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Stanbic Bank Donates $30,000 in Goods to Support Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has continued its support for the Albino Charity Organisation of Zimbabwe (ALCOZ) with a donation of goods worth US$30,000 that includes sunscreen lotions and sprays, sunhats, antiseptic soap and lip balms.

 

Stanbic Bank and ALCOZ are celebrating a remarkable ten-year journey of impact and inclusion.

To honour this milestone, Stanbic Bank has increased its support by boosting this year’s donation to US$30,000 from last year’s US$25,000 to show its deepening commitment.

Handing over the donation to ALCOZ in Chitungwiza today (September 3), Stanbic Bank acting head of brand and marketing, Tariro Memo, praised ALCOZ for the work it continues to do and reaffirmed the bank’s growing respect and appreciation for the strength and spirit of Zimbabweans living with albinism.

“In recognition of the growing needs of the community, we have increased our support from US$25,000 last year to US$30,000 this year.

“We believe this increase is more than just a figure; it reflects our commitment to continue standing with you and ensuring that your needs are met, particularly as the hot season sets in,” she added.

Memo explained Stanbic Bank appreciates that people living with albinism face unique challenges due to the absence of melanin in their skin.

“Protection from the sun is not a luxury but a necessity. By providing sunscreen, antiseptic soap, lip balm and sunhats, we hope to ease some of these daily struggles and allow our brothers and sisters to live healthier and safer lives.

“The increased support also ensures that people living with albinism, even in marginalised communities such as Binga, Matobo, Chiredzi, Gokwe, Chipinge and Mbire, receive the protection they need to live safely and with dignity,” she added.

The founder of ALCOZ, Loveness Mainato, said the donation could not be timelier, coinciding with the onset of the hot season.

She noted that while the Chitungwiza community will be served, the donation will extend far beyond its borders. With ALCOZ decentralising its distribution efforts, the initiative is set to reach underserved and marginalised communities across Zimbabwe, ensuring broader national impact.

“Stanbic Bank has just come in at the right time because we have already started receiving calls from the hottest regions that include Chipinge, Chiredzi and Binga. People who need assistance in those areas are already complaining of the weather changes as they require these sunscreen lotions,” she added.

Mainato further emphasised that sunscreen lotions are not just helpful but vital. She likened their importance to chronic disease medication, noting that just as such treatment must be taken consistently, sunscreen must be applied regularly to protect the skin and maintain good health.

“People with albinism have to continuously apply sunscreen lotions now and again to prevent them from getting the much-feared cancer that affects them. We are glad that Stanbic Bank is continuously doing a great job to protect them health wise,” she added.

ALCOZ projects and programmes manager, Tagarisa George Mafararikwa thanked Stanbic Bank for its valued support over the last decade and said the organisation looks forward to more years of the assistance to come.

“For us to go out there and do our outreach programmes to the various districts and provinces, we need these essential things. Now that they have come just in time for the hottest season on the year, we thank Stanbic Bank very much,” he added.

Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 Reaches Halfway Mark as Provincial Champions Emerge

The Chibuku Road to Fame 2025 talent search has reached its halfway stage, with five provinces now having crowned their champions ahead of the national grand finale set for October.

 

Over the weekend, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo hosted their provincial finals at KoNjabulo Beerhall, drawing large crowds and showcasing the diversity of Zimbabwe’s musical talent.

In Matabeleland South, Bolamba Culture Birds, a traditional contemporary music group, claimed the top spot with a performance deemed by judges as both authentic and innovative.

They walked away with US$2,500 and a place in the national showdown. Mukanoni Pride and Luduhambo Express, both sungura outfits, finished second and third, collecting US$1,500 and US$1,000 respectively.

The Bulawayo competition featured a fiercely contested battle of afro-fusion acts. Dab Band ultimately triumphed, earning their ticket to the finals and the US$2,500 prize.

They were followed by Amani Pulse in second place and Royal Band, an afro-jazz ensemble, in third.

Bulawayo winners ‘Dab Band’

Earlier rounds of the 2025 edition have already produced champions from Midlands, Mashonaland West, and Matabeleland North, including notable winners such as Core Vibes, All In One, and Simuniziva.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Chibuku Road to Fame, organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

The competition has been streamlined into six larger provincial finals, with the top three acts from each progressing to the national stage.

