Mapombi has been prayerful of late, praying to God that he continues to release the heaven’s tears and the prayers were answered, we are receiving the rains but we also need to pray for calm rains. I heard reports of several schools that were destroyed by violent winds, which exposed how the Civil Protection Unit is always caught off guard. We are just happy there are few or no cases of casualties and it is our hope that we will continue like this. But Mapombi is not just happy about the rains, Mapombi is happy about the wave of change that is sweeping across Southern Africa. Around 2011, there was the Arab spring and taingoti dai zvasvikawo kuno. Last year there were several coups in the Northern and Western parts of the continent and we watched with envy as SADC but I think the wait is over now, the wave of change is really strong and we can all see. Zvinenge zvakuda kuchiita manje. Ndinotombonzwa kuda kuti bye bye Zanu PF, 2028 anenge ari kutononoka kusvika uyu, and I hope when election time comes, the winds of change would still be blowing. I am praying to God that the wave remains until 2028 and that it takes course paNamibia apa where Swapo intends to elect an old granny as President. Mapombi is a gender advocate and not against female candidates that’s why she supports Linda and Valerio though she will not vote for them, but she is currently urging the Namibians not to make a mistake of electing the granny as President, that will be abuse, she should go and play with grandkids and allow the younger generation to take over. Please don’t quote me wrong, I am not advocating for the return of G40 in Zimbabwe. Pavakati retirement age is 65 vakange vatoonera paya kuti age matters. You know what this mean for Zimbabwe? It means even if Zanu PF resolves to allow Kedha to take over, he will not qualify because akwegura, anenge atova kuzvi 70 and we cannot be seen electing madhara nemachembere when we have better candidates. I hope that hope yenyika, Nero would have put his house in order and have a proper political outfit. Failure to do that will be a disservice to the country because he is the only hope despite his several flaws which we all know. Yes the young man is full of flaws which need to be addressed but zvakawanda tozozviona avapo and I am sure every Zimbabwean needs change now and the change is coming come 2028. You know, there are times when I think Nero is a Zanu plant, no matter how ridiculous that sounds, because some blunders he makes politically ka, anotoda iri thesis chaiyo to study it because, how come to you so? Hazvinzwisisike zvinhu zvacho.
Can someone remind me what the President said gore riya, hanzi kana nyama dzikaora toita sei? I cannot remember ini. The 1.5 million from China iya hanzi yakaendepi zviya? I am sure he said if anyone complains about kuora kwenyama mumafridges we should call him and tell him and I am sure it’s more than time someone call him and tell him or at least remind him of what is happening. Or someone should go kuState house nenyama yakaora, I am sure he said pakaita yaora bring it to me tione. Or maybe he is not even aware of what is happening. You all know what these people in offices do when he is coming, they will sweep even muroad so that he thinks everything is well. Pamwe izvezvi he thinks electricity is there because wherever he is anenge ariko. But I am sure in terms of roads he will come face to face with reality one day since he is now travelling by road. Yes he is no longer using Choppers locally, kana kusingasvike private jet chete he will use road and achasangana nazvo chete. With the poor quality materials they use to refurbish these roads naiyo mvura iyoyi, one day is one day, vanomanzwa mabhambo chete. Local authorities should desist from patching roads whenever they hear he is coming. Siyai so that he will have real questions to the minister of transport and Zinara chiefs when they meet.
