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Police block school development meeting in Chiredzi

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Police block school development meeting in Chiredzi

By Beatific Gumbwanda

​Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers in Hippo Valley recently barred Chiredzi Central Member of Parliament and a local Councillor and parents from holding a school development meeting meant to mobilise resources to buy furniture for a new secondary school set to open in January 2026.

​The incident occurred recently at the newly established Gozonya Secondary School, where police personnel dispersed parents and community leaders who were meeting to mobilise funds to furnish classrooms for approximately 160 students. 

The police said the locals needed clearance first to have the crucial meeting.

​Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire, and Ward 31 Zanu PF Councillor, Golden Bere, were among those stopped by the Police from holding the crucial meeting. 

Local children are currently travelling 30-kilometre daily walk to the nearest public school, Mleme Secondary School and the establishment of the new school is set to relieve most learners

The construction of Gozonya has been a long-term community goal, starting with the construction of a single block in 2014. This year, the project gained significant momentum, with the completion of a second block through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in a race against time to open the school’s doors next year.

​Addressing the frustrated parents a few meters from the school premises Bere stressed the non-political, developmental nature of the gathering.

​”We are very unfortunate of what happened today. This school is not for anyone, but the community at large. 

“The message was very clear, this meeting was developmental as we are anticipating to open the school in January 2026. We will do what the police have requested.” Said Bere.

​On his part Makumire thanked the parents for attending the crucial meeting though it was disturbed.

​”The issue we wanted to gather here for was purely for the development of this school, but to my surprise when I arrived, I saw police officers crowded in the surrounding bush,” 

 “We had even engaged leadership from both political parties to gather parents so we could finalise the opening of this school, because nobody seems to care that children are walking long distances.”

​Following the intervention, Makumire confirmed they were going comply with the police’s instruction to submit a formal application, hoping to reschedule the critical fundraising.

77 year old commits suicide just after morning prayer

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77 year old commits suicide just after morning prayer

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

CHIREDZI – In a tragic incident that has left a community searching for answers, a 77-year-old Chikombedzi woman committed suicide moments after concluding her morning prayers, a time typically associated with peace and spiritual solace.

Esnath Hanyani (77) from Gunyule Village under Chief Mupapa was found dead on November 11, allegedly having hanged herself from a roof truss in her bedroom with a white cloth just after 6 AM.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said Esnath and her husband, Amon Hanyani, had woken up early to conduct their morning prayers together outside their home.

“We have a case where a 77 year old woman from Chikombedzi committed suicide by hanging herself on the roof trusses using a white cloth. On the day she had gone out for an early morning prayer with her husband,” said Inspector Dehwa.

After the prayers, a ritual that should have ushered in a new day with hope, Esnath returned to the bedroom while her husband went to the cattle kraal.

He returned a short while later to discover his wife’s lifeless body. No suicide note was found, leaving her motive a mystery.

Inspector Dhewa urged the public to seek help when they face challenges than resorting to taking own life

“We urge members of the public to share their problems with capable individuals other than taking their own lives,” he said.

The incident raises a disturbing and difficult questions on what misery could lead an elderly woman, who had likely endured a lifetime of challenges having navigated the trials for seven decades, to seek peace only in death, and to do so immediately after prayer.

The tragedy is part of an alarming trend of suicides among the elderly in Masvingo Province, following a similar case recently involving a 70-year-old man in Gutu who hanged himself using a wire.

Championing inclusivity and innovation: The King Edwards Academy story

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Championing inclusivity and innovation: The King Edwards Academy story

By Beverly Bizeki                                                                                     

King Edwards Academy, a newly established educational institution in Masvingo, is walking the talk on inclusivity, with modern infrastructure thoughtfully designed to cater to learners with disabilities, setting a new standard at a time when many well-established schools struggle to renovate and meet modern accessibility requirements.

True to its motto, “Where every student is a story of success,” a tour of the school from the administration offices to the hostels and ablution facilities tells a clear story: every learner is valued and supported to reach their potential.

School Principal Rodrick Saungweme said the school’s access features were a priority to ensure everyone has equal access.

“We welcome learners with mobility challenges and other disabilities. All our facilities, classrooms, dining halls, amenities, and administration offices are furnished with ramps to ensure equal access for staff, parents, and students,” said Saungweme.

