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Zanu PF threatened by opposition activities in its strongholds

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Zanu PF threatened by opposition activities in its strongholds

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – After failing to fulfill most of its campaign promises, Zanu PF is worried by developmental activities being done by members of the opposition in the ruling party’s strongholds.
This was revealed by the party’s National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha who said the party had noted a heightened number of activities by the opposition mainly the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) warning MPs to be alert lest they will lose in 2028.
“The party relies on you so that the party’s visibility in the constituencies remain high but some of you are now absentee MPs in your constituencies. Some of you could be on genuine assignments for parliament but remember our enemy is taking advantage of your absence.
“We are seeing heightening activity of the opposition especially CCC in our strongholds. They are organizing themselves doing meetings at their households. Some are organizing sporting tournaments while others are giving out mealie meal since there is drought. After winning, our MPs went to Harare and did not come back like they have gone to South Africa,” said Machacha.
Former Zanu PF stalwart Dzikamai Mavhaire’s son Moses Mavhaire who was representing the Nelson Chamisa-led CCC in Masvingo Central is one opposition member who has been organizing sport tournaments and donating food among other aid in the community.
Machacha said MPs should be visible to the electorate even if they do not have money to give them saying they needed to show love to their electorate if they are to make it in the next election.
“So MPs, we urge you to go back to the people even if you do not have money. It’s good to just pass through communities greeting people. It doesn’t mean that you have to go there when you have something to give them. They need love and advice, they have to come to you asking for advice and you refer them to responsible authorities. That is what they want, you are facilitating development that way,” said Machacha.
He said being absent would lead to the sitting MPs losing during primaries and that would mean that the party would have new faces in parliament every election which was costly for the party and government itself.
“We are having a challenge where we have new faces every time. The new MPs are elected, by the time they learn about their responsibilities and also deliver in their constituencies, the five year term would have lapsed and a new team gets in again. How will we return the experience and institutional memory every five years? The contacts you would have made will be lost and that is a disaster for Zanu PF. You have to be loved by the electorate because we need MPs who do at least 2 terms and that strengthens the party,” said Machacha.
Machacha said Zanu PF relied on Masvingo and had potential because of numbers and also had agricultural potential that if fully utilized it could feed the whole country and the rest of the southern region.
“No one can doubt that you want your President. You were blessed with Apostolic and Zion churches that promote child bearing so you have the numbers. However, in 2023 your votes decreased from 318964 in 2018 to 307383. However, even Chamisa’s fell from 171 438 in 2018 to 167814 in 2023 which shows there was a general apathy. However, we want to agree here that this will not happen again in Masvingo,” he said.
Machacha was responding to concerns that had been raised by the Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa who had said MPs were not supporting the party’s restructuring exercise and that was delaying progress.
Mavhenyengwa also asked for an extension of the timeframe to finish off the restructuring exercise.
He said they were facing challenges in areas where there were independent candidates saying people did not understand that standing as independent mean automatic expulsion and that was affecting the cell registration exercise.
“We have challenges in areas where there were independent candidates, Gutu East and Mwenezi West. There are some people who are failing to understand that an independent candidate expelled self by standing as such. There are also some of us who do not want to accept those who were following an independent candidate when they want to return,” said Mavhenyengwa
Mavhenyengwa also complained that they had fuel as well as transport challenges and said some MPs were forgetting that they came from the party.
“We have some MPs who are not helping, even when cell verification is done in their constituencies, they do not go there and do not even know the number of cells in their constituencies. They forget they come from the party. I got some names of those not taking part from the DCC chairpersons and we are going to call them and remind them that the positions they have belong to the party,” said Mavhenyengwa.

New Zanu PF PC Machacha in dilemma

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New Zanu PF PC Machacha in dilemma

