Home Blog Page 169

Ndarama High learners scoop 3 continental awards

TellZim News
-
0
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, which 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 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 represent Africa in 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 softwares 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, 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, running this company and also our education, so to counter this we are using the template side management of this project, which is 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 global trophy home. I hope the business community is going to assist my learners so that they can further their aspirations” said Matongo.

HIV+ man rapes blood sister (7) for rituals

TellZim News
-
0
HIV+ man rapes blood sister (7) for rituals

Beverly Bizeki

In one of the most gruesome ritualistic acts, a 20 year old HIV positive man from Chief Makore area in Gutu raped his seven year old sister as per instruction by a traditional healer he had consulted for riches.
The rapist earned himself an effective 16-year jail term after four of the 20 year sentence were suspended for raping his seven-year-old sister who is in ECD B, in his quest for riches following the dictates of a traditional healer.
In passing his judgement on December 14, 2023 Masvingo Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka said the accused person (name withheld to protect victim) deserved years in jail but because he was a first-time offender, pleaded guilty and the fact that the complainant, neither did she contract HIV from the accused nor fall pregnant, he was suspending four years.
Chineka also said the accused person deserved the full wrath of the law because rape is a serious offense on its own and in his case, it was worse because he raped his own sister knowing he was HIV positive and exposed her to the incurable disease all for his quest for riches.
He further said accused person was youthful but already had a habit of going to traditional healers showing that he does not want to work hard but rather opted for unorthodox means to get a soft life which is why he saw it fit to abuse his sister and get rich.
It was the state case as presented by Prosecutor Innocent Mudzingwa that on December 1 at around 1400 hours the accused person arrived home and asked his sister to escort him to their aunt’s house and she agreed.
While on their way back home the accused used a mountain path, claimed to be sick and asked to rest for a while. While they were taking a break from the walking, the accused raped the complainant, but while in the act, a passerby (name withheld) arrived and the accused ran away.
The passerby latter informed the two’s father who asked the girl and she confirmed that she had indeed been raped, which led to the father reporting the matter to the police on December 7.
The accused told the court that he had consulted a witch doctor to seek fortunes and he was shown his family members on a mirror and was asked to sleep with her sister.
He also pleaded with the court to be lenient with him saying he had left his medication at home as he was on HIV treatment.
Asked why he consulted witchdoctors at his age and to the extent of agreeing to rape his sister, the accused blamed his father whom he said was not supportive whenever he asked for help.
The accused went on to say he sold two scotch carts of firewood for US$8 to his uncle and used the money to visit the witchdoctor.
The state argued that accused person deserved the full wrath of the law because sleeping with his sister was an abomination and he had abused the complainant’s youth for his benefit betraying the trust she had in him as her brother.
It further argued that it was a carefully planned, choreographed and well meditated move and would be in the public’s interest to have accused getting a lengthy punishment to deter would-be offenders.

