As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, here’s a look back at the standout newsmakers who made headlines and stirred conversations this past year.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart
In 2024, David Coltart, the mayor of Bulawayo, remained an influential figure, especially in addressing the city’s ongoing water crisis. Coltart, alongside other officials, called for Bulawayo to be declared a water disaster area, arguing that this would enable the city to access emergency funds from international donors. He also pushed for both short-term projects, like the repair of boreholes and a pipeline from Mtshabezi Dam, and longer-term solutions such as the construction of the Glass Block Dam. In early December, Coltart led a delegation to the Africa Investment Forum held in Morocco to source funding of US$99 million for the construction of the dam and a 32km pipeline from the dam to the Ncema water treatment and pumping station.
The Bulawayo City Council, under Coltart’s leadership, has faced considerable scrutiny and internal disagreements. For instance, Coltart pushed back during a finance committee meeting where the allocation of US$300 000 for the Bulawayo Arts Festival was being debated. While Coltart acknowledged the cultural importance of the festival, he argued that the funds should be redirected to urgent infrastructural needs, especially addressing the city’s water supply and failing sewer systems.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa
At the Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo in late October 2024, President Emmerson Mnangagwa rejected a proposal from his party to extend his term beyond 2028. The resolution, which aimed to amend the constitution and extend his presidency to 2030, was pushed by some party members. However, Mnangagwa made it clear that he had no intention of serving beyond the constitutional limit, asserting that as a constitutionalist, he would abide by the current law. His legal secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, confirmed the president’s firm stance on this matter.
In July 2024 in Bulawayo, Mnangagwa officially launched the Gukurahundi Outreach Programme, an initiative aimed at addressing the historical grievances associated with the Gukurahundi massacres of the 1980s. The programme will be spearheaded by chiefs from Matabeleland. The programme has not started with the National Chiefs Council stating that they awaiting resources from the government to start the process. The involvement of traditional chiefs has been a subject of debate with some critics arguing that chiefs, who are seen as state allies, may not represent the full range of views and pain experienced by the affected communities, particularly those in Matabeleland. Chiefs like Chief Charumbira have defended their role, arguing that the programme is crucial for fostering unity and healing at the national level.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC)
Bulawayo City Council passed a resolution to create a stand-alone water utility to manage the city’s water and sanitation services. They engaged a Dutch utility company, Vitens Evides International (VEI). However, this initiative was met with resistance from residents who demanded transparency and public consultations. Many voiced concerns about the lack of official communication regarding the deal, and some questioned whether VEI could offer better services than the existing water department.
The local authority in partnership with Tendy Three Investments (TTI), launched street cameras as part of a larger initiative to improve the city’s Smart Parking System. The cameras will primarily be used to monitor parking activities, track vehicles, and oversee parking marshals and enforcement teams to ensure efficient management of the city’s parking spaces. While the initiative aims to improve traffic management and security, it has raised concerns among some citizens and activists about the potential for surveillance overreach. Human rights activists, such as Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda, have expressed fears that the CCTV footage could be used for purposes beyond traffic and crime monitoring, such as political repression. Others, including ZAPU officials, have raised similar concerns, suggesting that in the current political environment, the cameras might be used to target dissent or activists.
Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu and ward 26 Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo
Two Bulawayo city councillors, Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu and Finance and Development Committee Chairperson, Mpumelelo Moyo, were arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a company seeking approval to establish a cement factory in Cowdray Park. The councillors demanded a US$20,000 bribe from Labenmon Investments in exchange for facilitating the approval of the factory’s land application. ZACC investigators apprehended them after they accepted the marked money during a sting operation.
Sengezo Tshabangu
Sengezo Tshabangu, a controversial figure in the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), made headlines in 2024 through various political manoeuvres. In another legal move, Tshabangu filed an urgent application to assert control over the CCC Bulawayo party offices. He eventually lost out after the courts granted the MDC led by Douglas Mwonzora control of the building. After a successful purge of opposition from parliament and councils, Tshabangu appointed himself to the Senate seat, in what was viewed as a strategic power move.
He was later appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, cementing his position in national politics despite controversies and criticisms from opposition groups.
Tshabangu also publicly expressed his admiration for President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga after a health scare in Geneva while on parliament business. His comments were viewed as an attempt to align himself with the current administration, bolstering his position within the broader political framework.
Job Sikhala
After spending 595 days in prison, former CCC legislator Job Sikhala was released from prison on 30 January 2024. He was incarcerated at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison on charges of inciting violence in protests following the death of Moreblessing Ali, a CCC supporter. Ali’s mutilated body had been found on June 11, 2022, outside Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Sikhala’s several applications for bail while awaiting trial were denied.
Sikhala later dumped CCC and went on to form his political movement, the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), which he hopes will “free masses from political chains”.
Lupane State University
Lupane State University (LSU) once again came under scrutiny following allegations of corruption involving questionable procurement practices. LSU officials, including Vice Chancellor Pardon Kuipa, allegedly engaged in irregular tender processes and inflated invoices. An investigation by CITE revealed that officials overpriced ICT equipment contracts and dubious farming project expenditures, where funds allocated for dip tanks were redirected to overpriced tarpaulin liners. Investigations also revealed inflated costs for infrastructure repairs and procurement of livestock, raising transparency concerns
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) also initiated an inquiry into LSU’s procurement scandals. Notable cases under investigation include the awarding of contracts without competitive bidding and overpayment for services rendered by favoured suppliers. Additionally, a Harare-based contractor was allegedly handpicked for a campus water tank project under the guise of urgency. These practices potentially contravened public procurement regulations, prompting calls for accountability.
Chief Dakamela of Nkayi
Chief Dakamela, a prominent traditional leader in Nkayi, continues to win praise for championing community development and fostering unity through the innovative Imiklomelo kaDakamela Awards. These awards celebrate acts of kindness, promote equal opportunities, and inspire community members to prioritize values of generosity and inclusivity.
This year, the ceremony lasted two days. Various community members and organisations were rewarded for their success in disciplines such as health, education, social achievements, and culture. Chief Dakamela’s vision ensures that these efforts resonate with young and old alike, emphasising that everyone has a role to play in building a more cohesive and equitable society.
Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency
2024 marked a significant year for Zimbabwe as the country launched its gold-backed currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). This move aimed to address the ongoing currency instability and rampant inflation that had plagued the nation for years. The ZiG was introduced as a new currency backed by physical gold reserves, promising stability and trust in a market weary of previous currency failures. However, the launch of the ZiG was met with mixed reactions and scepticism from both domestic and international observers.
Critics questioned the sufficiency of Zimbabwe’s gold reserves to fully back the new currency, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability. Additionally, the black market premium for the ZiG compared to the official exchange rate highlighted a lack of confidence among the population. The government’s track record of economic mismanagement and currency reforms further fuelled scepticism.
