Lingiwe Ravasingadi, a farmer from Kwekwe in Midlands Province, is using drone technology to fight the African armyworm, which has been damaging crops in the area.
Drones equipped with GPS and advanced sprayers allow farmers to precisely spray pesticides on affected areas. They can fly over fields, targeting spots with pests like the African armyworm.
In an interview with the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/farmer-deploys-drones-to-combat-devastating-armyworm/">Chronicle</a>, Ravasingadi said that she expects a maize yield of 10 tonnes per hectare from her 120-hectare crop, which is now in the milking stage.
<img alt="Farmer deploys drones to combat devastating armyworm" class="alignnone" decoding="async" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/02/drone.jpg" width="680"/>
She credits her success to using the best farming practices, with drone technology playing a key role in controlling the armyworm problem. Said Ravasingadi:
<blockquote>
In a bid to fight pests such as the African armyworm, we decided to use drones so that we effectively cover the 120 hectares which are under the maize crop.
The crop has reached the milking stage and if we successfully deal with the armyworm, we are expecting an average yield of 10 tonnes per hectare.
The drone is very effective in dealing with pests. Our crop had grown so much that the boom spray was no longer viable to use.
However, with the use of drone technology, we have managed to deal with the problem of the armyworm as it managed to penetrate the plants.
We are happy with the good bill of health being presented by our crop at the moment.
</blockquote>
She explained that using a drone for spraying is not only faster but also more cost-effective compared to traditional methods like tractors and boom sprayers. Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time spent on manual spraying. 
Drones also require less labour and fuel, making them a more economical choice for farmers. This efficiency allows her to target specific problem areas with precision, minimising pesticide use and cutting down on operational costs.

Pindula News

Lingiwe Ravasingadi, a farmer from Kwekwe, uses drones to fight armyworms damaging crops. Drones spray pesticides precisely on affected areas, helping increase maize yield. Drones are faster and cheaper than traditional methods like tractors. They target specific areas, reducing pesticide use and operational costs. Ravasingadi credits drone technology for the success of her crop. She expects 10 tonnes of maize per hectare thanks to drones. Fighting pests with drones is more efficient, saves time, labor, and fuel, making it a better choice for farmers.

Drone Technology Helps Kwekwe Farmer Tackle Armyworm Infestation

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) says the use of drones is a game-changer in the fight against smuggling and illegal border crossings along Zimbabwe’s border with South Africa.
This comes after ZIMRA, working with other border agencies, successfully intercepted and destroyed 21 boats and 20 paddles used for smuggling contraband across the Limpopo River on Tuesday.
The majority of these boats were located with the help of drone surveillance technology.
In a statement, ZIMRA Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa said the operation involved ZIMRA’s elite Drone Operations Team, Customs Officers, and other border security personnel who patrolled key smuggling hotspots.
The drones provided real-time aerial intelligence, enabling the swift interception and destruction of smuggling infrastructure.
She also said the drones have revolutionized border security by offering unmatched aerial surveillance capabilities, making it possible to track smugglers in real-time, even in previously hard-to-reach remote areas.
Equipped with night vision and high-resolution cameras, the drones have been crucial in identifying illegal crossing points and uncovering extensive smuggling networks. Said Chinamasa:
<blockquote>
This is a game-changer in our fight against smuggling. The use of drones has allowed us to detect smuggling activities with precision and speed, ensuring that illicit goods never make it into the market,” said the Commissioner General.
Smuggling is not just about tax evasion—it’s an attack on Zimbabwe’s economy, local industries, and the safety of our communities.
Through this collaborative approach, we are sending a strong message: Zimbabwe’s borders will not be a playground for criminals.
</blockquote>
Chinamasa said the operation focused on five key smuggling routes, known as Valley 1 &amp; 2, Proof, Godfather, and Thembani.
Surveillance teams discovered several inflatable boats positioned on both the South African and Zimbabwean sides of the border.
These boats, along with vehicles and donkey-drawn carts, were ready to transport smuggled goods across the border.
She underscored that such smuggling activities harm local businesses by flooding the market with untaxed goods, hurting Zimbabwean manufacturers, and depriving the government of vital revenue needed for public services.
Chinamasa assured that ZIMRA will continue to strengthen its efforts by increasing drone patrols, working closely with other security agencies, and using advanced technology, like AI and night-time surveillance, to track down smugglers and stop their operations.