Ko ana Pedzi nana Nero munenge muchiitanei in the streets nhaimi vobwo? I have respect for Pedzisayi Ruhanya, he is one of the few voices of reason we have since ana Mbudziyadura vava kungowawata we nolonger know what they stand for now. I heard from the grapevine that Pedzi was bashed left, right and centre by X Nerorists after he pointed out that Chamisa was not God. I hear they came out in their numbers to defend the dictator in the making. Yes, zvandataura ndizvovzo, dictators are not born, they are made by their followers who don’t question and will always push the leaders to continue ruling even beyond the expiry of their mandates. But Pedzi was preaching good advice, if Opposition in SA had united, ANC would have been history as has happened in Botswana and Mauritius. I hope the Namibian opposition parties vakachionera chidobi chacho, if vasina hameno. For us here, I am sure the writing is on the wall, I know Chamisa wants to create what he calls Nerorism or Chamisaism as he is against Mandelaism or Mugabeism. Mmm ndakorekitiwa, Chamisa is inspired by Mugabe, remember he accommodated the old man in his last days. It was unheard of to put Mugabe and MDC in the same sentence, but nothing is impossible under the sun. Bhobho chakafa chava chimuChinja. I just wish Tsvangison was alive to witness that. Back to Chamisa, I think he wants to create his own brand but if he continues with that beware, he will not taste power as was prophesied by Jobson Sikhandela at some point when he said MRT died without ruling and if they were not careful, they would all die vasina kusvika kuState house. Iyewo Job vakomana, so the Mandela accent just vanished like that? It’s very funny kkkk. Trauma yejere does things to people. I truly feel for Jameson Timba and others who are still wallowing in jail.
I hope the opposition heard clearly what that mad war veteran said; he said it was not yet time for anyone to taste power before the real war vets does, suggesting that Uncle Bob and Ba 2 are not war veterans. Hanzi they are nationalists so paakumbodawo someone who is not a civilian. I am sure that’s why Sanyatwe was recalled from Tanzania, kumagumo kune nyaya vakaimba vanhu veMasvingo. These war veterans are the source of our problems and I blame them for creating a system that does not work for anyone, including ivo vacho. They are suffering from poverty those war veterans, and add onto that the war trauma that never got to be addressed. Zvogwara zvidhara zviya, that’s why they just say anything. ZveZanu here, each dog has its day, ndiani aiziva kuti Mugabe chaiye achafa ouvenga musangano unenge urombwa uyu?
PaJoni, ANC paid dearly, paBotswana, akarohwa nezveusiku Masisi, paZambia gore riya, paMoza chakachaya, Namibia, we can only hope. This kind of wind ndoifarira hangu ini, not for nothing much but just the drama, ko ndinganakirwa nei nechinyika chakadhakwa ichochi. Iyo factionalism is a bit too quiet these days. Panongoda one ane zvivindi otozvitangidza and we enjoy ourselves nedrama iroro, Charle Munangasa ukooo, uripiko?
Before I go zvangu kunokanga maputi angu for lunch, I can’t wait to hear Chamisa saying, pandakakorokotedza Trump, akanditi nhai vakomana, ndadzoka saka muri kuda mariii kkkk. Nyaya yangu was on Mujuru, yeah, I mean Joice, I heard she was the new Head of African Union Election Observer Mission in short AUEOM in Mauritius. I am yet to hear her report. Tikangonzwa zveEOM tobva tafunga Mumba kkk. One murume pavarume. If he would come this side anytime soon, I would donate my SADC chairmanship to him. However, I am not sure who chooses those who will be leading these missions and I know they want former heads of state or VPs, so kana pane ari padhuze should remind them that we also have former VP Mphoko in Zimbabwe lest vangazofunga kuti we only have Joice. I am sure they can slot Mphoko paNamibia apo so that he gets money to buy incubators. I miss you mface wangu Mphoko. Mboko imboko.
Zanu beware, the wind of change is blowing
Takafuma wins The List Awards
By TellZim Reporter
The news-editor for TellZim News, Theresa Takafuma last week received The List Awards Storyteller Journalism Impact award at a colourful ceremony in Harare.
The awards ceremony, convened by Identities Media Holdings was held at The Golden Conifer Conference Centre and was honouring community change makers across the African continent as well as local champions driving social change in their communities.
Selected under a public vote category, Takafuma was recognized for her work in community journalism, which she has been doing for over a decade.
Speaking at the ceremony, Identities Media Holdings founder and director, Advocate Nyaradzo Mashayamombe said the awards were meant to recognize people who work in communities to encourage them.
