Home Blog Page 14

One third of Rujeko D residential stands to be allocated to Council workers

TellZim News
-
0
One third of Rujeko D residential stands to be allocated to Council workers

By Yvonne Mangani

Masvingo City Council has announced plans to allocate one-third of residential stands in the Rujeko D extension to municipal workers, a decision officials say was aimed at rewarding long-serving staff and reducing housing insecurity among council employees.

This came out during the recently held full council meeting when Mayor Alec Tabe announced that the workers who were getting the stands had already paid for them.

“There are council workers who have served for a long time. So we need to ensure that those who serve our city have decent and secure housing,” said Tabe.

Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa questioned the criteria that was going to be used to select the beneficiaries and whether they were going to pay.

Responding to Muchokwa, Tabe said the workers who were going to benefit had already paid for the stands.

“We should have the history of this scheme first before we argue. There are some people who had paid for these stands, so it should be clear that these are not free, and some of them had died before the scheme existed,” said Tabe.

Ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga said those who had paid and died should also get their stands.

“Even those who paid for these stands and died before getting them, their next of kin should come and get those stands which they had paid for. They should benefit from where they were working,” said Manyanga.

Villagers take charge to stop gully threatening Tugwi Mukosi Dam

TellZim News
-
0
Villagers take charge to stop gully threatening Tugwi Mukosi Dam

By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – Villagers in Village 1, Ward 22 in the Mukosi area of Masvingo District have
taken matters into their own hands, joining forces to reclaim a severely degraded gully that was
threatening their access to the main road, water sources, and a nutrition garden, while also
causing siltation in the country’s largest inland water body, Tugwi Mukosi Dam.
The rehabilitation work is being supported by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) in
collaboration with the Global Environment Facility 7th Replenishment (GEF-7).
On March 25, EMA officials, along with representatives from various government departments
and local authorities, toured the site to assess the progress.
During the tour, it was noted that the gully had been developing at a high speed and was cutting
off residents from accessing essential services. Locals admitted that the gully had started on
everyone’s watch but was ignored at first until it became a serious challenge, prompting
intervention from their councilor Peter Marambir.
One resident Rosemary Musara said residents said crossing into the village with vehicles or
scotch carts had become nearly impossible.
“We have our children who work outside and are buying cars. They were not able to reach here
because of the gully. We had the labour but we had no resources or expertise, and we got that
through EMA,” said Musara.
Another villager, Daford Fushai, explained that the gully originated from the Musogwesi River
metres away from its current location, starting around 2013. He said cyclones worsened the
situation until EMA arrived with resources.
He added that villagers now gather stones from a nearby mountain, while Masvingo Rural
District Council provides a tractor to transport the stones to the site.
Village Chairperson Simon Marambire said the community had responded positively when
called upon to contribute their labour.
“When we were called, we heeded. Our people are hard workers and we are doing this work
willingly because it is for our own benefit,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to their councillor, Peter Marambire, for taking their concerns to
higher offices. He made an appeal for fencing material to protect the newly planted vetiver grass,
which he said was being eaten by cattle, potentially disturbing the rehabilitation process.
Speaking during the visit, Masvingo Provincial EMA Manager Milton Muusha said the problem
was not unique to the area but was widespread across Masvingo and the country at large. He said
the area falls within the catchment of Tugwi Mukosi Dam, the country’s largest dam and a major
investment for irrigation.

“As EMA and other partners, we surveyed the catchment to find challenges, and one of the ones
we identified was this issue of gullies and soil erosion. So we saw it fit to work and address this
problem so that the dam will have a long lifespan,” said Muusha.
He added that the Mukosi community was among those actively working to address such
challenges, which was why other districts were being brought to the area to learn and implement
similar interventions in their respective areas.
EMA Environmental Officer Wilfred Muchono said when they first assessed the site, they
examined how the gully was developing and its catchment area.
“We discovered that the gully’s catchment area was 60 hectares, and one of the major causes of
its rapid development was that some people had extended their fields into the water chain. We
engaged the leadership and managed to revert to the original pegs,” said Muchono.
He further explained that they also found no contour ridges in the area, which allowed runoff
from the fields.
“We managed to develop 10 contour ridges in the area which hold water and direct it to
designated waterways. By the time the water gets there, its speed would have reduced.
“Before we worked here, we started by addressing the upstream areas. So far we have managed
to work on 47 hectares, and we are left with 13 where we will create stone checks to reduce
runoff. We also need to create half-moons to deal with water coming from the mountain,” he
said.
Conservation specialist Innocent Gono from the Department of Mechanisation said the gabions
installed at the site would stop the gully from developing further.
“The gully will not develop from here. After that, we will work on closing the gully by putting
silt traps in the gully bed and work on it for several years until we close it,” said Gono.