Voter apathy, double candidates cost CCC in Masvingo

TellZim News
-
0
Voter apathy, double candidates cost CCC in Masvingo

TellZim Reporter

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lost Masvingo Municipality ward 2 seat to Zanu PF in the just ended by-election mainly to voter apathy coupled with double candidate in the same ward after 2199 voters who voted in the same ward in August failed to turn up for the poll.
In August 23 election, a total of 3629 valid votes were recorded but barely four months later, only 1430 people voted putting CCC and its candidate Shantiel Chiwara at a disadvantage.
Some party senior members said they attributed the loss to voter apathy which they claimed was caused by the media, courts and the Zimbabwe Electoral commission which told people that recalled candidates were not going to contest.
One senior member Mandi Matutu said ZEC and the public media were to blame since they said the recalled candidates were not going to contest and that demoralized people that’s why there was low voter turnout.
“The public media and ZEC are to blame, they told people that those who were recalled were not going to contest so people were discouraged and our efforts to mobilize hit a snag and a few people voted.
Another challenge was that one of the candidates told people that it was pointless to vote for Shantiel Chiwara as he had the power to influence her second recall,” said Matutu
He went on to say they were also affected by double candidate in name where the other candidate got 90 votes which could have made a difference.
“We had a double candidate, thats another factor, though it was double candidate in name only, it costed us. Our official candidate was Chiwara but another candidate (Roki Kamuzonda) used unorthodox means to get on the ballot.
We also had another one who stood as independent, he was one of us up to the August 23 elections. So since people were told that Chiwara could be recalled, some voted for those two,” said Matutu
Another senior member said they had mobilized well but people were demoralized by the fact that their favourite candidate was not on the ballot.
“We had 100 focal point persons and had agreed that each was going to mobilize 10 voters which means we had 1000 voters already. However, on the voting day, we called our focal persons to confirm and most of them said they could not go to vote saying it was a waste of time.
I even asked one to at least mobilize his people to go and vote but he gave me their numbers and said I could call them on my own and was left stranded. I called other leaders who told me they were getting similar responses like people had been coached,” said the senior member.
Another one who also refused to be named said Farai Chinobva was behind the voter apathy after he attacked those who failed to come for the campaign launch saying they belonged to Sengezo Tshabangu faction.
“Chinobva contributed to Chiwara’s loss as he angered people, councilors and other leaders with his utterances when he said those who failed to attend the launch belonged to Tshabangu faction. That demoralized many people who retreated to back benches and watched from afar,” said the source.
Effort to get a comment from Chinobva were futile by time of writing as his cell went unanswered several times.
However, he had earlier told TellZim News that what he meant when he said those who did not attend the launch were Tshabangu people was that those who wanted to join Tshabangu were free to do so.
“Failure by some councilors to attend the launch was their individual choices, some even send apologies that they had gone for funeral, church and other commitments, so we don’t have any problems with our councilors, however, what I meant that day was that those who want to join Tshabangu were free to do so,” said Chinoba
The election came about after the recall of Shantiel Chiwara who broke record of being the youngest female Mayor in Masvingo and the youngest female Councilor in Zimbabwe
Zanu PF’s Benson Hwata defeated Chiwara with 37 votes having garnered 612 votes and Chiwara got 585 votes.
The other two candidates, Frank Chirairo, a CCC member who contested as independent polled 143 votes while another CCC candidate and former Councilor Kamuzonda got 90 votes.
In August, Chiwara defeated Hwata with 983 votes having polled 2287 with Hwata getting 1304. Anderson Paradza got 21 votes and Charity Shoko of DUZ getting only 17 votes.

Chiredzi Council displaces 2000+ vendors

TellZim News
-
0
Chiredzi Council displaces 2000+ vendors

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI Central Constituency MP Ropafadzo Makumire is on a collision course with Chiredzi Town Council over the latter’s course of action against illegal vendors following the eviction of more 2000 vendors from illegal vending sites in the central business district as well as road sides.
The move to displace illegal vendors follows a resolution by council which was also followed by prohibition notice for vendors that was allegedly aimed at regularizing vending, as well as curbing the spread of cholera.
In the six day notice, Chiredzi Town Council Secretary, Engineer Wesley Kauma highlighted that the exercise will be in line with government’s subsequent directive to local authorities to strengthen measures to contain the spread of Cholera.
“Notice is hereby given that Chiredzi Town Council will conduct an exercise to displace vendors operating at undesignated places. Subsequent directive to local authorities to strengthen measures to contain the spread of cholera, vending/ undesignated vending sites with no hygiene enabling facilities pose a threat to the spread of cholera.
“Please be informed that the vending sites that were under construction / renovations are now ready for use, therefore vendors who were allocated space at designated vending sites are advised to return to their respective places with immediate effect. Please note that council shall be allocating market numbers to those who have council leases,” wrote Kauma.
Makumire however, wrote to council saying it was not the best time to displace vendors from the undesignated vending sites as it was the only time of the year where vendors earn a better income.
“I am of the view that this might not be an appropriate time to carry out such activities, considering that the majority of households are surviving on street vending due to economic hardships. Additionally, we are at a time of the year when these low income traders get some proceeds to feed their families, celebrate the festive holiday and raise school fees for the first term of 2024,” wrote Makumire.
Makumire also highlighted that council should give vendors time while they create a decent working space for them and put other measures to curb the spread of cholera.
“Following engagements with the victims of the exercise, I advise the council to give them a longer grace period as you create a decent working space for them.
“I fully understand that we are in a cholera pandemic, and also agree that we need to put measures to curb its spread but displacing vendors cannot be the best solution. I am of the perspective that vendors must have washing points where they can regularly wash and sanitize themselves while trading,” wrote Makumire.
Chiredzi Town Council Public Relations Officer, Kudzai Chimusoro said council was justified to remove vendors from the streets saying all was in place at the renovated designated places where they can ply from.
“There are no toilets on the streets where people are currently working from. We want to create sanity. Cholera kills and we will be found wanting if we lose lives for failure to be proactive.
“There are functional toilets at Banana market, One way flee market, Msasa drive opposite N Richards and at Chisa market so they should operate from there,” said Chimusoro.