The school’s commitment to meeting modern infrastructure requirements for public places ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users and others with disabilities demonstrates its non-discriminatory approach from the ground up.

Saungweme emphasized that inclusivity extended beyond infrastructure to the curriculum and student body.

“While our main focus is on building a strong sciences program, we also cater to learners with interests in commercial subjects or the humanities. Our curriculum includes Law, Software Engineering, and Engineering, allowing students to explore and develop their career paths from an early stage,” he said.

The academy welcomes learners from all religious backgrounds and all parts of the country and abroad, offering an international curriculum that prepares students for global opportunities.

Inclusivity also extends to the school’s dining halls, where meal planning considers special dietary requirements.

“We welcome learners from all walks of life, and our meals are planned to meet diverse nutritional needs. While students may sometimes require extra food, every meal is designed to support their overall well-being,” Saungweme added.

Looking ahead, the school promises to establish a wide range of sporting activities catering to diverse groups from traditional sports to elite games ensuring every student can participate and excel in physical activities.

Head of Information and Technology, Munashe Njanji said the department is another cornerstone of innovation, aimed at producing critical thinkers and future innovators.

“We are more than a school; we are a launch pad for tomorrow’s innovators. As a tech-first institution, technology is not just a learning tool – it’s a living, breathing part of everyday life. Our state-of-the-art computer lab, with uninterrupted Wi-Fi, drives research and innovation across the school,” said Njanji.

Through these initiatives, King Edwards Academy is living up to its mission: ‘Through a rigorous and engaging curriculum, innovative teaching practices, and a commitment to equity and social responsibility, we aim to shape the next generation of leaders, innovators, and global citizens.’

The school is also championing sustainability through the use of solar energy and provision of borehole water for everyday use and its vast agricultural products, creating an environmentally conscious learning environment.

Nurse registers dead people for life insurance, gets US$15K in payouts        

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Nurse registers dead people for life insurance, gets US$15K in payouts        

By Staff Reporter

A Mutare nurse has been accused of orchestrating a chilling insurance scheme by deliberately registering deceased individuals for life insurance policies before fraudulently collecting death benefits.

Shamiso Esinath Nyamundanda, a 40-year-old registered nurse stationed at Bamba Rural Health Clinic, appeared before Harare Magistrates Court facing three counts of fraud involving US$15,000 from Zimnat Life Assurance.

Prosecutors allege that between August 2022 and July 2025, Nyamundanda systematically identified dead people and fraudulently opened life insurance policies in their names.

 She then allegedly filed claims shortly after, posing as a relative of the deceased to receive US$5,000 payouts per policy.

The court heard she supported her claims with forged affidavits bearing her own handwriting and signature, ultimately receiving US$15,000 deposited directly into her personal bank account.

The scheme collapsed when a Zimnat assurance manager noticed irregularities in the documents and alerted police.

Nyamundanda was granted US$300 bail and will return to court on December 9, 2025.

This case highlights growing concerns about insurance fraud in Zimbabwe. In 2024, a Zaka couple was sentenced for faking their daughter’s death to claim funeral benefits from Ecosure, receiving six-month prison sentences with community service.

The couple Rungamirai Machinjike, 27, and Talent Rutindingwe, 33, from Chief Nhema’s area in Zaka lied to Ecosure that their daughter had died and got a letter from the headman and identity documents of her witnesses to substantiate their claim.

The matter was brought to light after Ecosure made investigations to verify if the claim of death was true.

 A Gokwe man, Nicholas Madziva (47), was sentenced to an effective 12 months of community service by Gokwe magistrate after he faked his son’s death in an attempt to defraud Ecosure of $12,000.

Another incident involved Knowledge Mponderi (31) from Gokwe North who was sentenced to an effective five months of community service for faking his mother’s death to claim $1,000 from Ecosure.

Female journalism students complete empowering leadership training

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Female journalism students complete empowering leadership training

By Tatiana Mhararira

In a significant step towards gender equality in media, 24 female journalism students from three Zimbabwean institutions recently completed the Women Leaders of Tomorrow training program at Harare’s Bronte Hotel recently.

Organized by Zimbabwe Journalism Educators’ Network (ZIJEN) in collaboration with FOJO, the multi-module programme brought together students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Harare Polytechnic, and Great Zimbabwe University.

It aimed to equip the next generation of women journalists with essential leadership skills, safety awareness, and career development tools.

