Joyce Chauke from Mwenezi, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, is optimistic about the benefits of a new solar-powered irrigation scheme designed to combat El Nino-induced drought and climate change. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has initiated 21 solar-powered pivot-system irrigation schemes in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland provinces, targeting women and girls. The project aims to cultivate 43,939 hectares with climate-resilient products, train 3,356 farmers, and benefit 69,670 farmers beyond irrigation through agriculture training, seed multiplication, and financial management. UNDP resident representative Ayodele Odusola emphasizes the project's focus on job creation, education, and women's empowerment. UNDP irrigation expert Regis Chiwaya supports the initiative as a necessary intervention for a population that relies heavily on rain-fed agriculture.

Zinara is implementing regulations on the exemption of government vehicles to prevent abuse of the system. CEO Nkosinathi Ncube announced collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development to address the issue. Efforts are also being made to make toll fees more affordable. Transport Minister Felix Mhona praised Zinara for its dedication and progress in improving road infrastructure. Zinara disbursed ZWL$43.8 billion to road authorities under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme 2 in 2022.

Michael Bolton is recuperating at home after a successful operation to remove a brain tumour, diagnosed late last year. The 70-year-old singer, who has sold over 75 million records, is taking a temporary break from touring, which was scheduled to begin in February across the US, UK, Canada, and Switzerland. Bolton expressed gratitude for the support from his medical team and fans, and is eager to return to performing soon.

China experienced strategic decline in 2023, struggling to recover from the Covid pandemic with economic and political restructuring efforts failing to yield domestic results or enhance global standing. Economic growth slowed significantly, and military advancements did not compensate for the lack of combat experience. Relations with the US showed a temporary truce, but structural differences persist. China's aggressive behavior has strained relations with major trading partners, impacting economic growth. Despite not showing drastic decline in economic and technical indicators, China faces constraints in expanding structural power due to authoritarian leadership, domestic dissent, and alliances with authoritarian regimes. Meanwhile, India is emerging as a faster-growing major economy with a larger population, indicating a shift in regional dynamics.

The Harare City Council is facing criticism for not promptly addressing water and sewer pipe bursts, which are believed to be contributing to a cholera outbreak in Harare. Sewer pipe bursts have been prevalent in high-density suburbs, and the city's water supply is also compromised by power outages. A representative from the Harare Residents Trust highlighted the council's failure to repair the infrastructure, while the city's spokesperson pointed out that some residents' actions, such as dumping objects into sewer pipes, are partly to blame.

Zimbabwean police and security agents are on high alert in anticipation of protests by the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's election victory. Police have been placed on standby at various levels to respond to street protests, with warnings against unsanctioned gatherings and threats of violence on social media. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum and political analysts have criticized the police's stance as intimidation and unnecessary, while the CCC plans to hold grassroots meetings and asserts its constitutional rights to gather.

The Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFMOZ) has split from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (AFM) due to internal factionalism, causing confusion among congregants. The division arose after church president Cossum Chiangwa allegedly amended the AFM constitution to extend his tenure, which was met with accusations of blocking elections and not adhering to the church's constitution. Church leaders and organizations emphasize the need for clear constitutions, succession policies, and adherence to the law to prevent such conflicts. The situation has left members like Regina Mubaka uncertain about their future with the church.

The African Wildlife Foundation is working to combat deforestation in Zimbabwe's tobacco-producing areas through the UTARIRI project, which promotes smart agriculture and climate adaptation. The project, funded by the European Union, has introduced fuel-efficient tobacco curing barns and tree planting initiatives in the Zambezi Valley. These efforts aim to manage natural resources sustainably, restore biodiversity, and enhance community resilience. Over 400,000 hectares were lost to fires in 2021, but the project has helped reduce the impact of deforestation and human-wildlife conflict, with community wildlife scouts trained to protect crops and biodiversity.

Eight armed robbers, including two Fawcett Security officers, were denied bail after being accused of stealing US$15,432 from a Mukuru branch inside Zapalala Supermarket. The robbery occurred on November 25, 2023, and the suspects were arrested following a police operation in Harare. They face two counts of armed robbery and are considered dangerous criminals by the prosecutors. Their trial is set for January 2, 2024.

In Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe, mine workers at Detroop Mine, operated by Jiangxi Risheng Mining company, are alleging exploitation and violations of labor and environmental laws by their Chinese employers. Workers claim gender-based discrimination, inadequate protective clothing, and bribery of government officials to overlook these abuses. Mine manager Carlos Tembo and a company director, Mr. Lee, deny these allegations. Nathan Nyansiku, a mine agent, acknowledges the lack of protective gear and is advocating for workers' rights. The Environment Management Agency (EMA) has confirmed environmental violations at the mine, leading to an order to cease operations until issues are addressed. Workers fear the continuation of poor labor practices without enforcement of labor laws.

The article tells the story of Shamiso Mudoka, a 42-year-old woman from Karoi, Zimbabwe, who faced severe social stigma and challenges after being diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). After being evicted by her brother, she found support and treatment at Karoi General Hospital. The article discusses the broader issues of TB stigma, the need for increased awareness, and the importance of political commitment and funding for TB treatment. It references the Global TB Report 2016, which lists Zimbabwe as one of the 30 high TB burden countries. The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health's report on the disease and the high costs of treatment for drug-resistant TB strains are also mentioned. The article highlights the work of The Union and the National TB Control Programme, supported by USAid's Challenge TB funding, in combating the disease in Zimbabwe.

The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care in Zimbabwe has emphasized the importance of tuberculosis (TB) testing for early treatment and prevention of further spread. During World TB Day commemorations, MP James Maridadi highlighted the need for legislators to set an example by getting tested. Stakeholders in the health sector are collaborating to combat TB, with a focus on equipping community health workers with testing skills. The need for better nutrition for TB patients was also discussed, as malnutrition can lead to treatment default. The Midlands province, a mining region, has a high TB prevalence, and there is a concern over the lack of drugs for multi-drug resistant TB. Health Minister David Parirenyatwa pointed out that TB is a major cause of death among HIV patients and that health workers are at risk of TB infections.

Three men from Hurungwe, Zimbabwe, were arrested and appeared before a Kariba magistrate for poaching an elephant and a buffalo without a permit. The incident, which involved killing an elephant with traditional weapons and dogs, was captured on camera and went viral on social media. The main suspect, Kennedy Godera, is still at large. The State argued that poaching harms tourism, revenue collection, and the ecosystem. The accused are also facing charges of killing a buffalo and contempt of court. The elephant was valued at US$50,000.