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Thousands of errors expose Zanu PF cell verification mess in Masvingo

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Thousands of errors expose Zanu PF cell verification mess in Masvingo

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Zanu PF’s cell verification exercise has exposed the ruling party’s failure to account for its membership, with a staggering 236,555 errors recorded in Masvingo Province, as the party grapples with widespread inaccuracies in its grassroots structures.

The shocking statistics were revealed by Zanu PF Politburo member and Deputy Secretary for Security, Tendai Chirau, during a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held at Masvingo Polytechnic on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Chirau disclosed that Chivi district recorded 29,739 errors, Bikita had 24,306, Gutu 37,523, Chiredzi 47,577, Masvingo 34,037, Mwenezi 29,989, while Zaka had 33,384 errors, bringing the provincial total to 236,555.

He attributed the errors to a range of issues, including the use of liberation war names, nicknames, missing ID numbers, and misspelt names that do not match the party’s digital systems.

“There are some comrades still using their liberation war names, and people do not even know their real names. Because of our system, the name is not picked, and it says error. Some have nicknames, and they are the ones written in cell registers, so they won’t be found in our system,” said Chirau.

He said the errors were partly caused by capturers working at speed, resulting in inaccurate data entry, and by a lack of computer literacy among some capturers who were not competent for the task at hand because of nepotism.

“So during the cleaning process, we must ensure that people bring their IDs so that we capture well. We established that the errors were caused at times by the fact that people were rushing, hence making mistakes. At times, the capturers were not competent enough and not computer literate because they are connected to an official. So it is important that this time we have people who are literate and are trained well,” said Chirawu.

He emphasised the need for six competent people per constituency during the cleaning exercise to ensure accuracy.

He also said the party should target registering young people from the age of 15, who can bring birth certificates for verification since they contain ID numbers.

Chirau added that the party was already preparing for the 2030 elections and stressed that cell registers must contain more than half of the total voter population in the province.

“In 2023, we got 307,383 votes in Masvingo, and the total voter population was 723,393. So if we do the maths, by 2030, the voter population will be over a million. We need to make sure that our cell register for the province has more than half of the total voter population who would actually vote,” said Chirau.

However, the Provincial Secretary for Youth Affairs, Delight Mandebvu, offered a different perspective, arguing that the errors were mainly caused by aspiring candidates who manipulated the cell verification process to favour their own supporters ahead of primary elections, before the passing of the 2030 resolution.

“This may be a clarification, and I want you to help us. There is an area that you are leaving out which is critical. The aspiring candidates were the ones with the reason why we have many errors. People were not following procedures because they had their own agendas,” said Mandebvu.

Other delegates raised concerns about the issue of resources, calling on the party to ensure that DCC chairpersons are provided with vehicles so they can travel and monitor the cell registration and verification programmes.

Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa emphasised the need to capacitate all party levels so that officials can travel and monitor party business without hindrance. He said, however, the cleaning process would proceed with the limited resources available.

“Sure, we have a challenge with resources. Even I, as the chairperson, sometimes I am instructed to make sure that the programmes go on smoothly. However, we will make sure that this programme goes on even with the limited resources we have,” said Mavhenyengwa.

SADC civil society demands mining wealth benefit communities

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SADC civil society demands mining wealth benefit communities

By TellZim Reporter

DURBAN, South Africa — Civil society groups from across Southern Africa have called for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector, demanding that the region’s mineral wealth translate into decent jobs, local industrialisation, and tangible benefits for communities where resources are extracted.

The call was made at the just-ended 2026 SADC People’s Summit in Durban, convened by the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network under the theme, “The people’s SADC: strengthening people’s solidarity in a polycrisis of debt, inequality, conflict, extractivism and climate change.”

In a communiqué to SADC Heads of State and Government, representatives of social movements, workers, women, youth, farmers, informal traders, persons with disabilities, faith communities, and other civic organisations urged regional leaders to ensure that mining contracts and beneficial ownership are made public. They also called for communities to have a meaningful say in decisions affecting their land and natural resources.

“Critical minerals must support local beneficiation, regional value chains, decent jobs and industrialisation. Mining contracts and beneficial ownership should be transparent. Communities must participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their land and resources. Resource-backed loans and other arrangements that collateralise strategic natural resources require stronger public oversight,” reads the communiqué.

