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Tshabangu axe strikes Chiredzi town council

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Tshabangu axe strikes Chiredzi town council

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI- Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-imposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) secretary general who was on a recalling spree has struck in Chiredzi Town Council and recalled the council Chairperson Rodgers Chikonye of ward 7 and Musingashari Musingashari of ward 6.
The development leaves a smile on Zanu PF councilors’ faces as it becomes obvious that his replacement will be from Zanu PF owing to their number as it is now five against three.
Chikonye had won the post out of luck as he was elected through tossing a coin after a five all stalemate election since the two parties had equal number of councilors in the chambers.
The opposition had been in control of the local authority since 2018 when Gibson Hwende of then MDC Alliance won the post.
Chikonye confirmed his recall which he sent on various social media platforms and thanked the party for believing in him saying he will forever be a member of CCC led by Chamisa.
“Pleased to inform you that the letters of recall for the two of us are now with us. This means therefore that I cease to be a councilor and Council Chairperson as well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Chiredzi community and stakeholders for molding me to be what I am today. Our good is always good all the time.
He went on to warn Tshabangu and his cronies saying betrayal will always come back to bite them in the long run.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am and shall forever remain a member of CCC led by Advocate Chamisa. As for Tshabangu and his local handlers, the truth of the matter is betrayal never pays in the long run. The people’s project will never die,” said Chikonye.
Zanu PF’s Liberty Macharaga and Charles Njopera together with CCC’s Philimon Muchaendepi are the likely contenders to replace Chikonye as they are the ones who are not holding any significant post as it stands.
Chikonye led a group of councilors who refused to give the outgoing Chairperson Aderman Gibson Hwende a vehicle saying council had no capacity to do so and had also vowed to stop land barons from sprouting in Chiredzi.

Digital inclusion key for improving adolescents’ health, wellbeing

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Digital inclusion key for improving adolescents’ health, wellbeing

Veeslee Mhepo

While almost half of the country’s population in Zimbabwe is believed to be still offline and the cost of getting on the internet is going up widening the digital gap, digital inclusion has been cited as one of the key drivers to improve adolescent’s health and well-being.
This was revealed during a workshop organized by My Age Zimbabwe, a non-governmental organization that advocates for young people’s health related issues, themed ‘What Young People Want Campaign’ held on November 03.
The engagement meeting was attended by opinion leaders, influencers, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), Legal Resources Foundation, SayWhat Trust, religious leaders among other stakeholders in Masvingo.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) representative Lovemore Mudumi said digital inclusion has power to improve health and wellbeing of adolescents and helps young people to make informed decisions.
“There is huge potential for digital inclusion to improve health and well-being, even as we are looking at the digital world, we need to make sure we bridge the digital divide and include all the young people especially those in marginalized communities and collaborate with different organizations.
He said digital inclusion should include everyone from diverse communities and collaborate with different organizations.
“We need to create a platform where young people who have the hunger for information CSOs and government entities can use these platforms to disseminate information to the next person,” said Mudumi.
Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network (DAWA) representative Sphiwe Bhiza said the inclusion of young people in digital spaces was a major factor to consider when it comes to sustainability and improving adolescents’ health and wellbeing.
“Digital inclusion helps children to become independent and learn quickly to make informed decisions. Digital inclusion creates safe spaces to facilitate more inclusive decision-making and co-creation of policies and programs between young people and gatekeepers and that is how we will become sustainable.
“We need to create spaces for connection and peer-to-peer learning, reach advocates with diverse experiences and identities, and support the ability of youths to influence at different levels of decision- and policy making,” said Bhiza.
Speaking at the same event, Redemption Chivorese from Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) said the organization was working towards digital inclusion and use of digital technology to better the wellbeing of young people through providing access to internet to marginalized areas.
“As an organization we continue to work towards improving the health of Adolescents and young people in this digital era through providing gadgets, internet access and data, we sometimes provide data to young people and we’re partnering with other entities to create Hotspots for the digitally marginalized areas,” said Chivorese
He said in order to improve the health and wellbeing of young people there was need to address issues of policy framework on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
“When we talk about achieving universal health for Adolescents and access to services, we must look at legal framework and SRHR policies, policies are not in line with each other for instance the majority act and the age of consent act. They need to be coherent so that young people can universally have access,” said Chivorese.
Wadzanai Dzimwasha from My Age Zimbabwe said in order to achieve Universal Adolescent Health in a diverse environment, movement building and capacitation is the way to go.
“Movement building is a key and it works; why work alone when we’re working on the same thing? If people were to work together and young people are capacitated, we will achieve Universal Adolescent health, capacitating young people in their diversity and grow peer networks, this will definitely improve the health and wellbeing of Adolescents,” said Dzimwasha
The workshop was aimed at advocating for improved policies, programs and increased financial and political commitments for advancing the health and well-being of young people in Zimbabwe.
The Campaign focused on partnerships by building bridges between diverse actors and bringing advocates’ perspectives into the adolescent health and wellbeing conversation, bringing an opportunity to connect people and ideas to drive solutions for the health, rights and wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
The major focus areas of the campaign were enhancing Adolescents well-being in multi stakeholder platforms, zooming into policy and programs and facilitating digital inclusion and use of digital technology, various points of action and commitments were raised.
Among some of the digital approaches that are being used to improve health and wellbeing of adolescents and young people in Zimbabwe cited were Smart Learners Hub by Say What, Mobile Hub Application by DAWA and the development of Ruzivo Zimbabwe National Learning Passport by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education among others.

