Mnangagwa officially commissioned the Zimplats 38MW Expanded Smelter and Phase 1A 35MWac Solar Plant in Ngezi. The upgraded smelter can now process 380,000 tonnes of concentrates per year tripling Zimplats’ previous capacity.
Please watch the video above this post for more details
Key events for today
1. Chitungwiza Accident Declared a national disaster.
2. Mnangagwa in Vic Falls
Top Trending Stories
1. Chitungwiza Accident happened while the driver and a passenger quarelled over 50c.
2. Catholic University In Zimbabwe Graduation
3. Happy Birthday Mudiwa Hood.
4. Landiwe Ntlokwana Sindani is an accountant who was employed by the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church leader, Shepherd Bushiri, as part of the alleged “Commodities Project”. She is a co-accused in a high-profile South African fraud and money laundering case alongside Bushiri, his wife Mary, and others. Initially silent, she has recently indicated a shift to becoming a state witness, sparking controversy and calls from NGOs for her to be investigated for perjury and obstruction of justice, given the timing and content of her testimony.
Business
1. Natco Pharma has announced a firm intention to acquire 35.75% of the ordinary shares in South African pharmaceutical company Adcock Ingram for R75 per share, representing a substantial premium of 43.7% over the previous day’s closing price. The total deal is valued at around R4.2 billion (about $232 million . ollowing this transaction, Adcock Ingram will delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and continue operating as a private company, with Bidvest remaining the controlling shareholder at 64.25% and Natco holding 35.75% after the acquisition (including a prior stake of 0.80%). Natco’s offer is for minority shareholders, and the company has filed the necessary regulatory documents to proceed.
Africa
1. List of 20 ANC Officials likely to be sanctioned.
2. Ramaphosa has filed papers in response to MKP constitutional Court Case
3. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs opens a new facility in Sydney, Australia, to streamline access to essential documents for expatriates, marking a significant step in improving services for South Africans abroad.
4. A six-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being struck by a stray bullet while playing outside in Seshego, a township in Polokwane, Limpopo. The incident occurred while the child was playing with a friend near a neighbor’s residence. Despite prompt efforts to get him medical help, the boy succumbed to his injuries before reaching specialized care in Polokwane. According to available media reports, the boy’s name is Solomon Mphaka. His mother, nare Mphaka was watching from close by.
5. USA withdraws from UNESCO
Entertainment
1. South African rapper Nadia Nakai vacations in Lagos, Nigeria, posting vibrant photos of the city’s nightlife, sparking buzz about her cultural immersion.
2. Socialite Babalwa Mneno hosts a lavish birthday party for Tebogo Ramokgadi, making headlines for its extravagance and star-studded guest list in South Africa.
3. Tebogo Thobejane on the move
Notes
Cyril Ramaphosa – President of South Africa, ANC President. Cited for accusing Israel of genocide on October 14, 2023, during a pro-Palestinian rally, aligning with the bill’s criticism of anti-Israel rhetoric. Oversees foreign policy ties with Russia and China, noted as U.S. adversaries. Also linked to the Phala Phala scandal, though not formally charged, which could be scrutinized for corruption.
Naledi Pandor – Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (until June 2024). Engaged with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on October 17, 2023, and met Iran’s President Raisi on October 22, 2023, actions criticized in the bill as supporting a U.S.-designated terrorist group and adversary.
Ebrahim Rasool – Former South Africa’s Ambassador to the U.S. (expelled March 2025). Hosted Hamas officials as Western Cape Premier and spoke at an Iranian event celebrating Hezbollah in 2020, per sources tied to the bill’s anti-Israel concerns. Declared persona non grata by the U.S. for comments against President Trump.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri – ANC spokesperson. Stated on October 8, 2023, that Hamas’s attack was a response to Israel’s “apartheid regime,” cited in the bill as anti-Israel rhetoric.
Gwede Mantashe – Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, ANC National Chairperson. Implicated in Zondo Commission findings for alleged Bosasa and Eskom-related corruption, meeting the bill’s corruption criterion.
Ace Magashule – Former ANC Secretary-General (suspended 2021). Faces corruption charges over a R255 million asbestos contract scandal in the Free State, aligning with sanctions criteria.
Fikile Mbalula – Minister of Transport, ANC Secretary-General. His leadership role and South Africa’s ties with Russia/China could invite scrutiny under the bill’s focus on U.S. interests.
David Mabuza – Former Deputy President. Tied to corruption allegations during the Zuma era, potentially relevant to the bill’s corruption focus.
Ronald Lamola – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development. Involved in South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel, filed December 29, 2023, criticized in the bill as anti-Israel.
Paul Mashatile – Deputy President, ANC Deputy President. His senior role in policies aligning with U.S. adversaries could be examined, though specific allegations are less clear.
Nomvula Mokonyane – Deputy Minister of Tourism, former Minister. Implicated in Zondo Commission for alleged Bosasa-related corruption, meeting sanctions criteria.
Malusi Gigaba – Former Minister of Home Affairs and Finance. Linked to state capture allegations involving the Gupta family, relevant to corruption focus.
Zweli Mkhize – Former Minister of Health. Stepped aside due to corruption allegations in the Digital Vibes scandal, aligning with the bill’s criteria.
Lindiwe Sisulu – Former Minister of International Relations. Her tenure included strengthening ties with Russia and China, potentially scrutinized under the bill.
Blade Nzimande – Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Alleged corruption in NSFAS (student funding) scandals could meet sanctions criteria.
Thandi Modise – Former Minister of Defense. Oversaw military cooperation with Russia, including the Lady R ship incident in December 2022, which could align with the bill’s concerns about U.S. adversaries.
Pule Mabe – Former ANC spokesperson. Faced corruption allegations over irregular tenders, potentially relevant to the bill’s focus.
Bheki Cele – Former Minister of Police. Linked to questionable procurement deals, which could be considered under corruption criteria.
Zizi Kodwa – Former Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture. Arrested in 2024 for alleged bribery, aligning with the bill’s corruption focus.
Senzo Mchunu – Minister of Police (suspended July 2025). Accused by Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of protecting criminal syndicate allies, prompting a commission of inquiry by Ramaphosa, which could meet the bill’s corruption and human rights abuse criteria.
