So kudya mari dzevanhu hakunei nechikoro nhai? I never knew this. Why did we waste our time going to school and being told kuti kana usina Maths hapana kwaunoenda hee what what, who knew that the guy who once took Zimbabwean problems in a satchel to Israel has no O’level kkkk seka zvako Mapombi. Zvandoona in this teapot shaped country, haaya. So the guy was busy inventing fake pills called Aguma without O level? I just remembered, what happened to that project? We could be talking of an HIV free generation izvezvi dai pasina kuzoita politics kkkk. But Magaya needs to be serious. Asi I wonder what is there kuZIFA. Why is it people who have something to do, infact people with something better to do are busy vying for the useless Zifa presidency, ana Mazodze vatori busy kudawo. I hear he is donating some of his O’level subjects to those who ran away from school. Is that guy a real doctor in the US? Akuda kutosiya zvese izvozvo only to be Zifa President? That guy’s melodrama needs to be studied because haa, the attention seeking is on another level. Kuita senge Sabhuku Mliswa kudaro? Hanzi Kingdom, royal what what, kkkkk. Whatever that guy smokes needs to be tested in a lab, he surely must be high on something. But ini hangu anything chinotanga naZ ndibvisei zvenyu, I don’t want. I don’t understand how people are battling for control of a broke Zifa to administer a football body in a country with no single functional stadium. Inga zvakaoma.
Has anyone managed to get a copy of Bonyongwe’s book? Please bring me ndimboverengawo and hear the guy’s contribution to Zimbabwe. I may be inspired to write mine; who doesn’t have a contribution to Zimbabwe? Inga Ba Two vakataura kudhara wani kuti nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. We all have a contribution and no one has a monopoly over nation building. I hate theories and I am not a theorist zvangu but I can smell something apa. Why now? Bonyongwe was silent since the November 17 coup paya only to resurface now. Is it strategic for him to come out now? Where was he all along? Why did he invite Chiwenga for the book launch? I may not be able to tell you what exactly is going on but at least I have given you something to think about. Something is cooking, don’t underestimate that Bonyongwe guy. If I am not mistaken, Itai Dzamara disappeared whilst he was at the helm of the intelligence system in Zimbabwe just like Ba 2 was Minister of State Security during Gukurahundi. I am not saying anything about the genocide and I just want to applaud the Second Republic for ensuring talks that may bring closure even though he doesn’t want to say SORRY. Just that: SORRY.
But this week is full of drama, ndoweek yakadissapear cash box with 20k from a Fawcett van kkkk. These guys are clowns. I am a human rights defender but mmm apa I would urge the police to use minimum force to get information from the crew. Sure vamwe vari kuita madeals ema4million and they take 20k, what nonsense is that, nxaaaa. Ok back to today’s issue. I know many of you just like me are wondering why Ba 2 reshuffled did or hameno what you may want to call it but he just swapped Shava and Murwira and it was out of the blue, no one suspected or anticipated that. Do you know this Shava guy was involved in the Willogate scandal and that is when he quit active politics? He is scandalous that guy and he and Ba 2 are the only guys who were in cabinet then and are still there. Something is fishy there, vanhu havarasane. Shava and ED know something that many of us do not know but I tell you, something is up watch and see. What I think is ED just like Ba Bona did not want his VP to succeed him and we all know how Uncle Bob tried to get rid of ED to pave way for G40. Remember apart from Chiwenga and Sexmore Hardy of the guchu fame, we have no other candidate for presidency come 2028. I just mentioned the guchu guy because he has been on record several times expressing interest for the highest office in the land but he is not presidential material at all. Kana zvavo havafitwi kana just looking at the face kkk. Chiwenga is better looking but we all know kuti Chigulani and will humiliate us when he goes out for UN meetings ava kuti every riving person should choose between a rita, a rofu and a racto kkkk. Yes he is not articulate just like his boss. Ok, so here is the isuue, Shava was at the international arena cultivating links in the region and the East as well. Now he has accomplished that, he needs now to work on the local politics kuti aonekerewo and build relations locally. Hamusi kuzvionawo? Ok underestimate him at your own peril but kana zvanetsesesa momuona anzi first VP and the hot seat inenge ina Kedha or PV. He is one dark horse who can be given tsvimbo yaMutapa and do the Kagame way. Remember they were together paDefence university at some point and has been to several UN missions just like Paul of Rwanda. Kusimuka kudai hakusi kumagona but I just wanted to share my views and musazoti handina kumbotaura. The Murwira guy is a fast learner. I heard someone saying that and we wish him well kuMinistry itsva ikoko lets watch and see. I just hope the new minister of higher and tertiary education will close all universities and allow companies to use the available graduates until they are all about to go for pension totanga zvitsva.