… as Masvingo pushes for Mnangagwa third term

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – The Zanu PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha said Masvingo has put him in a tight spot after calls for the extension of Mnangagwa’s rule with another term.
Machacha was responding to calls made by speakers at a Zanu PF Provincial Inter-District meeting held at Masvingo Poly last Saturday where he said Masvingo had given him a huge task since Mnangagwa recently promised to retire in 2028.
“Everything starts in Masvingo. You once sang a song ‘Kumagumo kune nyaya’ and we saw it happening. Now the President spoke in Mutare and said when his two terms lapse he wants to go and rest. He said he would leave someone to finish his vision. Zvino Masvingo yati kwete, ngavarambe vachingotonga. Zvino ndondoti chii kuna President. Ndonoti President Masvingo yati ngavarambe vachingotonga. Ivo vachiti ndoda kumbozorora? Varume muri kundipa mutoro unorema. Zvisinei mutoro wacho ndichatakura. (Now Masvingo is saying no, he should continue ruling. So what am I going to tell him? Should I tell him that Masvingo is saying you should continue? You are giving me a burden, however, I will carry it),” said Machacha amid ululations and shouts.
The crowd shouted that Mnangagwa did not vote himself to be President but it was them who voted for him, so he should listen if they call for another term.
Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa told Machacha that Masvingo was united and whatever they declared would pass.
“Let me assure you sir that Masvingo is united. Everyone supports Zanu PF and President Mnangagwa. No one does anything without the other and if you want anything to do with Zanu PF come to Masvingo. If we say President Mnangagwa will still be there that means it’s a collective voice,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Other top leadership members who were present at the meeting included Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State in the President’s Office Lovemore Matuke and Zanu PF Secretary for Mines and Mining Development Paul Mangwana.
They all chanted the slogan ‘2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo’ although the president recently announced that he was going to step down at the end of his second term.
Everyone who spoke at the meeting did the same slogan except for Machacha, and every song that was sung there was an endorsement of Mnangagwa’s third term.
Earlier, soon after Mnangagwa announced that he was going to leave office in 2030, Mavhenyengwa told TellZim News that Masvingo was going to decide its position regarding the third term issue at the inter-district meeting.
Commenting on the issue, MDC party leader Douglas Mwonzora, who was co-chairperson of the 2013 constitutional-making board said there was no way Mnangagwa could secure a third term unless he had torn the constitution since it was designed in a way that any change to the term limit cannot benefit the incumbent.
“There is no way Mnangagwa can get a third term unless they tear the constitution. When we designed the constitution we took cognizance of issues like these and we made sure that no sitting President can benefit from any change of the constitution with regards to term limits,” said Mwonzora.
Another constitutional law expert Professor Lovemore Madhuku said it was not feasible to have the constitution changed for the President saying it was unconstitutional and already too late.
“That is irrelevant; the constitution cannot be changed now. Whether the President wants to or not, he has to step down. The announcement of his retirement is not a voluntary act but a constitutional dictate.
“The people who are pushing for his third term assume they have the power to change the constitution but it is too late for that now,” said Prof Madhuku.

Masvingo old dumpsite gives EMA headache

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Masvingo old dumpsite gives EMA headache

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo City Council’s old dumpsite in Runyararo West has been said to be causing headaches for Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in Masvingo Province with the agency receiving complaints from residents over pollution coming from the site.
Addressing journalists at a media workshop hosted by EMA at Urban Lifestyles Hotel, Masvingo Provincial Manager, Milton Muusha said poor waste management at the old dumpsite was becoming a cause for concern in Victoria Ranch and Runyararo West.
“Masvingo City’s old dumpsite is giving us some headaches. We have sleepless nights receiving calls every day from residents who would be complaining of pollution at the dumpsite,” Muusha said.
Muusha said it was relieving that the local authority was working on another sanitary landfill that could start operating soon putting an end to continuous pollution in areas around the old dumpsite.
“It is relieving though that the local authority is working on another sanitary landfill that could start operating soon and putting an end to continuous pollution in areas around the old dumpsite,” said Muusha.
He added that poor waste management can be attributed to the growth of settlement at Victoria Ranch and local authorities have failed in the collection and safe disposal of waste.
“Poor waste management has risen due to growth of settlement at Victoria Ranch. There is limited capacity by local authorities for collection and safe disposal of waste,” said Muusha.
Muusha also said water pollution is one of the environmental problems giving the agency headaches.
“Water pollution is caused by poor management of industrial waste and effluent water. Industries dispose industrial waste and hazardous chemicals into Mucheke River and other surrounding water sources,” he added.
Muusha stated that water pollution has led to high water treatment costs.
“Due to water pollution of hazardous chemicals that has led to high water treatment costs with chemicals such as aluminum, HTH chlorine, carbon and others are very expensive to purchase,” said Muusha.
There has been ongoing conflict between residents in the western suburbs of Masvingo city with Masvingo City Council over the Victoria Ranch dumpsite, with smoke and flies coming from the dumpsite threatening the health of many residents there.

