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Nothing for us without us: PWDs call for Independent Commission

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Nothing for us without us: PWDs call for Independent Commission

By Decide Nhendo

People with disabilities (PWDS) have called for government to create an independent commission for them so they can select representatives who will be able to stand for their interests and challenges.
This emerged at a public hearing by a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee at Mucheke Hall, where several representative organizations and PWDs were in attendance.
Speaking at the hearing, Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) Executive Director Henry Chivhanga said PWDs should have an independent commission comprised of representatives they chose themselves.
He said if the commission is free from the control of the relevant Minister and other government officials it will be able to fully deliver on its functions effectively for the betterment of their lives.
“The Commission for persons with disabilities must perform its functions free from any government control, which should start from selection of the representatives. PWDs should be given a right to choose members they want to stand for them.
“If the commission is independent, the running of its functions will be fully to the advantage of PWDs, solving challenges they face in communities,” said Chivhanga.
Kudakwashe Masinyangwa weighed in saying civil servants and government workers must be removed from the commission to create space for PWDs to run their commission, adding that civil servants must only be included if they are PWDs.
He said the bill must make sure that commissioners are selected from all the provinces, with each province having a representative because in the current commission the larger population of commissioners were from Harare and Bulawayo.
“I appeal for removal of civil servants and government workers from the commission to make room for PWDs to be policy makers and players in the commission; they must only be included if they are PWDs.
“Another thing that needs to be dealt with is to make sure that we have commissioners from the 10 provinces, each province having a representative, desisting from having commissioners from big cities like Bulawayo and Harare,” said Masinyangwa.
He said there was need to make it clear on how the Minister’s participation over the functions of the commission be checked since the bill stipulates that the Minister will be a trustee of the Fund and the commission will administer its subject to directions from the Minister.
“The authority being given to the Minister needs to be checked because he has unlimited powers which can compromise how the Disability Fund will be disbursed and used,” said Masinyangwa.
The PWDs also said they wanted to participate in important national activities and to be included in grants, be they government or social welfare, saying they were being left out in many cases especially on things that are intended to benefit all citizens.
In the Persons with Disabilities Bill it is stated the commission for persons with disability is mandated to prepare a national policy for the mainstream of PWDs throughout society as well as promoting the interests of PWDs.
The Bill was published in the Gazette on February 9, and it proposes to replace the existing Disabled Persons Act to bring law into line with the Constitution and Zimbabwe’s international obligations.
Prevalence of disability in Zimbabwe was estimated to be currently at 11 percent and was 9,5 percent last year according to the Zimbabwe 2022 Population and Housing Census Report.
This shows persons with disabilities (PWDs) are a significant portion of the total population and must not be excluded from participating fully in society.
The bill will replace the National Disability Board established by the existing Act with a Commission for Persons with Disabilities, most of whose members will be chosen by the Minister from panels of names submitted by organisations registered in the Register of Organizations of and for persons with Disabilities.

Government corners Chiredzi Town to comply with audited accounts

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Government corners Chiredzi Town to comply with audited accounts

