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Only one incubator for Gutu Mission Hospital

Admire Chatindo

The situation in government and council health institutions has reached deplorable levels, with church health facilities not being spared as a case of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) Gutu Mission Hospital which has only one incubator in its maternity section.
The machine is crucial to save lives of infants who are born prematurely and could be a disaster if more than one infant needs the service at the same time.
There was a case of a woman who delivered premature twins babies and the Mission Hospital had to take turns to incubate them and luckily they both survived.
One can imagine the disaster if they were born from different mothers and that would definitely mean a hard time for nurses to control the issue of the incubator for each mother who would be caring for her own child.
RCZ health secretary Samuel Mhungu said the situation was not good and said they were appealing for help in that regard and many other challenges facing the referral hospital.
“We only have one incubator and if it happens that we have for example, seven mothers who deliver premature babies at the same time, we would then resort to them taking turns to incubate their babies and this endangers the lives of the infants,” said Mhungu.
He said another challenge they faced was that of water saying the taps were dry and that was not an ideal situation for a hospital.
“The other challenge that we are facing is that of water, as you can see, the taps are no longer functional and as a hospital facility it’s difficult to function without it.
“We are also having a challenge of shelter for our expecting mothers; as it stands we can house a limited number of waiting mothers in a small room and some of the conditions they are subjected to are not safe,” he said.

Mnangagwa orders Mthuli Ncube to fund innovation hubs

Beverly Bizeki

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube to finance innovation hubs and industrial parks in state universities to allow young people to see their inventions succeed in order to meet the developmental needs of the country.
Speaking during a tour of the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Innovation Hub at Robert Mugabe School of Education, Mnangagwa said the inventions were an important exercise and deserved government’s funding and support.
“The students who are producing these technological gadgets do not know how useful they are to us, in the second republic, we produce innovation hubs at every state university and this is the result of the philosophy of having innovation hubs where our talented girls and boys can exercise their dreams to produce goods and services and as you go round you will see the products being produced from fruits and herbs in our country.
“We used to think things must come from overseas but the younger generation must produce goods here and send them across the seas. In the past we used foreign currency to import these things but now it is happening locally and this is what we mean by having an innovation hub and Mthuli Ncube must fund these projects whether the fund produces goods or services they must allow our young people to dream and dream, succeed or fail but allow them to dream and produce domestic products,” said Mnangagwa.
In his keynote address, Mnangagwa also called upon the private sector and development agencies to partner with GZU in commercializing inventions.
“Similarly, I call upon the private sector and development agencies to partner with the university to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of inventions and products from our innovators.
“The application for registration of 15 trademarks in beverages, health supplements, skin products, wine and jam as well as patents for music instruments and two agro-innovations are welcome developments,” he said.
The hub was commissioned after the university’s graduation ceremony where 4899 students were capped by Mnangagwa.

Prize galore at Silveira High School

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Staff Reporter

BIKITA – It was a prize galore at Silveira High School last week when learners, teachers and staff members were awarded for different achievements and disciplines at the speech and price giving day held at the Catholic-run school.
16 learners got awards for being outstanding in different subjects in form one with Allan Mamhute scooping the Best Male Student while the Best Female learner award went to Beyonce Matikiti.
In form two, 18 learners scooped awards for being best performers in different subjects with Tendayi Mutyambo being awarded best male student, while the best female student award went to Adorable Chisoma.
The best male learner in form 3 was Kudakwashe Mavetera who was best in Geography, Heritage Studies, History, Accounts and Biology whilst the best female learner Kimberly Chapwanya was best in Shona and BTD where 24 learners scooped awards.

