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Rural-based funeral service provider brings hope to Serima

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Serima Funeral Logistics, a unique and rural-based funeral service provider established in the heart of Serima area in Gutu to offer affordable services to the rural folk in Serima and Gutu District at large is set to bring relief.
The funeral service provider is a brainchild of Gutu’s ward 5 Councillor, Daniel Mutunzi and was established in March 2023 to reduce the challenges faced by mourners before burying their loved ones.
Speaking to TellZim News, Mutunzi said he witnessed the challenges faced by the community during funerals and thought of establishing the service company which he said will offer a wide range of funeral-related services and expressed hopes for expansion from the area to the whole district.
“The funeral cover offers a range of services including financial assistance for travel, utensils for food preparation and storage, tools, cement for grave construction and coffins.
“The organization is currently only serving the Serima area but we have plans to expand to surrounding areas by 2025 and become a leading funeral service provider not only in Gutu,” said Mutunzi.
He said he was running the organization with his peers Alex Chakona, Munyaradzi Chipoterwa and Tonhorai Mutsau and said more than 200 people had already subscribed to the service provider.
“The programme has attracted over 200 members, who are required to pay a US$20 registration fee and US$3 monthly subscriptions.
“Serima Funeral Logistic is poised to make a significant impact in the community, bringing relief and support to those in need,” said Mutunzi.

Youth leader Mhoka launches book on leadership

By Decide Nhendo

The visionary and founder of Vision Bearers Leaders Institute Tawanda Mhoka last weekend launched his much-anticipated book “The Leadership Mandate” at Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo.
People from various fields including businessmen, clergy, and academics converged at the Flamboyant Hotel to witness the launch of Mhoka’s first inspirational and empowering book.
The book delves into the essential qualities, principles, and practices that define effective leadership, to equip current and aspiring leaders with tools for effective leadership.
This groundbreaking work challenges conventional leadership norms and introduces a refreshing framework aimed at empowering leaders to effect meaningful change.
Speaking at the launch Mhoka emphasized the urgency for Africa to take the lead in shaping its leadership narrative.
“It is time to stand with Africa and take the leadership we deserve with a collective effort to embrace a new era of leadership,” said Mhoka.
He said the book was a good guideline to people who are leading in their different walks of life and he stated its potential to sculpt them into finer leaders.
“As “The Leadership Mandate” gains traction, it promises to be an essential resource for leaders committed to driving positive change and redefining the future of leadership in Africa and beyond,” said Mhoka.
In a landscape often characterized by stagnant practices and outdated paradigms, Mhoka’s insights are particularly timely. By encouraging leaders to rethink their approaches, “The Leadership Mandate” positions itself as a transformative guide essential for those aspiring to make a positive impact.
My Age Zimbabwe Director Onward Gibson Chironda aptly described the book as a game-changer for leadership development.
“This book by Mr Mhoka has the potential to revolutionize how leaders operate within their organizations and communities as it molds their knowledge to lead,” said Chironda.
Mhoka is a holder of National Diploma in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Ethics and Organizational Leadership. He has earned several leadership certificates from institutions including the Pan African Leadership Institute and the Inspirational School of Leadership.
He is the grants and compliance manager at My Age Zimbabwe.

Francis Aphiri scoops Masvingo Mayor’s trophy

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Francis Aphiri Primary school recently scooped Masvingo Mayor’s trophy Award together with three other awards after dominating the Olympic ball games played by local council schools in May this year.
The award presentation was done at a colorful ceremony held at Civic Center, Masvingo on August 2.
The award, presented by Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe recognizes the importance of sport in schools and the games played include soccer, netball, volleyball, tennis ball, rugby, and handball.
Francis Aphiri Primary School won four trophies in rugby, handball, soccer, and the Mayors trophy Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Tabe said the trophy was meant to recognize and celebrate talent and sports champions in the city’s council-run schools.
“Sports have been a powerful force, uniting us across boundaries and inspiring us to reach to reach for greatness. They teach us the value of teamwork, discipline and relentless pursuit of excellence. During this tournament, we had eight sporting disciplines and it is our wish that we increase the sporting disciplines and participants.
“Winning an award in sports is not just about the accolades, it is a testament to countless hours of hard work, overcoming obstacles and unwavering commitment to one’s craft,” said Tabe.
He went on to say school heads and sports masters were supposed to make sure that their respective learners reach national and international levels.
“To our award recipients, achievements are a source of inspiration for all of us. You have shown us what is possible when we dare to dream big and push beyond our limits. Your stories of triumph remind us that success is not handled to us, it is earned through resilience and unyielding spirit,’ said Tabe.
Francis Aphiri School Head John Muzamani said this victory did not only represent hard work and commitment but serves as a testament to the special leadership and coaches.
“We are happy to receive this award, which would not have been possible without the collective effort of our students, staff, and parents. We are proud to be part of this community and look forward to continuing to nurture young talents,” said Muzamani.