Zimbabwe is using drones to stop people from smuggling things across the border with South Africa. The drones helped find and destroy 21 boats and 20 paddles used for smuggling. The drones have special cameras and can see in the dark. This helps catch smugglers quickly. Smuggling hurts Zimbabwe's economy and businesses. ZIMRA will keep using drones to catch smugglers and work with other security agencies to stop illegal activities.

Eyes In The Sky: ZIMRA Leverages Drone Technology To Combat Smuggling

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority (BMA) have introduced new technology, including drones and “deportation buses,” to address the anticipated increase in border crossings during the festive season.
According to <a href="https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/804045/south-africa-launches-new-drones-and-deportation-buses-to-fight-illegal-immigrants/">BusinessTech</a>, this is the first implementation of such measures aimed at managing the country’s borders.
At the launch event, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said that the use of drones will enhance the department’s ability to monitor and manage border activities effectively. He said:
<blockquote>
No longer will it be the case that people can move around without us having eyes on them. We want to send a very clear message to people who want to violate South Africa’s emigration laws: for the very first time, you won’t even know that we are seeing you.
We are above you, we are around you, and we are watching for infringements along the borderline.
</blockquote>
In addition to deploying drones, the Department is also implementing the use of body cameras to combat corruption and ensure the safety of officials, including border guards and the defence force.
Meanwhile, the buses will be on the roads, transporting illegal immigrants caught crossing the border back to their home countries. Said Schreiber:
<blockquote>
We welcome any traveller, any investor, any tourist, any skilled person who will follow our laws and help us build South Africa.
But that is different from people who violate our law and don’t want to comply with our rules.
You will find we have a renewed commitment to enforcing the rule of law in South Africa. That is how you create a secure country.
</blockquote>
Schreiber revealed that the buses have already deported the first group of 290 illegal miners back to Mozambique.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa is using new technology like drones and deportation buses to stop people from crossing the border. The drones will watch people moving around, and body cameras will help prevent corruption. Illegal immigrants caught will be sent back home on buses. The goal is to make South Africa safe by enforcing the country's laws. The first group of 290 illegal miners was already sent back to Mozambique. The government wants people to follow the rules and help build a secure country.

South Africa Launches New Drones And "Deportation Buses" To Curb Border Jumping

Unidentified drones were spotted flying over three U.S. Air Force bases in the UK—Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Feltwell—between Wednesday and Saturday, as reported by <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/24/uk/us-air-force-raf-base-drones-gbr-intl/index.html">CNN</a>.
The bases, located in eastern England, are used by the United States Air Force (USAF) for various strategic operations.
The U.S. Air Forces in Europe confirmed that the drone incursions did not impact base residents or critical infrastructure.
Reports indicated that five to six drones were involved, with their activity appearing to be coordinated.
U.S. defence officials are currently investigating the drones’ origin, though they have ruled out the possibility of hobbyist drones.
There is no evidence to suggest that the drones posed a threat or were able to collect sensitive intelligence.
In response, the UK Ministry of Defence assured that they take such threats seriously, maintaining robust counter-drone security measures at defence sites.
Mildenhall is home to the only permanent U.S. air refuelling wing in Europe, while Lakenheath houses the USAF’s 48th Fighter Wing, which has played a key role in post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Both the U.S. and UK governments have declined to comment further on the incident.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Unidentified drones were seen over U.S. Air Force bases in the UK. The drones were spotted at three bases in eastern England between Wednesday and Saturday. The U.S. Air Forces in Europe confirmed that the drones did not cause harm. They are investigating the origin of the drones. The UK Ministry of Defence has strong security against drones. Both the U.S. and UK governments have not said more about the incident. The drones did not seem to be a threat or collect important information.