Silveira High leaners follow proceedings during the speech and price giving day

In form 4, 22 learners were honored, with Tinashe Munhundiripo being the best male student whilst Emilda Rambanapasi scooped the best female student.
25 learners were awarded prizes in form 5 where Arthur Bande and Tatenda Sibanda were awarded best male students in Arts and Science respectively.
Mecktilda Gava and Chiedza Gomera were named best female students in Arts and Sciences categories respectively.
At upper 6th, Takunda Ngirivani and Danai Eston were named best male and female students in Arts respectively while Charleen Banya and Cardette Dhliwayo were named best male and female students in sciences.
Other categories that were awarded are sport, church, best 2022 ‘O’ level and Choir.
The guest-of-honor at the event, Catholic Vicar General Reverend Father Samson Mutsvanga said the awards were a result of hard work and dedication and thanked teachers for inspiring the learners.
“I want to congratulate all learners who have been awarded prizes today, your hard work and dedication have paid off. I would also like to thank teachers and ancillary staff of this school for their tireless efforts in educating and inspiring these young people,” said Fr Mutsvanga.
He went on to encourage learners to continue to grow in faith and thanked parents for the support they gave to the school.
“I encourage all of the learners today to continue to grow their faith, study the bible, pray regularly and participate in sacraments. I want to express my gratitude to you parents for the support you have given to Silveira as evidenced by your presence here today and the success of numerous projects that you have funded and continue to fund,” said Fr Mutsvanga.

Men shun teaching profession

…as women dominate by over 80% of Masvingo Trs enrolment

Tanyaradzwa Tizora

A shocking disparity of females’ versus male trainee teachers was revealed during Masvingo Teachers College graduation ceremony recently, where it was said women trainees were 86percent of the total enrolment.
If the statistics are anything to go by, one will be forgiven to conclude that men are shunning the once sought after profession which in the past was dominated by men.
The total enrollment statistics show that the total number of 2022-2023 students stood at 1 739, with 1 496 females (86percent) against 243 males (14percent).
The Primary school section had a total number of 1 130 students where 1 065 females (94percent) and only 65 males (6percent).
The Secondary school section had a total number of 609 students with 439 being females (71percent) and 178 males (29percent).
Commenting on the disparity in enrollment statistics, Masvingo Teachers’ College Principal Benson Mutambudzi said something needed to be done or else the teaching fraternity would be dominated by women.
“It is worrying that teachers’ colleges enrollment statistics towards female students is becoming so glaring that if nothing is done, the teaching fraternity is going to be entirely occupied by women and that should pose a national concern,” said Mutambudzi.
A total of 676 students graduated at the College with 490 females graduating from the ECD and Junior course against 26 males and 117 females graduating from the Secondary Science Teacher Education Programme (STEP) against 43 males.
Mutambudzi said despite the disparity in enrollment statistics Masvingo Teachers College has enrolled its 6th Secondary Science Teacher Education Programme (STEP) setting it apart from the four colleges given a mandate to train Secondary Science teachers in 2018.
“Out of the four colleges given a mandate to train Secondary Science teachers in 2018, no one else is on the 6th intake yet except “Gango” (the institution’s nickname).In this area we lead and others follow,”added Mutambudzi.

