AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alert: Zimbabwe’s government says the country is Ebola-free but has activated preparedness, with intensified screening at ports of entry and trained health workers as regional risk rises. Tourism & Hospitality: Meikles is again exploring an exit from hospitality, reopening talks to sell its remaining tourism-related interests, including its stake linked to Victoria Falls Hotel. Rural Transport Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s e-tricycle crackdown is hitting rural women hard, with high registration costs and fines threatening livelihoods. Veld Fire Losses: Communities in Zimbabwe are battling fast-spreading veld fires that destroy homes and livestock, deepening losses for families. Tourism Infrastructure: Millennium Heights in Harare powers ahead with a 1MW solar plant, turning a car park into a renewable energy hub. Regional Travel Safety: Mozambique accuses South Africa of xenophobic attacks after deaths of Mozambicans in Mossel Bay, while South African police dispute the toll—raising concerns for cross-border visitors. World Cup Link: Zimbabwean performance analyst Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama has been retained in Bafana Bafana’s World Cup technical team, giving Zimbabwe a presence at the tournament. Drug Smuggling: Police report a major mbanje haul in Southerton, underscoring ongoing cross-border trafficking risks that can affect travel safety.

Hospitality & Investment: Meikles Limited has reopened talks to dispose of its remaining hospitality interests, a fresh U-turn after earlier plans to exit—raising fresh questions for investors tied to the Victoria Falls Hotel business. Solar for Power Reliability: WestProp Holdings installed a 1MW solar plant at Millennium Heights in Harare, turning a 54-bay car park into a renewable energy hub to cut grid reliance. Tourism Infrastructure Funding Need: Zimparks says it needs US$9 million to rehabilitate lodges, roads and utilities across national parks to modernise the visitor experience and strengthen conservation. Health & Travel Safety: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio vaccination drive for under-fives after a CVDPV2 outbreak in Malawi, with outreach at clinics, schools and markets. HIV Hotspots: NAC flagged Old Magwegwe and Old Pumula as higher HIV prevalence areas, pointing to overcrowding and low-cost accommodation. Climate & Governance: Govt and ActionAid stress climate change is now a governance and economic issue, calling for integrated national action. People-to-People Africa-China: A new China-Africa cultural spotlight highlights shared everyday life and jobs across the continent.

Tourism Funding: Zimparks says it needs US$9 million to revive tourism by rehabilitating lodges, roads and utilities across national parks. Regional Travel Policy: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls put the SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. ZTA Governance: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will hold its first AGM on 17 June in Harare, reviewing 2023–2024 performance and setting expectations for the sector’s next growth phase. Health & Travel Demand: Zimbabwe is expanding advanced cancer care using sugar-tax revenue, with new oncology machines expected to arrive soon—boosting medical tourism potential. Local Governance & Visitor Experience: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe orders councils to suspend workshops, conferences and foreign trips, a move that could affect how quickly tourism-linked projects and services get delivered. Adventure Tourism: A guide highlights white-water rafting routes across Africa, spotlighting the Zambezi as a top Zimbabwe-linked thrill destination. Cross-border Safety: Mozambique reports deaths of its nationals in South Africa’s xenophobic attacks, underscoring travel risks for regional visitors.

SADC Tourism UNIVISA: Justice ministers and attorneys general meet in Victoria Falls (1–5 June) to push a draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA that could make transit and tourism stays easier across member states—big news for regional travel and Zimbabwe’s visitor economy. ZTA AGM: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority will hold its first AGM on 17 June in Harare, reviewing 2023–2024 performance and setting expectations for growth, investment priorities and governance. Local Government clampdown: Local authorities have been ordered to stop workshops, conferences, foreign travel and “look-and-learn” trips that cost councils, with approvals now centralized—an indirect hit to how tourism and community projects get planned and funded. Advanced healthcare tourism angle: Zimbabwe introduced neuromodulation surgery (deep brain stimulation) after a partnership with Chinese health partners, a move that could strengthen medical tourism and specialist care locally. Harare city pressures: Harare’s mayor discusses ongoing service delivery challenges like water and lighting, a reminder that urban liveability matters for tourism. Payments for travellers: Stanbic launched a USD prepaid VISA card for global spending, aiming to simplify cross-border travel bookings and online payments.