My Age Africa escalates youth SRHR, mental health awareness to Masvingo

TellZim News
-
0
My Age Africa escalates youth SRHR, mental health awareness to Masvingo

By Simon Masore
MASVINGO – My Age Africa, A youth-led organization recently held a youth awareness Programme in
Masvingo aimed at addressing issues of sexual and reproductive health and Rights, mental health and the
empowerment of young women.
The event, brought together students, youth leaders, civil society organizations and local authorities to
discuss the challenges affecting adolescents and young people and to promote access to Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Speaking during the engagement, My Age Africa executive director Onward Chironda said the
organization’s new strategy focuses on strengthening youth participation through policy advocacy and
dialogue with key stakeholders.
“Our new strategy focuses on young people. We are using policy advocacy and dialogues to ensure that
young people are heard and that the right communication strategies are in place,” said Chironda.
He emphasized that the organization prioritizes youth-centered approaches to ensure that young people
are empowered in their daily lives.
“Young people must be at the center of care. We want them to be empowered in their daily activities and
to achieve this we engage different stakeholders and service providers so that young people can access
knowledge, services and wellness programs,” he said.
Chironda added that the organization was also actively advocating for policy reforms that improve access
to health services for young people.
“We want to make sure that young people have services that help them. We are proud to say that we have
participated locally and nationally in the processes around the amendment of the Health Bill,” he said.
He went on to say the organization was also involved in disaster risk management programmes, working
with various government ministries.
“Last year we worked with several ministries to strengthen disaster risk management, including the
Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the
Ministry responsible for disaster risk management,” he said.
Chironda also highlighted the organization’s efforts to strengthen its sustainability through internal
fundraising initiatives.
“We have also focused on strengthening the organization itself by generating our own resources. We
established 263 Media, which provides media services such as podcasts, live broadcasts and
documentaries,” he said.

“Last year we managed to generate about US$15 000 in revenue for the first time in 10 years. After some
organizations withdrew their funding contracts, this has helped us sustain the organization,” he added.
Chironda also raised concerns about gender equality and gender-based violence (GBV), saying more
work is needed to protect the girl child.
“Government commitments must remain centered on the girl child, especially in addressing gender-based
violence and ensuring young women have the support they need,” he said.

On sexual and reproductive health issues, Chironda said there was a need to increase awareness among
young people about HIV prevention and contraceptive options.
“Young people who go to seek condoms are very few compared to those who seek morning-after pills.
There is a need for more education so that young people can make informed choices,” he said.
He also addressed misconceptions around safe abortion laws, encouraging young women to seek accurate
information on reproductive health.
“We need to address misconceptions around safe abortion and ensure that women understand family
planning and birth control so that we can build a healthy generation,” Chironda said.
My Age Africa Capacity Building Agent Obedience Mazenge presented an overview of a mental health
project aimed at strengthening advocacy for mental health funding.
“Despite recognition of mental health within Zimbabwe’s National Health Strategy (2021–2025),
financing remains fragmented and is often subsumed under broader non-communicable disease
allocations,” Mazenge said.
He revealed alarming statistics highlighting the scale of the problem.
“About 0.2 percent of the health budget is allocated to non-communicable diseases, while 64 percent of
children experience violence and one in three girls experience sexual violence,” he said.
Mazenge said the organization’s goal was to push for improved funding for mental health services in
Masvingo.
“Our goal is to improve domestic funding for mental health and ensure increased mental health services in
Masvingo City by December 2026,” he said.
“We are also advocating for the creation of a dedicated mental health budget and formal communication
platforms that allow young people to access counselling and information,” he added.
He said the project would include policy brief development, youth community dialogues, engagement
meetings with civil society organizations, policy dialogues with policymakers and media engagement.
Masvingo City Ward 9 Councilor Bernard Muchokwa said the city council was, however, making efforts
to support youth development initiatives.
“As Masvingo City Council we have many sectors to focus on, including mental health for young people.
We also fund youth activities such as sports. For example, we support football teams with about US$3
000 affiliation fees, which shows that we care about young people,” he said.
Muchokwa, however, urged youths to actively participate in council meetings to voice their concerns.
“The challenge is that young people do not attend council meetings where they can share their concerns.
The last time we held a meeting at Mucheke Hall, only primary school pupils attended,” he said.
Meanwhile, My Age Africa also launched a free counselling hotline called SARU (0808617), which
offers support and information on sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
The organization also provides emotional support through its WhatsApp line 0782 450 853, where young
people can access counselling services and information.