“We wanted our impact makers to feel seen, to be honoured in a luxurious way and for their work to be validated in such a great way. The nomination and selection criteria was so rigorous, to make sure that those deserving actually won the awards.
“This is the very first edition of the awards but it came out so well, and it felt good to see people happy, especially the award winners. The process was gruelling, but rewarding,” said Mashayamombe.
Receiving her award, Takafuma extended her gratitude to the work that TellZim News does in marginalized communities, which she also contributes to.
“I would like to honour TellZim for the work it does in promoting access to information in marginalized communities in Masvingo. To me, this is testament that the work we do is being noticed nationally.
“Many times, community journalism is not recognized in such a way, but I am grateful to have been nominated, voted for and winning this award. Reaching out to marginalized communities is very important, to enhance everyone’s civic participation,” Takafuma said.
Among other awardees were Youth Impact award winners Wellington Bakaimani and Jussa Kudherezera, who lead organizations that promote youth participation in Shamva and Mutare respectively.
Ruth Makandiwa, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of Femme De Substance walked away with two awards from the Humanitarian Impact and Poverty Alleviation Impact categories respectively.
Prolific musician and writer Hope Masike won the Entertainment Impact Award, while businessman and Glytime Foods founder Lesley Marange won the Business Impact Award.
Other winners included Vengai Dzvedere, who founded Nzvedaz Crypto Hub and received the Role Model Pan African Impact Award for his work in promoting economic growth and financial inclusion across the African continent.
Prominent filmmaker Leonard Chibhamu received the Artist Pan African Impact award for his work in empowering over 1 000 actors and 300 crew members through his drama series ‘Village Secrets’.
Of those coming from across the borders, Virginia Mashomo-Sefume of South Africa was the runner-up in the Pan African Impact Award category.
For her community work in Matobo district, Sasha Ndebele received the Social Impact Award, while Elizabeth Gundu of Marondera received the Climate and Environment Impact Award for her recycling work.
Founder of the Dynasty Academy and Harava West League Ernest Muduwa won the Sports Impact Award, while Chantelle Moillah Shoko who founded Mothers Of Special Heroes (MOSH) that promotes children disability rights in Bulawayo got the Human Rights Impact Award.
Musicians Gary Tight and Hope Masike entertained guests at the awards ceremony, which was also attended by prominent figures in community development.
Chiredzi town councillors divided over Beer hall
By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI- Tempers recently flared during a Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) full council meeting as councillors clashed over motion to turn Khomanani Beer hall into a flea Market as an income-generating project.
Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) was leasing its two beerhalls ever since 2019, the famous Chigarapasi and Khomanani, whose leases expired in September this year and have since resolved to lease the former to the highest bidder whilst concerns remain on the latter.
Other councillors proposed creating a state of the art flea market. , just like the one in Chikanga, Mutare to increase the local authority’s revenue base but two councillors, Brighton Mahiya (Ward 7) and Costain Momber (Ward 6), opposed the motion saying the local authority should rather enhance the Beer hall into a multifaceted community centre.
Councillor Sekai Njanjure, who is the Audit committe Chairperson, insisted that they should turn Khomanani Beerhall into a better cash cow than it was.
“During the look and learn we had in Mutare, we witnessed that we can turn Khomanani Beerhall into a state-of-the-art flea market, just like what Mutare did towards Chikanga market. We need to implement such an idea in Khomanani, where we could use the main Beerhall as a storage facility for the traders operating there,” said Njanjure.
Mahiya opposed the idea, saying council should deliver better services to its residents, and not all the services should have monetary value.
“It’s not all about making money. We have a lot of sprouting flea markets, with one being less than 50 meters away from Khomanani.
“Former Chiredzi West (now Central) constituency, Darlington Chiwa constructed flea markets just across the Beerhall and were never occupied, why can’t we resuscitate those markets and work towards enhancing the Beerhall into a multifaceted community centre, where various activities take place, like Mini soccer, Beerhall, jumping castles for children, etc because it is central to several wards,” said Mahiya.