Trainer Kersti Forsberg, assisted by Mary Mundeya, led a module on the intersection of journalism and leadership.

“Be impeccable with your word, do not take anything personally, do not make assumptions, find courage to ask questions and always do your best. As a leader, plan ahead career-wise and even in personal life and make sure you are moving along with those you are leading,” said Forsberg.

A key highlight was a candid discussion on sexual harassment led by Susan Makore. She empowered participants to navigate industry challenges.

“As young female journalists I urge you to recognize threats and sexual harassment risks, build confidence to report threats and seek appropriate support, set and protect personal and professional boundaries,” said Makore.

Zimbabwe Independent Editor Faith Zaba led a session on the importance of building field networks. She shared vital tips which she said were important for growth.

“As young journalists, set clear goals. Build relationships across all political divides and industries. Choose your niche and build your brand. Trust takes time; sources are built over years… maintain ethical decency and build relationships, not friendships,” said Zaba.

Additional modules included crafting a powerful LinkedIn presence with educator Nokhutaba Mathema, and career testimonials from young journalists.

Noluthando Mpofu, a NUST student, shared her key takeaway saying the workshop was of great importance as she learnt the importance of networking.

At the closing ceremony, all 24 graduates received certificates. ZIJEN plans to refine future trainings and extend the program to more regions, fostering a robust network of women media professionals across Zimbabwe.

Looking ahead, ZIJEN plan to refine future training sessions based on feedback from participants and explore partnerships that could extend the program to more institutions and regions. Graduates were encouraged to stay connected with ZIJEN and Fojo for ongoing mentorship and networking opportunities.

As Zimbabwe’s media landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the Women Media Leaders of Tomorrow training are pivotal in ensuring that emerging women journalists are not only prepared and connected but also safe as they take on vital roles in journalism and media leadership.

Masvingo businessman Noah Marima crowned Business Leader of the Year

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Masvingo businessman Noah Marima crowned Business Leader of the Year

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – In a resounding endorsement of his diversified business empire and community focused philosophy, Masvingo’s prominent businessman and entrepreneur, Noah Marima, was recently named the 2025 Business Leader of the Year by the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).

This prestigious award solidifies Marima’s, status as an outstanding figure in the business community, following a year in which he was also crowned the ZNCC Businessman of the Year, while his company, Junior Driving School, was honoured as the ZNCC Enterprise of the Year.

Marima’s business acumen spans into education, construction, transport, finance and security where he runs elite private schools, (Junior Primary and Junior High School, Junior Security Company, Junior Driving and Junior Construction Company.

The winning citation said the award recognized his excellence through continuous innovation, careful diversification, and a profound commitment to empowering the communities he serves.

“His unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and uplifting communities has redefined what it means to lead in business both in Masvingo and beyond. A mentor, a trailblazer, and a true champion of indigenous enterprise,” read the statement.

The consistent excellence of his ventures has been recognized on numerous prestigious platforms.

Junior Primary School was recently awarded the coveted “Excellence in Academic Innovation” trophy at the 2024 National Education Symposium, a testament to its cutting edge curriculum.

Junior Driving School, a consistent award-winner, secured the “Gold Medal for Service Excellence” at the Harare International Business Expo, just months after winning top honours at the Masvingo Agricultural Show.

Speaking to TellZim News, Marima said he was humbled by the awards which he said were a testament to the organization’s quest for excellence.

“These awards are not just a testament to my hard work, but also to the incredible support I’ve received from my team and colleagues. The award came as a reminder that our efforts are making a difference so I feel are honoured,” said Marima.

In a field of distinguished leaders, Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa was named first runner-up for the award.

Mukaratirwa Adds Business Leader Accolade to growing award collection

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Mukaratirwa Adds Business Leader Accolade to growing award collection

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa continues to expand his portfolio of recognition, most recently being named first runner-up for Business Leader of the Year at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce awards.

The latest honor adds to an impressive collection of accolades that cement his status as one of Zimbabwe’s most distinguished public administrators.

Masvingo City Council won the Sustainable Development Goals award at the same event while Magolide Omuhle Foundation while Happy Nest scooped the second runner up position.

The business leadership recognition comes after several awards he won last year including the Overall Outstanding Local Authority Leader (Super Platinum winner) at the Doyens of Local Authorities Awards 2024.

