Home Blog Page 140

Chadzamira urges parents to identify, support children’s passion

TellZim News
-
0
Chadzamira urges parents to identify, support children’s passion

By Decide Nhendo

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira has urged parents to identify talents from their kids from an early age so that they support them to make it through.
Chadzamira said this while meeting Masvingo’s five-year-old model Dillish Masango and her mother Rumbidzai Chisangowerotah on their return from Nigeria where she won three modeling titles at the Little Mr and Miss Toto Africa.
He said parents must identify talent in children from an early age and nurture it to help them earn a living by using their talents citing the many people who are making it in life through utilizing their gifts.
“I urge parents to look for talent in their children at an early age and support them so that the young people can make the best of their lives from the gifts,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira applauded efforts of Masango’s mother and urged other parents to learn from her while they dedicate time to their children to know their capabilities and motivate them.
“I also thank her mother for spending time to make sure that her daughter achieves her goals and ambitions which show that she is a good mother.
“Many mothers leave their kids around with their housemaids without putting much care to their children’s capabilities and potential.”
Chadzamira said Masvingo was proud of Masango as she had raised the provinces’ flag high on international stages at a tender age.
“Dillish made us proud because she is only five years old but is already competing at an international level making it from regional and continental stages to a world stage in America to represent Masvingo in particular,” said Chadzamira.
He said he was ready to support her and challenged other private organizations to extend hands and assist the young model with funds and support for her next destination saying this can help the country and province to be recognized globally.
Chisangowerotah said she realized her daughter’s passion for modeling at an early age, and started to monitor and support her, as a result, her efforts, as well as motivation, were bearing fruits. She urged parents to support their children on what they have a passion for making a better living.
“I saw that Dillish had a passion for modeling at an early age and I started to help, teach and support her. She is only five but she is now able to compete in international pageants. Parents must see to it that their children make the best out of their talents and passions.”
Masango, a grade one pupil at Victoria Primary School in Masvingo bagged three titles at the Little Mr, and Miss Toto Africa namely second runner-up Toto Miss Africa, Miss Smile and Miss Popularity.
Masango will be representing Zimbabwe at the World Imperial Beauties, an international pageant that takes place every year in Florida, United States, with two other winners from the Toto Africa 2024 pageant in July.

Daring thieves harvest 500kgs fish from Presidential Project

TellZim News
-
0
Daring thieves harvest 500kgs fish from Presidential Project

By Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – Police in Zaka are looking for thieves who pounced at Chinorumba High School in Zaka and harvested approximately 500kgs of fish from the school fish pond.
The fish were part of the Presidential Fish scheme and the school benefited from the program earlier last year (2023) as part of the preparations for hosting one of the most subscribed Zanu PF rallies in the run-up to the 2023 harmonized elections.
The fish were donated to the school through the presidential fish scheme where schools and communities with fish ponds are getting fingerlings from the government.
School head Nixon Bhenyu confirmed the incident but could not shed more light on how it happened and referred all questions to the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Samson Chidzurira.
Chidzurira confirmed having received the report from the school and said he was told that around 500kgs of fish were stolen and a police report was made.
“I don’t have intricate details of what happened but the school head informed me of the incident and the matter has since been reported to the police,” said Chidzurira.
Commenting on the matter in Zaka Development WhatsApp platform, Zaka Central legislator and Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said it was disheartening that there were still people who were against development.
He also said there was need for people to put security measures on important projects like that to avoid cases of theft.
“I am sorry for the loss and this tells me that we still have people in ward 13 who are against the President’s ideas of building the country through development. However, it is also important for people to make sure they put security measures in place when we get these projects.
“Everywhere where there are important projects even at our solarized boreholes or gardens we should have security,” wrote Marapira.
He went on to pledge to replace the stolen fish with double the amount, and assured people that the perpetrators were going to be apprehended and brought to book.
“The President’s projects cannot be stopped by people who are anti-development, the thieves will be apprehended in no time. I will bring 4000 to replace the 2000 which were stolen,” Marapira wrote.
In July 2021, a fish farmer from Chinorumba area in Muhope Village under Chief Nhema was left counting losses when he lost close to 2000 breams to thieves whom he suspected to have used nets to harvest from his fish pond.