MP, Cops & Cllr syndicate in hot soup for stealing food aid

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MP, Cops & Cllr syndicate in hot soup for stealing food aid

…partisan, porous distribution criteria exposed

By Beverly Bizeki/ Precila Takabvirakare

A powerful syndicate allegedly comprising of police officers, Member of Parliament (MP), councilor, social welfare and agritex workers is at the centre of a storm for stealing maize grain that was meant for distribution to vulnerable families in Gutu East Constuency recently.
Lucky has since ran out of six members of the syndicate who had since been arrested and remanded in custody to August 01, 2023, for stealing about 170 bags of maize which were supposed to have been distributed in Ward 15, Gutu East Constituency.
The syndicate, which is responsible for safekeeping and distribution of the food aid to the vulnerable communities that are grappling with the El Nino-induced drought, took advantage of their privileged positions to steal, and in the process exposed the partisan, porous and week system being used to distribute the relief aid.
Admond Mavhangira (45), Allen Munhamo (32) (both police officers stationed at Bhasera Police camp), Calvin Munhamo (38) an Agritex Officer based at Bhasera, Daniel Charungwa (45), Costa Fire (29) a businessman who resides at Bhasera business center and Shepherd Masundidzire, a truck driver are currently in custody and will appear in court on August 01 for continuation of trial.
Others being implicated include Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa, Ward 36 Councilor Annamaria Zivai and village head Kenias Mushoriwa. The trio, however, vehemently denied the allegations.
Ganyiwa said he was aware of the alleged theft of food aid, but he was not directly involved in the food aid distribution.
“I have heard the allegations about food aid theft in my constituency and the names of people involved. Of course my name has been mentioned among the culprits but I am not directly involved in the distribution of food aid. I work with a lot of people especially those from my constituency and chances are high that some takes advantage of that proximity for namedropping. I don’t know anything and I don’t know why people want to drag me in issues that I know nothing about,” said Ganyiwa.
Contacted for comment, Zivai said she was not part of the syndicate but confirmed that there were villages that received the maize though they were not on the beneficiaries’ list.
“My hands are clean; there was only a challenge where some villagers who received the maize at Mushwayi were not on the list from the District Development Coordinator (DDC)’s office,” Zivai said.
“I was then left with 73 bags, 13 of which I gave to my people in Mushwayi and handed them over to Calvin Munhamo. I trusted him since he works with the MP when they are doing aid distribution in various centres. I further confirmed with the leadership if they had received the maize and they acknowledged receipt,” she added.
Village head Kenias Mushoriwa, who is also implicated distanced himself from the syndicate saying the maize he is selling at his shop is his own.
“I was already selling maize at my shop before the maize for the food relief came. I work as a guard at the clinic where the maize was kept. Those who asked me to keep the maize called their party members to guard the trucks overnight and distributed the maize in the morning,” said Mushoriwa.
“After distribution, nothing was left behind and they told me to collect the spilled grains as appreciation, so I was shocked by the news on social media that I had stolen 10 tonnes of maize because there is nowhere I can keep all that maize in my house,” Mushoriwa added.
Gutu East villagers who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity for fear of victimization said it was this exact way of doing things that creates loopholes for theft of food aid meant for them, saying a lot more could be happening behind the scene.
“Ruling party leadership use these loopholes to steal food aid, because the distribution criteria is to their own discretion, so how do you think it is going to be fair? Even government workers can take advantage of the partisan approach to food distribution, like we have seen in this case,” the source said.
According to sources who spoke to this publication, about 30 tonnes of maize were stolen in the constituency as the food aid was only given to a few individuals and the rest was seized by the suspects and others who are yet to be arrested.
“On June 13, when there was another distribution, most people did not get any maize but there were some trucks that returned with some bags and offloaded them at a house near Mutambwi School.
“The distribution was done last month but no one signed for what they received. They are only coming back now to have people sign for the maize and in the process forcing others who did not receive anything to sign as well as forging names and signatures,” revealed the sources.
For the six that appeared before Gutu magistrate, the State represented by prosecutor Rachel Murape alleges that on June 13 2024, at around 1600hours and at Alheit Business Center, Bhasera, Mavhangira, Hamandishe and Masundidzire were ordered by Apollonia Masakure who is a Social Development Officer to escort a truck containing 370 bags (50kgs each) of maize grain to ZRP Bhasera in the company of Shalom Marufu and Ndinatse Madzadzure of Mufudze village under Chief Chimombe, Gutu.
Madzadzure and Marufu then left the truck in the hands of Mavhangira, Hamandishe and Masundidzire. On the same date at around 2130 hours the three hatched a plan to steal the maize grain. It is alleged that Mavhangira, Hamandishe and Masundidzire then went to the police station and drove the truck to Chimombe clinic. On the way they met with Munhamo, Charungwa and Fire. The six then took 170 bags and offloaded them at Chimombe Clinic, leaving only 200 bags in the truck.
The 200 bags were then handed over to Oswell Rwezuro and Pedzisai Future who are the ward 17 secretary and chairperson respectively.
On June 18 during the distribution of the maize, Patience Mundondo, a Social Development Officer observed that the truck had offloaded 200 bags of maize which resulted in a shortage of maize to the villagers. She then notified Masakure who then carried out an audit on June 21 and discovered that the truck had a shortage of 170 bags.

