Weekly news round-up

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri (centre) being shown a thriving winter wheat crop by Provincial Agricultural deputy director Ranganai Makona, while farm representative Mr Uno Chikomo (right) looks on at the announcement of the closure of the winter wheat planting window at Spring Farm in Ward 7 in Shamva, Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East. - Picture: Joseph Manditswara.

Monday

The Government has embarked on a programme to trace and reintegrate learners who have dropped out of school following revelations that nearly 40 000 pupils left the education system last year due to various challenges. According to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) Report, a total of 39 736 learners dropped out of school in 2025, comprising 13 032 primary school pupils and 26 704 secondary school learners.

Tuesday

Farmers have surpassed last season’s winter wheat planting record, with more than 123 000 hectares (ha) already established as of June 14, putting the country on course to achieve its 125 000ha target ahead of the winter planting cut-off date on Tuesday. Traditionally, the winter wheat planting deadline falls on May 31 to allow crops sufficient time to establish under optimal winter conditions.

Wednesday

Construction of a US$500 million urea and ammonium nitrate fertiliser plant in Chegutu district is gathering momentum, with production expected to begin in 2028 as Zimbabwe moves to boost local fertiliser production and reduce reliance on imports. The fertiliser plant, located near Norton, is part of Chinese investor Broxmen Industrial Park’s coal-to-chemicals complex.

Thursday

President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to the country’s liberators, pledging to secure land titles for war veterans and the wider community.

Addressing the 4th National Assembly of the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League on Wednesday, the ZANU PF First Secretary indicated that the initiative was a critical pillar for cementing national sovereignty and driving economic empowerment.

Friday

Parliament marked a historic moment on Thursday when legislators overwhelmingly passed the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill with bipartisan support in the National Assembly. The Bill secured 216 votes — 29 more than the two-thirds majority required to amend the Constitution.