Ladies and gentlemen I hope you have learnt your lessons and continue to learn the hard way about this teapot-shaped country when it comes to who really pays the piper and declares the tune. Gore riya takanzi Operation Restore Legacy came to remove the thieves around the President, vanhu vakamanya mumastreets, nanaFadzi Mahere kutopozera maphotos with soldiers, hezvo maifarira n’anga inobata mai. Kupemberera ngozi muchiti Mudzimu kkk, kutengesa mombe kuti tirapise dhongi kkk kutengesa firiji kuti titenge cooler box kkk. You all used to wonder why these so-called mbingas splash money in the streets, doing outrageous things, mazobataka munyati wacho? Nyika ino inotongwa nevene ino, and vakachibata kuti dzvii madofo vanaChimombe imi makangoti vavava. Ndopaunoona rimwe fuza busy praising these tenderpreneurs who are chewing taxpayers’ money, muchivajambira vanaJava nanaDzambarafuta in the streets, while they eat your money like nobody’s business, and you will be busy cheering them on, on an empty tummy, mokandirwa madollar setumbwanana, ivo vadya zvavo US$88 million. Rural folk were promised goats and chicken, nekutoudzirwa kunzi musadya kana mapihwa, uku mbudzi dzacho dzirikudhura kunge mombe, kkkkk. What I want to know ini zvangu saMapombi is the person within Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Agriculture who was authorising those deals kutosvika pakuti mari dzakatosendwa into Chimombe and Mpofu’s account. It is clear as day that we are dealing with yet another cartel of embezzlers and thieves, just like the Gold Mafia, zvino ava hatichazivi kuti tovati Mbudzi Mafia here or what. Chinopedza power is the these tenderpreneurs’ audacity to do this on a project inenge ichitonzi Presidential Scheme, zvichireva izvo kuti Trabablas is the face of these projects, zvino hoyo mubvunzo; zvivindi zvekuita dribble a whole President vanozvihodhepi. The other thing that is suspicious also is we have seen pictures of these people with ED, meaning they have access to him, vachiita havo madhiri avo iwayo. All these questionable characters drop ED’s name without provocation, giving us the impression that they know him at that level, voita futi access to national coffers through dubious means. Imika imi. These people are owners of companies that do not exist, and they are just starting the companies kuwana havo magovernment tender because they know how porous the system is. Macabal ekumora mari yeruzhinji awa. Word has it that Chimombe was a kombi driver in his early life and he got in through kuzemberana nevarimukati and them being corrupt zvakaita easy easy. Ungazomuziva kuti ndiye here uya aipfeka zvimajean zvakanyorwa nyorwa looking like a wannabe, hezvino huMbudziyadhura hwakubhadhara,kkkk. I would want to believe that there are just too many of these deals that go unnoticed because system yedu ndeyekungoti if you mention some names zvatoendwa. Senge raBaba Two naMama, no one will question. If you don’t see anything wrong with that, then something must really be wrong with you. Ndikuonei futi muchienda kuAnti-Sanctions march semunopenga. Busy marching and protesting in the streets of Masvingo hanzi for sanctions to go, kupopotera vanhu vari kuAmerica uko vasingatombozivi kuti there are some lunatics in some old, potholed road in a town called Masvingo, kkkkk. Nemayouth busy dancing for a plate of sadza, PVO Bill richiuya zvaro and begging bowl rakasimudzwa not mbichana nedrought iri. Don’t forget that we are in need of US$2 billion aid kudzinga zhara. KuKenya uko young people are showing the oldies flames, those who old people call Gen Z, Ama2k vari kuita kutamba nawo mateargas rejecting a Finance Bill that they say will make them poorer. Exactly those taxes that we are being burdened with naMutuvi iwaya are the same arikurambwa kuKenya uko nevanana. Police there has tried all colours of water cannons but vapfana havasi kutambira zvichemo. They mean business and they are organised, using social media to mobilize for that matter, isu edu mayouths are busy following dzanaMai Titi nanaOlinda dzemujolo.
