The Guiding Star (2026)

22/01/2026

ZIMBABWE'S AI STRATEGY IS BOLD. NOW IT NEEDS TEETH, TRUST, AND TIME-BOUND DELIVERY

Zimbabwe’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2026–2030) is ambitious in all the right ways: sovereignty over data and compute, Ubuntu-rooted ethics, sectoral transformation, and a clear intent to make AI a lever for inclusive development rather than a shiny import. It reads like a national compact—confident, consultative, and unapologetically local. But ambition without institutional bite, financing clarity, and measurable accountability risks becoming another elegant document on the shelf. If Zimbabwe wants to lead in “AI for Development,” it must turn this strategy into a disciplined ex*****on plan that survives politics, attracts capital, and earns public trust.

At its core, the strategy gets three things right.

First, it centers sovereignty. The emphasis on computational capacity, sovereign data platforms, and standards for ethical digitization is not just technical—it’s geopolitical. In a world where AI supply chains are fragile and platforms extract value invisibly, Zimbabwe’s insistence on building local infrastructure and governing data as a strategic asset is essential. The proposed National AI and Data Platform (“Project Pangolin”) is the right anchor—if it avoids becoming a monolith and instead functions as a federated, interoperable backbone that ministries, startups, and researchers can plug into with clear APIs, licensing, and governance.

Second, it frames AI as a development tool, not a novelty. Agriculture, mining, health, education, climate resilience, and governance are the right battlegrounds. The strategy’s language on “AI for citizens,” rural inclusion, and vernacular AI is not performative—it’s a recognition that the legitimacy of AI will be earned at the clinic, the borehole, the classroom, and the ward office. If the “Nzwisiso.ai” literacy campaign is executed with community radio, USSD, and teacher training—not just social media—it could shift AI from elite discourse to everyday utility.

Third, it takes ethics seriously. An Ubuntu-based governance framework, regulatory sandbox (“Innovation Crucible”), and a National AI Council signal intent to build trust. The document’s warnings about digital colonialism, imported bias, and deepfakes are not abstract—they’re already here. Zimbabwe’s elections, public health, and social cohesion are vulnerable to AI-accelerated misinformation. A sandbox that prioritizes high-risk applications (biometrics, credit scoring, health triage, political content) and mandates transparency reports could set a continental benchmark.

Still, there are fault lines that need attention.

- Financing is the strategy’s Achilles’ heel. The National AI Innovation Fund (“Mugove/Isabelo”) is promising, but the document doesn’t specify capitalization sources, ticket sizes, governance, or risk appetite. Without patient capital—grants, first-loss guarantees, and blended finance—startups won’t touch agriculture extension, climate adaptation, or public service delivery. Tie the fund to measurable public outcomes: hectares covered by AI-driven advisory, reduction in clinic stock-outs, teacher adoption rates, and verified misinformation takedowns.

- Compute without energy is fantasy. High-performance computing and data centers are energy-hungry. Zimbabwe’s grid constraints and cost volatility could stall the infrastructure pillar. Bake energy strategy into AI planning: co-locate data centers with renewable generation, mandate PUE targets, and incentivize edge compute for rural deployments. Otherwise, “computational sovereignty” becomes a procurement line item, not a capability.

- Talent pipelines need industry pull, not just academic push. Heritage-Based Education 5.0 is a strength, but labs without datasets, internships, and real-world problem statements produce graduates who can code but can’t ship. Require every sectoral ministry to publish AI-ready datasets, problem briefs, and procurement pathways for local solutions. Create “AI residencies” that embed researchers in hospitals, mines, and councils with clear deliverables and IP-sharing rules.

- Data governance must be federated and enforceable. The strategy rightly flags data silos and fragmented standards. Solve this with a national data trust model: sectoral data custodians (health, agriculture, education) governed by common metadata standards, consent frameworks, and audit trails. Make data sharing a condition for public funding and procurement. And publish a public registry of high-impact datasets—who holds them, how to access them, and under what license.