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Zimbabwean Government recently cornered embattled Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) to be compliant with their audited accounts as outlined in the service delivery blueprint launched by President Emerson Mnangagwa in order for it to guarantor a loan facility worth US$800k earmarked to fully service Makondo suburb.
This came out in parliament recently when Chiredzi Central Member of Parliament asked the Minister of local Government Daniel Garwe governemnt’s plans to address the sewer and water reticulation challenges in Makondo Suburb in Chiredzi Town Council
In his response, Minister Garwe said government was committed to improving infrastructure and service delivery in all local authorities including Chiredzi Town but ordered the local authority to be compliant to its audited accounts in order for the government to guarantor the US$800k loan facility needed towards improving Makondo sewer and water reticulation.
“Mr Speaker sir, the government through the second republic is committed to improving infrastructure and service delivery in all local authorities, including Chiredzi Town Council.
“To fully service the Makondo suburb which consists of 3500 properties with functional water and sewer reticulation system, Chiredzi Town Council has been advised to apply for borrowing powers from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
“The government will act as guarantor to enable the council to acquire a loan facility of US$800 000.00 from a local financier.
“However, it is important to note that Chiredzi Town Council must be compliant with their audited accounts as outlined in the service delivery blueprint launched by His Excellence, the President E.D Mnangagwa.
“Once Chiredzi Town Council is compliant, the Ministry will support the loan facility to complete the water and sewer infrastructure development in Makondo suburban,” said Minister Garwe.
Chiredzi town council has currently engaged Brian Colquhuon, Hugh O’Donnel Consulting Engineer (BCHOD) to design the Chiredzi Water treatment plant as its Hippo Valley water treatment plant is failing to fully service the exponentially growing population.
Garwe also highlighted that his Ministry recently urged Chiredzi Town Council to construct a new water treatment plant along Chiredzi River to augment its Hippo Valley water works.
“Currently, Chiredzi Town Council is utilizing its own resources to service the water reticulation of 400 infill stands known as lowlands, created within Makondo suburb.
“It is worth mentioning that Chiredzi Town Council has already engaged Brian Colquhuon, Hugh O’Donnel Consulting Engineer (BCHOD) to design the Chiredzi Water Treatment plant.
“Their medium term plan is to augment the current capacity from 10 megaliters to 15 megaliters per day. Additionally, the Ministry has encouraged Chiredzi Town Council to have a long term plan to construct a completely new treatment plant along the Chiredzi River.
“The scope of this project should be included in the current master plan document being crafted by the council under the Service Delivery Blueprint,” said Garwe.
Makondo Extension, in-fills and Lowlands, which are high density suburbs are currently using septic tanks which are hazardous to the environment while some portions are still yet to be connected with fresh water and residents rely on boreholes for safe water.

Graduate makes living through washing people’s clothes

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Graduate makes living through washing people’s clothes

By Decide Nhendo

As universities continue to churn out graduates which the job market is failing to absorb, a 25-year-old Masvingo university graduate has created her own employment and is making a living through doing people’s laundry.
Prudence Paradza said after realising that she could not find work after graduating with an Honours Degree in Development Studies from Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) in 2023, she could no longer continue burdening her parents who had other responsibilities and came up with the idea that has since transformed her life for the better.
“After graduation, I discovered that it was difficult to secure employment and I saw that I could not continue burdening my parents so I realised that I could use the home washing machine to make few dollars. I have since realised that it’s paying off.
“I do washing, folding, ironing, steaming and removing stains on clothes. Since I do not have a scale, I do charge per load, which consists of 20-25 items which I charge US$8.
“I use my washing powder and fabric softener but if the client has their own they want me to use then I use that,” said Paradza.
Paradza is currently operating from home in Mucheke B but she said if her clientele grows she will consider renting a new place in town.
“The business is running smoothly, I have many clients and am currently operating from home but I am looking forward to get a place in town. I have discovered that some clients are not comfortable bringing their clothes at home so I think getting a place in town will make it easy for them.
She said the clients bring their clothes to her and she is also ready to collect if the client cannot deliver them.
She said the way her business was flowing smoothly gives her energy to want to keep on doing more as it capacitated her not to keep on depending on her mother, and she said was ready to do whatever it takes for her success.
“It feels good knowing that you don’t depend on anyone and it gives you the courage to keep pushing. I am prepared to put extra effort so that I can make my hustle bigger.
“Some clients are not comfortable to bring their clothes in Mucheke, that’s why I am pushing so that I can operate in town, Electricity is another challenge as I am forced to wash during the night when electricity is back,” said Paradza.
For business inquiries, Paradza can be reached at +263 77 322 4451

Increase in number of PDWs in Masvingo streets worrisome

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Increase in number of PDWs in Masvingo streets worrisome