SA-Based Businessman lights up Mabhare School Prize-Giving Day

TellZim News
-
0
SA-Based Businessman lights up Mabhare School Prize-Giving Day

Cephas Shava

A 40-year-old man hailing from Mwenezi’s Chirami village under Chief Mawarire, Dr. Spencer, who owns a Johannesburg-based stone works company, Granite Doctors, recently brought radiance to the remote Mabhare Primary School’s prize-giving day. His company’s generous donation included an assortment of prizes for over 200 outstanding pupils and 16 teachers.
The vibrant event was graced by Chief Mawarire, Chief Murove, councilors, local school heads, church leaders, and parents. The donation brought smiles to all Early Childhood Development (ECD) pupils, who received prizes such as medals, food hampers, and stationery, including exercise books, pencils, and crayons.
Sixteen teachers also received food hampers, while the top 10 performers from each grade (grades one to seven) received medals and other prizes, courtesy of The Granite Doctors.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Murove commended The Granite Doctors, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for the overall upliftment of the community.
“We are impressed by what we are witnessing today, all thanks to the efforts of The Granite Doctors. We are very proud that our sons in the diaspora have decided to contribute to uplifting their communities in such a unique way, which is of great significance to the future generation. The Granite Doctors’ helping hand is going to go a long way in motivating pupils,” said Chief Murove.
The Granite Doctors’ brand ambassador, Frank Shava, representing the CEO, Dr. Spencer, explained that the aim of the prizes was not to create distinctions between bright and less bright students but to motivate all pupils to excel, regardless of their circumstances.
“We hope that next time our prizes will cater to every child and be even more significant. The motive is not to differentiate between the intelligent and those who are not as bright. Our main aim is to ensure that through such initiatives, pupils will work harder, aim higher, and achieve success. This can only be achieved if both parents and teachers play their part in motivating their children,” said Shava.
One parent, Patience Mazanhi, whose two children, Makanaka and Vivian, received prizes and medals, praised The Granite Doctors. She expressed gratitude, noting that these prizes, being the first of their kind for her children at the school, would go a long way in motivating them in their schoolwork.