Fight against sanctions not a political battle: Chadzamira

Perpetua Murungweni

Zimbabweans have been urged to rise above political divisions that hinder them from fighting against sanctions, with Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira saying the battle is not only for politicians but for everyone to free the nation from the chains of sanctions.
Speaking at the anti-sanctions ceremony held at Masvingo Civic Centre on October 25, 2023, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged all Zimbabweans to unite as one and put aside political differences in the fight against sanctions.
“Fellow Zimbabweans the fight against sanctions is not merely a battle of politics, it is a struggle for the very livelihood of our people. We must rise above the divisions that have hindered our progress and unite as one transcending political affiliations and personal differences. Together we can build a future that is free from the chains of economic oppression,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira also said that Zimbabwe will not yield to the sanctions and will not abandon its path of using its capabilities for the country’s development.
“We are not and will never yield to the sanctions conditioning and strangulating effects. We will never give up on sacred ideals and goals of our protracted armed liberation struggle and will not abandon, the path we have chosen for ourselves as sovereign people to develop modernize and industrialize our great motherland Zimbabwe using own capabilities,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira expressed his gratitude to African Union and progressive forces for their support and solidarity in fighting against sanctions.
“On behalf of the people and the government of Zimbabwe I express profound gratitude to SADC, the African union and other progressive forces to the support and unwavering solidarity we continue to receive as we struggle against illegal sanctions imposed on us by some western countries.
“This is a day SADC designated yearly to express its opposition to outrage against illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe until they are removed. I stand before you today with a heavy heart burdened by the weight of a nation’s struggle, today we unite with SADC region Africa and a progressive world to condemn the long-standing injustice meted out against the people of Zimbabwe by a few western nations acting unilaterally and outside the UN charter,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira said sanctions hinder the development of the nation affecting every aspect of the society.
“Sanctions have plagued our beloved nation for far too long thus impeding our progress stifling our growth and living our people in a state of despair.
“They have cast a dark shadow over our hopes and aspirations affecting every aspect of our society from our economy to our education, from our healthcare to our infrastructure. Today we stand together resolute in our determination to bring about change.
“We call and reiterate that these illegal sanctions must go. The people and the government of Zimbabwe deserve a chance. Zimbabwe is a nation rich in resources, talent and potential,” said Chadzamira.
Speaking at the same event, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said sanctions have cast a dark shadow over the nation of Zimbabwe.
“Sanctions have cast a dark long shadow over our nation impeding our socio-economic progress and affecting the lives of ordinary citizens, the vulnerable women and our children. Today we take decisive steps to make and contribute in making a decisive voice towards the fight against sanctions.
“This gathering represents our unwavering determination to stand up against injustice and advocate for the removal of sanctions that hinder our nation’s growth,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.

Rains leave trail of destruction in Masvingo

Bright Zhou

The rains that Masvingo Province received on October 22, 2023 left a trail of destruction in Masvingo District with ward 25 and 35 of Masvingo South recording a number of homes that were affected leaving some families homeless.
Ward 25 Councillor Tarusenga Mapamba confirmed the devastating effects of the rains saying they were calling upon relevant authorities to chip in to assist affected families.
Mapamba said they were still carrying out assessments to determine the full range of the damage and costs.
‘We are still gathering information and village heads are compiling lists of affected people and the extent of the damage. We are also calling upon different stakeholders to come to our aid with different forms of help.
At Muchibwa hospital, four roofing sheets and ridges were blown off; the nurse-in-charge’s house’s four roofing sheets and ridges were damaged and three nurses’ houses had some of the roofs damaged.
The rains wreaked havoc in Muvango village where a number of houses were destroyed to ground level leaving some families without shelter as 35 homesteads were affected including a three roomed flat from the village head’s homestead that was also destroyed to the ground.
Of the 35, 18 households in the low lying areas near Mutirikwi river, houses were damaged where both walls and roof were destroyed while 17 homes in the high ground near Renco Mine’s Atlas shaft had only roofs blown away.
In Chiponda Village, 31 households were affected where a total of 133 roof sheets were blown off and damaged.
17 households were affected in Ruchicha village where 51 sheets were blown away and 12 window panes were damaged.
47 roof sheets and nine window panes were destroyed in Takarusenga Village while other villages like Muzondo and some across Tetenu River like Mukazi recorded some damages as well.
In ward 35 (Renco Mine), the charge office had its roof carried away as well as four houses in the compound had their roofs destroyed.
Close to town the rains had some damages at Sikato Primary School and some surrounding areas. At Sikato two classroom blocks had their roofs carried away.
Several structures were demolished at a plot allegedly belonging to the late Dr Silvester Maunganidze in Sikato.
Toilet concrete slab roofs were carried off as well as school classroom blocks at Gwengavi Primary School.

Masvingo Teachers college principal dies

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Staff Reporter

Renowned educator and Masvingo Teachers College Principal Benson Mutambudzi (61) is no more. He is said to have been involved in an accident near Gutu Turnoff, along Masvingo – Harare Highway around 9 pm.

Masvingo deputy Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Lorraine Ndlovu Chanakira confirmed the incident and warned drivers to be cautious when driving.

“I can confirm the accident that happened at 254 km peg along Harare – Masvingo Highway on October 26 around 9:30 pm where a Honda CRV that was being driven by the now deceased was hit by another vehicle that was travelling behind him and veered off the road before landing on its wheels about three metres away,” said Chanakira.