Agenda ‘2030 vanenge vachipo’ in Motion

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Agenda ‘2030 vanenge vachipo’ in Motion

Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you this; power inonaka vakomana. Anyone who has tasted power agrees with me, and to me it doesn’t come as a surprise kuti our dear leader Baba Two still wants to cling to power beyond 2028. Makafarira n’anga inobata mai ka? Yes, that’s what Zanu does. Chiororo musangano uyu. We have seen these tactics across Africa, that’s the modus operandi of our leaders. Zuro uno mumwe won elections neover 99 percent, kkkkk. It’s all in black and white how democracy is viewed kwaKagame uko. I don’t disagree that a leader can so be loved by his or her people, but even in countries where things are almost perfect, not everyone will love them to such an extent. KwaM7 paUganda apo we see the comics daily of him and his supporters trying to legitimize his stay in power. Even Ruto himself fired his whole cabinet the other day, just to cling to power. Inonaka power varume. And it also needs tactic to retain, that’s why you see these people create demigods of themselves so that their followers, who by any description are the delusional type can armtwist the narrative and demand for their longer stay in power. Masvingo ndobasa rayozve iroro, kuzhambatata kutaura zvisina basa, ugonzwa hee Masvingo is the kingmaker, munopenga chete. What fascinates me though is how these people can’t see that they do not matter in things that matter. Development chaiyo yamungati irimo muMasvingo that is reflective of what the province is on the political spectrum ndeipi chaiyo? Kungoshandiswa to push narratives chabuda hapana. CSC pakangova pasi, but gore riya ED and his deputies came vakaratidzwa mombe hanzi taakuvhura. Tokwe Mukosi hakuna any meaningful development, with all its potential to turn around people’s livelihoods. Hamudzidzi makaita sei? Have you seen the state of rural schools in Masvingo? Zvinopisa tsitsi imi, in some areas mombe inotopinda nepakatsemuka on a classroom block yotonanzva board vana vachiri kunyora kkkkk. I find it very ironic that with all that underdevelopment the only thing maZanu in Masvingo can spend their time on is endorsing Baba Two. Speaking of schools, you wouldn’t think with all the poor infrastructure they are being forced by government to raise money through Civies Days. Mapombi heard ndirikuno kuChitima kuti hanzi the money paid by pupils on civies day goes straight kuBSPZ, vozvidyira havo. Hanzi vanotonzi pamhai futi yamakaraiser ishoma. Zvakaoma hazvo. Before that they had been forced to pay for Nhanga Gota kwa First Lady Auxillia uko where they are ‘taught’ to cook traditional food, the very same one that they grew up cooking and eating. Kurovana homwe ferere ferere. Ikoko the things they had brought like maturi nehari they had brought for the so called training zvonzi endesai kuCulture Centre, next thing we hear, kozonzi hakuna kana one chinhu. Kusvika 2030 haa munenge manzwa bhata. I also urge you to go through the AG’s reports, munotongoona kuti ndeyevene iyi. We will see how the 2030 vanenge vachipo agenda will work though, also how they are going to violate the constitution like they always do. As it stands, there is no constitutional leverage to that agenda, bva miraika muone ichishonyororwa takatarisa. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Pamainzwa vachiti ‘the voice of the people is the voice of God’ you thought it was all in vain? It is the voice of the people that ED will use to retain power, although there is talk that he relinquish party leadership and remain country president. Let’s wait and see how it all plays out.
Ko My Son wekuchibata kuti dzvii has been running wild with Men of the Cloth’s wives? He is a true son of his father chokwadi, kkkk. Kutoti I love you kumukadzi waPapa really? Haa Chifuta ane zvivindi, nekumwana waDJ Biscuit ikoko kwakabva nevamwe. But izvo zviya zvekuti a car is bought youya like a surprise ndozvatinongoitwawo wani senyika? Tese naProphet Branson tirikungojutwa zvakafanana hedu. Tazongosiyana pekuti ava ndiPapa who failed to get a message when he was in the realm of the spirit kuti his wife aitoyemera hake Wikinero. But looking at the whole scenario, I think these could be Chimombe’s allies who may have hacked Chivhayo so that they expose him and strip him of any dignity he has left. Madonhere akaita Chimombe on that prison truck aya, chero ndirini I would have found a way to retaliate. We saw the gospel clown Java standing in solidarity with Chimombe, and with his history, he may be the one who did Chifuta dirty. Regai zvipondane ikoko, ndozvimwe. The friends ED keeps around him, ivo vanoita kumarana pamari dzekulooter ivavo. Haa panosvika 2030 tinenge tamboonerera.
Chete I have lost all trust in this government, maybe all these scandals are a diversion of some looting that went on or is going on somewhere. Ko makatowana pekubatirwaka maZimbo, you are fed chaff online so that you concentrate on the minor while the major is happening. I feel like we have been studied tikatoonekwa kuti for us not to concentrate on the important issues like cost of living we should have at least some scandal that doesn’t concern us to be talking about for days on end. They know what the Gen Z did in Kenya using the very same platforms akazara zvemijolo dzanaDzambarafuta, so they have to get you hooked. Call me a conspiracy theorist or whatever but ini ndiri gentleman handivanzi.
Let me go ndinokanga maputi angu zvangu for lunch, mazuvano mabanana akuita achiora kwaakuti dziyei. Plus these days ndinopota ndichikwesha man’a in anticipation of SADC passing through vuno kwedu, though the chances are a wild reach. Vane yavo migwagwa yavakagadzirirwa Harare uko.
I’ve been missing hama yangu Kiritsopfaa Mutsvangwa, Mama Mai Baby Boy was here the other day vachivhura musika I saw varibho chose. Izvozviso Baby Boy Nevy akatodzokera to some illegal dealing so, handina hangu umbowo but team iri ndomaitiro aro iri. If you see VaMphoko please tell him that I miss him plus I think it’s time we hear about his experiences ekuChitepo School of Ideology sevamwe. I saw Mama Gire looking like an Instagram baddie kucricket, and thought haa daiso tina president manyama. By the way how is cde Mandiitawepi Chimene kwavari ikoko.
Until next week, mboko imboko!