Masvingo faces growing threat of fake and unsafe products

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo faces growing threat of fake and unsafe products

By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Masvingo has been identified as one of the provinces most exposed to
counterfeit and unsafe products due to its strategic location along the North-South trade
corridor.
Masvingo lies along the North-South trade corridor, a major route connecting South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The corridor is a key path for moving goods and boosting trade in the region, which also
makes the province an entry point for counterfeit and unsafe products.
Speaking during the World Consumer Rights Day commemorations held at Urban Lifestyles
Hotel on March 18, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra
Chadzamira said the province’s proximity to South Africa, one of Zimbabwe’s key trading
partners, makes it particularly vulnerable to the penetration of fake and substandard goods.
“The selection of Masvingo as a venue for this important event is no accident or coincidence.
Masvingo’s strategic location on the North-South corridor and proximity to South Africa, one
of our key trading partners guarantees a wider reach to a diverse audience. This is especially
critical in light of the prevalent risk of counterfeit products in the region,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira warned that the growing presence of counterfeit products poses a serious threat
to both consumers and local industries.
He added that counterfeit goods not only compromise consumer safety but also undermine
economic growth by weakening local industries and innovation.
“Counterfeit goods weaken local industries, stifle innovation and compromise the integrity of
our manufacturing sector,” said Chadzamira.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) chairperson Respina Zinyanduko also raised
concern over the situation in Masvingo, warning that the province remains vulnerable to
smuggling of unsafe products.
“Masvingo has not been spared from these business malpractices and is more prone to
smuggling of unsafe products from our neighbouring countries,” she said.
Zinyanduko added that the commission ws working with law enforcement agencies including
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to
curb the problem.
The World Consumer Rights Day commemorations ran under the theme “Safe products,
confident consumers,” with stakeholders calling for increased vigilance, stronger
enforcement and greater consumer awareness to combat the growing threat.

Over 2,900 Businesses Prosecuted for Consumer Rights Violations

TellZim News
-
0
Over 2,900 Businesses Prosecuted for Consumer Rights Violations

By Andrew Zhou
​MASVINGO – The Consumer Protection Commission has been cracking down on bad
business practices. Since 2025, 2,905 businesses were prosecuted for selling expired,
counterfeit, or substandard goods, and 634 more have already faced action in 2026.
The announcement was made by Consumer Protection Commission Chairperson
Respina Zinyanduko during World Consumer Rights Day commemorations at Urban
Lifestyles Hotel, Masvingo on March 18, 2026.
Zinyanduko revealed that the commission’s enforcement department had been working
tirelessly to clean-up the marketplace.
“We have been working tirelessly with our partners the law enforcement agents and the
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to clean up all counterfeit products which are in the
market”. Said Zinyanduko.
According to the statistics released, 2,271 businesses were prosecuted in 2025, while
634 have already been brought to book in the first quarter of 2026. The 634
prosecutions already recorded in the first quarter of the year demonstrates the
commission’s increased pace on consumer protection.
“We have managed to prosecute a total of 2,271 businesses in the year 2025. These
businesses were selling dangerous, expired and counterfeit goods. This year a total of
634 have already been prosecuted for the same offences”. Noted Zinyanduko.
​The Chairperson emphasised that the commission would not tolerate businesses that
compromise the health of citizens by offloading adverse products into Zimbabwe’s
market.
​“The Commission remains resolute in its mandate to protect consumers from
unscrupulous business actors. We have scaled up our inspections across the country to
ensure that no one is above the law. These 2,905 prosecutions serve as a clear
message that selling expired, counterfeit, or substandard goods is a high-risk venture
that will result in the full wrath of the law being applied”. Said Zinyanduko.
​The Consumer Protection Commission urged the public to remain vigilant and continue
reporting retailers who fail to adhere to safety and quality standards as the commission
continues its nationwide crackdown.

