Zimbabwe Roundup: Power shortages, heart surgeries, presidential appointments

Currency depreciation

Zimbabwe's government is implementing strict cost-cutting measures due to the rapid devaluation of its local currency, which has severely impacted public finances. Treasury Secretary George Guvamatanga announced that government departments must prioritise essential spending, such as civil servant bonuses, food security, and agricultural support while reducing foreign travel and fuel allocations. The Zimbabwe Mail reports that a significant mismatch between revenue and expenditures has created a fiscal imbalance. With requests from ministries exceeding the budget ceiling, economists warn that spending cuts may jeopardize critical services in health and education. The public response is mixed, with civil servants anxious about their bonuses and opposition politicians criticising the government's economic management. As the 2025 budget approaches, the urgency for comprehensive economic reforms is evident amidst growing instability.

Lesser heart surgeries performed

Zimbabwe is significantly underperforming in open-heart surgeries, falling short of the target of 150 surgeries per year for both children and adults. Each year, around 4,000 niños are born with congenital heart defects requiring surgery, alongside a waiting list of 500 to 600 adults with rheumatic heart disease. Recently, cardiac specialists conducted surgeries on 10 children at Parirenyatwa Hospital, which aims to perform 60 surgeries in 2024 but has completed only 40 to date. Dr. Simukayi Machawira emphasised the need for more resources and trained staff, particularly for an independent cardiothoracic ICU, to increase surgery capacity. Open-heart surgeries resumed at the hospital in June 2022 after a four-year hiatus, New Zimbabwe reports.

Presidential appointments

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing criticism for not appointing a Minister of Intelligence, a position mandated by Zimbabwe's Constitution under Section 225. MP Agency Gumbo of the Citizens Coalition for Change highlighted the issue during a recent Parliamentary session, noting that the role has been vacant since Owen Ncube’s dismissal in 2022. Gumbo argued that this oversight impedes Parliament's ability to oversee national security and accountability, affecting all Zimbabweans. According to The Zimbabwe Mail, criticism of Mnangagwa’s adherence to constitutional requirements has been ongoing, especially following past appointment controversies. Calls for compliance with constitutional mandates are growing as Parliament enters its second session after the recent elections. The Presidency has not yet responded to these concerns.

Power generation

Zimbabwe is exploring nuclear energy to address its electricity shortages caused by insufficient investment in thermal power and reliance on the drought-affected Kariba Hydro Power Plant. According to The Zimbabwean, Energy Minister Edgar Moyo announced discussions with the IAEA to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, emphasising the potential for small modular reactors to enhance the country’s clean energy contribution. While nuclear power offers low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy density, concerns remain about safety and the disposal of radioactive waste.

Power shortages

Zimbabwe's Parliament is pressing the government to address severe power shortages, resulting in daily outages lasting up to 15 hours. The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) attributes the crisis to breakdowns at the Hwange Thermal Power Station and low water levels at Kariba Dam. CCC MP Thokozani Khupe urged Energy Minister Edgar Moyo to provide a comprehensive update on the situation to manage public expectations. Currently, Zimbabwe needs around 2,000 megawatts of electricity daily, but current generation levels fall significantly short. Minister Moyo confirmed the challenges posed by the reduced output from Kariba Dam and highlighted the intermittent nature of solar energy. Experts warn of potential long-term economic impacts unless urgent solutions, including infrastructure repairs and enhanced solar adoption, are pursued. The Zimbabwe Mail reports that public discontent is growing over the government's response to the energy crisis.