Top musicians to grace Chibuku Neshamwari finals

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Top musicians to grace Chibuku Neshamwari finals

By Perpetua Murungweni

Top musicians Jah Prayzah, Tocky Vibes and Killer T will headline this year’s edition of the Chibuku Neshamwari national finals to be held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on July 27.
Delta Beverages confirmed the arrangement in a press statement issued on July 8 and said preparations were underway for the national finals.
“Preparations are well underway for the Chibuku Neshamwari National finals to be held on Saturday the July 27, 2024, at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo. The Finale promises an exhilarating showdown as ten groups vie for the top prize,” reads the statement.
The statement further says top musicians including Jah Prayzah will be among the performers and entrance will be free.
“In addition, attendees can look forward to captivating performances by Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Tocky Vibes, entry is free, and the performances will kick off at 10am,” reads the statement.
Chibuku Neshamwari has so far hosted nine provincial competitions with only one province left to take place this Saturday.
“To date, we have successfully hosted nine provincial competitions, with the remaining provincial taking place on 13 July 2024, in Bulawayo, at Phekiwe Bar. These events have garnered significant attendance, sparking enthusiasm among our consumers and creating valuable sales opportunities for the hosting outlets. Additionally, they have showcased a variety of talented competing artists,” reads the statement.
The national Finals will see the top three national finalists walking away with US$15 000 for the first prize winners, US$10 000 for second position and the third prize winner will walk away with US$7 000.
The groups that have made it to the finals are Nyaungwe Dance Group from Mashonaland East. Matebeleland South will be represented by Bolamba dance group. Matebeleland North will be represented by Pezhuba Pachena dance group.
Dzimbahwe Nengoma will represent Mashonaland Central. Harare will be represented by Culture Warriors. The host will be represented by Masvingo Teachers College’s Gango Dance Group.
Mkango Dance Droup will represent the Midlands Province, with Manicaland being represented by Dapuraunanzva Arts Ensemble with Mbakumba dance and Mash West will be represented by Budiriro Arts with Mhande
The Chibuku Neshamwari traditional dance Festival 2024 edition commenced on May 27 2024 with provincial competitions. This year’s competition is running under the theme “Tamba Tione, Gida Sibone!”