Called to Belong – A Biblical Reflection!

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By Rev Dr Isiah Dhliwayo

In a world filled with division and isolation, the concept of belonging holds significant value. As people we are not meant to journey alone but rather to find connection and purpose within the body of Christ.
It is vital to delve into the essence of belonging from a biblical perspective, exploring the profound calling we have to be part of God’s family just as the human body functions harmoniously with its various parts, so too are we called to work together in love and unity.
We are created for community, fashioned for fellowship, and formed for a family, and none of us can fulfill God’s purposes by ourselves. “The Bible knows nothing of solitary saints or spiritual hermits isolated from other believers and deprived of fellowship”,(Rick Warren in The Daniel Plan ).
In the book of Genesis, we see that from the very beginning, God created humans for relationship—with Himself and with one another. Genesis 2:18 emphasizes that it is not good for man to be alone, highlighting our inherent need for companionship and connection.As individuals created in the image of a relational God, we are designed to thrive in community.
As humans, our greatest desire is to know and be known, to love and be loved and to feel confident that those who know and love us will be there for us through joy and trouble.
To belong to Jesus is to abide in the love that surpasses all understanding. His love is not fleeting; it is a steadfast, unwavering force that calls us to remain in its embrace. It is a divine love that guides, sustains, and empowers us in our journey of faith. “ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Even in the perfect, sinless environment of Eden, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18a NIV).
When we interact with God, we stimulate the cingulate cortex portion of our brains. It is in this experience that we can feel known and understood, and then we can recognize that we are not alone. This is how our joyful bond with God grows, and we become secure in our identity in Him.
Relationships are the most important part of life. We all desire to be connected to others. The greatest joy a human can feel is the joy of being securely connected or attached to others. The greatest type of pain a human can feel is relational pain, which is experienced through loss, rejection and loneliness
In essence, to be called to belong is to embrace our divine purpose as members of the body of Christ, united in love and fellowship. As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, may we remember that our journey is not solitary but one nurtured within the warmth of Christian community. Let us strive to live out this calling with humility, grace, and compassion, embodying the essence of belonging as we walk.

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Bikita Chief escalates environmental preservation

By Decide Nhendo

A Bikita West chief is embarking on environmental preservation practices, escalating his role as a traditional leader in sustainable environment management.
Acting Chief Marozva, real name Ishmael Mude said he was engaging communities while monitoring their activities to make sure that they were not practicing activities that do not harm the environment.
Mude said they were clearing the invasive lantana cammara bushes threatening other natural plants in the district.
“We have started cutting down Lantana Camarra since it is affecting our crops because it is increasing in the area as well as promoting awareness on its challenges to the environment.
“We are also educating the people that trees are important, if we cut them haphazardly it will worsen the climate crisis because grass and trees will no longer be there to stop soil erosion.
“We also have a challenge with people who are cutting down trees to make money at the growth point and Bikita Minerals, even though we tell them that it is illegal, the challenge persists,” Marozva said.
He added that they were fining those found cutting down trees though the fines were too low, with little correctional impact as people were not feeling the pain hence they continue committing the crime at the expense of the environment.
“Eeven though we caution people against cutting trees, they still do so because the fines are too little and they can simply cover the fines from the cash they are getting from selling firewood,” said Marozva.
He also urged local people to keep on doing green community gardens where they produce food for sustenance in the face of El Nino, countering the climate crisis.
“I encourage all the people in Marozva to take initiatives like green gardens because they will be able to produce food like green vegetables, onions, and tomatoes to sell so they can fend for their families,” he said.