The Structured Circus continues

TellZim News
-
0
The Structured Circus continues

Ladies and gentlemen I hope you are keeping safe and avoiding being arrested for being machange money, not 4ED of coz kkk. ko ruzhinji rweZimbabwe takatopara mhosva at one point or another ka because maths dzekuchinja mari ndodzakangozara mumusoro wemunhu wese. I once said this country is a big crime scene, but the bad part of it is if you have midzimu inorara pabasa unobva wabatwa woitwa example. We all heard Genarari Chandaizment giving a stern warning to money changers hanzi munokura maremara, kkkkk. Zimbabwe itongori warzone zvayo, ihelter-skelter dawn to dusk naYave oo. But I totally understand Genarari Kedha zvangu, if you are clueless pamwe pacho unotomboibatira shamhu economy kuti zviite some resemblance of normalcy, otherwise chokwadi tinochiziva hedu kuti team iri kufudza mbada iyi. Economy yacho ine misikanzwa iyi, haidi kuteerera. Nyangoiti kombai tirove, inogonzwa here? Ukuwo Johwani weChipiri is already shifting the blame to the World Bank, hanzi ndovakatikopesa book rezvestructured, gold backed what what, if it fails, blame them. Murikubabaikeikowo nhai Chitova Mushayazano? Ko miraika tione where it takes us before we start blaming anyone for anything. Ko tanga tava kutoblamer nguvai ipapa? Regai Tocky Vibes azoti zvakaoma veduwe. What if one day we wake up and the ZiG is actually working? I know ndinowanza kurota plus optimism semunhu anotambura stereki but miracles happen, zvinogona kuitika kuti God may one day decide to eliminate mbavha dzose dziri kuvhiringidza economy, totoona paya kuti inga zvimamonetary policy zviya zvataiti ndezvekupenga zvinotoshanda. Remember I prayed about that paEaster apa, kuti mbavha dai Mwari vadziranga. Also remember that the bible says munamato weakarurama une simba pakubata kwawo, itai henyu muone.
It feels very odd waking up tisingazive kuti rate riri pachii, and when we say rate Dr Chandaizment ukoo, we mean redu ratajaira not the one being enforced through police. Look here, I am not condoning what the black market does to the local currency, but I am just saying combating corruption will go a long way in making this new currency work. Have you ever sat down and wondered kuti who supplies these money changers with both the USD and the local currency? Mumastreet mandinombofamba umu ndinonzwa some names being dropped nevakomana, names of prominent people who use these money changers as their runners in their money heist. Those are the things you should question, not kuthreatena kuvhuna vanhu makumbo Dr Kedha, that is if you also do not have your hands mugaba redovi, which I highly doubt. If you say you do not know the real culprits then ini Mapombi ndiri mwana wembinga, nhema dzakatsvuka seropa. Kuhwanda nechigumwe. Threaten all you want, but unless you regulate mafambiro emari on street corners muri kungovukura. You will finish all the stationery at your offices drafting zvimaStatutory Instrument pachingova pasi. All you are doing is catching the small fish,kunge dzekwaCinorumba kkkk but this has become more of a chorus because muri zvingongongo, hohodza, misorobhangu, mharapatsetsetse plus futi you are greedy. I passed through area yepaOK apoo in Masvingo wati kuchena here kwapange pakaita. Ipo paya, thousands of dollars were made, crispy new notes exchanging hands, but tisataura hedu mazita. Truly vanhu kuita competition yekudhomoka about the new currency, and then you expect the nation to have confidence in it, munopenga chete. Zuro uno Kiritsopfaa Mutsvangwa was busy saying boss vake’s new name will be Mr Strong ZiG, nhasi Chandaizment kuZITF uko hanzi bond notes were a Rhodesian scheme that is why it failed. Time time tinomboitwa zvidhelele nevanhu ava. How do we take you serious pakadaro? Nekuside VaMushayamano busy kupomera World Bank, kuita makwikwi ekubvisa confidence muvanhu, ko kungonyarara nhai? Unongoona wega kuti aya mabasa asina kupera senge mamega deals atakanguri tagezera maoko asingauyi.