Francis Moyo’s abuse of office case removed from remand

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Francis Moyo’s abuse of office case removed from remand

By Beatific Gumbwanda

Chiredzi Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu recently removed former Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson and Zanu PF stalwart, Francis Moyo’s case from remand accusing the state of failing to build a case against him on charges of gross abuse of office as a public officer, TellZim News can report.
Moyo, who was Zanu PF Chiredzi Central 2023 Parliamentary candidate was arraigned before the courts by ZACC in early March over allegations of criminal abuse of office as a public officer under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act (Chapter 9:23) where he was remanded out of custody on a US$500 bail.
According to the State papers, on May 14, 2013, a developer, Inotrade Investments, represented by Trinity Mutsetse applied for commonage stands in Chiredzi Township from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
It is further alleged that the accused person using his position as the town chairperson as well as chairperson of the Justin Chauke Housing Cooperative hatched a plan and corruptly benefitted from the 50 commonage stands reserved for the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
The court heard that on December 17, 2014, Inotrade Investments and Justin Chauke Housing Cooperative entered into a partnership agreement to develop and construct 50 housing stands.
Investigations revealed that Inotrade Investments later handed over the project to Justin Chauke Housing Cooperative with the accused person being the Chairperson of the housing cooperative and the Chairperson of Chiredzi Town Council during that period.
Following the launch of an investigation on Chiredzi Town Council by the Local Government Ministry, from March 2016 to April 2016 known as the ‘Nhamo Report’, it was established that no land intrinsic value was paid to the ministry for the 50 residential stands.
It is alleged that Moyo’s actions led to the Ministry of Local Government suffering a prejudice of US$60 000 being the land’s intrinsic value that was payable.
The case will proceed by way of summons and Moyo is being represented by Emmanuel Chibudu of the Manyika Law Chambers. The state is being represented by Ronald Kwangwari.

Zimuto High wins World Robot Olympiad tourney

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Zimuto High wins World Robot Olympiad tourney

By Tatiana Mhararira

Zimuto High School In Masvingo province recently won gold medal at the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe 2024 competitions held in Bulawayo.
The Reformed Church of Zimbabwe (RCZ) run school was among four other schools from the province that participated, namely Masvingo Christian College, Ndarama High, Helen McGhie Primary and Chikato Primary.
The Zimuto High team composed of former Child Vice President Theophelus Beans, Eustina Muvoti, and Flint Shamba emerged victorious in the senior category and the team will represent the country at global stage in Turkey.
Beans made headlines last year after inventing a smart walking stick and was subsequently invited to represent the country in Namibia at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) World Children’s Day.
Zimuto High’s team patron, Vincent Tafadzwa Gonese, praised the team for hard work. He was optimistic that the team will perform well at the international competitions to be held later this year.
“The competition was a steep learning curve, challenging yet rewarding. We are really honored to be representing the nation in Turkey, and we are positive that we will do our level best,” said Gonese.
Zimuto High which was recently named best school in Masvingo by Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ). Its debate team last year won an award at the Pan African Universities Debate Championship held in Togo, a title they are set to defend later this year in Uganda.
Masvingo Christian College’s team, participating for the first time, performed well and secured fifth position.
The school’s patron, Davison Mada, commended the team for their achievement and the valuable learning experience.
“It was an exciting event where we learned much in our interaction with other participants from across the country. Finishing fifth is a great achievement for us, as it was our first time participating in the national robotics championship,” said Mada.
Ndarama High School also participated and secured seventh position.
In the junior category, Helen McGhie Primary won third place, receiving an award for their outstanding display of knowledge through research and creativity.
Chikato Primary School was recognized for demonstrating the best team spirit throughout the tournament. The students conducted independent research and worked tirelessly to create a robot that detects smoke within a room.
Chikato Primary’s patron, Varaidzo Rhoda Muza, expressed her appreciation for the learners’ hard work and dedication, which led to the team spirit award.
“I really appreciate the leaners’ hard work which led us to getting this award. Indeed they showed team spirit as they worked together day and night without the interference of the patron. The team created a robot that detects smoke within a room. The trio compiled the write up and submitted thus displaying high levels of team spirit,” said Muza.
The students demonstrated impressive research skills and collaboration to develop projects that led to their success.
The successful participation of these Masvingo schools in the World Robot Olympiad tournament showcased the province’s bright minds as well as potential for further growth and achievement in the field of robotics.

