POST CABINET BRIEFING: New national enforcement agency to help combat drug abuse

We publish here the post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.

In terms of the justice delivery system under the Cross-cutting Governance Thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

The Digital Land Administration Platform integration with Banks is in progress;

Digital Integration Land Administration Platform User Interface Upgrade is 95 percent complete;
Implementation of Notarial Deed of Trust Processes is 85 percent complete;
Establishment of Lupane Legal Aid Directorate Office is 50 percent complete;
The construction of Gwanda New Court Complex is 78 percent complete, while Kwekwe New Magistrate Court is 60 percent complete;
The Magistrates’ Court Integrated Electronic Case Management System for Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central Provinces was launched on July 1, 2025;
Over 300 inmates from Anju, Mazowe, Mutimurefu and Hurungwe Prison Farms were capacitated to enhance agricultural production under the rehabilitation and reintegration programme;
Sixty-six Building Brigade inmates were capacitated under the rehabilitation and reintegration programme at Anju, Gwanda, Beitbridge and Mutare Prison Farms, while 105 inmates are being capacitated in brick moulding at McDonald Bricks through the employment programme;

Regarding the Moving the Economy up the Value Chain and Structural Transformation pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Industry and Commerce highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

The installation of a Gas Tank Manufacturing Plant in Mashonaland West Province has been completed and the plant is currently undergoing testing;
The installation of the Agri-Milling Stock Feed Plant in Harare Metropolitan Province is now 90 percent complete, with the ongoing works expected to be completed by the end of July 2025;
Establishment of a 300kwh solar plant in Mashonaland Central is currently underway;
Development of a digital platform for Local Content Rating in Harare Metropolitan Province is now 70 percent complete, while development of Local Content Thresholds and establishment of incentives and disincentives for local content thresholds are in progress;

The Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

Production of two 25-episode documentary film series, which capture Zimbabwe’s development journey under the National Development Strategy 1 and explores the Legacy of Munhumutapa, with each pisode running for 24 minutes. The series showcases ministerial achievements and lived experiences of citizens, presented through expert interviews, archival material, and powerful storytelling. The filming is nearly complete, with most Cabinet ministers and communities interviewed and 80 percent of post-production finalised.
Garahwa Community Radio Transmitter Installation and Uninterrupted Power Supply Integration Project in Chipinge District, Manicaland Province was completed and is now fully operational;
The Upgrading of Radio Zimbabwe FM Transmitter Project in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province is underway and installation is expected before the end of the current cycle
Community Mobile Cinematography (Bioscope Outreach Programme) was held in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, at Masvosva Business Centre, Chiduku, Chiware, Chiwetu and Gurure Primary and Secondary Schools;
Establishment of a Heritage-Based Educational Radio Channel in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province is now 95 percent complete, with installation of equipment and studio acoustic treatment having been completed; and
The modernisation of Montrose Studios has been completed and is currently awaiting commissioning by President Mnangagwa.

Under the Infrastructure and Utilities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Minister of Energy and Power Development highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

Construction of 235 MW Zhongzhing Heli Thermal Power Plant in Hwange District, Matabeleland North;
Construction of 15 MW Maximind Thermal Power Plant in Buhera District, Manicaland Province;
Construction of 100 MW Massive Prestige Thermal Power Plant in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South Province;
Construction of 45 MW ZIMPLATS Solar Power Plant in Chegutu District, Mashonaland West Province;
Construction of 20 MW Dinson Thermal Power Plant in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province;
Construction of 20 MW Manhize Thermal Power Plant in Mvuma District, Midlands Province;
Construction of 10 MW New Glovers Solar Power Plant in Kwekwe District, Midlands Province;
Construction of 2.5 MW Guruve Solar Power Plant in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central Province;
Construction of St. Anthony Zvidhuri Primary Grid Extension in Hwedza District, Mashonaland East Province;
Construction of Soti Source Comm nity Solar Community Mini Grid (160 KW) in Gutu District, Masvingo Province; and
Construction of Chief Chireya Institutions Grid Extension in Gokwe North District, Midlands Province.