But Zanu inombosvotesa zvayo vakomana, hanzi naDelish Nguwaya uya wekubetserana naMama Okidhoki kuisa some of the Covid equipment paside for future use, hanzi maZimba you are ungrateful because most of the things we do we will be doing them for you. Ipapo kwaibvigwa iyo Geo Pomona yekuita bongozozo muHarare. This is when you see that we are on our own as a country, vadyi vawo mafuta enyika vanenge vakatotitsamwira kuti hatitende mafufu avanotipa, uku isu miromo yakachena nenzara. I especially find amusement in the running around that happens when the Royal Highness Baba Two wants to descend in an area, kumhanya mhanya kunoitwa. KuMashava gore riya magedhe akapaintiwa nekuCSC ndove yemombe yakadirwa mvura kuti inyorove vakuru vafare, and the funny part of it is that shasha dzinenge dzichingofadzana dzega nenhema hadzo, ini zvangu ini, kkkkk. I wonder how things are now paBuhera apo, I guess vakamboravirawo chirungu even though zhara is knocking on their doors now, vachirarama nenyii vomwa havo mvura yemumufuku.
I was hoping that by now, Zanu would have convinced or should I say instructed Wicknero to refurbish our hospital and other public entities that need attention sekupower supply uko, bva ehh. Tariro yemurombo unenge uchingoti maybe they will look at us neziso retsitsi, bva tinongovamo murima sezvitokwani, takananga kumiddle income economy by 2030, kuVision ikweyo. Now zvakutoshamisa to have water and electricity supply during the day, kutomaona magetsi we ask each other kuti is everything ok. Everyone now has anxiety whenever there is power for too long because you don’t know when next you will have it akaenda. It’s as if akagarisa you know you will have to pay for it in form of the so many hours of load shedding. I came across a report yekuti Tanzania, a country that used to have serious energy problems is now switching off generation in some places because they have excess. Nyika kuita magetsi kusvika pakumakonewa. If it’s not the usual propaganda familiar with these African leaders, haa chokwadi we are far behind. Kwedu vuno all we can do is to admire zvevamwe, while we endure our Banana Republic zvisina kana order. Hazvina kana structure zvinhu zvacho. I remember when a number of opinion leaders used to suggest that dai taita a loadshedding schedule, so that we plan accordingly, kuudza ani izvozvo? Munyika yeZanu hamuna izvozvo. No structure for anything whatsoever. Even the opposition yacho chose to rather die than to have any structure. Apa we were being promised kuita mbovha yemufaro naNero when he gets into power, zvakagova zvipi? Pakadaro ndopamunoexpecta mamiracles on the so called structured nyusenzi, regai timboona. I am no prophet nor prophet’s child but I tell you kuti as usual, huku ichangozvimwira mazai ayo yega zvayo. Mangundya and Mthuli know what I am talking about, because navo vaingopupawo furo zviri kuita vanaKiritsopfaa naDr Kedha izvozvi back in 2016. It’s a full house circus hama dzangu.
Ko mava kuba hove dzekwaPresident futi kuZaka uko? Let’s hope it is not an inside job because the circumstances stink to high heavens. Chete zveZanu nevanhu vayo tingazvigona here. These days maPresidential Scheme ungamapedza? Kune rimwe divi rural women have been promised roadrunner chickens for breeding, vanababa mbudzi nepaside. Ukuwo Mhamha naBabra Rwodzi kungodai vatoita chirongwa chekubika nyevhe ine dovi. Next time when you go to one of your programmes here in Masvingo musandisiyawo Mhamha I miss rudhe rune dovi, kuno kuChitima ndozviwanepi hangu?
Let me go ndinokanga maputi angu zvangu for lunch, these days arikunetsa kuwana because of poor harvests. As for rotten bananas these days ndaakumatya, otherwise ndingagadzira another river yemanyoka beside Mucheke zvikanetsa. Where is Dr Joyie Mujuru nhai, vekuwisa ndege muhondo? Vanyararisa. Ko hanzi VaMuzenda vakanyora mubhuku ravo kuti member yekusungwa ichida kudhuutsa chitima had been promised mari svinu ikazoreverwa neumwe wayo? Zvinhu zvacho so.ko pane akazomboonawo kuti our aircon Jobson Skhandela vakaenda nekupi?, yes airco chaiyo, ko yaingova nhava izere mhepozve kkkk. Zvanenge vaakutoitawo saMphoko kkk, Anyway, if you see my friend Mphoko tell him kuti mari yaakagara in a hotel for so long ngaachiunza chero maZiG tinotambira. Until next week, mboko imboko!!