His second-place finish in the business category places him behind prominent Masvingo businessman Noah Marima, who secured the top honor.

The consistent pattern of excellence has become characteristic of Mukaratirwa’s career, evidenced by previous national honors including last year’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Award for the Best Town Clerk in Zimbabwe and the 2024 Best Manager of the Year award from the ZNCC.

In 2024 Masvingo City was also crowned the Best Customer Centred Organisation.

Zvishavane Town Council constructs first-ever clinic

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Zvishavane Town Council constructs first-ever clinic

By TellZim Reporter           

In a bold move to improve health service delivery, Zvishavane Town Council is constructing a state of the art clinic, which will be the first council owned health facility in the mining town.

Zvishavane Town Council Chairperson Takarangana Keta confirmed the development to TellZim News, stating that construction, which started earlier this year, is at an advanced stage.

“We have used our internal funds to construct a council clinic since we had none. Construction started in May and we are now at roofing level with roofing sheets installed already,” said Keta.

Keta said funding for the project came from council coffers, as devolution funds have not been disbursed yet. The project has a budget of ZiG $834,000.

“We budgeted for this clinic under devolution funds but they were not disbursed; nevertheless, we proceeded with the little funds paid by ratepayers and we are succeeding. We budgeted ZiG 834,000 and we have already used ZiG 662, 000,” said Keta.

Keta said construction was anticipated to be completed in December and the clinic will serve three wards and the peri-urban area.

“Construction of the clinic is expected to be completed by December, while furnishing and procurement will be budgeted for in 2026. The clinic will have a catchment area of around 70,000, serving people from wards 4, 6, 7 and the peri-urban area, including Kosoro and Makuvasine. Currently, the people are getting services from Zvishavane District Hospital and Mandava Clinic, which is also owned by government,” said Keta.

Keta said the development is part of the local authority’s efforts to meet municipality standards, as it was previously short of having a clinic and a Public Relations (PR) Department.

“We are a town council, but we have met some of the standards for a municipality but were short of these two, a clinic and PR department hence we are working towards that. We are also in a mining community, hence we want to maximize our potential,” said Keta.

He said the project was also part of the local authority’s broader infrastructure plan, as they constructed a primary school last year.

“Last year we established a primary school, Highlands Council Primary, which currently has Grade One to Three. In 2026, we are expanding our enrollment from ECD A to Grade 4,” he said.

The clinic, which will include a maternity wing and has 12 rooms excluding ablution facilities, is sitting on approximately 2,000 square metres.

square metres.

Axe hangs over 3 Zanu PF Masvingo DCC Chairpersons      

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Axe hangs over 3 Zanu PF Masvingo DCC Chairpersons      

…One more already suspended as Mavhenyengwa cracks down on factionalism

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – An axe is hanging over three Masvingo DCC chairpersons following the suspension of the fourth one as Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee tries to clamp down on factionalism.

The axe is hovering over Zaka DCC Chairperson Clemence Chiduwa, Masvingo District Chair Tawanda Dube and Bikita’s Chamunorwa Taruona.

The development allegedly follows the recent suspension of Chivi DCC Chairperson Samuel Magonde.

Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson, Robson Mavhenyengwa confirmed the suspension of Magonde to TellZim News but said he was the only one who had been suspended.

“Yes Magonde was issued with a prohibition order, it’s just an internal disciplinary action following some inhouse cases of indiscipline. We only have that case and there are no other suspensions in the said districts,” said Mavhenyengwa.

However, party insiders told TellZim News that four DCC chairpersons allegedly traveled to the party’s headquarters in Harare to complain about the co-option of central committee members in Chivi and Bikita.

The incident angered the provincial executive since the four allegedly went behind the provincial leadership’s backs breaching protocol.

Sources further allege that the four were also promised that a top official would facilitate that they got vehicles as the central committee members got theirs.

“The four led by one local party leader travelled to the party headquarters to complain about the cooption that were done in Bikita and Chivi. However, they were told that it was against procedure that they go there directly instead of the provincial executive that they had bypassed.

“They were also promised to get vehicles from Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Paul Tungwarara (who are behind the central committee vehicles) but they were turned down. This angered Mavhenyengwa and his team,”said the source.

Mavhenyengwa also issued a stern warning against rising factionalism among the party’s District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairpersons, emphasizing the need for unity within the party structures.