The winners will eventually converge in a province later to be announced to compete for the grand prize of US$15,000 and a recording contract, cementing the platform’s reputation as Zimbabwe’s premier grassroots music showcase.

Kelis Ndhlovu fires Zimbabwe Women to Africa Qualifier title

Kelis Ndhlovu struck a scintillating unbeaten 70 to power Zimbabwe Women to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Namibia Women in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek on Saturday.

 

The 19-year-old opener dominated proceedings with a fluent 52-ball knock, peppered with 11 fours and a six, as Zimbabwe comfortably chased down Namibia’s 115 for seven with 21 balls to spare.

The result sealed the regional title for Zimbabwe, who, along with Namibia, had already booked their tickets to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026 in Nepal by reaching the final.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Zimbabwe had to work hard early on as Namibia’s openers made a steady start.

The breakthrough came in the eighth over when Nyasha Gwanzura bowled Sune Wittmann for 11, ending a 27-run opening stand.

Kayleen Green kept the scoreboard ticking with a composed innings of 48 off 47 balls, decorated with five boundaries and two sixes.

She put on 38 in just five overs with Yasmeen Khan before falling to Loreen Tshuma, returning a catch to the bowler with Namibia well-placed at 65 for two.

Khan (23) and Mekelaye Mwatile added a further 33 runs, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers hit back strongly in the closing stages.

Khan was run out in the 16th over, sparking a collapse.

Beloved Biza then removed Wilka Mwatile for two, while Josephine Nkomo struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Mekelaye Mwatile (18) and Jurriene Diergaardt (1).

Biza returned to claim her second wicket when Mezerly Gorases was caught by Chiedza Dhururu for one, as Namibia stumbled to 115 for seven in their 20 overs.

Biza and Nkomo finished with two wickets apiece, while Tshuma and Gwanzura chipped in with one each.

Zimbabwe’s reply was nothing short of emphatic.

Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa all but sealed the contest with a commanding opening partnership worth 112 runs in 16.1 overs.

Mupachikwa played the perfect supporting role with a patient 37 from 45 balls, striking five fours before she was bowled by Saima Tuhadeleni when attempting to finish the match.

There was little left for Namibia to celebrate, as Tshuma promptly struck a boundary to complete the chase at 116 for one in 16.3 overs.

Ndhlovu walked off unbeaten, her innings underlining her growing stature as one of Zimbabwe’s brightest young stars.

With the title in the bag and a ticket to the global qualifier secured, Zimbabwe will take confidence from their dominant showing in Windhoek where they won all their five matches convincingly.

Raza Now Ranked As The World’s Number One ODI All-Rounder

Zimbabwe star Sikandar Raza has scaled new heights in world cricket after storming to the summit of the latest ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings, becoming the top-ranked player following a string of standout performances against Sri Lanka in Harare.

 

Raza, who struck two half-centuries in the just-ended two-match series, also impressed with the ball, returning figures of one for 48 from 10 overs in the first ODI.

His efforts, despite Zimbabwe losing the series, lifted him past Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (292 points) and Azmatullah Omarzai (296) to the number one position with a rating of 302.

The 38-year-old’s batting exploits also earned him a surge in the ODI Batting Rankings, climbing nine places to sit at number 22.

Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni hailed Raza’s achievement, describing it as a milestone for both the player and the nation.

“We are immensely proud of Sikandar Raza for rising to the very top of the ICC ODI All-Rounder Rankings,” he said.

“His consistency, resilience and match-winning qualities continue to inspire not only his teammates but the whole of Zimbabwe.”

Makoni also commended the efforts of senior teammate Sean Williams, who rose seven places to number 16 on the ODI All-Rounder Rankings and moved three places up to number 47 in the ODI Batting Rankings.

“Sean Williams has also shown once again why he is such a vital part of our team, with his consistent contributions both with bat and ball,” he said.

“We extend our appreciation to him and indeed the entire squad for their fighting spirit and encouraging displays against Sri Lanka.”

On the bowling front, Richard Ngarava remains Zimbabwe’s highest-ranked bowler, climbing two places to number 20 on the ODI Bowling Rankings, while Raza follows at number 38.