Masvingo targets 4000 hectares winter wheat

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo targets 4000 hectares winter wheat

By Kudzai Simango

Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MOLAFWRD) Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (ARDAS) says is targeting to put 4000 hectares of land under 2024/2025 winter wheat farming in Masvingo Province.
Speaking at a winter wheat preparedness stakeholders meeting at Benjamin Burombo ARDAS Boardroom, Masvingo ARDAS provincial director Courage Mahoya said of the 4000 hectare target, 3147.7 hectares had already been registered.
“The national hectares targeted for winter wheat is 120 000 hectares and for Masvingo province it is pegged at 4000 hectares from Masvingo province.
“From our target 4000 hectares we have 3147.7 hectares already registered under various irrigation schemes across the province which include Nyahombe, Tshovani, Banga, Mushandike among others,” said Mahoya.
Mahoya said the final registered hectarage in the province will be announced end of month as registration is still going on and he urged irrigation schemes and individual winter farmers to register.
“The final registered hectares for winter wheat will come out this month end, preparations are still going on, so I urge all farmers who want to be part of this season’s wheat production to come and register,” said Mahoya.
Mahoya urged wheat farmers not to wait for inputs to start preparing land to avoid delays saying they have to plant at the same time when the inputs are available so that they won’t incur costs of hiring harvesters individually since the machines will be directed to one district at a time.
“It is good for farmers to start land preparation even if there are no seeds and fertilizers, this year farmers should plant at the same time especially those with large tracts of land so that when it is harvesting time, combine harvesters are directed to their fields,” said Mahoya.
ARDAS specialist Jonas Chinyavada said the target for this season’s winter wheat is not only to increase hectares but production as much focus is on land preparation and planting.
“We inherited many challenges from last season combined with drought resulting in lack of feed for livestock so it is likely we are going to have a challenge for draught power for small scale farmers.
“This year we are aiming to increase both hectares and production and we are already focusing on land preparation next stage being planting.
“Registration and training processes for winter wheat farmers by ARDAS is underway and flowing smoothly,” said Chinyavada.
Compound D and Top dressing fertilizers were said to be available at different GMB depots and farmers were urged to make sure they use seed from trusted seed providers as last year some used from untrusted sources and that affected plant’s growth and output.
Farmers who were yet to be paid their dues from last year’s outputs were promised that their money will be paid in full by end of April.
This year from seven districts in Masvingo province there are eight individual farmers, two institutions and 56 irrigation schemes registered for winter wheat cropping.

ZICORBA trains 100 Masvingo rabbit farmers

TellZim News
-
0
ZICORBA trains 100 Masvingo rabbit farmers

By Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) trained 100 rabbit farmers in Masvingo on April 13 at Francis Aphiri Primary School in Mucheke as part of its national programme to promote local farmers to venture into commercial farming.
ZICORBA National Organizing Secretary and Masvingo Coordinator Joyce Tamirepi said the programme which is funded by the Chinese Embassy was fuelled by the inadequacy of rabbit meat at commercial scale in the country as most farmers were limited to backyard farming.
“As ZICORBA we have noted the inadequacy of rabbit meat in the market and we are failing to meet demand. The challenge is that most farmers are not into commercial farming but are rather backyard farmers with a little know how on rabbit farming for commercial purposes.
“The programme is aimed at grooming farmers that can venture into commercial farming hence the training on management, housing, breeding and feeding of rabbits,” said Tamirepi.
National Training and Technical Advisor Garisanai Mudzingwa said the shortages were linked to lack of knowledge on commercial farming which has led to high mortality in kits.
“There was a high mortality for kits so we have also been teaching them on how to manage the kits and to select breeding stock. The mortality rate of kits reached about 70 percent previously and this was because most farmers could not identify breeds, diseases and maintain feeding programmes so we are here to teach them to maintain feeding programs and maintenance of the rabbits.
“Most farmers assume that rabbits can be fed anything so we are introducing them to commercial feeds and proper housing.
“Some rabbits available from these backyard farmers do not meet standard weight for commercialization. We were also teaching farmers on the available markets for rabbits. Currently there is an abattoir in Harare that requires 3500 rabbits for slaughtering for every eight hour shift and we cannot meet the demand hence the need to rope in more commercial farmers,” said Mudzingwa.
Apart from the trainings, Mudzingwa said the organisation had ventured into feed formulation programmes for farmers to lower the costs of production by almost 50 percent. There is also a programme by one of the sister companies which is giving out pure breed stocks to farmers for startups although the farmer is expected to pass on the rabbit to the next farmer after breeding as a way to assist farmers into commercial farming
One farmer who attended the training workshop, Tariro Bwerinofa said the major challenge they were facing was shortages of feeding stock for the rabbits.
“Very few people are into rabbit farming and this has a negative impact on finding rabbit stock feeds in shops, you can go for weeks without finding the feeds. We also have challenges in finding hay for the rabbits and because we do not have knowledge on formulating such.
“In Masvingo we also have challenges in accessing standard pre manufactured cages for the rabbits and we are forced to use cages used for housing broilers which is not ideal for commercial rabbit farming. We are glad that ZICORBA has conducted this training because we have gained some knowledge on getting access to commercial markets,” said Bwerinofa.
The programme is targeting to have at least 3000 farmers ready for commercial farming by the end of the year.