88 benefit from IOM anti-immigration starter ups in Zaka

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88 benefit from IOM anti-immigration starter ups in Zaka

By Decide Nhendo

International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its IOM Development Fund responsible for endorsing and management of multiregional and global projects, has taken a bold move to curb immigration in the country by providing a wide range of starter up resources to those who have been migrating to neighbouring countries looking for greener pastures so that they can establish sources of livelihoods.
Speaking to TellZim News at Jerera Growth Point on July 3, where they received various resources for start-ups, Ward 8 councillor Tererai Tererai said the programme is going to improve livelihoods of the local people especially during the current El Nino induced drought.
“This IOM programme is going to improve people’s living standards. And see them through this current El Nino induced drought. It is also helpful as it is going to reunite families as those who used to go to South Africa in search of greener pastures won’t be going there anymore as IOM gave them start up projects,” said Tererai.
Ward 13 councillor Sebastian Musundire said Zaka was among top districts with people migrating to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Zambia in search for greener pastures.
He said IOM came with the programme to discourage migration, so they have empowered both those who were going abroad and those who are still in the villages.
“From IOM’s report it emerged that Zaka was among districts with many people who were migrating to neighbouring countries, so the organisation came up with this programme where they are giving registered people start ups to do their own small businesses,” said Musundire.
“When IOM said they wanted to help reduce the migration scourge, we spread the word across the ward, but only 42 people registered since others were deeming the programme political and thought it was going to be fruitless. Many people wanted to join later when they realized the programme was gaining momentum but, unfortunately, the organisers said they were going to give those registered first,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries Tsungirirai Mukoni from ward 13 said the project will improve the living standards of her family.
“I am glad about this initiative by IOM because it is going to improve our livelihoods, I chose poultry project and I have received four bags of feed as well as feeding tins and trays. I am going to receive the egg layers,” said Mukoni.
“This project will help me to raise money for our children as well as raising m,oney for other domestic use. We will do the project together with my husband,” she added.
Another from ward 8, Real Majebure who used to go to South Africa (SA) said the project brought him a sigh of relief and will no longer need to go abroad since he now has a project that is going to generate money to support his family.
“I have been going to SA for many years and the last time was in 2022. I went there for one year and a few months. Now I will be given 50 broiler chicks and feed as start-up; I have no doubt that this will help me to generate income so that I take care of my family,” said Majebure.
On July 3, the organization gave groceries to those who wanted to open small shops, whilst those who wanted to venture into food shops received big pots, 20 plates, 9kg gas tanks, two plate stoves, 60kg mealie meal and 6 litres cooking oil.
Those in poultry had to choose between 50 broiler chicks, 50 Sasol chicks or 15 layers already at laying stage, and they were given four bags of feed for the birds, while others received ground nuts grinding mills and sewing machines.
People who venture in welding, carpentry and hairdressing are yet to receive their equipment.

Employee Retirement

TellZim News
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Employee Retirement

By Shadreck Zangairai

When to Start Retirement Planning for Employees
There is a common misconception among most employees, and it often sounds something like, “I have plenty of time to prepare for retirement. There’s no need to rush.” Others think, “As soon as I get my finances sorted, I’ll start thinking about retirement.” Unfortunately, these thoughts can result in an unhappy retirement. As alluded to by Anderson, (2016), retirement planning for employees should start with inculcating the below two foundational concepts in them:

