Zimbabwe News Today: Headlines for 28 September 2026

Zimbabwe enters Monday with a mix of political milestones, household income news, weather alerts, sports triumphs and regional developments. This Zim Harare News roundup focuses on what matters for residents in Harare and across the country.

State of the Nation Address opens Parliament tomorrow

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to open the Fourth Session of the 10th Parliament on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, and deliver the State of the Nation Address during a joint sitting. Speaker Jacob Mudenda’s notice says the address will begin at 2 pm. The Constitution requires the head of state to outline the government’s legislative agenda and give an update on national priorities. Watch for statements on the economy, infrastructure, social protection, energy and devolution.

• Legislative bills expected to flow from the address.
• Parliament’s oversight role will intensify as policy debates resume.
• Households will look for concrete plans on prices, wages, water, roads and jobs.

NSSA raises pension payments from 1 October

The National Social Security Authority says monthly pension payouts under mandatory schemes will rise by about 30 percent starting 1 October. General manager Charles Shava said the minimum payment under the Pension and Other Benefits Scheme will move from US$70 to US$90 for roughly 250,000 pensioners and surviving dependants. Payments under the Accident Prevention and Workers’ Compensation Scheme will rise from US$100 to US$130 for about 8,000 beneficiaries.

The revision follows a statutory actuarial review that found the schemes financially sound. NSSA says improved collections, lower administrative costs and stronger investment income have increased its capacity to protect beneficiaries. The Authority’s investment income is reported to have grown from about US$3 million in 2022 to around US$40 million. It remains one of Zimbabwe’s key institutional investors, with strategic holdings in blue-chip listed companies.

Storm and wind warning for several provinces

Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department, together with Civil Protection, has warned residents that rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are likely from Tuesday, 29 September, through Thursday, 1 October. Localised rainfall may exceed 30 millimetres in some areas.

The advisory says rain may begin in Masvingo Province and later spread elsewhere. Wednesday could bring cloudy, cool conditions with rain in Masvingo, Matabeleland South and parts of southern Manicaland, while thunderstorms remain possible in other areas. The public is advised to avoid standing under trees or near tall poles during storms. Farmers should secure livestock and monitor crops, because rain during grain filling or maturity can affect grain quality and increase moisture-related disease risks.

Warriors return to the National Sports Stadium against DRC

Zimbabwe’s national soccer team will host the Democratic Republic of Congo in an AFCON qualifier at the National Sports Stadium on Monday evening, with kickoff at 6 pm. The match marks the return of senior international football to the renovated stadium. Zimbabwe started its Group E campaign with a 3-2 comeback win over Sierra Leone, while DRC beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 and are level on points. Coach Ramon Catala expects a tough game and says the team must focus on its own performance.

Cheetahs win Rugby Africa Sevens Cup

Zimbabwe’s men’s rugby sevens team, the Cheetahs, lifted the Rugby Africa Cup after a dramatic 26-19 win over hosts Uganda in Kampala. Trailing early, Zimbabwe fought back and sealed the title late in the contest. The victory gives Zimbabwe the title for the fourth time and secures a place on the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series circuit in 2027.

Women’s cricket must win to keep series alive

At Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe Women face a must-win situation in the second ODI against the West Indies after losing the opener by 99 runs. A victory would level the series and keep confidence alive ahead of the final match.

Mashonaland West sees development ahead of party conference

Zanu PF officials say preparations for the 23rd National People’s Conference, scheduled for 12-17 October at Chinhoyi University of Technology, are creating lasting upgrades in Mashonaland West. Provincial chairman Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said improvements include water supply and venue works, describing clean water access as a major benefit for Chinhoyi residents beyond the conference.

Drug abuse linked to cultural preservation, Mohadi says

Vice President Kembo Mohadi has warned that substance abuse threatens families, community values and cultural transmission. Speaking at the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival in Beitbridge, he called on traditional leaders and communities to strengthen surveillance, support rehabilitation and work with law enforcement against trafficking. Mohadi said elders, mothers and young people affected by drugs may struggle to teach, guide or participate in cultural life.

Tharisa moves US$300m into escrow for Karo Platinum

Tharisa has placed the net proceeds of a US$300 million five-year senior secured bond into escrow, a major funding milestone for its Karo Platinum Project on Zimbabwe’s Great Dyke. The bond was priced at 98% of principal with an 11% semi-annual coupon and drew demand from institutional investors. Proceeds will help complete development and construction as the company targets first ore in the fourth quarter of 2027. The move follows securing a long-term mining lease and an offtake agreement, strengthening confidence in the project’s next phase.

Regional security: South Africa investigates two deadly shootings

Police in South Africa are investigating two mass shootings that left 27 people dead in the same night. Authorities have linked one incident near Johannesburg to possible illegal mining turf violence, while another near Cape Town is being probed for possible business rivalry. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the level of violence cannot continue and ordered security agencies to pursue the suspects.

Innovation, culture and human interest headlines

Zimbabwean technology leader Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa will be recognised at the Global Distinguished CEOs Awards for contributions to artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Africa. In another human-interest development, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has highlighted the military and academic record of his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, noting her role in Zimbabwe Defence Forces history and her latest doctorate.

What this means for Zimbabweans

Monday’s headlines show a country moving on several fronts at once. The SONA sets the political calendar for the week ahead. The NSSA adjustment offers immediate relief to many pensioners and workers recovering from occupational injuries. The storm warning calls for practical preparation. Sport brings national pride and global pathways, while Tharisa’s financing keeps large-scale mining momentum in view. For readers in Harare and across Zimbabwe, the message is clear: institutions are speaking to households, investors and fans at the same time.

Frequently asked questions

Why is today important for Zimbabweans? The State of the Nation Address is tomorrow, NSSA has announced a pension increase and weather agencies have issued a storm warning.

What changed in pensions? NSSA says mandatory scheme payouts will rise from 1 October, with the POBS minimum increasing to US$90 and APWCS payments moving to US$130.

What are the sports highlights? Zimbabwe’s Warriors host DRC in an AFCON qualifier, and the Cheetahs won the Rugby Africa Sevens Cup.