Masvingo Christian, Hellen McGhie dominate provincial robotics olympiad

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo Christian, Hellen McGhie dominate provincial robotics olympiad

By Andrew Zhou.
MASVINGO – In a exceptional display of technical prowess and youthful ingenuity, Masvingo
Christian College and Hellen McGhie Primary School emerged as the dominant forces at the
concluded World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Zimbabwe Provincial Competitions recently held
Great Zimbabwe University’s Innovation Hub.
The event, which drew the province’s brightest young minds, served as a powerful testament to
the rapid growth of robotics and innovation in the region.
​Masvingo Christian College emerged as the champion in the senior category, outperforming
several formidable competitors to claim the top spot.
The school’s victory was characterized by exceptional skill, creativity, and technical excellence,
marking a major achievement in the province’s burgeoning tech space.
Reflecting on the success, Masvingo Christian College Head, Dr. Edson Muresherwa,
emphasized that their triumph was built on internal capacity rather than external help as the
school is also training others schools in the province.
“We did not outsource trainers; we actually trained other schools. We recently organized a
workshop in which we trained teachers from other schools. We have invested in it and the
investment is yielding dividends.” Said Muresherwa.
​Looking ahead, the school aims to integrate the high-tech skills into their core curriculum to
ensure students remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.
“Our plan as a school is to continue exposing our students in this area as we prepare them for the
future, rather than preparing them for a world that no longer exists,” asserted Dr. Muresherwa.
​The excellence extended into the younger divisions, where Hellen McGhie Primary School
proved to be an unstoppable force, sweeping both the Elementary and Junior categories.
Speaking to Hellen McGhie school head, Mr. Brian Gomba, confirmed their stellar performance,
noting that the school came first in both sections. He highlighted that the school’s success was
home grown, relying on internal staff to guide the pupils.
“The school relied on internal staff and it has become a routine for the young ones to involve
themselves in research and in manipulating things,” said Gomba.
​Looking ahead, the victory has ignited a newfound determination within the primary school to
excel on a larger stage. Mr. Gomba pledged full support for the team as they prepare for the
national competition to held in Bulawayo.

“This will give them chances to acquire more skills, and the rest will appreciate and be
determined to achieve higher than the current teams,” said Gomba.
As both Masvingo Christian College and Hellen McGhie celebrate their provincial dominance,
their success sends a clear message that Masvingo is ready to lead the

ZRP Masvingo introduces drone surveillance, appeals for partnerships to acquire more

TellZim News
-
0
ZRP Masvingo introduces drone surveillance, appeals for partnerships to acquire more

By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo province recently introduced drone
surveillance as part of a broader push to modernise policing, with the commanding officer now
appealing to business people and well-wishers to help acquire additional drones to enhance crime
monitoring across the region.
Speaking during the Client Service Charter Re-invigoration, Officer Commanding Masvingo
Province, Commissioner Fredrick Mbengwa, said two drones were already in operation, one
deployed in the Masvingo Central Business District (CBD) and another covering Mucheke and
Rujeko, where crime monitoring has been intensified.
“We have embraced technology by deploying drones to ensure safety and enhance professional
capacity. Currently we have two drones, one operating in the CBD and one in Mucheke and
Rujeko,” said Mbengwa.
He said the introduction of drones gives the force an aerial view to better monitor the vast
province and improves public safety. Body-worn cameras for officers have also been introduced,
marking a significant step in modernising policing methods and strengthening accountability.
While the initial deployment has improved aerial surveillance, the commissioner said more
drones were needed to ensure full coverage across the province.
“We enjoin businesspeople and well-wishers to help us acquire more drones to cover the entire
area,” said Mbengwa.
In addition to drones, police encouraged communities to pool resources and contribute towards
the purchase and installation of street cameras, describing them as “bigger reporters than the
police themselves” for their ability to provide real-time surveillance and aid in evidence
collection.
“We also need every member to enjoin on buying street cameras; they are bigger reporters than
the police themselves,” said Mbengwa.
However, he emphasised that technology alone could not replace public vigilance and urged
residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying active community participation is key
to improving safety and security across the area.
He said the police were not prophets or traditional healers who predict and guess where crime
happens but said they relied on the public for information.
“We don’t use bones, we don’t consult faith healers, we rely on you, and you are our bones so
give us information. If you provide information and it’s not acted upon then our offices are opn,
follow the chain of command and report,” he said.