Enough about succession theories, hey although paZaka apo. What is happening between Zaka and ZACC? Makatadziranei chaizvo imi mune mazita akada kuenderana? I hear the toothless ZACC was back to Zaka and arrested Confidence who is an ally yaMaregedze who was arrested by the same ZACC two weeks ago. Imi mukati Zacc yacho pane chozikanwa here? No conviction will be made I tell you. This is just another catch and release, just to warn its fellows kuti mava kunyanyisa idyai zvishoma zvishoma the plate is not going anywhere. Seka zvako Mapombi, the two ladies from Zaka had picked a pace yekuti inotoda varume vane nhanho otherwise maisavabata kana. At least just putting the brakes will save people of Zaka a few thousand dollars because Mukau and Maregedze combination was something else. Anyway regai zvangu ndinokanga maputi angu for lunch but before I go, I just want to warn that the rainy season is fast approaching before Chimusana bridge construction begins. Hope they will not say we are being affected nekunaya so we will finish in 2027 and use it as a campaigning tool. Finish off the main bridge and start Chimusana ladies and gentlemen, remember its closer to the market where I stay and was named after our beloved first lady, the only person bold enough to call out Ba 2. Mukaonawo Mphoko please tell him kuti climate change is real and incubators are needed all year round saka kana kune akasara ngaaauye zvake andipe. Mboko imboko!!!
Succession drama: Is Shava the dark horse?
Harare’s Zororo Cemetery style coming to Masvingo
By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo City Council is proposing to replicate Harare’s Zororo Cemetery style, modeling existing cemeteries after the capital city one.
This was noted in meeting minutes of the Health, Housing and Environmental Services Committee conducted after a tour of Stone Cemetery, Lawn Cemetery and Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre.
According to the committee meeting minutes dated September 15, after the tour the Committee identified key areas for improvement proposing to establish a private cemetery similar to Zororo Cemetery located in Harare.
“During the tour, the Committee observed and highlighted the following; there was need to establish a private cemetery similar to Zororo Cemetery in Harare. There was need to demarcate graves using a thin slabbing similar to the concept used at Stone Cemetery and numbering of graves for easier identification; for a water supply and building of a shed.
“There was also need for water connection at Cambria Cemetery as well as construction of a small shed,” read the minutes.
The committee also proposed for the cemetery to have a uniform tombstone style like that at Masvingo Provincial Heroes Acre.
“A proposal was made for borrowing the style at Provincial Heroes Acre where the tombstones are identical and is used for them to be uniform and Masvingo City Council should produce tombstones and sell them,” read part of the minutes.
The Committee also toured Mucheke Hall and came up with a number of proposals including repairing of the roof and windows and replacement of doors and need for backup power solar system for the hall and library.
“There is need for refurbishment and equipping of the kitchen with working tables, electric and gas stoves. There is need for repair of toilets, procurement of gym equipment and rehabilitation of the Mucheke swimming pool,” read the report.
Couple in court for public indecency
By Rangarirai Shanyurai
A couple appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Catherine Tafira facing charges of public indecency after allegedly being caught having sexual intercourse in a parked vehicle near a cemetery.
The couple, James Mamvura and Natasha Mhita pleaded not guilty and were granted bail and will be back in court on on October 16.
It was the state’s case as presented by prosecutor Tichaona Chakavarika that on October 2, 2024 at around 1620 hours, Chikato ZRP team consisting of two sergeants and a constable were on patrol on their way going to Victoria Ranch when they saw a Toyota Hiace parked near Jairos Jiri Cemetery.