Back to the Mbudzi scandal, ndakazviona zvangu kuti Minister vekunakirwa nefodya zvekuoma gotsi mastatements avo are too much, chozikanwa hapana. Honai now he oversaw the stealing of US$88 million. Asi shuwa pakashayawo someone who saw the anomalies in the company yanaMpofu yacho, apa zvonzi a company that is not registered anywhere in the country can enter into such a big deal, kushayawo kana one who saw or flagged that? A simple check at the company registry could have exposed that whole deal, but then, how could they expose themselves, varivo judge and jury wezvinhu zvacho. Wicknell who has always been controversial for dodgy dealings ozonzi nhasi you are investigating him, hakusi kuda kutinzwa here ikoko? But one thing that was apparent however is Ndavaningi Tomorrow’s dislike of Icarus aka Wicknell. For a long time he has been calling for the investigation of Dzambarafuta, but manje Baba Two nemhuri wanted a piece of the cake. I doubt that Wicknell even lied that he was called ‘my son’, nemanyemwe aro riya I know for sure that is what happened. Hanzi the VPs were left behind, vanaMohadi vachingoti ‘I can’t, I can’t’, kkkkkk, vaizomakwira masteps aya emundege kunooneka mukuru? He said it hanzi I am not sick, I am just old, ndosaka Chivayo anga akuona atova running mate, VP manyama.
But on a different note, what did I tell you about Mai Kore? Snake nyoka zvayo. Vachiimba zvavo ‘Chamisa Kakata, Chamisa Dhonza’, and the Yellow Brigade dancing and ululating like the gullible lot they are. Chete zveopposition yedu muromo ungatozvimba because it is the same old problems. Old wine in new skins. Asiwozve nhaimi hurumende why are you so paranoid? Was arresting people commemorating youth day necessary? Munombotyei chaizvo chaizvo? We thought arresting voices of dissent was now a thing of the past, but neZanu here, hazviperi. My heart ached seeing mothers with children on their backs being loaded into prison trucks, chii chakadaro chinenge ngozi? Remember guys, nothing lasts forever. One day is one day, zvichakuonaiwo sezvine meso. Those women limping obvious kurohwa, that is purely radicalizing them, and like I said, one day is one day.
Let me go ndinokanga maputi angu for lunch ndimwe mvura, while waiting for vakomana vematenders kuti vavhure hombe. Ko those ones will post on social media ka because madofo, chimbavha nekushaina hazvisiyani. Mafriends aBaba Two ka iwayo, vanaJava. Soon Dzambarafuta will be posting more new shoes nemari yeZEC. Ko hanzi kwakatengwa matoilets on elections eve nemavhesi asina kusvika? Ityai Mwari vanhuwee. I heard Chapo was here, the one who will stand in for Frelimo paMoza. He came to get tips from ZEC on how to win the elections kkkk. I am sure Baba Two has learnt from his counterpart Nyusi kuti ushe madzoro and will abandon the 2030 ndenge ndichipo chorus. Before I go, kana pane anokwanisa kutaura nekamufana kanonzi Kalimbwe kekuZambia tell him kuti ngaasiyane nesu tiri busy kugadzirira SADC summit. Roads are being mended and a few developments to save face so tikutoida. Baba vanokara so isu vana tinodya nyama kana pauya vaenzi so let SADC come timbodyawo nyama Until next week, mboko imboko!
ED surrounded by the real thieves
Will Masvingo derby set Mucheke Stadium ablaze?
By Courage Dutiro
This weekend, Masvingo is set to explode with life as the City’s two Zifa Eastern Region Division One Soccer League giants clash in the first leg of the 2024 race to the country’s elite football league.
The 4th placed Una Una, as Masvingo United Football Club is affectionately known, with 21 points will be locking horns with the league leaders FC Wangu Mazodze with 28 points on Sunday June 22, 2024 at Mucheke stadium.
Tichaona Munyaradzi, a Masvingo United fan, said the game is going to be a thriller and he expects that the rejuvenated Una Una is going to cut the winning streak of their City rival.
“This is going to be a thriller. Mazodze will definitely go down but we know they are not push overs,” said Munyaradzi.
He also urged all Masvingo football lovers to come and watch the rejuvenated Una Una setting Mucheke Stadium ablaze on Sunday.
In their last two encounters during the 2023 season, FC Wangu Mazodze emerged victorious against Masvingo United with a one-goal margin in the first leg and one all draw on the return leg.
Masvingo United became the first team to defeat Buffaloes FC this season with the Mutare-based team had registered six wins and two draws in their 2024 season fixtures.
With ten games played so far FC Wangu Mazodze has nine wins and a single draw.