Another Strategic Ambiguity?

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Another Strategic Ambiguity?

…As Masvingo council elects Chiwara replacement

…CCC plans to force new mayor to step down once Chiwara wins by-election

Brighton Chiseva

The upcoming mayoral elections in Masvingo are posing a fresh challenge for Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa as the party seeks to determine a successor for the shortest-serving former mayor, Shantiel Chiwara.

The elections, scheduled for Friday, November 17, are expected to see the appointment of a ‘placeholder’ mayor, with Chiwara poised to take over after a by-election in December.

Chamisa’s decision-making process during Chiwara’s initial election was notably protracted, eventually declaring Chiwara as the candidate in the 11th hour.

While this choice was welcomed by many party supporters, discontent led to councilors having to take pictures of their ballots as a precautionary measure to prevent defiance, as witnessed in 2018 when former mayor Collen Maboke ascended without party approval.

Sources reveal that Chamisa is now considering the election of a councilor perceived as weaker, who would step down after the December 09 by-election, facilitating Chiwara’s anticipated victory.

According to an inside source, the preferred candidate for this strategic role is Ward 9 Councilor Bernard Muchokwa, deemed easily controllable.

“Amongst the councilors, Muchokwa is believed to be a greenhorn who will not cause headaches when asked to step down and pave the way for Chiwara. On the other hand, he is also believed to be able considering his level of education, unlike other newbies Tafara Masimba and Maxwell Madhuna. Others like (deputy mayor Daniel) Mberikunashe (ward 5), Alec Tabe (ward 4), and Richard Musekiwa (ward 8) are considered strongmen who could refuse to step down if the need arises,” explained the source.

The mayoral contest appears intense, with four or five out of 12 CCC councilors eyeing the top post, and unless strict measures are implemented, there is a potential defiance against orders to impose a mayor.

“Four or five people are currently warming themselves for the seat. Mberikunashe and Muchokwa are possible party favourites, while two best friends, Richard Musekiwa of Ward 8 and Alec Tabe of Ward 4, have decided to put their friendship aside and lock horns if the situation allows. On Tabe’s faction Sitemere could also throw in his hat and one of them would be mayor and the other deputy,” added the source.

Mberikunashe’s chances are heightened as he is the current deputy mayor, and is regarded as mature politician having served the same council since 2013 although concerns arise if he contests and loses both the mayoral and deputy mayoral posts.

Tabe’s vocal nature positions him as a potential mayor, but trust issues with top leadership may impede his candidacy though he seems to have support from a sizable number of councillors including two from Zanu PF.

Musekiwa, with experience in council, lacks charisma and a comparable education level, presenting a contrasting contender in the mayoral race.

As Masvingo prepares for the mayoral elections, CCC navigates a complex terrain, balancing party preferences with individual capabilities.

Other sources said a meeting held Thursday (November 16) in the afternoon with all CCC councillors, local leadership and national director for elections Farai Chinobva failed to yield a meaningful resolution and the party position will be announced just before elections to avoid scheming.