The groups said Southern Africa’s mineral wealth should be used to drive development and improve the lives of ordinary people rather than deepen inequality.

“Southern Africa is not poor. It is a region of immense human, agricultural and mineral wealth. The central question is how that wealth is governed, distributed and used,” reads part of the comunique.

The call for greater transparency comes as communities across the region continue to grapple with concerns over the economic and social benefits of mining, including access to employment, community development, environmental protection, and participation in decisions affecting mining-affected areas.

The organisations also called for stronger regional action against illicit financial flows, tax abuse and corruption, which they said undermine public resources and development.

“Public borrowing must be transparent, sustainable and accountable. Major loans and guarantees should face parliamentary and public scrutiny. Governments must protect essential spending on health, education, water and social protection. SADC must also strengthen regional action against illicit financial flows, tax abuse and corruption.” the communique read.

The summit also raised concerns over xenophobia and Afrophobia, particularly their impact on migrants and informal cross-border traders.

“SADC leaders must decisively confront xenophobia and Afrophobia and advance a more open, borderless Southern Africa where people can move, work and trade with dignity. Regional integration must protect migrants, informal cross-border traders and vulnerable communities,” read the communique.

The groups further called for meaningful participation of women and young people in political and economic decision-making.

They also urged SADC governments to urgently prepare for the 2026/27 El Niño season through early warning systems, anticipatory action and pre-positioning of resources, with climate finance and shock-responsive social protection reaching communities most affected by disasters.

The organisations said extractive industries should also be held accountable for climate-related harm, displacement and environmental destruction.SAPSN said it would advance a People’s Accountability Framework to track progress on key SADC commitments and the demands raised at the People’s Summit.

The groups said they would continue organising, engaging governments and SADC institutions, and holding governments and corporations accountable for commitments affecting communities across the region.

ZNFPC calls for collaborative action to improve menstrual health

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ZNFPC calls for collaborative action to improve menstrual health

By Virginia Njovo

Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) Chief Executive Officer has called for stronger partnerships and sustained investment to improve menstrual health, describing it as a critical pillar of sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and national development.

Speaking at Zimbabwe’s first High-Level Menstrual Hygiene Management Symposium in Harare recently, the CEO applauded the organisers and partners for creating a platform to address menstrual health challenges affecting women and girls across the country.

He said menstruation is a natural biological process that plays a significant role in education, health, productivity, and overall wellbeing, adding that universal access to sexual and reproductive health cannot be achieved without ensuring universal access to menstrual health.

“Despite progress made in Zimbabwe, the stigma, misinformation, and inequality continue to affect many girls and women, with menstruation still contributing to school absenteeism, reduced confidence, and missed opportunities.”This is not only a health issue, but also a human rights, gender equality, education, and national development issue,” said Machinga.

Machinga highlighted four key reproductive health rights that he said were essential to advancing menstrual health.

“There four reproductive rights: the right to accurate and age-appropriate information, the right to privacy and dignity, the right to continuous access to essential services and menstrual products, and the right to equality and equity.

“Menstrual dignity extends beyond access to sanitary products, calling for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in schools, workplaces, and communities. Affordable menstrual products, reliable supply chains, and comprehensive reproductive health education were also identified as critical components of an effective national response,” added Machinga.

He further stressed that investing in menstrual health is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that every woman and girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

He stressed that investing in menstrual health is an investment in Zimbabwe’s future, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that every woman and girl can manage menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

Speaking with TellZim News, Zimbabwe Performing Arts for Schools Trust founder Ticha Comfort Chivore, who has been advocating for Menstrual health in Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large, emphasized the same issue: for the girl child to be dignified, she needs three things, which include access, education, and support.

“First there is access to pads and Sanitary which must be affordable and available in schools and rural areas, no girl should miss class because of her period, second is education where boys parents and teachers needs to part of the conversations to eliminate menstrual stigma, expand menstrual health education, improve access to essential products and services, and ensure that no girl or woman is disadvantaged because of menstruation. Thirdly, the collaboration between government NGOs, schools, churches, and the private sector in making sure that the girl child and mothers are being dignified as well as accessing proper hygiene accessories,” said Chivore.

ZNFPC also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Government ministries, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to promote menstrual health and integrate it into national development priorities.