- Misinformation needs a whole-of-society response. The document names deepfakes and disinformation as threats, but the countermeasures must be operational: a national provenance standard for public communications, watermarking for state-produced media, rapid response protocols with broadcasters and platforms, and community verification networks. Pair this with media literacy embedded in the “Nzwisiso.ai” campaign—teachers, pastors, coaches, and ward leaders trained to spot and debunk AI-amplified falsehoods.

- Inclusion must be designed, not declared. The strategy’s commitment to women, youth, rural communities, and persons with disabilities is strong. Now translate it into procurement and product design. Require all publicly funded AI projects to meet accessibility standards, support at least two local languages, and demonstrate rural usability (offline modes, USSD, low-end devices). Measure inclusion with adoption metrics, not workshop attendance.

What would success look like by 2030? Not a handful of pilots, but a visible shift in how Zimbabweans experience public services and livelihoods:

- Agriculture: AI-driven advisory in Shona, Ndebele, and Tonga reaching smallholders via USSD and WhatsApp; satellite-informed drought alerts integrated with local extension; yield improvements verified by independent sampling.

- Health: Triage tools in clinics that reduce wait times; stock management systems that cut essential drug stock-outs; maternal health risk prediction models audited for bias and accuracy.

- Education: Teacher copilots that generate lesson plans aligned to the curriculum; adaptive learning for ECD and secondary students in local languages; AI literacy embedded across subjects, not siloed as a tech elective.

- Governance: Citizen service portals with AI assistants that actually resolve queries; procurement transparency with anomaly detection; public datasets accessible to journalists, researchers, and startups.

- Climate resilience: Early warning systems that reach rural households; community dashboards that visualize risk and resources; AI models trained on local data, not imported proxies.

To get there, the governance architecture must be lean and accountable. The National AI Council should publish quarterly dashboards: infrastructure capacity, dataset releases, sectoral adoption, inclusion metrics, and trust indicators. The AI Strategy Implementation Office should run time-bound sprints—90-day cycles with public retrospectives. Technical Working Groups must include practitioners who ship—engineers, teachers, nurses, extension officers—not just policy veterans.

And one more thing: protect the public square. AI will test Zimbabwe’s information ecosystem. Pair innovation with safeguards—algorithmic transparency for state use, independent audits of high-risk systems, and a clear red line against surveillance creep. If citizens feel watched rather than served, the strategy will fail, no matter how elegant its prose.

Zimbabwe has the ingredients: a literate population, a mobile-first society, a reformist education philosophy, and a diaspora that can catalyze “brain circulation.” The strategy’s language—sovereignty, Ubuntu, inclusion—is not ornamental; it’s a compass. Now the country needs discipline: fund the hard things, publish the uncomfortable metrics, and build trust one service at a time.

If we do that, “AI for Development” won’t be a slogan. It will be a lived reality—on farms, in clinics, in classrooms, and in the daily dignity of citizens who see technology not as a distant spectacle, but as a tool that speaks their language and solves their problems. That’s the Zimbabwe worth building—by its own citizens, for its own future.

20/01/2026

URGENT APPEAL FOR DONATIONS: Help Tapiwa Pasipanodya Get the Medical Care He Needs

The Harare Basketball Association (HBA) is making an urgent appeal for financial donations to support Varsity Leopards player Tapiwa Pasipanodya, who was injured during a HBA Super Six fixture on January 17, 2026. Pasipanodya is currently admitted at Avenues Hospital, requiring a medical operation to his injured shin, which will cost USD3000.00.

The HBA and Varsity Leopards have covered the initial hospital admission and ambulance costs, but they need your help to cover the remaining expenses. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in Tapiwa's recovery.

To donate, please contact HBA Treasurer Mr. A Motsi (0772543669) or Varsity Leopards President Mr. O J Kanyenze (0773812018). Your generosity will bring much relief and hope to Tapiwa's recovery.

16/10/2025

'NDEVE KWAMINISTER' : THE DANGEROUS CULTURE OF IMPUNITY TAKING ROOT IN KWEKWE

Staff Reporter

In Kwekwe, a disturbing phrase has crept into everyday language, “ndeve kwaMinister” or “vakomana vekwaMinister havabatwi.” It loosely translates to “they belong to the Minister, they are untouchable.”