Yet another constitutional amendment beckons

TellZim News
-
0
Yet another constitutional amendment beckons

Ladies and gentlemen I hope you are way ahead with repairing your homes that were damaged by the recent violent rains, and what Mapombi can only offer are good wishes. At least I am offering something, zviri zvehurumende kangamwai henyu hakuna chinouya, kuribe chitu. Ini kadendere kangu kandange ndavaka last week near Mucheke river paChimusana apo kakatsakatika nemvura, izvozviso ndongorara mumadziro mepay toilet yepaChitima iyo iya. Tinotenda Musiki nekutipa mvura, chero zvazvo yakasengana nematenga edzimba plus zvikoro zvakaoraora mukati umu. Ehe, one thing you cannot escape if you do not develop your infrastructure ndiwaya madisasters akadai. It’s not like maclassroom blocks acho are state-of-the-art or something. At least it’s not during the school term, otherwise dai ratova rimwezve dambudziko. Prof Murwira penyu paRafomoyo apoo, dai mamiramira mavaonawo, that’s what shows kuti one is truly educated; giving back to their community nhaika. Ini kwangu kwaChirimudombo I may not have the resources to do miracles but vanotoziva kuti vanonyorwa mubepa every week and that’s just my part. I truly hope for the sake of these school kids by January vanomutswa nemweya pahomwe vanenge vatomutswa zvagadziriswa.
Icho Chimusana zvakazomboguma nepi nhai? Takaguma gore riya pachinzi panoda kugadzirwa bridge hombe, manje with the elections done munoti pane chichabuda before campaign period ya2028 iyemi. I highly doubt that because team racho rinoshandisa government work yeinfrastructure development for campaigning and apo havana kana nyadzi. Mari idzodzo dzenyika dzekukwereta idzodzo Zanu uses it kubelievisa vanhu before elections, ko tingadii hedu munyika yechipikirwa? But on a serious note, pamain bridge apo panoda attention please. With the festive season upon us, passing through Masvingo will be a nightmare, let alone getting into town for those who live in the city. Nemajoni joni arikudira aya zvinenge zvichirwadza kufamba. Those two bridges ainzi anoda kugadzirwa are long overdue because congestion haimirire munhu, and just imagine if we are to have emergency cases, madzimai anozvarira mucongestion. Inga you had done well wani nhai musecond dispensation mukatigadzirisira Harare-Beitbridge road, neERRP, mabridge edu munoda kuti atore makore mangani nhai? Maybe your number of victims that you want to perish ipo paya haisati yakwana, ko tingatii. First things first ladies and gentlemen, I hear kuBirchenough kunoda kuvakwa rimwe, yes it’s good but tadii kutanga tapedza zvakatangwa before starting another project? Ko asi mafriends edu arikututa lithium ekuEast mari yava shoma? Izvozvi panenge pane one munhu akagarira basa, tichingonyeperwa hedu. I really wonder where our country would be if government workers really loved their job and did it diligently. Chokwadi we would be far, kuseri kwekuseri chaiko. Uone the bulk of our annual budget senyika goes to them, nyika irikungoshandira kuhoresa macivil servants, and it does not seem like we have any other solution to the size of our wage bill. Izvozviso maghost workers haupedzi, azere musystem iyoyi, pakatsika remberi ndopanongotsika reshure, zvaMugabe izvozvo ndopatinongori. Handiti you heard it for yourself, right from the horse’s mouth kuti masystems aya vakuru ndivo vakamagadzira? Chinhu chavo ichi and anoti nyoo hapana.
Zvakaendwaka naTshabangu last weekend, bit by bit he is going to deliver two thirds majority to the revolutionary party. Atova padhuze mukomana and maviri asara munoti haabudi imi? But chakatanga ndochakachenjedza, panext by-election vanaChibaya and crew will have to file as independent candidates, ndokunge pasina chimwe chitechnicality that is currently lurking in obscurity chinozongokandwa chiri chijoker like what happened last week at the very last minute. Akangoenda maconstituency makangoti vavava. One thing for sure is Zanu will get it’s two thirds majority by hook or crook, mark my words. That party is consolidating power by each ticking second, grabbing opportunities presented by their politically dull opponents by the neck. Voregerei havo kugohwesa pagedhi pasina munhu? Even team reChavo Chete Chete that is still in Parliament has been seriously subdued vangova vana yes sir yes ma’am for fear of being exposed and subsequently being recalled. We have all seen how reluctant, for lack of a better word, they are about resigning