Former Vic Junior primary SDC, admin standoff rages on

TellZim News
-
0
Former Vic Junior primary SDC, admin standoff rages on

…SDC ropes in lawyers to call for another AGM

By Beverly Bizeki

Victoria Primary School in Masvingo’s former School Development Committee (SDC) has roped in the services of lawyers to call for a fresh Annual General Meeting (AGM) referring to the just-ended AGM as null and avoid.
In a legal appeal to the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Ishmael Chigaba through Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners, the SDC called on the authority to nullify the previous AGM and allow proper officials to call for another meeting.
“We have instructions from our above-mentioned client that there is to be held a handover takeover ceremony on Friday, April 12 following an illegal AGM held on March 26. We would like to bring to your attention that our client informs that the purported AGM on the 26th was fraught with irregularities, so fatal that it is null and void.
“Whereof our client seeks your response within 48 hours however, if you agree that the violations were fatal, demands that the resolutions of the March 26 AGM be nullified and another AGM be called by the proper officials within two weeks from date of receipt of this letter. Failure of which legal action will be taken without further notice,” reads part of the letter.
The SDC cited that the AGM had irregularities as the school head conducted the meeting on his own without both the SDC chair and treasurer, also citing the meeting was done without the required 20 percent to make a quorum.
“In terms of section 1.4.2 of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) Handbook, only the chairperson of the outgoing SDC calls and presides over an AGM. In the present case, it was the headmaster who invited and presided over the AGM in blatant violation of this provision.
“The treasurer did not present the financial report as required by the same section. The clerk and secretary overtook this job in further violation of the provisions of the handbook. Further, there is a requirement that 20 percent of the parents should attend the meeting. In this case only 153 parents out of an enrolment of more than 1 700 students attended. A minimum of 340 parents were needed to legitimize the AGM. Without a quorum the decisions or resolutions of the AGM are invalid and binding,” added part of the letter.
School Head Dr Rameck Mashuro and District Schools Inspector Ishmael Chigaba said they could not comment on the matter as it was now in the hands of the Provincial Education Director Shylette Mhike whose cell went unanswered when she was contacted for a comment.
The AGM was conducted on March 26 despite the committee having pushed for another date but was marred with conflicts amongst parents, the committee, and the administration. It also attracted negativity among analysts in the education sector.
The school head and the DSI however have been on record for saying the meeting was justified as the ministry had a mandate to train the committees and Victoria Primary was among the few schools left that had not conducted its AGM to select a new committee.

Masvingo tennis aces shine in South Africa

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo tennis aces shine in South Africa