Farai Manyudza a Wangu Mazodze staunch supporter, who claim to be the Secreatary General of the team’s supporters said he expects his team to display quality football in front of Masvingo football lovers
“It is a tight game but it is going to be an interesting one. As log leaders we have an upper hand. We are going to win, the game is a battle of coaches (rava bhora remacoach reSunday),” said Manyudza.
In other fixtures another Masvingo City based team Great Zimbabwe University with 3 points will be playing Mutare City Rovers FC on Saturday 22, June 2024 in Mucheke stadium.
Temaraire High scoops gold medals at chess tournament
By Decide Nhendo
Temaraire High School has again proved to be nurturing some of finest chess players in the country after its boys and girls teams scooped gold medals and were named best teams for both at the just ended 2024 Masvingo Provincial Director’s tournament held in Chiredzi.
Speaking to TellZim News, Temaraire High School Chess Coach Moses Kujinga confirmed the triumph and said it was a challenging competition among learners although the school managed to sail through the tough competition and brought home the two medals.
He also said the school scooped two gold medals for under 16 boys and another gold for Temeraire High School’s top chess player Rutendo Hwede.
“We won best team medals for both boys and girls at the games held in Chiredzi, even though it was a tough competition especially against Chiredzi Christian and Mucheke.
“Ignatius Mhaka won under16 boys gold medal and Rutendo Hwede won it for girls in the same category,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga said Hwede who is the Child Member of Parliament for Masvingo West was an exceptional talent who has managed to come up with a prize at every competition she takes part in be it in sport or academics.
“Rutendo is an exceptional player because in most tournaments she takes part in, she brings home a medal and often times gold medal.
“She has won under 16 chess girls medal at the Provincial Director’s games last term at Chipindura in Bindura, was the winner of the under 16 Chess Nationals and is supposed to represent Masvingo at the African Youth Games to be held in South Africa on June 21,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga applauded organizers of the tournament saying the games gave learners enough time to practice and nurture their talents which helps them reach greater heights as they realise their capabilities in various fields of sport.
“The games that learners participate in are important as they give learners time to practice which helps learners to realize their full potential and capabilities in the fields,” said Kujinga.
Mucheke High School chess coach Mushamaizana Zvishamiso said the tournament was a success and there was a great competition between learners from all the schools who took part in the tournament.
“The games were a great success, and what was exhilarating most was the way learners from different schools were competing trying to defeat Temaraire which is known for having exceptional talents,” said Zvishamiso.
This year’s edition of Masvingo Government Schools Association ball games were hosted at Chiredzi Government High School.
Nine high schools Mwenezi Government, Victoria High, Ngundu Government School, Ndarama High, Malipati High, Temaraire High, Chiredzi Government, Mucheke High and Mazungunye High participated in the tourney.
Five primary schools Helen McGhie, Chiredzi primary, Victoria Junior, Nyoni and Hillside primary took part in the competitions.
Last year’s edition of the secondary schools was held at Victoria High School whilst the primary schools category took place at Victoria Junior Primary.
Sheasham FC targets PSL return
By Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- The recently appointed director of football for Sheasham Football Club, Wonder Chaka has shared insights into the club’s strategic direction and ambitions for the future saying the team’s major aim was to return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
He said to achieve the dream, he will target various facets of the club’s operations, ranging from player management to community engagement initiatives.
Chaka who had a stint with ZimAlloys, Rio Tinto and now leads the Central Region Soccer league team highlighted the importance of strategic planning to ensure the team’s success.
“I am very grateful on my recent appointment as the director and I promise to push the club to success. To get results I will provide support to coaches, offering guidance in player development, tactical analysis, and goal setting. This comprehensive approach will alleviate pressure on coaches and facilitate a conducive environment for player growth and team success.
“Our clear vision for the club’s future is the objective of returning to the Premier League. We intend to bolster the club’s roster with players from the Midlands region, including those from local schools and academies. This grassroots approach aims to strengthen the club’s connection to the community while also fostering a sense of pride and ownership among local supporters,” said Chaka.
He went on to praise Sheasham Gweru Queens Coach, Gibson Matemera for his commendable efforts towards uplifting women’s team.
“We remain committed to excellence and a determination to remain competitive in the Premier League. With a focus on talent development, community engagement, and strategic planning.