from the national assembly, hanzi tobviswa nevanhu vakatiisa, kkkkk. Huye bodo. What then becomes ironic is how they condemn the election hanzi it was a sham, woshaya kuti maanomalies acho emaelections anga ambori selective zvinengei. Haa kudya kunodiwa vakomana. Hwende the other day was trying to break down what MPs get from having that position in monetary terms, hanzi hapana nezvemari ini ndine yangu, kkkkk. This thing is all about power, and what one gets by wielding that power. Zvimwe zvese ritongoriwo drama chairo. If it wasn’t about the money, ma$40k loan aizotorwa here neveopposition takatarisa? Mutisvode mazvinzwa, hatisi vana venyu vamunonyepera, dziyai moto wembavha makatinyararira uko, musatisaiza. Strategic ambiguity zvakakona n’anga but hatichazivi kuti murapwa wacho aida here. Regai vamwe vachizoti Nero wacho iproject, but we don’t know hedu kuti yechii but haungorambeka uchingokanda zvimaverse while your house is on fire. Also, just the amount of vulnerability yeCCC exposed in all this fiasco makes one wonder kuti was there ever an opposition to start with. Mapombi is not that dull zvake but please explain to me how, with all Zanu’s shenanigans, known and unknown, Nero and whoever his advisors are fail to see the vulnerabilities in their own party, ndiudzeiwo hama dzangu mweya wangu uzorore. How do you dine with the devil without a big spoon? Do not get me wrong, I totally believe in the capabilities of young people, but let’s say nhasi CCC yadeedzwa kumanegotiations neZanu, kunomboenda ani chaizvo pane vari close to Chamisa? Ostallos naFadzi naTakudzwa Ngadziore versus vanaMutsvangwa, vana Bimha nanaChinamasa? Vana Prof Welsh nanaBiti varipo havo, hamuoniwo sekuti dzinotoita kunge ny’ambo zvadzo? The logic yaNero of sidelining madhara will forever be his biggest undoing, and it also exposes dictatorial tendencies. Zvine kakutonga nechibhakera so, because that’s practically removing everyone who has the capacity to criticize you or your style of leadership, replacing them with vasati vanyatsoibva mustruggle. I think we need another strong opposition to challenge the 3Cs. I think they are getting comfortable by being opposition. They are doing a good job in keeping Zanu PF on its toes but they also need to be kept on theirs ndokuti zvifambe. Chete hatina amwe maopposition, toti ani, Mwonzora, Madhuku, Chapman or ladies Valerio kana Sis Linda haa maDrama ega ega kkk.
Speaking of ladies, I was pained zvangu naShanty who is a victim of circumstances, and of a broken political ideology. She was supposed to make a comeback chero aisazodzokera zvake pahumayor, but due to pride zvakazongodhakwa—ehe pride because they could have negotiated naRoki and Chirairo tsoro yacho yotobuda. Hanzi nevamwe she lost because of Farai Chinobva who took the campaign in his hands accusing local leaders of belonging to Tshabangu. Mjolo wakaparira sure kkkk. But haa, kana kune munhu akadzidza lesson ndiRoki. Dzakangouya ndokudira mavhu muusavi vamwe vachida kuseva, ndokupihwa punishment plus good move, kkkk. Vanombozvida here vanhu vemumataundi zvemunhu anoita kunge anoputa madhaka. Chazvinonakidzira is that they would have used resources campaigning wowana electorate yakabhara ziro, kkkk, haa unoti chuzi. Tinongoti makorokoto kunaVaHwata, monyatsoita kuti zvifaye mumafull council meeting umo naManyanga naSharon handiti, vagari vakakumirirai.
Two thirds majority yauya nebhande iyi and the appetite to amend the constitution is already there and it’s very clear kuti that is where we are going. Materm limits anomover chete, ndopika namai vangu kudai. Chiri kuuya chibill manje manje and you will all be left confused vatoita zvavo zvavanoda naro bumbiro remutemo. Gore riya makangosara makati tuzu wani yatoammendwa and paya vaitesta paya. Ikozvino they will do yavanolover, hapana kwazvaimboenda nako. Inganhonga nhonga zvayo opposition mumaby-election umu but number ikangokwana you will notice. All this will die down, and the real Zanu strengthening will start happening zvekutodaro. Tshabangu pake akatosakura akazunza, haasisitorina dhiri, he is done for, tangofanana kana kuti ini nditori nani,kkkk.
Let me go ndindokanga maputi angu for lunch zvangu ndimwe mvura, mazuvano yakati bayai vanhu. Ko nhaimi VaHungwe varikupikowo former minister vepyschomotor? Varova chose. Ndavasuwa vese naformer VP vekunonokerwa naBhobho kuisa Dr Gire pachigaro munaNovember werimwe gore so paFreedom Square apoo, VaMphoko. Mboko imboko!

