Reprieve for learners barred from writing Zimsec exams

We  publish here the 36th post Cabinet media briefing presented by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, in Harare yesterday.

Cabinet was updated on the 2024/2025 Summer Crops Marketing, 2025 Winter Season Crops Production and 2025/2026 Summer Season Production Plan.

The grain stock at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) as at November 27, 2025 stands at 180 063 tonnes, out of which the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority has contributed 60 347 tonnes.

The harvesting of the wheat crop has been completed, with a total of 640 195 tonnes harvested from 122 146 hectares, at an average yield of 5,2 tonnes per hectare. Trials are underway at ARDA to produce a variety with “hard wheat characteristics”.

A total of 47 709 tonnes of barley has been harvested from the 6 156 hectares planted. A higher average yield of 7,75 tonnes per hectare has been achieved, compared to the 7 tonnes per hectare in 2024.

REPORT ON NINE STUDENTS WHO WERE BARRED FROM WRITING ZIMSEC EXAMINATION

Cabinet received a report regarding the violation of learners’ rights at an institution in Harare, following disturbing reports that nine candidates were barred from taking their final Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Family and Religious Studies, Ordinary Level examination.

The learners were excluded on the grounds of turning up in haircuts which the authorities considered inappropriate.

Following a meeting with both the school authorities and parents/guardians of the affected learners, Government noted with concern that the action taken by the school authorities was inconsistent with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education guidelines and the national regulations governing equitable access to education. Remedial action has been instituted.

UPDATE ON THE STATE OF THE ZIMBABWE NATIONAL SPORTS STADIUM

Cabinet received an update report on progress made to date regarding the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium, in Harare. The refurbishment is part of a broader endeavour to upgrade sport infrastructure across the country, in particular to ensure that local stadia satisfy conditions for hosting international events.

Through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, which was meant to accelerate refurbishment works, remarkable progress has been scored at the National Sports Stadium, including works on the pitch drainage, herbicide application, with lawn planting expected to commence soon. B-Arena drainage works are also in progress. Overall progress on other works, including electricals, is at 90 percent.

REPORTS ON PRIORITY PROJECTS AS AT DAY 50 OF THE 3RD 100-DAY CYCLE OF 2025

In terms of the thematic area of the National Development Strategy 1 on Human Capital Development and Innovation, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Fredrick Shava, highlighted the following major achievements:

• The University of Zimbabwe Quinary Hospital in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province is 77 percent complete;
• The Agro-Innovation Centre at the Gwanda State University in Filabusi, Matabeleland South Province is 88 percent complete;
• Construction of the ED Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe, Midlands Province is complete;
• Construction of the students’ hostels at the Manicaland State University for Applied Sciences in Mutare has reached 52 percent;
• The Mutoko Bio-Economy Industrial Park soap factory in Mashonaland East Province is at 70 percent; and
• The superstructure of the Central Analytical Services Laboratory at the Marondera State University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province has been completed.

In terms of the Housing Delivery and Social Amenities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Zhemu Soda highlighted the following achievements under his purview:

• The Marondera flats housing project in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province is 97 percent complete;
• Construction of a mothers’ shelter under the Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe Mutawatawa housing project in Mashonaland East Province is 90 percent complete;
• Construction of a waiting mothers’ shelter at Nikita Clinic in Mwenezi District, Masvingo Province is 100 percent complete;
• Servicing of 432 Stands in Gweru, Midlands Province is progressing well; and
• Servicing of 1 102 stands by Masimba Holdings and CGM Engineering in Shurugwi, Midlands Province, is progressing well, with the drainage having been completed and the roads 90 complete.

Under the Human Capital Development and Innovation pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, the Acting Minister of Skills Audit and Development presented the following achievements under the purview of his Ministry:

• Skills fair competitions were successfully conducted in Chipinge, Chimanimani and Nyanga districts of Manicaland Province;
• Digital literacy training sessions were held for staff members from King George VI Memorial School and Jairos Jiri Centre, Bulawayo Metropolitan Province; and St Daniels Rehabilitation Centre in Gweru, Midlands Province; and
• The ministry produced a National Career Guidance Policy that will assist in the establishment of a coordinated, inclusive and forward-looking career guidance system that supports learners and job-seekers at every stage of their lives.

In terms of Housing Delivery and Social Amenities pillar of the National Development Strategy 1, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo reported on progress attained by his ministry, including the following:

• Construction of three blocks of flats by the National Building Society 63 percent complete;
• Construction of 300 housing units under the Bulawayo Accelerated Presidential Housing Scheme, Rangemore Phase 2 has 42 units that are at shell structure level and 96 at sub-structure level;
• The Zvishavane Midlands Park project in the Midlands Province which houses 448 students was commissioned by the President; and
• The installation of solar panels at New Glovers solar project is in progress,
• The Madokero Creek Phase 2 housing project in Harare is 67 percent complete.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ZIMBABWE AND SPAIN ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM

Cabinet approved the Memorandum of Understanding that will be entered into between Zimbabwe and Spain on cooperation in the field of tourism.

The objective of the MoU between the two countries is to enhance and promote cooperation in the field of tourism through digital marketing, development of tourist destinations, diversification of tourist products and the development of sustainable tourism.

By entering into this MoU, the two countries will also be strengthening their subsisting cordial relations.

ZIMBABWE’s ACCESSION TO THE HAGUE AGREEMENT CONCERNING  THE  REGISTRATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS

Cabinet approved the country’s accession to the Hague Agreement Concerning the Registration of Industrial Designs.