Unidentified Drones Spotted Over U.S. Air Force Bases In The UK

A journalist was taken into police custody on Monday after a small drone he was operating crashed into the IQRA Islamic Centre in central Harare.
In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that Columbus Mavhunga, a correspondent for the Voice of America, was assisting police with investigations into the incident. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with a report of trespass and invasion of premises made at ZRP Waterfalls by IQRA Islamic Centre, Harare.
In this regard, a journalist attached to a foreign media house, Columbus Mavhunga (51), is assisting the police with investigations after a Mevic 2 Pro model Lip drone which he was operating along Masotsha Ndlovu Way near Simon Mazorodze Road rammed into the Islamic Centre’s building and fell down.
A misunderstanding ensued resulting in the centre’s administrator Pharoh Osward (53) making a report to the police.
The police is also looking into allegations that the drone was not licenced by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges individuals and institutions to ensure that they obtain licences to operate drones and engage neighbours if using drones for private purposes.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Drone Crashes Into Islamic Centre In Harare

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the ruling Zanu PF party used drones to monitor the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) campaign launch event in Gweru.
Speaking during the party’s rally in Zaka in Masvingo Province on Sunday, President Mnangagwa claimed that ZANU PF had more supporters than other parties. He said:
<blockquote>
We launched in Chipinge and there were many people. We went to Bulilima (Matabeleland South), then we were in Magunje, there were 75 000 people.
Today, our drones have counted the people and we have 124 000 people. We have also sent our drones to Gweru, where the other party is launching and there are 15 000 people.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa also stressed the need for peace among political parties ahead of the elections, and praised the country’s economic growth, which he claimed was the fastest in the SADC region. The party also distributed vegetable seeds, hens, goats, and mealie-meal to villagers.
NewsDay reports that before the Zaka rally, ZANU PF affiliates allegedly coerced villagers to attend the rally. Villagers who attend ZANU PF rallies are reportedly being offered fried chicken, chips, bread, bottled water, and drinks, with a local seed company providing various vegetable seeds.
ZANU PF provincial spokesperson for Masvingo, Pedzisayi Chiwewe, denied the coercion allegations, stating that all attendees come of their own volition. Meanwhile, the opposition has accused ZANU PF of abducting and victimising villagers who do not attend its rallies.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZANU PF Sends Drones To Monitor CCC Rally

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) said Monday’s sharp rise in international fuel prices might only have an impact on local prices in the next three or five weeks.
ZERA acting chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said the Authority will continue to monitor the oil prices and supplies trend in light of the development in the Middle East. He said:
<blockquote>Zimbabwe generally receives its fuel deliveries from the high seas between three to five weeks. ZERA will continue to monitor the oil prices and supplies trend in light of the development in the Middle East and will advise consumers and stakeholders accordingly.
Notwithstanding the above, consumers are urged to use fuel products efficiently for both productive and personal use.</blockquote>
According to Al Jazeera, drone attacks on Aramco oil facilities in eastern Saudi Arabia on Saturday knocked down approximately 5.7 million barrels per day (BPD) of total Saudi oil output.
The loss of part of Saudi Arabia’s oil production represents over five per cent of global crude supply, a deficit which will take “weeks” rather than days to remedy.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zera-responds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>, <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/drone-attacks-saudi-aramco-blow-iran-tensions-190916051658838.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Al Jazeera</a></h4>

Drone Attack On Saudi Arabia Might Push Up Local Fuel Prices

Econet Zimbabwe has harnessed the power of technology to help survivors of Tropical Cyclone Idai.
Two drone pilots, Charles and Michael have been deployed to assist in search and rescue efforts to locate people in remote areas. Once identified helicopters will be sent to bring them in.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-85165 size-full" decoding="async" height="1008" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-1.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-1.jpg 756w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-1-600x800.jpg 600w" width="756"/> <img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-85166 size-full" decoding="async" height="756" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-2.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-2.jpg 1008w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-2-600x450.jpg 600w" width="1008"/> <img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-85167 size-full" decoding="async" height="756" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-3.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-3.jpg 1008w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Drone-Pilots-3-600x450.jpg 600w" width="1008"/>