MAPA provincial pool tournament ends on high note

TellZim News
-
0
MAPA provincial pool tournament ends on high note

Beverly Bizeki

The first edition of the Masvingo Pool Association (MAPA) tournament recently held at Manhede Bar in Mucheke was a success with Kudakwashe Mudekunye and Thandazana Mthunzi Nkiwane being crowned male and female provincial champions respectively.
Speaking to TellZim News, MAPA marketing officer Tawanda Chemutsanga said the event had 89 participants who tussled for the grand prizes.
“We had a total of 77 male poolers and 12 females who tussled for the grand prize of an enticing US$250 for men and US$50 for ladies.
“The tournament exceeded expectations as it attracted players from beyond Masvingo as far as Renco Mine, Mwenezi, Nyika, Zaka and even Checheche in Manicaland and had to incur transport costs only to be part of the tournament,” said Chemutsanga.
Mudekunye won the prize after going through a tough competition with one Blessing as he scored 5 – 4 in the final match.
“The tournament was packed to the brim with fireworks in the male category as we saw an in form Mudekunye also known as ‘Kidem’ annihilate a tough Blessing in a thrilling final encounter with an authoritative 5-4 scoreline.
In the female category Nkiwane won with an impressive 5-0 against Charity who had also played well.
“In the ladies’ category, Charity who was ever so impressive from the onset was put on halt in the final by Nkiwane with an embarrassing 5-0 scoreline having dismissed Mazvita 5-4 and Ashley 5-1 before a valiant final fight with the Black Label Queen Nkiwane,” said Chemutsanga.
The theme for the tournament was ‘no to drug and substance abuse’ and was aimed at promoting women’s participation in pool tournaments.

Masvingo City to kick out illegal tenants in rented houses

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo City to kick out illegal tenants in rented houses

Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City Council is planning to evict illegal tenants in its rented houses to pave way for disposal of the houses to sitting tenants.
This was revealed in the Health, Housing and Environment Minutes dated November 6, 2023 following the claims that people who had moved out of council houses long back were now reclaiming the houses so as to be able to buy them while others were subletting.
“It was reported that there was a number of illegal tenants in Council houses and since the idea of selling houses to sitting tenants started, people who had moved out long back were now reclaiming the houses whilst others were subletting.
“The rental houses are part of council’s social housing delivery programmes wherein the idea is to assist those in need and vulnerable and the moment one relocates or owns a house, the property reverts to council,” read part of the minutes.
Council has however recommended that all illegal tenants be evicted, and regularization of illegal tenants be done to those who would have stayed in the house for a period of not less than 5 years.
“Council resolved to recommend that it evicts all tenants residing in council rented houses whilst owning a property in Masvingo. Council is to evict all tenants residing in council rented houses, who have illegally stayed for a period of less than 5 years.
“Council has also recommended that it regularises all illegal tenants who have stayed in the council houses for a period exceeding 5 years,” read part of the minutes.
Council also reported that it had earmarked 25 housing units for disposal under phase 2 of the homeownership scheme.
“The report of the Director of Housing and Social Services on the homeownership scheme was considered. It was reported that a total of 25 housing units were earmarked for disposal under phase 2 and valuations had been done.
“Committee members highlighted the need to consider orphans and long sitting tenants in the allocation process,” read part of the minutes.

Chiredzi RDC warns against purchase of unserviced stands

TellZim News
-
0
Chiredzi RDC warns against purchase of unserviced stands

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Rural District Council (CRDC), one of the key signatories of the remainder of Buffalo Range’s 750ha land development has warned people against purchasing unserviced land.
The local authority also asked those who had purchased stands from Full Life Open Arms Africa Investments (FLOAAI) to report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police saying the local authority together with Chiredzi Town Council had the sole responsibility of selling land.
Giving a press statement at Council Boardroom recently, Chairperson, Aspect Mashingaidze said all those who were paying stands to FLOAAI should report fraud charges against the land developer whom he said had no land in Chiredzi.
“The signed land development agreement did not authorize the developer to sell unserviced stands. In tandem with government policy, your council would like to categorically state that it has not approved selling of unserviced stands by whosoever in this project.
“Those who have already paid should report to the police. Teachers should come forward to the local authority to partner in these schemes than going to the developer because at the end we are going to report them to the police,” said Mashingaidze.
Mashingaidze also highlighted that FLOAAI had exhibited unprofessional conduct including refusal to share the copy of the loan document borrowed towards financing of the project.
“The remainder of Buffalo Range 750 hectare Housing project was earmarked to ensure that our communities’ dreams and aspirations of owning affordable stands within an urban area of this magnitude are realized. Chiredzi RDC has of late noted and raised serious concerns with the developer about the unprofessional conduct that has derailed the implementation of this housing project.
“Of particular importance to note is the refusal by the developer to avail and share with council a copy of the loan agreement he borrowed towards financing the housing project and also the slow pace of development that is being witnessed at the project site,” said Mashingaidze.
Though the two councils, CTC and CRDC formed a joint venture in 2014 for purposes of developing the allocated 750ha of state land and through that Joint Venture Committee, the two councils entered into partnership to develop the land in question with FLOAAI.