The court was told that the two saw a police vehicle approaching and they quickly dressed and tried to flee but failed as the road was narrow and were blocked.
The police instructed Mamvura to disembark from the vehicle and he complied. They searched the vehicle and saw an invalid vehicle registration number and insurance.
Mamvura in his defence however refuted the police’s claims that they were naked and being intimate saying he was seated at the driver’s seat while Mhita was at the front passenger seat.
He claimed that they were guarding the vehicle which belonged to his aunt and had had a mechanical fault and he had no driver’s licence.
He also claimed that the police took US$387 and the car keys from his pockets when they searched him which they did not return, which is why they lied that they had found them naked.
He said he confronted the police who took away his cellphone and he proceeded to Chikato Police station where he reported the matter but no action was taken only for them to be summoned three days later.
Musician laments lack of airplay
By Staff Reporter
A Zvishavane based reggae and jazz musician Brendon Nyasha Shanyurai known in the music cycles as Mr Walker has expressed frustration over the lack of fair play in the music industry in Zimbabwe.
“Despite increasing popularity and critical acclaim of hit songs like “Nyika” featuring Pardy music which I released last month (September), there is a sense that local radio stations and music platforms are not providing us with adequate airtime.
“The music industry in Zimbabwe is leaving a gap for the upcoming talented artists struggling to break through into the mainstream.
“I urge radio stations to give fair airplay to all artists regardless of their status,” said Shanyurai.
Shanyurai said despite winning several accolades in consecutive years, his music was yet to make it to national radio stations.
He however urged other artists in the industry to work hard despite challenges affecting the music industry.
“Despite facing challenges like financial constraints, limited air play and sponsors, I have remained resolute. I discovered that hard work pays and walking in faith keeps me going
“I have earned five people’s choice Great Dyke Awards between 2019 and 2023. Currently I have shared the stage with Bazooker at Mandava High School and I wish to collaborate with renowned artists inspiring new generation of musicians,” he said.
In 2019 he made waves in the music industry after the release of a cover song ‘Moyo Muti’ which was originally sang by Nyasha David which has captured the hearts of many.
Mr Walker said his music journey started in 2019 after finishing secondary education motivated by the desire to spread the gospel while singing for the public.
“My love affair with music began when I was young singing in church choirs and later on was inspired by Mbeu The Mhodzi Tribe. During my career I felt ‘Moyo Muti’ song made me who am I today. I have since dropped tracks like Never Give Up, Mudiwa Ndinouya and Zvakarongwa.
“My goal is to spread love and positivity through music teaching people to live in a Christian way,” he said.
Mr Walker said he was dreaming big and sees himself as a household name in the next five years encouraging others to put God first.
“I am confident that through hard work, unwavering determination and faith I will reach my goals and reach new heights in this industry and see myself becoming a household name in the next five years.
“To the upcoming musicians out there I encourage them to dream big, put God first and always have pride in their work and be passionate,” he said.
Currently, Shanyurai is working as a Diesel Plant Fitter at a local mine in Zvishavane while also working on his music career.
Born on June 25, 2000, Shanyurai attended school at Gresham Primary and Zvishavane High in Zvishavane after which he proceeded to Bulawayo Polytechnic College for tertiary education.
Declare education free for all: school heads
…. As government fails to pay BEAM fees for 2 years
By Meditation Mposi
Government has, for two years, failed to disburse funds to schools towards payment of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) fees after the programme was reintroduced, a development that has left many schools struggling.
While several school heads confirmed the issue, efforts to get a comment from the Minister of Public Service July Moyo and the Permanent Secretary Simon Masanga were futile as they were not picking up their phones, until the time of publishing. Masanga did not respond to WhatsApp and direct text messages sent on his number, despite the message indicating that it had been delivered.
Director for Communications in the Ministry of Education Taungana Ndoro confirmed the sad predicament of schools, saying the ministry was trying to engage relevant stakeholders, even though the programme was under the Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare.
“We are aware of the situation, but unfortunately the programme is under the Ministry of Public Service. However, some schools received part of the funds this year,” said Ndoro.