The source went on to say the likely scenario will see councillors being forced to take pictures of their ballot paper after voting unless they are saved by Zanu PF councillors as they almost did last time.

NUST Architecture student pens book

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NUST Architecture student pens book

Tanyaradzwa Tizora

Cleopatra Shamiso Mutetwa, a 22-year-old who was born and bred in Masvingo and is currently studying Architecture at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) recently launched a motivational book called “Incubate Your Hope”.
“Incubate Your Hope”, is a book that unravels the concept of taking one’s hope and placing it in an environment where it has the opportunity to grow and fully develop.
Mutetwa says she was inspired to write this book by the day to day situations that individuals come across in society and also by a sermon by Sarah Jakes Roberts, an American based preacher, she follows on social media mainly YouTube.
“I was inspired to write the book because of the situations I saw in the society that people referred to as hopeless .What pushed me further to write this piece is a sermon I listened to on YouTube by Sarah Jakes Roberts which was on starving fears ,”said Mutetwa.
The young writer believes that if everyone awakens their hope ,it can create a ripple effect and eventually the whole nation becomes hopeful and focused on achieving positive goals.
“The book is a letter of encouragement to someone who could be broken, tired, frustrated or about to quit .I believe that if we all awaken our hopes, it can create a ripple effect and affect the next person until eventually the whole nation is hopeful and focused on achieving positive goals .The development of our nation all comes down to every one of us and we all need the right attitude and mindset to grow it, ” siad Mutetwa.
When asked how her writing relates to the architectural degree that she is studying in University, Mutetwa emphasized that architecture is a creative and artistic course that opens up one’s mind.
“Architecture is a creative and artistic course that opens up one’s mind, but I have always loved to write so I would say it’s an independent passion of mine that I have explored outside of the degree I’m studying at University,” she said
The young writer says she aspires to write more books in different genres so as to impact people’s lives positively.
“I aspire to write more books and the goal is for them to impact people’s lives positively. I look forward to explore other genres of writing.”
Copies of the book are now available. People can get them by calling +263 78100556 or getting in touch with her on social media handles; Facebook :Cleopatra Mutetwa, Instagram :keeks_patra and Email:shamisomutetwa@gmail.com.

Gutu cattle deboning thieves nabbed

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Gutu cattle deboning thieves nabbed

Admire Chatindo

Two notorious Harare men who have been wreaking havoc Gutu stealing cattle and deboning them to sell steak meat were recently nabbed and have since appeared before Masvingo magistrate Ivy Jaona facing charges of stock theft.
The two accused, Lovejoy Mukwasamombe (35) from Chitungwiza and Mishon Chakadama (33) of Stoneridge Harare were remanded in custody and will appear again in court on a later.
The court was told that on August 17 2023, at stand number 35 village 4B Masema pastures Gutu, the two stole three beasts, one brown ox with small horns, a white ox without horns and one white ox with big curled horns belonging to Elisha Makocha (78) of the same village.
On October 10 2023, police officers on an operation code named ‘No to Deboning’ received information to the effect that there was a case of stock theft (Deboning) at farm 20 Dewure East Gutu.
Police officers attended the scene and recovered a Toyota Sienta with registration number AFN 8531 which was parked a few meters from the deboned carcasses and recovered 4x50kgs sacks of deboned meat in the boot of the vehicle.
Further checks were made which led to arrest of Mukwasamombe who was on his way back to recover his vehicle with a mechanic from Gutu growth point.
Upon questioning, Mukwasamombe revealed that he transported meat from Gutu to Harare after Chakadama and two others who are still at large stole cattle from cattle pens and sold the meat at Matute Building in Mbare to Joice Masumuse who is into sausage business.
Police officers then proceeded to Harare and arrested Chakadama at his home after he had ran away after seeing an unmarked police vehicle with CID members.
After his arrest, Chakadama admitted having gone to Gutu with Mukwasamombe and the two who are still at large and stole three beasts from Masema pastures.
Tichaona Chakavarika prosecutor.

Masvingo Business Expo 2nd edition roars to life

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Masvingo Business Expo 2nd edition roars to life

Beverly Bizeki

All roads lead to the Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo as the second edition of the Masvingo Business Expo set for November 16 roars to life.

