Government officials in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland North province are considering a compensation scheme for villagers affected by human-wildlife conflict, particularly from elephants encroaching from Hwange National Park due to climate change. The province lacks a formal compensation policy, unlike neighboring Botswana. Discussions with the United Nations highlight the need for technical assistance and potential studies to address the issue. The UN acknowledges the problem, exacerbated by climate change and reduced tourism revenue due to COVID-19, and is exploring ways to help.

Several devolution bills, including the Provincial Councils and Administration Amendment Bill and the Urban Councils Amendment Bill, are pending in Zimbabwe's Parliament. Analysts and political figures criticize the slow progress and flawed nature of these bills, arguing that the central government is reluctant to relinquish control. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised legislative action, but skepticism remains high. Critics, including legal expert Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda and ZAPU's Patrick Ndlovu, highlight the government's unwillingness to implement devolution, linking it to a desire to maintain centralized power and control over resources.

The Zimbabwe Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ZNSPCA) has taken legal action against the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) over the secretive translocation of young elephants, believed to be sold to a Chinese safari park. ZNSPCA has filed a criminal charge and sought urgent relief from the High Court of Zimbabwe, citing lack of transparency and cruel conditions during the elephants' transport. The animal rights group is also investigating the condition of the remaining elephants and has called for a full-scale investigation into the matter.

Young Zimbabweans are participating in a 14-day voluntary anti-poaching programme in Hwange, initiated by local tour operator Wisdom Bushe Neshav. The programme, which has trained 14 intakes since its inception in 2020, aims to educate the youth on wildlife conservation and the detrimental effects of poaching. Volunteers, including former poachers, learn to navigate the wild, track animals and poachers, and understand the value of wildlife. Despite financial challenges, the programme has successfully removed over a thousand wire snares, contributing significantly to wildlife protection in the region.

Bulelani Khumalo, despite legal and constitutional challenges, has been embraced by the people of Matabeleland as the King of the Ndebele. His ascendancy is seen as a revival of the Ndebele monarchy, filling a cultural and political void left since the colonial era. Public appearances and historical ties, such as with the Highlanders Football Club, have bolstered his acceptance. Analysts suggest that this reflects a growing cultural consciousness and a desire to reconnect with Ndebele heritage.

The Supreme Court dismissed the Citizens Coalition for Change's (CCC) appeal against a previous Electoral Court ruling, which declared that the opposition party failed to file their candidates' names for Bulawayo’s Provincial Council. As a result, CCC will have no representation in Bulawayo’s Provincial or Metropolitan Council, while Zanu PF candidates who stood unopposed will retain their positions. The CCC had argued that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) failed to keep a proper record of proceedings, but the court found their claims inconsistent and upheld the original ruling.

The construction of the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road, a critical infrastructure project in Matabeleland North, has been delayed due to alleged corruption and theft of materials by government officials. Despite starting in 1993, only 50 kilometers of the 155-kilometer road have been completed. Investigations by CITE revealed internal conflicts and accusations of material theft, which have been denied by senior officials. The Public Service Commission and the Transport and Infrastructural Development ministry conducted investigations but found no conclusive evidence. The poor state of the road has led to numerous fatal accidents, highlighting the negative impact of corruption on public infrastructure and economic development.

The government has halted mining activities by the Mazinhue Syndicate at the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site following protests from local villagers. The villagers, supported by officials from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe, emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the site. The Matobo District Development Coordinator assured that no mining would occur, and the issue would be addressed through proper channels. The incident has raised concerns about potential corruption in the issuance of mining licenses in protected areas.

Zimbabwe's government is drafting a Statutory Instrument to ensure that revenue from hunting quotas is allocated to communities affected by human-wildlife conflict. The Minister of Environment, Mangaliso Ndlovu, emphasized the need to reward these communities, citing the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) laws. Concerns have been raised about the misappropriation of CAMPFIRE funds and the pricing structure for wildlife trade. The government aims to empower communities coexisting with wildlife, addressing issues like those raised by Matabeleland North legislator Lwazi Sibanda regarding the sale of elephants in Tsholotsho.

ZAPU has announced it will not participate in the planned July 31 protests due to concerns over public safety amid COVID-19 and potential violence from security forces. The protests, organized by opposition and civil society groups, aim to address public sector corruption in Zimbabwe's deteriorating economy. ZAPU criticizes the protest organizers for not engaging other opposition parties and for alleged corruption. The party emphasizes the need for strategic planning for sustainable solutions rather than short-term actions.