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Econet booster construction abandoned over Zanu PF, CCC clash

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Econet booster construction abandoned over Zanu PF, CCC clash

Brighton Chiseva

Zaka – Mobile network giant Econet Wireless seems to have abandoned a booster construction project near Jecha Business Centre, in Chief Nhema area, Zaka over allegations of Zanu PF and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) clashes.
Local sources said work was supposed to have started beginning of November but no progress nor communication has reached the locals who suspect that Econet could have been put off by political interference where the local headman is accused of having tried to bar a perceived CCC member amongst the contractors.
The traditional leader, Headman Svina born Timothy Matande is alleged to have demanded for an undisclosed amount of cash as payment for them to erect the booster in his area.
Zaka Central Constituency Coordinator Kefas Makiya confirmed lack of progress at the site and said as a community they were worried since they were hoping that network challenges would be addressed sooner.
“We are not sure what is going on and we are worried as a community. The area had been cleared and building material like concrete has already been delivered to the site. I urge them not to listen to village talk and progress with work and help locals,” said Makiya.
He went on to say Econet was not supposed to be put off by village talks saying work could not be stopped simply because of what people are saying regarding the employment of a CCC member.
He added that the issue of paying the headman should not be a problem saying it was common practice but was supposed to be done in a manner that does not hinder progress.
He said there was nothing wrong in giving traditional leaders a token of appreciation when doing such a massive project in their area of jurisdiction but that was supposed to be done in a manner that serves the interests of locals.
“When any entity wants to do a project in an area they approach the local leaders and they are usually given a token of appreciation and what’s wrong with that? That cannot be the issue and I implore Econet to continue with work and help the community,” said Makiya.
Repeated efforts to contact the headman in question and the councilor Simeon Chakazani were futile as their mobile phones were unreachable most probably because of poor connectivity.
Sources however allege that the headman demanded payment as well as the removal of the alleged CCC member from the contractors.
“When the place was cited, village heads around were asked to second people for manual work at the construction site. However, the headman whose homestead is close to the site seconded his in-law. The Econet guys asked if all the surrounding homesteads had seconded individuals and it was discovered that only two out of five households had representatives.
“So when the headman was asked to include members from the remaining three households, he then said he wanted payment since they were operating in his area. They then told him that they would enquire from the superiors to consider both requests by the headman.
“That is when they stopped and then the headman went on to report to Zanu PF top officials in the district that a member of CCC Obvious Kwenda was among those employed and sought for his removal,” said the source.
When contacted for comment, Kwenda said he was approached by several Zanu PF members who told him that the local party leadership was not happy with him being part of those contracted by the telecoms giant but said he was not sure why work had not commenced yet.
“I was approached by several Zanu PF members who told me that they had meetings where I was discussed with the leadership questioning why I was among those nominated to work on the project.
“I am not even sure if I am going to work when they come because we were told that work would start on November 1 but up to now there is nothing and we are still waiting. I am eager to work and this has nothing to do with political orientation,” said Kwenda.
Another source accused the headman of hindering development by being self- centered and prioritise his own benefit at the expense of the general public.
A high placed source from Econet however said work was in progress offsite saying there was some progress and the project was on course with a completion target of April 2024.
“Work is ongoing as we speak, the target is completing the project by April next year. So what happens is people may see no progress on the ground but work is ongoing offsite. Maybe material is being collaged for shipping once, so that work can start once the needed material has been placed on site to avoid ups and downs,” said the source.
Other sources from the area accused local leadership of greediness saying almost a similar situation disturbed the establishment of another booster at Fube Clinic.