“Coach Matemera has been instrumental with our women team; we believe he will push the club and what is need is partnership between our stakeholders and their club so that we support our players with all the resources they need,” said Chaka.
The Club’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sibongubukhosi Zikhali expressed confidence in undertaking the responsibilities that comes with her new role.
“My target is to move toward supporting the empowerment of women and the girl child through sports, my vision is on motivation and support for young female athletes. Women should be included in sport to provide opportunities that comes with it for a better livelihood.
“I as the new CEO acknowledges the importance of accountability as I am committed to making informed decisions,” said Zikhali.
The unveiling of the new secretariat signals a new chapter for Sheasham Football Club with expectations of taking the Sheasham brand to another level.
Chikuwa releases 25th album
By Trust Rukwava
Masvingo based gospel music sensation and popular Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Mbungo musician Lucky Chikuwa has released a new album titled Nhaka Inosvinurirwa which becomes his 25th album.
The 11 track album boasts of tracks such as Ndangariro, Nyika mukadzi, Gender based violence, Panomera Ziso, Mhamha maDube, Chikwereti, Zita rekuti mutendi, Munhu anopanduka, Zion chikopokopo, Padefe panoperera nhamo and Nhaka yembengo.
The ZCC Mbungo Stars front man rose to stardom in 2001 through a stellar album titled Kusaziva Kufa as the pioneer of Jeketera Music mainly called Mbungo with popular songs like Nyika Ino Ichatongwa.
With his career seemingly scaling to dizzy heights, Chikuwa has become a darling among ZCC church goers and other fans alike.
Chikuwa has groomed various ZCC artists like Obert Chari during his career which spans over two decades.
The illustrious musician is endowed with lyrical and instrumental prowess which combines traditional drums with various other modern musical instruments.
Chikuwa’s manager George Chimana who is also an author of online novels said the album is a step in the right direction and they aim to produce videos for all songs but were facing financial challenges.
“Chikuwa is the pioneer of the sound popularly known as Mbungo; this album is another piece dedicated to our fans and we are working on producing videos for all the songs but we are facing financial challenges at the moment and we are appealing to the corporate world to help us,” said Chimana.
Government bemoans low journalism standards
… criticises ‘sex for grades’ practices in journalism schools
By Beverly Bizeki
Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana has called upon educators in the media industry to do away with using perverse methods of awarding grades to students saying this had negative effects on overall journalism standards in the country.
Speaking during the official launch of Zimbabwe Journalism Educators Network (ZIJEN) at Great Zimbabwe University’s (GZU) Herbert Chitepo Law School on June 14, Mangwana said it was important for educators to come up with safe classrooms and safe newsrooms for students to ensure maintenance of proper standards.
“There is something else that you (educators) do which is what I am going to touch on; sex for grades, that is what some of you (lecturers) are doing. This is where somebody only passes if they have given somebody certain favours. Sometimes it starts with the student sometimes it starts with the lecturer.
“A student does not work hard enough and they realise they are going to fail, then they think of another best foot to put forward and offer that. A male lecturer accedes or succumbs to that and therefore a half-baked student passes.
“The problem when you start it there its going into our newsrooms because the male student who has seen it happening or the female student who has gotten used to these kind of things will end up in the newsrooms. They are unsafe for our kids, young girls and the profession because the output is scandalous. Then you question why the standard is so low and maybe some of the reasons are found in this. Our appeal as government to you is let our classrooms be safe for our kids and therefore that will make our newsrooms safe,” said Mangwana.
Mangwana said the formation of ZIJEN came at the right time when the country needed to address the issue of poor standards in journalism and vowed to work together with them, especially in policy formulation.
“Zimbabwe has been grappling with issues of standards of journalism; we believe when you interact as professionals you benchmark and raise the standard. At the core of their (ZIJEN) objective for existence is the standard of journalism. Right now we don’t believe the standard of journalism in Zimbabwe is where it should be, we have news published without giving the other person the right of reply, and a lot of desktop journalism where people just go on X or Facebook and write a complete story without hearing from the author of that post; that speaks to journalism standards going down.
“When the lecturers come down to say can we do this better, can we share knowledge and innovation, we think it is a good thing. As government we will support this policywise and take policy suggestions from them on board as well as incorporate them into our policy thrusts. We believe they have a lot to contribute even as consultancy and stakeholders in our journey to improve standards in the media landscape in Zimbabwe,” said Mangwana.