Zaka North legislator Ophias Murambiwa who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education said parliament was aware of the sad development, promising to look into the matter to find a lasting solution to the challenge.
“We had a joint tour of schools across the country with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ascertain the challenges affecting schools and learning. We noted several challenges and the BEAM issue was topical.
“We are going to call the Ministers of Primary and Secondary Education, Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare and Finance and Economic Development over the matter. We want to find common ground and a lasting solution to the challenge,” said Murambiwa.
School heads who spoke to TellZim News said schools especially those in rural areas were financially struggling, since a sizeable number of learners were on BEAM, with those who are not on the programme reluctant to pay fees as schools are not allowed to send away learners for non-payment of school fees.
School heads who spoke this publication on condition of anonymity said a programme which was supposed to be beneficial to both vulnerable learners and schools was becoming a burden to them, urging government to simply declare free education for all.
“Last year we had 63 learners out of 160 on BEAM. However, of the hundred who were not on the programme, less than 40 learners could afford to pay at least half of the fees. Total fees per term is US$30, which means last year the fees we received was less than US$2 000.
“In this case, what development do you think a school can register with such an amount per year? We urge the government to meet its end of the bargain or abandon the programme if they can’t afford it. Another option is to simply declare free education for all because very few learners are paying,” said the head.
Another head said the school had 170 learners and 55 were on BEAM, but because government was yet to pay the fees, the school was left on its knees as the remainder were also not paying.
“We cannot even afford to pay sport affiliation fees and even sending learners for sports is difficult. It is our appeal that the government pays up so that we can finish projects and start new ones. Parents are now accusing us of not developing the schools whereas it’s not our problem,” said the head.
Another head from Masvingo District said the school had 120 learners out of 350 in 2023 and 117 out of 355 leaners in 2024 on BEAM with a fees structure of US$50 per term.
“The government owes the school about US$18 000 for 2023 fees alone and that amount is so significant for our school. We can do lot of development but currently, we are not doing anything because the little we are getting from the few who are paying is going towards the day-to-day running of the school,” said the head.
The heads lamented the criterion used to select beneficiaries, as well as the timing of selection and payment of the fees when government decided to pay.
“Selection of BEAM beneficiaries is done from mid-term first term or even towards the end of the term. This results in some children starting school mid-term or beginning of the second term.
“The guidelines on BEAM selection are not clear; some communities allocate themselves beneficiaries following a quota system. That means every village head within the school catchment area brings forward his/ her prospective beneficiaries and that promotes corruption.
“BEAM funds are paid, if ever they come at all, in valueless local currency. To cite an example, in 2022 our fees were RTGS8000/ US$40 and if they come now, it’s less than a dollar per child. They are either paid very late or are not paid at all,” said the school head.
Another head said the selection of beneficiaries was done at primary schools, which affect secondary schools, exposing the programme to being overtaken by politicians.
“Selection of BEAM beneficiaries for secondary schools is done at primary schools and very often without representation of secondary schools. This inconveniences the secondary schools.
“BEAM Selection Committees tend to be partisan depending on the personality or professionalism of the local ward councilor who presides over the selection process itself,” said the head.
Another one said the government approach to BEAM hurt schools, because the blame would be laid on the heads who are forced to clean the mess, at the same time not being allowed to send learners away to bring fees for school progression.
“The government’s haphazard and partisan approach to the BEAM issue is impacting negatively on the way schools operate thereby hindering development. The government often resorts to blaming school heads when school development plans are derailed or ground to a halt.
“Arrogance by the government results in the same problems being repeated year after year because it does not empathize with school heads whom they force to clean up the mess they would have created. They deliberately set school administrations on a collision course with communities and that is really bad,” said the head.
Another head said government should stop threatening school heads who send learners home to collect fees and yet its school heads who should threaten government for failing to pay fees.
The heads concurred that if BEAM continued then the government was fast-tracking destruction of the once vibrant education system.
They further said the government was supposed to declare free education for all if it cannot continue paying and must be reminded there was urgent need for constructive engagement of all stakeholders, particularly school heads, who know what’s required in schools as the bad habit of dictating from the comfort of their offices was destroying the country’s future.