Addressing a Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting at Masvingo Polytechnic on October 31, Mavhenyengwa expressed concern over emerging divisions and groupings within the party’s leadership.

“Previously I had seen as if the party was united but now some divisions and groupings were emerging. We thought we were seeing as if we were walking and working together but I am seeing the divisions and groupings are now emerging,” said Mavhenyengwa.

The provincial chairperson stressed that with no immediate elections pending at any level, there should be no justification for internal divisions.

“As a chair, my wish is for Masvingo to be united as it stands. We do not have any election that we are facing, no branch or district election is pending, even DCCs or Province, so we should work as one. We do not want people who continue looking back to previous elections,” he stated.

Mavhenyengwa cited his own working relationship with Provincial Minister Ezra Chadzamira, whom he contested for the chairmanship position, as an example of post-election unity.

“I contested the Minister but now we are one. When he organizes a programme he notifies me, when I do mine I notify him, at times we go together. So that is what you should be doing,” he told the DCC chairpersons.

The party leader emphasized that DCC positions belong to the party, not individuals, and warned against alignment politics.

“The DCC chairperson is for everyone, you should be uniting people not dividing them. You are DCC for the party not for individuals because some are now saying I am aligned to so and so, and because of that I don’t recognize this one,” Mavhenyengwa said.

In a direct warning to errant members, he added: “I am not referring to anyone, Ndiri Kungorova bembera (I am just firing warning shots), we are all Shonas so I think you understand me. Be DCCs for everyone not to fan divisions.”

Mavhenyengwa specifically praised Chiredzi district for overcoming past divisions, while urging party members not to take political issues too personally.

“I am happy with Chiredzi. The district used to have divisions and we had meetings after meetings to resolve them but now they are one. The party issues should not be taken at heart too much, if you do the issues will stress you,” he advised. Zanu PF is divided between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy retired General Constantino Chiwenga with Mnangagwa loyalists pushing for his rule beyond 2028 where his constitutional term should be ending

Home Affairs Perm Sec doesn’t know when Masvingo passport office will reopen

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Home Affairs Perm Sec doesn’t know when Masvingo passport office will reopen

By Virginia Njovo

MASVINGO – The Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, has admitted he does not know when the Masvingo Provincial Passport Office will resume operations, leaving thousands of residents without access to travel documents indefinitely.

Contacted by TellZim News for commnet regarding the reopening of the office, Ambassador Faranisi expressed no optimism about the office’s imminent reopening when contacted by TellZim News.

“I really don’t know and I don’t want to speculate that we may come next year or the next one. We will eventually come to open that office but I am not sure when because we have a number of programmes we are currently running some with the diaspora so we have to balance them,” said Ambasador Faranisi.

The passport office, located in Masvingo city, ceased issuing passports in March 2020 during the first COVID-19 lockdown and never resumed operations. While it continues to handle birth certificates and distribution of passports applied for before the pandemic, it has remained closed to new passport applicants for over five years, even after the government introduced e-passports.

Sources within the government revealed that the continued closure was part of a strategic decision aimed at preventing regional imbalance. The rationale was that upgrading the provincial office first would make it difficult to subsequently roll out the same advanced facilities in districts. The intention was to ensure all seven districts of Masvingo would eventually have their own fully functional passport offices.

However, this decentralization plan has largely stalled, creating a significant access crisis for most of the province. To date, the government has only established one functioning e-passport office in Mwenezi District at the Rutenga registry office.

While the Rutenga office serves people in Mwenezi, Chiredzi and some parts of Chivi District, it has left the majority of the province’s population with limited options. Residents from Masvingo, Bikita, Gutu, Zaka districtsand other parts of Chivi find it more practical to travel to Zvishavane in Midlands province or all the way to Harare to apply for the crucial travel document.

Those who attempt to use the Mwenezi office often face additional challenges. Applicants report prolonged processing times even for emergency passports, with the Rutenga office at one point going for three months without disbursing any documents, a situation that only improved after media exposure sparked public outcry.

Operational challenges further complicate the situation, with officials at the Rutenga office complaining of frequent fuel shortages that prevent them from collecting documents from Harare.

With Faranisi’s comments confirming the indefinite closure of the provincial office and the district rollout stalled, residents of central Masvingo continue to bear the burden of a decentralization plan that has left them without accessible passport services for more than half a decade.

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