The call for partnerships comes as the ZRP continues to embrace technology in policing. On July
30, 2025, 27 police officers graduated with drone pilots certificates at ZRP Sports Club in
Harare, part of the Commissioner-General’s thrust to modernise the force through the Electronic
Traffic Management System and the use of technology in crime management.

Masvingo residents raise concern over venues for amendment bill consultations

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo residents raise concern over venues for amendment bill consultations

By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Residents across Masvingo province have raised concerns over the
choice of venues for public consultations on the proposed Constitutional Amendment
Bill Number 3, with many alleging that the locations were deliberately selected to
discourage participation and silence dissenting voices.
In Zaka, the consultations are scheduled to be held at Rudhanda High School in Zaka
South.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zaka Ward 19 Councillor Albert Mazvanya voiced his
concern, arguing that Rudhanda was not centrally located as it sits close to the border
between Zaka and Chiredzi districts, thereby disadvantaging the rest of the district. He
also claimed that the choice of venue favours Zanu PF, considering that it is just a few
metres from the home of Zaka District Coordinating Committee Chairperson Clemence
Chiduwa, who is also the Zaka South MP.
“Rudhanda is not central at all. This is a deliberate move by the ruling party to make
sure they do not capture what people really want, hence moving the venue to a strategic
place thereby disadvantaging the rest,” said Mazvanya.
He went on to express fears that the venue being close to Chiduwa’s home was not a
good sign, and chances of violence were high if there are any opposing voices during
the consultations.
“I think there is going to be violence if anyone tries to speak differently or oppose the
bill. The reason they chose that venue is to have people who are loyal and whom they
can hold to account after the consultation,” said Mazvanya.
A Zaka resident who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed similar fears, pointing to
the area’s political character.
“That area is known to have Zanu PF fanatics who can cause harm to anyone who tries
to oppose the bill. People are already afraid to speak out because they know what
happens to those who disagree in that locality,” said one resident.
Another Zaka resident Peter Imbayarwo, told TellZim News that the choice of venue
was deliberate to deprive locals a chance to speak their minds. He said that all along,
previous consultations were held in Jerera, not only because it is central but also
convenient, unlike Rudhanda where other locals need to use two to three vehicles to get
to the venue.
“There is no advantage if we want Zaka representation. The only people who are closer
are part of Ward 25, Ward 28, and Ward 29; the rest are disadvantaged. Look at
someone from Ward 1 or 2, they have to go via Roy then Jerera, then Rudhanda.

Those from Bvukururu will get transport to Gumbo, take another one to Jerera, and
then get another one to Rudhanda. Those from Benzi area have to come to Jerera first
or go via Chiredzi, so the venue disadvantages a number of people, and I think it’s a
deliberate ploy to make sure that ordinary people do not attend,” said Imbayarwo.
He went on to say all consultations used to be held at BSPZ in Jerera, and people were
now afraid to go, meaning only those who will be bused can attend.
“All the other consultations used to be done here in Jerera. What is so important about
this one that it has been taken to Rudhanda? Most people who finance themselves to
get there will not, and most of them are afraid. So basing on that, whatever result that
comes out will not be a true reflection of Zaka,” said Imbayarwo.
In Bikita, a similar complaint has been raised by residents. Brilliant Mukaro told TellZim
News that consultations in Bikita were slated for Matsvange area in Bikita South, which
is about 30 kilometres of dust road from Nyika growth point.
“The venue was deliberately chosen to move away from people at the growth point who
are perceived to be against the government and were suspected to reject the Bill.
Ordinary people from Nyika and surrounding areas will now struggle to travel that
distance on a dusty road, yet the consultations could easily have been held at a more
accessible location,” said Mukaro.
For the Masvingo district consultation, the venue is Chidzikwe in Masvingo South. A
Masvingo resident who also requested anonymity said the choice of Chidzikwe was
problematic.
“Chidzikwe is in Summerton area, known as a no-go area for the opposition. It is a Zanu
PF stronghold where opposing voices are not tolerated. Holding consultations there is
deliberate because no one will dare to oppose the bill in that environment,” said the
resident.
Masvingo Urban MP Martin Mureri, who also sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio
Committee on Justice which is responsible for organizing the consultations, said he
raised a concern during committee meetings and they promised to look into the matter.
He said Chidzikwe, the venue for Masvingo District, was not central at all and would
disadvantage many people who would want to attend the meeting.
“I raised concern over this just yesterday. I indicated that Chidzikwe was not central and
they should look for another venue. I told them that they should consult MPs to help
them find central places, not just decide on their own. The committee chairperson
however promised to take the matter up to those who are organizing the venues,” said
Mureri.
People from areas like Majiri in Masvingo Central, Renco Mine, and Nyikavanhu in
Masvingo South will have to travel using more than two vehicles to get to the venue as
well, making it difficult to get there in time and travel back home the same day using
public transport.