BEAM was established in 2001 by the government of Zimbabwe as part of the Enhanced Social Protection Programme (ESPP) the objective was to provide basic education to everyone in Zimbabwe including students who could not afford school fees such as orphans and vulnerable children.
Since its introduction, the number of beneficiaries has varied depending on the year as well as selection criterion, and currently, it is supposed to benefit a total of 1 515 047 learners.
In February this year Masanga was quoted saying the government had cleared arrears for 2022 and was left with 2023 and 2024, with an allocation of ZW$808 087 608 000 for the two years.
Mucheke, Chimusana bridges completion remains veiled
By Perpetua Murungweni
After years of false starts, Mucheke and Chimusana bridges refurbishment seems to be taking shape but the timelines remain a maze as responsible authorities are failing to provide information on the progress as well as the amount of money to be used for the projects.
The commencement of construction on two bridges had brought relief and renewed hope to the people of Masvingo who remain eager to know when the projects will be completed and the set budget, with the rainy season fast approaching.
Traffic congestion is a common feature on the highway, with long and winding vehicle queuing the stretch from the Central Business District (CBD) to Masvingo Polytechnic during peak hours of the day affecting traffic flow.
Ministry of Public works Engineer Shadreck Kativhu refused to comment on the progress of the Mucheke and Chimusana Bridges saying that public works department was only responsible with the monitoring of the project.
“I cannot comment on the progress of the project because as public works we are only responsible with monitoring and maintaining the project, nothing more. The person who can comment on that is the provincial roads engineer,” said Kativhu.
Masvingo Provincial roads Engineer Augustine Chingwereve, referred the reporter back to Eng. Kativhu claiming that he could not comment on the matter because he was on leave.
“I am on leave at the moment and I cannot comment on the issue, please contact Eng. Kativhu to assist you,” said Chingwereve.
Kativhu once again referred questions to one Engineer Zindoga from the head office who also failed to comment and referred questions to the secretary for transport.
“Such request should be sent to the secretary for transport, she is the one who then assigns an engineer to help her respond,” said Zindoga.
Secretary for Transport Joy Makumbe also declined to comment and said she had forwarded the request to the publicity officer Judith Nhau.
“I forwarded your request to the publicity officer Judith Nhau, please follow up with her,” Makumbe said.
Nhau answered the phone once before dropping the call and the number kept saying busy several times later.
A routine report seen by this publication however indicated that the construction of the Mucheke Chevron Bridge was expected to be completed in February 2025 and gave an outline of the three bridges.
“Three bridges are now being built across the Mucheke River Bridge on the Harare-Masvingo Beitbridge Road in Masvingo. The first bridge is under construction next to the Chevron Hotel. The other two bridges will form part of the north and southbound carriageways of the Masvingo City Bypass at Chimusana.
“Mucheke Chevron Bridge is a 60 m-long double-lane bridge forming the northbound carriageway of a new 4-lane dual carriageway across the Mucheke River. The old bridge will form part of the southbound carriageway. Construction of the Mucheke Chevron Bridge commenced in June 2024 and is scheduled for completion in February 2025.
“Chimusana structures consist of two new double-lane bridges, each 74m long, forming a 4-lane dual carriageway on the Masvingo City Bypass. The western bridge will carry northbound traffic, while the eastern bridge will carry southbound traffic. Construction of these two bridges commenced in August 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in May 2025,” read the report.
The report added that the construction of the bridge was going to ease congestion in the CBD, as traffic with no business in town will be able to use Chimusana to avoid mixing with city traffic.
“Construction of the bridges is going to benefit Masvingo City by decongesting the CBD. Traffic with no business in the city will be able to bypass the town and avoid mixing with the slower city traffic.
“Decongesting the city means, smooth traffic flow in the city and this will reduce vehicle idling time while waiting to drive across the bridge, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. Pedestrian traffic will have wider foot walks and be separated from vehicular traffic by physical barriers, enhancing pedestrian safety,” the report read.