Sources said Mutambudzi had one passenger on board. He tried to turn right when he was hit on the driver’s side by another vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner that was travelling behind and was trying to overtake.

The Honda sustained extensive damages on the right side and the Fortuner had frontal damages and all the occupants from the two vehicles were rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where Mutambudzi was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Masvingo Teachers vice Principal Faustinos Mushosho said Mutambudzi was coming from a graduation ceremony at Danhiko in Harare.

He said he was yet to get details of what really transpired and funeral arrangements were also not yet clear. Mushosho said they had lost a pillar and the void he left would be difficult to fill.

“He was coming from Harare when the accident happened, funeral arrangements are yet to be established and will be announced in due course,” said Mushosho.

Police station’s 15yr wait for car ends in tragedy

…new car involved in fatal accident, claims senior officer’s life, injures three

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Triangle Police camp’s joy of having a pool vehicle after 15 years of waiting was cut short after the new ‘baby’ was involved in a fatal accident on October 22, 2023 killing a senior cop and injuring three other officers.
The vehicle, a Mahindra registration number ZRP 3627 that was being driven by a learner driver was involved in an accident at the 11.5km peg along Bulawayo – Victoria Falls road.
ZRP Triangle in Chiredzi District which is 20 kilometers from Chiredzi District Police Headquarters (DHQ) had been operating without a vehicle for over a decade and used services of the DHQ’s Toyota Revo when serious need arose.
According to a Police memo, the new vehicle, which was being driven by a trainee driver was involved in a fatal road accident and claimed one life leaving three nursing injuries.
“Circumstances are that on the 23rd of October 2023 at around 1603 hours, number 077176L Sergeant Manono (a trainee) stationed at ZRP Triangle was driving the above-mentioned vehicle. Number 080849D Sergeant Masuku was the driving instructor. They were on Mahindra familiarization course with three other trainees in the loading box.
“At the approach to the intersection of Nyamandhlovu and Victoria Falls road trainee driver accelerated towards the intersection and applied course steering as he tried to turn into the Victoria Falls road. The vehicle lost control and it rolled and landed with its roof top. As a result of the accident, the deceased number 047051R Assistant Inspector Chiwara stationed at ZRP Chikombedzi sustained fractures on his body and died on the spot,” reads the memo.
The Mahindra was the station’s sole vehicle after going for close to 15 years without a vehicle since it was not listed when Toyota Revos were distributed across the country, with Ndali, Chikombedzi, Sango Border post and DHQ benefiting.
Shortage of police vehicles has been a challenge in the district, making it difficult for crimes in remote areas of the district being timely reported, together with quicker apprehension of offenders.
Sources have also revealed that the recent accident was not the first one, as a number of other vehicles from the same station have been involved in accidents, part of the reason why it took that long without a vehicle.