By Decide Nhendo

The number of persons with disabilities who are begging for food and other handouts in Masvingo City is growing and responsible authorities should intervene.
Most of them make daily routines of waiting near supermarkets, banks, crossroads and other public areas asking for help from passersby.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe said the increase of PWDs in Masvingo CBD and Mucheke bus terminus was worrying, and council going to make an effort to make sure that the issue is attended to.
“We are having a worrying problem concerning the increasing number of PWDs in Masvingo, and as council of course we are trying to make sure that this problem is dealt with so that PWDs can have decent lives,” said Tabe.
“We want PWDs to have their own share whenever there is any development with council budgets to accommodate PWDs giving them a decent fund.
“In a bid to stand for PWDs, council does not approve structures with plan that do not accommodate PWDs,” said Tabe.
He said PWDs who stay at Mucheke were increasing and there was need for council to locate another area to accomodate them.
“The number of PWDs at Mucheke is increasing and that’s worrisome, there is need for allocation of new a area for them to live because they are overcrowded making them defenseless to communicable diseases, said Tabe.
Disability rights activist Godfrey Mtimba said council should do something for PWDs because the number of those looking for help was increasing given the harsh economic situation and El Nino induced drought.
“Council must do something fast given the drastic increase of PWDs in town because they have no option but to go into street corners to beg for food.
“The country’s economic situation and El Nino induced droughts are factors that must not be undermined because they have worsened the ways of lives for persons with disabilities,” said Mtimba.
He said government must copy what is being done by neighboring countries like South Africa who are giving persons with disabilities monthly allowances so they can have decent lives.
“Government must do what countries like South Africa are doing giving persons with disabilities monthly allowances so they can have better lives than flooding in towns looking for help,” said Mtimba.
Last week parliamentary representatives of persons with disability were at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo where they were doing consultations with the PWDs and various stakeholders. The PWDs called for government to prioritize them in policy making as well as in other benefits from government.
The Persons with Disabilities Bill was published in the Government Gazette on the 9th February but has not yet been presented in Parliament. It proposes to replace the existing Disabled Persons Act to bring the country’s law into line with the Constitution and Zimbabwe’s international obligations.
Prevalence of disability in Zimbabwe was estimated to be 11 percent and was 9.5 percent last year according to the Zimbabwe 2022 Population and Housing Census Report.

Ngomahuru Psychiatric hospital introduces private ward

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Ngomahuru Psychiatric hospital introduces private ward

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, one of the biggest mental health institutions in the country recently introduced a private ward, which will see patients using its facilities paying US$350 per month.
The hospital Matron Thomas Hwami confirmed the development and said those with mental patients whom they feel need special care could admit them into the facility.
“We now have a private ward at Ngomahuru; private in the sense that those patients who can pay can get services that are different from others.
“Those who afford will pay but the amount does not include medication and the doctors’ services, it is just for services offered in the ward and when they consult a doctor they then have to talk with him or her for whatever payment they can agree on.
“The amount covers food and bedding among other services offered in the ward except the medication, professionals (doctors’) charges and medication,” said Hwami.
He said those who wanted to get more information regarding the private ward could get in touch with Dr Nyoni on 0774892749 and Dr Maramba on 0777249747.
The hospital, which was opened in 1926 is located about 52 km from Masvingo Town, a few kilometres from the Masvingo – Beitbridge Highway.
The hospital has been struggling to offer basics to its inmates and has been relying on handouts from different organizations who donate food, clothes, sanitary wear among other things.
There were security concerns as well at the institution as in 2022 some inmates escaped and one of them was mauled by a crocodile while trying to cross Tugwi River to Chivi.

Chivi boy dies from snakebite

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Chivi boy dies from snakebite

By Staff Reporter

CHIVI – Villagers in Chabeture Village in Chivi were left mourning following the death of a juvenile who was bitten by a snake while herding cattle.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the sad incident and urged people to be careful when in the bushes.
“I can confirm we have a report of a juvenile who died after being bitten by an unidentified snake while tending to cattle in the bush.
“We urge members of the public to be extra careful when they are in the pastures because usually the snakes would have been disturbed by cattle and becomes aggressive,” said Dhewa.
Sources said the incident happened on May 19 around 1200hrs when the 9-year-Tawedzerwa Chikamare was in the grazing lands herding cattle.
He was bitten by the snake and ran home where he told his father Chrispen Chikamare (44) before collapsing. He started frothing from the mouth and was rushed to Nyahombe clinic but died on the way.
He was then taken to Chivi District Hospital for postmortem.