Ndarama High learners scoop 3 continental awards

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Ndarama High learners scoop 3 continental awards

Beverly Bizeki

Ndarama High School, one of the best day schools in Masvingo and beyond, raised the country’s flag high after its learners scooped three Junior Achievement Africa (JA) Awards in Rwanda recently.
The team of three who exhibited with their company called Mobile Intelligence Technologies at the continental arena walked home with a cash prize of US$1000 after bagging three awards namely the Best Company, Global Possibilities and the Best Application of Project Management Award and will represent Africa at the international competitions in Qatar.
The company’s finance director Tapiwa Chuma said they were thrilled that their company which started its journey early this year was recognized at such a high profile award ceremony having won the provincial and the national competitions.
“The journey of our company began early this year and it began with a survey when we attended a seminar that was hosted by JA Zimbabwe. During the seminar we were taught how to run student led companies after which we got the idea to create MILab which went on to win the provincial competitions as well as the national competitions in Harare.
“In November thereafter we went to represent Zimbabwe at the regional competitions in Kigali Rwanda and we scooped two signature awards, the Global Possibilities Award funded by Fedex and Tablets and the Best Application of Project Management funded by Project Management Institute and the main award that was the company of the year award and we received a cash prize of US$1000 and a ticket to representing Africa Qatar,” said Chuma.
The Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anesu Ruzive said the company was created to break global challenges that children in schools are facing in learning Science particularly accessing laboratories.
“The company comprises of young ambitious learners who have come together and created a company which strives to solve emerging global challenges in the education through cutting edge software that break barriers created by classroom settings. We discovered that local schools and those abroad are struggling to produce a conducive environment for students to carry out Science experiments so we are trying to break socio economic status, disability, location, digital divide, and gender and race barriers.
“To break these barriers we have created an application called Mobile Intelligence Laboratory (MILab) a platform where learners can carry out Science experiments be it Physics, Chemistry or Biology. The application comes with packages such as a GIS laboratory, a 3D driving and aviation simulation and a career guidance section where a learner gets to learn more about the career world,” said Ruzive.
He said the company which is registered, has 32 shareholders and 10 workers, is facing challenges in that all the shareholders are learners and sometimes find it difficult to balance between social life, school work and company work.
“We are giving the company our best shot but because it comprises of students the challenge sometimes becomes that we cannot actually balance between social life, creation and running of this company and also our education so to counter this we are using the template side management of this project and that’s another challenge altogether.
“We look forward to working with the Ministry of Education and schools not individuals hoping that it will be added to the curriculum since it is guided by IGCS and ZIMSEC. So for the further development of the application there is need for sponsorship.
“We are having a challenge as full time learners in marketing and publicizing the application and the company and basically this is the main reason why you find that as a company we have not yet reached a spectrum of selling the application to other schools in rural areas and outside Masvingo,” said Ruzive.
The Production Manager, Panashe Dzinavatonga said the application was meant to ensure inclusivity as it works with 15 languages and can work without internet connection for the benefit of those in remote areas.
“MILab focuses mainly on Science students in the ZIMSEC and IGCS curriculum and it comprises of 15 languages including French, Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese and English. MILab works as an offline application because we want to ensure inclusivity and accommodate those with network challenges so once it is installed you can use it anywhere,” said Dzinavatonga.
Ndarama School Head Oddy Matongo said the achievement was an honor to the school and urged the business community to support the learners in furthering their aspirations.
“I am more than happy for what my learners have done particularly winning in Rwanda. We are very blessed as an urban community that a government school has also done this that they have conquered Africa and Africa is now at Ndarama representing Masvingo province and the nation at large that is an honor even in my life and in my educational career. We hope as they continue with their journey there are also going to bring the trophy home. I hope all the business community are going to assist my learners so that they can further their aspirations” said Matongo.