PICTURES: Econet Deploys Drones To Search For Cyclone Survivors

The South African government is mulling plans to deploy drones along it’s “porous” borders to keep out illegal immigrants.
This was revealed by Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Sunday.
Mapisa-Nqakula was addressing the media at the ANC headquarters as part of the party’s manifesto briefing on peace and stability. She said:
<blockquote>We have reached a point where we believe we should not be moaning about the number of companies (military units), the numbers of warm bodies, you have on the borderline.
We should now … look at innovative ways, look at technology. For instance, SA is a big producer of unmanned aerial vehicles and we are now looking into that.
We think that through this, we will be able to win the war against illegal migration; we will be able to win the war against porous borders.</blockquote>
South Africa is set to hold general elections on the 8th of May 2019.
The election will be to choose a new National Assembly and new provincial legislatures in each province.
This will be the sixth election held since the end of the apartheid system in 1994.
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2018/03/14/south-africas-da-calls-for-secure-border-fence-to-prevent-illegal-entry-stronger-sanctions-for-south-africans-who-employ-illegal-immigrants/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">South Africa’s DA Calls For More Secure Border Fence To Prevent Illegal Entry, Stronger Sanctions For South Africans Who Employ Illegal Immigrants</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sa-plans-border-drone-patrols-to-keep-illegal-immigrants-out/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

SA Set To Deploy Drones Along Border To Keep Illegal Migrants Out

Harare City Council announced on Twitter that they will be using drone technology to identify illegal structures and activities at residential properties.
The news was met with criticism with a number of people asking for service provision before technologgy. Here are some of the reactions below:
https://twitter.com/RaphaelMakumbe/status/1095388121397641217
https://twitter.com/i_am_vokal/status/1095426858215194625
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Toda mvura yakachena ,hatimwi madrone
— 🤙🏾 (@Nonchie6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nonchie6/status/1095405094131118080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
by activities what do you mean actuary…? endesai madrone kumawetlands uko nemorton jefrey zvekudzimba dzevanhu maku overstepper muprivate props ..mudakuona vanhu muswimming pool here?
— MGH (@manmah28) <a href="https://twitter.com/manmah28/status/1095350636865032192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Manje hatikateme here kana kukaba manje ka drone aka
— Chi dark Force 🌚 (@MervynMacool) <a href="https://twitter.com/MervynMacool/status/1095350340998885377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Let's start with the following : Sewage technology Garbage collection technology Recycling technology Clean water supply technology Road rehab technology
— Muzvinamushonga (@gkarani1) <a href="https://twitter.com/gkarani1/status/1095405437887881216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
https://twitter.com/nyikadoc/status/1095357703231365120
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Ko provision of safe, clean &amp; portable water, muchaitawo rinhi ? A whole city that fails to provide clean tap water to its residents
— Clever Kuda Mlambo (@mlambo_clever) <a href="https://twitter.com/mlambo_clever/status/1095351085458485249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Hope you also use them to identify uncollected garbage. Tanzwa nekubuditsa mabin everyday and having to put them back after non-collection
— Bryan Matare (@BryanMatare) <a href="https://twitter.com/BryanMatare/status/1095351296327118849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
You have money to buy drones but not enough for refuse collection which you make us pay for?? Okay then.
— #endsars💙 (@armash) <a href="https://twitter.com/armash/status/1095395317535723522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
There is gross violation of citizens privacy in this scenario.Your drones will not only capture the saw called illegal structured, who knows what else will be captured and be used against those captured.I smell a rat here,watch the space
— Mtandazo Maphosa (@maphosamta) <a href="https://twitter.com/maphosamta/status/1095389250781175808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
Why dont you provide clean water as well? Why dont you remove garbage and provide ambulances to local medical centres? Why not provide medicines in your clinics? Why not fix street lights in motorways?
— Tinashe (@CollinsTinashe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinsTinashe/status/1095386742369193984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
https://twitter.com/TineyiChinenya1/status/1095358269994999809

How People Reacted To Use Of Drones By Harare City Council

Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Obedingwa Mguni told the Senate that Government will introduce drones in efforts to stop drug smuggling at the country’s borders.
Responding to a question from Mutare Senator Keresensia Chabuka who wanted to know Government policy on dealing with drug smuggling and abuse by youth, Mguni said:
<blockquote>By security barriers I mean some of the parts of the country we have got rivers like Limpopo, Zambezi where people cannot just cross but if you go to the eastern side you can drive your cattle and walk across. A lot of people think they will come through the official border post. No, there are areas where they just cross into the country without being detected. However, we have implemented new technology. We are bringing in drones that are able to fly, patrolling along the border post.</blockquote>
Mguni also urged the public to report drug dealers to the police.
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-34698-Smuggling+Govt+to+introduce+drones/news.aspx">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

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