Costain Mombe, in whose ward the beerhall is located, chipped in, saying if council decided to continue leasing Chigarapasi to serve its purpose, they should do the same for Khomanani.
“If the council decided to continue leasing Chigarapasi Beerhall for it to continue serving its purpose, why not do the same for Khomanani Beerhall” queried Mombe.
CTC Chairperson, Jameson Charumbira later decided to turn the full council meeting into a committee meeting to further deliberate the issue in the absence of other stakeholders.
Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament and former councillor, Ropafadzo Makumire, whose constituency houses both Khomanani and Chigarapasi Beerhall told TellZim News in an interview that if the local authority decides not to lease Khomanani Beerhall, they should find something better to use than flea markets since the place was swampy.
“The council must not make such decisions without consulting the people. The site is not suitable for markets as it is susceptible to flooding. The proposed change must retain recreational use and stop a culture of moving vendors from one place to another; it’s a great inconvenience,” said Makumire.
We are failing; Masvingo City female councillors
By Perpetua Murungweni
Female councillors elected through women’s quota system have admitted to failing their mandate and said lack of resources was, rendering them unable to effectively represent their constituents or undertake developmental projects, thereby undermining the purpose of the quota system.
After swearing in, TellZim News interviewed all the councillors each one outlining his or her targets and areas of improvement as they took the five year journey.
However, it is almost a year now since councillors were sworn in and residents especially women felt let down already as there is no feedback mainly from the female councillors.
The four councillors including Sabina Chikwangwani who was representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in ward one and sole ballot elected female councillor.
The other three are Alaica Time and Esther Zishiri both representing CCC then Sheron Marombedze of Zanu PF.
In taking stock on the promises that were recorded by TellZim News, the councilors confirmed that they had not fulfilled any.
Chikwangwani promised residents improved service delivery, address accommodation challenges for people living in hostels and for families sharing one house. She promised to lobby for women’s developmental programmes, affordable service charges saying council rates were too high.
She also said she was going to lobby for the resuscitation of Mucheke bus terminus so that people in the neighborhood could make a living from the hype of activities but all the challenges still persist.
“The main problem that restrict us from fulfilling what we promised to residents is lack of funds, so far council does not have money, you cannot do anything without money,” said Chikwangwani.
Zishiri promised to firmly represent women through empowerment, opening of more market places for women and promised to facilitate establishment of a sewing factory. She also promised to lobby for the reduction of service charges but nothing has materialized.
“So far I haven’t done anything for the residents because of financial challenges, when the 2024 council budget was proposed last year, women’s quota councilors were not allocated any money so it becomes difficult for me to implement what I promised without money. All of the things that I promised residents require funding,” said Zishiri.
“I failed to have meetings with residents because of financial challenges, it’s useless to have a meeting with residents and they tell you what they want but you can’t do it because you don’t have money,” said Zishiri.
Time promised to advocate for improved service delivery especially for women, facilitate programmes to fight against gender based violence, create safe markets and work closely with women.
“I’m still holding on to my promises, the whole of 2024 I had no money to implement any of the projects that I promised women, I think it is fair for residents to hold me accountable next year as I’m looking forward to be allocated some funds from the 2025 budget.
Marombedze just like others promised to advocate for women emancipation, women empowerment, and to advocate for women’s interests and improved service delivery. However, like the rest residents complain that they have never seen her since she got in council
Contacted for comment on whether she had fulfilled any of her promises Marombedze said she could not comment at the moment as she was not in good shape.
“I don’t know what you want me say I don’t think I’m in a good shape to comment on that,” Said Marombedze.
Residents called upon the female councilors to convene meetings with women and get their concerns and take them up to council.
“Feedback meetings are important, it is where we are able to share our concerns as residents. They are also platforms for councilor to give us feedback on what they have worked on, what they failed and why they are failing.
I don’t know what they will be discussing in council when they do not know what we want. They should come to us so that we tell them what is affecting us,” said one resident Sungano Zvarebwanashe.