With over 200 exhibitors expected for this year’s edition, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa who was representing Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira at a press conference held today (November 15) said the expo was meant to showcase Masvingo province and highlight investment opportunities.

“The main objective of the business expo is to highlight investment opportunities in Masvingo, there are so many opportunities flying around, the President speaks about research and development while another key objective is to present investors with an opportunity to articulate issues they are facing in trying to invest in Masvingo province so it is like a feedback mechanism because investment facilitating agencies will be there to get feedback from potential investors or those already in the field so that we have an investor-friendly climate.

“More importantly at this expo, we are opening up an opportunity to investment facilitating institutions to articulate procedure requirements for investors investing in Masvingo or the country at large. Some investors are dying to get information and we are saying these agencies will have an opportunity to educate our potential clients on the requirements if you are to open a business or if you are to invest,” he said.

Dr Pazvakavambwa said exhibition prices were pegged at US$30 for startups, US$50 for Small to Medium Enterprises, and US$250 for corporates and said that at least 100 exhibitors had already booked for the business expo.

He said the prices pegged were also cognizant of the vulnerable groups including women and youths which is why it was pegged at US$30 per table for SMEs, which he said was affordable and allows more people to participate in the expo.

“We want to open up the business expo for vulnerable groups to come and learn as you hear the President talking about a knowledge-based economy so the first port of call is to learn that’s why we are bringing Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, so for a start, we are pegging low prices for startups so that they come, participate and get information which they will use in doing business and investing so we will continuously engage the youth as an important sector for our country,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.

The business expo Chairperson Clever Chingwara said investment facilitating institutions will help young people and women to register their businesses.

“The investment facilitating institutions will assist the young people to register their companies which is why we have invited institutions such as Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe and ZIMRA,” said Chingwara.

The business expo was launched last year.

When roads become death snares

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When roads become death snares

Beverly Bizeki

It is barely a month before the Masvingo community and the nation were plunged into mourning after losing international talent, Garry Mapanzure, who had always soothed the souls of music lovers and was raising the ancient city’s flag high in the music industry.
Just before tears dried and before footprints to the cemetery swept away by the innocent wind, the city was again hit by a double tragedy, the education sector was robbed of two renowned educationists Masvingo and Bondolfi Teachers’ College principals Benson Mutambudzi and Dr Benard Berejena.
The Harare-Beitbridge Road has been a death trap for a long time and just after people were done celebrating the rehabilitation of the road, it has already claimed lives of three important figures in Masvingo within a month, among others and injured many.
The two educationists’ death came as a shock considering the fact that they died hours apart having been involved in two separate accidents on the same road, same day whilst coming from the same event.
They were both coming from a graduation ceremony at Danhiko Industrial Training Centre in Harare on October 26 and Mutambudzi was pronounced dead on arrival at Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
The accident that killed Mutambudzi happened around 9:30 pm after a Honda CRV he was driving was hit by another vehicle that was traveling behind him.
Dr Berejena, who had hosted a graduation ceremony a day before Masvingo Teachers also died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare where he was admitted following his car crash.
Berejena (63) worked at Joshua Nkomo Polytechnic College before joining Bondolfi Teachers’ college where he served as a Curriculum Studies and Mathematics lecturer before he was promoted to acting principal.
The death of the two left many with questions than answers as to how the same road claimed the lives of three prominent figures in such a short space of time.
Mapanzure had died earlier on October 13 together with his friend Langton Mandima and his sister’s infant child.
The afro pop star died at 25 leaving the hearts of many broken as he was a promising artist, leaving behind his young widow, Vimbai Mapanzure and son Thomas Junior Mapanzure.
Mapanzure also called ‘African Sushi’ by his fans made a name for himself in the industry, attracting international maestros from across the continent working with him.
While it is said that the proverbial call of death always gets a response, events of the past month have painted dark stains on the newly refurbished roads, which however are going to be a reminder of sorrow and pain to the Masvingo community and somewhat unmarked death traps.