In their 2012/13 budget, Masvingo City Council had proposed US$800 000 for the widening of Chimusana Bridge and in 2014 council then indicated that the same project needed at least US$2.5million. The council, then under the late Town Clerk Adolf Gusha claimed that the money that was proposed in the 2012 council budget was never collected as residents failed to pay their bills.
In 2018, government cancelled a tender to modernize the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway that had been awarded to Austrian firm, Geiger International and awarded it to five local companies namely Masimba Holdings, Exodus and Company, Fossil Contracting, Bitumen World and Tensor.
In 2022 Masimba Construction Company was the contracted to construct additional bridges on Mucheke River in Masvingo which were aimed at reducing congestion along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP 2).
Recently, Masimba Holdings issued a notice on the closure to traffic of Chimusana bridge starting from September 17, saying it was meant for the continuation of the Harare-Beitbridge roadworks, but to date, the bridge is yet to be closed.
Sunday Super League kicks off
By Meditation Mposi
The battle for the Sunday Super soccer League which covers four districts of Masvingo Province began on October 6, 2024 with 15 teams from across the districts.
The league is made up of Ngundu FC, Dare FC, Shongamiti FC, Gwatipedza FC, Predators FC, Tokwe Mukosi FC, Runesu FC, Chasiya FC from Chivi; four teams from Mwenezi district which includes Lundi Tigers, Mususu, Zizhou, Hlezani; two teams from Masvingo district namely Chiwawa FC , Renco Juniors and one from Chiredzi district which is Chisase FC.
Super Sunday League president Tamuka Dewa said the aim of the league was to make societies free from drug, substance abuse and to groom young talent.
“We have more than 5 players who joined Division 1 side Renco FC. We aim to continue entertaining communities and to fight against drug and substance abuse and domestic violence,” said Dewa.
The league’s Technical Director Baureni Baureni said the league began peacefully and urged communities to rally behind their teams.
“First games were played peacefully and I want to believe that we have started well and we will finish in the same spirit of sportsmanship. Let’s support the teams and promote a healthier community,” said Baureni.
He also said he is expecting intense competition from the league.
“The league is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams capable of pulling off surprises like Zizhou FC against the traditional powerhouse Renco Juniors and Gwatipedza FC. This unpredictability adds excitement to the season. The 2024-2025 Sunday Super League season promises to be thrilling, with intense competition at both ends of the table,” said Baureni.
Last season Gwatipedza Football Club (FC) was crowned the champion of the league while Renco Mine Juniors lifted the off-season tournament that was played at Shongamiti, last year.
On the first matches of the 2024 season played on October 6, Lundi Tigers won 1 -0 against Predators, Zizhou won 4-1 against Real Chisase Academy, Chiwawa won 1-0 against Renco Juniors, Shongamiti lost to Mususu 1-2, Dare won 2-I against Hlezani and Chasiya and Gwatipedza drew 1-1.
Charles Austin Theatre produces ‘Tuku naDazzie’ play
By Meditation Mposi
Masvingo’s Charles Austin Theatre will on Friday (October 18) perform a theatre play titled ‘Tuku naDazzie’ written by Theatre Director Mhlauli Mlalazi.
The play, inspired by late legendary musician Oliver Mutukudzi’s family debacle that spilled into the media over the past few weeks, was directed by actor and veteran writer Tichamupei Comfort Chivore.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mlalazi said Tuku na Dazzie was an intriguing two man play which will feature actor and poet Millicent Chapwanya and Partson ‘Uncle Santa’ Nyahura’
“Tuku na Dazzie is a two-men play which will be acted by Nyahura (Uncle Santa) featuring Chapwanya and is directed by Chivore.
Mlalazi said he wrote the play some time ago but could not find a suitable name for it until he came across musician Selmor Mutukudzi’s song ‘Kugara namainini’ online, which seemed to have been inspired by the late music maestro’s daughters’ upbringing.
“I wrote this play the first time and struggled to get a suitable name until I came across Selmor Mtukudzi’s recent song Kugara namainini on social media.
“So I am inviting everyone to come, enjoy and see what’s happening on ‘Tuku na Dazzie’ at Charles Austin on Friday.
“The performance will start at 1830hours, ending at 2000hours and the gate fee is USD$2 per person. Tickets are now available at Charles Austin theatre,” said Mlalazi.