Tourist breaks down in court after being denied bail

By Perpetua Murungweni

Lucas Slavik, a citizen of the Czech Republic, broke down in tears in court after he was denied bail by Masvingo Magistrate Franklin Mukwananzi on August 6, 2024.
Slavik was arrested on August 1, 2024, on charges of spreading falsehoods after he was allegedly seen by police detail recording a video on his cellphone at a local lodge.
Through his lawyer Knowledge Mabvuure of Chihambakwe Law Chambers, Slavik applied for bail, which was denied by the court, saying he was a flight risk and was ordered to come back for trial on August 16, 2024.
Despite efforts by his defense to convince the court that his client was ready to surrender his passport and all his traveling documents, citing efforts by Czech Republic Embassy to secure bail for their citizen to ensure that he attends trial.
The state, led by Prosecutor Tarisai Muvengi blocked the bail application arguing that the tourist was a flight risk.
“The state is opposing granting the accused bail because we fear that if he is granted bail he was going to abscond trial. The accused person is also a foreigner with no permanent interest in the country therefore he is likely going to run away,” said Muvengi.
Muvengi also argued that the Czech Republic was not present in the court to confirm the support they were going to give to their citizens and even if they were going to render that support, he said the state was afraid that the accused was going to interfere with the state’s outstanding witnesses.
“The state cannot grant the accused person bail because the Czech Republic is not present here in this court to confirm the support to their citizen, and if they are going to render that support the accused will be staying at Backpackers Lodge and we fear that the accused is going to interfere with our outstanding witnesses who are workers at Backpackers,” said Muvengi.
It is the state’s case that Slavik was arrested outside the Backpackers Lodge, where he was found recording a video claiming there was no water or electricity, and that he could not even shave.
Another Ugandan national Tom Ssekamwa was arrested alongside Slavik for possession of sex toys and appeared before Mukwananzi for bail, which was also denied under the same circumstances. He was also ordered to return to court on August 16, 2024 for trial.
Masvingo Police confirmed that they seized Slavik and Ssekamwa’s gadgets which include laptops, cameras, and cellphones, for further investigation.

MP Makumire donates textbooks to Chishamiso primary

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – With the Zimbabwean National Treasury yet to disburse the 2023 and 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Chiredzi Central Constituency Member of Parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire recently donated Grade 7 textbooks to Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) run Chishamiso Primary School in Hippo Valley.
He donated 90 textbooks said to be worth US$700 to Chishamiso Primary School, with an enrolment of about 500 pupils in a bid to improve their pass rate to compete with urban schools like Tshovani Primary School.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the school Makumire said he decided to donate after parents pleaded that the school’s pass rate was falling drastically due to shortages of textbooks.
“During our feedback meeting with parents at Chishamiso Hall, they said that there was need to boost the passrate by providing textbooks which were slowly becoming a crisis at the school and I have responded by bringing textbooks,” said Makumire.
The textbooks donated included Plus One English, Plus One Mathematics, Plus One Agric, Science and Technology, Plus One Social Science, and Rodzapfungwa.
Makumire told TellZim News that he wanted to improve the quality of education in the constituency, which is on number four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Number four of the SDGs speaks of Quality Education, which is one of the key elements I want to focus on developing in my constituency,” said Makumire.
The school’s head Ruth Mahlerema Chademana welcomed the development which she highlighted will go a long way in improving the school’s grade seven results.
“Though we are only left with a few weeks towards our examinations, we are going to put these books to good use to yield a better result,” said Chademana.

Opposition, HRDs, activists hounded ahead of SADC Summit

By TellZim Reporter

MASVINGO – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit set to begin in Harare on August 17 when President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be sworn in as the next Chairperson for the regional body seems to have triggered government’s state machinery which has launched a crackdown on opposition, human rights activists and any perceived dissenting voices.
Several activists and those perceived influential are being harassed, with their cellphones being forcefully seized while state operatives hunt for information that may be considered inciting or tainting the country’s image.
Some have since relocated in fear of being targeted by arbitrary arrests, with reports of security agents forcefully seizing activist cellphones, invading their WhatsApp chat groups and sending inquiry messages to leaders of any possible demonstration ahead of the summit.
Human rights lawyer and Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri said they had since lost count of people who were threatened by members of the security forces and said they were targeting opposition political leadership, activists and human rights defenders.
“I don’t have the exact number of people who were arrested or threatened but there are so many who have been visited by the security agents. They use unmarked vehicles and they ask several questions, especially who is planning demos.
“Several people have been arrested in a very short space of time and I have received several calls from some who would have been threatened or arrested,” said Mureri.
He said a number of them were no longer comfortable living alone especially at night as they fear being abducted.