By Decide Nhendo

In a recently held Baobab Mini 2 Polokwane tennis tournament hosted by South Africa from April 12 to 14, Zimbabwean players significantly thrived, competing with counterparts from South Africa and Botswana.
From the tournament which had boys and girls under 12, 14 and boys under 16, the team bagged three gold medals, two silver, three bronze, with two players on position five and one on number seven.
For under 12 boys, Atipaishe Nyandoro and Anotidaishe Mbaura managed to scoop silver and bronze respectively, with girls Ropafadzo Muyedzenga and Mazviita Gava coming first and fifth in the same age group.
Jacob Paradza came third and Ruth Muzhuzha was on seventh place for under 14 boys and girls respectively.
Another gold medal was scooped in the under 16 category by Morgan Mkwanilla with Tatenda Debwe and Tawananyasha Musendekwa coming on number four and number five respectively.
On doubles tennis, Mkwanilla and Debwe scooped gold medals each while Musendekwa and Dube managed to receive silverware each.
The tournament had 180 participants from the host country South Africa, as well as Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Team coach Privy Fanisai said she was happy by the performance of the team despite the challenges they had, starting from training here at home, also sponsorship to go for the tournament.
“The team performed beyond our expectations, they did well under the circumstances we have here at home, we do not have enough time and adequate resources for training but we managed to throw a good fight,” said Fanisai.
She went on to thank the parents who funded for their kids to the tournament and schools like Ndarama High and Francis Aphiri Primary for sponsoring their learners as well as Masvingo Tennis Club for the support.
“I want to thank the parents who managed to sponsor their children to go for the tournament since some schools failed to sponsor their leaners. I also want to thank Ndarama High and Francis Aphiri for funding their learners and I urge other schools to emulate that,” said Fanisai.
She went on to appeal to the corporate world for training equipment and sportswear for the players, as well as the training courts since the one they use is paid for.
“We appeal to the corporate world for sportswear and equipment for training, we need rackets, balls, among other needs and we also need a free training tennis court since the ones we use are paid for and at times some fail to pay for the training fee and miss out,” she said.

