, expecting mothers were being asked to bring candles into delivery rooms, in a country where skilled health personnel are quitting in droves citing poor working conditions.

For now, as the country fumbles in the dark, there is little to show that the energy crisis will be solved anytime soon, with South Africa’s Eskom being pressured by local lobbyists to cut off power to Zimbabwe.

In 2019, Zesa reported that Zimbabwe was getting 400MW from Eskom, while also importing power from Zambia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The country has routinely been threatened with disconnection for failing to pay for the electricity, and last week, Energy Minister Soda Zhemu told journalists that the government did not have the money to import electricity.

Zimbabwe, alongside other countries in the region, has, for years, imported electricity from South Africa, but with the continent’s largest economy facing its own energy crisis marked by rolling electricity blackouts, Zimbabwe could find itself in a cold dark place for much longer.

Critics have been harsh on how the government has dealt with the energy crisis, and senior Zesa officials have been accused of corruption and bad corporate governance.

“The failure to address the recurrent problem of power outages, and given the levels of official corruption and lack of corporate conscience by state enterprises and parastatals, there is little doubt that the country is suffering from a moral crisis,” said Gorden Moyo, who served as minister of state enterprises and parastatals under the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s tenure as prime Minister. (Source:Mail&Guardian)

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

4 days ago

October 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.

National

Zimbabwe moves to establish tough drug control agency amid rising substance abuse crisis

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As Zimbabwe battles a surge in drug and substance abuse, the government has tabled a new Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a powerful agency to coordinate enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes across the country.

The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill (H.B. 12, 2025) proposes the creation of a dedicated agency mandated to combat the supply and demand of illicit drugs, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social service institutions.

According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, the agency will operate under two main divisions — a Social Services Intervention Division to focus on prevention, treatment and community rehabilitation, and an Enforcement Division to target supply chains, trafficking networks, and related financial crimes.

The legislation describes drug abuse as “a grave internal national security threat” and “a public health crisis” that fuels organised crime, corruption and violence. It notes that drug profits have enabled criminal cartels to “purchase the instrumentalities of crime, including weapons,” and to corrupt both civilian and non-civilian public officials.

Under the new framework, the agency will have powers to:

Investigate and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and production;
Work jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe;
Establish checkpoints at ports of entry and exit to intercept harmful substances; and
Expand the legal definition of “harmful drugs” to include emerging synthetic substances, in consultation with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Social Services Division will lead prevention campaigns, develop demand-reduction programmes, and facilitate the creation of rehabilitation and detoxification centres nationwide. It will also introduce a monitoring system requiring schools, employers, and local authorities to adopt anti-drug awareness and intervention programmes within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.

Each province and district will host offices of the agency to decentralise services and ensure community-level engagement, while traditional leaders will help devise local prevention strategies.

The Bill further empowers the agency to employ prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority to handle drug-related cases, signalling a shift toward specialised prosecution of narcotics offences. It also introduces a new, stricter “standard scale of fines” and penalties for drug crimes — higher than those prescribed under existing criminal laws.

In a major development, the proposed law integrates the agency into Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to pursue unexplained wealth orders and seize assets linked to drug cartels.

The Bill stresses rehabilitation and social reintegration as key pillars. It obliges the agency to support affected individuals through psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community wellness programmes aimed at helping addicts rebuild their lives.

If passed, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency will replace fragmented anti-drug efforts currently scattered across ministries and law enforcement agencies, creating a central authority to drive national strategy and coordination.

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks amid growing concern over youth addiction to crystal meth, cough syrups, and other illicit substances that have taken root in both urban and rural communities.

National

Hwange unit 8 breaks down, deepening Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

ZESA Holdings has announced that Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the national grid following a technical fault, a development expected to worsen Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages.

In a statement released on Monday, the power utility said the unit would be out of service for ten days while restoration work is carried out.

“Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the grid due to a technical fault. The unit will be out of service for 10 days while restoration work is carried out,” ZESA said.

The company said Hwange Unit 7 remains operational, generating 335 megawatts (MW) to support system stability, while power generation at Kariba South Power Station has been ramped up with “careful management of water allocations” to compensate for the temporary shortfall.

ZESA apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as engineers work to restore the unit.

Zimbabwe has faced recurring electricity supply challenges over the past two decades, driven by ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and low water levels at Kariba Dam. While the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 brought some relief, frequent breakdowns have continued to disrupt supply, forcing industries and households to endure prolonged load-shedding.

The latest fault at Hwange comes at a time when power demand is surging across the country, particularly during the hot season when air conditioning and irrigation systems increase pressure on the grid.

Energy experts say the outage highlights the need for greater investment in maintenance, renewable energy, and grid modernization to stabilize Zimbabwe’s power supply in the long term.