A journey of Masvingo Hockey’s rising star Alea Ashely Musakaruka

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Alea Ashely Musakaruka (19) a student at Kyle College in Masvingo is rising in the field of Hockey, as she was recently selected to join the Zimbabwe Women’s National Team while still in high school.
Musakaruka, born on August 2, 2005, started playing hockey in grade 4 at Kyle Preparatory School where all juniors needed to play at least one sport.
She said her talent was discovered by the coaches when she was in grade 5 and started playing for the senior team.
“In 2016 when l was in grade 5, l was already playing for the senior school team and I perfected my skills through practice until I joined the provincial team the very same year. My dedication has earned me a place in the Zimbabwe Women’s National Team and will be on national duty this August,” said Musakaruka.
She holds several positions in sports at Kyle College as she also participates in track events and tennis ball.
“I am the first team Girls Hockey Captain with full school colours, Girls Athletics Captain with half colours, Head of Sports Committee and the Orion House Captain.
“I am a flexible athlete, shining in both track, field and tennis ball where I made a name for myself representing Zimbabwe in the schools Tennis tournament,” said Musakaruka.
Musakaruka said in five years, her goal was to excel in hockey while pursuing aeronautical studies in aviation and she believes with hard work, determination and faith she will make it.
“Within the next five years, I will be far in hockey while pursuing higher education in aeronautical studies and aviation. I am confident that through hard work, unwavering determination and faith. I will successfully achieve my goals and reach new heights in both academia and athletics.
“Balancing school and sport especially hockey is very straining especially when you are studying Advanced Level mathematics and physics. However I am trying my best with the support of my family and friends who endlessly encourage me,” she said.
Musakaruka encouraged other young athletes around Zimbabwe to put God first and be dedicated to what they do if they are to make it.
“To the young athletes out there I encourage you to dream big, put God first and always have pride and passion. With dedication and perseverance you can achieve your goals,” she said.

The Genarari is back!