Gweru family buries wrong body

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Gweru family buries wrong body

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- A grieving Gweru family buried the wrong body after a mix-up on body collection in the morgue following two tragic murder incidents which occurred on December 4 2023 in Mkoba 14 and Mkoba 16 business centers.
The deceased Takudzwa Chipadza and Courage Sibanda were murdered on separate incidents and were put in the same mortuary but Chipadza’s relatives collected Sibanda’s body which they went on to bury.
Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko however confirmed the reburial of the two and urged grieving families to take time identifying bodies and be satisfied before burial
“Both bodies were buried on 15 December 2023, Courage Sibanda in Somabhula and Takudzwa Chipadza at Mutasa Cemetery in Gweru.
“As Police, we encourage bereaved families to take their time in identifying their dead relatives and be satisfied before burial to avoid such occurrences,” Mahoko said.
Circumstances are that, on December 6, 2023, it is alleged that Takudzwa Chipadzas relatives went to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary where they mistakenly collected the body of the late Courage Sibanda instead of Takudzwa Chipadza’s body.
They buried the body on the December 7, 2023 at Mutasa Cemetery, Clifton Park, Gweru.
On the December 7, 2023, the late Courage Sibanda’s relatives went to the same hospital mortuary to collect his body but instead collected Chipadza’s body.
They took the body to Somabhula for burial and the matter came to light the following day during body viewing when the father of the deceased discovered that it was not his son.
The family advised Gweru Provincial Hospital authorities about the incident and Takudzwa’s relatives were engaged.
Upon identification of the body, both families agreed that the body that had been brought back was that of Takudzwa Chipadza.
The exhumation of Sibanda’s body was granted by the relevant authorities and it was exhumed on December 14 2023.

2 perish in Chikombedzi gas explosion

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2 perish in Chikombedzi gas explosion

Beverly Bizeki

Two people from Chikombedzi recently died from a gas explosion that occurred at the Business Centre on December 9, 2023 after a gas tank caught fire and exploded.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and the loss of life saying investigations were on going but the accused McGilbert Mafanele who is the gas shop owner as yet to be arrested for culpable homicide charges.
“I can confirm the death of two people who died after sustaining burns from a gas explosion at Chikombedzi Bussienss Centre in Chiredzi District and destroyed six shops.
The five were rushed to Chikombedzi Hospital and the deceased died, enroute to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where they had been referred,” said Dehwa
Investigations are currently underway but the accused is yet to be arrested on culpable homicide,
said Dehwa.
Sources said on December 10, a leaking gas tank allegedly caught fire from a nearby fireplace and exploded and five people sustained serious burns from the explosion.
Melissa Mangalani Chauke (23) died at Ndundu around 1800 hours while Simbarashe Mufandarabwa died around the same time at Nyanda while they were being ferried to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for treatment.
The other three people who were injured from the explosion include juvenile and their names could not be established at the time of reporting.
Mafanele had gone to Malipati when the incident occurred.

It was not easy : Zanu PF’s Hwata

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It was not easy : Zanu PF’s Hwata

…as Chiwara concedes defeat, congratulates winner

Beverly Bizeki

The newly elected Zanu PF councilor for ward 2 Benson Hwata said his victory in the December 9 by-election was not a walk in the park considering the fact that it was an opposition stronghold and its leadership was determined to retain the seat.
Hwata defeated former councilor and Mayor Shan- tiel Chiwara with 27 votes af-
ter garnering 612 votes and Shantiel got 585 votes. The other two candidates, Frank Chirairo, a CCC member who contested as independent pol- led 143 votes while another CCC candidate, former Councilor Roki Kamuzonda got 90 votes.
Speaking to TellZim News, Hwata said though it was not easy, he was glad that he managed to pull through and will now work to fulfill his election promises to residents who entrusted him to lead.
“Our victory was not easy, my opponents who are from the opposition were also working and campaigning in the ward with their leadership so it was not an easy one. However, I sailed through and want to thank the residents for trusting me. I promise that I won’t let them down,” said Hwata
He attributed his win to the party support and being there for residents when there was need without looking at whether its election time or not.
“I think being with people and valuing them all the time helped me win the election. I have been in the ward way before and have been helping people in a number of ways not as a campaign tool but out of love for the people. So I think that is why they have decided to give me a chance to lead them.
“Now that I have been elected, I want to fulfill my promises chief among them being water provision to make sure residents get water especially in Runyararo West and improving drainage system,” said Hwata.
For the first time in 23 years, Zanu PF managed to win ward 2 of Masvingo City Council in the December 9 by elections with Hwata winning the seat after two unsuccessful attempts.
Hwata contested in 2013 and lost to Shantiel’s Father James Chiwara who went on to become deputy mayor before losing again to Shantiel in August 2023.
In her message to ward 2 citizens in one of the ward’s many WhatsApp platforms, Shantiel congratulated Hwata and called upon youngsters to get involved in civic education no matter which political party they belong to for a better understanding of their environment.
“Congratulations to those who made it. Let us help each other take our community to the next level. I call upon the youngsters to get involved in civic education no matter which movement you belong to so that we can all get a better understanding of our environment looking in to a better future for everyone.
“Involved or not involved it affects us at the end of each day. Hazvisi zvevanhu vakuru chete (it is not only for adults). I hope I served as an inspiration to a few of us to show that we can (participate in politics) as young people,” said Chiwara.