Behind this phrase lies a growing culture of lawlessness and entitlement. Young men, often in flashy cars, openly flout traffic and parking rules. Some park in the middle of the road to chat with friends, blocking vehicles behind them. Others leave their cars across shop pavements or in front of business entrances, oblivious to the chaos they cause.

What is even more alarming is that some of these vehicles do not have the requisite licence disks, some have expired licence disks, while others have none at all. A number of these so-called “untouchable” drivers do not possess valid driver’s licences, yet they drive recklessly through the city, posing a danger to both other motorists and pedestrians.

Even more brazenly, some of these vehicles move around without number plates, while others display homemade cardboard plates with political slogans such as -Pfee instead of official registration numbers. Such conduct not only breaches traffic regulations but also aids and abets criminality, making it impossible for law enforcement to trace vehicles involved in accidents or crimes.

The most chilling example of this impunity occurred when a young, unlicensed driver allegedly connected to the so called 'minister' struck and killed a child in Kwekwe.

Instead of showing remorse or allowing the justice system to take its course, the driver reportedly threatened the grieving family, warning them against pursuing the matter any further. The family was left heartbroken and terrified, a stark illustration of how fear and power are being used to silence victims rather than deliver justice.

Such acts erode public faith in the justice system. When citizens begin to believe that some people are beyond the reach of the law, society’s moral foundation starts to crumble.

What’s shocking is the response, or rather, the lack of one, from law enforcement. The police appear to look away. Ordinary citizens, however, are swiftly fined or arrested for what officers term “wrongful parking/dangerous parking.”

“When you are a leader, you should make sure that people obey the law, not abuse it. What we see now is wrong, and children are watching," remarked an elderly who refused to be named citing victimisation saying Kwekwe is too small he will be caught in no time.

For many residents, the phrase “ndeve kwaMinister” has become a virus, a social disease feeding corruption, arrogance, and disregard for the rule of law. The so-called “untouchables” boast immunity because of their alleged links to a powerful yet unnamed minister. Whether the minister is real or imagined, the effect is the same: the erosion of justice.

Zimbabwe’s supreme law, the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) Act of 2013 — is unequivocal about equality. Section 56(1) states: “All persons are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection and benefit of the law.”

If the Constitution promises equality, why then does it appear that some are “more equal than others” in Kwekwe?

Even more so, Section 196 of the Constitution outlines the principles of public administration and leadership, that those in public office must act in the public interest, be accountable, and conduct themselves with integrity. Leadership is defined as a public trust, not a personal privilege.

Yet in Kwekwe, the law seems to bend depending on “where you come from”, or as musician Leonard Zhakata once sang in one of his songs Sakunatsa, “...mutemo wekwedu wakanyangara, mhosva imwechete inosiyaniswa zvichienderana nekuti wabuda mumba maani.” (The law is applied depending on whose house you come from).

Under the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), city councils have clear powers to regulate parking, traffic flow, and the use of public spaces. These by-laws exist to maintain order and ensure that public property benefits everyone. It is therefore the duty of the Kwekwe City Council, supported by municipal police, to enforce them impartially.

When cars block pavements and intersections, or park on shop entrances, the council has legal authority to issue tickets, tow vehicles, or impose fines. The Municipal Traffic Laws Enforcement Act (Chapter 29:10) further empowers local authorities to act against any obstruction or violation of traffic laws.

Fortunately these laws exist but, the fact that they are not applied equally raises serious governance questions.

In conversations across Mbizo, Amaveni, and the city centre, many residents express frustration that “vakomana vekwaMinister” do as they please. Police officers reportedly turn a blind eye, sometimes out of fear of political backlash or because they are unsure who these individuals truly represent.

“Kana wava kuda kuti mota yako isatorwe, ingoti imota yekwaMinister, wapedza.” (If you don’t want your car to be impounded, just say it belongs to the Minister, that’s it.”)