USAID, MDTC donate project to Chiredzi communities
By Tatiana Mhararira
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) partnered with Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) to support vulnerable households in Chiredzi through the El Nino-induced Drought Response and Adaptation for Rural Communities Project worth more than US$960 000.
The project will benefit 8 600 individuals and around 33 700 livestock living in wards 10, 13, 14 and 15 of Chiredzi district.
The project seeks to enhance access to water, sanitation and hygiene services for members of the community. The project will also improve livestock productivity, accessing markets and increasing incomes to mitigate the challenges faces by these El Nino induced drought.
Chiredzi district is located in Lowveld which lies in natural region 5 was negatively affected by El Nino induced drought which reduced crop yields and this drought caused the villagers in the drought stricken area to suffer from hunger.
The MDTC project’s main agenda includes rehabilitating 15 boreholes with nine of them being converted to solar powered allowing women and girls to get access to clean water and travel short distances to fetch water.
In a press release released by MDTC it said there will be a training session for community members on water point management and promotion of good hygiene.
“To support long term sustainability, the project will provide training for water point user committees (WPUCs) and community members who manage the use of the pump, on the operation and maintenance of water points.
“The project will promote good sanitation and hygiene among 750 individuals, establish 15 community health clubs and promote latrine construction at household levels to reduce open defecation.
Mwenezi Development Training Centre Executive Director, Promise Makoni said MDTC is proud to be first partners to receive donations from USAID.
“MDTC is proud to be the first local non-governmental organisation to receive successive awards from USAID.MDTC is grateful for the continued support and partnership with USAID, which has enabled it to improve the livelihoods of thousands of vulnerable families in Chiredzi, ”said Makoni.
The Lowveld is popularly known for producing small grains such as sorghum and millet and the area receives rainfall below 650mm annually, and 2024 harvesting season has led the region to get low yields with the drought being the catalysts of hunger.
Chivi man found dead in suspected hit-and-run
By Meditation Mposi
A Chivi man’s dead body was found lying in the middle of the road with lower limbs broken along the Ngundu-Tanganda road in what is suspected to be a hit-and-run incident.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Kefias Emmanuel (36) on October 8 and encouraged drivers to help victims whenever they are involved in an accident.
“I confirm the death of Kefias Emmanuel of Madzivire Village, Chivi along the Ngundu-Tanganda Road and I urge drivers to help victims whenever they are involved in an accident to save lives rather than running away,” said Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on October 7 at around 1800hours Emmanuel left home to Ngundu Business Centre for a beer drink and never returned. The following day at around 0400hours, Alicious Zondo (52) a bus driver from Tshovani Township Chiredzi was driving along the Ngundu-Tanganda Road when he saw Emmanuel’s body lying on the road and reported to the police.
The police established that Emmanuel’s body had been dragged for about 20metres and his lower limbs had been broken.
The body was taken to Neshuro District Hospital for postmortem while the next of kin was advised.
The Ngundu-Tanganda road has become a hotspot in Masvingo Province as many accidents are recorded on the road time and again.
On September 7, 2024 at around 2200hours at 100km peg along the Ngundu-Tanganda Road, Emmanuel Munyanyi (44) of Chiredzi was driving a truck with a trailer carrying sugarcane when the truck encroached to the right lane of the road hitting the behind wheel of Richard Mukwazvure(34) ‘s car which was driving due East with five passengers on board.
Mukwazvure’s car went off-road, overturned and landed on its roof and the driver died on the spot while three passengers sustained minor injuries.
On June 28, another accident occurred at 101 km peg along the same road when a pirate taxi driver, Simbarashe Muparuri(25), lost control of the vehicle and it overturned twice. Muparuri sustained head injuries and died on his way to Chiredzi General Hospital. Four other passengers were injured in the accident while two of them sustained serious injuries.
On July 22, another fatal road traffic accident occurred at the 70kilometre peg along Ngundu Tanganda road in which eight people died while two others were injured when a Toyota Probox vehicle with nine passengers on board veered off the road and overturned several times throwing all passengers out before landing on it’s right side.