Gweru woman hit by train on railway line while on earphones

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Gweru woman hit by train on railway line while on earphones

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- A 28 year old Gweru woman was hit and killed by a train recently while walking along the railway line wearing earphones.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the sad incident which happened on Monday December 11, 2023 at about 1330hours and warned members of the public to avoid using gadgets that distract their attention.
“We appeal to avoid using gadgets that distract their attention to avoid such tragic incidents.” Said Mahoko.
Circumstances are that, Agatha Madokero of Riverside in Gweru was walking along the railway line when she was hit by a train and died on the spot.
Investigations into the incident indicate that she was putting on earphones which distracted her from hearing the sound leading to this tragic incident.

South Africa: where is ubuntu?

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South Africa: where is ubuntu?

In any polemic regarding the history of Africa, ubuntu / unhu or humanity becomes the centre of gravity. In military speak, the centre of gravity implies the source of strength or balance from which the force derives its freedom of action. From an Afrocentric perspective ubuntu is the source of Africans’ relationality, ubuntu becomes the axis on which human relations are built, ubuntu becomes the rallying point for popular participation, ubuntu becomes the glue that binds the communal self, ubuntu becomes the spirit of oneness, singleness of focus and fixity of purpose and the centre of gravity on which all human interactions are organized. Ubuntu is just the opposite of the intellectual movement of liberalism which essentialises and romanticizes individual freedoms at the expense of cultural rights that are enjoyed collectively. This writer has been moved by the physical, emotional, intellectual and social energies that have been summoned by South Africans through organisations such as Dudula (anti-migrant social group) over the years to treat black migrants in their country as if they are lesser beings. It is therefore the object of this opinion piece to interrogate the humanness of South Africans against a background of the stoning and setting on fire of two Zimbabweans in Diesploot, South Africa.
Studies suggest that South Africa is the most unequal country in the world with an economy that is still in the hands of a few whites and blacks. The economic morass in South Africa is not in anyway associated with the influx of black migrants from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique or Malawi, rather the complexification of the problems of inequality, poverty and unemployment are coming as a result of the intersection of gender, ethnicity, location, race and class that have pushed the everyday South Africans to the fringe of their society. Even if all immigrants were to be ejected from South Africa the problems of the everyday South Africans would still be there and they would still stick like white on rice. The hatred against immigrants by South Africans is not justifiable given the fact that globalization has introduced borderless communities. Human beings from time immemorial have migrated from one country to another. Migration is as old as the hills, if not as Moses of the Bible. These artificial boundaries should not be used as the basis for the killing black migrants. Arguably, no one owns any space under the sun, the geographic boundaries are socially defined for administrative purposes, otherwise the political leadership of spaces called countries should communicate, consult, collaborate and cooperate with one another to forge sound relations that promote bilateral and multilateral treaties on migration governance because human movement cannot be stopped.
South Africans should go back to basics in terms of principles of ubuntu that put a premium on the sacredness of human life. Human existence that is pegged on humanity or ubuntu is fearful of taking other people’s lives. The following quote from Richard Dawkins would help South Africans to appreciate that human beings cannot be defined and ruled according to where they have come from as their common denominator is that of being human beings,
National pride has evil consequences. Prefer pride in humanity. German pride gave us Hitler, American pride gave us Trump, British pride gave us Brexit. If you must have pride, be proud that Homo Sapiens could produce a Mandela, Shakespeare, Einstein, Beethoven.