Such sentiments reveal a disturbing collapse in the moral authority of law enforcement. The police, entrusted to protect citizens and uphold order, risk losing public confidence when selective enforcement becomes the norm.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience caused by reckless parking lies a deeper concern — moral decay. Small children are watching, learning that lawbreaking pays if you have connections. They grow up believing that impunity is power and that authority is something to exploit, not respect. This undermines the very foundation of civic education and national values. It sends a message that leadership is a shield for wrongdoing rather than a commitment to service.

Whoever the unnamed “Minister” is, their silence is deafening. If the public believes that certain individuals act with immunity under their name, it is their duty to denounce this culture.

Leadership demands courage, to correct wrongdoing, to speak against impunity, and to remind the public that no one, regardless of connection or title, stands above the law.

The Minister of Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development, together with the Kwekwe City Council, must act decisively. They must ensure that municipal by-laws are enforced without fear or favour. Public statements must clarify that “ndeve kwaMinister” offers no legal protection.

The Urban Councils Act provides that municipal officers have the right to enforce parking regulations. The city should strengthen its municipal police, issue tickets consistently, and penalise offenders equally. Kwekwe cannot thrive under a system of selective justice. The city’s economy depends on orderly streets, safe pavements, and respect for the rule of law. When some people operate above that law, they erode not only public order but also investor confidence and civic pride.

The Constitution envisions a just society — not one where authority shields the lawless. For that vision to be real, enforcement must be impartial.

In the end, what Kwekwe needs is not fear of the “Minister,” but faith in the law. Until that happens, the phrase “ndeve kwaMinister” will remain a symbol of everything wrong with power and privilege in local governance.

And as one elderly resident warned, “If our leaders allow this to continue, our children will grow up believing that breaking the law is the only way to survive.”
Diamond FM Zim Zimcodd

03/04/2025

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES DEMAND INCLUSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT

Staff Reporter

Zvishavane, Runde District – At an engagement meeting organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) made passionate calls for better infrastructure and transport systems that accommodate their needs. Many expressed frustration over the daily struggles they face due to inaccessible buildings and transport services.

For many PWDs, moving around in public spaces is a daunting challenge. Buildings lack ramps, doorways are too narrow for wheelchairs, and public transport is often impossible to use. These barriers limit their ability to participate fully in society, from accessing healthcare to attending school and securing employment.

“We are tired of being treated as an afterthought,” said Tendai Moyo. “Many buildings, including government offices, have no ramps or elevators. We have to depend on others to carry us up staircases, which is both undignified and unsafe.”

His sentiments were echoed by Sarah Dube, a visually impaired woman who struggles with the design of most public infrastructure. “The roads are not safe for us. There are no tactile paving systems to guide visually impaired people, and many walkways are poorly maintained. We are left to navigate an environment that does not consider our needs.”

Public transportation remains another major hurdle. Many PWDs find it difficult or impossible to use buses and commuter omnibuses, as most are not designed with accessibility in mind. Steps are too high, there are no designated spaces for wheelchairs, and conductors are often unwilling to assist.

“I have missed job opportunities because I cannot travel freely,” said Blessing Ncube, a person with a physical disability. “If transport operators and the government worked together to make public transport disability-friendly, we would have greater independence and opportunities.”

PWDs at the meeting urged policymakers to ensure that infrastructure and transport systems are designed with accessibility in mind. They called for disability-friendly policies to be enforced in new building projects and for existing infrastructure to be upgraded to meet accessibility standards.

“Inclusion must be a priority, not an afterthought,” said Tendai Moyo. “We need laws that require every public building to be accessible and penalties for those who fail to comply.”

As the discussion came to a close, the urgency of the matter was clear. Without accessible infrastructure and transport, PWDs will continue to face systemic exclusion. The question remains: Will the government take the necessary steps to ensure a truly inclusive Zimbabwe for all its citizens?

03/04/2025

CALLS FOR UNIVERSAL SIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN ZIMBABWE

Senior Reporter

The struggle for inclusivity and equal communication opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was highlighted at an engagement meeting organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA). Among the many issues raised, one powerful suggestion stood out: the need for sign language to be taught to everyone in Zimbabwe to bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the deaf community.