Shurugwi entrepreneur Nicholas Gara to construct US$2.5 Million Boarding School

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Shurugwi entrepreneur Nicholas Gara to construct US$2.5 Million Boarding School

By Tavonga Munyanyi

SHURUGWI – Renowned Shurugwi entrepreneur Nicholas Gara, who is the Director of Nichrut Trading, has broken ground for the construction of a new US$2.5 million boarding school in Munyanyi Village, Ward 3, under Chief Ndanga’s jurisdiction in Shurugwi South, in a move aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of inadequate infrastructure at rural schools.

The ground-breaking ceremony for Nichrut Private College was officiated on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and was attended by government officials, Shurugwi South Member of Parliament Wilson Mhuri, Tongogara Rural District Council representatives, ward councillors, village heads, teachers, and students.

Addressing the gathering, Permanent Secretary in the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution’s offce Dr Edgar Seenza, who was representing the Minister of State Owen Mudha, said the construction of Nichrut Private College resonated with the government’s drive for educational advancement and innovation.

“This event aligns with the President’s inclusive and people-centric policy decision to adopt Public-Private Partnership in advancing resource-based and knowledge-driven innovation, modernisation and industrialisation of the economy, underpinned by the National Development Strategy 2 pillar on infrastructure development and housing in pursuit of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” said Seenza.

He said construction of the school would positively impact the community through employment creation and youth empowerment, with the project expected to commence in September 2026 and employ more than 100 people.

“I applaud the Gara family, together with the massive support from the community and the church fraternity, for their unwavering commitment towards bolstering Heritage-Based Education 5.0 by nurturing a generation of thinkers and the provision of goods and services that address community needs,” said Seenza.

Speaking to TellZim News after the event, Gara emphasised the need to elevate rural schools, saying every child deserves good standards.

“I want to construct a state-of-the-art private college in my area because every child deserves good standards. If rural students access quality education, they will not be discriminated against by students from urban schools,” said Gara.

He underscored the importance of developing rural areas, stating that it was his desire to improve standards of living in Shurugwi and urging communities to work together towards fostering economic and sustainable development.

“It is very important to trace and upgrade our origins. I am a businessman who was born here in Shurugwi. Establishing business entities in my area will upgrade infrastructure and the community’s standards of living. I encourage people to work together and have a quest towards economic development,” said Gara.

Shurugwi South Ward 3 Councillor Lonely Makara expressed gratitude for the development, saying the new school would mitigate the shortage of educational facilities in the area and bring relief to children who travel long distances to access quality education.

“The new school will create modern classrooms, ample seating and cutting-edge facilities, providing a conducive learning environment for generations to come. Currently, we have one secondary school in Ward 3 which serves our neighbouring wards, including Ward 4, 8, 10 and 11. Some children are travelling to Shurugwi town to access better quality education, so this new school will bring relief to them,” said Makara.

A local parent from Ward 3, Beaullar Makanjure, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the construction of a new school in the area. She said the new educational facility would greatly benefit local parents by providing a more affordable option, thereby reducing the financial burden of transport fares for those travelling to Shurugwi town.

Another villager, Precious Mukombe, expressed excitement about the development, saying children would now access better quality education in the area.

“I am very happy with the construction of a new school in our area. Our children will have options to select a school of their choice,” she said.

Masvingo surpasses 130,000 anthrax cattle vaccination target

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Masvingo surpasses 130,000 anthrax cattle vaccination target

By TellZim Reporter

Masvingo Province has exceeded its target of vaccinating 130,000 cattle against anthrax, with more than 160,000 animals inoculated as government intensifies efforts to protect livestock ahead of the anticipated El Niño-induced drought.

Provincial Veterinary Officer Kremar Manyetu revealed this during the launch of the provincial anthrax vaccination programme at Makurumidze Dip Tank in Zimuto, saying the campaign had focused on both historical anthrax hotspots and newly identified high-risk areas.

“As a province, we have been carrying out anthrax vaccinations targeting what we call anthrax hotspots in preparation for the drought that we are anticipating in the coming year, where we expect anthrax spores to be exposed due to reduced vegetation. Our target was to vaccinate 130,000 cattle across the province in hotspot areas. Government has provided more than enough resources, and we have vaccinated over 160,000 cattle.

“We are targeting dip tanks that recorded anthrax outbreaks even 15 to 20 years ago to ensure animals do not succumb to these soil-borne diseases. We can safely say we have exceeded our target, and we are confident our cattle will be protected in the event of any outbreaks, sparing farmers from significant losses,” said Manyetu.