Council scoops gold medal at inter municipal sports tournament
By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo City Council’s soccer team scooped a gold medal at the Inter-municipal Sports Festival held on November 2-3, 2024 at Ngoni stadium in Norton.
The council’s team won a trophy as their award after beating Norton council in the finals.
Masvingo City Council’s soccer team secured a ticket to the semifinals after dominating the group stages which had three teams Ruwa, Masvingo and Chitungwiza. However, Chitungwiza failed to show up for the tournament though it had registered.
Other teams at the tournament included Marondera, Norton and Harare.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Council’s Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said the medal meant a lot to the local authority as sports development aligned well with council’s objectives.
“Winning a gold medal at the Inter-municipal Sports Festival soccer tournament is a monumental achievement which has significantly boosted the council’s image and reputation.
“Sports development aligns perfectly with council’s objectives in several ways which includes social development that promotes social cohesion, helping build stronger working teams for improved service delivery.
“Sports development encourages healthy lifestyles, physical activity and overall well-being aligning with council health objectives,”said Jinjika.
Jinjika said council will make use of this achievement and the team’s success impacted council soccer staff morale and motivation.
“Council will capitalize winning this tournament to leverage this success for future promotional activities in attracting sponsorships and develop sports tourism leveraging on the tournament success.
“The team’s success can have a profound impact on council soccer staff’s morale and motivation by boosting their confidence, creating a positive team environment where everyone feels valued and motivated thus the team building effect,”said Jinjika.
Apart from soccer, there were other sporting disciplines at the tournament including chess, netball and volleyball among others.
Branding proves key to recovery of missing cattle
By Meditation Mposi
Branding cattle proved key with a Chiredzi woman reuniting with her missing cattle after three months of searching owing to a distinctive brandmark they had.
The cattle went missing in Buffalo Ranch, Triangle and the owner suspected that they had been stolen whereas they had strayed to another area.
Masvingo acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the development and applauded members of the public for providing information which led to the recovery of the missing cattle, urging cattle owners to brand their cattle so that they can be easily tracked.
“I confirm the recovery of five missing cattle in Triangle. I applaud members of the public for supplying information which led to the recovery of the cattle. As police we urge all cattle owners to brand their cattle for easy identification and recovery”, said Patinyu.
Circumstances are that Tsitsi Kusivara (57) of Buffalo Ranch, Triangle released her cattle sometime in August to the grazing fields with no one looking after them. Since that day the cattle never returned home and she made a police report.
On November 4, police got information that the missing cattle were in a certain village and with aid of the brand, the police recovered the cattle.
The head that was valued at US$1 000 consisted of one black calf, two brown heifers and two cows and three of them had a brand mark fh56.
In a separate case, police arrested Brighton Mudiwa (19) from, Chikuza Village, Triangle who had stolen seven cattle from his former employer Pepukai Zimusi.
After his cattle went missing, Zimusi reported the case and the police received information to the effect that Mudiwa was seen in possession of seven cattle in Gwerima area.
Asked by the police, Mudiwa alleged that Zimusi had given him the cattle to sell.
The brand marks on six of his cattle H51 of Nhaka Diptank made it easy to identify them.
All the cattle were recovered and Mudiwa has since appeared in court where he was sentenced to nine years behind bars.
Two drug traffickers nabbed at Tollgate
By Virginia Njovo
Regardless of warnings and awareness campaigns by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other stakeholders against drug and substance abuse, people are still being caught on the other side of the law.
On November 1, 2024, two men, one from Norton and the other from Harare were caught by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drug Section Masvingo at Mushagashe tollgate where they were subsequently arrested for possessing dangerous drugs.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and of the arrest of the two.
“We arrested Rashi Makore (47) from Norton who was caught with 2.752 kg and Modest Hove (45) from Dzivarasekwa 2 Harare who had 3.8 kg of dagga with a combined total of ZiG2000,” said Inspector Dhewa.
He said it was every citizen’s right to be an informer as it was the only way to curb drug and substance abuse in the country saying tip offs were needy in police work.