5 nabbed for car theft

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5 nabbed for car theft

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- Car theft could be reduced in Gweru as police arrested six suspects namely Dennis Gumbie (43) of Mzilikazi, Bulawayo, Godfrey Godknows Tshamala (32) of Entumbane, Bulawayo, Khanyiso Ndlovu ( 26) of Emganwini, Bulawayo, Knowledge Tsiga (40) of Entumbane, Bulawayo and Patrick Sibanda (24) years of Old Lobengula, Bulawayo in connection with a spate of thefts from motor vehicles around Gweru.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko thanked the members of the public for working hand-in-hand with the police to apprehend the suspects.
“We have arrested six suspects who have since appeared in court and we continue to urge members of the public to jealously guard their valuables and to report all cases to the police,” Mahoko said.
Circumstances are that the five suspects were arrested by the Gweru Criminal Investigations officers in Gweru CBD whilst they were looking for their next target. The Detectives were carrying out surveillance in Gweru CBD and spotted the vehicle which had been reported to have been used in two cases of theft on October 17 and 30 2023.
The detectives approached the vehicle and fired two shots which deflated two front tyres. They subdued and arrested the five suspects who were aboard the vehicle.
It was observed that the front and rear registration numbers which read ADG 2759 of the vehicle were different from the third number plate. Also, they had covered the third number plate with a sticker.
Searches were carried out in the vehicle and two registration plates’ numbers AEH 1666 were recovered. Records at the vehicle Registry reflected that these were the actual numbers of the Toyota Bubble motor vehicle.
Further searches in the vehicle led to the recovery of three remote sensor unlocking devices, two T-bar devices used to force open car doors and a Colombian knife. The suspects led detectives to the recovery of two laptops, a black Dell and a HP Probook which had been sold at Bahudur Centre in Gweru town.

Masvingo derby ends in thrilling draw

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Masvingo derby ends in thrilling draw

Trinity Mapendere

Chasing their maiden promotion into the top-flight league in the country, second-placed FC Wangu Mazodze were held to a thrilling 1 – 1 draw by their bitter rivals Masvingo United this past Sunday at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo.
FC Wangu Mazodze have been in superb form this season, spending most of their games at the top of the ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League log only to let their lead slip away with only 4 games remaining.
In the Sunday match, the Kingdom Boys as FC Wangu Mazodze is affectionately known, needed to collect maximum points for them to secure promotion into the Premier Soccer League but found their opponents ready for the battle.
Masvingo United also known as Una Una had nothing to lose and everything to play for them to rescue their disappointing season.
Masvingo United started the game brighter than their opponents and had a couple of chances but could not find the back of the net. Mazodze took the lead just 15 minutes after the break, following a controversial handball, which saw the referee awarding a penalty to the home side. Their goalkeeper stepped up and converted the penalty to a score giving them a 1-nil lead.
Una Una continued to be the better side of the two and their hard work paid off when a blunder from Mazodze goalkeeper and scorer saw the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-1 with 10 minutes remaining.
FC Wangu Mazodze spokesperson, Sukhuoluhle Ndlovu bemoaned the golden chance her side had to cement their premier league promotion hopes
“We were unfortunate today and the draw means that we have to win our final game and hope and pray that the other 2 sides, Tenax and Bikita Minerals lose or draw for us to secure the league and promotion into the Premier League.”
Both Masvingo United and FC Wangu Mazodze head to their respective last games of the season, with Una Una at home hosting Manica Diamonds U19 and Mazodze will be on away at Renco Mine in their original home area.
The curtain is closing on what has been a tight race for Premier Soccer League promotion, with the battle of 3 top teams going into the final match of the season.

Gutu man found in possession of 20kgs mbanje

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Gutu man found in possession of 20kgs mbanje

Admire Chatindo

A 50- year- old man from Singende village under Chief Nerupiri who was found in possession of 20kg dagga recently appeared before Masvingo magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi on charges of possessing dangerous drugs.
The case was postponed to November 8 2023 for further trial.
The prosecutor Tichaona Chakavarika told the court that on October 10 2023, at Singende village, Gutu, Nyasha Singende was found in possession of 20.8kilogrames of dagga intending to sell it.
Detectives and police intelligence officers who were on operation “No to drugs and substance abuse” received a tip off that Singende was dealing in dagga and they proceeded to his homestead.
They introduced themselves and enquired about his involvement in drug deals. He led the police to his bedroom where he showed the police two white sacks; one full and the other one approximately half with a combined weight of 20,8kgs with a street value of RTGS$1 million or US$1700.00.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station.

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