BLACKOUT BOMBSHELL! Mnangagwa’s SONA Plunges into Darkness: The Real State of Zimbabwe Exposed

October 28, 2025 5 min read

ZETDC BOSS FIRED: THE Blackout Mid-SONAleading to this development

HARARE – As President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrapped up his State of the Nation Address (SONA) – a speech promising 6.6% economic growth and Vision 2030 glory – he lights in the gleaming New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden suddenly flickered, then died. A TOTAL BLACKOUT, complete darkness filled the chamber, forcing the 83-year-old leader to read his final words squinting under the weak beam of an aide’s smartphone torchlight. Top government officials, including Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, were stunned. Security details quickly moved to protect them amidst confusion and whispers of a major security failure.

*Mnangagwa uses a torch as power blackout interrupts SONA*
*Source: X*

Power returned only minutes after Mnangagwa finished his speech. But the political damage was already done. In a country where 12-hour blackouts are a painful, daily reality, this was not just a simple electrical glitch. It was a live, uninvited broadcast of the true state of the nation, rudely crashing the government’s carefully planned show. And for a brief, critical moment, the President himself experienced the crisis firsthand, holding a torch in his own house of power.

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The Scene: From Spotlight to Shadows

The Mid-SONA Blackout happened at the most symbolic time: the climax of a 45-minute speech. The address had been heavy on huge numbers: US$900 million reserves, 2.8 million tonnes of maize, and a bold claim of 1,200 MW from Hwange. Mnangagwa, always keen on presentation, had just finished praising his government’s energy successes, including supposed 600 MW solar boosts and rural electrification via IPPs.

Then, mid-sentence, while describing the nation’s “stability,” the room went completely dark. Confusion spread through the joint session of the National Assembly and Senate. Opposition MPs (the few who were present) whispered about the hand of fate. ZANU-PF members could only applaud awkwardly in the void.

A quick-thinking aide thrust a phone flashlight under Mnangagwa’s podium, allowing the President to power through the last sentences. His voice remained steady, but the symbolism was huge: Zimbabwe’s leader, the promised light of the Second Republic, was reduced to reading by a handheld torch in the most important building in the country.

Parliament officials quickly tried to explain away the embarrassment, blaming “tripping pylons from bad weather”. This storm was conveniently timed for maximum government embarrassment. The state power utility, ZESA, remained silent, but past problems point to the real causes: the drought-crippled Kariba Dam, which is dangerously low (down to 15% capacity), and constant breakdowns at the aged Hwange coal plant.

Speaker Jacob Mudenda, visibly angry, publicly promised a hunt for those responsible: “The person who switched off electricity while the President was speaking will regret the day he was born.” He ordered a “witch hunt” for the culprit. This angry reaction misses the point: the real culprits are years of poor management, a massive US$2.5 billion ZESA debt, and a complete lack of accountability—problems that cannot be solved by simply arresting a technician.

The Irony: Energy Promises in a Power Vacuum

The Mnangagwa SONA Blackout was the ultimate contradiction. His speech was full of energy optimism, promising US$2 billion for roads and renewables and 80% broadband by 2027. He suggested that rural citizens would soon be free from power worries.

Yet, the sudden darkness revealed the brutal truth: the national grid is currently on life support. While the President touted the achievement of “1,200 MW from Hwange Phase 2,” the on-the-ground reality is a maximum output closer to 600 MW. This failing infrastructure, combined with critically low water levels at the drought-crippled Kariba Dam (currently at 15% capacity), results in punishing 18-hour blackouts that are routine in high-density suburbs.

Mnangagwa spoke of “IPPs and CPPs licensed for expansion,” suggesting new private power players were coming online. However, these private ventures are largely stuck because the state utility, ZESA, owes them massive unpaid bills – a debt estimated to be over US$500 million. This lack of financial stability means that, despite the licenses, businesses continue to lose an estimated US$1 billion monthly due to power downtime.

Finally, the government’s promise of “rural electrification to public institutions” rings hollow. Less than 30% of the rural population has access to electricity. Essential services like clinics run surgeries by candlelight, and schools teach using solar lanterns. The ultimate symbol of this failure was the fact that the nation’s showcase, the New Parliament Building, had its backup systems fail entirely during the speech, proving that even the elite cannot escape the energy crisis the majority endures.

a normal power blackout in zim — *Power blackouts, a cancer in Zimbabwe*
*Source: Business Tech Africa*

This is not a new problem. A similar blackout hit Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s budget speech last November. The Mid-SONA Blackout is not déjà vu; it is the uncomfortable status quo. The President felt it, the cold moment of vulnerability in a building meant to show progress. Yet his official speech quickly dismissed the power crisis, blaming “acts of nature” like droughts, instead of addressing the core problems: corruption that drains funds meant for maintenance, and the fact that political elites have electricity 24/7 while poor townships suffer.

Mnangagwa Saw The Blackout – Now What?

The President bravely continued under the torch, finishing to ZANU-PF chants of “2030 ndeya Emmerson.” But as security quickly rushed him away, did the reality of the crisis finally affect him?

Parliament’s hurried apology was given to the President first, and the suffering citizens second. ZESA’s quick denial that the event was “load-shedding” doesn’t fix the core crisis.

OPINION: The government must address the real problems. Audit ZESA’s massive debts. Prioritize fixing the essential Kariba Dam and Hwange over new, flashy projects. Most importantly, Mr. President, address the real 2030: not your personal political goal, but a lit-up, stable future for every citizen.

In the end, this embarrassing blackout did not just disrupt the speech. It DEFINED it.

About R Musiwa

Rumbidzai Musiwa is a journalist and media communications professional based in Harare, Zimbabwe, currently writing for Izwi24 News. With a BA (Hons) in Journalism & Media Studies from the University of Zimbabwe, Rumbidzai brings hands-on experience in news reporting, content creation, and digital storytelling. As a skilled journalist, Rumbidzai specializes in conducting in-depth interviews, writing compelling articles, and producing multimedia content including video and photo editing. Her work focuses on amplifying important stories across Zimbabwe, covering social issues, community outreach programs, and cultural events. Previously, Rumbidzai served as Media & Communications Officer at ICAPA Trust, where she wrote press releases, compiled newsletters, and moderated discussions on gender-based violence and women's rights. Her final year university project, a radio documentary titled "A Day in the Life of a Street Child," showcased her commitment to giving voice to marginalized communities. Connect with Rumbidzai Musiwa for journalism inquiries, media collaborations, or story pitches. Email : Rumbidzai@izwi24.com

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