The above quote reminds us that there is only one race under the sun which is the human race. The beingness of any person is not defined according to where the person has come from, but according to being a human being. Xenophobia will not turn around the economic fortunes of South Africa because the root cause of the socio-economic problems of South Africa has nothing to do with immigrants but everything to do with a privatized economy. It is often argued that in every situation there is nugget of gold. The nugget of gold for South Africa from immigrants is the beneficiation that is associated with knowledge and skills transfer, that is brain circulation in almost every sector of South Africa’s economy. The value addition of emigration is further seen in remittances and boosting of foreign currency reserves of countries of origin for the migrants. Human beings have been on the move since the time of Moses and to identify and lynch black migrants is a sign of lack of appreciation of the history of humankind. Research shows that human beings migrate for different reasons that may include reunification with family, career development, marriage, studies and employment. South Africans should appreciate that political, economic and social circumstances do not remain constant and to that effect there is a need to treat black migrants with respect and dignity because who knows what the future holds for South Africa.
Labour and capital movement are as natural as water is to fish. Labour and capital mobility will always be part and parcel of the history of humankind. It is important for South Africans to understand that any significant changes in the socio-economic complexion of their country would begin with the indigenization of their economy, having stimulus packages for the every day South Africans, creating micro finance for women, youths and rural folks, facilitating access, control and ownership over land for the black majority. Land is an economic asset that can be used as a transformative tool for the majority of South Africans. Politicians in South African should desist from setting the ordinary South Africans against black immigrants for cheap and ephemeral political gains. Rather, the South African politicians should initiate public policies that address racial and economic inequalities and that also put a premium on redistributive justice.
On a parting note, the South African education system should be rejigged to underscore ethos of diversity and inclusivity (citizenship education) right from the level of Early Childhood Development. If an education system prizes diversity and inclusivity it will inculcate in learners a spirit of love and respect for humanity.

8 marooned in Tugwi River, one still missing

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8 marooned in Tugwi River, one still missing

Beverly Bizeki

Two groups of people were marooned on islands in Tugwi River after the river was flooded from the heavy rains received this week and seven were rescued but one 12 year old girl is still missing.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the developments and said a search party was still looking for the missing girl.
“All of the people who had been trapped on two islands along the Tugwi river have been rescued except one female aged 12 and people are still looking for her,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the given day at around 1500 hours, Revai Zivuku (49), Chipo Madzatsa (26), Tagwirei Madovi (45), Tariro Chitapa (29), Estina Kurauone (37), Pauline Ndlovu, Jesca Mudzingwa and a 12-year-old girl all from Village 4 in Mukosi settlements crossed two rivers Tugwi and Musongwezi going to Maringire and while on their way back after crossing Tugwi they found Musogwezi flooded.
The group decided to go back to Maringire where they were coming from to seek refuge and whilst they were halfway crossing Tugwi, water levels increased and they were swept away by the water.
Madzatsa, Madovi and Chitapa were swept away to the shores of the river alive and they managed to seek help for the other people that had remained in the water. On the other hand, Zivuku Kurauone and Ndlovu were thrown on an island on the same river and at around 1530 hours of the same day Genius Nyika from Maringire Village saw and reported the matter.
The sub aqua unit was informed and the police rescued Kurauone, Zivuku and Ndlovu but the 12 year old was not found.
On the same day at around 1430 hours, Josphat Govo (40) and Angela Munyaka (29) from Gandashaka Village Headman Masunda in Chivi were crossing Tugwi River and water levels increased while they were on the midst of making their way out of the river.
The two were swept away and managed to get to an island on the river. Tererai Dhinara saw the two people marooned on the island and informed the police who watched ashore before the arrival of experts.
At around 0600hours the following day the two were rescued by other villagers and the police.