PRINCIPLES OF THE ARCHITECTS AMENDMENT BILL, 2025

Cabinet approved the Principles of the Architects Amendment Bill, 2025. The architectural profession in Zimbabwe, like in other jurisdictions, is a specialised and merit-based field that demands professional rigour, ethical accountability, and adherence to statutory requirements outlined in the Architects Act [Chapter 27:01]. However, the profession has recently faced significant challenges due to an influx of graduates practicing without mandatory registration with the Architects Council.

To address these issues, the amendment aims to reinforce the Council’s authority, ensuring that only qualified and registered professionals undertake architectural work in Zimbabwe.

The amendment also seeks to accommodate various professionals with architectural training, such as architectural technologists, technicians, draftsmen, interior architects and landscape architects. A clear roadmap will be provided for professionals transitioning from lower tiers to full-fledged architects. To deter unregistered practice, enforcement mechanisms will be strengthened through deterrent penalties for non-compliance.

Furthermore, the amendment aims to standardise regulations for issuing operator’s licences across local authorities, eliminating inconsistencies that create loopholes and weaken regulatory oversight. This will help curb the proliferation of informal, unregistered architectural practice, ultimately upholding the integrity and standards of the profession.

NATIONAL DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE CONTROL ENFORCEMENT AGENCY BILL

Cabinet considered and approved the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill.

The primary purpose of the Bill is to establish a specialised National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency, tasked with enforcing laws related to drug trafficking and substance abuse. This initiative responds to the growing concern of widespread drug peddling, fueled by organised networks with sophisticated international distribution systems, and the alarming rise in drug and substance abuse.

The Agency will comprise two key divisions: the Social Services Intervention Division, mainly responsible for coordinating access to support services, such as vocational training and rehabilitation programs; and the Enforcement Division, responsible for implementing enforcement strategies, leading drug enforcement operations, and overseeing compliance with drug laws and regulations.

Furthermore, the Bill updates the definition of dangerous drugs to encompass a broader range of harmful substances, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to addressing the menace.

BRIEF ON THE STATE OF PREPAREDNESS TO HOST THE 15TH MEETING OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON WETLANDS (COP 15)

Cabinet noted the State of Preparedness to Host the 15thMeeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP 15).

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainably using wetlands worldwide. Zimbabwe ratified the Convention on May 3, 2013, and to date, seven sites have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance. In a significant development, Cabinet approved the hosting of the 15thMeeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP 15), at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls from July 23 to 31, 2025, under the theme, “Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future”. Following Cabinet approval, the Ramsar Secretariat and the Government signed a Host Agreement, and preparations for the event are being spearheaded by an Inter-Ministerial Committee, supported by Provincial and Local Organising Sub-Committees. The country is poised and ready to successfully host the event.

REPORT ON HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT’S ATTENDANCE AT THE 7TH AFRICAN union MID-YEAR COORDINATING MEETING: MALABO, EQUATORIAL GUINEA: JULY 12 TO 13, 2025

Cabinet considered and noted the Report on His Excellency’s Attendance to the 7th African union (AU) Mid-Year Coordinating Meeting, which was held from July 12 to 13, 2025, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

His Excellency the President attended the Meeting in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The main objectives of the Meeting were as follows: to assess the status of continental integration; to coordinate the implementation of a clear division of labour and effective collaboration between the African union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECS), Regional Mechanisms and Member States; to guide the union and the RECs in matters pertaining to priority programmes that improve the lives of the African people; and to adopt a Draft Declaration, which was derived from the recommendations of the reports on the agenda.

The Meeting of the Heads of State and Government and Chairpersons of RECs and Regional Mechanisms discussed several reports, including the status of Continental Integration; African Continental Free Trade Area; Role of AUDA-NEPAD; Unfolding Geopolitical Developments and Implications for Africa; Implementation of the theme of the Year 2025 “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”; Coordination and Harmonisation of AU and RECs Policies and Division of Labour, through presentations by Heads of State and Government, together with other selected presenters. The key message from the reports was that Africa must move with speed towards the integration of the continent in all aspects.