Elections that never were

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Ladies and gentlemen Mapombi is a bit disappointed by happenings in the political arena in this teapot country of ours. News of elections had lightened my mood because ndanga ndine svihope svekuti ndopatinodyirawo mari dzenyika because team iri kana richicampaigner haa tinodya nekumwa.Now that Chamisa has declared that his CCC will not participate in the elections, zvadhakwa. Oti maCCC acho awandazve nekuti Chavangu arikumhanya nacho chimuti with the blessings of we know who. I’m told he has even threatened Chamisa that if mukomana dares him, he will make Bulawayo a no go area for him. Hehedee, seka hako Mapombi. Hanzi Chavangu is even crying foul hanzi Chamisa betrayed him. I bet he will know the true meaning of betrayal soon as all provinces seem to be agreeing naNero on boycotting the December 9 elections. Zvinhu zvacho so zvinosetsa nembavha yakavanda. Manje hanzi Nero is saying pamberi nekuramwira gudo munda, kkkkk. Munda wacho rangova gura iri hapana nechichabudapo, kutambisa mufudze haiwawo. I wonder what 2024 will be for many of us, especially with how the economy is economing, kkkk. Zanu has managed to show that they can wring and rinse the law to their own pleasures. Paya pavanenge vachiti politics is a dirty game ndozvavanenge vachireva izvozvi. Dai simba rinoiswa neZanu mupoliticking and power grabbing riri iro ravanoisa in fixing the econmy deno tichidya rifa chaiko, kumwa tea nenyama every day. Mapombi once said these people will be cursed by history because moyo yavo yakaoma.
Shuwa shuwa kunakura Shanty two minutes after she got mayorship, musadaro imi. We were starting to get used to her wearing that red gown nechihat chekupenga chiya cheblack chinoita senge chaAjigija kkkk. When she officiated kuAgricultural show, I think she even made those clowns jealous kuti tava kutorerwa basa. Ndikafunga kuti in one of ED’s statements soon after elections, even kuinauguration uko he said now is the time to build our country and put politics aside nezviri kuitika izvi that’s when you see how chameleonic politicians can be. Who knew that we will be in this position right now? Mapombi can bet that the whole country is in a state of numbness, with a sprinkle of disappointment because the signal they were waiting for from Nero never came. Haisi kutozouya maface angu and I suggest for now verengai maverse iwayo nemaquotes aSun Tzu sezvarebwa nomukomana. Zviri zvestability munyika munomu, mmm, it’s becoming elusive. Mapombi is also reliably informed that Zanu wants to force some consensus between itself and opposition, which we all know will never happen because chakatanga ndochakachenjedza. I heard Chavangu has hired lawyer vaya vekunyisa wedu Fulcrum and Pith Thabani gore riya for his November 2 court case, and the same lawyer ndowaED iyeye. Mai vechidhoma vanozongobuda kani mukapfungaidza, kkkk. But Chavangu wee, let me warn you; if you eat in the same plate with the devil, better have a long spoon. Imhandu vanhu ava. Anyway, kana munhu ada power ungamuita sei? Vamwe vanotorirombera I tell you, vamwe vachienda kunana Papa kunoannointwa. I hope you all remember ladies and gentlemen kuti vekudonha kwaGutu musi uno vaKembo was prophesied by Bushiri some years ago that he will become President. Video racho rakasvika nekwedu kwaChirimudombo vashoma vasina kuriona. I bet he still believes the prophesy is yet to be fulfilled. Jenarari Chandaiziment no nhanzvi, haa zvinhu zvacho so. He seemed to be some steps ahead during the delimitation reports commotion but zvakazongoti tsvatata, ndiye zii. We all thought he was working in cahoots with Muchanyara, ko zvakazodiikowo? Kubva zvavakangoroora colonel Miniyothabo he has been lying low, and I hope she is not a project as well. The man is not so lucky with mjolo, kkkk. But vese zvavo, none of them has a good record when it comes to marriages and families. Nyangwe ikoko chaiko kumusoro ikoko hanzi zvakangorema, but Mapombi will not say much, ndoswera ndakuseva nemunyu tapedza totamba nhodo naNgarivhume kujere. Mapombi is perpetually saddened by Sikhala’s incarceration. Hamusati mamupfidzisa kusvika parere moyo yenyu here nhai vanhuwee? I know hangu Zanu is heartless, but chero iwo mamagistrate nemajudge, conscience dzenyu hadzisati dzakuzevezeraiwo kuti zvakwana here? That man has suffered, and I cannot begin to imagine how Moreblessing Ali’s family, for whom he was arrested is feeling. They lost their loved one, and when someone else tried to seek justice for them, he was taken away too. I hope one day as you reminisce on these injustices imi vanotonga imi, this case sits heavy on your consciences until you become insane. Zvichakuonaiwo sezvina meso.
But nhai ladies and gentlemen, iwo maSanctions aimarchirwa the other day in many towns across the country munombomanzwisisawo here? Some of the things people say regarding sanctions at these anti-sanctions events are ridiculous. Ko kungorega nhai kana musingazvinzwisisi? Of course it is being heartless of Zanu to gather people to legitimize their call for the removal of sanctions, but imi munoenderei kunomakiswa ikoko? Vatapi venhau will go straight kuna mbuya vako, whom they clearly see has no idea what all this is about vovabvunza, or to your ‘ghetto yut’ brother who thinks they know it all woswera uchinyara hako bhuti vazara muTiktok. On that note, I want to encourage those who have the privilege of having information to share it with their families. It is important that people participate in civic processes vachiziva, so that they are not manipulated. Manje even those vekuOpposition vacho unowana dziridzo shasha dzepropaganda nedisinformation mumaspaces umu. I hope murikuzvinzwa vana Chitando, Wakura newe Struggle Nyahunda, alongside Wezhira Munya. What you are doing is aggravating the information disorder zvokonzera apathy. You remain at the receiving end ndimi futi.
But madzimai mabiyangu musazodaroba. I saw Minister of ICT vachidhomoka zvavo vabvunzwa zveStarlink muparamende. Haa kubuda offside, kuenda dondo chairo, utsi hwehuni nyoro. Sovereignty inopinda pai paaccessibility yemasaisai nhai Tendai Jari? Senyika we are going nowhere very fast, and tirikuita kukanda nhanho. Data tariffs are going up like no man’s business uku minister vari busy kudefender sovereignty nepasipo. Izvozviso kuti vanhu two vaende online for two weeks in a family motoda million nehalf. And don’t get me started neZesa. Before elections taiita kunge tichamachereredza magetsi, now its excuse after excuse muzvitsamba from Zesa. The small small industry we have is going to suffer, and again Zesa yacho inogoti kukaita fault havauyi zvekudaro. Ask Tinashe weNash how difficult it is to run a manufacturing business without stable electricity. The man only took a video addressing his workers, varakashi vakutomuti ndeweopposition. Mukawana nguva mukwane imi handitika. To you everything has to be black or white, politics over everything. Munosvodesa.
I saw Niki Kuswerangwana dancing zvekwaMichael Jackson kumasanctions uko ndikati zvokwadi deno Biden aizviona ainodhingura chiswitch chemasanctions Zanu ikaswera yopemberera. Dai Niki akauya vuno Masvingo akazodzidzisawo Trust Mugabe kutambira masanctions, kkkkk.
For now we only wait for Gutu West by-election but uko rinenge rakatogohwa bhora racho. But again hanzi Mutonho ndiye aidiwa so it may be difficult for kedu mukomana Para. Mutonho akabaya or akabayiswa hatichazivi, but hanzi ndiye aidiwa.
Regai ndinokanga zvangu maputi angu for lunch, mazuvano mabanana arikuora stereki so haa ndiripakanaka. Please be safe during this season, mvura yacho iri kuuya ine hasha. Ko nhai saka Mai Mujuru, Dr Gire naBona vakangonyangarika after inauguration? How far divorce yaBona naSimba? Mundiudzewo kana mukawana information. Ko Mphoko dziripikowo? Mboko imboko!