“We want to thank our informers for the information which is helping us in catching criminals who indulge in drugs and we encourage members of the public to inform the police of any suspicions of drug dealing,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Circumstances are that, on November 1, around 12 midnight police were given a tip off from their trusted informers that a Blue Circle bus from Beit-Bridge enroute to Harare had two men who were in possession of dagga.
In September, an Inter Africa bus was stopped at a security roadblock while carrying passengers who were possessing 62 kg of dagga which led to the arrest of the driver, conductor as well as two passengers including Masvingo Poly student who was pregnant by that time.
Royal Lens Entertainment to release movie on mental health
By Rangarirai Shanyurai
Royal Lens Entertainment, a Masvingo based movie production, is set to drop a psychological thriller movie called Silent Screams at the end of this month.
The film is designed to spark vital conversations around mental health issues particularly in Zimbabwe, where stigma often silences those in need.
Speaking to TellZim News, Director and Executive producer Prayer Elishama Tafara said their goal was to break the silence around mental health, showcasing how the mind can become one’s greatest enemy.
“Our aim is to break the silence surrounding mental health, illustrating how minds can become greatest adversaries. It’s a reflection of reality that many people face but few discuss. I hope this film encourages viewers to seek understanding and support,” Said Tafara.
He added that the film was one of the best, having been a result of collaborative minds in the film industry.
“The film’s narrative is enriched by the collaboration of Royal Lens Entertainment, Audly Studios and Rawsoots Studios from Bulawayo where unique talents and visions were put together to deliver a powerful cinematic experience.
“With a dedicated cast and crew, Silent Screams captures the raw emotions and challenges associated with mental illness while maintaining an engaging and suspenseful storyline.
Silent Screams is a testament to the strength of the human spirit reminding audiences that the mind can create unbelievable fear and it can also find the courage to seek help and healing,” Tafara said.
He said they faced a number of challenges along the way but was happy that they managed to overcome all to produce the masterpiece.
“We had many challenges when we were producing this film. These included limited financial resources and lack of access to high-quality equipment that force filmmakers to work within strict budgetary constraints and that usually impacts on the final product.
“In Masvingo, the film industry is in its infancy and the absence of sponsors and partners makes it difficult to produce work that meets international standards.
“With slight budgets many productions rely on personal investments and filmmakers have to make it happen with the equipment they have, often stretching resources to their limits,” said Tafara.
He stated that as an organization they were looking for support before and after they disseminated the film to audiences.
“We urge people of Masvingo to rally behind local talent by watching, sharing and supporting local film projects like Silent Screams. For the meantime we have distributed the movie trailer that is circulating on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook among others
“We need to make Masvingo a supportive and thriving hub for content creators. With local encouragement and resources, we can transform our city into a space where artists want to stay and grow,” he said.
Royal Lens Entertainment is a visionary production company dedicated to bringing powerful immersive stories to life. By combining creativity with cutting-edge technology. It aims to elevate Zimbabwean cinema through storytelling that challenges perspectives, evokes emotion and sparks meaningful conversations.
Their work shines a spotlight on untold narratives advancing the goal of making Zimbabwe a recognized player on the global cinematic stage.
Urban stream bank cultivators put on notice
By Perpetua Murungweni
As the first major rains hit Masvingo City on Wednesday November 06, the local authority has warned urban dwellers against stream bank cultivation saying the authority will not hesitate to punish those found wanting citing dangers of siltation in supply dam.
A number of people were busy of late preparing small portions of land especially along Mucheke River which is one of the major tributary to Lake Mutirikwi which supplies water to the city.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe told TellZim News that council was not going to hesitate to fine those who will be caught cultivating in the stream banks as that threatens the river with siltation.
“Those that who will be caught carrying cultivating in the stream banks will be fined as stipulated by Council by laws, EMA Act Chapter 20:27, Forestry Commission Act, Parks and Wildlife Act,” said Tabe.