Machete wielding robbers terrorize villagers in Tokwane, Ngundu

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Machete wielding robbers terrorize villagers in Tokwane, Ngundu

By Brighton Chiseva

Machete wielding armed robbers are allegedly terrorizing villagers in Tokwane Ngundu area which boarders Masvingo and Chiredzi Districts.
The robbers are alleged to have had a spate of cases where they pounce on unsuspecting families and demand cash and other valuables like cellphones.
Sources in the area said the way the goons operate shows they are from the same area as they choose their victims with precision and at times rape their victims if they are females.
The local VIDECO Chairperson Adonia Muza whose area covers 16 villages confirmed the sad development and called upon authorities to intervene to save the community.
“There has been a number of cases since early last year and they have continued up to now. We are calling upon authorities to come to our rescue as people are now afraid and cannot leave women or children alone at home especially during the night.
“The gangs execute their operations with precision and we suspect that they are local guys whom we think know the area very well, scan their potential targets before executing,” said Muza.
Muza bemoaned lack of action by the police saying they have suspects but they are seen roaming around every day despite being reported.
“The cases have been reported to the police but the cases are still recurring; people’s lives and property are no longer safe.
“What worries us is that there seem to be no action from the police. These cases are reported but nothing has been done so far. There are suspects who are seen roaming around every day and the community is afraid of them,” said Muza.
He went on to say there could be more unreported cases because people were afraid when they see suspects walking around. He added that only one rape victim spoke out and there were rumors that others are hesitant to open up.
“We suspect there are a number of cases including rape but at times people are hesitant to report especially if no action was taken on other reported matters. Only one rape victim opened up and we hear there are a lot more,” he said.
One villager who refused to be named said the robbers usually travel in a group of four or five, with only one demanding and talking while the others are usually silent, ready to intervene if need be.
“They come wearing face masks and only one will do the talking while others are watching and if people try to resist they attack,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said there were several cases reported from the area since last year and urged members of the public to assist police with investigations, identifying suspects and reporting all cases to police.
“There are some cases which were reported from the area, however, we urge members of the public to make sure that they report all cases to the police so that when suspects are apprehended they will be tried on all counts.
“There are instances where the reported matter is so minor and the person will be detained for a shorter period than expected and the community thinks it’s unfair but the courts would have done justice considering what would have been reported.
“So we urge people to make sure they report all cases and try to look for other key things that can help identify perpetrators like step, stature or voices,” said Dhewa.
He promised to make sure that he raises the concerns with the police responsible for the areas and urged the members of the public to help the police with all the information they have.

China Gold Expo major capital investment-Ministry

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China Gold Expo major capital investment-Ministry

By Tinaani Nyabereka

Harare – Mines and Mining Development Ministry has said the invitation and participation of Minister Winston Chitando as a key speaker at the China Gold Congress and Expo scheduled for July this year was a significant opportunity for Zimbabwe’s gold industry to attract much-needed capital for expansion and development.
In a statement made during a gold mobilization deployment workshop in Harare, on May 20, Chitando, emphasized the importance of the event in facilitating interactions with stakeholders and securing investment for the mining sector.
“Zimbabwe’s mining industry, particularly the gold sector, requires substantial capital for exploration and mine development. Limited investment in exploration has contributed to the country’s decline from a top-five gold producer to outside the top 20.
“The China Gold Congress and Expo, scheduled for July 26-28 in Shanghai, presents a comprehensive platform covering various aspects of the gold industry, including exploration, mining technology, investment, and market dynamics,” said Chitando.
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President, Heneritta Rushwaya said the expo will bring a transformative opportunity for the mining sector.
“We are very grateful to be part of the thrilling exhibition at the china gold expo, we strongly believe in fostering collaborations and showcasing Zimbabwe’s mining potential on a global stage,” Rushwaya said.
Minister Chitando, alongside representatives from Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) and the country’s gold mining industry were invited to speak at the event by the China Gold Association and the World Gold Council.

