Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee launched public consultations for Zimbabwe’s 2026 National Budget, with citizens calling for higher spending on health, education, and social services to ease economic hardship. Participants in Bindura urged better pay for teachers and dedicated funding for mental health programs. Others proposed tax incentives to spur growth and youth employment. The consultations, held nationwide, will conclude on Oct. 10, 2025, before Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube presents the budget next month.

Zanu-PF will hold its annual conference in Mutare from October 13 to 18, focusing on Vision 2030 and economic empowerment. The party’s Information Director, Farai Marapira, said the meeting will not address President Mnangagwa’s succession, which is reserved for the 2027 congress. Analysts note ongoing factional tensions between President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga. Delegates will review progress under the Second Republic and adopt development resolutions.

The Treasury delayed US$27.5 million for cancer machines. Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo have been without equipment for three years. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament that procurement contracts are complete, but Treasury has not paid the required deposit. Suppliers plan to install machines within 36 weeks. MPs raised concerns over rising cancer cases, diagnostic shortages, and delayed treatment despite the Sugar Tax, which is intended to fund hospital equipment.

Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi accused Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga of demanding 5–10% kickbacks from contractors for Treasury payments and ignoring repeated parliamentary summonses. Mutodi claimed the scheme harmed government credibility, delayed payments, and withheld Parliament’s own funds. He urged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate and called for a lifestyle audit of Guvamatanga.

A new political movement, the National Progressive Democrats (NPD), launched in Harare, pledging to end decades of authoritarian rule and build a “capable democratic developmental state”. Led by former police officer Togara Fambi, the party condemned corruption, poverty, and poor governance, promising economic reform, social welfare, and political freedom. Fambi urged citizens to unite for the 2028 elections, declaring that only organized citizens can bring lasting change to Zimbabwe’s leadership.

The Cabinet approved the principles of the Zimbabwe Border Management Authority Bill to streamline border operations. Information Minister Jenfan Muswere said the legislation will establish a dedicated agency to coordinate entry and exit processes across multiple ministries, departments, and agencies. The authority aims to reduce delays, improve efficiency, and modernize border systems. Officials said the move mirrors South Africa’s Border Management Authority and will simplify cross-border trade and travel for citizens and businesses.