Chiredzi Central MP, Ropafadzo Makumire, voiced similar concerns, saying most
venues were not strategic if the aim is to capture people’s views. He said the bill was so
important that it needed intensive and wide consultations, arguing that district level
consultations were not enough.
“This bill is important, so the consultations were supposed to be done at polling station
level. However, because of resource constraints, they could do constituency based
consultations because district ones cannot be enough,” said Makumire.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Central legislator Edison Zvobgo Junior who chairs
the responsible parliamentary portfolio committee said they were open to people’s
concerns and were ready to address those that can be addressed.
“We organized to have one consultative meeting per administrative district, but there
were concerns about Bulawayo so we added another venue. This shows we welcome
people’s input and where possible we can address,” said Zvobgo.
He went on to agree with Makumire that if resources permitted they could have done
more, but said people have to appreciate that this was one of the most widely consulted
bills, since most are done at provincial level.
“If resources permitted we could have organized more, but people have to know that
when we did the Death Penalty bill and many others, we simply did one per province.
But this time we tried to go down to districts. If we had resources we could have gone
maybe to constituencies. So this is the most widely consulted bill in the history of the
country. We will however look at the concerns and see how best we can address,” said
Zvobgo.
Speaking during a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting recently, Zanu PF
Masvingo Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa promised the party principals who were
present that the party was ready for the consultations at the centers established for that
purpose. Many however believe that Zanu PF will bus supporters to the venue
considering that the party has resources. Chidzikwe is one of the Zanu PF strongholds
in the province, a resettlement area dominated by ruling party sympathisers.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, proposes the extension of
presidential and parliamentary terms of office from five to seven years, with transitional
clauses allowing the current President and Parliament to remain in office until 2030
instead of 2028. The bill also seeks to change how the President is elected, replacing
the current system of direct popular vote with a parliamentary process where Members
of Parliament and Senators sitting jointly would elect the President.
Other proposed changes include giving the President power to appoint ten Senators
chosen for their professional skills and other competencies, increasing the Senate from
80 to 90 members. The bill proposes transferring voter registration functions from the
Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to the Registrar-General’s Office, and
establishing a separate Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission to handle the
delimitation of electoral boundaries.

It also seeks to abolish the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and transfer its functions to
the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, as well as remove the requirement for public
interviews in judicial appointments, giving the President greater discretion in appointing judges.

Chaos Erupts at Chiredzi Town Council Over ‘Unqualified’ Employee Promotion

TellZim News
-
0
Chaos Erupts at Chiredzi Town Council Over ‘Unqualified’ Employee Promotion