Manyetu said government was also implementing a large-scale dip tank rehabilitation programme, with 120 dip tanks targeted for rehabilitation before the onset of the rainy season.

“We are undertaking a massive dip tank rehabilitation programme, which is already underway. Masvingo is targeting 120 of the province’s 740 dip tanks. Over the past three years, we have rehabilitated around 140. The programme covers every district, with a target of at least 24 dip tanks per district. We are approaching the 50 percent mark and expect to complete the work before the rainy season, as government has already provided all the required resources,” he said.

He said the province was complementing the programme with borehole drilling and the installation of livestock watering facilities to improve access to water.

“In the course of rehabilitating dip tanks, we are drilling boreholes and installing water troughs to provide adequate water for both dipping and livestock drinking. We aredoing everything necessary to protect our livestock.

“On the nutrition side, we are carrying out extensive hay baling, training farmers on fodder production, feed storage and stover treatment. We are also educating farmers on preventing veld fires to preserve grazing land and increase hay production. The province has received hay-baling equipment, and we are making good progress. We expect to be fully prepared for any eventuality, with government having provided all the necessary support,” said Manyetu.

Nationally, government says more than one million cattle have been vaccinated against anthrax, surpassing the national target.

The anticipated El Niño conditions are expected to heighten the risk of anthrax outbreaks, particularly in drought-prone areas where dry conditions can expose dormant spores in the soil.

Authorities say the vaccination campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s climate resilience and safeguard the country’s livestock sector against the effects of climate change.

High Court nullifies Mushaya Headman appointment, orders installation of Farai Munerei

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High Court nullifies Mushaya Headman appointment, orders installation of Farai Munerei

By Staff Reporter

ZAKA – The High Court has declared the re-nomination and re-appointment of Wilson Nhongo as Headman Mushaya in Zaka District null and void, and ordered the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to install Farai Munerei within 60 days.

In an order handed down on August 7, 2026, seen by TellZim News, the court granted default judgment in favour of Munerei in Case No. R-HCH366/26, declaring him the rightful nominee and ordering his installation.

The matter was heard in the High Court of Zimbabwe, held at Harare, with Farai Munerei as the applicant.

The Respondents were Wilson Nhongo, cited as the 1st Defendant; Chief Bota, cited as the 2nd Defendant; and the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, cited as the 3rd Defendant.

The District Administrator, Zaka Rural District Council, was cited as the 4th Defendant.

“It is ordered that the application for default judgment is hereby granted. The renomination and reappointment of the first respondent is hereby declared null and void.

The applicant Farai Munerei is hereby declared the dully nominated Headman Mushaya as per the paid cultural rites.

The 3rd respondent is hereby ordered to appoint the applicant Farai Munerei as the duly nominated Headman Mushaya within 30 days of service of this order.

The 2nd and 4th respondents are hereby ordered to take all necessary steps to install the applicant as Headman Mushaya within 60 days of service of this order.

The 1st respondent shall pay the applicant the costs of suit,” read the letter.

Chief Bota confirmed to TellZim News that he had received communication of the court order and would comply with the timelines once official service was effected.

“I received the communication, and the people who brought the communication alleged that they had also communicated with the DDC and the Minister of State. However, I called the two offices, and they said they were yet to get the communication,” said Bota.

He went on to say he had since notified Nhongo of the communication, and that Nhongo said he was going to consult his lawyer.

“I have called Nhongo and his secretary to show them the letter. He told me he is also going to show the letter to his lawyers, and I have also ordered him to photocopy and bring back my copy,” said Chief Bota.

The court declared Munerei “the duly nominated Headman Mushaya as per the paid cultural rites to the 2nd Respondent, Chief Bota.”

It ordered the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development to appoint Munerei within 30 days, while Chief Bota and the Zaka District Administrator were directed to take all necessary steps to install him within 60 days.

Nhongo was also ordered to pay Munerei’s legal costs.The ruling brings to a close a bitter leadership dispute that has divided the Mushaya community for more than five years, since 2020.

The dispute has its origins in the death of the substantive headman more than five years ago, with the Mushaya headmanship vacant since then and the area being led on an acting basis.