  1. If you wait for the “perfect” or “right” time, you’ll never start.
  2. The earlier you get started, the better. However, it’s never too late to start.
    With these two concepts in mind, employees can be encouraged to plan for retirement immediately. Neither their age nor their current finances should come in the way of retirement planning.
    How Organisations can help employees to retire
    The transition to retirement can be an extremely overwhelming process for both employees and employers. Retiring employees face concerns and uncertainty as they move from a full-time income to relying on Social Security benefits and retirement savings. For employers, losing long-tenured employees can create critical gaps in their talent and knowledge base if they do not have a strategic retirement process in place. So what strategies and best practices can organizations implement to make retirement transition successful for both the retiree and the organization? Below are some of the ways organisations can employ to help employees make a smooth transition to retirement.
    Assessment of Culture- Does your company discuss retirement openly, with positive tones? Having a retirement-positive culture is critical to help employees plan and feel supported as they prepare for their next stage in life. It also helps by providing organizations with more time to plan career paths and create better continuity. Another benefit of fostering a positive culture around retirement is that it can reduce the taboo of leaving which often results in an employee’s surprise retirement announcements and leaves the organization rushing to replace them and fill in gaps in key positions or the leadership funnel.
    Encourage Early Retirement Planning- A survey in 2022 on employee transition in the pharmaceutical sector showed that 67% of employees begin thinking about their retirement between the ages of 55 and 65. However advice from the Pensions Department recommends that leading organizations should realize that retirement planning begins as early as 30 years before retirement and that organisations should provide support to emerging employees early in their careers. Employees are encouraged to have conversations around retirement early, when they still have time to plan financially and prepare for the emotional, lifestyle, and family adjustments that will happen. Thinking about the retirement process early can help employees better understand whether they can afford retirement, as well as determine what they want their retirement years to look like, if they’re healthy enough to engage in the activities they have planned, and if they’re prepared emotionally for the transition. This kind of attention to life-after-work planning builds employee loyalty and retention.
    Provide Flexible Alternatives- it is an undeniable fact that many retirement-age employees want to continue working, mostly due to financial reasons. Phased retirement programs, widely used to assist workers in their shift away from the workforce, allow employees to modify their workload, either by transitioning to part-time work or by having their hours reduced. Offering phased retirement options to your older workers allows both your organization and the worker to adjust over time, rather than scramble to deal with an abrupt departure. With phased retirement options, organizations can plan better since they know well in advance when an employee plans to leave and can arrange for experienced workers to mentor younger ones, transferring their years of employer-specific knowledge.
    Take a Holistic Approach- Retirement is more than just ending one’s career to live off accumulated savings. With growing life expectancies, retirement can last well beyond 30 years. For many workers, their employer is the primary source, and sometimes the only source, of information and support for retirement preparation. Providing a form of retirement coaching that looks beyond the finances can help employees prepare and experience a more fulfilling retirement. Through an organisation’s retirement options program, employees are guided through the retirement planning process with a certified career coach, assessing and exploring areas of their lives such as work, family, leisure, wellness, and personal development
    Recognize employees- It’s important to recognize the benefits older workers who are nearing retirement bring to the organization. They have years of knowledge and experience, dedication to the job and company, and a strong work ethic. In addition, older workers are able to provide leadership and mentoring to younger employees, which helps foster knowledge transfer. Recognize the contributions those near retirement have made to the organization by engaging them in mentorship programs, asking for their input, and putting them on new project teams. A common misconception is that older workers are not interested in new opportunities or trainings and are just “coasting” until they retire. By engaging them, recognizing the value they bring, and providing them with additional training, retiring employees will feel valued for their work and supported in their journey. Making retirement a positive event and properly preparing for and supporting an employee’s retirement creates a win-win for the organization and retiree.
    Factors to Consider for Employees’ Retirement Planning
    As you begin to task HR teams with retirement planning for employees, there are some important factors to consider. While organizations can have HR teams help employees, it’s best to have them work with a financial planner to achieve the best results.
    • Employee Goals- A very important factor in employee retirement planning is what their financial goals are once they retire. Do they wish to travel, work on their hobbies as a business or work with non-profits? Employees should be asked to write down their goals and the cost estimates of each.
    • Timelines to Achieve Retirement Goals- Timelines will help set the trajectory for the actions to take and the retirement products that can be achieved within those timelines. Having a primary date and a secondary date can help if retirement planning is being done late in life. Having a secondary date gives you a little extra time to prepare if necessary.
    • Employee Needs Post Retirement- Organizations need to make employees aware that they need to decide the amount of money needed for regular living expenses. These include rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and so on. If the employee plans to move to another area or city, they need to factor in the cost of living in that location. Besides this, they need to ensure they have emergency expenses, home maintenance, other such expenses factored in.
    • Investment Options for Employees- There are many retirement options available, including employer-sponsored retirement plans, pension plans, and others. You can also consider stock options according to your retirement timeline. If the employee is starting at a young age they can take riskier options with better returns.
    To be continued!!!
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