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Ladies and gentlemen, these days I am lying low because you never know, unogona kungovatamo. The state machinery is well-greased these days no one is safe, zvokwadi unoswera wanzi you are a regime change agent. Seni who will bring me machicken inn kujeri sevamwe veHarare uko, kana mabanana akaora zvawo. All those who talk too much like me are being targeted hama dzangu, and pakatoipa, bva achazara majeri. There are some things that this government is not even attempting to learn to do better, especially when it comes to embarrassing itself. Vaenzi vouya vana vose vari muzvizarira here nhai veduwe? Zvekunyadzisa pane vaenzi Regerai Vakomana.Munasvodawo imi please. With each dawning day, Baba Two and crew find a reason to frustrate citizens, further pushing them to the edge, muri vana Mwari here imi? What I do not understand however is the thought process behind all these arrests, because if it’s the image that they want to protect, don’t they think it’s even worse cracking down on voices of dissent, which in any case will be published everywhere by all and sundry? Agonyarara Hopewero zvekusungwa kwevanhu? Again, it’s only further feeding the narrative of what the country is known for, mahuman rights abuses and being ruthless. The vultures will be waiting for moments like these, and zvinosvota kuti isu matrue patriotic citizens who actually care about Zimbabwe tinongobatanidzirwa mukushorwa imomo, tingori vanhu vekunyika kunosungwa matourist. During the past few weeks, pana sisi vekuAmerica vanoita zvemadrama vanozikanwa chaizvo vanonzi Tiffany Haddish who was in the country, busy being surprised that we have grocery stores muZimbabwe. She was fascinated vapinda mustoro vachiona organic food, and it’s clear that she used to think kuti tichiri kuita barter trade kumariketi aya ekare aya. If that does not embarrass you as a Zimbabwean then I don’t know what will. Zvosvodesa zviya, and we do not have the capacity to fight back or beat the allegations while we are busy arresting tourists on trumped up charges. Kungotaura kuti hakuna magetsi nemvura ndakonewa kugera ndebvu dzangu, zvotonzi henaroo, huyai pano, mune mhosva baba. Masvingo yakatoiswawo pamap nenyaya yekusungwa kwemunhu wekuCzech uko, munoti who will care that we have the world-renowned Great Zimbabwe Monuments pakadai? If anything, those who claim to be patriotic ndovasitori because vanotisekesa, imi maZanu, ndati hamusi patriotic, kana matsamwa ndogara pazasi pepaChitima apoo. At this rate we shall forever remain a laughing stock, apa tichiti we were breathing a sigh of relief from that era where everyone was a trillionnaire makore aBhobho. Banana Republic of note. Musatidaro hama dzangu because even those who went to the diaspora nemaCOS anongorehwa aya havana kana chiremerera, zvongonzi vanhu vekukanyika kaya, even though we have a lot to offer, iyezvino our boys got into Olympics finals vakazosara havo. Bva Joji takaguta naye ungati he is the best father of the year apa he was known for boxing his wife, kkkkk. Dr Gire vamboripikoo, she is the one vaigona kutivhurira mafaira pamusoro paJoji zvakanaka naka, handiti vaimbopakura tea vose kumisangano mikuru? Asi Dr Amai paiva nebasavo paya.
Ko nhaimi, what is happening kumusangano wekuwandira kumasero uyu? Yes, a lot happens there everyday but it seems like a different wind is blowing. Generari Mkwenyana is now coming out of the thickets like a cat which has many lives. Hanzi zvemafactions regerai vakomana. He didn’t mince his words when he said musangano haukwani muhomwe memunhu. If my memory serves me well, those words haangobudi from the mouth of someone who is in Zanu’s top leadership, something is brewing. Vana madokudya tovaziva, vanenge vave kutoti ngavatonge kusvika vave muwheelchair, we saw it with Mugabe, but hanzi naGenarari Chandaizment hoo makasa, musangano wakasimbira muconstitution. I am just very keen on seeing how Generari will use the constitution to assert his position, or takaenda takaenda kunaNovember 2017. I digress, does anyone notice kuti whenever Genarari Kedha speaks there is some militancy in his tone that just sends shivers through the spine? Kamwe kaauthority so that you don’t see elsewhere? Maybe ndini hangu but I actually think that man mmm, bhasopo loinja, in a fascinating way though, because it sounds as if he has the game plan right in his pocket. Hanzi naGuvheya loyalty should be to the party, not to an individual, vana Mai Welly nanaBaba Nyengu. He said Chiwenga will come and go, whatever that meant, kuitira vaya mabootlicker who were already running mad mobilising support to a mandate that had already been rejected nemuridzi ED wacho. Time time you are the ones vanofurira imi vekumasero imimi because we see you copying Mugabe’s playbook, zvanaendorsement chakuti izvozvi. Maybe Baba Two was genuinely not interested in the 2030 agenda, because he knows it will not go unchallenged, makutovakonanisa naGuvheya paya. I know you are afraid of facing what happened to maG40 when Bhobho was deposed, because murikuba nekuvhura hombe mukati umu, but manje seapa, Genarari varikutodawo, so poitwa sei? If I was muZanu I would very wisely find a way to align myself kwandinoona kunogona kubuda tsoro iri nani, but then again, tinenge takangofanana vuno zasi, vanenge vasingatoziviwo zviri kuitika mukati kati meJongwe House. Mofunga sekuti Guvheya will be happy kudadirwa nevanhu vaakabatsira kupinda panyanga after vadzingwa mabasa nemashefu avo? Panotoda treading carefully apa, chero zvazvo isu maZimba chaiwo chaiwo we know kuti ndozvimwe gudo nemunhu, we can only celebrate the drama when it happens not kufarira n’anga tichiti mudzimu. Once bitten twice shy. I am just waiting hangu to see if this time we will still have the tankers rolling in the streets, like that proverbial November day, tombonzwawo mweya wehuChimbwido mbwido so,kkkkkk. Ahh ko paya ndaitonzwa kunge gandanga rabva musangozve kunonyisa mabhunu 1980, but nhamo ndoyakazongondirangaridza zhira yekwangu kuChitima ndikanokweva zvimachira zvangu zvemutowenyemba mushanga maMucheke. Taiva tatizve nhamo off, shift focus, Ba Bona zvavazorodzwa, kkkk. Baba Two vakati pachipo hama dzangu, dzikamai. Ko nhai VaMavhaire kubva vanyarara kudaro? Kuti zii sevasiko havo. Chete vagoidii vachingoitiswa nanaNero.
Back to the General, he might not be a better devil like we have seen with his boss; remember when he called our doctors skilled rebharas for demanding better working conditions. Manje manje apa he threatened kuremadza mamoney changer. I am just thinking zvangu kuti he is always the face of threats and violence, and believe me you, ED knows that. Ndopamunoti alternative ipapo, hameno zvenyu. Chakatanga ndochakachenjedza, bva tinogonzwa here?
Anyway, let me go ndinokanga maputi angu zvangu for lunch ndimwe mvura, these days kwaakupisa. Please drive safely this holiday, zvamurimi mugofarisa, maambulance aya endege hakuna, haatakuri vasingadyi bacon pabreakfast everyday. But ndasuwa Senator Tshabangu guys, I hope wherever he is, he will have a great holiday with a few Zanu cdes, vasamusiyawo kumastadium kunonodyiwa kuya paHeroes. And when you see former VP Mphoko, tell him kuti Mkwenyana means business, project dzenhiyo dziya ngadzigarire padhuze they may be needed soon. Until next week, mboko imboko!