The Heads of State and Government Meeting concluded by adopting the Draft Declaration, which encompassed, among others, the request to the African union Commission (AUC), the Regional Economic Communities RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), to implement the recommendations of the 2025 Africa Regional Integration Reports. The Declaration also reaffirmed the commitment by Member States to the full implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and the Tripartite Free Trade Area.

The Declaration further welcomed the mainstreaming of the AU theme for the year 2025 throughout the AU system and endorsed the recommendations that the theme should be extended to a Decade of Reparations from 2026 to 2036.

REPORT ON HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT’S ATTENDANCE AT THE WORLD EXPO 2025, OSAKA, JAPAN: JULY 14-18, 2025

Cabinet noted the Report on His Excellency the President’s Attendance at the World Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan from July 14 to 18, 2025.

Zimbabwe participated in a range of events on the sidelines of the World Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan, including a Business Forum, the National Day Celebration, bilateral meetings, and a Diaspora Forum. These events aimed to showcase Zimbabwe’s vibrant, diverse and forward-looking identity on the global stage, promoting its rich heritage and culture, tourism, investment, trade and strengthening the country’s brand.

As the Guest of Honour at the Business Forum, His Excellency the President extended an invitation to Japanese businesses to explore investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, highlighting the country’s commitment to a competitive and secure investment climate, underpinned by institutional reforms.

The President also met with members of the Zimbabwean Diaspora in Japan and held bilateral meetings with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Mie Prefecture and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, furthering the objectives of engagement and re-engagement.

Notably, Toyota Tsusho Corporation expressed interest in supplying refrigerated medical vehicles, mobile X-ray units and vehicle assembly in Zimbabwe.

During the National Day Celebrations, themed “Beyond the Limits: Experience Zimbabwe; Opportunities and Our Future”, His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa expressed heartfelt gratitude to Japan for its unwavering support to Zimbabwe. He particularly appreciated Japan’s consistent efforts in empowering women and youth, acknowledging the significance of this partnership.

REPORT ON HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT’S STATE VISIT TO ALGIERS, ALGERIA, JULY 19-21, 2025

Cabinet noted the Report on His Excellency the President’s State Visit to Algiers, Algeria from July 19 to 21, 2025.

President Mnangagwa’s State visit to Algiers, Algeria, was preceded by the Zimbabwe-Algeria Joint Permanent Commission (JPCC), which took place from July 16 to 18, 2025, in Algiers.

The objectives of both events were to strengthen and consolidate the longstanding political and diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and Algeria, while exploring opportunities for scientific, technical and economic cooperation.

The State Visit was undertaken at the invitation of Mr Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. During the visit, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation and agreed to maintain high-level contacts to fully exploit the potential of their countries’ partnership.

High-level engagements were held with 14 Algerian public and private companies, which expressed interest in cooperating with Zimbabwe in various sectors, including energy, mining, agriculture, fertiliser manufacturing, metal and steel industry, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, construction and tourism.

The 4th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation resulted in the development of cooperation instruments, which were signed in the presence of the two Presidents. These instruments covered areas such as investment promotion, technical and vocational education and training, higher education and scientific research, and tourism.

The State Visit identified key sectors for further collaboration between Zimbabwe and Algeria, including trade and investment, agriculture, mining, renewable energy, scientific research, innovation, health and pharmaceuticals.

MEASURES TO COUNTER VANDALISM OF ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE: TRANSFORMER ANTI-INTRUSION SYSTEM (TAIS)

The nation is advised that while the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is implementing various measures to combat vandalism, ZETDC through Powertel is also implementing transformer anti-intrusions systems, where transformers are installed with cameras alarms and sensors that allow real time monitoring of transformers.

The programme is currently targeting 47 000 transformers, with installation at 108 monitoring sites having been successfully completed. ZETDC will provide a framework for members of the public to participate.