ZIJEN vice president Linda Mujuru echoed Mangwana’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of recognizing female journalists.
“It is important that as we launch ZIJEN, we recognize the importance of helping female journalists prevail in this area. Most universities produce a lot of female journalists but how many of them end up practicing journalism, because of fear of what the industry is all about,” said Mujuru.
According to a recent study by WAN INFRA Women in News about 53 percent of women in Zimbabwean newsrooms have come across sexual harassment.
Craft Properties donates 10 wheelchairs in Masvingo
By Beverly Bizeki
Craft Properties, a civil and construction company headquartered in Kadoma donated 10 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Masvingo as part of its corporate social responsibility on June 7, 2024.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the City Town hall, Craft Properties Chief Executive Officer Kudakwashe Taruberekera said the donation was meant to assist PWDs in mobility to reduce the burden on those who look after them.
“We have observed that usually PWDs face challenges of discrimination from people in their surroundings hence we have seen that it is better when they are able to move around for themselves unlike when they have to depend on other people for mobility.
Taruberekera said the programme which begun in Kadoma saw 10 people from Kadoma getting wheelchairs while 10 received residential stands and five people with albinism received residential stands also.
“The programme started in Kadoma where we donated 10 wheelchairs as well and 10 residential stands to PWDs. We have plans to build houses for those who have received stands when we get partnerships. This is to ease accommodation challenges for the less privileged with hopes that they will also help others with same challenges as them,” said Taruberekera.
In his speech Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe thanked Craft Properties for the initiative which he said was crucial in improving lives of PWDs.
“Access to proper mobility equipment is a fundamental right, yet far too many in our city lack the means to obtain these. Today we take an important step in rectifying this injustice and ensure that those in need can participate fully in the social fabric of our community. These wheelchairs represent improved physical mobility, renewed dignity, independence and opportunity.
“I want to thank Craft Properties Holdings for their tremendous generosity and commitment to making a difference in the lives of or citizens. To our new wheelchair users, I encourage you to make the most of this gift,” said Tabe.
Martha Mambara, grandmother to 15-year-old Simbarashe Mashiri, one of the beneficiaries expressed her heartfelt gratitude as she was responsible for her grandson’s mobility whom she said could neither talk nor walk.
“My grandson cannot walk or do anything by himself and relies on others for mobility. Since he had no wheelchair he had no freedom to move or play around with other children and could not attend school. I am grateful now that he has a wheelchair which will assist him in moving around independently,” said Mambara.
Minister Chadzamira hails Masvingo City Council’s teamwork
By Decide Nhendo
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has applauded the teamwork spirit that has been instilled by town clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa to Masvingo City Council.
Speaking at the Town Clerk Achievements Celebrations at Charles Austin Theatre recently, Minister Chadzamira said Engineer Mukaratirwa’s teamwork spirit was clearly bearing fruits as depicted by lifetime achievements.
“We gather here to celebrate a remarkable achievement by our very own city of Masvingo team, led by Engineer Mukaratirwa. When he took the relm at Masvingo, he instilled teamwork and what we have witnessed for the past years has been truly exceptional.
“Through team work, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa has fostered an organizational culture built on innovation, collaboration, and genuine commitments to the sustainable development of the city of Masvingo and the province at large,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira said Engineer Mukaratirwa’s ideas and devotion to his job was important to the city’s progress and development as a result the city had achieved great milestones and quality service delivery.
“Engineer Mukaratirwa’s vision, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to duty has propelled the city of Masvingo to new heights.
“Under Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa’s leadership the city of Masvingo achieved some truly remarkable milestones with most achievements from 2021 to 2023 Masvingo’s water supply increased from 8 million to 10 million liters a day,” said Chadzamira.
Speaking at the celebrations Eng. Mukaratirwa said he was happy to be part of those celebrating, saying the achievement was not his alone, but it came from collective efforts from different stakeholders.
“I feel so humbled to stand before you today as we celebrate the achievements we have managed to scoop. I thank all stakeholders here present and this award belongs to us all together, as a province and we should take this pride of being recognized especially by the highest office of the land,” said Mukaratirwa.
Engineer Mukaratirwa said their task to provide quality services to residents was not an easy one as at times it could be time-consuming as they also have disagreements in council meetings.