44 years of elusive economic freedom – Analysts

TellZim News
-
0
44 years of elusive economic freedom – Analysts

….economic freedom has eluded ordinary citizens

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – As the country celebrated 40 years of independence on April 18, analysts have said there was little to nothing worth celebrating as economic freedom continues to elude the general citizenry.
The national celebrations this year were taken to Murambinda in Buhera District of Manicaland province, away from the usual urban venues, running under the theme “Zim@44: Unity, Peace and Development towards Vision 2030”.
Analysts have however given a gloomy picture of the past 44 years, saying the country seems to be spiraling down in terms of economic growth as it is consistently being plagued by an assortment of challenges in that regard.
Youth Decide Zimbabwe (YDZ) team leader Learnmore Munhangu said independence without economic freedom was incomplete as witnessed by government’s failure to provide basic needs together with the country‘s fall from being the bread basket of Africa to being a ‘beggar’.
“Upon achieving independence in 1980, Zimbabwe was hailed as the breadbasket of Africa; however, it has since become a source of concern for the region. We, the youth, firmly believe that our current predicament is not a result of natural circumstances but rather the consequences of our nation’s failure to revolutionize the economy due to poor governance, corruption, and the pursuit of rent-seeking opportunities.
“We have observed a significant amount of policy inconsistency within an environment marred by distorted legislation and statutory chaos hence there is no independence to talk about. These challenges like unemployment, inflation, and the currency crisis can be effectively addressed through the implementation of consistent, inclusive, and progressive policies, coupled with sound governance practices.
“This was the true aim of the liberation struggle. After 44 years of independence, faced with these persistent issues, it is imperative for our government to engage in reflection and self-examination. If not, neither the deceased nor the surviving liberators of the war will witness the fruits of their labor, nor the current generation will have nothing to commemorate on Independence Day,” said Munhangu.
Great Zimbabwe University lecturer and political commentator Dr Last Alfandika said the 44 years were a missed opportunity for most Zimbabweans since the independence failed to transform the lives of ordinary citizens as witnessed by harsh economic hardships like unemployment and inflation, which have seen hordes of citizens leaving the country for greener pastures.
“Zimbabwe’s 44th anniversary of independence is a cause for reflection with both positive and negative aspects to consider. High unemployment, inflation, currency woes, and widespread poverty paint a difficult picture for many Zimbabweans. This raises a legitimate question: has independence translated into economic freedom for the ordinary citizen? In this regard, the 44 years might seem like a missed opportunity.
“As we look ahead, let’s not forget that Zimbabwe’s 44th independence is a milestone, but the economic challenges remain. The hope is that the celebrations will reignite a spirit of unity and a focus on building a more prosperous future for all Zimbabweans,” said Dr Alfandika.
He however said the past two year’s shift to celebrate the day in rural areas from Harare and other provincial capital cities could be a symbol of acknowledging that the struggles faced by the country are universal.
“Let me comment a bit on the independence celebrations which are traditionally done in Harare, the capital city, and provincial capitals like Masvingo. This year’s celebrations were in Murambinda for the national event and Chivi growth point for Masvingo province. This shift symbolizes a desire to share national pride beyond the capital. To me, it’s a great effort to unify the nation. It is a symbolic gesture, which seems to acknowledge the struggles faced by many Zimbabweans around the country, not just in Harare,” added Dr Alfandika.
International Media and Political Analyst Dr Wellington Gadzikwa said there was no economic freedom in Zimbabwe and the country still had a task to gain that independence and instead of fighting for it, many are opting to leave the country.
“Zimbabweans still have another hurdle to go past and realize economic stability and enjoy the benefits of independence when it becomes a reality. Economically, it is still a tall order for most Zimbabweans and if they are not in despair, then maybe they may have some energy to turn it around but most are choosing to leave the country which is sad because no one will attend to such issues except them.
“Economic freedom has eluded most ordinary people as whatever benefits of any growth is not trickling back to them,” said Dr Gadzikwa.
Veteran journalist and Sub-Saharan international media advisor Rashweat Mukundu said there was still a chance to reflect on what independence really provides since the majority of Zimbabweans are yet to realize the fruits of independence.
“We still have an opportunity to reflect on what Independence Day provides, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has worked and what has not worked 44 years after independence. Unfortunately, the majority of the people of Zimbabwe are yet to see the fruits of independence,” said Mukundu.
He said there were some efforts by the government but there was more regression than progress to meet the expectations of those who fought for the liberation of the country as many are still suffering like their parents and grandparents who participated in the war.
“There is every need to appreciate the sacrifices that were made by those who participated in the liberation of this country that on its own is not enough and should lead to the introspection of whether the intentions and aims of the revolution of the second Chimurenga were met.
“In some respects, I think there have been attempts to meet those expectations but in many ways there have been huge failures by the political leadership to lead Zimbabwe to full independence in terms of the capacity of family individuals to look after themselves, buy food, have access to health care and educational institutions that provide quality education, to have access to housing, clean water and infrastructure that facilitates business so looking back as we mark 44 years, I think there has been a notable regression in the realization of the dreams of the forebearers who led the struggle for independence,” added Mukundu.
Another commentator Dr Gift Gwindingwe said there was no economic independence but it was supposed to be looked at from a global perspective saying some of the economic challenges were caused by several factors including sanctions.
“My perception of independence is that it is realized in two folds, we have political or flag independence and economic independence. When we talk of total independence we should not look at it in isolation but at a global perspective. The political situation in each country is influenced by global activities.
“In Zimbabwe we may say we do not have economic independence but this must be looked at as a global activity. We don’t operate in isolation, we may need economic independence but the global systems that are in place come back at us and we are chained by factors like sanctions. So freedom itself is still being denied not solely because of mismanagement but also sanctions. We have twin evils acting on us, financial mismanagement on our part in the form of corruption and then sanctions,” said Dr Gwindingwe.
Since independence, Zimbabwe has had several economic policies which all failed on a larger part and did not result in any meaningful results, evidenced by inconsistent policy changes.
Some of the policies include the Feb-81 Growth with Equity (GWE) of 1981, the Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP) 1982-1985, the First Five Year National Development Plan (FFYNDP) 1985-1990, Economic Structural Development Programme (ESAP) 1991-1995 and Zimbabwe Programme for Economic and Social Transformation (ZIMPREST) 1996-2000.
At the turn of the millennium, there were also the Vision 2020 & Long Term Development Strategy of 1997-2020, Millennium Economic Recovery Programme (MERP) 2001-2002, National Economic Revival Programme (NERP) 2003-2004, Macro-Economic Policy Framework (MEPF) 2005-2006 and National Economic Development Priority Programme (NEDPP) 2006-2008.
Others followed, including the Zimbabwe Economic Development Strategy (ZEDS) 2007-2011, Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP I) 2009, Short Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP II) 2010-2012, Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2011-2015 and the popular Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) 2013-2018.
Almost all of these policies have nothing to their credit, with nothing being realized from them in terms of economic recovery and freedom for the Zimbabwean majority.