The headmanship is rotational, with five houses entitled to the throne: Mutangiri, Mawarure, Chaurura, Chinezema, Rusira and Muzongomerwa.

The Mugarajira family of the Chavurura house had been holding the position on an acting basis following the death of the substantive headman.

However, deliberations resolved that the throne must go to the Mutangiri house, which is made up of two sub-families, Munerei and Tavengwa.

In June 2020, a meeting was held where the family selected Farai Munerei as the candidate after a poll which saw him garnering 34 votes out of 38.

However, Wilson Nhongo, an uncle to Farai, challenged the selection, arguing that he was the eldest possible member to lead in the family.

Nhongo was alleged to have gone to the then acting chief Bota and bribed him with cattle to rule in his favour, an allegation the acting chief denied.

By May 2021, tensions had escalated, with the acting chief accused of preparing to install Wilson Nhongo as headman without following proper procedures.

It was also alleged that Nhongo had been asked for five beasts as payment.Nhongo defended his position, stating he was the father figure left in the Mutangiri house and that the Munereis were his sons who could not rule without his blessing.

In February 2026, Chief Bota confirmed that Munerei’s cultural rites had been received, but said the government was yet to make a final determination on the appointment.

The dispute escalated in May 2026 when Nhongo was gazetted as headman, prompting Munerei to file an urgent High Court application challenging the re-nomination, arguing that proper custom had been followed in his case.

The judgment now puts pressure on the Ministry and Zaka RDC to implement the order and resolve the leadership impasse in Mushaya within the stipulated 30 and 60-day periods.

ZCTU calls for mineral reforms to benefit ordinary Zimbabweans

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ZCTU calls for mineral reforms to benefit ordinary Zimbabweans

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for reforms to Zimbabwe’s mineral sector to ensure the country’s natural wealth benefits ordinary citizens, arguing that mineral-rich communities, workers, pensioners and war veterans continue to face poverty despite the country’s vast mineral resources.

The call comes as Zimbabwe commemorates National Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day, with the labour federation saying the national celebrations should also prompt reflection on whether the gains of independence have translated into improved livelihoods for ordinary citizens.

In a statement, ZCTU Secretary-General Tirivanhu Marimo said Zimbabwe could not continue celebrating its mineral wealth while the majority of its citizens struggled to meet basic needs. He said the government should ensure mineral resources were managed in the public interest and that revenue from extraction has translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“A country cannot legitimately celebrate its mineral wealth while its workers cannot afford basic necessities, pensioners live in deprivation, communities surrounding mineral deposits remain impoverished and public services remain chronically underfunded. 

“The issue is therefore not whether Zimbabwe possesses sufficient resources.  The fundamental question is who benefits from those resources. ZCTU firmly maintains that Zimbabwe’s natural resources must be managed in the public interest and for the benefit of present and future generations. Mineral wealth must translate into decent jobs, decent wages, universal social protection, quality healthcare, education, housing, infrastructure and sustainable community development. The extraction of minerals cannot become a mechanism for transferring national wealth from the many to the few,” Marimo said.

The ZCTU also called for improved welfare for liberation war veterans and pensioners, saying those who contributed to the country’s liberation should be guaranteed dignified living conditions and have access to adequate social security, healthcare and housing, arguing that their welfare should be treated as a national responsibility rather than a political favour.

He also called for the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association to remain non-partisan, while individual war veterans should be free to support or belong to political parties of their choice.

“We also call for urgent attention to the welfare of liberation war veterans and pensioners. Those who sacrificed their youth, livelihoods, health and, in many cases, their lives for national liberation deserve dignified treatment, including adequate social security, healthcare and housing. A society that celebrates its heroes once a year but allows them to live in poverty for the remaining 364 days has failed to honour their sacrifice in any meaningful sense. 

“Veterans fought for Zimbabwe, not for one political party. Individual veterans, like every other citizen, retain the right to associate with and support a political party of their choice, but the institutional identity of the veterans’ movement must remain non-partisan,” he said.

On the Defence Forces, ZCTU called for a professional and politically neutral military that protects the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order rather than the interests of particular office holders or political parties.

Marimo said citizens should not be treated as enemies of the State for exercising constitutionally protected rights such as freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful protest.