Couple fakes daughter’s death for Ecosure benefits

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Couple fakes daughter’s death for Ecosure benefits

By Bright Zhou

ZAKA – In what could be one of the most shameful acts of fraud, a couple from Mugudubi village Chief Nhema, Zaka was arrested after faking their biological daughter’s death in an attempt to obtain US$1 000 funeral policy benefits from life assurance company, Ecosure Life Trading which they subscribed to.
The two appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzie facing fraud charges on May 20, 2024 and were granted bail.
It is the state’s case as presented by Prosecutor Godknows Mugondo that on the period extending from November to December 2023 Rungamirai Machinjike (27) and Talent Rutindingwe (33) made a misrepresentation to Ecosure Life Trading by making a false claim that their daughter had passed away in order to obtain US$1 000 knowing that their daughter was not dead.
The state heard that Machinjike who is wife to Rutindingwe had registered to Ecosure Funeral Cover and added Rutindingwe, their daughter and her cousin as dependents.
Machinjike and Rutindingwe planned to defraud Brighton Machisi employed at Ecosure cash amounting US$1,000 by misrepresenting that their daughter had passed away in November 2023.
To substantiate their claim, Machinjike fraudulently obtained a death confirmation letter from the headman that their daughter passed on at the village and was buried there.
Machinjike went on to convince witnesses from the village to support their claim and obtained copies of their national identity cards for proof.
Machinjike gave her husband the death confirmation letter and national identity cards so that they could process the claim in order to defraud Machisi.
Rutindingwe went on to complete Ecosure Funeral Cover claim forms and attached the death confirmation letter, witness ID cards signed on their behalf thereby making a misrepresentation.
Machisi instituted preliminary investigations to verify the authenticity of the claim and established that the duo connived together and made a misrepresentation in order to benefit from Ecosure Life.
The incident was reported to the police and the couple was arrested.

UZ shines at ZIMCODD tertiary institutions debate

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UZ shines at ZIMCODD tertiary institutions debate

By Beverly Bizeki

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) stole the limelight at the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) Tertiary Institutions Debate 2024 competitions held at Bethany House in Masvingo after bagging four awards from the 20 teams that competed from May 21 to May 22, 2024.
UZ was awarded the best institution and two of its participants Banele Ntuta and Nicole Mushore were awarded best female and best speaker in the competition respectively.
Africa University was second placed with 12 points, followed by National University of Science and Technology (NUST) with 10 points, followed by Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) with nine points.
On fifth position was another team from UZ with nine points, followed by Harare Polytechnic after which came Midlands State University with Chinhoyi University of Technology placed in the eighth position.
Speaking at the awards ceremony ZIMCODD Senior Programmes officer Lead Tashinga Zamba said the debates were part of a project called Strengthening Institutions and Youth Agencies (SIYA) in Zimbabwe’s Accountability Narrative and said they were targeting youths in tertiary institutions to get an appreciation of the dynamics around and how to fight corruption.
The debates were aimed at giving youths a platform to air their views on corruption and their strategies for building integrity.
“As youths, we are not going to relax and see our country being attacked or continuously beheaded by the animal called corruption. The youths must become champions and integrity icons that are going to drive the process of dealing with corruption. The centrality of young people taking advantage of the demographics in our country is important because we want to create a movement of young people who would say no to corruption.
“This country is ranked very low in terms of corruption index so by this project we intend to achieve a generation of young people that would say we want to stop corrupt practices and live an honest life as well as be hard workers. We want to start by building integrity and instilling a culture of principles that lead us not to engage in corrupt practices,” said Zamba.
Mushore said the engagement was eye-opening to the youths on issues of governance and thanked the organizers for a learning opportunity.
“We are grateful for competitions because they help us get a better understanding of governance and how young people can take an active role in participating in governance issues and how we can start to feel like our voices matter and are being heard.
“It was a tough competition but we are grateful that we did well and our institution came out first. We are looking forward to more learning opportunities. We are no longer going to be shy to speak up in public spaces and allow ourselves to be heard because now we have realized that our voices matter,” said Mushore.
The eight teams will participate in the semifinals to be held on a date to be announced while the finalists are expected to compete at the SADC Summit Forum.
The project has two targets: dealing with corruption issues at the subnational level and building a movement of young people who are eager to challenge corrupt practices.

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