Former CCC organizer summoned over electoral violence

TellZim News
-
0
Former CCC organizer summoned over electoral violence

By Cephas Shava

Mwenezi – Former Mwenezi District Organizer for then Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) then led by Nelson Chamisa, Tinei Mapepa has been summoned to Masvingo Magistrate Courts over the Rutenga political violence that occurred last year in the run-up to the harmonized elections.
The violence saw Chamisa’s supporters clashing with the police who resorted to throwing teargas canisters to disperse CCC supporters who were waiting for their leader’s arrival on July 23, 2023.
According to the summons seen by TellZim News, Mapepa who was then convener of the Rutenga CCC rally was required to appear at the Masvingo Magistrates Court on April 22 to answer to allegations of incitement.
“You are required to summon Tinei Mapepa of No. 67 Muzhanje Ranch, Mwenezi cell to appear personally before this court at Masvingo Magistrates court on the 22nd day of April 2024 at 0800hrs to answer to allegations raised on the charge of Incitement as defined in the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act CH9.23,” reads the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) summons.
In an interview, Mapepa who now supports the Blue Movement allegedly led by Chamisa said he did not commit any offence but the motive behind the allegations was to instill fear in those who live in rural communities who challenge Zanu PF.
“As President Chamisa’s supporters, we committed no offense on the day in question and everything we did was within the confines of the law. The whole idea behind these arrests is to instil fear and silence those who do not hesitate to point out Zanu PF’s failure in remote areas like ours,” said Mapepa.
Following Chamisa’s delay in arriving at the Rutenga Growth Point Rally venue, police officers ordered CCC supporters to disperse, but the crowd was defiant, vowing to wait until their leader arrived.
This ignited running battles between riot police and CCC supporters as police threw teargas and fired several warning shots in the air to scare off supporters resulting in some picking stones retaliating to the officers.
Chamisa later passed through the growth point around dusk to find his defiant supporters patiently waiting for him despite being earlier on teargased.
He only made a brief stop, waving to ululating supporters before proceeding to Ngundu Growth Point where more teargas canisters were thrown at CCC supporters who braved it to have a glimpse of their party leader.

There is enough water for winter wheat: Ministry

TellZim News
-
0
There is enough water for winter wheat: Ministry

By Decide Nhendo

The province’s dams have sufficient water to support this year’s winter wheat irrigation which is about to start, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) recently revealed.
Speaking at a Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Masvingo Provincial Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services (ARDAS) stakeholders meeting, ZINWA representative Stanislous Mubika said the province’s dams had sufficient water to support winter wheat irrigation for production.
He however said a few farmers will be affected especially those getting water from Manjirenji Dam in Zaka saying they had to plant half of the intended hectares.
“Most irrigation schemes have adequate water for this year’s winter wheat except for a few like those getting water from Manjirenji Dam.
“Manjirenji has 40 percent capacity, which means irrigation schemes depending on it must plant half their intended hectares,” said Mubika.
He also said all wheat farmers who were not registered need to visit their offices and contact Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services so that they can access enough water from Zinwa.
“All individuals who are not registered must come to our Zinwa offices, and see ARDAS so they visit, access their hectares, and register them to have adequate water to irrigate their wheat,” said Mubika.
Speaking at the same meeting, Masvingo Provincial Irrigation Engineer Justice Musadaidzwa said it was important for farmers to maintain their farming equipment including irrigation equipment to make sure it was in good shape before planting.
“I encourage all wheat farmers to make sure their equipment is maintained before the cropping season to make sure that it is working to avoid delays from servicing them when it’s too late,” said Musadaidzwa.
He said at Nyahombe’s 50-hectare irrigation scheme, the pivot needed maintenance but farmers were saying they do not have money to pay for a crane and technicians to straighten the pivot system for water to flow through.
He also said extension workers must try to do follow-ups and training every two weeks or month to educate people in schemes not to use wasteful methods like the case in the Tokwane-Ngundu irrigation scheme.
”As the winter wheat season approaches, farmers intending to produce the cereal must evaluate and establish their irrigation capabilities before commencing any production activities,” he said.
Early preparations for the 2024/2025 summer season and the 2024 winter wheat will enable consultations with key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, to improve coordination and planning for the season.

1...139140141...957Page 140 of 957