“The Defence Forces likewise have a constitutional duty to protect Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. They must therefore remain professional, disciplined, constitutional and non-partisan. Citizens exercising constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful protest, must never be treated as enemies of the State. The Defence Forces must defend the State and its Constitution, not particular office-holders or political interests. Their loyalty must ultimately be to Zimbabwe and its constitutional order,” he said.

The labour federation also criticised what it described as the selective application of the law and the criminalisation of legitimate trade union activities.

It said workers’ rights to freedom of association, expression, collective bargaining and lawful industrial action should be respected by the State and its security institutions.

“Legitimate trade union activity and lawful industrial action must never be criminalised or treated as acts of treason,” Marimo said.

RCZ to open two more clinics in Binga

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RCZ to open two more clinics in Binga

By Virginia Njovo
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) is set to commission two additional clinics in
Binga District by the end of the year, as the church continues to expand its community
development programmes in the area.
The clinics, which are being established at RCZ Manyanda and Mabobolo schools, are
expected to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities that have for years
faced challenges in accessing primary healthcare.
The development follows the commissioning of RCZ Manyanda Primary and Secondary
Schools, as well as Mabobolo schools, by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in 2023.
Speaking on the development, RCZ Health Secretary Samuel Mhungu,said the church
remained committed to serving communities and responding to their most pressing needs.
“With Mabobolo and Manyanda clinics now standing alongside RCZ Tinde clinic, Binga has
3 beacons of hope. This is the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe living out God’s mission
healing bodies, restoring dignity, and loving communities into wholeness.
“The commissioning of these two clinics will represent another significant milestone in the
RCZ’s long-standing mission of combining evangelism with practical community
development,” said Mhungu.
Having made significant progress in addressing the educational needs of the community, the
church has now turned its attention to healthcare, which remains one of the major needs in
the area.
The need for intervention in education, healthcare and road infrastructure was identified
when Evangelist Banda invited the church to spread the Word of God in the area. During the
church’s evangelism activities, members of the team discovered that some of the people
receiving food packages could neither sign the registers nor write their names.
The discovery highlighted the extent of the challenges faced by communities in the area,
particularly in accessing basic social services.

Residents previously had to travel more than 19 kilometres to access healthcare facilities
and educational services. Women and children were among those most affected by the
limited access to primary healthcare.
The RCZ began its work in the area in 2005 through evangelism, spreading the Word of God
and demonstrating Christian love through various charitable and community development
initiatives.
Construction of the primary schools commenced in 2008, while construction of the
secondary schools began in 2009. The institutions are now fully functional, registered, and
have been officially commissioned.
The establishment of the two clinics is expected to further strengthen the church’s
contribution to the development of the Binga community by complementing its investment in
education with improved access to healthcare.
From spreading the Gospel in 2005 to investing in schools and now healthcare facilities, the
church’s work in Binga continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the well-being
of the communities it serves.

Brick by Brick: Walking by Faith When God Calls 

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Brick by Brick: Walking by Faith When God Calls 

By Shanna Mazorodze

Success is often measured by buildings, businesses, and balance sheets. Yet, for me, every brick laid, every foundation dug, and every door opened has been a testimony—not of my own strength, but of God’s faithfulness.

When people see a beautiful hotel or a thriving lodge, they see the finished product. They admire the architecture, the comfort, and the achievement. What they don’t always see are the countless moments of uncertainty, the sleepless nights, the financial challenges, the prayers whispered in faith, and the unwavering belief that God would make a way where there seemed to be none.

Every brick was laid with prayer. Every decision was surrendered to God. Every milestone became another reason to say, “To God be the glory.”

As women, we are often called to carry many responsibilities. We nurture families, build careers, lead businesses, and serve our communities. There are moments when our dreams seem far greater than our resources, and our calling feels much bigger than our capabilities. It is in those moments that faith becomes our greatest asset.

One of my favourite biblical accounts is when Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water. The miracle did not happen while he remained seated in the comfort and safety of the boat. It happened when he dared to obey Jesus and take the first step.

Faith has never been about having all the answers. It is about trusting the One who does.

Many women are standing at the edge of their own “boat.” For some, it is the dream of starting a business. For others, it is pursuing further education, leading an organisation, writing a book, or simply believing God for restoration after disappointment.

The boat represents comfort, familiarity, and predictability. But purpose often lies beyond what feels safe.

Walking on water is uncomfortable. It requires courage. It requires surrender. Most importantly, it requires keeping our eyes fixed on Christ rather than on the storms around us.