“Service provision is not easy for us as council that’s why I said this award is ours together. I want to thank the previous council and the current one led by Mayor Aleck Tabe for the support they give us
“Sometimes when we get into council meetings we almost get to midnight discussing, sometimes we smile at each other, sometimes we also say harsh words to each other but ultimately fighting to offer citizens services they require,” said Eng. Mukaratirwa.
Masvingo City Mayor Aleck Tabe applauded Minister Chadzamira for his openness, saying he always hearkens to their pleas and suggestions as council which has resulted in Masvingo city’s progress.
“Honourable minister we thank you for listening to our pleas and suggestions and this has caused in our city being one of the best when it comes to service delivery; sir we urge you to keep your doors open to us,” said Tabe.
Tabe said council was going to fulfill all its intended projects with some already under the way.
“We have projects we are running like regravelling of roads including 4.1 Barrack Roads, Manhede Street, Mbudzi Main Road including others.
“The council is also aiming to upgrade Mucheke stadium to meet Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF), he said they were also going to work with Charles Austin to promote culture.
“We have already located an area along Mutare Road near Telone offices where we have already started to work on a park. So I am sure my council is going to work on these projects including others not mentioned for residents to have better lives,” said Tabe.
Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa won President Mnangangwa’s Award for the Best Town Clerk in Zimbabwe in 2023 of which the awards are run by the Government to recognize excellent performance in service delivery.
At the 64th edition of Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Masvingo City Council won the most innovative creative local authority award which shows that the city is performing well in terms of providing services to residents.
Zanu PF to construct provincial offices
By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Zanu PF is set to construct its new provincial offices and move from Chevron Hotel where they have been squatting for decades, having been given free lodgings by the Zvobgo family which runs the hotel under the Regency Group.
The move comes barely a year after Regency Hotels Managing Director Eddison Zvobgo who is now Masvingo Central Member of Parliament allegedly threatened to evict the party from the offices if he lost primary elections when he was campaigning.
Zanu PF Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe said the move was necessitated by the need to fulfil the Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa’s promises when he was elected of constructing the provincial as well as district offices and said work at the provincial offices should be finished by end of year.
“The construction of the offices is in fulfilment of the provincial chair’s promises when he was elected. He promised that during his tenure he will see the construction of provincial offices as well as the district offices in all the seven districts of the province,” said Chiwewe.
He said the work had already started at Diyo Shopping Centre just before Mucheke River along Masvingo-Mashava road and said the slab was already in place and they were now going for the superstructure.
“We are constructing our own offices at Diyo; we have already done the slab and we are mobilizing resources for the superstructure. We expect to complete the work by year-end,” Chiwewe said.
He said they were targeting to raise about US$100 000 which is being raised internally from members who are donating to the party.
“We are getting funds from party members who have seen the benefits of the second republic and are giving back to the party and we are expecting to raise about US$100 000,” said Chiwewe.
He said the offices will have a conference room which accommodates five thousand people and offices for all provincial portfolio committees.
However, in a circular circulating on social media allegedly from Zanu PF, all post holders in the party are expected to pay a fee towards the construction.
All politburo members and Ministers are expected to pay US$300, MPs US$200 each while Central committee and National Executive Council (NEC) members are expected to pay US$50.
Councillors will pay US$20, provincial members US$10 and District Coordinating Committee (DCC) members will pay US$5 each.
N’angas vs Prophets: Who is using vulture body parts?
By Theresa Takafuma
Mbuya Kanengoni, a traditional healer from Masvingo claims to have come face-to-face with vendors who sell vulture body parts that are then used for belief/faith -based purposes in Chiredzi.
She said they told her how people use the various scavenger bird parts to foretell, heal and summon spirits, adding that the so called sprouting Christian ministry churches were the biggest culprits in this practice.
The elderly traditional healer however distanced the organizations she is affiliated to, ZINATHA and Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ), from the use of vulture body parts in traditional medicine, saying she had done some research work with conservationists in trying to protect the endangered vultures.
“Last year I worked with a researcher from Birdlife Zimbabwe and we went to Chiredzi where we saw people selling vulture body parts, from heads, feathers, claws, bones and even the brains. We asked them what the parts were used for and they told us that self-styled prophets are the ones who buy the parts because they believe that they get superpowers from them.
“They said it was mainly ministry prophets who use the vulture parts to create talismans that they use in prophesying, which is why they end up being able to tell people’s names and addresses like, ‘your name is James, you stay at house number this and that’ as if they are accurately prophesying,” Mbuya Kanengoni said.