Many people with hearing impairments face daily struggles in expressing themselves, as very few people know sign language. This communication barrier often leads to exclusion, making it difficult for the deaf community to participate in social, economic, and political discussions.

“We feel left out in almost every aspect of life,” said Tatenda Mlambo, a young man who is deaf. “Even when there are important discussions about our lives, we cannot contribute because very few people understand us. If everyone knew sign language, we would be able to express our views just like everyone else.”

His plea was echoed by Ruth Chikomo, another person with hearing impairment. “It is frustrating when I want to say something, but no one understands me. I am forced to depend on others to interpret for me, and sometimes they don’t say exactly what I mean.

Advocates at the meeting argued that making sign language a compulsory subject in schools could be a game-changer. If children learn sign language from a young age, future generations will be better equipped to communicate with the deaf community, promoting inclusivity in workplaces, public spaces, and governance.

“Sign language should be part of the school curriculum, just like English or Shona,” said Brian Ncube, a visually impaired activist supporting the cause. “If we can teach children different subjects, why not sign language? This is the only way we can truly break communication barriers.”

The attendees urged policymakers to take action and ensure that learning sign language becomes a national priority.

“We need government policies that make sign language education accessible to all,” said Mlambo. “This is not just for the deaf community; it is for everyone. Imagine a world where no one struggles to communicate, where we are all equal participants in conversations.”

As the meeting came to an end, one thing was clear—without widespread knowledge of sign language, the deaf community will continue to struggle with exclusion and discrimination. The question remains: Will Zimbabwe take the bold step to make communication truly inclusive for all?

03/04/2025

NEGLECTED AND ABUSED: THE STRUGGLES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Senior Reporter

Zvishavane, Runde District – The plight of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) took center stage at an engagement meeting organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA). The gathering, meant to address issues affecting PWDs, revealed shocking accounts of neglect, abuse, and the urgent need for support.

For many PWDs, access to basic hygiene products such as sanitary wear remains a challenge. Unlike their able-bodied counterparts, many women with disabilities require specialized assistance to manage their menstrual hygiene, yet their needs are rarely considered in national and community interventions.

“We are always left out,” lamented Patience Chivasa, a visually impaired woman. “When donations of sanitary pads come, they don’t think of us. Some of us cannot even afford them, and there are times we are forced to use rags, which is unhygienic and unsafe.”

Her sentiments were echoed by Rudo Moyo, a physically challenged woman who relies on a wheelchair. “Some of us need extra help with menstrual hygiene, but who is there to assist us? There is no proper training for caregivers, and sometimes we have to suffer in silence. The government and organizations must ensure sanitary wear programs include women with disabilities.”

Beyond issues of sanitary wear, PWDs at the meeting shared harrowing experiences of abuse, particularly sexual violence. Many reported being targeted due to their vulnerability, with perpetrators taking advantage of their disabilities.

“We are not safe,” said Tendai Dlamini, a young woman with a hearing impairment. “Some of us are r***d because people think we cannot report or defend ourselves. Others are taken advantage of by caregivers or even family members.”

Even more alarming was the revelation that some PWDs who are victims of sexual violence are giving birth to children with disabilities, whom they struggle to care for due to financial and physical constraints.

“There are men out there who think ra**ng a disabled woman will cure them of diseases,” said Farai Mutizwa, a wheelchair user. “It is painful to know that some of our sisters and daughters are abused like this. We need serious interventions, from the police to social services, to protect PWDs.”

Recognizing these challenges, local authorities emphasized the importance of creating environments where PWDs can openly discuss their issues and seek solutions.

“There is a need to keep providing safe spaces for PWDs, such as the ones being provided by UDACIZA,” said Councilor Regina Mafirenyika. “These meetings allow them to share their challenges and work towards living better lives. We need more of these platforms, coupled with action from policymakers.”

PWDs in Runde District are calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to take concrete steps to address their concerns. Their demands include:

*Inclusion of PWDs in sanitary wear distribution programs.

*Stronger legal action against those who abuse PWDs.