ZIMSEC postpones combined science paper 3 to November

Perpetua Murungweni

Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) has postponed combined science paper 3 which was supposed to be written on October 20 to November 29, 2023 due to logistical issues.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nick Dhlamini confirmed the postponement of the examination and said logistically it was easy and it was for the learner’s good to move the examination to a later date.
“We postponed the combined science paper 3 due to our logistics and we have now introduced security measures where we are delivering examination material on the very day of the examination to centers across the country.
“So having done that with the main subject written on the first week combined science paper 3 being one of them, logistically we felt that it would be easier and also for the betterment of the children if we move the examination to November 29.
“We couldn’t move it to anytime in between because that would mean other examinations would have been affected so we just put it at the end where it could not affect any other subjects,” Dhlamini said.
He went on to dismiss rumors that the paper was postponed due to lack of resources and said they cannot comment on rumors.
However it is alleged that ZIMSEC failed to provide the science paper due to lack of resources.
One source who is a teacher and who is invigilating the exams said that he believes that the paper was postponed because ZIMSEC has no resources to transport the paper on the day as they also failed to provide answering sheets for the Maths Examination.
“I believe that ZIMSEC postponed the paper due to lack of resources, they failed to transport the paper on the examination as they failed to provide graph paper and bond paper answering sheets for the math examination,” said the source.