Mnangagwa warns saboteurs

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a strong warning against corruption, vandalism and sabotage targeting national infrastructure projects as he commissioned the 10 megawatt Glovers Solar Power Plant in Kwekwe on Thursday.

Addressing government officials, business leaders and local residents at the commissioning ceremony, Mnangagwa said his administration will not tolerate conduct that undermines major investments meant to drive economic recovery and industrialisation.

"Anyone who steals cables, vandalises infrastructure or demands bribes from investors is an enemy of development," he said. "Protect this asset. A solar panel stolen today means a job lost tomorrow. Guard this project like you guard your own homes."

The new solar plant is part of Zimbabwe's broader push to address persistent electricity shortages that have disrupted mining, manufacturing and household supply. Ageing coal-powered stations and limited regional imports have left the country struggling to meet demand, particularly during peak periods.

Government officials say renewable energy projects are central to stabilising supply and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The Glovers Solar Plant, located in the Midlands Province, will feed power into the national grid and is expected to ease pressure on the industrial hub of Kwekwe.

Mnangagwa said the project represents more than energy generation, describing it as a symbol of innovation, resilience and national progress aligned with Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.

He said local communities must take responsibility for protecting such investments, stressing that development gains can only be sustained if infrastructure is safeguarded from theft and mismanagement.

"This infrastructure belongs to the people of Zimbabwe," he said. "Every citizen has a duty to defend and preserve investments that create jobs, empower communities and improve our quality of life."

Zimbabwe has increasingly turned to renewable energy partnerships with private investors in recent years as part of efforts to close the power supply gap. Authorities say improved energy availability is critical for growth in mining and manufacturing, sectors heavily affected by load shedding.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the commissioning, noting that reliable electricity remains essential for productivity and competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive industries concentrated in the Midlands region.