Corruption hindering development– Mudha Ncube

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Corruption hindering development– Mudha Ncube

Tinaani Nyabereka

GWERU – While there is ongoing debate on the effects of both corruption and sanctions on the Zimbabwean economy, a cabinet minister has confirmed that the economic meltdown is largely attributed to rampant corruption.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Owen Ncube, recently said that the fight against corruption will assure socio-economic development in Zimbabwe, failure to which the economic crisis in the country will persist.
Ncube was speaking during the International Anti-Corruption Day commemorations held in Gweru where he said government was committed to curb corruption which is prevalent in the whole of Africa.
“Corruption is a huge barricade to sustainable socio-economic development. It is estimated by the United Nations that the world loses around USD$3, 6 trillion from corruption while developing countries lose about USD$1, 26 trillion annually.
“The Second Republic is committed to fight corruption and has come up with economic blue prints aimed at improving economic governance in a bid to promote sustainable economic growth and alleviate poverty by attaining an Upper Middle Income Economy before 2030.
“Corruption is also a crime that is against the law of Zimbabwe and everyone is encouraged not to practice corruption,” said Ncube.
He went on to say Zimbabwe was a signatory of the SADC protocol against corruption and the African Union Convention on preventing and combating corruption which was signed on 14 August 2001 and in 11 July 2003 respectively.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), which ironically has been accused as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country, Deputy Director for Loss Control, Tawanda Manyika said as an institution ZIMRA was working in complementing government efforts in fighting corruption.
“As ZIMRA we are doing our best on serving the nation in line with complementing government efforts. Traditionally our job was to collect revenue but we were then empowered additionally as we now watch over illegal entry of goods.
“So remember our job is to collect revenue on time and in full as we are supporting government initiatives in line with the laws of the country,” said Manyika.
Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust ( ZWACT) Chairperson, Sandra Matendere said, women were also falling victims to corruption and legal mechanism were need to protect women from falling prey to corrupt tendencies.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), mandated to fight corruption by the Zimbabwean constitution has in 2023 received 129 cases to date, with a bulk of them involving abuse of office.
Among these are also those that involve embezzlement of public resources, traditional leaders illegally selling communal land and fraud.
The Office of the Auditor General has also unearthed massive corruption in parastatals, local authorities as well as government departments.

Man kills in-law with one blow at beer binge

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Man kills in-law with one blow at beer binge

Beverly Bizeki

Just a one-fist blow has landed a Gutu brother-in-law in trouble after his in-law fell down and died on the spot after a small altercation at Chihambakwe Business Centre in Gutu on December 8, 2023.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of one Aphinos Museka (59) from Mutyanda Village, Chief Makore Gutu, and urged members of the public to desist from using violence when solving issues.
“I confirm the death of Aphinos, who died after having a fight with his brother-in-law. We urge members of the public to desist from using violence in solving issues,” said Dhewa.
It is alleged that on the fateful day Aphinos was with his younger brother Sam Museka, aged 49, at the said business centre where they met Collen Mawere from Mupako Village, Chief Makore in Gutu, drinking beer.
Aphinos confronted Mawere on why he was buying beer while not taking care of his children, and an altercation ensued between the two. The now deceased pushed around the accused person, and his brother Sam also joined in the fight.
Aphinos went on to hit Mawere with a clenched fist on the head, and the accused retaliated with a fist blow to the face. Aphinos fell hard on the surface on his back and died on the spot. The accused also hit Sam once, and he fell down, although he managed to wake and fled the scene.
Sam reported the matter to the police, who attended the scene at around 22:00 hours and found his body in a pool of blood with a cut on the occiput.

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