As a team, Zimbabwe sit at number 11 on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.

Makoni said the latest rankings update reflected a positive trajectory for Zimbabwe cricket.

“These rankings movements show that our players are competing hard at the highest level,” he said.

“While results did not go our way against Sri Lanka, the individual performances point to a promising future as we continue building towards greater success.”

Cyclists Gear Up for Cimas Health Group’s Pedal to W3llness as Event Targets 500 Riders

The country’s largest private medical aid society, health and wellness service provider, Cimas Health Group has set September 27 as the date for the third edition of the cycling event, Pedal to W3llness dedicated to promoting cardiovascular fitness and healthy lifestyles.

 

Organised through Cimas Health Group’s health and wellness division iGo, the signature cycling event is open to all cyclists including children.

The third edition of Pedal to W3llness will be held at Borrowdale Office Park, Harare which serves as both the starting and finishing point.

This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”. This theme aligns with the upcoming annual World Heart Day observed globally on September 29 to raise awareness about heart health and promote healthy lifestyles.

Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Group’s Borrowdale Office Park, offices yesterday, Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Vuli Ndlovu, said Pedal to W3llness is part of their broader commitment under their iGo wellness programmes to inspire healthier communities.

“At Cimas Health Group we believe in the importance of inspiring a healthier community. We host our annual Pedal to W3llness event as part of our commitment to promoting a culture of wellness in line with our purpose to inspire healthier communities,” Mr Ndlovu said.

“As we believe that a healthy nation benefits us all, through our Pedal to Wellness event, we are not only encouraging participants to engage in physical activity, but also highlighting the critical role that cardiovascular fitness also known as cardiorespiratory fitness plays in overall health and well-being.”

The cycling event features three cycling distances, 45km, 22.5 km for adults and 4.5km for children. All participants will be timed using a modern electronic timing system integrated into their race bibs for accurate race tracking and they will receive a finishers medal.

Mr Ndlovu said the online registration to participate at Pedal to W3llness opened last week on Wednesday, adding that the registration fee is $10 using own bike or $25 inclusive of bike hire, while children under the age of 13 will participate for free.

“Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a beginner, or a fitness or wellness enthusiast, we invite everyone including corporate organisations to register and take part in Pedal to W3llness which provides numerous health benefits,” Mr Ndlovu said.

“Through Pedal to W3llness, our aim is to motivate individuals of all ages and fitness levels to integrate wellness into their everyday lives. We want everyone to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

To ensure safety, Mr Ndlovu said Cimas Health Group will deploy 50 marshals on the day of the event to assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police in managing the cycling routes intersections.

“As a safety measure, all participants are expected to wear helmets, which are available for hire at the venue on the day. All participants are also required to sign indemnity forms with those not covered under medical aid being required to sign a waiver to participate,” Mr Ndlovu said.

Speaking on the event’s theme, “Promoting Heart Health & Active Lifestyles”, Mr Ndlovu noted that the focus is to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of keeping the heart in good shape through regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.

According to World Health Organisation cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. It is estimated that around 1 in 12 people globally are living with a heart or circulatory disease.

Heart health is central to overall wellness. The heart is size of a fist and is the strongest muscle in the body. However, it can become vulnerable from behavioural risk factors like a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, cholesterol, eating an unhealthy diet, or living with high blood pressure,” Mr Ndlovu said.

“Maintaining a healthy heart and an active lifestyle carries substantial health benefits. Up to 80% of premature CVD deaths are preventable through affordable access to care, early screening, and making healthy choices in nutrition, activity, and lifestyle.

“Cimas Health Group is making efforts to improve awareness and treatment of health issues that put individuals at a risk for CVD, so no one misses a beat.”

Mr Ndlovu said apart from offering remarkable benefits for physical health, cycling also offers a safer and more environmentally friendly mode of transport, adding that to fully realise these benefits, Harare City council must invest in infrastructure that ensures the safety of cyclists on the road.

“This Pedal to W3llness is a not to be missed cycling event that unites cycling enthusiasts, families, and individuals eager to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

“This year our aim is to bring together 500 cyclists comprising of 400 adults and 100 children as we raise awareness on how to promote heart health and active lifestyles,” Mr Ndlovu said.