According to her, traditional healers registered under the ZINATHA do not use vultures in their trade, as they receive awareness from conservationist organisations like Birdlife Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Department.
Bishop Joshua Musiiwa, who is the Newlife Apostolic Church leader however said he believe that those who use vultures in prophesying are just black magicians who manipulate the vulture parts to use their dark magic charms.
“I believe this is hurombwa (use of charms for riches or power) because there is no way we can just take a vulture’s head, crush it, steam or use it anyhow without putting charms and someone then starts prophesying or healing. It is just the use of charms disguised in the use of vultures.
“My worry however is that, those in remote areas where these things are rampant do not have enough information that can deter them from senselessly killing vultures. I hope Birdlife gets to these areas so that even those who go there to buy do not find them,” Musiiwa said.
The vulture population in Zimbabwe is severely endangered, with five species namely the white-backed, white-headed, hooded, lappet-faced and Cape Vultures being critically vulnerable, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
While 61 percent of the vulture population decline in Africa is attributed to poisoning, 29 percent is still attributed to use in traditional medicine, where faith and traditional healers use vulture body parts for rituals.
On May 22, 2024 Birdlife Zimbabwe, an organization that promotes birds conservation, in conjunction with TMPCZ held a training workshop for traditional, faith-based healers, herbalists and other relevant stakeholders in Masvingo to raise awareness against the use of vultures in belief-based healing.
Speaking on the side-lines of the workshop, Birdlife Zimbabwe Preventing Extinctions Programme Manager Leeroy Gerald Moyo said what key issue was for traditional healers to know that indeed, vultures were endangered and there were laws that govern the scavenger birds.
“Various aspects came out of the workshop as some denied using vulture body parts for traditional medicine, but some do use them; however the most important thing was for them to know that there are laws that govern these vultures.
“They may use other alternatives like plants amomg other things, instead of vultures because they are endangered. We were mainly looking at the Parks and Wildlife Act Chapter 20:14 which stresses that vultures are part of the specially protected animals,” Moyo said.
Reports have also shown that those involved in vulture parts trading make brisk business as they are much sought-out for in traditional healing circles, with one full bird costing approximately US$600.
There have also been reports of traders cutting the birds to sell single body parts, with one traditional healer who refused to be named saying a head could cost between US$60 and US$100 around Chiredzi and Triangle.
“The parts are believed to work for varying purposes, for example, a head has different healing purposes to a feather, and bones serve a different purpose with wings for example,” said the healer.
TMPCZ Chief Licensing Officer Jennifer Mauzhende said the council saw it fit to collaborate with Birdlife Zimbabwe to raise awareness against the use of vultures, as there has been a lot of speculation alleging that traditional and faith healers, as well as herbalists licensed under them were the ones using vultures in medicine.
“As a council that works with traditional and faith healers, herbalists, distributors and traditional birth attendants, we saw it fit to educate them that they should look for other things to use in their work, not vultures.
“They have to know that being caught with any vulture part is a liable offence that warrants arrest. Here they were taught about the role of vultures in nature and eccosysterm, so that they do not abuse them,” Mauzhende said.
Seasoned traditional healers also argue that the use of vulture body parts in belief-based healing is a new phenomenon introduced not very long ago because healers always used other materials, be it in healing, fortune telling or foreseeing.
Sekuru Chikunya, a seasoned traditional herbalist who is also TMPCZ Masvingo Provincial Chairperson said traditional healers and prophets used to look for various other things to use in healing and ritual performance, not vultures.
“Since time immemorial, no one really used vultures for healing. We always knew that if a person gets possessed by ancestral spirits, those spirits were the ones who would make the person dream of the herbs and medicines to use.
“For prophets we knew that they would pray using salt and milk to heal people. Those of the masowe sect used muchakata tree barks (mobola plum), and no one used vultures, it is a new phenomenon in traditional and belief-based healing,” Sekuru Chikunya said.
Studies have shown that there are ecological consequences to the vulture population decline, which include changes in the community composition of scavengers at carcasses in the wild, increasing potential for disease transmission between mammalian scavengers.
The Zimbabwe Vulture Action Plan has been put in place to reduce the threats to vultures in the country, in order to protect what remains of the endangered scavenger bird.