Masvingo tops administrative justice violations

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo tops administrative justice violations

…police fingered as major perpetrators

Brighton Chiseva

Masvingo Province has topped human administrative justice violations in the country with the Zimbabwe Republic Police being fingered as the major perpetrator of rights abuse.
According to statistics by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), Masvingo Province received 86 cases which constituted 29 percent of the reports made nationally.
Masvingo was followed by Mashonaland West and Manicaland Provinces with the remaining Mashonaland provinces recording no case during the period under review.
“The statistics indicates that Masvingo Province received 86 cases (29%) followed by Mashonaland West and Manicaland Provinces, which received 56 (19%) and 55 (18%) cases, respectively. Matabeleland South, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West, and Mashonaland East Provinces did not register any cases during the month under review, and their overall number of cases remains constant from prior months,” read the report
The commission further noted that the variance in statistics was a result of the increase in number of human rights administrative justice awareness in the provinces where people were sensitized on the role of the commission in that regard and as a result, people started reporting about violations.
“More activities will be implemented to raise public awareness of the Commission’s role in advancing administrative justice. The number of cases increased due to the increased number of Mobile Human Rights Administrative Justice Clinics held in provinces.
“There was a notable increase in cases received in Manicaland as a result of increased visibility of the Commission through the installation of signage on the building and the use of help desks on Fridays to assist the public with human rights issues and other general legal issues,” read part of the statement
The commission further said it was going to do more awareness campaigns in provinces with few cases as that was a result of lack of knowledge amongst people
“To ensure that residents in Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central, as well as other provinces like Mashonaland East Province, which had the fewest instances, efficiently use the Commission’s services, the Commission will expand its presence in those areas,” reads part of the report
The report further singled out the Zimbabwe Republic Police as the major perpetrator of human rights abuses through delay in justice delivery and abuse of office.
“There were more complaints of justice delay and abuse of office against Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), which was primarily listed as the respondent.
Many people complained that the ZRP prolonged investigations, resulting in infringement of their rights due to protracted pretrial detention. Furthermore, numerous complaints of abuse of office were filed against the ZRP’s Criminal Investigation Department, which violated individuals’ rights by torturing accused persons so that they could admit to crimes. As a result, there is a need for continued capacitation of the police on administrative justice,” read the report.
Out of the 302 cases received, 58 cases were of abuse of office, 23 cases were of abuse of power, 80 cases involved justice delay, 15 cases were related to delay in benefits, 8 cases were related to access to documentation and 118 cases were of general nature
On gender classification the commission noted that more complaints were lodged by men as compared to their female counterparts between January and August 2023 where of the 302 complaints lodged, 233 were from men while 69 were from women.
“Male complaints account for 77 percent of the total complaints received. Complaints from females account for 23 percent of all complaints received. In contrast to the fourth quarter of 2022, complaints from females increased by 3 percent and complaints from males decreased by 3 percent decrease but cases received from males remain higher than those from females. The Mobile Human Rights Clinics in prisons held across the country have contributed to the high number of complaints from males.
“There is need to ensure that many barriers that prohibit women from registering complaints are demystified and deconstructed. These include restricted access to information, patriarchy, financial restrictions, and gender stereotypes that confine women to the domestic sphere,” read part of the report.
The department alleges that it faced several challenges, including insufficient financial, and material resources to carry out all planned operations, scarcity of tools of trade, and vehicles for investigations to complete the identified activities.
They also had challenges of unstable internet at the offices and that affected effective implementation of departmental activities and conducting of work-related research by officers.
They also called for the provision of adequate resource, stable internet connection and continuous capacity building of officers in the department to ensure efficiency.
ZHRC recently held a stakeholder meeting to sensitize people about its administrative justice mandate in Masvingo at Flamboyant Hotel.

1...168169170...960Page 169 of 960