George Orwell’s timeless political satire Animal Farm has found new expression on the Zimbabwean stage — and this time, it speaks in a distinctly local voice.

In ZI Animal Farm, director Bongani Benedict Masango delivers a bold and thought-provoking adaptation that mirrors Zimbabwe’s social realities while keeping audiences entertained and engaged.

Set against a familiar backdrop of power struggles, ambition, and betrayal, ZI Animal Farm reimagines Orwell’s iconic tale through local characters, music, and humour.

Masango’s version doesn’t just retell the story — it reclaims it, inviting Zimbabweans to see their own reflections in the farmyard rebellion.

“It’s a story we all know, but we’re telling it our way,” Masango says with a grin. “People will laugh, think, and maybe see a bit of themselves in these animals.”

As the play prepares for its run at Theatre in the Park from November 6 to 8, 2025, starting at 6 pm, it promises to spark reflection, debate, and laughter in equal measure.

Producer Danial Maphosa said the decision to adapt Orwell’s novel came from a desire to connect universal themes of corruption, power, and social inequality to Zimbabwe’s own lived experience.

“Animal Farm is a critical book that confronts power, corruption, propaganda, and betrayal of revolutionary ideals,” Maphosa explained.

“These themes resonate with all societies at different levels — including ours. Misgovernance, dictatorships, and abuse of power are not foreign concepts here. We wanted to give the story a context that speaks directly to local people, especially young audiences.”

The production, developed over three years under Savanna Trust, draws sharp parallels between Orwell’s allegorical animals and Zimbabwe’s post-independence struggles.

For Maphosa, ZI Animal Farm is more than an adaptation — it’s a mirror held up to society.

“People are always in pursuit of change, but often nothing happens,” he said. “Since Independence, the dream of a fair and corruption-free society has felt elusive. A few live comfortably while the majority struggle. The lives of the animals in the play reflect those of ordinary Zimbabweans.”

He added that the play’s message — that “some animals are more equal than others” — is a wake-up call.

“It’s not our destiny to live this way,” Maphosa said. “It’s our lack of agency that allows others to ‘eat on our behalf.’ The play challenges people to rethink their passivity and demand accountability.”

While the story remains faithful to Orwell’s structure, the creative team added local dialogue, songs, and satirical humor to make it unmistakably Zimbabwean.

“The characters are the same, but we localized the text and made them relatable,” Maphosa said. “The direction is experimental — audiences will find themselves on the edge of their seats.”

The play combines movement, live music, and political satire, giving the audience a layered and immersive experience.

“It’s not just storytelling,” Maphosa emphasized. “It’s a fusion of theatre, sound, and social commentary — a truly Zimbabwean interpretation of a global classic.”

Maphosa believes theatre remains one of Zimbabwe’s most vital tools for social reflection.

“Theatre is a voice for the people — especially the marginalized,” he said. “It entertains, but it also forces us to confront our daily realities. It’s both a mirror and a way forward.”

Asked what he loves most about producing stories like ZI Animal Farm, Maphosa paused before smiling.

“I love stories that speak about real people — their struggles and dreams,” he said. “When audiences connect and start conversations, that’s real empowerment. Theatre has the power to inspire change, and this play is part of that journey.”

ZI Animal Farm opens at Theatre in the Park, Harare, from November 6 to 8, 2025, with performances starting at 6 p.m. each evening.

Thaton Property, a leading name in real estate and property development with over a decade of experience, has once again been honoured on the international stage.

The company scooped three major awards at the 2025/2026 UK-based International Property Media Company Awards for Africa, held recently in London.

Thaton Property, which made history by developing Africa’s first Radisson Blu Hotel in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 2006, continues to raise the bar for innovation and quality.

The company’s new development in Glen Lorne, Harare 2267 Lifestyle Estate won in the categories of Residential Development (20+ Units), Architecture (Multiple Residences), and Apartment/Condominium Project.

Their Lifestyle Estate are the first apartments with double-glazed glass in Zimbabwe and houses a swimming pool and kids’ play.

Executive Chairman of Thaton Property, Ben Nyauma, expressed pride in the achievement, saying:

“We have won several awards over the years, but this one means a lot because it’s international recognition. Having built five-star hotels and properties outside Zimbabwe, my goal when I returned from the diaspora was to bring that same level of quality to local residential developments.”

He added that 2267 Lifestyle Estate sets new standards in modern living:

“The estate features one of the most advanced heating and cooling systems, is energy-efficient, and fully solar powered.

“It’s Zimbabwe’s first true lifestyle estate, offering all amenities within the premises including a clubhouse, outdoor braai areas, mini golf, padel courts, a gym with state of the art equipment, and saunas.

Innovation like this is what earned us the award for Best Architecture for Multiple Residences.”

Former Zimbabwean mineworkers who contracted silicosis or work-related tuberculosis while employed in South African gold mines can now lodge claims for compensation locally, following the official launch of Tshiamiso Trust services in Zimbabwe.

The development comes after the Tshiamiso Trust signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Zimbabwe and the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), formalizing cooperation to assist eligible claimants and their families.

The initiative marks a long-awaited milestone for thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers who have lived for years with lung disease after working in South Africa’s gold mines between 1965 and 2019.

Under the new agreement, Baines Occupational Health Services will provide both claim lodgement and Benefit Medical Examination (BME) services from clinics in Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo, beginning in November 2025.

“This moment represents the realization of a promise made to the men and families who built the mining industry,” said Dr. Munyadziwa Kwinda, Chief Executive Officer of the Tshiamiso Trust.

“Thousands of Zimbabwean ex-mineworkers have been waiting for these services to begin so they can finally access the compensation they may qualify for. This is about restoring dignity and justice.”

Dr. Charles Shava, Chief Executive Officer of NSSA, described the partnership as a step toward regional social protection.

“Zimbabwe is home to many who spent their working lives in South Africa’s mines and returned home with illnesses that changed their futures,” he said.

“Through this collaboration, we are ensuring that those who qualify can now access their compensation closer to where they live.”

Eligible claimants must have performed “risk work” at a qualifying South African gold mine during the period covered by the settlement.

They can now submit claims, confirm eligibility, or update their information through Baines clinics or the Tshiamiso Trust’s call and WhatsApp lines.

The Trust cautioned claimants to avoid fraudsters and unofficial intermediaries. All legitimate services are provided free of charge, except for a small BME fee applicable to some claimants.

The Tshiamiso Trust was established to implement a landmark settlement between six mining companies African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony Gold, Sibanye Stillwater, and Gold Fields and attorneys representing affected mineworkers.

The launch of services in Zimbabwe marks a new chapter in the region’s response to one of Southern Africa’s longest-running occupational health crises, offering long-overdue redress to those who sacrificed their health in the mines that powered an industry.