Last year’s edition drew over 300 cyclists.

18-Year-Old Midfielder Padera Reacts to Warriors Call-Up

Talented 18-year-old Zimbabwean midfielder Prosper Padera has expressed his excitement after receiving a senior Warriors national team call-up.

 

Padera featured for Zimbabwe at the 2025 Cosafa Cup in South Africa this past June. The squad, made up largely of Under-20 players, finished second in Group A behind the hosts.

In 2024, the promising midfielder signed a four-year contract with Finnish top-flight side Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerho.

Before turning professional, Padera completed a fully funded scholarship program at Brooke House College in the United Kingdom.

Watch Padera’s reaction below

@zimbuzz

18 year old Prosper Padera speaks on his senior Warriors call-up

♬ original sound – Zimbuzz

Two Angry Men: A Storm of Emotion Set to Hit Theatre in the Park

This September, the stage at Theatre in the Park will play host to an emotional and thought-provoking production titled Two Angry Men, a two-hander play directed by acclaimed theatre practitioner Dr. Kelvin Chikonzo.

 

Running from September 3 to 6, the play promises a gripping exploration of Zimbabwe’s youth caught between hope and despair, all in the intimate space of a single, stripped-down room.

The play is the brainchild of the late Stephen Chifunyise, a stalwart of Zimbabwean theatre known for timeless works like Rituals and Heal the Wounds.

According to Chikonzo, the production took root during a casual yet profound conversation with producer Daves Guzha.

“Daves wanted to produce one of Chifunyise’s classics and suggested that I could direct it,” recalls Chikonzo.

“I was personally impressed by the manner in which Chifunyise blends a plethora of styles in one play – cyclical and repetitive plot, stories within a story, multiple characters, a pinch of realist drama and agit-prop.

“Combined with the two-hander approach, this style of theatre stimulated great interest in me.”

Though written in the early 1990s, Two Angry Men is as relevant as ever. “The impact of the economy on the youth is hardly a subject of discussion in Zimbabwean theatre,” Chikonzo notes.

“This play centres the struggles, frustrations, delusions, anger, and shattered dreams of the youth in Zimbabwe.”

In line with his passion for post-dramatic theatre, Chikonzo has embraced a minimalist staging approach for this production.

“The empty space functions as a metaphor for the expression of the shattered dreams and nothingness which runs through the lives of Jonas and Simba,” he explains.

“I didn’t want other aspects of production such as décor, costume and lights to divert attention from the story. Any prop we used had to serve multiple functions and have a life of its own.”

This bare-bones approach, while aesthetically bold, comes with its own set of challenges — particularly in a play that unfolds entirely within a single room.

“The greatest challenge was on character transitions and creating different character proposals,” says Chikonzo.

“These actors play a minimum of eight characters each, so we had to create backstories for each one.

“Most importantly, we had to understand the source of frustrations and anger for Simba and Jonas, their specific missions in the play, and other relevant character elements.”

Two Angry Men runs September 3–6 at Theatre in the Park, Harare Gardens. This is more than a play — it’s a mirror held up to society, told through two men, eight voices, and one powerful script.

Whether you’re a theatre buff, a student of society, or simply a curious observer — this is one show that demands to be seen.

Zimskate to Build Greengrove Skatepark in Harare’s New Nature Reserve

Zimskate, the leading skateboarding and roller sports organisation in Zimbabwe, has announced plans to construct

 

Greengrove Skatepark, a community project born out of the need for more recreational safe-spaces in the city of  Harare.

This came following the public launch of the Greengrove Nature Reserve, a natural habitat for multiple species of flora, fauna, a natural water spring and Willie’s Dam.

At the official ceremony conducted back in June 2025, the City of Harare blessed the conservation of the land as well as the setting up of a recreational park on site that will include numerous sporting activities including skateboarding.

The launch of the Greengrove Nature reserve featured over 6 schools from Harare East district, the local councilor and other representatives from the City of Harare.

This project coincides with the Zimbabwe COP15 focus on Wetland conservation.

“It’s an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase good environmental management while also catering to the pressing community need of better education and family oriented recreational safe-spaces,” said Lindani Mataure Director of Zimskate and Committee member in the Greengrove Nature Reserve Trust.