By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Town Council was thrown into chaos for the second consecutive full
council meeting as councillors nearly came to blows over the promotion of an employee
allegedly lacking the required qualifications, with one councillor having been forcibly removed
from chambers during the previous heated clash over the same issue.
The latest confrontation erupted after the General Purposes Committee tabled a recommendation
to promote Irvine Muteyaunga from Project Coordinator (Grade 11) to Assistant Director of
Operations (Grade 13), a position that allegedly demands a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil
Engineering.
Muteyaunga is alleged to be holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering and a
Diploma in Water Supply and Sanitation.
Councillors Charles Njopera (Zanu PF), Danford Chikanyau (CCC), Philemon Muchaendepi
(CCC) and Vimbai Ushe (Zanu PF) vehemently opposed the promotion, arguing that due
diligence had been bypassed and that Muteyaunga did not meet the qualification requirements
for the post.
Tempers flared as Njopera accused the Acting Town Secretary of acting outside his powers.
“We have totally violated our Human Resources Policy. The Acting Town Secretary does not
have the power to secretly promote someone without the recommendation of the Head of
Department,” said Njopera.
When Council Chairperson Jameson Charumbira attempted to silence Chikanyau, ruling that he
could not deliberate the matter since he sits on the General Purposes Committee, Muchaendepi
challenged the ruling.
“Where is that written, Chairman, that if one sits on a certain committee, he or she is not allowed
to deliberate the matter during a Full Council meeting?” queried Muchaendepi.
The confrontation marked the second time the same promotion issue has sparked mayhem in
council chambers. During the previous full council meeting, Chikanyau was forcibly removed by
security after tempers flared over the same matter, with the debate descending into chaos.
Ushe warned that the council was setting a dangerous precedent by bypassing established
procedures.
“For all the promotions we have had, a list of candidates is made available together with their
educational qualifications. Why is that process being bypassed here? According to the Job
Evaluation Report, that individual should be running the local authority’s Parks and Gardens, not
an engineering department,” she said.

Councillors also raised concerns about Muteyaunga’s competence, citing an incident where he
allegedly ordered wrong sized quarry stones during road construction, resulting in a project that
subsequently failed quality tests.
As the debate reached a stalemate, the chairperson exercised his casting vote to break the
deadlock, and the promotion was carried. Muchaendepi walked out of the meeting as the debate
continued.
The controversy is compounded by a recent capacity-building workshop by representatives of the
Ministry of Local Government, during which both Muteyaunga and another employee were
reportedly told they occupy posts not recognized in the local authority’s establishment.
Reacting to the developments, United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association Chairman
Josphat Tizirai said promotions in local authorities were increasingly based on political
allegiance rather than merit.
“Most people are not promoted on merit but rather on who they pay their allegiance to. If you eat
and dine with your bosses, your promotion will always be there. Maybe they were satisfied with
what he is doing which prompted them to give him a position which he is not qualified to be
holding,” said Tizirai.
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) Chairperson Jonathan Muusha urged
the council to adhere to employment guidelines and the Urban Councils Act.
“We urge council to adhere to employment guidelines and policies, including the Urban Councils
Act, when promoting or upgrading technical persons,” said Muusha.

Maternity wing, truck stop set to boost service delivery in Masvingo City

TellZim News
-
0
Maternity wing, truck stop set to boost service delivery in Masvingo City

By Karen Sibanda
MASVINGO – Masvingo City is set to enhance its service delivery and logistical
capabilities with the impending opening of the Runyararo Clinic maternity wing and the new
truck stop at Exor, marking a major step forward in the city’s commitment to improving
healthcare access and supporting the transport sector.
The Runyararo maternity wing is nearing completion and is expected to become fully
functional soon, following delays in equipment procurement that pushed back the initial
January 2026 opening date.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe said the maternity wing was
now complete, with only a few outstanding items left before it becomes fully operational.
“We were expecting it to start operating in January this year but there were delays in the
procurement of the equipment. As soon as it arrives, the maternity wing will start to operate.
“This facility, which has the capacity to accommodate 22 women, is designed to significantly
improve maternal and childcare outcomes by reducing the need for referrals to distant
facilities,” said Tabe.
The project, which was allocated US$50 000 in the 2025 council budget, will offer safe
delivery spaces, post-natal and pre-natal care, and modern equipment. The expansion is part
of Masvingo City’s broader strategy to establish maternity wings at all council clinics to
improve healthcare accessibility.
In parallel, the new truck stop located along the Beitbridge highway is also at an advanced
stage of development.
Tabe said construction of offices was complete, and the facility had initially been held back
from starting operations due to some touch-ups required on the site.
“Construction is now complete, with offices and ablution facilities ready. Only the paving of
the ground remains. This facility is designed to accommodate more than 80 vehicles, offering
secure parking, a retail outlet, and laundry services,” said Tabe.
“This truck stop aims to alleviate pressure on the CBD by providing a safe and convenient
resting and service area for truckers, thereby decongesting the city and stimulating economic
activities related to transport logistics,” he said.
The infrastructure developments underscore Masvingo City’s dedication to becoming a
world-class metropolitan city by 2030.

1...131415...969Page 14 of 969