*More safe spaces where PWDs can share their experiences and receive support.

*Increased awareness and training for caregivers and the public on how to support PWDs.

*Provision of financial and social support for PWDs raising children with disabilities.

“We are tired of just talking,” said Dlamini. “We need real change. We need to feel safe. We need to be treated as equals.”

Her words resonated with everyone in attendance, leaving a lingering question: How much longer must PWDs wait for their voices to be heard and their rights to be upheld?

03/04/2025

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES DENIED RIGHT TO EDUCATION

Staff Reporter

The sun blazed over the small gathering at a local engagement meeting organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA). Seated on the sidelines, I listened intently as voices of frustration, pain, and resilience echoed from persons with disabilities (PWDs) calling for more inclusive educational facilities for children with disabilities.

For many parents of children with disabilities, the battle begins early. Lack of proper school infrastructure, untrained teachers, and societal discrimination make access to education a far-fetched dream. One such mother, Angeline Ncube, sat down with me to share her story, her voice heavy with sorrow and frustration.

“I had no choice but to send my daughter all the way to Bulawayo for schooling,” she began, her eyes welling up. “At our local school here, she was discriminated against. Other children would laugh at her, and even teachers were dismissive. She would come home crying every day. It got to a point where she said, ‘Mama, I don’t want to go to school anymore.’ What could I do? I had to find another school, one that would at least respect her dignity.”

Ncube’s daughter, Chiedza, was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle coordination. At the local school, there were no ramps, no special classroom settings, and worst of all, no trained teachers who understood how to handle children with disabilities.

“She could not keep up with the writing speed, and when she struggled, her teacher would just move on. No one cared to help her,” Ncube said, her voice cracking. “Imagine hearing your child say she feels unwanted in school. It broke me.”

Faced with no alternatives, Ncube made the difficult decision to enroll Chiedza at a special school in Bulawayo. The decision came at a steep cost—emotionally and financially.

“I paid so much in school fees, transport, and boarding fees. I barely make ends meet, but what else can I do? My child deserved an education, just like everyone else,” she lamented.

Angeline’s story is just one among many. Throughout the engagement meeting, similar testimonies poured in from other PWDs and their caregivers.

“We do not have disability-friendly schools here,” said Tinashe Moyo, a visually impaired activist. “Children with disabilities either have to travel long distances or stay at home. That is not fair. The government needs to build schools that cater to everyone, not just those who can walk, see, or hear properly.”

Many in attendance also emphasized the need for teacher training.

“Our teachers do not know how to handle children with disabilities,” said Nomathemba Dube, a wheelchair user and mother of two. “They need to be trained on how to accommodate and encourage these children. Right now, most of them either ignore or mistreat our children.”

Zimbabwe’s Constitution recognizes the rights of PWDs, including their right to education. Section 83 of the Constitution states:

“The State must take appropriate measures, within the limits of the resources available to it, to ensure that persons with disabilities realize their full mental and physical potential, including measures to—

(a) enable them to become self-reliant;

(b) enable them to live with their families and participate in social, creative, or recreational activities;

(c) protect them from all forms of exploitation and abuse; and

(d) give them access to medical, psychological, and functional treatment.”

Moreover, Section 75 guarantees the right to education, stating that every citizen has the right to a basic education, including adults. However, despite these legal provisions, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

“Laws mean nothing if they are not implemented,” said Moyo. “We need action, not just words.”

PWDs in Runde District are calling on the government and policymakers to prioritize inclusive education. Among their demands are:

*The construction of disability-friendly schools in rural areas.

*Training programs for teachers to better support children with disabilities.

*Provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, braille textbooks, and hearing aids in schools.

*Policies that ensure all children, regardless of ability, receive equal educational opportunities.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency was clear.

“I do not want my child to be seen as a burden. I do not want her to be treated differently,” Ncube said. “She deserves to learn just like any other child. If we say education is a right, then let it be so for everyone.”

Her words lingered long after the gathering dispersed. The question remains: How long must children with disabilities in Zimbabwe wait before their right to education is truly realized?

The Guiding Star

22/01/2026

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