Local Government Clampdown: Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe orders councils to halt workshops, seminars, conferences, overseas travel and “look-and-learn” visits that burden council finances while service delivery remains weak. Youth & Community Tourism Angle: From Hwange to the world, beauty queen Ruvimbo Tafadzwa Njomboro is using pageantry to push youth empowerment and confidence for girls in marginalised communities. Sport as Tourism & Unity: First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa warns that violence and hooliganism have no place in Zimbabwean sport, noting football’s role in national pride and tourism image as the National Sports Stadium reopens. Culture & Heritage Push: Zimbabwe’s National Culture Month launch at Barbourfields Stadium spotlights “unity in diversity” across all 10 provinces, with performances, languages and food turning heritage into a public experience. Sustainable Living in Travel Towns: Gwanda rallies behind a Zero Waste Movement clean-up, promoting circular waste habits that can support cleaner destinations. Business & Hospitality Spotlight: Bulawayo’s Brian Samuriwo wins multiple awards at the Bulawayo Business Awards, including Township Tourism, boosting the city’s hospitality brand. Road Safety for Visitors: Police in Kadoma summon drivers linked to illegal “mushikashika” taxi loading captured on CCTV, aiming to cut congestion and improve safety.

Tourism & Culture Push: Zimbabwe’s Culture Month got a big boost with the National Culture Month launch at Barbourfields Stadium, where all 10 provinces showcased music, dance and food under “Creativity and Diversity,” reinforcing culture as a development tool. Travel Safety & Wildlife: The battle to protect Vic Falls continues, while Sanyati residents were warned after wild buffaloes strayed from Nyabango Game Park toward villages—another reminder for travellers and locals to respect wildlife zones. Community Tourism & Events: Highlanders added to its Bosso@100 celebrations with a Highlanders Centenary Charity Golf Classic at Bulawayo Country Club on 14 August, with proceeds supporting community initiatives. Sanganai/Hlanganani Build-Up: Bulawayo SMEs say they’ll push for more exhibitors at next year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo after strong interest in arts and crafts. Infrastructure for Visitors: Zvishavane Town Council is upgrading transport facilities and expanding schools—improving day-to-day access that also helps tourism growth. Sports Tourism Angle: Zimbabwe’s home cricket series against Bangladesh is set for late June into July, with Harare and Bulawayo hosting Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Culture & Tourism: President Mnangagwa launched the 2026 National Culture Month at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, turning “creativity and diversity” into a major unity showcase across all 10 provinces—music, poetry, fashion and local food on one stage. SME Travel Trade: Bulawayo’s Chamber of SMEs says it will push for more local businesses to exhibit at next year’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo after strong interest from art and craft exhibitors. Wildlife Safety: Residents near Sanyati have been warned after wild buffaloes were spotted moving toward villages from Nyabango Game Park, highlighting the risk of unfenced wildlife areas. Kruger Park Case: Police are reportedly closing in on suspects in the murder of an elderly couple at Kruger National Park; their hijacked vehicle was found in Mozambique, and cross-border investigations continue. Medical Tourism Push: Zimbabwe’s Trauma Centre Borrowdale says it has performed pioneering open-heart surgery and valve replacement, positioning the country for growth in cardiac medical tourism. Border Security: South Africa’s Beitbridge operation intercepted nearly R1bn worth of mandrax-related drugs, with three Malawians arrested—good news for regional travel confidence. Women & Leadership: Mnangagwa honoured 22 women leaders, including Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi, reinforcing the push for women-led development across sectors. Tourism Heritage Watch: A Victoria Falls resident artist has renewed pressure to stop new commercial developments inside the World Heritage precinct, warning they could threaten UNESCO status.

Medical Tourism: Zimbabwe’s Trauma Centre Borrowdale has performed groundbreaking open-heart surgery and valve replacement, using its catheterisation lab to keep complex care at home and help reverse brain drain. Wildlife & Heritage: A Victoria Falls painter has renewed pressure on authorities to stop new commercial developments around the UNESCO site, warning they could threaten world heritage status. Tourism Safety: Buffaloes escaped from Nyabango Game Park toward Sanyati communities, prompting emergency warnings for residents near unfenced state land. Border & Travel Confidence: South Africa’s Beitbridge operation intercepted nearly R1 billion in methaqualone (ABBA) hidden in a truck from Zimbabwe; three Malawians were arrested, while officials cite intelligence-led scanner checks. Women in Tourism & Leadership: President Mnangagwa honoured 22 top women leaders, including figures from health and tourism, stressing women’s central role in Vision 2030. Road Risks for Visitors: A deadly Ngondoma crash (Trip Trans bus vs haulage truck) killed 10 and injured others, adding to a grim week of fatalities on Zimbabwe’s roads.