Tabe said council was going to be strict in enforcing the bylaws as stream bank cultivation has effects on both the land and rivers
“Stream bank cultivation causes siltation of rivers and other water bodies. It occurs when soil and sediment are deposited into waterways, causing water to become cloudy and reducing its ability to support aquatic life. It also causes soil erosion reducing soil fertility and increases sedimentation.
“Stream bank cultivation alters natural habitats. There is terrestrial species displacement since cultivation replaces the natural vegetation. Altered water quality and habitat disrupt ecosystems resulting in loss of aquatic species,” said Tabe.
He also said stream bank cultivation impacts on climate and the fines to be paid by offenders will be used to fight against climate change.
“There are increased greenhouse gas emissions, due to fertilizer use and soil degradation. The water cycle is disrupted due to changes in evapotranspiration and runoff and it may also result in climate sensitive crop failures. So there are climate change mitigations that will be put in place and the fines will be channeled towards that,” he said.
He said council was not only going to fine those practicing stream bank cultivation but was also going to educate residents first on the effects of stream bank cultivation through awareness campaigns.
“As council we have a mandate to raise awareness to residents on the adverse effects of stream bank cultivation to the environment as well as to people. Awareness campaigns will also be carried out in collaboration with other Government stakeholders (Environmental Management Agency (EMA), ZRP, Forestry Commission, Parks and wildlife Authority and NGOs).
Residents will be educated about the statutory instruments that are used to enforce the laws against stream bank cultivation,” said Tabe.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) recently warned that Zimbabwe’s biggest inland lakes, Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi were under threat as most dams in the country have been highly affected by siltation.
Urban agriculture if practiced sustainably is of paramount importance as it supports the livelihoods of many, significantly reducing the cost of living for low income earners in the country.
However, in spite of its implications, Masvingo residents continue to defy odds by cultivating crops near streams with some urbanites being accused of damaging sewer infrastructure to water their maize plots along streams,
EMA is on record warning that streams are fragile and therefore should not be used for farming unless a conservation plan is in place as application of fertilizers within the river banks leads to water pollution through enrichment from dissolved nutrients.
This lead to dams being progressively reduced in volume and eventually filled up and also eutrophication poisons aquatic life, fish dying in dams while choking aquatic plants. Highly silted dams pose a threat as livestock can become stuck in the mud.
Backyard prep distributors on rise in Masvingo
By Virginia Njovo
Masvingo City Council health department has raised alarm over backyard distribution of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services in the commonage and has since partnered with Pangaea Zimbabwe Aids Trust (PZAT) to speak against the social ill and offer proper services.
Masvingo City Health and Environmental Services Department Director, Suzanne Madamombe told TellZim News that they were in the process of tracing the distributors and take appropriate measures.
“We are worried about unlicensed people offering health services in the residential areas. We are in the process of tracking down the people who are unlawfully distributing services which are harmful to residents. We are warning the peddlers that it is a punishable offence and we plead with members of the public to avoid getting health services in backyards as well as provide us with information that lead us to the offenders,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said Runyararo Clinic in partnership with PZTA was offering various PrEP options including Oral PrEP which is highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection, Injectable PrEP which was recently approved by Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
“We are offering PrEP vaginal ring for women which is a safe and effective method to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. As council we are offering awareness campaigns on the new PrEP methods which are user friendly at the clinic so there is no need to go to backyards.
Masvingo City Council Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika emphasised the need for residents to get services from authorized healthcare service providers to mitigate risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.
“Unregulated PrEP services may provide substandard or counterfeit medications which may lead to treatment failure and drug resistance which lead to health complications such as increased viral load and transmission,” said Jinjika.
She added that backdoor services did not allow proper monitoring of patients which is why it is always safer to seek for authorized health services.
“Backdoor services do not provide adequate monitoring as there will be difficulties in tracking treatment effectiveness or identify potential issues that may be of concern,” said Jinjika.
One sex worker who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were happy with the services being offered by the clinic saying it was convenient for them.
“The approval of injectable and ring PrEP is helping us as sex workers as it more convenient than taking orals on daily basis. We applaud the local authority and its partners for offering this service,” she said.