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Just in: Govt Imposes License Fees On WhatsApp Group Administrators

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Administrators of WhatsApp groups operating within Zimbabwe’s borders are now forced to register and secure a license from the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (POTRAZ).

The new controversial licensing requirement, outlined at a recent POTRAZ breakfast meeting, set the minimum cost for a license at $50, with fees going up to US$2,500 depending on the type of WhatsApp group.

The move has ostensibly been necessitated by the need to tighten data security and privacy for all citizens.

Information Communications Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Tatenda Mavetera, said all WhatsApp group administrators will soon be required to register and obtain a license from POTRAZ to operate their groups.

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In addition to getting a license, WhatsApp group admins will be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) trained and certified by POTRAZ.

This move is intended to ensure compliance with Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act, which governs the handling of personal information.

Under the Act, personal data is defined as any information that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Since WhatsApp group admins have access to members’ phone numbers, the government argues that these groups fall under data protection regulations.

Mavetera noted that the latest development would affect not only businesses, but also community organisations, churches, and any other groups that collect personal data

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“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a license and appoint a DPO,” Mavetera said.

Those found in violation of the fresh clampdown measures risk penalties, jail time, or both.

The new controversial policy, which comes against a backdrop of growing use of the popular social media application to stir political debates as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is locked in a power tussle with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, is seen as an infringement on citizens’ right to free speech and association.

Zimbabwe joins a growing number of countries gravitating towards shutting digital spaces amid growing dissent and anger against the ruling Zanu PF party.

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Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

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He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

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He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

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“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

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“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

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​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

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​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

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Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

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Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

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Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

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Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

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