Stanbic Bank reports strong half-year 2025 profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe achieved a profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2025, demonstrating robust growth and resilience in a challenging operating environment.

 

This is a significant increase from the ZWG27.1 million reported in the comparative period in 2024. The Bank’s performance was underpinned by strong growth in both net interest income and non-funded income.

Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe chairman Muchakanakirwa Mkanganwi said the results for the first half of 2025 were hard-won amid demanding conditions.

“We are pleased to report a profit after tax of ZWG682.2 million, a testament to the resilience of our business model and the unwavering commitment of our management and staff.

Our capital position remains strong, with qualifying core capital of ZWG4.2 billion, significantly exceeding the regulatory requirement of about ZWG800 million.

The growth was supported by a recovery in key sectors of the economy, including mining and agriculture, where we continue to play a pivotal role through strategic partnerships with our clients,” he said.

Stanbic Bank’s customer deposits grew by 37 percent to ZWG22.2 billion, reflecting an expansion of the customer base, support from external financiers, and the translation effect on foreign currency deposits.

Net interest income grew significantly to ZWG840.4 million, driven by a growth in the lending book to ZWG10.0 billion from ZWG8.4 billion in December 2024, largely denominated in foreign currency.

Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, Solomon Nyanhongo, added that despite liquidity constraints in the market, the Bank delivered a commendable performance.

“We ended the period with a stronger balance sheet and continued to invest in digital innovations, such as our new IPAY platform for foreign payments and deposit-taking ATMs to enhance customer experience.

“Our focus remains on keeping our clients at the centre of everything we do, supporting key sectors vital to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, and keeping the highest standards of governance and risk management. I am immensely proud of our team’s relentless effort in achieving these results,” he said.

“My heartfelt appreciation goes to our clients and stakeholders whose immense support and loyalty continues to fuel the Bank’s success- Zimbabwe is our home, we drive her success,” said Nyanhongo.

Christian Film ‘Treasure Hunt’ Comes To South African Cinemas This October

Treasure Hunt, a home-grown film with a universal message, makes its South African cinema debut this October after screening at the American Black Film Festival in Miami.

 

Directed by Chim Onyebilanma and filmed in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, it delivers action, drama, romance and faith in a powerful story of redemption and second chances.

More than entertainment, the film is a message of hope — and a milestone for local talent bringing faith-based stories to the big screen.

A local film with a global heart is bringing faith to the big screen.

After its debut at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, Treasure Hunt – a faith-filled, action-packed, feel-good movie made in KwaZulu-Natal – is set to make its cinema premiere in South Africa this October.

With a powerful redemptive storyline at its core, Treasure Hunt is a Christian film that blends real-life struggles with themes of grace, second chances and the courage to choose what’s right. It’s got it all – faith, action, drama and of course, love.

The film premieres on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at 5:00 PM at Killarney Mall CineCentre in Johannesburg, followed by the Durban premiere on Friday, 17 October at Suncoast CineCentre.

The film will then screen for one week from 17th October 2025 in both cities at the same venues.

Should opening week attendance be strong, the cinemas will extend the run.

Set in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Treasure Hunt follows the story of a man trying to leave behind a broken past.

When he stumbles upon a stash of jewellery in a trash bin, he faces a moral crossroads… do what’s right or return to the life he left behind. The story explores faith under pressure and the life-changing impact of standing firm in your values.

Directed by Chim Onyebilanma, a passionate storyteller and pastor, the film was created by CAP Studios, a small production company in Embo, KwaZulu-Natal that works to nurture local talent and tell stories with purpose.

Even the cast is a testament to the film’s mission. Well-known South African stars Moopi Mothibeli, Muzi Mthabela, Trevor Gumbi, Zane Meas and Samukele Mkhezie – along with many local actors – offered their time for free, in support of a project that carries a bigger message.

“This is more than a film,” says Onyebilanma. “It’s a message of hope. It’s about the real battles people face every day, and the choice to believe that your story isn’t over.”

Whether you’re coming for the action, the message or the love story, Treasure Hunt is a film the whole family can enjoy – and one South Africans can be proud of.