Zimbabwe joined the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 1981, and signed its instruments of accession to the World Intellectual Property Organisation Convention on September 29, 1981.

The Hague System is an international framework that governs the registration of industrial designs across multiple jurisdictions with minimal formalities. Accession to the Hague Agreement will offer Zimbabwean designers a cost-effective and efficient mechanism for protecting industrial designs across multiple countries through a single international registration process.

BILATERAL AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ZIMBABWE AND FOUR STATES

Cabinet considered and approved bilateral agreements between Zimbabwe and four other states.

The bilateral air service agreements will be entered into between Zimbabwe and Ethiopia; Rwanda; the Swiss Federal Council; and Kuwait. The four countries are contracting states of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

The objective of the agreements is to create and foster friendship, understanding and cooperation as well as enhance the expansion of air transport opportunities.

REPORT ON THE INAUGURAL BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION BETWEEN ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA

Cabinet considered and noted the report on the inaugural Bi-National Commission (BNC) between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

The inaugural BNC convened on 14 November 14 2025 and was co-chaired by President Mnangagwa and his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde  Hichilema. The two countries agreed on a number of areas and signed five MoUs in the following areas: Diplomatic Training; Immigration and Technical Cooperation; Labour and Employment; Agriculture; and Youth Development.

Zimbabwe expressed gratitude to Zambia for its continued support in the anti-sanctions crusade.

 REPORT ON THE PRESIDENT’s STATE VISIT TO MOZAMBIQUE

Cabinet received and noted the report on the President’s State visit to Mozambique from November 21 to 22.

President Mnangagwa was received by Mozambican counterpart, President Daniel Francisco Chapo. The two leaders  convened the inaugural session of the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Bi-National Commission.

The objectives of the State visit and Bi-National Commission were as follows:

• To review progress in the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation;
• To strengthen and consolidate the excellent long-standing political and diplomatic ties;
• To explore new areas of cooperation between Zimbabwe and Mozambique; and
• To sign MoUs in designated sectors.

The two countries will also cooperate in war veterans affairs which will culminate in the rehabilitation and maintenance of liberation war shrines, museums and monuments for the preservation of the liberation history and heritage.

One-stop border posts at Forbes-Machipanda and Nyamapanda-Cuchamano will be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The Bi-National Commission directed the removal of all barriers to the movement of people, goods, services and all tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade under the SADC and African Continental Free Trade Area frameworks.

Three MoUs on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality; Small and Medium Enterprises; and Youth Development were also signed during the Bi-National Commission.

 REPORT ON THE 7TH AFRICAN UNION-EUROPEAN UNION SUMMIT: LUANDA, ANGOLA

Cabinet received and noted the report on the 7th African Union-European Union Summit which President Mnangagwa attended in Luanda, Angola, from November  24 to 25.

The joint summit was held under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism” and co-chaired by Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, and the president of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa.

The summit, held on the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the African Union-European Union partnership, was attended by 18 African Union and 16 European Union heads of State and Government.

During the summit, President Mnangagwa, called for the reform of the international financial architecture, comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to address historical injustices against Africa, and support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-2029 term.

The summit culminated in the Luanda Declaration which reaffirmed the two unions’ commitment to a joint vision for 2030, and emphasised support for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, including strengthening cross border value chains.

The declaration also noted that trade arrangements between the two blocs should unlock industrialisation rather that perceive Africa as a mere raw materials supplier.

THE 2025 REGIONAL WORLD CHILDREN’s COMMEMORATION DAY, GABORONE, BOTSWANA

Cabinet received and noted the report on the 2025 Regional World Children’s Commemoration Day which was held in Gaborone, Botswana from November 14 to 15.

Vice President Dr Chiwenga led the Zimbabwean delegation to the commemorations comprising Government officials and 20 children from the Junior Parliament, junior councillors and children drawn from the First Lady’s Children’s Home. Eight other countries from the SADC sub-region also attended the commemorations.

In his address, Vice President Chiwenga advised that Zimbabwe was investing in child-centred policies, with the Heritage-based 5.0 model equipping learners with innovation driven skills.

He also stated that Zimbabwe was undertaking other programmes, including the home-grown school feeding; keeping girls in school; and school health and wellness.

REPORT ON VICE PRESIDENT CHIWENGA’s ATTENDANCE AT THE G20 LEADERS SUMMIT: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA:

Cabinet received and noted the report on the G20 leaders summit that was held in Johannesburg, South Africa from November 22 to 23.

Vice President Chiwenga led the Zimbabwean delegation to the G20 summit, which was held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

Zimbabwe was among 16 countries outside the G20 that the South African government invited to the Summit.

The Vice President delivered national statements in two sessions of the summit. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity for Zimbabwe to engage with the G20 and collectively chart a common trajectory towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Vice President  Chiwenga urged G20 to reinforce a fair and transparent multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organisation, and to reform the international financial system to improve access to affordable and sustainable finance.

He also underscored the need for value addition and beneficiation of minerals at source.

REPORT ON THE HIGH-LEVEL MEETING OF THE 26TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS TOURISM GENERAL ASSEMBLY: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Cabinet was briefed on the high-level meeting of the 26th session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from November 6-14.

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi reported that Zimbabwe was resoundingly elected as vice president at the 26th session of the United Nations Tourism General Assembly.

Zimbabwe was also elected to the United Nations Tourism Council for the period 2025 to 2029 together with Angola, Kenya, Seychelles and Zambia.