Sports Tourism Push: Tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi urged Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament organisers to bid to host the World Finals in Zimbabwe, positioning golf as a tourism driver ahead of the national final in Harare on Aug 22. Cultural Tourism Spotlight: Chief Chinhamhora of Domboshava says Domboshava can become a top cultural tourism destination through heritage preservation, community participation and partnerships, with a familiarisation tour at Zenda Art Gallery. Health & Workforce: Zimbabwe approved 8,785 new health worker posts for 2026 and aims to double the health workforce by 2030, but nurses’ pay dispute still lingers after a recent strike. Border Security & Travel Risk: South Africa’s tourism industry warned xenophobic attacks are already causing cancelled bookings from African travellers, while Beitbridge border operations intercepted nearly R1bn worth of methaqualone (ABBA) from Malawi, with suspects arrested. Wildlife Safety: Buffaloes escaped Nyabango Game Park in Sanyati area, raising emergency warnings for nearby communities due to unfenced state land. Road Safety: Mnangagwa condemned a surge in fatal crashes, calling for urgent action on reckless driving and road maintenance.

Sports Tourism Push: Tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi urged Sterling International Pairs Golf Tournament organisers to bid to host the amateur World Finals in Zimbabwe, with the 2026 edition running nationwide qualifiers to a Harare final on Aug 22 and the winners heading to Tenerife, Spain. Cultural Tourism Spotlight: Chief Chinhamhora of Domboshava says the area can become a top cultural destination by preserving heritage, involving communities and building partnerships, with a cultural centre push underway. Fastjet x Agriculture: Fastjet Zimbabwe was named official airline partner for ADMA’s Agricultural Show (June 4–6) in Harare, promising easier travel for exhibitors and delegates across key routes. Culture as an Economy: A Culture Month feature argues Zimbabwe should commercialise heritage—turning traditions into tourism, jobs and investment aligned to Vision 2030. Border Security & Tourism Safety: South Africa’s Beitbridge bust of nearly R1bn in methaqualone/ABBA ingredients highlights tighter regional enforcement that can protect cross-border travel routes. Road Safety Warning: President Mnangagwa flagged a “bloody trail” of fatal crashes, including a Gokwe–Kwekwe bus and haulage collision, calling for urgent road and vehicle safety action.

Road Safety: President Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is on a “bloody trail” after fatal crashes in five days killed 24 people, including a head-on bus and haulage collision on the Gokwe–Kwekwe Road that left 10 dead. Border Security: Beitbridge officials seized nearly R1 billion in drug-manufacturing chemicals (about 713kg of methaqualone/“ABBA”) from a truck from Malawi, arresting three suspects. Housing & Tourism Link: Government is convening stakeholders to implement the National Development Strategy 2, with a focus on expanding affordable, decent housing—key for long-term community stability and visitor-ready destinations. Hospitality Standards: Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) becomes the first Zimbabwe hospitality firm to earn dual ISO certifications for information security and business continuity. Culture as an Economy: Culture Month is being framed as a jobs and investment engine, pushing Zimbabwe to commercialise heritage beyond celebration. Travel Disruption Watch: A controversy over Miss Heritage Zimbabwe’s selection process is making headlines, while pageant coverage continues to spotlight Zimbabwean talent for international travel.

Border Security & Tourism Safety: Beit Bridge border authorities (BMA) seized nearly R1bn worth of mandrax ingredients (ABBA) in a major cross-border bust from Malawi via Zimbabwe, arresting three suspects after an 8-hour operation. Air Connectivity for Events: Fastjet Zimbabwe was named official airline partner for the ADMA Agricultural Show (June 4–6) in Harare, boosting travel links to Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. Culture as an Economic Engine: Zimbabwe’s Culture Month push is shifting from heritage-only to commercialising culture for jobs, investment and tourism growth under Vision 2030. Hospitality Standards: Rainbow Tourism Group became the first Zimbabwe hospitality firm to achieve dual ISO certifications (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO 22301:2019), strengthening confidence for travellers. Road Risks for Travellers: Government declared the Deka Bridge crash a State of Disaster after eight pilgrims died, while another Harare–Bulawayo Road crash killed six—reminders to plan safer travel. Tourism Expo Decentralisation: Mashonaland West will host the 2027 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, aiming to spread tourism opportunities beyond Victoria Falls.