There were seasons in my journey when circumstances could have convinced me to quit. Resources were limited. Challenges were real. The future was uncertain. Yet God remained faithful. Looking back today, I realise that He was building far more than a hotel and a lodge—He was building my faith, my character, and my dependence on Him.

Every obstacle became a lesson.

Every delay became preparation.

Every closed door redirected me to a better opportunity.

Every victory became a testimony.

The words of Scripture continue to remind me that “with God all things are possible.” Human limitations do not limit God’s power. He delights in using ordinary people who are willing to trust Him for extraordinary things.

To every woman reading this, I encourage you to embrace the vision God has placed in your heart. Do not allow fear, lack of resources, or the opinions of others to silence your calling. If God has given you the dream, He will also provide the grace, wisdom, strength, and opportunities to fulfil it.

Your assignment may not look like someone else’s. Your journey may take longer than expected. But God’s timing is always perfect, and His plans are always good.

Dream boldly.

Pray continually.

Work diligently.

Trust completely.

Remember that every great accomplishment begins with a single step of obedience.

Today, I stand grateful—not because I built a hotel and a lodge, but because God proved Himself faithful every step of the way. The buildings are visible evidence of His goodness, but the greatest miracle has been the transformation of my own life through trusting Him.

Whatever God is calling you to build—whether it is a business, a ministry, a family, a career, or a legacy—build it one brick at a time, with faith as your foundation.

When God says, “Come,” don’t remain in the boat.

Take the step.

Walk on the water.

Because with God, nothing is impossible.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory forever.” — Ephesians 3:20–

Compaction failure haunts new Mucheke bridge

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Compaction failure haunts new Mucheke bridge

By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – Just two months after its grand commissioning, the newly opened
Mucheke Bridge is showing worrying signs of failure. Visible cracks, broken edges, and
a widening gap on the bridge’s approach are fueling concerns that the structure was
rushed to completion, despite warnings it had failed critical compaction tests earlier this
year.


Photographs taken this week reveal a longitudinal crack on the bridge’s entrance side,
from the roundabout, a significant structural detail suggesting that the ground supporting
the approach road is settling and shifting.
The damage includes a clear separation between the road surface and the bridge deck,
raising urgent safety questions for the thousands of motorists who daily use the key
crossing.


This comes after TellZim News exclusively reported in January 2026 that the bridge had
reached 93percent completion but was grappling with funding delays and, crucially, “failed
compaction tests”.
At the time, Masvingo Deputy Provincial Roads Engineer, Shadreck Kativhu, was forced
to acknowledge the setback during a media tour.
“The other issue is that some tests did not pass as required and we have redone. Once
there is a snag, then we have to redo the work and corrections, then proceed to the
next,” Kativhu had stated.
The compaction test failure was a serious red flag. It indicated that the embankments,
the layers of soil and materials built up to support the bridge approach, had not been
sufficiently compacted to meet required standards.
Authorities at the time downplayed the issue, assuring the public that corrective works
were underway and that the bridge would be ready by the end of February 2026.
However, those assurances gave way to further silence as deadlines came and went
without the bridge opening. The project, initially expected to be completed in late 2025
after construction began in August 2022, was finally opened on April 30, 2026, rushed
to meet a state commissioning date after months of delays.
Now, despite the government’s claims of project success, the evidence of the original
compaction failure is becoming undeniable.
The current damage is visible on the entrance side of the bridge, while the town side
appears intact a least for now.

Contacted for comment on the latest development, Kativhu told TellZim News that he
was unaware of the damage and promised to check.
“I wasn’t aware there was such a development. I will go and see what is going on at the
site. I am currently out of town and will be back before end of day and will check,” said
Kativhu.
When contacted for comment by TellZim News, ProStruct Consulting Engineers
representative Kudakwashe Dzimati attempted to dismiss the fears, saying the gap was
not worrisome, and that gap filling was yet to be done despite the commissioning of the
bridge.
“The gap is not something to worry about; the gap filler is yet to be filled.”
Yet when pressed for an explanation on how the bridge was commissioned before the
expansion joint was put in place, Dzimati distanced himself from the crisis, saying he
was not the right person to comment.
“I cannot comment more on the bridge; I do not comment on behalf of the government.
Engineer Kativhu should comment on that,” said Dzimati.

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