Tourism Expo Push: Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi says Mashonaland West will host the 2027 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, aiming to spread tourism growth beyond Victoria Falls and highlight Kariba Dam and Chinhoyi Caves. Hospitality Standards: Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) becomes the first Zimbabwe hospitality firm to earn dual ISO certifications—ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security and ISO 22301:2019 for business continuity—after a single audit cycle. Road Safety for Travellers: Government declares the Deka Bridge crash in Hwange a State of Disaster after eight pilgrims died when a Toyota Noah plunged into the Deka River; six more were injured. Highway Tragedy: Six people died in another Harare–Bulawayo Road crash near Redcliff turn-off involving a Honda Fit and a haulage truck. Regional Travel Security: SANParks tightens security after a Mossel Bay couple was found murdered in Kruger National Park; rangers suspect a vehicle was driven through bush and over a fence into Mozambique. Business Travel Link: Fastjet Zimbabwe signs on as official airline partner for the 2026 ADMA Agri Show (June 4–6) to boost connectivity for agribusiness delegates.

Road Safety Shock: Mnangagwa has declared the Deka Bridge crash a State of Disaster after eight pilgrims died when a Toyota Noah plunged into the Deka River; six more were injured and emergency support is being mobilised. Highway Death Toll: Another tragedy hit the Harare–Bulawayo Road near Redcliff turn-off, where a Honda Fit and haulage truck collision killed six. Tourism Push: Mashonaland West will host the 2027 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo, aiming to spread tourism jobs beyond Victoria Falls, with Kariba and Chinhoyi Caves cited as key draws. Infrastructure Watch: Zinara says potholes are already appearing on a newly rehabilitated Shurugwi–Mandamabwe road, blaming overloaded trucks and pushing for a weighbridge. Security & Travel Risk: SANParks tightened protection after a Mossel Bay couple was murdered in Kruger, with investigations also linking the case to vehicle smuggling concerns. Culture & Community: Amai’s Traditional Cookout finals in Kwekwe drew huge crowds, while school feeding in Gwanda North is boosting attendance. Football Reality Check: Chahwanda Stadium’s Hardrock vs Dynamos clash was abandoned after violent chaos, with officials now facing fresh pressure on match safety.

Bulawayo Revival Boom: Thousands packed White City Arena as the 4-day AFMA “Mother of All Revivals” ended with spiritual renewals, 200+ reported conversions, and a clear local economic lift from vendors, taxis and visitors. Air Connectivity for Agri-Tourism: Fastjet Zimbabwe signed on as official airline partner for the 2026 ADMA Agri Show (June 4–6, Pomona, Harare), promising links for delegates from Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg. Tourism Safety Spotlight: Tragedy hit the Harare–Bulawayo highway again—six died in a Honda Fit vs haulage crash near the Redcliff turn-off. Border Security & Visitor Confidence: South Africa’s Kruger tightened Mozambique-border security after the killing of tourists and reports pointing to vehicle smuggling routes. Culture on the Move: Africa Day events kept rolling, from heritage reconnecting in Chitungwiza to Bulawayo’s cultural energy spilling into the week.

Africa Day Heritage Push: At Panyatsime Cultural and Heritage Centre in Chitungwiza, pupils and elders used drums, storytelling and guided hut tours to reconnect youth with Zimbabwe’s roots as Africa Day (May 25) celebrated unity and cultural pride. Kruger Safety Under Scrutiny: In South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a retired couple, Ernst Marais (71) and Dina Marais (73), were found stabbed and dumped in a crocodile-infested river after a suspected poacher run-in; SANParks calls it “unprecedented” and says security protocols remain in place, while police investigations and a manhunt continue. Tourism Youth Inspiration: US skateboarder Jason Vanporppal has completed his 6,000km Uganda-to-Cape Town ride in 106 days to fund Africa’s biggest skatepark for disadvantaged children—now he’s set to return to Uganda to push the build and opening. Zimbabwe Tourism Business Moves: The CTC approved ASB Hospitality’s $30m takeover of Makasa Sun, expected to revive a dormant Victoria Falls hotel asset. Culture & Community: Operation of Hope wrapped up 86 reconstructive surgeries at Mpilo Central Hospital, restoring smiles for vulnerable patients.